As our school year comes to an end, we all get ready to move on to our new learning journeys, and that is not just in academics. In St. Paul’s school there are 4 main team sports, those are football, footstall, basketball and volleyball. Each academic year comes with a pair of these sports on the spotlight, students at all ages train throughout the year for their seasons and get to play with schools all around the city, even take trips! Team sports not only teaches us how to play each sport, but allows us to build new friendships, improve our physical health and most important allows us to have fun with students and classmates form around the school. With every ending, there must come a new beginning, or a new experience, why not make that new experience trying something new, why not consider joining a team sport at school?

Trying something new is a wonderful way to start the new academic year. New experiences stimulate the brain to release dopamine; this can help with mood and motivation. Stepping out of your comfort zone will not only make you feel proud of yourself but also increases confidence and feeling of self-worth. Trying a new activity especially in a group grants you with a sense of achievement, this can improve mental well-being and will make you feel optimistic. Whatever you chose to try, keep in mind that it won’t be easy, but in the long run it is worth it!

But why should the “something new” you try be a team sport? 
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Playing a sport on a regular basis helps with both your physical health and metal health. Sports improve cardiovascular activity, builds strength, and improves coordination. Sports also allow for increased confidence by learning new skills and seeking improvement self-esteem is built. Team sports offer all of these benefits and more. Taking part in a team sport will improve teamwork and communication skills as all players must cooperate with each other. Leadership is also a extremely present role in team sports especially for team captains. Balancing both schoolwork and sports improves time management, discipline and responsibility. Besides all of this, taking part in team sports at school allows different year groups to mix, and you end up making friends for life with people you would never imagine.

Now the real question you should be asking yourself isn’t “why should you join a team sports?” it should be “why wouldn’t you join a team sport?”. After all what better time to start than now?

It is true that for many people, the name “Tonya Harding” certainly rings quite a few bells. Notorious for her 1994 scandal in which she supposedly conspired to injure her rival, Nancy Kerrigan. Years later, during the final month of 2017, the film “I, Tonya” was released to re-examine Tonya’s life. Allegedly, the film would shift Harding’s public perception: make people think of her as a complex human being instead of a plain villain, a way of turning the page, so to say.

Harding made the news by being the first American woman and second woman in history to land a Triple Axel in international competition. With countless titles, she became a significant skater both inside and outside the U.S.  

Unfortunately, it all came crashing down during the Winter Olympics of 1994. Nancy Kerrigan, despite her injury, miraculously healed rapidly and skated beautifully in the Olympics. Harding, on the other hand, faced even more pressure, seeing as by that time many were already suspecting her of involvement in the scandal. Consequently, Harding skated poorly and placed eighth whilst Kerrigan placed second.

Afterwards, Harding was permanently banned from figure skating, effectively making her the victim of widespread public mocking and jeering. For years, nobody made an effort to understand Harding’s point of view.

With the release of the movie, however, the public’s view underwent a drastic change. “I Tonya” displayed not only the intense prejudice Harding suffered from judges due to her being from the working class, but it also showcased the intense suffering caused by her mother and partner.
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With that, people began to understand Harding’s side of the story: the lack of control she had within her social relationships, her resentment towards the unjust judges, and, in general, a deep sadness caused by a life of misfortune. Overall, “I, Tonya” remains a prime example of turning the page.

Changing clubs is one of the biggest decisions an athlete can make. Whether they’re doing it to avoid criticism, further their career, or simply to get more playing time, there are several reasons why athletes sometimes switch clubs.

Often, players switch teams in search of a fresh start. A new club can bring many challenges and doubts, but more often than not, athletes benefit from the opportunities it offers. A great example of this is Cole Palmer. After leaving Manchester City for Chelsea in September 2023, searching for regular minutes, Cole Palmer quickly turned into one of the most successful playmakers ever.  

Changing clubs also creates new challenges for the athlete to master and learn from. When a player switches clubs, they have to meet new teammates and learn to play alongside them, comprehend new tactics, and adapt to different coaching, which, although it might be hard at first, ends up making the player better and more flexible and adaptable to different circumstances. It’s also important to keep in mind that not every club is the right fit for every player, so sometimes both sides need the change. An example of a player that benefited from changing teams was Erling Haaland. At first, fans wondered if he could handle the pressure of playing in the Premier League and wondered if he could adapt to the new system that was playing for a team that was always expected to win. Despite all this, Haaland ended up benefiting from the experience, and it made him the player he is today.

On the other hand, several people wonder if the players don’t feel resentful about changing teams and leaving teammates they’ve played beside for years. Although many players indeed end up feeling guilty about having to swap a club they feel “obligated” to for another one, it’s important to keep in mind that change is a normal part of sports, so when a club and an athlete are not moving in the same direction, swapping teams might be the best decision for both sides. A great example of this happening was when Neymar Junior moved from Barcelona to Paris-Saint Germain in 2017. He had formed a famous attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, and was clearly extremely close to his teammates, but his priorities seemed to have shifted from being part of a world-class trio at Barcelona to leading a team as a central player in PSG, even though in this case it meant leaving behind emotional ties and close friends.

​In conclusion, while changing clubs might feel scary at first for the athletes, and fans might feel confused or even frustrated, it’s important to remember that swapping teams is many times a stepping stone in players' careers, and that most of the time both sides benefit from the change in scenery.

​Everything has a beginning. Imagine if people like Michael Jordan, Pelé, Usain Bolt, or Serena Williams had never even tried their respective sports because they were afraid to look like beginners. If they had let intimidation win, the world would be missing out on great talents, iconic moments, and the legendary stories that inspire generations of fans today.
Tim Duncan (basketball) is one of the most famous examples. Actually, he was a teenage swimming prodigy. A hurricane happened, destroying the only Olympic-sized swimming pool on the island of St. Croix and forcing him to train in the open ocean, where his fear of sharks pushed him out of the water completely. To summarize, he started playing basketball at just 14 years old and became the five-time NBA champion star he is today.
So, if the first plan doesn't work out, we can always start over. We can't let fear and insecurity take over, try new things, you never know. Many successful athletes failed before becoming legends. Michael Jordan once said that he missed thousands of shots during his career, but failure did not stop him. Instead, it motivated him to improve. Sometimes the first step is difficult, but persistence can change everything.
This same question echoes through our own school every single day. How many potential champions are sitting in our classrooms right now, hesitant to try out for a team because they have never played the sport before? We often look at varsity athletes and assume they were born with a ball in their hands, forgetting that everyone was once an absolute beginner.
So, take this as your sign to step out of your comfort zone this semester. Sign up for that sport you know nothing about or  attend a new club meeting.  Your own "what if" story is waiting to be written and remember they took the first step despite the exact same doubts you are feeling right now.

In a world where sports injuries never existed, the games we know today would be completely different. With athletes playing longer, records are constantly being rewritten, and the limits of human performance are being pushed far beyond what we see now.

Without injuries, athletes like Lionel Messi or LeBron James would rule the sports world for decades, as they would be able to play at their peak for much longer, and athletes like them would never have to worry about having to retire early because of injuries and sprains. This would probably mean that the same top athletes would stay at the highest level for ages, which would completely change our definition of longevity and greatness in sports.

In this world, records would completely change. More goal points, and matches would happen, completely shattering how we see our records today. If players could not get injured, it would also change our views on the best players today, as players like Derrick Rose and Marco van Basten might dominate the courts until today. This would mean that historical records could possibly be rewritten, as fouls, for example, would probably not be as serious and wouldn’t impact the game so much.

Another point to consider would be the new players. If top athletes could play at their peak condition even after aging, wouldn’t that make it much harder for new players to rise to the top? In a world without injuries, substitutions would presumably happen much less often, which would likely end up with players getting much less time on the court.

While sports without injuries may seem ideal for athletes, the lack of injuries may also cause even more difficulties in sports. If older players never had to stop playing, that would probably make it much more difficult for younger athletes to make it into professional teams. This could reduce opportunities, and it would undoubtedly take away some of the excitement from the change and surprise in competition.
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In conclusion, a world without injuries would definitely be a world where less athletes had to retire and forfeit their careers early. However, it would also probably mean that younger athletes had less chance of making it into professional teams, and it most likely makes sports lack the unpredictability that makes sports exciting. Overall, while such a world might benefit individual athletes, it could change the balance and fairness of the competition in ways that are not entirely positive. ​

The World Cup is upon us once again, and Brazil arrives with the weight of history on its shoulders. Every four years, the nation dreams of adding another star to its jersey. But looking back at 2022, one question lingers: what if Brazil had won the last World Cup in Qatar? 
Brazil’s campaign ended in a game against Croatia in the quarter-finals. Neymar’s brilliant extra-time goal seemed like it was going to carry the Seleção forward, but a later on the score was tied and penalty were lost. Players like Richarlison, Vinícius Jr., and Casemiro had shown so much brilliance, yet didn’t get to have it all. 
Neymar’s career narrative would be entirely different. At 30 in 2022, he was seen as chasing his final chance in the world cup. A World Cup victory would have placed him alongside Pelé and Ronaldo as a national legend. His role in 2026 would be less about redemption and more about defending glory. Who knows if he would have even played this year? 
For Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo, winning in 2022 would have accelerated their leadership roles. Entering 2026 as reigning champions, they would carry confidence and authority. Instead, they now shoulder the burden of proving themselves on the biggest stage.  
Coach Tite stepped down after the 2022 defeat. Had Brazil lifted the trophy, his career might have continued. Instead, Brazil enters 2026 under new leadership, with strategies evolving to fit a younger, faster squad. A sixth star in 2022 would have eased the pressure heading into 2026.  
The “what if” of Brazil winning the last World Cup reminds us how fragile football history can be. One penalty miss altered careers, coaching paths, and national pride. If Brazil had won, Neymar’s legacy would be complete, and the new generation already winning, Now the world waits to see if Brazil can finally reclaim its title. 
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​Have you ever stopped and wondered what if Brazil had won the 2014 World Cup? Well somethings would have needed to change. For example, if Neymar hadn't injured himself in the match against Colombia, Brazil might have won against Germany.  
During the 2024  FIFA World Cup, Neymar suffered a back injury, which led to his having to leave the tournament. You may be asking yourself, ” How did that happen?” Well, further into the match, a Colombian defender jumped on top of Neymar from behind and hit his knee on Neymar's lower back, causing serious injuries and a lot of pain. This affected Brazil very much because he was only 22 and Brazil's greatest star. So, what if he had stayed healthy and scored a goal against Germany? What if he had become a national star at only 22?
The tournament being hosted in Brazil resulted in mixed emotions and nervousness. No one in the team wanted to let down Brazilians, so if the tournament had taken place in another country, we might have had a greater chance to win. Seeing that Brazil is very passionate about football and about winning, they don't intentionally cause pressure for players, but they might have gotten that feeling.
What would have happened if the match against Germany had gone differently? If Brazil changed their strategies, if they stayed more united as a team, and if key players stepped up. Would we win? Or at least go to penalties? Then, in penalties, Julio Ceasar, Brazil's goalkeeper, would save every ball. Neymar would score a goal as well as Oscar Emboaba, who actually scored a goal.  
That would allow Brazil to compete against Argentina in the finals at the Maracana Stadium. Neymar would go face-to-face with Messi, and this could cause tension in South America, divided families and friends, streets packed with fans and discussions about whether or not Brazil will win, and again the pressure of hosting the tournament and being at the finals.
Although this cannot happen, many fans still stop and wonder, what if? ​

Technology has already become a major part of sports through systems like VAR in football and Hawk-Eye in tennis. But what would happen to sports if referees were completely replaced by artificial intelligence?  
One advantage of AI referees would its accuracy. Human referees can make mistakes under pressure while AI systems could analyze movements instantly and make more precise decisions. This would reduce controversial calls and create fairer results for teams and players. 
Another benefit would be consistency. Human referees often interpret rules differently because they must rely on human judgement. AI would apply the same rules equally in every game. It could also reduce arguments between players and officials, since computer decisions may appear more objective and unbiased. 
However, replacing referees entirely could create problems. Sports known to be emotional, and some situations require human judgement. Such as in volleyball where players could get reprimanded for commemorating in a way that confronts the other team. The AI technology may struggle to understand context, or intention during certain moments in a game. Technical failures could also interrupt important matches and create confusion. 
In addition, many fans enjoy the human aspect of sports. Referees, despite their mistakes, are part of the excitement and discussion surrounding competitions. Without them, games could feel less personal and more robotic, losing its sense of culture and thrill.  
Overall, AI referees could improve fairness and accuracy in sports, but completely removing human officials may take away an important part of the game. Perhaps the best solution is a balance between technology and human judgement rather than replacing referees entirely, decreasing the rate of human error or bias but maintain the excitement on the court.  ​

​Whether you love cinematography or not, you’ve probably heard of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Baywatch, Jumanji, Moana, and even the brand-new Zootopia 2 all feature Dwayne. As a result of such dedication to his acting, Dwayne has won numerous awards: “People’s Choice Award for Favourite Movie Actor”, “NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year”, “Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy”, “Kids' Choice Award for Favourite Male Buttkicker”, and so many more.

And yet, before his acting career, Dwayne possessed a highly successful career in wrestling, so much so that he currently holds quite a few World Records. He was a 10-time World Champion: 8-time WWE Champion and 2-time WCW Champion. He was the first third-generation superstar in wrestling and a Sixth Triple Crown Champion. That being said, why the switch-up? Wrestling and acting don’t seem to have much to do with one another. Was it difficult for Dwayne to adapt to a new lifestyle?

On the contrary, although wrestling and acting may seem like two separate worlds, Dwayne has openly spoken about how his wrestling career helped him tremendously in his acting.

Wrestling and intense physical training gave Dwayne a remarkable work ethic, the ability to connect with audiences, the ability to manage high pressure, and notable mental toughness.

Take Jumanji, for example: Dwayne’s wrestling helped him with a handful of physically demanding scenes, as well as helping him connect with different audiences through humour and charisma, blending physical action with comedy. Jumanji is only one example of many.

What if Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had never wrestled before his acting career? Would he have won all those awards? Would he have become the funny, charming, talented actor that we all know him to be?

​There are many famous athletes who are good at their respective sports. Some even reach the Olympics and global championships, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Under the surface lies a reality of countless training sessions, repeated failures, and mental battles. If you are not psychologically prepared, your chances of victory decrease. While the world celebrates the gold medal, no one sees the years of physical therapy, or the sacrifices made away from the spotlight.
Let's see this in practice now: the average training time for soccer players is 3 to 6 hours per day, for swimmers 5 to 6 hours, and for artistic gymnastics 6 to 8 hours. And remember, even after all this, there's still a chance it might not work out. Resilience is the invisible engine of sport; it's the ability to fail in the morning and show up for the afternoon training with the same enthusiasm. Without this mental strength, hours of physical training would be useless. Cristiano Ronaldo himself said that it's not easy, and of course he doesn't go to the gym every day with a smile on his face, but he knows his objective and his goal, and he knows the commitment he made to himself.
However, this journey is not just about pain, but also about the incredible discovery of one's own potential. There is a unique feeling in doing something that previously seemed impossible. For many athletes, the true victory happens long before the start of the competition; it resides in the silent pride of knowing they gave their best. This inner growth is the most beautiful part of the iceberg.
At the end being a great athlete isn't just luck. It's about working hard every day, even when you're tired. When we see a champion win a medal, we should remember the long story we didn't see on TV. Sport shows us that we can do incredible things if we don't give up. The gold medal is beautiful, but what's most important is the strength the athlete built along the way.