By: C. Gontijo 

In the past few years, there has been a growing trend of elite athletes turning to unconventional training methods with the goal of enhancing their performance in their respective sports. The rigidity of traditional strength and conditioning routines are evolving as athletes explore ways to gain a competitive edge on their colleagues. They have been using techniques such as yoga, mindfulness and cross-disciplinary training; practices that encourage motivation based on body awareness and kindness. These methods help with the athletes mental conditions, aiding them with stress management and focus. It reduces pre-game anxiety and assists with post-game recovery. Therefore, it becomes clear that those calmer, almost meditative practices are becoming a pivotal part of modern sports training.


For example, the famous tennis player, Novak Djokovic, uses daily meditation to help him stay composed in high pressure situations, such as his games. He credits this technique for his improved focus and mental clarity. It helps him not only with his on-court performance, but also with bouncing back from any setbacks throughout his career. This example just emphasizes the importance of mental health in the world of modern sports. Obviously, physical training will help athletes with their strength, speed and endurance; however, only mental practices can assist athletes in maintaining their focus and resilience during competition. It allows them to perform consistently at the highest level, a key factor for achieving long-term success in sports.


Another interesting part of modern sports training is the implementation of flexibility and yoga practices in professional athletes' routines. Tom Brady, a famous ex professional football quarterback, used to use those techniques as a method for injury prevention, improved mobility and to generally extend his sports career. It also helped him to recover faster from the fatigue and physical exertion of such a demanding sport. By doing that, Brady managed to keep up his peak performance well into his 40s, an impressive achievement. Those are all issues that regular athletes face and that normal weightlifting does not address as effectively as yoga and flexibility practices do.


Additionally, athletes are borrowing techniques from disciplines like ballet, martial arts and dance to enhance their balance, agility and coordination, all aspects useful in any other sport. Ballet, for example, can help with posture and flexibility, skills vital for NFL players that require repetition of quick, precise movements. Martial arts can teach body control and mental resilience, whilst dance can help with spatial awareness. All of these offer a holistic approach to training, allowing athletes to refine skills that traditional practices may not target as thoroughly.


The examples show that the modern athlete is not as simply defined by his brute strength or endurance. They are a blend of their physical and mental skills. Incorporating these alternative techniques allows athletes to push their boundaries and therefore, remain successful in a highly competitive market. Hopefully, these innovations will set new standards for the newest generation of athletes, demanding a more well-rounded training routine in order to achieve peak performance.

By: R. Thomas 

Sweat, competitiveness, determination and social interactions are all adjectives which describe sports. We as human beings use sports be it for physical exertion, or as something that brings us all together; however, when we come to think of it how was such an activity created? 


Sports involve both physical demand, logical thinking and most times group work; creating the rules, expectations and strategies involve plenty of "thinking outside the box" skills, ones which certainly aren't in everyone's capacity.  


The Sumerians were some of the first humans to ever record their sport activity around 3000 bc, essentially wrestling. Sports have evolved drastically to become what they are today, from an activity described as a physical form of ritual to the now modern sports which are tightly dictated by rules, strategies, measurements and records. The sporting timeline development can thus be described as a complex plot which time travels to a variety of different centuries and transports itself from place to place.
   
The question; what was the "first" sport ever created, would be a tough question to answer, as it would probably consist of multiple responses. Although some believe spear throwing was the first ever sport to be recorded at around 70000 bc, due to the need to practice hunting skills; others argue that wrestling along with running was created beforehand. But what makes a sport, a sport? 


Let’s discuss the famous argument about considering chess a sport or not, it is recognized by the international Olympic committee, however is it still a sport even though it doesn't involve physical aspects? But if we were to analyze what makes a sport a sport this article would lean more towards a Tok essay, so we'll skip that for now... 


The newest sport to be created is known as "Bossaball" and interestingly enough it was created in Brazil. The sport combines elements from volleyball, football, gymnastics and even musical components and is played between two teams. In reality who created it was a Belgium music producer, Filip Eckman's who inspired himself on the Bosa Nova songs from; Tom Jovem and Vinicius de Moraes to develop the activity in 2004. This sport is now known worldwide and is practiced in Europe, in Brazil however it is most played during the summer when the courts are  set up  in the golden warm sand of the multiple beaches that make up the Brazilian coastline.  


In conclusion, sports are a huge component in our society and have been a part of it for centuries. Whether you play a modern mix of volleyball, football, gymnastics with a sprinkle of musical elements, the strategic and mind tickling chess, or the quick and violent art of wrestling, we can all agree that to create these so-called sports defy normal, conventional thinking.  

By: A. Hemnani

When I saw the theme "thinking outside the box"  the first thing that comes to my mind is certainly not sports. Thinking outside the box in sports means finding new ways to improve performance, and training. It encourages creativity, with new techniques, technology, or new games, and game strategies. 
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Sports are all about teamwork, skills, and having fun, but what if we could change things around a bit? Thinking outside the box, imagine a basketball player using virtual reality to practice shooting baskets, or a volleyball team trying out unusual plays inspired by video games. 


Have you been going to your past PE classes? If so, have you noticed that the PE department has been building a more diverse curriculum while exploring new ways to teach us? 


These ideas can be very exciting, however it could also take a wile to adjust to them. People may prefer the old fashion ways of doing things, take our PE lessons as an example, I know for a fact that some pupils preferred the more physically active  part of PE, instead of taking tests to expand their learning. We should find a healthy balance and moderation using these new ideas and thinking outside of the box, and our more traditional parts of PE.  


We need to understand that both sides are unique in their own way, and it is important to have a balance when we decide to think outside the box and when you know it is ok to use other more new ideas. 

By: T. Fakhoury

When you first start playing a sport, you might be dumbfounded by the information overload, you start off by learning the basics and understanding how the sport works, but at some point you will reach a level in which there is nothing new to learn. You might already know all the basics and you may have mastered them, but what differentiates the best players from average players thinking outside the box.


The “box” in this context would mean the basics of the sport in general. By thinking outside of it, you use what you know to explore different areas and situations nobody has thought to do before. By thinking outside the box we can find ways to  bypass problems, which might not exactly be in the rules, but that means that you are thinking outside the box, you are thinking outside of the game. The best way to do this is by practicing on your own, no need for a coach, all you need is yourself , and that’s what creates the best players.


Being flexible in tense and rapid situations is what differentiates you from others. For example, you might know that some players have created signature moves like Ronaldo’s “Chop” or Iniesta’s “La Croqueta”. Today these moves are used by many, but they will always be seen as the original players’ move, they always refer back to the original players who created them, making them stand out.


By being flexible and using your creativity to overcome tricky situations you are thinking outside the box, showing your mastery of the sport and being able to overcome problems in different ways, making you stand out as this is unique to you, not always have to create a move or a play, you can also join 2 of them together, but what matters is how you stand out and show your ability to think and improve.

By: G. Ball

Lionel Messi, one of, if not the greatest football players to ever play the beautiful game, has recently started a new professional season with Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami CF. After a legendary 20-year period with FC Barcelona and a short, unsuccessful stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi's transfer to the United States became a major change in the American soccer landscape and provided a thrilling "new start" for Messi and the MLS.

This is more of a turning of a new leaf than merely changing clubs for this star; it is a new phase in Messi’s fantastic career. Equally famous for the incredible talent, vision, and changeability linking the game, Messi brings to the table his expertise and is, therefore, not only a good addition to the league but also one that is still in progress at the global level. His arrival has already gotten everyone so excited, being the reason that the audience has multiplied tremendously, thus indisputably giving soccer a more prominent place in North America.

In the context of Messi, this is a perfect time to take more love from the new world of American football than it was ever possible in the European football challenges. At Inter Miami, he is more than a mere player; he has become a symbol of what the future of football holds in the United States. His notability has lifted the American sports industry to a higher pedestal, as now young Americans can witness greatness and be inspired by it, maybe nurturing a dream to one day play football professionally.

Inter Miami has also embarked on a new path. With Messi, the club has obtained a figure who can turn the club’s destiny around by himself. Messi’s first match in the US had a rippling effect be that in sports or media and became a historical event for the MLS as it reached its highest record in ticket sales, and the total media coverage soared up towards other directions. The immense positive push he has brought can be felt both in team performance and fan involvement that are both at remarkable levels.
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A good deal of "Messi's transfer to the MLS" is a fresh example of how the process of beginning anew can create ripples of excitement, opportunities, and growth in sports. While this episode is being played out, football fans worldwide are very curious to see which path this exciting new version of football in the U.S. will take and how the story of the legendary Messi will develop on the new continent.

By: M. Clara Lanzelotti

The Brazilian national football team, known for its skill and historic triumphs, is entering a new era. With fresh talent and a modernised approach towards the game, Brazil is set to embark on an exciting journey, capturing global attention and anticipation. Brazil has a legacy of excellence, boasting five FIFA World Cup titles and iconic players like Pelé, Romário, and Neymar. This rich history is a source of pride for the team and its supporters, and it serves as a strong foundation for the team's future success. Yet, the team has struggled greatly in recent years, with disappointing performances in major tournaments such as this year’s edition of the Copa América.

The welcoming of a new head coach brings a fresh vision which rejuvenates the squad, balancing Brazil’s traditional attacking style with a solid defensive strategy. This shift also introduces emerging talents like Endrick from Palmeiras, promising to blend youth with experience and restore Brazil’s football brilliance. Emphasising unity and cohesion, the new coaching staff fosters a strong team spirit through team-building activities and open communication. This approach aims to create a supportive environment both on and off the pitch.
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As Brazil enters this transformative period, the blend of new leadership, emerging talent, and innovative tactics sets the stage for a vibrant new chapter in football history. The Seleção’s enduring passion and creativity, the very essence of Brazilian football, promises exciting times ahead for the team and its supporters. This passion and creativity will be the driving force behind the team's future success, inspiring both the players and the fans.



 

By A. Hemnani

​As our new school year begins, our lessons are not the only new things, our school’s sports also start. This term the football and basketball seasons begin! Our schools' teams are going to be competing in the SPHSL and ISL tournaments. And of course, the most exciting of the upcoming events is the last little 10 competition that the JV basketball and football teams will be competing in. May it be a golden one! 
 
With all these new competitions arising, our athletes are training and working extremely hard.  However, it is not only about winning, but also about having fun and making the most of these memories with an open mind!
 
You must be wondering, what does this have to do with new beginnings? Sports is a pathway to a new beginning, not only to our St. Paul’s community but all around the world. Think back, what does your sports journey look like? If you feel the need for a new beginning, take a trip to the sports department and see what interests you. 
 
As Martin Luther King Jr said “Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” 
 
It is all about putting yourself out there, working hard and enjoying yourself in and out of the court. 
 
And remember that none of this would be possible without new beginnings! 

At the 2022 US national championship, the rising star, Noah Lyles, ran his best 200m race at 19.31 seconds, and therefore, broke Michael Johnson’s American record set more than 25 years ago, in 1996. And, now, with 6 world titles to his name, he is considered one of the most promising young athletes and one of the fastest men on Earth.


It is clear, then, that new faces are emerging in the world of sports; faces that bring promises of change, evolution, innovation and talent, each in their own branches. These people are reshaping their respective sports through unbelievable skill, fresh perspectives and original approaches.


Noah Lyles is not the only example of this phenomenon. Soccer prodigy, Jude Bellingham, and tennis sensation, Coco Gauff, are also making waves in their sports. This young skill may have originated through a myriad of factors, sluch as better training programs that start at an early age, with a more adequate and updated support system, that will ensure athletes reach their full potential. All this talent is definitely changing the landscape of their respective sports, increasing competition and the basic level of skill required to compete professionally. The standards are shooting upwards, carried by the wings of youth and potential.


So let’s take a closer look at a few examples. Luke Littler is an English professional darts player, who at just 17, is currently the reigning PDC World Youth Champion and the youngest player to ever win a match at international events, such as the World Darts Championship. With his supportive family and love for the sport since a kid, he got the chance to beat his sporting idol, Raymon Barneveld, and succeeded! He is known for experimenting with his technique, changing up his speed and motion in different events to explore best and more efficient opportunities to win. This innovation is challenging existing norms of strategy within the darts community and raising many questions about how the game should be played or perceived in modern days.


Another excellent example is the 26 year old Japanese tennis player, Naomi Osaka. She became the first Asian player to reach the top of the Women’s Tennis Association world rankings. Not only that, but she also is the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title. On the court, Osaka is known for her uniquely aggressive style with a powerful serve that can reach 201 km/h! This young talent is also responsible for reshaping the world of her sport. Osaka has often refused to participate in her media assignments, citing concern for her mental health. Her decisions sparked a wider debate about player’s mental welfare and their obligations to the public, widely impacting her community and starting important conversations to an international degree.

​We can say that these young athletes are definitely attracting new audiences and engaging fans differently, through social media for example. The excitement and innovation that accompanies their names brings many market trends in their sports, from a fashion aspect, or even by motivating a wave of new athletes to follow their footsteps. Their continued rise will keep impacting the world of sports marketing and fan engagement, by helping them to always keep their strategies up to date with the newer generations, as a way to not lose interest or specific audiences.


Of course, there are also some downsides to this rapid and early rise to glory. Many athletes, such as the mentioned Naomi Osaka, have had to deal with tremendous amounts of pressure from sponsors, fans and even from her own expectations of success. People love to see new faces in sports, and the excitement comes with a great deal of expectation that the athletes have to live up to. They expect these early-bloomers to maintain their performance consistent and are disappointed when there are setbacks. All this can cause incredible levels of media scrutiny to flood athlete’s lives, shattering all the barriers between their professional and personal lives in a wave of negativity. 


However, for many of these talents, all this negativity can light a spark for personal and professional growth that will assist the athletes in keeping their reign in their sport for a long time, or even motivate them to learn how to better manage balance in their lives and prioritize their mental health. 


Obviously, having a good support system, role models, mentors and idols in sport, that have gotten through similar situations, can hugely speed up this growth process, allowing positivity, love and glory to lead their lives and outshine all the difficulties along the way. The journey to get to the top of the sports world may be hard, but the view at the top is priceless.


Therefore, we can conclude that with all the work the newest generation of athletes are putting into their respective sports and with all the innovation and change they are bringing with them, we all can expect a spectacular future, full of shifts in practices and evolution in technique to potentialize performance. So the question it is left for us to ask is: who will be the next sports star in a couple of years that is currently just starting their jaw-dropping career?

By. T. Fakhoury

New beginnings in sports are normally awaited by a surge of excitement and potential, whether it involves athletes exploring a new part of their careers with different teams or a new environment. Some athletes take this time to discover new places or bigger opportunities, others take time to set new goals. 

Sophie Carrigill, captain of the British women’s wheelchair basketball team says that setting resolutions is a way to start the year on a postive note, even if you end up not sticking to them. Many say that goals are fundamental, because if you don’t have a goal to achieve, you don’t know what you are aiming for. Goals provide you with a sense of direction and purpose to keep working while always pushing you to do your best. Once you complete your goals, there is no feeling that beats that accomplishment. 

Goals are not only for athletes but they can be used in your day-to-day life as well. According to a study only 3% of the population set goals and only 1% write their goals down, in addition to that, 5% of those 1%, will re-write their goals daily. 

By the end of the year, 92% of people who’ve set New Year’s resolutions will have failed to achieve their goals. The point here is to show how goals are isignificant in daily life. More people should start setting goals, so if you read this, try setting 5 goals for the end of the year, or the term, and write them down. As days go by, re-look at them every morning and night, by then you will see how goals are important for improvements not only in sports but in everyday life.

It’s you vs. you! Start now. 

Get to know the 2024 House Masters team! 

1.    What are your plans for your House this year?
Increase house spirit and enthusiasm and increase participation specially for older year groups across the 3 houses. Have more sport house events.

2.    In your opinion what does your House has to do to win the overall competition?
We have to beat Tudor (Windsor and Stuart). We have to keep it up (tudor). All houses: Resilience and house spirit.

3.    In your opinion what does your House has to do improve as a House?
Improve participation across all year groups, have more structured competitions and enhance house spirit amongst all.

4.    What are results that you are expecting?
Next year I expect us to strive for excellence and win! Go Sharks!
We expect to keep winning and enhance house spirit Go Tudors!
We expect to improve participation earning more points and beat the other 2 houses . Go Dragons!

5.    What will you do to encourage House spirit?
We will listen to pupils so we can make competitions that are more fun and engaging and encourage pupils to participate and even lead. House prefects and house captains will be more involved in the competitions to enhance house spirit.

6.    What do you and your House Captains plan to do next year?
We want to create a healthy competitive environment where students can embrace challenges and support one another. Improve participation, spread  fun and score points.Provide more well-structured events that will provide opportunities for students to earn House points.