Author: Joshua Clark

Competition

To celebrate the release of the BBC’s official London 2012 DVD, this week we’re giving you the chance to win the whole package. What better way to see in the winter months than to relive the glory of Team GB’s summer?. To enter, all we need you to do is answer the following question, and email either A, B or C to competitions@theprogramme.co.uk. Good luck!

A: 24

B: 35

C: 29

Could be yours

 

Competition T&C’s: All entries must be made before 11th November 2012. Winner will be selected at random from a hat of correct answers. By entering any Competition you agree that you will be legally bound by these General Terms and also any applicable Specific Terms.

One’s to watch – Matt Kvesic

Matt Kvesic is a flanker who is going places. Playing for Worcester Warriors, this is a young man who oozes confidence. It’s an ability that can’t be taught or acquired, you can’t pick it up by staying behind in training and you can’t learn to be confident.

At the age of just 20, he’s a man who can say he’s a regular for his team, something not many of his peers can brag about. Known for his tenacious work-rate, ability to carry the ball and solid tackling, Kvesic’s progression in the game was rewarded with the title of Young Player of the Year. At national level, Kvesic has made the progression from a regular in the England U18 squad to a full time fixture in the England U20s and is fully expected to graduate to the senior squad with full honors.

Nominated for breakthrough player of the year, Worcester Warriors manager Richard Hill has showered the flanker with praise following the recognition of his young prospects progress in the sport. If you consider yourself a betting person, get yourself down to the bookies and lump your house on this boy making the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup squad. Keep your eyes on this one, the boy’s a bit special.

Matt Kvesic in action for Worcester

Kinesio Tape: Whats that all about?

Jamaica’s Bridgitte Foster-Hylton is a user

We’ve all seen it, but how many of us actually know what it is?

All sorts of coloured tape on all sorts of athletes in all sorts of sports, but what do they use it for, what is it actually there for? Well, what you see taped down the thighs of Gareth Bale as he sprints down the wing is what’s known as Kinesio Tape. Read all about it.

Technically as well as officially, it’s elastic theraputic tape, however you may see it referred to as K-tape, Kinesio tape or Kinesiology tape. It’s an elastic cotton strip with acrylic adhesive to help it stick to the body. It can stretch up to 1140% of it’s original length. But what does it do? Elastic theraputic tape is used to treat injuries common within all kinds of sports, hence it’s popularity. It’s also used within medicine to heal physical disorders. It was first used by orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and alternative medicinal practitioners in Japan. By 1988, it had been adopted by the Japanese olympic commission and has only gone on from there. How exactly does it work?

The tape is designed to mimic human skin. It has roughly the same thickness, as well as elasticity. As a result of application, the tape ‘recoils’ on the muscle of the athlete, therefore creating a tight ‘pulling’ force on the muscle it’s being applied to. It’s stretched out before it’s applied to skin so it can ‘recoil’ on the skin and secure the muscle securely. So there you go, that coloured tape does have it’s uses. It stops your favourite player being out for half a season and helps your favourite team make that push up the table.

Head over to www.kinesiotaping.co.uk/shop for all your taping needs. Starter packs start from just £39.98 and qualify for same day dispatch.

168 Hour Review: 30th Oct

 

A review of the week’s most important sporting news.

Clattenburg Racism Row

Last week could’ve gone better for Mark Clattenburg, put it that way. The premiership referee was accused of racially abusing a number of Chelsea players during their 3-2 loss against Manchester United on Sunday. The Football Association has launched an investigation into the claims, after an official complaint was made by an unnamed player for the London club. The Metropolitan Police have also started looking into the claims, also neither Chelsea nor the FA made the police complaint. In a terrible couple of years for racism in England, this (if true) is surely the worst incident. If the referees are behaving in this manner, then what hope do we have of kicking racism out of football? Innocent until proven guilty, Mr. Clattenburg – we sincerely hope that Chelsea are telling porkies. What do you think? Join the discussion by tweeting theprogramme.

Arsenal’s Amazing Comeback

We also witnessed one of the very best comebacks of the decade, as Arsenal fought back from a four goal defecit to beat underdogs Reading 5-7 in the League Cup. It took a glorious hattrick from Theo Walcott to bring the Gunners back, who were 4-0 down inside 35 minutes. Games like this are the reason The Programme loves football, thankyou Arsenal!

New York Marathon Cancelled

After a week of indecision, it was finally agreed that this year’s New York City marathon would be cancelled, all thanks to super storm Sandy. In a statement, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced: “We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it.” Better luck next year then, New York.

Hamilton switches Teams

This week English formula 1 driver and former world champion Lewis Hamilton agreed to end his 14 year spell at team McLaren. Hamilton, now aged 27 has been with the team since he was a teenager but will change allegiance next season to rival team Mercedes. Hamilton who has endured a frustrating few seasons after his world championship win in 2008 has decided to switch teams in the hope of securing another world title in the near future. Mercedes, who started the season strongly but have rapidly fallen back in recent months see Hamilton as the man to partner German Nico Rosberg and deliver the results for the team in next seasons F1 championship. Current partner Jenson Button has expressed his disappointment with the loss of Hamilton from the team but will be partnered with Mexican Sergio Perez next season at McLaren.

Holloway to Palace

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway was appointed as Crystal Palace manager this week, after ending his 3 year spell at the Seasiders. Holloway, who took Blackpool to the Premiership in May 2010, will take over the London outfit who currently sit 3rd in the championship. With all his experience he will be expected to push for promotion with the high flying Eagles.

Murray shock defeat

Andy Murray was suprisingly knocked out of the Paris Masters this week after he failed to finish off Jerzy Janowicz in three sets. The third seed was serving for the match at 7-5 5-4, but errors let Janowicz off the hook. The Pole dominated the latter stages, winning 5-7 7-6 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals in Paris. We’ll allow him this after the summer he’s had.

 

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