Ahead of the closing ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games, First Minister John Swinney has commended the Scottish athletes who will have inspired the next generation with their efforts in Paris.
Scottish competitors taking part individually or in team events secured three gold medals, four silver medals and six bronze medals, contributing to TeamGB’s overall medals tally of 65 medals and highlighting, once again, the world class athletes that Scotland has across a number of disciplines.
In either individual or team events, Duncan Scott, Scott Brash and Sholto Carnegie all won gold.
In either individual or team events, Duncan Scott, Jack Carlin, Josh Kerr and Neah Evans all won silver.
And Beth Potter (two), Rowan McKellar, Nicole Yeargin (two) and Jack Carlin all won bronze.
Several Scots achieved Scottish and British records in their events, including British Records for Josh Kerr in the men’s 1500 metres, Jack Carlin’s silver in the men’s cycling team sprint and a new Scottish record for Keanna MacInnes in her opening heat of the women’s 100 metres butterfly.
Laura Muir also broke her personal best in the 1500 meters final on Friday.
Almost two thirds of the Scottish athletes selected for Team GB are female athletes, including Eilish McColgan who became the first Scottish four-time track and field Olympian. The visibility of such strong role models will inspire young women and girls across the country to participate in sport.
The First Minister said: “Competing on the world stage amongst some of the best sporting talent on the planet is a tremendous honour, and I know the whole nation is with me in congratulating our Scottish athletes who have made an enormous contribution to Team GB’s success at these Games.
“These athletes have all been outstanding in their performances and as ambassadors for their sport, and will inspire many young people to become more active in their lives.
“These games have seen amazing achievements, including Duncan Scott becoming Scotland’s most decorated Olympian, and will be remembered for being the final curtain on the remarkable career of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsman, Andy Murray.
“All of our athletes have excelled themselves and done themselves and their country proud. I hope they are able to celebrate with their friends, family and the public in the coming days.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “Scottish athletes have once again delivered on the biggest stage.
“There have been consistently strong performances from Scottish athletes at the highest level for a number of years now across a range of sports, demonstrating that Scotland’s approach to developing a pathway to performance sport is paying off.
“That success is down to years of hard work and commitment from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport.
“Ensuring Scotland’s athletes are ready to compete with the best is a real team effort and we are proud to play our part in that.”
Homeless World Cup Foundation signs memorandum of understanding with FIFA
FIFA to supply materials and stream upcoming tournaments on FIFA+
50 days to go until the next tournaments are played in Korea Republic
In line with its commitment to improving the lives of people worldwide through football, FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF), which organises the annual Homeless World Cup women’s and men’s tournaments which are aimed to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives.
As part of the MoU, FIFA and HWCF have agreed to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform, while FIFA will also supply material and equipment, including medals and trophies.
The signature of the agreement coincided with the 50 days to go landmark on Friday 2nd August as the next Homeless World Cup will take place in Seoul, Korea Republic from 21 to 28 September 2024 – the first time the competition will be staged in Asia.
“I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives. FIFA is excited to contribute, because we share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good, and starting from the upcoming edition in Seoul, FIFA will contribute in ensuring that this tournament continues to make a real impact that supports homeless people all across the world.”
Mel Young, Homeless World Cup President said: “We are delighted to sign a partnership agreement today with FIFA which will greatly enhance the delivery of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.
“The tournament, which starts on 21 September 2024, will see over 500 players from 49 countries across the globe taking part in the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University.
“The purpose of the Homeless World Cup is to use football as a way of ending homelessness and 1.2 million people have benefited from the initiative since it was born in 2003.
“Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good. FIFA is committed to supporting those in need so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is natural. Longer term the impact will be very significant.”
In addition, FIFA and HWCF will also explore co-branding opportunities, including on the pitch side at the venues, and on the internet including social media platforms.
The Homeless World Cup first took place in Graz, Austria, in 2003 and it has been played annually (except during the COVID-19 pandemic). The tournament is an aspirational goal for individuals seeking a better future, and a powerful way to challenge how people think about homelessness.
The 2024 finals, which features 20 teams in the women’s tournament and 44 in the men’s tournament, was the inspiration for the film “The Beautiful Game”. The Homeless World Cup format features four-a-side matches with rolling substitutions and consist of two halves of seven minutes.
In terms of eligibility for the tournament, homelessness is defined according to the national context of each country. In countries without a legal definition, working definitions by local housing non-governmental organisations or academics are used.
In more good news, in Seoul on Thursday 1st August, Tottenham Hotspur first-team and Italian national players Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie joined the Korean Men’s Seoul 2024 Homeless World Squad in a special meet and greet, having the chance to watch the squad train and both players participated in a Q&A with the Korean team.
The Homeless World Cup Foundation also had the opportunity to educate the Spurs duo on the rules that make the Homeless World Cup so unique and how the tournament impacts the lives of those who need it the most.
Finally, also on Friday 2nd August, FC Bayern Munich welcomed the Korean Homeless World Cup players, the Seoul 2024 Local Organising Committee and the Homeless World Cup Foundation to a special roof-top event in Korea’s capital.
The players had the opportunity to learn from the experienced Bayern coaching team in a special training session and had the exclusive chance to experience the training drills that Bayern’s superstar players face week in week out.
At the event there was a special ceremony, where FC Bayern Munich player Noussair Mazraoui, German, Bayern legend Raimond Aumann and the two vice presidents of FC Bayern Munich, Professor Dr Dieter Mayer and Walter Mennekes joined James McMeekin from the Homeless World Cup Foundation to talk about the magic of the Homeless World Cup.
Dr Deiter Mayer spoke about the values of Germany’s most successful club aligning to the vision and mission of the Homeless World Cup Foundation:“We’re very proud that we as FC Bayern Munich get to meet the Homeless World Cup Foundation and the team of South Korea here.
“For decades, our club has been characterised by the fact that it always looks out for people who are less fortunate. Presidents such as Uli Hoeneß and Franz Beckenbauer embedded the social conscience in the club’s DNA, and our current leadership around Herbert Hainer are continuing this tradition.
“The Homeless World Cup helps to improve the prospects of the people affected. Football unites and creates a feeling of community – and our club wants to offer everyone a home.”
Musselburgh Racecourse’s hugely popular Ladies Day is heading for an 8,000 capacity sell-out with fewer than 300 general admission tickets remaining.
Ladies Day, in partnership with Pommery Champagne, is one of Scotland’s most glamourous sporting and fashion events, and with luxury fashion prizes valued at more than £4,000 the Friday 9 August race day is the place to be.
This year’s style awards is sponsored by Tiger Lily Boutique and the “best dressed” top prize includes an invitation to visit Champagne Pommery in France – with the winner enjoying two nights at four-star hotel accommodation in Reims and £1,500 spending money.
The East Lothian course are delighted to welcome TV and radio personality, Rylan Clark, who will be behind the decks for the popular After Racing Party which is open to all Ladies Day ticket holders following the last race.
Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “The popularity of our five star Ladies Day meeting never wanes and we are confident that 2024 will be yet another sell-out.
“With only one table available in our VIP Marquee and less than 400 general admission tickets remaining, we are looking forward to a fantastic atmosphere and when the racing finishes, firm favourite Rylan will keep the party going.
“Around 50-100 tickets are sold each day so for anyone thinking of attending Ladies Day our advice would be to snap up a ticket now or risk being disappointed.”
Gates open on Friday 9 August at 11.30am, and provisional first and last race times are 2.20pm and 4.50pm.
A powerful display honouring the Ukrainian athletes who have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion has been unveiled today in Parliament Square.
More than 487 Ukrainian athletes have been killed, with the lives of former and aspiring Olympians, as well as the next generation of sporting talent, cut short.
Display comes ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games later this week.
Ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, a display has been unveiled in Parliament Square to honour the lives lost from within the Ukrainian sporting community and to highlight the devastating consequences of the war in Ukraine.
Since Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the conflict has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Ukrainians, including 487 athletes. More than 4,000 athletes are still actively supporting the war effort.
Unveiled today in Parliament Square, the new 3D display brings to life the harrowing ‘487’ figure – though the true number is likely to be even higher. Surrounding the display, sporting equipment representing the disciplines of some of the 487 fallen athletes offers a stark reminder of the war’s devastating toll.
With only 140 athletes from Ukraine competing at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, this marks the smallest representation ever in Ukraine’s summer Olympic history.
Among the athletes killed by Russian forces are Oleksandr Pielieshenko, who competed in weightlifting at the Rio 2016 Olympics and died defending his country in May this year.
Other casualties include promising young athletes like 11-year-old rhythmic gymnast Kateryna Diachenko, whose life was cut short by a Russian attack on her hometown of Mariupol at the onset of the war on 12 March 2022.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “As the world gathers this summer to celebrate the very best of sporting talent, we must pause to remember the hundreds of Ukrainian athletes who are no longer with us or can no longer take part due to the war.
“We are drawing attention to the harrowing real life stories behind the 487 statistic to pay tribute to the fallen athletes as a timely reminder of this government’s iron-clad support for Ukraine and its people. We must support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
“The defence of Europe begins in Ukraine and the outcome is down to our collective will. Now is the time to double down on our support so Ukraine not only wins the war, but can forge the bright and ambitious future that Ukrainians deserve.”
Heorhii Tykhyi, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said: “Every Ukrainian athlete at the Olympics represents the Ukrainian will to win, Volia. By acting swiftly and with united efforts, the prospect of a world where Ukrainian athletes and citizens are free from the threats posed by Russia will be a reality.“
“The display comes just days after the Prime Minister hosted President Zelenskyy at Downing Street last week after the European Political Community summit. President Zelenskyy also met the Defence and Business Secretaries where they discussed the need for more cooperation and the need to boost industrial production for Ukraine.
The UK’s commitment to support Ukraine to resist Russian aggression is iron-clad. The Prime Minister announced his commitment to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes. In total, the UK has committed almost £12.7bn in military, humanitarian, and economic support for Ukraine since February 2022.
Current and former Olympic athletes and coaches worldwide have also united in solidarity with Ukraine in light of the 487 figure, sharing their hopes for Ukraine to receive the support it needs to win.
This includes Sasha Cohen, former Ukrainian-American Olympic figure skater, Oksana Masters, Ukrainian-American Paralympic athlete, German Biathlete Jens Steinigen and coach Wolfgang Pichler, and former Ukrainian Olympic wrestler Oksana Rakhra.
Sasha Cohen, former Ukrainian-American figure skater, said: “I’ve always believed in the power of sport to unite and inspire. But today, I’m not just speaking as an athlete.
“I’m speaking as the daughter of a Ukrainian immigrant, my mother, Galina. I’ve grown up with stories of Ukraine, our culture, our people, and their resilience.
“Today, I stand in awe of the Ukrainian athletes participating in the Olympics and think of those who we are missing and have been lost to the war.
“Their courage, strength and determination embodies the spirit of my mother’s homeland and I stand with them in solidarity. Together, we can show the world the power of unity in sport.”
Three of Edinburgh Leisure’s staff are heading to Paris representing diving at this year’s Olympics.
Performance Dive Coach Jen Leeming, who has been working for Edinburgh Leisure for 12 years developing the diving programme, will be attending the 2024 Olympics with Team Jamaica, having coached Edinburgh Leisure Dive Coach, Yona Knight-Wisdom, who is representing his country. Meanwhile, Dive Specialist Vicki Tomlinson will be representing GB as a diving judge.
This will be Jen’s second Olympics Games, but third with Edinburgh divers competing at the Games. In 2016 she coached ex-Edinburgh diver Grace Reid to the 2016 Rio Olympic 3m final but was unable to attend as coach. Then, in 2021 Jen supported Edinburgh Diver James Heatly to the Olympic 3m final in Tokyo. Jen and Yona will be travelling out on 23rd July to Paris.
Jen Leeming said: “For Edinburgh to produce three Olympians over 8 years is amazing and really demonstrates the progress and excellent facilities and coaching in Edinburgh.
“Yona is an extremely professional athlete who demonstrates a high-level of consistency day in, day out. Yona is a true role model for all divers in Edinburgh and Great Britain. We are very lucky to have him as an athlete and coach in our programme.”
Born, raised and educated in Leeds, Yona Knight-Wisdom started diving at 9 years old in 2004, deciding to represent his father’s nation of Jamaica in 2011. He graduated from Leeds Beckett in 2016 with a degree in sports science, and also started coaching diving in 2013.
Yona night-Wisdom moved to Edinburgh in 2018 solely to continue his pursuit of diving at the highest level. Yona Knight-Wisdom says: “Jen was the main reason for choosing to move to Edinburgh and it turned out to be the best choice as she was key in getting me to Tokyo and now to Paris.
“Jen was a coach in Leeds when I started diving so she already knew me well and I knew she’d be a great coach for me. As she is about to start a new non-coaching role with Aquatics GB, I’m excited that I’ve given her the opportunity to finish this part of her coaching career at the highest level.
“I needed a job up here and coaching was perfect for me and I have been working with Edinburgh Leisure since 2019. Currently coaching a talent development squad, I have four divers going to compete at the upcoming national age groups.”
Paris will be Yona’s third games after Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. He has won silver medals at the 2016 World Cup and 2019 Pan Am Games as well as at two Grand Prix events. He currently trains 11 sessions over six days of the week which comes up to about 25 hours of training, and also coaches a squad five days a week.
Vicki Tomlinson who has worked for Edinburgh Leisure as a dive co-ordinator at the Royal Commonwealth Pool since 2008, will be representing GB as a coach.
Vicki Tomlinson (centre) says: “Like Jen and Yona, I’m also from Leeds. I started judging ‘professionally’ back in 2017 and I really do have a lot of thanks to give to Edinburgh Leisure for their support, who put me through the World Aquatic Judging School, which was the start of everything for me.
“I wasn’t even thinking of Olympics at the time –it was more of a hobby and a chance to see elite level diving and bring back the knowledge I learned to my role back in Edinburgh. It was only really in the last year that my Olympic dream became more of a reality when I was selected for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, as well as other world level events in Doha, Berlin, Monreal and Xian. It’s been a crazy busy year but I’ve loved every minute.
Tomlinson found out about her Olympic selection in March having made it into the top 10 European judges and she goes to Paris for two weeks from July 24th.
This will be her first Olympic Games. She has yet to receive her judging schedule but it’s likely a variety of springboard, platform and synchronised events.
Five divers from Team Canada – Margo Erlam (Calgary, Alta), Caeli McKay (Calgary), Kate Miller (Ottawa), Rylan Wiens (Saskatoon) Nathan Zsombor-Murray (Pointe-Claire ) have also been making use of the diving facilities at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and have been training alongside Edinburgh Leisure’s diving performance squad, before heading to Paris to compete.
Edinburgh was their main choice due to the facilities and being in a great city with opportunities for the divers to relax outside of training.
For those that fancy themselves as a Tom Daley, James Heatly, Grace Reid or indeed Yona Knight-Wisdom, Edinburgh Leisure has a diving pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, complete with a dedicated Dry Dive Area with trampolines and harnesses.
Their diving programme follows the National Diving Award Scheme with classes to suit beginners right through to those at a competitive level.
Alongside their diving classes, Edinburgh Leisure offer a range of public diving sessions, which allow you to come along and try out or practice your diving skills. These sessions do not need to be pre-booked, simply check out the online timetable for session information and go along.
For more information on dive coaching at Edinburgh Leisure, visit:
As the world’s best surfers prepare to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games, keen surfer Ceitlin Lilidh presents a new BBC ALBA series on the world history of surfing.
From the super waves of Tahiti to the winter wave challenges of Thurso – and now, the Olympics – BBC ALBA journeys through the rich spirituality, sport and culture of surfing in Surfing: Marcachd an Tuinn/Riding the Wave.
Airing on Tuesday 23 July at 9pm, the two-part documentary is the latest series from producers MacTV, co-produced with French company Yami2 and directed by John Murdo MacAulay.
Producer Ann Morrison said: “It’s much more than a sport to the people of Tahiti where surfing was born, it is an expression of the culture – the culture of the people of the water, the Polynesians.
“While much of the rich culture and history of the Polynesian people was almost wiped out, thanks to guardians like Tom Pōhaku Stone, the traditions of dancing on wooden boards was passed on to future generations and to the rest of the world where it is now practiced by tens of millions of enthusiasts.”
From being an exotic distraction for Westerners vacationing in Hawaii in the early 20th century, to exploding on the west coast of America as part of the burgeoning California beach scene, it didn’t take long for surfing to reach the cold Scottish shores as a brave few donned their swimming gear and makeshift surfboards.
Margaret Cameron, MG ALBA director of content, added: “Surfing has taken the sporting world by storm – so much so that it has now earned its place at the Olympics.
“After making its debut appearance at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, it’s now a firm fixture in the Olympic schedule. We’re excited to share the history of surfing with audiences across the country before we keenly watch how its next chapter plays out at the Paris Olympic Games later this month.”
Join Ceitlin Lilidh for a whirlwind world history of surfing – covering everything from the spirituality, celebrity, fashion and fun of the sport, with Surfing: Marcachd an Tuinn/Riding the Wave premiering on BBC ALBA and iPlayer on Tuesday 23 July at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
The second part will air on Tuesday 30 July. Watch live or on demand:
THURSDAY saw the conclusion of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (www.woc2024.org) which took place in Edinburgh.
The city welcomed over 3,000 fans across the week with start and finish venues at Princes Street, Heriot-Watt University and Saint John Street. Locals and orienteering fans alike came to cheer on the competitors, marking another successful world sporting event for Scotland.
Over 250 world class athletes from 45 countries competed in the event and the inaugural ‘WOC Tour’ participation race also proved a huge success, as 1200 people from across the orienteering and Scotland community signed up to take part in multiple events over the course of five days.
The GB team also saw success across the week with Megan Carter Davies competing in the Sprint Knockout final, she finished fifth narrowly missing out on the medals, while Grace Molloy also secured a 6th place in the individual sprint on Friday afternoon.
Andy Mitchelmore, Event Director at WOC 2024, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success of WOC 2024. I can’t thank everyone enough for making the last few days an unforgettable experience.
“To see so many people come out to watch Orienteering in this fantastic city has been overwhelming. Whether that has been just to watch the athletes, compete in our amazing WOC Tour races or to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone has played their part.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our amazingly hard-working staff and all our volunteers who have worked tremendously hard and without whom the event would not have been successful.
“Also, to all our stakeholders and commercial partners who have played an integral role in bringing this event to life. In particular, Event Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, British Orienteering Federation, Scottish Orienteering Association and the Scottish Orienteering six-day event Company Ltd for their unwavering support.
“The hope is that we have now created a legacy for the sport’s future and helped put orienteering on the map in Scotland.”
Paul Bush OBE, Visit Scotland Director of Events, said: “Edinburgh has provided the perfect stage for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024. Our capital city has certainly never seen anything like this before as athletes raced through our medieval tenements, narrow and intricate alleys and sweeping landscapes in search of World Championships glory.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and the successful delivery of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships reinforces our reputation for delivering innovative and world-class events.
“Thank you to the organisers, partners, volunteers and most importantly the athletes for making this a truly memorable event.”
Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron said: “It has been a delight to welcome, and to watch, the world’s best orienteers compete in elite sprint races across our city.
“Hosting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships has not only showcased Edinburgh to the world but also the wonderful, exciting, outdoor sport of orienteering – the mental and physical skills it involves, and the health and wellbeing benefits it offers participants of all ages and abilities.
“I hope Edinburgh residents, visitors and spectators alike will have been inspired to give orienteering a go. My warmest congratulations and gratitude go to all the competitors, medallists, and everyone involved in making WOC24 such a terrific success.”
The activity across the week has also seen Scotland embrace the family feel the event has brought to the city, with free activities on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun ‘come and try’ races and all the action on live screens in major locations across the city.
The event has been hugely successful in attracting commercial partners across the city and beyond. Many of which provided the base for the event to be a success.
1500 sandwiches were provided by Scotmid Co-op, 2200 snack bars by Nairn’s, 4000 water bottles from Actiph Water and 1500 Sausage rolls were given to the event from PieSports.com. Eight kilt sets for ceremonies were also provided by Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers, while SOS provided all the essential printing requirements for the event and Cullen Property also supported the event throughout.
To see all the results visit WOC 2024. WOC 2024 highlights can be found on www.eurovisionsport.com, the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.
One of Musselburgh Racecourse’s most popular family events returns on Tuesday (23 JUL) with the Luca’s Ice Cream Family Raceday.
On the turf seven competitive Flat races will keep the adults on their toes but off the track a whole host of fun activities will entertain younger family members.
Gates open at noon and one hour before the first race (provisionally scheduled for 2.15pm) the next generation of jockeys will compete in pony races, while a dedicated Clip Clop zone offers free fairground rides for all ages and free face painting.
Hosted with support of Honest Toun ice cream producer Luca, each child will receive a free ice cream – more than 1,200 were handed out last year.
The day will also feature the Mini Queen’s Cup which will see 5 year olds take to the track on happy hopper inflatables.
Musselburgh Racecourse’s Head of Marketing, Aisling Johnston, said: “We know the kids love to dance so we have organised a kid’s disco which will take place in between the racing throughout the day.
“For the pony loving children or those youngsters who want to try their hand at horse riding, we will also have free pony rides.”
Two of Australia’s favourite furry TV pups will also make a popular return to the East Lothian track to say “g’day” to young racegoers.
Aisling added: “Luca’s Ice Cream have kindly donated one free ice cream per child, and with free entry for children aged 17 years and under when accompanied by an adult, it really is the perfect day out for all the family.”
Gates open at noon on Tuesday, first race is scheduled for 2.15pm and the last race at 5.20pm. A courtesy bus from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations will take racegoers to and from the racecourse.
Expert on how to cope with the disappointment of England’s defeat – and why singing is the perfect way to banish the disappointment of England’s loss to Spain:
AFTER days of expectation we now know … it’s NOT coming home.
And the washout summer is unlikely to lift the mood in the wake of England’s defeat against Spain.
But according to a leading mental health expert the disappointment millions are now feeling isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
And, channelled in the right way, Nathan Sherman, the director of therapy and training at Red Umbrella says, it can be turned into a positive.
Here, Nathan, a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor with a background in private practice and 10+ years of experience in the field, offers his advice on how fans can cope with the aftermath of Sunday night’s defeat.
And one of his tips for coping is singing.
“A surprisingly good way of releasing disappointment and frustration is actually singing,” he says. “Singing releases emotion, including anger, so put that favourite song on in the car, turn the volume up, and sing like no one is listening.”
Why do people get so disappointed in the aftermath of a sporting defeat?
Nathan says: “Disappointment is a normal human emotion to feel, but in many ways it can be healthy and helpful – disappointment might drive us to try harder, practice more and grow as a person.
It also helps us appreciate the wins more; if we always won at everything it would probably feel quite shallow and unsatisfying.
We experience a more emotional response when we attach more meaning to something. If it matters to me, I’m going to feel more disappointment if it goes wrong than if I don’t think something is that important. Sport is emotive to us because we value it – the camaraderie, the value we place on success, and how we view our national identity.
The England team represent us, we vicariously live their glories. Very few of us get to compete on a global stage, so we attach meaning to the actions of those who we feel represent us, as a way to experience some of that glory. Of course, when they lose, we feel the disappointment and loss just as keenly.”
How can we channel disappointment in a more positive way?
“Start by remembering, firstly, disappointment isn’t a bad thing. We like to attach meaning to emotions – this one is good, this one is bad, but all feelings are valid. The first thing we can do to help is talk through what we’re feeling.
“Bottling up disappointment not only helps it to build, but can easily turn that disappointment into anger and resentment.
“Firstly, we should talk it through with someone we trust, who is going to allow space for us to feel disappointed. Secondly, we should allow ourselves the space to feel this. It’s okay to feel this way in the day or two after the final.
“We don’t want it to last forever, and the feelings will subside, but for now, giving ourselves permission to feel what we feel is important. Thirdly, don’t fixate on the negatives. The team might have lost, but they also reached a second consecutive final. They are competing at the highest level and that’s a positive thing.
“We felt the disappointment of losing, but also the joys of winning along the way, of scoring goals and celebrating success.”
How can you avoid disappointment leading to anger?
“It’s easy to get angry when we feel powerless, as none of us could control the result. Many people may feel upset at the result, and for men in particular, upset is not an emotion we’ve been allowed to express. So that upset turns to anger instead, because that’s been seen as a more acceptable emotion.
“Start by asking yourself if you really feel angry, or if you actually just feel sad. Recognising and expressing the right emotion is important. If you do feel angry, safe physical expression can help. Going for a walk, kicking a ball in a park, clenching and unclenching your fists or punching a pillow can all help express the physical energy of anger safely.”
What strategies can people have in place to avoid disappointment and overcome it?
“How we perceive disappointment can help with how we feel about it. If I told you that I could see the future and that England would lose in the next two major tournaments, but win the third, how would you feel about the next two tournaments? Probably some disappointment, but maybe not so much because you’d see it as one step closer to the one they would win.
“Seeing progress as a journey, not an end point, and knowing that losing helps us to grow and develop and often then leads to success, can change how we feel in the moment. Focusing on the good that we have experienced rather than the end point can shift how we feel, too.
How exciting was it to see young players performing well? How did we feel when England scored? What we choose to remember and focus on matters.”
When should you start to worry about the way you are feeling?
“Disappointment is normal to feel – but if that feeling persists longer than a few days, it’s best to reach out for help and support. Sometimes we might just need to have an outlet for our feelings, but if we weren’t feeling great to begin with, a disappointment like this can be the trigger for something more serious.
“Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to reach out for help. It might feel like something we ‘should’ cope with, but everyone is unique and we all respond differently. It’s okay to not be okay.
“Disappointment can feel worse if we’ve experienced other disappointments recently too. So, while we might think we don’t care that much about the football result, maybe that’s coming on top of a missed promotion at work, a relationship breakup, or any other kind of loss or disappointment.
“If you start to feel like you’re not quite yourself and you can’t work out why, because the football wasn’t that big of a deal to you, be aware that it could just be the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
About Nathan Shearman
Nathan Shearman is the director of therapy and training at Red Umbrella, an organisation that’s improving the mental wellbeing of the UK workforce by working in partnership with large employers to deliver bespoke mental health training and support solutions.
Nathan is a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor with a background in private practice and 10+ years of experience in the field.
