August 21st 2024.
Keely Hodgkinson's name is now on everyone's lips as she takes home the gold in Paris. It's a well-deserved moment in the spotlight for the young athlete, who has been putting in the hard work and dedication to reach this level of success.
Speaking of habits, I must admit that I have a certain fondness for audiobooks. I may not listen to a wide variety, but I have my tried and true seven that I always come back to. Occasionally, when I feel like I need a change of scenery, I'll venture into a popular murder mystery series, but I always find myself returning to my old favorites. I'll even skip around in the story, jumping in at the beginning or end and skipping over parts that don't quite fit my mood. I'm sure I'm not alone in this habit - do you have any movies or TV series that you find yourself re-watching over and over again?
Music is another area where we tend to stick with what's familiar. I recently read that the average person spends 54 minutes of every hour listening to songs they've already heard before. It's comforting to have that familiarity, especially in a world where things are constantly changing.
But let's shift our focus to the Premier League - it's back and I couldn't be more excited! As a Tottenham fan, I was thrilled to see them back in action on Monday. It was like they never left, performing with the same level of promise and then delivering the same disappointment we've come to expect. But it made me think of all the moments of pure joy and elation that the Olympics brought this summer.
Of course, it's not fair to compare football to the Olympics. The Games are a rare and special event that only happens every four years. The athletes in Paris were able to perform at their best, free from the weight of constant media attention and pressure. But in the world of football, it's a different story. The question seems to be not how can we make these games more special, but rather how can we fit even more games into the already packed schedule? It's a shame that the players often don't get the recognition and respect they deserve.
But, I must admit, sometimes I need a break from my daily football diet. And when I do branch out and try something different, I find that I appreciate football even more. I can only imagine how other sports must feel during this brief period of time when the whole world is paying attention.
And speaking of other sports, let's talk about the Olympics. The enthusiasm and publicity during and immediately after the Games are unparalleled. The athletes become household names, with their faces plastered on every advertisement and talk show. But does this short burst of recognition have a lasting effect? Does it translate into more viewers and participants for these lesser-known sports?
While it's not clear if watching a sport leads to participating in it, it's clear that the more people understand and empathize with the challenges and skills required, the more likely they are to tune in and become fans. Take cycling, for example. The Tour de France Femmes is a grueling and awe-inspiring event, and the more people learn about it, the more they want to watch and support the athletes.
And for those looking to try a new sport, cycling is a relatively easy one to start with. You can rent a bike and go for a ride on the weekend, or even save up for your own fancy bike like the Pinarello X9 SRAM Red AXS. The coverage on Eurosport is so thorough and engaging, you might find yourself just as invested in it as you are in your football team.
But cycling isn't the only Olympic sport that's accessible to the general public. There are climbing walls in most cities, and even fencing classes for beginners in Brixton for a reasonable price. And let's not forget about Kayak Cross - a sport that has become a bit of an obsession for me. I've heard that some Olympians are even trying it out at Lee Valley, and you don't need a medal to join in on the fun.
I know it can be intimidating to try something new, especially when you feel like everyone else is already an expert. But it takes time to form a new habit - researchers say it takes 66 days, not just 21. So don't be discouraged if you don't immediately fall in love with a new sport or activity. Keep trying, and who knows, you might just find yourself enjoying it even more than your old routine. But don't worry, your couch and your beloved football team will still be waiting for you when you need a break.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
