Not all roads are created equal. Just ask Ben Spencer and Peter Smorthit.

This July, the two became the first to cross the Alps by wheelchair.

Over 18 days, through searing heat and brutal gradients, the pair pushed themselves 422 kilometres – the equivalent of 10 marathons – from Montreux, on the shores of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, to Lake Como in Italy.

It didn’t come easy.

Days into the journey, the two faced a steep climb up a gorge. With no accessible path forward, Smorthit – a 33-year-old paraplegic – got out of his chair and dragged himself and his wheelchair more than a kilometre uphill as Spencer followed, moving only a few metres at a time. It took two hours.

“That was just an amazing feat of endurance,” says Spencer over a phone call from a roadside station in France, where the two had stopped on the way back to the UK.

Spencer is adamant that physical pain was a small price to pay for the bigger goal.

The two set off on this Alpine adventure to raise awareness and funds for ataxia, a rare neurological disorder that afflicts 12,500 people in the UK alone – including Spencer.

Ataxia is a cause worth climbing for

There are several forms of ataxia. All of them affect speech, balance, coordination, hearing and bladder control in various ways.

Ataxia is usually progressive, and there is no universal cure.

Since 2022, Spencer has lived with cerebellar ataxia, a form of the disease caused by damage to the cerebellum. As it has progressed, ataxia has relegated him almost exclusively to a wheelchair. He has issues with his bladder and gets fatigued easily, something that hinders his ability to speak. But you wouldn’t know this from his bio.

He and Smorthit stay more active than most of the global population. They play wheelchair rugby and have collectively completed hundreds of half marathons and marathons – plus some ultra marathons. They have traversed the Applecross Pass, or Bealach na Bà, one of the UK’s most challenging roads, known for its 20 per cent gradients and hairpin turns.

Smorthit once solo-travelled the 1,407 kilometres from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in Scotland, all while pulling a trailer behind a standard wheelchair.

In 2024 and 2025, the two also participated in the London Marathon. Both times, Spencer raised funds for Ataxia UK, a British charity that funds research into finding treatments and cures, while offering advice, information and support to people affected by the condition.

Their journey across Europe’s highest mountains this summer – Alps 4 Ataxia – also raised money for the charity.

Remarkably, all these achievements have occurred since Spencer was diagnosed, the moment he went from being “your overworked career guy” to a vocal – and visible – advocate for people living with ataxia. And people with disabilities in general.

In 2023, Spencer travelled all 272 London tube stations to raise awareness about his condition, as well as accessibility in the city’s most used public transport system.

“Only 93 of them are accessible,” he says.

“A lot of people will start getting upset for us [because] we can’t access something, so we’ll just throw ourselves out of our chairs, bump ourselves up on stairs and pull the wheelchairs behind us,” he adds.

“That’s the moment that able-bodied people get shocked about how inaccessible the world can be.”

What it really takes to cross the Alps in a wheelchair

This adventure tested them like none before.

The Alps presented not just steep climbs, but also blistering temperatures of nearly 40°C and moments of real danger, all against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

“Peter is pretty much an endurance athlete, but with me and my ataxia, we really had to work out a pattern of how I could do it and recover,” Spencer says of managing the distance, the gruelling climbs over 2,000-metre passes and the heat all at once.

Before they left the UK, they had mapped a route using EuroVelo cycling paths and quiet roads through Switzerland and the Rhône Valley. A support crew of three, including two others with ataxia, helped with logistics. Originally planned as a 10- to 12-day journey, the trip stretched to 18 as the heat took its toll.

“Both Peter and I have trouble regulating our body temperature,” Spencer explains.

“Peter has a spinal cord injury and can go into [a potentially life-threatening condition] called AD [autonomic dysreflexia], where all of a sudden, he can pass out from the heat. One time, there was a close call. I ended up having to chuck a load of water over him.”

Despite the heat, the physical and mental lows were outweighed by the highs. Sometimes literal ones.

“Reaching the top of the first pass [in Switzerland] cemented the fact that we could do it,” Spencer says.

He also cherished conversations with passersby, using each as a chance to raise awareness about ataxia and challenge assumptions about disability.

“I really wanted people to understand that disabled people can achieve extreme things” – even those as extreme as crossing high mountain passes.

A wake-up call for accessibility advocates

The experience exposed gaps in accessibility, too.

“This trip has helped highlight that there’s more work to do to make the world accessible,” he says. Campsites listed as accessible lacked proper facilities, and some cycling routes included long gravel sections and nearly impassable obstacles.

“For wheelchair users to take part in outdoor sports, especially when it comes to going through rugged terrain or the countryside, there’s so much more that can be done.”

And for people living with disabilities like ataxia, travelling the Alps has provided a greater lesson.

“No matter what disability or condition you have,” Spencer says, “just never give up.”

Erik Reynolds II officially joined the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 27, signing a Summer League contract as an undrafted free agent after completing four seasons at Saint Joseph’s. However, his debut in the league started hilariously.

Just seconds into the game against the Brooklyn Nets, Reynolds accidentally scored on the wrong basket. It didn’t take long to go viral. Thunder fans on social media are already reacting, and stunned commentary from broadcasters has only added to the fun surrounding his unexpected first bucket.

The Thunder’s rookie guard made his NBA Summer League debut in Las Vegas this week, but it didn’t go as planned. His first points as a pro went into the wrong basket.

How Did Thunder Player Erik Reynolds II Score on the Wrong Basket?

The game had just started, and the energy in the arena was high. But less than a minute into play, Reynolds mistakenly scored for the opposing team. After securing a loose ball right off the opening tip, the rookie’s instincts kicked in. He rushed straight to the nearest hoop and calmly floated a right-handed layup.

The fun part is that he realized too late that he had scored in the opponent’s basket. The commentators were stunned. “Erik Reynolds scored about 2,400 points in college at St. Joe’s, and he just scored his first two points for the match… wrong one,” one said. Another added, “And the reality is, it’s not the first time this has happened.”

Erik Reynolds II scores to his own basket off the jump ball (with a replay) pic.twitter.com/uEVWZqVVYi

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 10, 2025

Reynolds’ mistake instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of this year’s Summer League. However, the history of the NBA has seen similar moments, like Ricky Davis’ infamous self-rebound attempt in 2003 and JaVale McGee’s accidental tip-in for the wrong team. Fans often debate which mistake is worse or more forgivable.

What Are Fans Saying About Reynolds’ Mistake?

These embarrassing moments, however, often become fan favorites and help lighten the intensity of high-stakes basketball. Fortunately, Reynolds’s wrong basket wasn’t serious or costly, but fans still had a field day reacting to his awkward moment.

One X user trolled the rookie, noting, “Pack your bags blud ,” while another added, “It’s hard being a Thunder fan.” Someone else noted, “1st summer league bet of the year, bet wrong side by mistake.” The comments also reflect humor and truth, since the Thunder are the defending NBA champions.

Pack your bags blud

— OMEGAXXX (@0MEGA_XCX) July 10, 2025

Despite the blunder, Reynolds comes in with strong credentials for the Thunder. He averaged 16.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in his senior season at Saint Joseph’s. Over his four-year college career from 2021 to 2025, he totaled 2,175 points. So it’s clear his mistake wasn’t due to inexperience.

Making a debut in the NBA comes with severe pressure. Young players are eager to prove themselves in high-level competition, and sometimes the adrenaline they feel leads to quick but costly decisions. Reynolds had a rough start, but the community is forgiving.

Tyler Booker’s Playful Spirit Shines at Youth Camp

In a world where sports often blur the lines between competition and camaraderie, Tyler Booker, a rookie guard for the Dallas Cowboys, recently captured hearts and attention with a lighthearted moment during a youth camp. This playful interaction not only showcased his engaging personality but also resonated deeply with fans and aspiring young athletes alike.

A Memorable Moment at Camp

During the camp, Tyler Booker was seen playfully pushing a young participant, a gesture that instantly went viral. This spontaneous display of fun amid the rigorous training environment highlighted a refreshing side of professional athletes—one that emphasizes connection and mentorship over mere performance. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking joy and laughter as fans embraced the playful spirit of the young guard.

Reflecting on the Experience

When asked about the viral moment, Booker responded with a quote that encapsulated the essence of his approach to both football and life. He articulated the importance of making the game enjoyable for younger generations, stating, “It’s all about having fun and sharing the love of the game.” This sentiment echoes the values that many athletes strive to instill in their communities, reminding everyone that sports can be a joyful experience, not just a competitive one.

Building Connections Beyond the Field

Tyler Booker’s actions at the camp extend beyond a mere moment of levity; they represent a crucial aspect of athlete responsibility. As a rookie in the NFL, he has the opportunity to influence young minds and inspire the next generation of players. His willingness to engage with fans, especially the youth, reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive environment where young athletes feel valued and motivated.

The Bigger Picture

Booker’s playful push is a microcosm of a broader narrative within sports—one that emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community engagement. As professional athletes become role models, their actions can leave lasting impressions on young fans, shaping their perceptions of sportsmanship and teamwork. Tyler Booker’s viral moment serves as a reminder that while the stakes in professional sports are high, the joy of the game can and should always take center stage.

Looking Ahead

As Tyler Booker continues to carve out his path in the NFL, his playful spirit and dedication to uplifting others will undoubtedly play a significant role in his journey. The Dallas Cowboys and their fans have much to look forward to, not only in terms of his on-field contributions but also in how he embodies the spirit of the game off the field. In a league where the spotlight often shines on statistics and performance, it is moments like these that remind us of the heart and humanity behind the athletes we admire.

The post Quarterback Caitlin Clark goes viral before her injury return appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Caitlin Clark is confirmed to finally return from injury in the Indiana Fever’s Wednesday contest against the Golden State Valkyries. In preparation for her return, the phenom point guard was spotted showcasing her quarterback skills.

During the Fever’s practice on Tuesday, the 23-year-old guard was tossing around a football with a kid, possibly the son of a coach, per Andrew Chernoff of WISH TV. You can see her put the ball right on the money as Caitlin Clark casually plays catch.

The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year certainly turned heads with her pass, as numerous fans jumped on social media to share their reactions to Caitlin Clark throwing a football. Some claimed they were impressed, while others made jokes about which NFL players she might be better than.

“Caitlin can play anything and dominate,” said one individual.

Another user claimed, “Daniel Jones needs to pay attention.”

“Los Angeles Olympics dual gold medalist? Point guard for the basketball team and QB of the flag football team? Just saying,” admitted one fan.

One person explained, “There’s a lot of good basketball players, but there aren’t a lot of true athletes. She’s an athlete. Golf, soccer, passing, I’d imagine any sport, she could excel at.”

“Could be QB1 in Indy. Give me CC over Anthony Richardson,” said another fan.

Caitlin Clark’s return from injury will be her first appearance after missing five games. The last time she took the court was in Indiana’s 94-86 win over the Seattle Storm on June 24. Injuries have been the tale this season, as Clark has missed 10 games so far.

Despite that, the former No. 1 pick has been brilliant more often than not when she is available. In the nine games she’s played so far this season, Caitlin Clark is averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. She also owns a 39.0% field goal percentage and is shooting 29.5% from beyond the three-point line.

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Related: Caitlin Clark’s injury status for Fever vs. Valkyries gets update

Related: Caitlin Clark’s teammate drops harsh reality for Fever after ninth loss

She’s too good to be true.

After threatening to replace humans in seemingly every sector from law to academia, artificial intelligence is now going after our influencer gigs as well.

Meet Mia Zelu, an AI-powered social media star who has amassed over 150,000 Instagram followers by sharing sexy pics of herself at various tennis events and elsewhere.

In a recent Insta post, the hyperrealistic blond bombshell is seen sitting courtside at the All England Club during Wimbledon while drinking Pimm’s, a drink that’s associated with the tournament.

“Still not over the event… but the party’s a whole other game,” Zelu, who bills herself as a “digital storyteller” captioned the pic. “Which Wimbledon match was your fave?”

Another showed the tennis influencer — whose creator is unclear — in the stands during a match.

Her photos aren’t the only things that are super naturalistic — Zelu also “uploads” surprisingly heartfelt and human-seeming messages as well.

“You know what’s exhausting? Pretending you’re okay while you’re slowly burning out,” the fictitious content creator declared in one post alongside a pic of her rocking jean shorts at a cafe. “Smiling in messages, staying ‘productive,’ answering ‘all good!’ while everything feels off.”

She added, “We’ve all done it. Some of us are still doing it. Because being honest feels risky. Because we don’t want to seem weak or dramatic. Because it’s just easier.”

Zelu even has a “sister” named Ana, who’s brunette and has amassed 266,000 followers on the platform by posting similarly glamorous snaps.

Despite the fact that Zelu discloses that she’s “AI” in her Insta profile, thousands of admirers liked her post and even posted fawning replies such as “you look stunning” and “will you marry me.”

Some even inquired about her “skin care routine,” although its yet unclear how many of these replies were posted in jest.

However, some hawk-eyed viewers noticed that Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant had liked many of her posts, leading them to believe that he’d been “catfished.”

“Rishabh Pant thinks he’s interacting with a real girl, totally oblivious to the fact that it’s an AI,” criticized one, while another scoffed, “Someone should probably tell Rishabh Pant that this is an AI account…’

Coincidentally, Pant’s likes of Velu’s posts are no longer visible on Instagram and he has yet to weigh in on the backlash, the Daily Mail reported.

Zelu is one of a growing roster of AI-nfluencers flooding the market. Last year, virtual influencer Alba Renai went viral after getting hired as the first non-human host on a weekly special segment of “Survivor” in Spain.

While the trend might seem harmless, there are plenty of dangers to the proliferation of AI doppelgangers — beyond just leaving a certain cricketer with a red face.

Last year, a UK woman who fell for a “US army colonel” she met on Tinder discovered later that he was a romance scammer after he swindled her out of over $20,000 by deploying hyperrealistic AI videos.