Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix will not compete at this month’s World Aquatics Championships due to “mental blocks”.

The 20-year-old diver claimed Olympic bronze with Lois Toulson in the women’s synchronised 10m platform at Paris 2024 and opened up about her mental health struggles after competing in the individual event.

On Wednesday Spendolini-Sirieix revealed she would not be taking part in the World Championships, saying she feels “it would be best” to take a break from the sport.

She said in a post on Instagram: “Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the World Championships this year in Singapore. I’ve had a tough battle with mental blocks in diving this season, and I’ve tried to fight through them, but I’ve decided it would be best for me to take a break from the pool.

“I am getting all the help I need from my family, my coach and my support team at Aquatics GB and I am so thankful for their love and support.

“As an athlete, the words ‘rest’ and ‘break’ are foreign, but I know that this period will greatly help me in the long run.

“I am sad to not be joining my team and international friends out in Singapore, but I know they will do amazingly and I can’t wait to see them shine.”

PA

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AFC players are making headlines with their evolving situations. Charvarius Ward of the Colts reflects on his mental health journey following personal loss, sharing renewed optimism after leaving the 49ers. Meanwhile, Texans tight end Brevin Jordan is ready to bounce back from a torn ACL, while Titans rookie QB Cam Ward acknowledges the team’s need for improvement and accountability. Collectively, these narratives illustrate resilience and the ongoing adjustments as teams prepare for the season ahead.

By the Numbers

• Charvarius Ward missed three games last season following the death of his daughter.
• Brevin Jordan is looking to rebound after missing most of the previous season due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 2.

State of Play

• Colts’ Charvarius Ward shows improved mental health and emotional well-being in a new environment.
• Texans’ Brevin Jordan is considered an “ascending young player” by head coach DeMeco Ryans, with heightened expectations for the upcoming season.
• Titans’ Cam Ward admits his offense needs work, describing their current performance as “very mid.”

What’s Next

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these players integrate into their teams. Ward’s positive changes in mental health could set the tone for a successful Colts season, while Jordan’s return may bolster the Texans’ offense. Titans’ rookie Ward’s commitment to improvement suggests he will work to elevate the team’s performance.

Bottom Line

The resilience shown by these AFC players amidst personal and team challenges underscores the importance of mental health and adaptation in professional sports. As they move forward, their experiences highlight how personal growth can impact team dynamics and performance.

Kyrie Irving, standout guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has opened up about experiencing bullying in his childhood, which became a driving force behind his basketball journey. During a livestream with Kai Cenat, Irving candidly shared that being perceived as smart and sensitive made him a target, but he channeled that adversity into motivation for his NBA career. Despite this challenging background, he has risen to elite status in the league, demonstrating remarkable skills and leadership. Recently, Irving has also been active in online discussions, reflecting on his journey and future ventures, including a possible coaching role.

By the Numbers

• Kyrie Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over 50 games in the 2024-25 NBA season.
• His season ended early on March 3 due to a torn ACL, raising concerns for the 2025-26 season.

Yes, But

While Irving’s bullying experience contributed to his resilience, it also highlights ongoing issues of childhood bullying and mental health in sports, stirring debate about the pressure athletes face both on and off the court.

State of Play

• Irving has increased his presence on livestreams, engaging with fans and discussing various topics, including potential opportunities at Streamer University.
• He recently paid tribute to fellow players, reflecting on generational greatness in basketball.

What’s Next

As Irving navigates his recovery from injury, he may also explore a coaching future, which could reshape his career beyond playing. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he impacts both the Mavericks and any potential new ventures.

Bottom Line

Irving’s journey underscores the idea that personal hardships can motivate success, but they also raise important conversations about youth bullying and the mental health challenges athletes face. His future, both on and off the court, is poised for scrutiny and potential innovation.

With a history steeped in excellence and Olympic achievement, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has long been synonymous with winter sports success. But behind the podiums and highlight reels is a powerful story of transformation, one driven by bold leadership, forward-thinking partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the athletes who risk it all on snow and ice.

At the center of this evolution is a team of women, both in the boardroom and on the slopes, driving the organization forward. At the helm is Sophie Goldschmidt, the President and CEO, a veteran of global sports who is building a future-focused vision rooted in athlete support, equity, and expanded visibility. Helping bring that vision to life is Anouk Patty, Chief of Sport, who brings a rare combination of athletic and executive experience. A former U.S. Alpine Ski Team member, Patty raced for Dartmouth College, where she was a three-time All-American and won the NCAA Skiing Championship in 1988. Trisha Worthington, Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer, provides the vital financial support behind the scenes. With decades of experience in Olympic fundraising, she has been instrumental in ensuring athletes receive the resources necessary to excel. From 1995 to 2007, she led fundraising initiatives that launched the $60 million Legacy Fund, and after founding the Park City Community Foundation, she returned in 2014 to continue driving support for the team.

Among the athletes are some of winter sport’s biggest names. Mikaela Shiffrin, the most successful alpine skier in World Cup history and widely considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. Jessie Diggins, the most accomplished cross-country skier in U.S. history, with three Olympic medals, seven World Championship medals, and three overall World Cup titles. And Brenna Huckaby, a trailblazing para snowboarder who won gold at both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Paralympics, was the first Paralympian featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, and recently won the 2024 ESPY for Best Athlete with a Disability.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Center Athlete Support

Before stepping into her role as Chief of Sport for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Anouk Patty carved her path on the slopes as a U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete in the late ’80s and early ’90s and an NCAA champion at Dartmouth College. After more than two decades in corporate leadership, she returned to the sports world with a mission: to ensure athletes have a voice in the system she once navigated. “When I was an athlete, we didn’t have a say in decisions. Now, I make sure they do,” she says. Her lived experience builds trust with athletes and shapes a leadership approach rooted in inclusion and balance.

Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer Trisha Worthington has spent 21 years with the organization across two tenures. After helping launch and grow the Park City Community Foundation, she returned to U.S. Ski & Snowboard in 2014 to lead philanthropic strategy. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded donor engagement and increased support for athlete programs, training, and well-being.

Goldschmidt describes the organization’s approach as “one of the most well-rounded athlete support systems I’ve seen across sports organizations.” On the sport side, Goldschmidt says, “We fund everything—training, coaching, medical care, rehab, strength and conditioning, travel, lodging. It’s all tailored to each sport and athlete, but these basics are foundational.” Off the snow, “We offer comprehensive insurance and sports medicine, mental health initiatives like sports psychology and wellness care, plus career and education guidance through our Athlete Career & Education program.” This ACE program includes “tuition support, internships, life coaching, and mentoring—pairing athletes with former competitors and generous donors.”

“We think of these supports as spokes on a wheel,” Goldschmidt says, “each one adding value both to the athlete and the organization. It’s a constantly evolving program, and we’re committed to adding new elements as athletes’ needs change.”

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Ready For Milano Cortina 2026

As the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 begins, three of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s most accomplished athletes, Mikaela Shiffrin, Brenna Huckaby, and Jessie Diggins are preparing not only to compete but also to amplify the visibility and impact of their sports.

Jessie Diggins, three-time World Cup Champion and the most decorated American cross-country skier, eagerly anticipates what she hopes will be her fourth Olympic Games with both excitement and gratitude. “One of the things I’m most looking forward to is having my friends, family, and husband there,” she shares. “The last Games were under strict COVID protocols, and we couldn’t have anyone with us. So this time, I’m thrilled to share the experience.” More than 50 people, including her high school coach and even her grandma, who’s been training just to cheer her on in person, plan to be there. While winning more medals remains a goal, Diggins sees the Games as a celebration of her long journey: “It’s a chance to share this journey with the people who’ve supported me the whole way.”

For para snowboarder Brenna Huckaby, the 2026 Games represent both personal ambition and a larger mission. “I’d love to medal in both of my events,” she says. “That’s the dream. But more than that, I want to give myself the best possible chance, put everything into training, preparation, and mindset. If I cross the finish line knowing I did that, I’ll be proud, no matter the result.”

Beyond her own competition, Huckaby embodies the spirit of advocacy for disability representation and equity in sports. “There are generally two kinds of people: those who know what the Paralympics are, and those who’ve maybe heard of them but don’t really understand them,” she explains. The Paralympic movement, she notes, is still young and evolving. “Throughout my career, I’ve faced barriers to equality and fair competition. At some point, you have to decide: accept it as ‘just the way it is,’ or challenge it. I chose to challenge it.”

Huckaby’s fight to compete in 2022 was about more than medals, it was about visibility, equity, and changing the narrative for future generations. “I do think we’ve made progress,” Huckaby says, “but there will be more roadblocks. Whether it’s me or someone else, the fight will continue, and I’m excited to see that change.”

World No. 1 alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin looks ahead toward her fourth Olympic Games with a fresh and personal view of what success means. Reflecting on her enduring motivation, she shares, “I get asked a lot: ‘What are you still doing this for?’ Not in a negative way, more like, ‘What’s still motivating you?’ I don’t operate based on chasing one big goal like a medal. Of course, results, Olympic medals, World Cup globes, records, they inspire me. But there’s another layer of motivation: the joy of training, of making better turns, of seeing improvement year after year. That hasn’t changed.”

Building Visibility For US Ski & Snowboard Athletes

For the athletes, Milano Cortina 2026 is not just about medals, it’s about visibility, inclusion, and inspiring the next generation. Mikaela Shiffrin reflects candidly on the ongoing challenge of visibility for women and snow sport athletes. She acknowledges, “Honestly, I don’t think women or really any snow sport athletes get the visibility we’ve earned, especially on the global stage.” Complicated broadcast rights and fragmented streaming platforms make it difficult for fans to access competitions. “If people can’t watch, it’s hard to build a fan base or tell athlete stories,” she explains. Yet Shiffrin remains hopeful, noting that “there’s work being done behind the scenes with FIS and others to simplify broadcasting, but it’s a multi-year process. Hopefully in the next 5 to 10 years, we’ll see progress.”

In the U.S., visibility has improved thanks to partnerships such as the creation of the Stifel Snow Show on NBC, which provides regular exposure for winter sports throughout the season. Shiffrin credits Stifel’s support for her “Moving Right Along” YouTube series, offering fans behind-the-scenes access to her injury and comeback, team moments, and mental health challenges. This season, she plans to expand the series with a podcast-style format to highlight other athletes’ stories. “That kind of support makes a real difference,” she says.

She emphasizes the importance of storytelling beyond just race results: “The Olympics will always draw big attention, but if people already know who we are and what we’ve gone through, it adds so much more meaning.”

Building on this focus on storytelling, US Ski & Snowboard partnered with TOGETHXR to launch a mini-docuseries called “The Drop In” highlighting up-and-coming women snowboard athletes. Goldschmidt explains that the collaboration offers “behind-the-scenes access and storytelling that goes beyond competition results.” TOGETHXR helps the organization share real-time moments, amplify big results, and tell stories throughout the season. Goldschmidt adds, “Our goal is to be a year‑round content engine, not just during winter. We want these stories to reach broader audiences via platforms that align with Team USA and the next generation of fans.”

Fueling Team USA’s Future Through Philanthropy

US Ski & Snowboard operates without government funding, making philanthropy essential, it accounts for about one-third of the organization’s revenue.

Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer Trisha Worthington highlights philanthropy’s critical role in fueling Team USA’s athletic programs. “Supporting the Olympic mission demands significant resources,” she explains. “We’ll spend an extra $2 million this year just to get our 10 teams to the Games, covering flights, lodging, meals, everything.”

Since Sophie Goldschmidt joined as President and CEO, corporate sponsorship revenue has nearly tripled, but Worthington stresses, “Philanthropy remains critical.” Stability comes from a deeply engaged board of trustees, long-term donor relationships, and a fundraising team with many members serving over ten years.

Guided by Goldschmidt’s bold vision, US Ski & Snowboard focuses on three key priorities: advancing athletic and operational excellence by professionalizing systems and resources; increasing athlete visibility to build personal brands and commercial opportunities; and ensuring financial sustainability by growing sponsorships and philanthropy for efficient reinvestment.

“Our athletes are among the best in the world—brave, innovative, and fearless,” Goldschmidt says. “In my experience across sports like tennis, golf, and surfing, I’ve rarely seen athletes push limits like this.” She adds, “Donations directly fuel Team USA. Investing in us means investing in American snow sports and the next generation of athletes.”

Vision And Heart Driving U.S. Ski & Snowboard Forward

Goldschmidt sets the tone as Milano Cortina 2026 fast approaches. “Team USA will make up over 60% of the winter team, and the eyes of the world will be on us,” she says. But the focus isn’t on chasing medals. “We focus on consistent performance across World Cups and seasons. The athletes who rise to the top at the end of the season are the ones who deliver at the Olympics.”

Goldschmidt highlights the unique camaraderie within snow sports. “Team USA isn’t a team people love to root against, we’re often everyone’s second favorite team. Athletes support each other across disciplines, and there’s camaraderie at every event.” She sees the Olympics as a moment to showcase that spirit even more.

Anouk Patty, echoes this mindset. “While we’re not fixating on specific medal targets daily, we’re focused on culture and preparation. The Winter Olympics is in Italy, one of the most stunning places on Earth. To be there, surrounded by our athletes and staff, all aligned under one goal, is incredibly powerful. I can’t wait.”

For Trisha Worthington, the Games carry a personal meaning. “Like Anouk, I’m thrilled the Games are back in Europe. But for me, it’s also about the relationships. I’ve watched many of these athletes grow up. To see them on the Olympic stage feels like watching my own kids compete. It’s emotional and deeply rewarding.”

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University’s soccer team announced its home promotional calendar for the 2025 season Friday.

The Governors host nine matches at Morgan Bros. Soccer Field this season, beginning Saturday, Aug. 9, with an exhibition match against Belmont. The contest is the team’s “Open House” game, welcoming all students back to campus before the academic year.

Every Thursday home match will be “931 Thursday,” where fans can receive free giveaways at the 9:31 mark of halftime.

Every Sunday home match will be a “Seltzer Sunday,” where fans aged 21 and older can enjoy a free seltzer.

Admission to all Austin Peay soccer matches is free.

A complete promotional schedule for the 2025 soccer season is found below.

Aug. 9 vs. Belmont

• Open House: Come to Morgan Bros. Soccer Field to help welcome back all our students.

Aug. 28 vs. Chattanooga

• Clarksville’s Hometown Team: Join us in cheering on the Govs and help shine a light on campus and across Clarksville, Montgomery County, and Tennessee. And be sure to grab your poster!
• 931 Thursday: Fans can receive free giveaways at the 9:31 mark of halftime.
• Red Out: Wear your red and help us cheer on the Govs!

Sept. 4 vs. Evansville

• Let’s Glow Peay: Come to Morgan Bros. Soccer Field and receive your glow items while you cheer on the Govs.
• Youth Day: Bring your posters and have them signed by the Govs postgame.
• 931 Thursday: Fans can receive free giveaways at the 9:31 mark of halftime.

Sept. 7 vs. Murray State

• Beat Murray: Fans receive a “Beat Murray” button.
• Seltzer Sunday: Fans aged 21 and older, come out and enjoy a free seltzer.
• Monocle Society – Alumni: Learn how you can help provide the best athletic and academic experience for our student-athletes.
• Parents Weekend: Parents and their athletes will be recognized prior to the match.
• Red Out: Wear your red and help us cheer on the Govs!

Sept. 18 vs. Bellarmine

• ASUN Opener: Ring in the start of Austin Peay’s final season in the ASUN against Bellarmine.
• Military Appreciation: Come out and show your support for our members in the military.
• 931 Thursday: Fans can receive free giveaways at the 9:31 mark of halftime.
• Air Force Birthday: Celebrate the Air Force’s 78th birthday with us!

Sept. 21 vs. Eastern Kentucky

Oct. 9 vs. Central Arkansas

• Mental Health Awareness: Help us kick the stigma for our mental health awareness game against the Bears.
• 931 Thursday: Fans can receive free giveaways at the 9:31 mark of halftime.

Oct. 12 vs. North Alabama

• Clarksville Kicks Cancer.
• Pink Out: Wear your pink and help us spread breast cancer awareness.
• Seltzer Sunday: Fans aged 21 and older, come out and enjoy a free seltzer.

Oct. 19 vs. Lipscomb

• LeadHer: Help us empower our women student-athletes!
• Red Out: Wear your red and help us cheer on the Govs!
• Seltzer Sunday: Fans aged 21 and older, come out and enjoy a free seltzer.

Follow The Govs On Social

For news and updates throughout the Governors’ 2025 campaign, follow the soccer team on X and Instagram (@GovsWSOC) and Facebook (Austin Peay Soccer). Or check back at LetsGoPeay.com.