Sports

Stress, stairs and epilepsy in the House of Commons

Published

3 months ago

March 18, 2025

Stress, stairs and epilepsy in the House of Commons

“Also, coming from a semi-rural area and having had to rely on public transport because I couldn’t drive, I know just how difficult that can be for people.”
Rosie says that she is now at the point where she takes her epilepsy into consideration without really thinking about it. “It’s just part of me and luckily, at the moment, my seizures are well controlled. But I still try to avoid stressful situations that might increase my risk of a seizure.Rosie also feels that her epilepsy has given her a good insight into some of the problems faced by others with invisible disabilities. “My diagnosis made a big difference for me,” she says. “I was living a life of uncertainty but suddenly I had a reason for the symptoms that I was experiencing. I had a name. For the first time I knew that it wasn’t just me. My GP and neurologist were brilliant, but it did take some time to join up the dots and for me to get a medication at a dose that would control my seizures. I think the sooner people can get a diagnosis and the right medication at the right dose, the better.Rosie admits that a diagnosis of epilepsy was a big learning curve for her. “It came at a very frustrating time for me. I had just started driving and was off at university. Suddenly I couldn’t do all the things that my friends were doing like staying up late at night. I had to grow up much faster than everyone else and educate myself about my epilepsy so that I could give my body the best chance of dealing with my epilepsy. Rosie is standing up in the chamber of the House of Commons, giving her maiden speech. She is wearing a dark jacket and her long her is tied back in a half pony tail.

Rosie Wrighting is one of just 10 Gen Z MPs. She is the youngest female to be elected at the last election and has recently been appointed as a Labour Health Champion. But here she puts politics to one side to speak, for the first time in public, about another important part of her life – her epilepsy.

Epilepsy diagnosis

“Skating really is a hobby and passion for me. One of the reasons that I enjoy it is that it is a way for me to see that my body can do something positive. I used to blame my body for my seizures but when I am skating, I can control my body which is in direct contrast to epilepsy and seizures.”Rosie Wrighting MP has already made headlines by being the youngest female to be elected to parliament in the July 2024 election, at the age of just 27.Rosie is a keen figure skater although she is quick to point out that, contrary to some reports, she is not a professional. “I may be young to be an MP but equally I am too old to be a competitive skater,” she laughs.

Learning how to fall

Rosie is standing outside 10 Downing Street, wearing a dark coat and trousers.

Rosie started having tonic clonic seizures in her teens but wasn’t diagnosed until her early 20s. “I didn’t know much about epilepsy and certainly it wasn’t what I thought it was. Also, I didn’t know anyone else with the condition. I thought it was just me. That is why I now feel it is important for me to talk about my epilepsy in the hope that it will help other people.”“I think one of the things that people don’t realise is that epilepsy is not just about the actual seizure, it is about worrying that one might happen and how that worry can affect your day-to-day life. That is one of the hardest things to explain about epilepsy. It is so important that we break down the stigma around invisible conditions and I hope that talking about epilepsy will help achieve this.”One of the first lessons that Rosie learnt as a skater was how to fall although ironically that skill has not helped her cope with her epilepsy. “I don’t remember much about my seizures,” she says, “it is my family and friends who have to witness them and worry. But I do worry about where and how I fall and the repercussions. I always fall backwards so I try not to put myself in stressful or dangerous situations. I don’t swim, I find that too scary but probably my biggest worries on a daily basis are stairs and stress.”

Stressful career path

She is also Kettering’s first female MP and stands out for being a rare figure skater among the pantheon of MPs to have passed through the chambers. But very few people will be aware that Rosie has epilepsy. This is the first time she has spoken publicly about living with the condition.

Importance of a diagnosis

Rosie is wearing a dark suit. She is looking directly at the camera. Her long hair is blonde and curled at the ends.

There are a lot of stairs in the House of Commons and a lot of stress but Rosie has never opted for an easy career path. She started out in the fast-paced retail industry, working as a fashion buyer for ASOS before switching to politics.“I was raised by my mum who was and still is a local youth worker in Kettering,” continues Rosie. “I saw the cuts to public services and the rise in crime. I saw health outcomes go down and schools struggling and I wanted to be a part of the change for Kettering. I felt it needed someone to fight for it.”

Breaking down the stigma

“It took me some time to work out that late nights and alcohol were triggers for me. Also, that I needed to eat well and stay hydrated. But it really increased my interest in fitness and that has been a long-term benefit for me.”It was only a month before her election campaign began last year that Rosie got her driving licence back. But she reckons that most of her constituents and fellow MPs would be surprised to learn that she has epilepsy and that is the reason she couldn’t previously drive. “People assume that if you stop driving you have already got a ban,” says Rosie. “No one thinks epilepsy.”

Sports

Meet the High Divers of the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025

Up next in the Women’s competition is Maya Kelly. Maya achieved a 6th place finish at the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup 2024 in Bahrain, Manama and is excited to compete in Singapore 2025. We put Maya into the question-and-answer hot seat. Here’s what we got from her: Image Source: Maya Kelly competes at […]

Published

46 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Up next in the Women’s competition is Maya Kelly. Maya achieved a 6th place finish at the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup 2024 in Bahrain, Manama and is excited to compete in Singapore 2025.

We put Maya into the question-and-answer hot seat. Here’s what we got from her:

Maya finds beauty in architecture, and one landmark stands out to her is Copenhagen Opera House “I do find the Opera House really cool in Copenhagen, so I think I would like that,” she shared. A dive with the iconic building as a backdrop would be a spectacular sight!

Though her competition experience is just beginning, Maya has a favorite. “Probably Bahrain,” she said, referring to her current World Cup event in Bahrain. Her only other major competition was in Montreal during her junior years, but “that was indoors,” so this outdoor adventure takes the top spot.

Maya finds her competitive focus with the help of music—and she’s a proud Swiftie! “Probably anything by Taylor Swift,” she revealed about her go-to playlist. “I have a specific meet playlist I listen to before every competition.” Swift’s empowering lyrics and catchy tunes help set the mood.

Among her repertoire, one dive stands out as her favorite. “Probably my backflip pike,” Maya said. While she didn’t compete with it at Bahrain 2024 World Cup, it remains her personal signature move, showcasing her grace and precision in the air.

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Attend water polo tournament on the waters of Oswego Lake this weekend

Attend water polo tournament on the waters of Oswego Lake this weekend Published 4:20 pm Monday, June 23, 2025 The tournament was held for the first time in 2024. (Courtesy photo: Lake Oswego Open Water Polo Invitational) Those strolling near Millennium Plaza Park and Lakewood Bay this weekend may notice splashing and excitement emanating from […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Attend water polo tournament on the waters of Oswego Lake this weekend

Published 4:20 pm Monday, June 23, 2025

: The tournament was held for the first time in 2024.
(Courtesy photo: Lake Oswego Open Water Polo Invitational)

Those strolling near Millennium Plaza Park and Lakewood Bay this weekend may notice splashing and excitement emanating from the Oswego Lake waters near the Lakeshore Inn.

The Lake Corporation and the Lake Oswego Water Polo Organization are organizing the second annual Lake Oswego Open Water Polo Invitational from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29 at a sectioned-off course on Lakewood Bay near the Lakeshore Inn.

The event will feature teams from the local water polo club (which includes athletes from Lake Oswego High School and Lakeridge High School) as well as squads from areas such as San Diego, Seattle, Portland and Beaverton.

Organizer Katy Brown said the idea was hatched due in part to the success of the local water polo teams and wanting to provide a community event while highlighting a sport that is often overlooked in the Pacific Northwest. The area of play had never been used as a water polo course before, but Brown said it worked well.

“It far exceeded our expectations,” Brown said of last year’s event. “We got great feedback from the water polo club and the community.”

The Lake Oswego Water Polo Organization consists of more than 100 kids ranging in age from 8 through 18. It includes competitive teams with a range of ages that compete year-round, club director Daniel Ramirez said. A number of teams recently qualified for the Junior Olympics.

“We have the best depth (in the Pacific Northwest) and it’s a real testament to the kids, the coaching staff and the community we have built,” Ramirez said. “Our kids like being a part of our club. They are proud to be local athletes. They like our coaching staff, enjoy competing for us and the community we bring.”

Competitive water polo players have to be very strong swimmers who are able to stay in the water for minutes on end while being grabbed by opponents, and Ramirez said the sport promotes swimming skills and confidence.

“The intense exercise allowed me to perform much better academically. It taught me discipline, and the twelve years of practice taught me time management to also keep up with my school work,” Lakeridge High school graduate Adrienne Medak said in a press release.

Ramirez said an event like this gives exposure to the sport while providing an opportunity for the kids to get more recognition.

For more information on the event, visit https://lowpoopenwaterinvitational2025-n53399.mystrikingly.com/#home.

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Sports

Will Taylor's minor league baseball journey brought him back to Greenville for the weekend

Former Dutch Fork and Clemson standout Will Taylor is now a member of the Greenville Grasshoppers, part of the Pirates organization. GREENVILLE, S.C. — Will Taylor was back in familiar territory this past weekend. The Dutch Fork graduate is in his first full season of professional baseball. A fifth round draft pick by the Pirates […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Will Taylor's minor league baseball journey brought him back to Greenville for the weekend

Former Dutch Fork and Clemson standout Will Taylor is now a member of the Greenville Grasshoppers, part of the Pirates organization.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Will Taylor was back in familiar territory this past weekend.

The Dutch Fork graduate is in his first full season of professional baseball. A fifth round draft pick by the Pirates in the 2024 MLB Draft, Taylor started his career at the Single A affiliate in Bradenton, Florida before being called him to Greensboro, the High A affiliate of the Pirates.

That promotion brought him to the Upstate as Greensboro faced the Greenville Drive at Fluor Field where Taylor has played before during his days at Clemson.

In his first two seasons at Clemson, Taylor played football and baseball. Taylor came to the Tiger program as a quarterback with the plant for him to move to wide receiver. As a freshman in 2021, he was the team’s primary punt returner before suffering a season ending knee injury which set him back at bit in the spring for baseball.

In 2024, Taylor had made the decision to concentrate on baseball and last April, he injured his wrist while diving for a foul ball and that broken bone in his wrist kept him out of the lineup for the rest of the season.

But in spite of those setbacks, Taylor looks back on his time at Clemson with great fondness as he was one of the occassional athletes who played two sports in college at a high level.

Sports

Women's sports surges, presenting an opportunity for advertisers

The news: Women’s sports had a strong presence at Cannes Lions 2025 as advertiser interest grows. One Axios event featured X CEO Linda Yaccarino, Disney global ad chief Rita Ferro, and Olympian Ilona Maher, who all spoke on the value of women’s sports for brands. Ferro emphasized “triple digit” viewer growth in the last year, […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Women's sports surges, presenting an opportunity for advertisers

The news: Women’s sports had a strong presence at Cannes Lions 2025 as advertiser interest grows. One Axios event featured X CEO Linda Yaccarino, Disney global ad chief Rita Ferro, and Olympian Ilona Maher, who all spoke on the value of women’s sports for brands. Ferro emphasized “triple digit” viewer growth in the last year, while Yaccarino said sports is a way to access highly engaged consumers and fandoms. Maher attributed viewership gains in part to prominent athletes like Caitlin Clark.

By the numbers: Women’s sports has surged in recent months, reaching new milestones in 2024, per research from the charity Women’s Sport Trust.

Leagues like the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) grew significantly across social media in the 2024 season, reaching a single-season record of nearly 2 billion video views across WNBA social media platforms—more than quadruple the previous season. Monthly active users grew 252% YoY on the WNBA app, while TikTok views grew 250% to reach 361 million.
The report cited SportsPro findings that female athletes accounted for 61% of all TikTok views among the 50 most-marketable athletes.
Women led in content volume across platforms, representing 51% of total content posted by athletes on Instagram and 80% on TikTok. Engagement was different—male athletes represented 90% of engagement/views on Instagram, though women maintained a lead on TikTok, accounting for 61% of engagement/views.
Women’s sports content is particularly effective at reaching female audiences. Across the board, the female proportion of YouTube audiences for women’s sports channels was higher than male equivalents, regardless of sport.

Zooming out: Women’s sports has consistently maintained momentum and proven to be a key opportunity for advertisers.

Ads during women’s sports events have a 40% greater impact on consumer engagement than the average primetime TV ad airing, marking a 56% YoY jump, per an EDO report. The report also found that investment in women’s sports rose 139% YoY in 2024, reaching $244 million.

Sports

Marietta College's Thomas selected to College Baseball's Hall of Fame

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas — Former Marietta College Pioneer Joe Thomas (Class of 1997) has been selected as a member of the 2025 class of inductees into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Thomas will be the third Pioneer inducted joining Don Schaly (Class of 1959) and Matt DeSalvo (Class of 2002) “Joe is very deserving […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Marietta College's Thomas selected to College Baseball's Hall of Fame

“Joe is very deserving of this honor. He was a true two-way player and one of the greatest to ever wear the pinstripes,” Marietta College head coach Brian Brewer said. “Joe was that rare player who posted All-American numbers on the mound and All-American numbers as a position player.”

Thomas led the Etta Express to four Ohio Athletic Conference titles, a pair of NCAA Mideast Regional championships, and NCAA Division III World Series appearances in 1995 and 1996.

The NCAA Division III National Player of the Year in 1996 and 1997, Thomas was a three-time All-American. After earning second team honors as a sophomore, he was a first team selection his final two seasons in the Navy Blue and White. Thomas was named first team All-Ohio Athletic Conference in each of his final three seasons and was the OAC Jack Rafeld Player of the Year and MVP of the OAC Tournament in both 1996 and 1997.

Thomas served as a team captain for the 1997 Etta Express and capped his career with the 1997 Way-Weigelt Award as Marietta College’s top senior male athlete.

Following his career in the pinstripes, Thomas was drafted in the 21st round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He played seven years of minor league baseball and was named to the Frontier League All-Decade Team. Thomas spent time as an assistant coach at Temple, the New York Institute of Technology, Mercyhurst, and with the Kalamazoo Kings of the Frontier League.

The 18th induction class will be honored at the Night of Champions presented by Prairiefire on February 12, 2026 in Overland Park, Kansas, the home of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. The event will serve as the ceremonial start to the 2026 college baseball season.

“We are beyond excited to welcome the 2025 Hall of Fame Class as we continue our planning for what will become their ‘home’ in Overland Park, Kansas in the College Baseball Hall of Fame,” CEO/Executive Director of the CBF and College Baseball Hall of Fame Tom Jacobs said. “This is another stellar class that represent the absolute best of college baseball. We look forward to celebrating and honoring their accomplishments as well as those of our CBF award winners at the 2026 Night of Champions. We hope you will join us for their special evening!”

To be eligible for the College Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, players must be out of college for 15 years and have completed one year of competition at a two-year institution in the CCCAA, NJCAA or a four-year NCAA (Division I, II or III) or NAIA institution. Ballot-eligible coaches must be retired for two years or be active and no less than 75 years old.

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Cal Men’s Water Polo Announces 2025 Schedule

Courtesy: Cal Athletics The California men’s water polo team announced a challenging 2025 schedule Friday, highlighted by all four semifinalists from last year’s NCAA Championship and at least eight opponents who finished 2024 ranked in the final CWPA poll. The Golden Bears, who wrapped up last season ranked No. 6 in the country, open the […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Courtesy: Cal Athletics

The California men’s water polo team announced a challenging 2025 schedule Friday, highlighted by all four semifinalists from last year’s NCAA Championship and at least eight opponents who finished 2024 ranked in the final CWPA poll.

The Golden Bears, who wrapped up last season ranked No. 6 in the country, open the campaign Aug. 30-31 at the Air Force Open. Their first regular-season home game takes place Sept. 27 against Pepperdine.

Cal’s MPSF opener is scheduled for Oct. 4 against defending national champion UCLA at Spieker Aquatics Complex. The Bears will face 2024 NCAA runner-up USC the next day.

Cal has home and away MPSF games against UCLA, USC and Stanford – three of the four semifinalists at last year’s NCAA Championships. The fourth semifinalist – Fordham – visits Berkeley on Oct. 23.

The Bears will also participate in the annual MPSF Invitational, which features eight of the top teams in the country. The MPSF Championship and the 2025 NCAA Championship will be hosted by Stanford.

Cal also is slated to host two of the top water polo clubs in Europe an exhibition tournament Sept. 1-5. Club Natacio Atletic-Barceloneta (CNAB) – the 2025 Champions League bronze medalist – as well as perennial French league champion CN Marseille will visit Berkeley. Recently graduated Cal All-American Max Casabella plays for CNAB.

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