The History Makers
Speed skater Bart Swings has his final race at Birmingham 2022 and has the opportunity to solidify his position as the leading athlete at the 11th edition of The World Games. The Belgian has been totally dominant in the roller events, racing five times and hearing his national anthem four times and adding a bronze medal for good measure. His multiple medals in The Magic City can be added to his already considerable silverware from the previous two editions in Wroclaw and Cali, moving the Beijing Winter Olympics champion into the Top Ten most successful athletes of The World Games.
In Bowling, Clara Guerrero of Colombia could equal Kelly Kulick's all time record of four medals in the sport. Last time round she was champion in the women's doubles and runner up to the American. Though she has a new doubles partner, her hunger for glory remains undiminished. History also beckons for Puerto Rico, a medal of any kind would be a first at The World Games for the Caribbean nation.
The Fans Favourite
Ebiye Jeremy Udo-Udoma, more commonly known as the "handball ninja" gets to demonstrate his amazing acrobatic shots, as the Beach Handball competition gets under way at Sloss Furnace. He will be hoping that his American team will be able to displace Brazil from their customary top place on The World Games podium.
Fistball is very popular especially in the German and Spanish speaking worlds. The grass field sport which is similar to volleyball, but where athletes can only use their fists to strike the ball. It is just as spectacular and action packed as its indoor counterpart. For the first time the Birmingham edition of The World Games will also include a women's competition. Austria will feature in both outstanding fixtures today, their men take on Brazil, while their women renew their deep rivalry with Switzerland.
Brian Salmon for The World Games
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.