Sport

A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships

One to watch.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 7th August 2025

A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.

12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.

Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.

Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.

Credit: Supplied

Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.

“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.

“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”

Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”

The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.

great britain world bmx championships 2025
leo rowlands bmx
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)

As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.

“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”

They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.

Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”

There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.

BMX history made in Manchester at inaugural Red Bull event

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Featured Images — Family handout/Supplied

Sport

Manchester Storm ban supporter and condemn discriminatory behaviour after online comments

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Storm call out fan and issue stadium ban after online comments

Ice hockey side Manchester Storm have come out to vocally condemn any and all forms of discrimination following recent concerns raised online and, more importantly, putting words into action after issuing a stadium ban to a match-going fan.

Writing a lengthy, passionate and defiant post on Wednesday, 6 August, Manchester Storm informed supporters that they had been made aware of multiple “derogatory and discriminatory comments” earlier this week.

The remarks in question were made across various social media platforms, as well as fan forums over the past few days, but thankfully were quickly identified and removed by admins.

Nevertheless, Storm recognised the importance of cracking down on this kind of behaviour as swiftly and firmly as possible, penning this pitch-perfect reply in terms of tone and practical action.

The official statement reads: “These comments are deeply concerning and go against everything our club stands for. Let us be absolutely clear: racism, homophobia, and any form of discriminatory or hateful behaviour will not be tolerated – online or at the [Planet Ice] Arena.

“We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive club that welcomes players, staff, and fans from all backgrounds. Anyone found engaging in racist, homophobic, or otherwise abusive behaviour will be banned and will not be permitted entry to The [Storm] Shelter.”

Storm also went on to detail that the individual in question regarding multiple related incidents has not only been issued with a ban, but that their season ticket has been revoked and will be denied all entry to their home ground in Altrincham.

They also assured that the matter has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, adding that the club “will continue to cooperate fully with their investigations” and”will not hesitate to pursue further legal action where necessary.

Proud to see such quick and decisive action from the local sporting organisation, which should help serve as a real deterrent for similar potential trouble in the future.

The response from the right-minded fans in the comments was great to see as well.

Regardless of the offensive remarks made on the forum, most Manchester Storm supporters welcome the statement fan ban. (Credit: IG)

One user on X wrote: “The storm is for everyone; we don’t need these people anywhere near the Storm Shelter. Thank you for acting so quickly.” Another on Instagram added, “Absolutely, hockey is for everyone, correct and firm stance/action. Well done, from a Belfast Giants fan.”

The club signed off by saying: “Manchester Storm remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Hate has no place in hockey – or anywhere else.

“We thank our community for standing with us in upholding these values.

Sadly, they’re not the only team from the Greater Manchester region that has had to call out inappropriate and discriminatory conduct of late, with Stockport County having to public distance themselves from unsanctioned political propaganda using their badge.

Manchester Storm announce signing of ‘proven goalscorer’ Brandon Cutler ahead of new season
Despite the outlying cloud surrounding the Manchester Storm fan ban, the sky above the Shelter is looking bright.

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Featured Images — Naqi32 (via Wikimedia Commons)/Manchester Storm (via Facebook)

Sport

Manchester Originals narrowly miss out on opening day victory after last-gasp comeback

Danny Jones Danny Jones Phil Salt sets new runs record as Manchester Originals lose to Southern Brave The Hundred 2025

Manchester Originals’ men’s team just missed out on taking the victory in their opening game of The Hundred 2025 after an impressive comeback in the eleventh hour by Southern Brave.

The away team from Southampton managed to just about surpass the Originals’ 131-4 tally at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, with starring performances from Tymal Mills and Craig Overton seeing the southerners best the home team by just one wicket.

Nevertheless, it was a thrilling start to this year’s competition and even despite some grey skies, Old Trafford Cricket Ground brought plenty of atmosphere.

Here’s how they got the entertainment underway on Wednesday night:

Local favourite Phil Salt gave the OT crowd plenty to watch with an exciting race to a half century, reaching the threshold within just 35 balls.

Bowing out at 60 after Mills ended his rapid-fire run, this not only took ‘Salty’s overall Hundred total to within spitting distance of 1,000, setting the new all-time tournament record with 991 runs.

Even though they may have been edged out by the visitors, the OGs still put in a decent showing with the ball in their hands too, with Hundred debutant Jimmy Anderson getting the bowling underway.

He may have gone wicketless, but his pressure and experience still helped set the tone, not to mention drawing plenty of fanfare as he also became the second-oldest player in The Hundred history.

Salt, 28, also said he is “over the moon” to be given the “honour” of captaining the 43-year-old Lancashire and England cricket legend.

One man who impressed during the Brave’s batting was Sonny Baker, who proved why he is one of the most exciting fast bowlers around right now.

Prior to the men’s team getting underway, their female counterparts faced an even taller order against their travelling opponents, being beaten by six wickets on a difficult opening afternoon.

They come up against London’s multi-time Hundred champions, Oval Invincibles, next this Saturday (9 August) down in the capital, and will have to get some early points on the board if they are to have any hopes of truly competing this year.

All that being said, isn’t it good to have The Hundred back?

You can watch all the highlights from the men’s match down below and see how Manchester Originals’ Women got underway HERE.

What did you make of the Mancs’ maiden 2025 match?

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Featured Images — Press shot (supplied)/The Hundred (screenshot via YouTube)/The Manc Group

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