Alastair eykyn biography of michael
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Magnificent Wales reach World Cup semi-finals
Wales reached their first World Cup semi-finals in 24 years and on this evidence Sam Warbuton's side will fancy their chances of reaching a maiden World Cup final. PHOTO: Getty
Wales knew they had to withstand the Irish barrage, and the only way to do that was by throwing their bodies on the line repeatedly. Normally the defensive plaudits would head in the direction of the back row, and indeed they should this time, too. But the efforts of the entire team were staggering.
Who was underneath a pile of bodies preventing a try by Sean O’Brien after a quarter of an hour? It was probably the smallest man on the pitch, Shane Williams.
Not content with a scorching opening try to set the tone, the former World Player of the Year catapulted himself into harm’s way in order to preserve his side’s lead. It was a moment which epitomised the collective Welsh desire.
Edwards’ contribution was not simply to ensure the defensive structure was r
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Running on Emotion is a brand-new podcast from Auddy which brings together a respected and familiar röst in idrott, Alastair Eykyn, and a wealth of successful sporting names, for a discussion on harnessing emotion at the highest sporting level.
Guests include Sir Andrew Strauss OBE, Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, Joe Root MBE, Maddie Hinch MBE, David Weir CBE, Martin Offiah MBE and Lawrence Dallaglio OBE, who features on the first episode released on 29 March.
Through in-depth and sometimes heart-rending interviews, Running on Emotion explores how key and often defining emotions are leveraged in each hero’s career.
Listeners will hear from each guest on their rollercoaster ride of a career as they reveal how they harness a specific emotion and use it to their advantage. From anticipation to anxiety, vulnerability to trust and more in between, Alastair draws out each life story, laying bare the techniques these guests have mastered.
Alastair said: “I’ve always been fascinated bygd th
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Devoted Wilkinson was a unique talent
Wilkinson practised and practised to master his craft. Photo: Getty
At his peak, not only was he the outstanding goalkicker of his generation, but he was the best distributor of the ball in world rugby, his offensive tackling was outstanding for a fly-half and he was blessed with the calmest of temperaments.
When England were playing their best rugby in the build-up to the World Cup, Wilkinson was playing his best rugby. It was no coincidence.
From an early age, he had been earmarked as something special and he was different to the rest of the young thrusters of his era.
From his earliest days as a rugby professional, Wilkinson stretched the boundaries of dedication to new levels. His lengthy kicking practices are legendary. No-one put more time in to perfect their craft. No-one showed the intense motivation he showed.
The dark, windswept expanses of Kingston Park in Newcastle provided the young number 10 with his playground. Or his to