Jayci Simon returns to badminton with sights set on LA28
October 1
Jayci Simon, who won the USA’s first-ever para badminton medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, is preparing for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. After an 18-month break to address health issues and burnout, she has returned to competition with a renewed focus on recovery and enjoyment. Simon recently earned silver in women’s doubles at the World Championships in Bahrain and gold at the French Para Badminton International.
Competing in the SH6 class for athletes with short stature, Simon is incorporating sports psychology and improved nutrition into her training. She aims to use the home Games to increase awareness of para badminton in the US. Simon notes that the sport has helped her feel accepted and has shifted her perspective on life.
Why we like itA heartening look at an athlete’s journey through burnout and back to peak performance, highlighting the growing visibility of para badminton in Canada and the US.
Cam McEvoy explains why some 50m freestyle swimmers hold their breath
October 1
Paris 2024 Olympic champion Cam McEvoy explains to Olympics.com why some elite swimmers choose not to breathe during the 50m freestyle. He notes that the race is often decided by milliseconds, making it a contest of who slows down the least. McEvoy states that taking a breath causes the body position to drop, which creates extra drag and reduces speed. He describes the 50m freestyle as a sprint where every element, from the start to the final touch, must be fine-tuned to save time.
McEvoy adds that while not breathing is his preferred strategy, some athletes still breathe and perform well, suggesting it can be a personal preference. He clarifies that this tactic is specific to freestyle and butterfly, as breaststroke requires breathing and backstroke is swum on the back. The interview highlights how tiny adjustments in body position can impact performance in the shortest Olympic swimming event.
Why we like itThis piece offers a fascinating look at the technical nuances of elite swimming, explaining a counterintuitive strategy used by world-class athletes.
Jess Constable returns to ice skating to represent Great Britain
October 1
Coventry skater Jess Constable stopped competing at age 13 but returned to the sport 13 years later to address depression and anxiety during the pandemic. Her therapist suggested finding a hobby to rebuild confidence, leading her to join the Coventry Adult Synchronised Figure Skating Team. Since her return, she has won 11 medals in 14 UK competitions, including a gold at the British Adult National Championships.
Constable is now set to represent Great Britain at the 2026 Swan Challenge in Lake Bled, Slovenia. She describes skating as a driving force for her mental health and notes that while relearning the sport as an adult required adjustment, it has significantly boosted her confidence. Her next major goal is the Winter World Masters Games in Finland in 2028.
Why we like itAn inspiring story of resilience that highlights how returning to a childhood passion can support mental well-being and lead to competitive success.
Dancing With the Stars adds Super Bowl theme night to season 35
October 1
Entertainment Weekly reports that Dancing With the Stars has announced a Super Bowl theme night for its upcoming season 35. This event is described as the first of its kind in the show's history, marking a new direction for the competition's special episodes.
Cosmopolitan confirms that the season 35 lineup also includes a Mariah Carey night. These themed events are designed to highlight specific musical genres and cultural moments through dance performances.
Why we like itFans of the show can look forward to a unique twist on the usual competition format with this historic theme night.
Taylor Hanson eliminated from Dancing with the Stars Yacht Rock Night
September 30
Week 3 of Dancing with the Stars featured a Yacht Rock Night theme, with thirteen couples performing to smooth rock hits. Singer Taylor Hanson and partner Britt Stewart were eliminated from the competition despite receiving a score of 18 out of 30. Judge Derek Hough noted that the performance was Hanson and Stewart's best dance of the season, praising their smoothness and frame.
Figure skater Amber Glenn and partner Pasha Pashkov opened the night with a foxtrot to 'Hold the Line,' earning a score of 24 out of 30. Actor Harry Shum Jr. and partner Jenna Johnson matched that score with a jive to 'You Make My Dreams Come True.' Model Maura Higgins and partner Mark Ballas scored 22 out of 30 with their quickstep to 'Turn Your Love Around.'
Why we like itA quick recap of the latest elimination and standout performances on the popular dance competition.
A 94-year-old water aerobics instructor keeps teaching in Arlington
September 30
NBC DFW profiles a 94-year-old water aerobics instructor in Arlington who is still actively leading classes. The feature highlights the individual's continued involvement in fitness and their remarkable longevity in the profession.
The story serves as a positive-aging feature, showcasing how regular physical activity can support an active lifestyle well into the ninth decade of life. It offers a glimpse into the daily routine of someone who has maintained their passion for teaching and movement for decades.
Why we like itThis is an uplifting positive-aging feature that demonstrates the benefits of staying active and engaged in the community at an advanced age.
An Se-young becomes first to win consecutive Asian Games badminton titles
September 30
South Korea's An Se-young defeated Japan's Yamaguchi Akane 2-0 in the women's singles final at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The victory marks her second consecutive gold medal, a feat no other player has achieved in the event's history. Japanese media outlet Badminton Spirit highlighted the match, noting that while Yamaguchi fought back early in the first set, An Se-young's defensive solidity and stamina proved decisive.
Yamaguchi managed to keep the first set close before fatigue set in, leading to a one-sided second set. After the match, Yamaguchi expressed satisfaction with her performance against the world No. 1. An Se-young's win cements her status as a dominant force in the sport, having previously won the title in Hangzhou in 2022.
Why we like itA compelling sports feature that highlights a historic achievement in badminton and offers insight into the tactical differences between two top players.
How to winterize your pool before the first freeze
September 30
Pool expert Jimmie Meece advises closing your pool when daytime temperatures consistently drop below 65°F to prevent unbalanced water and algae growth. While Labor Day is a common marker for the end of the season, regional weather and falling leaves that clog filtration systems may require earlier action.
The winterization process involves several key steps to protect your investment. You should remove water from pipes, clean the pool, and balance the water chemistry. Additionally, lower the water levels, prepare equipment for winter, blow out the pipes, add antifreeze, and install a winter cover to prevent damage during colder months.
Why we like itA clear, step-by-step guide helps pool owners protect their equipment and avoid costly freeze damage this winter.
Olympic swimmers lead clinic in Baku ahead of World Cup opener
September 30
Olympic medallists Carson Foster, Siobhan Haughey, and Marrit Steenbergen recently visited Baku to lead a swimming clinic for young athletes aged 11 to 15. This initiative, part of the World Aquatics Athletes’ Experience programme, brought high-level coaching to local sports schools and regional clubs in Azerbaijan.
The visit preceded the opening leg of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, which marks the country's first-ever World Aquatics event. The competition launches the three-stop Silk Road Tour from October 1 to 3 at the Aquatic Palace, featuring 216 athletes from 44 nations competing for $1.2 million in prize money and wildcard places for the upcoming World Championships in Beijing.
Why we like itIt highlights a unique opportunity for local youth to train with elite athletes and offers a preview of a major international competition debuting in Azerbaijan.
Tai Chi and Mindfulness May Ease Post-Cancer Symptoms
September 30
The ASCO Post reports on a study suggesting that mindfulness and Tai Chi practices can help improve symptoms experienced by patients after cancer treatment. These gentle activities are highlighted as potential tools for managing the physical and emotional challenges that often follow therapy.
The findings indicate that incorporating these practices into a recovery routine may offer meaningful benefits for well-being. Readers interested in complementary health approaches may find this information useful for supporting their post-treatment care.
Why we like itOffers insight into gentle, low-impact practices that may support recovery and well-being after cancer treatment.
Check with a doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Podcast explores the link between sexual frequency and happiness
September 30
The Globe and Mail’s Happy Enough podcast features an interview between host Garvia Bailey and Amy Muise, a psychology professor at York University. Muise, who directs the Sexual Health and Relationships Lab, discusses why the relationship between sex and well-being is complex rather than a simple equation of more sex leading to better health.
The conversation also addresses why Gen Z reports lower sexual frequency than older generations. Muise challenges the common myth that good sex must be spontaneous, offering a nuanced perspective on how frequency and spontaneity actually impact happiness.
Why we like itThis episode offers a grounded, expert perspective on a common life question, helping listeners understand the nuances of sexual well-being without judgment.
This feature profiles veteran para swimmer Leanne Smith, who continues to set records at the age of 38. The article highlights her unique philosophy, summarized by the phrase 'Happy Is Fast.'
Smith’s story offers a look at how a positive mindset can drive athletic performance in para swimming. It serves as an inspiring example of longevity and joy in the sport.
Why we like itA heartwarming look at how a positive attitude can fuel record-breaking performance in para swimming.
Canadian Living's Weekly Meal Plan for October 4-10
September 30
Canadian Living suggests a seven-day menu designed to simplify dinner planning for the week of October 4-10. The lineup features a mix of comforting classics and lighter options, starting with Apple Butter Chicken simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce on Sunday. Monday offers a hearty bowl of lentils, couscous, mushrooms, and Swiss chard, while Tuesday features a pot pie that repurposes holiday leftovers into a single bite.
The week continues with an Instant Pot turkey and wild rice soup on Wednesday, followed by a quick roasted chicken and broccoli salad on Thursday. Friday brings a sweet touch with Pomegranate Honey Chicken, and the week concludes on Saturday with chocolate-peanut protein squares. Each entry includes a direct link to the full recipe, making it easy to shop and cook.
Why we like itThis plan offers a balanced mix of easy weeknight dinners and creative ways to use leftovers, helping readers save time and reduce food waste.
Zach Littlejohn’s tips for a relaxed Thanksgiving dinner
September 30
Chef and farmer Zach Littlejohn shares his approach to hosting a Thanksgiving feast for 15 to 25 people at his Prince Edward County farm. He emphasizes a seasonal spread featuring roasted squash, Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes, alongside autumn-inspired salads with beets, dried fruits, and high-fat yogurt.
To keep the day enjoyable, Littlejohn recommends doing heavy prep work one or two days in advance, such as deboning and brining the turkey. He suggests buying store-bought cranberry sauce to save time while cooking vegetables from scratch to control seasoning and texture. This method allows hosts to spend more time with guests rather than stuck in the kitchen.
Why we like itA practical guide for anyone looking to streamline their holiday cooking and serve a wholesome, seasonal meal without the stress.
Jenna Forrester breaks Australian 400IM record in Sydney
September 30
Swimming Australia reports that Jenna Forrester set a new national record in the women's 400 individual medley at the Short Course Championships in Sydney. Her time of 4 minutes 28.39 seconds surpassed the previous record held by Leisel Jones, which had stood since 2009.
The 23-year-old Queenslander also secured her second qualifying time for the upcoming World Championships in Beijing. Forrester described the performance as a pleasant surprise, noting that she had come to the event with no specific expectations. This result continues her strong year, which included multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Why we like itA compelling look at a standout performance by a rising Australian swimmer who is making her mark on the international stage.