History makers, rising stars and remarkable journeys headline this week’s Team of the Week.
Ismail Umar secured Finland’s first senior men’s European boxing medal in 20 years, 13 year old Yu Zidi continued her remarkable Asian Games with another record breaking performance, St Cross Symondians made history with both first teams crowned ECB National T20 Club champions, and Kieron Dyer continues to rebuild his life through football after overcoming a series of major challenges.
St Cross Symondians
A dominant 2026 season at all levels
St Cross Symondians men’s and women’s first teams were crowned ECB National T20 Club champions in a historic first for the club, cricket in Hampshire and the ECB. The club has enjoyed a season of success across its senior and junior sections.
Ismail Umar
Finnish Boxer
Umar guaranteed Finland its first senior men's European boxing medal in 20 years this week after getting the better of Lasha Gagnidze at the European Elite Boxing Championships. Robert Helenius was the last Finn to achieve the feat in 2006. Umar fell to defeat in the semi-final but leaves with an historic bronze medal.
Yu Zidi
Chinese swimming sensation
Thirteen year old Yu Zidi set a new Asian Games record this week in the 400m individual medley, smashing the previous record by nearly 4.5 seconds. Yu had already won gold in the 200m butterfly and 200m individual medley at these Games and is widely tipped to be amongst the medals at LA28. All of this at just 13, wow.
Kieron Dyer
Southend manager and former player
Having gone from the highs of playing for England, through well-publicised personal challenges, to being seriously ill and requiring a life-saving liver transplant, Kieron Dyer has emerged with a renewed appreciation for life and a determination to give back through football. His journey shows that setbacks do not define you; character is revealed by how you respond, rebuild and use your experiences to inspire others. He’s now thriving as manager of National League side, Southend United.
