My first-ever diving lesson ended with a 20-minute cry on the three-metre springboard and then a tearful drive home where I begged my dad not to make me go back. I have three main defences of myself here: I was eight years old, terrified of heights, and there against my[Read More…]
Sports
The latest in McGill and world sports.
McGill basketball hosts double-header home opener
On Nov. 17, the McGill men’s and women’s basketball teams returned to the court for their home opening games against the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM). Martlets vs UQAM 55-48 (L) The Martlets (0–4) opened up the evening’s play against the Citadins (3–0) facing some tough defence from UQÀM’s[Read More…]
Mitchell Miller and hockey culture’s continued failure
Content warning: Racism, ableism, physical assault, bullying What comes to mind when you think of hockey culture? Sexual assault? Hazing? Racism? There is no doubt that the culture of Canada’s game is a travesty to all those it touches. The recent Hockey Canada scandal has provoked an unprecedented level of[Read More…]
The NBA: Notoriously Bad (at) Accountability
From its inception, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has not only been an arena for high-flying hoopers, but also for advocates for equitable sport. The league began as an all-white initiative following the commercialization of the sport in 1946. Black athletes began to be integrated in 1950, but did not[Read More…]
McGill cross-country finishes season strong at U Sports Nationals
On Saturday, Nov. 12, the McGill cross-country team headed east for the U Sports Championship meet in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nicole hitting the area early on Saturday, the weather was absolutely abysmal. Heavy rain and winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour were[Read More…]
The 2022 World Cup and the murky ethics of sports consumption
On Nov. 20, the long-awaited FIFA World Cup will kick off in Qatar. Despite the excitement of fans worldwide, the 2022 World Cup has been rife with intense controversy. Qatar has been accused of devastating human rights violations against the workers who built the stadiums, and the country’s lack of[Read More…]
We are the champions, my friend: Men’s rugby captures first RSEQ title since 2015
On Nov. 4, McGill men’s rugby (6–1) faced off against Ottawa (6–1) in the RSEQ Championship match. With the bitter taste of defeat still lingering in many Redbirds’ mouths from last year’s championship, the team came ready to fight in front of their home crowd of 1,830 fans—the largest crowd[Read More…]
Know Your Athlete: Liam Pantis and Alex Pantis
On the eve of the RSEQ Championship game, I sat down with brothers Liam Pantis and Alex Pantis to talk rugby, brotherhood, and mullets. The Pantis brothers first touched on their sibling bond and the great opportunities that playing together has given them. “Honestly, the best part about playing on[Read More…]
Varsity round-up: What you missed in McGill sports from Nov. 4-6
Rebirds Lacrosse Final: W (v. Queen’s) 13-9, L (v. Western) 12-5 In a stunning comeback victory over the Queen’s Gaels (7–4) on Oct. 28, attacker Cameron McGinnis scored eight goals, setting a new single-game record for McGill. After a week basking in the glory of the win, the Redbirds (8–5)[Read More…]
We’re talking about Fightins!: Inside the Philadelphia Phillies improbable World Series run
On June 3, with a record of 22–29, Joe Girardi was fired from his job as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. Five months later, the Phillies would face off against the domineering Houston Astros in the World Series, culminating in one of baseball’s greatest Cinderella stories. Being an underdog is[Read More…]