#his own ability to win and challenge for the championship

[danthropologie]

What’s the retirement theory !?

checo, of his own volition, is going to retire at the end of the year to spend more time with his family

[cheriladycl01]

Could you do fic for Checo Perez with wife reader? He had some insecurity about his abilities to race against the grid and she just hugged and comforted him. Add something else to it if you want to. Tag me later Thanks!! :))

The pressure is insane… - Sergio Perez x Wife! Reader

Plot: Checo replacing Alex was probably the best thing to happen to him in his Formula One career. However, so much pressure comes from being in that second Red Bull seat, not just the team but the fans too, and Checo doesn’t like the pressure on him.

When Checo came into the seat, and performance wasn’t great, people in the team told him it would be fine and to keep his head up because everyone knew he was getting used to how different the Red Bull Car is thanks to Max’s driving style.

But at it came to his second season, and it didn’t seem like things were improving much, Christian kept talking to him, explaining what was expected of him as if he hadn’t already informed him over 100 times.

He was just struggling with a car that was clearly built for their main driver, which is why Pierre crumbled under pressure and it’s why they couldn’t put up with Alex when he didn’t learn the car quick enough for them.

The gave Checo the benefit of the doubt throughout 2022, but when Red Bulls most dominant season came around it was without a doubt that your husband had to step up.

And in your eyes he had, getting two race wins under his belt, but he wasn’t consistent enough for Christian and it seemed that he wanted Checo to be actually challenging Max more.

It got worse when the Ferrari and McLaren started to beat him despite being in the worse car, and it was deemed a ‘driver issue’

Sergio felt awful, for a man who had been racing for as long as he had, he never felt doubtful of his abilities to put on a show and drive to the best of his ability.

But now, in the Red Bull seat, he actually understood the words ‘under pressure’ because he was under it constantly.

“Baby what’s wrong with you, you’ve been jittery all week” you ask your husband who was currently watching over some of his old races with a notepad.

“Hmmm?” He asks not even throwing a glance in your direction.

You knew he wasn’t listening.

“Well I just think that when aliens invade Earth that we should have a bunker ready and prepared so that you and I can help create a new civilisation after the government kill them all …” you say trying to grab a reaction from him.

“Hmmm yeah that’s really nice” he starts but then he looks up and his head cocks to the side as if his brain just processed the words you said. “Wait what?” He asks.

You chuckle and little bit happy to have his attention.

“I just wanted to see if you were listening, I asked what’s been up with you lately” you say softly, taking a seat next to him, reaching over to grab the remote and pause the race he was observing so his full attention was on you.

“Nothing wrong, I’m fine” he lies.

“Hermoso, we’ve been married for 6 years, I know when somethings up” you smile taking his hand into yours and kissing the back of it softly while watching for his reaction.

“I just … nevermind it’s stupid” he sighs looking down.

“None of your feelings are stupid baby, please let me in” you say calmly.

“I just feel like, I’m so singled out on the grid. You’ve got so many amazing drivers and then there’s me. Lewis is a 7x world champion, and and Max my own team mate has won 2, and he’s probably going to win this year by a landslide and then there’s Fernando again he has two championships, and then you’ve got all this new talent in Lando, and Charles and Carlos and now that Oscar is here, it’s getting tough” he admits and you softly smile at him.

“Where have all these doubts come from honey?” You ask, you knew he didn’t think he was the best driver, but he never once compared his abilities to individual drivers.

“Christian said that if I didn’t improve he’d replace me with Yuki, Liam or Daniel and that i might not even get a AlphaTauri seat as a replacement” he says putting his face in his hands with a soft sigh.

You pull him into a hug in which he nuzzles his head into your neck.

You are an incredible driver, there’s just such an insane amount of talent on the grid right now, you being one of them. World champion or not baby, your still one of only 20 drivers in the world that are here! Your a race winner and I’m so proud of everything you’ve done. You are incredible” you smile wrapping your arms around him while you feel him shake a little, presumably where he’s crying.

“Im just awful at it all. Driving, being a husband … you’ve been asking for a baby for 3 years and I keep telling you no because I’m so career focused but I can’t even seem to be good at that career” he complains and you almost laugh.

“Oh honey, I think you forget you are without a doubt the best thing that’s ever happened to me, child or no child. And where you aren’t ready because your at a point in your career that is crucial, I’ll always understand that darling. You are all I need, you are all I want. And I married you because I’m happy with you” you say tightening your hold on him.

“You know, I would never not be ready to have a kid. If you want one, we can have one. I’d never say no” he argues wiping his eyes and looking at you, only for you to release a breath of relief.

“Thank god, that night in Saudi Arabia really stuck” you admit and he cocks his head to the side not understanding. You take his hand and place it on your stomach, there wasn’t much of a bump, but a slight and minuscule weight gain was there. Enough that when he run his hand over your tummy he could feel it.

“Are you saying?” He asks and you nod.

“I know, I know it’s not the right time because your so stressed and I’ve been so nervous to tell you because I know you’ve had a lot on your plate since being in Red Bull and it was such a shock to me” you start to ramble thinking you should have waited.

“No this is the best news ever! This has made my day, my week, my year even!” He smiles before lifting you up and twirling you round.

“I love you�� he says pulling you in for a kiss, happy with life.

And now he didn’t have anything to worry about, as long as he was able to provide for you and your child or children in the future he knew he could handle the pressure because now there was something else riding on it!

A/N: hey guys I didn’t realise tumblr only lets you do 50 tags per post! So I’m not sure what to do about taglist anymore? Any suggestions?

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @daemyratwst @lauralarsen @the-untamed-soul @thewulf @itsjustkhaos @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @summissss @gulphulp @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhhhh @georgeparisole @youcannotcancelquidditch @tallbrownhairsarcastic @ourteenagetragedy @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @dark-night-sky-99 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @laneyspaulding19 @malynn @viennakarma @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @seomako @urdad-hot @tinydeskwriter @ironmaiden1313 @splaterparty0-0 @formula1mount @styl1shl1v

[lewiseb]

something about oscar being so self-assured and optimistic about mclaren's and his own abilities in every single interview saying they can challenge verstappen for wins and perhaps for the championship it ain't over til it's over type of shit while lando has only just managed to make it not sound like he's joking when he says they can win races. and they were team mates

[alwayshappyhoursomewhere]

Compilation of translation snippets I did about interviews published on kiss&cry magazine vol.49, all about Shoma and One Piece on Ice (also posted on twt and here as backup)

Keiji and Koshiro on Shoma:

Keiji: Shoma isn't really Luffy's type, but you can tell that he's trying his best to become Luffy, and that he's enjoying it. He is absorbing more and more and trying to overcome the "wall" of doing moves that he has never done before, moves that are unlike him. When I see that, it makes me want to work even harder.

Koshiro: at the beginning I couldn't imagine Shoma doing Luffy's "full of energy!” movements, so I was like "Do your best (laugh)”, but during rehearsals there were many scenes where I thought, "Oh, it's Luffy! (laugh). I am sure that everyone will be satisfied with Luffy. There are music, dialogue, and people other than himself, so timing is important, but he writes down the flow in his notebook and reviews it. He is taking Luffy really seriously.”

Do you feel any change in Uno since the rehearsals for "One Piece on Ice" started?

Keiji: "Yes, I feel it, he seems to be enjoying it. I think things are going to get harder from now on, but one of the things I'm looking forward to is seeing how Shoma changes as a result of that. I want to be by his side to support him, because he is under the heaviest pressure as the leader.

Shoma’s interview:

How did you feel when you were offered the role?

I have performed to music before, but I’ve never played a story or a character, so at first I thought, "Am I really the right person for this? I was puzzled, but I was happy that they chose me out of so many people. Now that I've been given the job, I will continue to search for what I can do to make it as great as possible, and I will give it my all.

How long did it take you from the time you were offered to the time you decided to appear in the show?

I didn't need think about it for very long. I'm relatively good at figure skating as a sport, as an athlete, and I think I'm doing a good job at it, but I think I'm far from the ideal figure skater that everyone has in their mind. Of course, figure skating is fascinating as a sport in itself, but I think one of its charms is that you focus on one skater and watch their performance and growth, which in a sense is like treating them like idols. I am not good at that part, so I don't know what kind of figure skater I will be when I leave competition someday. I hope that the experience I will gain from One Piece on Ice will give me a clue about that.

Did you get that idea from winning the World Championships for the second time?

There are many reasons, but I think that is one of them. I used to compete with my eyes fixed on the ‘top’, but now that I've achieved results, I asked myself, "What do I want to do next?”, and I thought that I wanted to embody more strongly the charm of figure skating. I have been able to do things my own way in both competitions and ice shows, and that will never change, but I've also started to think that I want to show the audience what they want to see. One Piece on Ice is a show in which I play a character that I’ve never played before, and that’s a new challenge for me. I would like to develop my ability of expression, where I feel I am lacking the most.

Do you feel more "excited" or "pressured" in anticipation of this new challenge?

I would say it's 6:4 in favor of anxiety (bitter smile). Of course I am very much looking forward to it, but I am not sure how much of my accumulated experience I will be able to put to use. I think that because fans love "ONE PIECE" so much, they will look at it more harshly than non-fans when it is adapted into something other than a manga or anime. I am a fan myself, so I understand how they feel. I know I can't satisfy all of them, but I still hope that I can show them something as good as possible.

In "ONE PIECE ON ICE", the " Alabasta Arc" will be depicted. Do you have a favorite scene?

I have read the Alabasta Arc many times. I think my favorite scene is the story of Crocodile and Bibi, and my favorite part of the story is when Bibi faces various conflicts and stands up to protect what he wants to protect with a strong heart. It makes me think about a lot of things."

Your rinkmate from Champéry, Switzerland, Koshiro Shimada, plays the role of Sanji. Have you talked to him about being cast in the show?

I was really happy he was cast. I think Koshiro likes "One Piece" the most out of all the skaters, and back when the rest of the cast had not yet been decided, I had hoped that he would be cast, so I was happy when he was chosen to play the role. He has very long legs just like Sanji. Koshiro also said, "For the first time, I appreciated the length of my legs" (Laughs). I believe that Koshiro-kun is good at playing characters, so I am not worried about anything.

What do you think you and Luffy have in common?

I am not the kind of person who can make people smile like Luffy, so our personalities are far apart. The only thing we have in common is that we both like meat (laughs).

I thought that Luffy's proactive attitude toward difficulties seems to overlap with yours.

I think that a life without difficulties would be boring. In order to get something that you think is unattainable you have to practice a lot, and then you finally get it, and that's when you feel happy and satisfied, I think. So, I am forcing myself to say this, but I would be happy if I could compare myself with Luffy in that way.

You mentioned that in your figure skating programs, you express the melody or sound itself, not the story behind the music. This time, you will be playing a character in a story with a plot, how do you approach it?

I've never really done this before... Fortunately, it's a work that I know well and love, but I'm not sure how I'll be able to express myself in it... I don't know. I think my job will be to take the intentions of the director, Ms. Kahori Kanaya, and the choreographer, Mr. Kenji Miyamoto, and see how faithfully I can reproduce them. I can't see the whole picture yet, but I will just give it my all and do my best.

Knowing there will be many people who don't usually watch figure skating, what do you want to convey to them?

"I think it is important to reproduce the ideal of Mr. Kahori and Mr. Kenji, in terms of the distinctive appeal of figure skating. I hope to be able to show no less than what they envisioned, but it's really unknown.... First of all, I would like to concentrate on the daily training in front of me.

Thank you very much. Finally, do you have a message for the fans who are going to see "One Piece on Ice"?

I don't know how I will be feeling right before the show, but I may be more nervous than at the Olympics or the World Championships (laugh). Because this is something I don't usually do, I am sure I will feel things like anxiety and impatience, but I hope that I will be able to feel a sense of accomplishment as I take on this challenge with all my might. And on top of that, I would like to polish my expressiveness. think this will be a new challenge for all the performers. I hope we can all work together to create a good show, so please come and see it."

from Kenji Miyamoto’s interview:

How do you work on the choreography?

I listen to the scene Kanaya-san [t/n: the director] wants to create, think about how to incorporate it into the skating on the spot, and improvise the choreography. If there is a difference from Kanaya's image, she will politely explain to me that she wants me to reduce the speed more, or that her image of the emotion is different, so she is very helpful.

Shoma Uno plays the main character, Luffy. What do you see as the similarities between the two of them?

"Maybe that he walks in a straight line towards the goal. He doesn't give up, doesn't compromise, keeps his eyes on one point and pushes forward. This is my impression of Shoma's usual practice, and I think the same can be said for Luffy.

How is Shoma Uno doing?

He is trying his best. From the choreography on the ground (off-ice?), he is moving his body as hard as he can, almost to the point of falling down, as if he were trying to reach his limit. I also feel that his facial expressions are becoming more expressive, so I am looking forward to seeing his growth in the future.

I watched the rehearsal of the "rebel dance scene". What did you pay attention to?

“It's a choreography full of speed that conveys the sense of dynamism that is unique to skating. Also, the rebels led by Koza share the same anger, so I was particular about expressing that they seem to be moving separately, but on the other hand, they are somehow in sync with each other. We also expressed the battle scene and the emotions of the characters in the center of gravity shift and edge work of the skating.

[hirocimacruiser]

Telefonica Dakar Rally 2004

Nissan's second year in the Dakar Rally was a "challenge to return." Led by Ari Vatanen (Finland), a four-time Dakar Rally winner, the team also added Giniel de Villiers (South Africa) and Colin McRae (Great Britain), a top athlete in the World Rally Championship (WRC), and pushed the Nissan pickup to its limits. Vatanen achieved 50 wins in the Dakar Rally's SS (special stage). Both de Villiers and McRae completed the race, and Nissan's challenge continued into 2005.

Nissan's Dakar project enters its second year

Former WRC champion McRae was welcomed to the team. This showed that this year's rally was a challenge in terms of "speed". In addition, there was the stable Vatanen, Loupe, and the rising star De Villiers. In order to develop Japanese drivers, Yoshio Ikemachi and Atsushi Mitsuhashi were welcomed from the two-wheel team and competed in the T1 (production car) class. Yves Roubaix (France, Nissan Pickup) was forced to withdraw for the first time due to electrical problems.

Although there was unexpected trouble that forced them to retire on the 1st, the efforts of each team member to fulfill their assigned role to the best of their ability were inspiring. Just as the nightmare of the desert and the joy of reaching the finish line at Lac Rose seemed to be fading away, McRae, who had competed in the Dakar Rally for the first time and had many hardships, spoke again about the following.

"I will challenge the Dakar again next year with a Nissan Pickup.

This year's rally gave me confidence. I can win the Dakar with Nissan! I believe that without a doubt.

I’m here.”

Nissan Works' 2004 Dakar Rally started on an exciting note. In the European stage at Castellon (Spain), De Villier took the top time in the 9km 35 (race section), demonstrating his speed to the passionate Spanish fans. After crossing the Straits of Gibraltar, in the first African stage, Vatanen, who has won the Dakar Rally four times, achieved his long-cherished dream of winning 50 special stage races in total. In his second year back in the desert with Nissan, De Villier set a new personal record.

Nissan Pickup Runs Hot as Records are Breaking

"I had wanted to achieve this feat in the Dakar, but I'm happy to achieve my 50th victory at the start of the African stage."

Vatanen is, of course, the most successful driver in the Dakar Rally. Next is F1 and Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx (Belgium), who has 29 wins. The record he achieved in a Nissan Pickup is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.

Since Nissan decided to challenge the Dakar Rally in 2003, Ari Vatanen has become a symbol of Nissan. He has always been a figure of attention, and still shows top-class driving. In 2004, Colin McRae's participation in the Dakar Rally increased the attention of the British media. The Nissan Pick Up attracted attention from all over the world. The trio of Vatanen, McRae, and de Villiers fought a high-speed battle in the desert against Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution, BMW X5, Volkswagen Race Touareg, and Schlesser Buggy. They attacked boldly. Vatanen lost a lot of time after getting splashed while crossing a river in Morocco, but the next day he started from 90th place and finished 7th in the stage. He overtook more than 80 slower cars with the speed of a veteran to complete the stage.

PIC CAPTIONS opening page

Taking advantage of last year's success, the Nissan team's top-flight teammate, G. de Villiers, took the lead on the 7th. This South African challenger held off the unreasonable Bush and drove the car to the finish line.

Ikemachi won his class in his first attempt at a four-wheeled vehicle. He brought a ray of hope to the Nissan team, who were generally forced to make difficult decisions. He demonstrated the durability of the machine and the effectiveness of the training program. And he showed Ikemachi's own potential.

____________________________________________________

It surprised everyone.

McRae also mastered the dune running and became a "Peterran"

"There were times when we were catching up with Sel and Masuoka," he said. But the "three days of hell" were about to begin for the Nissan Works team. After troubles occurred in succession in the eighth and ninth stages, Vatanen and McRae were still stuck in the desert by the evening of the 9th. The team was worried. If things continued like this, both would have to retire. However, the rally was being watched by a gang of bandits (the Malian anti-government group).

The team was warned by intelligence sources that the Mobuchi stage was likely to be occupied by the French army, and decided to move on to the next stage via Bamako. It's not over yet. The deadline is 6pm on the 12th, the rest day.

At the time the announcement was made, the two Nissan Pick Ups, excluding de Villiers, were still stranded in the desert.

Two Nissan cars, two big names in particular, won

Whether or not you can wear it within the time limit. That is the maximum for rest days.

It became a hot topic. Two days passed, and the 12th came.

The team believed in them and waited patiently. McRae arrived around 3pm, and Vatanen arrived after 4pm, welcomed by the press as if they had won. Their rally wasn't over yet. The two started the next morning without a rest day. However... Vatanen was driving too hard and was bounced over a gap and crashed into a tree. He was finally out of the race.

McRae, who remained, never gave up on his "challenge for speed" until the very end, setting the fastest time on the final day.

He was able to demonstrate his ability.

Speed in the Moroccan desert, perseverance, teamwork and excitement from Mali to Burkina Faso. The second year of the Dakar has taught us many things. And it has fired up our enthusiasm for the next step. Nissan's challenge in the desert continues.

PIC CAPTIONS 2nd page

What did former WRC champion C. McRae think of the Dakar Rally? Despite struggling with problems, he quickly adapted to the machine and the environment, and finished in 20th place.

The team staff supported the intense race from behind the scenes. Including the support truck, more than 60 crew members assisted the driver with a perfect backup system.

The 2004 car has undergone significant evolution, including in terms of aerodynamics. Japan's NISMO also assisted in its development, and the car is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 VQ35 engine, and its appearance racing through the sand dunes is truly that of a "desert GT car."

For the four-time champion desert hero, his seventh place finish last year was just the beginning. But just as he was coming off a record 50 Special Stage wins, this disappointing result came.

___________________________________________________

NISSAN DAKAR RALLY CHALLENGE

Japanese rookie entry record

● Yoshio Ikemachi

A patient drive leads to class victory

Born in 1971, he is 32 years old. In the 2000 motorcycle race, he achieved the highest ranking of any Japanese rider, finishing 10th overall. He made his first appearance in the T1 class with a Nissan Patrol (known as the Safari in Japan) and led the team to a splendid victory.

Rather than being happy about winning the class,

I felt like I had completed the race. The commercially available T1 class Patrol (known as the Safari in Japan) that I drove was durable but heavy, and the regulations required a small intake restrictor, so it was a tough situation. I had to endure throughout the race. Supporting the Nissan team's T2 machine, a higher class, was also an important part of my job, so I aimed to finish the race trouble-free and come third in the class. I could have actually driven faster, but I had to endure being overtaken and was patient even when there was a car a little slower than me in front of me.

But on a rest day, I was suddenly told, "I'm going to give you another task. Aim to win."

This was my first time in the Paris-Dakar Rally on a four-wheeled vehicle, and I learned that mental strength is more important with four-wheeled vehicles than with two-wheeled vehicles. I was taught a lot by an experienced navigator, and we started out as teacher and student relationships, but once we were able to communicate well, I was able to concentrate on driving.

To me, the navigator was like a reliable older brother.

Of course, my goal is not to be satisfied with winning the T1 class, but to compete in the T2 class and achieve good results. I want to participate in the actual race again as soon as possible and try to improve myself again.

I would like to test the power of the T2

Jun Mitsuhashi: I found possibilities in the midst of hardships

Born in 1970, he is 33 years old. With the experience of participating in the Dakar Rally for three consecutive years, he participated in his first four-wheeled vehicle race in a Nissan Pathfinder (known as the Terrano in Japan). Although he was confused by the difference with two-wheeled vehicles, he showed outstanding speed in every scene.

The two-wheeled race was held on an individual basis, but

The team is incomparably larger.

Especially the Dossudo Chi that I joined.

The team (France) was the largest team participating in the Rally-Dakar, so I really felt that. My impression of my first time participating in a four-wheeled vehicle was that I had to use my brain a lot while driving. My mind was always working at full speed while driving. Since I was always with the navigator in the car, it felt strange to say the least in the pre-drive tests. It may sound strange, but it felt like two people were in the same bathroom. But as I got used to it and our communication improved, I was able to look at the road in front of me and concentrate only on driving fast. In the end, the clutch wouldn't disengage before I crossed the sand dunes, and I couldn't change gears and had to retire. Since I didn't finish the race, this year's Rally-Dakar ended in an incomplete way for me. Still, I was able to drive as I had aimed and improve my position, and I also gained some benefits, such as being able to drive on an equal footing with the top group on the high-speed stages in Morocco.

I was able to test all of my strategies in real combat.

I wanted to make a move in the next marathon stage, but I flipped my car over and damaged the radiator, so I couldn't run as I wanted. My goal is to win the overall championship, so I want to practice with a fast T2 class car soon.

[batsplat]

Pecco and Pedro are probably the people who more than anyone else want to beat Marc. Pecco because he is forced to do it for a matter of survival, his bet next year is to be able to win against Marc with the same bike. Pedro wants to win the first world championship with Marc in MotoGP, even better if he wins it against him, because of course that’s what he wants. I MotoGP your teammate is your first enemy, as surreal as it is, it would be more likely to see Pecco and Pedro helping each other (which would be unlikely anyway because they aren’t the type of people who do that) than one of them helping their teammate , especially if it's Marc. If anything Marc and Pecco have to be intelligent enough to at least not take each other out Portimao style, because in that case there will be someone behind them ready to bite

so I'm going to jump in right away by saying, I know this ask acknowledges it's unlikely but, yeah, pedro and pecco will not be helping each other in any meaningful sense - because they are both serious challengers to each other and they know it. sometimes, riders can be known to help non-team members in fairly small low-key ways (see in this post valentino accusing marc of deliberately towing ducati riders to get them ahead of his actual rivals in brno 2014). for both pecco and pedro, marc is definitely the bigger focus, but they are both perfectly aware of the danger the other poses, and will not be inclined to treat each other as anything other than an active threat

that being said! of course pecco has already nicely demonstrated this season that he does approach his marc fights differently than he does those with other riders (which is broadly the correct and smart thing to do, even if the specifics can be critiqued). portimao even gave us the direct comparison between pecco/pedro and pecco/marc! part of it, yes, will just be an element of self-preservation - marc is now back to being a major roadblock for winning any future championships, and he'll be in pecco's house so will of course require... extra attention. apart from that, it absolutely would be the most meaningful way pecco could win a championship, by beating the famous marc marquez on equal machinery... nobody has done that before, and it would instantly dispel any remaining doubts about pecco's ability and cement his legacy as one of the greats of the sport. he wants to beat marc so badly because marc is one of the two riders he's always been chasing... and marc's absence has left all the young pretenders in this odd place where they've taken the crown but don't quite believe it's theirs yet. (just to say this again, I personally don't share the view that marc's absence diminishes those titles in any way, but it is of course interesting when the riders themselves have these insecurities.) there was that interview from early-ish last year where pecco talked about some of his personal limitations and how he views his own status in the sport:

fascinating, isn't it? of course, I'm sure a second title will have helped to some extent in making him feel a little more entitled to that status in the sport - but this is not the kind of thing valentino or casey or jorge or marc ever would have said. there's a self-consciousness to pecco, an awareness of his uncertain, shaky journey to the top of the sport, how he's fully cognisant of how different he is to those names... which can be a problem at times - delusion is an athlete's life blood, and while the level headed insight pecco expresses here is arguably admirable, it is not necessarily helpful for him as a champion. on the other hand, sometimes lacking a little in the delusion department can be a good thing if it allows you to deliberately improve yourself, pushed on by the knowledge that you still have a long way to go... pecco's biggest self-inflicted wounds have tended to come when he's at his most comfortable - you can theorise about why this happens, but maybe that striver mindset is exactly what he needs to keep him going. it's still quite the admission to describe his 2022 season as more incomplete than either valentino or marc's title runs. (mind you, it's arguably even less complete a season than some of their misses - of course with valentino you have the obvious ones, but did you know that marc scored an average of 13.44 points in 2015 vs pecco's average of 13.25 in 2022? obvious caveat that in 2015 there were considerably fewer competitive bikes and barely any capable of regularly challenging for race wins.) the need to prove himself is always there with pecco... it keeps peaking through with him, and it absolutely peaks through in his approach to marc. yes, yes, acosta is the future, jorge martin has been his title rival more recently... but of course, beating marc would be special. do you think pecco ever dreamed that of it? do you think he really believed that he could before he was already premier class champion? with most champions, you would say it's likely. with pecco, I'm not quite so sure

as for pedro, yeah, obviously, that's just the cycle continuing lol. deeply curious what those two regularly competing at the sharp end of races looks like. pedro has kinda kept his distance, isn't that much of a marc fan himself... when he talks inspirations he tends to bring up schwantz, stoner, pedrosa, and of course rossi

schwantz is far from an unusual pick amongst riders, though as the years pass perhaps gradually more so - it certainly reveals an appreciation for the history of the sport. as do the other choices, in a way... let's not forget that acosta was eight years old when casey retired. of course back in the day casey and dani themselves got plenty of criticism for how 'boring' they were - that's just how these things go! nobody's ever nostalgic for the present etc etc

pedro did also talk last year about how the public wants celebrations and rivalries, critiquing how friendly riders are nowadays and saying people want battles like jorge/dani, valentino/marc, and so on (full clip here)

heartwarming: global number of people who still care about the valentino/sete rivalry is now confirmed at 2 (two)

obviously, you can't just go out and manufacture feuds because you're feeling like it, and pedro's had a pretty quiet rookie season in that sense. but once he feels like he's settled in and can challenge the infamous marc marquez in an actual title fight? on the basis of this rhetoric, you'd at least hope he's not going to be too shy in taking on the challenge. of course he too wants to beat marc more than anyone else... again, it's a question of legacy, how pedro clearly situates himself within the same lineage as both valentino and marc - even if personally he aspires to be more of a successor to the former than the latter. always better to take the crown for yourself, right? this is a kid who's clearly into the history of the sport and is already determined to make himself a big part of that story... weaving himself into that narrative by taking on a legend of the past, taking on the task of disposing with that legend himself. plus, given pedro is so aware of that history - he knows that what people remember are the rivalries. he wants some of that for himself! it'll be interesting to see how proactive he'll be in making that happen, certainly seems like an enterprising young lad

anyhow, yes, plenty of potential for both of those dynamics. and yes, they do very much want to beat marc - but if we're talking about who wants to beat him the most, jorge martin probably deserves a mention right around now. does have to be said that something dumb like the portimao thing is costing pecco and marc this year. it's kind of gone under given the sheer bucketloads of points all the title contenders are throwing away, but pecco would be eight not eighteen points behind in the standings if he had settled for sixth in portimao, and for marc it would be twenty four rather than thirty five points if he'd backed out of the move and had another go on the next lap. relatively unlikely to make a difference at the end of the season... though for mr title decider pecco bagnaia, it sure might be! I did joke about making the pecco/marc portimao thing tradition, but generally speaking two top riders crashing each other out isn't that common a thing, and it's pretty..? rare? that it's the same two riders on multiple occasions? I'm drawing a bit of a blank here, to be honest... then again, title contenders do seem to crash rather more than they used to (admittedly they also have a lot of opportunities now) - so maybe this is going to become a more regular occurrence. but what is more likely to happen is that when you have two competitive riders on the same bike, they do run the risk of taking turns stealing points from each other at the circuits where their bike is at its best. I think pecco and marc can probably minimise this given what a good all-round bike the ducati is across a range of different circuits, and also given that as individual riders they do at least seem to be reasonably distinct in what their strongest and weakest tracks are. all in all, I kind of doubt they'll cost each other like that next year... though admittedly if portimao is anything to go by I may be tempting fate

[dystini]

Indycar Driver Lore

Indycar Driver Lore Masterlist

Marcus John Armstrong

Birthdate: July 29, 2000 Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand Residence: London, UK/Indianapolis, indiana Height/Weight: 5’9”/130lbs

Rookie Year: 2023

Team: Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR)

Follow him on: Instagram Twitter

Career Stats

2023: Chip Ganassi Racing #11 (road and street courses only)

The Side Pod (with Callum Ilott) on You Tube Screaming Meals (with Clement Novalak and James Harvey Blair) on You Tube Screaming Meals on Twitch Screaming Meals on Instagram

Past Racing

2017: Italian Formula 4 - 1st overall ADAC Formula 4 - 2nd overall Toyota Racing Series - 4th overall

2018: FIA Formula 3 European Championship - Prema Theodore Racing -5th Overall Toyota Racing Series - 3rd overall

2019: FIA Formula 3 - Prema Racing - 2nd Overall Toyota Racing Series - 2nd overall

2020: FIA Formula 2 - ART Grand Prix - 13th overall

2021: FIA Formula 2 - DAMS - 13th overall

2022: FIA Formula 2 - Hitech Grand Prix - 13th overall

His father owns Armstrong's, a major car dealership chain in NZ

Has two older half-brothers, a younger sister, and a younger brother

Started karting in NZ at 10 years old, winning multiple national titles

Member of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2017 - 2021

Finished second in the 2019 Formula 3 championship standings driving for Prema

Multiple race winner and podium sitter in Formula 2

Was Lundgaard's teammate in F2 in 2020

Pescatarian (and very vocal about it)

Drinks a lot of espresso

Has a video podcast called Screaming Meals co-hosted with his childhood friend James and F2 driver Clement Novalak, with an offshoot called The Sidepod that he hosts with Callum Ilott

Lived with Callum in Italy when they were both Ferrari Driver Academy members

Speaks Italian, but will only do so after a few drinks

Hobbies are going to the gym, listening to podcasts, going to restaurants, and watching American football

Used to be an avid cyclist, but gave it up due to it keeping his weight too low and causing problems with his ability to handle the car

Has a serious issue placing bets with his friends, to the extent that he had to pay to take fellow F2 driver Jehan Daruvala on vacation because he owed him so much money from lost bets

Scott Dixon was his childhood hero, and Kimi Räikkönen was his favorite F1 driver as a kid

Hates video games

Doesn’t like animals, but loves children

Iconic/memorable moments Indycar: Marcus Armstrong At IndyCar Spring Training New Indy Car Driver Marcus Armstrong about the Grand Prix of St Pete OVER THE WALL // ACURA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH Marcus Armstrong Long Beach Preview Marcus Armstrong Post Qualifications Marcus Armstrong rocked up to Turn 1 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to see what 235mph looks like… Callum and Marcus chat during pre-season testing:

F2 and earlier: F2 Speed Date: Marcus Armstrong The Wet Head Challenge HOW TO BECOME A FERRARI DRIVER, A CONVERSATION WITH MARCUS ARMSTRONG F2 DRIVER | Sector 1 Marcus Armstrong Interview | Sky Speed Marcus Armstrong: All the way from New Zealand Keeping it cool at Prema “Michael Shakespeare”: Bullying from Callum and James: Marcus wins “best late lunge” award from F2: Marcus Armstrong Once Said…: Marcus absolutely annoying the shit out of Arthur Leclerc during a virtual GP: F2 Speed Date (2020): Marcus sings “Rocket Man”: Marcus attempting to be sweet with Callum, who is absolutely not having it:

Doing fast laps around Goodwood in his dad’s car: 16-year-old Marcus talks about leaving home to move to Europe alone: Clem Novalak loves Marcus: He likes pineapple on pizza: Interesting content:

Marcus is a self-proclaimed "lover not a fighter". He's known to be very friendly and approachable, with a significant portion of the Formula 2 grid mentioning that he was the driver they got on with best in the paddock during his time there. His results in F2 were mixed, moving teams in 3 successive years, as he sometimes had difficulty getting to grips with the F2 car and tyres, however it’s generally agreed that his midfield championship positions during his F2 tenure aren’t an accurate reflection of his genuine ability and talent. Multiple Ganassi team members (including the boss) have commented on how impressed they are by his raw speed, work ethic, and attitude since his arrival in IndyCar. Marcus himself has already talked about how much more enjoyable the Indy car is to drive and how much fun he’s having now after several years of struggling with the notoriously difficult F2 car. He also appears to be getting on well with his CGR teammates and in particular has talked about how much he likes Marcus Ericsson.

He moved to London in early 2022 after spending several years living near Ferrari’s HQ in Maranello, Italy, and is known to enjoy city nightlife, being a big fan of wine. He’s a major foodie who likes taking photos of good food almost as much as he enjoys complaining about bad food. He is known to be determined to the point of stubbornness, causing himself permanent damage to his knee during a half-marathon due to refusing to stop when he was in pain. He had a low attendance record at school due to focusing on his racing career and moving to Europe at the age of 14, and as such, although he’s not unintelligent he’s known to be somewhat lacking in general knowledge (such as thinking Shakespeare’s first name was Michael). However, he has the characteristically Kiwi dry, sarcastic sense of humor and very much enjoys mutual teasing and banter with his close friends, something that’s often on display in the Screaming Meals podcasts.

Fanfic Lore

Usually paired with Callum Ilott, or F2 driver Clement Novalak due to their extremely close and physically affectionate friendship - was Clem’s teammate during their karting days, and has said that they talk every day while he’s in the US Likes to tease Callum and wind him up to his face, but often calls him his best mate and praises him when he’s not around. However Callum rarely (if ever) reciprocates the latter, probably due to his intense Britishness Good friends with multiple drivers from various series, including Juan Manuel Correa, Jüri Vips, Guanyu Zhou, Nick Cassidy, Max Fewtrell and Felipe Drugovich Also has a tendency to “adopt” younger drivers and refer to them as “little bro”, including Jak Crawford and Dino Beganovic Has said on several occasions that he doesn’t wear underwear, and also shaves his legs (and possibly elsewhere, having claimed that he is “hairless from the eyebrows down”) Claims he can’t tell the difference between someone being nice to him and someone flirting with him

credit for most of this post to @whitewindhowl and friends

[ozzyscollectiblehub]

Cassius Clay at the 1960 Olympics: The Dawn of a Legend

Before he was known as Muhammad Ali, the world’s most celebrated boxer was a young man named Cassius Clay, a 6-foot-3-inch powerhouse from Louisville, Kentucky. The 1960 Rome Olympics marked the beginning of his meteoric rise to global fame, where he showcased not only his exceptional talent but also the charisma and confidence that would define his illustrious career.

The Journey to Rome: A Young Boxer on the Rise

Cassius Clay was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He began boxing at the age of 12 after his bicycle was stolen, and he vowed to “whup” the thief. Under the guidance of Joe Martin, a local police officer and boxing coach, Clay quickly honed his skills and began to dominate the amateur boxing scene. By the time he was 18, he had already won two national Golden Gloves titles and two Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships.

His impressive amateur record earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic boxing team for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Despite his success, Clay was still relatively unknown outside of the United States. However, that would soon change.

The Rome Olympics: A Star is Born

The 1960 Olympics was Cassius Clay’s first appearance on the international stage, and he was determined to make the most of it. Competing in the light heavyweight division, Clay quickly became one of the most talked-about athletes in Rome. His speed, footwork, and lightning-quick reflexes set him apart from his competitors. But it wasn’t just his physical abilities that caught the world’s attention — his personality and confidence were equally magnetic.

Clay’s path to the gold medal was anything but easy. In his first match, he faced off against Belgian boxer Yvon Becaus, winning by unanimous decision. He continued his dominant performance in the quarterfinals, defeating Gennadi Shatkov of the Soviet Union, a former Olympic champion, in another unanimous decision.

In the semifinals, Clay squared off against Australian Tony Madigan, a tough opponent who had previously fought Clay twice in amateur bouts, with each winning once. However, in Rome, Clay’s superior speed and agility earned him a hard-fought victory, setting the stage for the gold medal match.

The Gold Medal Match: A Defining Moment

The final bout for the light heavyweight gold medal took place on September 5, 1960, with Cassius Clay facing off against Zbigniew Pietrzykowski of Poland, a highly experienced and skilled boxer. Pietrzykowski had won numerous European championships and was widely considered one of the best boxers in the world.

The match was a test of Clay’s mettle. Pietrzykowski’s awkward, unorthodox style posed significant challenges, and the Polish boxer managed to win the first round. However, Clay, displaying the resilience and adaptability that would become his trademark, adjusted his strategy. In the second round, he began to find his rhythm, using his speed to outmaneuver Pietrzykowski and landing a series of powerful punches.

By the third round, Clay was in full control, overwhelming Pietrzykowski with his relentless attack. The judges awarded Clay the victory in a 5–0 decision, making him the Olympic light heavyweight champion. As the referee raised his hand in victory, the world was introduced to a new kind of athlete — one who combined skill, showmanship, and an unwavering belief in his own greatness.

Beyond the Olympics: The Rise of Muhammad Ali

Winning the gold medal in Rome was a pivotal moment in Cassius Clay’s life. It not only cemented his status as one of the best amateur boxers in the world but also laid the foundation for his professional career. Upon returning to the United States, Clay was celebrated as a national hero. However, the racial tensions of the time also presented challenges, as Clay, like many African American athletes of the era, faced discrimination and segregation.

Undeterred, Clay turned professional later that year and quickly began making a name for himself in the boxing world. In 1964, he won the heavyweight championship of the world by defeating Sonny Liston, an upset that shocked the sports world. Shortly after, Clay announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, beginning a new chapter in his life and career.

Legacy: The Birth of a Legend

The 1960 Olympics was more than just a sporting event for Cassius Clay — it was the stage on which a legend was born. His performances in Rome showcased not only his incredible boxing talent but also the charisma, confidence, and sense of destiny that would define his career.

Clay’s Olympic victory was a precursor to a career that would see him become one of the most influential athletes in history. As Muhammad Ali, he transcended the sport of boxing, becoming a global icon and a symbol of courage, conviction, and social justice. The young man who captured the world’s attention in Rome went on to inspire millions, not just as a boxer, but as a champion of human rights and a voice for the voiceless.

The 1960 Olympics will always be remembered as the moment when the world first met Cassius Clay — the man who would become “The Greatest.”

[bestepisode]

The top 8 episodes from each season will move on to the next round.

Vote on the second half of the season here!

Episode descriptions are under the cut.

Welcome to Republic City

Seventy years after the events concluding Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang has died and the Order of the White Lotus discovers the new Avatar, Korra, in the Southern Water Tribe. By the age of 17, Korra has mastered the elements of water, earth, and fire, but has not yet been able to airbend. Kept under lock and key by White Lotus for her own protection, she is frustrated by her isolation from the rest of the world, and eagerly anticipates completing her training with Master Tenzin, the son of Katara and Aang, and the only airbending master. However Tenzin also serves on the council of the United Republic (a new fifth nation created by Avatar Aang and Firelord Zuko in the period between the two series) and civil unrest in the capital, Republic City, forces him to postpone her training. Unwilling to live under the strict confines of her life with the White Lotus anymore, Korra absconds from her compound on her massive polar bear-dog Naga and stows away on a vessel bound for Republic City, a bustling and rapidly modernizing capital of world affairs. After a clash with local triads, she is arrested by Lin Beifong, head of Republic City's metalbending police force and the daughter of Toph, until Tenzin bails her out and allows her to stay with him. Meanwhile, antagonist 'Amon' is identified as the leader of the anti-bender "Equalist" movement--the movement's numbers are swiftly swelling due to inequities between benders and non-benders and its extremist militant arm is beginning to kidnap benders whose fates are initially unknown.

A Leaf in the Wind

Frustrated by her continued inability to bend air, Korra visits Republic City's pro-bending arena against Tenzin's wishes. There, she befriends Bolin and Mako, two brothers on the "Fire Ferrets" pro-bending team. Filling in for their absent third member Korra initially suffers due to her inexperience, but wins the match using airbending principles. Tenzin, impressed, allows Korra to stay on the team.

The Revelation

Trying to collect money for their pro-bending fees, Bolin is recruited by the Triple Threat Triads, but they are all abducted by the Equalists. At an Equalist rally, Amon demonstrates his ability to permanently remove the bending powers of the captive gangsters, but Mako and Korra rescue Bolin before Amon can do the same to him.

The Voice in the Night

Republic City Councilman Tarrlok creates a task force to capture Amon, and eventually recruits the reluctant Korra. Mako gains a paramour in Asami Sato, the daughter of industrialist Hiroshi Sato, who sponsors the Fire Ferrets in the competition. After some success on the task force, Korra challenges Amon to a duel. She is ambushed and captured by Equalists, but Amon, not wishing to make her a martyr, does not take away her bending but implies that he will eventually do so. Shortly after, Tenzin finds her, deeply traumatized and terrified as a consequence of the attack.

The Spirit of Competition

Mako courts Hiroshi's daughter, Asami, much to the annoyance of Korra, who spends an evening with Bolin instead. Later, she kisses Mako, upsetting Bolin and the Fire Ferrets' chances in the championship. By the end of the episode, the Fire Ferrets forgive each other and advance to the championship match against the three-time defending champions, the popular and highly arrogant Wolfbats.

And the Winner Is...

Amon threatens to attack the pro-bending arena if the Council does not cancel the championship, but Chief Lin Beifong promises to protect the stadium. The Wolfbats win the match by bribing the referees to ignore foul play. After the match is over, the Equalists, having infiltrated the arena in force, neutralize Chief Beifong's metalbenders using electric gloves, and Amon strips the Wolfbats of their bending abilities before a shocked crowd. Korra and Beifong free themselves and fight the Equalists, but the Equalists escape in an airship and the arena is heavily damaged in the fray.

[girlscientist1]

Rambling about "Challengers"

Spoilers for the movie

One thing I loved about the movie "Challengers" is how it portrays the kind of personality you need to make it in professional sports. Tashi, Patrick and Art start out as three talented tennis players, but only Art actually goes anywhere in the sport, because he's the only one who passes the marshmallow test.

It's interesting that, throughout the movie, Tashi and Patrick both treat Art somewhat contemptuously. Patrick thinks that Art can't beat him. He ends up telling Tashi that "Art is ready to be dead." Tashi keeps putting Art's ability to win down. And yet... Art is the only one who had enough patience to put in the work to get to the top.

Patrick decides to turn pro right out of High School. He seems to think that he's going to take the world by storm because he won the Junior championship, and then he blames everyone and everything around him when success doesn't come.

Tashi has just enough patience to enroll in university to get a degree, but in her conversation in the dining hall with Art (during their first year) she has already decided to drop out to turn pro. Then she has her accident, but she doesn't have enough patience to recover and re-injures herself. Later, she tells Art that she could have killed someone for a recovery like his, but she sabotaged her own recovery. We don't even hear if she gets her degree. Based on what she says on her date with Art ("turns out my only skill is hitting a ball with a racket") it looks like she doesn't.

Art has enough patience to get a coach, to work on his game, and he's the only one who manages to win the great championships that the three of them were dreaming of when they were teenagers. He can see that Tashi is making bad decisions when she's playing tennis with an injured knee. No doubt, he followed his doctor's advice scrupulously when he was hurt.

His fault, maybe, is that he has too much patience. He needs love and support to make it through his last season, but the two people he's loved the longest (not commenting on his relationship with his daughter, that we don't see much of) are too jealous of his success to behave like good friends/partners.

[sullustangin]

Fluffy February Day 18: Glide

Fandom: SWTOR

Time: 7.0

Pairing:  more family fluff, though there’s background Theron/Smuggler

Words:  ~760

~~

 Manaan – absolute favorite track for Theron. Repulsorlifts functioned differently over water than they did over sand or durasteel or duracrete.  There was more ability to glide and lean into turns, moments where by not going full-throttle, the one who went with the waves got ahead.  There was a hidden element of skill in that, which made Manaan a quirky track – and Theron liked the challenge.  He also liked the brief sensation of relasing the hyperdisciplined control it took to handle a swoop at high speeds – there was a rush in gliding along the waves at nearly 600 klicks an hour.

That said, Manaan was worst place to wear his favorite leather jacket.  Theron Shan was adaptable, however.  

He also was not technically Theron Shan today.  Intergalactic rake Antony Vaner (the one who retired because of the bad knee) was making a charitable appearance on the track.  Everyone remembered him (they didn’t).  They had his t-shirt when they were kids (they couldn’t have).  They all remembered his last race (Theron hadn’t run his last race yet…he was just busier than he had been when he was in his early twenties).

What had started as a quick burner identity made by Marcus Trant had been cultivated into a rather elaborate, deliberate effort to implant false memories into a small populace that was spread out just enough in the galaxy to afford Theron a convenient “in” whenever he couldn’t fox his way in otherwise.  

Manaan had always been cagey about outsiders, but the swoop track had always been a weak point; too many credits to pass up.  With the most recent dustup between the Empire and the Republic, Theron’s old personal record on the Manaan track wasn’t enough to permit him access to covertly follow the Captain there.

But the orbital security agent did manage to remember, from when his beloved deceased father watched swoop with him, that Antony Vaner had been particularly successful at Manaan. So of course, Vaner was given clearance to come down.  

And of course, Theron was also a fan of multi-tasking.   He was having a little fun, keeping an eye on things for Eva, deploying some of his own intel gathering operations.  Manaan’s utter neutrality might mean they would favor the Alliance, if they weren’t swayed by offers from the Pub or the Imps.  

And that, in fact, was what had brought the Supreme Commander of the Republic to Manaan.  And that’s why Theron wanted to run this race.

They’d talked shop a few times, and Theron knew about Tanya (Jace’s swoop, who was still in the garage on Alderaan), but … they’d never been close enough to see a race together before, both in terms of physical location and in terms of how the relationship was going.

The Force, the stars had aligned, Lana moved in mysterious ways, Eva and the divine spark – lot of explanations.  But all roads led to this:

Jace Malcom was going to see Theron Shan in a swoop race for the first time.

… And maybe Theron wouldn’t win – that would attract too much attention.  But he could do as Eva did whenever she got a little too close to pulling down the championship pazaak pot:  she threw the last hand.  Maybe he could take the turn a little more cautiously – Vaner’s bad knee and all.

Theron hadn’t run Manaan in years.  Maybe that’s why the adrenaline was at a high today.  He’d seen Jace in the crowd before the race.  He also saw Eva too – he always found her, no matter where she’d secreted herself in the crowd.

By that point, Theron had noticed the lights over the swoop track start their ignition cycle, and he buckled down on his focus.  It was him and the track.  Him and the engine.  Him and the waves.

Manaan had always been his favorite swoop track.

Despite his implants constantly informing him of his position and status, despite his desire to remain ‘not too noticeable’ – Theron forgot that last part of his plan as he gunned it right across the finish line.

As he let his swoop glide to a halt, as the spectators went wild, he pushed back his goggles.

Theron finally understood what it was like to have a parent cheering in the crowd, like his peers had had at the Coronet City Military Academy and then at the SIS Early Start Program.

…Manaan would always be his favorite swoop track. 

~~

A/N:  This has been roaming in my head since 7.0.  Headcanonwise, Theron and Eva go to Manaan with Arn, while Lana and Fria go with Tau to Elom.  Their meet-up with Jace comes to an abrupt halt when they’re called in to help trap Malgus.  I haven’t decided whether Jace is there (and just not shown in the cutscene), or he’s actually not allowed to go because he refuses to let Malgus be captured:  he plans on making Malgus eat a grenade, which leads to him being "delayed” on Manaan.

~~

@fluffyfebruary  @starlightcleric @ermingarden @bluephoenix1347 @ayresis

[rottenkadaver]

hellohellohello oh my gosh i came here from turmeric cookie post please tell be about them (also have you designed/planned the other two champions, and if so i would like to hear about them also)

hello there anon!!

The Crème and Parfaedian champs haven't been designed just yet but when they do, you won't be disappointed!

Turmeric Cookie is a gifted child from Scovillia. He was chosen to be the next Champion by Capsaicin Cookie's personal recommendation! Which was a high honor for him, seeing that Capsaicin is admired as not just a past student but also a God. Not even the fabled Fire Spirit Cookie could match his heat.

The championship tradition OFFICIALLY happens every year. It's mostly seniors that get picked for the challenge but there were rare occasions where juniors and sophomores got picked and competed as well.

Not much is known about Turmeric's upbringing. All that is known is that his parents were notorious warriors and his siblings all aspired to be like them, to the point where they'd go out for days, sometimes weeks just to get an achievement as big as their parents' own.

Turmeric is a junior student at Scovillia, special because well... he's not that spicy.

Though, he does demonstrate immense speed and agility, spectacular skill with fire themed weapons and interesting regenerative abilities.

Back at home, he was beating seniors in fights left, right and centre. Some even reported some of the stronger students couldn't even touch him.

Turmeric's only setback is his anger management issues. He's very easy to aggravate and he isn't very emotionally intelligent. If he gets too angry, he'll exert too much energy and eventually pass out from exhaustion. This was a habit he couldn't break... Or at least, one he's finding it hard to break.

Though at the end of the day, he's a very passionate kid, determined to win what those who came before him couldn't. He doesn't have many friends, outside of Capsaicin Cookie of course, though that's where the list starts and ends... But he doesn't seem to mind.

He has to go up against Acai Berry Cookie, an actor and magician in training from Parfaedia and Chouquette Cookie, a junior Paladin with twin swords.

[theracingsports]

In his role as Technical Director of Red Bull Racing, last year saw Pierre Wache oversee the most dominant season in the history of Formula 1. But the Frenchman believes there’s still more to come from his team in 2024

In an exclusive interview, Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache opened up about the team's performance in 2023 and discussed their plans for the upcoming 2024 season.

Wache didn't shy away from admitting that Red Bull didn't meet their expectations in the previous year. He acknowledged, "We didn't do an amazing job last year. We faced some challenges, made some mistakes, and fell short of our own high standards."

The technical director emphasized the importance of learning from their setbacks and using them as motivation for improvement. He said, "It's crucial to analyze our performance objectively and identify areas where we can do better. Taking accountability for our mistakes is part of our DNA at Red Bull."

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Wache expressed optimism about the team's ability to bounce back stronger. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration within the organization to achieve success. Wache stated, "We have an incredible group of talented individuals at Red Bull, and we're determined to harness that potential to deliver better results."

When asked about specific improvements, Wache highlighted the need for enhanced reliability and better decision-making during races. He underlined the importance of optimizing race strategies and making the right calls in critical moments.

Furthermore, Wache recognized the fierce competition from other teams and the need for constant innovation and development. He stated, "Formula 1 is an incredibly competitive sport, and every team is pushing the boundaries to gain an edge. We need to keep evolving, pushing the limits, and exploring new ideas to stay at the forefront of the championship."

In conclusion, Pierre Wache acknowledged Red Bull's subpar performance in 2023 but conveyed an optimistic outlook for the future. The team's focus on analyzing their mistakes, fostering collaboration, improving reliability, and making better decisions on and off the track will be crucial in their quest for greatness in the upcoming 2024 season.

Expanding on his comments about the 2023 performance, Wache delved into some of the specific challenges the team faced. He mentioned technical issues that affected the car's performance in certain races, as well as a few instances of strategy misjudgments. Wache acknowledged that these issues had a negative impact on the team's overall results.

To address these challenges, Red Bull has been working tirelessly during the offseason to rectify the technical issues and enhance their race strategies. Wache expressed confidence in the team's engineering department and their ability to develop a faster and more reliable car for the upcoming season.

In addition to technical improvements, Wache stressed the importance of a collaborative team environment. He mentioned building a strong rapport between the drivers, engineering staff, and all team members as a crucial factor in achieving success. Creating a positive and supportive atmosphere within Red Bull will not only enhance performance but also contribute to a cohesive and motivated team.

When questioned about the competition from other teams, Wache recognized the strengths of their rivals but emphasized the unwavering determination of Red Bull to regain their winning form. He spoke about the healthy competition motivating the team to push harder, work smarter, and strive for greatness.

The technical director concluded the interview by expressing gratitude to Red Bull's dedicated fanbase, who have stood by and supported the team through thick and thin. Wache assured the fans that their loyalty and passion fuel the team's motivation to overcome challenges and deliver the results they deserve.

As the 2024 season approaches, Red Bull fans can look forward to witnessing a team that has learned from its past shortcomings and is ready to rise to new heights. With improvements in technical performance, race strategies, and a united team spirit, Pierre Wache and the entire Red Bull team are determined to compete at the highest level and contend for the championship title once again.

and beyond. Pierre Wache is optimistic about the future of Red Bull Racing and confident that the team can continue to push boundaries and achieve even greater success in the coming years.

Under Wache's leadership, Red Bull Racing had an outstanding season in the previous year, showcasing unparalleled dominance in Formula 1. Their cars consistently outperformed their rivals, securing numerous victories and ultimately clinching the Constructors' Championship. Wache's technical expertise and strategic decision-making played a crucial role in the team's remarkable achievements.

Despite their exceptional performance, Wache believes there is room for improvement and growth within the team. He recognizes that Formula 1 is a highly competitive sport, and the landscape can change rapidly. As such, he constantly seeks opportunities to refine and enhance Red Bull Racing's capabilities.

In 2024 and beyond, Wache has set his sights on maintaining Red Bull Racing's position at the top of the sport. He aims to further optimize the team's technological advancements, improving car performance, reliability, and overall speed. Wache emphasizes the importance of innovation and staying ahead of the ever-evolving competition.

Additionally, Wache wants to strengthen the team's collaboration with its drivers and engineers, fostering a seamless connection that maximizes their combined potential. This approach will enable Red Bull Racing to fine-tune their strategies, adapt to different race scenarios, and make the most of their resources.

Although Pierre Wache remains cautious about making specific predictions, he is confident that Red Bull Racing will continue to challenge themselves and push the boundaries of what is possible in Formula 1. He believes that their dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence will be instrumental in achieving sustained success.

As the Technical Director, Wache understands that Formula 1 is a team sport, and success depends on the collective effort of every member. He appreciates the hard work and commitment exhibited by the entire Red Bull Racing team, from the mechanics to the engineers and beyond. By nurturing a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, Wache is confident that the team will thrive and accomplish even more remarkable feats.

In 2024, Pierre Wache envisions a Red Bull Racing that remains at the forefront of Formula 1, relentlessly pursuing victories and pushing the limits of performance. With his expertise and the unwavering dedication of the team, he believes that their journey towards greatness is far from over.

Looking ahead, Wache envisions Red Bull Racing becoming not just a dominant force in Formula 1, but also a pioneer in pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. He believes that the sport provides an ideal platform for innovation and development, and he aims to utilize this opportunity to its fullest.

One area of focus for Wache and his team is sustainability. With a growing global consciousness towards environmental concerns, Wache is determined to lead Red Bull Racing towards a more sustainable future. This includes exploring alternative fuel technologies, improving energy efficiency, and reducing the team's carbon footprint.

Furthermore, Wache understands the importance of nurturing young talent and investing in the future of the sport. He is keen on developing a robust driver development program within Red Bull Racing, harnessing the potential of aspiring racers and providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed at the highest level.

Wache's vision for Red Bull Racing extends beyond the racetrack as well. He recognizes the power of the team's brand and the influence it has on millions of fans around the world. He envisions leveraging this platform to promote social causes, inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts, and contribute positively to the wider community.

To achieve these ambitious goals, Wache understands the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Formula 1 is a dynamic sport that demands constant innovation and staying one step ahead of the competition. Wache encourages a culture of creativity and collaboration within Red Bull Racing, empowering his team to think outside the box and embrace unconventional solutions.

Ultimately, Pierre Wache's belief in the potential of Red Bull Racing is unwavering. He recognizes that the foundations for success have been laid, but he remains determined to never rest on their laurels. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to sustainability and innovation, and a focus on nurturing both talent and community, Wache is confident that Red Bull Racing has an exciting and successful future ahead in 2024 and beyond.

[thewhyhub]

UFC 292 - Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley.

As soon as this bantam weight championship fight began, one guy was lording over the octagon, while the other appeared desperate to gain his yardage, one guy was patient & at ease, while the other was on the edge, one guy had a plan, while the other was going through the figuring out process; strangely so, it happened to be the challenger Sean O'Malley who was dominating mentally right from the start, while the champion, Aljamain Sterling, who was on a 9 fight win streak, & who is known to have a calmer head, was found to be on shaky grounds. You might ask me? how can I make such a statement, when the first round was a close one, & even it might have been given to Aljo for his take down attempt, & the final flurry of punches, you have a valid question & the right observation, however, what you are missing, is the way the first round went until the take down attempt or the single leg lock by Aljo. Throughout the first round, Suga Sean was in the centre of the Octagon, while Aljo had to circle around him to gain an entry to strike him, & every time when Aljo made a move, he was offered more puzzles to solve not only because of the different angles Suga Sean was giving him, but also because of Suga Sean's ability to fight both conventional & south paw with effortless ease, that kept Aljo at bay. To compound the difficulty for Aljo, Suga Sean also displayed a variety of kicks, which was the final message to Aljo, that he would have to take insane risks to land anything significant on Suga Sean. As the fight went on Aljo's mental stress was further exposed through his tentaiveness, as he started to bite on all the faints that Suga Sean was throwing at him, & which clearly shifted the odds in favour of Suga Sean, as it changed from the matter of if, to the matter of when Aljo would take a miss-step, & give an opening for Suga Sean to unleash his bevy of strikes, but it was not meant to be in the first round.

By the end of the first round, Suga Sean had the complete download of Aljo, & he knew exactly how Aljo would try to beat him, which was by taking him down, thus as soon as the second round began, he slightly increased the pace, & also gave himself more space to work with; Aljo, who is also a tremendous Martial Artist, understood what was happening, & chose to take the risk, by being more aggressive. He kept on walking ahead, & tried to close the gap, even a flush body kick from Suga Sean did not stop him, he kept on advancing, & ended up making the cardinal sin, by lunging forward with a punch, which the shifty Suga Sean not only dodged skilfully, but also landed a sweet right hook of his own on Aljo’s face, which knocked him down, but the champion tried to survive as much as he could, only to be stopped by the referee.

I will not blame Aljamain Sterling for going after Suga Sean, as the other alternative was even worse, if you give enough time to a counter striker, with such a height & reach advantage as Suga Sean, you are only giving him time to touch you & slice you up bit by bit. Mixed Martial Artists like Suga Sean & Israel Adesanya are anomalies in their weight classes, as they have superior skill advantage along with their enormous physical gifts, thus let’s tip our hat to the fallen champion Aljamain Sterling who fought valiantly, while we welcome the new sheriff in town, Suga Sean O’Malley.

[equestrianempire]

Half is Nice! The$ 215, 000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 4* is won by McLain Ward and Contagious.

Wellington, Florida, USA &nbsp, – March 17, 2024– U. Ș. Olympic team gold medalist Mclain Ward won his second feature of the week in the$ 215, 000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 4* during the Winter Equestrian Festival‘s ( WEF ) ‘ Saturday Night Lights’ at Wellington International. Contagious, a 15-year-old Rhinelander horse owned by Beechwood Stables, Ied the victory speed aboard Ward, who also won crew gold at the Tokyo Olympics and ȿtaff gold at the Pan Aɱerican Games in Chile last summer. &nbsp,

McLain Ward ( USA ) &amp, Contagious

Ward was elated with the seasoned gelding’s performance, noting, Contagious ( Contagio x For Keeps ) has been a great partner and I’m very grateful to Beachwood and Lise Revers for having the horse be with me for his whole career. He’s getting older now αnd it’s a little more work, but he’s got a big heart. &nbsp,

He’s had a bit of four- fault- itis around in Florida, two great grands prix with one down, but I felt that he’d jump well now. ” We continued Ward, who jumped final in both sessions,” “it was a very hot day and a quick return for us. ” Because I did n’t want to let him bottom out, I only jumped three jumps in the classroom. We were fortunate to come in last thanks to him digging in serious.

Nicola Philippaerts ( BEL ) &amp, Derby de Riverland

Only three horses jumped clear over Oscar Soberon’s ( USA ) challenging track. Lμcy Davis, a silver medalist for the U. Ș. Olympic team, led the charge with new mount Ben 431 before Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts ( BEL ) joined Derby de Riverland and Ward from final draw. Ward’s bounce- off occasion of 43. 24 hours handed him the win over Philippaerts in 44. 19 hours. Davis made a second decision after pulling a road in the little couɾse. &nbsp,

Of the difficult track, Ward recalled”, When I walked, I thought the jumps were placed so you could n’t get quite straight and were always coming in at a bit of an angle. Ironically enough, you had two really suffered horses go clear. Nicola’s horse is a younger horse but extremely talented and ⱨe’s a very good horse. I thought there’d be a few more clear, but it proved to be challenging and the time]allowed ] was just enough to force mistakes.

McLain Ward ( USA ) &amp, Contagious

” You can have a small brush, have four faults and be very disappointed, or if that same road stays up, you win the grand prix and you’re a hero”, said Ward of his struggle for top ends at the season’s nearby. It’s a good line, but I’m appreciative of the horses and the ability to retain pounding mind with these users.

Ward is coming off a solid start ƫo thȩ season as he prepares for Olympic qualification this spring and rides a brilliant line of horses. ” Our emphasis is on Paris. Callas is undoubtedly on the radar because she still has a lot to prove, but I believe Contagious is a little longer in the makings for another final. We have an interesting new animal, Ilex, that we thiȵk can do amazing things. We have a dozen alternatives, and we hαve a strategy for each of them that will help us geƫ to Paris in the best possible way. We hope ƫo win another medal and join the team.

Nicola Philippaerts ( BEL ) &amp, Derby de Riverland

Jumping off just before Ward, Philippaerts left everything he had in the ring and was thrilled with Derby de Riverland, an 11- season- old Selle Français horse ( Kannan x L’Arc de Triomphe ) owned by Team Philippaerts and Pierre Cimolai.

” He is a fantastic horse”, said Philippaerts, who tooƙ oⱱer the reins halfway through 2023 after the mountain was piloted by his younger brother. At thȩ 2022 Western Championships for Young Riders in Oliva, Spain, Thibault Philippaerts produced the horse and climbed the divisions.

Nicola Philippaerts ( BEL ) &amp, Derby de Riverland

” He’s really careful and I think he improved a lot this year here in Wellington”, continued Nicola. It aided in his growth, and it shows that he is prepared for higher ranking now. You often try to win, of course, but Mclain is quite diffiçult to defeat. I tried it out, and he did excellent jumping, but I believe the best horse-rider combo prevailed today.

Lucy Davis ( USA ) &amp, Ben 431

Ben 431 was acquired by Davis in December, aȵd the wintertime trip to Florida has ǥiven him a focus on his Olympic certification targets. Ben 431, a 13- time Westphalian horse ( Sylvian x Quincy Jones ) is owned by Old Oak Group and has collected plaudits from around the world with Germany’s Gerrit Nieberg, including a gain in the 2022 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen.

Lucy Davis ( USA ) &amp, Ben 431

After a split from foreign competition over the past few months, Ɗavis was back in the spirit oƒ Wellington’s” Saturday Night Lights” and soaking up the spotlight. ” I’m really happy to be back in it”, she said. ” It’s day by day with a new horse, and it started out well at a lower amount. You can learn, craft, and adjust while making faults, in my opinion. Even though sometimes the results in some rounds are n’t always what you want, there is still something you can do to improve, and tonight we finally felt like one. I’m excited for the future with this horses”.

Ward even received the Martha Jolicoeur Major International Rider Award, presented together with Michael and Wendy Smith, in the Adequan® WEF problem Cup tournament on Thursday on First Lady.

Virginie Casterman accepting the$ 500 Grooms Award, presented by Double H Farm. Photo: © Sportfot

To cap the evening, Ward’s groom and Contagious ‘ caregiver, Virginie Casterman, was presented with the$ 500 Grooms Award by Double H Farm. &nbsp,

McLain Ward ( USA ) aboard Contagious, accepted the Martha Jolicoeur Leading International Rider Award, presented together with Michael and Wendy Smith. Photo: © Sportfot

Last Benefits –$ 215, 000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 4*

1 ) McLain Ward ( USA ) &amp, Contagious – 0 / 0 – 43. 24

2 ) Nicola Philippaerts ( BEL ) &amp, Derby de Riverland – 0/ 0 – 44. 19

3 ) Lucy Davis ( USA ) &amp, Ben 431 – 0 / 0 – 45. 50

Origin: Press Release from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein / Sportfot

Related

Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News USA, Wellington International

Identified as: Ben 431, Contagious, CSI 4*, Derby de Riverland, Equestrian, Horses, Jumper News, Jumper News USA, Lucy Davis, McLain Ward, Nicola Philippaerts, Results, Rhinelander, Showjumping, United States Equestrian Federation, US Equestrian, USEF, WEF, Wellington International, Winter Equestrian Festival

[ozzyscollectiblehub]

Raging Bull: The Relentless Competitive Spirit of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is often hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time, but his dominance on the court wasn’t just a product of his incredible talent — it was the manifestation of his fierce competitive spirit. Jordan wasn’t just a player, he was a force of nature, a relentless competitor who approached the game with an almost uncontainable drive to win. His aggressive, “raging bull” mentality became his hallmark, propelling him to six NBA championships and earning him a place as a global icon.

The Origin of Jordan’s Fire

Jordan’s legendary competitiveness was ignited at a young age. Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, MJ had to fight for everything. His famous story of being cut from the varsity basketball team as a sophomore fueled his desire to prove his doubters wrong. Instead of letting the setback defeat him, Jordan used it as motivation, dedicating himself to becoming not just good — but the best.

From that moment on, Jordan approached basketball like a predator hunting prey. He was obsessed with improvement, constantly pushing himself to outwork and outlast his opponents. This drive became his identity, and his rise to the pinnacle of basketball was marked by his unyielding focus on victory.

The “Raging Bull” Mentality: Win at All Costs

Michael Jordan’s aggressive, almost antagonistic competitive nature earned him the nickname “Raging Bull.” Whether he was playing against the toughest competitors or practice squad members, Jordan brought an intensity to the game that was unparalleled. He wanted to dominate not just in games but in every aspect of basketball. From workouts to scrimmages, he was the fiercest competitor in the room.

One of Jordan’s defining traits was his psychological warfare on the court. He would get into the heads of opponents, trash-talking them, and daring them to challenge his dominance. This wasn’t just bravado — it was a tactic that broke the spirit of countless players. His confidence bordered on arrogance, but it was always backed up by his performance. He believed that no one could beat him, and more often than not, he was right.

The Chicago Bulls Dynasty: Jordan’s Era of Dominance

When Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, he brought his “raging bull” mentality with him, transforming the Chicago Bulls into a powerhouse franchise. In a league that had been dominated by Magic Johnson’s Lakers and Larry Bird’s Celtics, Jordan carved out his own legacy. From his explosive scoring ability to his suffocating defense, MJ’s game was all-encompassing. But what set him apart was his killer instinct.

Jordan’s refusal to lose was most evident during the Bulls’ dominant run in the 1990s. He led the Bulls to six NBA championships, winning titles in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. Each of these championships came with an NBA Finals MVP award for Jordan, cementing his status as the ultimate clutch performer. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments earned him the title of “the ultimate closer” in sports. Jordan didn’t just win — he crushed the opposition.

The 1996–1998 Stretch: The Peak of the “Raging Bull”

The 1995–96 season marked a historic year for Jordan and the Bulls. After a brief retirement from basketball to pursue baseball, Jordan returned with a vengeance. That season, the Bulls set a then-record with 72 wins, a feat that would stand for over two decades. Jordan, who had just reclaimed his throne, was playing with a chip on his shoulder, eager to prove that he was still the best player in the world. His performance in the playoffs and the Finals was a testament to his “raging bull” mentality, as he led the Bulls to their fourth championship in six years.

But it was during the 1997 and 1998 seasons where Jordan’s relentless nature truly came to the forefront. Famously battling the Utah Jazz in back-to-back Finals, Jordan was at his most aggressive, leaving everything on the floor. The “Flu Game” in the 1997 Finals is a perfect example of his refusal to quit. Despite being visibly ill, Jordan put up 38 points, leading the Bulls to a crucial Game 5 victory. It was the epitome of his iron will and unwillingness to let anything stop him from winning.

In 1998, during what many thought would be his final game, Jordan delivered the iconic “Last Shot” in Game 6 of the Finals, a pull-up jumper over Utah’s Bryon Russell that secured his sixth and final championship. It was a perfect bookend to a career defined by his ability to rise to the occasion, no matter the odds.

Competitive Edge Off the Court

Jordan’s “raging bull” attitude wasn’t confined to the basketball court — it extended into every aspect of his life. Whether he was playing golf with friends, gambling, or even playing cards in the locker room, Jordan approached everything with the same ferocity. To him, everything was a competition, and he wanted to win it all.

Teammates and opponents alike have shared stories of how Jordan’s competitive fire often pushed those around him to their limits. He demanded the best from everyone, and if he felt you weren’t giving your all, you could expect to hear about it. This drive sometimes created friction, but it also forced those around him to elevate their game.

His competitive streak even continued into his post-basketball career. As the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan remains deeply involved in the team’s operations, and his desire to win still burns as bright as ever.

The Legacy of Michael Jordan’s “Raging Bull” Mentality

Michael Jordan’s legacy isn’t just about his six championships or his countless accolades. It’s about his unrelenting desire to win. His “raging bull” mentality set the standard for what it means to be great in the world of sports. He approached every game, every practice, and every moment as if it were a battle to be won, and more often than not, he emerged victorious.

For today’s generation of athletes, Jordan’s approach to competition serves as both a model and a challenge. He didn’t just play to win — he played to dominate. His relentless pursuit of excellence is a mindset that transcends basketball and serves as an inspiration to anyone striving for greatness, in any field.

Michael Jordan’s “raging bull” mentality is what separated him from his peers. His insatiable hunger to win drove him to become not just a champion, but a legend. Jordan’s career is a testament to the power of competitiveness and the relentless pursuit of victory. For fans, his legacy will always be defined by those iconic moments — his gravity-defying dunks, clutch shots, and unwavering will to win. That’s what makes Michael Jordan, in every sense of the word, a true “raging bull.”