David Taylor- The Popular Snooker Player

English: Steve Davis at Sports Club Turku in Finland during a match against Ville Pasanen (former Finnish Champion). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Though David Taylor is considered one of the best players in the game of snooker, he did not rise to the level where he was expected to reach. David Taylor was highly talented and extra ordinarily experienced at the game. He won both the English Amateur championship and the World Amateur championship.He was nicknamed by his fans and followers as the silver fox because of his premature grey hair, which he possessed at a very young age. 

Though David Taylor snooker player impressively made it to three major finals,he could not win any of them. Doug Mountjoy beat him in the United Kingdom Championship with a score of 9-15. He lost to Steve Davis in 1981 and lost the Yamaha Organs Trophy with a score of 6-9. David Taylor snooker player repeatedly tried his luck again 1982 at the Jameson International and lost to Tony Knowles with a painful score of 6-9.

David Taylor later surprised everyone by coming back to the scene again at the age of 66, only to lose again in a match against Paul Wikes. This game is the only one considered to be the ranking event final which he participated.

David Taylor snooker player however did beat Steve Davis, the world champion with a close score of 5-3. Previously, David Taylor had lost as a quarter finalist three different times and this victory was considered as the most distinguished performance after a long era of many failures. 

Other than some information on his snooker player career, not much is known about his personal life. Some time later,he had attended an exhibition match which added to his popularity. He also performed outstandingly well in practice matches that even the best player of that time couldn't match up to him. 

Once he was no longer in the limelight of snooker game, he participated in a game show on snooker called "Big Break " by the British Broadcasting Company. He also took over management and production in a hotel popular for winning awards.

Presently, Mr.David Taylor snooker player can be found at his home in Cheshire near Dunham in England.

What Will Happen To The Olympic Village After The Games

English: Construction work on the London 2012 Olympic Village outside Stratford International railway station. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What will happen to the Olympic Village after the games? This is a common question asked by most people especially if they have been following this event from the start to the end. The construction of the London Olympic Village caused quite a buzz all over the world due it its exquisite infrastructure that included a bike park, an elegant shopping mall, modern health centers, neat lawns and world-class apartments. During the Olympic Games, this village acts as the perfect accommodation for various athletes from the participating countries.

However, when the event comes to an end officially, the Olympic Village is set to be of great importance to the entire community in London. Its current name will be transformed to East Village and it will act as a luxurious housing unit for the residents. According to reports, more than 6,500 people have started booking these elegant apartments in advance due to their high market demand.

This is a commendable move by the UK government considering the fact that not all previous Olympic Villages were utilized constructively. Some of them became wastelands while the rest were advertised for hire. For example, the village in Athens was barely sold since most buyers believed that it was located far away from the rest of the urban areas. These housing units are now filled with graffiti and empty rooms. The conversion of the London Olympic Village into a major housing unit has received warm response from the real estate industry as a major way of reducing congestion in the city while providing high quality housing with sweet memories of the previous games.

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The Olympics won’t become another Millennium Dome fiasco

A lot is riding on this year’s Olympics. OK, so we’re all feeling the pinch of the recession, but it would be a hard heart who couldn’t get excited about the opening ceremony, which is being created and produced by one of our finest film directors, Danny Boyle. The cost of the ceremony itself has been a topic of heated debate, but as a showcase for all that it means to be proud and British, it could certainly cheer up a few of us.

Hopefully organisers will have learnt from the mistakes of another huge architectural showpiece, the Millennium Dome, both in terms of cost and lasting legacy to the country as a whole.


Image by: Stephen Jones

Built to herald in the new millennium, the Dome itself cost £700 million to build, but in the end much more was eventually ploughed into the project.  After a private opening on New Year ’s Eve, 1999, the original plan was that the venue would be open to the public for a wide range of exhibitions and events from 1st January until 31st December 2000, and it saw 6.5 million visitors through the doors.  Subsequent financial problems and lack of forward planning meant that, sadly, it lay unused for six years afterwards, until O2 reopened it as an events entertainment venue in 2007.

The Biggest Event in the World Needs a Big Welcome

Those who have worked to bring the Olympics and those responsible for the running of the event have bigger ideas though.

According to Sport England, growth in the sport sector has outstripped the economy of the whole of England over the past two decades.

A building project the size of a small city is being erected in London with ingenuously engineered PVC buildings, such as the gloriously quirky basketball arena. These are being constructed at record breaking speeds, ready for the influx of thousands of competitors.


Image by: Lindy Zubairy

London must take full advantage of these new facilities, a city still reeling from a summer which saw the nation’s youths take to the street with widespread vandalism and destruction can provide a legacy for youngsters in sport to funnel their energy into worthwhile character building activities.

The Value of Sport

I have always been a great believer in encouraging kids to take up sports. The focus that a sporting routine can bring to a child’s life is vastly beneficial.

We are used to hearing about kids overcoming adversity through sport in local news stories but unfortunately this is an exception. Yes, there may be fantastic facilities out there such as those opened by Lord Coe at St Marys University College, but they are only available to a small percentage of kids and there are only so many qualified coaches to really engage with them.
But through the construction of Olympic facilities, London will inherit a fantastic opportunity to grow a new generation of athletes.

Forever Blowing Bubbles

With West Ham's bid to own the stadium halted by legal challenges, they are still looking to utilise the Olympic park after the games have finished. Although a guaranteed turnout for matches is a very attractive and stable proposition for the Olympic committee and Lord Coe, perhaps the legacy should focus on athletics?

Using the stadium as a stop gap for a football club whilst they build resources to construct a purposely built venue is misleading to the claims of legacy that helped us secure the games in the first place.

Lord Coe said recently that "It is very important that we maintain a commitment to an Olympic legacy and to a mix of tenancies in there." Countless amateur and professional sports clubs around the country will be hoping this is not an empty promise.

The true test of the Olympic legacy will be measured long after the event has finished and its temporary structures dismantled.  Danny Boyle says that he is involving 900 local children in the opening ceremony, so that they will always have a connection to this amazing event.  By imprinting it onto their memories, he hopes that their involvement will help keep the place alive and real for them into the future.

Dan Izzard is a freelance journalist writing for Eurocell, who provide a superior range of composite doors and windows that can greatly increase the energy efficiency of your home.

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The Olympics Are Nearly Here!

Olympic Games Message (Photo credit: chooyutshing)

Olympic Fashion

The entire country is going 2012 crazy and Olympic fever will hit fever pitch well before the games kick off in London at the end of July. Details of the torch relay which will go within 10 miles of 95% of everyone living in the UK were announced recently, and the torch will start its trip around the British Isles at the beginning of June. The sporting influence will also affect what we are wearing this summer, but as the head to toe shell suit and trainers look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, there are a few more subtle ways to get into the sporting vibe.

Equestrian

The UK generally performs well in the equestrian events, and riding style is one of the easiest to incorporate into every day wear. Boots such as the Ariat Bromont are designed for riding, but look equally good as casual wear. Team your Ariat Bromont boots with jeans and a smart jacket, or with leggings for an even more horsey look. Riding tops and jackets don’t have to be super smart, and polo shirts and cotton tops are popular to complete the look. The key to this look is taking specific elements and teaming them with ordinary clothes to avoid getting too strong a look, as if you’d just stepped off your steed.

Official Clothing

Never missing the chance for a merchandising opportunity, the organisers of the 2012 Olympics have produced a full range of clothing for both children and adults to tie in with the Games. The tshirts, hoodies, track pants and caps might not be at the cutting edge of fashion, but they are the ideal items to wear to the gym, and keep as a memento of the time the Olympics came to the UK. Kids will love the brightly coloured tshirts with the official games mascots, whereas adults may prefer the subtle Team GB logo items.

Accessorise Olympic Style

For those not into sportswear, show your support for Team GB by wearing a badge, or buying one of the official Team GB scarves. The scarves are being sold through Next, and everyone who buys a scarf is entered into a prize draw. Red, white and blue has been a popular colour combination for many years and choosing accessories and outfits from this colour palette will help you get into the Olympic spirit while not dressing up as an Olympic athlete.

Fly the Flag

Using Union Jack motifs on clothing and accessories is nothing new, and the importance of 2012 with the Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics ensures that clothing and accessories with the Union Jack are more popular than ever. All of the major stores are producing tops, bags, belts, shoes and numerous other items which enable you to fly the flag and take pride in being British and supporting the Olympic squad. This is a great way of getting some Olympic flavour into your outfit and accessories without going the whole distance and buying the Ariat Bromont boots for the riding look, or the tracksuit in an attempt to emulate Usain Bolt.

Trot2.com offer a great range of clothing, accessories and footwear including the Ariat Bromont range of boots for equestrian and casual wear.

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How Winning A Gold Medal Can Change An Athlete’s Life

Usain Bolt in celebration about 1 or 2 seconds after his 100m victory at Beijing Olympics 2008, breaking the world record. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Legends will undoubtedly be made at the London Olympics. It’s a time when records can be broken and greatness assured. That’s why it really is the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.

Every athlete dreams of competing in the Olympic Games. The honour of representing your country on the world stage is something we would all love to do. But as well as national pride, there is also individual glory to be won, and in some cases, lost.

Lightning Bolt

In the Beijing Olympics in 2008 there was only one name on everybody’s lips: the phenomenon that is Usain Bolt. Widely known in athletic circles before the games, it was the 100m sprint final that created the legend. Breaking the world record with an astonishing time of 9.69 seconds, Bolt could have run faster had his shoelaces been done up and had he not, somewhat unbelievably, slowed down to celebrate towards the end. He was to shatter his own record and post the superhuman 9.59 seconds two years later in Berlin.

One Giant Leap For Mankind

The Mexico Olympics in 1968 are chiefly remembered for one thing: Bob Beamon going down the runway and literally taking off at the end. His long jump of 8 feet 9 inches was incredible, setting a world record that would last for almost 25 years. Watch the video of his jump to see the visual definition of pure athleticism and grace. It became known as the ‘Leap of the Century’. Although the record was finally beaten by Mike Powell in 1991, Beamon’s monster jump still remains one of the greatest ever sporting moments.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

It wouldn’t be right, in this year of the London Olympics, to not have a Brit featured in the list. Luckily for us, this one just happens to be arguably the greatest Olympian of all time. There have been many spectacular medal hauls over the years. Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz went home with sack fulls of gold, but to win five golds from five different Olympics is something very special indeed. That’s exactly what rower Sir Steve Redgrave achieved in the 2000 Sydney games, sealing his place in the Olympic record books forever.

The Dark Side

But not all legends are created for the right reasons. In 1988 at the Seoul Olympics, Canadian Ben Johnson blistered home in a new world record pace in the 100m. But he was later found to have taken performance enhancing drugs. Stripped of his medal, Johnson’s name went down in history but for all the wrong reasons.

Thankfully, the number of positive Olympic legends far outweighs the negative and the games still represent everything that is great about sporting achievement. This year who knows what we might see. Records will undoubtedly fall, great races will be won and hopefully we will see legends being born right before our very eyes. That’s what the Olympics means, not just to the competitors, but to all of us at home watching. It’s going to be great.

Clinton Armitage was once a promising athlete until injury forced him to retire at just 16. Today he writes a regular blog on all things Olympian, sharing his love and passion for athletics with a growing online community. He lives in East London, close to the Olympic Stadium.

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The Human Side Of The Olympic Athletes-Life In The Olympic Village 2012

Olympic Games 2016 (Photo credit: hops_76)

The Olympic Games are nearly here and the whole country is buzzing with excitement. The Olympics has brought so many benefits to the UK, not least the fact that thousands of athletes from across the world will be staying at the Olympic Village.

That’s going to amount for lots of washing and a few worn out washing machines needing repairing. But just how much washing will athletes get through at this year’s Olympics. How much shampoo will they use and how much food will they eat? Find the answer to these and other interesting Olympic Village facts below:

How many people will live in the Olympic Village?

During the 2012 games over 14000 officials and competitors will live in the village. During the Paralympic games over 4000 people will sleep, eat, meet their families and prepare for competition in the Olympic Village.

What will happen to the Olympic Village after the games?

After the games, the Olympic Village will be converted into housing. Many of these homes will be used by London’s keyworkers, like teachers, nurses and policemen.

How much food will be eaten by visitors to the Olympic Village

The 14000 people living in the Olympic Village during this summer’s games will not be the only ones chowing down. As well as the fully equipped kitchens of the Olympic Village homes, there will be hundreds of food outlets scattered around the Olympic park too, meaning that over one billion tonnes of food could be consumed during the games.

What will happen to the Olympic Park when the games are over?

After the games the Olympic Park, which is about the size of Alton Towers, will be turned into one of Europe’s largest urban parks. The park will be able to be enjoyed by all Londoners and visitors from further afield.

How many trees will be planted in the Olympic Park?

Up to two thousand trees will be planted in the Olympic Park and 2000 more at the Olympic Village, which makes the Olympics one of the biggest ever tree planting drives in the UK. The park will also contain the largest urban wetland in the UK, with a river and marshes which will contain over 300,000 different types of plants.

How many washing machines are in the Olympic Village?

There have been over 12000 washing machines fitted in the Olympic Village and each Olympian is expected to produce around 20lbs of washing over the course of the games. Washing machines are going to be kept busy in the Olympic Village so washing machine repair London could be in demand.

How much shampoo will the Olympic Villagers use?

Each villager is expected to use on average one bottle of shampoo during their Olympic adventure, which equates to over 14000 bottles of shampoo used during the entire games.

The Olympic Games is filling the UK with a real buzz of excitement and when you consider these Olympic Village facts it’s easy to see just what an enormous event this year’s Olympics will be, so good luck UK!

Jordan Murphy is a London based journalist and blogger. His insightful tips, interesting articles and lifestyle ideas make for a very interesting blog on all things London. When not writing his blog he loves to watch all sports, including athletics.

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What is Gig Rowing and Who is it For?

gig practice and dogs playing (Photo credit: grakki)

Gig rowing is a traditional Cornish sport that has taken the boating world by storm in recent years. Its roots lie in the late 18th century when gigs were used as work boats. Incoming ships to harbour needed a pilot to guide them through treacherous waters and teams would race to the ships to deliver their pilot first and get paid. Side jobs included salvaging goods from wrecked ships and they were known to row the English Channel, smuggling goods from France and outrunning duty officers.

Modern Day Gig Rowing
Though gigs are no longer used for work, little else has changed. Teams comprising six rowers and a cox compete in races over 1-2 miles of choppy coastal water. Most popular on Britain's South-West coast, gig racing has seen a global expansion since the 90s with clubs in France, The Netherlands, Australia and the USA. Many events and regattas are held during the Spring racing season, culminating in the World Championships. Held over four days on the Isles of Scilly, the population here doubles as 2000 rowers and spectators descend onto the islands. In the 2011 competition over 200 teams competed in Mens, Ladies and Veterans classes with rowers aged 16 to 80. International teams gave a strong showing, with a Dutch team finishing runners up in the ladies event. Gigs can be seen at inland races too, such as London's Great River Race.

Specifications
Boats measure 32 feet long an 4'10 wide. Built by hand out of Cornish elm as they have been for 200 years, they are rigorously inspected at several points in their construction by the Cornish Pilot Gig Association. The recent popularity of the sport has kept the traditional gig building alive and well in Cornwall, where a new boat will set you back around £25,000. Though a fair outlay, the quality of build ensures their seaworthiness for many years to come. All boats conform to the specifications of Treffry, one of the oldest functioning gigs in existence having been built in 1838. It is owned by the Newquay club along with two others named Newquay (1812) and Dove (1820). These three have a special race of their own with the top club rowers competing fiercely for the pride of crewing them.

Many coastal towns in the South West will have clubs, with larger cities farther afield competing too. Clubs are looking for members of all ages and their long histories promote a strong esprit de corps unique to this sport. If it's not there already, gig rowing will be soon coming to a coastline near you.

Crew Clothing sponsor gig rowing teams and are trying to get more people involved in the sport of rowing. For more information, click here.

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Rocking Around the Clock - Swing is Back

Image via Wikipedia

Swing is Back in Fashion

With Pole Fitness and Urban Dance styles very much taking the lead when it comes to contemporary dance fitness, it would be easy to think that more traditional dance forms are dying out, or at least becoming very unfashionable. But with the ever-growing youth fascination with the 1940’s and 50’s, certain fashion, music and dance styles are coming back and becoming the newest way to express yourself.

What is Swing Dance?

Swing dance incorporates a number of different styles, from the relatively well-known Charleston, Jive and Rock and Roll moves to the lesser known Balboa and Carolina Shag. However, the principles are largely the same, with routines danced with a partner to a 6 or 8 step count. Emphasis is on moving with your partner in time and the use of both arms and legs, although Swing is not a very high impact form of dance making it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Simple routines will simply involve partners dancing together in their choreographed step pattern, whilst more complex dances will have turns, spins and even drops, with women being very much the focus of the more spectacular movements.

You can see a really spectacular display of modern swing dancing in this clip from UK dancing show Strictly Come Dancing.

http://youtu.be/9ss-YD-ToLQ

In recent times, a scene has popped up, largely in cities but to a lesser extent represented in club nights and events all over the world, celebrating the fashions of the 1940’s and 50’s, including clothing, food, music and dance, and has proved very popular with people aged 18-30. These nights are very genteel, with some of the rougher hip hop and industrial clubs seeming a millions miles (and years!) away. Jazz and popular music from the era is played in and you are more likely to find different kinds of tea on the menu than vodka shots or pints of snakebite.

The emphasis is strongly on style, with girls dressing in 40’s tea dresses or the 50’s full skirts and kitten heels, while boys dress in suits hats and shoes. Most importantly on these nights, and one of the strongest aspects to make you feel as though you really have gone back in time, people dance. You can take part in the dancing whether your are a beginner or a pro, and clubs like Jitterbugs in London offer classes to improve your techniques and make sure you really fit in at the next party you go to.

You can also look at taking swing dance classes at many dedicated dance schools and nightclubs around the UK. Swing dance is good cardiovascular exercise as it requires constant movement and a high level of energy, it works well to tone your legs and thighs and will work amazingly to help your posture and sense of rhythm. Standing well apart from many other forms of exercise, it is also a fun and social way to exercise, and something you can take all of your friends along with you to experience, getting fit and learning a new skill together!

One of the premier swing and 1940’s themed nights you can attend is The Blitz Party. These parties happen regularly in London and feature real swing bands, a strict dress code, cabaret and professional swing dancers. You can find out more information on the Blitz Party website.

This article was written by Caitlin who loves dancing and trying out the latest fitness crazes to keep fit and have fun. When she is not writing for the www.poledancingpoles.info blog she can be found enjoying a bit of swing, jive and rock n roll or swinging round her dance fitness pole.

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A Great Olympian Let Down

Image by duncan via Flickr

Who else is feeling completely underwhelmed by what is supposed to be the biggest event in recent British history? No, I'm not talking about the royal wedding, though I'll admit that the excitement surrounding Pippa Middleton's unremarkable behind suggests that the British public felt a similarly damp spark.

No people, I'm talking about the Olympics. I'm so bored by the inane faux-excitement that I'm even thinking of taking a cycling holiday next July just so I can actually do some exercise rather than watch other people do it. 'Traitor!' I hear you shout. 'Kill joy!' you exclaim. Maybe I'm a bit of both, but there's just too much to hate about the whole thing.

1. The UK aren't going to win

Think of how we did in the World Cup in 2010: we think we're pretty damn good until we're confronted with the genius sportsmen and women from just about every other country in the world and then realise we're rubbish. The worst thing is that we can't say that it's because they have more money to spend on training and facilities. No one's got any money! Hurrah!

No, we just have to admit that while we're good at important things like wearing hats, genteel walking holidays in the Lake District and electing poor heads of state, in the sports department we're just like the nerd who gets picked last for the basketball team. Tim Henman, bless his tennis whites for trying, was a regular disappointment. This is not to diminish his achievements: he's better at tennis than 99.9% of the world's population – a sexy statistic if you're Tim – but the public and the media all too easily forget their own mediocrity and joyfully massacre this poor bloke's career. If he's not grand slamming willy-nilly at Wimbledon, he's basically as impressive as Wayne Rooney's hair transplant.

2. Commuter Nightmare

I used to get a thrill out of being able to give (fake) directions to flabby German tourists. Now, I can't even be bothered to think up a lie because it takes up valuable commute time – I just push past them angrily to make sure that little old lady isn't the one getting the last seat on the tube.

During the Olympic summer, you can guarantee that every tired and unenthusiastic Londoner will be asked for directions every single day, ensuring that 10 minutes’ walk to the tube becomes 11 minutes, and that extra minute is enough to miss that all important connection at the end of a trying day. Thus, I predict an increase in commuter breakdowns of at least 5%, enough to push the NHS over the edge and into an even more disorganised state. Not good for treating tourists who have injured themselves after being inspired by the wrestling event.

3.British incompetence being advertised to the world

It's ok for us to make fun of ourselves, indeed, it's a vital part of the British psyche to whinge about how rubbish the UK is: the food, our film industry, schools and most of all, our attitudes. It is all a complete joke. However, the Olympic fiasco-in-the-making will give other countries a chance to point and laugh mercilessly at our awful attempts to create a world class event with world class culture hosted by world class people. Boris Johnson's hair will be beside itself with excitement, and will start shouting out obscenities during the opening ceremony. Suddenly, Silvio Berlusconi's Bunga Bunga parties will look like an attractive alternative event for the Italians coming to see the show.

Bemused tourists will arrive in Stratford, hoping for a bit of thespian action alongside the Olympics – what they'll get is a neighbourhood Londoners pass through as quickly as possible. And finally, chic and experimental sculptors from Canada will look at the ArcelorMittal Orbit and quite rightly wonder why we've created something that looks like a python getting it on with a trumpet.

Suri enjoys travelling, photography and writing, but definetly not the idea of the olympics!

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How to Be a Fashionable "Sporty Spice"

Image by joanneteh_32(loving Laduree) via Flickr

Hut, hut, hike! Every Fall ushers in a brand new season one of America’s greatest spectator sports: football. Let the tailgates commence! So what does the female sports fan wear to the games this fall? A team jersey or tee is a given, but that’s not enough to keep you warm a cozy during those chilly night games. There are a variety of ways to spice up your sporty outfit.

1. VESTS! They are perfect for football tailgates and games, since they allow your team apparel to show through AND they keep you insulated when the sun goes down. This multi-purpose, practical garment can pull an entire outfit together. Check out the Juicy Couture “Quilted Nylon Thinsulate Puffer Vest” on zappos.com. Right now this incredibly well made and stylish vest is 43% off. For just $129 (down from $228) you can purchase this it in Angel or Black, both equally appealing. Don’t forget to look for a zappos coupon code on coupon sites, like CheapSally.com. You can save even more on this great find!
2. Boots. Now that your all vested up with your jersey proudly tucked underneath, you’ll need some killer boots. The key for tailgates and games is comfort, but you also want to look feminine and pretty. A fall 2011 favorite: the “Venus Riding Boot” from Banana Republic. This gorgeous, soft, black leather boot has a comfortable memory foam and cushioned insole that will keep your feet happy for hours. Your arches won’t be begging for mercy by halftime in these one-inch heeled Banana boots. If your feet are warm and comfy, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the event.
3. The Perfect Denim. You will need to tuck a form-fitting jean into your killer boots. Try on Paige Denim ‘Verdugo’ Stretch Denim Leggings. Paige Denim offers some of the world’s most comfortable, lasting pants that never go out of style. These jeans don’t stretch out after one wear, so they’re perfect for games and tailgates; you’ll constantly be on the move, sitting and standing, replenishing your drink, and of course, rushing to the restroom. The ‘Verdugo’ dark jean will fit perfectly in your boots and add a chic statement to your sporty spice outfit. Designer jeans are indeed an investment, but Paige is worth every penny.
4. Tote. Without a doubt, women have a reputation for carrying too much “stuff.” Well, that still applies at football games. In fact, that “stuff’ multiplies. Not only do you need your wallet and lip gloss, but you’ll want to stash a pair of mittens, perhaps a scarf, some binoculars, and some snacks (Don’t deny it…you sneak things in, too.) This fall, you’ll want to carry a good-sized tote with you to football festivities. Check out the ‘Large buckle tote’ from Gap. This chocolate brown purse measures 8 ¼ inches by 12 ½ inches by 15 ¼ inches, leaving plenty of space for all the goodies. With front pockets and darling zipper embellishments, this fall accessory will make you a tote-ally stylish sports fan.

Even sporty spice can look feminine and flirty. Be the sports fashionista at your next football game!

Erin Prickett is a fashion enthusiast and bargain hunter. She enjoys finding great deals on apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories and recommends using a Zappos coupon code to save on this fall’s hottest fashions.

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The Traditions of Wimbledon

Image via Wikipedia

With the Wimbledon Tennis Championships due to start in under a week - the world's attention will soon be focused on what is normally a quiet corner of south west London. As one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon draws in the world's best players, because for many players winning a tournament like Wimbledon will be the pinnacle of a career. It remains the only major championship played on grass, which is certainly not the least of its quirks, in fact, it is a championship marked out by some of its eccentricities. Below we've picked out some of these traditions that make Wimbledon such a unique event.

The Queue

Wimbledon remains one of the few major sporting events that holds back a number of tickets for its most high profile events. While most Wimbledon tickets are sold through the oversubscribed ballot and Wimbledon's debenture scheme, around 500 tickets per major court for every day (apart from the semi finals and finals) are held back for people who are prepared to queue and pay cash at the turnstiles. The queue for tickets has become such an institution that it sees fans return year after year to patiently wait for the chance to see the world's top players in action. It is often described as a street party by those who camp on the hard concrete pavements overnight and has become so iconic that the museum housed within Wimbledon's grounds has decided to open an exhibition documenting "The Queue" down the years.

Refreshments

A tradition that is thought to be as old as the championship itself is the widely practiced consumption of strawberries and cream, all washed down with a glass of traditional champagne or Pimms. It is estimated that 27,000 kilos of strawberries are eaten along with 7,000 litres of cream every year at the championships, while 17,000 bottles of champagne and 200,000 glasses of Pimms also get put away. The Championships are reckoned to be the single biggest catering operation undertaken in Europe for a sporting event.

Dress Code

Wimbledon enforces a strict dress code for its participants that while seemingly archaic means the Championships can maintain a unique look and feel. Players are required to wear an almost entirely white or off-white outfit. For ladies, outfits that reveal too much in the cleavage area could result in them not being allowed on court until they have "covered up". While this may seem somewhat draconian, a number of the top players have classically designed outfits prepared by their kits sponsors specifically for the Championships. Furthermore, when the Olympics come to London in 2012 the tennis will be held at the All England Club and players will be encouraged to wear whatever colors they feel, in part, so that the all white uniforms worn during the Championships maintain their distinctive style.

Ball Boys and Girls

Often referred to as BBGs, this team of helpers are fundamental to the successful and smooth running of the championships. The BBGs are selected from schools in the local area following trials where around 250 make the cut from a field of about 700. In the early years of the championship there were only ball boys and these were selected from charitable organizations that looked after young people including Shaftesbury Homes and Barnados, it wasn't until 1977 that girls got a chance to join in. These days, the split between boys and girls as 50/50 as far as is possible. Once selected the training is tough, it starts in February and requires considerable commitment both after school and at the weekend. However, the finished product means that Wimbledon can boast of having an elite team of BBGs to rival any tournament, which makes life easier for the players - as well as adding to the overall spectacle of the Championships.

So with all this tradition on offer, and not to mention the amazing tennis, Wimbledon 2011 is set to be a bumper year.

Jonathan is a freelance writer who loves tennis and would give practically anything to get his hands on some Wimbledon tickets.

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