Sign in

Ben Bloom

@benbloomsport.bsky.social
335 followers 166 following 132 posts

Freelance sports journalist, formerly at the Telegraph. Author of 'Batting for Time'. Buy the book here: linktr.ee/BattingForTime

PostsRepliesMedia
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
At the 2010 World Cup, the Adidas Jabulani was derided as the worst football ever made. Now, it’s the ball of choice for the world’s best footgolfers, and its scarcity means each one sells for more than £500.
theguardian.com
Footgolfers in arms race to replicate ‘the worst ball I’ve seen in my life’
The much-derided Adidas Jabulani, created for the 2010 World Cup, is now the ball of choice in a niche sport
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Coventry are not playing terribly. They lost 5-0 and yet Brighton's goalkeeper was named man of the match. But they are only the second team in Premier League history to lose their first four games without scoring. And that's bleak.
theguardian.com
Lewis Dunk’s showstopper helps five-star Brighton to rout 10-man Coventry
Coventry’s winless and goalless start to the Premier League season continued with a 5-0 home thrashing at the hands of Brighton
120
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Britain currently has the reigning men’s and women’s windsurfing world champions. Ahead of their title defence this weekend, a trip to Dorset to find out how Britain became windsurfing world beaters.
observer.co.uk
Inside the Dorset hub of Britain’s world-conquering winds...
Emma Wilson and Andy Brown are ready to defend their world titles at home
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Brighton 1-1 Leeds. A game that a totally dominant Leeds really should have won. And then a totally dominant Brighton really should have won.
theguardian.com
Luka Vuskovic rides to the rescue for Brighton as Leeds fail to take chances
Luka Vuskovic’s 71st-minute strike earned Brighton a 1-1 draw after Jayden Bogle had put Leeds ahead in the first half
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
“You’re getting sacked in the morning.” No wins in three Championship matches for West Ham and now their own fans have turned on Nuno Espirito Santo.
theguardian.com
Nabizada sparkles for Watford as draw puts pressure on West Ham’s Nuno
West Ham remain winless in the Championship after a 1-1 draw at Watford with Mattie Pollock’s own goal cancelling out Amin Nabizada’s opener
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
“At my age, I could pop my clogs tomorrow, so I might as well do as much as I can while I can.” A delight to interview Britain’s fastest ever nonagenarian Colin Spivey, who had never set foot on a running track until the age of 89.
observer.co.uk
‘If I make 95, I’ll definitely give the decathlon a go’: ...
Colin Spivey first set foot on a running track at 89. He’s now aiming for a world title before he turns 92, writes Ben Bloom
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
“I always thought I was meant to be on the earth to run fast and win medals. But now I realise this is what I was meant to do.” A chat with world champion sprinter Danny Talbot on his running career and what came next. Read it in @athleticsweekly.com here: pocketmags.com/athletics-we...
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
You almost certainly haven't heard of him, but England's Ben Clarke is the greatest footgolfer in the sport's history. How can someone be so good at footgolf? I played a round with him to find out.
observer.co.uk
Meet the footgolf GOAT keen to challenge Harry Kane to a ...
Leaving his job as a PE teacher has allowed Ben Clarke to establish himself as the sport’s dominant force
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
“I’m not the same player I was in Norwich. Now it’s time to show I’m ready and capable of playing in the Premier League.” Arsenal’s new signing on his unusual route to the top, winning the club’s pre-season fitness tests and his Spartan warrior nickname.
theguardian.com
‘It’s my time’: Christos Tzolis fighting fit for Arsenal on return to England
The £34m signing from Club Brugge says he is a more complete player now after an indifferent time at Norwich
021
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Sophie Hitchon won Olympic hammer bronze exactly 10 years ago. But, for her, that was a different life. A fascinating catch up with a former athlete who has put their sporting career firmly behind them. Read it in @athleticsweekly.com here: pocketmags.com/athletics-we...
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Meet the professional cricketers who don't play cricket in summer. This season, in the prime months of July/August, there are 59 days without a County Championship match. I spoke to the red-ball specialists to find out what that is like.
observer.co.uk
The red-ball cricketers left in a summer wilderness
Hot summers used to go hand in hand with red-ball cricket, but the proliferation of the short-form game has left many players with a two-month hiatus
020
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
He said he’d do it. And he did. Josh Kerr is the fastest man ever to run one mile. Spectacular.
theguardian.com
Josh Kerr makes athletics history by shattering one-mile world record in London
Josh Kerr consigned to history Hicham El Guerrouj’s mark of 3min 43.13sec that had stood since 1999, clocking a phenomenal time of 3:42.66
020
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
“There’s different breeds of people. As an athlete, I’m not scared of failing. It’s not something that I was born with. I’m on the attack at all times and I’m bold with it.” Big fan of Josh Kerr's fearless approach to his one-mile world record attempt.
theguardian.com
Josh Kerr ‘not scared of failure’ as he targets one-mile world record in London
The Scot said ‘I like goals that are lofty and sport needs moments’ before his shot at history, while Keely Hodgkinson also races in the Diamond League
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Naomi Metzger is one of Britain's best ever female triple jumpers. But, in recent years, she's also become a technology influencer. An interview on athletics, AI and crypto. Read it in @athleticsweekly.com here: pocketmags.com/athletics-we...
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
- Keely Hodgkinson withdraws in tears from the UK Championships start line - She says she “wasn’t feeling 100%” - Her camp insist it was precautionary due to muscle tightness at the end of her warm-up
theguardian.com
Keely Hodgkinson exits in tears from UK Championships but injury fears played down
Keely Hodgkinson pulled out of the 400m final ahead of a planned assault on the 800m world record, saying: ‘I didn’t want to risk anything’
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Britain's athletics world records: GB, 4x200m indoor (1991) J Edwards, triple jump (1995) M Farah, one hour (2020) E Giles, mile road (2024) K Hodgkinson, 800m indoor (2026) Can Hodgkinson (800m outdoor) and Josh Kerr (mile) add two big ones this summer?
observer.co.uk
British pair have history in their sights | The Observer
Champions Keely Hodgkinson and Josh Kerr are seeking rare records
310
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Amy Hunt v Dina Asher-Smith is a world-class British rivalry to savour.
theguardian.com
Amy Hunt beats Dina Asher-Smith to retain 100m crown at UK Championships
Amy Hunt overhauled her fast-starting rival Dina Asher-Smith to successfully defend her British 100m title in 11.01 seconds
200
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
"I think I got very flipping unlucky. But I have unfinished business. Athletics is me, and I love it." Having been tipped for greatness, Niamh Emerson didn't finish a heptathlon for eight years. Now, with KJT's help, she's back. Read the @athleticsweekly.com piece: pocketmags.com/athletics-we...
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
“I was surprised. With respect for me, I thought I deserved one.” Reigning Queen’s Club champion Tatjana Maria (world No 52) did not receive a wildcard to defend her title. Instead they went to Brits ranked 73, 98, 160 and 261 in the world.
theguardian.com
Reigning champion Tatjana Maria shocked by Queen’s wildcard snub
Tatjana Maria, the reigning Queen’s Club women’s champion, has revealed her shock at not receiving a wildcard to defend her title this week
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Serena Williams, 44, is back playing doubles at Queen’s Club next week. But what about a potential singles return? “I can’t say yeah, I can’t say no. Right now, no.”
theguardian.com
Serena Williams plays down potential singles return before doubles at Queen’s
The 23-time grand slam champion, who stepped away from tennis in 2022, said of her return: ‘I don’t have anything to prove, everything is a gain’
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
They were “collateral damage” in the spygate saga after preparing to face the wrong team for a week. But Hull City are back in the Premier League.
theguardian.com
McBurnie’s late winner sinks Middlesbrough and takes Hull into Premier League
Oli McBurnie scored a stoppage-time winner in Hull’s 1-0 victory against Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
“People always underestimate me. My honesty has been twisted into a tragic vulnerability.” An interview with the admirably open and always interesting Victoria Pendleton - on snakes, depression, and why she constantly seeks new challenges.
telegraph.co.uk
Victoria Pendleton interview: I love snakes – they are misunderstood, like me
Double Olympic champion has been a jockey and mountaineer since retiring from cycling, and is now closing in on her Green Beret
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Escalator engineer Jay Lovell was supposed to be doing a shift at Wembley Stadium today. He’ll still be there… but captaining Cockfosters in the FA Vase final. A piece on the brilliance of Non-League Finals Day.
observer.co.uk
The ‘normal people’ heading to Wembley for a chance of no...
Escalator operators and a famous internet meme will make up the rich tapestry of the FA Vase and Trophy double header
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
When Sabastian Sawe ran the first legal sub-2hr marathon, his shoes made headlines. But in Gothenburg, a team of scientists/nutritionists believe another factor was just as significant, if not more so. A look inside sport's groundbreaking fuelling lab.
theguardian.com
Sawe’s secret sauce: inside the lab that fuelled historic sub-two hour marathon
Swedish firm Maurten’s high-carb drinks, bicarb sludges and hydrogels are giving super spikes a run for their money
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Supporting Rochdale should come with a health warning. After the York City drama a fortnight earlier, an extraordinary National League play-off final victory featuring more injury-time goals and a penalty shootout.
theguardian.com
Rochdale return to Football League in shootout after Boreham Wood thriller
Mani Dieseruvwe equalised seconds from the end of added time then Rochdale beat Boreham Wood 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League.
theguardian.com
Ipswich win promotion to Premier League after rolling over QPR
Ipswich have secured promotion back to the Premier League with a 3-0 victory against QPR at Portman Road after one season back in the Championship
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
When Richard Yates wasn't selected for the 2008 Olympics, it sparked a chain of events that ended in him becoming UK Athletics' general counsel. And he's still competing in the UK Championships aged 40. Read the @athleticsweekly.com interview: pocketmags.com/athletics-we...
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Last week, a new cricket competition launched solely for state schools, culminating in boys' and girls' finals on the main pitch at Lord's. As a rare England player now coaching cricket in a state school, Sajid Mahmood is a big fan.
theguardian.com
The Spin | Knight-Stokes Cup sets up much-needed platform for state school cricket
New tournament aims to counter-balance the elitist fixture at Lord’s between Eton and Harrow
230
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Sabastian Sawe only ran his first international race aged 26. A couple of years earlier, family members had urged him to give up on his dream. Now he's a history-maker. The story of the first man ever to run a sub-2hr marathon.
dailymail.com
Secrets of the 'silent assassin' who smashed the two-hour barrier
The idea that this was the man who would one day become the first person ever to legally run a marathon in under two hours was inconceivable. But on Sunday, he did just that.
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds. One of the greatest ever sporting feats.
independent.co.uk
How Sabastian Sawe achieved the impossible with first marathon under two hours
Sawe, the ‘silent assassin’, made history with his world-record time of 1:59.30 London Marathon, an event that changes the course of sporting history
091
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Unai Emery insisted the Premier League is Aston Villa’s priority. His team played like they hadn’t heard him. Report from Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa.
theguardian.com
Sessegnon sinks lacklustre Aston Villa to keep Fulham’s European hopes alive
Ryan Sessegnon scored the winner in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa that revives the prospect of qualifying for Europe
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
"We're sword-fighting. This is the coolest sport there is." Miles Chamley-Watson was the 'bad kid' who found fencing after he was expelled from multiple schools. Now the sport's outsider wants to use his celebrity status to take fencing mainstream. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympi...
bbc.co.uk
Miles Chamley-Watson: Lewis Hamilton's 'best friend' who is 'ruffling feathers' in fencing
BBC Sport speaks to Miles Chamley-Watson, the man behind the World Fencing League, which launches on Saturday in Los Angeles.
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Brentford could qualify for Europe and have the Premier League's leading goalscorer this season. But an injury-time goal meant they didn't win this one. Report from Brentford 2-2 Everton.
theguardian.com
Dewsbury-Hall strikes late for Everton to deny Brentford after Igor Thiago double
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall equalised in added time to gain Everton a point after Igor Thiago had scored both Brentford goals in the 2-2 draw
020
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Enzo Fernandez has been dropped for two games as transfer-talk punishment. Liam Rosenior describes Chelsea’s recent struggles as the worst 10 days of his career.
theguardian.com
Chelsea axe Enzo Fernández for two games after ‘crossing a line’ with Madrid comments
The Chelsea head coach, Liam Rosenior, said: ‘It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. You have to protect this club and culture’
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
“Just because I’ve had a good career, I can’t just expect to get that big job.” He made 496 Premier League appearances and scored 20 international goals, but new Woking manager Jermain Defoe’s life now revolves around the fifth-tier National League.
independent.co.uk
Jermain Defoe is a long way from the Premier League but ready for Woking ‘gamble’
The former England, Tottenham and West Ham striker has dropped into the fifth tier for his first managerial job but is keen to earn his stripes and says there will be no excuses if success doesn’t com...
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Like their younger international counterparts, England’s Over-70s played an Ashes series and a World Cup this winter. Unlike Brendon McCullum’s crew, the Over-70s won them both.
theguardian.com
The Spin | ‘It keeps you young’: England Over-70s bask in glory of Ashes and World Cup wins
Late-age cricket leagues are growing fast and the national Over-70s thrived on their winter southern hemisphere tour
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Sussex have compiled their strongest squad for a generation. But it cannot last long, so enjoy it while they can. After a harrowing winter of financial turmoil, a trip to sunny Hove to see if the return of cricket can restore smiles.
observer.co.uk
Make-or-break time for Sussex heralded by fear and hope a...
Sussex fans and members still believe in the future of their struggling club
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man all have island-wide teams competing in 8/9th-tier English football. On Non-League Day, the story of the huge amateur clubs footing the £7,000 bill for their opponents to fly up to 200 miles every other week.
theguardian.com
Island pride: Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man aiming high despite challenges
With their non-league sides effectively serving as national teams for the crown dependencies they have dreams of climbing higher in the football pyramid
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Tottenham fans have tried walkouts, they have tried vocal anger, and now they have tried to inspire players with a rapturous pre-match reception. All to no effect. It has been a horrible season watching their insipid team slide towards relegation.
independent.co.uk
No plan, no fight and no way out: What next for Tottenham after latest collapse?
Tottenham 0-3 Nottingham Forest: Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi ensured Spurs’ calamitous season only got worse as the club slipped to 17th
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
“The only thing left for me was death.” Almost 10 years ago, Luvo Manyonga conquered the athletics world. But he was addicted to crystal meth, and his life descended into crime and drugs. Now, after a brutal beating nearly killed him, he’s back at the top. www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/m...
theguardian.com
‘The only thing left for me was death’: meet the meth-addict long jumper who has been to hell and back
Three years ago Luvo Manyonga knew he must change his life or die. The former world champion speaks to Ben Bloom as he prepares to make an extraordinary return to athletics’ top table
031
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Few things in sport look as silly as a failed Panenka. Report from West Ham’s FA Cup penalty shootout victory over Brentford.
theguardian.com
West Ham set up Leeds quarter-final after Ouattara fluffs Panenka for Brentford
Dango Ouattara’s failed chip helped West Ham to a 5-3 penalty shootout win against Brentford in the FA Cup fifth round, following a 2-2 draw after extra time
030
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Last year, Scott Lincoln achieved GB's best ever World Championships shot put placing. Now he wants to reward the anonymous couple who have funded his career by winning medals and "cleaning up" the British record. Read the @athleticsweekly.com interview: pocketmags.com/athletics-we...
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
“I’m not stupid - I know I’ve been pretty unfortunate, but I’ve also had a lot of amazing things happen. I love my life.” Paralysed, Paralympic gold and a cancer diagnosis. Through it all, the extraordinary Jo Butterfield never stopped smiling. Now history awaits.
observer.co.uk
Paralysed, Paralympic gold, a cancer diagnosis – now Jo B...
Team GB curler is aiming to become the first British person to win summer and winter Paralympic gold medals
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
“I feel the same butterflies as when I played in the Premier League. And it keeps me young.” For the last six years of his Chelsea/Arsenal career, Petr Cech secretly did weekly ice hockey training. Now, aged 43, he travels the country playing for fourth-tier club Haringey Huskies.
telegraph.co.uk
Petr Cech interview: I play ice hockey and find it as exciting as the Premier League
Former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper still craves the adrenalin rush of competitive sport and is finding it with the Haringey Huskies
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
How decisive might this missed opportunity prove in West Ham’s survival plight? An xG of 2.87 from 20 shots, but no goals. Report from West Ham 0-0 Bournemouth
theguardian.com
West Ham miss chance to boost survival hopes with wasteful draw against Bournemouth
West Ham missed an opportunity to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation after squandering chances in their goalless draw at home to Bournemouth
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
What a pleasant surprise to see Jeremiah Azu run the 200m to complete a British indoor sprint double. The 200m isn't even contested internationally indoors. So why put himself through three additional races in three hours without need? “Mainly for the training.”
theguardian.com
Jeremiah Azu completes surprise sprint double at UK indoor championships
Jeremiah Azu added the 200m title to his 60m gold in Birmingham while Issy Boffey triumphed in an 800m final missing Keely Hodgkinson
010
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
First Keely Hodgkinson, then Georgia Hunter Bell and Josh Kerr. Britain’s top trio had perfectly legitimate reasons for dropping out of Sunday's UK Indoor Championships. But their withdrawals dealt a succession of blows to paying fans in Birmingham.
telegraph.co.uk
GB’s absent athletes short change UK Indoor Championships fans
Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Hunter Bell and then Josh Kerr all pulled out of Sunday’s action for various reasons
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
A sports ticket comes with no certainty of getting to watch the headline act. Birmingham’s Saturday crowd saw Keely Hodgkinson in the form of her life. Her decision to skip the UK Championships final means no such joy for their Sunday counterparts.
observer.co.uk
Keely Hodgkinson shows record form on her flying visit
New British mark in her heat, but sadly for Sunday’s crowd, she won’t be back for the final
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
“Last year was very tough. I’m somebody who runs fast when I’m happy.” Watching her young rival Amy Hunt win a world medal last summer suggested a possible new era for British female sprinting. But another British title shows Dina Asher-Smith is nowhere near done yet.
telegraph.co.uk
Dina Asher-Smith blows away Amy Hunt to reassert sprint dominance
British 60m title win eases pain of world championships disappointment, while Keely Hodgkinson obliterates own record in 800m
000
Ben Bloom @benbloomsport.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Over two months last winter, Jeremiah Azu won world, European, British and Welsh 60m gold. And became a dad for the first time. Now defending his titles, he believes this indoor season can be even better. Read the full @athleticsweekly.com interview: pocketmags.com/athletics-we...
000