Across the Net: Issue 17
A shortened version of our weekly newsletter: a round-up of the best women's sports coverage from across the internet. To get Across The Net every week, complete with fun GIFs and bonus chat, straight into your inbox, sign up at the bottom of the page.
Ice Hockey
Transgender Ice Hockey Star Harrison Browne on Almost Retiring
Browne had announced his retirement at the end of the last season in order to begin his physical transition, however he's since signed a one-year deal with a new team, saying he has more to accomplish before hanging up his skates. In this interview, Browne shares what it's like to be the first openly transgender pro athlete in a team sport to claim a national title, and also talks about how his team supported him in living as a man beautifully. <3 team sports.
Read more here
Speed Skating
Elise Christie on Facing Pyeongchang After Sochi Death Threats
This year speed skater Elise Christie made the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Shortlist, but it's not all been easy in her journey as a pro. She speaks about living on £120 a month to skate, getting death threats following a disqualification for causing a crash involving a Korean skater at Sochi, and how she's coping ahead of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Read the full interview
Tennis
Konta out of Brisbane International with Injury
Johanna Konta overcame a couple of tough starts in the series but had made it to the quarter finals, saying "I am taking it one match at a time, every match is a battle and I am sure the next one will be." However, she has now withdrawn from the competition due to a hip injury, putting her at risk of missing the Australian Open as well as defending her title next week at the Sydney International.
Read more here
Sports Photography
The Guardian's Best Sports Photos of 2017
The real news here is that only three of the 24 photos featured in this article are of women, and only two feature women actually playing sport. Eye roll. But we love this one of Nafi Thiam clearing the bar in the world championships and, as a definite 2017 highlight, we thought it was worth a share.
See more here
Netball
Netball is BOOMING
Apparently netball is, like, the thing these days – even Women's Hour are talking about it. So the BBC decided to investigate why it's getting so popular right now. The article includes some info on variations on the sport like Fast5, a much speedier, vastly different version of the sport, which we will definitely be watching more of this year.
Read more here
WHAT'S ON? : JANUARY
15th – 28th | TENNIS: Australian Open | Watch on Eurosport
20th – 28th | NETBALL: Quad Series | Watch Live in London
26th – 28th | CYCLING: British Track Championships | Watch Live in Manchester
26th – 28th | AQUATICS: British Diving Championships | Watch Live in Plymouth
28th | HOCKEY: Super 6s | Watch Live in London
