Author: garethloopdesignagency

14/05/202614/05/2026

Paris Olympic champion Lola Anderson shares how mindset, balance and support helped shape her journey to the top of world rowing.

From writing down her Olympic dream at just 14 years old to becoming Paris 2024 Olympic champion in the women’s quadruple sculls, Lola Anderson has experienced both the pressure and rewards that come with elite sport.

After writing her name into Olympic history following Great Britain’s dramatic final push past the Netherlands in Paris, Anderson understands the importance of mental wellbeing both on and off the water.

Finding freedom on the water

For Lola, rowing has always provided an escape from pressure and outside stress.

“Any challenges I’ve faced tend to fade away when I’m on the water.

“When you’re passionate about maximising your potential in the boat, it’s really important not to place too much pressure on the outcome or your performance.”

Managing pressure at the highest level

Staying present has become central to how she manages the demands of elite rowing.

Despite competing on the biggest stage in sport, Lola believes mental challenges are something every athlete experiences.

“Recognising a mental hurdle doesn’t indicate weakness.

“As we headed into Paris, it would have been easy for us to let the pressure and expectations suffocate us before we even began racing.”

The importance of team culture

For Lola, team culture plays a major role in both performance and wellbeing.

“Rowing is one of the best team sports, requiring us to rely on each other both on and off the water.

“When the dynamic is strong, athletes communicate clearly, are more open to collaboration and take greater ownership of the team culture.”

Switching off away from sport

Away from training and racing, creating balance is equally important.

“I’ve always found that spending time with friends, even in simple ways serves as a good reset.

“My teammates and I often enjoy stress-free activities, such as pottery painting or cooking dinners for one another.

“Any activity that helps us genuinely switch off after training is beneficial.”

Speaking up and enjoying the journey

Lola helps younger athletes understand the importance of speaking openly and prioritising mental health.

“It can be easy to bottle up emotions and keep everything inside,” she said.

“Talking and sharing anxieties with teammates not only lightens your load, but may also encourage another teammate you didn’t know was struggling to do the same.”

Her own journey taught her that happiness and performance are closely connected.

“Transitioning into a university programme proved challenging.

“I internalised that I needed to work harder and viewed myself as ‘weak’ mentally.

“Once I shifted my focus to enjoy the day-to-day aspects of rowing, I was having fun again.

“Choosing my mental health over a desperation to perform took a weight off my shoulders and allowed me to train and race unburdened.”

Kukri is proud to support the British Rowing team and athletes like Lola as they continue to foster that sense of community on and off the water.

23/04/202621/04/2026

Captain Lewis Gregory eyes back-to-back Vitality Blast glory as domestic season gets underway.

Somerset County Cricket Club and long-standing kit supplier Kukri are gearing up for what could be a landmark season, with the men’s side targeting an unprecedented back-to-back Vitality Blast title and the women’s team entering their second competitive campaign.

With the County Championship already underway and the Blast on the horizon, the mood at the Cooper Associates County Ground is one of quiet confidence.

A season already in motion

Somerset’s 2026 season began in the longest format, with a two-wicket victory over Hampshire maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

The women’s team also marked their return in style with a one-wicket win over Yorkshire in the One Day Cup.

The focus then turns to a home test on 1 May against Yorkshire, before the return of the T20 Vitality Blast on 22 May against Hampshire Hawks.

Gregory targeting glory again

At the heart of Somerset’s ambition is captain Lewis Gregory, who has guided the side to two Blast titles in the last three years.

Now, he has his sights set on something no team in the competition’s history has ever achieved.

“The consistency we’ve shown over the last five to six years has been incredible. Two wins and a final in the last three years is impressive, and the goal now is to show that consistency again.”

The skipper is entering the season with a clear sense of purpose and a squad that has put the work in over the winter.

“The mood is good. Everyone has had a really productive winter – the guys have put in a lot of work and coming into pre-season we’ve seen a lot where our skills are at, and things are in a good place,” he said.

Leading from the front

Gregory leads not just through tactics and guidance but by example – with a personal commitment to stepping up in the moments that matter most.

Quality that shows

This season’s kit range has made an immediate impression, with the new Blast strips drawing a particular praise from the captain.

The design, chosen by the fans, reflects a different side of the club’s identity – from bold, modern interpretations to styles inspired by their heritage.

The men’s shirt also has the addition of another star under the badge to indicate the three occasions the team has lifted the T20 title (2005, 2023 and 2025).

“The kit this year looks really nice. The two shirts for the Blast with the contrast in black and pink look really smart.

“Kukri have been our kit supplier now for a long time and we have a good partnership with them. That high-quality kit makes you feel comfortable in what you are wearing and not worry about external factors, which is really important.

“It’s nice to go out there looking and feeling good.”

The consistency off the field is just as important as performances on it. Last season alone, Kukri delivered over 5,200 units across Somerset’s senior squads and academy pathway teams, as well as retail offering.

A year to build on for Somerset Women

Somerset women are entering their second competitive season as a group, and the team’s momentum is very much a collective story.

The women’s side play Surrey in the One Day Cup this weekend, and return to T20 action with a double-header fixture against Hampshire Hawks on Friday 22 May.

With growing experience in the squad and the lessons of that first season behind them, the team are ready to push on again.

Why do partners stay with Kukri?

– Trusted education partner – experienced in supporting school’s sporting and operational needs

– Proven long-term partnerships – built on dedication and delivery

– 98% on-time delivery – giving schools confidence and consistency

– Dedicated account management – one point of contact to guide your project from design to delivery

– Fully bespoke sportswear – tailored to each school’s identity and requirements

– Flexible ordering options – including online portals & wholesale solutions

– eCommerce management – with a dedicated online shop built and managed by Kukri

Join the team:

Get in touch to find out how we can help you.

YOUR SPORT. YOUR DESIGN.

08/04/202626/03/2026

For national governing bodies, the right performance partner brings more than quality kit – they bring reliability and a deep understanding of their sport, alongside a creative approach that reflect a team’s identity.

Since 2019, Kukri Sports has been proudly partnered with England Athletics as its official sportswear partner – delivering performance-driven, reliable apparel dedicated to supporting athletes, coaches, officials and clubs across England.

In 2025, the partnership was extended for a further 5 years, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting the athletics community from grassroots to elite level.

A PROGRAMME BUILT FOR ELITE SPORT

England Athletics manages a complex, multi-level programme including senior, junior and pathway athletes across a wide range of disciplines.

It has developed some of the world’s best athletes including nine-time Paralympic champion and Kukri ambassador Hannah Cockroft, Keely Hodgkinson, Greg Rutherford, David Weir CBE and Paula Radcliffe.

Kukri’s role is to ensure every athlete, coach and staff member has apparel that performs, represents and supports their needs.

– Supporting over 177,000 athletes, 21,000+ licensed coaches and leaders & over 4,000 officials.

– Extensive training and competition schedules (licensed over 1,800 track and field and cross-country competitions in 2024).

– Supplying fully bespoke, high-performance sportswear for national teams and associated clubs.

In 2025, Kukri delivered over 1,700 England Athletic specific items across athletes, coaches, officials and affiliated clubs, demonstrating the scale and reliability of our support.

A FULLY BESPOKE PERFORMANCE KIT

Kukri delivers a complete, tailored sportswear solution for England Athletics, including:

Each garment is designed in collaboration with England Athletics to balance performance, comfort and durability while reflecting the organisation’s identity and heritage.

“Kukri have consistently demonstrated their understanding of the needs of our athletes and clubs at every level of the sport.

“Their commitment to providing high-quality, bespoke kit that reflects the individuality of our clubs and supports performance on the track and field is something we value greatly.” – Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics.

A LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP MINDSET

The partnership is built on reliability and forward planning, allowing England Athletics to focus on athlete development and competition without worrying about kit logistics or quality.

The partnership delivers:

– Consistency across all programmes

– Scalable solutions for athletes and staff

– A shared vision for performance and representation

With the recent announcement of our new ambassadors, there is also a shared commitment to developing athletes off the track and field through:

Our Impact

Through this partnership, Kukri supports:

– Grassroots & elite athlete performance through reliable, functional kit

– Consistent identity across all squads and age groups

– Enhanced pride and cohesion within the athletics community

– Long-term planning for kit innovation

LOOKING AHEAD

As England Athletics continues to grow and develop athletes from grassroots to international competition, the partnership continues to evolve to ensure one of the world’s most successful athletic nations continues to perform.

26/03/202625/03/2026

Two athletes. Two sports. One statement weekend.

Kieran Molloy and Courtney Tulloch have both taken significant steps forward in their careers, delivering performances that underline their status among the best in their sports.

In the ring, Kieran Molloy was crowned IBF European Welterweight Champion after a unanimous points decision victory over Xavier Kohlen.

The win marked a special night for the Irishman as he won his first professional title at the SSE Arena in Belfast to maintain his unbeaten professional record.

“It was an unbelievable feeling winning my first professional title,” said Molloy. “After all of the setbacks and title fights falling through, this one really meant a lot.

Molloy was composed and controlled throughout the ten rounds, backing up his performance with the numbers to match.

“After 12 hard weeks of training twice a day, six days a week, I was well prepared. To hear ‘and the new…’ meant all the hard work has paid off.”

The Galway man was quick to pay tribute to those who have supported him along the way. “The support I’ve received from the people of Galway and Ireland has been unreal.

“They’ve supported me since the start and they are a huge part of my journey. My team at the New Era Boxing Gym in London, including my coach Charlie Beatt, have all worked extremely hard to make sure I’m in the best shape possible.”

With the title now secured, Molloy has his sights set firmly on what comes next. “It’s made me even more hungry to push further and headline for another title fight. Big things coming!”

Courtney Tulloch enjoys British Championships Success

Closer to home, at the Artistic Gymnastics British Championships, Courtney Tulloch picked up two more medals in at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

A silver in the men’s senior rings final was followed by a bronze in the men’s senior parallel bars final, a result that demonstrated his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

Reflecting on the weekend, Tulloch said: “Winning two medals felt like real proof that the hard work is paying off, especially under pressure.

“It gave me a big confidence boost and showed me I’m moving in the right direction.”

The parallel bars bronze held particular significance for the gymnast. “I’ve put a lot of time into that apparatus, so to finally see it come together in competition and be rewarded with a medal was really satisfying.”

With major competitions on the horizon, Tulloch is hoping this can be a springboard for the rest of the season. “With the Commonwealth Games or European Championships coming up if I’m selected, it definitely adds extra motivation.

“The ambition now is to build and keep improving. I want to be more consistent and push for top results at major competitions.”

Speaking on the achievements, Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO of Kukri Sports, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Kieran and Courtney. We started our journey with Kieran a few years ago and to see him standing there as a champion is a special moment.

“He is determined to get to the very top of the sport and I have no doubts that he will get there.

“Courtney has quickly become a hugely valued part of the Kukri family and to see him deliver a standout performance at the British Championships, which was a fantastic event, and winning two medals, is a real testament to his dedication and ability and we look forward to supporting him in future competitions as well as off the mat too.”

About Kukri Sports

Kukri Sports is a leading performance sportswear brand, proud to support athletes and organisations across a wide range of sports at every level of the game.

From grassroots to elite competition, we are committed to equipping those who compete with the kit and confidence to perform at their best.

To find out more about how we can help you and our ambassador programme, visit here.

23/03/202623/03/2026

Kukri Sports is proud to announce four new ambassadors from long-standing partner England Athletics.

Spanning all levels from Masters to the Youth Talent Programme, the selection marks an exciting new chapter in our continued commitment to supporting talent across the sport.

We are also delighted to announce that Harriet Court, a talented U20 javelin thrower who represented Team GB for the first time last year, will also continue in her role as an ambassador.

Meet the Ambassadors:

Abraham Sharif – Talent Pathway Ambassador – Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC

Events: Long Jump

From breaking school records to competing at his first British Championships in 2024, talented athlete Abraham is chasing big dreams while inspiring the next generation. Abraham is currently part of England Athletics’ Talent Development Programme, with Head of Talent Pathway Alan Richardson sharing that the Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC athlete is a strong ambassador for England Athletics’ pathway, constantly engaging and arriving prepared.

Ava Leadbetter – Club Ambassador – Copeland AC

Event: 3000m

A former competitive dancer turned standout middle-distance runner, Ava recently delivered one of her university’s strongest BUCS Cross Country  performances. She continues to build towards international representation while keeping joy at the heart of her training. Providing authentic, grassroots-level representation of the sport, Ava is a member of England Athletics affiliated club Copeland AC in Cumbria.

Nia Rutter – Masters Ambassador – Blackpool Wyre & Fylde AC

Events: 100m hurdles, triple jump & high jump

With over three decades in athletics and a World Masters gold to her name, former Gladiators quarter-finalist Nia continues to prove that passion for sport has no age limit. A member of England Athletics affiliated club Blackpool Wyre & Fylde AC, Nia is a talented multi-eventer. Chris Hollinshead (Masters Road Running Coordinator at England Athletics) noted that Nia reflects our values; committed, consistent and has a genuine love of the sport.

Ryen Rennie – Youth Talent Pathway Ambassador – Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC

Events: 400m, 300m & 200m

Last year, Blackheath & Bromley AC athlete Ryen achieved multiple personal bests in the 100m, 200m and 400m, along with five wins, cementing his rise in sprinting. Ryen has also been part of England Athletics’ Youth Talent Pathway – you can click here to learn more about his ambition for elite-level sprinting and the mindset fuelling his rise.

Harriet Court – Ambassador – Thames Valley Harriers

Event: Javelin

Having broken the ESAA record & represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the U20 European Championships, Thames Valley Harriers thrower Harriet continues to build on a breakthrough season while gaining valuable international experience. Harriet has also been part of England Athletics Youth Talent Programme, gaining valuable insights from the pathway.

“We’re thrilled to support these athletes not just with access to high-performance kit, but with the resources & opportunities to help them reach their full potential,” said Chris Marshall, Group COO at Kukri Sports.

“At the same time, their stories shine a light on the grassroots athletics community, inspiring the next generation and highlighting our ongoing commitment to England Athletics as a valued partner.”

David Bull, Head of Commercial Partnerships at England Athletics said, “We’re delighted to continue working with Kukri Sports to support these talented athletes.

“Their ambassador programme not only helps athletes perform at their best, but also showcases the inspiring stories and pathways within athletics – which is a reflection of our shared commitment to growing the sport further.”

Kukri Sports are proud to be partnered with England Athletics as their official teamwear partner, and remains committed to providing athletes with apparel they need to perform at their best.

About England Athletics

England Athletics develops grassroots athletics and running in England, supporting affiliated clubs to prosper, developing more and better coaches, recruiting and supporting volunteers and officials. England Athletics provides and supports competition opportunities at an international (England representative), national, area and county level. England Athletics also delivers campaigns and products to inspire and provide opportunities for people in England to start running. These include RUN:EA, an individual running membership, and RunTogether, a national recreational group-based running product. 

For more information on England Athletics, please visit www.englandathletics.org 

About Kukri Sports

Kukri Sports is a global sportswear brand specialising in bespoke teamwear for clubs, schools, universities and elite organisations. As the official teamwear partner of England Athletics, Kukri supports athletes at every level of the sport, from grassroots clubs through to national and international competition, providing high-performance apparel and working closely with partners to help grow and develop athletics across the UK.

For more information on how we can help you, visit here.