Author: garethloopdesignagency

02/10/202501/10/2025

Every athlete’s journey is defined by key moments, the first time they step onto an international stage, the first time they lead a team, and the first time they achieve a dream they have worked for tirelessly.

As part of our ongoing campaign focused on para-sports and athletes, we’re shining a light on incredible athletes whose journeys embody resilience, break barriers and inspire the next generation.

Amy Thompson’s story is one of dedication, perseverance and milestone moments that showcase the power of determination in para-sport.

A promising F41 shot-put athlete and proud Kukri ambassador, Amy has shared three images that capture the moments that have defined her exciting journey so far.

Photo 1: My First England International

Stepping onto the field in England kit for the first time at the Loughborough Pathway International was a dream come true for Amy. Not only did she equal her personal best throw of 7.94m, but she also received the female shotput performance award.

This milestone marked the beginning of her international career and now, just over two years later, Amy made her international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, finishing seventh in the F41 classification.

Photo 2: My First Time Captaining an England Team

Being named captain at the 2024 U20 Home Countries International was another defining moment in Amy’s journey. Leadership is about inspiring others and guiding a team to success, and she embraced the challenge with confidence and determination.

Photo 3: My First Call-Up to the World Para Athletics Championships

Competing at this year’s World Athletics Para Championships represents the pinnacle of Amy’s journey so far. Sharing the stage with her role models and representing her country at the highest level demonstrates the extraordinary results of perseverance and dedication.

Her story continues to inspire others, showing what’s possible when barriers are challenged and resilience drives action.

These three milestones highlight not only Amy’s remarkable rise in para-athletics, but also the spirit of para-sport itself.

As part of our ongoing para-sports campaign, Kukri Sports celebrates athletes like Amy – those who break barriers, redefine possibilities and motivate the next generation.

Beyond Limits. Together.

22/09/202529/09/2025

At Kukri Sports, our mission goes beyond high-quality apparel — we are committed to elevating athletes and giving them the platform to excel.

Whether at grassroots level or competing for international honours, we are proud to support athletes and be a long-standing partner of the para-sport community.

As we launch our new campaign to celebrate these remarkable achievements, we want to shine a light on the journeys and voices that inspire us both on and off the field.

Our commitment is rooted in long-term partnerships with organizations like Team England, British Fencing, British Wheelchair Basketball, and England Athletics, as well as leading educational institutions such as Loughborough University.

Together, we provide technical excellence in apparel while amplifying athletes’ voices, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation

Stories That Inspire:

Amy Thompson – Building confidence and visibility

Our ambassador, Amy Thompson, is a rising star in shot put, recently captaining England at the Home Countries U20 International and earning her first call-up to this year’s World Para Championships on 26 September.

“With the help from Kukri, they have really propelled my career, helping me with not only my kit but my social media presence.

“Without their support, I don’t think I would have as many opportunities as I do currently and that comes down to their support away from sport and really building my confidence.”

Hannah Cockroft CBE – Redefining limits

Nine-time Paralympic champion and ambassador Hannah Cockroft CBE has built her career on pushing boundaries.

For Hannah, wheelchair racing is not just a sport, but a gateway to independence and achievement.

“I’m really proud to be a para-athlete. Wheelchair racing is my freedom. The opportunities that being a wheelchair racer gave me ultimately changed my life.”

Hannah also uses her platform to shift perceptions on para-sport, challenging the idea that wheelchair racing is easy or secondary.

“When you have a disability, you are told more often what you can’t do rather than what you can do.

“I like to use my sport to show people what is possible, and hopefully inspire people to challenge themselves and find out what they can achieve.”

British Fencing – Inclusivity in action

Through partners like British Fencing, Kukri supports athletes who prove that inclusivity is the foundation of sporting progress.

For para fencer and coach Aimee Aronica, fencing restored her connection to the sport she had loved for two decades.

“When I acquired my disability, I felt like I lost my sport. Having wheelchair fencing open to me gave me a way to engage with the sport I have spent 20 years competing in.

“If we as a community can make disability less scary and open up para-sport as a place for everybody, I am hoping our sport can grow and be a place where everybody can achieve their dreams.”

For teammates James Peebles and Wiktoria Mucha, para-fencing is both a test of resilience and a transformative journey.

“Being a para-athlete is about proving that a disability doesn’t define what I can or can’t do,” said James.

“It’s about picking myself up when things don’t go to plan, dusting myself off and trying again, as many times as it takes.”

“Wheelchair fencing has changed my life in more ways that I can ever begin to describe,” said Wiktoria.

“Inclusivity in sport is incredibly important to me as it allows me to feel included and a part of something.

“With the support of those around me, I can do anything and forget about the things I struggle with.”

Looking Ahead

At Kukri, we are committed to supporting para-athletes across a range of sports, ensuring their journeys are seen, heard and celebrated.

In the weeks ahead, we will share content offering a closer look at our athletes’ journeys, highlighting the resilience, determination and talent that makes para-sport so special.

Because for us, it’s about more than sport — it’s about breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and inspiring the next generation.

Beyond Limits. Together.

12/09/202512/09/2025

Somerset County Cricket Club is all set for its fifth consecutive Vitality Blast Finals Day ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Edgbaston.

With more Finals Day appearances than any other county, Somerset has firmly established themselves as one of the most formidable in T20 Cricket.

The team will be aiming for their third T20 title after previous wins in 2023 and 2005 when they take on Lancashire in the semi-final, followed by a potential final scheduled for 6.45pm.

Somerset reached Finals Day in dramatic fashion, thanks to Sean Dickson’s blistering 71 from just 26 balls, securing a thrilling four-wicket victory over Warwickshire Bears in the Quarter-Final.

Kukri has been proud to support the team throughout their journey this season, supplying high-performance kits across all domestic competitions, as well as tailored training wear to help the squad prepare and perform at their best.

The player perspective: pride, passion and performance

Reflecting on the historic achievement of reaching Finals Day, captain Lewis Gregory said “It’s a massive achievement and something we’re really proud of.

“Getting to five consecutive Finals Days shows the quality and depth we have in the squad, but also the character of the group.

“Every year brings different challenges, but we’ve always found a way to dig in and perform when it matters. It speaks volumes about the culture we’ve built and the drive we all share to bring success to the club.”

Craig Overton reflected on past Finals Days as motivation. “Lifting the trophy in 2023 was incredibly special, but there have also been tough defeats that really hurt.

“Those moments teach you a lot about yourself and the team. Going into this one, we’ll take all those experiences with us and hopefully put ourselves in the best position to go one better again.”

Tom Lammonby added “Everyone’s excited but focused on the job at hand. Finals Day is as much for our supporters as it is for us, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make them proud.”

Pulling on the Somerset shirt is a moment of pride amplified on Finals Day as Jack Leach adds. “There’s a sense of pride every time you wear it. You think about the history of the club and the player who’ve come before you.

“Having top-quality kit makes a big difference too – when you are in a high-pressure environment, you need kit that you can rely on so you can focus on performing for the team.”

Lastly, James Rew, who received his first call-up to the England Men’s test squad in May, reflects on the preparation and what the victory could mean.

“We talk a lot about sticking to our processes and controlling what we can control.

“Finals Day can be hectic, but if we stay grounded and back our preparation, we know we’ve got what it takes.

“To lift the trophy would be massive. It would be a special moment for the players, staff and most importantly, for the supporters who have been with us every step of the way.”

As Somerset heads into this year’s Finals Day, Kukri is proud to continue supporting their journey and wishes them the best of luck at Edgbaston as they aim to write another thrilling chapter in the club’s history.

05/09/202504/09/2025

A few months may have passed since Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen etched their name into history, but the echoes of their inaugural title will still resound.

The NXT Gen League, an U23 competition launched by England Netball and Super League 2.0, replaced the Under-21 NPL League to give young players more opportunities to develop in a competitive, high-quality environment.

For Lightning, it’s a pathway to the Super League squad — one this young team validated by winning the inaugural title by just two points.

A Young Squad Rising

Lightning’s NXT Gen side, largely composed of emerging talent, displayed their skill and resilience.

They secured 11 wins from 16 matches and scored an impressive 918 goals, overcoming early challenges when key players Niamh McCall and Hannah Diamond were sidelined with season-ending injuries.

The squad’s round 13 victory over Leeds Rhinos proved pivotal, showing that even a young team can deliver under pressure.

For many players, the league isn’t just about winning – it’s also an opportunity to grow, develop and gain valuable experience in a competitive, professional environment.

Empowered by Kit and Culture

Throughout the season, the team was supported by Kukri Sports, who supplied the high-performance dresses and training wear to help the squad perform at their best.

Captain Millie van Nierop reflected: “The kit from Kukri certainly played a huge role in us being able to be crowned champions.

“The kit we’ve been supplied across the season has been super comfy and allowed us to be ready to compete. I think it sets a culture piece for us to ensure that we all look like a team and united together.

“We feel part of a bigger picture with the vast Kukri kit can provide and across a range of sports, we feel part of the bigger Kukri family.”

Leadership and Growth

Van Nierop, who plays centre and wing defence, highlighted the team’s development throughout the season.

“My personal season highlight was probably beating London Pulse the second time we played them.

“There was so much growth in the team on and off the court, that it felt extra rewarding to complete our goal of being better every time we played the team the second time around.”

She also emphasised that the achievement was collective. “Every single person who trained with us played a part in our win.

“We set really clear goals at the start of the season in terms of culture and we frequently revisited these throughout the season.”

Belief, Legacy and the Pathway

Van Nierop also praised the trust and support that helped the young squad thrive.

“Without our coaches and my teammates I would never be in the position I am today.

“The trust and belief they put into me this year leading this squad on court was awesome.”

While the title is a historic achievement, for Lightning it is also a demonstration of the pathway in action. Young players stepped up, learned from one another and prepared for higher-level netball.

The NXT Gen League provides this experience, ensuring the next generation of players is ready for the step up to the prestigious Super League.

More than Silverware

For Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen, the inaugural title is about more than trophies. It represents culture, resilience, and a future built on youth development — a pathway that will continue to shape the club and inspire young athletes for years to come.

Looking to upgrade your netball teamwear? Get in touch with us today

27/08/202522/08/2025

At this summer’s World Games in China, the British Gymnastics team won a total of four medals – a triumph that showcased not only their talent, but also their spirit of inclusivity that continues to drive them forward.

For British Gymnastics and Kukri, success isn’t measured only in medals. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, where barriers are removed, and where opportunity is open to all.

Kukri’s commitment to inclusivity is woven throughout its partnerships, from Team England to British Wheelchair Basketball and Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE. Supporting British Gymnastics on the world stage in China is part of that same mission — and that ethos is even reflected in the design of the team’s training wear. Incorporating the Union Jack across all age groups and disciplines helps every gymnast feel part of something bigger: proudly representing their country while feeling united as one team.

The trampolinists who represented Britain in China have been clear about what inclusivity means to them:

Olympic gold medallist Bryony Page MBE said, “It means to have fair inclusion and opportunities so that everyone can try our amazing sport.”

Teammate Izzy Songhurst added, “To me, it’s about giving everyone equal opportunities so that anyone who wants to try trampolining can.”

Corey Walkes highlighted the power of diversity:

“In gymnastics especially, we have such a wide range of people that are involved and competing. It’s about recognising everybody’s strengths for who they are and accepting them for their unique ways of doing things. I think that’s what makes inclusivity feel so special.”

And for Zak Perzamanos, inclusivity is about individuality:

“It’s about getting everyone involved — everyone is a different person and has different characteristics. Especially in sport, people go about things differently and how they get to their ultimate end goal. It’s interesting to get different perspectives from different people and making sure that everyone feels included.”

These voices show why inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive advantage. It empowers athletes to perform at their best and builds stronger teams and communities. The British trampolinists’ success in China proves that performance and inclusivity go hand in hand.

At Kukri, we’re proud to support that vision. Just as every gymnast brings their unique skills to the mat, we believe every athlete should feel fuelled by the spirit of inclusion.