Author: garethloopdesignagency

29/10/202516/10/2025

This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting athletes who are defying expectations and inspiring progress in their sport, in the classroom and beyond.

For Tshila Munyai, a University of Derby performance scholar and rising track cyclist, sport has been more than competition – it’s been a story of recovery, resilience and relentless ambition.

As the official kit supplier for the University of Derby, Kukri Sports provides high-quality, bespoke performance wear for competition, training and leisurewear, including the university’s performance scholarship programme, which helps athletes like Tshila pursue their sporting and academic goals.

From recovering from a major injury at 15 to winning gold at the 2024 South African National Track Championships and joining Derby’s prestigious cycling programme, Tshila’s journey is one of opportunity, determination and drive.

Finding His Way to the Track

Tshila’s path to cycling began in unexpected circumstances.

“I suffered an ACL injury and underwent reconstructive surgery.

“During my rehab, I used my dad’s road bike and trained in the gym to rebuild my strength. Over time, I developed a strong interest in powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting, and I was fairly strong and loved pushing my limits.”

During COVID-19 lockdown, the South-African born athlete organised a virtual charity ride with Ride for Unity, an experience that deepened his love for the sport.

“I joined a cycling team to improve my skills, and it was there I was encouraged to give track cycling a shot – and I’ve been riding in circles ever since.”

Rising Through the Ranks

In just four years, Tshila has gone from a complete newcomer to one of the top three ranked cyclists in Africa, competing internationally and medalling at major events.

“Track cycling has opened so many opportunities,” he explained.

“It’s taken me around the world, allowed me to race against the best and meet incredible people along the way.”

That perseverance paid off at the 2024 South African National Track Championships, where he won gold in the team sprint.

“Winning that gold was incredibly meaningful. It represented the culmination of recovering from injury, starting a brand-new sport and finally achieving success.”

From South Africa to the UK

After years of competing provincially and nationally, Tshila made the move to the UK to pursue both his academic and sporting ambitions.

“My transition from South Africa to the UK has been fairly smooth, thanks to the amazing support system I have here.

“The University’s performance scholarship has been fantastic. It’s allowed me to train like a full-time cyclist while continuing my studies. The strength and conditioning support, workshops and flexibility make it possible to perform at a high level both on and off the track.”

Motivation and Mindset

For Tshila, family remains his greatest source of motivation.

“Without my parents, none of this would be possible. I’m so appreciative of how much they believe in me and the sacrifices they’ve made.”

He also credits his love for structure and discipline, qualities that cross over between cycling and engineering.

“The dedication needed in cycling has made me more proactive in my studies. I prepare for exams just like I prepare for races.”

Representation and Legacy

Coming from South Africa, Tshila brings a unique and powerful perspective to Black History Month.

“Back home, we celebrate Heritage Day, which recognises the diverse cultures that make up our ‘Rainbow Nation’,” he explained.

“I see Black History Month as an important time to acknowledge and celebrate diversity across all areas of life – including sport and culture.”

Looking ahead, the talented track cyclist hopes to continue inspiring others while pursuing his dreams.

“I want to show people that it’s possible to chase big goals even when the odds aren’t in your favour.

“My aim is to represent South Africa at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, graduate with my engineering degree and compete at the 2028 LA Olympics.”

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

From overcoming adversity to representing his nation, Tshila Munyai’s story is one of resilience, gratitude and growth.

His journey reflects not only personal achievement but also the broader power of sport to unite, uplift and inspire.

We’re proud to celebrate and support athletes like Tshila, whose passion and purpose embody the spirit of Black History Month — standing firm in power and pride.

27/10/202517/10/2025

This Black History Month, we’re shining a light on athletes who are pushing boundaries, inspiring their communities and redefining what success looks like both on and off the field.

One of those athletes is Deshawn Lascelles, a rising triple jumper from Loughborough University, whose journey from grassroots competitions to representing Great Britain at this year’s World University Games reflects dedication, resilience and purpose.

Finding his Stride

Deshawn’s passion for athletics began long before he ever stepped onto the track.

“Growing up in a Jamaican household, athletics was always on in my house. Watching greats like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Elaine Thompson inspired me.

“My love for athletics was fostered from a young age by my parents cheering our national heroes,” he explains.

While he played several sports growing up including football and basketball, one moment stood out.

“I used to play basketball, and I was really fast but also springy. I remember being smaller than the other players, but when they would go for a shot I would spring up and swat it out of the air and everyone would be surprised. That’s what drew me to jumps specifically.”

A Journey of Grit and Growth

Starting out triple jump at age 14 at a local and county level, Deshawn made early waves on the national scene.

“At 16, I had a huge breakthrough year – breaking a couple of records and finishing the indoor season ranked 11^th in the world on the U18 rankings,” he recalls.

Despite this, his road to elite competition wasn’t easy.

“I had many years of injury problems. Overcoming those challenges took everything, but it made earning my first GB Vest at 22 at the World University Games even more meaningful.”

His debut at the Games in Germany marked a proud milestone, both mentally and physically.

“It felt so refreshing. When I got the call, I told my mum and she literally started jumping with joy – I’d never seen her that excited.

“Given all the setbacks, it was such a reward to finally wear the vest.”

Mindset and Motivation

Deshawn credits his family, particularly his parents, as his biggest inspiration that have enabled him to get to this stage.

“My parents wrapped me up in a blanket when I was one and came to the UK to start from scratch.

“The setbacks that they had to endure pushes me to keep going knowing that I come from such strong characters. They are both my biggest motivators, along with my younger sister, who’s my dedicated videographer at events.”

Balancing Life at Loughborough

Alongside training and competing, Deshawn is completing a degree in Human Biology at Loughborough University, while also running a small custom shoe business.

“It’s a lot, but I don’t mind being busy. I enjoy my degree, so it doesn’t feel like work.”

Looking ahead, he is focused on growth in his first senior season.

“This year, with my dissertation and graduation, I’m keeping my goals simple – to jump 16 metres consistently and secure a place on the European circuit.

“Long term, I’m aiming to represent Great Britain at the 2028 Olympics in LA.”

Representation, Reflection and Responsibility

For Deshawn, Black History Month is about gratitude and action.

“It’s about honouring the people who broke barriers, like Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley, but also continuing their legacy.

“Things are better than they were, but we can’t be complacent. It’s about following their example, pushing forward in my own field, creating opportunities and inspiring others to do the same.”

Deshawn also hopes to use his platform to educate and empower others.

“I want to help young black athletes understand and take pride in the unique qualities that shape their journey.

“Through both science and experience, I’ve learned how certain traits common in black populations can be natural advantages – but they also need tailored training and recovery.”

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

Deshawn Lascelles’ story is one of perseverance, purpose and pride – a reminder that representation in sport is about more than medals or personal bests. It’s also about education, resilience and inspiring others to believe in their potential.

We’re proud to celebrate, support and stand alongside athletes like Deshawn whose achievements, on and off the runway, embody the spirit of Black History Month – standing firm in power and pride.  

24/10/202520/10/2025

As Black History Month progresses, we continue to celebrate athletes who are breaking barriers, inspiring others and shaping the future of their sport.

Annabelle Akintoye made history as the first Black woman to captain an England team at a major lacrosse tournament, leading the England senior women’s box team to fifth at the inaugural 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships.

As proud partners of England Lacrosse, Kukri Sports supplies bespoke playing and training wear to all national squads and academies, fuelling the performances of athletes like Annabelle at the highest level.

Finding Passion and Purpose

Annabelle’s journey into the sport began at a young age when she was at school.

“I started playing at Queen Anne’s School when I was 11 years old. It was completely new to me; I had only played netball and hockey before moving there.

“I loved lacrosse because it combined all the things I enjoyed about other sports into one action-packed game, and that’s still the same 18 years later!”

Breaking Barriers

Annabelle, who plays as a defender, reflects on her historic role in the squad as one of the first two black players to play for an England women’s team in any format.

“It felt phenomenal, but also a little shocking! Sharing the honour with Davina Emetulu was an unforgettable experience.

“It also reminded me that there’s still work to do to break down barriers and create opportunities for others to enjoy the sport.”

Captaining England at the tournament in the USA was a moment she will never forget.

“It’s still something I’m processing over a year later. Having my parents in the stands in those famous custom shirts made it even more special – the perfect full-circle moment.”

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

Black History Month is an important time for Annabelle to reflect on representation and progress in sport.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the incredible talent within the Black community, learn from the history of our sport, and show how much more we can still do.

“Lowering barriers for black athletes and other people of colour is something I’m passionate about.”

Annabelle also stressed the need for ongoing celebration and action.

“Celebrating black history and culture shouldn’t just happen once a year. It should inspire action in national governing bodies, schools and community programmes – honouring the past while building a more inclusive future.”

Eyes on the Future

Looking ahead, Annabelle is focused on the 2026 European Box Championship, the first-ever women’s European box event.

“After our strong showing at Worlds, we’ve set our sights on bringing home a gold medal.

“Beyond that, I want to keep helping the game grow – both as an athlete and on the business side – and continue creating spaces for more to get involved.”

A Message to the Next Generation

Annabelle has powerful advice for young Black athletes:

“You are often your own biggest critic — don’t let that stop you from giving it a go. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard, and you have both, so go for it!

“Also remember, no one achieves success alone. Lean on your community, your family, your teammates, your coaches. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who’ve lifted me up along the way.”

Annabelle Akintoye’s journey is a story of trailblazing leadership, resilience, and representation — proof that success is as much about creating opportunities and uplifting others as it is about personal achievement.

We’re proud to celebrate athletes like Annabelle, whose accomplishments on and off the floor embody the spirit of Black History Month — Standing Firm in Power and Pride.

23/10/202517/10/2025

At Kukri Sports, performance has never been one size fits all, it’s about passion, determination and the belief that every athlete deserves kit that helps them perform at their best.

Through our ongoing para-sports campaign, we’re celebrating the achievements of incredible athletes, shining a light on their stories and showcasing the design innovation that ensures accessibility and excellence go hand in hand.

Proud Partners in Performance

From grassroots initiatives to elite competition, Kukri has long stood alongside teams and organisations championing inclusion in sport.

Our partnerships span a wide range of para-sports disciplines, from British Wheelchair Basketball and para-athletics to wheelchair racing, mixed ability rugby and fencing.

In the last year, 25 Kukri-affiliated athletes competed at the Paralympic Games, collectively bringing home 35 medals.

Working closely with universities, national governing bodies and grassroots teams around the world, we’re proud to supply kit that doesn’t just look the part, but feels right, fights comfortably and enables athletes to perform under pressure.

Athlete Voices: Designed to Empower

For para-athletes, the right kit can make a world of difference and ensure freedom of movement, comfort and confidence.

“The England vests and t-shirts, designed by Kukri, are really comfortable which make me feel my most confident whether I’m competing or training,” said Amy Thompson, Kukri Sports ambassador and F41 para shot-put athlete.

“The design on the kit is also really nice, it gives me a nice reminder that I am representing my country and makes me feel honoured.”

Ingrid Schurr, a women’s rugby player for Oshawa Vikings who competed in this year’s International Mixed Ability Rugby tournament, said “The kit from Kukri united us as a whole team and in my case the vision impaired features helped me track better on the field.

“They were also built in so it just looked like a cool design as opposed to a vision impaired add on. That really helped me to feel included and valued.”

Innovation Meets Inclusion

Designing kit for para-sport requires adaptability and technical precision. At Kukri, we approach every kit with the goal of supporting performance through inclusive engineering.

Our para-sports ranges are developed in close collaboration with athletes themselves, from initial designs to on-field testing, ensuring every detail is informed by real performance needs.

Our experience designing for Team England, where we designed and supplied kit for over 2,500 athletes across 19 different sports at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, laid the foundation for this approach.

The design process involved input from 23 athletes across a range of sports to ensure the specific needs and preferences of the competitors were met.

That same collaborative process now drives our para-sport innovation. For sports such as wheelchair basketball and racing, we’ve introduced shorter back panels, seamless side seams and anti-slip materials to reduce friction and enhance stability.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Our commitment to para-sports extends beyond sportswear. By supporting para teams and sharing their stories, we hope to inspire the next generation of athletes to see possibility instead of limitation.

Whether it’s introducing new sustainable materials, refining patterns or creating adaptable solutions, our para-sport innovation continues to shape the future of sports all over the world.

Beyond Limits. Together.

For more information on how we can support you, get in touch.

20/10/202509/10/2025

This Black History Month, we continue to celebrate athletes who are breaking barriers, inspiring others and redefining what’s possible in their sport and the wider community.

One such athlete is Vwairé Obukohwo, a rising talent in British Rowing, whose journey from a school rowing club to the world stage is a story of passion, perseverance and purpose.

As proud partners of British Rowing, Kukri Sports have fuelled their performances on the water – from supporting athletes like Vwairé as World Rowing Cup Series champions in July, to helping power the squad to finish second on the medal table, with three gold, four silver and a bronze.

Finding Passion and Purpose

Vwiaré’s introduction to rowing came almost by accident. “I started rowing at my sixth form rowing club just to get involved in more clubs and sports,” she recalls.

“I quickly fell in love with the sport as it was something that came naturally to me, and I was notoriously bad at every other sport!”

After joining the Twickenham World Class Start Programme, Vwairé thrived in an environment that taught her lessons beyond sport.

“I was lucky enough to have an amazing training environment where I learnt so much beyond rowing – lessons that still motivate me to this day.”

Breakthroughs and Belief

For Vwairé, progress hasn’t only been in her performances on the water, but also deeply mental.

“I believe my biggest breakthrough was cultivating my own motivation,” she explains.

“You can’t control how fast your opponents are or how they perform and rather than stressing about outcomes, I focus on the process and controlling the controllables.”

Overcoming Hurdles

After an exciting start to her rowing career, including winning bronze at her first U23 World Championships and gold in the U23 women’s 2km event at the 2019 Mizuno British Rowing Indoor Championships, Vwairé’s momentum was halted by injury.

“I battled a lot of imposter syndrome which made me think I had to ‘prove’ myself, so I pushed beyond my limits.

“That setback taught me to reframe my perspective and definition of success – it’s no longer about rankings or medals, but about how proud I make myself. It’s an ethos I still carry into all my work today.”

Her comeback has been defined by growth. From finishing sixth in the Women’s Double Sculls at the World Rowing Cup Series in Varese, to competing as part of the senior squad in Lucerne, she continues to show her strength.

Eyes on the Future

Now an established member of the senior squad, Vwairé has her sights firmly set on the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Beyond the boat, she is using her platform to uplift others as an athlete mentor for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.

Through her work, Vwairé supports young people in vulnerable situations, helping them find confidence and purpose through sport.

“Being an athlete is such a gift,” she says. “The future isn’t guaranteed, but I aspire to make history as the first Black GB Rower to grace the Olympic stage.

“And if that’s not god’s will, I’ll continue to use my platform to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the sport.”

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

For Vwairé, Black History Month is a time for reflection, connection and gratitude.

“It allows me to celebrate, connect and reflect. I love being inspired by what the black community has achieved and by the people who make that success possible.

“Rowing has embraced me for who I am, and I’m so grateful to my teammates coaches and support system for allowing me to grow into the athlete I dream of becoming.”

A Message of Inspiration

Vwairé Obukohwo’s story is one of resilience, growth and representation – proof that success isn’t just measured by medals, but the difference you make along the way.

We’re proud to celebrate and recognise athletes like Vwairé, whose achievements on and off the water embody the spirit of Black History Month – Standing Firm in Power and Pride.  

15/10/202506/10/2025

This Black History Month, we continue to celebrate athletes who are trailblazers, role models and inspire the next generation.

One athlete who embodies these qualities is Courtney Tulloch, a British artistic gymnast who has represented Team GB since 2012.

He made history as the first British gymnast to win a major championship medal on rings at the 2022 European Championships and went on to claim rings bronze at the 2022 World Championships in Liverpool.

Courtney is an eight-time European medallist and a back-to-back Commonwealth Games champion in both the team event and on rings, cementing his powerful legacy as one of Britain’s gymnastics greats.

From Inspiration to Excellence

Courtney’s love for gymnastics began with a spark of inspiration. “One moment I always think about was when I was 7, and I saw Great Britain gymnast Kanukai Jackson competing in East London on the vault.

“I remember thinking, wow, I want to be like that,” he explained. “I hadn’t seen many black gymnasts before, so to see him compete and to meet him was a big inspiration for me.”

That early inspiration became a lifelong passion, fuelled by enjoyment and determination.

“I got to where I am now by enjoying the journey.

“Gymnastics can have its ups and downs, but the most important thing is to remember to have fun along the way.”

Defining Career Highlights

Tulloch now has his eyes on a historic double ‘three-peat’ at Glasgow 2026, where he would be competing for Team England and supported by Kukri Sports.

Looking ahead to next year’s games, the Commonwealth Games holds a special place in Courtney’s heart.

“Team Gold in 2018 in particular was very special for me. Standing alongside such a great team that had known each other for so long.”

From European medals to world championship podiums, Courtney has continually pushed boundaries and raised the bar for British Gymnastics, and he’s not done yet.

“Competing at a third Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is definitely something I’m aiming for, especially with the opportunity to compete with my daughter cheering me on. That would be incredible.”

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

For the gymnast star, Black History Month is about celebrating the power of role models and representation in the community.

“I see Black History Month as a really important time to shine a light on inspiring stories and inspiring people.

“It really helps to have a connection to role models and to feel empowered to follow in their footsteps, just like I did when I met Kanukai all those years ago.”

A Message to the Next Generation

Courtney’s journey proves that success is as much about joy, passion and perseverance as it is about medals.

His inspiring story encourages young gymnasts to embrace their journey, stay inspired by those who came before them, and carve out their own path.

We are proud to celebrate athletes like Courtney Tulloch, whose achievements inspire the next generation and embody the spirit of Black History month – standing firm in power and pride. 

10/10/202503/10/2025

This Black History Month, we celebrate athletes whose journeys inspire the next generation and highlight the importance of diversity in sport.

The 2025 theme, ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, pays tribute to the resilience, strength, and commitment of the Black community — values shared by Kukri Sports and through our long-standing partnership with Loughborough University.

One such athlete is Georgina Forde-Wells, a British triple jumper and part-time Loughborough student with standout successes, including being crowned British Triple Jump champion in 2023, 2024 British Indoor Champion and Team GB representative at this year’s European Athletics Team Championships.

From Netball to Triple Jump: Georgina’s Inspiring Journey

“I was initially a netballer, playing for Loughborough Lighting age groups and England U19 squads,” she explains.

“But I tried high jump in school and loved it. Later, I had a go at triple jump in sixth form as they needed to fill a space, and I just loved it!”

Georgina’s love for training and competitive sport was always there. “I’ve always loved having a full-time training schedule – I wanted to be like a professional gymnast when I was younger. Sport was always what I wanted to do, it just took me a little while to figure out which one.”

Mentors Who Made A Difference

Georgina credits her teachers with playing a huge role in her development. “All my teachers saw potential in me and guided me from netball to triple jump. They inspired me to pursue sport at the highest level.”

Defining Moments

Georgina describes her 2023 British Championships gold as a defining career highlight. “That moment was incredible. I went into the champs hoping for silver, but on the day I knew I had it in me to jump big.

“I’d just returned from the European Team championships where it hadn’t gone my way, so I had nothing to lose but something to prove.

The following year brought even more significance. “Winning the British Indoors this year meant the world. Last season I struggled with injuries and couldn’t take off properly.

“I felt a lot of people had opinions on what I should have been doing, but I knew I needed time to find my feet. All the hard work eventually paid off.”

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

For the triple jump star, Black History Month is about recognising the sacrifices of those who came before her.

“It means a great deal to me. I’m in the position I am because of those before me who fought for a place on teams where they weren’t always welcome.

“It pushes me knowing that every time I compete, I’m adding to a much bigger success story.”

Georgina believes it is vital that sport continues to tell those stories. “By celebrating it, we recognise the contributions and sacrifices that have often been overlooked.

“In sport especially, we have a responsibility to keep those stories alive. Stories like Jesse Owens were an inspiration to me as a child and still are to this day.”

A Message to the Next Generation

With her ultimate aim being to represent Team GB at next year’s Commonwealth Games, Georgina’s words for aspiring young athletes are simple but powerful. “Whatever you want is achievable, and you should never underestimate yourself.

“Even if the journey takes patience, everyone’s route to success is different and that is enough.”

We are proud to celebrate athletes like Georgina Forde-Wells, whose achievements inspire the next generation and embody the spirit of Black History Month – standing firm in power and pride.

09/10/202509/10/2025

Somerset County Cricket Club have capped off a season of pride, excitement and record-breaking achievement by lifting the Vitality Blast trophy for the second time in three years.

Their stunning six-wicket win over Hampshire Hawks at Edgbaston marked the culmination of a campaign defined by consistency, resilience and thrilling cricket.

The team won 11 of their 14 group stage matches before defeating Lancashire in the semi-final to book their place in the final, before completing a record chase in a Vitality Blast Finals Day to be crowned champions.

A Winning Partnership

Kukri has been proud to support the squad throughout the season, providing high-performance kits and training wear across all competitions.

Beyond the men’s team, the season was also historic as the inaugural campaign for the Somerset women’s team, showcasing the club’s commitment to growth and excellence across all levels.

Young stars shone brightly, with Thomas and James Rew earning places in the 18-player England Lions squad for this winter’s tour of Australia, further highlighting the depth of talent at Somerset.

Leadership and Experience

Captain Lewis Gregory, who also guided Somerset to Blast glory in 2023 and is the club’s all-time leading T20 wicket taker, reflected on the special achievement.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. Winning it in 2023, having not been T20 champions since 2005, was incredibly special.

“It takes so much hard work and belief to even get to Finals Day, so to stand there with the trophy again is a huge moment for everyone involved.”

Gregory’s experience and leadership were key in navigating high-pressure moments throughout the tournament.

“My job is to stay calm and give the lads clarity, especially in those crunch situations. It’s about making smart decisions under pressure and giving the younger guys the confidence to express themselves.

“This group makes it easy because everyone backs each other completely.”

Key Moments in the Final

The final itself was packed with drama and decisive moments, with Gregory highlighting the contributions that helped swing the match in Somerset’s favour.

“Will Smeed’s innings gave us the platform we needed, and Sean Dickson’s knock kept the momentum going at a crucial stage.

“Those partnerships, along with some sharp bowling in the middle overs, really turned the game in our favour.”

Gregory also made his mark on the field, taking a wicket against Hampshire in the final.

“Finals are about big moments, and as a bowler, you dream of contributing in those situations. To take a wicket in the final, especially given the stage and what was at stake, was incredibly satisfying.”

Performance and Pride with Kukri

Kukri’s kit was an important part of the players’ preparation and performance which contributed to the triumph.

“The Kukri kit has been fantastic all season, both in terms of comfort and quality. It represents Somerset brilliantly and gives us that extra bit of pride when we step out onto the field.”

Squad Depth and Culture

The historical triumph reflects the depth, character and culture of the Somerset squad.

“We’ve built a squad full of talent,, but also full of resilience,” Gregory said.

“There were times this season when different players stepped up every single time. That shows the depth we have and the culture that’s been created at the club – one where everyone knows their role and plays for the badge on the shirt, not just themselves.”

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to the future, Somerset’s captain is focused on sustaining the momentum and driving further success.

“It sets the standard really. Winning the Blast twice in three years shows what we’re capable of, but it also makes us hungry for more.

“Next year, we’ll be going in with the same mindset – to keep improving and competing for trophies.”

This season has been a testament to Somerset CCC’s ambition, talent and culture – a campaign defined by thrilling cricket, pride, performance and the partnership with Kukri that supports the players in making history.