Photo of the year, animal boots, and a football player who dyes his hair pink
This is a great photo of rugby league player Johnathan Thurston enjoying Grand Final victory with his daughter last Sunday. Australian photographer Cameron Spencer said it was one of the most emotional photos he’s ever taken. “He could have been off with his mates running around with the cup, but instead he walked with his daughter to the middle of that packed stadium and had that moment,” Cameron said. “JT comes across as a genuine and nice guy… even in that moment on such a big occasion, he still didn’t lose that.”
All Black Ma’a Nonu played his 100th test for the All Blacks last weekend and he also found a way to celebrate with his family – in the design of his boots! Adidas designed a special pair of boots for Ma’a decorated with images of animals, including dinosaurs, a lion, a panda bear and a shark. Ma’a said the animals symbolise his family members. “Family is hugely important to me,” he said. “Being able to include representations of my family into the design is a nice way of having all my whanau with me for this important match.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. DeAngelo Williams, a running back for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers lost his mum to cancer last year. He asked the NFL if there was a way he could wear pink throughout the season to raise awareness of breast cancer. He wasn’t able to do that. So he streaked his hair pink. “Breast cancer awareness is not just about October for me,” he said. “It’s not just a month, it’s a lifestyle, encouraging women to get tested and if I can help save lives it will mean my mother didn’t go in vain.”
Much love and prayers to everyone battling cancer or any other struggles right now. I hope you can find strength in the love of someone in your family as these sportsmen do.
Read more about about rugby players’ stylin’ skills in Rugby: The Players, the Skills and the Style.
Read about the history of rugby in Rugby: The History.
