Clan-Members » er quickly." Rogers is joining his lea

She was a little wild – did crazy things. I remember her competing in France after a foot injury and she was limping on the runway, but determined to compete. When she first came to Cardiff, I discovered she was even more competitive than my original perception. She was also shy and quiet...that has all changed over the last four years!The words of Scott Simpson, the coach who has been taming, nurturing, calming, patching up, firing up, and ultimately supporting GBs pole vaulting queen Holly Bradshaw.Part of the job is listening to her gripes when travelling together. Bradshaw describes her coachs penchant for gangster rap music as bad taste. Does he mind such stinging criticism from his star pupil?Its a constant source of ridicule for me. But I dont care. I like what I like and if other people cant get on board with that, then they suffer on long car journeys!This is a relationship that will survive its musical feuds. Their bonding has developed since the 25-year-old Sky Academy Sports Scholar got fed up with commuting between the UK and USA after the 2012 London Olympics and settled in Cardiff to work with her new coach. Scott and Holly have hit back after a sixth place at London 2012 Its a brutally honest, analytical, open partnership that has overcome debilitating injuries, fall-outs in the heat of major competitions in China and is now moving swiftly on from mild irritation at not making the Rio podium to planning on ruling the world with a mixture of graft and giggles.Before she came to Cardiff, she was a young, talented vaulter on a super-fast development curve. Raw talent, very competitive, a gifted natural vaulter, says Simpson, also the Head of Coaching and Performance for Welsh Athletics.She has grown in many ways. She is much more professional in her approach to her career - she sees it as her profession now rather than something that was just fun to do and that she was good at. Check out Hollys Rio Olympics video diary This is shown off the track, like her lifestyle parameters, as opposed to during training. She is also far more open with her communications and listens to her body more. Her decision making is constantly improving and she is becoming a well-rounded world class athlete.Bradshaws journey includes a sixth finish at London 2012, gold at the 2013 European Indoor Championships and back surgery knocking her out for 18 months. She hit back with seventh at last years World Championships in Beijing, got injured again in January and arrived at the Rio Games with only two months of preparation.Physically tip-top, but lacking vaulting practice, Holly just failed at 4.80m in the Olympic final and missed out on a medal. It was a stuttering Rio build-up but becoming British champion was a high-point Its been a tough four years, Simpson adds. Weve spent more months rehabbing than weve trained and prepared to compete. Neither of us have enjoyed that. Weve made mistakes - too many - but I hope weve both learned from them. I am generally pretty optimistic, but realistic, and Ive never thought we cant get through this. Ive worried about Holly at times, because shes taken a lot of blows and set-backs and everyone has a breaking point. Its testimony to her determination that shes stuck with it.Three months before Rio, Holly hadnt picked up a pole in six months. At that stage I dont think either of us knew where it was going to end up - but we both remained optimistic - as always. There was an array of emotions along the journey, but in general, things went from strength to strength.At the holding camp in Brazil, Holly worked hard and I thought for the first time in 12 months since Beijing, that she could win a medal. I think Holly felt the same. The warm-up in qualification was a bit of shambles, but we werent shaken and she qualified with ease. Check out Hollys Rio Olympics video diary She was great in the final. The emotion for us both when she missed at 4.80 was obvious - disappointment and a feeling of what if? She was definitely capable of a 4.80/4.85 that day. It would have been a dream to have won an Olympic medal, but fifth after the journey we had - it was hard to remain disappointed.Simpson says Holly being crowned European indoor champion was one of his favourite memories having just been handed the full coaching reins from Dan Pfaff, and describes being invited to her wedding in 2014 as a privilege.There was one dark cloud in their relationship that quickly blew away in Beijing last summer. He says: Our disagreement after the World Championships will also stay with me for a long time. It was funny how in a moment where we should have been celebrating that we could clash so strongly on something.Simpson says their success is down to a fine balance - focused yet friendly and supportive on the track, while off it their friendship is growing where he is very comfortable in Hollys company. We dont agree on everything and we have different views in some areas of life, but that is fine, Simpson admits. We are learning more about each other every year and learning where the boundaries start and finish. Ready for action in Brazil despite limited chances in competition Im not a slave driver and Im not a dictator. I believe in creating a conducive learning environment. This is different for everyone. Holly is receptive to learning and development when she is relaxed. To create this environment, I do what I need to do. You dont get to a World Class level without working, but I dont make it harder than it needs to be. There are times to build an athletes resilience but there are ways to do that without setting stupid workouts, or acting like an idiot.Next years World Championships on home soil is fast approaching, followed by a Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018 and the Japanese Olympics in 2020. Whats on the Bradshaw-Simpson radar with winter kicking in?All our focus currently is on the Worlds, Simpson says. Plans are laid out to get us there in the best way possible. If we can travel that journey without too many detours, then I could see her doing very well in London. Beyond that, lets wait and see, but I know Holly is totally committed to winning a medal in Tokyo. Because of the difficulties shes encountered, shes realised that enjoying the good times is a critical part of the journey. Its not always going to go to plan and that is part of the experience.But the moments when it all comes together - thats what makes it all worth it. My hope is that this happens at a major outdoor Championship next summer.WHATS COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS....NOV 14 - 18: Jack Bateson, GB boxing campNOV 20: Quillan Isidore, BMX Winter Nationals, Manchester DEC 9 -11: Elise Christie, World Cup short track speed skating in ShanghaiDEC 16 - 18: Elise Christie, World Cup short track speed skating in Gangneung, South Korea Also See: About the Scholarship Meet the athletes Blogs Videos Galleries Cheap Jerseys USA . White came in fourth place in the event. He was the two-time defending gold medallist. The gold medal went to Swiss snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov. Wholesale Jerseys Online .Y. -- Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse have another World Cup gold medal after winning the two-women bobsled race on Saturday in Lake Placid, N. http://www.onlinejerseyscheap.com/ .C. -- Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. Nike NFL Jerseys Wholesale . For the Wild it was their first win of the season and they now have a record of 1-1-2 while the Jets fall to 2-2. Jets start a six game home stand Friday with another divisional game, home to the Dallas Stars. Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping . -- Nathan Pancel scored twice as the Sudbury Wolves defeated the North Bay Battalion 4-2 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. LOS ANGELES -- Until about a month ago, Robbie Rogers had no interest in being one of the highest-profile openly gay athletes in the world. Rogers didnt want the pressure or attention, and he was weary of soccer itself. After coming out and simultaneously retiring in February, the former MLS champion and U.S. national team player planned to devote himself to fashion school and family, not soccer or social change. Rogers told The Associated Press he changed his mind when he realized how much he still loved his sport -- and how much good he could do by playing it instead of standing on the sideline. "I dont know what I was so afraid of," Rogers said. "Its been such a positive experience for me. The one thing Ive learned from all of this is being gay is not that big of a deal to people." Rogers joined the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer on Saturday, agreeing to a multiyear contract in another step by openly gay athletes in professional sports. The 26-year-old Rogers recently thought he would never pull on another jersey, imagining nonstop scrutiny and criticism. His concerns were eased by the strong support he received from family, fans and players, including Galaxy star Landon Donovan. Now Rogers is eager to be more than a footnote. He is determined to thrive as the leagues first openly gay player. "People are just really growing and accepting and loving," Rogers said. "Those other things are just not that important to them. I think as the younger get older and the generations come and go, I think times are just becoming more accepting." The two-time defending champion Galaxy traded top scorer Mike Magee to acquire Rogers, an MLS veteran who spent the last two seasons in England. He trained with the Galaxy in recent weeks and hoped to continue his career in his native Southern California. The Galaxy made it happen by giving up the popular Magee in a trade with the Chicago Fire, who held Rogers MLS rights. "I want to get back to soccer, which is what I love," Rogers said. "I get to do something I love, and I get to help people and be a positive role model. Im really excited to set a great example for other kids that are going through the same thing I went through. Its a perfect world for me, a perfect world." Coach Bruce Arena thinks Rogers already is in decent shape despite 18 months with little match experience. Arena figures Rogers could be a strong contributor to the Galaxy by July, but he could play in any upcoming match. "Certainly the league, and I think the fans, are going to be receptive in a real positive way," Arena told the AP. "But were not in this to pioneer social issues. Were trying to win games as a team, and were trying to produce the best team we can. Robbie has shown us that he has the potential to still be a real good player in our league, and thats what were hopeful of." Rogers is mindful of the place hell take in the culture when he steps on the field this summer, but the skilled, speedy winger is even more excited to contend for MLS titles and another chance to play the U.S. national team -- a stark contrast from his plans earlier this year when he was accepted to the menswear program at the London College of Fashion. "I had a lot of fear to come back to the game," Rogers said, remembering countless instances of homophobia everywhere from the stands to locker rooms. "I was just afraid I was putting myself in an environment that in the past had affected my mental health because I always felt like an outcast. I felt that I couldnt be myself." "But its been amazing," he added. "Its been normal, just as it should be. Im a soccer player. I happen to be gay, but Im a professional soccer player, and I have been since I was 18, 19. ... Im just really excited to go back to the game, and excited to deal with these stupid stereotypes that are out there with athletes and the gay community, just a bunch of different things." Hes certainly not alone in this movement. NBA veteran Jason Collins came out late last month, and Rogers spoke with Collins on the day of the centres announcement. U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who plays for Lyon in France, came out last year before the London Olympics. Shes expected to join the Seattle team of the new National Womens Soccer League in mid-June. Brittney Griner, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, and Seimone Auggustus of the Minnesota Lynx are among that leagues openly gay players.dddddddddddd Sheryl Swoopes, a retired WNBA All-Star and current college coach, came out in 2005 during her playing days. But any day now, Rogers is likely to become the first openly gay male athlete to play in North Americas biggest professional leagues, a fact thats still a bit surprising to both Rogers and Collins. "I would have thought more athletes would have taken that step, I guess," Rogers said. "People have seen how accepting everyone has been of Jasons and my story. I think its going to take just more time and more athletes coming out. Its all about seeing that its not something to be afraid of. Its not going to hurt your career." While MLS has a fraction of the NBAs popularity, Rogers has the potential to be more influential than Collins or featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz, who has won two fights since coming out last year. Collins is a journeyman basketball player without a contract for next season, while Rogers is an accomplished international soccer player in his prime. Rogers won an NCAA title at Maryland in 2005 and an MLS title with Columbus in 2008 while making the all-league first team. He has played sparingly over the past two years for English clubs Leeds and Stevenage after leaving the Crew in December 2011. But his workouts at the Galaxys training complex in Carson, Calif., were enticing enough, even if Rogers acknowledged hes "definitely a bit rusty right now." The Galaxy will work on getting Rogers back into top form, and theyll also support him in his conspicuous new role. "Its going to take him a little time," said Arena, also the Galaxys general manager. "Hes got to adjust to the Galaxy. Hes got to get himself in better form with the ball and his fitness. That takes time for any player, as weve witnessed with Landon over the last six to eight weeks. Its going to take some time. We hope Robbie can turn the corner quickly." Rogers is joining his leagues highest-profile team, with Donovan and Irish captain Robbie Keane leading a roster expected to contend for a third straight championship. After six years as David Beckhams home before the English midfielders departure last December, the Galaxy know all about the spotlight that will be cast on Rogers. "Theres obviously going to be attention, and I think that we are no stranger to that," Galaxy President Chris Klein told the AP. "I think the biggest piece of this is the maturity of Robbie, and were quite confident in that. Were there to stand behind him as an organization. He has shown to be a guy that has a tremendous amount of character and integrity, and I think hes going to fit our organization really well." The deal is a risk for the Galaxy, who traded a beloved fan favourite for Rogers. Magee, a Chicago native, has won two titles and scored eight post-season goals in four years with the Galaxy, and he leads the club with six goals this season. But Los Angeles is enticed by the potential of Rogers, who has played 18 times for the U.S. national team, scoring two goals. He dreams of playing for the American team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but knows it wont happen unless he excels with the Galaxy. Rogers immediately felt comfortable training with the Galaxy and resuming his friendship with Donovan, meeting the U.S. national team star for coffee. Hes also confident his attacking game on the wing can help the Galaxy, who havent replaced Beckhams bending passes from the flank this season. "Theyve been very accepting to me and very cool with me," Rogers said. "Im just excited to get on the road with these guys and continue the season." Aware that a whirlwind of attention is approaching, Rogers plans to lean on his faith. He also hopes his decision to use soccer as a platform for tolerance and acceptance leads more gay athletes to come out, even while his primary focus is on the game he has loved since his youth. "Youre just going to be treated the same as any other athlete," he said. "Its going to take time, but its inevitable that the time will come when youre solely judged on your performance. Thats going to happen. You cant put a time frame on it, but I think its in the near future because I really have felt a shift in our society and acceptance in our sports world. I honestly think in the next few years, its not going to be an issue." ' ' '