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Sport · West Midlands

I took up karate after I was bullied - now I'm world champion

Paulina Makazlieva, a 19-year-old law student from Kidderminster, won gold for England at the Karate World Championships in France after taking up karate following bullying at school. She also claimed two further medals, including gold in kata, and hopes karate will feature at the 2032 Olympics.

BBC Hereford & Worcester 5 Nov 2026

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Sport · North West

The England player turned World Cup referee

Tara Jones, a former England player who was a hooker for St Helens, has become a referee at the Rugby League World Cup, where she will officiate a semi-final. She is one of three UK-based officials at the tournament and recently became the first woman to referee a men's Super League fixture.

BBC News England 5 Nov 2026

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