Better Stories

Ben is the CEO of Alive and Kicking, the world’s only not for profit ball manufacturer. The organisation exists to create a happier, healthier and more accessible society - all through the production of a sports ball like no other. Ben has worked in the sport and international development sector for over 15 years with a particular focus on how sport can be used as a tool to promote health, wellbeing, economic empowerment, and access to opportunity.

Multi-talented Bobby Seagull came to prominence following his appearance on University Challenge.  A mathematician, teacher, author and TV presenter Bobby talks about his modest family background, the road to success, his passion for public libraries and why we should all love maths.

Ally Harris is Fulham Football Club’s Head of Performance.  He talks to Better Stories about his passion for sport, his own career history and just what it takes to keep his team in peak physical condition.  Ally also shares some useful advice for those of us planning to return to the gym on 12th April as they reopen again after lockdown.

World Champion, Commonwealth Gold Medallist and Olympian, diver Tom Daley and coaching legend Jane Figueiredo discuss their training partnership, the challenges of elite sport and their quest for perfection.

Adam Peaty, MBE, is Britain’s most successful swimmer. A gold medal winning Olympian and currently world record holder in the 50 metre and 100 metre breaststroke, Adam talks about his focus on being the best, the mental and physical challenges he has faced and why giving something back to society is so important to him.

An inspirational leader and sportswoman, Jacqui Pope combines being Head of Service for Better leisure centres in Belfast with being a champion power lifter and Commonwealth Games silver medallist.  A true team player and expert multitasker, Jacqui talks about her career journey to date, the importance of focus and resilience and her ambitions for the future.

Rizvana Poole is an inspirational Better member from Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. She talks about Chippy Larder, the food bank and subscription service she launched, to support the most needy in her local community and how we can all make a difference.

This week we’re at home with former athletics World Champion turned social influencer Perri Shakes Drayton (and baby Matthew). We talk about her road to international sporting success, her retirement, marriage and re-invention as part of #MikeAndPerri with her own MTV show.

Champion Beach Volleyball player Jake Sheaf talks about his plans for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, overcoming injury, resilience and his return from retirement aged just 30yrs.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of the UK’s most successful Paralympians.  Now a member of the House of Lords she discusses personal motivation, Paralympic medals and her wish to ‘give back’ as an active campaigner on disability rights and access to sport.