Once again, the summer season of sports is upon us. Here are my top picks for some of the tournaments and Team GB athletes to look out for in 2023.

1. Netball World Cup

This year’s Netball World Cup takes place in South Africa from July 28 to August 6. The Vitality Roses England squad contains many medalists from the Commonwealth Games. One notable figure is the golden Goal Attack and Goal Shooter Helen Housby. Her last-gasp goal helped England beat Australia in the Commonwealth Games of 2018. Housby has been an integral part of the team under Jess Thirlby’s leadership. With The Roses currently ranked 3rd in the world behind New Zealand, hopes are running high for this year’s World Cup. In 2019, they showed their potential by beating this year’s host nation 58-42 points and taking home the bronze medal. When the correct tactics are deployed on the court, the Roses are a formidable team to watch out for.

2. F1 at Silverstone

The British leg of the F1 circuit takes place on July 9 at Silverstone. Sir Lewis Hamilton has seven World titles under his belt and the most wins at Silverstone, with eight. F1 is always a thrilling and unpredictable experience for viewers. Can Hamilton and Mercedes bag a ninth win on his home track in 2023? Though Red Bull and Verstappen look set for a win, it will still be an exciting race to watch. And who knows, anything can happen ….

3. Wimbledon

From July 3 until the 16th, the pinnacle of grass-court tennis begins. Despite setbacks, Sir Andy Murray is finding his form again after two recent back-to-back wins. However, standing in his way will be Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic who already has a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam men’s singles titles under his belt. The British women setting hopes aflame include US Open winner Emma Raducanu, Heather Watson, Katie Boutler, and Harriet Dart. Britain has not had a female winner of Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977. Can a British female win the title this year? Fingers crossed.

4. Athletics

The World Athletics Championships begin in Hungary on August 19 through to the 27th and will feature Commonwealth and World medalists Katerina Johnson-Thompson, Zharnel Hughes, fastest British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, and pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw. Recently, Hughes broke a 30-year British men’s 100m record by 0.04 seconds previously held by Linford Christie. The World Championships are a chance for these high-flyers to claim their place in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. All eyes will be on them to carry the British flag.

5. Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is a big tournament in the golfing calendar. Northern Irish golfer Roy McIlroy of Team Europe has four Ryder Cup wins under his belt and will be playing for a fifth. With fellow European competitors such as Sergio Garcia suspended for joining a Saudi-backed golfing venture, the field has opened up for new players to join the Ryder Cup. Team Europe will be looking for a win after Team USA won the 2021 series 19-9.

6. Fifa Womens World Cup

The big sporting event of the summer is the Women’s Football World Cup. The England Lionesses go into the tournament as favourites with a win at the European championships and two Arnold Clark Cup wins to boast. However, England is without captain Leah Williamson and striker Beth Mead. Captaining the side is Chelsea defender Millie Bright and vice-captain WSL 22/23 Golden Glove winner and Manchester United goalkeeper, Mary Earps.

The Lionesses have star quality in their ranks, including world-class striker Alessia Russo who was subject to a world-record transfer bid from Arsenal. England may be the favourites going into the tournament but nothing is set in stone. Previous winners USA and fellow world-class teams such as Spain and Australia mean to succeed. The Lionesses will need to hold their nerve. Having watched the Lionesses retain the Arnold Cup in February in Bristol vs Belgium, winning the game 6-1 under the leadership and direction of Sarina Wiegman, the possibility of getting the Fifa Cup for England is looking very promising.

This summer of sports offers something for everyone. So sit back, and enjoy the games!

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