Welcome to this week's sports roundup, where we're covering everything from the serious issue of online abuse to the lighter side of marathon costumes, plus a fascinating court case involving a stable hand. Let's dive in!
Hunter Bell Calls Out Online Abuse
British 1500m bronze medallist Georgia Hunter Bell has bravely spoken out against the pervasive problem of online abuse. She revealed that she now avoids social media before races due to the "really dark side" of these platforms. This decision comes after fellow athlete Eilish McColgan was subjected to a wave of body-shaming abuse. "It's disheartening to see so much negativity targeted at sportswomen," Bell stated.
Bell, who had a remarkable rise from a cybersecurity job to Olympic glory in 2024, breaking the British 1500m record in Paris with a time of 3min 52.61sec, notes that her success has unfortunately made her an even bigger target for online trolls. 
"More needs to be done to protect athletes from this kind of harassment," she urged. This is a sentiment echoed by many in the sporting community.
Running in Style: Fancy Dress Marathon Stories
Switching gears to a more lighthearted topic, we're calling on all runners who've completed events in amusing costumes! The London Marathon is just around the corner on April 27th, and organizers expect over 50,000 participants. While some runners are focused on achieving personal bests, others are embracing the fun of fancy dress.
The London Marathon is a significant fundraising event. Last year, the event raised £73.5m for charity. If you've ever run a marathon in costume, we want to hear your stories! What was it like? What costume did you wear? Share your experiences and inspire others to join in the fun. 
Stable Hand Loses Lawsuit After Rugby Revelation
In a rather unusual turn of events, a stable hand who sued for £436,000 after injuring her arm in a fall from a horse has lost her case. Hazel Boyd claimed the injury prevented her from working, but the High Court in London ruled against her after viewing secretly shot footage.
The footage showed Boyd actively participating in rugby matches and acting as a football goalkeeper. A judge ruled that Boyd was culpable of 'dishonest embellishment'. 
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency in legal proceedings.
Toulouse vs. Bradford: A Match That Might Not Matter?
Finally, let's look at the upcoming match between Toulouse Olympique and Bradford Bulls. While both teams are vying for a spot in the Super League next season, their match on Saturday might not have the impact one would expect. According to Gavin Willacy of No Helmets Required, the current structure of the Championship, with the IMG grading system, might render the outcome of the game irrelevant for promotion. Winning the Championship may be more about glory than a guaranteed ticket to the top tier.
That's all for this week's sports roundup. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the world of sports!