Sport in the Isle of Man

For a small country, sport in the Isle of Man plays an important part in making the island known to the wider world.

The Isle of Man boasts a very strong showing in the world of cycling, with several high-profile names and many talented up-and-coming young riders.

In 1970, Manxman Pete Buckley won a gold medal in the Men's Road Racing Championship at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.

Just a couple of years later, his life and career were cut short when a dog ran into the road, causing Pete to crash and subsequently die from the resultant cerebral injuries.

This is now a series of annual motorcycle road races over 37.73 mi (60.72 km)[1] held from late May to early June.

The idea of motor cycle racing for amateurs and private entrants on the famous TT course gave rise to the birth of the MGP back in 1921.

[3] In December 2019, the club officially applied to join the North West Counties Football League, at Step 6 of the English non-league system.

[4] The league would then take the application to the Football Association with 'a recommendation that FC Isle of Man is accepted providing the appropriate criteria is met by 31 March 2020'.

[5] The Isle of Man has very successful men's and women's gymnastics teams and individuals competing in European, Commonwealth and World level events.

The Isle of Man Gymnastics Association sends selected gymnasts from local clubs including Ellan Vannin and Manx Gym to events such as the Commonwealth Games, Island Games, Northern Europeans, and Celtic Cup, where the island competes with national representation.

Island gymnasts also compete in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and further afield at both Championship, Challenge or Graded level.

Held over the last weekend in May, the tournament welcomes many sides from around the UK to play mixed, men's and ladies' hockey at all levels of ability.

Acting on behalf of the Isle of Man Government, the entire event is covered by professional photographer, John Coxon.

Ranges and clubs exist for rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines and the various elements come together under the umbrella organisation, the Isle of Man Target Shooting Federation.

[clarification needed] There is also a growing mud and obstacle running scene, with the Tough Mann Adventure Challenge starting in 2013.