The X Factor for Sprinters

Published: Dec. 5, 2015, 11:48 a.m.

From the X Factor to the 'Got Talent' and 'Idol' formats we all love a good reality show. But, in Nigeria, they're using the same idea to find future World and Olympic champions. The TV show 'Top Sprinter Genesis' is focussed on young athletes. The first few episodes have already been shown, with the series due to finish it's run next year. The show's creator, Bambo Akani, and former Olympic medallist turned judge Deji Aliu believe they can restore Nigeria to sprinting greatness by finding and supporting the country's young talent. Awaken the Force – How to fight like a Jedi Did you know that Lightsabers are real? The blade isn't made out of light, but for the last nine years people around the world have been holding Lightsaber combat events and crowning champions. It's called Ludosport. Sportshour couldn't find a Jedi to be our guide on this one, but we think we've got the next best thing. The Indian goal-keeper hoping someone saves her career Aditi Chauhan plays for West Ham Ladies and is India’s national team ‘keeper. But now she’s no longer in England on a student visa, her stay in the country could be ending. West Ham Ladies are a semi-professional team, and therefore can’t sponsor her to remain in the UK. To be an ambassador for the game’s growth back home, she knows she needs to keep playing in English football. Scream for Bibian Paralympic snowboard gold medallist Bibian Mentel-Spee is a cancer survivor who knows others aren’t so fortunate. If you’ve had lung cancer in the Netherlands, you’re not eligible for a transplant operation. Frustrated, she came up with ‘Scream for Bibian’ to raise awareness. From Leicester to Hollywood Football films aren’t usually very good, but Jamie Vardy’s story could be the one to change all that. Screen-writer and Producer, Adrian Buchart, won plaudits for his work on the 'Goal!' films. Now, Adrian tells Sportshour he's found the perfect subject matter for his next project. 35 years of hurt, never stopped us dreaming India as a nation has only ever won nine Olympic golds - eight have been in men’s hockey, the last of them in 1980. David McDaid reports from the World League Final in Raipur on the Dutch coach the host nation is hoping can revive their national game. (Image Credit: 'Making of Champions' Top Sprinter Genesis logo)