Welcome to the Good News Roundup for August 3, 2026
10-year-old gymnast who lost her leg in a missile attack completes ‘Dance of Freedom tour’
A 10-year-old Ukrainian gymnast has delivered a powerful message of resilience as part of a global ‘Dance of Freedom tour’, four years after losing her leg in a Russian missile strike.
Oleksandra Paskal – known as Sasha to her family and friends – had been training in rhythmic gymnastics since she was a young child, and despite her leg having to be amputated, she returned to the sport after her recovery.
She’s since competed in multiple tournaments, winning gold in Romania earlier this year, and embarked on a global tour, taking in Paris, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Nairobi, where she performed at the United Nations office.
Read more about Sasha’s incredible story here.
Granny Grommets group continues to bring women together through the power of the ocean
On a South Australian beach, a new chapter of the Granny Grommets group regularly comes together, as part of a continued movement providing fitness and friendship to older women.
Founded in WA more than 20 years ago, Granny Grommets brings together women over the age of 50 who are interested in enjoying the ocean while also staying connected with others in their community.
70-year-old Annie Milne has recently started the North Haven Granny Grommets after moving to the area, and says she was inundated with interest after first floating the idea on social media.
Read more about the group, and the benefits to those who join, here.
South African swimmer becomes most decorated athlete in Comm Games history
34-year-old South African swimmer Chad Le Clos has made history to become the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete ever, as the event wrapped up in Scotland.
He claimed bronze and silver in team events to bring his total medal tally to 21 across five Comm Games.
Read more here.
Inaugural season of Women’s Pro Baseball gets underway
Women’s sport has taken another important step forward, with the inaugural US Women’s Pro Baseball League kicking off over the weekend.
The game between Los Angeles Queens and New York Heights was the first professional women’s baseball game played in the US in almost 30 years.
Throwing the first pitch for the historic game was 99-year-old Maybelle Blair, who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which ran from 1943-54.
Read more here.
