Professional sport is an unpredictable occupation. Injuries can halter your progress, or they can retire you prematurely. There are other things, however, that can lead to the same results, and Scottish hammer thrower Mark Dry almost felt it himself. After being caught in a lie that had him heavily punished, Dry is back in the game and wants nothing more than to finish his career on his own terms.

The Scandal

There’s nothing more heartbreaking for fans and humiliating for players when their doping tests come out positive. It all changed on October 15, 2018, for the two-time Commonwealth Games hammer bronze medalist. In an instant, and with one test, he was put in the same pool as serial cheaters and was quickly banished from the sport. It wasn’t because of a positive test result. It was because Dry tampered with the test in the first place.

After a series of charges being brought and dropped, he was eventually convicted of tampering with the test and came clean about what he had done. The sport released a four-year ban for Dry from hammer throwing. The ban was later reduced to 28 months which expired this January. Mark Dry finally got the green light to come back. and he did.

He Paid a Heavy Price

It’s safe to say that Dry’s athletic career took a downturn after the ban. His career as a sports therapist was also hurt by the suspension, not to mention the costs of appeal draining his funds. But, perhaps the biggest price was the public’s opinion of him. He has long criticized the “bizarre world of rules” stating that the association is “extremely negative.”

Mark Dry Is Back in the Cage

Although Mark Dry is back in training, he’s already thinking about life after he retires. He’s currently working as a handyman and is considering joining the fire service. In terms of hammer throwing, his goal is pretty simple — aim for one more medal at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. That would be his way of seeking redemption. His first competition after the ban was in Hull in late January, where he felt all the nerves and all the uncertainty of being back at the sport.

He’s not “bothered by what anyone thinks,” Dry says. What he really wants is to get back to doing what he loves and enjoys. He’s channeling all of his passion, motivation, indignation, and even anger that stem from his ban to help him qualify for the World and European Championships.

Time and again, Mark Dry has made it perfectly clear that no matter his results, he’ll go out there and do his best. Even if he comes last, he’ll do so with his head held high.

The Met Gala is undeniably the crown jewel of fashion, where bold concepts and intricate tailoring come together for a night like no other. In addition to the usual suspects, this year’s event attracted many athletes who walked off the court, field, track, and floor, and onto the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the 2021 Met Gala. Singer Billie Eilish and tennis player Naomi Osaka were among the co-hosts of this unforgettable night for fashion.

So, who are the athletes that had everyone talking about their marvelous outfits?

But First… What Was the Theme of the 2021 Met Gala?

Like every other year, this edition of the Met Gala too had a special theme that guests had to adapt in their outfits. The 2021 theme was “American independence,” where creators were encouraged to celebrate American design in all its glory and details. The triumphant return on September 13 didn’t fail to satiate the public’s hunger for glamorous looks, iconic photo moments, and most importantly — creative interpretations of the reigning theme. These five athletes definitely stole the spotlight.

1. Naomi Osaka

Tennis star Naomi Osaka co-hosted this year’s Met Gala and stunned everyone with a beautiful Louis Vuitton dress that she walked down the red carpet together with her boyfriend Cordae.

2. Simone Biles

One of the most stunning outfits at this year’s Met Gala definitely belongs to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. The talented athlete wore a Swarovski crystal-covered AREA Couture x Athlete gown that was so heavy it required the help of six people for her to be able to walk around.

3. Serena Williams

The marvelous tennis star was joined by her husband, Alexis Ohanian. Serena is no stranger to high fashion, and her choice for the evening did not disappoint. She wore a silver lace catsuit with pink stars by Gucci which she paired with a statement-making ombre pink feather cape. Talk about making an entrance – right?

4. Lewis Hamilton

The F1 superstar graced the red carpet of the Met Gala wearing an eccentric Kenneth Nicholson outfit. When interviewed about the event, Hamilton called the night “pure magic.” His outfit certainly was!

5. Allyson Felix

While everyone was sad to learn Allyson Felix decided to finish her Olympic career in Tokyo, fans were happy to see her in a whole new light at the Gala. The athlete wore a beautifully tailored, billowing feathered dress by Fendi that had all eyes glued on her.