Fact Check: "Nicholas Tarasenko is only the second Briton to join a professional sumo stable."
What We Know
Nicholas Tarasenko, a 15-year-old from Hull, has recently moved to Japan to pursue a career in professional sumo wrestling. He is reported to be only the second Briton to join a professional sumo stable, following Nathan Strange, who was active in the late 1980s under the ring name Hidenokuni. Tarasenko's journey into sumo began after he won several amateur tournaments and demonstrated a commitment to learning Japanese, which is a requirement for aspiring wrestlers in Japan (The Guardian, BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Nicholas Tarasenko is only the second Briton to join a professional sumo stable is supported by multiple reliable sources. According to a report from The Guardian, Tarasenko's entry into the sumo world marks a significant milestone, as he is the first British hopeful to join a stable since Nathan Strange in 1989. This assertion is corroborated by Yahoo News, which explicitly states that Tarasenko is the second Briton to achieve this feat.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-regarded in journalism, particularly in sports reporting. The Guardian and BBC are established media outlets known for their rigorous fact-checking standards. The consistency across these reports lends further credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Nicholas Tarasenko is only the second Briton to join a professional sumo stable is accurate. Both historical context and recent developments confirm that he follows Nathan Strange, who last participated in the sport over three decades ago. The evidence from multiple reputable sources supports this claim unequivocally.
