What's happening?

Last night, tennis fans tuned in to watch a historic match. Emma Raducanu is still only 18, but she reached the final of the US OpenA major tennis tournament held once a year in New York City. It is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world, starting in 1881 - just after Wimbledon, which had begun four years earlier in 1877.. 

Thousands enjoyed the exciting game. Many were cheering on the young star. And it worked!  She beat her experienced opponent, Maria Sakkari. 

Find out more 

Even though she lost last night, Emma is still a star. 

She is the youngest British woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final in 46 years. Two months ago, she was ranked 338th in the world. Now, she is British number one. 

Emma is not the only young sporting hero. Swimmer Ellie Challis is only 17. She just won silver at the ParalympicsAn international sports competition for athletes with disabilities. . 

Twin sisters Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova are 16. Together, they helped Britain get its first Olympic medal in gymnastics for 93 years. 

Some think their success is because they are young and fearless. Emma had to drop out of this year's Wimbledon competition. But she was not put off. 

"I will go out there with nothing to lose again", she said. 

Some say we get less fearless as we grow older. But this does not always mean failure. At this years Olympics, Oksana Chusovitina from Uzbekistan competed in gymnastics. She is 46 years old! 

Is fearlessness the secret to success?

Some say

Yes! Taking bigger risks is scary, but we get more out of them. It is worth being fearless and taking those risks. Yes, we might fail. But at least there is a chance of success!  

Others think

Not always! Being careful and wise can be useful too. Just look at the story of the hare and the tortoise. Being careless might not just mean failure. It could make things worse too. It is better to think things through.