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    Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?

    DENISE LEWIS has been a key part of the BBC’s athletics coverage over the years, particularly at the Olympics. But the Paris 2024 games will be her last in the Beeb studio as she has decided to step down from her punditry role. Denise Lewis will no longer carry out her punditry role for the BBCCredit: GettyLewis became a legendary athlete for Team GB, winning heptathlon bronze at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. She followed that up by winning gold in Sydney four years later, quickly becoming a household name. Lewis also won two World Championship silvers, a European gold and two Commonwealth golds. Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?Lewis, 51, has been on our screens since 2009 but after a 15-year run she’s calling it quits.READ MORE ON DENISEThe Birmingham-born legend is set to return to her job as the President of UK Athletics.The news was announced on-air in the Stade de France studio with an emotional montage just one day before the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics.Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson handed Lewis some flowers immediately after and Jessica Ennis-Hill wished her idol all the best for the future. Presenter Gabby Logan said: “I’m a super fan and I got to call her a colleague.Most read in Olympics”Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.”We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.”Denise Lewis OBE on career challenges, inspirations and winning Olympic goldLewis said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. “Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.”They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”Denise also praised her former colleagues on Instagram posting a montage of pictures.She shared: For me it’s always about the people and over the last 15 years I’ve worked alongside some of the best. “Thank you @colinrayjackson for guiding me through those nerve wracking first few days when I joined the BBC sport team in 2009. “A massive thank you to the production teams, lighting & camera crews. Floor managers, runners and statisticians. Glam squad. We’ve had a hoot!”I’ll still be watching my favourite sport but from a different seat… hopefully the next seat will be cushioned.”Denise stepped down from the UK Athletics presidency in February 2024, after concerns over integrity were raised due to her decision to continue working as an athletics pundit for BBC Sport.At the time she said: “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to temporarily step away from my role as UKA president – with the upcoming Olympics and a hectic summer ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would only want to accept the role when it can have my full attention.”Denise has been a key part of the BBC athletics commentary team since 2009, after retiring from the sport in 2005. More

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    New Zealand high jumper goes viral after going UNDER the bar.. but has perfect response by later winning the gold medal

    OLYMPICS star Hamish Kerr has gone viral for his high jump disaster despite going on to win the gold medal.Fans watching the men’s final last night were left in hysterics after he bizarrely threw himself under the bar.Hamish Kerr bizarrely threw himself under the barThe New Zealander has become an internet sensation after diving straight on the matCredit: ReutersBut he recovered to win the gold medalCredit: APKerr picked up speed as he approached the jump but surprisingly decided to bail out of the attempt at the last minute.The New Zealander instead dived straight onto the mat to the confusion of viewers.Kerr’s unusual flop has been turned into a meme, with the clip being viewed millions of times on social media.Fans hilariously captioned it: “Me to the sofa when I get home from work.”READ MORE IN OLYMPICSAnother joked: “When someone tells me the bar has been raised and they believe in me.”A third laughed: “How I dive into bed.”More commented: “Me playing Mario and Sonic at the Olympics and I forget to press the jump button.”But Kerr brilliantly responded to his poor effort and went on to win gold amid a controversial end.Most read in AthleticsOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024The 27-year-old and Team USA’s Shelby McEwen were tied at the end of the event and turned down the chance to share gold in favour of a jump-off to decide a winner.Both Kerr and McEwen were joint-top after clearing 2.36m but chose not to share first place.Naughtiest Olympic BlundersThey instead agreed to golden goal-style finish, with the bar set at 2.34m.Kerr got over it as McEwen then failed and had to accept silver.BBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony Livesey More

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    BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenes

    DENISE LEWIS said an emotional goodbye to the BBC as she quit her job as a pundit to start a new career. The 51-year-old has been on screens since 2009 and announced her shock departure live on TV. Denise Lewis said an emotional farewell to the BBCHer colleagues gave her a huge send-off, with Micheal Johnson handing her a bunch of flowersLewis brilliantly dropped her mic as she said goodbyeAs the Olympics athletics action came to a close in Paris, Lewis revealed she was taking up a new job as President of UK Athletics.Presenter Gabby Logan and colleagues Jessica Ennis-Hill and Michael Johnson gave the Sydney 2000 gold medallist an incredible send-off.After an stunning montage of her best moments, the American runner gave Lewis a huge bunch of flowers and said: “We love you and we are going to miss you. It’s been amazing working with you.”Ennis-Hill added: “I grew up watching you and was inspired by you. Now I’ve got to sit next to you. READ MORE IN OLYMPICS”It’s been such an honour and thank you for guiding me. Wish you all the best.”Logan said: “I’m a superfan and I got to call her a colleague. “Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.”We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLewis looked emotional as she said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.”They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenesLewis then brilliantly signed off by dropping her microphone on the table to huge cheers from behind-the-scenes BBC employees.Opening up on her new role, the former heptathlon star explained: “It’s time to try to help develop the sport that has been so amazing to me.”I would not be in this position if I had not dared to dream, had a club, all the volunteers that make the clubs what they need to be.”I will be working with the membership, predominately grassroots as that is where the work needs to be done.”We need to make sure the pipeline to events like this [Olympics].”We need to encourage local communities to get involved with athletics.”BBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony Livesey More

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    Oleksandr Usyk reveals how Anthony Joshua can earn THIRD fight to complete trilogy and heaps praise on Brit rival

    OLEKSANDR USYK has opened the door to fighting Anthony Joshua for a THIRD TIME to complete a trilogy. Usyk won the unified heavyweight titles against AJ in September 2021 before defending them in a Saudi Arabia rematch a year later. Oleksandr Usyk has opened the door to fighting Anthony Joshua for a third timeCredit: AFPHe has since beaten Tyson Fury to become the first-ever four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion. AJ meanwhile bounced back with four wins since double defeat to Usyk.And he now challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt vacated by Usyk, who rematches Fury on December 21. If Joshua is to defeat Dubois and Usyk again overcomes Fury, it could pave the way for a blockbuster trilogy.READ MORE IN BOXINGUsyk told the Daily Mail: “I don’t particularly want any rematches, but when we beat Tyson Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, of course they will want to do a third fight.”From my point of view I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights.”Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world. Anthony did it.”And if it happens with God’s help, then I am ready for a third fight with Anthony.”Most read in BoxingUsyk found Tyson Fury was his toughest opponentCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUsyk, 37, was forced to vacate the IBF belt to proceed with his rematch against Fury, 35, back in Riyadh. So Dubois, 26, was elevated from interim champ and defends it against Joshua, 34, on September 21 at Wembley.And Usyk is backing AJ to win, saying: “It’s an Olympic champion and a UK champion – Anthony is a different level.”After Joshua knocked out ex-UFC star Francis Ngannou, 37, in March, his coach Ben Davison called for a trilogy against Usyk. Davison said: “That’s the fight that we’d love to do. We’d love to get a chance to help Joshua put that right.” Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua’s tattoos explained More

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    ‘It showed him who’s boss,’ says Oleksandr Usyk as he reveals nine-month plan to land specific punch on Tyson Fury

    OLEKSANDR USYK revealed the punch that turned the tide against Tyson Fury was nine months in the making. Usyk came from behind to trump Fury on points in May and become the first-ever four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury in MayCredit: GettyAnd he almost had the Gypsy King out of there in round nine after landing a perfectly-timed left hand. Usyk revealed it was a shot he drilled for months on end before executing it in his most vital fight. He told the Daily Mail: “It was a planned action that we had worked on for nine months.”It was necessary as it showed him immediately in the ring who the boss is.READ MORE IN BOXING”I was in control the whole time, there were no worries. The process was ongoing.”The pair of heavyweight superstars put on a thriller over 12 rounds in Saudi Arabia which was fiercely competitive. And Usyk revealed after taking a huge uppercut from Fury halfway through and withstanding it – he knew the bout was his. He said: “When I didn’t get knocked down by an uppercut in the sixth round.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I felt such a force behind me that I understood that nearby there is my force which I pray to.”Maybe it was even an angel, but I felt some kind of support for my back there was no one there (behind me) but the support was felt.”Fury, 35, and Usyk, 37, are now set to rematch on December 21 back in Riyadh.Oleksandr Usyk in shock career switch… as boxing champ reveals private DMs with Tyson Fury ahead of rematch More

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    Michael Johnson blasts ‘laughable’ Team USA after 4x100m team disqualified while legend Carl Lewis says ‘blow it up’

    ATHLETICS legends Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis slammed Team USA after they were disqualified from the men’s 4x100m relay.The Americans had a nightmare in Paris as their relay gold medal drought extended to 20 years.Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek messed up the baton exchangeCredit: APMichael Johnson called USA’s relay flop ‘laughable’Credit: BBCCarl Lewis fumed on social mediaCredit: AFPLast night, they were disqualified for an illegal pass they made in the first change over as Canada got gold, South Africa took home silver and Team GB bronze.USA got it all wrong as Christian Coleman crashed into team-mate Kenny Bednarek to mess up the first baton pass, forcing the exchange to happen outside the legal zone.BBC pundit Johnson raged: “It’s laughable at this point. “The last time we won it at the Olympics I was still competing.”READ MORE IN OLYMPICSMeanwhile, Lewis tweeted: “It’s time to blow up the system. “It is clear that EVERYONE at is more concerned with relationships than winning. No athlete should step on the track and run another relay until this program is changed from top to bottom.”USA last won gold in the men’s 4x100m relay at Sydney 2000.Since then it has been a disaster every four years, starting with a poor baton exchange costing them gold at Athens 2004.Most read in AthleticsOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024They then dropped it in Beijing 2008 and were disqualified for doping at London 2012.Another poor pass saw them punished in Rio 2016 and a similar incident led to them not even reaching the final at Tokyo 2020.Five Greatest Olympic Moments EverBut they were all set to make amends in Paris – even without 100m winner Noah Lyles after he tested positive for Covid.Post-race, Coleman said: “We practised a lot. Me and Kenny have been on the team a few times and we felt really confident going out there. “It’s part of the sport. We wanted to do it, we wanted to bring it home, we knew we had the speed to do it but this is a risk-reward type of thing.”All of us are world class, and I expect all of us will be back on the team in LA. “I think on home soil, we’ll be able to have the confidence to bring it on home.” More

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    Ex-Playboy model Amber Fields poses naked in just body paint for Misfits Boxing weigh in before wild scrap with rival

    FORMER Playboy model Amber Fields posed naked in just body paint for her Misfits Boxing weigh in – before sparking a wild scrap on stage.Fields has over 1million Instagram followers and has worked as a ring girl for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Leah Gotti, left, and Amber Fields ahead of their Misfits fightCredit: Misfits BoxingFields has over 1million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @missamberfieldsShe has worked as a ring girl for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable PromotionsCredit: @missamberfieldsBut she will now step foot in the ring to fight in a Misfits bout against porn star Leah Gotti. Fields stepped onto the weigh in scales naked with only body paint covering herself. She then faced off with Gotti before the two started to brawl on stage. The two have been going back and forth in the build up to the fight and Fields sent out a warning to her rival. READ MORE IN BOXINGShe said: “I’m not worried about her. I know she’s over there talking about me but honey just focus on yourself. Like I am doing. “I’m focused on my training, so that’ all I’ve got to say to her. “And of course, she’s going to be dismissive but once I get that knockout or fight of the night then we’ll see what she says then.” Fields was formerly a pageant star, in 2017 she won both the Miss IBMS Orlando pageant and the Miss Winghouse pageant.Most read in BoxingShe last year featured on the cover of Playboy in Denmark and also worked in as a ring girl for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. The American has rubbed shoulders with the likes of YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul and Mike Tyson on the job.Fields featured on the cover of Playboy in DenmarkCredit: PlayboyThe American also works as a ring girlCredit: @missamberfieldsShe was formerly a pageant starCredit: Instagram @missamberfieldsShe has a legion of social media fansCredit: Instagram/missamberfieldsHer page is full of glam snapsCredit: Instagram @missamberfieldsFields has rubbed shoulders with top boxing starsCredit: Instagram @missamberfields More

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    Alica Schmidt gives fans glimpse inside wild Olympics party as ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ gets over ‘relay team row’

    ALICA SCHMIDT partied wildly as she let her hair down to celebrate the end of the Olympics.With the Games coming to an end tomorrow, the “world’s sexiest athlete” hit the dance floor on Friday night.Alica Schmidt partied long into the nightCredit: Instagram @alicasmdShe enjoyed a wild night with her fellow athletesCredit: Instagram @alicasmdThey celebrated the medal winners and danced to an Avicii hitCredit: Instagram @alicasmdSchmidt was involved in the 4x400m relayCredit: ReutersSchmidt came seventh in both eventsCredit: GettyShe has been dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’Credit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt, 25, was invited to Team Germany’s end of Olympics celebration held at rugby ground Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris.The athlete took her 5.4 million Instagram followers behind-the-scenes at the luxury event as they spent the early evening watching all yesterday’s action on a big screen.Medal winners were then brought up to the stage before the champagne bottles were opened.The incredible venue transformed into a nightclub as Schmidt danced with her athletics pals.READ MORE ALICA SCHMIDTShe posted clips from the dance floor on social media as they had fun late into the night as she admitted it was her “first party in ages”.Olympians have enjoyed several wild nights after winning gold – from Snoop Dogg performing at Team USA’s basketball bash to pole vaulter Armando Duplantis looking worse for wear on Swedish TV the morning after.But it has not all been worth celebrating for Schmidt, who came seventh in both the women’s and mixed 4x400m relay heats, amid a team row.Things kicked-off inside the German’s camp as athlete Jean Paul Bredau criticised the decision to select Schmidt for the race ahead of his girlfriend Luna Bulmahn.Most read in AthleticsOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024Bulmahn then voiced her anger on social media and was removed from the team.On the row, Schmidt said: “I don’t want to say anything more about the topic now. It’s about the sporting performance.”Inside Olympics star Alica Schmidt’s glam lifestyleSchmidt has 5.4 million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdShe lives the life of luxuryCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdModelling and being invited to red carpet eventsCredit: GettyParis 2024 was her Olympics debutCredit: PASchmidt did not let a team row stop her from loving the GamesCredit: Instagram @alicasmdParis Olympics with 300k condomsThe Olympic Games arrive at the “City of LoveNearly 15,000 residents – around 10,500 of which are athletes – will be cramming into the Olympic village between July 26 and August 11.To ensure the athletes feel at home, a number of provisions have been made by organisers.One of these is the stocking of some 300,000 condoms, in theory enough for around two every day during the run of the Games. A number of Olympic athletes have opened the door on their steamy lives behind-the-scenes when in camp, including huge sex orgies and parties.London 2012 had claimed the title of “the raunchiest Games ever”, but the 150,000 condoms ordered paled in comparison to the 450,000 ordered for the Rio Games four years later.Condoms have been laid on by organisers at every game since Seoul 1988, when it they were used to spread awareness of HIV and AIDS.Even with an intimacy ban at Tokyo 2020 due to Covid-19, some 150,000 johnnies were handed out.Read the full story here. More