Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 225 Shares99 Views

    in Athletics

    Team GB’s tumbling twins, 19, struggling to qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics after freak injuries following Tokyo bronzes

    GYMNASTIC twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss the Paris Olympics as they struggle to qualify for Team GB.The sisters won Olympic bronze medals three years ago in Tokyo as the four-person British squad stood on the women’s team podium for the first time since 1928.Gymnastics twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss Paris 2024Credit: StartraksJessica suffered an ACL injury and Jennifer is dealing with ankle problemsYet it appears increasingly unlikely the 19-year-old tumblers will be involved in the French capital in four months’ time as they are currently in rehab and not yet back to competition.Jessica, the 2022 world floor champion, suffered a freak “full tear to my ACL” that has sidelined her since last October and required knee surgery before Christmas.There is the slim prospect that if she is apparatus-fit come June or July she could be parachuted in as a late sub for the artistic gymnastics team.Jennifer, meanwhile, had a clear-out op this year on her ankle, which has caused her long-term discomfort, but she does not have the qualifying points against her name for selection.Read More on SportSpeaking to SunSport at last weekend’s British Championships in Liverpool, which the duo watched from the stands, Jessica said: “It happened during a warm-up. I just did a simple drill. Unfortunately it just happened.“From October to December, I did a lot of prehab around the knee to make it as strong as possible before going into surgery.“I’ve got a massive, long journey ahead of me. Now it’s all rehab. It’s looking good but obviously the journey is very long with an ACL. I’m not putting a goal or a date on the end.“There are going to be ups and downs along the journey.Most read in Athletics“We aren’t looking at this Olympics, we’re looking at more Olympics ahead. We’re still young, we’ll recover.“We have been supporting each other massively through the highs and the lows, especially as we’re at a low point at the moment.Team GB gymnastics bronze medallist Gadirova twins bag GCSE distinctions “But at least we’re both going through it together, so we can support one other the best that we can.“We know that we just have to recover our bodies and we’ll get there one day. It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe pair have spent time undergoing rehabilitation – which includes specialist physiotherapy and medical support – at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, a facility funded by £7million of National Lottery investment.Whatever happens, unless they make miracle recoveries, they plan to be the biggest cheerleaders imaginable for the Brits across the Channel this July and August.Jennifer, who like her sister was born in Dublin but relocated to the UK, said: “My rehab is taking a little bit longer than expected.“It’s a six-to-eight week recovery. I’m slowly building back. But I haven’t officially been signed off yet.“Yes, we’d love to go to the Olympics. We’ve already done one Olympics before so deep down, we don’t feel like we’re 100% missing out.It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.Jessica Gadirova“We’re already Olympians. We’re already Olympic bronze medallists. That’s a great achievement already.“Missing this one, yes it’s really gutting, but we’re still young and have a bright future ahead of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re so close, it’s amazing to have a twin sister being in the same sport, going through the same issues. It’s just really helpful to push through.“Like Jess, I’m not putting a time frame or a limit to it. I’m focused on making my ankle as strong as it can possibly be, so the issue doesn’t happen again.”*National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport — from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk #MakeAmazingHappen #ThanksToYou More

  • 263 Shares109 Views

    in Boxing

    Tommy Fury reveals he’s being ‘coached by former England star’ for Soccer Aid and hints he’ll try to get Tyson involved

    TOMMY FURY is determined to impress in his second Soccer Aid appearance.The boxing star is returning to to the football pitch to play for the Rest of World XI for the second year running.Tommy Fury has enlisted a former England star to help him train for Soccer AidCredit: ReutersAfter a pretty uninspiring display at Old Trafford last year, Fury has enlisted the help of a former England legend to help him improve his skills ahead of this year’s match at Stamford Bridge.Speaking on the Capital Breakfast the 24-year-old revealed ex-Lioness Jill Scott has been helping him train for the big day.He said: “I’m training twice a day; I’m getting my weight right down for it. I want to feel sharp, and feel fit, and just enjoy the experience again.”Before adding: “Let’s just say me and Jill are doing stuff on the side to be a little more prepared this year.”READ MORE IN BOXINGScott, who will be playing for the England XI this year, has the experience to make her a worthy coach as a member of England’s Euro 2022 winning squad.And there could be another superstar gracing the pitch for the charitable game with Tommy Fury admitting he’s doing what he can to convince his half brother Tyson Fury to play in the match.When asked if he could persuade the heavyweight champion to join in, he said: “Listen, it would be good, wouldn’t it?”I don’t know why he never does it, because he is a huge football fan. He loves Manchester United and he’s really behind it.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTommy Fury is working with former Lioness Jill ScottCredit: GettyThe boxing star has also claimed he is attempting to convince his half brother Tyson Fury to take part in this year’s Soccer AidCredit: Reuters”So I don’t know, I’m going to have to make a few special calls and hopefully we can see him on the pitch this year.”Soccer Aid is set to take place in June meaning Tyson should be available following his undisputed bout with Oleksandr Usyk in May – so long as there isn’t ANOTHER delay to the face-off.Tommy Fury reveals huge new career as fiancee Molly-Mae says she’s ‘so proud’But for now The Gypsy King will have his full focus on beating Usyk in the first undisputed heavyweight fight in over 20 years.Listen to Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp Chris Stark and Sian Welby, weekdays from 6:00am – 10:00am across the UK on air, and on Global Player.Confirmed Soccer Aid Stars
    ENGLAND
    Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach) Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Erin Doherty, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Stuart Broad, Bobby Brazier and Sam Thompson.
    WORLD XI
    Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Usain Bolt (Captain), Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury and Diamond.

    TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT More

  • 200 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    David Haye cosies up to model throuple girlfriend as they enjoy luxury holiday alongside bikini-clad women

    DAVID HAYE and his ‘throuple’ girlfriend Sian Osbourne have enjoyed a luxury holiday to Costa Rica.The former boxing world champion showed off their trip to Central America in a video shared to Instagram.David Haye cosied up to model girlfriend Sian Osbourne on their luxury holidayCredit: Instagram / @davidhayeThe pair looked loved-up as they enjoyed a recent trip to Costa RicaCredit: Instagram / @davidhayeA video shared to Instagram by Haye included bikini-clad womenCredit: Instagram / @davidhayeHe captioned the upload: “A montage of a few moments of first quarter of this year’s Costa Rica adventures.”The post featured highlights from their recent trip as he cosied up to his model girlfriend.Haye and Osbourne looked loved up as they enjoyed a stroll and rode horse along the beach.She also enjoyed a drink in the sun with the Hayemaker, who could be seen having his hair braided in the clip.READ MORE BOXING NEWSSeveral shots from the video also showed the pair surrounded by bikini-clad women as they relaxed on their luxury getaway.The long-time lovers have been known to be involved in ‘throuple’ relationships in the past.One of their three-way romances involved The Saturdays singer Una Healy before she left the relationship.Haye is a former two-weight world champion after winning belts at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe famously captured the WBA heavyweight title by beating the 7ft tall Russian Nikolai Valuev in 2009 in a bout billed as “David vs Goliath.Haye went on to defend the belt twice before losing to Wladimir Klitschko in 2011, a defeat which ended a 15-fight winning streak.A Playboy bunny has revealed she cheated on Hugh Hefner with boxer David HayeThe 43-year-old retired in 2018 after back-to-back TKO losses to Tony Bellew with a professional record of 28-4.He returned to the ring in 2021, though, winning an exhibition bout against Joe Fournier in Miami.Haye and Osbourne have been known to have ‘throuple’ relationshipsCredit: Instagram / @davidhayeHaye had his hair braided during the trip to Central AmericaCredit: Instagram / @davidhaye More

  • 288 Shares179 Views

    in Boxing

    Fans say ‘there’s no way Oleksandr Usyk beats this version of Tyson Fury’ as Gypsy King trains on day one of fight camp

    TYSON FURY has fans convinced he will beat Oleksandr Usyk off just one day of training alone. The pair of unbeaten champions were due to collide in the heavyweight division’s first four-belt unification bout on February 17. Tyson Fury has fans convinced he will beat Oleksandr Usyk off just one day of training aloneCredit: Instagram / @tysonfuryFury is back in training camp to fight UsykCredit: Instagram / @tysonfuryBut just two weeks before the Saudi Arabia showdown, Fury suffered a horror cut in sparring that forced the bout to be rescheduled to May 18. Now the Gypsy King – who watched Manchester United beat Liverpool at Old Trafford – is officially back up and running as he shared his first day in camp. First up was a strength session with conditioning coach Kristian Blacklock with Fury pulling off an impressive leg press. He posted: “PUMP 330kg first day of camp may 18 incoming.”READ MORE IN BOXINGFury then hit the boxing gym for a pad session with Bob Howard – who has cornered his brothers Tommy and Roman in the past. The WBC champion showed off his trademark fast hands and feet – leaving some fans fearing for Usyk’s chances. One said: “Usyk’s in trouble.”Another added: “No one’s beating this version of Fury.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne hailed: “There’s no way Usyk will beat focused Fury…”Another simply put: “They have awoken the beast.”Fury has also got nutritionist Greg Marriott back in camp with him and boasted that Usyk’s time is coming. Tyson Fury rocks very bold outfit as Gypsy King attends huge heavyweight Man Utd vs Liverpool FA Cup clashHe said: “How many weeks we got now? Nine weeks until D-day. I’m going to smash this little f***er. “Eight weeks of hard training, one week of resting and we’ve got nine weeks of food. Delicious food.”Fury pictured at Man Utd’s Old Trafford groundCredit: Getty More

  • 250 Shares109 Views

    in Boxing

    Ebanie Bridges, Astrid Wett and Jill Scott in bizarre fight row to feature on Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul undercard

    ASTRID WETT and Ebanie Bridges were involved in a bizarre row after England legend Jill Scott was called out for a fight. Wett – an OnlyFans star-turned influencer boxer – wants to face Lionesses icon Scott on the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson undercard. Astrid Wett and Ebanie Bridges were involved in a bizarre rowCredit: SplashBridges called out the OnlyFans starCredit: GettyShe posted on X: “I think it’s about time I put my gloves back on and call out Jill Scott.”Now I know she’s a little bit taller than me but I’m sure we can make it work and this would definitely sell out an arena, and a big payday for Jill, too.”YouTuber and 9-1 professional boxer Paul, 27, faces Tyson, 57, on July 20 in a controversial clash streamed on Netflix. Former bantamweight world champ Bridges hijacked Wett’s callout of Scott to set out her own challenge. READ MORE IN BOXINGThe Aussie, 37, said: “Can I beat up @AstridWett on the undercard of @jakepaul vs @MikeTyson ?? I mean I’d enjoy it.”Bridges is a close friend and training partner of Wett’s biggest rival Elle Brooke. But still Wett, 23, responded: “Genuinely – who this?” Bridges won the IBF title in 2022 but last year lost it to Miyo Yoshida.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSo she was probed on why she decided to call out a TikToker with limited boxing experience. And Bridges replied: “Same reason Jake Paul calls out real fighters – it’s called promo/marketing and getting people talking so thanks for your input as it all helps. Astrid Wett arrives at Cheltenham in inappropriate outfit but wears cheeky nod to beloved Chelsea”Plus, I’d never say no to a very easy pay day… unfortunately Miyo has to fight her mandatory, so I ain’t about to wait around. “I’ve done enough waiting the last two years – I want money and fights.” Wett has a 3-0 boxing record with Misfits but last year walked out on the crossover promotion. And retired footballer Scott, 37, did not respond to the fight challenge. Jill Scott was called out to fight by Astrid WettCredit: Rex More

  • 225 Shares99 Views

    in Athletics

    Joana Neves dead at 37: Paralympic swimmer dies after cardiac arrest as tributes paid for ‘great, charismatic athlete’

    A SWIMMER who won five medals in three Paralympics has died aged just 37.Brazilian Joana Neves went into cardiac arrest in the early hours of yesterday morning after being admitted to hospital on Sunday night feeling unwell.Swimmer Joana Neves, far right in green, has died aged just 37Credit: GettyNeves won five medals in three ParalympicsCredit: GettyHere she is at the 2022 World Para Swimming ChampionshipsCredit: GettyShe had travelled to the city of Sao Paulo for tests after suffering fits.Joana, known affectionately as Peixinha which means Little Fish in English or Joaninha, was born with bone growth disorder achondroplasia that results in dwarfism due to a genetic mutation in the arms and legs.During her glittering career she won a total of 15 medals in world paralympic swimming championships between 2013 and 2022 after taking up swimming on medical advice as a 10-year-old and starting to compete three years later.She also took part in three Paralympics, winning two silver and three bronze medals at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.READ MORE IN sport Mizael Conrado, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, said in a tribute to the athlete, who hailed from the city of Natal in the north-east state of Rio Grande do Norte: “We are devastated at the departure of Joana Neves, our Joaninha.“So much charisma out of the pool, so much determination when she entered the water to represent our country, Rio Grande do Norte, her friends and her family.“How many people were proud of Joaninha’s achievements and how many joys she gave us. She was a great athlete.”Her club Sadef RN said in a statement yesterday confirming her death: “Parathlete swimmer Joana Neves died this morning in Sao Paulo.Most read in Athletics”She was in the city undergoing tests to seek a diagnosis of seizures she had recently suffered.“On Sunday night, after feeling unwell at the Paralympic Training Centre she was taken to hospital but was unable to resist after going into cardiac arrest.”We struck gold with a stay at the site of London’s 2012 OlympicsA club spokesman added: “At the last World Cup in 2022, she won four medals and broke two records. “During her career she had 15 podium finishes at World Cups between 2013 and 2022.“In 2020, she was voted Brazil’s best Paralympic swimmer in the best swimming trophy. She won five medals at the Paralympic Games.”One well-wisher added by way of a personal tribute on social media: “What a very sad day. My sincere condolences to the whole family.“A huge loss for our sport. She leaves an incredible legacy and most of all she leaves her joy in our memories.” More

  • 188 Shares159 Views

    in Athletics

    Paris Olympics to lift sex ban with 300,000 condoms to be delivered to Olympic village

    OLYMPIC chiefs have lifted the ban on athletes having sex ahead of this summer’s Games.A sex suspension was implemented ahead of the 2020 Games Tokyo, which took place in the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.The 2024 Olympic Games take place in Paris this summerCredit: ALAMYOlympic chiefs have lifted the sex ban they had in place for the 2024 GamesCredit: REUTERSThe ban was imposed in a bid to stop events from being scuppered by Covid outbreaks.But those preventative measures have been lifted ahead of this summer’s Games in Paris – meaning athletes can get up to as much rumpy-pumpy as they like.Olympic Village director Laurent Michaud said: “It is very important that the conviviality here is something big.”Working with the athletes commission, we wanted to create some places where the athletes would feel very enthusiastic and comfortable.”READ MORE ON PARIS 2024The Olympic Village , according to TMZ, will be stocked with a whopping 300,000 free condoms.So athletes will have no excuse for not practicing safe sex during the tournament.There won’t, however, be any free champers for them to drink during the competition.Although they will have a wide array of food from around the globe available to them every day.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Olympic Village will be stocked with 300,000 free condomsCredit: GETTYFormer Center Parcs head-honcho Michaud said: “[There will be no champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris.”We will have more than 350 metres of buffet with the world food.We’re twin sisters, 27, who both secretly battled same disease… now we’re plotting Olympic gold at Paris 2024 together”And I’m sure that the athletes will be very happy to have some French specialties made over here.”But the variety will first respond to the athletes’ needs for their nutrition and their performance.”The Paris Games – which get underway on July 26 and end on August 11 – are expected to attract the largest crowds since London 2012.Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi told Sky News: “It has to be a celebration and it is a celebration.”We’ve had many challenges in the past. “In Rio, we faced situations that were amazingly complex.”But what you see is that with a bit of goodwill from everyone – starting with the organisers.”But also as far as the Olympic community is concerned – meeting with the challenges and coming up with solutions… is in the greater interest that the Games represent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What we all want is for unity, peace and a celebration of the best athletes. “This is how this creative family works together. Any challenge? We will win.” More

  • 225 Shares129 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua gets ‘very cosy’ with Brit hairdresser in Dubai desert after she congratulated him after brutal knockout

    BOXER Anthony Joshua enjoys a day out with a hairdresser beauty while quad biking in the desert.AJ, 34, was seen with Kika Osunde’s hands wrapped around his waist and with her head leaning on his back.Anthony Joshua rides through the desert outside Dubai with hairdresser Kika OsundeCredit: SnapchatAJ, third from right, and Kika, second from right, together outside a restaurantCredit: InstagramIn another video he sits at the back with his arms around her and leans forward to reach the handles. Heavyweight star AJ had been driving the bike alone while Kika, 37, was in a buggy with others. But they soon got close on his bike in Dubai.A source said: “They looked very cosy and like they were having fun with each other.”READ MORE ANTHONY JOSHUAThe pair have been spending plenty of time with each other since AJ’s win over Francis Ngannou in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.Moments after his KO, AJ rushed over to Kika for a ringside cuddle and kiss, above right. He said: “How are you Kika? I haven’t seen you in so long! How are you?” She replied: “Congratulations. I’m good.”On Tuesday they were spotted dining with pals at Lebanese restaurant Babati Lounge in Dubai.Most read in BoxingThe pair go back several years, with AJ urging followers to support her Instagram in November 2020.Kika, known as Kika Good Hair, runs a salon in West London and boasts hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.’I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou She has said previously: “I’m all about seeing people live their best lives each and every day and in that we become united in our dreams and aspirations — all day every day.”AJ has a son JJ, eight, with his ex Nicole Osbourne. He has been romantically linked to models Cara Delevingne and Bella Hadid.A spokesman for AJ said: “Anthony is in a relationship . . . with professional boxing. He has no time for extra commitments.“He is having a break from boxing and will return to the gym this week. Sadly the claims of a relationship are just rumours.”AJ with Kika in Saudi Arabia during one of his big matchesCredit: TikTokAJ and Kika have known each other for some time, and he asked his followers to support her all the way back in 2020Credit: Instagram More