Aurelia Butler

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    Keely Hodgkinson looks incredible in daring new feathered outfit after changing out of black dress at SPOTY

    KEELY HODGKINSON looked incredible in a daring new feathered outfit after changing out her black dress from the Sports Personality of the Year awards.Queen Keely, 22, was crowned the winner of the BBC’s prestigious event last night following a surge in public votes.Keely Hodgkinson stunned in a white dress after winning Sports Personality of the YearCredit: BackGridThe Olympic gold medallist wore a daring dress complete with feathersCredit: BackGridHodgkinson opted for a black outfit while collecting her award earlier in the nightCredit: PAThe amazing dress was also backlessCredit: AlamyThe Olympic gold medallist, who triumphed in the women’s 800m final, saw off competition from darts star Luke Littler and cricket legend Joe Root to take home the top prize.It’s reckoned that Hodgkinson’s latest stunning victory could take her sponsorships and endorsements into the elite £1million-a-year bracket.But she also left viewers stunned with an amazing black backless dress for last night’s ceremony.Hodgkinson turned plenty of heads with the incredible outfit, which featured arm-length coverings reaching up to her hands.READ MORE ON SPOTYAfter SPOTY had finished, the sprinter headed out to celebrate with a night on the town.And as she left Media City in Manchester, Hodgkinson had already changed out of her black outfit into a new white one.The equally-amazing number featured a low-cut top complete with a feathery finish, exposing her shoulders to the cold.But Hodgkinson took no notice of the freezing conditions as she shared a laugh and smile with friends before getting into a car.Most read in AthleticsAfter landing her award last night, the ace delivered an emotional speech on stage to a full house.Hodgkinson said: “I am in a bit of shock. Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Hodgkinson headed out to celebrate her win with palsCredit: BackGridShe got in a car after leaving the event at Media City in ManchesterCredit: BackGridHodgkinson stunned on the red carpet earlier in the nightCredit: AlamyShe beat Luke Littler and Joe Root to the top prizeCredit: PA“I am more excited for my coach (Trevor Painter) as I wouldn’t be here without his guidance.“This year has been incredible and I achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track.“I hope you loved watching Paris and I wish you all a wonderful evening.”Hodgkinson finished ahead of 17-year-old darts ace Littler, who will battle it out for the World Darts Championship this month.Getting his runner-up prize, the teen said: “It just goes to show how well I have done this year.”Not only for myself, but I have changed the sport of darts.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know the amount of academies that have been brought up in different locations, how big the sport has got.”Tickets selling out with the Ally Pally in hours and the Premier league selling out – it just goes to show how much I have changed it.” More

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    Keely Hodgkinson’s SPOTY win could push Olympic superstar into the £1m-a-year bracket with sponsorships and endorsements

    KEELY HODGKINSON’S SPOTY triumph is the crowning glory of a magnificent year.And according to financial experts, she is due to receive a cash windfall – possibly pushing her annual earnings towards the £1MILLION mark.Keely Hodgkinson scooped the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awardCredit: PAThe gong capped off an incredible 2024 for the middle-distance runnerCredit: PAAnd it could soon lead to her raking in the cash courtesy of endorsement dealsCredit: REUTERSShe went into the Paris Olympics with an enormous weight of expectations on her shoulders as favourite for 800m gold.But Hodgkinson, still only 22, coped admirably with the pressure to deliver emphatically over 116 seconds and two laps of the Stade de France track.And now she can utilise her new-found fame with the BBC’s SPOTY award to ensure her financial security for years to come.Dr Dan Plumley, sports finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, told casino.co.uk: “Scooping the SPOTY award will only increase her fame and status.READ MORE ON KEELY HODGKINSON“She’s already becoming one of the most recognisable faces for UK Athletics.“Her success can lead to off-track partnerships and endorsements with good relationships with brands and marketing agencies.“Off-field earnings are a key driver of financial success for individual athletes.“And it is not unusual to see athletes pursue sponsorship and commercial opportunities to boost their income.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeely Hodgkinson celebrates her SPOTY win with Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: PA“Form and success on the track will continue to drive what happens for next for Hodgkinson.”But there is little doubt that the sponsorship opportunities will continue to come in.”Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Hodgkinson stole the nation’s hearts last summer in Paris.Everybody had expected Hodgkinson – the world’s leading 800 metres runner – to storm to victory on the night of Monday, August 5 and she did just that.Her beaming smile and warm personality is why this girl from the Greater Manchester town of Atherton, who now lives in Salford, was voted last night as BBC Sports Personality of the Year.This is the fourth successive year a woman has lifted the prestigious trophy – following tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and footballers Beth Mead and Mary Earps – and that is a record.It is the 19th time in 60 years someone from track-and-field has received the main SPOTY Award, more than any other sport.Decent company that includes former winners Steve Ovett, Seb Coe, Daley Thompson, Kelly Holmes and Mo Farah.A reminder that even if some big names refuse to do media or the sport continues to suffer financial cutbacks, there is an appetite for athletics at the highest level.These days Hodgkinson, is used to winning races that she enters but that was not always the case.Keely Hodgkinson has the potential to become the face of British athleticsCredit: AlamyUntil this summer, the middle-distance heroine had to accept silver at THREE major championships – the 2021 Olympics and 2022 and 2023 World Championships.Those second-placed results really hit her hard, especially as she was defeated on each occasion by fractions of a second.Concerns that she might once again become the bridesmaid were allayed as she entered the Games having posted a personal best of 1:54.61 in London in July – the sixth-best time in history.Everything went perfectly on the track in 2024 – “the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything ” – something that perhaps only happens once or twice in an athlete’s career.Yet this time 12 months ago, she was unable to run for NINE WEEKS over Christmas and the New Year due to a serious knee issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was all down to a freak accident where she had “torn a ligament and tendon and a little bit of my hamstring around the knee area”.Whilst she was eager to resume training early, it was only by listening to and trusting her coach Trevor Painter that she managed to rest up and then make a successful return. More

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    Tyson Fury says Anthony Joshua is ‘in tatters’ and delivers crushing blow to hopes of all-British blockbuster

    TYSON FURY claims Anthony Joshua is in “tatters” — along with any hope of their British superfight.That is because the Gypsy King wants an Oleksandr Usyk trilogy.Tyson Fury has delivered a crushing blow to a potential fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyFans have wanted the all-British showdown for agesCredit: ReutersThe Ukrainian sensation is 1-0 up after stunning Fury to achieve undisputed world heavyweight status in May.But Fury reckons beating Usyk in Riyadh on Saturday will earn him a blockbusting decider.He said: “When I win on  Saturday, I think there’s got to be a trilogy next year for sure.”Joshua’s in tatters.READ MORE ON BOXING”He has got to pick up the pieces from his last fight.”But fighting Usyk on Saturday, and the one after, would be fantastic for me.”AJ was meant to beat Daniel Dubois to earn a 2025 showdown with the Gypsy King.But the Watford ace suffered a brutal fifth-round KO and rejected a rematch.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFury was fuming, calling the London 2012 hero a “silly c***” for costing him £150million.But now he wants the Usyk trilogy to rival greats like Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier.Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematchFury told Al Arabiya: “It’s not revenge,  just me smashing his face in.”Not in a million years will I walk away after this.”All great dance partners have trilogies. Facts.”In August, Francis Ngannou warned the pair off fighting each other.He insisted the pair “don’t want the smoke” as he could not split them in a prediction.Meanwhile, Fury’s opponent Usyk bizarrely called out Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.The Frenchman hilarious responded as he said: “Sometimes you have to stay in your lane and I will stay in my lane.” More

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    Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr Usyk

    THIERRY HENRY had a hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.Usyk rematches Tyson Fury on Saturday in Saudi Arabia following his points victory in May. Oleksandr Usyk sent a hilarious message to Thierry HenryCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLHenry gave a funny reaction to Usyk’s messageCredit: X formerly Twitter / @SkySportsPLThe fight will be available on Sky Sports Box Office and an interview with Usyk played during Monday Night Football. And the former undisputed champ was asked how he would get inside Henry’s head before a fight. Usyk said: “Yeah, Thierry is a great player but Thierry, my legs, they’re better with you. Thierry, don’t be afraid, my legs are better.”Jamie Carragher and host Dave Jones burst into laughter as Henry was left head in hands. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd the Arsenal legend said: “Sometimes you have to stay in your lane and I will stay in my lane.” Usyk, 37, is an avid football fan and even signed for Ukrainian third tier team Polissya – even once playing in a friendly. But his focus is back on boxing ahead of his Riyadh rematch with Fury, 36.His split-decision win over the Gypsy King meant he became the first four-belt undisputed king in heavyweight history. Most read in BoxingFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he had to vacate the IBF title to proceed with the rematch allowing Daniel Dubois, 27, to inherit the belt. Fury vowed to ditch any showmanship in the ring telling media: “I need to be more focused this time and not do as much showboating. “One of the commentators said: ‘Has anybody ever seen Tyson Fury clown this much against even lower level opposition?’ “That’s how easy it was for me and you can get complacent.”Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematch More

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    ‘This is going to be revolutionary’ – Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 to feature never-before-seen AI JUDGE

    TYSON FURY’s do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk will sensationally feature a FOURTH judge.But it won’t be a human scoring the crucial rounds in Saturday night’s eagerly-anticipated Saudi showdown for the unified heavyweight titles.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia on Saturday nightCredit: GETTYUsyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champ in nearly 25 years with a split decision victory in the pair’s May meleeCredit: ReutersTheir rematch is set to feature an AI judgeCredit: PAArtificial intelligence will be tasked with scoring the desert dust-up, which will attract the eyes of the entire sporting world.Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh revealed the introduction of an AI judge on Tuesday night.The AI judge, however, won’t have any impact on the result of the Riyadh rumble.Ring Magazine supremo Alalshikh wrote on X: “For the first time ever, an AI-powered judge will monitor the fight.READ MORE ON FURY VS USYK 2″Free from bias and human error brought to you by The Ring.”This groundbreaking experiment, which won’t impact the official results, debuts during the biggest fight of the century, #Usyk2Fury, on December 21.”Alalshikh’s short-notice revelation quickly became the talk of fight world.One fan wrote on X: “It would be awesome if this fixes the judging issue in combat sports. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m sure it’s a couple of years out from being able to actually be used, but the concept is exciting.”Another said: “This is gonna be revolutionary.”Tyson Fury says he hasn’t spoken to wife Paris for THREE MONTHS and says he has ‘sacrificed a lot’ for Usyk rematchAnd another said: “Loved this. [It] will automatically put judges on high alert.”The future of boxing is safe with you taking over.”One remarked: “Wow! I can’t wait to see how this goes.”Another chimed in: “Boxing VAR in the making?”Several boxing fans, however, are sceptical about the effectiveness of AI scoring fights.One said: “Boxing scoring is subjective.. So what are the rules you put into the bot?”What you like to see or was it more general than that?”Another said: “AI can’t distinguish effectiveness?”The judges were called upon in Fury and Usyk’s May melee, which went the distance.Usyk was crowned the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years courtesy of a split decision victory.Fury, 36, was adamant he did enough to have his hand raised and has vowed not to leave Saturday’s slugfest in the hand of the judges again.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. “Last time, I went to box him, I was being cautious.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.” More

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    Who are Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows?

    TREVOR Painter and Jenny Meadows are the coaching duo behind British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson’s success.They’ll no doubt be beaming with pride as Keely is the bookies’ favourite to take home BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.Keely Hodgkinson pictured training with her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: GettyJenny Meadows pictured with her 800m silver medal at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2015Credit: GettyWho is Trevor Painter?Trevor Painter is the founder and head coach of M11 Track Club, Manchester, which specialises in coaching middle-distance events.He has been coaching athletes for almost 25 years and has guided more than 30 athletes to international level.Trevor received the Coaching Achievement Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024, recognising his outstanding contributions to coaching at all levels in athletics.He holds an MSc in Elite Coaching Practice from the University of Central Lancashire and is known for his scientific approach to training.read more on keely hodgkinsonWho is Jenny Meadows?Jenny Meadows, a former world-class 800m runner, works alongside Trevor as a coach at M11 Track Club.She brings her vast experience as an international athlete to the coaching partnership, offering valuable insights and wisdom both on and off the track.Her role extends beyond just technical coaching — she acts as a mentor and life coach to the athletes.PhilosophyJenny and Trevor are known for their unique approach to coaching, which includes:Most read in AthleticsCreating the right environment: They focus on making training enjoyable and fostering a fun atmosphere to retain athletes.Flexibility: They adapt their coaching style to suit individual athletes, recognising the importance of not constraining “free spirits” like Keely Hodgkinson.Holistic development: They emphasise the importance of athletes having a life outside of training, encouraging them to seize opportunities wherever possible.Scientific approach: Trevor handles the technical aspects and science, while Jenny complements this with her practical experience.AchievementsUnder their guidance, the M11 Track Club has produced several world-class athletes, including:Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic gold medalist and multiple world championship medalist in 800m.Georgia Bell: Bronze medalist in the 1500m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Lewis Davey: Bronze medalist in the 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Sarah Healy: Irish international runner finished second in the 5th Avenue Mile.RelationshipTrevor and Jenny are a husband-and-wife team who run the M11 Track Club together.Keely Hodgkinson posing with coach Trevor Painter after receiving the 800m gold medal at the 2023 European Indoor Championships in in Istanbul, TurkeyCredit: GettyTheir relationship began as a coach-athlete partnership before evolving into a romantic one.Trevor was Jenny’s coach throughout her illustrious career, during which she earned multiple world and European 800m medals.Marriage & childrenThe couple tied the knot in 2006, but details of their big day have not been reportedIn July 2016, at the age of 35, Meadows announced her retirement from professional running.On January 11, 2024, Jenny took to X/Twitter to announce the birth of their first child.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wrote: “Welcome to the world Arabella Connie Meadows-Painter who was born at 00:12 on Sunday 10th Jan weighing 7lb 2oz.”Myself & @Faster_feet promise to love and support you.” More

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    Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor: Date, live stream, TV channel and fight card for huge featherweight bout

    THERE is some featherweight action set to be on the undercard of the highly-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor will open the fight card in what is an all-British bout.Isaac Lowe set to fight on huge December 21 fight cardCredit: GettyLast time out, Lowe, 30, had fought on the undercard of the first fight between Fury and Usyk, where he won by decision against Hasibullah Ahmadi.McGregor, 27, is making a quick turnaround where he last fought just two months ago where he earned a TKO victory against Deiner Polo.Lee McGregor makes a quick turnaround to be on huge fight billCredit: GettyWhen is Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor?The featherweight fight will be on Saturday, December 21.The bout will be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.The all-British clash is part of a stacked card for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2.Fight times will be confirmed a week before the fight but the main card, which includes Lowe vs McGregor, begins 7pm UK time.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?The FULL card will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.Also, SunSport will be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens.READ MORE IN BOXINGFull cardOleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury, for Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titlesSerhii Bohachuk vs. Israil MadrimovMoses Itauma vs. Demsey McKeanJohnny Fisher vs. Dave AllenDennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail, for McCann’s European super bantamweight titleIsaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregorFury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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    Oleksandr Usyk’s tattoos explained, from his children’s names to Olympic rings, as he gets ready to fight Tyson Fury

    OLEKSANDR Usyk is gearing up for the biggest fight of his life.The WBA, WBO and WBC belts are on the line as he faces Tyson Fury at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.Oleksandr Usyk shows off his impressive tattoos and chiselled torsoCredit: GettyUsyk’s tattoos will be on display when he fights Tyson Fury this weekendCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingUsyk will have three belts on the line when he faces off against Fury for a second timeCredit: ReutersBoxing fans will be praying it is as eventful as the first bout between the pair, which ended in the Ukrainian winning by split decision.Amusingly, whoever wins, the pair could end up going for a pint together.Usyk joked about it in a recent TV interview where he said he would entertain having a beer with his rival.The trash talk has ramped up in recent weeks but there remains a healthy respect between the pair, so much so that Usyk is willing to put all the Gypsy King’s “rabbit” jokes aside and visit the boozer with him.Read more boxing newsDuring a chat with Sky Sports, Usyk said: “Listen I can go to the pub, drinking beer.”After, we go to play golf and then we go to play football. Then we go horse racing.”As he fought back fits of laughter, the fan favourite added: “Yes [a few beers]. No problem.”The Cat and Fury could even talk about his incredible tattoos that decorate his chiselled torso.Most read in BoxingSunSport wades through his ink to explain what some of them mean below.Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd Family manUsyk is one of sport’s great characters.Loveable, goofy at times, and certainly a lot smarter than people realise.However, beneath his joker in the pack exterior is a proud man whose roots firmly belong to Ukraine.He is also a father, which he takes great joy in being.Usyk’s dedication to his children is obvious, as he has their names, Yelizaveta and Kyrylo, etched on to his skin in Ukrainian script.These names roughly translate to Elizabeth and Kyrill in English.Usyk married Yekaterina in 2009.They have four children in total, including Mykhalio and a daughter who was born this year.Usyk’s children’s names appear on his biceps in Ukrainian scriptCredit: EPA/ALI HAIDERUsyk is married to Yekaterina and they share four kidsCredit: Instagramread more sport featuresA true UkrainianIt was little wonder Usyk returned to his native country to fight the ongoing war against Russia.But, he’s best served representing his country on the global stage as one of the world’s most popular sportsman.When he’s in the ring, fans will get to see his right shoulder inked with the Simferopol, the national coat of arms of Ukraine.Known as the tryzub, it wasn’t until 1979 that it was considered a national symbol.Usyk’s tributes to his homeland don’t end there.On his left lower-back, he has an angel tattooed that looks like the iconic statue of Archangel Michael atop Lach Gates at the Independence Square in Kyiv.It is holding a sword, which signifies its role in protecting the country from invasion or danger.Famously, after defeating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to the soldiers of Kyiv’s territorial defence forces.“They (injured soldiers) were asking me to go, to fight, to fight for the country, fight for your pride and if you’re going to go there, you’re even going to help more for our country,” he said.On his lower left back, Usyk has an angel tattoo , while Ukraine’s national coat of arms is on his right shoulderCredit: InstagramAfter beating Anthony Joshua, Usyk dedicated his victory to Kyiv’s territorial defence forcesCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingOlympic heroUsyk rose through the ranks by competing at the Olympics.Famously, he won gold at London 2012 in the heavyweight class.On both of his arms he has Olympic rings, with one of those labelled ‘London 2012’.They symbolise how far Usyk has come as he has conquered the professional boxing world, as both cruiserweight an heavyweight king.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext, it’s time to conquer Tyson Fury again.Maybe there will another tattoo designed already for that honour.Usyk’s Olympic success features on his arms with the Olympic ringsCredit: Reuters More