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      Major sporting event watched by 28 million people on the BBC at risk of being axed with no city willing to host

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      THE future of the Commonwealth Games is in doubt after a potential host city for the 2026 event pulled out.More than 28million people tuned in to BBC to watch last year’s theatrics in Birmingham.
      The future of the Commonwealth Games has been plunged into doubtCredit: Getty
      Over 28million people tuned in to BBC to watch last year’s Games in BirminghamCredit: PA
      England finished second behind Australia and ahead of Canada in what was hailed as one of the most successful Commonwealth Games ever.
      However, questions are now being raised about the future of the prestigious event.
      Gold Coast, the 2018 hosts, looked set to step in after fellow Aussies the State of Victoria decided in July against staging the event because of the cost.
      An initial £1.4billion estimate had leaped to over £3bn, according to the government.
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      But now the Queensland city have withdrawn their bid too, despite originally reckoning they could do a streamlined version for £360million.
      And it leaves no candidates for either the ’26 and ’30 Games, despite reports of a secret plan to move the next event to Scotland.
      It appears federal and state governments in Oz have ruled out supporting the 93-year-old Games.
      And organisers are now facing the possibility of postponing or even cancelling the 2026 Games.
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      Two Australian cities have now pulled out of hosting the 2026 eventCredit: Getty
      England finished second at last year’s GamesCredit: Reuters
      Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said: “We did our best and that’s all people can expect.”
      A spokesperson for the Commonwealth Games Federation added: “Since the sudden withdrawal of Victoria in July 2023 as the host of the 2026 Games, the Commonwealth Games Federation has been working tirelessly with Commonwealth Games Associations to find a new host who would be able to step in at such short notice.
      “We are in active conversations with a number of potential hosts across the Commonwealth and hope to provide an update on those discussions in early 2024.” More

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      Glam British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off toned abs in red bikini as stunned fans say ‘woah’

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      LAURYN LOUISE DAVEY had fans in awe with her latest social media post.The British Olympic hopeful took a break from her training to share a stunning snap on Instagram.
      Lauryn Louise Davey shared a stunning snap in a red bikini to her Instagram pageCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey is a Team GB Olympic hopefulCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She is a British Heptathlete champion at junior levelCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Heptathlete Davey is gunning to be part of Team GB’s Olympic squad.
      However, Paris 2024 comes too soon for the 24-year-old.
      Instead, the 2026 Commonwealth games are what the Welsh National hero is eyeing as her ticket to the 2028 Olympics.
      And it seems she will take a number of fans with her.
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      Davey currently has nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram.
      Reacting to her latest post, captioned: “Power of now 🙏🏼,” fans had nothing but well wishes and praise.
      She was seen wearing a red bikini in the post.
      One fan said: “Woah 🔥🔥🔥🔥.”
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      A second said: “Beaut & strong.”
      A third added: “Champ❤️.”
      As well as her Olympic dream which she has had since the age of five, she is also taking a medical degree at Swansea University.
      Davey, who also has a vegan diet, recently shared snaps of herself following a gym workout.
      Davey regularly shares shows off her figure on her social mediaCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey has nearly 25,000 fans on InstagramCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She is aiming to use the 2026 Commonwealth Games as her tickets to the OlympicsCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She is currently doing a medical degree at Swansea UniversityCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey More

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      My mum is one of Great Britain’s greatest ever athletes – now I’m out to beat her last remaining record

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      EILISH McCOLGAN plans to run her first marathon next year – and finally take down one of her mum’s best times.The Dundee runner, 33, may not have won the same Olympic or world medals as mum and coach Liz, 59, did during a glittering career.
      Eilish McColgan is getting ready to run her first marathonCredit: Getty
      Her mum Liz has a decorated career as a 10,000 metre runningCredit: PA
      But she has run quicker in her household over multiple distances between 1500 metres and the half marathon.
      McColgan had planned to compete for the first time at the London Marathon in April but was ruled out with a knee complaint.
      Her plans for the Paris 2024 Olympics will depend on the coming months and whether her body can cope with 10,000 metres on the track or 26.2 miles on the road.
      If that is not possible, then she will look to partake in one of the Berlin, Chicago or New York marathons later in the year.
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      Currently recovering from spinal surgery in August, she told a new BBC Scotland documentary: “One by one, I started taking all of my mum’s records.
      “I’ve broken every Scottish record of hers from 1500 metres, 3,000 metres, 5k, 10k, all the ones on the road as well.
      “I only have one of my mum’s times now to beat. The marathon is the only outstanding one.
      “There’s no rivalry between us. She’s part of the reason I’m breaking them now.
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      Liz McColgan ran her personal best marathon in 1997 – a time of 2:26:52Credit: Getty
      She also won silver in the 1998 Olympics in the 10,000 metresCredit: Alamy
      “Jumping into the marathon will not be all rainbows or unicorns, it will be tougher than that but my team think I can do it. They have more belief in me than I do.
      “From a very young age, my mum told me I’d be better than her.
      “When I was growing up, people expected me to win everything purely because of my name.
      “It’s a remarkable story and journey that my mum has been on.
      “Somebody with her on a council estate in Dundee wouldn’t have thought my mum would be destined for any greatness. Yet she proved a lot of people wrong along the way.”
      Liz, the 1988 Olympic 10,000 metres silver medallist and a former world champion, ran a PB in the marathon of 2:26:52 in London in April 1997.
      But she added: “I saw her, as a little girl, what she is capable of doing.
      She is definitely her mother’s daughter.
      “Eilish has really, really struggled with confidence and dealing with the family name.”
      McColgan attended her stepfather John Nuttall’s funeral last Friday, which was held in Preston with the wake taking place at Deepdale.
      Qatar-based Nuttall – a former middle-distance athlete and coach – suffered a fatal heart attack on Thursday November 9. He was 56.
      McColgan said: “I didn’t see my mum and John a huge amount over the past five years because my boyfriend and I have travelled a lot.
      “But because I was injured, it was quite unusual that we spent two weeks in Portugal with them.
      “And then we all had six or seven weeks at their home in Qatar. It was nice we had that quality time all together.”
      Eilish McColgan: Running in the family, BBC Scotland, Thursday, 10pm
      Eilish McColgan is the 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metre championCredit: PA
      Mum Liz was in the crowd to watch her win Gold in BirminghamCredit: Getty More

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      GB runner banned for a year after using CAR to drive part of 50-mile ultra-marathon race – but still didn’t win

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      BRITISH ultra-marathon runner Joasia Zakrzewski has been banned for one year after using a CAR for part of a race.Scot Zakrzewski, 47, finished third in the 2023 GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool 50-mile race.
      Joasia Zakrzewski pictured with her race number at the GB Ultras Manchester to LiverpoolCredit: Facebook
      She insists she did not intentionally cheat but has been slapped with a one-year banCredit: Facebook
      But she was later disqualified and admitted to using her friend’s vehicle to cover part of the course.
      UK Athletics have subsequently found her guilty of breaching their code of conduct for senior athletes – slapping her with a 12-month ban.
      The runner, who finished 14th in the marathon at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, claimed she had suffered a leg injury at around halfway.
      She insists she was considering dropping out, but received encouragement to finish in a “non-competitive” manner.
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      One of her miles was clocked at just one minute and 40 seconds, with Zakrzewski estimated to have been in the car for around 2.5 miles of the course.
      After crossing the line, she accepted a third-place medal and wooden trophy.
      Zakrzewski, who denied deliberately cheating in the race, has subsequently admitted this was a “massive error”.
      A UK Athletics disciplinary panel rejected her reasoning and said her submission was “contrary to the evidence of the marshals, evidence which the respondent did not seek to challenge or contest, by way of cross-examination at the hearing”.
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      The statement went on to add: “Further, the claimant had collected the trophy at the end of the race, something which she should have not done if she was completing the race on a non-competitive basis.
      “She also did not seek to return the trophy in the week following the race.
      “Even if she was suffering from brain fog on the day of the race, she had a week following the race to realise her actions and return the trophy, which she did not do.
      “Finally, she posted about the race on social media, and this did not disclose that she had completed the race on a non-competitive basis.”
      Zakrzewski represented Scotland in the marathon at the 2014 Commonwealth GamesCredit: Alamy More

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      John Nuttall dead aged 56: Ex-Team GB Olympics star suffers heart attack as legend wife Liz McColgan reveals tragic news

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      TEAM GB Olympic hero John Nuttall has passed away aged 56.His wife, former 10,000-metre world champion Liz McColgan, announced Nuttall suffered a heart attack on Thursday morning.
      John Nuttall passed away after suffering a heart attackCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Nuttall in action during the 5000 metres in the European Athletics Championships in 1994Credit: Getty
      She paid tribute to her late husband in a social media post, revealing her heartbreak.
      Liz wrote: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I write this.
      “My husband John Nuttall died yesterday morning with a sudden heart attack.
      “A much loved dad, son, brother and husband. For those that loved John our hearts are breaking”.
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      Nuttall competed for Team GB in the 5,000 metres at the 1996 Olympic Games.
      He also raced in the 1993 and 1995 World Championships and won bronze at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
      After hanging up his boots Nuttall became an elite coach and supported Team GB long-distance runners at London 2012.
      His daughter Hannah Nuttall is an Olympic athlete who competes in middle-distance and cross-country running events.
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      And his son Luke Nuttall is a British Paralympic athlete who competes in the 1500m in the T46 classification.
      Tributes have poured in for Nuttall, who was currently coaching Qatar, from across the sporting world following the news of his sudden passing.
      McColgan’s daughter Eilish wrote: “It’s hard to find the words right now… Our family suffered a huge loss yesterday with the sudden passing of my step-father John.
      “We’ve spent the last 6 weeks here in Doha, with my mum and John, and so his passing has been a huge shock. We are still trying to process it.
      “There is such a huge outpouring of love from both Doha & everyone back home. It just reinforces how many people thought so highly of him. He will be missed by us all 💔”
      Qatari athlete Abubaker Haydar Abdalla wrote: “My condolences to his family and all.
      “A mentor, coach and friend. RIP John Barry Nuttall.”
      Triathlete Islam Sallam added: “Very sad day for the sports community in Doha.
      “We lost, not just a friend, but a father figure that we always looked up to and went to for advice and support.
      “Rest in peace, John. We will miss you. Our hearts are with you Liz”.
      Glamour model Nell McAndrew said: “Oh my goodness Liz, this is heartbreaking. So sad. Thinking of you and your family. Lots of love”.
      Others who had worked with John over the years flocked to the comments of Liz’s post to share their condolences.
      One person posted: “We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Coach John will always be remembered for his kindness, his love for the job, and his understanding of how to motivate young athletes. What a loss”.
      Another commented: “Oh my. No. I am so saddened and heartbroken for you and your families.
      “John will always remain such a light and role model in my life. Sending hugs and thoughts Liz”.
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      Someone else shared: “We are so sorry for your family’s loss. What an amazing human he was. The community will surely miss his kindness and care”.
      While a close one said: “I’m shocked! So very sorry to hear this Liz, he was an amazing man. Thoughts with you at this difficult time”. More

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      Inside haunting abandoned £32BILLION Beijing Olympics stadiums with Games venues deserted, disused and dilapidated

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      THE WORLD looked on in awe in 2008 when Beijing hosted the Olympic Games.Back then, China was praised for staging an incredible show for the entire globe to watch thanks to a combination of incredible architectural feats and excellent organisation.
      The venues and stadiums from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing have been abandoned – including the white-water venueCredit: AFP or licensors
      Small reminders that this concrete eye-sore hosted the Olympics remain via the colourful floats left abandoned on the courseCredit: AFP or licensors
      The venue has been left to dry upCredit: AFP or licensors
      Some of the venues are starting to be swallowed up by greeneryCredit: AFP or licensors
      But the state of the Olympic stadiums and venues from 15 years ago, which China splashed £32BILLION on, has left the world in shock.
      The water-sport parks are now completely dried-up, including the once glittering white-water rafting run which is now in absolute ruin.
      It now appears to be little more than a concrete eyesore.
      The beach volleyball stands are now reduced to rust and rotting wood.
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      And the once show-stopping BMX track now looks more like a jungle with a rusty frame poking its ugly head through the greenery.
      Sprawled across Beijing are more haunting reminders of the memorable Games.
      Mascots including Nini, Yingjing and Beibei are lying in tatters across the grounds.
      Once sparkling signage is now covered in grime or warped through weathering.
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      But the impressive Bird’s Nest Stadium is still in use to this day and it would appear to be the only one still going strong.
      Beijing is not the only host city to fall foul of the post-Olympics hangover.
      Rio de Janeiro is suffering a similar fate after the 2016 Games and the same goes for Athens after they hosted the Olympics in 2004.
      In Brazil, a number of venues are in utter disrepair with their £9billion Games legacy in tatters.
      The same goes for Greece where their Olympic Stadium, which holds a larger capacity than all English grounds except Old Trafford and Wembley, had to shut down recently due to poor maintenance.
      Now we wait and see how Tokyo deals with its venues after the 2020 Olympics.
      Even the Olympics mascots – Nini, Yingjing and Beibei – have been left unattended lying on the groundCredit: AFP or licensors
      The Beijing 2008 venues weren’t maintained after the Games – with the BMX track now overgrownCredit: AFP or licensors
      The volleyball stadium has begun to rust and rotCredit: AFP or licensors
      The 2008 Olympics cost a staggering £32billion – but venues like this pool have dried upCredit: AFP
      Some stadiums have been completely neglected, with signage decaying and rustingCredit: AFP or licensors
      Eerie reminders of what once was – such as this frame at the BMX venue, remain visibleCredit: AFP or licensors
      China received immense praise when they staged the Olympics – but the big winner now is the greenery that is breaking throughCredit: AFP or licensors
      Signing for the Games is now covered in grimeCredit: AFP or licensors
      Sad reminders of what was once a gleaming beacon remainCredit: AFP or licensors
      The canoe signs have rusted through neglectCredit: AFP or licensors More

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      World’s sexiest swimmer Andreea Dragoi goes braless as she reveals in all black very risky Halloween outfit

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      SAN Jose State star swimmer Andreea Dragoi charms her adoring fans with her latest social media post revealing her Halloween costume.The social media star and college athlete, 20, took to Instagram to share with fans her “very fashionable costume” on Wednesday to celebrate the October holiday. 
      Andreea Dragoi wowed fans with her Halloween costumeCredit: instagram/dragoi_andreea
      Dragoi is a star for San Jose State’s swim teamCredit: instagram/dragoi_andreea
      Dragoi shared a series of images to her social media from her night out on Halloween in San Jose, California.
      She dressed up in an all-black skirt and corset top with matching heels while wearing horns in her hair and posing for the camera with the caption: “Spooky szn.”
      Fans rushed to Instagram to comment, with the post showered with compliments from followers.
      One fan said: “Prettiest costume ever!!”

      Another: “Very fashionable costume!!”
      A third said: “Wow, you are so gorgeous.”
      A fourth expressed: “The cutest lil devil!!!!”
      And SJSU teammate Mya Azzopardi wrote: “A devil never looked so pretty.”
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      Dragoi has had a busy summer, participating in numerous European model events.
      However, now the 20-year-old is back on campus preparing for the season.
      Earlier this week, she shared images of posing with teammates after practice.
      The Spartans started their 2023 season on September 30, beating Nevada 61-48.
      Next up for Dragoi and SJSU will face UC Santa Barbara, who they’ll be hosting on October 28.
      Dragoi often draws comparisons to LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne as her following on social media continues to skyrocket.
      Dragoi has over 80,000 Instagram followersCredit: instagram/dragoi_andreea More

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      Glam British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off toned figure in ‘after hours’ selfie as fans say ‘you look incredible’

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      LAURYN DAVEY has stunned fans as she showed off her “incredible” figure.The 24-year-old heptathlete posed in workout gear for the sexy snap.
      Lauryn Davey stunned fans after a workoutCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      The beauty showed off her bum in tight shortsCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Lauryn often strips down to revealing bikinis
      She has 24,600 followers on social mediaCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey wore a tight blue top and figure-hugging grey shorts as she flaunted her curves.
      The Olympic hopeful captioned the post “after hours” with her 24,600 Instagram followers begging to see more.
      One said: “Absolutely gorgeous and so damn hot.”
      Another added: “What a bum.”
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      A third commented: “God you look incredible.”
      Davey is no stranger to leaving her fans in awe, recently catching the eye as she stripped down to a blue bikini.
      And the blonde bombshell also dazzled while going for a dip in revealing swimwear.
      She lives a jet-setting life and always leaves little to the imagination abroad, visiting Spain, Switzerland and Sweden of late.
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      The Welsh athlete is hoping to make 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia and the 2028 Olympics in the United States.
      She is not contention for the Paris Olympics next year as she is focusing on her studies as a medical student at Swansea University.
      Lauryn is a heptathleteCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She is hoping to represent Team GB in the futureCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She studies at Swansea UniversityCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      The beauty travels the world and strips down to tight outfits on her travelsCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey More