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    Sir Alex Ferguson’s 11-word message to Keely Hodgkinson revealed in Olympic champ’s ‘crazy’ meeting with Man Utd icon

    KEELY HODGKINSON has revealed what Sir Alex Ferguson said to her when the pair met at a Manchester United game in September.The 800m Olympic gold medallist was a special VIP guest as the Red Devils took on Tottenham.Keely Hodgkinson met Sir Alex Ferguson in OctoberCredit: https://www.instagram.com/keely.hodgkinson/Hodgkinson, 22, was given a hero’s reception at Old TraffordCredit: PAAhead of the game, United fan Hodgkinson was given a hero’s reception by Old Trafford as she was introduced to the crowd with her gold medal.Despite the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat, the rising star was able to meet a cheerful Sir Alex Ferguson after the match.The pair beamed as they posed for a picture together.Two months on, Hodgkinson has lifted the lid on their conversation.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to the Mail, the Atherton-born star said: “It was really nice to be recognised by the team that I’ve supported my entire life.”We met Sir Alex Ferguson, which was crazy. He was very nice, very chatty.”On what he said in particular, she added: “I showed him my gold medal.”He said ‘You’ll only appreciate this in 20 years’ time when you’re done.’Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He said he watched my race, but who knows. People say that to me and I’m like ‘Did you?!'”Hodgkinson is expected to be among the front-runners to win this year’s Sports Personality of the Year award.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Since her Paris triumph she has been able to enjoy herself, presenting a prize at September’s National Television Awards and attending London Fashion Week.The hard work hasn’t stopped though, with Hodgkinson having recently been on a gruelling altitude training camp in South Africa.Hodgkinson won gold in ParisCredit: GettyThe athletics star attended the National Television Awards in SeptemberCredit: Splash More

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    Sprint sensation Gout Gout, 16, breaks U18 100m world record at SCHOOL championships – but it doesn’t count

    SPRINT prodigy Gout Gout has broken the U18 100 metre world record… but it will not count.The 16-year-old Australian sensation ran 10.04 seconds at the national All-Schools Athletics Championships in Queensland on Friday.Gout Gout has furthered his credentials as a teenage sprinting superstarCredit: GettyHe obliterated the rest of the field and ran under the U18 100 metre world record but it does not countCredit: Athletics AustraliaHe destroyed the field by a huge margin and went under the U18 world record of 10.06 held jointly by American Christian Miller and Thailand’s Puripol Boonson.However, Gout’s phenomenal performance is not a legitimate time due to an illegal tailwind of 3.4m/sec.It is also not the fastest illegitimate U18 100m ever as American Erriyon Knighton previously ran a wind-assisted 9.99.But it is nevertheless an astonishing performance from the youngster – who celebrates his 17th birthday on December 29.READ MORE IN SPORTTo put Gout’s time of 10.02 into context, Usain Bolt, who holds the world record for the fastest 100m ever with a time of 9.58, had a PB of 10.03 until the age of 21.Within months of breaking the 10-second barrier, Bolt went on to run a world record time of 9.68 to win gold at the 2008 Olympic Games.Gout caught the eye in April 2023 when, aged just 15, he broke the Australian U18 men’s 200m record with a time of 20.87 seconds.After the performance, he said: “It means a lot because I’ve been training so much for this. I was really nervous.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The gun went, and I was good and I just kept pushing. It’s like you can’t feel any ground contact, it feels like you are floating.”This season has been mind-blowing for me. Last year I came fourth and sixth at nationals, and then I came out at All Schools and won.Watch ‘ridiculous’ moment 16-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout runs 100m in 10.2secs after ‘turning into Forest Gump'”I was really motivated because I took last year personally, it always feels better when you are winning.”In August this year, he destroyed the rest of the field at the Queensland Athletics Championships with a time of 10.20.Gout was born in Queensland, Australia to parents from South Sudan.His parents moved to Australia two years before he was born. More

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    Sir Mo Farah ‘hounded for money’ by man whose name he took when he came to UK as Olympian forced to take action

    SIR Mo Farah has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he took.The Olympic hero, 41, offered to help the other Mo, after a 2022 TV show but it ended in emotional blackmail, it is claimed.Sir Mo, seeking the man whose name he took, in the BBC show The Real Mo Farah – who has now allegedly been hounding the star for moneyCredit: BBCThe four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of Mo Farah, above, when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nineCredit: https://www.facebook.com/hamo11111111111/photosSir Mo winning 5,000m and 10,000m at Rio 2016Credit: PAA source said: “It’s so sad.”Sir Mo claims he has had to change his phone number after “incessant demands” for cash from his namesake.The four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of a child called Mo Farah when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nine.Sir Mo promised to stay in touch, and it is understood he has sent up to £5,000 to his namesake.READ MORE ON SIR MO FARAHBut the other Mo, 40, and around ten others are alleged to have hassled him for money after getting hold of the long-distance star’s mobile number.Sources say Sir Mo sees it as emotional blackmail, and has not spoken to his namesake for months.A source said: “Sir Mo felt he was being harassed and hounded.“He has taken a step back. He didn’t want to make a big fuss but thought it better to not engage.Most read in Athletics“He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this.“He feels he’s the victim. He is just tired, and thinks it’s so sad.”I’ve been living a lie… my real name is not Mo Farah and I came here illegally after my dad was killed in Somali warThe pair were brought together in BBC’s The Real Mo Farah in which Sir Mo revealed he was trafficked to the UK after his dad died in Somalia’s civil war and his mum sent him and twin Hassan to live with family.The athlete revealed his name is actually Hussein Abdi Kahin and that he took “Mo Farah” from a child’s passport used to fly him to Heathrow in 1993.He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this. He feels he’s the victimSource close to Sir MoLater in the show, Sir Mo tracked his namesake to Istanbul, Turkey, where he was studying.But the real Mo now says they have not spoken since December 2023 and claims Sir Mo reneged on a promise to get him a visa.Speaking from his home in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, the other Mo said: “Mo got what he wanted and now he doesn’t care whether I live or die. He made a lot of promises and said he would stop using my name and give me my name back.“He told me he wanted to stop living a lie, but he is still living a lie.“He said he would help me get a tourist visa so I could visit my mum in England, but I’ve spent two years waiting and nothing has happened.” Sir Mo became the world’s greatest long-distance runner winning double golds in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and shares four children with wife Tania. But his namesake’s life has been beset with tragedy.The other Mo said: “My mother left, I was left with her older sister Amina in Nairobi, and when she died from kidney failure in 2005, my world fell apart.“I wanted to become a cricketer. I went for trials for Kenya under-19s and would have had much more opportunity if I’d taken the visa and moved to England.”The other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 Olympics.He said: “Some uncles were visiting from the UK, they said, ‘Do you know the athlete, Mo Farah? Do you know he is using your name?’ I couldn’t believe it.Sir Mo Farah, pictured with wife Tania, has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he tookCredit: Getty – Contributor“I’d watched him on TV and clapped for him when he was heading to the finish saying, ‘Go, Mo’.“I was a big fan. But even then I didn’t try to get in touch with him.“The first time we spoke was when Sir Mo’s adopted aunt Kinsi contacted me on Facebook and said, ‘‘Mo is looking for you. He is going to give you everything. He’s going to give you back your name and take you abroad’.It is not Mo’s responsibility to be looking after the son of people who mistreated him and trafficked him to the UKSource close to Sir Mo“We kept in touch by phone after that and, after the documentary came out the TV crew kept me hidden in a hotel for six weeks to make sure no one could find me.“One BBC producer even discussed making a second documentary in which I would get to meet Sir Mo in London, but that didn’t happen.”Last night sources close to Sir Mo painted a different picture of why the relationship has broken down. An insider said: “Sir Mo has ­sympathy. This man was also a casualty of events out of his control as a child. But it is not Mo’s responsibility. The people who were adults and responsible for them clearly didn’t do their jobs properly.“But it certainly wouldn’t be appropriate for Mo to use his ­influence on any UK immigration policy or ­process. Quite the opposite.“This isn’t Mo’s job to sort out. That said, on a personal level, Mo has been in contact with Somali Mo for a number of years.“Communication ceased in the summer when Mo had to distance himself. Anytime there’s something on Mo’s socials, when it might look like he has had some kind of financial gain, a deal with Nike or whatever, they are demanding why has he not sent money.”Last night the other Mo insisted: “I’m not a bad person. There is no way I would tell anyone to hound him. I didn’t give anyone his number so I don’t know who has been doing this. It’s not anyone in my family.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The last time I messaged him I said, ‘If you don’t want to answer my call, it’s OK. You do what is best for you, I’ll do what’s best for me’.” Sir Mo was approached for comment.The legend’s victory pose after he secured a 3,000m win in London, 2015Credit: PAThe other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 OlympicsCredit: BBCCONFESSION SHOCKED UKBy Joe Morgan NATIONAL treasure Sir Mo Farah shocked the country when he admitted lying about his identity all his life, saying: “The truth is I’m not who you think I am.”He revealed on TV two years ago that his real name was Hussein Abdi Kahin and he was trafficked into the UK as a child after his dad was killed in Somalia’s civil war. The running great and father of three told BBC1 documentary The Real Mo Farah: “I want to feel normal and not feel like you’re holding on to something.”The Sun, right, reported Sir Mo feared being stripped of his citizenship for lying on his application but politicians joined celebrities in rallying round. More

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    Who is Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s father Gjert?

    NORWEGIAN middle and long-distance runners Jakob, Filip and Henrik have all become champions under the tutelage of their dad Gjert. But since stepping down as their coach, his Olympian sons have accused him of mental and physical abuse — here’s what we know.Gjert Ingebrigtsen coached his sons Jakob, Filip and Henrik until 2022Credit: AlamyAll three have alleged that their father exhibited abusive behaviourCredit: NikeWho is Gjert Ingebrigtsen?Gjert Ingebrigtsen is the father and former coach of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and his brothers, who are also professional athletes.Respected for coaching his sons to international success in middle-distance running, he has recently become the subject of serious allegations and legal proceedings.Gjert coached his sons Jakob, Filip and Henrik until 2022.Remarkable successUnder his dad’s guidance, Jakob achieved remarkable success, including winning gold in the 5,000m at Paris 2024 and becoming a two-time world champion in the same distance.more on Jakob IngebrigtsenHis other sons also excelled, with Henrik and Filip both claiming European 1500m championships in 2012 and 2016 respectively.In 2022, Gjert stepped from coaching his sons for ‘medical reasons’ after Jakob secured the 1500m gold at the Tokyo Olympics.Abuse allegationsIn November 2023, Jakob and his siblings publicly accused their father of abusive behaviour, with the allegations outlined in Norwegian newspaper VG.The brothers expressed ongoing feelings of “discomfort and fear” regarding their father, describing him as “very aggressive and controlling”.Most read in AthleticsThese allegations led to legal action against Gjert Ingebrigtsen.Legal chargesIn April 2024, Gjert Ingebrigtsen was charged with physical abuse by Norwegian authorities.I was a reality TV star dubbed the ‘cardio Kim Kardashian’ – now I’m making my own way and targeting Olympic goldOn November 29, 2024, Gjert was indicted by the Norwegian public prosecutor’s office for physical and mental abuse of Jakob Ingebrigtsen.The trial is expected to take place in the first half of 2025, with the prosecution requesting at least 30 days for the proceedings.Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s denialsSince the allegations were first made, Gjert Ingebrigtsen has consistently denied any wrongdoing.Through his legal representatives, he has maintained that he does not accept criminal responsibility for the accusations.Henrik Ingebrigtsen (left) with his brothers Jakob and Filip (right)Credit: AFPGjert’s lawyers John Christian Elden and Heidi Reisvang said in a statement: “Gjert Ingebrigtsen maintains what he has said all along, that he does not admit criminal guilt for the offences he has been charged with and that he has never subjected any of his children to either physical or mental abuse.”DevelopmentsThe case has seen some developments since the initial charges were made.While Gjert currently faces one charge, five additional allegations were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother was dropped due to time limitations.Mette Yvonne Larsen, representing the Ingebrigtsen children, has indicated that they intend to appeal at least one of the dismissed cases. More

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    Paul Dickenson dead at 74: BBC commentator who covered Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold at London 2012 dies

    FORMER BBC Sport commentator Paul Dickenson has passed away aged 74.Dickenson, who specialised in athletics and winter sports for over two decades, died at home on Tuesday.Paul Dickenson has passed awayCredit: ALAN TOWSE/FAMOUSDickenson worked in commentary for over two decadesCredit: Action ImagesHis death was announced by the BBC on Wednesday evening.Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the man with an iconic voice.One person wrote: “Really sad to read that Paul Dickenson has died. One of my favourite commentators of all time, his voice is very much missed.”While another commented: “Just seen the very sad news that Paul Dickenson has passed away.READ MORE IN SPORT”Having grown up listening to him, it took me a while to pluck up the courage to talk to him when I was first starting out but, once I did, he was always very supportive and just great company.”Dickenson commentated on every Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 1992 and 2014.He is one of only five BBC commentators to call Team GB gold medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.In 2012 he commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold medal in the Olympic heptathlon.Most read in AthleticsDickenson commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at London 2012Credit: ReutersHis final commentary for the BBC was Lizzy Yarnold’s gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in SochiCredit: PA:Press AssociationHis last BBC commentary took place when Lizzy Yarnold won her skeleton gold at Sochi 2014.Before taking up a role in commentary, Dickenson was an Olympic hammerthrower.He represented Great Britain at two successive Olympic games starting in 1976.His best Olympic result was finishing in 14th place that year, where he threw 68.52 metres.Dickenson also commentated on World’s Strongest Man and Superstars, a TV sports competition. More

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    Moment Olympic triathlete Taylor Knibb tells camera ‘I just s*** myself… can you not get my ass’ live on TV mid-race

    THIS is the moment Olympic triathlete Taylor Knibb tells a camera operator during a live TV race: “I just s**t myself… can you not get my ass?”American ace Knibb, 26, is a two-time Olympic silver medalist at Tokyo and Paris in the mixed relay event.Olympic triathlete Taylor Knibb told a camera ‘I just s**t myself’ during a live TV raceIt happened during a brutal race in DubaiCredit: XThe ace heroically pulled through to land a top triathlon titleCredit: XOutside the Games, she is one of the world’s top triathletes.And Knibb cemented her status as the globe’s best by winning the inaugural T100 world championship on Saturday.She stormed to victory in Dubai after previous wins in San Francisco, Ibiza and Las Vegas.A second-place finish would have been enough to take the title.READ MORE IN SPORTBut Knibb’s resilience saw her become champion while also winning the race.However, she was forced to overcome major adversity during the final 18km run.As temperatures hit 31 degrees, Knibb became the focus of the camera’s attention.Yet she was eager not to be filmed from behind after revealing she had suffered a bodily malfunction.Most read in AthleticsAs she ran on live TV, she turned to the camera before calmly saying: “I just s**t myself… can you not get my ass?”The camera operator duly obliged as the race continued, with Knibb heroically going on to cross the finish line in first.Shocking moment triathlete shunts OWN TEAM-MATE of her bike and into barriers… and fans aren’t buying her excuseKnibb has two Olympic silver medals to her nameCredit: APShe helped Team USA pip Team GB to second in the mixed relay in ParisCredit: PAAnd after swimming 2km at the start, while also cycling 80km, she later admitted it had been a rough experience from start to finish.Knibb said: “I woke up and messaged my coach that I feel rough. I was like, ‘Oh this is going to be a bad day’.“I was kind of shocked, it only came together in the last 3km but it was brutal out there.“I think it was more physical (than mental today). That was easier as you don’t have to deal with your body.” More

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    World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt makes career change as she switches event after ’emotional rollercoaster’ Olympics

    ALICA SCHMIDT has made a big career change after an “emotional rollercoaster” Olympics.The athletics star, who is dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’, completed her dream of competing in the Olympics this year.Alica Schmidt has made a career change after a topsy-turvy yearCredit: ReutersThe runner competed in the Olympics for the first time this yearCredit: GettySchmidt is eager to push herself out of her comfort zoneCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt’s participation in the Games proved controversialCredit: Instagram @alicasmdShe missed out in Tokyo after being left as a reserve by Germany.In Paris she was selected in the 4x400m mixed relay, which proved controversial as Luna Bulmahn was expected to get the nod.Germany failed to qualify from the heat but Schmidt was delighted to take part in the Olympics, even if her selection was not wholly supported.She reflected on a topsy-turvy year while revealing she has big plans for the future – competing in the 800m.READ MORE IN SPORTShe wrote on social media: “It’s been quite a year. It was filled with so many highlights and I made some memories that will last forever – from the world relays in the Bahamas, where we qualified the mixed relay for the Olympics.”To the European championships in Rome, where we qualified the women’s 4x400m for Paris to the German nationals and of course: THE OLYMPICS.”After Paris I tried something new and ran an 800m and 600m and really enjoyed pushing out of my comfort zone. “Back in 2022, I decided that I wanted to give the 800m a shot after the Paris Olympics, so now it means… I’m going for it next year. I‘m on my way to my first high altitude training camp where I’ll join an international 800m group to train alongside great athletes where I can learn a lot.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I‘m super excited for this new challenge and what it will bring (I‘m also going to run the 400m but focus more on the endurance part in training for now). Let this journey begin.”Schmidt, 26, marked her achievement by getting a tattoo of the iconic Olympics rings on her thigh, which she says will be her first and only tattoo.Alica Schmidt gives fans glimpse behind scenes at final day at Olympic village and closing ceremony More

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    Who is Gout Gout? Teen sprinting sensation who has run faster than Usain Bolt and is known for breaking several records

    Gout Gout is an Australian teenage sprinting show-stopper.He has taken the athletics world by storm with his sensational speed and record-breaking performances.Gout Gout has been tipped as ‘the next Usain Bolt’Credit: GettyHe turned professional in 2024, signing a deal with AdidasCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gout.goutt/Who is Gout Gout?Gout Gout was born in Brisbane, Australia on December 29, 2007.He is the son of South Sudanese immigrants who moved to the land Down Under two years before he was born. The 16-year-old prodigy has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in track and field.Gout Gout turned professional in November 2024.read more on gout goutRecognising his immense potential, he was signed by Adidas, penning a sponsorship deal with the sports clothing brand.Record-breakerGout Gout’s most recent and impressive achievements came at the Queensland All Schools Track and Field Championships on November 3, 2024.He clocked an astonishing 20.29 seconds in the 200-meter sprint heats.This performance was nothing short of remarkable for a number of reasons.Most read in AthleticsIt was the fastest 200m time by an Aussie since 1999 — and a new Australian U20 record.It places him in fourth place on the Australian all-time list for the event, and would have qualified him for the Olympic final at Paris 2024.Watch ‘ridiculous’ moment 16-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout runs 100m in 10.2secs after ‘turning into Forest Gump’The teen went on to claim victory in the 200m final, clocking in at 20.52 seconds, and also won the 100m with a time of 10.31.What makes this feat more impressive is that Gout Gout’s time is even quicker than Usain Bolt’s previous record for 200m at the U20 World Championships.To put these times in context, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo won the 200m at the Paris 2024 in a time of 19.46, while the current 200m world record of 19.19 is held by Bolt.Gout Gout has also run a 100m personal best of just 10.2 seconds, leading to massive expectations for his future.Comparisons to Usain BoltHis exceptional performances have drawn inevitable comparisons to the legendary Usain Bolt.Usain Bolt still holds the world records for the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relayOlympic 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson has suggested that “maybe we are seeing the next Usain Bolt.”She told Fox Sports: “What you see of him on those videos is pretty impressive and, god, he’s going to be at the ripe age for the [2032] Brisbane Olympics coming around in a home country. He’s just going to set the world on fire, I think.”He’s doing the blue-riband events, as well, which everyone wants to see, so that’s going to take a lot of courage from him to be able to step up and have that belief in him, which he obviously already does, but to hold onto that all through a couple of Olympic cycles that we’re going into Brisbane.”While Gout appreciates the comparison, he remains focused on carving out his own legacy.He said: “It’s pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time and just being compared to him is a great feeling.Gout Gout ran 100m in 10.2 seconds in March 2024″Obviously, I’m Gout Gout so I’m trying to make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was, that would be a great achievement.”But iconic US sprinter Justin Gaitlin warned against comparing Gout Gout and to a legend like Bolt.He said: “Looking at what Bolt did — and not taking anything away from Gout Gout or anybody else that’s doing their thing right now and dominating.“When Bolt was a junior, he had the junior world record, which at that point in time, in 2004, this dude ran 19 low nine. 19.93 was his record, bro.”If you put that against these guys today, he is eclipsing them.The 16-year-old often leaves his competitors trailing in the dustCredit: X/Twitter”To say that this person is the next and that person is the next, I feel like we give the microphone to the bandwagoners.“Stop putting these young athletes on a path that comes with a lot of stress and comes with a lot of pressure. Let them go out there and develop themselves.“If anything, let them say, ‘No, I’m Gout Gout, I’m about to be different. I’m [Letsile] Tebogo, I’m about to be different.”As Gout Gout continues to develop his natural talent and refine his skills, the athletics world watches on with anticipation.His performances have not only excited fans, but also raised hopes for Australia’s future in sprinting events.READ MORE SUN STORIESSally Pearson has tipped him to be at his peak by the time Australia hosts the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane — Gout Gout’s hometown.The young Australian is poised to make a significant impact on the world of athletics in the years to come. More