Athletics

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Female runner makes history as she becomes first to EVER break marathon mark and shatters world record by 100 seconds

      by

      RUTH CHEPNGETICH has set a new women’s marathon world record.The Kenyan, 30, ran an astonishing 2:09:57 at the Chicago Marathon earlier today.Ruth Chepngetich has set a new women’s marathon world recordThe incredible Chepngetich dedicated her achievement to Kelvin KiptumCredit: AlamyIn doing so, she became the first woman to break the 2:10:00 barrier.In fact, she smashed the previous record by nearly two minutes.The last world record had been set by Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia in Berlin 13 months ago.After the race, Chepngetich dedicated her incredible achievement to the late Kelvin Kiptum.READ MORE IN SPORTLondon Marathon winner and world record holder Kiptum tragically died aged just 24 in a car crash earlier this year.His coach Garvais Hakizimana was also killed in the tragic crash.After today’s Chicago Marathon, Chepngetich said: “This world record I’m dedicating to Kelvin Kiptum.”I’m so happy. I don’t know how to explain.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe then admitted that she had felt before the race that she could set a new world record.Chepngetich added: “I feel so great. The world record is my dream, that has now come true.How Kelvin Kiptum went from having to borrow shoes to London Marathon record”I fought a lot thinking about the world record and now I’ve fulfilled it. I’m so grateful.”This year the weather was perfect and I prepared well. The world record was on my mind.”Her previous personal best was also set in Chicago back in 2022.This time around, however, she shaved nearly five minutes off her former PB.Chepngetich placed tenth overall in the Chicago Marathon.She was one of two Kenyans to triumph in Chicago today, with John Korir setting a personal best 2:02:44 to win the men’s race.John Korir triumphed in the men’s raceCredit: Alamy More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Athletics

      Robbie Fitzgibbon dead aged 28: Tributes pour in as ex-Team GB star tragically passes away

      by

      BRITISH middle-distance runner Robbie Fitzgibbon has died at the age of 28.His tragic death was announced by his club, Brighton Phoenix, on Friday evening.Robbie Fitzgibbon has died at the age of 28Credit: GettyThe team confirmed he had died on October 7 as they paid a heartfelt tribute.A statement from chairman Mike Townley and vice chair Josh Guilmant said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most cherished athletes, Robbie Fitzgibbon.”A friend to many, and a source of motivation for all who had the privilege of knowing him, Robbie was the epitome of a runner’s runner, embodying everything we value at Phoenix.”Though Robbie will no longer run alongside us, share his stories, or lift our spirits with his humour and kindness, his presence will continue to be felt in everything we do as a club. READ MORE IN SPORT”His contribution to Phoenix is enduring, living on through the countless memories we have shared.”Fitzgibbon had been a standout talent at junior level, winning the English schools 1500m title in 2014 and finishing fifth in the 1500m final at the European Athletics U20 Championships.He finished 13th in the 1500m in the London Anniversary Games in 2017.Fitzgibbon had originally joined Phoenix at the age of 12, and continued to represent Great Britain at international level, including several Diamond League events.Most read in AthleticsThe statement added: “In recent years, Robbie took a step back from the intense nature of track running moving from middle-distance to becoming a key member of our distance group, finding enjoyment again not just in racing cross country and road but being part of the team and wider Phoenix community. “He would always be the first to put his hand up for another race.”This summer, he was part of the South Downs Way Relay team, setting a leg record along the way, medalling in the County Cross Country Champs at Goodwood where he started his club running career and running Christmas day parkrun at Preston Park on a monumental hangover.”Robbie gave so much to the club, and we know the club meant just as much to him. It is difficult to find the right words in moments like these. “Robbie was not just an athlete to us; he was a friend, a team-mate, and an irreplaceable part of our Phoenix family.”His final international appearance had come at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2019, where he suffered an ankle injury which prevented him from returning to the same level.As recently as June, he had won the Bexhill 5km with a time of 15:13, and had been preparing to run the Brighton Marathon next year for charity Mind.His father will run in his place to honour his memory after his passing.The statement continued: “Robbie had been preparing to run the 2025 Brighton Marathon in aid of the charity Mind. READ MORE SUN STORIES”His dad Robin will now run in his place and, to honour his wishes, we invite those who are able to consider donating to his chosen cause in his memory.”Donations can be made HERE. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Athletics

      Clement Kemboi dead at 32: Former African Games champion’s body found as tributes pour in

      by

      AFRICAN GAMES champion Clement Kemboi has been found dead at the age of 32.The body of the former Kenyan athlete was found by police in the town of Iten in his home country on Monday.Clement Kemboi has passed away at the age of 32Credit: AFPHis body was found in the Kenyan town of ItenCredit: AFPKemboi’s body has been taken to Iten County Referral Hospital morgue and is awaiting an autopsy.He is best-known for winning the 3000m steeplechase at the 2015 African Games.Kemboi’s personal best time in the distance came at the Doha Diamond League in 2016 when he ran eight minutes and 10.65 seconds.This earned him sixth place, five and a half seconds behind winner Conseslus Kipruto.READ MORE IN SPORTKemboi’s PB in the regular 3000m was 7:51:65.His passing comes after 2016 World Athletics Under-20 800m champion Kipyegon Bett died on Sunday.Kenyan Bett had been in and out of hospital with a liver problem, before his sister confirmed his death.Purity Kirui told BBC Sport Africa: “He had been sick, complaining of stomach pains for about a month. The doctors said he had a liver problem and had been in and out of hospital.Most read in Athletics”Last week we took him to hospital after he started vomiting blood and he was admitted. I went to see him [on Sunday] morning and he told me he was in pain.”He told our dad, who is a pastor, to pray for him because he didn’t feel he would survive and after 12 noon he died. We tried everything to save him, but he left us. It’s very painful.”Bett was a promising runner in his youth and followed up his junior world championship success by winning world bronze in London in 2017.But a year later Bett was hit with a four-year doping ban and he struggled on his return, with his sister revealing he “started drinking a lot”.His coach Japheth Kemei described Bett as a gifted athlete and he expected him to make a comeback after his ban, but suggested Bett was unable to due to his battles with depression. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Athletics

      Kipyegon Bett dead at 26: Former world junior 800m champion dies after short illness

      by

      FORMER junior world 800m champion Kipyegon Bett has passed away aged 26.The Kenyan died following a short illness.Kipyegon Bett has passed away aged just 26Credit: AFP or licensorsThe Kenyan won 800m gold in the 2016 Junior World ChampionshipCredit: GettyBett won bronze in the 800m World Championships in London in 2017Credit: GettyThe runner had been in and out of hospital with a liver problem, his sister shared.Purity Kirui told BBC Sport Africa: “He had been sick, complaining of stomach pains for about a month. The doctors said he had a liver problem and had been in and out of hospital.”Last week we took him to hospital after he started vomiting blood and he was admitted. I went to see him (on Sunday) morning and he told me he was in pain.”He told our dad, who is a pastor, to pray for him because he didn’t feel he would survive and after 12 noon he died. We tried everything to save him, but he left us. It’s very painful.”Bett was a promising runner in his youth and followed up his junior world championship success by winning world bronze in London in 2017.But a year later Bett was hit with a four-year doping ban and he struggled on his return, with his sister revealing he “started drinking a lot”.His coach Japheth Kemei described Bett as a gifted athlete and he expected him to make a comeback after his ban, but suggested Bett was unable to due to his battles with depression.Kirui confirmed her brother’s plight, saying: “When Kipyegon was banned he started drinking a lot, wouldn’t eat well and suffered depression.Most read in Athletics”We tried to help him stop drinking, but whenever we wanted to take him to rehab he would disappear from home for days.”I tried to get him back into athletics when his ban ended by getting him running kit and shoes.”Before his death we had a plan to try one more time to take him to a rehabilitation centre in Kisumu.”Bett was suspended in August 2018 for refusing to submit a sample and subsequently tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO).He followed in Kirui’s footsteps by becoming an athlete, with his sister winning Commonwealth gold in the 3000m steeplechase in 2014. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Athletics

      Team GB Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson stuns in bikini during ‘week of paradise’ in Dubai

      by

      KEELY HODGKINSON’S golden glow is as bright as ever – even though she showed off “paradise” in only black and white.Team GB’s 800m Olympic champion went “retro” for two-tone pics from Dubai in a bikini and dazzling mini-dress.Keely Hodgkinson looked relaxed and refreshed in DubaiCredit: InstagramFans loved the ‘retro’ snaps she shared from her week-long breakCredit: InstagramThe smile said it all as Keely took a well-deserved restCredit: InstagramBut the 22-year-old looked far from off-colour – unlike her Manchester United heroes when she visited Old Trafford to display her Paris gold medal before Sunday’s 3-0 defeat against Tottenham.Keely’s sultry Instagram pics of herself from United Arab Emirates were all in black and white.The Mancunian posted: “Thank you for a week of paradise!!” and shared a link to “an exclusive adults-only luxury retreat”.She certainly looked refreshed and relaxed – posing in the water for one shot and with an appreciative grin in another as she protected her eyes from the sun.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSFour of her seven photos were in colour – but all those shots were of local sites, plus one of a well-stocked dining table.And if you looked closely, you could just see Keely’s pink-topped reflection in the bottom of a shiny bowl!Team GB team-mate Daryll Neita, who won Olympic silver in the 100m relay this summer, responded: “Looks like heaven.”And Keely’s 521,000 Instagram followers agreed.Most read in AthleticsKeely got a hero’s welcome at Old Trafford on Sunday but Man Utd lostCredit: PA”You are a dream,” said one, while another responded: “Stunning, Queen of sports!”A third admirer told her: “Black and white filter gives you a retro beauty.”Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics Keely also showed off Dubai’s subtle shadesCredit: InstagramAnd there was a sprint finish to add more simple compliments.These included: “Looking nice”… “Beautiful”… “Gorgeous”… and inevitably “Wow”.All of which must have seemed a million miles – rather than just 4,600m – from the gloomy offerings she’d endured at Old Trafford over the weekend.The middle-distance runner sparkled at a London eventCredit: GettyShe appeared at a Milan fashion show last monthCredit: Rex Features More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Athletics

      Usain Bolt spotted in WIGAN celebrating Premier League cult hero’s 46th birthday at swanky restaurant

      by

      USAIN BOLT made a surprise appearance in a swanky restaurant in Wigan to celebrate Bolton legend Ricardo Gardner’s birthday.Bolt, 38, is enjoying retirement after his legendary career, which saw him winning eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles, after the 2017 World Championships in London.Usain Bolt made a surprise visit to a Wigan restaurant to celebrate Ricardo Gardner’s birthdayBolt’s stock is still sky high after rolling credits on a legendary Olympic careerCredit: GettyBolt’s close friend and fellow Jamaican Gardner is a Bolton legendCredit: GettyThe sprinting legend, who holds the record for the fastest times on the 100m and 200m events, still has an army of fans and turns heads everywhere he goes.The Jamaican great proved it during a surprise visit in Wigan’s La Casa Astley restaurant on Wednesday.The Olympian linked up with his good friend and fellow Jamaican athlete Gardner who was celebrating his 46th birthday.Bolt posted a photo of them two on social media with the following caption: “Big up me g on him strong @ricardobibigardner love and love alone.”Read More on SportLa Casa Astley are no strangers to celebrity customers, having previously hosted the likes of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and boxing star Tommy Fury.And the Italian eatery suggested Bolt is a regular customer as it appears he has also visited at least three times this year alone.La Casa Astley posted the following: “We’re thrilled to welcome back the legendary Usain Bolt to La Casa!”Always a pleasure serving the fastest man on earth – where great food meets great company.”Most read in AthleticsRestaurant manager Pietro Garrafa admitted there were a lot of surprised faces once Bolt walked through the front door.Garrafa told the Manchester Evening News: “I just started a week ago, but I know that quite a few celebrities come to us because our food is very authentic.Usain Bolt’s former rival reveals Olympics legend’s ‘bulls***’ tactic that showed ‘what he’s about’ mid-race”I didn’t take the reservation, but I was shocked to see him when he came in.”Everyone was asking for pictures and he and Ricardo were lovely, there was a family of Bolton fans who were dining there too and Ricardo took a picture and spoke to them.”Bolt was very kind and we kept the restaurant open until midnight for them, we loved it.”Bolt’s mate Gardner spent 14 years at Bolton until his retirement in 2012 and amassed a total of 21 goals and 12 assists in 397 appearances.The former left-back has now crossed over to coaching in his homeland having managed Jamaica’s Under-20s as well as Harbour View and Portmore United. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Athletics

      Alan Vera dead at 33: American wrestling star dies after suffering cardiac arrest while playing football

      by

      WRESTLING star Alan Vera died after suffering a cardiac arrest at a football match earlier this year.The 33-year-old passed away on Monday evening, having been hospitalised after the incident in Jersey City, New Jersey.Alan Vera (L) died earlier this weekCredit: GettyVera was playing a football match with his club, Wolves FC, when he suffered a cardiac arrest in July.It was confirmed in an Instagram post by the club, which revealed he was “fighting for his health”.After several weeks, he succumbed to an “unexpected infection that took hold over the weekend”, according to his family.Vera narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics to compete in the Greco-Roman wrestling event.READ MORE ON SPORTHe is survived by his wife, Elena Pirozhkova, and their infant daughter, Alina, who was born in the summer.Elena also has experience in the wrestling world, having competed at two Olympics.USA Wrestling executive director Rich Bender released a statement following his death.It read: “Our hearts have been broken.Most read in Athletics”Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Elena, Alina and all of Alan’s family, as well as those who have known Alan.”The wrestling community mourns the loss of a great champion, whose incredible life impacted so many within USA Wrestling and around the world.”Cuba-born Vera won four national championships in his career as well as the Pan American title in 2016.It was after that success that he emigrated to the US and became eligible to represent Team USA.A GoFundMe page has been set up to provide support for Vera’s family and has so far reached £32,000. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Who is Akim Williams? Meet Mr Olympia star known as BKbeast

      by

      IN some bodybuilding circles, Akim Williams is thought of as the strongest man in the world.The bodybuilding titan will be appearing at Mr Olympia 2024, thrilling fans who have been waiting for his return. Akim Williams has won huge competitions such as the Toronto Pro 2024Credit: GettyAkim’s arms are 23-and-1/2-inches wideCredit: GettyHe is often referred to by his nickname BKbeast, which stands for Brooklyn Beast, but bodybuilding wasn’t always Akim’s dream.Instead, he once thought about doing something quite different. Computer geniusAkim was born on August 20, 1984, and didn’t take any interest in bodybuilding in his youth.Instead, he decided to study computer science at Long Island University.Read more in Mr Olympia In the university gym, he was hesitant to try out weights.He told Muscular Development: “I was afraid to even try squats, because I had heard they were really bad for your knees,” he says.“Honestly, the first few months in that weight room, all I did was bench press because it was all I cared about.”However, a chance meeting changed his perspective. Most read in AthleticsIt was by pure serendipity that he ran across a man called Ken Thompson, nicknamed “Coach T”, who taught him that lower reps help you to build thicker, denser muscle mass.Just a few months later, he made it to the top five at the Chicago pro and, within seven years, he grew from 150lbs to 300lbs. Arnold Schwarzenegger helped make the Mr Olympia competition famousCredit: GettyMr Olympia starThe BKbeast will be appearing at Mr Olympia 2024, where he hopes to avenge his performance in 2022.He has opened up before about how he didn’t bring enough supplies to Mr Olympia 2022, which made him feel drained and tired whilst waiting to go onstage.That same year, he was caught in a car accident which took him out of the bodybuilding game for some time. Akim recovered from his crash just in time for Mr Olympia 2024 and even won the Toronto Pro title that same year. He has previously appeared at other Mr Olympias, such as the 2016 competition where he came in 15th place.In subsequent competitions, he ranked: 9th in 2019, 6th in 2020, 9th in 2021 and unranked in 2022.He reached 7th place in the 2020 Arnold Classic and 5th in the 2021 Arnold Classic, but has yet to win the title.In 2023, he slipped back to 6th place at the Arnold Classic but had won at the Tampa Pro just the year before.Hardcore trainingAkim has a hardcore training regime to maintain his 23½-inch arms.At one point in his career, he even weight 300lbs which is no easy feat to maintain.His routine involves lots of low reps to build mass and he forgoes any supportive weight gear.McDonald’s is one of Akim’s favourite restaurantsCredit: GettyMcDonald’s diet Akim has admitted that he often follows a “hardcore diet”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe once only ate food from the McDonald’s menu for a year, in a bid to build his mass.Luckily Akim was successful and he didn’t struggle to lose any additional weight that he had gained (where most people do struggle). More