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      What are Nike sprint ‘super shoes’ worn by Dina Asher-Smith and why was the original design axed for Toyko Olympics?

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      NIKE’S have released a new sprint ‘super shoe’ after the originals were axed by the company – because they would not have got approval from World Athletics.And the company have released an adapted version of the running spikes to be worn by Dina Asher-Smith at the Toyko Olympics.
      Dina Asher-Smith wore the new Nike spikes which are a scaled-down version of the Viperfly at the Diamond League Gateshead meetingCredit: PA
      Nike’s new running spikes have been shelved ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
      The shoes are a different design to ones we have seen before on an athletics track
      The controversial shoes were being branded as a Usain Bolt-busting solution from Nike – but the American company have shelved the shoes with World Athletics approval all but impossible.
      Instead they have released an adapted version, which have been approved by boffins at World Athletics.
      And rival companies are also coming up with footwear that has similar technology – with Adidas among the chasing pack.
      Expect this to be a big talking point at the Olympics this summer.
      What are the Nike Zoom Air Viperfly spikes and will they be allowed at the Tokyo Olympics?
      Nike’s cutting-edge running spikes are designed specifically for 100m sprinters.
      All sprinters wear footwear with small metal spikes on the bottom for better grip.
      Over the last few decades, manufacturers have found ways to make the foot plate more rigid and lighter, which has been approved by athletics officials.
      But the Nike shoes have a carbon fibre mechanism under the ball of the foot that acts like a springboard, generating more power in the sprinter’s stride.
      Nike said: “This composition, developed alongside the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, was designed to provide responsiveness and energy.
      “It follows deep study of the strategy and performance of the race, and focuses attention on what athletes need most in the last 20 meters of the sprint.”
      Currently, we will NOT be seeing these spikes at the Tokyo Olympics, if it goes ahead in the summer of 2021.
      Nike will not make these shoes available for athletes in Japan.
      The shoes have to be approved by World Atheltics, which approve certain lines of footwear ahead of each world championships, with specific limits on sole thickness.
      Nike told SunSport: “World Athletics changed the rules so the shoe will not be produced given Nike respects the rules.
      “We have been researching, developing, building, and testing performance footwear for half a century.
      “The athlete will always be our focus and we will continue to create new and better solutions for their needs.”
      The black and green spikes are being described as the fastest of all time
      What shoes did Usain Bolt run his 100m and 200m world records in?
      Retired Jamaican track icon Bolt ran 9.58sec in the 100m in 2009 at the World Championships in Berlin.

      He then went on and broke his own 200m world record, setting an all-time fastest of 19.19sec in the half lap sprint.
      Bolt wore Puma spikes his whole career and was endorsed by the German company since his earliest days as a promising young teenager.
      Usain Bolt broke the 100m and 200m world records in Berlin in 2009, which still stand todayCredit: AFP – Getty
      Usain Bolt is rightly regarded as the greatest sprinter of all timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Twenty-one runners killed in China ultramarathon as sudden ‘disastrous weather’ batters mountain race

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      AN INVESTIGATION is underway after 21 runners died in an ultramarathon in China.The 100-kilometre (62 miles) race in Yellow River Stone Forest, Gansu province, was hit by sudden torrential weather.
      Rescuers were called to Yellow River Stone Forest on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      The 100km race was called off as the rescue mission beganCredit: Reuters
      Gale-force winds, hail and snow storms led to several of the 172 participants requiring medical attention.
      Local media reports confirmed 151 runners were accounted for, eight of which required hospital treatment for minor injuries.
      Many had to be rescued after the storms battered the mountainous track between kilometres 20 and 31 at 1pm local time on Saturday.
      At 2pm, the race was called off and runners were seen being stretchered away and huddling under heavy-duty blankets.
      Among the dead was Huang Guanjun, an elite Chinese distance runner who was deaf-mute.
      One survivor is quoted as saying: “My whole body was soaked through, including my shoes and socks.
      “I couldn’t stand up straight because of the wind, I was very worried I’d be blown over. The cold became more and more unbearable.
      “While descending the mountain, I was already experiencing hypothermia symptoms.”
      Mountainous Baiyin city is prone to sudden snow and hail stormsCredit: Getty
      An investigation has been announced with some runners still in hospitalCredit: Alamy

      An investigation is underway after criticism of organisers for allowing the race to take place despite forecasts of potential storms.
      Zhang Xuchen, mayor of Baiyin city in northern China where the race was held, expressed his sorrow at the incident.
      He said: “As the event’s organiser, we feel a deep sense of guilt and self-blame, express our deep mourning for the victims and deep condolences to their families and the injured runners.”
      Mystery as 900ft China skyscraper sways back and forth sending onlookers fleeing as no earthquakes recorded More

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      How tall is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles?

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      SIMONE Biles is one of the most decorated female gymnasts of all time.She recently went viral after she landed her Yurchenko double pike at podium training ahead of the 2021 US Classic.
      Simone Biles is an American gymnastCredit: Athleta
      How tall is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles?
      Simone Biles is 4ft 8in.
      Biles is the owner of a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.
      She is the most decorated American gymnast and the world’s third most decorated gymnast, behind Belarus’ Vitaly Scherbo, who has 33 total.
      Simone Biles represents Team USACredit: PA:Press Association
      The gymnast is a five-time World all-around champion, five-time World floor exercise champion, three-time World balance beam champion, two-time World vault champion, and six-time US national all-around champion.
      Biles is the first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every event.

      On May 21, @NBCOlympics posted a video of the 24-year-old gymnast landing her Yurchenko double pike at podium training.
      The stunt has never been performed by a woman in competition before.
      “I was like, ‘It’s OK, I’ve done this so many times. I’ve been doing this for months now,'” Biles told NBC Sports.
      She said that she feels “really good going into tomorrow.”
      The athlete will appear in the US Classic on May 22, making it her first meet in more than 18 months.
      What is gymnast Simone Biles’ net worth?
      Simone Biles has a reported net worth of $6million.
      She has obtained most of her fortune through endorsements, sponsorships and Olympic wins. 
      On April 23, 2021 it was announced that Biles was ending her partnership with Nike and was signing with Gap’s Athleta brand for an undisclosed amount.
      Simone Biles is worth millions of dollarsCredit: Teen Vogue
      In this new venture, Biles will have her own performance wear line, which will include products for wearing to and from the gym, according to the company’s statement.
      The gymnast will also have a platform to be an activist for women and other female athletes.
      Biles released a statement regarding the new partnership, saying: “Using my voice has been very empowering for me and I am grateful to embark on this new journey with Athleta to inspire young girls and women to do the same. 
      “I admire Athleta for their commitment to recognize and support women’s individual and collective strength.
      Who is Simone Biles boyfriend Jonathan Owens?
      Biles has been in a relationship with NFL star Jonathan Owens since August of 2020.
      Her fans first started speculating about the couple’s relationship in June when she wished Jonathan a happy birthday on social media.

      Her new relationship status comes after she confirmed her split from WWE star Stacey Ervin Jr. in July of 2020 in a cover story for Vogue.

      The athlete revealed that they called time on their three-year romance in March.
      She told the publication: “It’s hard being young and having that long of a relationship and then ending it. But it was for the best.”
      The former couple went public in 2017 and regularly shared social media posts throughout their relationship. More

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      British sprinter Adam Gemili warns Olympic bosses that athletes will ignore no-protest rule in Tokyo

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      ADAM GEMILI has warned Olympic chiefs “all hell would break loose” if they ban athletes from protesting in Tokyo.Olympians are not allowed to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement during the Games – though IOC sanctions for offenders are still to be confirmed.
      Gemili would consider taking a knee if he won a medal at the Tokyo Olympics this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Team GB sprinter Gemili, who is of Moroccan-Iranian heritage, says he would consider demonstrating on the podium if he wins a medal in Japan.
      Gemili, 27, said: “This is what I don’t understand. The IOC are so quick to use Tommie Smith, the picture of him fist raised. But then they are saying: ‘Actually, no-one is allowed to do that.’
      “It doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t think you can ban an athlete for protesting. And if they do all hell would break loose and it could go south and sour very quickly.
      “They will be very naïve to even try to do that.
      “The Olympics isn’t a place to be political, it’s a place for sport and to bring the whole world together but the whole BLM movement is more than political.
      “It’s about being a good human and equal rights for everyone is not something which should be turned away so easily like they’re doing.
      “I find it quite astounding they are still keeping the same stance.
      “It’s ridiculous really. I find it astonishing that they can be okay with the stance they’re taking.
      Americans Tommie Smith (centre) and John Carlos (right) were ostracised from sport after their Black Power salute on the 200m medals podium at the 1968 Olympics in MexicoCredit: AP
      “I’d be happy to take a knee if I was successful at the Olympics and I had that opportunity. I’d definitely protest.
      “Because I think it’s a place where you should be allowed to express your opinion.

      “I’d be very hypocritical if I’ve been talking all this talk and I wouldn’t do that myself.
      “Maybe they should recognise it beforehand? Before the Games even start.
      “The fact the IOC is telling them no, you can’t do it, is only going to make people more angry. For me, if the opportunity came, I wouldn’t shy away from that.”
      The continued ban on protest, including during medal ceremonies and competitions, followed a worldwide online survey of more than 3,500 athletes, who felt it was inappropriate for anyone to make a statement.
      But Gemili, who is on the BOA athletes’ commission, blasted: “It was very clear that it wasn’t an accurate representation of athletes from all around the world with different colours, races and ethnicities.
      I’d be happy to take a knee if I was successful at the Olympics and I had that opportunity. I’d definitely protest.Adam Gemili, British sprinter
      “They tried to say athletes don’t want it but that’s not the picture I’ve got from speaking to athletes. It doesn’t really make much sense.
      “As bad as it sounds, athletes have always been at the bottom of the pecking order. We don’t have any power.
      “We’re actually the ones that are running and competing and entertaining for the world.”
      In his first UK race since August 2019, Gemili will run in Gateshead on Sunday with strong competition from Canadian Andre de Grasse in the men’s 200m.
      Protester posing as journalist gate-crashes media conference shouting – ‘f*** the Tokyo Olympics!’ More

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      Horse racing free bets: Get £60 in FREE BETS for Haydock on Friday

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      PUNTERS can get £60 in free bets at Haydock on Friday when they sign up to Betfair and bet £10.The offer is available for new customers who sign up and bet £10 on the first race at Haydock.
      Punters can get £60 in free bets for Haydock
      BETFAIR GET £60 IN FREE BETS FOR HAYDOCK*
      They will then be awarded six £10 free bets for the remaining races of the day.
      The day gets underway at 1pm at Haydock with seven races on the card.
      With fans back at the courses in the UK it should be a lively weekend of racing.
      And if you don’t know who to back Templegate has you covered with his picks.
      OFFERS OF THE DAY
      Betfair: Bet £10 on Race 1 at Haydock Friday, Get £60 in Free Bets – CLAIM HERE
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      Haydock tips
      1.00 Cozone – holding his form well and now back to his optimum trip
      1.30 Wild Beauty – well-bred and well-backed on debut, should step forward
      2.05 Dandalla – Group 2 winner last year and big chance now returned to 6f
      2.40 Madame Ambassador – lots to like on paper and yard can ready a newcomer
      3.15 Strawberri – improved on debut fifth when given too much to do at Chelmsford 
      3.50 Hoodwinker – cosy winner at Wolves in December and looks well-treated
      4.25 Poet’s King – should come into his own over this trip on handicap debut
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      *Terms and conditions: New customer offer, Min single £10 Sportsbook bet on the 13:00 Haydock, 21st May (‘Win or E/W’ market only). £10 free bet for each of the remaining Fri Haydock races. Deposits using cards or Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.Org
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      Watch ride that landed jockey a ‘ridiculous’ seven-day ban as punters turn on stewards for ‘shocking’ punishment More

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      Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be CANCELLED, says 2004 Team GB silver medallist Gail Emms

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      GAIL EMMS reckons the Tokyo Olympics should have been cancelled two months ago.Britain’s 2004 badminton silver medallist, 43, is angry athletes are being forced to travel to Japan for the Games during a global pandemic.
      Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms believes the Tokyo Games should be CANCELLEDCredit: Getty
      There is currently a state of emergency in the Japanese capitalCredit: EPA
      Olympic chiefs are pressing ahead with their £10billion plans despite the uncertainty over the Covid crisis.
      A state of emergency has been extended on the Japanese capital, vaccinations numbers there are slow and there has been a surge in localised cases.
      With just ten weeks until the Games begin, Emms said: “It shouldn’t happen. And that decision should have been made months ago.
      “There is another wave in Japan. And 60 per cent of the Japanese population don’t want the Games.
      “What is the whole purpose of why this event is going on? That is the real question.
      “Japanese people are dealing with the virus but don’t worry, it’s OK, we have archery at 2pm and basketball at 7pm! It just seems odd.
      “More than 11,000 will be in the Olympic Village. Will they have to eat on their own?
      “What happens if one of their team-mates is pulled out? Are they out as well?”
      Emms won silver in mixed badminton in 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Tokyo residents have taken to the streets to protestCredit: Splash

      Emms, who volunteered as a swab tester for three months during lockdown, believes the onus should be on the IOC to make the final call.
      She added: “It pains me as a former athlete to say this. But they will miss out on those special moments, seeing the flags, celebrating in front of their mums and dads.
      “It will be sterile. Footballers who have played in empty stadiums all say it is rubbish.
      “These won’t be the same Olympics. So do it properly or not at all. The Olympics are more than sport.
      “It’s about the host nation, a legacy programme, inspiring people, its history — it should be more than about money.”

      Protester posing as journalist gate-crashes media conference shouting – ‘f*** the Tokyo Olympics!’ More

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      Who is Blake Leeper and why is he being denied chance to run in Tokyo Olympics? Can he still race at Paralympics?

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      BLAKE LEEPER is has been denied the chance to run at the Tokyo Olympics after his carbon fibre blades were deemed to give him a “competitive advantage.”Leeper, 31, has made a series of bids to become Nike’s latest athletes to make Team USA’s squad for the Tokyo Games.
      Blake Leeper celebrates his Paralympic silver medal in the 400m at London 2012Credit: Getty
      Leeper had been hoping to compete in the Tokyo Olympics in the 400m or 4x400m relayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Who is Blake Leeper?
      Blake Leeper is an American sprinter from Kingsport, Tennessee.
      Leeper was born without lower leg limbs from the knee downward and learned to walk on prosthetics since the age of nine months.
      He represented Team USA at the 2012 Paralympics in London where he clinched a silver medal in the T43 400 metres and bronze in the T43 200m.
      He did not compete at the 2016 Rio Paralympics because he was serving a year-long ban for a positive cocaine test.
      Leeper moved into full competition against Olympic athletes at the 2017 US Track & Field Championships in 2017, becoming the first double leg amputee to do so.
      It was at this event he broke Oscar Pistorious’ 400m world record of 45.25 seconds, knocking 0.14sec off the South African’s mark.
      Why has Blake Leeper been denied the chance to run at the Olympics?
      In 2020, Leeper’s legal team lost a Court of Arbitration for Sport bid to get him into the Tokyo Olympics.
      The CAS ruling said that his carbon fibre blades allowed him to run at a height “several inches taller” than if he were an able-bodied athlete.
      Leeper’s legal team said at the time that the verdict was “racially discriminatory.”
      In April 2021, World Athletics denied another final appeal for Leeper to compete in the one-lap event in Japan – should he have qualified at the US Olympic trials.
      World Athletics heard the arguments for Leeper’s inclusion in another hearing with their Mechanical Aids Review Panel.
      Chairman David Grace QC said: “World Athletics has satisfied its burden of proof on the balance of probabilities that the use of the mechanical aids by Blake Leeper in the form of passive-elastic carbon-fibre running specific prostheses (RSPs) that give him a leg length of 104 centimetres and a standing height of 184 centimetres provides Blake Leeper with an overall competitive advantage over an athlete not using such aids, with the result that the use by Blake Leeper of such RPSs in any World Athletics sanctioned events is not allowed pursuant to Rule 6.3.4 of the Technical Rules of World Athletics.”
      The statement continued: “The decision means Mr Leeper cannot compete wearing these new RSPs at World Athletics’ major international events (WAS Events) or the Olympic Games but can in other International Competitions although his results will be listed separately and not recognised.”
      Blake Leeper won a silver medal behind Oscar Pistorious at the London 2012 ParalympicsCredit: Getty
      Why is their verdict controversial?
      World Athletics uses a measurement called Maximum Allowable Standing Height (MASH) to determine whether an para-athlete’s prosthetic blades are of a fair length.
      That ‘fair length’ is based on a series of studies conducted across the world, saying it is “based on the best available evidence of body dimensions.”
      Leeper’s lawyer Jeffrey Kessler claimed that these measures are racially discriminatory.

      He said: “Data from black athletes were not even considered in these studies, as if these athletes did not exist.
      “It is ironic that Blake Leeper, who has been fighting for the rights of disabled athletes of every race, now finds himself the victim of discrimination against black disabled athletes.
      “We do not believe the courts will tolerate such discriminatory treatment and we will support Blake as he continues his fight to compete in the Olympics.” More

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      What is gymnast Simone Biles’ net worth?

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      OLYMPIC medalist Simon Biles has earned the most World medals in gymnastics.The 24-year-old holds a senior international elite title in the competitive sport.
      Simone Biles holds a senior international elite title in gymnasticsCredit: Athleta
      What is gymnast Simone Biles’ net worth?
      Simone Biles has a reported net worth of $6million.
      She has obtained most of her fortune through endorsements, sponsorships and Olympic wins. 
      On April 23, 2021 it was announced that Biles was ending her partnership with Nike and was signing with Gap’s Athleta brand for an undisclosed amount.
      In this new venture, Biles will have her own performance wear line, which will include products for wearing to and from the gym, according to the company’s statement.
      Biles has a net worth of $6million and signed a deal with Gap’s Athleta brand to have her own performance wear lineCredit: Athleta
      The gymnast will also have a platform to be an activist for women and other female athletes.
      Biles released a statement regarding the new partnership, saying: “Using my voice has been very empowering for me and I am grateful to embark on this new journey with Athleta to inspire young girls and women to do the same. 
      “I admire Athleta for their commitment to recognize and support women’s individual and collective strength.
      Who is Simone Biles dating?
      Biles has been in a relationship with NFL star Jonathan Owens since August of 2020.
      Her fans first started speculating about the couple’s relationship in June when she wished Jonathan a happy birthday on social media.
      Her new relationship status comes after she confirmed her split from WWE star Stacey Ervin Jr. in July of 2020 in a cover story for Vogue.
      The athlete revealed that they called time on their three-year romance in March.
      Biles has been in a relationship with NFL star Jonathan Owens since August of 2020Credit: Twitter/Simone Biles
      She told the publication: “It’s hard being young and having that long of a relationship and then ending it. But it was for the best.”
      The former couple went public in 2017 and regularly shared social media posts throughout their relationship.
      How many medals does Simone Biles have?
      Biles is the owner of a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.
      Biles is the first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every eventCredit: Getty

      She is the most decorated American gymnast and the world’s third most decorated gymnast, behind Belarus’ Vitaly Scherbo, who has 33 total.
      The gymnast is a five-time World all-around champion, five-time World floor exercise champion, three-time World balance beam champion, two-time World vault champion, and six-time US national all-around champion.
      Biles is the first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every event. More