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      Watch ’embarrassing’ moment race leaders slow down ‘to let Chinese runner win’ Beijing half-marathon

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      THE BEIJING half-marathon is mired in controversy after winner He Jie was allowed to cross the line in first place.The Chinese athlete won Sunday’s event ahead of Kenyan runners Willy Mnangat and Robert Keter, as well as Ethiopian Dejene Hailu.Chinese athlete He Jie was allowed to cross the line in first placeCredit: XOne of his competitors appeared to point to the finish line as they slowed downCredit: XBut the African trio slowed down and began to usher Jie towards the finish line in the final few hundred metres.Mnangat later admitted to the South China Morning Post that he let Jie win the race “because he is my friend”.An investigation has been launched into the race by The Beijing Sports Bureau, the body in charge of sports.Fans have questioned the authenticity of the race after a video of the finish was shared on social media.READ MORE IN SPORTOne reacted saying: “What’s going on here?”Another added: “They must have been paid well. So embarrassing. They should be disqualified.”A third wrote: “Odd indeed.”And another commented: “You can clearly see they put in more effort letting him win than they’d have put in winning it.”Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERJie crossed the line in a time of 1:03:44 , with his three competitors crossing the line just behind him.The 25-year-old is China’s national marathon record holder and won the Asian Games marathon in October 2023.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switch More

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      Usain Bolt’s world record shattered by 16-year-old in incredible footage after it had stood for 22 years

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      A JAMAICAN wonderkid has broken Usain Bolt’s Under-17 400metre record.Eight-time Olympian champion Bolt set the record 22 years ago – long before he became a sprinting sensation.Nickecoy Bramwell has broken Usain Bolt’s Under-17 400m recordCredit: YouTube/SportsMaxTVBolt held the record for 22 yearsCredit: AFPThe legend set a time of 47.33 seconds which has now been beaten by his compatriot, Nickecoy Bramwell.The 16-year-old was competing at the 51st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada.And despite being plagued by a number of injury niggles, he broke Bolt’s record by running 47.26 seconds.Bramwell was significantly clear of second place Kemron Mathlyn who produced a time of 47.96, while Eagan Neely in third came in at 48.16.READ MORE IN SPORTThe prodigy said after defending his title: “It’s a wonderful feeling to break the record.“Since last summer, I have been eyeing the record, so it’s a great feeling I could come out here and get it.””I just took my mind off it and focused on the record.”Fans were blown away by Bramwell’s performance with one saying: “Serious achievement!!”Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “Yes!!! Glad another Jamaican is carrying on the baton. We are a force to be reckoned with.”A third wrote: “And he slowed up before the finish line. Imagine him run straight through.”And another commented: “Wow just Wow 🔥🔥”I’m retired swimmer looking to break world record by ‘juicing myself to the gills’ with banned drugs More

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      Team GB’s tumbling twins, 19, struggling to qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics after freak injuries following Tokyo bronzes

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      GYMNASTIC twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss the Paris Olympics as they struggle to qualify for Team GB.The sisters won Olympic bronze medals three years ago in Tokyo as the four-person British squad stood on the women’s team podium for the first time since 1928.Gymnastics twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss Paris 2024Credit: StartraksJessica suffered an ACL injury and Jennifer is dealing with ankle problemsYet it appears increasingly unlikely the 19-year-old tumblers will be involved in the French capital in four months’ time as they are currently in rehab and not yet back to competition.Jessica, the 2022 world floor champion, suffered a freak “full tear to my ACL” that has sidelined her since last October and required knee surgery before Christmas.There is the slim prospect that if she is apparatus-fit come June or July she could be parachuted in as a late sub for the artistic gymnastics team.Jennifer, meanwhile, had a clear-out op this year on her ankle, which has caused her long-term discomfort, but she does not have the qualifying points against her name for selection.Read More on SportSpeaking to SunSport at last weekend’s British Championships in Liverpool, which the duo watched from the stands, Jessica said: “It happened during a warm-up. I just did a simple drill. Unfortunately it just happened.“From October to December, I did a lot of prehab around the knee to make it as strong as possible before going into surgery.“I’ve got a massive, long journey ahead of me. Now it’s all rehab. It’s looking good but obviously the journey is very long with an ACL. I’m not putting a goal or a date on the end.“There are going to be ups and downs along the journey.Most read in Athletics“We aren’t looking at this Olympics, we’re looking at more Olympics ahead. We’re still young, we’ll recover.“We have been supporting each other massively through the highs and the lows, especially as we’re at a low point at the moment.Team GB gymnastics bronze medallist Gadirova twins bag GCSE distinctions “But at least we’re both going through it together, so we can support one other the best that we can.“We know that we just have to recover our bodies and we’ll get there one day. It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe pair have spent time undergoing rehabilitation – which includes specialist physiotherapy and medical support – at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, a facility funded by £7million of National Lottery investment.Whatever happens, unless they make miracle recoveries, they plan to be the biggest cheerleaders imaginable for the Brits across the Channel this July and August.Jennifer, who like her sister was born in Dublin but relocated to the UK, said: “My rehab is taking a little bit longer than expected.“It’s a six-to-eight week recovery. I’m slowly building back. But I haven’t officially been signed off yet.“Yes, we’d love to go to the Olympics. We’ve already done one Olympics before so deep down, we don’t feel like we’re 100% missing out.It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.Jessica Gadirova“We’re already Olympians. We’re already Olympic bronze medallists. That’s a great achievement already.“Missing this one, yes it’s really gutting, but we’re still young and have a bright future ahead of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re so close, it’s amazing to have a twin sister being in the same sport, going through the same issues. It’s just really helpful to push through.“Like Jess, I’m not putting a time frame or a limit to it. I’m focused on making my ankle as strong as it can possibly be, so the issue doesn’t happen again.”*National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport — from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk #MakeAmazingHappen #ThanksToYou More

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      Joana Neves dead at 37: Paralympic swimmer dies after cardiac arrest as tributes paid for ‘great, charismatic athlete’

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      A SWIMMER who won five medals in three Paralympics has died aged just 37.Brazilian Joana Neves went into cardiac arrest in the early hours of yesterday morning after being admitted to hospital on Sunday night feeling unwell.Swimmer Joana Neves, far right in green, has died aged just 37Credit: GettyNeves won five medals in three ParalympicsCredit: GettyHere she is at the 2022 World Para Swimming ChampionshipsCredit: GettyShe had travelled to the city of Sao Paulo for tests after suffering fits.Joana, known affectionately as Peixinha which means Little Fish in English or Joaninha, was born with bone growth disorder achondroplasia that results in dwarfism due to a genetic mutation in the arms and legs.During her glittering career she won a total of 15 medals in world paralympic swimming championships between 2013 and 2022 after taking up swimming on medical advice as a 10-year-old and starting to compete three years later.She also took part in three Paralympics, winning two silver and three bronze medals at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.READ MORE IN sport Mizael Conrado, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, said in a tribute to the athlete, who hailed from the city of Natal in the north-east state of Rio Grande do Norte: “We are devastated at the departure of Joana Neves, our Joaninha.“So much charisma out of the pool, so much determination when she entered the water to represent our country, Rio Grande do Norte, her friends and her family.“How many people were proud of Joaninha’s achievements and how many joys she gave us. She was a great athlete.”Her club Sadef RN said in a statement yesterday confirming her death: “Parathlete swimmer Joana Neves died this morning in Sao Paulo.Most read in Athletics”She was in the city undergoing tests to seek a diagnosis of seizures she had recently suffered.“On Sunday night, after feeling unwell at the Paralympic Training Centre she was taken to hospital but was unable to resist after going into cardiac arrest.”We struck gold with a stay at the site of London’s 2012 OlympicsA club spokesman added: “At the last World Cup in 2022, she won four medals and broke two records. “During her career she had 15 podium finishes at World Cups between 2013 and 2022.“In 2020, she was voted Brazil’s best Paralympic swimmer in the best swimming trophy. She won five medals at the Paralympic Games.”One well-wisher added by way of a personal tribute on social media: “What a very sad day. My sincere condolences to the whole family.“A huge loss for our sport. She leaves an incredible legacy and most of all she leaves her joy in our memories.” More

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      Paris Olympics to lift sex ban with 300,000 condoms to be delivered to Olympic village

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      OLYMPIC chiefs have lifted the ban on athletes having sex ahead of this summer’s Games.A sex suspension was implemented ahead of the 2020 Games Tokyo, which took place in the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.The 2024 Olympic Games take place in Paris this summerCredit: ALAMYOlympic chiefs have lifted the sex ban they had in place for the 2024 GamesCredit: REUTERSThe ban was imposed in a bid to stop events from being scuppered by Covid outbreaks.But those preventative measures have been lifted ahead of this summer’s Games in Paris – meaning athletes can get up to as much rumpy-pumpy as they like.Olympic Village director Laurent Michaud said: “It is very important that the conviviality here is something big.”Working with the athletes commission, we wanted to create some places where the athletes would feel very enthusiastic and comfortable.”READ MORE ON PARIS 2024The Olympic Village , according to TMZ, will be stocked with a whopping 300,000 free condoms.So athletes will have no excuse for not practicing safe sex during the tournament.There won’t, however, be any free champers for them to drink during the competition.Although they will have a wide array of food from around the globe available to them every day.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Olympic Village will be stocked with 300,000 free condomsCredit: GETTYFormer Center Parcs head-honcho Michaud said: “[There will be no champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris.”We will have more than 350 metres of buffet with the world food.We’re twin sisters, 27, who both secretly battled same disease… now we’re plotting Olympic gold at Paris 2024 together”And I’m sure that the athletes will be very happy to have some French specialties made over here.”But the variety will first respond to the athletes’ needs for their nutrition and their performance.”The Paris Games – which get underway on July 26 and end on August 11 – are expected to attract the largest crowds since London 2012.Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi told Sky News: “It has to be a celebration and it is a celebration.”We’ve had many challenges in the past. “In Rio, we faced situations that were amazingly complex.”But what you see is that with a bit of goodwill from everyone – starting with the organisers.”But also as far as the Olympic community is concerned – meeting with the challenges and coming up with solutions… is in the greater interest that the Games represent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What we all want is for unity, peace and a celebration of the best athletes. “This is how this creative family works together. Any challenge? We will win.” More

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      Commonwealth Games could be saved from extinction as new host country emerges after Australia pulled out

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      MALAYSIA could rescue the beleaguered Commonwealth Games by becoming a potential host country for the 2026 Games.The Australian State of Victoria was supposed to host the event in two years’ time but pulled out last summer due to budget blowouts.Athletics stars like Team Scotland’s Josh Kerr could yet return to Commonwealth Games action in 2026Credit: GettyOrganisers hope to ensure that Birmingham 2022 is not the last GamesCredit: GettyAccording to Malaysian sports officials, the under-fire Commonwealth Games Federation last month offered them the chance to stage the Friendly Games in the capital city Kuala Lumpur.It is claimed the offer includes “significant financial investment of £100million to support the local delivery and legacy planning” of the 2026 edition.Malaysia became the first Asian nation to host the 94-year-old event in 1998 when Australia topped the medal standing ahead of England.Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, said: “The last time Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Games was in 1998.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Thus the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia is of the opinion that the Government of Malaysia should consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the associated support and financial investment.“This will build on the success of Kuala Lumpur 1998 and put Malaysia back on to the world sporting map.“With the existing world-class facilities, Malaysia is well-equipped to host an international event of Commonwealth magnitude involving 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.“The hosting will involve minimal Government spending and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the country.Most read in Athletics“It will also elevate the standard of Malaysia sports much like the way it did in the aftermath of the 1998 Games.”Birmingham hosted the event in 2022 but since then the city council has effectively declared bankruptcy.Shaun Custis and Rob Maul discuss the rise of Luke Littler and what the future holds for Darts wonderkidAnd the £72million Alexander Stadium – the centrepiece for the athletics programme – has not been used for any other sporting events.UK Sport, the government agency responsible for masterminding major tournaments, has no plans to bid for either the 2026 or 2030 editions of the Commonwealths.A Commonwealth Games Federation spokesperson said: “The CGF is in advanced, confidential discussions with potential hosts to secure a solution for the 2026 Games that inspires athletes and helps transform the Games to a truly sustainable model.“These discussions follow our announcement to members at our General Assembly last November that £100million of financial and strategic support would be made available from the Victoria withdrawal settlement.“Malaysia has a fantastic track record of delivering sporting events and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur were hugely successful.“We are encouraged by their early concepts of building on this legacy through use of many of the same world class facilities.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We welcome innovative proposals and are in positive discussions with potential hosts.“We are committed to providing an update on the expedited process, and giving greater clarity to our stakeholders and athletes, as soon as possible.” More

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      I’m a porn icon dubbed the ‘Italian Stallion’ – I give my athletics ace son tips on how to beat performance anxiety

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      LEONARDO TANO’S porn-icon parents have helped him get his legs over – as a rising star of hurdles.Dad Rocco – dubbed the “Italian Stallion” – claims he gave the athletic all-rounder the heads-up on “how to fight performance anxiety”.Leonardo Tano is a bright young name in Hungarian sportCredit: Instagram @leonardotanoLeonardo and his brother Lorenzo flank parents Rocco and Rosa at a screening of new Netflix show Supersex at a Berlin film festivalCredit: ReutersDad Rocco, shown at his porn peak, has passed on tips such as self-belief to son LeonardoCredit: FacebookNow Leonardo, 24, is in pole position to exploit his versatile talents – as he has all the mental and physical attributes needed.Sports-wise, the part-time model eagerly plays the field – and the track.The social media influencer rode dirt bikes, was a karting champion and also ran before focusing on his main gift – hurdling.And thanks to some fatherly advice, he takes on all-comers with confidence as one of Hungary’s hottest prospects.Tano Senior, 59, who calls himself a sex addict, and wife Rozsa Tassi, 51, found fame via their screen names of Rocco Siffredi and Rosa Caracciolo.Rocco has appeared in more than 1,300 adult “movies” and features on Netflix show Supersex, which was released on Wednesday.But he is most proud of keeping his son on the straight and narrow in sport.The Daily Star report Rocco as having said: “I taught him how to fight performance anxiety.Most read in Athletics”Leonardo took all of my stubbornness. But in another area he uses his head much more, so to speak.”Tano Junior was a karting whizkid – until he grew too big.Five celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyLuckily, however, his 6ft4ins frame has proved ideal for the hurdles.And his dad loves the dedication Leonardo has shown in recent years, starting when he was a mechanical engineering student. He told Crush Fanzine at the time: “I try to play as many sports as I can. “My principal focus is track and field, which I do six times a week, resting on Sunday.”I would say I am sports addicted, as for me it is an important ingredient to my general health and happiness.”Instagram star Leonardo has branched out from his family’s fameCredit: Rex More

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      I’m an Olympic champion – now I’m earning a living selling pictures on OnlyFans ahead of Paris 2024

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      MATTY LEE is an Olympic gold medal champion who made a splash with Tom Daley in Tokyo.But ahead of the 2024 Paris Games, he is now earning a living by selling pictures on adult website OnlyFans.Matty Lee is making a living on OnlyFans after striking gold at the OlympicsCredit: Instagram / @mattydiverThe diver won at Tokyo 2020 alongside Tom DaleyCredit: EPALee, 26, is one of Team GB’s top stars after breaking on to the scene at the 2015 European Games.After winning gold there, he took silver at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships.And Lee clinched the top prize of all when he and Daley won gold in the synchro event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.The Leeds-born ace, coached by Jane Figueiredo, is now closing in on a spot at this summer’s Games in Paris.READ MORE IN OLYMPICSBut in the meantime, Lee is funding his dream by selling saucy snaps on OnlyFans.SunSport exclusively revealed in December that he is one of several male divers taking to the adult website to flog pictures to fans.Others who have joined OnlyFans include Daniel Goodfellow, Jack Laugher, Noah Williams, Robbie Lee and Matthew Dixon.Costing between £8 and £16 a month, Lee has been posting snaps online after joining the subscription-based service last year.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRevealing his move onto the platform, he said: “I have not been hacked, I have not been scammed, see for yourself.”On his OnlyFans bio, it reportedly adds: “Where you wanna see more of me.”I’m A Celeb’s Matty Lee and Naughty Boy take on ‘Gross Vegas’ trialThe pair are hoping to make it to Paris 2024Credit: Instagram / @mattydiverLee joined OnlyFans last yearCredit: Instagram / @mattydiverHe previously appeared on I’m a CelebCredit: Instagram / @mattydiverLee’s profile insists his pictures are SFW (Safe For Work)Credit: GettyAccording to Instinct Magazine, Lee also clarifies: “Remember I’m a Team GB diver not a (porn star).“So everything will be SFW (safe for work) and a place where I can interact with you all.”Lee’s journey into OnlyFans came after he appeared on I’m a Celeb in 2021.He lasted 18 days in the jungle and finished a respectable fifth. More