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    Brit athletics champion, 81, is a MONK who took 70 YEARS to claim first gold after ‘nearly collapsing’ on first run

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    A MARATHON monk has become a British athletics champion after SEVENTY YEARS despite “nearly collapsing” on his first run.Father John Gribben is a sprightly 81 years old and can now claim to be top of his field after winning a gold medal at the British Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships.A sprightly elderly monk has become a gold medal British athletics championCredit: GuzelianFather John Gribben, 81, is known as the ‘sprinting monk’Credit: GuzelianHe took home top prize in the 400m sprintCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceWhen he’s not running, Gribben works in his West Yorkshire parishCredit: SWNSKnown as the “sprinting monk” among parishioners, he won the 400 metre dash in two minutes, three seconds and 190 milliseconds.Gribben also secured bronze medals in the 60 metre and 200 metre events in London.But it took him 70 long years to finally achieve running stardom, with Gribben’s first attempt at the sport coming in the 1950s.That didn’t exactly go to plan, with octogenarian admitting he could barely stand up straight after a half-mile effort.READ MORE IN ATHLETICSHe told The Times: “I nearly collapsed after that first run. I said, ‘I’m not a runner’, but I never stopped after it.”Gribben started to master the art of running when he moved to Mirfield, West Yorkshire, in 1979 — where he remains to this day.And like any good athlete, Gribben dedicates himself to a gruelling mid-week training schedule.He explained: “Three nights at least of a 5km run, most days I’ll do a 60 metre sprint, and then the other things are an hour at the local gym a couple of days a week.”Most read in AthleticsThe Belfast native, who attended a theological college in Dublin, mainly gets his racing kicks at Greenhead Park’s Parkrun in Huddersfield.He’s since completed over 250 events, boasting an impressive 5km personal best of 26 minutes.I’m a parkrun fanatic – here are my top 10 tips for first-timers as the event turns 20Gribben, who takes TWO buses to reach the course, started attending when he was nearly 70 years old.He now runs 5km in around 40 minutes, and those Saturday morning slogs finally paid dividends when he clinched gold at the Masters.Gribben also revealed the spiritual kick he gets from running, adding: “There’s something in the spring, you hit one point where it is ecstasy, you’re outside yourself almost, when you hit that speed that carries you the last whatever you need to get to the line.“Sometimes I just say to my saviour, ‘Well I’ll run if you run with me’.“I don’t know that I get an answer but… I start putting on my trainers and it feels good to do.” More

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      ‘Chosen the wrong sport’ – Fans stunned at how sprinter finished race after falling over final hurdle

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      A HURDLER stunned fans with her epic finish to a race – despite falling over the final hurdle.And supporters joked she has chosen the wrong sport.Brooklyn Anderson had a commanding lead in her 100m hurdles raceCredit: XShe clipped the final hurdle and fell to the groundCredit: XShe brilliantly went straight into a forward rollCredit: XAnderson then did a second roll to cross the lineCredit: XBrooklyn Anderson of Thurston High School lined up in the Track Town USA Girls 5A 100m hurdles final at the track and field championships in Oregon.And she opened up a commanding lead across the first nine hurdles in lane four. However, disaster appeared to strike at the tenth and final jump.Some of her rivals were yet to make the ninth hurdle when she took off for the last time.READ MORE ON SPORTBut Anderson clattered into the hurdle and despite her best effort, could not keep her footing.Instead, she crashed to the track as her rivals closed in on her.It looked for the world as though Anderson’s dreams of victory had been shattered.But then came her moment of sheer genius inspiration.Most read in AthleticsAnderson’s quick thinking saw her take the fall in her stride and produce the smoothest forward roll somersault on the track within her lane. However, when she finished the roll she was still a couple of metres short of the line.So Anderson did another full somersault to roll over the line – just in front of her nearest challenger in the next lane who had cut the gap. Incredibly, Anderson still crossed the line in a rapid 14.93 seconds to claim victory. The champion said: “I wasn’t sure how far back everyone else was behind me. “I just knew I had to keep rolling to keep going, because I wanted to get first.”‘DISRESPECTFULLY FAST’And fans flooded social media with adoration for her superb feat of spontaneity. One fan joked: “Brooklyn Anderson was so far ahead, she could trip, do two somersaults, stop for a smoothie, update her LinkedIn, and still cross the finish line before anyone else even realised the race had started. Now that’s disrespectfully fast!Another said: “Champion mentality.”And a third commented: “The double rolly polly finish, think this sprinter has chosen the wrong sport – gymnastics.”But one user later explained that Anderson was indeed a former gymnast – hence the acrobatic expertise. He wrote: “Well deserved.Read More on The Sun”Brooklyn Anderson, a former gymnast, had a strong lead when she clipped her knee on the last hurdle.”Thanks to her quick thinking, Anderson decided to somersault through the finish line, barely beating the competition.” More

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      Transgender athlete, 17, tells critics to ‘get a life’ as they are booed after winning girl’s state track race

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      TRANSGENDER athlete Veronica Garcia has told their detractors to “get a life” after being booed at a state track championship in Washington.The 17-year-old blew away their 400m rivals by a whole second and played a big role in their East Valley of Spokane team-mates winning the 4x100m relay race.Veronica Garcia was subjected to a torrent of boos during a Washington state track meetCredit: runnerspaceFor the second year in a row, Garcia, the first transgender athlete in the state of Washington to win a track title, was heckled by track goers.The Seattle Times claims scores of attendees booed when Garcia – who is permitted to compete against biological females as students in Washington state can participate in sports based on their gender identity – stood on the podium after cheering loudly for their counterparts.That wasn’t the only backlash Garcia had to deal with as a man wearing a ‘Save women’s sports’ t-shirt – shouted: “Let go, girls!”The man, who made his feelings known during the warm-up, also shouted: “Girls’ race!”READ MORE IN SPORTGarcia fully “expected” to be hounded given the reception they received last year.But unlike last year, they had a defiant message for the minority in attendance who targeted them.Garcia said: “It maybe didn’t have their intended effect.”It made me angry, but not angry as in, I wanted to give up, but angry as in, I’m going to push.Most read in AthleticsVeronica Garcia blew away rivals in the 400m by a whole secondCredit: X@RILEY_GAINES_”I’m going to put this in the most PG-13 way, I’m just going to say it’s a damn shame they don’t have anything else better to do. “I hope they get a life. But oh well. It just shows who they are as people.” Garcia could care less about her critics, insisting: “I’m really proud of myself.”I did what I came to do, and that’s good enough for me.” Garcia pipped Lauren Matthew to victory in the 400m, although their rival insisted they were the “real champion” with a homemade sign.Garcia also had to endure a rival school wearing tees which read ‘Keep Women’s Sports Female’ before and after the 4x400m relay. More

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      Mum breastfeeds her six-month-old baby as she runs ultramarathon up and down seven mountains and WINS epic 100km race

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      AN ULTRA-MARATHON runner has won an epic 100km race – whilst stopping to BREASTFEED along the way. Stephanie Case, 43, took on the gruelling Ultra-Trail Snowdonia race in Wales on May 17.Stephanie Case returned to run her first ultramarathon in three year earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM @theultrarunnergirlThe 43-year-old recently became a mum and somehow won despite stopping to breastfeed her daughterCredit: INSTAGRAM @theultrarunnergirlCase had not raced in three years before lining up on the start line for the outrageous physical test.It was the first time the human rights lawyer from Canada had run competitively since the birth of her daughter Pepper in November.And she wasn’t about to let the race get in the way of the six-month-old’s meal times. Case’s partner John met her at checkpoints throughout the race, handing the 43-year-old food to refuel.READ MORE ON SPORTWhile Stephanie would also feed Pepper before getting back into her running. She said: “It was truly like riding a bike – every kilometre that passed reminded me that I hadn’t lost a thing over the last three years.”In fact, I have gained way more joy and strength from this sport as a mum than I ever did before. “While it broke my heart to leave little Pepper at the aid stations, I wanted to show her – both of us – how amazing mum runners can be.”Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAfter starting 30 minutes behind the elite runners, Case had no idea she had crossed the finish line in the fastest time. She laughed: “The race officials came to me and they were like, ‘You actually won.’ Moment Scot crosses finish line as he completes 32 ultramarathon challenge”They asked me ‘Can you run through the tape again for the cameras?'”Case added: “I’m not extraordinary.”I had a baby, I ran a race. It should be a totally normal thing.”Everyone has an opinion about what new mums should or shouldn’t be doing, and that doesn’t open up a lot of. space for out there ideas like running an ultra. “I’m lucky to be physically okay after childbirth. Others aren’t so lucky.”There is no ‘comeback’ after childbirth. There is just the next phase. “And whatever it looks like, whether on or off the trail, it’ll be right for you.” More

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      Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs

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      THE first edition of the Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026.The controversial sporting event – which is backed by businessman Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President – will encourage its athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs to break existing world records on the track, in the pool and in the gym.Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claims to have broken the 50m freestyle world recordCredit: X @enhanced_gamesGkolomeev was awarded $1million after taking performance enhancing drugsCredit: X @enhanced_gamesIt will be held annually and will initially consist of three sports – short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.Competitors will be permitted to use substances that are banned from elite sport – and there are significant cash bonuses available for those who produce “truly superhuman performance”.Organisers say the Enhanced Games will “move humanity forward” and “to redefine what mankind can be with audacity” – and to create “the next era of human potential”.They claim that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who was fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, swam 20.89 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle time trial in the US in February.READ MORE ON SPORTThis is 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009.Separately, the Bulgarian-born star swam 21.03 seconds “in jammers”, which was 0.01 seconds faster than American Caeleb Dressel’s 2019 mark.For “breaking two world records” and becoming the “fastest swimmer in history” he has received a £1million bonus but World Aquatics, the sport’s governing body, will not recognise his achievements.Their big goal is to find someone who can run faster than Jamaican sprinting sensation Usain Bolt, whose 100 metres world record time of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, stands as the benchmark of athletic endeavour.Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, then the individual runner will earn $1million.At a glitzy launch in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, president of the Enhanced Games Dr Aron D’Souza – an Australian entrepreneur and lawyer – said: “The world is hungry for something new.Fury after three-time Olympic swimming medallist is offered $1m to break records while ‘juiced to the gills’“A new vision of sport, of science and of human potential.“We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential.“The idea came to life in 2022 during a moment of reflection where I found myself asking: ‘Why are athletes still bound by outdated rules that ignore everything we know about science?’“I imagined a new kind of competition where science, sport and society could evolve together. Where we stop apologising for progress, and start to embrace it.“A platform that celebrates human innovation, rewards excellence and explores enhancements openly, responsibly and ethically.“Make no mistake, in 50 years we’ll look back and realise that biology was never the ceiling.This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.Maximilian Martin, Deputy president of the Enhanced Games“We will be faster, stronger, younger for longer and wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science. The old rules didn’t just hold back athletes – they held back humanity.“We are the vanguard of super-humanity. This is disruption by design.”D’Souza says there will be a “performance enhancement protocol” where all athletes are enhanced “ethnically, safefully and above all, with great safety and effectiveness”.Two commissions – “one medical, one scientific” – will be established to assist coaches and athletes, whilst also developing and marketing “new drug compounds” for the American public to purchase.Las Vegas will stage the first Games on the Memorial Weekend of May 24-26, 2026 at Resorts World.Maximilian Martin, deputy president of the Enhanced Games, expects about 100 athletes to join next year, including finalists at the Paris Games and world-record holders.He said: “Our medical framework is built to the highest standards in sport.“The main difference to traditional testing is that we don’t make a decision for athletes which substances they can or cannot take – as long as it is inherent with the law.“We care about athletes’ safety and health while being at the peak level of athletic performance. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.”The idea behind the Enhanced Games has received widespread criticism for potentially endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play.Anyone that signs up for the unprecedented concept will find that they cannot compete at the LA 2028 Olympics for their country or at the world championships in their respective sports.Speaking in Glasgow in February 2024, World Athletics chief Seb Coe – a two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion – said: “Well, it’s b******s isn’t it? I can’t really get excited about it.Read More on The Sun“There’s only one message, and that is if anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they’ll get banned for a long time.“But I really don’t get sleepless nights about it. It’s not going to be a page turner.” More

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      Abandoned iconic UK stadium left to rot with track ripped up 110 years after hosting FA Cup final

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      AN ICONIC athletics stadium that formerly hosted the FA Cup final is being given a new lease of life. Crystal Palace National Sports Centre fell into disrepair after closing almost four years ago. Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has been closed for almost four yearsCredit: The TimesThe stadium has fallen into a state of disrepairCredit: The TimesThe athletics track is in dire need of repair and has been ripped up in partsCredit: The TimesThe diving and Olympic swimming pools lie emptyCredit: The TimesNature has begun to claim back certain areas of the facilityCredit: GettyThe South London complex was shut in November 2022 following unexpected safety concerns. Concrete pillars holding up the floodlights were discovered to have been unsafe. Prior to 2012, the 19,000-capacity ground hosted the London Grand Prix before the event was switched to the nearby London Stadium.The FA Cup final was also held on the same site between 1895 and 1914, with the current stadium opened at the same address in 1964.READ MORE ON SPORTFollowing its surprise closure, the site quickly grew into a state of disrepair.The running track was partially ripped up, with the scoreboard and stands littered with fox and rat poo. An Olympic-sized swimming and diving pool on the site has also been closed.The move has frustrated local coaches, who maintain the facilities must reopen to help train new talent. Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKJohn Powell, chair of Crystal Palace Sports Partnership, told the Guardian: “At the moment you’ve got an indoor track with rats on it and pigeon excrement all over the place. “There are trees growing out of the West Stand and then there was the floodlight farce, which meant no one can train there after dark now.  Former top flight stadium left abandoned and overgrown just two years after club last played a game there”London is the only capital city in Europe that doesn’t have a dedicated athletics centre. “Crystal Palace is the most accessible athletics stadium in the country so it’s a total joke what has been allowed to happen.”Extra funding has now been provided to restore Crystal Palace to its former glory.Track repair at the site began in late 2023, with more work expected in the coming yearCredit: x/CPSP2020The facility is set for a phased reopening between 2027 and 2028Credit: The TimesThe track has now been relayed, while the reopening of the 50m and diving pools remains the key priority for the project. London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, Thomas Turrell, said: “The phased target openings for facilities across the estate remain for 2027 and 2028. “The project is currently at the mid-point of the contractor procurement process, aiming to have a contractor on board by Spring 2025. “A planning submission will follow later in the year with works programmed to start on site in 2026.“I am pleased to this project developing. While there is still a lot to do, and I know local people are keen to see the pool in particular opened as soon as possible, it is good to see progress finally being made. Read More on The Sun”The Centre has been forgotten for too long and I am really excited by this plan. “It is time to bring UK athletics home to Crystal Palace!” More

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      Female London Marathon runner hits back after she is cruelly mocked over ‘bikini’ outfit

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      A LONDON MARATHON runner hit back at trolls after being mocked over her ‘bikini’ outfit.British athlete Holly Archer competed in the Women’s Elite category in London – her first competitive marathon.Holly Archer hit back at trolls who criticised her trunksCredit: INSTAGRAMThe British athlete completed her first marathon in 2hr39Credit: GettyArcher is a former European Indoor 1,500m silver medalistCredit: INSTAGRAMShe achieved a time of two hours and 39 minutes, but some people were more concerned with how the former European Indoor 1,500m silver medallist was dressed.Archer, 31, wore small briefs that are known as ‘run buns’ within the industry.Many on TikTok criticised her choice of clothing and Archer called out some sexist comments.She shared a video on the platform in which she posted many of the remarks thrown her way.READ MORE IN SPORTArcher responded with the caption: “Should I have worn a tracksuit?”A voiceover played in the video which said: “F*** the f***ing lot of you.”Some even used the video as another opportunity to post snarky comments.One read: “But why are you running in Speedos?”Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Crazy how the guys can do this not in a bikini.”And a third wrote: “There are lots of shops in London you should check them out they have loads of clothes.”Moment protesters storm elite men’s race at London Marathon before being tackled to ground in dramatic footageArcher did receive some support however, with one person saying: “If I had abs like yours I would wear that daily. Not just on race days!”Another wrote: “I’m confused. Is this the first time people have seen pro athletes? 🤔” More

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      Former Olympic medallist Fred Kerley arrested for ‘punching ex in the face’ as he withdraws from Grand Slam Track

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      AMERICAN sprinter Fred Kerley withdrew from the Grand Slam Track after being arrested for allegedly punching a former girlfriend in the face.The 2022 world 100 metres champion had been due to run twice in the second leg of Michael Johnson’s new track league in Miami.Fred Kerley won an Olympic 100m silver in 2020 and a bronze in 2024Credit: ReutersHe is alleged to have assaulted US hurdler Alaysha JohnsonCredit: AFPKerley was due to have run against Britain’s Zharnel HughesCredit: GettyBut the two-time Olympic 100 metres medallist was detained by police last Thursday.it follows allegations he attacked Texan hurdler Alaysha Johnson, 28, at a South Florida hotel.CBS News Miami reported that 29-year-old Kerley, 29, was charged with battery.And at his bond court appearance on Friday, he was granted a $1,000 bond.READ MORE IN SPORTRichard Cooper, Kerley’s attorney, said: “We ask Fred’s sponsors, fans, and the public for patience and respect as we let the State Attorney conduct his investigation.“We are confident that this case will be summarily dismissed shortly.”Kerley was set to run against Britain’s Zharnel Hughes over both sprint distances but he was absent from the start lines.It is not known if he will run in legs three and four in Philadelphia and LA.Most read in AthleticsPolice issued this picture of top athlete KerleyCredit: ReutersA spokesperson for the Grand Slam Track said: “Fred Kerley was arrested (on Thursday).“The matter is under active investigation, and all inquiries should be directed to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.“Fred will not compete this weekend. We have no further comment at this time.” Texan star Kerley has personal bests of 9.76secs and 19.76s for the 100m and 200m respectively.He’s also clocked the 10th fastest 400m in history, with 43.64s. More

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      How many people are running the London Marathon 2025?

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      THE London Marathon is officially the most popular marathon event on the planet.The 2025 iteration of the London Marathon has already broken records, and looks set to break another one before on Sunday.John Terry will run the London Marathon alongside Jody MorrisCredit: GettyAlex Yee will take part in the race, just under a year after winning gold in Paris at the OlympicsCredit: Adam Davy/PA WireRomesh Ranganathan is back for another year of racing in the London Marathon 2025Credit: AlamyFormer Chelsea captain John Terry is one of a number of ex-footballers running the marathon, a list including Jack Wilshere and Jody Morris. Olympic gold medallist and world triathlon champion Alex Yee will make his marathon debut, after winning a stunning gold in Paris last summer.YouTube fitness coach and TV presenter Joe Wicks will also be taking part in the London Marathon, returning for the first time since 2015, an experience he described as “one of the most painful I’ve ever had.”Read more London MarathonEilish McColgan is also making her marathon debut, and is aiming to set a Scottish record, and beating her mother Liz McColgan’s record and personal best of 2:26:52 from 1997.The route will see runners start at Greenwich Park and end on The Mall, running past Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on their way to the finish line.How many people are running the London Marathon 2025?While there is not an exact figure, a record breaking 56,000+ are expected to run and finish the London Marathon. This would surpass the 55,646 finishers at the New York Marathon in 2024.Most read in AthleticsA world record 840,000 people entered the ballot for the London Marathon 2025, making it the most popular marathon on the planet. When does London Marathon 2025 start?There are four different start times to look out for on Sunday, April 27:8:50am BST – elite wheelchairs9:05am BST – elite women9:35am BST – elite men9:35am-11:30am BST – mass eventChina races robots in Beijing half marathonHow to watch London Marathon 2025 for FREELondon Marathon 2025 LIVE coverage comes on BBC One, with coverage between 8:30am and 2pm BST on Sunday, April 25. Coverage will switch from BBC One to BBC Two for an hour between 2pm and 3pm BST. The BBC iPlayer will also over different coverage options for friends and family members who want to tune in:
      8:45am – 3pm BST: uninterrupted coverage10:30am – 3:30pm BST: Tower Bridge camera12:30pm – 5pm: finishing-line cameraBBC Two will have a highlights show between 6pm – 7pm BST. More