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

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    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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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      Who is John Jewett? Meet the Mr Olympia 2024 star

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      JOHN Jewett is a record breaking bodybuilder who has enjoyed a long and varied career in his chosen sport. The athlete will be taking on the Mr Olympia 2024 competition and hopes to win big.John has smashed powerlifting world recordsCredit: Instagram/johnjewett3Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of John’s biggest inspirationsCredit: GettyJohn uses his wealth of experience to educate hopeful bodybuilders and help them reach their potential.But John’s bodybuilding journey began with a different sport.Bodybuilding hopefulJohn first became interested in fitness at high school, where he was inspired by bodybuilding legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Platz. He began training and soon grew from 135lbs to 185lbs.However, John quickly became dissatisfied with powerlifting when he realised that he wanted a different physique.In order to get those gains, he switched to bodybuilding in college.He went to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, and, over his academic career, achieved a BS in exercise science and an MS in nutrition.I’m a 6-time Mr Olympia with 40 years in the industry – I never changed my routine & my quads have ‘still got it’ at 62Huge successJohn left behind his success in powerlifting, where he had smashed 12 world records, to fully embrace bodybuilding.Most read in AthleticsHe quickly began to win big and finished in 5th place at his professional debut, at the 2016 IFBB Europa Phoenix Pro.The bodybuilder entered the Mr Olympia contest for the first time in 2019 and stormed to a fourth place finish in the 212 category.John returned to the Mr Olympia stage in 2020, but sadly fell into 13th place.He wants to avenge this performance in 2024.John is not only known for his physique, but also his posesCredit: Instagram/johnjewett3Bodybuilding sage John is the founder of J3 University, which describes itself as “evidence based bodybuilding education”. The site hosts courses for different bodybuilding needs and even has a podcast that John hosts.It also focuses on teaching coaches, so they can deliver on more for their clients. John strict dietJohn has said that he previously ate anything that would leave him in a calorie surplus.This was because he needed lots of energy for his powerlifting competitions.Now, he focuses on being lean which requires a very different diet. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe eats turkey breast, fish, low-fat cheese, sweet potatoes, oats, and healthy oils.Not all bodybuilders follow this diet though, with Akim Williams choosing a diet solely focused on McDonalds. More

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      Olympics superstar Keely Hodgkinson reveals shock number of body piercings but says ‘I don’t wear them all now’

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      KEELY HODGKINSON has revealed the shock number of body piercings she has.However, the Olympics star admitted she does not wear them all these days.Keely Hodgkinson has revealed her shock number of body piercings in a fan Q&ACredit: GettyHodgkinson answered fan questions on Instagram during a flightCredit: instagram @keely.hodgkinsonHodgkinson was one of Team GB’s standout performers at the Paris Games earlier this summer.The 22-year-old claimed gold in the 800m at the Stade de France to add to her silver in Tokyo three years ago.She has since been ruled out for the rest of the year due to injury, but has maintained a busy lifestyle.Whilst killing time on a flight on Friday, Hodgkinson prompted fans for questions during an Instagram Q&A with her 521,000 followers.READ MORE IN SPORTAfter being asked if she has any piercings, the runner replied: “I don’t wear them all now but I have had over 15 piercings!!”The Q&A also saw Hodgkinson reveal she wanted to go into the army as a 16-year-old before her rise to the top of athletics.Meanwhile, she told fans her parents were her role models growing up and she plans to race the 1500m again one day.Away from athletics, Hodgkinson was also asked about her beloved Manchester United.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe explained that David Beckham is her favourite United player of all-time as she showed off a snap from a recent Old Trafford visit.Hodgkinson’s gold in Paris added to a pair of World Championship silver medals from 2022 and 2023.Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics The Olympics star explained ‘I don’t wear them all now’Credit: Instagram / @keely.hodgkinsonThe 22-year-old won gold in the 800m at the Paris Olympics this summerCredit: EPAHer golden celebrations later saw the Brit jet off to Marbella on holiday as she opted against attending the Closing Ceremony.Despite her injury lay-off, though, Hodgkinson has already been challenged to a race upon her return.Dutch hurdler Femke Bol has offered her the chance to face-off over 600m in the future.Bol won three medals in Paris, including gold in the 4x400m mixed relay.Hodgkinson has since been ruled out until 2025 with a ‘small injury’Credit: GettyShe has continued to live a glamorous lifestyle since her Olympic gloryCredit: instagram @keely.hodgkinson More

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      Team GB Olympics star Imani-Lara Lansiquot stuns in completely see-through dress at London Fashion Week after-party

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      TEAM GB star Imani-Lara Lansiquot dazzled in a see-through dress at London Fashion Week.The 26-year-old won silver in the 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games in Paris.Imani-Lara Lansiquot stunned in a see-through dressCredit: BackGridThe Team GB dazzled at an event to celebrate the end of London Fashion WeekCredit: BackGridShe has been labelled a ‘queen’ by adoring fansCredit: BackGridThe dress was designed by Han ChongCredit: BackGridLansiquot posed with Keely Hodgkinson and Katarina Johnson ThompsonCredit: Instagram @imanilaraBut she has now swapped sprinting on the track for strutting her stuff in the fashion world.Lansiquot was invited to a luxury party hosted by Burberry to celebrate the end of London Fashion Week.She stunned in a revealing outfit that was designed by Han Chong.And Lansiquot loved the look, writing on her Instagram page: “The dress of dreams. READ MORE IN ATHLETICS”Thank you to the best squad for making me feel so beautiful at the Burberry event yesterday evening. Loving being in my fashion era.”The figure-hugging outfit flaunted her incredible physique, with fans commenting: “Mindblowingly beautiful.”Another added: “Star girl.”A third said: “Queen inside and outside the track.”Most read in AthleticsLansiquot was joined at the event held at the Kensington Roof Gardens by fellow Team GB stars Keely Hodgkinson and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.The trio posed for selfies, with the snap captioned: “Track girlies absolutely do it best.”Golden girl Hodgkinson won the 400m in Paris and Johnson-Thompson got silver in the heptathlon.Ten things from the Olympics closing ceremony you may have missedImani-Lara Lansiquot (second left) with Team GB’s 4x100m relay teamCredit: AFP More

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      Usain Bolt’s No1 rival issues warning after 16-year-old sprint wonderkid Gout Gout beats Olympic legend’s record

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      JUSTIN GATLIN has warned that comparisons should not be drawn between his biggest rival Usain Bolt and new running wonderkid Gout Gout.Bolt is regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time after setting world records in the men’s 100m and 200m.Justin Gatlin reckons Gout Gout should not be compared to legendary sprinter Usain BoltCredit: GettyGout is already making waves in the sport at just 16 years of ageCredit: GettyThe Jamaican, who won EIGHT Olympic gold medals, ran a mind-boggling 9.58 seconds in the 100m in 2009.And the same year saw Bolt record a new world best of 19.19 in the 200m.Those records remain intact to this day, with new Olympic champ Noah Lyles winning gold in the 100m with a time of 9.79.But some spectators believe Bolt’s achievements could eventually be broken by a new kid on the block.READ MORE IN SPORTAustralian ace Gout is just 16 years old and has already broken Bolt’s world record for 200m at the U20 World Championships.He ran the distance in 20.60, beating Bolt’s record by one hundredth of a second.The youngster has also done 100m in just 10.2 seconds.And some feel Gout could be the man to set new standards in the sport.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut American icon Gatlin reckons nobody can come close to Bolt — and if they do, they will do it off their own steam.The former sprinter was one of Bolt’s fiercest rivals back in the day.Usain Bolt’s former rival reveals Olympics legend’s ‘bulls***’ tactic that showed ‘what he’s about’ mid-raceGatlin was Bolt’s main rival during their racing daysCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdGatlin won 100m Olympic gold at Athens in 2004 and was often within touching distance of Bolt.And he warned sprinting fans not to compare Gout with the Jamaican legend.Gatlin told the Ready Set Go podcast: “Looking at what Bolt did – and not taking anything away from Gout Gout or anybody else that’s doing their thing right now and dominating.“When Bolt was a junior, he had the junior world record, which at that point in time, in 2004, this dude ran 19 low nine. 19.93 was his record, bro.”If you put that against these guys today, he is eclipsing them.”To say that this person is the next and that person is the next, I feel like we give the microphone to the bandwagoners.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Stop putting these young athletes on a path that comes with a lot of stress and comes with a lot of pressure. Let them go out there and develop themselves. “If anything, let them say, ‘No, I’m Gout Gout, I’m about to be different. I’m [Letsile] Tebogo, I’m about to be different.” More

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      Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’

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      REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her ex-boyfriendCredit: AlarmyRebecca had competed at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: AFPWho was Rebecca Cheptegei? The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events. Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Read more in crimeShe sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei? Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.Most read in AthleticsShe was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024. According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital. The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence. There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei? The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to RebeccaCredit: AP: Associated PressThousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner. The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. “May her soul rest In Peace.”Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024. She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th. When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon. Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships More