Athletics

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Alisha Lehmann is sport’s most fancied star ahead of ‘world’s sexiest athlete and tennis player’ as study reveals top 10

      by

      ALISHA LEHMANN has been named sport’s most fancied star after a new study revealed the top 10.The Aston Villa star was ranked ahead of the “world’s sexiest athlete” Alica Schmidt and tennis player Camila Giorgi.
      Alisha Lehmann has been named sport’s most fancied starCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Research compiled by Spin Genie ranked female athletes based on the Google searches of their name followed by the word “hot”.
      Across the last two years, Lehmann came out on top with over 491,000 such searches for the Swiss forward.
      Here, we run down the top 10…
      1. Alisha Lehmann – 491,100
      Alisha Lehmann topped the list with 491,100 searchesCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann has over 13million Instagram followersCredit: Rex
      Lehmann boasts over 13.3million followers on her Instagram, where she shares snaps from training, matches and her life away from football.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      She set pulses racing earlier this month after she showed off her bum in a bikini as she soaked up the sun on holiday.
      The 24-year-old will be hoping to back on the pitch next month, with Switzerland beginning their Women’s World Cup campaign against The Philippines on July 21.
      2. Emma Raducanu – 360,360
      Emma Raducanu ranked second in the new studyCredit: Getty
      Emma Raducanu rose to fame by winning the US Open at just 18-years-oldCredit: Instagram @emmaraducanu
      Despite struggling with form and injuries in the last two years, Emma Raducanu still came in second in the rankings.
      The British tennis star rose to fame in 2021 by winning the US Open as a qualifier at just 18-years-old.
      Most read in Football
      Her maiden Grand Slam victory has seen her become a star in the United Kingdom and around the world.
      3. Camila Giorgi – 251,400
      Camila Giorgi is a lingerie model and tennis starCredit: Instagram / @camila_giorgi_official
      Camila Giorgi reached the second round at this year’s French OpenCredit: Getty
      Another tennis player completes the top three with Italy’s Giorgi amassing 251,400 searches.
      The 31-year-old, who is also a lingerie model, boasts 709,000 Instagram followers and often wows her fans with her posts.
      Giorgi recently appeared at the French Open but was knocked out in the second round at Roland Garros.
      4. Serena Williams – 249,500
      Serena Williams just missed out on the top threeCredit: instagram/serenawilliams
      Serena Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam championCredit: instagram/serenawilliams
      23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams narrowly misses out on the top three with just 1,900 less searches than Giorgi.
      Widely regarded as the greatest tennis player of all-time, Williams is one of the biggest sports stars on the planet.
      However, it is unclear if tennis fans will see the 41-year-old on the court again as she has not played a competitive match since last year’s US Open.
      5. Alex Morgan – 182,800
      Alex Morgan has modelled for magazine photoshootsCredit: Getty
      Two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan had 182,800 searchesCredit: Getty
      Alex Morgan is the second footballer to appear on the list as she rounds out the top five with 182,800 searches.
      The two-time World Cup winner is also a movie star and has appeared on numerous magazine front covers when she is not on the pitch.
      A one-time Tottenham Hotspur loanee, Morgan is also expected to star at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July.
      6. Maria Sharapova – 175,700 More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Athletics

      Triathlete slams ‘complete farce’ European Championship race in Hamburg as motorbike rider killed on ‘narrow’ circuit

      by

      A TRIATHLETE has labelled the European Championship a “complete farce” after a motorcyclist was killed following a collision with a competitor.The 70-year-old, who is yet to be named, was carrying an official race photographer on his motorbike in Hamburg.
      A motorcyclist passed away following a terrifying collisionCredit: https://twitter.com/marcuszek
      The motorbike is believed to have collided head-on with a cyclistCredit: https://twitter.com/marcuszek
      During the cycling portion of the race, the motorbike carrying the photographer was involved in a horrifying head-on collision with a competitor.
      The terrifying incident was picked up by television footage, with the athlete thrown off his bike and into the path of fellow competitors.
      Following the crash, organisers confirmed that the 70-year-old motorcyclist had been killed in the incident – but DIDN’T halt the race.
      The triathlete, 26, was rushed to hospital having been “seriously injured”.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      While the shocked photographer, 50, was also brought into hospital.
      In the immediate aftermath of the crash the race continued, albeit with triathletes being forced to take a diversion as cops entered the scene.
      Triathlete Jan Frodeno criticised race organisers after the event, telling Bild: “It was incredibly narrow, a complete farce. I was right next to it and saw the bike shatter into what felt like a thousand pieces.
      “I know that such things must always be covered by the media, but athletes’ safety should come first.”
      Most read in Athletics
      Fellow participant Timo Schaffer also slammed organisers, saying: “Unfortunately, the bike course was very full. It was therefore foreseeable that there could be accidents.
      “There were very, very many athletes on the second lap, with all the age groupers and the pros who had to overtake in the second row.
      “Sometimes there was no other way, even in the third row. Very, very many media bikes, few referee bikes.”
      The gruelling race consisted of a 26.2 mile run, 3.8km swim and 180km bike ride.
      It was covered by German TV, although coverage was interrupted as a mark of respect after the fatal crash.
      Following the incident, race organisers released a statement.
      It read: “It is with a heavy heart that we confirmed the passing of a motorcycle operator during the Ironman European Championship Hamburg.
      “At 36km of the Ironman Hamburg bike course, a credentialed motorcycle race vehicle collided with an age-group athlete who was riding on the racecourse in the opposite oncoming lane.
      “An event photographer on the motorcycle, who was also injured during the collision, has since been released from hospital. The race participant remains in hospital for further treatment.
      “We are devastated by this tragic accident.
      Read More on The Sun
      “On a day meant to be a celebration of the human spirit, we instead mourn the loss of a member of our triathlon community. Our sympathies are with all those affected.
      “Our priority always is ensuring the safety of our participants and those involved in the event. A police investigation is ongoing and we are co-operating with local authorities to understand the events that lead to the accident.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-FA Cup final stadium that once hosted Usain Bolt now abandoned and left to rot while covered in fox poo

      by

      A FORMER FA Cup final venue that also hosted Usain Bolt is now an abandoned stadium covered in fox poo.The National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace opened in 1964 in Crystal Palace Park, the same site where the Cup final was held between 1895 and 1914.
      The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has been left to rotCredit: The Times
      The FA Cup Final, with this snap from 1912, was played on the same venue from 1895 to 1915Credit: Hulton Picture Company
      Holes fill the spot on the track where Usain Bolt lined up to raceCredit: The Times
      The stands have been left covered in animal pooCredit: The Times
      The large sports centre and outdoor athletics stadium which had a 19,000 capacity ground hosted the London Grand Prix for over a decade before it was switched to the Olympic Stadium in 2012.
      Jamaican Olympic legend Bolt was one of the star names to have competed there in the past – but now the site has fallen into disrepair since its closure in November 2020.
      A report by The Times highlighted the shocking decline, although they report how The Mayor of London has committed millions to refurbishing the decaying National Sports Centre.
      The South London complex was closed in November 2022 over emergency safety concerns.
      READ MORE SPORT NEWS
      Concrete pillars holding up the floodlights were discovered to have been unsafe. 
      Although they have since been removed, the Olympic-sized swimming and diving pool there have remained closed since March 2020.
      Now after years of leakages on the indoor running track, which hosted its last grand prix in 2011, the outside stands are covered in bird, fox and rat excrement.
      And the start line where Bolt once lined-up to race is now peppered with holes. 
      Most read in Sport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Former British sprinter Donovan Reid now works as an athletics coach and has used the stadium for 30 years, and he says it has been “managed to disrepair”.
      He told BBC: “To categorise it as a bit of a mess, is like saying the pandemic was a cold. It’s more than a bit of a mess.
      “We would love it if work to make it safe can be done and then they can start its development.
      “What we don’t want is for someone to shut it down completely.
      “I have young athletes who I believe can make the Commonwealth, Olympic and World teams and their training is being stifled.”
      However, a glimmer of hope has now appeared for the historic venue after Sadiq Khan “authorised a sum said to be in single-figure millions to be spent over the next 12 months” on repairing the outdoor and indoor running tracks.
      And that figure will also lead to installing replacement floodlighting and upgrading other facilities, such as the main fitness gym.
      Khan said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is a historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which is in need of major investment and refurbishment.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I am completely committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come. While work continues apace on our vision for the long-term future of the centre, I am delighted to announce that we intend to make a number of early improvements that we hope will make a huge difference to users of the centre.
      “Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders — including sporting bodies and wider community groups — to deliver an outstanding venue that our capital and our country can be proud of.”
      Jamaican legend (second left) pictured in 2009 at the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace National Sports CentreCredit: PA:Press Association
      The stadium was closed in 2020 but has been promised funding to help restore itCredit: The Times
      The stadium has rusting fences and weeds growing between paving stonesCredit: Alex Terrell More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Former FA Cup final site that once hosted Usain Bolt now abandoned and left to rot while covered in fox poo

      by

      A FORMER FA Cup final venue that also hosted Usain Bolt is now an abandoned stadium covered in fox poo.The National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace opened in 1964 in Crystal Palace Park, the same site where the Cup final was held between 1895 and 1914.
      The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has been left to rotCredit: The Times
      The FA Cup Final, with this snap from 1912, was played on the same venue from 1895 to 1915Credit: Hulton Picture Company
      Holes fill the spot on the track where Usain Bolt lined up to raceCredit: The Times
      The stands have been left covered in animal pooCredit: The Times
      The large sports centre and outdoor athletics stadium which had a 19,000 capacity ground hosted the London Grand Prix for over a decade before it was switched to the Olympic Stadium in 2012.
      Jamaican Olympic legend Bolt was one of the star names to have competed there in the past – but now the site has fallen into disrepair since its closure in November 2020.
      A report by The Times highlighted the shocking decline, although they report how The Mayor of London has committed millions to refurbishing the decaying National Sports Centre.
      The South London complex was closed in November 2022 over emergency safety concerns.
      READ MORE SPORT NEWS
      Concrete pillars holding up the floodlights were discovered to have been unsafe. 
      Although they have since been removed, the Olympic-sized swimming and diving pool there have remained closed since March 2020.
      Now after years of leakages on the indoor running track, which hosted its last grand prix in 2011, the outside stands are covered in bird, fox and rat excrement.
      And the start line where Bolt once lined-up to race is now peppered with holes. 
      Most read in Athletics
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Former British sprinter Donovan Reid now works as an athletics coach and has used the stadium for 30 years, and he says it has been “managed to disrepair”.
      He told BBC: “To categorise it as a bit of a mess, is like saying the pandemic was a cold. It’s more than a bit of a mess.
      “We would love it if work to make it safe can be done and then they can start its development.
      “What we don’t want is for someone to shut it down completely.
      “I have young athletes who I believe can make the Commonwealth, Olympic and World teams and their training is being stifled.”
      However, a glimmer of hope has now appeared for the historic venue after Sadiq Khan “authorised a sum said to be in single-figure millions to be spent over the next 12 months” on repairing the outdoor and indoor running tracks.
      And that figure will also lead to installing replacement floodlighting and upgrading other facilities, such as the main fitness gym.
      Khan said: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is a historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which is in need of major investment and refurbishment.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I am completely committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come. While work continues apace on our vision for the long-term future of the centre, I am delighted to announce that we intend to make a number of early improvements that we hope will make a huge difference to users of the centre.
      “Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders — including sporting bodies and wider community groups — to deliver an outstanding venue that our capital and our country can be proud of.”
      Jamaican legend (second left) pictured in 2009 at the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace National Sports CentreCredit: PA:Press Association
      The stadium was closed in 2020 but has been promised funding to help restore itCredit: The Times More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      I was an Olympic sprinter but my career unravelled when a friend used my flat as a crack cocaine lab – he betrayed me

      by

      A FORMER Olympic sprinter has revealed how his career unravelled when a friend used his flat as a cocaine lab.Leon Reid, 28, said he felt deceived and betrayed by pal Romaine Hyman, 31, after being sentenced following a drugs bust.
      Leon Reid has revealed how his career unravelled when his friend used his flat as a cocaine labCredit: Police Handout
      The former athletics star once competed at the Tokyo Olympics
      The talented sportsman once represented Ireland at the 2021 Olympic games, reaching the semi-finals of the 200m.
      But he was given a suspended sentence in February last year after being found guilty of allowing his flat to be used for the production of crack cocaine.
      Speaking out about his ordeal, Reid told Sky News: “I put my trust in someone and an old training partner, an old friend.
      “I feel like I’ve got really taken advantage of, especially when I was at the height of my career.”
      Read More in Sports
      Running for Northern Ireland, his major event debut came in 2018 where he scooped Bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
      By 2020 he was preparing for the Olympics in Tokyo but had to change his routine after he was delayed by the pandemic.
      Lockdown saw him come back to England, returning to a flat in Bristol that he was subletting to a friend.
      Reid maintains while he was out training, Romaine was using the flat to produce crack cocaine.
      Most read in Athletics
      And he insists that the first he knew about it was when cops arrived.
      In May 2020, Reid was arrested as part of an operation led by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, taking down an encrypted communications service.
      The former Olympic star said: “It’s obviously really upsetting.
      “It’s been everything I’ve tried to get away from my whole life (drugs) and getting put back into that sort of that circle, it was just nothing that I had ever dreamed that I’d ever be involved in, ever.”
      While awaiting trial, he was still able to go to the Olympics – after appealing against an Irish deselection decision – and made the 200m semi-finals in Tokyo in 2021.
      But his trial last year saw a conviction for allowing his flat to be used for the production of cocaine and receiving payment, which text messages showed to be £500.
      Reid was ordered to carry out community service while Hyman was jailed for 26 years after being found guilty of 18 offences in the crackdown on his attempt to build a drugs empire.
      “I was there training for the Olympics. I was at the peak of my career,” Reid recalled.
      “I wasn’t really focused on my friend. He was doing his work-out in the apartment, which obviously he said it was forex trading and things like that, which I’ve got no interest in.”
      And Reid said his one-time friend was “making sure I was out of the apartment” before cooking drugs.
      ‘DESTROYED MY CAREER’
      He continued: “I was on a WADA drug list, so even if I touched a door handle that did have traces of drugs on, I would get a positive drug test and I would fail that, and I would lose my career. So I was in no position to risk that on any scale.”
      Reid maintains he was “too nonchalant about the whole situation” while doing a favour for a friend, insisting: “I didn’t need the money.”
      He had gained status, sponsors and success which all abandoned him after his conviction.
      A return to the Commonwealth Games was also blocked last year when he was deemed a security risk by Birmingham organisers.
      A regretful Reid said: “It destroyed my career. And also my reputation.”
      Now, he hopes to use his misfortune to help those still in professional sport by forming a mentoring business.

      “I fought my demons of the past two years,” Reid says.
      “I’ve had the no sleep nights and the cry myself to sleep. But now I’m looking forward to the future.”
      Reid said he was betrayed by friend Romaine Hyman who he had no idea was using his flat to cook drugsCredit: Police Handout
      Bands of cash were also found at the apartmentCredit: Police Handout More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Sir Mo Farah teases shock career change as Team GB Olympic legend reveals he was inspired after watching KSI

      by

      SIR MO FARAH revealed he wants to lace up the boxing gloves having been inspired by watching KSI fight. The long-distance runner has achieved it all on the track, winning gold at the world championship and Olympics.
      Sir Mo Farah is open to fighting in a boxing matchCredit: @SauerlandBros
      KSI during his fight with Joe FournierCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing

      But the Team GB legend is open to trying his hand at boxing as the rise in celebrity bouts continue to grow.
      Asked by KSI’s Misfits promotion if he would step in the ring, Farah responded: “One hundred per cent.
      “Listen, it depends, I would need to do a bit of training and get confidence but I would love to challenge myself maybe one day.”
      Farah, 40, was at Wembley Arena to watch YouTube star KSI fight businessman-turned boxer Joe Fournier.

      But the bout ended in controversy when KSI, 29, knocked out Fournier, 40, in the second round.
      What looked to be a textbook KO was later revealed on replays to have been caused by an accidental but illegal elbow.
      It left four-time Olympic champion Farah calling for a rematch.
      He said: “For me, it was a good fight but then obviously stuff changed so quickly. I didn’t even know what happened, I looked over and that was it.
      Most read in Boxing
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “It was amazing, again as I said overall, to see so many people I know, I’ve known Joe for many years, we went to the same school.
      “KSI, good friend. I could see a rematch coming up.”
      A fuming Fournier accused KSI of cheating after the result stood and threatened legal action.

      The Professional Boxing Association – who sanctioned the bout – have since confirmed an appeal has been lodged.
      And the result of Fournier’s appeal is set to be concluded by Friday.
      KSI knocked Joe Fournier out with an elbowCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing
      Joe Fournier has appealed the resultCredit: Leigh Dawney/Misfits Boxing More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Shaun Pickering dead at 61: Brit Olympian and son of BBC commentator dies as Greg Rutherford leads tributes

      by

      WELSH Olympian Shaun Pickering has died at the age of 61. Pickering was a shot put bronze medallist for Wales during the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
      Shaun Pickering has passed away aged 61Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Pickering won bronze at the 1998 Commonwealth GamesCredit: Allsport
      He was also an Olympian at the 1996 Atlanta games, where he finished 27th.
      Pickering’s best shot of 20.45 metres in 1997 still stands as a Welsh record and places him as sixth best in the across the UK.
      He also held the Welsh record for hammer throw, with a best distance of 68.84m
      Pickering later became UK Athletic’s national event coach for heavy throws.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      He was the son of the late BBC commentator Ron Pickering and former British Olympian Jean.
      Team GB long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford led the tributes online.
      Taking to Instagram, Rutherford said: “Incredibly sad news to wake up to.
      “Shaun was a really good man and a pillar of the athletics community.
      Most read in Athletics
      “He will be deeply missed.”
      In tribute, Welsh Athletics said: “Everyone at Welsh Athletics is sad to hear the news that ‘Hall of Fame’ inductee, multiple Welsh Champion and record holder Shaun Pickering has passed away.
      “Our thoughts are with Shaun’s friends and family at this sad time.”
      The Ron Pickering memorial fund, a charity aimed at helping aspiring British athletes which Pickering helped to build following his retirement, also paid a heartfelt tribute.
      They said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing today of our beloved Shaun Pickering.
      “Shaun did so much for athletics and to carry on the amazing legacy of his parents Ron and Jean.
      “All our hearts go out to Shaun’s family and friends at this dreadfully sad time 💔.”
      British Athletics also added: ” Everyone at @BritAthletics is so saddened to hear this news today.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Shaun loved the sport passionately and cared deeply for athletes and his many friends across the sport.
      “His work to continue the success of @RunforRon Fund supported so many athletes. RIP Shaun 🖤.” More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Athletics

      Women’s race organisers forced to apologise after winners are awarded ‘sexist’ prizes

      by

      RACE organisers have been forced to apologise after awarding “sexist” prizes to victorious athletes.The Carrera de la Mujer women’s race in Spain attracts around 30,000 participants annually.
      Serbian twin sisters Ivana Zagorac and Sladjana Zagorac came first and secondCredit: Getty
      Over 30,000 women participated in the raceCredit: Getty
      This year, winners were awarded with kitchen appliances and low-fat products.
      Upon receiving a public backlash, red-faced organisers of the Madrid event insisted the prizes weren’t designed to be sexist – but apologised “if anyone was offended”.
      An official statement read: “We understand that, seen from a biased perspective, it can generate some controversy, and we apologise if this has been the case and if any woman may have felt offended.
      “But it is a product that we consider not to have a sexist character and that it is ideal for any sportsperson who want to improve their nutritional habits.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “In any case, we accept the criticism, we reiterate our apologies if anyone has been offended, and we promise to take measures necessary to avoid this controversy in the future.”
      Spanish secretary of state for equality Angela Rodriguez Pam posted a scathing tweet following the gaffe.
      She wrote: “If you win: housewife and if not at least you’ll lose weight.”
      The picturesque 4.3 mile race zags through Madrid’s historic streets.
      Most read in Athletics
      It was won this year by Serbian Ivana Zagorac.
      While her twin sister Sladjana came in second.
      The event took place on Spanish Mother’s Day – and was designed to support victims of domestic violence and cancer survivors. More