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      Natalie Curtis dead at 34: Tributes paid to Paralympic hero who was part of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad

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      NINTCHDBPICT000795388100Credit: FacebookFORMER Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34.
      The Australian was a member of her country’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics.
      Paralympic star Natalie Curtis has died suddenly aged 34Credit: Facebook
      She was was a member of Australia’s wheelchair basketball squad ahead of the 2021 Tokyo ParalympicsCredit: Facebook
      Curtis, who was the mother of one young son, died on February 5 but her cause of death has not been made public knowledge.
      Her sister, Emma, announced the shocking news on Facebook.
      She wrote: “If you knew Natalie, you would know she was the most beautiful, kind and talented person.
      “She was a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a mother to a beautiful little boy.
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      “Everyone who knew her loved her instantly, she had such a kind soul and would do anything for the people she cared for most.”
      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
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      Curtis was born with spina bifida but was heavily involved in sport from an early age.
      After developing a love of swimming, she tragically gave it up after her younger sister drowned in the family pool.
      Aged 14, she then took up wheelchair basketball and went on to claim a silver medal at the 2013 Japan Oceania Championships.
      Curtis would go on to represent Australia in wheelchair basketball as she became a huge name as an avid disability activist.
      She went viral online in October after revealing how she was forced to crawl off a plane when Jetstar staff couldn’t provide her with a wheelchair.
      The much-loved star, who suffered five spinal fractures following a car accident after returning from the Japan Oceania Championships in 2013, also trained and coached a wheelchair basketball team.
      Not-for-profit organisation Sporting Dreams paid tribute to Curtis in a statement.
      They wrote: “A young soul taken too soon. She was so much more than an athlete.
      Read More on The Sun
      “A vibrant human being, wife, mother to a small boy, business founder and manager of her own company supporting people with disabilities.
      “Someone who leads by example. RIP Natalie.”
      A host of tributes have been made following the shock newsCredit: Facebook More

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      Who was Linford Christie’s coach Ron Roddan?

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      RON RODDAN is one of the most iconic coaches in British athletics history.He most famously coached Linford Christie to Olympic 100 metres gold in 1992 at the Barcelona Olympics.
      Ron Roddan and Linford Christie were inseparable as coach and athleteCredit: Rex
      Roddan coached many household names in the vibrant athletics scene of the 1980s and 1990s, when it was one of the most-watched sports on TV.
      He also oversaw the careers of Katherine Merry and Darren Campbell when they won medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
      Who was Ron Roddan?
      Ron Roddan was a Civil Service lab assistant until he started coaching in athletics in 1979.
      He made his name as a sprint coach at Thames Valley Harriers.
      Roddan met Christie at West London Stadium – a track that would later be named after the champ himself.
      He became part of the furniture in the London athletics scene and slowly coaxed the best of out Christie’s abilities.
      It was Christie who claimed silver in the 100m behind Carl Lewis at the most infamous race of all time – the 1988 Olympic final in Seoul.
      Christie thought he had claimed bronze, only for Canadian winner Ben Johnson to be disqualified after the final.
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      Four years later Christie went to Barcelona as a contender and was second fastest going into the final.
      But he won the Olympic gold in 9.96 seconds – a race Roddan infamously missed because he had hurt his ankle.
      He watched the race on a TV in the warm-up area instead.
      When did Ron Roddan die?
      Christie announced on his Instagram page that Roddan had passed away.
      He posted a picture of them together with the words: “Broken R I E P RON “Rocket” RODDAN.
      His agency Nuff Respect then confirmed the news, that he died in the early hours of February 10, 2023.
      A statement said: “It is with deep sadness that we heard the news that the amazing and irreplaceable Ron Roddan passed away in the early hours of this morning.

      “Ron was a valued coach at Thames Valley Harriers which came to be his second home, but his relationships reached far beyond West London.
      Read More on The Sun
      “His coaching achievements are too many to mention but the most obvious is the Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European medals that Linford won with Ron by his side and the Olympic medals won by Katherine Merry and Darren Campbell at the Sydney Olympics.
      “Ron was devoted to his athletes, brutally honest, pushing them to their absolute best. This most modest of men was at his happiest with a stopwatch in his hand, standing trackside.” More

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      Meet Tanja Lamby, the stunning high jump athlete taking TikTok by storm who fans can’t get enough of

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      TANJA LAMBY is the stunning high jump athlete taking TikTok by storm.The Cypriot has already represented her country on the world stage, and is only just getting started.
      Tanja Lamby has been taking TikTok by stormCredit: https://www.instagram.com/despoina.charalambous/
      Tanja is also known as Despoina CharalambousCredit: https://www.instagram.com/despoina.charalambous/
      Tanja competed at last year’s Commonwealth GamesCredit: AFP
      Lamby, 22, was part of the Cyprus team that competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year.
      And she was full of praise for the atmosphere provided by England’s second city.
      She said: “(There was an) Incredible atmosphere and [I made] memories I will never forget!”
      Born Despoina Charalambous, she is sometimes known as Tanja Lamby for short.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      And videos of her competing have gone viral on TikTok, with fans on the platform instantly taking a shine to her.
      One wrote: “Wonderful.”
      A second added: “You shine.”
      Tanja has always shown plenty of ambition in her field.
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      While making her way through the high jumping ranks in 2021, she wrote on Instagram: “Ending the season with a memorable experience I will never forget.
      “I can always be better, go higher, achieve more, but I can’t be anything less than satisfied with myself and my performance.
      “I keep the 9th place u23 in Europe, the lessons I learnt and have to work on and the memories that will forever be with me.
      “I want to thank my coach @charalambousagni, my family and friends for the support. Thank you Tallinn. It was unreal!”
      Tanja’s coach, Agni Charalambous, 47, also represented Cyprus on the world stage.
      Agni is a former national champion, and also took part in the 2000 Sydney Olympics – just four months after Tanja was born.
      The 22-year-old has over 24,000 followers on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/despoina.charalambous/
      The Cypriot likes to relax by the sea in her spare timeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/despoina.charalambous/
      She placed ninth in the Mediterranean GamesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/despoina.charalambous/
      Tanja often updates her fans on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/despoina.charalambous/ More

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      World’s oldest surviving Olympian who competed at London Games in 1948 dies aged 107

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      THE world’s oldest surviving Olympian has died at the age of 107.Felix Sienra passed away in his sleep on Monday, his family confirmed.
      The world’s oldest living Olympian has died aged 107Credit: .
      Felix Sienra starred for Uruguay at the 1948 Olympic GamesCredit: .
      Sienra, also a doctor of law, was a legendary sailor for his native Uruguay.
      And he represented his country at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, coming second in Race 2 of the Firefly class and sixth overall.
      Daughter Magdalena said: “He took off the captain’s armband and got out of the boat.”
      Sienra only turned 107 on January 21st.
      READ MORE ON OLYMPICS
      And at the start of the year he gave an interview declaring he still felt in good health.
      Sienra said: “I feel good, I feel fit. But I don’t get into a sailing boat anymore.
      “The last time I did that was when I turned 100. At that time we made a multi-day trip to a paradise island.”
      Tributes have now poured in, with one person saying: “A friend tells me that Dr. Felix Sienra, a Uruguayan sailor who finished 6th in the 1948 London Olympics, died at the age of 107. RIP.”
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      Another added: “RIP Felix, the oldest living Olympian.”
      Meanwhile, Euro Weekly adds Sienra was possibly the last “surviving contemporary witness” who saw Uruguay’s 4-2 win over Argentina in the first-ever World Cup final in 1930.
      Reflecting on the event, Sienra also said this month: “I then celebrated the win with friends. We grilled fish and drank a lot of wine. That night was the first and last time I got really drunk.”
      Sienra’s death now means that German Willy Busing is now the oldest living Olympian at 101.
      The eventing rider won silver and bronze at the 1952 Games in Helsinki, and turns 102 on March 2nd. More

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      ‘World’s sexiest athlete’ Alica Schmidt broke down in tears after being named in Forbes 30 under 30 list

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      ALICA SCHMIDT broke down in tears after she was named in the Forbes 30 under 30 list.The “World’s sexiest athlete” has grown her profile through her on-track activities and her presence as an influencer online.
      Alica Schmidt was named in the Forbes 30 under 30 listCredit: Instagram_@alicasmd
      She found out on her birthdayCredit: Instagram_@alicasmd
      The German runner – who is widely described at the World’s sexiest athlete – found out the news on her birthday.
      Schmidt revealed that she was told by her manager and that it was a “special moment” in her life.
      She told Gala: “The list was published on my birthday and when my manager called me to say I was in it brought tears to my eyes.
      “It was a special moment in my life.”
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      People on the Forbes 30 under 30 list are judged to be changing the world in their respective area.
      In the same interview, the 24-year-old admitted that she is aiming to compete in the Paris Olympics in 2024.
      When asked if she would still be competing in ten years time, Schmidt added: “Then I’ll be 34 years old and I think it will be difficult to continue doing competitive sports.
      “As of now, I want to do sports until 2028.
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      “My goal is the Olympic Games in Paris next year – and then we’ll see.
      “The most important thing is of course that I stay healthy until then and don’t lose the fun in sport.
      “I leave everything else open and see where it takes me.” 
      She is a German track runnerCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Schmidt is often considered the ‘World’s sexiest athlete’Credit: Instagram / @alicasmd More

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      Olympic star Lolo Jones tells of horrific stalking hell after being harassed by three men who broke into training centre

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      OLYMPICS star Lolo Jones has revealed details of her horrific stalking hell.The American athlete, 40, bravely shared details of the harassment by three men – including one who broke into the training centre and another who came to her house.
      Lolo Jones took to Instagram to reveal her struggle with stalkersCredit: Instagram
      The American athlete appeared at three Olympic GamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jones went public with her painful ordeal to highlight her own struggles and also to help other people stay safe and protected.
      The sprinter, hurdler and bobsled ace wrote to her 569,000 Instagram followers: “In the last year, I’ve had three different male stalkers.
      “Three times now where guys have crossed the line, jeopardized my and my friends’ safety and altered my life.
      “One guy broke into the Olympic training center and stayed overnight in hopes to find me.
      READ MORE ON ATHLETICS
      “Another guy has continued to harass my friends in attempts to reach me.
      “And lastly, a guy stalked my house and told the police he knew me from Instagram and I invited him to come live with me.
      “I’m DONE.
      “If there was any confusion here is me being very f***ing clear: I’m not interested. EVER. This is not the way to go.”
      Most read in Athletics
      Survivor Jones shared a selfie in her car, a CCTV screenshot and some tips to take extra precautions – including calling the police from a well-lit area and carrying a form of self-protection.
      The devout Christian, who has been public about her virginity, received lots of support in the comments section of the social media post.
      One said: “Sending prayers and love and strength. I’m so so sorry to hear this.”
      Another wrote: “I have no words for the lengths people go. It’s sickening.”
      A third added: “Sending protection and covering Lolo. I’m so sorry you’ve experienced this.”
      Another user replied: “Sad to hear. No woman should ever have to live in fear of a man. No person period should have to live in fear of another human.”
      And a final person simply typed: “Stay strong.”
      The 2008 100m hurdles world champion appeared at three Olympics – Beijing 2008, London 2012 and the Sochi 2014 winter edition.
      Away from sport, the Iowa-born speedster has appeared on Dancing with the Stars and Celebrity Big Brother in the USA. More

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      Olympic legend Usain Bolt has ‘millions of dollars disappear’ from investment account as investigation launched

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      OLYMPIC icon Usain Bolt has reportedly seen “millions of dollars disappear” as an investigation is launched into the matter.The manager of the eight-time Olympic gold medallist, Nugent Walker, has confirmed the Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division and Financial Services Commission are looking into the investment firm, Stocks and Securities Limited [SSL].
      An investigation has been launched into the reports of missing moneyCredit: Getty
      Bolt is a client of SSL’s, with the report stating the investment firm have also contacted police.
      Walker revealed to Jamaican newspaper The Gleaner that Bolt had identified an issue with his account on Wednesday.
      The same newspaper claims an SSL employee is being investigated for fraud.
      Walker said: “All the relevant steps have been taken to come to the bottom of this.
      READ MORE ON USAIN BOLT
      “He’s been with this entity for over ten years. His entire portfolio is being reviewed.”
      A lawyer representing the accused employee at SSL claims she has been in discussion with the company’s legal team for a fortnight.
      The representative said: “My client is in discussion with SSL and the lawyers representing SSL.”
      Bolt, who is the highest-earning individual his sport has ever seen, retired from athletics in 2017.
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      Forbes claimed in his final 12 months of competition alone he raked in more than £25million on and off-track earnings.
      Bolt won the 100m and 200m titles at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
      Four years later in London, the Jamaican retained those two titles and also scooped another gold in the 4x100m relay.
      Then in Rio in 2016, he won all three yet again to take his tally to eight gold medals.
      He retired after the 2017 world championships where he finished third in the 100 metres behind Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman. More

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      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt shows off toned abs as she stuns ahead of last training camp before season starts

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      ALICA SCHMIDT has stunned her fans in a recent social media picture as she showed off her toned abs.The German runner is often considered to be the world’s sexiest athlete.
      Alica Schmidt wows fans with this recent pictureCredit: Instagram
      She had finished training ahead of the start of the indoor athletics seasonCredit: Instagram
      Schmidt is a German 400m runnerCredit: Instagram
      He stunning looks have helped her build a big social media following as she Instagram is followed by 3.4 million.
      The 24-year-old wowed her followers with a recent picture she uploaded from her final training camp before the start of the indoor athletics season.
      She was snapped in tight black training gear and running her hand through her hair.
      The runner captioned the picture: “The last training camp before indoor season starts is almost finished.
      READ MORE ON ALICA SCHMIDT
      “Can‘t wait to race again.”
      The outfit showed off her toned abs, and the post attracted a lot of attention as it was liked over 140,000 times.
      One fan commented: “You are a runner or a fashion model?”
      A second wrote: “You look great.  Great picture! Lots of success in the first race.”
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      A third said: “I can’t wait to see you race again either but I’m glad you stop long enough to take that picture! Keep Smiling.”
      A fourth added: “Angel on track.”
      Schmidt is currently ranked 64th in the world at the Women’s 400m and has a personal best time in the event of 52.21 seconds.
      She has been labelled the world’s sexiest athleteCredit: Instagram
      The runner has 3.4million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Her best time at the 400m is 52.21 secondsCredit: Instagram More