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      Jenny Alcorn dead aged 66: Tributes pour in as world champion athlete passes away following brain cancer battle

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      AUSTRALIAN triathlon star Jenny Alcorn has died aged 66 following a battle with cancer.Alcorn heartbreakingly passed away on Monday, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023.Jenny Alcorn has died aged 66Credit: FacebookAlcorn had a glittering career spanning over 30 years that saw her both work as a coach and compete as an athlete.Last year she was honoured for that incredible contribution to sport by receiving the President’s Special Recognition Award at the AusTriathlon Awards.She was also nominated for the prestigious Daphne Pirie Spirit of Sport Award last year too.Other achievements for the incredible athlete included carrying the Australian flag at the 2018 World Championships on the Gold Coast and winning the Kona Ironman at the age of 55 after coming out of retirement.READ MORE IN SPORTTributes have poured in for the hero, with so many sharing warm memories of Alcorn.Alcorn’s partner Margot Rupe said: “She pushed every boundary in life and it was incredible.”She was the love of my life for 20 years, she helped me raise two amazing children.”Yes, triathlon was her life but she always enjoyed all the sports our kids did, she never missed a TSS First 15 game, she never missed a Bond Uni rugby game.Most read in AthleticsAlcorn will be remembered as a triathlon legend in AustraliaCredit: Facebook”Even on Saturday afternoon, she sat up and watched our son play rugby in Japan, so she was a pretty amazing person.”We’re all heartbroken, our souls are heartbroken, she did everything with love, she loved her family, she loved me, she loved our kids and embraced everything she did.”AusTriathlon added: “Triathlon has lost a legend, but Jenny Alcorn’s impact has forever strengthened our sport.”Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know her.”Ricky Kroesen, who was coached by Alcorn, revealed that the superstar champion “passed peacefully with her partner and loyal dog Kona by her side”.Adding: “We will miss you”.Alcorn helped to coach and mentor some of Australia’s top triathletes, including Ashleigh Gentle and Olympic champion Emma Snowsill.And her own athletics career was punctuated by victories across various Age Group World Championships, and saw her recognised as a ‘Legend of the Sport’ by AusTriathlon. More

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      Vile stalker sent me death and rape threats – my whole life changed, reveals former GB athlete

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      FORMER Team GB athlete Sabrina Sinha has opened up on her “terrifying” stalker ordeal.The middle distance runner was tipped as a future star after winning a silver medal at the Under-18s European Championship in 2016.Sabrina Sinha has opened up about her “terrifying” stalker ordealCredit: Global PlayerSinha’s stalker hell changed her lifeCredit: AlamyBut soon after her incredible performance, she was targeted by a stalker.Sinha bravely told The Sports Agents: “Around about the time I started to have a stalker, I had just come off European youths. So I was under 18, so a minor at the time. “I was busy with my final year of sixth form, but I was pretty much at my career high.”After graduating, she was going on holiday with friends when she was started receiving horror messages. READ MORE IN SPORTSinha explained: “He sent me death and rape threats, which were not nice at all.”That was direct to my email. I was so shocked by it. I just assumed it was spam originally.”It later transpired that her stalker had being targeting her online for several months.The man from the US was eventually hit with a 14-year prison sentence for cyber-stalking several women.Most read in AthleticsBut the impacts of what happened heavily affected Sinha, who “isolated” herself out of fear at university.She said: “My whole life changed. Until he was caught, I wasn’t allowed to be alone because we did not know what this guy was going to do.”You’re just literally staring at everyone being like, ‘Could it be this person?'”I was actually really fortunate, because he ended up being all talk, which is a terrible reality to say, that I was fortunate that all I got was threats.“I ended up falling out of love with athletics. I took a step back. I am still running, but I’m enjoying it because I’m not in the public light.”She has since spoken out against the behaviour she was a victim off, saying, “As a female athlete I spent my life being subjected to harassment just running along the roads, even from the age of 12-years-old.”Emma Raducanu has been the subject of a similar ordeal after being targeted by a man “exhibiting fixated behaviour” last month.The 2021 US Open champ burst into tears during a match at the Dubai Open after the individual was spotted courtside.Raducanu returns to action at the Indian Wells later this week with increased security. Emma Raducanu was targeted by a man “exhibiting fixated behaviour” More

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      ‘I’m ready, let’s go’ – Usain Bolt teases sensational comeback to race THREE big-name rivals… but Justin Gatlin snubbed

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      USAIN BOLT has teased a return to the track against three of his biggest rivals from back in the day.The eight-time Olympic gold medallist, 38, has been retired for over seven years and has claimed he would be open to racing again “just for the fun of it”.Usain Bolt has teased a return to the trackCredit: GettyBolt has snubbed a face-off with old rival Justin GatlinCredit: PA:Press AssociationHowever, athletics fans who want to see him go up against perhaps his biggest competitor, Justin Gatlin, will be disappointed to learn that Bolt has ruled that idea out.The Jamaican explained that Gatlin is “in too good of a shape” for him to even compete.Appearing on the Ready Set Go podcast, which is hosted by Gatlin and former Bahamas athlete Rodney Green, Bolt was asked if he would be up for a rematch with his old foe.He said: “I’m ready, just for the fun of it. I’m ready, let’s go. It’ll be fun.”READ MORE IN SPORTCaveating: “Nah man, Justin, him? He’s in too good of a shape.”Bro I see him doing starts all the time. I asked him, I text him, ‘Bro, why are you in such good shape?”Bolt and Gatlin had a longstanding rivalry on the track, with their head-to-heads starting at the London 2012 Games.That race ended in victory for Bolt with an Olympic record time of 9.63 seconds, whilst Gatlin finished in third.Most read in AthleticsBolt and Gatlin had their first major race against one and other at London 2012Credit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBolt may not fancy going up against Gatlin, who finally got the better of him in his final season back in 2017, but there are some other rivals he wouldn’t made lining up against one last time.Naming his dream line-up of opponents, Bolt said: “Me, you, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake.”Usain Bolt’s former rival reveals Olympics legend’s ‘bulls***’ tactic that showed ‘what he’s about’ mid-raceWhile he also suggested that he would like to roll back the years against some older sprinters and give new Olympic champion Noah Lyles a run for his money.Adding: “I would definitely like to compete against Maurice Green, Ben Johnson. “Let’s give Noah the spot just because I would love to race against him.”Lyles, 27, won gold in the Men’s 100m in Paris in the summer, running a personal best 9.79 seconds.That effort is still some 0.21 seconds off Bolt’s world record effort of 9.58 seconds set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.But Bolt thinks that the USA Olympian could come close to breaking his 200m world record of 19.19, with Lyles’ PB in that discipline just 0.12 off the Lightening Bolt.But the Jamaican isn’t going to give Lyles any tips on how to beat it.He told Citius Mag recently: “I think the possibility is there, because he came close at the world championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he corrects a few things, he could get better. The possibility is there.”I won’t say [what he needs to correct]. I won’t tell you how to break the world record.”Bolt has said he would like to take on Tyson Gay againCredit: GettyHe would also like to line up against old Jamaican teammates Yohan Blake and Asafa PowellCredit: Getty – ContributorBolt reckons Noah Lyles could break his 200m world record timeCredit: Getty More

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      Keely Hodgkinson goes braless in bold outfit on the red carpet as Olympic hero attends Brit Awards

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      KEELY HODGKINSON showed fans she is able to mix it with the world’s most famous pop stars at the Brits in the fashion stakes.The 22-year-old famously won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Keely Hodgkinson turned heads at The Brits on the red carpetCredit: GettyDaring Hodgkinson went braless- showing of some major sideboobCredit: GettyThen in December, she won the Sports Personality of the Year award.But now the middle distance runner could add red carpet fashionista to her CV.Hodgkinson turned up to The Brit Awards at The O2 looking super glam on Saturday night.And she would have certainly turned heads with her daring outfit.Read more Hodgkinson newsShe wore a dazzling two-tone black and white dress that showed off her athletic figure.However, Hodgkinson bravely went braless – showing off some major sideboob as she posed for snaps for photographers.The athlete was joined at The Brits by celebrities including Maura Higgins, Sabrina Carpenter, and Maya Jama.It’s the second time in just over a week Keely has stunned at The O2.Most read in AthleticsOn February 20, she attended Aston Martin’s 75th anniversary car launch.Olympic gold medallist Hodgkinson has been embracing fame recentlyCredit: EPAShe donned a smart pantsuit as she posed in front of an F1 car.Hodgkinson was joined by a whole host of other stars at the event in Greenwich.Alongside drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, celeb attendees included Gordon Ramsay, and Jack Whitehall.Hodgkinson will have enjoyed a night to take her mind off the heartache of an injury scuppering her chances of breaking a longstanding world record.The 22-year-old had planned to run the quickest time over 800 metres indoors at her inaugural Keely Klassic at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena last month.But she saw her opportunity to do so snatched away when an injury in her hamstring flared up just three days before the event.And a scan has since revealed a significant problem that has even raised questions about her ability to compete again this winter.Speaking on the injury, Hodgkinson revealed that she shed a tear upon finding out the news.She said: “I’m so gutted and disappointed to be announcing this. I’m devastated to be missing the launch of the first Keely Klassic.”Me and my team worked so hard these last couple of months to put me in a perfect position to race, and I was so excited to perform in front of a home crowd.”I won’t lie – when I got the news this afternoon, I shed a tear.”I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans.Hodgkinson poses in front of a F1 at Aston Martin car launchBack in December, Hodgkinson was crowned Sports Personality of the YearCredit: PA”Especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But this event was never just about me – it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport, and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics.”That’s something I’m committed to for the long term. I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday doing everything I can to make sure it’s an amazing night for the athletes and the fans.” More

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      Son of Premier League and England star breaks championship record after making his way in completely different sport

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      ATHLETE George Mills broke a record to win the men’s 3000m at the British Indoor Athletics Championships.The 25-year-old took a huge nine seconds off the competition’s record to cruise home and win gold in 7:40.16.George Mills won the 3000m at the British Indoor Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: GettyMills also holds the British record over the distanceCredit: RexHis dad Danny Mills played for England 19 timesCredit: GettyMills, who broke the British indoor record by running 7:27.92 earlier this month, has now qualified for the European Indoor Championships.His father and former England star Danny Mills was cheering him on from the stands.On his stunning performance yesterday, George said: “I came here to do a job – that was to first of all qualify and put my name in the hat again for worlds and obviously, to win.”When I go to races now in these championships, I’m going to win medals, so that’s what I’m aiming to do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I really give everything to this sport and I just want to be the best athlete I can.”George competed at the Olympics Games in Paris last summer – with his race was overshadowed by controversy.In a chaotic 5000m heat, the Team GB ace was one of four runners that fell over on the home straight.It led to a confrontation after the finish line as George pushed France’s Hugo Hay and appeared to tell him to “f*** off.”Most read in AthleticsJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then gave a fiery post-race interview and claimed he was “taken down”.His dad was a no-nonsense defender who played for the likes of Leeds and Manchester City in the Premier League.Every team GB gold at the Paris OlympicsThe now BBC pundit was capped 19 times by England and he featured in all five Three Lions games at the 2002 World Cup following an injury to Gary Neville.His other son Stanley, 21, came through the ranks at Everton and now plays for Oxford United in the Championship.Mills played all five games at the 2002 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe watched his son compete at the British Indoor Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: Instagram @dannymills77 More

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      Utilita Arena evacuated after fire breaks out as UK Athletics Indoor Championships is delayed

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      THE UK Athletics Indoor Championship was delayed after the Utilita Arena was dramatically evacuated due to a fire.Fire service crews were called out to the venue in Birmingham.Fire crews were called out to deal with a nearby incidentCredit: PAThe event was delayed by one hourCredit: RexCommentator Katharine Merry shared an update on XCredit: Instagram / katharine.merryIt is believed the cause of the fire was a cooker catching alight in a nearby flat.The start of the event was delayed by one hour which meant things did not get underway until 12:25pm.UK Athletics shared an update on X which read: “The start of the 2025 Microplus UK Athletics Indoor Championships has been delayed by one hour, following an incident that required the evacuation of the Utilita Arena in Birmingham this morning, Saturday 22 February.”A one hour delay to the timetable has been agreed in order to athletes, officials and spectators adequate time to prepare for the day’s events.READ MORE IN SPORT”Saturday’s timetable of events is now expected start at 12:25.”Spectators will experience a delay to the opening of the arena, and should keep across UK Athletics channels for further information.”There is currently no expected delay to Sunday’s timetable.”Further information will be released on UK Athletics channels in due course.”Most read in AthleticsOlympic bronze medallist and commentator Katharine Merry revealed she was delayed entering the venue as a result of the nearby fire.She tweeted: “Not made it into the Utilita Arena yet. It’s been fully evacuated due to a fire. Fire brigade here and smoke coming from the top floor.”Sharlene Mawdsley shares intense footage from latest training camp More

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      Jessica Ennis-Hill’s disgraced ex-coach controversially returns to athletics despite permanent ban for sexual misconduct

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      JESSICA ENNIS-HILL’S disgraced ex-coach Toni Minichiello has made a shock return to front-line athletics coaching despite his UK-wide ban.Controversial Minichiello, 58, was spotted in the stands on Sunday for a track meeting in the Polish city of Torun.Jessica Ennis Hill’s ex-coach Toni Minichiello has returned to athleticsCredit: GettyMinichiello was found guilty of 11 sexual misconduct charges in 2022Credit: GettyHe was working with Polish athlete Adrianna Sulek-Schubert – the 2022 world indoor pentathlon silver medallist – at the Copernicus Cup indoor meeting.This role does not contravene the UK Athletics suspension he received in August 2022 when he was banned for life from training athletes in Great Britain.A disciplinary panel appointed by the UKA Board decided that he had “made inappropriate sexual references and gestures to athletes” over a 15-year period.Allegations included “unwanted touching of athletes to whom he owed a duty of care” and “engaging in inappropriate and sometimes aggressive behaviour, bullying and emotional abuse”.READ MORE IN SPORTMinichiello – who guided Dame Ennis-Hill to London 2012 Olympics heptathlon glory – “strongly denied all the charges” against him.He said at the time he was “disappointed with this decision” and with “UK Athletics’ unfair handling of this process”.Marek Plawgo, a former athlete and one of the vice-presidents of the Polish Athletics Association (PZLA), says Minichiello receives no funding from their organisation and his appearance over the weekend caught them by surprise.He said on X: “PZLA declares that Adrianna Sułek-Schubert made the decision to cooperate with Toni Minichiello completely independently.Most read in Athletics“Coach Minichiello is not financed by PZLA”.Sulek-Schubert, 25, had a baby last year and then appeared at the Paris Olympics in the heptathlon but has not qualified for next month’s European Athletics Indoor Championship in Holland.Emotional Jessica Ennis Hill pays tribute as she accepts Mobo award It is not known if Minichiello — a former Coach of the Year at SPOTY — can support her if she makes the start list for the World Indoor Championships in China.A World Athletics spokesperson said: “World Athletics has the ability to deny accreditation to any of its World Athletics Series events should it be necessary.”Minichiello was suspended by UKA in 2021 before being found guilty of 11 serious charges the following years, including mimicking sexual activity and touching an athlete’s breasts, as well as bullying and mental abuse.Following the outcome of the investigation, Minichiello said: “I cannot fully express my disappointment with this decision and with UK Athletics’ unfair handling of this process. I strongly deny all the charges made against me.“I have been a coach for over 30 years and while I have been robust and demanding, I have not behaved inappropriately towards any of my athletes as very many of them would confirm.”Ennis-Hill said at the time: “The allegations are awful and although I was never on the receiving end of any sexual physical behaviour, any such inappropriate behaviour or language has no place in any coaching or work environment.”UK Athletics declined to comment about his new gig. More

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      Team GB legend and former Strictly star Roger Black undergoes open heart surgery on condition he’s had for 47 YEARS

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      FORMER Olympian Roger Black has undergone open heart surgery on a condition he has lived with for 47 years.The Team GB legend is a two-time 4x400m relay world champion and he won two silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games.Roger Black has undergone open heart surgeryCredit: InstagramThe Team GB icon won two silver medals at the Olympics in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdBlack, 58, battled a congenital heart condition throughout his glittering career.But the athlete underwent surgery last month after his health took a turn for the worse.Black said on Instagram: “Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root.”My ‘incompetent’ bicuspid aortic valve was discovered when I was 11-years-old and for the last 47 years I have been looked after by the cardiac team at Southampton General Hospital.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”At my annual check-up last summer it was clear that things had deteriorated despite me having no obvious symptoms.’It was a shock but deep down I knew this day would come even though I never allowed my heart disease to define me and prevent me from pursuing my athletic career.”Thank you to Mr Tsang and all the medical team in Southampton who cared for me during what was a tough time in hospital. I am forever grateful.”Most of all thank you to my wife Jules who was there when I woke up in intensive care 11 hours after surgery and has cared for me every day in recovery.Most read in Athletics”Each day has been about small steps – yesterday was a big milestone as we walked to the top of St Martha’s Hill… our special place.”After retiring from athletics, Black worked as a pundit for the BBC as well as appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he partnered pro Camilla Dallerup.The former runner also reached the Masterchef final in 2006, losing to rugby hero Matt Dawson.Black is a father of three, having twin boys George and Max with wife Julia Burgess.He also has a daughter Isabelle from his previous marriage to Elsa Devassoigne.When Black was diagnosed with congenital heart disease aged 11, he was initially banned from playing sport.He eventually got back into playing rugby before switching to athletics aged 18.Black’s health has worsened in recent years and he no longer exercises intensely due to his condition.Roger Black with his wife JuliaCredit: instagram More