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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

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      Meet the Brit, 15, who’s faster than Bolt and Lyles at the same age, trained by his mum and is smashing world records

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      A TEENAGE British sprinter is on course to usurp Usain Bolt as the fastest man on the planet.It’s unusual for someone so young to have already been given a nickname like ‘Lightning’, but this is no normal kid.Divine Iheme has been smashing world records across his age group.The teenage sensation has been touted as one for the future of British athletics.Credit: GettyEnter record breaking Divine ‘Lightning’ Iheme who, at just 15-years-old is smashing 100 meters sprint barriers within his age group.Iheme has recorded faster times than world record holder Bolt and current Olympic champion Noah Lyles at the same age.Last August, at the age of 14, he recorded a monumental time in junior athletics, clocking in at 10.30 seconds across 100 meters.He was still in Year 9 at the time.Read more on sportTo put that figure into perspective, Lyles’ quickest recorded time at that age was 11.27 seconds, while Bolt managed 10.57.Iheme’s time cleared the previous world record in the age group of 10.51 seconds held by Jamaica’s Sachin Dennis.Even crazier is that Iheme’s time of 10.30 seconds would have earned him a third place finish in the British men’s 100m championship last year.Just last month the starlet broke a 23-year-old record, held by USA’s J-Mee Samuels, for the 60m indoor sprint recording a time of 6.71 seconds.Most read in AthleticsIheme was born to be an athlete. Both his mother, Nkiruka, and his father, Innocent, were successful athletes who represented Nigeria at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.Meet the 14-year-old British sprint prodigy Divine Iheme who is fastest U15 in history and dubbed ‘next Noah Lyles’ Coached by his mother, who also runs the PWD Athletics Academy in Oxfordshire, Divine seems to be in good hands.Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph he said: “She’s tough – really tough – very specific.“All she says is, ‘Focus on the one main goal’. It was two years ago that I ran my first sub 11 seconds – 10.86 when I was 13 – that was my first big thing. I have just been gradually working and working.”Mum Nkiruka chimed in: “He loves running so, so much, he doesn’t want to miss his training so, if he doesn’t do his homework, it’s ‘no training’.”The language we use is, ‘no pain, no gain’ or ‘pain now, play later’. Some children are just in the house playing games.”Recalling his early ventures into athletics in adverse conditions on school sports days Iheme continued: “I’d always win the 75m dash and the 200m by a big margin.“I hated the 600m – I remember crying.“I thought, ‘Yeah, I can do my own events and I want to take this seriously from now on’. Mum didn’t want to push me until I said I wanted to do it.””Lightning” has drawn comparisons to some of the best sprinters in recent timesCredit: GettyMultiple national age-group titles later his efforts reached new levels last August when he shocked the nation at Lee Valley.Iheme recolleted the experience: “I remember on the day the timer was delayed, I was crouched, waiting. I saw 10.3 and I started screaming and shouting and running around.”I was really surprised. The commentator started going crazy. It was an amazing experience. I loved it.”Nkiruka described her experience watching the spectacle with family in Nigeria: “We were jumping up and down – there was a window – and, in the excitement, I banged my head.”Despite her understandable excitement Nkiruka wants to keep her son grounded: “He’s not in competition with anybody – he is just enjoying his training.”If something comes, ‘Wow’. If not, ‘OK’. At the moment I don’t want to put pressure on him. He is going to do well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIheme is a star in the making with the world at his feet. Breaking records has seen his popularity rise amongst his friends at schoolHe added: “They always say, ‘I can’t believe I’m friends with the world record holder’, it’s really good. They are really happy for me.”Iheme’s mother Nkurika has had a huge role in the development of the youngster.Credit: Getty More

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      BBC snub Keely Hodgkinson world record attempt for Blue Planet episode first broadcasted EIGHT years ago

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      THE BBC will not broadcast Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt this weekend on their main channels in a stunning snub.Team GB’s 800 metres Olympic champion is aiming to run the fastest time over the distance indoors on Saturday at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt will be shown on BBC IplayerCredit: PAThe feat is the headline act of the inaugural Keely Klassic and other top British stars will be involved across the six-hour hybrid athletics/entertainment meeting.It will be her first appearance in running conditions since the Paris 2024 Olympics when she became Britain’s tenth female track-and-field winner in history.Yet TV bosses are not showcasing the 4.30pm race on BBC1 or BBC2 and it has been squirrelled away instead on the BBC iPlayer – away from casual viewers.BBC1 will be showing Blue Planet II – the Green Seas episode was first broadcast on November 26, 2017 – before Final Score, the football results programme, starts at 4.30pm.READ MORE IN SPORTAround the same time, BBC2 will show a repeat of the 2022 historical drama Mr Malcolm’s List and then it is an old episode of antiques show Flog It!The failure to give her event prominence is surprising given that Hodgkinson, 22, was crowned Sports Personality of the Year by the BBC last December.Hodgkinson’s success at the Stade de France last August was the BBC’s most watched event of the last Olympics with 9.1 million viewers tuning in to see her glory over two laps.It was one of 14 gold medals for Team GB at the Paris Olympics.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis year she is going for a Track Treble, trying to win gold at the European Indoors, World Indoors and World Outdoors within the space of seven months.The BBC declined to comment but it is understood Salford-based bigwigs feel they are supporting the Keely Klassic rather than snubbing it by displaying the action on the iPlayer and digital platforms.Amazing moment Keely Hodgkinson smashes British record to become sixth fastest woman ever ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics More