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      Watch heartbreaking moment Olympic champion falls over and denied place at Paris 2024 – but it’s good news for Team GB

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      KEELY HODGKINSON has received a massive Paris Olympics boost – as her biggest rival will not be there.Three years ago in Tokyo, Athing Mu got the better of the Leigh runner and fellow teenager in the Olympic 800-meter final by just 0.67 seconds.American Track and Field star Athing Mu will miss the 2024 OlympicsCredit: REUTERSMu failed to qualify for Paris 2024 after falling in the first lap of the 800m final during the Track and Field Team TrialsCredit: REUTERSMu’s absence will be good news for Brit Keeley HodgkinsonCredit: SPLASHBut the American, 22, will not defend that crown, watching the race on TV instead after FALLING in the US Olympic trials.The Yanks have a cutthroat system for qualification and the middle-distance star did not secure her passage after being accidentally tripped over 200 metres in Eugene.Mu, who also beat Hodgkinson to world gold on the same track in 2022, choked back tears as her dream was cruelly dashed.She finished last in a nine-woman field she was expected to dominate, coming more than 22 seconds behind the winner Nia Akins.READ MORE ON PARIS 2024An appeal was lodged by her team but her only chance of getting a flight to France will be as part of the 4×400 metres relay squad.There was no gloating or celebrating from the Hodgkinson camp, who say they are “gutted” they cannot face the New Jersey athlete in individual combat.Coach Jenny Meadows – who will oversee Hodgkinson running the 400 metres this weekend at the UK Athletics Championships – said: “We plan the same way.“Keely wants to be at her best and have the skills no matter who she has to face. Most read in AthleticsEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAthing Mu was overcome with emotionCredit: GETTY”No Olympic title will come easy.“You can only race who is there.Rhasidat Adeleke dedicates European Athletics Championship silver medal to her mother”Any Olympic champs will always be a stern test. But we wish Athing was there, of course.”Mu’s coach Bobby Kersee told AP: “I’ve coached it, I’ve preached it, I’ve watched it.“And here’s another indication that regardless of how good we are, we can leave some better athletes home than other countries have.”It’s part of our American way.” More

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      Usain Bolt seen for first time since surgery after being stretchered off during Soccer Aid as Jamaican shares update

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      USAIN BOLT has given fans an update following his injury during Soccer Aid earlier this month.The Jamaican was stretchered off the Stamford Bridge pitch during the celebrity packed match after he collapsed to the floor unchallenged with an injury.Usain Bolt ruptured his Achilles during Soccer AidCredit: ReutersThe Olympic superstar was stretchered off the pitch at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyBolt, 37, was playing at centre-back and trying to step in and stop an attack from Jermain Defoe when he suffered his unfortunate fate.The world’s fastest man crumpled to the floor and had to be carried off the pitch, later revealing he had ruptured his Achilles in an Instagram post.The nine-time Olympic gold medallist has since been forced to undergo surgery to rectify the problem.And fans will be pleased to know that the operation was successful after Bolt posted a positive update to his X account.READ MORE IN SPORTThe 6ft 5in sprinter smiled for the camera on a hospital bed with a cast on his leg.While he accompanied the snap with the caption: “Surgery was successful”.Bolt won’t be back to the running tracks any time soon though with the star set to be aided by crutches while he continues his recovery.Bolt’s absence from the remainder of Soccer Aid may have contributed to England’s dominance in the second half.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBolt has shared an update telling fans his surgery was successfulCredit: X @usainboltThe Three Lions breezed past Bolt’s Rest of the World side to win 6-3, ending a five-year losing streak against their opponents.The star-studded lineups included retired pros such as Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Eden Hazard and Petr Cech.England life Soccer Aid Trophy 2024 as Robbie Williams announces money raisedWhile celebrity stars such as Eddie Hearn, Stuart Broad, Tom Hiddlestone and Tommy Fury also took part.The charity event ultimately raised over £15MILLION for Unicef thanks to the kind donations from fans watching on. More

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      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt flaunts toned abs as she arrives in Rome for European Championships

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      ALICA SCHMIDT showed fans an inside peek of her Olympics preparation with a trip to Rome, Italy.The German, dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete”, qualified for the 4x400m relay event at the Paris games last month.Alica Schmidt revealed her Olympics prep with a trip to Rome, ItalyCredit: InstagramSchmidt showed off her toned abs while next to some statuesCredit: InstagramThe German has been dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’Credit: GettySchmidt is set to make her debut at the Paris games after qualifying last monthCredit: ReutersSchmidt, 25, travelled with Germany to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic games but ultimately did not compete.But this time around she is hoping to make her full debut.And she is looking to ensure she does well by making sure she is sharp.Schmidt is looking to do this by warming up in the Italian capital.READ MORE ON ALICA SCHMIDTShe shared a pair of photos to her Instagram flaunting her toned abs while standing by some statues.Schmidt captioned her post: “Arrived safely in Rome 🇮🇹❤️ I‘m running on Tuesday at my second European champs with the 4×4 relay💪🏼”I‘m so excited to compete in this beautiful stadium and give it my all❤️‍🔥”At the 2022 European Championship she finished fifth in the 4x400m relay.Most read in AthleticsSchmidt has 5.1 million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @alicasmdShe recently revealed how she earns £611 a month as an athleteCredit: SportsfileIn February, she won the National Indoor Championships in the 4x200m relay.She has had success both on and off the track, and she has gathered a captivated follower count of 5.1 million on Instagram.World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt takes fans inside day in the life on road to Olympics 2024 with amazing breakfastIn late May the glam athlete met Will Smith and Martin Lawrence at the European premiere of Bad Boys: Ride Or Die.Schmidt also revealed last month how she earns £611 a month as a pro athlete.But her social media exploits have ensured she is not short of cash, even allowing her to turn down a six-figure sponsorship deal.SEE MORE OF ALICA SCHMIDT’S GLAMOROUS LIFE…Schmidt is one of Germany’s top athletesCredit: GettyShe competes in track and field for her countryCredit: GettySchmidt was part of the relay squad for the Tokyo Olympic Games but didn’t competeCredit: ReutersSchmidt has acquired a cult following onlineShe has five million Instagram followersCredit: alicasmd/InstagramThe German is very particular about working with brands More

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      British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith wins 100m European gold to claim first major title for FIVE YEARS

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      GOLDEN GIRL Dina Asher-Smith warmed up for the Paris Olympics by becoming Champion of Europe and ending a five-year drought.The Londoner, 28, recaptured the women’s 100 metres crown on night three of the European Athletics Championships at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.Dina Asher-Smith is the European championCredit: ReutersThe Team GB star recaptured the women’s 100m crownCredit: ReutersShe edged out her rivals in the perfect warm-up for the OlympicsCredit: EPAAmy Hunt, 22, came seventh with a time of 11.15 secondsCredit: GettyThe former world 200 metres champion was the best continental runner in 2018 but could not repeat the trick two years ago when she pulled up in the final.Last night’s triumph on Italian soil is the perfect remedy as she tries to take on the incredible Americans and Jamaicans at the Paris Olympics.After a false start caused by another runner, Asher-Smith overcame a sluggish start to power through in 10.99 seconds – the only woman to dip under 11 seconds.The 28-year-old split with long-term coach John Blackie after the last World Championships in Budapest and has been based in Austin, Texas over the last winter.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere is still a long way to go if she wants to be seriously competitive in Paris but winning golds is always a wonderful pick-me-up – especially when it’s your first major title for five years.She said: “That’s not normally my style of race, but I didn’t panic in my running, even if my head was a different story.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I really wanted to come here and win and showcase what we are working on.“I’m just really happy.”Most read in AthleticsPlay Home Games and guess which sporting icon lived in this dream mansionAmy Hunt, 22, continues her development on the international stage by coming seventh in 11.15 seconds.Jemma Reekie, 26, led for most of the women’s 1500 metres final and was the pre-race favourite given her qualifying form.But down the home straight it all fell apart for the Scotswoman and she faded out to fifth place as Irishwoman Ciara Mageean pushed through the gap to take gold in 4:04.66.Amateur athlete Georgia Bell – who is a full-time cyber security software expert – won silver in 4:05.33 on her GB outdoors debut.Lizzie Bird initially took bronze in the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase in a time of 9:18.39.But she was upgraded to silver when the French winner Alice Finot was retrospectively disqualified for an infringement.Elsewhere, four British runners collectively won team gold in the women’s half marathon.And Calli Hauger-Thackery (1:08:58) celebrated individual bronze.Top 20 UK sporting moments of the 21st century, voted by fans
      1.  Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 20132. Jonny Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal for England against Australia to win the 2003 World Cup3. The Lionesses winning the Women’s Euros in 20224. Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/165. Sir Mo Farah’s double gold at the 2012 Olympics – 5,000m and 10,000m6. Sir Steve Redgrave winning his fifth consecutive Olympic rowing golds in 20007. ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ – Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down to win the Champions League against AC Milan in 20058.  England winning the Ashes in 20059.  England’s Cricket ODI World Cup win in 201910. David Beckham’s last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001 to secure England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup11. Manchester City FC’s men’s team completing a historic treble in 2023 (winning the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champion’s League)12.  Sir Chris Hoy’s triple gold at the 2008 Olympics in track cycling13. Sir Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh Formula 1 championship in 202114. Emma Raducanu winning US Open title in 202115. Dame Kelly Holmes’ double gold at the 2004 Olympics for the 800m and 1500m races16. Ben Stokes’ Ashes-saving 135 not out at Headingly in 201917. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at the 2012 Olympics18. Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France victory in 201219.  Ronnie O’Sullivan winning with seventh snooker World Championship in 202220.  Paula Radcliffe’s marathon world record in 2003 More

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      Son of former Premier League and England star wins silver in European Athletics Championships but REFUSES to celebrate

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      FORMER England and Leeds United star Danny Mills watched on as his son won silver at the European Athletics Championships last night.George Mills made his own mark on sport as he put on an impressive performance in Rome to win his first major medal with silver in the 5,000 metres.George Mills won silver at the European Athletic ChampionshipsCredit: GettyMills took second place in the men’s 5000m raceCredit: SportsfileGeorge Mills is the son of former England star Danny MillsCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old pushed world champion Jakob Ingebrigsten all the way, falling behind just before the final lap of the track.But despite picking up silver and finishing just over a second behind Ingesbristen, Mills chose not to celebrate his superb achievement.Instead the Yorkshireman kept full focus on the future.He said: “No celebration. Nothing at all. It’s mid-season, the season finishes mid-September.”READ MORE IN SPORTHe added: “Running is what I love. I’ll enjoy going for a run on Sunday doing my next session. I think if you’re celebrating mid-season, it’s a bit weird.”Mills Jr will have his eyes firmly set on the British Olympic trials at the end of the month as he looks to earn a spot on Team GB for the Paris games.Dad Danny praised his son as “one of the most dedicated athletes I know” after cheering him on from the stands of the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.And there was a full circle moment for the 19-time England international who had twice warmed the bench in the iconic stadium when Leeds played their in the Uefa Cup and Champions League back in 2000.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBoth times Mills, now 47, was an unused substitute.After his son’s silver display, he joked: “I sat on the bench twice for Leeds United here and warmed up on the track.Can you work out which sports star lives in this dream countryside mansion?”So we’ve now both run on this track, but he was a bit more successful than me! We’re a very proud family this evening.”George Mills was Britain’s second medal winner of the night as Romell Glave took home bronze for his efforts in the men’s 100m sprint.Mills played in the Premier League with sides such as Leeds and Man CityCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was also capped 19 times for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Moment race walker gets pipped by rival after celebrating before finish line as commentator gasps ‘I can’t believe it’

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      A RACE WALKER got a step ahead of herself – before embarrassingly being pipped on the line.Laura Garcia-Caro thought he was about to win bronze in the women’s 20km race walk at the European Athletics Championships in Rome.Laura Garcia Caro thought she was about to win a bronze medal in the European Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: GettyHer premature celebrations were cut short by Ukrainian Lyudmyla OlyanovskaCredit: GettyGarcia Caro missed out on bronze in the 20km race walkCredit: GettyShe headed into the final 400m around the track inside the stadium with a good lead in third – so much so that she was handed a Spanish flag.So just as she approached the finish line, Garcia-Caro punched the air in delight with a beaming smile and even stuck her tongue out on the brink of her first major athletics medal.But the 29-year-old had absolutely no idea Lyudmyla Olyanovska was right on her tail after closing the gap on the home straight.And with five metres to go of the 20,000, the Ukrainian managed to pull alongside her celebrating rival in dramatic scenes.READ MORE ON SPORTGarcia-Caro’s face suddenly dropped from one of sheer delight to one of utter horror and dismay as it became clear what was unfolding.Olyanovska had all the momentum and speed and managed to overtake just two metres from the finish line.Garcia-Caro did not have any time to react and was left bewildered by the comeback and sheepish from her blunder that meant she came fourth. The BBC Sport commentator called the action: “Oh my word, she’s been caught. I can’t believe it. Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I cannot believe it.”No warning, too much noise in the arena, nobody could tell her, ‘Watch out, watch out.’Inside Team GB star Molly Caudery’s glam lifestyle as she aims for Olympic gold”And she was caught literally two or three strides from the line, in fact she’d started celebrating arms in the air.”Incredibly, both Olyanovska and Garcia-Caro crossed the line after 20km of walking in official times of 1:28.48 – 40 seconds behind winner Italian Antonella Palmisano.But it was clear the Spaniard had been beaten to bronze and said: “I was really tired on the last lap. I did my best.”Plenty of fans chipped in with brilliant responses to the chaos.One said: “Never celebrate too early😂”Another wrote: “Lesson of the day: don’t get cocky until you’ve actually got the result.”A third added: “She’s got the flag and everything!! Silly girl 🤣”A fourth commented: “Absolutely love it when this happens.”And a final user replied: “And now she’s a meme, what a consolation prize.”And bronze-medallist Olyanovska – who served a four-year doping ban from 2015 to 2019 – said: “Today is a happy day for me winning this bronze medal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The most important thing is that I need to say big thank you to my mother, and my father and the whole of Ukraine. It is a very emotional moment for me.”Of course, I was tired in the last kilometre and last metres, but I wanted to win this medal for my country so much.”The Spaniard had her arm up in celebration five metres before the lineCredit: X @BBCSportHer face dropped when her rival overtook in the final momentsCredit: X @BBCSportThe pair crossed the line with the same official timeCredit: GettyFans said the Spaniard should now have learnt her lesson the hard wayCredit: Getty More

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      My dad was an England World Cup star but now I’m about to accomplish something he never could

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      GEORGE MILLS will accomplish something his former Premier League star dad never did on Saturday night — a run-out at the Stadio Olimpico.Rome’s famous football stadium is hosting the 26th edition of the European Athletics Championships.George Mills is set to achieve a feat his famous dad didn’tCredit: GettyDanny Mills played in Europe for Leeds UnitedCredit: GettyDanny Mills, winner of 19 England caps, kept the subs’ bench warm when Leeds played there twice in European competition in 2000.In March 2000, the Whites drew 0-0 with Roma in the Uefa Cup and then in December, Lazio were defeated 1-0 in the Champions League.Yet both times Mills, now 47, was an unused sub.Fast forward 24 years and the Mills family will be in the Italian capital to see George race in the European men’s 5,000 metres final on his outdoor international debut.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSAll eyes will be on whether he — or fellow Brits Jack Rowe and James West — can challenge Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen.Mills Jr, 25, said: “It’s exciting to be in such an iconic stadium.“I’ve watched football played there on the TV but never been before.“It has a similar aura to Berlin’s Olympic stadium. It will be cool to step out there.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’ve got the family coming out — my parents, one of my brothers, my sister and some family friends, too.“Every part of you goes into a race thinking I can beat anyone there.The meteoric rise of England star Adam Wharton“But Jakob’s bloody good.  He has won the last two world championships over 5k. I’ll try to put myself in the best positions to be up there.”Mills has prepared by taking inspiration from four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah.He said: “I’ve been recently watching a lot of Mo’s races from 2011-2013.“Even ones that weren’t so successful to learn what 5k races can be like.“I cannot give away all the secrets I’ve picked up, otherwise people will copy my homework!”Mo Farah is among George Mills’ sporting heroesCredit: REUTERS More

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      Glamorous British athlete Lauryn Davey gives glimpse into life behind the scenes as fans hail ‘track princess’

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      LAURYN DAVEY has given fans a glimpse into her life away from the track with a new Instagram post.The heptathlete has been ramping up her preparations for a busy summer of athletics.Lauryn hinted at a career change as she posed with a microphoneCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe also posed on the running trackCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyAnd took a selfie at a football stadiumCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn Davey, https://www.instagram.com/p/C7eunJoIAPL/Credit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe dubbed the busy period “May madness” as she posted about her life away from the track on Instagram.Among the photos shared with her 33.7k followers was a glimpse into a potential career change when she hangs up her spikes – as she posed with a commentary microphone.She also shared action shots from her track career as well as a photo from a music festival.Another photo saw her don medical scrubs as she continues to work towards gaining a medical degree.READ MORE ON ATHLETICSOne fan wrote: “track princess 👸🏼” as her followers heaped praise on her in the comment section.Another wrote: “You are my idol 🙌💕”A third commented: “Gorgeous photos 😍😍”A fourth wrote: “You’re unreal 😍”Most read in AthleticsShe also shared images from a music festivalCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyAnd a selfie from her medical studyCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyAnd a fifth asked: “Are you going to Paris?”Britain’s full list of Team GB athletes has not been released yet.Glamorous British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off her incredible figure as she works on her fitness for new seasonBut inevitably, Katarina Johnson-Thompson will be Team GB’s first-choice women’s heptathlete.Davey will still be hoping to make the cut.Davey competes in the heptathlonCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn studies at Swansea UniversityCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe has over 30,000 followers onlineCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe is a medical studentCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyBut in her spare time she enjoys paddleboardingCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn often shares holiday snaps with her followersCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn likes to travel and always keeps fans updated with her travailsCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedavey More