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      Joana Neves dead at 37: Paralympic swimmer dies after cardiac arrest as tributes paid for ‘great, charismatic athlete’

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      A SWIMMER who won five medals in three Paralympics has died aged just 37.Brazilian Joana Neves went into cardiac arrest in the early hours of yesterday morning after being admitted to hospital on Sunday night feeling unwell.Swimmer Joana Neves, far right in green, has died aged just 37Credit: GettyNeves won five medals in three ParalympicsCredit: GettyHere she is at the 2022 World Para Swimming ChampionshipsCredit: GettyShe had travelled to the city of Sao Paulo for tests after suffering fits.Joana, known affectionately as Peixinha which means Little Fish in English or Joaninha, was born with bone growth disorder achondroplasia that results in dwarfism due to a genetic mutation in the arms and legs.During her glittering career she won a total of 15 medals in world paralympic swimming championships between 2013 and 2022 after taking up swimming on medical advice as a 10-year-old and starting to compete three years later.She also took part in three Paralympics, winning two silver and three bronze medals at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.READ MORE IN sport Mizael Conrado, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, said in a tribute to the athlete, who hailed from the city of Natal in the north-east state of Rio Grande do Norte: “We are devastated at the departure of Joana Neves, our Joaninha.“So much charisma out of the pool, so much determination when she entered the water to represent our country, Rio Grande do Norte, her friends and her family.“How many people were proud of Joaninha’s achievements and how many joys she gave us. She was a great athlete.”Her club Sadef RN said in a statement yesterday confirming her death: “Parathlete swimmer Joana Neves died this morning in Sao Paulo.Most read in Athletics”She was in the city undergoing tests to seek a diagnosis of seizures she had recently suffered.“On Sunday night, after feeling unwell at the Paralympic Training Centre she was taken to hospital but was unable to resist after going into cardiac arrest.”We struck gold with a stay at the site of London’s 2012 OlympicsA club spokesman added: “At the last World Cup in 2022, she won four medals and broke two records. “During her career she had 15 podium finishes at World Cups between 2013 and 2022.“In 2020, she was voted Brazil’s best Paralympic swimmer in the best swimming trophy. She won five medals at the Paralympic Games.”One well-wisher added by way of a personal tribute on social media: “What a very sad day. My sincere condolences to the whole family.“A huge loss for our sport. She leaves an incredible legacy and most of all she leaves her joy in our memories.” More

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      Paris Olympics to lift sex ban with 300,000 condoms to be delivered to Olympic village

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      OLYMPIC chiefs have lifted the ban on athletes having sex ahead of this summer’s Games.A sex suspension was implemented ahead of the 2020 Games Tokyo, which took place in the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.The 2024 Olympic Games take place in Paris this summerCredit: ALAMYOlympic chiefs have lifted the sex ban they had in place for the 2024 GamesCredit: REUTERSThe ban was imposed in a bid to stop events from being scuppered by Covid outbreaks.But those preventative measures have been lifted ahead of this summer’s Games in Paris – meaning athletes can get up to as much rumpy-pumpy as they like.Olympic Village director Laurent Michaud said: “It is very important that the conviviality here is something big.”Working with the athletes commission, we wanted to create some places where the athletes would feel very enthusiastic and comfortable.”READ MORE ON PARIS 2024The Olympic Village , according to TMZ, will be stocked with a whopping 300,000 free condoms.So athletes will have no excuse for not practicing safe sex during the tournament.There won’t, however, be any free champers for them to drink during the competition.Although they will have a wide array of food from around the globe available to them every day.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Olympic Village will be stocked with 300,000 free condomsCredit: GETTYFormer Center Parcs head-honcho Michaud said: “[There will be no champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris.”We will have more than 350 metres of buffet with the world food.We’re twin sisters, 27, who both secretly battled same disease… now we’re plotting Olympic gold at Paris 2024 together”And I’m sure that the athletes will be very happy to have some French specialties made over here.”But the variety will first respond to the athletes’ needs for their nutrition and their performance.”The Paris Games – which get underway on July 26 and end on August 11 – are expected to attract the largest crowds since London 2012.Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi told Sky News: “It has to be a celebration and it is a celebration.”We’ve had many challenges in the past. “In Rio, we faced situations that were amazingly complex.”But what you see is that with a bit of goodwill from everyone – starting with the organisers.”But also as far as the Olympic community is concerned – meeting with the challenges and coming up with solutions… is in the greater interest that the Games represent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What we all want is for unity, peace and a celebration of the best athletes. “This is how this creative family works together. Any challenge? We will win.” More

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      Commonwealth Games could be saved from extinction as new host country emerges after Australia pulled out

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      MALAYSIA could rescue the beleaguered Commonwealth Games by becoming a potential host country for the 2026 Games.The Australian State of Victoria was supposed to host the event in two years’ time but pulled out last summer due to budget blowouts.Athletics stars like Team Scotland’s Josh Kerr could yet return to Commonwealth Games action in 2026Credit: GettyOrganisers hope to ensure that Birmingham 2022 is not the last GamesCredit: GettyAccording to Malaysian sports officials, the under-fire Commonwealth Games Federation last month offered them the chance to stage the Friendly Games in the capital city Kuala Lumpur.It is claimed the offer includes “significant financial investment of £100million to support the local delivery and legacy planning” of the 2026 edition.Malaysia became the first Asian nation to host the 94-year-old event in 1998 when Australia topped the medal standing ahead of England.Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, said: “The last time Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Games was in 1998.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Thus the Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia is of the opinion that the Government of Malaysia should consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the associated support and financial investment.“This will build on the success of Kuala Lumpur 1998 and put Malaysia back on to the world sporting map.“With the existing world-class facilities, Malaysia is well-equipped to host an international event of Commonwealth magnitude involving 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.“The hosting will involve minimal Government spending and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the country.Most read in Athletics“It will also elevate the standard of Malaysia sports much like the way it did in the aftermath of the 1998 Games.”Birmingham hosted the event in 2022 but since then the city council has effectively declared bankruptcy.Shaun Custis and Rob Maul discuss the rise of Luke Littler and what the future holds for Darts wonderkidAnd the £72million Alexander Stadium – the centrepiece for the athletics programme – has not been used for any other sporting events.UK Sport, the government agency responsible for masterminding major tournaments, has no plans to bid for either the 2026 or 2030 editions of the Commonwealths.A Commonwealth Games Federation spokesperson said: “The CGF is in advanced, confidential discussions with potential hosts to secure a solution for the 2026 Games that inspires athletes and helps transform the Games to a truly sustainable model.“These discussions follow our announcement to members at our General Assembly last November that £100million of financial and strategic support would be made available from the Victoria withdrawal settlement.“Malaysia has a fantastic track record of delivering sporting events and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur were hugely successful.“We are encouraged by their early concepts of building on this legacy through use of many of the same world class facilities.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We welcome innovative proposals and are in positive discussions with potential hosts.“We are committed to providing an update on the expedited process, and giving greater clarity to our stakeholders and athletes, as soon as possible.” More

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      I’m a porn icon dubbed the ‘Italian Stallion’ – I give my athletics ace son tips on how to beat performance anxiety

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      LEONARDO TANO’S porn-icon parents have helped him get his legs over – as a rising star of hurdles.Dad Rocco – dubbed the “Italian Stallion” – claims he gave the athletic all-rounder the heads-up on “how to fight performance anxiety”.Leonardo Tano is a bright young name in Hungarian sportCredit: Instagram @leonardotanoLeonardo and his brother Lorenzo flank parents Rocco and Rosa at a screening of new Netflix show Supersex at a Berlin film festivalCredit: ReutersDad Rocco, shown at his porn peak, has passed on tips such as self-belief to son LeonardoCredit: FacebookNow Leonardo, 24, is in pole position to exploit his versatile talents – as he has all the mental and physical attributes needed.Sports-wise, the part-time model eagerly plays the field – and the track.The social media influencer rode dirt bikes, was a karting champion and also ran before focusing on his main gift – hurdling.And thanks to some fatherly advice, he takes on all-comers with confidence as one of Hungary’s hottest prospects.Tano Senior, 59, who calls himself a sex addict, and wife Rozsa Tassi, 51, found fame via their screen names of Rocco Siffredi and Rosa Caracciolo.Rocco has appeared in more than 1,300 adult “movies” and features on Netflix show Supersex, which was released on Wednesday.But he is most proud of keeping his son on the straight and narrow in sport.The Daily Star report Rocco as having said: “I taught him how to fight performance anxiety.Most read in Athletics”Leonardo took all of my stubbornness. But in another area he uses his head much more, so to speak.”Tano Junior was a karting whizkid – until he grew too big.Five celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyLuckily, however, his 6ft4ins frame has proved ideal for the hurdles.And his dad loves the dedication Leonardo has shown in recent years, starting when he was a mechanical engineering student. He told Crush Fanzine at the time: “I try to play as many sports as I can. “My principal focus is track and field, which I do six times a week, resting on Sunday.”I would say I am sports addicted, as for me it is an important ingredient to my general health and happiness.”Instagram star Leonardo has branched out from his family’s fameCredit: Rex More

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      I’m an Olympic champion – now I’m earning a living selling pictures on OnlyFans ahead of Paris 2024

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      MATTY LEE is an Olympic gold medal champion who made a splash with Tom Daley in Tokyo.But ahead of the 2024 Paris Games, he is now earning a living by selling pictures on adult website OnlyFans.Matty Lee is making a living on OnlyFans after striking gold at the OlympicsCredit: Instagram / @mattydiverThe diver won at Tokyo 2020 alongside Tom DaleyCredit: EPALee, 26, is one of Team GB’s top stars after breaking on to the scene at the 2015 European Games.After winning gold there, he took silver at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships.And Lee clinched the top prize of all when he and Daley won gold in the synchro event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.The Leeds-born ace, coached by Jane Figueiredo, is now closing in on a spot at this summer’s Games in Paris.READ MORE IN OLYMPICSBut in the meantime, Lee is funding his dream by selling saucy snaps on OnlyFans.SunSport exclusively revealed in December that he is one of several male divers taking to the adult website to flog pictures to fans.Others who have joined OnlyFans include Daniel Goodfellow, Jack Laugher, Noah Williams, Robbie Lee and Matthew Dixon.Costing between £8 and £16 a month, Lee has been posting snaps online after joining the subscription-based service last year.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRevealing his move onto the platform, he said: “I have not been hacked, I have not been scammed, see for yourself.”On his OnlyFans bio, it reportedly adds: “Where you wanna see more of me.”I’m A Celeb’s Matty Lee and Naughty Boy take on ‘Gross Vegas’ trialThe pair are hoping to make it to Paris 2024Credit: Instagram / @mattydiverLee joined OnlyFans last yearCredit: Instagram / @mattydiverHe previously appeared on I’m a CelebCredit: Instagram / @mattydiverLee’s profile insists his pictures are SFW (Safe For Work)Credit: GettyAccording to Instinct Magazine, Lee also clarifies: “Remember I’m a Team GB diver not a (porn star).“So everything will be SFW (safe for work) and a place where I can interact with you all.”Lee’s journey into OnlyFans came after he appeared on I’m a Celeb in 2021.He lasted 18 days in the jungle and finished a respectable fifth. More

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      World Athletics Champs halted as pole vaulter Margot Chevrier screaming in pain and given oxygen after horror leg break

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      THE World Athletics Indoor Championships were halted after pole vaulter Margot Chevrier suffered a sickening leg break that left her “bone sticking out”.French medal hopeful Chevrier was in action in the final in Glasgow.Margot Chevrier was in the pole vault finalCredit: GettyShe broke her ankle after a bad fallCredit: ReutersShe screamed in pain as she received treatmentCredit: AFP or licensorsChevrier was given oxygen and taken away on a stretcherCredit: GettyAttempting her second clearance of the night, at 4.65m, Chevrier failed to get over the bar.But, rather than falling forwards, the 24-year-old instead plunged back into the box, where her pole is pitched in the run-up.And Chevrier was left screaming in pain after an awkward landing saw he suffer a suspected compound fracture of the ankle.Coach Grant Brown said that Chevrier’s “bone was sticking out”.READ MORE IN ATHLETICSAs medics rushed over, she was given oxygen before being carried away on a stretcher.Concerned fans at the Commonwealth Arena applauded as she appeared to gesture a love heart to supporters. It is understood Chevrier was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.A statement on social media from the French athletics federation said: “Cruel outcome for Margot Chevrier in the pole vault final. She fell into the barrier and, conscious, was evacuated from the track on a stretcher”.Most read in AthleticsI nearly lost my finger in a freak accident but now I’m an influencer hoping to win gold at Paris 2024 OlympicsThe action was halted for around 15 minutes as she received urgent treatment on the gruesome injury. British athlete Molly Caudery won gold in the final once it had resumed.The Cornish athlete, 23, cleared 4.80 metres – the same height rival Eliza McCartney, but ended up with top spot due to countback rules.She now heads to the Paris 2024 Olympics with strong hopes of winning a medal.Ecstatic Caudery, 23, could not hold back the waterworks on two occasions as she claimed a maiden global gold by clearing 4.80 metres.Though New Zealand training partner Eliza McCartney leapt over the same height, Caudery got the crown on countback.The world leader was also in tears after witnessing the sickening injury for Chevrier.Britain’s Molly Caudery won gold when the event resumedCredit: GettyCaudery said: “That was a real tough time. It made it difficult for everyone. Pole vault is such an emotional journey.“I feel people’s emotions quite a lot. Margot did her ankle. After her jump, I was crying to my coach, I felt so bad for her.“I had to regroup after that and execute my jumps. I’m very proud of myself.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was an absolutely crazy competition. It’s an indescribable feeling.“Especially in front of a home crowd because you know you’ve the whole nation behind you. You’re sharing that with them and they’re proud as you. It’s the best feeling.” More

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      Great Britain’s Adam Fogg awarded place in 1500m final after being TRIPPED by opponent at World Indoor Athletics

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      GREAT BRITAIN’S Adam Fogg has secured a place in the 1500m final for the World Indoor Athletics despite finishing sixth in his heat.The 25-year-old was given qualification to Sunday’s final after he was TRIPPED by his opponent during the race.Adam Fogg was awarded a spot in the 1500m final World Indoor Athletics after he tripped during his heatCredit: AlamyFogg was tripped as he began the raceCredit: BBCHe tumbled to the ground as his competitors skipped over himCredit: BBCThe Brit managed to get back to his feet quicklyCredit: BBCBut he had already fallen significantly behind in the raceCredit: BBCFogg had just got off the line to begin his qualification heat when after only five seconds he appeared to tangle his legs with Danish opponent Kristian Hansen and fall to the ground.The fall was early enough for the distance runner to get back to his feet and try and hunt down the pack, but unfortunately he was still left some way off the race leaders.However, after the race came to a conclusion Fogg was handed a place in Sunday’s 1500m final anyway after officials deemed his fall to be a consequence of being “unfairly impeded”. Only three runners from each heat are supposed to qualify for the final with the fastest three making the cut, but exceptions can be made when someone has been impeded.READ MORE SPORT NEWSSpeaking after the race Fogg explained how his tumble had essentially put him out of the race despite his best efforts to catch back up. He told BBC Sport: “This sport is brutal and I’ve hit the deck a few times, but when you hit the deck you don’t want it to happen in your first track Indoor World Championships.”In the first steps I thought I was going to be in a good spot. I went down pretty hard and my shoulder is pretty sore, my hip feels sore, but it is the way it goes.”The adrenaline got to me, but after you fall down like that you are swamped and you feel worn out straight away – I tried to pull it together, but there is nothing you can really do.”Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe went on to add that he was keen to keep going in spite of his fall to ensure he still finished the race in front of the home crowd in Glasgow.He added: “I have never not finished a race and I don’t want to start that, this crowd is brilliant and it’s great to be running at a home championships.High-jumper breaks down in floods of tears live on BBC at World Indoor Athletics Championship after devastating injury”Obviously I am not from Scotland, but it’s nice to be in the UK.”Fogg will now face off against the other qualified runners in Sunday’s final, but it will be a crowded track for the Brit.He’s not the only runner that was given a spot in the final as a result of being tripped with Ethiopia’s Biniam Mehary receiving the same treatment.The two extra qualifications means that there will be 14 RUNNERS taking part in the final with the race originally supposed to see just 12 men face off for gold.Ethiopian runner Biniam Mehary was also tripped in his heat and subsequently awarded a spot in Sunday’s finalCredit: Alamy More

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      Pentathlete breaks down in floods of tears live on BBC at World Indoor Athletics Championship after devastating injury

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      A SPANISH pentathlete was left in tears after rupturing her Achilles tendon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships.Maria Vicente, a triple jump youth Olympic medallist, injured herself as she attempted a high jump in the morning session at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.Maria Vicente suffered a nasty-looking injury as she attempted a high humpCredit: ReutersShe burst into tears after hitting the matVicente appeared to damage her AchillesCredit: AFPShe was quickly attended to by medical staffCredit: ReutersThe Spaniard looked in agony as she was wheeled away on a stretcherCredit: ReutersThe 22-year-old laid on the crash mat in agony before being attended to by medical staff, concerned teammates and Spanish coaching members.Vicente had already cleared heights of 1.67 metres and 1.70 metres in the competition but when she tried to take on 1.73 metres, it all went horribly wrong.In clear distress, Vicente was stretchered away from the arena to a backstage medical room, and was later seen in a wheelchair.Tears continued to flow as she left the field of play and she put her hands on her head.READ MORE IN SPORTIt meant the end of her competition in the women’s pentathlon, which starts and ends on Friday.Depending on how bad the issue is, it could also mean she misses out on competing at the Paris Summer Olympics.Vicente finished 18th in the heptathlon with 6,117 points at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.It was a real blow for Vicente who had topped the leaderboard after the first event.Most read in AthleticsShe scored 1113 points for winning the second heat in the 60m hurdles, posting a top speed of 8.07 out of all 12 pentathletes.Katarina Johnson-Thompson is the reigning world heptathlon champion but she has decided against competing at the World Indoors this weekend.The Power Players: Celebrating Two Decades of Inspirational SportswomenA number of home-grown high-profile individuals have stayed away from the event even though it is being held on UK soil. More