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      in Athletics

      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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      in Soccer

      Football tragedy as centre-back Youssouf Keira is found dead at home just hours after playing in top-flight clash

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      FOOTBALLER Youssouf Keira has been found dead at home – just hours after taking part in a top-flight fixture.The centre-back played for Guinean Ligue 1 club ASM Sangaredi.Youssouf Kiera has tragically been found deadCredit: fgfofficielIt has been reported he suffered a heart attackRising star Keira had helped the Conakry side stay unbeaten all season – and boast an undefeated league run lasting almost a YEAR.But Sangaredi fell to a 3-2 loss against Milo FC on Saturday at their home Petit Sory stadium.Tragically Keira was found unresponsive at his home in the early hours of Sunday morning.Local media reported the towering defender had suffered a heart attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Guinean FA announced: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of the ASM Sangaredi player Youssouf Keira.”It took place this Sunday, March 17 2024.”We offer our sincerest condolences to his grieving family, the club’s board and players, and the entire football family.”May his soul rest in peace.”Most read in FootballKeira joined Sangaredi in August 2022 from their league rivals Academie Soar.Sangaredi are fourth in their West African country’s 14-team top league.They sit five points behind leaders and reigning champions Hafia. More

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      in Motorsport

      Who was Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon and what was his cause of death?

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      HBO is set to premiere its latest documentary entitled The Lionheart on 12 March 2024.Here, we take a closer look at the main subject of the program, professional racer Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon.IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon wins his second Indianapolis 500 on 30 May 2011Credit: AP Photo/Michael Conroy, FileWho was Dan ‘Lionheart’ Wheldon?Daniel Clive Wheldon was born in Buckinghamshire, England on 22 June 1978.He began go-kart racing at age four, but joined competitive racing when he was eight.After finding success early in the United Kingdom, he flew to the United States to further his racing career in 1999.There, he won the US F2000 and was named Rookie of the Year. Read more on sportsIn 2002, he began competing in the IndyCar Series with Panther Racing, and by 2005 he conquered the Indianappolis 500.He broke the record for the most victories in one season, with six.The following year, he drove for Chip Ganassi Racing, and ended the season in a tie for first place in points with Sam Hornish Jr.Hornish had more wins than Wheldon, and was crowned the 2006 Indy Car Champion.Most read in MotorsportHe raced in the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with Bryan Herta Autosport and finished in first place.What was Dan Wheldon’s cause of death?Dan Wheldon was part of a 15-car wreck in 11th lap of the IndyCar World Championship on 16 October 2011.His car went over another vehicle and hit the catch fence at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.He was brought to the hospital by helicopter, where he was declared dead.CBS reports that Wheldon suffered a “non-survivable injury” and the official cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma to the head.He was 33.Dan Wheldon is survived by his wife and their two sonsCredit: Nick Laham via Getty ImagesHow can I watch Lionhheart?The Lionheart is a documentary that will follow Dan Wheldon’s sons as they embark on their own professional racing journeys.The program premieres on HBO on 12 March 2024, at 9 p.m.It was will also be available to stream on Max. More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Manchester Utd youth player & footie film star Bobby Power dies after cancer battle as family pay agonising tribute

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      TRIBUTES are pouring in for a Manchester United youth team player who tragically died after a battle with cancer. Bobby Power, who also starred as ‘Gorgeous’ Gordon Burley in the football film There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble, has passed away aged 40. Bobby Power, a former Manchester United youth team player, has died aged 40Credit: MEN MediaThe dad had also appeared in the film There’s Only One Jimmy GrimbleBobby had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancerCredit: MEN MediaThe dad-of-three had played for the Manchester United youth team in the 1990s, and spent years as a personal trainer in the city. He gained a massive online following in the years that followed by sharing his love for fitness and the outdoors. Tributes are now pouring in for Bobby, who tragically died in February. One of his heartbroken daughters, Kaitlyn Eadsforth, said: “He was really outgoing. Literally anywhere he went, he would talk to anyone.Read more on football”He was like a social butterfly, in any room that he went in.”If he wasn’t at the gym he was climbing mountains. He loved helping other people.”That’s what he was all about really – helping people physically and mentally.”The fitness lover had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after feeling unusually tired while he scaled a mountain. Most read in FootballBobby was moved into Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham, where his appearance dramatically changed. His mum Estrella Barry said: “He spent the rest of his life trying to find a cure. He wanted to live for his girls. He did everything he could.”He thought he was going in to get strong so he could get chemotherapy in Liverpool.”But unfortunately that’s the last place he went.”It was at the hospice where Bobby married Jemma Power-Bliss on Valentine’s Day, in front of friends and family.Estrella continued:  “He couldn’t walk or anything. He was like a little skeleton. It was what he wanted, but a few weeks later he died.”He has inspired so many people because he was just such an active person.”Bobby is survived by his daughters Loren, 20, Kaitlyn, 19, and Heidi, 12. A JustGiving page has been started by his pal Leigh Sarsfield, who is running a 100-mile ultramarathon to raise money for the hospice. Two ‘silent’ symptoms of pancreatic cancerBY ISABEL SHAW
      PANCREATIC cancer is often known as a ‘silent killer’ because it’s symptoms are so hard to spot – especially in the early stages.
      However, there are a couple of early signs which people are being urged to look out for.
      Symptoms to look out for are back pain, indigestion, stomach pain and weight loss.
      But researchers have now identified two more, lesser-known symptoms.
      In a study last year, researchers at the University of Oxford found that increased thirst and dark yellow urine can both be caused by pancreatic cancer. 
      Dr Weiqi Liao, a data scientist at the university, said: “When pancreatic cancer is diagnosed earlier, patients have a higher chance of survival.
      “It is possible to diagnose patients when they visit their GP, but both patients and GPs need to be aware of the symptoms associated with pancreatic cancer.”
      Pancreatic cancer is the eleventh most common type of cancer in the UK and the sixth highest cause of cancer death.
      The cancer has the lowest survival rate of any common cancer in the UK – with more than half of patients dying within three months of diagnosis.
      The disease affects a large gland that is part of the digestive system – the pancreas is located behind the stomach and under the liver.
      It has two main functions: dripping digestive enzymes into the gut to help break down food, and releasing the hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.
      Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant – cancerous – cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.
      As with all cancers, there are certain things that can increase the risk of developing the disease.
      According to Cancer Research UK, smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco all increase pancreatic cancer risk.
      They found that nearly one in three pancreatic cancers (about 30 per cent) may be linked to smoking.

      Bobby married Jemma Power-Bliss on Valentine’s Day, in front of friends and familyCredit: MEN MediaHis heartbroken mum Estrella said he had been convinced he was going to get betterCredit: MEN Media More

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      in Soccer

      Jimmy Husband dead at 76: Everton legend who won First Division and guided Toffees to FA Cup final dies after illness

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      EVERTON legend Jimmy Husband has died at the age of 76.The club announced the death of Husband in a heartfelt tribute on their website.Everton have paid tribute to Jimmy Husband, who has died at the age of 76Credit: GettyHusband won the title with Everton in 1970Credit: Times Newspapers LtdA statement on their website said: “Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 1969/70 League Championship winner Jimmy Husband.”Jimmy, 76, died peacefully on Saturday following a short illness.”Born in October 1947, Husband won the First Division title with the Toffees in 1970. He starred at Goodison Park between 1963 and 1973, scoring 55 goals in 199 appearances for the first team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis career path had seen him star for a number of top clubs academy sides, including Aston Villa, Leeds, Sunderland, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Burnley and Everton where he turned professional.In 1968, Husband was instrumental as Everton reached the FA Cup final, scoring twice in the quarter-final against Leiceste.But a bad miss in the final against West Brom would prove pivotal as the Baggies won the game 1-0.Two years later the winger was a key man in Harry Catterick’s team who stormed to the First Division crown, though an injury prevented him from playing in the run-in.Most read in FootballHis absence in the second leg of Everton’s European Cup quarter-final against Panathinaikos in 1971 after being injured early in the second leg was also cited as a big part of the teams elimination.Husband left Everton for Luton in 1973, helping the Hatters to promotion in the 1973/74 season.He played 162 games for the Kenilworth Road outfit, scoring 48 goals.His football career in England would end in 1978, before he headed to the United States and featured for Memhis Rogues, indoor team Cleveland Force and Oklahoma City Slickers.Husband played for England Under 23s but never made an appearance for the senior team, partly due to Sir Alf Ramsey’s reluctance to use wingers.After retiring Husband was a regular sight at the Everton Former Players Foundation Christmas Lunch and was a special guest in 2020 when John Hurst was presented with the Dixie Dean award.Everton concluded: “The thoughts of everyone associated with the Club are with Jimmy’s family at this sad time.” More

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      in Boxing

      Brave Kevin Lerena comes within seconds of huge boxing shock just two days after his mum passed away

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      KEVIN LERENA blew the chance to honour his mum with a sensational underdog win just 24hrs after her death – but earned the chance to pay tribute to her courage.The 31-year-old South African, who came agonisingly close to stunning Daniel Dubois in the opening round of their 2022 bout, had Justis Huni paralyzed in the tenth and final round but refused to pounce.Kevin Lerena fought Justis Huni less than a day after the death of his motherCredit: GETTYThe interim WBC bridgerweight champion struggled against the AussieCredit: REUTERSHe came close to finishing the fight in the final roundCredit: GETTYThe courageous son, who lost his mother on Thursday around the time he was weighing in for the Riyadh show, had 90 seconds to finish the Aussie off but coasted to the bell and lost a unanimous decision.In the ring after the brave defeat, he said: “There’s no such thing as good timing when somebody dies. Emotionally, it was tough.”But you can’t take anything away from this young man. He’s a tough competitor. I hurt him in the first, the second and the tenth [rounds].”So a testament to my guts. It’s back to the drawing board.READ MORE IN BOXING”I’m still bridgerweight interim champion. I believe, obviously, that I should have finished him. “But kudos to him, he stayed up like a tough guy and a young lion.”Just thanks to everybody for the wishes. it has been challenging, but no excuses.”My performance tonight isn’t based on my mom. I came out here for my mom in her honour. So thank you very much, everybody.”Most read in BoxingBut the loss was gutting for fight fans around the world who were willing him on to win after he wrote this heartbreaking statement.He said: “Today I lost the strongest woman I have ever known.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJustis Huni lands a nasty lead uppercut on the chin of Kevin LerenaCredit: REUTERS“My mom fought tirelessly as a single mom to raise us, and her strength and determination will forever inspire me.“Even in her final moments she fought until the very end, she fought with all her might.Did you spot the subtle change Francis Ngannou made to taunt Anthony Joshua during intense face-off?“Mom, I love you and I will carry on your warrior spirit.“Tomorrow night, I WILL FIGHT in your honour because you were a LION and you raised a LION Your fight lives on in me, and I will always carry your strength with me.“Rest peacefully in God’s kingdom, and soar with the angels and now you are finally back with Dad. I love you Mom”Lerena deserved the opener with the judges after landing the heavier punches and controlling the centre of the ring.Huni looked dangerous working around the ropes and his clever left-foot pivot was smart, if a little predictable.Lerena’s excellent first punch of the second round set the tone. A crisp left-hand jab rocked Huni’s vulnerable head back and he struggled to cope with the remaining 179 seconds.The former cruiserweight landed a brilliant long left hand and at one stage Huni’s thick legs seemed to buckle and shake.But the Aussie stoically recovered and spent the final 30 seconds trying to snatch back the round, with Lerena catching most of the shots.Huni earned the third by being far busier, it looked like Lerena took a round off to recover from the power punches he threw and energy blown in the previous two.The fourth was the closest round, both men looked keen to conserve energy for the remaining six rounds and neither wanted to risk shipping a counter punch.But Team Lerena in the blue corner kept telling their man to target Huni’s body.Huni levelled the contest up by the time the sixth had finished, his straight right hands were heavy and he liked to whip a left-hand hook on the end of it, which caught Lerena when he backed away onto the ropes in a straight line and was easy to hit.Justis Huni celebrates staying unbeaten against Kevin LerenaCredit: GETTYThe white tape around Lerena’s gold gloves was pink with blood by the seventh, thanks to a cut that had opened over his peppered nose.But he still landed the cleaner and crisper shots, though Huni’s hands always looked heavier.Lerena overcommitted to a round-eight combination and was whacked with a horrible right hand that splashed more blood across his face.It was the first time he looked hurt in the 10-rounder and swayed the close bout in Huni’s favour.By round nine, the stone muscle difference in Huni’s favour was beginning to show.Lerena’s best shots were bouncing off his breeze-block head and the fire he returned was malicious.The final round – with everything to fight for – was bizarre.Lerena knocked all the sense out of Huni with a brilliant combination and the Queensland man froze.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut baffling Lerena refused to finish him, his prey was paralyzed but he repeatedly rejected the chance to go for the kill.The judges scored it 96-94, 96-94 and 98-92 to Huni, which was mostly fair apart from Howard Foster’s trademark far-too-wide blunder. More

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      in Soccer

      Kees Rijvers dead aged 97: Tributes pour in for iconic Holland star and boss who won four top-flight titles and Uefa Cup

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      FORMER Netherlands manager Kees Rijvers has died at the age of 97.The Dutchman was idolised for his glittering managerial career in Holland alongside his superb playing days.Kees Rijvers has passed away at 97Credit: GettyRijvers held the Dutch national team job for over three yearsCredit: AlamyRijvers was one of the first Dutch players to take his playing career abroad and won the French league title in 1957 with Saint Etienne.As a manager he gave international debuts to some of the Netherland’s most iconic players including Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Ronald Koeman.Rijvers took charge of the national team for three and a half years overseeing 21 games as the boss of the Oranje.But he also made an impact for the national side as a player earning himself 33 caps and scoring 10 goals between 1946 and 1960.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was his managerial career at club level that was perhaps the most impressive record he held.Rijvers won three Eredivise titles and the Uefa Cup as the manager of PSV Eindhoven.Only one manager in the history of the Eredivisie, Bert Jacobs, has managed to win more matches than Rijvers with the tactician earning victory an incredible 251 times during his career in the league.PSV led the tributes for their former gaffer with a statement released on their website.Most read in FootballIt read: “With the death of Kees Rijvers, the club and Dutch football have lost a great icon.”PSV is thinking of all the relatives and wishes everyone a lot of strength in coping with this great loss.”Rijvers also spent six years as boss of FC Twente from 1966 to 1972 as well as a spell as technical director of the club from 1986 to 1989.The Dutch outfit also released a statement paying their tributes to their former manager online.It read: “We wish the family of Kees Rijvers, his friends and other relatives a lot of strength in coping with the loss.”Rijvers retired from management in 1994 after a short return to PSV.In March of last year he was awarded a knighthood of the Dutch Football Association for his work and influence on the beautiful game in Holland. More

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      in Soccer

      Archange Defrignan Mondou dead at 19: Ivory Coast midfielder found unresponsive at home as Norweigan club lead tribute

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      NORWEGIAN football has been plunged into mourning after a top-flight club’s midfielder was found dead at home.Archange Defrignan Mondou, 19, played for Eliteserien outfit HamKam after arriving from the Ivory Coast last year.
      Archange Defrignan Mondou has passed away aged 19
      But tragedy struck when the teenager, nicknamed Achilles, passed away on Tuesday.
      Emergency services found him unresponsive at his flat in Hamar, 60 miles north of capital city Oslo.
      Mondou’s club announced: “It is with great sadness that HamKam Football has received the news that Achilles has passed away at the age of 19.
      “He was found in his apartment. Our warmest thoughts are with his family and relatives.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “The cause of death is currently unknown.”
      HamKam general manager Bent Svele said: “This is a very difficult day for everyone affected.”
      A police spokesman added: “He was found dead, and we have requested an autopsy.
      “There was nothing suspicious about the death, other than the cause is unclear.
      Most read in Football
      “He was found by others at home, and died alone.”
      Mondou had been forced to take a break from football last September after an incident in training.
      The midfielder spent time in hospital following a medical assessment. More