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      in Athletics

      Jim Fox dead at 81: Tributes paid to British modern pentathlon Olympic champion

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      JIM FOX, the former modern pentathlon Olympic champion, has died at the age of 81.The Brit won team gold at the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada, alongside compatriots Danny Nightingale and Adrian Parker.
      Ex-army sergeant Jim Fox won gold in Montreal and caught out a cheating rivalCredit: Getty
      The Wiltshire-star famously exposed the cheating of Soviet Union Red Army soldier Boris Onishchenko, who was disqualified after it was discovered a switch had been hidden in his fencing sword to register false hits.
      While they duelled, a light came on early to indicate a hit for Onishchenko.
      Fox later told the BBC: “All I could think about was that Onishchenko had a weapon that was not properly working.
      “And then over a period of minutes, because he was going to put it back in his bag and because of the way he he wanted to put it back in his bag, I felt there was something dramatically wrong.”
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      Onishchenko’s cheating was soon exposed.
      Montreal 1976 official Carl Schwende revealed at the time: “The weapon had definitely been tampered with.
      “Someone had wired it in such a way that it would score a winning hit without making contact.”
      Fox was an army sergeant in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and represented Team GB at four successive Games.
      Most read in Athletics
      He finished fourth in the individual event in Munich in 1972, having been dissuaded from retiring by coach Ron Bright after the 1968 Mexico City Games.
      When he did officially hang up his sports equipment, he served as chairman of Pentathlon GB.
      The governing body said: “All at Pentathlon GB send their condolences to Jim Fox’s family and remain grateful for everything he has done for our sport.”
      British Army Sport stated: “Very sad news indeed and our sincere condolences to his family and friends. An outstanding athlete and supporter of Modern Pentathlon in the British Army and for his country.
      “RIP Jim and thank you for your service.”
      And sports fans on social media added their tributes.
      One posted: “So sad. A very charming man and great sportsman.” More

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      in Soccer

      Brazil legend Pele immortalised in the DICTIONARY – but what is the exact definition?

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      BRAZIL legend Pele has been immortalised in the dictionary after a successful campaign.The footballing icon passed away in December aged 82 following a battle with colon cancer.
      Pele has been commemorated with his name becoming a wordCredit: AFP
      Portuguese language dictionary Michaelis, one of the most popular in Pele’s homeland, have added his name as an adjective to it’s online issue and to their next print edition.
      The decision to make the icon’s name a word in its own right comes after 125,000 signatures were signed in support of the honour.
      “Pele” means unique.
      It’s official definition states: “pe.lé adj. That or someone who is out of the ordinary, who or who by virtue of their quality, value or superiority cannot be equalled to anything or anyone.
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      “Just like Pele, nickname of Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), who is considered the greatest athlete of all time; exceptional, incomparable, unique.”
      His former club Santos and TV channel SporTV both supported the movement to have him commemorated in language.
      They both helped the Pele Foundation, who came up with the idea.
      The charity have labelled the move a fitting tribute to “the king”.
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      Pele is widely regarded as one of the greatest to have ever stepped onto a football pitch.
      The ex-New York Cosmos striker netted 778 goals from 846 official matches.
      He won the World Cup three times with Brazil, in 1958, 1962 and 1970. More

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      in Boxing

      Ken Buchanan funeral sees boxing legends and Rangers hero turn out as big hitters say farewell to Scottish boxing great

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      FIGHT legends Barry McGuigan and Jim Watt were among those in attendance at St Giles Cathedral today to say their final farewells to Ken Buchanan.The iconic Scottish boxer passed away earlier this month at the age of 77.
      Former boxer Jim Watt at the memorial serviceCredit: PA
      Former Rangers star Willie HendersonCredit: PA
      Alex Arthur (left) and Barry McGuigan (right)Credit: PA
      Ken Buchanan’s son MarkCredit: Getty
      A pair of white boxing gloves rest on the coffin of former boxer Ken BuchananCredit: PA
      The Edinburgh fighter achieved legendary status – becoming UNDISPUTED lightweight champion of the world in 1970.
      And mourners gathered to show their last respects – including his one-time rival Watt.
      Also in attendance was former world featherweight champion McGuigan, who remembered SPARRING with him.
      Other respected figures from the boxing world including Alex Arthur, Tommy Gilmour and veteran journalists such as Jim Black and Steve Bunce also took their place at the memorial service.

      Buchanan had huge crossover appeal across sport – and he was joined too by former Rangers winger Willie Henderson.
      A pair of white boxing gloves took pride of place on Buchanan’s coffin as he made his final journey.
      Josh Taylor, the super-lightweight who idolised Buchanan and recently followed him to becoming a Scottish undisputed world champion, sent his apologies from the United States, where he is currently in a training camp.
      Widely regarded as Scotland’s greatest fighter, Buchanan’s record stood at 61-8 in a career spanning 17 years.
      Most read in Boxing
      Born in Edinburgh, ‘the Tartan Legend’ rose to the top of his sport, picking up the British lightweight title three years after his first pro bout.
      But it was his epic win over Ismael Laguna in Puerto Rico that placed him on top of the world.
      His glory led to further high-profile bouts – the controversial defeat to Roberto Duran in Madison Square Garden where he shared a dressing room with Muhammad Ali.
      He also fought an epic with future world champ Jim Watt and regained the British belt.
      His undisputed success led to a statue erected in his home city – unveiled on Leith Walk last August. More

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      in Soccer

      Giant Pele doll with ‘hand for penis’ leaves fans terrified after kicking off cup final in Brazil

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      A MAN wearing a gigantic Pele costume left football fans both baffled and terrified at a cup final in Brazil.The Brazilan legend, a three-time World Cup winner and one of the greatest to ever play the game, passed away last year aged 82.
      A giant Pele doll with a ‘hand for penis’ left fans traumatisedCredit: Twitter @AndreSilvares
      The huge doll was on show before a cup final in BrazilCredit: Twitter @AndreSilvares
      The person inside the doll waved to fans and gave a thumbs up while leaning out of Pele’s fly zipCredit: Twitter @AndreSilvares
      At the time, thousands of mourners lined the streets at Santos football stadium to say a final farewell ahead of the icon’s funeral following his battle with cancer.
      Four months on from his death, the former goalscorer was honoured again in a bizarre way.
      It came prior to kick off in the first leg of the Campeonato Pernambucano final between Retro and Sport Recife on Saturday.
      A huge Pele figure marched out onto the pitch with an eerie smile as both players and officials applauded.
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      And the crowd were loving it also as they cheered on from the stands.
      The figure came complete with a Brazil-themed superhero cape and a huge gap around the fly area of the trousers.
      It then proceeded to perform some pivots before kicking the ball to one of the watching players before floating back off the field.
      But, as he left, the man inside the costume pushed his arm through the trouser gap – which made it look remarkably like the figure had taken some of the viagra Pele famously had advertised for years.
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      As the clip began to go viral on social media, footy fans quickly began revelling in the remarkable scenes.
      “I’ll be seeing that face when close my eyes for weeks,” tweeted one fan.
      Another wrote: “This is genuinely the scariest thing I’ve ever seen.”
      A fellow supporter said: “It’s what Pele would have wanted.”
      Another then wrote: “I’m not really one to call for people to lose their jobs but whoever thought this was a good idea needs sacked.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Tragedy as rally driver David López Tomico is killed in horror crash while racing in Spain

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      THE death of a rally driver in a horror crash while racing has left his team “in mourning”.David López Tomico was killed in the fatal crash during the Rallysprint San Bartolomé de Pinares in Ávila, Spain, on Saturday.
      David López Tomico was killed in a horror crash during a rally race in SpainCredit: VALLEJO RACING
      He was negotiating the course’s first downhill section when his Fiat Abarth Grande Punto careered off the path and rolled down a steep ravine.
      Fire crews were unable to save him and he died of his injuries.
      His co-driver, Natalia Rios Diaz, was trapped inside the car but was successfully recovered from the wreckage and rushed to hospital.
      Race officials cancelled the rest of the day’s proceedings.
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      Tomico’s team, Vallejo Racing, paid tribute to him in a touching statement.
      They wrote: “Again, this sport hits us where it hurts the most.
      “Vallejo Racing is in mourning because we lose one of our own: David López Tomico, a passionate lover of motorsport, a leader in his work and an example of perseverance and love for his own.
      “He joined the team in 2022 and his spirit and strength were fundamental for the Dakar 2023 project to bear fruit.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Today we not only lose a mechanic or a team member, but we leave a friend of the real ones. David, your strength will always be with us.”
      It comes after four-time British motorcycling champion Keith Farmer died aged just 35 following an injury-enforced retirement.
      An inquest into Farmer’s death recorded a verdict of suicide after the court heard of his struggles with his exit from the sport and the breakdown of his relationship.
      You’re Not Alone
      EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember, www.uk.movember.com
      Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm More

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      in Soccer

      Eddie Colquhoun dead at 78: Tributes paid to one of Sheffield United’s greatest captains after passing

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED icon Eddie Colquhoun has passed away aged 78.Tributes have been paid to the former defender who is regarded as one of the Blades’ best-ever captains.
      Eddie Colquhoun, left, helped Sheffield United win promotion to the top flight in 1971Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Tributes have been made to the legendary captainCredit: Getty
      Colquhoun joined Sheffield United in 1968 and was immediately made captain.
      And his hard tackling, no-nonsense style of defending made him an instant fan favourite at Bramall Lane.
      The Scot went on to make 416 appearances for the Blades before leaving for Detroit Express in 1978.
      Colquhoun captained Sheffield United to promotion to the First Division in 1971, with fans popularising a song containing his name.

      The tune goes: “We ain’t got a barrel of money, But we’ve got Woodward and Currie, And with Eddie Colquhoun, Promotion is soon, United.”
      The centre-back also won 11 caps for Scotland between 1968-73 and also played for Bury, West Brom and the Washington Diplomats.
      Tributes have poured in for Colquhoun who will be fondly remembered as one of Sheffield United’s greatest captains.
      The club honoured him, writing in a statement: “Eddie was a true gentleman. He loved his career and adored his Blades, and it was no surprise that after his American adventures, he returned to the area and stayed, working in a number of roles until his retirement.
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      “He was carved out of Scottish granite both on the outside and on the field of play with the heart of the lion displayed on his country’s coat of arms, but his warmth on the inside and generosity to friends and fellow Blades was and is legendary.
      “The club will miss him hugely, and his loss leaves another colossal hole in our family and, of course in his own, and our love and thoughts go to Fiona, Heather and all of them at this saddest of times.”
      One fan wrote: “Very sad news. Only Tony Currie left from the Barrel of Money song.”
      Another added: “Too young to see him play but is obviously one of the Blades legends. RIP Eddie.”
      A third said: “To have fans sing your name all these years later is some achievement. Rest in peace Eddie.”
      Another remarked: “RIP to an icon of my childhood. Legend is overused, but not in this case. Lives on in song, and ‘Barrel of Money’ will be roared out with more passion than ever on Tuesday.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Olympian Sarah Lavin in emotional tribute to ‘best friend’ and ‘true love’ Craig Breen following tragic death from crash

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      SARAH LAVIN has paid an emotional tribute to her ‘best friend’ and ‘true love’ Craig Breen following his tragic death.The Irish rally driving star passed away following a testing accident on Thursday, colliding with a pole ahead of the Croatia Rally.
      Craig Breen tragically died following a crash during testing on ThursdayCredit: AP
      Sarah Lavin has paid an emotional tribute to her ‘best friend’ and ‘true love’ Craig Breen following his tragic death.
      Treasured son of Jackie and Ray, the 33-year-old will be sadly missed by his heartbroken sister Kellie, brother-in-law Darragh, godson Bobbie, and his extended family and friends.
      There is Sarah Lavin, who shared a heartbroken tribute to the Waterford-native on social media.
      The 2020 Olympian said: “My best friend, I will miss you forever Craig. Thank you for showing me true love.
      “You were so much more than a driver to so many people. I will love you always, sweet dreams sweetheart ❤️”

      The comments were full of well-wishes to the Limerick athlete during this unbearable time.
      Fellow Olympian Kellie Harrington said: “Thinking of you 💕 rest well Craig 💙” while Thomas Barr and Phil Healy commented: “❤️❤️❤️”
      Team Ireland said: “We are so sorry for your loss Sarah. We’re all thinking of you 💚”
      Hockey World Cup finalist and Olympian Roisin Upton offered: “So sorry Sarah. Sending love 💔🤍”
      Most read in Motorsport

      Police and Breen’s team, Hyundai Motorsport, have confirmed they are both investigating the incident.
      The authorities have confirmed the accident occurred at 12.40pm local time.
      A Hyundai statement read: “Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
      “Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.
      “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.
      “Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time.”
      NIGHTMARE
      Hyundai teammate Dani Sordo has now paid tribute to Breen after revealing his emotional devastation.
      Sordo posted on social media: “Someone wake me up from this nightmare.
      “I can’t believe the call from a few hours ago, saying you’re leaving us forever.
      “I’m in Germany tomorrow to tune up your Croatia car. It’s not possible.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Rest in peace Craig, friend. You are loved very much and you know it.
      “Good luck to family and friends.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Craig Breen’s heartbroken team-mate begs ‘someone wake me from this nightmare’ after rally car driver’s tragic death

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      CRAIG BREEN’S teammate admits he’s been left heartbroken by the rally driver’s death, saying: “Someone wake me from this nightmare.”Breen tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 33 following a fatal crash.
      Craig Breen’s teammate has paid tribute to the tragic late rally driverCredit: AP
      Dani Sordo admits he’s been living in a ‘nightmare’ since the newsCredit: Getty
      The Irish racer collided with a pole while testing his car ahead of next week’s Croatia Rally.
      And Hyundai teammate Dani Sordo has now paid tribute to Breen after revealing his emotional devastation.
      Sordo posted on social media: “Someone wake me up from this nightmare.
      “I can’t believe the call from a few hours ago, saying you’re leaving us forever.
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      “I’m in Germany tomorrow to tune up your Croatia car. It’s not possible.
      “Rest in peace Craig, friend. You are loved very much and you know it.
      “Good luck to family and friends.”
      The news of Breen’s tragic death shocked the motoring world earlier today.
      Most read in Motorsport
      A statement from Hyundai read: “Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
      “Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.
      “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.
      “Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time.”
      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More