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      in Athletics

      Rosi Mittermaier dead at 72: Double Olympic ski champion dies after ‘serious illness’ as family pay tribute

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      TWO-TIME German Olympic ski champion Rosi Mittermaier has died at the age of 72.One of the stars of the 1976 Winter Olympics, Mittermaier passed away after a “serious illness” surrounded by family.
      Double Olympic gold ski champ Rosi Mittermaier has died aged 72Credit: ABC
      A statement released by her loved ones read: “We as a family announce the sad news that our beloved wife, mum and grandma passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2023 after a serious illness surrounded by the family.”
      Mittermaier is regarded as one of the greatest skiers in history, having made her World Cup debut aged just 16 in 1967.
      But her biggest success as a pro athlete undoubtedly came in 1976.
      Aged 25, she finally won her first overall World Cup title, plus the slalom and combined discipline titles.
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      That same year, Mittermaier also dominated the slopes at the Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria.
      She won gold medals in both the downhill and slalom events.
      And Mittermaier even took silver in the giant slalom too.
      Only Soviet Union cross-country skier Raisa Smetanina could match her achievements.
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      Mittermaier was married to fellow pro skier Christian NeureutherCredit: Getty
      And Mittermaier became a national icon in Germany as a result, earning the nickname ‘Gold Rosi’.
      But despite being at the peak of her career, and only nine years on from her debut as a teen, Mittermaier decided to retire from skiing.
      Finishing with 16 German national titles, she eventually married Christian Neureuther, himself a winner of six World Cup slalom races.
      And the couple’s son Felix is a former World champion skier who only retired from the spot in 2019.
      After leaving the world of skiing, Mittermaier became involved in charitable work while also commentating for German TV.
      And in 2000 she set up a charity to help children suffering from rheumatism. More

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      in Motorsport

      Michel Ferte dead aged 64: Le Mans runner-up and Formula 3 driver passes away after illustrious motorsport career

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      FORMER Formula 3 driver and Le Mans runner-up Michel Ferte has died. Ferte’s passing at the age of 64 was announced by Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
      Michel Ferte driving for Cosworth Équipe OrecaCredit: Alamy
      Ferte passed away at the age of 64Credit: Sutton Motorsport Images
      The Frenchman famously won the F3’s Monaco Grand Prix in 1983 following his brother, Alain’s, back-to-back victories in 1981 and 1982.
      He then followed this up by claiming victory in the 1983 French F3 Championship after coming second the year prior.
      But perhaps his most famous race in Motorsport came at the 24-hour Le Mans race.
      He finished second in the 1991 event alongside Davy Jones and Raul Boesel in a Jaguar XJR-12 Group C car.
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      Following his F3 exploits Ferte made the jump to F2, the series directly below F1.
      But things did not go as well for him there, as he failed to earn a race win but did come third in the championship in 1984.
      He did however have a chance to drive an F1 car as a test driver for Ligier in 1984 and ’85.
      Ferte enjoyed more success in Endurance racing.
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      His career in this field included a pair of victories in the BPR-run International GT Endurance Series in 1994 alongside Olivier Thevenin.
      Ferte started racing in karting in aged 12 and carried on racing until as recently as 2018. More

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      in Soccer

      Was David Gold married and how many kids did he have?

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      WEST HAM co-chairman David Gold has died aged 86 and leaves behind him a footballing legacy.The former Birmingham City chairman was joint chair of the Hammers when he died, alongside pal David Sullivan.
      David Gold and his fiancee Lesley Manning at the London StadiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      And he leaves behind a family who are involved in his business ventures.
      His businesses have left him with a fortune of £500million.
      Was David Gold married when he died?
      Gold married Beryl Hunt in 1957.
      But their marriage ended acrimoniously when he caught her cheating with his best friend in a swimming pool 15 years later.
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      Gold later found love with Lesley Manning, with whom he has lived for the past decade.
      The pair were happy together and were regularly pictured together at celebrity events and premieres, as well as at West Ham games.
      Jacqueline Gold photographed at the Ann Summers HQCredit: David Bebber – The Times
      Vanessa Gold, left, and Jacqueline Gold, right, with their father DavidCredit: Alamy
      Does David Gold have any children?
      Yes, Gold has two children from his marriage.
      The eldest, Jacqueline Gold, is the CEO of Ann Summers and Knickerbox.
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      Her younger sister Vanessa is also involved in Ann Summers and Knickerbox as managing director. More

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      in Soccer

      What was David Gold’s net worth?

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      West Ham co-owner David Gold has unfortunately passed away and the footballing world will miss him.Gold was a lifelong Hammers fan and bought the club alongside his long-term business partner David Sullivan in 2010.
      David Gold helped move West Ham to the London Stadium during his time at the clubCredit: PA
      He passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness, it has been revealed.
      Gold celebrated many achievements with West Ham during his time in charge, most recently reaching the Europa League semi-final last season.
      What was David Gold’s net worth?
      Being part-owner of a football club is no small feat and Gold, along with Sullivan, saw West Ham rise to become an established Premier League club during their time in charge despite relegation in their first season.
      David Moyes is the current man in the dugout and has been the most successful manager under the pair.
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      We have all the information on Gold’s net worth and how he made his money in order to invest in his boyhood club.
      Gold made most of his income as the owner of Gold Group International.
      This was the parent company to many successful businesses, most notably Ann Summers, one of the most renowned high street chains in the United Kingdom.
      David Gold was chairman at Birmingham City for a stintCredit: PA
      He also was in charge of Birmingham City for a short stint before investing in his boyhood club.
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      The Sunday Times rich list listed Gold’s net worth at £500million, while his fellow owner at West Ham, Sullivan, is reportedly worth £1.2billion.
      Gold was part of a revolutionary period in West Ham’s history, seeing them move from the Boleyn Ground in 2016 and he leaves behind an impressive legacy at the club. More

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      in Soccer

      David Gold dead at 86: West Ham pay tribute after co-chairman passes away with family by side following short illness

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      WEST HAM co-chairman David Gold has died aged 86.He passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness with his fiancée Lesley and daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa by his side.
      David Gold has passed away aged 86Credit: Reuters
      The lifelong Hammer bought West Ham with David Sullivan in 2010Credit: PA
      Karren Brady paid tribute to her “great friend” GoldCredit: Getty
      Gold – worth over £500million – was raised on Green Street in East London, just yards from the Boelyn Ground.
      A lifelong Hammers fan, he bought the club alongside his long-term business partner David Sullivan in 2010.
      An ardent fan of the English game, he bought the second edition of the FA Cup trophy at an auction in 2005 for £488,000, claiming he did not want it to be bought by a foreign investor and taken overseas.
      The Hammers are planning a full tribute for Gold in the coming days.
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      In an emotional statement, Sullivan said: “On behalf of everyone at the football club, it is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our colleague and friend, David Gold.
      “Of all our joint ventures, none gave us more pride and happiness than the day we took ownership of West Ham United, our Club, in January 2010.
      “David had a long-standing connection with the Hammers, having grown up opposite the Boleyn Ground in Green Street, and represented the Club at junior level.
      “He always wanted what was best for West Ham United, and his passing is a great loss for all of us.”
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      Manager David Moyes – who was appointed by Gold on two separate occasions – added: “I am extremely sad to hear this news.
      “On behalf of all of the players and my staff at the training ground, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to David Gold’s family at this very difficult time.
      “Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Rush Green and always a source of great support and encouragement to myself and the players.
      “It was clear that he had a genuine and sincere love for the Club and was a true supporter at heart.
      “He took a great interest in the people working behind-the-scenes and was always keen to help in any way he could. He will be greatly missed.”
      Irons vice-chairman and close friend Karren Brady said: “To a great man, a great friend for over 30 years and a completed gentlemen.
      “You will be missed. Rest in peace x.”
      A lifelong West Ham fan, Gold was born in Stepney in September 1936 and grew up at 442 Green Street, directly opposite the old Boleyn Ground, also known as Upton Park.
      As a promising young schoolboy player, he represented the club’s boys’ team between the ages of 13 and 16 and later appeared in the youth team.
      Gold was also the former chairman of Birmingham City until 2009.
      And ex-Blue Curtis Woodhouse paid a touching tribute to his former owner.
      He wrote: “Really sad to hear the news about David Gold passing.
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      “I had some difficult times at Birmingham and when everybody else was trying to sack me, David reached out to try and help me.
      “That meant a lot to me then but even more to me now I’m older and I understand. RIP David.” More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Lived life to the fullest’ – Lewis Hamilton’s touching tribute to ‘dear friend’ Ken Block after rally driver died at 55

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has posted a fitting tribute to his “dear friend” Ken Block after the rally driver’s death, aged 55.The seven-time world champion, 37, shared an image of him and Block in ski gear with a dove emoji above it.
      Lewis Hamilton shared an image of him and Ken Block in ski gear
      The F1 champion then posted a statement dedicated to his friend
      Block died in a snowmobile crash at the age of 55Credit: AFP
      Prior to sharing the picture, he also added a post onto his Instagram story dedicated to the passing of his friend – who died in a snowmobile crash.
      It read: “I’ve been mostly off social media to focus on my health and well-being.
      “Today I received news of the loss of a dear friend.
      “I am devastated to hear of Ken Block’s passing. He was such an amazing person, always lived life to the fullest.
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      “I remember our first time working together and how positive he was. So much talent behind the wheel.
      “Years ago, we had an amazing time heli-skiing and snowboarding in Canada.
      “We held so much respect for one another.
      “He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go to his beautiful family. Gone too soon.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Rest in peace, Ken.”
      The horror accident took place on Block’s ranch in northern Utah.
      Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said he was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of him.
      Block became one of the most famous rally car drivers in the world after he started competing in 2005.
      He landed Rookie of the Year in his first season in the Rally America Championship.
      He then went on to clinch a host of overall wins and podium appearances.
      Block also competed in motocross, skateboarding, and other action sports.
      He was known to British fans after appearing in several episodes of Top Gear.
      Read More on The Sun
      In the first, he starred alongside James May, partnering him in his Subaru for a rally stage around Inyokern Airport in California.
      And in the second he was challenged by Jeremy Clarkson to drive a three-wheeled Reliant Robin around the test track.
      Hamilton was devastated to hear about his friend’s passingCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton More

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      in Motorsport

      Top Gear star Ken Block spent ‘epic’ Christmas with family and posted heartwarming snaps just days before tragic death

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      LATE rally-driving icon Ken Block shared pictures of his “epic” family Christmas in final social media posts just days before his tragic death.The 55-year-old former Top Gear guest died aged 55 following a horror snowmobile accident at his ranch in Utah.
      Ken Block shared sweet family photos days before his tragic deathCredit: Instagram
      Block died after his snowmobile flipped over in a horror accidentCredit: Getty
      The rally driver spent Christmas with his wife and three kids in CanadaCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      Shortly before his death, the rally car champ had shared pictures of his stunning Christmas spent with his family.
      Heartbreaking photos show him surrounded by his family during a winter getaway to the Selkirk Mountains in British Colombia, southwestern Canada.
      The driver was killed after his snowmobile overturned and landed on top of him.
      He was pronounced dead at the scene, Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said.

      Just before the new year, Block took to his Instagram to share the sweet holiday snaps.
      He wrote: “Merry Christmas from the Blocks, from Baldface Lodge! Here’s a photo dump of some of my fave shots.”
      One picture from the “epic holiday trip” shows the family outside in the ice and snow next to a helicopter.
      Block is seen wrapped up warm with his wife Lucy and their three children.
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      Other snaps show a game of table tennis, setting up the Christmas tree, fireworks, and snowboards.
      The family spent Christmas at the sprawling Baldface Lodge, which boasts some 32,000 acres of wild terrain in the Selkirk Mountains some 400 miles east of Vancouver, Canada.
      He also thanked the lodge’s owner Jeff Pensiero for his hospitality.
      Block’s daughter Lia has followed in her father’s footsteps and become a driver, and previously competed on her father’s Hoonigan Racing team.
      He made a chilling admission about getting old and his “fear” of crashes in a rare interview before his tragic death.
      Block had warned about “sketchy snow” on his ranch in a haunting final post hours before the fatal accident.
      He became one of the most famous Rally car drivers in the world after he started competing in 2005.
      Block’s team Hoonigan Racing Division shared the news of his death saying “he will be incredibly missed.”
      “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband,” the team said in a statement.
      He reached a whole new legion of fans thanks to his antics on social media and Top Gear.
      Top Gear reboot host Matt LeBlanc posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
      “So saddened by the loss of Ken Block. A true talent and friend taken far too soon,” he wrote.
      “You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting you my friend.”
      Alex Renton, executive producer of Top Gear, told The Sun Online: “Ken was a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
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      “We had the pleasure to work with Ken on several occasions over the years and his contributions were always so memorable and exciting for our audience.
      He shared heartwarming snaps inside their Christmas lodgeCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      He thanked the lodge owner for his hospitalityCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      The sweet family snaps were posted days before the fatal accidentCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      Block was an icon in the world of rally drivingCredit: AFP More

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      in Motorsport

      How Ken Block made chilling admission about ‘difficulty handling fear’ before tragic snowmobile death

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      RALLY driving icon Ken Block made a chilling admission about getting old and his “fear” of crashes in one of his last interviews before tragic death.The legendary former Top Gear stunt driver was killed in a horror snowmobile accident at his ranch in Utah.
      Ken Block had spoken of his fears of crashes in an interviewCredit: AFP
      He died in a snowmobiling accident at his ranchCredit: Instagram
      He was speaking after the controversial 2016 Top Gear stunt near the CenotaphCredit: Fame Flynet
      Former Top Gear presenter James May led the tributes to the beloved racer, tweeting: “RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out.”
      Block made two appearances on Top Gear, performing a number of daring stunts, including the legendary airfield drifting scene.
      His team, Hoonigan Racing Division, said in a statement: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.”
      In 2016, he sparked controversy after he appeared in an episode of the rebooted series of Top Gear, driving around London with host and former Friends star Matt LeBlanc.

      It was later revealed that the pair performed doughnuts, burnouts, and wheelspins on the streets of the capital, leaving blackened tyre streaks along Whitehall close to the Cenotaph memorial.
      In the face of the row, the BBC later apologised and the Cenotaph footage was never aired.
      Speaking to The Sun just after his controversial Cenotaph stunt, Block spoke about getting old.
      “I’m getting old – handling the fear is getting more and more difficult,” he said.
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      “In the past year I’ve done two of the most dangerous things I’ve done, which is sliding at the edge of a cliff at Pike’s Peak for Climbkhana and sliding the car with part of the wheel off the edge of a dock for Gymkhana 9.
      “It takes a lot of nerve to do this stuff, especially when you’re dealing with a big car and placing it within inches, it can be quite difficult sometimes.”
      He added: “It’s part of what makes this such a big thrill for me. I started it because it really was a dream come true.”
      I’m getting old – handling the fear is getting more and more difficultKen Block
      Block was killed in a horror accident on his ranch in northern Utah.
      Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said he was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of him.
      The action sports star was at his ranch sharing pictures of the snow-covered state on Instagram early Monday morning.
      One of his recent posts shows a few snowmobiles blanketed in snow.
      Before that, he shared a picture of the scene in northern Utah after heavy snowCredit: Instagram/@kblock43
      The controversial Cenotaph footage was never airedCredit: Top Gear
      Tributes have poured in for Block from around the world of motorsportCredit: Getty
      He had been performing stunts on a snowmobile last week in Idaho – and even then admitted its power had taken him by surprise.
      “Lots of power up at high elevations, and wheelies all day! Epic early season powder, and an amazing first day. Wheelies, deep pow turns, and a lot of learning on this new sled – good times,” he wrote.
      And he had been snowmobiling in Utah as he kept fans up to date on Instagram.
      On Monday, hours before his death, he wrote: “It’s been DUMPING snow in Park City, Utah this week with more forecasted for the weekend, and we wouldn’t be able to make it out to the ranch without the @SkiDoo sleds and @KubotaUSA machinery to clear the way!
      “Can’t wait to see how much more powder stacks up over the next few days.”
      Starting his rally driving career in 2005, Block raced in series such as Rally America and Global Rallycross.
      He was later introduced to a new generation of fans with his YouTube video series “Gymkhana”.
      The ten-part series, which featured the California-born stunt driver performing a series of daring feats, earned him almost two million subscribers on the video platform.
      He also co-founded the skate-wear clothing brand DC Shoes.
      Tributes for Block have poured in from around the world of motorsports.
      World motorsport chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FiA, wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block.
      “An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP @kblock43.”
      Former Top Gear host James May paid tribute to Block on Twitter and share a link to their airfield rally video.
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      “RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out,” he wrote.
      While executive producer of Top Gear, Alex Renton, described him as “a trailblazer in the automotive industry”. More