Commonwealth Games

Subterms

    Latest story

    225 Shares199 Views

    Delicious Orie in shock RETIREMENT announcement aged 27 and reveals plans to take up totally different new job

    by

    BOXER Delicious Orie has announced his shock retirement from the sport.The 27-year-old won gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth and 2023 European Games.Delicious Orie has retired from boxingCredit: GettyHis success in the amateurs saw him represent Team GB in the Paris Olympics last year and he became Anthony Joshua’s sparring partner.Orie later signed for Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.But after just one pro fight, which he won in February, the Moscow-born Brit has decided to end his career and focus on a new job.Orie explained his decision in a statement, which read: “After much reflection, I have decided to hang up my gloves and retire from boxing to follow up on my degree and enter the corporate world.READ MORE IN BOXING”This sport has given me so much — incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for the journey.”Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded. “As I’ve grown, I’ve come to value clarity and honesty with myself above all. “I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top – and without it, there’s no path forward.”Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”To everyone who supported me along the way — thank you. To my coaches, teammates, staff at GB Boxing and to those who stood by me through my (albeit brief) professional journey.”He thanked STN Sports chiefs Sean O’Toole and Paul Ready, promoters Frank and George Warren, as well as Grant Smith and his team at Sheffield base Steel City Gym.Orie added: “Your belief, support and guidance meant the world.”Fans were left shocked by the news, with one saying: “Hold your head high. You achieved so much mate, and will continue to.”Another added: “Best of luck in this next chapter, DJ. An absolute joy following your journey.”British boxer Frazer Clarke penned a touching message to Orie, saying: “I feel I’m writing this message to late brother but if you ever need or needed to speak to anyone you have my number.Read More on The Sun”I have no doubt no matter what ever you choose to do in your life you’ll be successful from the first time I met and spoke to you to then training with you its been clear your work rate and your attitude to learning and competing is second to none.”I hope you’re OK and wish you all the best if you need me I’m one call away champ.”Orie won his only pro fight earlier this yearCredit: Getty More

    More stories

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Athletics

      Glasgow officially CONFIRMED as 2026 Commonwealth Games hosts as cut-down list of sports revealed

      by

      AS expected, Glasgow has been officially confirmed as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.And after much speculation regarding what sports would and wouldn’t take place, a downsized list of 10 events has been revealed.Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth GamesCredit: AlamyGlasgow is stepping in to host the games againCredit: AlamyEilish McColgan won gold at the last Commonwealth GamesCredit: PATrack cycling will be back at the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy VelodromeCredit: Getty Images – GettyGlasgow has stepped in to host the 2026 games after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to issues over the spiralling costs.Victoria paid £190.5million to OFFLOAD hosting responsibilities.And as we told you last month, Glasgow was stepping up to the plate.That widely anticipated news has officially been rubber-stamped and Glasgow will host the games for the second time in just 12 years.It’s been confirmed the games will take place between Thursday 23 July and Sunday 2 August next year.In terms of the sports that will be taking place, we already knew that athletics and swimming would be happening as those are mandatory.But with the programme reducing from 17 sports to 10 from the last Commonwealth Games in 2022, it means some big events will NOT be returning for Glasgow 2026.These include badminton, hockey, diving and rugby sevens.Most read in AthleticsAnd the decision not to include hockey has particularly upset Scottish Hockey who have hit out at the decision.In a blistering statement, CEO Derek Keir said: “We are deeply disappointed that hockey won’t feature in Glasgow 2026.Growing fears that Glasgow will be left like a midden for the Commonwealth Games”Hockey enjoys representation from a wide diversity of people, and Commonwealth nations, and Scottish Hockey worked hard to lobby alongside a number of other Commonwealth nations and the FIH.”Fundamentally we are so disappointed for our players, officials, and support staff who will miss out on the experience. Scottish Hockey is looking forward to an exciting year in 2025 with international teams participating at the top end of our sport. Our athletes, staff and officials are performing on the biggest stages in international hockey and we look forward to cheering them on as they proudly fly the flag for Scotland.”In addition, NO street events – such as a marathon – will be part of the schedule.The 10 sports that WILL be taking place are: Athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, netball, weightlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and 3×3 basketball.Glasgow 2026 confirmed sportsAthletics & Para Athletics (Track & Field)Swimming & Para SwimmingArtistic GymnasticsTrack Cycling & Para Track CyclingNetballWeightlifting & Para PowerliftingBoxingJudoBowls & Para Bowls3x3 Basketball & Para BasketballPara sport will be fully integrated with six Para sports within the programme.Some of the sports, including cycling, will see the number of disciplines cut down from previous schedules.As anticipated, four venues are being used for Glasgow 2026.The home of rugby’s Glasgow Warriors, Scotstoun Stadium, will play host to the athletics.As we told you in September, the other three venues being used will be the Emirates Arena, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and the SEC.Organisers say 500,000 tickets will be made available for the games with up to 3,000 athletes from 74 nations expected in Scotland’s biggest city.There will be opening and closing ceremonies, although exactly how they will look remains to be confirmed.Sports AXED from 2026 Commonwealth GamesHockeySquashRugby 7sCricketBeach volleyballDivingBadmintonTable tennisTriathlonWrestlingMarathonRoad CyclingMountain BikingKatie Sadleir, the Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive, said:  ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.READ MORE SUN STORIES‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Athletics

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

      by

      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

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Major sporting event watched by 28 million people on the BBC at risk of being axed with no city willing to host

      by

      THE future of the Commonwealth Games is in doubt after a potential host city for the 2026 event pulled out.More than 28million people tuned in to BBC to watch last year’s theatrics in Birmingham.
      The future of the Commonwealth Games has been plunged into doubtCredit: Getty
      Over 28million people tuned in to BBC to watch last year’s Games in BirminghamCredit: PA
      England finished second behind Australia and ahead of Canada in what was hailed as one of the most successful Commonwealth Games ever.
      However, questions are now being raised about the future of the prestigious event.
      Gold Coast, the 2018 hosts, looked set to step in after fellow Aussies the State of Victoria decided in July against staging the event because of the cost.
      An initial £1.4billion estimate had leaped to over £3bn, according to the government.
      READ MORE SPORT
      But now the Queensland city have withdrawn their bid too, despite originally reckoning they could do a streamlined version for £360million.
      And it leaves no candidates for either the ’26 and ’30 Games, despite reports of a secret plan to move the next event to Scotland.
      It appears federal and state governments in Oz have ruled out supporting the 93-year-old Games.
      And organisers are now facing the possibility of postponing or even cancelling the 2026 Games.
      Most read in Athletics
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      Two Australian cities have now pulled out of hosting the 2026 eventCredit: Getty
      England finished second at last year’s GamesCredit: Reuters
      Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said: “We did our best and that’s all people can expect.”
      A spokesperson for the Commonwealth Games Federation added: “Since the sudden withdrawal of Victoria in July 2023 as the host of the 2026 Games, the Commonwealth Games Federation has been working tirelessly with Commonwealth Games Associations to find a new host who would be able to step in at such short notice.
      “We are in active conversations with a number of potential hosts across the Commonwealth and hope to provide an update on those discussions in early 2024.” More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Athletics

      My mum is one of Great Britain’s greatest ever athletes – now I’m out to beat her last remaining record

      by

      EILISH McCOLGAN plans to run her first marathon next year – and finally take down one of her mum’s best times.The Dundee runner, 33, may not have won the same Olympic or world medals as mum and coach Liz, 59, did during a glittering career.
      Eilish McColgan is getting ready to run her first marathonCredit: Getty
      Her mum Liz has a decorated career as a 10,000 metre runningCredit: PA
      But she has run quicker in her household over multiple distances between 1500 metres and the half marathon.
      McColgan had planned to compete for the first time at the London Marathon in April but was ruled out with a knee complaint.
      Her plans for the Paris 2024 Olympics will depend on the coming months and whether her body can cope with 10,000 metres on the track or 26.2 miles on the road.
      If that is not possible, then she will look to partake in one of the Berlin, Chicago or New York marathons later in the year.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Currently recovering from spinal surgery in August, she told a new BBC Scotland documentary: “One by one, I started taking all of my mum’s records.
      “I’ve broken every Scottish record of hers from 1500 metres, 3,000 metres, 5k, 10k, all the ones on the road as well.
      “I only have one of my mum’s times now to beat. The marathon is the only outstanding one.
      “There’s no rivalry between us. She’s part of the reason I’m breaking them now.
      Most read in Athletics
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Liz McColgan ran her personal best marathon in 1997 – a time of 2:26:52Credit: Getty
      She also won silver in the 1998 Olympics in the 10,000 metresCredit: Alamy
      “Jumping into the marathon will not be all rainbows or unicorns, it will be tougher than that but my team think I can do it. They have more belief in me than I do.
      “From a very young age, my mum told me I’d be better than her.
      “When I was growing up, people expected me to win everything purely because of my name.
      “It’s a remarkable story and journey that my mum has been on.
      “Somebody with her on a council estate in Dundee wouldn’t have thought my mum would be destined for any greatness. Yet she proved a lot of people wrong along the way.”
      Liz, the 1988 Olympic 10,000 metres silver medallist and a former world champion, ran a PB in the marathon of 2:26:52 in London in April 1997.
      But she added: “I saw her, as a little girl, what she is capable of doing.
      She is definitely her mother’s daughter.
      “Eilish has really, really struggled with confidence and dealing with the family name.”
      McColgan attended her stepfather John Nuttall’s funeral last Friday, which was held in Preston with the wake taking place at Deepdale.
      Qatar-based Nuttall – a former middle-distance athlete and coach – suffered a fatal heart attack on Thursday November 9. He was 56.
      McColgan said: “I didn’t see my mum and John a huge amount over the past five years because my boyfriend and I have travelled a lot.
      “But because I was injured, it was quite unusual that we spent two weeks in Portugal with them.
      “And then we all had six or seven weeks at their home in Qatar. It was nice we had that quality time all together.”
      Eilish McColgan: Running in the family, BBC Scotland, Thursday, 10pm
      Eilish McColgan is the 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000 metre championCredit: PA
      Mum Liz was in the crowd to watch her win Gold in BirminghamCredit: Getty More

    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Athletics

      ‘Secret’ plan to host 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland ‘revealed’

      by

      SCOTLAND could be hosting a major sports event BEFORE the 2028 Euros, it has been claimed.Some 12 years since Glasgow hosted the Commonwealth Games the event could be making a return north of the border after secret proposal papers were uncovered.
      Hampden had a running track installed almost a decade ago to host the GamesCredit: Scottish News and Sport
      Usain Bolt was one of the many big names to head to GlasgowCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A home event could be in the pipeline again after the collapse of 2026 and 2030 venue bidsCredit: AFP
      Victoria, in Australia, was due to be the host venue in three years time and took on the baton after last year’s Games in Birmingham.
      But the plans Down Under have been withdrawn after costs more than doubled to £3.1bn – leaving the event in doubt.
      If the next staging of the Games doesn’t go ahead many fear for its future.
      When news broke in July Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf suggested an emergency return to these shores – and now that could come to fruition with a four-way solution.

      The UK could step in an host across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, the Herald claims.
      It says a “highly confidential” document produced by UK Sport has outlined a “potential revised hosting model”.
      Crunch talks to save the next stage were held in AUust and outlined areas to be investigated in order to potentially solve the crisis.
      But the papers did state that the discussion “does not infer that any offer would be made or that any funding has been made available to do so.”
      Most read in Athletics
      “It would still be for all partners to explore in a robust way whether it is in the interests of the UK, both societally and aligned to wider hosting aspirations, whether this would be worth pursuing.
      “The broad conditions where that course of action might be considered feasible and/or desirable are outlined here, but not explored in full.” 
      Other Freedom of Information papers show officials urging caution over the tentative steps being taken.
      One email reads: ““There are significant financial implications here against the backdrop of extremely stretched budgets.”
      Adding a “very short timeframe in which to deliver the event… will increase costs. “
      More emails explained: “The inflationary pressures on many aspects of major event delivery remain strong so a significant degree of contingency and optimism bias would need to be built into any business case.”
      Scotland is already slated to host football’s 2028 Euros at Hampden having been part of the successful bid with Northern Ireland England and Wales, confirmed by Uefa earlier this month.
      The Games were last north of the border in 2014 at Glasgow, while Edinburgh was host city in 1970 and 1986.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League teams ‘left to rot’ with weeds & graffiti as locals blast £70M ‘waste’

      by

      A STADIUM that can hold a larger capacity crowd than some Premier League sides has been left to rot as locals say it was a huge waste of money.Residents living in the shadow of Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games stadium say the area has been left “to rot and go to waste” amid the council’s bankruptcy woes.
      Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium used for the Commonwealth Games has now been left to rotCredit: SWNS
      The flats which were built for the athletes are now left emptyCredit: SWNS
      The stadium has been daubed with graffitiCredit: SWNS
      Locals in Perry Barr, in the north of the city, claim the costly bid to host last summer’s games has had little benefit to their community despite a staggering £184m investment.
      Alexander Stadium was revamped ahead of the multi-million pound sporting event – but the surrounding area has since been left in disrepair and “like a building site”.
      The stadium could hold a capacity crowd of 18,000, making it larger than Luton Town’s ground which can hold 11,500 while Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium can accommodate 11,379.
      Apart from seeing “no legacy whatsoever” following the games people say the area is now a complete mess with much of it still fenced off with graffiti-clad boards.
      Read More on Stadiums
      Parts of Perry Park have remained inaccessible since last summer with a Birmingham 2022 tarmac car park still in place.
      Families also say there is no equipment for children to use following the removal of the play area and little green space for them to enjoy.
      Angry residents have now called for the works on the park to be completed but fear they may never happen following the council effectively declaring itself bankrupt.
      They accused the local authority of making “empty promises” and say they should have known the cost of hosting the games would be the “final nail in the coffin.”
      Most read in Athletics
      Birmingham City Council boasted it would regenerate the inner city area including new homes, a shipping container park and the revamped stadium.
      New flats were also built nearby for the athletes’ village but the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and spiralling costs meant they were not ready on time.
      A whopping £16m was spent moving the Perry Barr bus depot 300 metres to make way for the flat development.
      Residents say the benefits of hosting the event was difficult to see 13 months on from welcoming people from across the globe to the city.
      Mum-of-two Sandra Wilde, 45, of Perry Barr, said: “It’s no wonder the council has gone bankrupt – we should never have hosted the games. It was just a vanity project.
      “It was all unveiled to great fanfare when behind the scenes they were struggling to balance the books even back then.
      “The area has been left a real mess with people unable to use our local park. You’ve got fences and big boards up everywhere which are strewn with graffiti.
      “It’s attracting anti-social behaviour. If anything the area has got worse not better.
      “They have made empty promises the whole way through – from an athletes’ village which wasn’t even used to a train station design that changed from a state-of-the art place to what looks like a copper garden shed.
      “The council also spent stupid amounts of money on moving a bus depot a few yards down the road – it’s just baffling this has been allowed to happen.”
      Jon Pritchard, 31, an IT worker, from Perry Barr, added: “We’ve been constantly fobbed off with false promises and the place has been left to rot.
      “It’s been a complete waste of money and now the council has gone bust I fear the work will never get finished.
      “It’s still like a building site a more than a year on. The stadium lies derelict most of the time. The place is dead. Nobody lives in the athletes’ village flats yet either.
      “The atmosphere during the games was magical and it felt like Birmingham was finally on the map – now we’re just back to being a laughing stock again.
      “It’s scandalous what they have done. How can a big city likes this, the Second City, be allowed to go bankrupt. It’s sheer incompetence.”
      Amdadur Rahman moved to Perry Barr from Stratford, East London, a few weeks ago and said the Birmingham games legacy was nothing compared to the 2012 Olympics.
      He said: “They should have put on more activities and sorted the park for the children. You go to the Olympic Stadium and there’s lots of stuff for kids.
      “Compared to the London stadium which is open to people, this stadium is dead. So they should be doing something.
      “This place should be busy, but it’s not, they should be working with schools to advertise it for community use. It could be really nice.
      “Now the council going bankrupt makes me very concerned they won’t finish the work off in the park and surrounding area.”
      Full-time mum Khameela Bukhari, 35, added: “It’s just horrible, you can’t take the kids to do anything. It’s one of those places you don’t want to go anywhere near now.
      “We were promised the park would be finished for residents to go back there and there’s nothing. It’s heartbreaking. It’s not a nice place to be anymore.
      “It’s like a junk place, people would dump things. It was horrible. We were told it would go back to normal. We didn’t think we would be stuck like this.
      “It’s like one big hole. At the stadium nothing is happening, it’s all fenced off, what’s the point? It’s all false promises.
      “We were told everything would be better for residents and there would be this games legacy and there’s been nothing. Nothing has been done.
      “it’s not fair on us, we all pay our taxes. The facilities were there and they’ve not been given back. It’s dead money. They’ve invested but what’s happening after? Nothing.”
      Kath Sandra, 70, who lives near the stadium, said: “It was only yesterday we said it was looking a right mess. We don’t know what’s going on.
      “They took a play area away and haven’t given it back. There’s a lot of gripe there with parents. They built some flats but nobody uses them.
      “The Commonwealth Games was amazing and it must have bought money in. But now they are bankrupt through their own fault and it us that will have to pay for it.”
      The largest local authority in Europe this week issued a Section 114 notice preventing all but essential spending and still has a budget gap of £87m to plug.
      The total cost of the games was estimated at about £778m, with the city council and local partners contributing around £184m.
      Months before the games, the council reported a £25m hole in its funding for the event and said the shortfall would be made up from a contingency fund.
      A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “Since the Alexander Stadium was handed back by Games organisers to the council in November 2022, a programme of reinstatement works has started in parallel with the development of plans to deliver a wide range of further legacy enhancements to the surrounding park area.
      “This has resulted in various parts of the site being re-opened to the public as soon as possible since then.
      “Local residents, site users and community groups have been kept updated throughout – and we are preparing for a period of public engagement on the legacy proposals that will be starting soon.
      “We fully understand the desire for the park to be reinstated and appreciate the patience that has been shown in recent months.
      “We are determined to work with those who have an interest in the park to shape plans for a significantly enhanced site for everyone to enjoy.”
      Regarding the Games, the spokesperson added: “The Commonwealth Games was a fantastic achievement and a great showcase for the city on a global stage.
      “These immediate challenges will not diminish the council’s ambition in supporting the upward trajectory that the City of Birmingham is currently experiencing following the successful delivery of the Games.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Record levels of investment continue to flow into the city, and the council will work with key strategic partners to ensure that this remains the case.
      “Birmingham is very much open for business.”
      Locals say the area has been left ‘to rot and go to waste’ as Birmingham City Council struggle with its financesCredit: SWNS
      Alexander Stadium, which remains incomplete and inaccessible to the public, has left a bad feeling among localsCredit: SWNS More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Athletics

      Glamorous British athlete Lauryn Davey told ‘it should be illegal to look this good’ as she stuns in bikini

      by

      GLAMOROUS British athlete Lauryn Louise Davey has left fans stunned with her latest online snaps.The heptathlete is currently gunning to qualify for a future Olympic Games.
      Lauryn Davey is aiming for a spot at the OlympicsCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey is a heptathlete from WalesCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      The 24-year-old has caused a stir with snaps on the social mediaCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Her exploits don’t stop there however, with Welsh national Davey also pursuing a medical degree at Swansea University.
      But in the meantime the 24-year-old has been causing a stir online thanks to a host of steamy pics on her social media pages.
      Davey has built up a following of 21,000 fans on her Instagram page.
      She can often be seen sharing snippets of her training routine and breaks.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Another post in late August saw her posing in a red bikini as she enjoyed some downtime in a swimming pool.
      Reacting to her post, one user commented: “It should be illegal to look this good, be this talented AND be so intelligent 😂❤️.”
      A second wrote: “The Welsh vegan queen is chilling. 🥰💚🌱.”
      “ARM DEFINITION 😱👏🏻,” remarked a third.
      Most read in Athletics
      She is eyeballing the 2026 Commonwealth Games as her ticket to the OlympicsCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey has 21,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      A fourth said: “GOBSMACKED.”
      While another typed: “Insane 😍🔥.”
      Davey revealed she is eyeballing the 2026 Australia Commonwealth Games as her ticket to the Olympics – a dream of hers since the age of five.
      She told Further in 2022: “It’s not entirely impossible so why don’t I give it my all? If I give it my all and don’t make it, I’ll have no regrets.
      “Whereas if I tell myself now, ‘I’m not ever going to make it, there’s no point in trying,’ how will I ever know what I can do?”
      Davey, who has a vegan diet has won dozens of junior national titles.
      Davey leads a vegan lifestyleCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She often shares pics of her workoutsCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Athletics

      Huge sporting event facing extinction after 93 years due to potential £1.57bn bill

      by

      THE COMMONWEALTH Games are close to extinction – unless they quickly find a new host with very deep pockets.A sporting institution that has been running for almost a century, one that is backed by the soft power of the British Royal Family, is in danger of fizzling out and disappearing from our calendars.
      England’s 4x100m relay team celebrate silver at Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games in 2022Credit: AFP
      Performers as a butterfly during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Closing CeremonyCredit: Getty
      There might be 72 associated nations and territories but NOBODY is prepared to stage the next two events this decade due to rising costs.
      Organises have been rocked by the news that Canadian province Alberta will not mount a bid for the 2030 Games given the billion-dollar price tag.
      It followed last month’s devastating decision by the Australian State of Victoria to cancel its plans to stage the Games in three years’ time due to budget blowouts.
      Though Birmingham did a fantastic job staging the multi-sport Commonwealths only 12 months ago, the quadrennial tournament is under serious threat of never happening again.
      READ MORE SPORT NEWS
      It was late on Thursday night that Joseph Schow, the Minister of Tourism and Sport for Alberta, announced the decision not to continue pursuing a bid for 2030.
      Initial plans had to be held the sports over 11 days in Calgary and Edmonton.
      That particular year marks the centenary year of the first British Empire Games, which were held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930.
      Schow said: “Any proposal to host major games is considered with the interests of Alberta taxpayers at top of mind.
      Most read in Athletics
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “We committed to remain transparent with Albertans about the costs of hosting international sporting events and clearly demonstrating a return on our investment for the people and communities in Alberta.
      “Based on current bid estimates, hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games could result in a cost of up to C$2.68 billion (£1.57billion).
      The Commonwealth Stadium in Alberta, where the Games were meant to be heldCredit: Getty
      Ozzy Osbourne performs during the closing ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in 2022Credit: AFP
      “The corporate sponsorship model and limited broadcast revenues for the Commonwealth Games would have put 93% of those costs and risks on taxpayers.”
      The under-pressure Commonwealth Games Federation continue to say the right things, stressing that “dialogue with other potential hosts is on-going”.
      They talk about its “proud history”, its “iconic sporting moments” and representation for athletes being “the experience of a lifetime”.
      But money talks in professional sports and unless they locate a suitable location, the Commonwealth Games may follow the path of the Dodo.
      London Mayor Sadiq Khan has offered an olive branch, claiming the “sporting capital of the world” would be the perfect next hosts after the success of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
      But any final decision would need to be made by the UK government, which does have a General Election to consider.
      Elsewhere Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he is willing to “explore” proposals for Scotland to accommodate at least part of the 2026 Games.
      But until someone wealthy enough comes forward soon, then the next edition will have to be postponed by several years or even scrapped altogether.
      Whatever happens, a complete rethink is needed about what the Commonwealths look like and how big it should be logistically.
      Perhaps the size of the competition and number of individual sports – which was 20 in Birmingham – may have to be reduced dramatically.
      Inevitably it’s the athletes who suffer the most and Katy Marchant echoed the disappointment of many who have competed at Commonwealth level.
      The Leeds-born cyclist, who won Commonwealth Games team sprint bronze in 2018, said: “The cancellation of Victoria is a massive hit. It was a disappointing headline to read.
      “We are unsure yet of what will come of that and how that will be rectified.
      “The Commonwealth Games are huge. It’s a massive stepping stone for an athlete.
      Read More on The Sun
      “If the Olympics don’t go to plan, the Commonwealths give you another chance to rectify or to perform on a big stage.
      “Medals, whatever the level, all mean something to an athlete and are all part of a journey.” More