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      in Athletics

      Who are Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows?

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      TREVOR Painter and Jenny Meadows are the coaching duo behind British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson’s success.They’ll no doubt be beaming with pride as Keely is the bookies’ favourite to take home BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.Keely Hodgkinson pictured training with her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: GettyJenny Meadows pictured with her 800m silver medal at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2015Credit: GettyWho is Trevor Painter?Trevor Painter is the founder and head coach of M11 Track Club, Manchester, which specialises in coaching middle-distance events.He has been coaching athletes for almost 25 years and has guided more than 30 athletes to international level.Trevor received the Coaching Achievement Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024, recognising his outstanding contributions to coaching at all levels in athletics.He holds an MSc in Elite Coaching Practice from the University of Central Lancashire and is known for his scientific approach to training.read more on keely hodgkinsonWho is Jenny Meadows?Jenny Meadows, a former world-class 800m runner, works alongside Trevor as a coach at M11 Track Club.She brings her vast experience as an international athlete to the coaching partnership, offering valuable insights and wisdom both on and off the track.Her role extends beyond just technical coaching — she acts as a mentor and life coach to the athletes.PhilosophyJenny and Trevor are known for their unique approach to coaching, which includes:Most read in AthleticsCreating the right environment: They focus on making training enjoyable and fostering a fun atmosphere to retain athletes.Flexibility: They adapt their coaching style to suit individual athletes, recognising the importance of not constraining “free spirits” like Keely Hodgkinson.Holistic development: They emphasise the importance of athletes having a life outside of training, encouraging them to seize opportunities wherever possible.Scientific approach: Trevor handles the technical aspects and science, while Jenny complements this with her practical experience.AchievementsUnder their guidance, the M11 Track Club has produced several world-class athletes, including:Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic gold medalist and multiple world championship medalist in 800m.Georgia Bell: Bronze medalist in the 1500m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Lewis Davey: Bronze medalist in the 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Sarah Healy: Irish international runner finished second in the 5th Avenue Mile.RelationshipTrevor and Jenny are a husband-and-wife team who run the M11 Track Club together.Keely Hodgkinson posing with coach Trevor Painter after receiving the 800m gold medal at the 2023 European Indoor Championships in in Istanbul, TurkeyCredit: GettyTheir relationship began as a coach-athlete partnership before evolving into a romantic one.Trevor was Jenny’s coach throughout her illustrious career, during which she earned multiple world and European 800m medals.Marriage & childrenThe couple tied the knot in 2006, but details of their big day have not been reportedIn July 2016, at the age of 35, Meadows announced her retirement from professional running.On January 11, 2024, Jenny took to X/Twitter to announce the birth of their first child.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wrote: “Welcome to the world Arabella Connie Meadows-Painter who was born at 00:12 on Sunday 10th Jan weighing 7lb 2oz.”Myself & @Faster_feet promise to love and support you.” More

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      in Soccer

      How does the Unify League work?

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      THREE years after the Super League was canned following a severe fan-led backlash, a rebranded version called the Unify League has been put forward by promoters A22.Here’s everything you need to know about the newly proposed competition and how it would work.Fan protests scuppered the proposed Super LeagueHow does the Unify League work?The Unify League, a rebranded version of the European Super League, is a proposed football competition aiming to challenge UEFA’s Champions League.Unlike the widely panned Super League, which would have seen 12 breakaway rebels — including the Premier League’s Big Six — guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.The Unify League would consist of 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.Qualification would be similar to the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.read more on the unify leagueHow does the Unify League work?A NEW version of the European Super League has been proposed – now branded as the Unify League. Here’s all you need to know about how it works…Who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.What’s the format?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.FormatThe 96 clubs would be divided into four tiers:Star League: 16 teamsGold League: 16 teamsBlue League: 32 teamsUnion League: 32 teamsThe top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.Most read in FootballThe bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight, who would also play each other home and away.Knockout stagesThe top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final In the Star and Gold leagues.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatIn Blue and Union, the top two teams from each group would make up the quarter-finalists.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one-off matches, played on a neutral ground, providing the champions of the four different leagues.Throughout the competition, the winning side would play a total of 18 matches.Promotion & relegationAnnual promotion and relegation would occur between the leagues.Promotion into the Blue League would be based on domestic league performance.A22 envisages the 14 league phase games being played between September and April.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League. Up to five further slots for Premier League teams would be spread across the remaining pair.Women’s competitionA women’s competition would run alongside the men’s.However it would feature two leagues instead of four — just the Star and Gold Leagues.Start date & prizesWhile no formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.The prize fund is also yet to be confirmed, but A22 promises £330m in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries.The total prize fund is expected to exceed the current £2bn for the Champions League and £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Unify streaming platformThe Unify League would be streamed through a branded Unified platform, accessible via an app, which would feature:Live match streamingFree-to-watch matches with advertisingA subscription option to eliminate ads and access premium featuresHighlights, match insights, analysis and club-specific contentInteractive fan community featuresStreaming for both men’s and women’s matchesChallengesThe December 2023 ruling from the European Courts stated that Uefa’s attempts to stop a breakaway tournament went against EU law, potentially paving the way for the Unify League.Despite this ruling, the Unify League faces significant hurdles:Premier League clubs are currently unable to join due to UK government legislation.The proposal still needs official recognition and approval from various football governing bodies.There is likely to be continued resistance from fans and traditional football institutions.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Unify League represents a bold attempt to reshape European football, offering a new competition structure and innovative streaming model.However, its success will depend on overcoming substantial regulatory, legal and cultural obstacles in the football world.Will the Unify League get off the ground?By Martin LiptonThe biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the current Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there are a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of football. More

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      in Boxing

      Who is Neeraj Goyat Misfits Supercard star and what is his boxing record?

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      NEERAJ “Gangster” Goyat is an Indian social media, reality and movie star, as well as boxer and mixed martial artist.And he most recently defeated Whindersson Nunes in Qatar on the Misfits 19 Supercard.Neeraj Goyat is a boxer and mixed martial artist from IndiaCredit: GettyHe fought on the Tyson vs Paul undercard in November 2024Credit: @GoyatNeerajWho is Neeraj Goyat?Neeraj Goyat is a 33-year-old Indian boxer and mixed martial artist born on November 11, 1991.He has made significant strides in the boxing world, becoming the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the World Boxing Council (WBC). His journey in boxing began at the age of 15 in 2006, inspired by former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.In March 2024, The Sun revealed Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions had signed Goyat.read more on Neeraj GoyatHe said: “I’m truly honored to be the newest member of the Most Valuable Promotions family.”MVP has been making waves in the boxing world, particularly with its commitment to showcasing and uplifting women in the sport since 2021.“In just 2.5 years, MVP has organised some of the world’s most significant boxing events, and I’m excited to work with MVP to elevate the status of professional boxing in India and bring attention to boxers from India globally.”And MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian has already confirmed business partner Paul could be a future opponent for Goyat in India.Most read in BoxingHe said: “My hope is that we can figure out a way fro MVP and Neeraj to collaborate and build up to the biggest event that India has ever seen and to see Jake Paul and Neeraj Goyat fight respectfully in India.”On November 15, 2024, Goyat even got to share a fight card with Iron Mike when he faced The Problem Child Jake Paul in their highly-anticipated showdown.Jake Paul clashes with Indian boxing star Neeraj Goyat amid fight callout He defeated Brazilian YouTuber and comedian Whindersson Nunes, dominating the bout and landing 171 punches compared to his opponent’s 87.However, it was an action from the Indian boxer in the third round that sparked controversy.As boxing debutant Nunes was shoved into the blue corner, Goyat made the decision to dry-hump him from behind.The referee quickly broke up the action and Goyat returned to his corner of the ring.Neeraj Goyat dry-humped Whindersson Nunes during their fightCredit: X/TwitterGoyat’s achievements so far include:Bronze medalist in the 2008 Youth Commonwealth GamesHe became the first person to defeat Chinese boxer Xu Can in China in 2014First Indian to attempt the 2016 Summer Olympics qualifier in VenezuelaWBC Asian Champion for three consecutive years (2015-2017)Winner of the WBC Asia ‘Honorary Boxer of the Year’ award in 2017On top oh his pugilistic accolades, Goyat has almost 1million Instagram followers and has starred in movies in India and reality shows on Netflix.Neeraj Goyat boxing recordGoyat has an impressive professional boxing record of 20-4-2.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis means he’s won 20 of his 26 fights, lost four and drawn two.Of those 19 victories, eight have come by way of knockout, giving him a KO ratio of 42%. More

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      in Boxing

      Who is ring girl Sydney Thomas?

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      SYDNEY Thomas is a ring girl who has become a social media sensation. The star rocketed to fame when she was on duty for Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s boxing match on November 15, 2024.Sydney Thomas is a famous ring girlCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney is also a model in her spare timeCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney stood ringside at Jake Paul’s fight with Mike TysonCredit: Reuters – USA Today SportsMeet Sydney ThomasSydney was born in 2003 and is an aspiring model. She rocketed to fame in 2024 and has even hinted that she may pursue her dream of becoming a full-time ring girl. Even the YouTuber Jake Paul has become a fan of the model. According to Sydney, the former-Youtuber-turned-boxer told her to “keep doing your thing” because she was “doing a great job”.Read More on SportStar of the show at Jake Paul vs Mike TysonSydney was the breakout star of Jake Paul’s boxing match with Mike Tyson which took place on November 15, 2024. Over 60 million people watched the thrilling fight unfold on Netflix, where Sydney worked as a ring girl. She took to Instagram to describe how “grateful” she was for the opportunity. Sydney also described the fight, in which Jake Paul was victorious, as “historic”.Most read in BoxingSocial media influencerSince appearing at Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul, Sydney’s social media accounts have been flooded with new fans and followers. She has over one million followers on TikTok (as of December 11, 2024) and uses the social media platform to share insights into her life. Fans claims Jake Paul’s win over Mike Tyson was ‘fixed’ as new footage of fight emergesIn one video, she revealed the secret to her success.She said: “I think the biggest investment you can make in your life is an investment in yourself, so that’s where I spend most of my time.” When she isn’t working as an influencer, Sydney is a student at the University of Alabama.Sydney Thomas’ dating historySydney opened up about dumping her boyfriend as her career began to take off. She said that she had “no problems with him at all” and even added that he was “great”.However, the star felt that she needed time to “discover who I am”.Sydney added: “As hard as it was to lose him and lose each other, I feel like it’s all part of God’s plan. “It works out in the end.”The ring girl opened up about the kind of man that she is looking for in the future. She said: “I need a man that’s taller than six foot. I’m a tall girl, so I’d like a tall man in my life.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I also need someone who is respectful. “That’s honestly one of the biggest turn-offs for me – when a man isn’t respectful.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Ultimate Formula 1 drivers rich list as Max Verstappen pulls clear of Lewis Hamilton with record-breaking salary

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      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world, so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast eye-watering salaries.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris certainly enjoy a life in the fast line – with supercar collections, huge mansions and beautiful women.Max Verstappen was crowned a four-time world champ in Las Vegas last monthGeorge Russell with stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtSunday saw the end of the 2024 season and Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes as he heads to childhood heroes Ferrari in the New Year.But all the drama has come away from the track, with Verstappen and Russell at war over an incident at the penultimate race of the campaign in Qatar on December 1.The Red Bull driver accused Russell of being “two-faced” with the stewards, while the Brit threw out “bullying” accusations back.Ahead of the off-season, we reveal the drivers at the top of the rich list – as the top 10 earners collected an estimated £248m combined.READ MORE F1 NEWS10) PIERRE GASLY £9MPierre comes from a family heavily involved in motorsportsPierre, 28, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.His salary was bumped up to £8m this season, with £1m in bonuses as he signed a contract extension in June to keep him with team until 2026. Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming.He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.Most read in Motorsport9) CARLOS SAINZ £15MSainz has been replaced by Hamilton after a great final season with FerrariF1 Bianca BustamanteThe Spanish ace was paid a reported £8m a year by Ferrari, who he joined in 2021 after successful stints with Renault and McLaren.And he is promised £9m in performance related bonuses, which he surely wrapped up with 27 podium finishes in 2024.But the 30-year-old has joined Williams after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton.Endorsements include Playstation, lager brand Estrella and German helmet manufacturer Schuberth.Away from the track he still feels the need for speed and his luxury car collection includes a McLaren 720S worth £800k and a £750K Ferrari 812.Time is of the essence too – with a high end watch collection worth millions, including a Roger Dubuis timepiece worth USD £205,000 and a Franck Muller watch worth £200,000.8) SERGIO PEREZ £15.3MSergio’s future at Red Bull is under threatSergio, 34, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £9.4million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.The Mexican signed a two-year contract extension in June, but he was nowhere near competitive for the rest of the season, slipping to eighth in the standings just a year after he finished as the runner-up to team-mate Verstappen. This has left his Red Bull future under threat.Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon7) OSCAR PIASTRI £17MOscar Piastri has backed up his rookie season this yearThe 23-year-old is one the babies on the track, having come through the Renault Sports Academy and started his F1 career in 2021.As such, he actually earns LESS than the aforementioned drivers in salary (£5m) – but his staggering £13m in bonuses sees him climb the list.After a strong rookie season in 2023, Piastri was even better this year, claiming the first two Grand Prix victories of his career in Hungary and Azerbaijan and finishing fourth in the driver standings. He is set to race at least two more years for McLaren after signing a contract extension in September 2023, just days before he secured his first podium finish.The future is bright to the Aussie as he helped McLaren clinch their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years.6) GEORGE RUSSELL £18MGeorge Russel’s has shot up through the ranks in recent yearsRussell is now the No1 driver at Mercedes after Hamilton’s exit – but he’s internal dominance this year had proved that anyway – as he signed an extension in August 2023.He now bags £11.7million a year from Mercedes, with a reported £7million in bonuses.Teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 18, will step into Hamilton’s iconic shoes.Russell finished sixth in the standings and won two races, missing a third victory only because of a disqualification at Spa.5) CHARLES LECLERC £21MThe Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary at Ferrari as he welcomes HamiltonCredit: GettyLeclerc, who finished third in the driver standings this year, will welcome Hamilton to Ferrari next season.The Frenchman earns £11.7m in salary and his bonuses almost match that at £10m.He was part of another memorable tandem at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 27-year-old took part in Friday’s practice session alongside his 24-year-old brother, Arthur—a Ferrari development driver—making them the first siblings ever to drive in F1 as teammates.4) FERNANDO ALONSO £21.5MThe 42-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandTwo-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 42, signed a new deal with Aston Martin in 2023 after finishing fourth in the standings.The Spanish star earns £18million in salary, while performance add-ons amount to around £3million. Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 and some have even been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain.The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.3) LANDO NORRIS £27MAfter claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi, Norris declared: ‘Next year is my year’Norris wasn’t quite able to overtake Verstappen for the drivers’ title, but achieved 13 podium finishes this year.He did, however, take home a reported £9.4million in wages, and surely earned his whopping £18m in bonuses, as McLaren landed an unexpected constructors’ championship.Lando was born into wealth through dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca, from Belgium.After claiming P1 in the final race at Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Norris declared: “Next year is my year”.2) LEWIS HAMILTON £45MLewis Hamilton used to earn the most on the gridAfter years of dominance at Mercedes, Hamilton was the highest-paid driver in F1 – his contract with netted him £43million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9million.That figure is set to soar far higher, too, after it was revealed he will join the Scuderia in 2025 in a shock deal worth £100million.But the wage gulf between Hamilton and Verstappen has expanded after the changing of the guard moment in 2021.The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.Hertfordshire-born Lewis, 39, is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.He also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.1) MAX VERSTAPPEN £59MVerstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the trackUnderstandably, for the third straight year, Verstappen is F1’s highest-paid driver on the track.With estimated 2024 earnings of £59million, including a series-record £47million in salary to go with £12million in performance bonuses.The Dutchman had to wait until the season’s third-to-last Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, to lock up the championship, four races later than when he clinched in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs he’s only 27, industry experts predict his estimated £165million fortune will increase in the coming years.Last week, the Red Bull No.1 announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson Piquet.The F1 driver announced the happy news with this picture on social media More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace and how long has she been dating the Chelsea midfielder?

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      COLE Palmer’s career is going from strength to strength, with awards in 2024 including PFA Young Player of the Year and England Player of the Year.Off the field he’s not doing so badly either — here we get to know his beautiful girlfriend Connie Grace.Cole Palmer and girlfriend Connie Grace looked elegant together at GQ’s Men of the YearWho is Connie Grace?Connie Grace is Chelsea and England player Cole Palmer’s girlfriend.She hails from the attacking midfielder’s hometown of Manchester.Connie is very popular on social media, with over 25k followers on Instagram and more than 11k on TikTok.Connie loves to share photos of herself travelling the world with her fanbase, with snapshots from locations including Bali and Dubai.read more on connie graceCareerConnie is currently employed as a beautician.She works at a salon based in Stockport.A full set of plain acrylic nails there would set you back a reasonable £35.Relationship timelineWhen Cole and Connie first hooked up hasn’t been reported.Most read in FootballTheir relationship came to light in July 2024, when Cole was spotted getting cosy with Connie off the coast of Ibiza.The pair were all smiles on their summer getaway — relaxing on a boat and riding the waves on a paddleboard together.Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyFollowing a frolic in the Mediterranean Sea, they hopped back on their luxury boat to dry off.Among Cole’s possessions onboard was red and white England speaker, which appeared to have his Three Lions shirt number, 24, printed on it.At the time a source told The Sun: “They are both young and just going with the flow and enjoying the summer together.”Cole and Connie pictured paddleboarding in July 2024Credit: SPlashThey were then photographed hand-in-hand at the PFA Young Player of the Year award in September.Next up they were snapped together at GQ Men of the Year, held at Kensington Roof Gardens.Connie joined Cole and his mum Marie at the high-profile event.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was their photographic debut as a couple at a specific public appearance.Cole went for the timeless look of black tuxedo and bowtie, while Connie opted for a daring cut-out dress in the same colour. More

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      in Soccer

      Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio? Jamaica star ‘stable’ after horror car crash

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      WEST Ham striker Michail Antonio was taken to hospital following a horror car crash.A witness told The Sun they first saw car at 12.50pm on Saturday December 7, but the West Ham star wasn’t cut out by fire crews until around 1.45pm.The Hammers posted confirmation of the smash and an update on the star’s condition: “West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area. Wreckage from Michail Antonio’s horror crashCredit: X”Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.“At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family. “The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Who is Michail Antonio?Born on March 28, 1990 in Wandsworth, South London, Antonio is 34-years-old.Starting his career at Tooting & Mitcham United, a non-league side, the attacker climbed the English footballing pyramid to the very top.After impressing in non-league, Antonio secured a move to Reading but spent the majority of his time on loan at other clubs. Loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Southampton, and Colchester led to the forward securing a permanent move after a loan with Sheffield Wednesday.Most read in FootballThe attacker scored 12 goals in 64 appearances for the Owls before making a £1.5 million move to Nottingham Forest.Michail Antonio celebrates scoring a stoppage time equaliser for ForestAntonio netted 16 goals in 50 appearances for Nottingham Forest, a record that caught the eye of Premier League team West Ham United.The Hammers signed the forward for £7 million in September 2015, completing Antonio’s rise to the elite of English football.West Ham United CareerSince his move, Antonio has established himself as West Ham’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League.Furthermore, the attacker played a vital role in winning the 2023 Europa Conference League – the Hammers’ first major trophy in 43 years.Antonio has now scored 68 goals for the HammersCredit: GettyInitially, Antonio played a variety of roles in the squad – appearing as a right-back and a winger. Shortly, the attacker established himself as West Ham’s starting forward and remains a key member of the match day squad.International Playing CareerIn 2016, Antonio rejected the opportunity to play for the Jamaican national side and was called up to the England team by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite being called up, the forward never made an appearance for the Lions and switched his allegiance to Jamaica in 2021.Now, the striker has five goals in 21 appearances for The Reggae Boyz. More

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      in Soccer

      Who is West Ham striker Michail Antonio’s ex-wife and how many kids do the pair have?

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      HAMMERS striker Michail Antonio met his ex-wife Debbie Whittle in January 2011.The pair formed a strong relationship, growing from best friends to husband and wife, but split up after the birth of their fourth child.On December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed Michail Antonio was involved in a horror car crash.Who is Michail Antonio’s ex-wife?On July 6 2017, the couple agreed to tie the knot before holding their wedding ceremony at Staffordshire stately home.In January 2024, Antonio appeared on the High Performance Podcast opening up about his recent divorce from his ex-wife and the role of therapy throughout his career. The striker said: “‘I was going through my divorce and stuff, and I honestly couldn’t get my head around it. “After we won, the whole team went out, the gaffer (David Moyes) went out, got steaming, a couple of boys didn’t sleep for two days, just got drunk for two days.Michail Antonio and his ex-wife Debbie Whittle on their fifth wedding anniversary”I was asleep on the coach and went back to the hotel. I was just mentally drained because of everything that was going on outside of my football and then I went back to the hotel and went to sleep while everyone was out partying.”It wasn’t until probably December where I was in a better place where I was like “Oh my God, I’ve won a European championship.”Antonio opened up about the pressure to perform for a new contract at the elite level.Most read in FootballHe said: “As soon as your life depends on it, as soon as you have people constantly berating you and criticising you, it becomes a job.”So, it doesn’t matter how good it is, it doesn’t matter how much you love the game, it becomes an actual job for you.”I started therapy because I was really struggling. And how I grew up, it was never a thing. I thought therapy was for crazy people. But therapy changed my life. “At first it was awkward, I’m not going to lie. You’re sat in the room, someone was there and goes, “How are you?””And your natural response is “Fine”. So, he’s like, ‘So why are you here?’ I was like, “To be honest, like, football, I’m struggling with football, I split up with my missus”.’How many children does Michail Antonio have?The Hammers striker likes to keep his private life out of the public eye but it is known that he has four children with ex-wife Debbie.Junior, Miles and Myla have all featured on Antonio’s social media.In June 2020, the striker announced the birth of his fourth child with Debbie Whittle. During lockdown, Antonio home-schooled his eldest three children whilst juggling the birth of his youngest.The West Ham striker and his family on Christmas eveHe said: “I’ve got three kids and my wife was pregnant until she had a baby on Sunday, so it was difficult home schooling and getting the time to go for runs and stuff.”But knowing that the season was going to get back on, we just needed to get on top of it and ensure we stayed fit because we knew we weren’t going to have much time to get back into it.“Aaaarghhhhh! I feel like home schooling should be a torture! “If someone is doing something wrong, you should send kids to them and go ‘teach these kids!’ because, do you know what, it was the hardest thing I’ve done in my life and it made me emotional. “Teachers, I appreciate you!”Horror car crashOn December 7 2024, West Ham United confirmed the striker had been involved in a horror car crash.In a post on X, they wrote: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Photographs from the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. More