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    Deon Lendore dead at 29: London 2012 medallist and three-time Olympian dies in car crash as Trinidad and Tobago mourns

    TRIBUTES have poured in for Olympic medallist Deon Lendore after the 29-year-old died in a car crash.Lendore won bronze as part of Trinidad and Tobago’s 4x400m relay team at London 2012.
    Deon Lendore competed in the 400m at Tokyo 2020Credit: AFP
    The 29-year-old was tragically killed in a car crash in TexasCredit: Getty
    He later competed in the individual 400m at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
    The sprinter is understood to have been killed in a smash where he trains in Texas.
    The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee paid tribute to their athlete in a statement.
    It read: “Words cannot adequately express our sadness at the devastating and untimely loss of three-time Olympian and Olympic and World Championships bronze medallist Deon Lendore, who has been an inspiration and motivation to us all both on and off the track.
    “Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honour, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many. 
    “We express our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, team-mates, coaches, Abilene Club, Community of Arima and all who he would have touched.
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    “It is a sad day for the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic and Commonwealth Sport Movement.”
    Lendore also notched a relay silver at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing.
    He was a student athlete at Texas A&M University and clocked a 400m personal best of 44.36seconds back in 2014.
    Jamaican runner Natoya Goule wrote on Instagram: “I’m in total shock Deon. You broke my heart.”
    American shot-putter Darrell Hill added: “RIP Champ. Thank you for all the laughs and good vibes man.” More

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    Mo Farah targets one final summer of glory with London 2012 hero determined not to let career end on a failure

    MO FARAH is desperate not to finish his career on a failure and plans to run at least once more in GB colours.In an interview with SunSport, Britain’s four-time Olympic gold medallist insists he has at least one more international appearance in his legs.
    Sir Mo Farah wants to compete once more in Team GB colours
    Farah wants to compete in one of the three major events next summerCredit: GETTY
    Though he turns 39 next March, Farah fancies a crack at one of the three major events crunched into next summer’s programme.
    In the space of 6-7 weeks, there are the Oregon World Championships, Birmingham Commonwealths and Munich Europeans.
    Once his left ankle heals properly – he says he is pain-free now – then Farah will decide in January if he requires to go abroad for warm-weather training.
    The last time he was seen in action was in Manchester in June at the Team GB trials where he failed to make the qualifying standard for the Tokyo Olympics.
    Asked about his future plans, Farah said: “I’m not done yet. As long as my body allows me.
    “The desire is still there, the hunger is still there. At the same time, it’s what my body can do.
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    “Obviously, I’m 38. That’s not going to lie. I’m getting on a bit but the belief is still there. I’ll see what I can do.
    “The most important thing is to take care of this injury, make sure I am right, and get back to what I can do.
    “You will see me in terms of GB. I’ve done so well for my country throughout so many years. But I won’t just put on the GB vest. You have to earn it.”
    Though he has been cut from the UK Athletics funding stream, Farah would be welcomed back into the international fold according to head coach Christian Malcolm.
    Attempting to qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024 is off the table as Farah believes at the age of 41 he would not be competitive.
    Another London Marathon is a strong possibility and he could sign off with a farewell 26.2-mile run for the fans in the spring of 2023 – just like Paula Radcliffe did round the streets of London in 2015.
    Farah, speaking at the launch of the Huawei Watch GT 3, said: “Listen, another marathon would be nice. Maybe a half marathon somewhere or 10km. It depends.
    “I have to be realistic and be honest. Outdoors. Rather than indoors or track.
    The 38-year-old believes his body can still keep goingCredit: GETTY
    “The world champs in Oregon? Listen, I couldn’t even qualify for Tokyo – so that’s the first step you know. You cannot just say I’m going to the world champs.
    “The first step is get yourself back in there, feel comfortable where you are at.
    “You go there not just to make the team but to be able to be in a shout with the rest. Over the years, I took it for granted.”
    Farah, who has his track-and-field coaching licence, says in the future he wants to give back his knowledge and expertise to the younger generation.
    And though he couldn’t travel to Japan, he was left inspired watching 19-year-old Keely Hodgkinson win 800m silver on her Olympic debut this summer.
    Farah added: “If Tokyo had happened the way I wanted it to happen that could have been it. But because it didn’t happen, it’s different.
    Farah, however, has ruled out trying to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris
    “From my experience that I have had, I should be able to give back so much more.
    “My final races will be emotional but you have to embrace it. Everything must come to an end at some point.”
    Mo Farah was speaking at the launch of the HUAWEI Watch GT 3 fitness smartwatch, which has personalised health and fitness features. It launches in the UK on November 10 but can be pre-ordered now.
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    Mo Farah fails to make 10,000m qualifying time for Tokyo Olympics More

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    Luke Campbell retires from boxing aged 33 after stellar career including Olympic gold medal and world title fights

    LIGHTWEIGHT Luke Campbell has retired from professional boxing aged 33.The British star became Olympic and Commonwealth champion during his glittering career, finishing with a 20-4 pro record.
    Luke Campbell received a hero’s welcome in Hull after winning gold at London 2012Credit: PA:Press Association
    The 33-year-old became Commonwealth champion but never won a world titleCredit: PA:Press Association
    Confirming his retirement in an emotional statement, Campbell said: “After a lot of thought and reflection, I have decided that now is the right time to hang-up my gloves and retire from boxing.
    “As soon as I first stepped into St. Paul’s Amateur Boxing Club in Hull, my dream was always to win the Olympics.
    “By winning gold at London 2012, in front of home support and my family, I had in many ways already achieved my hopes and aspirations in the sport before my professional career even started.
    “So, while for many turning pro is where it all begins, for me it was more of a bonus and what a bonus it turned out to be, achieving more than I ever expected and giving me memories I will never forget.
    “From making my debut at Craven Park, to fighting at Wembley, beating domestic rivals, competing against pound-for-pound stars in America and here in the UK, headlining pay-per-views and always willing to take on anybody.
    “It’s been an incredible ride.”
    THE NEARLY WORLD CHAMP
    Campbell’s retirement ends a tremendous amateur and professional career, losing his final fight to American Ryan Garcia in January.
    The Hull star’s breakthrough came in 2008, becoming European champion before picking up a silver medal at the world championships three years later.
    Campbell’s greatest moment came in 2012, when he defeated John Joe Nevin to win the bantamweight title at the London Olympics.
    He turned pro a year later and enjoyed a stellar start, winning 12 consecutive fights before suffering a surprise loss to Yvan Mendy in 2015.
    Campbell bounced back from that defeat to stop British rival Gary Sykes and win the Commonwealth title in his next fight.
    He later won the WBC silver lightweight title to earn a shot at becoming world champ, losing an agonising split decision to Jorge Linares in 2017.
    It’s been an incredible ride.Luke Campbell
    Redemption against Mendy followed a year later before a second world title fight against Vasyl Lomachenko in 2019, losing by unanimous decision.
    Garcia became the first man to stop Campbell professionally, ensuring he retires with a 20-4 professional record.
    Campbell added: “The past year in boxing though has been tough.
    “An extremely long training camp away from family meant I was only able to spend a few days with my newborn child and also resulted in me having Christmas apart from them on the other side of the world.
    “It’s in these moments that you realise what is truly important in life. I’ve lived my dreams and accomplished more than I ever imagined I would.
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    Campbell’s impressive boxing CV
    The Hull fighter suffered a narrow defeat to Jorge Linares in his first world title fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    “In the same way that my dad was able to witness my greatest achievements, I want to be able to do that for my children and make sure I’m always there to see their biggest triumphs.
    “Boxing has been a part of who I am since the age of 13 and I would not have been able to reach half the heights I have without the incredible support of my wife Lyndsey, who has been with me every step and every punch of the way.
    “I cannot wait to spend more time with you and our three beautiful boys. And now for the next chapter, I’m excited to get started.”
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    Campbell went the distance with Vasyl Lomachenko but didn’t get the winCredit: ReutersDream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

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    Olympic swimming star Adam Peaty says Games should ditch ‘gimmicks’ and stay with core sports only

    OLYMPIC star Adam Peaty has a longterm vision for the Olympics.
    Britain’s foremost swimmer is gunning for gold again, after starring at Rio 2016.

    Adam Peaty won the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics in the 100m breast-stroke eventCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
    And now, Peaty’s mind seems to work as rapidly as his whirring arms as he outlines arguments for a more slimline, sustainable Games without gimmicky new sports or facilities destined to become white elephants, while also arguing that drug cheats should be imprisoned.
    With climbing, surfing, skateboarding, baseball and karate all having been added to the schedule for the Tokyo Games, Peaty fears the profile of core Olympic sports will suffer.
    He said: “It’s not just swimming, it’s athletics, too. No disrespect to the other sports but we’re adding more sports at an unparalleled pace and that just dilutes the Olympics.
    “We need to go back to the heritage of the main Olympic sports instead of trying to find something else that could be an Olympic sport.
    “Because, eventually, if they keep following the money, we’re going to have e-sports included.
    “That might be a sport mentally but the Olympics is all supposed to be about physical prowess.
    “I think the way it’s going, the IOC will have competition from private investors for rival events that will give people what they actually want to watch.
    Peaty, 26, won three gold medals at the 2019 Wold Aquatics Championships in South KoreaCredit: PA:Press Association
    We need to go back to the heritage of the main Olympic sports instead of trying to find something else that could be an Olympic sport.”Adam Peaty
    “We’ve got to have a hard think about what is going to be popular and successful in, say, 12 years’ time. It’s getting harder and harder.”
    With the coronavirus pandemic taking hold and the Games delayed, future Olympics may have to look at a more sustainable model, says Peaty.
    And the 26-year-old is concerned about the environmental impact of building new stadia and facilities in each Olympic host city.
    He said: “As the climate-change movement goes ahead, is it sustainable to build a whole athletes’ village and all of the facilities every four years? Absolutely not — just the amount of concrete that’s required alone.
    “And in most Olympic cities the legacy isn’t there — so is it worth all the expense and resources? As climate change progresses, you’ve got to change the way you stage the Olympics.”
    With one of swimming’s greatest global stars, China’s three-time Olympic champion Sun Yang, receiving an eight-year ban for a second doping offence, Peaty believes the menace of doping can only be countered by prison sentences.
    He added: “The biggest fish has been caught. And in life you’ll always have cheats.
    Peaty proudly poses next to SunSport’s Chief Sports Reporter David KiddCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
    “You’ll have mechanical dopers in cycling. You’ll have people who are going to try and get that edge and bend the rules. Unless we start treating this cheating as criminal fraud, where you could actually go to prison, then we are never going to stop people cheating.
    “If they can make a few million quid from cheating and get away with it for six years, they don’t care.
    “But if they are criminalised and given prison time and have to pay back money to sponsors then they will think twice.”
    Peaty’s status as an almost invincible world-record holder has seen him targeted by groundless allegations of drug abuse on social media.
    He said: “You get tweeted it all the time — ‘He’s so far ahead, he must be on drugs’. But you follow me for a f*****g year and you’ll see why not!
    “I was having two drug tests a week for a long while. But are the people I’m competing against having two a week? It’s never a fair playing field.
    “In a lot of countries the problem doesn’t stem from the athletes — it is how much they are taken advantage of.
    “I can understand if you’re not from a very affluent country and someone tells you to put these substances inside you . . . they don’t care as long as their family is being fed. That’s survival instinct.
    The Tokyo 2020 Games were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemicCredit: Alamy Live News
    Peaty believes that the Olympics should stick to its core sportsCredit: EPA
    “But it doesn’t belong in this sport. These cheats are creating an environment where kids are looking up to them and thinking, ‘I might as well cheat because it’s easier’.”
    Like many elite swimmers, Peaty is frustrated at the relative inactivity of the sport’s global governing body, Fina.
    And he believes the International Swimming League — funded by Ukrainian billionaire Konstantin Grigorishin and staged for the first time last year — represents the future.
    He explained: “With swimming you get a massive profile every four years and not much in between. So the ISL is the future of swimming from a marketing perspective.
    “You do have a massive fanbase, a big audience — it’s the second most-watched sport at an Olympics. Commercially, football has chewed up a lot of sports and swimming hasn’t been brought into the 21st Century.
    “But I think ISL will be successful. It’s over two hours for two days — people will come along, have a beer, enjoy it and potentially gamble on it.
    “There’s a massive gambling opportunity for swimming — fortunately or unfortunately depending on what side you’re on — but I think that can inject cash into the sport.
    “I think Fina have a few hundred million in the bank but they don’t redistribute it. I’ve got good management but how do we make more of our commercial opportunities? I’m only desirable for the time that I’m successful.
    “Fina need to get the sport on TV more. Apparently the TV rights figures they wanted from the BBC were extortionate and they could only show highlights.
    “I don’t understand why they can’t see that the more people watch it, the more the sport grows and then the more money they’ll make.
    “It just seems to be about short-term gain. I don’t know what their strategy is. But thankfully this league is here, run by a billionaire who is very clued up.”
    Tokyo 2020: US Olympic and Paralympic committee CEO, Sarah Hirshland says athletes should continue to prepare for competition More

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    Anthony Joshua’s London 2012 Olympic final win questioned by bitter rival who insists ‘the public were on his side’

    ANTHONY JOSHUA’S London 2012 Olympic gold medal win has been questioned – by the man he beat in the final.Roberto Cammarelle believes the crowd ‘influenced the judges’ and he ‘cant understand’ how he didn’t win.
    Roberto Cammarelle was gutted it was Anthony Joshua’s arm, and not his, raised to become Olympic championCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    AJ turned professional not long after winning Olympic goldCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The Italian was 13-10 up going into the final third round, with the judges scoring the fight 18-18 at the end.
    AJ won on countback to be crowned Olympic champ on his home turf.
    But Cammarelle is still bitter about taking the silver medal and believes he should have won the fight.
    Speaking to Sky Sports, the 2008 Olympic champ said: “As far as I can remember, I think I managed to fight exceptionally well during the two rounds.
    “The last round, he did not fight to overcome me. He was just sort of managing the fight. Having an equal number of points, an equal score, I can’t understand [how] I didn’t win.
    “I thought I was managing the advantage I had managed to win over the first round. But nonetheless, I thought I had managed to fight a third round that was enough to win the fight.
    “I think the public very much influenced the judges.
    “I was under the impression at some point that regardless of any move by Joshua, the crowd was cheering even if it was a miss, and I think it certainly influenced the final result.”

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    Roberto Cammarelle won the first two rounds of the three round fightCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Joshua rallied to take the third round on the judges’ scorecards and won on countbackCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Cammarelle reveals he told his corner to calm their ‘celebrations’ at the final bell and ‘wait for the final result’.
    It was then revealed that Joshua and NOT the Italian had got the verdict.
    Cammarelle, 40, last fouhgt in 2016, winning unaimously against Nikita Stogov.
    Unlike Joshua, the Milan-based boxer never turned professional, ending with an impressive amateur record of 71 wins and 12 defeats.
    Meanwhile AJ is preparing to defend his heavyweight world titles against Oleksandr Usyk on September 25.
    Joshua is now a unified heavyweight champ while Cammarelle never turned proCredit: PA
    Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk CONFIRMED for September 25 by Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn More

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    Ryan Garcia vs Luke Campbell tale of the tape: How boxers compare ahead of huge lightweight bout this weekend

    BRITAIN’S Luke Campbell finally goes one-on-one with Ryan Garcia this weekend as 2021 kicks-off in explosive fashion.
    The huge clash was supposed to take place on December 5 in California but was postponed for a month after the Englishman tested positive for coronavirus.

    Luke Campbell will return to the ring this weekendCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    The Brit battles American Ryan Garcia on January 2Credit: Getty

    The winner will be crowned the new WBC lightweight champion.
    But how do the pair stack up against each other ahead of Saturday’s showdown?
    Age
    At 11 years Campbell’s junior, Garcia appears to have age on his side.
    But Britain’s Olympic gold medallist certainly has the upper hand when it comes to experience.

    Despite his legion of fans, many critics have argued Garcia has still not faced anyone of elite calibre.
    Campbell has come undone whenever he has stepped up in class previously, losing to Vasiliy Lomachenko, Jorge Linares and Yvan Mendy – although he did go on to avenge that defeat.
    Now we will find out whether he has learned his lessons from his battles with those big names, or whether Garcia can back up his talk and silence his doubters.

    How they compare

    Physicality 
    Southpaw Campbell is well-renowned as a good boxer-puncher.
    But despite recording 16 knockouts from his 23 pro fights, many still feel he is just below the true top-level elite of the sport.
    Meanwhile, Garcia is widely-regarded as perhaps having the fastest hands in boxing.
    And if he can connect right, that could easily lead to him recording his 18th KO win.
    Record
    Garcia has shot to stardom with an impressive 20-0 start to life as a pro.
    But as stated above, even though he has 17 KOs to his name already, a lot of his critics believe he has never tested himself against a true top star yet.
    That chance arrives on Saturday against Campbell.
    After winning Gold at the 2012 Olympics, Campbell made a fine start to his life as a professional before losing his unbeaten streak in his 13th fight against Mendy.
    He has gone on to lose twice more since then, one of which came last time out via unanimous decision to Lomachenko last year.
    His record stands at 20 wins from his 23 matches, with 17 coming via KO. More

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    United’s Tobin Heath ready for ‘crazy competitive’ Women’s Super League and race for third Champions League spot

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S Tobin Heath expects the women’s top-flight to be “crazy competitive” with a third Champion’s League spot up for grabs this term.
    And the World Cup-winning USA star admitted to “nerding out” the first time she set foot on the club’s Old Trafford turf.

    4

    Tobin Heath admitted to getting’the feels’ the first time she stepped on the pitch at Old Trafford Credit: USA TODAY Sports

    Heath, 32, is among the big-name US stars who made high-profile moves to the Women’s Super League this month.
    The last time the American ace set foot on United’s pitch was during the 2012 Olympics.
    Her international side beat Canada to seal their place in the tournament’s finals.
    Heath said: “Any footballer’s dream would be to play for Manchester United and to play at Old Trafford.

    “I had all the feels when going back there. I was nerding out before and during the Olympics when we played there.
    “I think in our first game, there was a group stage match and then we played that epic, semi-final against Canada.
    “The pitch just has this iconic feeling about it and it’s just such an iconic venue for any footballer.”
    Heath will be part of Casey Stoney’s United squad following a one-year deal she signed with the team this month.

    4

    Two-time World Cup winner Heath signed a one-year deal with Man United this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Other big-name US arrivals who made temporary WSL moves include Tottenham’s Alex Morgan and Manchester City’s Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
    Heath hopes her performances for Stoney’s side, who are currently fourth in the table, will help the team challenge for major trophies.

    Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football
    Tobin Heath

    The USA star added: “It’s definitely a more unique set-up here. There are a lot more things to compete for.
    “There’s the big league title, the cup and also Champions League spots.
    “And having that third Champions League spot added this year is going to be crazy competitive”

    4

    Heath’s international team-mate Alex Morgan is among the US women’s football stars who have switched to the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Heath, who is a big Arsenal fan, says her introduction to the English game came from growing up watching the Premier League on TV.
    The USA international could be set to make her league debut when United take on Hope Powell’s Brighton side on October 4.
    And the Red Devils midfielder is excited about the prospect of taking on United’s WSL rivals under Stoney.

    I’m hoping she (Casey Stoney) can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well
    Tobin Heath

    Heath added: “Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football.
    “When TV rights started becoming more prominent in the US with all the games, it was something as a football fan that was just a dream to be able to watch.

    4

    Heath (left) and her USA team-mates beat England in the 2019 Women’s World Cup semis before winning the tournament Credit: AP:Associated Press

    “I’ve had a few, a few training sessions to get to know Casey’s personality a bit.
    “She’s all business and she really cares about the players.
    “I’m hoping she can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well.”

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    Alex Morgan’s transfer move to Spurs is a real coup for the WSL and shows America is not THE place for stars to play

    MOST England fans will remember Alex Morgan for trolling the entire English nation after she celebrated by “sipping the tea” in their World Cup semi-final clash.
    But as the striker, 31, prepares to embark on a short-term loan deal with Spurs until January 2021 – I can assure you, that you can expect SO much more from her.

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    Alex Morgan is a popular figure in the women’s game and one of the latest big names to make the move to the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: © 2019 SOPA Img

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    Morgan, 31, made headlines last year with her famous tea-sipping celebration during the USA’s World Cup semi-final win against EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association

    Her signing is a huge coup for the WSL and it’s huge for the North Londoners to land a player of that caliber, as they look to push on in only their second season in the top division.
    Morgan is one of the most high-profile names in world football, a two-time World Cup winner and 2012 Olympic gold medalist.
    Not to mention, she has 9.2MILLION followers on Instagram – more than Spurs’ official account – which shows just how huge this signing is for the club.

    She will join the familiar faces of her Orlando Pride team-mates Shelina Zadorsky and Alanna Kennedy who are also on loan deals with the club.
    As well as FOUR fellow USA World Cup winners in the league who have decided to cross the pond as the country continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle signed for Manchester City, while Christen Press and Tobin Heath headed for rivals United last week.
    One of the main reasons Morgan has signed for Spurs on a short-term deal, is to increase her game time as she tries to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.

    Which seems a shame, as I would love for her and the other players on loan to be invested in helping raise the standard of our league more longer term then short term.

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    Alex Morgan made headlines last week after Tottenham announced their signing of the World Cup winner Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Morgan will look to make her debut for Tottenham barely FOUR months after giving birthCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
    And I’m obviously gutted she decided to join Spurs and not Arsenal!
    In August, Morgan made her return to action after the birth of her daughter Charlie on 7 May, but she left the pitch after a heavy collision.
    And the strike sensation will look to make her debut for Tottenham barely FOUR months after giving birth.

    I am buzzing to see so many World Cup winners now playing on our doorstep because during my playing days America was the place to be

    Not that fitness has been a problem for her, if the clips on social media of her doing grueling workouts while nine months pregnant are anything to go by.
    The videos even drew the attention of popstar Justin Timberlake who was one of Morgan’s many admirers and called her a “beast.”
    On a more serious note, the American league set up a Fall Series tournament consisting of four matches until October 17, but the lack of a regular season has led to many players moving to Europe.
    The Series hasn’t done a very good job of keeping players around – with many stars from Megan Rapinoe to Julie Ertz opting out.

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    Manchester City’s Sam Mewis is among the NWSL stars who have made loan switches to the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And one player even pointed directly at the handling of Covid-19 in America as to why she’s pursuing football overseas.
    I am buzzing to see so many World Cup winners now playing on our doorstep because during my playing days America was the place to be.
    The tables have clearly turned and Alex Morgan’s decision to play in OUR league is the cherry on the cake.

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