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      in Soccer

      Inside Premier League star’s new £4.8million mansion with huge swimming pool, high-tech CCTV and ‘castle’ in the garden

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      CHELSEA star Carney Chukwuemeka has snapped up a £4.8million mansion complete a huge swimming pool and high-tech CCTV.The youngster’s luxury six-bedroom pad comes with a leisure complex including a 31x14ft swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and triple garage.
      Carney Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea two years agoCredit: Alamy
      The Prem star has bought a new £4.8million mansionCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      The huge mansion has a grand reception areaCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      It also boasts a massive swimming poolCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      It has a grand entrance hall, a galleried landing, seven bathrooms, five reception rooms, family room, drawing room, breakfast room, study and office.
      The 9,393 sq.ft stately pile also boasts a media and games room, bar, party terrace, outdoor BBQ kitchen.
      And it even has a children’s climbing frame and castle to boot.
      In a sales brochure, estate agents gushed: “The property is finished to a very high standard and has a range of features including underfloor heating, a programmable sound system throughout and a sophisticated CCTV security system.
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      “The grand galleried reception hall leads to the principal reception rooms, all of which ate the rear have French windows onto the entertaining terrace and gardens beyond, while the family room has superb full-height concertina doors.
      “The magnificent principal bedroom suite has two dressing rooms, a secondary bathroom/sitting room and French windows to a roof terrace overlooking the gardens.”
      Chelsea signed Chukwuemeka, 20, from Aston Villa on a six-year contract in a deal believed to be worth £20million, two years ago.
      The midfielder missed Saturday’s game against Manchester City with a twisted ankle after previously being sidelined with a knee injury.
      Most read in Football
      Chelsea are still languishing in 10th place in the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of the top four.
      Land Registry records show that he paid £4.8million for his Surrey home which had a guide price of £5.5million.
      But a housing developer has now applied for planning permission to build three homes on a nearby plot of land, which Chukwuemeka has objected to.
      In a letter to planners, he wrote: “Me and my family are new in the estate and this is maybe planning application number four we have received since being in the estate.

      “The estate will continue to increase in properties but the infrastructure remains the same.
      “I don’t think this is a good idea building more houses on a plot of land that originally had just one house on it. Not in support because of the number of new properties to be built there.”
      A chandelier gleams in one of the many fancy roomsCredit: www.rightmove.co.uk
      Carney Chukwuemeka prior to the FA Cup Fourth Round match against Aston VillaCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Gerald McClellan: The tragic tale of how Britain’s most brutal fight with Benn left ex-champ with life-changing injuries

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      GERALD MCCLELLAN is the living embodiment and brutal reminder of the dangers of boxing – which are all too often forgotten about.The American middleweight was at the peak of his powers in the early nineties and was, at the time, regarded by many to be one of the best fighters on the planet.
      Gerald McClellan challenged Nigel Benn for the WBC super-middleweight title in February 1995Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      McClellan made a rip-roaring start to the brutal title fightCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      Dark Destroyer Benn came roaring back in the fourth, fifth and six rounds and hurt the AmericanCredit: GETTY
      The two-time middleweight champion was a ferocious puncher, who won 29 of his 31 victories by knockout or technical knockout.
      McClellan moved up in weight in February 1995 to challenge Nigel Benn for the WBC super-middleweight title in a bid to become a two-weight world champion.
      His life, and those of his loved ones, would never be the same after what proved to be a fateful night in London.
      McClellan’s bid to become 168lbs king started well as he knocked Benn through the ropes in the first round and asserted his dominance in the ensuing early stanzas.
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      The firefight many expected between the two heavy hitters ensued, with momentum shifting Benn’s way in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
      And it was in those rounds that McClellan showed signs of having suffered a traumatic brain injury.
      McClellan had difficulty keeping his gumshield in and would go through bouts of excessive blinking as he backed away from Benn.
      Had referees, coaches and ringside officials known what we know now about brain trauma and CTE, the fight would have been stopped.
      Most read in Boxing
      Tragically, however, it continued – with McClellan rallying in the eighth and knocking down The Dark Destroyer.
      But Benn dug deep to produce a tenth-round finish, after which McClellan collapsed in his corner and was rushed to the hospital.
      Gerald McClellan collapsed in his corner after the fight was stopped in the tenth roundCredit: GETTY
      Doctors at the nearby Royal London Hospital discovered that he had a blood clot and extensive damage to his brain and performed emergency surgery to save his life.
      Save his life they did, although he would remain in a coma for 11 days before regaining consciousness.
      Watch first footage of Nigel Benn in training with fans worried legend looks ‘sluggish’ and is making ‘big mistake’ to come out of retirement aged 55
      McClellan’s traumatic brain injury saw him lose his eyesight, 80 per cent of his hearing and the ability to walk unaided.
      His family flew to London to be by his bedside during his period of unconsciousness, with his sisters – in particular Lisa – looking after him ever since.
      In the years since his fateful fight with Benn, McClellan has managed to regain some of the ability to walk – although his memory has never been the same.
      He does, however, sometimes recall the fact he was once one of the best middleweights on the planet.
      When he was recently visited by Boxing News in his home in Freeport, Illinois, McClellan said: “I’m Gerald Allen McClellan Senior!
      “My position in boxing: middleweight champion of the world!”
      Although he somewhat regained the ability to walk, McClellan is sadly now resound to spending most of his days in his armchair.
      And the sharp and cerebral mind that he used to great effect in his fights is now, tragically, a sad and withered version of itself.
      That night at the London Arena serves as a dark reminder of the dangers of the Sweet Science, so much so that Benn tries his best not to dwell on it.
      Gerald McClellan lost his sight, eight per cent of his hearing and the ability to walk unaided due to the fight and is, to this day, looked after by his sister LisaCredit: REUTERS
      Gerald McClellan and Nigel Benn were reunited 12 years after their warCredit: REUTERS
      He told Ring Magazine in 2020: “I rarely think about it, to be honest, and it’s only discussed when someone brings it up.
      “It’s a part of my life that’s behind me and I don’t really dwell on it, or put in a specific category.”
      Twelve years after their war, Benn and McClellan were reunited for a benefit event to raise funds for the American’s care.
      Benn said: “We raised $250,000 (£198,000) for Gerald and that was such a joy.
      “The benefit night was a complete sell-out in London.
      “It was so difficult because I had to shout in Gerald’s ear so he could hear what I was saying but he told me it was an accident, that it wasn’t my fault.
      “I was so happy to see him but my emotions were up, and down, up and down. I didn’t know whether to be happy, or cry, or be sick.
      “I’ve never experienced so many emotions at one time in my life.
      “I held Gerald’s hand and Lisa told me all the stories about his aftercare.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I always felt the American people should have looked after him better than they did.
      “If he’d been British, his house would have been paid for and he’d be getting the best of care.”
      Nigel Benn can’t believe the American boxing fraternity didn’t look after Gerald McClellan after his career cut shortCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD More

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      in Soccer

      ‘He goes really, really mad’ – Inside the change at Tottenham as Dejan Kulusevski lifts lid on Ange Postecoglou’s regime

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      DEJAN KULUSEVSKI can praise Ange Postecoglou all day.Tottenham’s stars love playing for the popular Aussie, love his style and where it is taking them – but they definitely do not want to cross him.
      Dejan Kulusevski is loving the style of Ange PostecoglouCredit: Tottenham Hotspur
      The attacker has hailed the Australian managerCredit: Rex
      Kulusevski has been helping young adults start their coaching coursesCredit: Tottenham Hotspur
      The Spurs boss has charmed fans from all corners of English football since his arrival from Celtic in the summer, making an impact well beyond N17 with his dry wit and honest opinions.
      But he has one hell of a fiery side too.
      Kulusevski told SunSport: “He gets angry for sure.
      “There have been a couple of half-times when he thinks we’re not doing enough, playing safe and not pushing enough to win the game and then he lets us hear it.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      “He goes really, really mad. But we always play better afterwards so it works!
      “It is not fun but it is part of the job, you cannot always just give love to players sometimes you have to be hard on them like parents do. It is not scary because it helps us in the end.”
      There is no denying it has worked. Only Manchester City and Liverpool have won more than Spurs’ 16 points from losing positions this season.
      Postecoglou has players and supporters on side like no manager since Mauricio Pochettino in North London, there are no longer protests or toxic chants if Spurs are struggling late on in a game – only hope.
      Most read in Football
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      His arrival has sparked a huge change of mood and culture at the club after the brutal messages and frustrating football from the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
      Kulusevski, 23, was called upon to sell the club to new signing and fellow Swede Lucas Bergvall a few weeks ago, and spoke in glowing terms about the club.
      Postecoglou dubbed ‘nicest man in football’ for response to fan’s question
      Bergvall, who also spoke to Postecoglou, ended up choosing Spurs over Barcelona.
      He said: “I met him and it was nice to see him because I know him a bit. I told him the truth, the same as what I tell everyone. How good this club is and the plans for the future.
      “I didn’t want to tell him which club to join because that is hard, but it is the first time I’ve played with a Swedish player.”
      Kulusevski also acknowledges that the sales pitch may well have been different a year ago.
      The winger added: “Yes, it has changed at the club, absolutely.
      “It has been a fantastic change and now it feels like the club is going on the right path and we are doing the right things.
      “We are more focused on better things. It is a different mentality, we have to improve.
      “It is not about we have to win otherwise it’s a catastrophe, it is about improving every day and if things are going to happen they will happen. It is more about the positive things.”
      It certainly helps that Postecoglou plays the style of football that Kulusevski has loved since he was a boy.
      The self-confessed football “nerd” who grew up playing Fifa all night and playing front-foot football during the day, loves the philosophy.
      And having considered a coaching career of his own, it is one he would stick to.
      The former Juventus man took time to help out with Tottenham’s Under-14s this week and paid a surprise visit to the club’s Spurred 2 Coach programme this week.
      The Foundation initiative helps young adults without coaching qualifications take the first steps towards earning FA badges and Kulusevski surprised last weeks participants by taking part in a training session with them in the shadow of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      He said: “I love teaching kids as they make you so happy. I would like to train kids in the future.
      “I played like that as a child.
      “When I grew up, we kept the ball on the floor and wanted to have possession, we didn’t want to be afraid of anybody.
      “That is exactly the same things as we are doing now. For a player to play this style is a blessing. It is brave and the most important in life is to not care about mistakes.
      “As a coach I would not care about mistakes. I would just want my players to feel free to express their talent as every man and woman has talent.”
      As well as playing like he did as a kid, Kulusevski is also dreaming like one under Postecoglou.
      The manager rarely replies to title talk by ducking the question, he simply asks ‘Why not?’ A message reinforced with the players.
      Kulusevski said: “We want to be the best, there is no reason why not we can be the best if we are doing this.
      “When we were kids we were all dreaming and then people tell you to stop dreaming, it is nice to try to become more like kids again thinking everything is possible.”
      The more realistic focus is a top four finish, returning to the Champions League, something which has been put into sharper focus by watching the tournament return this week.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He said: “It’s the worst thing seeing those games and you are not playing
      “You try to be positive and with your family. As a player you want to be on the biggest stage.” More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the stunning Wags of Amazon Prime series Married To The Game, from an NFL cheerleader to a singer on The Voice

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      THE Wags of football’s famous stars have their own show.Amazon Prime’s cameras have followed the partners of Ilkay Gundogan, Jorginho, James Tartowski, Riyad Mahrez and Matt Turner for a documentary about their epic lifestyles.
      Gorgeous Sara Gundogan is one of the stars of Amazon Prime show Married To The GameCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Sara is a model and TV host from ItalyCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan married Sara in a private ceremony in 2022Credit: Reuters
      The six-part series streams from February 23, where viewers will get a glimpse into their hectic lives.
      We will see how they juggle their commitments, families and home lives while supporting their partner’s high-profile careers.
      But who are the glam stunners who Amazon Prime have chosen for the cast of Married To The Game?
      Sara Gundogan
      Gorgeous Italian model Sara, 29, met ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan in 2021.
      Read more Wag stories
      A year later, he popped the question before they married each other in a private ceremony in 2022.
      Sara was born in France but moved to Italy when she was young, where she worked as a TV presenter.
      She once sparked fury when she called the Manchester restaurant scene “horrible”.
      But she has since changed her tune, revealing she now misses the Rainy City after moving to Barcelona.
      Most read in Football
      Taylor Ward
      Reality TV beauty Taylor, 26, ‘secretly married’ Mahrez in 2022, according to reports.
      Arsenal star Jorginho gets engaged to stunning Wag Catherine Harding and shares intimate snaps of proposal
      She appeared in Real Housewives of Cheshire alongside her mum Dawn and former footballer dad Ashley Ward.
      Taylor was once linked to City legend Sergio Aguero, before she began dating Mahrez – who popped the question with a £400,000 ring in 2021 on a romantic holiday in Mykonos.
      They have a daughter together called Mila.
      In the trailer for the show, Taylor can be seen breaking down when Mahrez tells her they are leaving Manchester for Saudi Arabia, after he is offered a mega-money move.
      Taylor Ward is a reality TV star
      Blonde stunner Taylor appeared in Real Housewives of CheshireCredit: Instagram
      Taylor is seen breaking down in the trailer for Married To The GameCredit: Instagram @taylorwardx
      Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward currently live in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash
      read more sport features
      Catherine Harding
      Catherine, 33, is a singer and the fiancee of Arsenal ace Jorginho.
      She famously appeared on reality TV show The Voice, where she was mentored by Ollie Murs.
      The brunette beauty also had a romance with Jude Law, fathering a child with the Hollywood actor.
      According to reports, the focus of her storyline for the series will be on her wedding preparations.
      Will Catherine be a bridezilla?
      Catherine Harding is a singerCredit: @cat_cavelli
      Brunette beauty Catherine once appeared on The VoiceCredit: Instagram / @cat_cavelli_
      Jorginho and partner Catherine Harding
      Sam Tarkowski
      Sam got together with Everton and England defender James Tarkowski in 2015, when he was still at Brentford.
      Their romance has since blossomed, with the fitness buff ready to branch out on her own.
      She recently trained as a personal trainer, and has plans to open her own gym.
      However, as Married To The Game will show, the 32-year-old is dedicated to daughter Ivy, who she wants to show a good example to.
      Samantha Tarkowski met her partner James in 2015Credit: Instagram @samanthajtarkowski
      Sam shows off her amazing bikini body
      Gym bunny Sam has reinvented herself as a personal trainer
      Everton’s James Tarkowski with stunning SamCredit: Instagram @tarky19
      Ash Turner
      American Ash may have had the hardest time filming the documentary.
      She moved to the UK with husband Matt Turner in 2022, when he signed for Arsenal.
      However, she was also pregnant at the time with their first child.
      Then, just before their second child was born, the family had to up sticks to Nottingham after he was sold by the London club.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Ash is a former NFL cheerleader who represented the New England Patriots.
      She is also the founder of a charity organisation called Miss Pink, which supports breast cancer survivors, families and families.
      Ashley Turner was once a cheerleader for the New England Patriots
      Glam Ash has had a tough time settling into the life in the UK
      Ash shows off her pom pom skills
      USA keeper Matt Turner poses for a snap with Ashley More

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      in Soccer

      My dad was a deaf footballer and I have epilepsy but I’ve scored against Man Utd and now I’m going to play against Messi

      by

      A FOOTBALL star who has epilepsy and whose father represented Great Britain’s deaf team has just secured a dream move that will see him come up against Lionel Messi.Matt Crooks will be aiming to put the Argentine superstar to sword just like he did the icon’s great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Matt Crooks’ dad was a deaf footballer and he also has epilepsyCredit: Getty
      The star has just left Middlesbrough to make the move to the MLSCredit: PA
      The 30-year-old was unveiled as MLS side Real Salt Lake’s new signing yesterday after he joined them for an undisclosed fee from Middlesbrough.
      The 6ft 4in midfielder departs Boro as a huge fan favourite following his two-and-a-half years at the Riverside.
      He made 115 appearances for the club, scoring 23 times, including a famous strike against Manchester United.
      The Leeds-born ace grew up supporting the Red Devils, but his equaliser in the FA Cup back at Old Trafford sent the fourth round tie to penalties, which Boro went on to win 8-7, after Ronaldo had earlier missed a spot-kick.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Crooks penned an emotional farewell after his exit was confirmed, saying: “Only six months ago, I described this place as home and that it will remain.
      “But life is short and we only get one go at it, and to have the chance to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was keen to take up.
      “Under each manager came different challenges and plenty of positions, yet all provided me with memories which I am sure I’ll be able to look back on fondly. Reading at home, United away, Spurs at home, Chelsea at home. Fantastic.
      “Good luck to everyone involved with the club for the rest of this campaign, I’m sure the lads and staff will give everything ’til the season ends.”
      Most read in Football
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      He played in various positions under several different managers at Middlesbrough, but he is looking forward to being deployed as a No10 out in America – and facing one the greatest ever in that position too.
      Crooks said: “MLS is getting a bigger name and a better reputation.
      Lionel Messi-effect in full swing as MLS executive teases new content ahead of debut Apple docuseries
      “Obviously with the likes of Messi and what have you coming over, that’s really enhanced the sport over here. I’m just looking forward to it.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m a Salt Lake or an RSL professor just yet, but I’m looking forward to getting to know more. That’s what I’m coming over for.
      “I think my role will be as one of the 10s. I think you’d like me to be in that 10 role.”
      Crooks’ journey to America has been incredible off the pitch as well as on it.
      As a player, he started at Huddersfield Town before having spells at Halifax, Hartlepool, Accrington, Rangers, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Rotherham before Boro.
      Away from the turf, the popular player with epilepsy, overcame the loss of a long-time footballing friend as well as growing up in a family where both his parents were deaf.
      Speaking previously to BBC, he said: “My dad is proud to be deaf, my mum is proud to be deaf, but I’m the same way about epilepsy in a way.
      “It’s a dangerous condition and can have serious consequences, but it’s part of me and part of who I am so I should embrace it and not live in fear of something happening.”
      He is not the only member of his family with an impressive sporting career.
      His father Dave represented Great Britain in football at four deaf Olympics and amassed a collection of one gold, a silver and a bronze medal.
      Crooks said: “My dad doesn’t forget to remind me about it.
      “He did a good job of making the most of what he had, even if it held him back in other parts of his life, he still made sure sport was a big part of his life and that’s something I get from him.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “It’s classed as a disability, but I’ve never looked at it and thought they’re disabled, they’re just deaf and it’s a different world to the hearing world. It’s not something to be looked down on.”
      Crooks is also involved in two charities, The Peter Doody Foundation – which aims to normalise epilepsy – and the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – where he is the vice-chair and trustee, in honour of his late ex-Huddersfield team-mate.
      The much-loved star famously scored for Boro against Man Utd at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Ivory Coast’s wild celebrations as Drogba jumps for joy and stars copy Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ after Afcon triumph

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      IVORY COAST celebrated in style after being crowned champions of Africa on Sunday.The Elephants came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 on home soil in a thrilling final.
      Didier Drogba jumped for joy on the sidelines when his country clinched the win over NigeriaCredit: Instagram / @caf_online
      The legendary striker ran to celebrate with the playersCredit: X formerly Twiter / @CAF_Online
      Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations on SundayCredit: AFP
      Oumar Diakite and Karim Konate did Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘siu’ celebrationCredit: X formerly Twiter / @CAF_Online
      William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 38th minute before Franck Kessie equalised in the second half.
      And with less than 10 minutes to play Sebastien Haller popped up to net the winner, sparking incredible celebrations in the Ivory Coast dugout.
      At full-time the substitutes burst onto the pitch to join their team-mates while rookie manager Emerse Fae embraced his coaching staff.
      Legendary striker Didier Drogba also got involved after jumping for joy on the sidelines.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The former Chelsea star was spotted dancing with the team after the final whistle before celebrating with fans.
      Meanwhile, Ivory Coast stars Oumar Diakite and Karim Konate did Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘siu’ celebration on the pitch.
      After lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, the players returned to the dressing room where the celebrations continued.
      While some posed for pictures with their winners medals, others danced with the national flag.
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      Players danced around the dressing room in celebrationCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CAF_Online
      They huddled together to dance with the Ivory Coast flagCredit: Instagram / @djobamba
      The champions were jumping for joy in the dressing room after the matchCredit: Instagram / @djobamba
      Fans surrounded the team bus after the matchCredit: Instagram / @nicolas.pepe19
      Nicolas Pepe held the trophy out of the windowCredit: Instagram / @nicolas.pepe19
      They also passed the trophy around while blasting music from a speaker.
      The Ivory Coast stars then took the celebrations onto the team bus.
      Fans swarmed the vehicle to celebrate with the players while ex-Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe held the trophy out of the window.
      As the Elephants arrived back at their team hotel, a large crowd of fans greeted them with a hero’s welcome.
      Chelsea legend Didier Drogba joins wild celebrations as Ivory Coast win Afcon beating Nigeria 2-1 in the final
      Fireworks were set off in the area while the players approached the front of the hotel.
      They then enjoyed a late night party inside to end the incredible evening.
      Ivory Coast enjoyed a chaotic route to the AFCON final.
      They were left on the brink of elimination following a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Equatorial Guinea in the final game of their group stage.
      They subsequently sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset and replaced him with his assistant, Emerse Fae, as interim head coach.
      The Elephants were immediately able to bounce back, sealing wins over Senegal, Mali and DR Congo before defeating Nigeria in the final.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      It was also a special tournament for Haller, who spent six months away from the game after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022.
      The striker returned to action in January 2023 and on Sunday, just over one year later, he scored the winner in the AFCON final.
      Fans gathered outside the team hotel to celebrate and set of fireworksCredit: Instagram / @djobamba
      Yahia Fofana shared a video of the late night celebrationsCredit: Instagram / @yahia.fofana_ More

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      in Athletics

      How tragic Kelvin Kiptum went from having to borrow shoes to London Marathon record just a YEAR after first 26-mile race

      by

      KELVIN Kiptum, running legend, made incredible progress in his record-breaking athletics career before he died tragically aged just 24.Kiptum, who began running competitively in 2018, ran his first race in borrowed running shoes when he couldn’t afford to buy his own.
      Kelvin Kiptum was a record-breaking marathon runnerCredit: Splash
      The aftermath of Kiptum’s horror crash on Sunday eveningCredit: Reuters
      Kelvin Kiptum with his coach Rwandan Gervais Hakizimana – both men died in the crashCredit: AFP
      Kiptum attends the international elite men’s press conference in London on April 20, 2023 ahead of the London marathonCredit: AFP
      But just a few years later he had set an incredible Marathon record no one else has ever been able to achieve.
      Kiptum competed in his first Marathon in Valencia, in 2022.
      He became only the third man ever to break a record of two hours and two minutes, crossing the line in two hours and one minute, 53 seconds.
      Just a year later he won the London Marathon in April after two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.
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      And that October in the Chicago Marathon he finished in a truly incredible two hours and 35 seconds – becoming the only person to ever hit it in under two hours and one minute.
      He once told BBC Sport Africa: “It has been a long journey for me through my career.
      “I have been trying so hard to pursue this dream to run a world record.
      “It has come true and I am really happy. My life has now changed.”
      Most read in Athletics
      Early in his career, Kiptum didn’t have the money to travel to track sessions, and had to start training on the road.
      Most long distance runners train first during track sessions and work up to the road.
      He said in an interview: “My training place is far from a track, so I started training with road-running guys – and that’s how I got into marathon.”
      Kiptum also had to work hard to convince his family it was a career worth pursuing, before he ended up breaking international records.
      The athlete began running with a half-marathon at age 13, but it would be years before he started working with his coach in 2020 and entered the international stage.
      Horror car crash
      Tragically just days ago the athlete was involved in a horror car crash in Kenya with his coach, Garvais Hakizimana.
      Both men were killed, just days after Kiptum’s world-breaking records were ratified by World Athletics.
      And the incredible runner was in the midst of training for the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14.
      He had also been picked by Kenya to represent the country in this summer’s 2024 Olympics in Paris.
      Kenya’s former prime minister Raila Odinga confirmed Kiptum had died on X, writing: “Devastating news as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, Kelvin Kiptum, World Record holder and Kenyan athletics icon.
      “Together with his coach, they tragically passed on in an accident tonight.
      “My deepest condolences to his loved ones, friends, and the entire athletics fraternity.
      “Our nation grieves the profound loss of a true hero.”
      London Marathon organisers added: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
      “The thoughts of everyone at the TCS London Marathon are with Kelvin’s and Gervais’ family and friends.”
      World Athletics president Seb Coe said: “On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
      “It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time.
      “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”
      Another passenger, a woman named as Sharon Kosgey, reportedly survived the crash and is in hospital with serious injuries.
      Local police said the accident happened on Sunday evening after Kiptum lost control of the car and veered off the road before landing in a ditch.
      Both men died instantly.
      Humble beginnings
      Kiptum’s coach Hakizimana also told the BBC about his amazing rise to success.
      He said: “I knew him when he was a little boy, herding livestock barefooted.
      “It was in 2009, I was training near his father’s farm, he’d come kicking at my heels and I would chase him away.
      “Now, I am grateful to him for his achievement.”
      Kiptum apparently needed lots of gentle coaching to come around to the idea of running a marathon – as he once feared it would be too difficult.
      His coach said: “He had some fear and preferred the shorter half-marathon until 2022 when he finally agreed to a marathon.”
      The Kenyan track star also had to convince his family about the career path he was considering – they wanted him to go to university.
      Kiptum opened up about his relationship with his dad in an interview and said: “He wanted me to study to pursue my diploma to be an electrician but I was saying that I needed to be an athlete – I had that passion.
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      “That period was very hard for me because I trained for four years, yet there were no successes and they were disappointed in me. But I kept on pushing.”
      But over the years his father warmed to the idea and ended up helping his son to keep up with training.
      Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum celebrates winning the 2023 Chicago MarathonCredit: AFP
      Kiptum ran the Chicago race in a world record time of two hours and 35 seconds on October 8, 2023Credit: AFP More

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      in Motorsport

      Seven ‘Kardashian-style’ scandals that plagued Christian Horner’s Red Bull…‘cheat’ claims to star raising rival’s child

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      IN the wake of the bombshell allegations against F1 chief Christian Horner, the Sun lists other scandals that have plagued the Red Bull team in the past years.The team’s boss, 50, was hit by claims of “inappropriate behaviour” in the latest F1 controversy but it is not the first stain on the Red Bull team’s history.
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been involved in a public feudCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: Getty
      Red Bull has been hit by chaos such as when Ricciardo crashed with Verstappen in 2018Credit: Alamy
      Horner is due to be probed by a lawyer today after news broke of the allegations made against him by a female staffer.
      The hearing was initially meant to be held at the team headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks but it was moved to a different location last minute.
      The claims sent shockwaves across the F1 World but it’s not the first time Red Bull was involved in a scandal.
      From the ongoing feud between Verstappen and Perez which was described as a “bit like the Kardashian show” by rival Hamilton to Preze’s cheating allegations, the F1 team has seen some challenging times.
      READ MORE ON F1
      ‘A BIT LIKE A KARDASHIAN SHOW’
      The Red Bull team was plagued by a big scandal in 2022 – the controversial Brazilian Grand Prix.
      A public feud between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez was sparked when the Dutchman defied the team’s orders and did not let his teammate pass him at Sao Paulo – even though he had already secured the season’s title.
      As a result, Perez, who was competing with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for second place, lost two World Cup points.
      Speaking to Channel 4 about the drama at the time, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton described it as a “Kardashian show”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Unearthed footage shows F1 row that TV missed as Verstappen and Ocon both see their laps ruined
      He joked: “I mean, it feels like a bit of a Kardashian show happening here. 
      “It’s pretty hilarious, some of the stuff that I’ve heard over the past few days has been so entertaining.
      “I’m sure it’ll all be on Netflix, it’s going to be great.”
      The Milton Keynes-based team had some time of uncertainty during the final weeks of the season of the same year.
      It handed a whopping £5,5 million fine for breaking F1’s cost-cap rule.
      An FIA statement said that Red Bull triggered a “minor” breach, going over the £114million limit.
      At the time Horner described the penalties as “enormous”.
      He said: “I hear people say it’s not a severe penalty, but 10 per cent less wind tunnel time and other aerodynamic tools is a draconian penalty
      “That can cost up to half a second a lap. It will have an effect on our ability to perform on track next year.”
      CRYPTIC STATEMENT
      When Verstappen was asked to allow his teammate to pass him according to a previous agreement with the team, he refused and said: “I told you already last summer.
      “You guys don’t ask that again to me, ok? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons and I stand by it.”
      His comment sparked speculation that he had been holding a grudge against Perez since another incident in Monaco earlier in the season.
      Following the row between the two drivers, team chief Horner stated the feud was caused by a team mistake.
      ” I think that was a mistake as a team that we didn’t discuss it and come up with a very clear plan,” he said.
      “Obviously, it was unfortunate what happened, but it was quickly discussed, openly and transparently.
      “And both drivers were very clear, open, and honest with each other, and from that as a team we move on and the dynamic between the drivers is absolutely fine.”
      ‘CHEATING ON WIFE’
      Following the eventful Sao Paolo race, Mexican driver Perez fumed: “It shows who he really is.
      “I have nothing to say, really. After all I’ve done for him, it’s disappointing. I have no idea. I’m really surprised.”
      But his comments did not sit well with Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen who hit back and accused him of cheating on his wife, Carola Martinez.
      I gave my reasons and I stand by itMax Verstappen
      In a since-deleted Instagram post, she wrote: “And then in the evening cheating on his wife.”
      Her comment appears to refer to a video posted online in June showing Perez dancing with mystery women in Monte Carlo.
      Perez celebrated his success by partying on a yacht with footage showing him up close and personal with a brunette before wrapping his arms around a blonde woman’s waist.
      Perez issued a public apology statement afterwards, saying: “I have seen the videos that have been circulating about me and I take responsibility for it.
      Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen hit back at Perez after the race
      Sergio Perez issues a public apology to his wife he was seen dancing with a woman during a partyCredit: Social Media
      Perez was seen embracing a brunette during the yacht partyCredit: Social Media
      “It was a bad party that I didn’t know how to control at the height of the person that I am, but it was just that, a very bad party.
      “People close to me know my values and the type of person that I am. For those who ask me, we are more united than ever, me and my wife.
      “And for those who just want to hurt us, I wish you the best. Thanks for your love and I apologise to all the people who love me because those videos don’t represent me at all.
      “We will not talk about this topic anymore, which only makes us forget the great moment we are living as a family. Thank you.”
      VERSTAPPEN DATING RIVAL’S EX
      Verstappen revealed he has a good relationship with the daughter of his girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
      The Brazilian model, daughter of fiery F1 legend Nelson Piquet, was dating driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017 to 2019 and had daughter Penelope before their split.
      The Dutchaman replaced Kvyat at Red Bull in 2016 an two years later he started dating Piquet.
      In a rare chat about his personal life, he told TIME magazine: “I’m not the father, that’s not the aim.
      “It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has.
      “But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.”
      THE DRAMATIC 2021 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX  
      In 2021, Red Bull was involved in yet another controversy – this time involving Brit driver Lewis Hamilton.
      Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Max Verstappen on the final lap of the last race when race director Michael Masi appeared to incorrectly allow Verstappen the chance to overtake Hamilton.
      The incident left the Mercedes team furious accusing race bosses of bending the rules.
      But after a four-and-a-half hour battle to have the decision overturned it was finally rejected and Verstappen remained World Champion.
      According to a report by the FIA the incident was down to “human error” but the results were “valid”.
      ‘XENOPHOBIC COMMENTS’
      Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was hit with a written warning by the FIA for his comments made towards Sergio Perez.
      The outspoken Austrian was quoted saying Perez, who is from Mexico, “is South American and he is just not as completely focused in his head as Max [Verstappen] is or as Sebastian [Vettel]”.
      Despite the 80-year-old Austrian offering an apology for his “offensive” words against Checo, the remarks caused a backlash on social media with calls to remove Marko from his duties.
      The FIA said that Marko received a “written warning and was reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport in line with the FIA code of ethics.”
      The year before Red Bull sacked junior driver Juri Vips after he used a racial slur on a live stream.
      The 21-year-old Estonian is believed to have used the N-word while playing Call of Duty online with team-mate Liam Lawson.
      ‘UNKIND’
      A few years earlier, Marko was involved in a public fall-out with Mark Webber after his comments regarding the Australian’s performance in an interview.
      The remarks were taken as harsh criticism by Webber but in 2018, Marko never intended to offend him.
      He told F1: “With Mark it was a misinterpretation. I don’t set out to be unkind.
      “I was asked why Vettel is champion and why Mark isn’t,” he recalled. “So I tried to explain the difference and there were just some facts.
      “I say what I believe. And I say it to make something better, to help people to come up with their own solutions.”
      He added: “All these circumstances were what I tried to express, and the magazine thought that I was against Mark, which is not true,” Marko said. “[Drivers] get the same treatment here with us.
      “I didn’t think it should be taken to criticise Mark.
      “But I said if he was able to keep his performance over the whole season, then he would have been the champion.
      “Mark was already a driver with a good reputation,” he noted. “It was always, ‘If he is in the right car, he will be a winner.’ And then came the right car, but unfortunately along came Vettel as well.
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      “Psychologically it must [have been] very, very hard for Mark.”
      Hamilton described Red Bull’s drama as ” a Kardashian show”Credit: AFP
      Verstappen pictured with his girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
      Helmut Marko had to apologise to Perez after his “offensive” commentsCredit: Getty More