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      in Boxing

      I’m related to the greatest boxer ever but changed my name to make my own way – it worked until Mike Tyson showed up

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      NICO ALI WALSH has the most famous surname in boxing history but he kept it a secret – until Mike Tyson blew his cover. The 24-year-old is the grandson of Muhammad Ali – affectionately known as The Greatest.Mike Tyson with Nico Ali WalshCredit: X/nicoaliwalshNico’s parents – including Ali’s daughter Rasheda whose sister Laila was a champion boxer – never wanted him to enter the family business. But by 14, Ali Walsh – with the help of his grandfather – convinced his family to allow him to start boxing. It came with just one condition though, he had to hide his iconic Ali surname. Ali Walsh told SunSport: “Of course, I left out the name. Even back when I was 15 years old, my full name is Nico Ali Walsh, but I cut out the Ali.READ MORE IN boxing “I said my name is Nico Walsh, but they found out somehow. My parents were not on board with saying Ali either.”I don’t know how, they would just start announcing it at amateur fights. So it didn’t last long. The incognito version of myself didn’t last very long.”It turns out boxing great Tyson – a close friend of hero Ali’s – might have played a part in Nico’s secret being exposed.He revealed: “It probably started around my third amateur fight because I started having weird people show up to my fights.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Like my third amateur fight was here in Vegas and Mike Tyson found out I was fighting and he and his wife Kiki texted my mum and was like, ‘Hey, we heard Nico’s fighting here. Mike wants to come to the fight.’“So Mike ended up coming to my amateur fight and it was just him, whoever he was with, and then my family.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video“So there was like 7/8 people in the crowd, and it was just us, so I guess people may have started realising it.“I started having weird people show up to my fights. Why is Mike Tyson showing up to this guy’s amateur fight? And he left right after.“So that may have contributed to people finding out.”With Ali Walsh’s name was no longer secret, he had close to 30 amateur bouts before turning professional in 2021.And he did so with legendary promoter Bob Arum, who staged some of Ali’s most iconic fights. By now, Ali Walsh is no stranger to rivals looking to make a name for themselves by trying to tear down his name – even behind closed doors.Ali Walsh tried to hide his famous surname in the amateursBut Tyson accidentally helped blow his coverHe said: “Sparring and training, it’s never 100 per cent of the time. “Sparring is where you work on things and you do certain things, but whenever I go outside of someone that I directly know, they’re trying to knock me out in sparring.“Everyone who spars me is trying to knock me out. So it’s very annoying, but I’ve gotten that my entire professional career.“I had that sometimes in my amateur career but now it’s like people are coming at me trying to absolutely take my head off in the gym. “And they do it in fights too. I don’t care what you do in a fight, but in the gym, it gets ridiculous at some points.”Ali Walsh is now 15 fights into his pro career, with 12 wins, two losses and one no-contest. A young Ali Walsh with his grandadAli Walsh with his grandad before the sporting great’s sad passing in 2016Promoter Bob Arum with Ali WalshCredit: Top Rank/Mikey WilliamsHe bounced back with victory against Ebenezer Sowah in Guinea in May following a shock defeat to Juan Carlos Guerra Jr last February.And Ali Walsh has stayed true to his roots by refusing to entertain cash-grab fights against the likes of Jake Paul. The middleweight prospect even turned down a $3million (£2.2m) offer to fight the 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer last year. Ali Walsh explained: “I can’t be mad at these pro guys that are calling him out, they want the money.“And obviously, the money they would be getting, they would be getting paid millions to knock out a guy that’s way below the skill level of the guy that they get paid far less to fight.“So it makes sense for these guys, but for me in particular, that’s not something I want to be remembered by. “It would really be just tainting my legacy to be getting involved with something like that.Read More on The Sun“I feel like whenever people try to tell me, ‘Nico, you should have done this or you should have done that.’ No one can tell me what to do with the Ali name except for an Ali.“So nobody outside of my family will understand what I’m talking about. So I don’t take advice from anyone else who tries to come at me with that kind of stuff.”Ali Walsh is 15 fights into his pro careerCredit: EPAJake Paul offered Ali Walsh £2.2m to fightCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘It’s not nice to see’ – Lewis Hamilton warned he’s suffering from same issue as Michael Schumacher after Ferrari switch

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is “lost” and suffering the same problem that fellow Formula One icon Michael Schumacher did.Hamilton, 40, has struggled to extract top performance from his Ferrari machinery since joining the team over the winter.Lewis Hamilton has been warned he is suffering the same issue as Michael Schumacher isCredit: GettyMichael Schumacher won seven world titles like Hamilton, but had a break and never won a race againCredit: GettyThe Brit has achieved one Sprint Race win in China but has otherwise failed to achieve a podium for the Scuderia.Former F1 star and Sky Sports F1 pundit Johnny Herbert believes Hamilton is suffering the same issues as Schumacher, 56, did when he came back to the motorsport after a break.That being the “raw pace just isn’t there anymore”, a thought which Herbert says is “not nice to see”.Schumacher – whose ex-F1 boss gave an insight into his health battle – retired from F1 in 2006 before returning with Mercedes in 2010, but only achieved one podium in three seasons with the Silver Arrows.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to InstantWithdrawalBettingSites, Herbert, 60, said: “It just looks like Lewis Hamilton is lost, really lost. “I don’t know if the raw pace that he’s always had throughout his career is there anymore. “I thought, with the pure racing skill Hamilton had, he’d be able to drive around any problems with the car but he seems stuck in a hole. It’s not nice to see. “It’s not the first time we’ve seen it in the sport, though. Nigel Mansell won his championship in 1992, went to America in 1993, came back in 1994 and it didn’t work anymore for him.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It happened with Michael Schumacher too, when he had his break and came back, then he wasn’t the same Schumacher as before.”You’re always going to have your peak and an end of your peak. It’s not nice to see.”F1 stars’ pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc’s yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton’s dog Roscoe with own car Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc has raised his own complaints about the car and race engineers, but has managed to eke out better results with three podium finishes, including back-to-back in Monaco and Spain.Herbert added: “I know Charles Leclerc is not happy with the car either, but at least he’s getting podium finishes consistently. “There have been a couple of poor decisions in Ferrari’s strategy and poor communication over the radio, Hamilton doesn’t have the synergy with his engineer that he needs. “He hasn’t found his comfort zone since the sprint win in China.”Sometimes you don’t realise when it’s not as easy as it was before, but when you look across the garage and your team-mate is outperforming you, then it may click. “The greats of the sport, at their peak, get the best out of their car. Max Verstappen is doing it right now. Hamilton just can’t seem to get the extra he needs anymore. “He won’t understand why he can’t, because he’ll feel like he should be able to. But, Leclerc is outperforming you in the same car. Leclerc is only going to grow and is in control of Ferrari’s future. “He’s the guy they can rely on, Ferrari can’t rely on Lewis Hamilton at this point. It’s horrible to say but it’s the truth.”Former Mercedes and McLaren star Hamilton appeared close to tears following the Spanish Grand Prix where he finished P6, even after a penalty for old rival Max Verstappen bumped him up the order. Johnny Herbert suggested Ferrari ‘can’t rely on’ HamiltonCredit: GettyHamilton later apologised to Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes after his blunt response to a question, where he snapped: “Well what do you want me to say? I had a really bad day and I’ve got nothing to say.“It was a difficult day, I’ve got nothing else to add to it. There’s no point explaining it.”Hamilton will now have next weekend off to help him collect his thoughts before getting back behind the wheel for the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15.McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris lead the World Drivers Championship, with the Aussie leading by 10 points after claiming victory in Barcelona last weekend.He has opened up a huge 49-point gap to reigning four-time world champion Verstappen after the Dutchman lost his head and crashed into Mercedes’ George Russell when asked to yield his position.Despite calls to be disqualified, the incident saw the Red Bull driver being given a 10-second time penalty, dropping him from P5 to P10, and slapped with three penalty points on his FIA Super Licence.That decision has placed him on the brink of a race ban after collecting 11 out of a maximum of 12 penalty points.The system works on a 12-month rolling timer, but the next time the 27-year-old will see any points taken off his record will be June 30.Races are due to commence in Montreal and Spielberg before that date, meaning he will have to be on his best behaviour to avoid a ban.Read More on The SunPicking up another point in Canada will mean a ban for his team’s home race at the Red Bull Ring, meanwhile, a point in Austria would see him banned for the British Grand Prix on July 6.Hamilton himself sits P6 in the standings, while his team have squeezed their way into P2. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd title winner didn’t want to leave house after being mocked for his looks and got apology from Gary Lineker

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      LUKE CHADWICK has revealed he was left battling depression and anxiety after being mocked for his appearance. The former Manchester United midfielder was on the books at Old Trafford between 1997 and 2004.Luke Chadwick (middle) has admitted he suffered from depression and anxiety during his time at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAThe former midfielder was ridiculed for his looksCredit: PANow 44, the ex-MK Dons and Stoke midfielder has opened up his experienceCredit: GettyChadwick came through the United youth system, winning the Premier League in 2001. He would go to play for West Ham, Stoke and MK Dons in a near two-decade career. Ahead of releasing his autobiography Not Just a Pretty Face, the 44-year-old has opened up about abuse he suffered as a young pro. Chadwick admits cruel comments about his appearance made him want to hide away in his house in the early stages of his career.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told BBC Sport: “As a 19, 20-year-old it should have been the best time of my life but for a period of time.”I didn’t want to go to the shops, I didn’t want to go out with my friends.”I would just want to stay at home because I was so scared that people would talk about the way that I looked.”I wasn’t able to speak about it to anyone – not even my family, my friends – it was something that I kept so deep inside.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I probably felt helpless, in a way, because I just didn’t know how to deal with it. And I just wanted it to stop, really.”Chadwick’s anxiety improved after moving away from Old Trafford to join the Hammers in 2004.Ex-Man Utd player Luke Chadwick claims his ‘stomach twisted’ whenever he appeared on TV as he battled depression He continued: “It wasn’t until I came away from Manchester United, and the spotlight’s not on you as much.”I was able to rebuild my confidence and live a really happy life.”Football was always the place I felt free – the place where I didn’t think about anything else.”Chadwick also received an apology from Gary Lineker for comments made on the BBC show They Think It’s All Over.Lineker was a team captain on the panel show, which regularly poked fun at Chadwick over his looks. The England legend wrote on X in 2020: “I was part of that show, therefore, I too would like to apologise to Luke Chadwick for any hurt caused.”Depression… the signs to look for and what to doDepression can manifest in many ways.We all feel a bit low from time to time.But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through.They may also struggle to about daily life.Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience:How you might feelDown, upset or tearfulRestless, agitated or irritableGuilty, worthless and down on yourselfEmpty and numbIsolated and unable to relate to other peopleFinding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoyAngry or frustrated over minor thingsA sense of unrealityNo self-confidence or self-esteemHopeless and despairingFeeling tired all the timeHow you might actAvoiding social events and activities you usually enjoySelf-harming or suicidal behaviourDifficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisionsLosing interest in sexDifficulty remembering or concentrating on thingsUsing more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usualDifficulty sleeping, or sleeping too muchNo appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weightPhysical aches and pains with no obvious physical causeMoving very slowly, or being restless and agitatedIf you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). More

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘I was there to lose’ – Confessions of journeyman boxer who LOST 96 fights but has WON battles with cocaine and booze

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      JOURNEYMAN boxer Johnny Greaves battled drugs, booze, depression and abuse throughout his 100-fight pro career.The 46-year-old East Londoner admits he was “no better than useless” as he lost 96 TIMES.Johnny Greaves is one of Britain’s most celebrated journeyman boxersCredit: RexGreaves had 100 fights, winning his finalCredit: GettyHe would take some fights at the last minute, entering the ring on a stomach of lager, while also battling a debilitating cocaine habit and praying he would LOSE to guarantee further pay-days.Fans would SPIT on him as he walked into the ring and Greaves admitted that, at times, he was treated “no better than a dog.”But, no matter how big a beating he took, he never missed a day working as a self-employed painter-decorator to put food on the table for his missus Vicky, daughter Ruby and son Teddy.When Greaves turned pro in 2007, aged 30, he’d already fought 50 unlicensed and 30 amateur bouts.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut after being told he would earn just £800 a fight as a new pro, building up his name and needing to sell tickets, he swapped to the away corner.Knowing he could make almost £2,000 a pop as an opponent for up-and-coming stars, he forfeited his desire to be a champ.Greaves has relived his astonishing career for a new book called Bright Lights and Dark CornersAnd in an exclusive SunSport interview, Greaves revealed: “At the time I was skint. I didn’t have a lot of work on.Most read in Sport“Vicky and I had just moved into a place, Teddy had just been born with severe clubfoot, so he was in and out of hospitals every other day.“I was struggling badly.”However, his decision kick-started one of the most celebrated journeyman boxing careers in Britain, with Greaves fighting up to 20 TIMES a year.Britain’s next Tyson Fury set for world title & Taylor urged to fight on | Split DecisionRecalling his 2008 points loss to Ryan Walsh, Greaves revealed: “I’d just opened my third can of Fosters when my phone rang at 4.30pm on the Saturday.“I took the fight, agreed the money and was in the ring boxing at the Excel Arena at about ten past six.”On another occasion in 2012, Greaves, who also has a coaching licence, was set to act as a cornerman for Jody Meikle at York Hall – only to fight opponent Eren Arif himself.Greaves added: “I remember the promoter running out asking, ‘What do you weigh?’ I replied, ‘10st 6?’“He continued, ‘Do you want a fight?’ I said, ‘F***, what are you paying?’“So we discussed the money, then I phoned the missus to meet me at the station with a bag, my shorts, boots and a gum shield.“She passed the bag over the counter, I rushed back to York Hall and I was fighting about half an hour after that.”Greaves is very honest about the fight game, insisting money came first for him and winning could have affected his chances of earning.It’s not what a lot of people think, how the boxing game works. But let’s have it right – it’s a business, it’s not sport.Johnny Greaves He said: “I don’t wanna make it look like it’s bent, but, look, I boxed nine world champions, I boxed over 20 British champions.“I boxed the best fighters in the world – Anthony Crolla, Jamie Cox, Johan Perez.“Or, you’re boxing against young lads that look, let’s have it right, if you win these fights, you’re gonna lose work for yourself, you then become a risk, so you play the game.“You don’t let your hands go against these kids, you play through, get through nice and safe, get paid, lose on points, hopefully.”And then you fight again the week after.”But while he was boxing, Greaves harboured a secret not even his family knew.He was battling a cocaine addiction so fierce he would even take it on fight nights.He confessed: “I’m disgusted about the way I went through things with the drugs through my career. ‘Things were pretty crazy’“Recreational drugs, nothing performance enhancing. If anything it’s performance debilitating, to be honest.“Getting through packets of cocaine, just just to control my nerves, control my moods. I had a habit and I’m really disgusted about it.”Johnny Greaves in action against Dan Stewart in 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationJohnny Greaves with a swollen eye against Bradley Skeete in 2011Credit: GettyIn 2009, Greaves fought Oisin Fagan in Dublin on the back of a massive booze bender.Greaves recalled: “I was on my own in a hotel room and up all hours of the night doing what I was doing.“I got in and boxed the top Irish lad the next day. Things were pretty crazy then.”Greaves has now overcome his cocaine habit and has been working painting The Shard at London Bridge Station.He added: “My family were always well provided for. My whole life has been about providing for my kids.“But my release, getting away and forgetting about my life as a loser, would be to go and get smashed and forget about it.”The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse that I was getting.Johnny Greaves He has also beaten his booze demons.But still suffers from depression, still bears the mental scars of fighting against vulgar, hostile crowds.And he said: “I’ve always been weak mentally, suffered a hell of a lot with depression and suicidal thoughts, very low self-esteem.“And look, when you’re in front of crowds of 900 people all screaming and shouting and slagging you off and laughing at your record, it was emotionally tough.“The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse I was getting.“Why would I want my son coming to watch me get beaten and suffer dogs’ abuse from the crowd?“I’ve had people spit on me when walking into the ring, it’s a nasty game. I was treated no better than a dog at times.”I had 100 professional fights, I won just four. To anyone who doesn’t understand the game, you’re no better than useless.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:“People just don’t understand the game and the business model of how boxing actually works.“So dealing with things mentally and emotionally was tough.”Greaves had just one rule when he fought – his friends and family were banned from attending.He explained: “Look, I’m there to lose. I don’t want my wife and kids seeing that.”However, he made an exception for his final fight in 2013 when he BEAT Dan Carr at York Hall to bow out with a victory in front of 500 of his fans.Greaves beamed: “I fought my heart out and trained like a beast. I would have boxed anyone in my last fight and been confident enough to win it.“I would have boxed King Kong that last time and I’m pretty sure I would have at put up a good fight.”Greaves opens up on his astonishing career in his biography, Bright Lights and Dark Corners, which is on sale now.Detailing his boxing life in black and white helped him KO the demons that plagued his years in the ring.Read More on The SunHe said: “This book has been a therapy session for me, it’s about getting a lot off my chest.”Bright Lights & Dark Corners by Johnny Greaves is available to buy now at greavesbook.comYou can buy Johnny’s book, Bright Lights & Dark Corners, now More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child

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      CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from his demons.The father-of-two forward, whose Newcastle contract expires next month, bravely spoke out during Mental Health Awareness week and hopes his story will inspire others to ask for help.Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12Wilson has represented England at senior levelCredit: GettyHis Newcastle contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyEngland international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings.The Leeds transfer target spent time in foster care and had to regularly use food banks while also staying in safe houses after witnessing domestic violence at home.He told Jake Humphrey on the High Performance podcast: “I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 – it was like suicidal moments.”When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like ‘take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer’.”read more in football He admitted: “I’ve walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. “I’ve tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight.“Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.”Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: “It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Most read in Football”We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil.“I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.”Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdDespite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Wilson admitted that he had started to become more aggressive over recent years and he started to gamble.Though he hailed a Newcastle physio for spotting he needed help and making him take it – which felt “like a weight was lifted” after the very first session.He added: “Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I’ve been through in life, she was like ‘Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?’“I speak to my wife about it, but I didn’t want to blur the lines with our relationship. “She’s not my therapist, she’s my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn’t want to burden her with problems. “You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards.“It’s an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I’m probably learning a lot about myself now – little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I’m really happy.”YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support:CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.ukMind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123Movember, www.uk.movember.comMeanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James’ pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification.Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay.Howe said: “Let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.“What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. “Someone who epitomises the spirit that’s got us to where we are really professional. Brave.“To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club’s history. Read More on The Sun”It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably.“He brings a positivity to the group. He’s a leader within the change room. He’s just been incredible and let’s wait and see what happens.”If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs

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      THE first edition of the Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026.The controversial sporting event – which is backed by businessman Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President – will encourage its athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs to break existing world records on the track, in the pool and in the gym.Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claims to have broken the 50m freestyle world recordCredit: X @enhanced_gamesGkolomeev was awarded $1million after taking performance enhancing drugsCredit: X @enhanced_gamesIt will be held annually and will initially consist of three sports – short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.Competitors will be permitted to use substances that are banned from elite sport – and there are significant cash bonuses available for those who produce “truly superhuman performance”.Organisers say the Enhanced Games will “move humanity forward” and “to redefine what mankind can be with audacity” – and to create “the next era of human potential”.They claim that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who was fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, swam 20.89 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle time trial in the US in February.READ MORE ON SPORTThis is 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009.Separately, the Bulgarian-born star swam 21.03 seconds “in jammers”, which was 0.01 seconds faster than American Caeleb Dressel’s 2019 mark.For “breaking two world records” and becoming the “fastest swimmer in history” he has received a £1million bonus but World Aquatics, the sport’s governing body, will not recognise his achievements.Their big goal is to find someone who can run faster than Jamaican sprinting sensation Usain Bolt, whose 100 metres world record time of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, stands as the benchmark of athletic endeavour.Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, then the individual runner will earn $1million.At a glitzy launch in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, president of the Enhanced Games Dr Aron D’Souza – an Australian entrepreneur and lawyer – said: “The world is hungry for something new.Fury after three-time Olympic swimming medallist is offered $1m to break records while ‘juiced to the gills’“A new vision of sport, of science and of human potential.“We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential.“The idea came to life in 2022 during a moment of reflection where I found myself asking: ‘Why are athletes still bound by outdated rules that ignore everything we know about science?’“I imagined a new kind of competition where science, sport and society could evolve together. Where we stop apologising for progress, and start to embrace it.“A platform that celebrates human innovation, rewards excellence and explores enhancements openly, responsibly and ethically.“Make no mistake, in 50 years we’ll look back and realise that biology was never the ceiling.This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.Maximilian Martin, Deputy president of the Enhanced Games“We will be faster, stronger, younger for longer and wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science. The old rules didn’t just hold back athletes – they held back humanity.“We are the vanguard of super-humanity. This is disruption by design.”D’Souza says there will be a “performance enhancement protocol” where all athletes are enhanced “ethnically, safefully and above all, with great safety and effectiveness”.Two commissions – “one medical, one scientific” – will be established to assist coaches and athletes, whilst also developing and marketing “new drug compounds” for the American public to purchase.Las Vegas will stage the first Games on the Memorial Weekend of May 24-26, 2026 at Resorts World.Maximilian Martin, deputy president of the Enhanced Games, expects about 100 athletes to join next year, including finalists at the Paris Games and world-record holders.He said: “Our medical framework is built to the highest standards in sport.“The main difference to traditional testing is that we don’t make a decision for athletes which substances they can or cannot take – as long as it is inherent with the law.“We care about athletes’ safety and health while being at the peak level of athletic performance. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.”The idea behind the Enhanced Games has received widespread criticism for potentially endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play.Anyone that signs up for the unprecedented concept will find that they cannot compete at the LA 2028 Olympics for their country or at the world championships in their respective sports.Speaking in Glasgow in February 2024, World Athletics chief Seb Coe – a two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion – said: “Well, it’s b******s isn’t it? I can’t really get excited about it.Read More on The Sun“There’s only one message, and that is if anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they’ll get banned for a long time.“But I really don’t get sleepless nights about it. It’s not going to be a page turner.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Boy, 15, collapsed and died during football game at school just days after doctors wrongly diagnosed him with asthma

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      A TEENAGE boy who collapsed and died during a football game at school was wrongly diagnosed with asthma just days before, an inquest heard.Jake Lawler, 15, passed away after collapsing at Ashton on Mersey School in Sale, Trafford, on November 5 last year.Jake Lawler was misdiagnosed with asthma a month before his deathCredit: c-r-y.orgThe 15-year-old collapsed and died during a football gameCredit: FacebookThe court heard a month before his death he attended Wythenshawe Hospital complaining of shortness of breath while playing football.The inquest was told Jake, from Sale, had collapsed on the pitch on October 13, 2024.Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South, has now written in a Prevention of Future Death report.She warned how medical professionals incorrectly diagnosed the teenager with exercise induced asthma.According to the report, an “abnormal ECG” and an “exercise induced syncope episode”, were not recognised or followed up on.Medical history provided by Jake’s father was also “not assessed correctly”.The coroner concluded the abnormal ECG in combination with the teen’s collapse “should have resulted in him being referred for an inpatient paediatric review and further testing”.And, when Jake was discharged, his ECG results were wrongly recorded as coming back “normal”.Most read in FootballJake’s GP prescribed him medication for the misdiagnosed asthma, but it did not seem to have any effect on the youngster.A test for asthma was also conducted five days after Jake collapsed.But the nurse referred him back to a doctor as they did not think he suffered from the condition.The 15-year-old tragically died from a biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy just a month later. The coroner wrote in her report: “It is probable that he would not have died on the day he did had the correct actions been taken. “Jake’s collapse was incorrectly attributed to his exercise induced asthma.”In her report, four areas of concern were highlighted to help prevent future deaths.She stated Jake’s ECG results were “key warning signs” that shouldn’t have been missed, whether due to training or insufficient medical equipment. Another “red flag event” laid out was “no clear national guidance” on the route to take after a paediatric exercise induced syncope.The third point spotlighted covered asthma treatment prescribed by the GP, which failed to elevate Jake’s symptoms, and the asthma assessment. “Jake was assessed by his GP practice using the national asthma scoring system,” wrote the coroner.”However, the scoring system does not appear to facilitate scoring for exercise induced asthma. “In Jake’s case the readings and answers pointed to a well-controlled asthma. “This was at variance with the fact that his history indicated that he was continuing to struggle with his breathing when exercising and meant he did not trigger as a concern. “This was exacerbated by the normal peak flow readings taken at rest which gave a falsely reassuring picture.”The coroner added there was a “lack of curiosity” and a “lack of appreciation” regarding how limiting the assessment was.”In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action,” she continued.Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and GP Surgery have until July 4 later this year to respond to the report.Jake’s school said at the time of his tragic death: “Our school community was absolutely devastated by the loss of one of our much loved and precious students, Jake Lawler, who recently passed away in tragic circumstances.”As a school, we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and continue to support our students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.Read More on The Sun”We would also like to take this opportunity to share a link to Jake’s memorial fund, set up by his family to raise awareness of a very worthy cause – CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).”The money will go towards raising awareness of young sudden cardiac death as well as supporting the families affected, supporting their screening programme and funding research and pathology.”What is biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathyACM is a condition where the cells in your heart muscle don’t stick together properly. The walls of your heart can become weak and blood may not be pumped as well as it should.Your heart has four chambers. The top two are called the atria and the bottom two are called the ventricles. ACM can affect one or both of your ventricle chambers. Jake suffered from biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, meaning it affected both.ACM is usually a genetic condition which means if one of your parents have it, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that could cause ACM.ACM symptoms palpitations (a pounding or fluttering feeling in your chest or neck)feeling lightheadedfaintingfeeling breathless or shortness of breathabnormal heart rhythms (when your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly)swollen ankles, legs or tummy areafeeling pain or discomfort in your chest.How is ACM diagnosed? Chest x-ray Cardiac MRI scanECG (electrocardiogram)Exercise testEchocardiogram How is ACM treated? MedicationPacemakerICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) Cardioversion Catheter ablation More

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      Anthony Joshua sends emotional message to Dave Allen after boxer’s heroic battle with suicide and gambling demons

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA hailed Dave Allen’s emotional journey from suicidal gambling addict to heavyweight boxing hero. Allen has been open and honest about suffering from depression after blowing hundreds of thousands through betting.Dave Allen celebrates knocking out Johnny FisherCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua hailed Allen onlineCredit: GettyBut the father-of-two has turned his life and career around with the help of his family while always remaining a favourite among British fans.And Allen scored the biggest and perhaps most brutal win of his career after knocking out Johnny Fisher in round five of their rematch.The win was widely celebrated by supporters who have lived every inch of Allen’s rollercoaster career – with AJ just one of his admirers. Joshua, 35, posted: “Dave was suicidal, a gambling addict who everyone thought was finished a few years ago. READ MORE IN BOXING”Now he’s got a family, a few hundred thousand to his name and got his biggest win.” Allen, 33, left Saudi Arabia in December with a controversial split-decision loss to Fisher, 26, despite scoring a fifth-round knockdown. But he took it out of the judges hands at the Copper Box re-run after flooring Fisher – again in round five – with a clubbing right hand. And with just seconds remaining in the round, Allen knocked Fisher out with a massive left hook following on from a combination to the body. Most read in BoxingHe said afterwards: “This means everything to me. I’ve been written off so many times.”You know what it means? The belt, everything, my kids. I’m gonna have an en suite, they’ll have their own bathroom between them.Shocking moment boxing referee is viciously attacked by several men in ring after fight before he is sent flying”At this level, I’m a handful. He overexaggerated the movement, which worked against him.”I’ve got experience, I know the game inside-out. I’m him, but with 30 more fights basically.”He’s my friend. He’s a very good friend of mine. I wouldn’t allow [a trilogy fight] to happen, because it’s not in his best interests.”Fisher was left needing oxygen after the stoppage but took to Instagram to say: “I weren’t good enough tonight but that’s what boxing is all about and that’s what sport is all about.”The best people keep coming and keep going and don’t let one little blip get them down.”Allen knocked Fisher out with a brutal left hookCredit: PAAllen made sure not to leave it to the judgesCredit: PAFisher needed oxygen in the aftermathCredit: Getty More