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      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 final stadium is steeped in twisted history and is home to English football’s most shameful episode

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE and his players will walk in the footsteps of sporting infamy on Sunday.And they also have the chance to wipe out the memories of English football’s most shameful episode by replacing it with glorious triumph.The Olympiastadion in Berlin is where the Euro 2024 final will take place between England and SpainCredit: GettyThe stadium is famous for Jesse Owens humiliating Adolf Hitler at the OlympicsCredit: Hulton Archive – GettyBut for many the venue is also famous for England’s most shameful episodeCredit: RexThe FA shamefully ordered the England team to perform a Nazi salute during a friendly in 1938Credit: Getty – ContributorThe stadium has a capacity of 110,000 fansCredit: RexFor many, the Olympiastadion will always be the place where Jesse Owens humiliated Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.But the 1936 Olympics WERE used by the Nazis as pure propaganda, as a statement about the supposed supremacy of the “Aryan race”.The ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architecture.Fans walking in on Sunday will see the plinth where the Olympic cauldron was lit by Fritz Schilgen – handpicked by propagandist film-maker Leni Riefenstahl – still there, high in the stands above one goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd two years later, when the FA disgracefully ordered England’s players to raise their arm in the Nazi salute before beating Germany in a friendly, it seemed that the British state was implicitly accepting Hitler’s authority and power.The Three Lions have the opportunity to right that ancient wrong yet nothing can detract from the stadium’s place in the pantheon of sport’s darkest hours.Hitler, coming to power in 1933, two years after the Games had been awarded to Berlin, decided that the entire event had to be homage to his ideology and ambition.He stuck with the site in the Grunewald Forest, to the west of the city centre, that had initially been chosen for the 1916 Games that were cancelled following the outbreak of World War One.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHitler used the Olympics to promote the supposed supremacy of the ‘Aryan race’Credit: Getty – ContributorThe ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architectureCredit: GettyBut from what was originally just a stadium, Hitler demanded more, a sports complex named the “Reichssportsfeld” with the stadium at its heart.The original architect Werner March and his brother Walter were re-engaged.England fans gush ‘my manager’ as incredible footage emerges of Southgate going wild after reaching Euro 2024 final However, the main design changes were under the direction of Albert Speer, the “architect of the Third Reich” who later became Reich Minister of Armaments and War Production and who was handed a 20-year jail sentence for war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Trials.Construction of the 330 acre site took just two years, with the stadium having a capacity of 110,000 fans, including a special stand for Hitler and the Nazi High Command.At the western end stood the 77m high Bell Tower, which gave a view of the entire city from the top and which contained the 9.6 tonne Olympic Bell, adorned with the Olympic Rings, an eagle, the year 1936, a depiction of the Brandenburg Gate and the motto “I call the youth of the world” between two swastikas.The design was deliberate. Hitler’s racial theories postulated that the “Master Race” were the natural inheritors of the Roman Empire.Echoing Rome’s most famous ancient monument leaned into that theory, while the Olympic Rings remain where they were hung between the two huge towers at the stadium site entrance.It was about power, grandeur, history and a warped and twisted view of all of them.Construction of the 330 acre site took just two yearsCredit: GettyIn the build-up to the Games, Hitler demanded that the IOC ban black Jewish athletes from taking partCredit: AP:Associated PressIn the build-up to the Games, Hitler demanded that the IOC ban black Jewish athletes from taking part.That was refused but fencer Helene Mayer, whose mother was Jewish, was the only Jew selected by the host country.The Opening Ceremony, devised and then filmed by Riefenstahl, was an exercise in pure propaganda, with Lithuania banned from taking part in the Games on the direct orders of the German government after the trials and convictions of two prominent local Nazi leaders.A number of countries, including Spain and Ireland, boycotted the Games, along with many Jewish athletes from other nations.When the Games commenced, Hitler was in situ to celebrate German victories as an endorsement of his regime, although he was only interested in shaking the hands of home winners.But those flawed claims of Aryan glory were to be blown apart by Owens, who back home in the Deep South was used to the deprivations caused by Segregation.England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.In the space of seven days, he won four gold medals, in the 100m, long jump, 200m and 4x100m relay.Hitler, outraged at seeing a black athlete conquer, left the stadium early to avoid the medals ceremony although he was reported to have “saluted” the victor.According to Speer: “The Fuhrer was deeply annoyed by the series of triumphs by Owens.“People whose antecedents come from the jungle were primitive, he said with a shrug.“Their physiques were stronger than civilised whites and hence they should be excluded from future Games.”Enough said. Sickening and a foreshadowing of what was to consume the entire planet within three years.Those flawed claims of Aryan glory were to be blown apart by OwensCredit: GettyIn the space of seven days, he won four gold medals, in the 100m, long jump, 200m and 4x100m relayCredit: GettyYet a year before Germany invaded Poland to start that war, on May 14 1938, English football succumbed to the worst of political cowardice.In the build-up to the game, with Neville Chamberlain having opted for Appeasement rather than instigating the inevitable conflict, the Foreign Office sent a letter to the FA reminding them of the “broader political implications”.The night before the match, the FA and Government agreed to tell the players to perform the Nazi salute when the National Anthem was played – with Hitler’s key lieutenant Joseph Goebbels among the 110,000 crowd.That was not passed on to the players until they were in the dressing room before kick-off.While FA secretary Stanley Rous – later to become Fifa President and be the strongest proponent of allowing Apartheid-era South Africa to remain a member – insisted the players had “no objections”, that was angrily dismissed by some of them.Wolves’ Stan Cullis refused to comply and was omitted from the team and Stanley Matthews claimed: “The dressing room erupted. All the players were livid and totally opposed.”Matthews said the “infamous picture” caused him shame through the rest of his life. England won 6-3.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 1984, four years after his death, the main road leading up to the stadium was renamed Jesse-Owens-Allee in his honour.One stain slightly removed. On Sunday, Southgate and his players can partially erase another. More

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      in Boxing

      Ex-Olympic boxer who helped mastermind national black market racket after running up gambling debts of £25k avoids jail

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      A FORMER Team GB boxer has escaped jail after he helped mastermind a nationwide black market racket in stolen telecoms equipment which cost BT almost £400,000.Ex-lightweight professional Antonio Counihan, 33, broke into Openreach vans to steal fibre optic installation kit after becoming a cable fitter when his career in the ring foundered and he ran up gambling debts of £25,000.Former boxer Antonio Counihan has avoided jailCredit: CavendishCounihan was part of a gang which stole telecoms equipment which cost BT almost £400,000Credit: CavendishCounihan, right, seen here with his dad Paul, won 66 of his 80 amateur fightsCredit: CavendishCounihan and an accomplice used hi viz jackets and hardhats to pose as a workmen at secure BT exchange sites before clambering on top of the vans and using cutting equipment to ”peel back” the rooves.They also used their expertise in telecoms to identify the most expensive items inside before looting the vehicles.The stolen equipment was then fenced by a crooked businessman who used his fibre optics business as a front to sell them on.Counihan, from Sollihull, near Birmingham who won 66 of his 80 amateur fights before boxing for England over 20 times was arrested after police attributed 34 thefts to the gang carried out across eight counties over a nine month period from May 2019 to January 2020.Read More on UK NewsIn all equipment worth £113,192 was stolen whilst £149,561 of damage was caused to the vans.BT calculated the racket had cost it £390,627 including lost business caused by the thefts.In two cases three Openreach vans were targeted in a single night.At Warwick Crown Court, father of one Counihan faced up to six years jail under sentencing guidelines but was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months after a judge was told of a ”heart wrenching” end to his promising boxing career when he had undergo tests for brain cancer.Most read in BoxingDetails of the case emerged at the Court of Appeal this week where three judges dismissed pleas by the Solicitor General that the suspended sentence imposed on upon Counihan was ”unduly lenient.”Three other men who has also got suspended sentences for their parts in the racket also had appeals against their terms rejected.Counihan joined the Team GB boxing squad in 2009 and at one point was captain but he turned pro after narrowly missing out on a place in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.He was signed up by boxing manager Kelly Maloney then known as Frank but his career began to decline after a ‘shadow’ was discovered on his brain.He was unable to box competitively for three years and underwent a series of scans before doctors discovered the shadow was in fact a birth mark.The theft racket began in 2019 after Counihan got a job as a cable fitter for a fibre optic installation subcontracting business run by 35-year old Michael George and which was used by BT on outsourced jobs.The court heard the gang ”had specialist knowledge of the operational workings of BT and of the high demand on the black market for the specialist fibre optic installation equipment.”They would target BT Openreach vans parked overnight and cut holes into the rooves with metal cutters.Initially a small hole would be cut into the roof to allow the contents of the van to be viewed and if If high-value fibre optic kit was seen inside, a larger hole was then made by cutting through and peeling back a section of the roof.The gang started their criminal enterprise in the West Midlands but their activities spread into Warwickshire, West Mercia, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset and Essex.In one raid the gang stole a splicing machine worth £2225, an optical time-domain reflectometer worth £2400, a red light generator worth £135, a light source worth £564, a fibre cleaver worth £225; hand tools worth £450; and a labelling machine worth £23.A fibre blowing head worth £1,480 was damaged in the raid.Counihan received £2,100 into his bank account juts a day after one of the raids and went on spending spree buying designer clothing.Police began investigating after an off duty BT employee took a picture of him driving the gang’s getaway vehicle.They examined text messages he swapped with an accomplice discussing “doing a peel”, meaning going to steal, wearing of high viz jackets and hard hats so they could ”blend in” during one of the raids.They also discussed needing “new snips” after metal cutters they used were discarded during a previous raid.There were also messages where items were requested, and plans formed to steal to order.Counihan sent messages to an associate asking if he wanted a splicer, and discussing fibre optic equipment that was available to purchase.He then sent screenshots stating that he had been “putting feelers out”.When arrested in June 2020, Couniham initially denied wrongdoing.He later said he participated as a driver and lookout during some of the raids and was only involved in the sale of property stolen in one.He accepted he received “a few hundred pounds on average.”Counihan later wrote a letter to the court describing how he had risen to be part of the Great Britain Team as a boxer, backed by lottery funding, and he went into schools to inspire other children to take up boxing.He had decided to turn professional after narrowly missing out on the 2012 Olympics and won his first 8 fights as a professional before the shadow was identified on his brain.He said he no longer able to carry on boxing and his life ”became a complete mess.”He said he was in a ”bad place” when joined the gang.Sentencing Judge Anthony Potter said the racket was a “brutal and highly effective nationwide conspiracy” but cited delays in the case of two and a half years which had allowed Counihan to ”turn his life around.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe judge accepted at the time of the racket Counihan had been “processing the loss of a career that you pursued for most of your childhood and into your adulthood” but said he had since undergone a ”significant change” after fathering a son.George, from Birmingham was given 21 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.The judge said Counihan had manged to ‘turn his life around’Credit: CavendishCounihan won his first eight fights as a professional before the shadow was identified on his brainCredit: CavendishHe had decided to turn professional after narrowly missing out on the 2012 OlympicsCredit: Cavendish More

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      in Athletics

      Who is Junelle Bromfield? Meet Olympic athlete Noah Lyles’ girlfriend and star of Netflix show Sprint

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      OLYMPIC Sprinter Junelle Bromfield features in the Netflix documentary – Sprint.The documentary follows the lives of top athletes such as Marcell Jacobs, Shericka Jackson and her partner and US sensation, Noah Lyles.Junelle Bromfield of Jamaica competes during the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 2022Credit: ALAMYMeet Olympic athlete Noah Lyles’ girlfriend and star of Netflix show SprintCredit: InstagramWho is Junelle Bromfield?Junelle Bromfield is a Jamaican athlete born February 8 1998.The 26-year-old competed in the mixed 4 × 400 metres relay event at the 2020 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal. Junelle is also the girlfriend of record breaking track and field sprinter, Noah Lyles.When and how did Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles meet?The celebrity sprinters have been dating for almost two years. The couple shared their one-year anniversary on Instagram in August 2023, with Bromfield captioning her post: “Cheers to 7 years of friendship, 6 months of dating, 1 year of being your partner. And to forever loving you. #1yearanniversary.”It has been reported that the two met online after Junelle messaged the Gainesville sprinter, asking if he’d like to play an online game together. It wasn’t long before the two became inseparable and are often seen rooting for one another on their social media accounts.Most read in AthleticsI won my first gold medal at the 2020 Olympics – this year in Paris I’ll become ‘the fastest Canadian ever’What does Junelle Bromfield do for a living?Junelle Bromfield earns her living as a successful athlete.Junelle famously won the bronze medal in the 4x400m relay race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bromfield’s mother, Sandra Farquharson, died in February 2021 from cervical cancer. Despite the tragic loss of her mother Sandra Farquharson, who died in February 2021 from cervical cancer, Junelle has continued to push for more success on the track.Junelle went on to earn a silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.More recently she secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics after a notable performance at the Jamaican Olympic trials.Olympic Gold medalist Noah Lyles has been in a relationship with Junelle for over a yearCredit: GETTYHow to watch Netflix sprintSprint is now available to stream on Netflix. As of January 2024, Netflix in the UK has four subscription plans with the following monthly prices:Basic without ads: £6.99With ads: £4.99Standard: £10.99Premium: £15.99 More

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      in Soccer

      Enzo Fernandez apologises to Argentina coach after Chelsea ‘BLOCK him from Olympics’ – after Pochettino ‘gave the OK’

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has revealed that new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has blocked him from going to the Olympics.The Argentina midfielder, 23, claims former manager and compatriot Mauricio Pochettino had agreed for him to play at the Paris games.Ex-Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino with Enzo FernandezCredit: PABut after he was replaced with Maresca, Chelsea have informed their midfielder, who is already playing at the Copa America this summer, that he cannot take part.Fernandez said: “I did everything possible.”Mauricio was at Chelsea before, he had given me the OK.”Then, there was a change of coach and the club changed its position.READ MORE IN football “I tried, I kept talking, I did everything possible to be there, but it wasn’t possible.”Argentina’s side will be managed by former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, though Lionel Messi has ruled himself out of taking part.Fernandez added: “I apologise to Masche. I wanted to be there. It didn’t happen.”As the Olympics are not a FIFA or UEFA event, clubs are not obliged to release their players.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Brazil went all the way with Spain taking silver and Mexico the bronze. The likes of Antony, Richarlison, Dani Alves and Bruno Guimaraes all won gold medals.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targets More

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      in Athletics

      Watch heartbreaking moment Olympic champion falls over and denied place at Paris 2024 – but it’s good news for Team GB

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      KEELY HODGKINSON has received a massive Paris Olympics boost – as her biggest rival will not be there.Three years ago in Tokyo, Athing Mu got the better of the Leigh runner and fellow teenager in the Olympic 800-meter final by just 0.67 seconds.American Track and Field star Athing Mu will miss the 2024 OlympicsCredit: REUTERSMu failed to qualify for Paris 2024 after falling in the first lap of the 800m final during the Track and Field Team TrialsCredit: REUTERSMu’s absence will be good news for Brit Keeley HodgkinsonCredit: SPLASHBut the American, 22, will not defend that crown, watching the race on TV instead after FALLING in the US Olympic trials.The Yanks have a cutthroat system for qualification and the middle-distance star did not secure her passage after being accidentally tripped over 200 metres in Eugene.Mu, who also beat Hodgkinson to world gold on the same track in 2022, choked back tears as her dream was cruelly dashed.She finished last in a nine-woman field she was expected to dominate, coming more than 22 seconds behind the winner Nia Akins.READ MORE ON PARIS 2024An appeal was lodged by her team but her only chance of getting a flight to France will be as part of the 4×400 metres relay squad.There was no gloating or celebrating from the Hodgkinson camp, who say they are “gutted” they cannot face the New Jersey athlete in individual combat.Coach Jenny Meadows – who will oversee Hodgkinson running the 400 metres this weekend at the UK Athletics Championships – said: “We plan the same way.“Keely wants to be at her best and have the skills no matter who she has to face. Most read in AthleticsEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAthing Mu was overcome with emotionCredit: GETTY”No Olympic title will come easy.“You can only race who is there.Rhasidat Adeleke dedicates European Athletics Championship silver medal to her mother”Any Olympic champs will always be a stern test. But we wish Athing was there, of course.”Mu’s coach Bobby Kersee told AP: “I’ve coached it, I’ve preached it, I’ve watched it.“And here’s another indication that regardless of how good we are, we can leave some better athletes home than other countries have.”It’s part of our American way.” More

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      in Athletics

      British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith wins 100m European gold to claim first major title for FIVE YEARS

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      GOLDEN GIRL Dina Asher-Smith warmed up for the Paris Olympics by becoming Champion of Europe and ending a five-year drought.The Londoner, 28, recaptured the women’s 100 metres crown on night three of the European Athletics Championships at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.Dina Asher-Smith is the European championCredit: ReutersThe Team GB star recaptured the women’s 100m crownCredit: ReutersShe edged out her rivals in the perfect warm-up for the OlympicsCredit: EPAAmy Hunt, 22, came seventh with a time of 11.15 secondsCredit: GettyThe former world 200 metres champion was the best continental runner in 2018 but could not repeat the trick two years ago when she pulled up in the final.Last night’s triumph on Italian soil is the perfect remedy as she tries to take on the incredible Americans and Jamaicans at the Paris Olympics.After a false start caused by another runner, Asher-Smith overcame a sluggish start to power through in 10.99 seconds – the only woman to dip under 11 seconds.The 28-year-old split with long-term coach John Blackie after the last World Championships in Budapest and has been based in Austin, Texas over the last winter.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere is still a long way to go if she wants to be seriously competitive in Paris but winning golds is always a wonderful pick-me-up – especially when it’s your first major title for five years.She said: “That’s not normally my style of race, but I didn’t panic in my running, even if my head was a different story.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I really wanted to come here and win and showcase what we are working on.“I’m just really happy.”Most read in AthleticsPlay Home Games and guess which sporting icon lived in this dream mansionAmy Hunt, 22, continues her development on the international stage by coming seventh in 11.15 seconds.Jemma Reekie, 26, led for most of the women’s 1500 metres final and was the pre-race favourite given her qualifying form.But down the home straight it all fell apart for the Scotswoman and she faded out to fifth place as Irishwoman Ciara Mageean pushed through the gap to take gold in 4:04.66.Amateur athlete Georgia Bell – who is a full-time cyber security software expert – won silver in 4:05.33 on her GB outdoors debut.Lizzie Bird initially took bronze in the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase in a time of 9:18.39.But she was upgraded to silver when the French winner Alice Finot was retrospectively disqualified for an infringement.Elsewhere, four British runners collectively won team gold in the women’s half marathon.And Calli Hauger-Thackery (1:08:58) celebrated individual bronze.Top 20 UK sporting moments of the 21st century, voted by fans
      1.  Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 20132. Jonny Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal for England against Australia to win the 2003 World Cup3. The Lionesses winning the Women’s Euros in 20224. Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/165. Sir Mo Farah’s double gold at the 2012 Olympics – 5,000m and 10,000m6. Sir Steve Redgrave winning his fifth consecutive Olympic rowing golds in 20007. ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ – Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down to win the Champions League against AC Milan in 20058.  England winning the Ashes in 20059.  England’s Cricket ODI World Cup win in 201910. David Beckham’s last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001 to secure England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup11. Manchester City FC’s men’s team completing a historic treble in 2023 (winning the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champion’s League)12.  Sir Chris Hoy’s triple gold at the 2008 Olympics in track cycling13. Sir Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh Formula 1 championship in 202114. Emma Raducanu winning US Open title in 202115. Dame Kelly Holmes’ double gold at the 2004 Olympics for the 800m and 1500m races16. Ben Stokes’ Ashes-saving 135 not out at Headingly in 201917. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at the 2012 Olympics18. Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France victory in 201219.  Ronnie O’Sullivan winning with seventh snooker World Championship in 202220.  Paula Radcliffe’s marathon world record in 2003 More

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      in Soccer

      Soccer Aid fans split as Usain Bolt wears VERY significant shirt number for Soccer Aid

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      SOCCER AID fans were split on Usain Bolt’s shirt number – his world record 9.58.The Olympic legend started for World XI at Stamford Bridge, alongside a host of football legends including Eden Hazard and Alessandro Del Piero.Fans reacted to Usain Bolt’s shirt number on social mediaCredit: ReutersThe Olympic legend has his 100m world record time on his Soccer Aid shirtCredit: Getty – ContributorBolt’s 9.58s time, set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, still stands as the world record – a time that no sprinter has since come close to.And some fans could not believe the Jamaican star was using his recording breaking time as his shirt number.One said: “He’s fully taking the p***😭.”Another agreed: “Bolt is taking the p***😭😭😭.”READ MORE ON SCOOER AIDA third found the number choice cringe as they tweeted: “The 9.58 on Bolts shirt is cringe now.”However, many praised the genius behind picking the historic number.Jamie Barrett tweeted: “Whoever told Usain Bolt to put his world record time as his shirt number is a GENIUS.”Diane Hill added: “Love the shirt number of 9.58 for Usain Bolt on Soccer Aid.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another posted: “Usain Bolt number is crazy.”Bolt is one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport – some even consider him the greatest ever.Man Utd fans say Usain Bolt is ‘better than Weghorst’ as legend scores at Old Trafford and uses Rashford’s celebrationAnd for a good reason, as Bolt enjoyed a stunning career that saw him breaking records in the 100m as well as 200m events and winning a staggering eight Olympic gold medals.But Bolt has always had a passion for football, previously wanting to play for Manchester United.In 2018, he started training with Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset — later going on trial at Central Coast Mariners in Australia.He netted twice in a friendly, leading Maltese side Valletta to offer him a two-year contract.Bolt turned them down, signing a deal with the Mariners — but only lasted eight weeks.In 2023, Bolt captained the World XI and scored the opening goal.It was a special moment for the fastest man of all time, who was competing in his fifth Soccer Aid.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2024 edition of the event was his sixth appearance – but ultimately ended in disaster with the Jamaican carried off on a stretcher after suffering a horror injury.To make matters worse, World XI crumbled to a 6-3 defeat, the first time England have won in SIX YEARS.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      in Soccer

      Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah hints at shock career change he’d LOVE to undertake as he gets ready to play in Soccer Aid

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      SIR MO FARAH has revealed which Soccer Aid star he would swap lives with given the chance and a career he would love to try his hand at. The widely-adored long-distance runner is a four-time Olympic champion, and six-time world champion, not to mention being named Sports Personality of the Year in 2017 and being knighted in the same year. 
      Sir Mo Farah has said what career he would love to tryCredit: Rex
      The four-time Olympic champion is preparing to play in Soccer Aid on Sunday eveningCredit: RexSir Mo has lived a life inspiring to so many, having been trafficked from Djibouti to London under the name Mohamed Farah.In school he had dreams of being a mechanic, or a winger for his beloved Arsenal, whom he goes to watch almost every week. However, he revealed exclusively to SunSport that there is in fact a new career he would love to undertake and which Soccer Aid star he would trade lives with ahead of Sunday’s match for Unicef: “I’d love to be an actor man, Tom [Hiddlestone] probably”MORE SOCCER AID”It would be good though, wouldn’t it? I couldn’t do his lines, I’d be like (makes funny, inaudible noise to camera)”While he is yet to become a supervillain or arch nemesis of Thor like Tom Hiddlestone, who plays Loki in the Marvel films, he has had plenty of experience being in front of a camera, just being his brilliant self of course. He starred in a documentary about his fascinating upbringing and the subsequent years that led him to win four Olympic gold medals in The Real Mo Farah, available to watch on BBC iPlayer. While also speaking to us, we discussed the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, and he named the stars and events he is looking forward to seeing this summer in France.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m very excited to watch the Olympics, it’s a very exciting time for us, and it only comes round every four years but I think as British fans.”Keely Hodgkinson and also the 1500 metres men Jake Wightman, Josh Kerr, Jakub Ingebrigsten, I think that is the most exciting event.”Soccer Aid in chaos as star suffers injury hours before celebrity football match”As well as the 10,000 metres and the marathon itself, but as a fan for me, if I was to pick one event it would probably be the 100 metres and 1500 metres.””I think it’s exciting and any one of them can win a medal, that’s how open it is, the Olympics we always get over excited, but if the athletes can just take it one race at a time and see it as just another race I think we will see some good results.”Sir Mo was speaking to SunSport exclusively ahead of his match for Soccer Aid tomorrow at Stamford Bridge, where he will play alongside Arsenal cult hero Theo Walcott, as well as playing against the likes of Usain Bolt, Eden Hazard and Petr Cech in goal. You can keep up with all of the action in the game with SunSport’s live blog, which will give you consistent updates, and full coverage of the event LIVE from the match. PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More