Olympics

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Why Cuba’s Olympic boxers disguised themselves as GIRLS to flee and turn professional until 60-year rule was overturned

      by

      CUBA are the kings of amateur boxing – but for six decades they were BANNED from turning professional.It left some of their great champions of the past left to flee the country, often on speed boats and even disguising themselves to do so.Odlanier Solis Fonte in the 2004 OlympicsCredit: RexYuriorkis Gamboa won gold at the 2004 Athens GamesCredit: Bongarts – GettyTurning pro in Cuba was prohibited since 1962 because their late leader Fidel Castro regarded it as corrupt.So Cubans were convinced to box for country, not cash.So much so that heavyweight legend Felix Savon – a three-time Olympic gold medalist – turned down the chance to face Mike Tyson.Legendary but controversial promoter Don King offered Savon numerous multimillion-dollar offers to defect and fight superstar Tyson.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSBut his response? “Why would I box for a $1m when I can fight for 10 million Cuban people?”Despite Savon’s loyalty to the amateur code, not all of his countrymen were willing to do so.Many of Cuba’s 2004 Olympic standouts in Athens took the plunge to leave and chase their world title dreams in America.Odlanier Solis, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Yan Barthelemy all sold their medals won in Greece for as little as £1,000 to buy food for their families.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThen, while travelling to a team training camp in Venezuela in December 2006, they made a run for it and headed to Colombia.From there, they went to Germany and signed professional contracts while awaiting US visas.GB’s super-heavyweights It inspired Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara – both future world champs – to do the same until their efforts in 2007 were initially foiled.The pair disappeared while representing Cuba in the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and were sent back home.According to The Independent, they were dressed up as women to slip through Brazilian security, but were sensationally captured in a BROTHEL.Both were then banned from ever representing Cuba again which only proved to encourage them to try to escape once more.And by 2009 they had each successfully defected to America, with Rigondeaux and Lara later going on to win world titles as pros.With five of their former Olympians tempted over to the paid ranks, Cuba suffered somewhat of a crisis at Beijing in 2008.Felix Savon famously turned down the chance to fight Mike TysonCredit: AP:Associated PressGuillermo Rigondeaux defected from Cuba and won a world titleCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionRigondeaux, left, and Erislandy Lara, right, got caught trying to defectFor the first time since 1988, they left the Games without a single gold medal in boxing.But it did not last long, because in London four years later they twice won gold and another two bronzes.Perhaps what was even more appreciated, no one from the team immediately turned over.However, by the time the next Olympics finished in Rio, Lenier Pero, Robeisy Ramirez and Joahnys Argilagos all defected.Cuban authorities then had a fight on their hands to convince their Tokyo 2020 stable to remain put after the Games were delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic.And they successfully did so and Cuba topped the medal charts with four golds and one bronze.Andy Cruz won gold in Tokyo in 2021Credit: AFPCruz is now an unbeaten proCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
      Julio Cesar La Cruz, Arlen Lopez, Roniel Iglesias and Andy Cruz took gold while Lazaro Alvarez left with bronze.Despite Cuba’s years of in-fighting to keep their top names from fleeing to turn pro – everything changed in 2022. Because Cuba finally ended their 60-year ban on pro boxing and gave the green light for fighters to turn over. And in turn, some boxers chose to divide their commitments to the amateur and pro codes following a separate controversial ruling. In 2016, boxers with pro records were welcomed back into the Olympic amateur scene. From Cuba’s last pack of medalists, only Cruz decided against it as he stands 3-0 and already touted for world titles. But 2-0 heavyweight La Cruz – who was eliminated in the last 16 in Paris – and 3-0 middleweight Lopez – through to the quarter-finals – returned to the amateurs. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is a sign Cubans are still committed to the amateur code despite the allure of prizefighting paycheques and world title honours away from home. Arlen Lopez is boxing in the Olympics despite having a pro recordCredit: EPA More

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Olympics star, 26, grew up in England but can’t compete for Team GB and risks JAIL if she returns to home country

      by

      CINDY NGAMBA is the Olympian who grew up in England and trains with Team GB – but will not represent them.Ngamba left Cameroon for Britain aged 11 and has forged a successful path into boxing – reigning as a three-time English champion. Cindy Ngamba boxes for the Olympic Refugee teamCredit: PAAnd despite training and travelling with Team GB – she instead represents the Olympic Refugee team. She told iNews: “I feel I’m already part of Great Britain. “I train with them, travel with them, compete with them, I just don’t represent them.”Ngamba has lived in England for over half her life, where she also went to school and university while also having family in the UK. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt was ten years after uprooting with her brother and uncle to Britain – where her father lived – and eight attempts before she was granted papers to stay.She was arrested in 2019 as she signed on at an immigration centre. Ngamba, 26, said: “I was with my brother. We went there, to Manchester, every week but this time, we were arrested.”They were sent to separate detention camps in London and spent two days there before the Home Office were satisfied they had family in the UK.Most read in BoxingPrison would also be a threat if Ngamba was to return to Cameroon, where same-sex sexual activity is criminalised – she revealed she was gay to her family but STILL had to prove it to the Home Office.She said: “You can be killed, beaten up or put in prison. I can’t go back.”GB’s super-heavyweights Ngamba received her asylum papers in 2020 and was already on track for a successful career in boxing. She first started aged 14 in Bolton Lads and Girls Club which is part of the national OnSide network of youth zones but was the only female fighter. Ngamba said: “I was the only girl. Going there meant the world to me. “It gave me something to look forward to after school and kept me off the streets where I could have been dragged into something bad.”Ngamba’s Olympic dream got the green light when she won sponsorship from the Olympic Refugee Federation.She faces Tammara Thibeault of Canada in the first round of the middleweight bracket. Ngamba trained alongside Team GB athletes at the national institute in Sheffield ahead of the Games. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd there is already hope she will finally win citizenship to join GB for the next Olympics in LA in 2028. But Ngamba said: “I’m not really focused on my future at the moment, I’m focused on the present, on my medal, on winning.”What’s happening today at The Games?WHAT TO WATCH TODAY…TODAY’S BRIT MEDAL HOPESFreestyle BMX world and European champ Kieran Reilly will be aiming to add the Olympic title to his collection (12.40pm).Team GB’s men and women will both be in contention in the rowing quadruple sculls finals (11.25am).BRITS TO WATCHAndrea Spendolini-Sirieix – daughter of First Dates star Fred – and Lois Toulson go in the 10m synchro diving final (10am).In the hockey, Team GB’s women know a win against South Africa is vital after starting with defeats to Spain and Australia (9.30am).Commonwealth bronze medallist Jemima Yeats-Brown begins her -70kg judo campaign, two years on from losing her sister Jenny to brain cancer (9.20am).GLOBAL STARS TODAYThe all-star USA men’s basketball team, featuring LeBron James and Steph Curry, face Olympic debutants South Sudan (8pm).The 100m men’s freestyle final could be a classic with Tokyo champ Caeleb Dressel, new 200m gold medallist David Popovici plus Brits Duncan Scott and Matthew Richards all in contention (9.15pm).And Jessica Fox could win her second gold of Paris 2024 if she defends her C1 canoe slalom from three years ago (4.25pm).FANCY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?The beach volleyball is always spectacular viewing at any Olympics but this year even more so – because it is being played at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.There are matches all throughout the day from 8am to 9pm.Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.Ngamba could still represent Team GB in 2028Credit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Inside Team GB’s boxing failure in Paris with fighters controversially beaten before iconic sport VANISHES from Olympics

      by

      TEAM GB’s boxing team have been knocked off the podium in dramatic fashion.By Monday night, FOUR of our six fighters were already out.Team GB used to be at the top of the world boxing podiumCredit: PABut four of the nation’s six boxing hopefuls at Paris 2024 – including Delicious Orie – are already outCredit: GETTYRob McCracken’s tenure as performance director is under serious threatCredit: GETTYAnd if Lewis Richardson and Chantelle Reid cannot halt the downward trend, the value of the £12million injected into boxing for the Paris Olympic cycle will be seriously questioned.Three of the British defeats were split decisions — with the verdicts against Delicious Orie and Rosie Eccles controversial to say the least.Mike Tyson was world champion in 1996 the last time Britain left without an Olympic boxing medal.Golden duo Galal Yafai and ­Lauren Price led the way last time as GB claimed six medals in Tokyo.READ MORE OLYMPICS NEWSNicola Adams won gold in Rio with Joe Joyce denied a title by scandalous judging that later cost the IBA its job of running boxing for the IOC.There was a golden hat-trick at London 2012 through Adams, Luke Campbell and Anthony Joshua.But the path paved by amateur pioneers like Audley Harrison, Amir Khan and James DeGale has crumbled.It seems unlikely performance director Rob McCracken will remain at the helm.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it is not British boxing that is desperate for reform — it is the entire amateur code of the sport.Boxing could be binned for 2028 in Los Angeles if a replacement body cannot be found to run the event.GB’s super-heavyweights The IBA was stripped of recognition by the IOC in 2023.That came after professor Richard McLaren reported “significant” and “rampant” manipulation of results among 77 Rio bouts the IBA oversaw.Umar Kremlev, a Russian pal of Vladimir Putin, was elected president in 2022 and promised a revolution.But a sponsorship deal with Gazprom and throwing cash around the unpaid ranks has raised alarm bells.Any talented boxer who watched the robbery Joyce suffered in 2016 or the suspiciously harsh decisions in Paris could be forgiven for ditching their own Olympic dream.Because even if Orie had got the nod over Davit Chaloyan, he looked nailed on to lose to Uzbekistan’s ­Bakhodir Jalolov — a pro with an unbeaten 14-fight record who is still allowed to clean up at amateur events.It is no surprise that British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma, 19, and super-lightweight Adam Azim, 22, ditched the vest and headguard to make a living out of the sport.Undefeated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma opted against pursuing Olympic goldCredit: RexAs did super-lightweight prospect Adam AzimCredit: PAAnd yet the amateur code — and the Olympics specifically — is supposed to be the sport’s pinnacle.Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko will all tell you their gold medals mean more than every belt and pound note banked since.Britain’s lack of success this week seems to say more about the state of the sport than the form of our crop.Far more worrying than a disappointing medal haul is the feeling younger stars may be better off out of amateur boxing.READ MORE SUN STORIESEspecially our women since the IOC allowed two athletes with male DNA to fight in Paris.Boxing’s toughest opponent right now is itself. More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Zlatan Ibrahimovic savages Man City in just ten words live on their own channel as Man Utd fans gush ‘once a Red…’

      by

      FORMER Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic left fans in stitches with a quip about former rivals Manchester City.The 42-year-old appeared on City TV, Man City’s in-house media channel, this weekend ahead of the club’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan.Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a joke at Man City’s expenseCredit: Man City TVIbrahimovic previously played for Man UtdCredit: AFP or licensorsBut he left fellow pundits Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joleon Lescott stunned with a savage remark.Ibrahimovic joked: “Bro do you have any viewers here on Man City TV?”Man Utd fans loved the ex-striker’s comment, with one person taking to social media to say: “Once a red…”Another commented: “I love this guy 😂.”Read More on Man UtdA third said: “Zlatan is in his 40’s and is still cooking City.”While a fourth wrote: “Proper United this Zlatan 😂.”Ibrahimovic joined Man Utd on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 and spent two years at Old Trafford.During that time he scored 29 goals in 53 appearances.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe also played for Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, LA Galaxy and AC Milan before retiring from professional football last year.He now has a new role as an advisor at the San Siro.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonMan City suffered a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan on Saturday.Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 19th minute but two goals in quick succession from Lorenzo Colombo turned the match on its head.James McAtee equalised after half-time but Marco Nasti eventually sealed the win for the Serie A side. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans ‘need’ new Olympic sport to be introduced at Paris 2024 as governing body say ‘we’re working on it’

      by

      FANS are calling on the Olympics to introduce a new sport on the eve of Paris 2024.Several new sports have been added to the Olympic roster for this edition including kayak cross, kiteboarding and breaking.Fans have called on tag to be introduced to the OlympicsCredit: YouTube/World Chase TagThe tag World Championships have taken place every year since 2016Athletes can hurdle over obstacles to evade being taggedA green light signals when the evader has been taggedThat followed the addition of skateboarding, bouldering, and karate, amongst others, at the Tokyo Games.But fans are keen to see another sport integrated into the Olympics – tag.World Chase Tag was born in 2012 with the inaugural world championship taking place in London four years later.It has taken place annually ever since in the UK and the USA and has even been televised in both countries, while attracting millions of views online.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSCompetitors are tasked with ‘tagging’ their opposition – just like the playground game.But at professional level obstacles are placed in the arena for athletes to hang off or jump from.And it creates quite a spectacle, with one athlete chasing after the other while a timer counts down from 20 seconds.Fans are loving the sport and have called for its inclusion in the Olympics.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I need professional tag to be an Olympic sport.”Another added: “Oh, this 100% needs to be official.Most influential GB Olympians”Outside of how badass it looks, they have to be in top shape to do this stuff.”And a third wrote: “10/10 would watch.”The official World Chase Tag account replied saying: We’re working on it!” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Enzo Fernandez racism row taken to highest level as Argentina and France’s PRESIDENTS hold emergency summit

      by

      THE Enzo Fernandez racism row has gone to the very top ­— with an emergency summit between the French and Argentine presidents.Tensions between the two nations are at breaking point over the racist chant aimed at French football stars.Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is at the centre of a row following Argentina’s Copa America winners belting out a racist chantCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFrench President Emmanuel Macron will meet his Argentine counterpartCredit: RexArgentina’s rugby sevens team had every try they scored booed by the French crowdCredit: GettyThe football team, meanwhile saw their national anthem booed and were later chased down the tunnel by pitch invaders during their match with Morocco. It is not known whether any of the scenes were related to the racist chant.Credit: ReutersArgentine president Javier Milei jetted in on Thursday for talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to try to defuse the situation ahead of Friday’s Olympic Opening Ceremony.Argentina’s Olympic footballers were targeted with bottles and firecrackers during a defeat to Morocco in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.And last night their country’s rugby sevens side walked into a “toxic” bear-pit of hate as they were edged out by Antoine Dupont and the hosts 26-14 in a quarter-final at Stade de France in Paris.The French football federation filed a legal complaint over the “unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks” in a video filmed by Fernandez.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe chant, sung by Argentina’s Copa America winners, was originally belted out by their fans ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.Defending her country’s footballers, Milei’s deputy Victoria Villarruel has insisted Argentina would not tolerate criticism from a “colonialist” country.Those comments further outraged the French while sports minister Julio Garro was sacked by Milei after asking for skipper Lionel Messi to apologise on behalf of the team.Argentina backtracked, with a Government spokesman disowning Villarruel’s comments. Most read in FootballArgentinian president Javier Milei has flown into ParisCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the incidents in Saint-Etienne and Paris underlined the tensions.The spokesman announced Milei would be meeting Macron and other French officials at the Elysee Palace, with the issues between the countries understood to be a significant part of the agenda.Paris Olympics kicks off with fans BOOING Argentina during national anthem after Fernandez’s racist video about FranceArgentina’s sevens side came under deafening verbal assault. Ex-England winger Ugo Monye described it as “toxic”.What’s happening today at The Games?WHAT TO WATCH TODAY…Paris 2024 Olympics – Opening Ceremony Only one show in town today.. just about!The historic Opening Ceremony which is taking place on the River Seine rather than a stadium ends proceedings on Friday evening.While there has been football and rugby sevens among events which started before the ceremony this week, they will not be taking place on the day of the big bash.Only shooting pre-event training will take place on the day of the Opening Ceremony.Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul is going to Paris Olympics after bursting onto boxing scene with just one defeat on pro record

      by

      JAKE PAUL is going to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter moved to 10-1 with victory over ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry in Florida.Jake Paul is going to the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: YouTubeAnd he is now preparing to link up with Team USA’s boxing squad in the French capital – but not to compete. Paul, 27, is instead an honorary coach tasked with raising the profile of the gold medal hopefuls. He is also using his experience on the big stage to help the boxers deal with the pressures of the Games. Paul said on brother Logan’s podcast: “I’m bringing in meditation and them being prepared for the big moment and being there for them to support them in any way possible.READ MORE ON OLYMPICS”I don’t know how much help it’s going to be, I’m sure they’re going to do fine with or without me.”But also to try to bring eyeballs. We’re dropping a documentary on my entire week with them and the whole programme that’s going on there.”Paul even explored the idea of competing in Paris himself only to miss the deadline – with an eye now on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.He said: “We tried. I missed the cutoff. When we came up with the idea we were like three weeks late.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I can do it in LA. I think I might. I feel like it would be sick. I’d get gold medal, bro…”It’s a travesty. We missed the cutoff by about three weeks but if I could’ve gone to one qualifying tournament then it would’ve worked out.Jake Paul calls out Mike Tyson and UFC champion Alex Pereira after KOing Mike Perry”It would be hilarious. Become cruiserweight world champion and then get rid of my professional licence and become amateur, win a gold medal in 2028.”Paul spent a week with the USA boxing squad in Colorado before his last fight and will now jet off to France to link back up with them. He will then focus on his controversial clash against Mike Tyson, 58, which has been rescheduled to November 15 in Texas.Jake Paul is 10-1 in his pro boxing careerCredit: Getty More

    • 300 Shares159 Views

      in Athletics

      Meet Molly Caudery, the glam Team GB pole vaulter who doubles up as a model & hopes to take Paris Olympics 2024 by storm

      by

      BRITISH pole vaulter Molly Caudery is Team GB’s glam gold medal hopeful and model.She came fifth in the World Championships in Budapest last August before winning the World Indoor title in March.Molly Caudery is hoping for Olympic success at Paris 2024Credit: PAShe is the current World Indoor championCredit: RexAway from track and field, she also works as a modelCredit: Instagram molly_caudery
      And she has been snapped up by AdidasCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyThe athlete regularly shares bikini pics with her followers onlineAnd she has a huge following on InstagramCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyMolly dates fellow Team GB star Joel Clarke-KhanMolly, 24, holds the British record for the women’s pole vault, with a best of 4.92m.And after adding a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a bronze from the 2024 European Athletics Championships to her collection – she is a medal contender at the Olympics.The Cornwall-born beauty puts several hours into training everyday but still finds time for her other passion – modelling.The pole vaulter is signed to W model management and sportswear giants Adidas recently signed Molly up as one of their athletes.READ MORE IN SPORTShe also has a degree in sports science from Loughborough University, a place she has been using as a base as she gets ready for Paris 2024.Molly admits her chance at gold at the Olympics comes as a shock, saying: “Prior to this year, my sights were always set on LA 2028. But things have really snowballed, I’ve built so much confidence.”And the blonde bombshell shows just that to her 280,000 followers on her Instagram page.She has built up an army of fans by posting clips of her gruelling training regime.Most read in AthleticsBBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony LiveseyThere is also plenty of modelling and holidays snaps shared away from the athletics.Additionally, she loves to travel the world from Indonesia to Monaco to Italy, living the life of luxury.The Weirdest Olympic Sports You Never Knew ExistedAway from the track and field, she is dating high jump and Team GB star Joel Clarke-Khan.And just like stunning Molly, he is a model signed up to FORTE Management.Winning gold is her aim and would complete an incredible road to recovery as less than three years ago she virtually lost her finger in a freak accident at home.Molly, who sports a scar on her index finger, said: “I was doing snatching and, as I brought the bar down, my finger caught between where you rack it and the bar.“It was 90 per cent off. It was holding on by the skin on the side. “Three surgeries later, it is all good. But since then, I had two Achilles surgeries, which put me out for almost nine months. “That was a pretty big setback that I managed to come back from.”Molly is from CornwallThe Amalfi coast is one of many places Molly has visitedMolly always makes time for a bikini dayCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyShe studied at Loughborough UniversityMolly loves travelling the worldCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyShe has soaked up the sun in BaliCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyThe athlete lives the life of luxuryCredit: Instagram molly_caudery More