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    Three-weight boxing champion Claressa Shields under investigation and suspended after testing positive for marijuana

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    BOXING superstar Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana following her last win.The three-weight undisputed champion, 29, beat fellow American Danielle Perkins to lift the heavyweight crown on February 3. Claressa Shields said earlier this month she was a ‘clean athlete’Credit: GettyShields celebrated beating Danielle Perkins earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Olympic golden girl faces an investigation after the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended her from fighting in the state.Shields is said to have tested positive after providing an “oral fluid sample” following a dominant victory over Perkins on points.Marijuana is on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).The World Boxing Organisation is also looking into the case.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s a sanctioning body without the power to suspend fighters.But the BBC say the WBO has asked Shields for a “show notice”.That means they want her to explain the situation.Meanwhile, the Michigan Commission has launched its own probe to see if she should be the subject of disciplinary action.Most read in BoxingThe Commission said: “Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”It comes just a week after Shields spoke out over rumours of a failed drugs test.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender She went on social media to insist she was a “clean athlete”.Shields and Perkins were both scheduled to have been tested  by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada) following their fight, due to the WBC’s clean boxing programme. More

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      Olympics to be hit by legal action over Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting after Donald Trump’s ban on trans women in sport

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      THE International Olympic Committee is facing a lawsuit for allowing boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting to compete at the 2024 Olympics.The pair were at the centre of a heated gender row that dominated the Paris Games.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics caused controversy as she allegedly failed a gender eligibility test 18 months earlierCredit: APTaiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting was also said to have failed the same testCredit: AFPImane Khelif won Under-66kg goldCredit: REUTERSLin Yu-Ting won gold in the 57kg finalCredit: AFPBoth competed at the Games 18 months after being disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.Tests administered by the International Boxing Association are said to have determined that Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The IOC, however, permitted the pair to compete – much to the frustration of the IBA.And in light of Donald Trump’s executive order preventing transgender women from competing in female sports in the USA, the Russian-backed organisation has decided to take legal action against the IOC.READ MORE MORE BOXING NEWSA snippet of a statement read: “In light of the gender eligibility issues surrounding boxers in 2022 and 2023, the IBA proactively conducted all necessary testing and subsequently banned individuals deemed ineligible from participating in women’s competitions.”Despite notifying the IOC about the disqualification of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the IOC disregarded this critical information, allowing both athletes to compete in the Qualifiers and ultimately at the 2024 Olympics, where they secured gold medals, denying opportunities to deserving female athletes.”As a result, IBA is filing an official complaint with the Attorney General of Switzerland, Mr Stefan Blatter, regarding the IOC’s actions that facilitated the participation of these ineligible athletes in the 2024 Olympic boxing tournament in Paris.”According to the Swiss law, any action or inaction that poses a safety risk to competition participants warrants investigation and may serve as grounds for criminal prosecution.Most read in BoxingImane Khelif’s 46-second victory over Angela Carini turned into a global talking pointCredit: REX”In addition, similar complaints are to be filed with the Attorneys General of France and the USA.”IBA chief Umar Kremlev said: “President Trump’s order to ban transgender athletes from women’s sport validates IBA’s efforts to protect the integrity of female sports.Gender row boxer Imane Khelif ‘names Elon Musk & JK Rowling in Olympics cyberbullying lawsuit'”Our actions aim to ensure gender equality in boxing.”We urge other International Federations to follow IBA’s example, as we are uniquely positioned to address this issue and advocate for our athletes’ rights.”He added: “IBA will provide free-of-charge comprehensive legal support to our boxers in these lawsuits.”As this is a clear violation of human rights, an outrage towards the female boxers, and simply a crime that should be punished accordingly.”In my personal opinion, Thomas Bach should take the full responsibility for this, as he was in charge when it happened.”And he needs to compensate the damages caused, if the court or any other instance rules this.”Khelif, who won Under-66kg gold, received a barrage of hate after forcing Italy’s Angela Carini to quit a mere 46 seconds into their opening bout.Multiple erroneous reports, most from social media, claimed she was a biological man.Imane Khelif has launched legal action against Elon Musk and JK Rowling for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”Credit: ALAMYKhelif has taken legal action against several prominent figures for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling.Reflecting on her ordeal, she told El Birard: “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world.”And even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me.”I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had.”The scenario was very scary. Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.” More

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      I thought I was being scammed after WWE offered me trials on Instagram… but here’s why I chose boxing instead

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      PREPARING himself for Olympic glory, boxer Delicious Orie received a suspicious Instagram message offering him trials with the WWE. But the super-heavyweight star brushed off the invite as nothing more than a scam. Delicious Orie was beaten in the opening round of the 2024 OlympicsCredit: PAOrie was on holiday in Thailand when he realised he had been offered WWE trialsCredit: @deliciousboxingIt was only after he was controversially beaten in the opening round of the 2024 Paris Games that he gave the DM a second thought. By then, Orie was on holiday in Bangkok enjoying some well-earned rest off the back of heartbreaking defeat to Armenia’s Davit Chaloyan.He did a bit more digging and realised the offer from the WWE was real – and had already been accepted on his behalf. Orie, 27, told SunSport: “So they messaged me actually on Instagram – this was during the Olympics.READ MORE IN BOXING”So I wasn’t on my social media during the Olympics. I actually saw it on holiday a few weeks after.”And I’m looking up, I’m just looking through the messages and I’m seeing the WWE – initially I thought it was just like one of those fake things trying to get scam you.”But then I opened the message, I looked into the account and I’m like, ‘This is all legit, you know, they want me out.'”So I’m in Thailand, I bell my manager because I messaged them back and said, ‘Yeah, of course, let’s talk.’Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And they said, ‘Oh no, we’ve already been speaking with your manager and we’ve sorted everything out, you’re flying out this day.'”I’m calling my manager like, ‘What’s going on here? I’ve haven’t been told this!Former world heavyweight champion who KO’d Lennox Lewis, 59, wins second comeback fight as opponent retires “And he goes, ‘You just need to chill out, just relax, have a good time on holiday and then you can reset because your mind’s going to be going.'”And I’m like, well it’s too late now my mind’s going now. But yeah, I went out there just to have a look, see what they offer and it was a fantastic experience.”Orie did undergo a physical trial with the WWE in Florida – but stopped short of any high-flying turnbuckle moves.He said: “We did bits, it was very light, though. I’d watched a lot of the real physical jumping off the the ropes and all that stuff.”The main reason why was they were a little bit more cautious on it because as athletes and the things that we’ve got going on behind the scenes, injuries, as you may know, there’s there’s a high injury rate in wrestling, jumping off things and stuff like that.”So I got to try out a little bit, but not too much.”What Orie realised most though was the WWE stars’ talent on the microphone – something boxers rarely excel at. He said: “That’s why the likes of Tyson Fury and all them stand out so much because he’s able to do that, whereas you don’t get many in the UK that can do it.”Orie only began boxing at 18He suffered a controversial Olympic defeat to Armenia’s Davit ChaloyanCredit: PAOrie – born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father – moved to the UK aged seven seeking a better life. He only started boxing at 18 and excelled as an amateur winning national titles as well as Commonwealth gold and European bronze. And with still so much to achieve in the professional ranks, Orie decided to politely turn down the WWE’s approach. He said: “I was thinking what’s gonna get me the most fulfilment out of my life?”I could have gone down that route, but do I wanna be a 70 year old looking back thinking what could I have been as a professional boxer?”I think there’s something quite real, raw, primal about boxing. “There’s nowhere to hide, the amount of work you put in is what shows. No matter whether it is you win, lose, it doesn’t matter.”It’s how much work you can portray and show people how much work you you’ve put in. And that’s basically what I wanted to do.I’m just looking through the messages and I’m seeing the WWE – initially I thought it was just like one of those fake things trying to get scam you.Delicious Orie”That’s the reason why I decided to sort of say, ‘Look, amazing offer, but definitely the professional boxing is for me.'”Orie has now turned pro with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren at heavyweight with his debut set to be announced soon. And he arrives on the scene just as superstars Anthony Joshua, 35, and Tyson Fury, 36, prepare to depart leaving a gaping gap behind them. Orie said: “When I started boxing, I knew that there was a target audience that I can appeal to.”I believe that I’m quite real and I could just appeal to normal people and I can also try and inspire as many people that were or still are in my position or were in my position in the past.”So I thought to myself, there’s definitely a gap in that market for me. So from before I even thought about turning professional, I knew that.”Orie expects to fight regularly in 2025 – and promises plenty of eyeballs – whether they are booing or cheering. He said: “I’ll be very, very busy, and it’ll be very, very exciting.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’ll be people gathering together watching Delicious Orie box, whether they don’t like me or like me, doesn’t matter. “They’ll be watching me box.”Anthony Joshua with OrieCredit: @deliciousboxing More

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      I want to be the most powerful man in world sport says British hero Lord Coe

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      LORD SEBASTIAN COE has vowed to shake-up the Olympic Movement if he becomes president, saying: There’s too much power in the hands of too few people.On Thursday, Britain’s double Olympic 1500 metres champion revealed details behind his bid to become the most powerful man in sport.Seb Coe has launched his bid to become the next IOC presidentCredit: PACoe was chairman of the organising committee that delivered the 2012 London Olympics and ParalympicsCredit: PAInternational Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, 70, steps down in 2025 after 12 years and Coe, 68, is up against six candidates to replace the German.His manifesto was launched 21 floors up The Turing Building, which overlooks Stratford in East London where the London 2012 Olympics were held – Coe was chairman of that organising committee.If elected next March in Athens, Coe has vowed to:+ Protect and promote the integrity of women’s sport (“I’ll advocate for clear, science-based policies that safeguard the female category.”)Read more on Olympics+ Revamp the Olympics commercial model after four top sponsors quit after the Paris 2024 Games.+ Possibly switch some indoor sports from the summer Olympics to the winter Games.+ Empower the 100-plus IOC membership and give them decision-making responsibility.+ Strengthen anti-doping systems by enhancing funding and use legal methods to nail dopers.Most read in Athletics+ Get more young people involved in the Olympics – but breakdancing will not return under Coe.Coe, who has been World Athletics boss since 2015, said: “It’s exciting. It’ll be the privilege and honour of my life to do this.“And I’m ready. I take absolutely nothing for granted.“But I’ll work harder for this than I’ll probably ever work for anything. Because I think ultimately the treasure at the end is really dramatic here.Coe will find out next year if he will be elected to become the most powerful man in sportCredit: ReutersSince 2015, Coe has been president of World AthleticsCredit: Sportsfile“Here in Stratford is probably the best demonstration of anything that I’ve delivered.“None of this would have happened without using the extraordinary power of the Olympic Movement.“To have built a new city inside an old city in seven years. To do it from a standing start. To leave 50,000 permanent, meaningful jobs and new houses, three universities.“That’s the power of the Movement. Every day, if I’m privileged to do this job, I’ll be squeezing every ounce of that. Fans ‘in floods of tears’ as Sir Chris Hoy gives rousing speech at BBC SPOTY despite brave cancer battle“The vision is simple. To use the inspirational power of the Olympic Movement to deliver the Greatest Show on Earth every two years.“In simple terms, I just want to use the experience that I think I’ve amassed over many years. I want to build, I want to reform and I want to deliver.”Coe, a Tory MP for five years, knows he is “not an insider” and is up against favourite Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior and Bach protégé Kirsty Coventry.The former 1500 metres world record holder said: “In the IOC room are some really smart people. Some of them have got brains the size of planets.“Some are running great chunks of the global marketplace. They’re cultural icons.“They’re coaches. Educators. Members of the Royal Family. Former Prime Ministers or presidents of countries. There’s no shortage of talent there.“But what input do I and other members have? The reality is there isn’t enough. There’s too much power in the hands of too few people.“This isn’t a broken organisation. It can be so much better. There has to be safe space for discussion.”With Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts for the 2034 Fifa World Cup, it is inevitable they will target the Olympics over the next decade – either winter or summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoe, a longstanding member of Amnesty International, has “active discussions” with desert sports bosses over track-and-field and has not ruled out working with them if he gets the top job.But says he has “uncompromising conversations with governments and sometimes Heads of State” over human rights concerns when awarding tournament rights to host countries.Forty-four years ago, Coe became Olympic 1500m champion in Moscow, as he outpaced Brit Steve OvettCredit: PA More

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      Keely Hodgkinson’s SPOTY win could push Olympic superstar into the £1m-a-year bracket with sponsorships and endorsements

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      KEELY HODGKINSON’S SPOTY triumph is the crowning glory of a magnificent year.And according to financial experts, she is due to receive a cash windfall – possibly pushing her annual earnings towards the £1MILLION mark.Keely Hodgkinson scooped the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awardCredit: PAThe gong capped off an incredible 2024 for the middle-distance runnerCredit: PAAnd it could soon lead to her raking in the cash courtesy of endorsement dealsCredit: REUTERSShe went into the Paris Olympics with an enormous weight of expectations on her shoulders as favourite for 800m gold.But Hodgkinson, still only 22, coped admirably with the pressure to deliver emphatically over 116 seconds and two laps of the Stade de France track.And now she can utilise her new-found fame with the BBC’s SPOTY award to ensure her financial security for years to come.Dr Dan Plumley, sports finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, told casino.co.uk: “Scooping the SPOTY award will only increase her fame and status.READ MORE ON KEELY HODGKINSON“She’s already becoming one of the most recognisable faces for UK Athletics.“Her success can lead to off-track partnerships and endorsements with good relationships with brands and marketing agencies.“Off-field earnings are a key driver of financial success for individual athletes.“And it is not unusual to see athletes pursue sponsorship and commercial opportunities to boost their income.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeely Hodgkinson celebrates her SPOTY win with Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: PA“Form and success on the track will continue to drive what happens for next for Hodgkinson.”But there is little doubt that the sponsorship opportunities will continue to come in.”Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Hodgkinson stole the nation’s hearts last summer in Paris.Everybody had expected Hodgkinson – the world’s leading 800 metres runner – to storm to victory on the night of Monday, August 5 and she did just that.Her beaming smile and warm personality is why this girl from the Greater Manchester town of Atherton, who now lives in Salford, was voted last night as BBC Sports Personality of the Year.This is the fourth successive year a woman has lifted the prestigious trophy – following tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and footballers Beth Mead and Mary Earps – and that is a record.It is the 19th time in 60 years someone from track-and-field has received the main SPOTY Award, more than any other sport.Decent company that includes former winners Steve Ovett, Seb Coe, Daley Thompson, Kelly Holmes and Mo Farah.A reminder that even if some big names refuse to do media or the sport continues to suffer financial cutbacks, there is an appetite for athletics at the highest level.These days Hodgkinson, is used to winning races that she enters but that was not always the case.Keely Hodgkinson has the potential to become the face of British athleticsCredit: AlamyUntil this summer, the middle-distance heroine had to accept silver at THREE major championships – the 2021 Olympics and 2022 and 2023 World Championships.Those second-placed results really hit her hard, especially as she was defeated on each occasion by fractions of a second.Concerns that she might once again become the bridesmaid were allayed as she entered the Games having posted a personal best of 1:54.61 in London in July – the sixth-best time in history.Everything went perfectly on the track in 2024 – “the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything ” – something that perhaps only happens once or twice in an athlete’s career.Yet this time 12 months ago, she was unable to run for NINE WEEKS over Christmas and the New Year due to a serious knee issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was all down to a freak accident where she had “torn a ligament and tendon and a little bit of my hamstring around the knee area”.Whilst she was eager to resume training early, it was only by listening to and trusting her coach Trevor Painter that she managed to rest up and then make a successful return. More

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      Who are Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows?

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      TREVOR Painter and Jenny Meadows are the coaching duo behind British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson’s success.They’ll no doubt be beaming with pride as Keely is the bookies’ favourite to take home BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.Keely Hodgkinson pictured training with her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: GettyJenny Meadows pictured with her 800m silver medal at the British Athletics Indoor Championships in 2015Credit: GettyWho is Trevor Painter?Trevor Painter is the founder and head coach of M11 Track Club, Manchester, which specialises in coaching middle-distance events.He has been coaching athletes for almost 25 years and has guided more than 30 athletes to international level.Trevor received the Coaching Achievement Award as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024, recognising his outstanding contributions to coaching at all levels in athletics.He holds an MSc in Elite Coaching Practice from the University of Central Lancashire and is known for his scientific approach to training.read more on keely hodgkinsonWho is Jenny Meadows?Jenny Meadows, a former world-class 800m runner, works alongside Trevor as a coach at M11 Track Club.She brings her vast experience as an international athlete to the coaching partnership, offering valuable insights and wisdom both on and off the track.Her role extends beyond just technical coaching — she acts as a mentor and life coach to the athletes.PhilosophyJenny and Trevor are known for their unique approach to coaching, which includes:Most read in AthleticsCreating the right environment: They focus on making training enjoyable and fostering a fun atmosphere to retain athletes.Flexibility: They adapt their coaching style to suit individual athletes, recognising the importance of not constraining “free spirits” like Keely Hodgkinson.Holistic development: They emphasise the importance of athletes having a life outside of training, encouraging them to seize opportunities wherever possible.Scientific approach: Trevor handles the technical aspects and science, while Jenny complements this with her practical experience.AchievementsUnder their guidance, the M11 Track Club has produced several world-class athletes, including:Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic gold medalist and multiple world championship medalist in 800m.Georgia Bell: Bronze medalist in the 1500m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Lewis Davey: Bronze medalist in the 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Sarah Healy: Irish international runner finished second in the 5th Avenue Mile.RelationshipTrevor and Jenny are a husband-and-wife team who run the M11 Track Club together.Keely Hodgkinson posing with coach Trevor Painter after receiving the 800m gold medal at the 2023 European Indoor Championships in in Istanbul, TurkeyCredit: GettyTheir relationship began as a coach-athlete partnership before evolving into a romantic one.Trevor was Jenny’s coach throughout her illustrious career, during which she earned multiple world and European 800m medals.Marriage & childrenThe couple tied the knot in 2006, but details of their big day have not been reportedIn July 2016, at the age of 35, Meadows announced her retirement from professional running.On January 11, 2024, Jenny took to X/Twitter to announce the birth of their first child.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe wrote: “Welcome to the world Arabella Connie Meadows-Painter who was born at 00:12 on Sunday 10th Jan weighing 7lb 2oz.”Myself & @Faster_feet promise to love and support you.” More

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      BBC SPOTY favourite Keely Hodgkinson reveals fashion legend touched her cheek and called her beautiful

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      KEELY HODGKINSON says being branded “beautiful” by fashion icon Giorgio Armani was the craziest thing to happen to her since becoming Olympic 800 metres champion.From the running track to the catwalk, Britain’s athletics superstar is hot property these days and was invited to Milan in September by a major fashion brand.Keely Hodgkinson says she was branded ‘beautiful’ by Giorgio ArmaniCredit: GettyThe Olympic champ is frontrunner to win SPOTY tonightCredit: Sunday TimesShe loved being praised by fashion legend ArmaniCredit: GettyAs someone comfortable in both spikes and stilettos, Hodgkinson was surprised to be noticed by the famous Italian designer who was enthralled with her epic display in Paris.Hodgkinson, 22, said: “The craziest thing that has happened to me? I’m going to say when I met Giorgio Armani . . . “He came over to me and put his hand on my cheek and called me ‘Bella’ (pretty in English). Which I thought was really nice.“He’s just a little man. I met him in Milan at Fashion Week briefly. He can’t speak English but he’s quite into his sport.  He’s a lot older now, he’s 90 years old, but he looks great.READ MORE IN SPORT“He’s still heavily involved in his work. That was a really cool moment.”It is one wonderful example that sums up the mad celebrity world that Hodgkinson now inhabits.But she has earned that as only NINE other women have won an Olympic gold medal in Team GB colours in track and field over 60 years.It is why she is the front-runner to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which is being held close to her apartment in Salford, tonight.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf it happens, and darts star Luke Littler is a strong challenger, she will become the fourth woman in a row to receive the accolade — a record — but ten less than the men’s longest stretch.And her training mentor Trevor Painter, who masterminded three Olympic medallists this summer, is likely to be named Coach of the Year.Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics Hodgkinson won the 800m gold in ParisCredit: GettyShe became a national treasure with victory over the summerCredit: GettyHodgkinson said: “If I go back to the beginning of the year when I started training, it didn’t go my way at all.“I spent a couple of months out with injury. But I just kept trusting the process and training got better.“About a month out, I realised I was in really good shape.“It’s the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything I’ve set out to achieve on the outdoor track, which is quite special and doesn’t happen very often.”In 2025, Hodgkinson will attempt to win a hat-trick of gold medals at European and World Indoor level and then it is the World Outdoor Championships in September.And the controversial 800m world record of 1min 53.28sec — set in 1983  by Jarmila Kratochvilova of the Czech Republic — is within her sights. The question is whether she can do it in the next 12 months or closer to the LA 2028 Games.Hodgkinson, whose current PB is 1:54.61, said: “Medals can never be taken away from you, so that will always be a top priority. I don’t have a World Championship gold yet.“I do think 1.53 is possible — but obviously it takes a special race.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You’ve got to be in perfect shape, with perfect conditions, the right race for all that to come together.” BBC Sports Personality of the Year will be available to watch live tonight from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayerHodgkinson has also become a style iconCredit: GettyShe is up against some big names for SPOTYCredit: keely.hodgkinson/Instagram More

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      I’ve got 19 gold medals and I’m on Sports Personality of the Year shortlist – but lots of people don’t know who I am

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      DAME SARAH STOREY is in the running for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award – but she admits people still ask “Who is she?”.The Paralympic Games star has enjoyed a medal-laden career with 19 gold medals.Sarah Storey has been nominated for SPOTYCredit: GettyShe has won 19 gold medals during her careerCredit: PALuke Littler is one of the favourites for the awardCredit: PAJude Bellingham is also in the runningCredit: APStorey, 47, is up against popular stars including Luke Littler and Jude Bellingham in the race for SPOTY.Olympic 800m champ Keely Hodgkinson and triathlon king Alex Yee as well as record-breaking cricketer Joe Root are also in the running.The cyclist and swimmer has insisted that para-sports is not covered enough between Paralympic games.Storey has claimed that, as a result, it makes sports more challenging and affects people’s ability to recognise her compared to her counterparts.READ MORE ON SPORTShe said: “It’s really, really challenging.”You only have to look at comments when I was out of Dancing on Ice, people were like, ‘Well, who is she?’”People don’t see para-sport on TV enough to know who their most successful athlete is.”She won two more gold medals in the C4-C5 road race and the C5 time trials in the Paris Olympics earlier this year.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe was expected to appear on Dancing on Ice but was forced to withdraw due to a fractured ankle, which occurred during practice.If Storey succeeds at SPOTY, she will have made history as the oldest winner of the award ever.Dancing On Ice chaos as Sarah Storey QUITS with nasty injury weeks before show startsKeely Hodgkinson has also been nominated for the awardCredit: Sunday TimesAlex Yee is also in with a chance after his Olympic heroicsCredit: GettySarah Storey’s Paralympic medalsHere is a look at Sarah Storey’s Paralympic medal haul…1992:2x Gold3x Silver1x Bronze1996:3x Gold1x Silver1x Bronze2000:2004:2x Silver1x Bronze2008:2012:2016:2020:2024:She had already picked up her fifth gold medal in swimming before four of her rivals were born.She first competed in the Games back in 1992 when she was just 14 years old.The mum of two added: “I’m quite happy at being the oldest.”The only person [on the SPOTY shortlist] who was born when I went to my first Games was Joe Root and the other four weren’t born until after I’d won my fifth gold in swimming.”There’s lots of talk around older athletes, especially older female athletes, and I’m involved in research into enabling more female athletes to continue into their late thirties, early forties and in my case late forties.”The example I’m hopefully leading is that you can come back after having children, if you’ve got the right support, if you know your body, and you can continue to enjoy competitive sports at any level.”Storey is aiming to make it ten appearances at the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.However, she is aware of the competition from younger athletes such as France star Heïdi Gaugain.Storey had the edge over Gaugain in Paris as she beat her in the road race after a thrilling sprint finish.She said: “It’s taking it one year at a time and hopefully come March or April, when I’m fully recovered [from her ankle injury], I’ll have got a plan together.”You’ve got to be strategic and if you’re not, you don’t know where you’re going to find those gains.”They’re marginal and they get even more marginal as you get older.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Heidi is getting older and stronger, and that’s exciting.”But I have to make sure I’ve got a plan to counteract her youthfulness.”Joe Root is the final nominee for the SPOTYCredit: APBBC Sports Personality of the Year Award nominationsHere is a look at the nominations for this year’s SPOTY…Luke Littler – Darts starJude Bellingham – FootballerKeely Hodgkinson – OlympianAlex Yee – OlympianSarah Storey – ParalympianJoe Root – Cricketer More

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      ‘I can change the face of this sport’: Barry Hearn reveals failed investment that he regrets the most

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      BARRY HEARN revealed his failed bid to bring gymnastics to the mainstream was his most heartbreaking investment.Hearn, 76, has taken darts, snooker, boxing, pool and tenpin bowling to new heights.Barry Hearn revealed he tried to bring gymnastics to the mainstreamCredit: PA:Press AssociationHearn’s failed attempt to boost gymnastics is his most heartbreaking investmentCredit: GettyAnd the Matchroom Sport president tried to do the same with gymnastics in 2016 but only managed to promote one event.The famous promoter claims the project, which he was very passionate about, never succeeded because of outside interference. Hearn told The Mirror: “I wanted to take over gymnastics, because I think that sport is so brilliant.”I tried two events, but then I bumped into – which I bump into quite a lot – a load of blazers [people in suits].Read More on Gymnastics”When I went into gymnastics, I did a fantastic first event. Then I thought, ‘I can really change the face of this sport’. “And then I just got knocked back [by the governing bodies], because they wanted to keep it to themselves!”I’ve had that with various blazers in various amateur bodies, and it’s very frustrating. I don’t have the time to mess about. I know what I’m doing. I’ve got a reputation built over 50 years. “I can change sports, and I can change people’s lives, but I need everyone to pull together – and so often in sport, they don’t because they’re selfish with their own positions.Most read in Athletics”The people that love their sport but have no real interest in the athletes themselves. And we come from completely different directions. We try and change their lives through money. “I love watching the Olympics, and you should be very proud if you’ve won a medal at the Olympics – but you can’t eat a medal!Barry Hearn sends warning to top darts stars that ‘little Littler Army’ is coming to dominate the sport “We are one of only three countries in the world that don’t pay a bonus for a gold medal, and I find that atrocious. Great Britain – that ‘G’ is looking smaller and smaller. So we need to look after athletes.” More