Paris Olympics 2024

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Athletics

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

      by

      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

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Chelsea ‘block’ stars from joining Thierry Henry’s France Olympics squad but three Premier League aces to go

      by

      ARSENAL and Chelsea blocked three stars from joining Thierry Henry’s France team for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.Henry, 46, who is in charge of his country’s Under-21 and Under-23 sides, will be managing the national team this summer during the Olympics.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry revealed his France squad for the 2024 Olympic GamesCredit: X@equipedefranceFrance manager Henry was denied three key stars from Chelsea and ArsenalCredit: GettyThe legendary striker revealed his squad for the Games and included a number of Premier League stars but was deprived of three crucial players by the Blues as well as his beloved Gunners.According to The Mirror, Arsenal’s record goalscorer wanted William Saliba in his defence but Mikel Arteta refused to let his top centre-back compete for his country.Chelsea’s new boss Enzo Maresca also needs time to implement his ideas and thus decided against letting Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile link up with Henry.However, there was a compromise as Maresca allowed Lesley Ugochukwu to travel to his homeland as he needs minutes to regain essential form.Read More on FootballHenry won’t have any Arsenal players available, but will get to field former Gunners star Alexandre Lacazette who currently plays for Lyon.The ex-Barcelona star has also included Crystal Palace duo Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise who set the Premier League alight after Oliver Glasner’s arrival at the helm of Selhurst Park in February.There was also talk of Kylian Mbappe leading France during the Olympics but the Real Madrid-bound superstar wasn’t part of the squad.Henry claimed he wanted Mbappe but he didn’t even get to negotiate his inclusion.Most read in FootballThe French tactician said: “The last time I received so many rejections was at the University. “There have not even been negotiations. You go, you ask, they say no, you leave.”Watch Dora the Explorer savage Henry, Carragher and Richards on live TV as fans say ‘I’ve officially seen it all’Here Henry’s full provisional France squad for the Olympic Games:Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Obed Nkambadio, Guillaume Restes, Robin RisserDefenders: Bafode Diakite, Mazime Esteve, Bradley Locko, Castello Lukeba, Kiliann Sildillia, Adrien Truffert, Leny YoroMidfielders: Maghnes Akliouche, Joris Chotard, Desire Doue, Manu Kone, Enzo Millot, Khephran Thuram, Lesley Ugochukwu, Warren Zaire-EmeryForwards: Bradley Barcola, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise, Mathys Tel More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt strips to bikini in Bahamas in stunning snaps after qualifying for Paris Olympics

      by

      ALICA SCHMIDT has shared stunning snaps from the Bahamas after qualifying for the Paris Olympics.The track and field athlete was part of the German team that sealed their spot at this summer’s games earlier this month.Alica Schmidt stripped down to a bikini as she relaxed on a beach in the BahamasCredit: Instagram @alicasmdShe wrote ‘Bahamas it was a blast’ as she shared the stunning snaps to InstagramCredit: Instagram @alicasmdSchmidt and her team-mates qualified for the mixed 4x400m relay event after competing at the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Bahamas.Following the event, Schmidt stripped down to a bikini as she celebrated on the beach.The 25-year-old uploaded a series of snaps from the Bahamas to Instagram including several of her relaxing on the beach.She stunned in a black bikini as well as posing in her race gear to compete and celebrate with her fellow athletes.READ MORE ON ALICA SCHMIDTGermany were one of 14 nations to qualify at the event, which also saw a Team GB quartet book their place in Paris.Meanwhile, Schmidt also attached a video of herself enjoying a boat ride whilst visiting the beach.Alongside the snaps, she wrote in the caption: “Bahamas it was a blast.”Her followers flooded the comments, with one writing: “You look perfect.”Most read in AthleticsSchmidt qualified for the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old has been dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’Credit: instagram / @alicasmdAnother added: “Absolutely beautiful.”A third fan also commented: “You’re gorgeous.”World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt takes fans inside day in the life on road to Olympics 2024 with amazing breakfastSchmidt, who has been dubbed “the world’s sexiest athlete”, has amassed five million followers on Instagram.She regularly shares glamorous snaps and action shots from athletic events with her fans.However, she previously revealed that despite her social media fame, she turned down a six-figure sponsorship deal.The revelation came after Schmidt admitted she only earns £611-per-month as a professional athlete.That has not stopped her from qualifying for this summer’s Olympics in Paris, though, where she is set to make her debut appearance.Schmidt was part of the German relay team at the previous games in Tokyo but did not compete in the mixed 4x400m relay, where her team-mates were disqualified from the final.Here’s a glimpse into Alica Schmidt’s glamorous life…Schmidt is a German track and field athlete competing in the 4x400m relayCredit: EPAShe has also amassed five million followers on InstagramCredit: instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt was part of the German relay team at the Tokyo Olympic GamesCredit: ReutersThe athlete regularly shares glamorous snaps with her fans on social mediaCredit: GettyShe previously revealed she turned down a six-figure sponsorship dealCredit: Instagram @alicasmd More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Athletics

      Glamorous British athlete Lauryn Davey shows off her incredible figure as she works on her fitness for new season

      by

      LAURYN DAVEY has shown off her incredible body as she works on her fitness.The athletics star is hoping to make it to the Paris Olympics and has been getting in shape.Lauryn Davey wowed fans with this pictureCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe is getting in shape for the new seasonCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe has a big online followingCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe often posts raunchy content for her fansCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn, 25, also has a big fanbase due to the steamy content that she shares on Instagram.She recently uploaded a picture to display her figure, much to the delight of her supporters.The British heptathlete has 31.4k followers on Instagram with many of them enjoying the snap.They hailed her as they flooded the comment section.READ MORE IN ATHLETICSOne fan pined: “What a perfect body.”A second posted: “So hot.”A third commented: “Gorgeous.”A fourth wrote: “You got this.” Most read in AthleticsA fifth said: “You are stunning.”Another begged: “Marry me.”It is not the first time she has stunned her followers with her pictures.In January she showed off her peachy bum while on a yacht.Last year, she joined the no-bra club and showed off her toned abs.Lauryn enjoys a jet-setting lifestyle which includes beach breaks and snowboarding in Switzerland.Lauryn is a British heptathleteShe has over 30k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyLauryn shares content from her holidaysCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe wore a bikini during a trip on a yachtCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedaveyShe is hopeful of a spot at the Paris OlympicsCredit: instagram @laurynlouisedavey More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal cult hero, 32, in line for shock role at Olympic Games with Thierry Henry ready to call him up to France team

      by

      FORMER Arsenal Alexandre Lacazette is “on the list” to play a surprise role at the Olympic Games for Thierry Henry.Lacazette, 32, has been capped 16 times by France during his career and scored three times for his country.Thierry Henry could spring a few surprises with his French Olympic squadCredit: GettyLyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could be going for Olympic gold this summerCredit: APHowever, he has not represented Les Bleus for SEVEN YEARS – but that could change at Paris 2024.Lacazette left Arsenal for Lyon in 2022 and he has been in sensational form for them since with 42 goals in 60 matches in the top-flight.Despite his prowess, his team were in the relegation zone after 16 games this term until Pierre Sage took over as manager.But Lacazette has fired eight goals since the turn of 2024 as the strugglers climbed up the table.READ MORE ON ARSENALThat form could be about to land the hitman a shot at winning a gold medal for his country.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is the manager of France’s U21 side and will be in charge of the team that enter the Olympics this summer on home turf.He holds grand ambitions of being able to include Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud in his squad.And now Henry assistant, another ex-Arsenal ace in Gael Clichy, has told Telefoot that Lyon skipper Lacazette is also on the list.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe said: “I see that he has a lot of playing time, I see that he is decisive and above all I see that he is a captain. He is a part of this list.“Inevitably, there will be some surprises.”Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakLacazette spent five years playing in London for Arsenal and scored 71 goals in 206 games under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.He lifted the FA Cup in 2020 with the Gunners but returned to Lyon in 2022 after leaving them for the Emirates in 2017.The star recently admitted how he was left shocked by the lack of facilities for young footballers in England.He said: “One thing that surprised me in London: there is no ground where you can play football for free.”And he also hit back at those critics that claimed he has “finished”.Lacazette added: ““Many people thought I was finished.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They were saying that I wouldn’t succeed, that the club was making a mistake.“I wanted to show that Lyon were right in calling on me.”Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend Thierry Henry opens up on biggest career regret that’s ‘always stuck in my throat’

      by

      THIERRY HENRY won pretty much everything in his decorated career but his biggest regret was missing out on the Olympics.The football icon, 46, famously lifted the World Cup in 1998 and the Euros two years later with France.Thierry Henry has revealed the biggest regret in his playing careerCredit: GettyHe earned 123 caps for France, scoring 51 goalsCredit: GettyAt club level, he celebrated success in the Champions League with Barcelona as well as two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups with Arsenal.But he says missing out on representing his country at Olympic level at the Sydney 2000 Games still annoys him.Henry will coach the men’s under-23 squad this summer on home soil and could pick Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe as one of the three over-aged players.The Gunners legend said: “My generation had the opportunity to play in the Olympics.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We didn’t qualify because we were eliminated by an Italian side who also had a generation of great players.“And that’s something that’s always stuck in my throat.“Yes, I experienced some great things after that, but it’s always stayed with me.“Little did I know that, one day, I’d find myself at the helm of a team who had the chance to win an amazing title on home soil.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Olympics is one of the only things I haven’t been able to experience in my life.“It’s just crazy to think that, 26 years later after the World Cup, I’m in a situation like this one.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersHosts France will face the USA in their opening group game in Marseille on July 24 – with the men’s gold medal match staged for the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 9.Team GB failed to qualify a women’s team for the event. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Team GB’s tumbling twins, 19, struggling to qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics after freak injuries following Tokyo bronzes

      by

      GYMNASTIC twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss the Paris Olympics as they struggle to qualify for Team GB.The sisters won Olympic bronze medals three years ago in Tokyo as the four-person British squad stood on the women’s team podium for the first time since 1928.Gymnastics twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova look set to miss Paris 2024Credit: StartraksJessica suffered an ACL injury and Jennifer is dealing with ankle problemsYet it appears increasingly unlikely the 19-year-old tumblers will be involved in the French capital in four months’ time as they are currently in rehab and not yet back to competition.Jessica, the 2022 world floor champion, suffered a freak “full tear to my ACL” that has sidelined her since last October and required knee surgery before Christmas.There is the slim prospect that if she is apparatus-fit come June or July she could be parachuted in as a late sub for the artistic gymnastics team.Jennifer, meanwhile, had a clear-out op this year on her ankle, which has caused her long-term discomfort, but she does not have the qualifying points against her name for selection.Read More on SportSpeaking to SunSport at last weekend’s British Championships in Liverpool, which the duo watched from the stands, Jessica said: “It happened during a warm-up. I just did a simple drill. Unfortunately it just happened.“From October to December, I did a lot of prehab around the knee to make it as strong as possible before going into surgery.“I’ve got a massive, long journey ahead of me. Now it’s all rehab. It’s looking good but obviously the journey is very long with an ACL. I’m not putting a goal or a date on the end.“There are going to be ups and downs along the journey.Most read in Athletics“We aren’t looking at this Olympics, we’re looking at more Olympics ahead. We’re still young, we’ll recover.“We have been supporting each other massively through the highs and the lows, especially as we’re at a low point at the moment.Team GB gymnastics bronze medallist Gadirova twins bag GCSE distinctions “But at least we’re both going through it together, so we can support one other the best that we can.“We know that we just have to recover our bodies and we’ll get there one day. It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe pair have spent time undergoing rehabilitation – which includes specialist physiotherapy and medical support – at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, a facility funded by £7million of National Lottery investment.Whatever happens, unless they make miracle recoveries, they plan to be the biggest cheerleaders imaginable for the Brits across the Channel this July and August.Jennifer, who like her sister was born in Dublin but relocated to the UK, said: “My rehab is taking a little bit longer than expected.“It’s a six-to-eight week recovery. I’m slowly building back. But I haven’t officially been signed off yet.“Yes, we’d love to go to the Olympics. We’ve already done one Olympics before so deep down, we don’t feel like we’re 100% missing out.It’s only a little bump in the road. It’s difficult but it also gives us the fire in our bellies.Jessica Gadirova“We’re already Olympians. We’re already Olympic bronze medallists. That’s a great achievement already.“Missing this one, yes it’s really gutting, but we’re still young and have a bright future ahead of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re so close, it’s amazing to have a twin sister being in the same sport, going through the same issues. It’s just really helpful to push through.“Like Jess, I’m not putting a time frame or a limit to it. I’m focused on making my ankle as strong as it can possibly be, so the issue doesn’t happen again.”*National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport — from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk #MakeAmazingHappen #ThanksToYou More