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      BBC commentator gasps live on air as long jumper ‘goes into orbit’ after epic fail at World Athletics Championships

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      AN UNFORTUNATE long jump star caused a BBC commentator to gasp after slipping at the World Athletics Championships.Carey Mcleod, 25, slipped on the board as he looked to propel himself, sending him flying through the air head first.
      McLeod slipped as he took off on the jumpCredit: Rex
      He then flew through the air head firstCredit: Rex
      Before landing awkwardlyCredit: Rex
      The unusual incident saw the BBC commentator gasp as soon as the long jumper left the ground and was heard wincing throughout the replays.
      On a slow motion replay of Mcleod in the sand pit, the commentator said: “You can see something has really seriously hurt him there.”
      Luckily McLeod, who represents Jamaica, did not suffer any major injuries and fans were able to see the funny side when the incident was clipped up and put on social media.
      One fan said: “Man just invented a new sport. Far better than the long jump. May need a longer sandpit tho.”
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      Another said: “That man FLEW.”
      A third compared him with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre’s Onana, who nearly gave away a penalty in the club’s opening fixture against Wolves earlier this month and said: “Fantastic imitation of Onana v Wolves.”
      Another joked: “Great new sport. I could watch this all day long.”
      Another fan said: “All jumps should be done this way – superb effort.”
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      Thankfully McLeod wasn’t injuredCredit: Rex
      But the BBC commentators were concerned after the awkward landingCredit: Rex
      The commentators pointed out that these sorts of slips have become a more common occurrence recently after decision-makers decided to get rid of Plasticine on the jump board.
      The Plasticine was placed on the foul line as it would indent if a jumper fouled.
      But that was replaced in 2022 with high-tech cameras used instead to judge fouling.
      The downside of this is the fact that Plasticine also helped jumpers with grip on a failed jump, leading to less incidents like yesterday’s.
      McLeod will be disappointed with his effort, given he was one of the favourites to finish with a medal in the competition.
      His head first jump saw him lose a tie break for a bronze medal with compatriot Tajay Gayle after they both recorded a distance of 8.27m.
      Their fellow countryman Wayne Pinnock looked to be on course for gold.
      But he had to settle for silver after Greek Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou edged him by two centimetres with his final jump. More

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      Incredible moment race walker proposes to fellow athlete at the finish line of major race at World Championships

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      LOVE was in the air at the World Athletics Championships as two competitive race walkers got engaged at the finish line of the 35km walking event.Slovakian walker Hana Burzalova was just crossing the line in Budapest when she spotted her boyfriend Dominik Cerny – who had just completed the men’s event himself, waiting at the finish line.
      Dominik Cerny proposed to Hana Burzalova at the finish lineCredit: Reuters
      Cerny had just completed the men’s race, but waited at the finish line to propose to his partnerCredit: Reuters
      Cerny held his fiancee as the two celebrated their engagementCredit: Reuters
      Cerny got down on one knee to propose to Burzalova and luckily she had enough breath after her exertions in the race to accept his proposal.
      Cerny celebrated by punching the air and then lifted up his fiancee into his arms.
      The couple then posed for the cameras with Burzalova proudly showing off her engagement ring in the photos.
      Cerny, 25, placed 19th in his race, recording a personal best time of 2:32.56 in the process.
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      Burzalova, 22, finished 28th in the women’s race but did clock a season’s best of 3:02.47, meaning there was plenty to celebrate.
      The couple regularly give an insight into their training and relationship on Instagram, which included a recent romantic holiday to Cyprus.
      But Cerny was giving no hints away of an imminent proposal on an Instagram story he posted prior to the race.
      The story featured Burzalova preparing her hydration bottles and energy gels before the race in Budapest and he captioned it: “Ouch, here we go again.”
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      The couple had both just completed personal bestsCredit: Reuters
      The official World Athletics Twitter account posted their congratulations to the happy couple, posting pictures of the engagement with the caption: “She said YES.”
      Race walking also appears in the Olympics and requires competitors to keep one foot on the ground at all times to prevent running.
      Judges sit throughout the race to ensure that competitors stick to the technique.
      Ironically for the couple, a bent knee is also not permitted when competing in the sport and penalties are handed out if the knee is bent within the race.
      Race distances at the World Championships used to be up to 50km but this was cut to 35km last year, with a 20km race also included.  More

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      I’m a Team GB star gunning for gold at Paris 2024 Olympics… just months after giving birth to son-turned-mascot

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      ARTHUR MARCHANT might only be 14 months old but already he has established an important role at British Cycling for the Paris 2024 Olympics.His mum Katy, one of Britain’s leading riders and a medal contender next summer, joked: “He’s the unofficial team mascot. Everyone here absolutely loves him.
      Katy Marchant is dreaming of gold at Paris 2024Credit: Stella Pictures
      Son Archie is Team GB’s unofficial mascot at just 14 months oldCredit: Stella Pictures

      “Arthur came on our recent training camp and spent a lot of time at the track. When he saw the bikes go past, he started to clap.
      “I think he’s aware to some degree of what I do. Like every time he sees a bike, he now says: ‘Mama.’”
      As any parent would appreciate, Marchant faced a task to get Arthur to stay still for SunSport’s photoshoot launch to promote her inclusion in our SEINE-sational Seven Series for the next Olympics.
      She said: “It was quite hard to make a one-year-old cooperate. But I think he did alright. Everyone was jumping up and down, singing and dancing. It was entertaining.”
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      Arthur was born on June 8, 2022 – less than a year after his mum, 30, had crashed out of the Covid-affected Tokyo Olympics in the Keirin quarter-finals and placed sixth in the women’s sprint.
      It was on the flight home that a regretful Marchant – an Olympic bronze medallist from the Rio 2016 Games – felt she had “real unfinished business” within the sport.
      It is why, thanks to the support of the National Lottery, she has decided to combine parenting with pedalling for one more shot at the Olympics.
      Marchant said: “I just didn’t feel ready to give up. But I also didn’t want to completely put my life hold.
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      “My husband Rob and I got married in September 2021, four weeks after the Games. Then we found out I was pregnant.
      “The timing was perfect. I just thought this is the challenge that I need.
      “It was a year of carnage. We have two puppies as well. We were renovating a house. It was all systems go. But it was so worth it.”
      This weekend she will wear GB colours at major level for the first time since giving birth 14 months ago.
      Leeds-born Marchant rides the Keirin at the UCI World Cycling Championships in Glasgow and is a reserve for the women’s team sprint.
      This is the last big event before the Paris programme begins and Marchant knows she has to deliver – selectors will not pick her on sentimental grounds.
      Marchant is ready to make amends for Tokyo 2020Credit: Stella Pictures
      Marchant failed to land a medal at the last OlympicsCredit: Stella Pictures
      Training-wise, her numbers in training have been as impressive as ever, particularly her first-ever 100kg power-clean lift achieved in May.
      Her old heptathlon training partner, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, has been around in recent months to give advice about motherhood and elite sport.
      Mum-of-two Ennis-Hill, 37, famously won the world heptathlon title in Beijing in 2015 – and then Olympic silver in 2016 – not long after the birth of son Reggie.
      Marchant said: “It was nice to have the guidance of those people who’ve done it before me.
      “I literally trained right before having Arthur. I was in the gym the week before. I was on the (static) bike the day before.
      “I’m used to being in pain. My body is used to being tired.
      Marchant wants to improve on her bronze from Rio 2016Credit: Stella Pictures
      Son Arthur will be inspiring his mum all the way to victoryCredit: Stella Pictures
      “Around this time, I was like: ‘Should I be tired? Am I doing damage? Am I doing too much? How much should I push it?’
      “But Jess said to me, just listen to your body. If it feels like you can do it, then you should be doing it. And I’ve ridden that wave pretty much all the way through.
      “Ten years ago, when I first started cycling, I never for a second thought I’d have a family and continue my career.
      “You shouldn’t have to put family on hold for your career and vice versa. I’m a big believer you can do both.
      “I do hope people see my story and think actually it is possible.
      “At times I feel guilty that I’m away racing. I feel I should be at home. I’m just riding around in circles on a bike after all.
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      “But I’m in a really lucky position to be able to get named in the team so soon after having Arthur.
      “I’m only here because I believe my performances can be better and good enough to get on that Paris team.”
      *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

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      We live in shadow of major stadium – we were promised a dream but it’s one of UK’s poorest areas & is covered in dust

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      PEOPLE living in the shadow of a major stadium say they were promised a dream but received a nightmare in one of the UK’s poorest areas.Residents of Newham, East London, around the Olympic Park say the whole place is covered in dust from disruptive building works while crime and poverty run rampant.
      Residents around the Olympic Park in Newham, East London, say they were sold a dream that never materialised.Credit: Getty
      After the London Olympics, there were plans for the area around the park, which hosts West Ham, would be redeveloped into affordable housing and a thriving community hub.
      But only 11% of the 13,000 homes since the area won the bid to host the 2012 games are within the price range of those earning the local average.
      Local resident Muni told MyLondon: “I’m sure there would be more young adults living around here but it is difficult.
      “Even affordable housing is not affordable which is a shame for younger people.”
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      She added that she still struggles with dust from the construction site in her home.
      Muni fumed: “I hoover up and sweep up but two days later it’s back, it’s scary and very frightening.
      “You spend your days trying to keep your place clean.
      “For children who have asthma and allergies, it’s a nightmare.”
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      Others point to issues with crime, while claiming that the nearby Westfield shopping centre has hurt local businesses.
      Perfume seller Hisam Shaikh said: “Those who can’t afford to go to Westfield come here.
      “Security has gone worse. The crime rate has gone up.
      “People just walk out of Poundland with stuff.”
      For binman David Powell, the borough’s story is one of missed potential.
      The summer of 2012 may have been an “encouraging time” for the area, but, according to David, the promised Olympic legacy never materialised.
      He said: “There were a lot of promises but nothing seems to have happened.
      “Before this it was local housing for local people, then all of a sudden everything spiralled out of control – it’s not for normal working people.
      “I work here but my wages have gone down. I have no chance of owning a flat.”
      A spokesperson for the London Legacy Development Corporation, which runs the park, said: “This is a long-term project that will take many years to complete but thousands of new homes have already been built with thousands more still to come – many of them affordable.
      “The Park is now firmly established as a favourite with locals and as an international visitor destination.
      “The Park is delivering on the promises for local people and there is still much more to come.”
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      It comes after it was revealed that a stadium that rivalled Premier League ground’s before it was abandoned is now used as a rugby pitch.
      Meanwhile, residents of the area around another major stadium said they were “sickened” by the council declaring war on fans and turning it into a ghost town. More

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      Fastest-ever Brit Zharnel Hughes predicted he would smash Linford Christie’s 30-year-record after DREAMING 9.83secs

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      ZHARNEL HUGHES had a dream he would become the fastest Brit in history  — and here is proof!Linford Christie’s 100 metres national record of 9.87secs — which was set in Stuttgart in 1993 — was smashed on Saturday night in Manhattan.
      Zharnel Hughes became the fastest Brit everCredit: Zuma Press
      Here is the journal where Hughes predicted his moment of gloryCredit: Supplied
      Hughes, 27, produced a stunning run of 9.83secs that propelled him to the top of the record books.
      When Hughes woke up that morning, he felt compelled to write in his journal he was going to do something special later that evening in the Big Apple.
      SunSport has been shown a photo of his Saturday June 24 diary entry. It reads: “Competition day in New York. I’m going to run 9.83. Slowest 9.89-9.91. HAVE FAITH.
      “I am prepared and I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me!! Watch God!!!”
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      Hughes said: “I saw 9.83 in my dreams. I wasn’t in a race, I just remember seeing the number.
      “So, I got up, said my prayers, and started writing in the book. I just put it down: I’ll run 9.83 today.
      “You could see the whole reaction on my face when I saw the clock. I actually wrote that time in my book and now I’m seeing it right now on the board. It’s a manifestation, it’s the power of belief, the trust in God that everything will align when the time is right.
      “It was surreal to see the British record go down. It’s crazy to think it was set 30 years ago. It’s an achievement of the hard work I’ve put in. I’m proud of myself.”
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      Hughes, whose time is a world lead for 2023, had been told by his coach, Usain Bolt’s ex-guru Glen Mills, that he was in blistering form.
      The qualified pilot, whose previous best was 9.91, said: “My coach had been singing it to me in training. ‘It’s there, it’s there, Zharnel has a great performance in him’.
      “He was laughing on the phone when I called him. ‘Captain Hughes, we did it’.
      “He’s happy, I’m happy. My mum is happy and crying a lot. I’ve made her proud.
      Linford Christie was the previous holder of the recordCredit: Getty
      He has been through trials and tribulations. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he was axed from the men’s 100m final for a false start.
      Then his silver medal in the 4x100m relay was stripped when team-mate CJ Ujah failed a drugs test.
      Hughes said: “I’ve been through a lot of pain. I’m happy I can see the light.”
      He will head to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August as a favourite for the 100m gold.
      Celebrations post-race were relatively low-key as he noshed on Jamaican fried chicken, rice, peas, macaroni and cheese with his pals and agent.
      He had begun the day with a Subway sandwich for breakfast because there was no food available at his hotel.
      What makes this mark so special is the fact he has been through his fair share of trials and tribulations.
      At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he was axed from the men’s 100m final for a false start and then his silver medal in the 4x100m relay was stripped when teammate CJ Ujah failed a drugs test.
      Hughes has revealed had a dream that he would achieve the featCredit: Getty
      Hughes said: “God gives the toughest battles to the strongest soldiers. I strongly believe that I’m one of those guys. I have been through it.
      “I’ve been through a lot of pain man that you don’t even know.
      “I remember reading the comments at the time, and it was easy to get caught up with it, but I locked off from the rest of the world and dug deep.
      “The darkest part of my journey has helped me to be where I am today. I’m so grateful for it. It wasn’t easy but I’m happy I can see the light.”
      Hughes, the reigning European 200m champion, will be next seen in the UK doubling-up in the sprints at next month’s GB trials in Manchester.
      Assuming he remains fit and injury-free, he will head to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in two months as one of the favourites for the 100m gold medal.
      Technical improvements can be made to his start and if that happens come August, he will only get quicker.
      Hughes added: “I don’t have any more predictions in my head. But we’ll try to get a lot faster. It’s great to be mentioned among the greatest.
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      “The sky’s the limit, anything is possible, if you believe in yourself and continue to trust the process.
      “I won’t get caught up in the hype of breaking the record. The job isn’t fully completely yet. I can only get better.” More

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      Meet Yana Egorian, the world’s sexiest fencer labelled ‘hottest Olympian EVER’ after bombarding fans with bikini pics

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      YANA EGORIAN is a fencing sensation and has been labelled the “hottest Olympian ever”.The Russian star has gone viral both for her immense sporting talent and her jaw-dropping online pictures.
      The glamorous star has become popular for her fencing skills – and her brilliant photosCredit: Instagram @egorianiana
      Yana Egorian has collected a load of medals in her long career in sabre fencingCredit: Instagram @egorianiana
      Egorian was once labelled ‘the hottest Olympian ever’Credit: Instagram @egorianiana
      She will currently be preparing for Paris 2024 where she will look to replicate her medal success from the 2016 Olympics.
      Egorian won gold for both the individual women’s fencing event and the team contest.
      The 29-year-old followed this up with more success at the 2021 Olympics as she beat longtime rivals Sofya Velikaya and Olga Kharlan to the gold.
      The 29-year-old competes in sabre fencing, one of three disciplines of the sport alongside epee and foil.
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      She has enjoyed a highly successful career in her field.
      Along with her Olympic triumphs, Egorian has also clocked up accolades in World and European Championships.
      It’s been quite the journey to the top for the star, born in Georgia in 1993.
      Her family moved to Russia when she was a six-year-old and it ended up being the country she would go on to represent on the international stage.
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      The 29-year-old has enjoyed success at both of the last two OlympicsCredit: Instagram @egorianiana
      Egorian became popular on social media among fans for her Instagram snapsCredit: Instagram @egorianiana
      Along with being an incredible sporting success, fans have also been blown away by her bikini pictures.
      She was once dubbed “the hottest Olympian ever” for her racy snaps which got fans hot under the collar.
      Egorian can be seen showing off her stunning figure in several photos while she is pool side or by the beach.
      She went viral back in 2016 after her Olympics success saw Russian media share her glamorous photos.
      Egorian went viral after the 2016 Olympics for her stunning snapsCredit: Instagram @egorianiana
      Since her first European Championship win in 2013, the fencer has gone from strength to strengthCredit: Instagram @egorianiana
      The star will be looking forward to Paris 2024Credit: Instagram @egorianiana
      Egorian moved to Russia aged 6 and went on to represent the countryCredit: Instagram @egorianiana More

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      Meet Yuliia Levchenko, the stunning high jumper who loves to travel and sets fan’s pulses racing with bikini beach snaps

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      MEET Yuliia Levchenko, the stunning high jumper aiming for gold at the 2024 Olympics. Levchenko, 25, is an athlete with a serious travel bug and loves sharing it with her growing Instagram fanbase.
      Yuliia Levchenko loves to share her training and travel with her fansCredit: https://www.instagram.com/levchenkou/?hl=en
      She has a serious travel bugCredit: https://www.instagram.com/levchenkou/?hl=en
      With a particular affinity for the beachCredit: https://www.instagram.com/levchenkou/?hl=en
      Levchenko has been compared to a supermodel by fansCredit: https://www.instagram.com/levchenkou/?hl=en
      She has 404,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/levchenkou/?hl=en
      She often shares her experiences while training as she jets around the globe for her 404,000 Instagram followers.
      Tenerife, Turkey, Italy and France are just some of the places she has visited recently.
      And if there are any beaches on her travels, you can expect to see Levchenko lapping up the sun in a bikini.
      But it is not all fun and games, with a serious training regime to stick to as she aims for gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic games.
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      It will be her third time representing Ukraine, having made her debut in 2016 before an impressive eighth-place finish in 2020.
      Levchenko knows the taste of victory, having been the Under 23 European champion on two occasions and the two-time champion for her nation.
      2023 has started well too, scoring a gold medal in the National Indoor Championships with a jump of 1.96 metres – though this is some way short of her personal best of 2.02m scored in 2019.
      She also knows what it is like to be pipped at the end, having won silver at the World Championships in 2017 and at the European Indoor Championships in 2019.
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      Fans love the variety of content, with many posting messages of encouragement and praising her looks across a number of posts.
      One fan said: “She’s gorgeous… natural beauty, athletic and a champ.🔥🙌🏾”
      A second user wrote: “Terrific! Love how spirited you are. More strength to you, Yuliya!”
      A third declared: “She is what a supermodel should look like.”
      “How pretty are you wtf!!❤️,” commented another.
      Her aim in Paris will undoubtedly be to score a medal for her country as war continues to ravage it.
      Levchenko has posted a number of times about the conflict between her nation and Russia.
      A recent post saw her outside of a ruined apartment building and post a photo of a minefield warning sign.
      While a post from March 1 last year saw her plead: “I just want to live in my country Ukraine! Without Russian soldiers and Putin.”

      She is aiming for a medal for Ukraine in the 2024 Olympic gamesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/levchenkou/?hl=en More