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    Inside ‘World’s sexiest athlete’ Alica Schmidt’s jet-setting summer after amazing trips to Italy, Thailand and Maldives

    ALICA SCHMIDT had fans longing for the beach as she shared pics from her glamorous sunny holidays.Schmidt, 25, is a German runner who competed in the Paris Olympics last summer but failed to qualify for the women’s 4x400m relay final.Alica Schmidt shared pics of her glamorous sunny holidayCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt went to Italy, Thailand and the MaldivesCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt shared a series of bikini snaps for her fansCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt enjoyed the crystal waters with some jet-skiingCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt shared a series of glam pics for her followersCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdThe athlete has amassed a huge following on social media with her glamorous persona seeing her dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete”.And she took Instagram by storm as she shared pictures of her recent trips to Italy, Thailand and the Maldives.The German posted photos and videos of her in a bikini enjoying the sun and crystal waters. She also showcased her jet-skiing skills for her fans during her time off.Read More on SportSchmidt posted: “Life is worth living.”The former Olympics competitor’s 5.8million followers were left gobsmacked as they took to the comments section.One fan wrote: “Beautiful caption & video.”Another commented: “I cannot get enough views of that gorgeous water!!!”Most read in AthleticsA third posted: “Life is beautiful and worth living – live it.”This one said: “Absolutely amazing.”Alica Schmidt gives fans glimpse behind scenes at final day at Olympic village and closing ceremony And that one gushed: “Strong and beautiful.”SEE MORE OF ALICA SCHMIDT’S GLAMOROUS LIFE…Schmidt is one of Germany’s top athletesCredit: GettyShe competes in track and field for her countryCredit: GettySchmidt was part of the relay squad for the Tokyo Olympic Games but didn’t competeCredit: ReutersSchmidt has acquired a cult following onlineShe has five million Instagram followersCredit: alicasmd/InstagramThe German is very particular about working with brands More

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    Leeds star Dan James dreaming of winning Olympic gold with Team GB at Los Angeles 2028

    DAN JAMES admits he would like to follow Wales boss Craig Bellamy and play in a possible Team GB Olympic side.British Olympic Association chiefs want a men’s football team at the 2028 Olympics staged in Los Angeles.Bellamy was joined by Welshman Ryan Giggs, Joe Allen, Aaron Ramsey and Neil Taylor in the Team GB side which took part at London 2012Credit: GettyDan James attended a McDonald’s Fun Football Day at Bollington United in Cheshire recentlyBellamy was one of five Welshman who played in London 2012 – the only time since 1960 a GB men’s side has taken part.Leeds winger James said: “If the opportunity arised then I’d definitely be interested. “Not many people can say they have been to an Olympics so if it did arise I’d be more than interested.”New Wales boss Bellamy became the first British to score in Team GB colours in 52 years when he netted against Senegal at Old Trafford 12 years ago.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBellamy was a big supporter of the Olympic movement and described the opportunity as a “great honour”.He was joined by fellow countryman Ryan Giggs, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Neil Taylor in Stuart Pearce’s squad.The FA are believed to be keen to embrace the opportunity.But other Home Nations are concerned a joint GB side with players from the four countries would threaten their independent status with Fifa.Most read in FootballFootball Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney claimed the possibility of GB entering a men’s side has “never been discussed” among Dragons bosses.That is despite the BOA promoting the idea after the Paris Games this summer where Spain beat France 5-3 after extra-time to win the gold medal.James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UKWhether James, 26, plays in LA remains to be seen but Wales aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup hosted in the US as well as Canada and Mexico.Bellamy names his squad today for Wales’ Nations League games away to Iceland and Montenegro in Cardiff this month with James set to miss out due to a hamstring injury.But James is excited about linking up with the new Dragons chief soon as they map out their journey to emulating Wales’ 2022 World Cup qualification in Qatar.James, who was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day at Bollington United in Cheshire, added: “The 2026 World Cup is our big aim. “These Nations League fixtures are very important to put us in a good position going into the qualifiers for the World Cup and we want to get to Group A in the Nations League.”We have had the experience of the World Cup and it wasn’t quite what we wanted. “We were delighted to get there but we were disappointed in the way it finished.”All the players are desperate to get there again. The fans will want to experience it too.”It’s going to be a great one in the US so it’s one we don’t want to miss out on. America is great. “They are producing top footballers and the sport is becoming bigger and bigger over there.  “You see how they put on big spectacles in other sports and that World Cup will be watched all across the globe. It will be brilliant. We don’t want to miss out on that.”James is looking forward to working with ex-Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle wideman Bellamy.The new Wales chief kicked off his tenure with a positive goalless home draw with Turkey and a 2-1 win in Montenegro last month.James said: “It’s a great appointment. I’m gutted to miss out. “The manager is an ex-player who played in my position and had a great career like Ryan Giggs.”Ryan brought me through and I’ll always thank him for that. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But having two ex-players who were great in the Premier League will be nice for me because I can get their experiences as footballers.”TaglineMcDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Daniel James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UK. Sign up to a free session near you at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football More

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    Team GB Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson stuns in bikini during ‘week of paradise’ in Dubai

    KEELY HODGKINSON’S golden glow is as bright as ever – even though she showed off “paradise” in only black and white.Team GB’s 800m Olympic champion went “retro” for two-tone pics from Dubai in a bikini and dazzling mini-dress.Keely Hodgkinson looked relaxed and refreshed in DubaiCredit: InstagramFans loved the ‘retro’ snaps she shared from her week-long breakCredit: InstagramThe smile said it all as Keely took a well-deserved restCredit: InstagramBut the 22-year-old looked far from off-colour – unlike her Manchester United heroes when she visited Old Trafford to display her Paris gold medal before Sunday’s 3-0 defeat against Tottenham.Keely’s sultry Instagram pics of herself from United Arab Emirates were all in black and white.The Mancunian posted: “Thank you for a week of paradise!!” and shared a link to “an exclusive adults-only luxury retreat”.She certainly looked refreshed and relaxed – posing in the water for one shot and with an appreciative grin in another as she protected her eyes from the sun.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSFour of her seven photos were in colour – but all those shots were of local sites, plus one of a well-stocked dining table.And if you looked closely, you could just see Keely’s pink-topped reflection in the bottom of a shiny bowl!Team GB team-mate Daryll Neita, who won Olympic silver in the 100m relay this summer, responded: “Looks like heaven.”And Keely’s 521,000 Instagram followers agreed.Most read in AthleticsKeely got a hero’s welcome at Old Trafford on Sunday but Man Utd lostCredit: PA”You are a dream,” said one, while another responded: “Stunning, Queen of sports!”A third admirer told her: “Black and white filter gives you a retro beauty.”Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics Keely also showed off Dubai’s subtle shadesCredit: InstagramAnd there was a sprint finish to add more simple compliments.These included: “Looking nice”… “Beautiful”… “Gorgeous”… and inevitably “Wow”.All of which must have seemed a million miles – rather than just 4,600m – from the gloomy offerings she’d endured at Old Trafford over the weekend.The middle-distance runner sparkled at a London eventCredit: GettyShe appeared at a Milan fashion show last monthCredit: Rex Features More

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    Team GB Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson given hero’s welcome as Man Utd fan shows off gold medal at Old Trafford

    TEAM GB star and Manchester United superfan Keely Hodgkinson received a hero’s welcome at Old Trafford after her Paris 2024 heroics.Hodgkinson, 22, blitzed the competition to win gold in the 800m at the Olympics in the summer and showcased her medal before United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham.Team GB star and Man Utd fan Keely Hodgkinson got a hero’s welcome at Old TraffordCredit: PAHodgkinson won a gold medal in the 800m sprint at Paris 2024Credit: ReutersMan Utd fan Hodgkinson grew up only a stone’s throw away from Old TraffordCredit: GettyHodgkinson was raised a Man Utd fan in ManchesterHodgkinson received a warm ovation at Old TraffordThe Mancunian athlete saluted the fans before kick-off and received a warm ovation from the home crowd as she stood with a big smile on her face.But that was as good as it got for United fans on the day as they were battered by Spurs in a match which saw Bruno Fernandes shown a straight red – his first sending off for the club.The sprinter didn’t have to come a long way as she was raised only a stone’s throw away from Old Trafford.The Olympian grew up adoring the Red Devils and even managed to enjoy a glimpse of the glory years under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.Read More on Man UtdAnd the runner even admitted that she always had a soft spot for United cult hero Javier Hernandez.Hodgkinson previously said: “I live on my own now. An independent woman. Well, as a United fan, I wouldn’t look over Manchester City would I?“Do I hear the crowd noise? It’s not that bad. I can literally see it across from me and see the lights buzzing when it’s a match night. It’s busy round town.“Where I live is really nice. There is MediaCity. It’s near the airport, the train station and the track. It’s very convenient. I love it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“My mum has had a Manchester United season ticket since she was 19 and her name is on the seats at Old Trafford. She is more of a diehard fan than me.“I got the last glimpses [of the glory years] when I was about eight years old.Keely Hodgkinson challenged to rarely-seen race by Olympic gold medal-winning hurdler“Though I did see his matches, I don’t remember much about Cristiano Ronaldo being at Manchester United the first time round.“I was more a fan of Javier Hernandez or Chicharito as he’s known. I liked him when I was growing up.” More

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    Olympics superstar Keely Hodgkinson reveals shock number of body piercings but says ‘I don’t wear them all now’

    KEELY HODGKINSON has revealed the shock number of body piercings she has.However, the Olympics star admitted she does not wear them all these days.Keely Hodgkinson has revealed her shock number of body piercings in a fan Q&ACredit: GettyHodgkinson answered fan questions on Instagram during a flightCredit: instagram @keely.hodgkinsonHodgkinson was one of Team GB’s standout performers at the Paris Games earlier this summer.The 22-year-old claimed gold in the 800m at the Stade de France to add to her silver in Tokyo three years ago.She has since been ruled out for the rest of the year due to injury, but has maintained a busy lifestyle.Whilst killing time on a flight on Friday, Hodgkinson prompted fans for questions during an Instagram Q&A with her 521,000 followers.READ MORE IN SPORTAfter being asked if she has any piercings, the runner replied: “I don’t wear them all now but I have had over 15 piercings!!”The Q&A also saw Hodgkinson reveal she wanted to go into the army as a 16-year-old before her rise to the top of athletics.Meanwhile, she told fans her parents were her role models growing up and she plans to race the 1500m again one day.Away from athletics, Hodgkinson was also asked about her beloved Manchester United.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShe explained that David Beckham is her favourite United player of all-time as she showed off a snap from a recent Old Trafford visit.Hodgkinson’s gold in Paris added to a pair of World Championship silver medals from 2022 and 2023.Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics The Olympics star explained ‘I don’t wear them all now’Credit: Instagram / @keely.hodgkinsonThe 22-year-old won gold in the 800m at the Paris Olympics this summerCredit: EPAHer golden celebrations later saw the Brit jet off to Marbella on holiday as she opted against attending the Closing Ceremony.Despite her injury lay-off, though, Hodgkinson has already been challenged to a race upon her return.Dutch hurdler Femke Bol has offered her the chance to face-off over 600m in the future.Bol won three medals in Paris, including gold in the 4x400m mixed relay.Hodgkinson has since been ruled out until 2025 with a ‘small injury’Credit: GettyShe has continued to live a glamorous lifestyle since her Olympic gloryCredit: instagram @keely.hodgkinson More

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    Team GB Olympics star Imani-Lara Lansiquot stuns in completely see-through dress at London Fashion Week after-party

    TEAM GB star Imani-Lara Lansiquot dazzled in a see-through dress at London Fashion Week.The 26-year-old won silver in the 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games in Paris.Imani-Lara Lansiquot stunned in a see-through dressCredit: BackGridThe Team GB dazzled at an event to celebrate the end of London Fashion WeekCredit: BackGridShe has been labelled a ‘queen’ by adoring fansCredit: BackGridThe dress was designed by Han ChongCredit: BackGridLansiquot posed with Keely Hodgkinson and Katarina Johnson ThompsonCredit: Instagram @imanilaraBut she has now swapped sprinting on the track for strutting her stuff in the fashion world.Lansiquot was invited to a luxury party hosted by Burberry to celebrate the end of London Fashion Week.She stunned in a revealing outfit that was designed by Han Chong.And Lansiquot loved the look, writing on her Instagram page: “The dress of dreams. READ MORE IN ATHLETICS”Thank you to the best squad for making me feel so beautiful at the Burberry event yesterday evening. Loving being in my fashion era.”The figure-hugging outfit flaunted her incredible physique, with fans commenting: “Mindblowingly beautiful.”Another added: “Star girl.”A third said: “Queen inside and outside the track.”Most read in AthleticsLansiquot was joined at the event held at the Kensington Roof Gardens by fellow Team GB stars Keely Hodgkinson and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.The trio posed for selfies, with the snap captioned: “Track girlies absolutely do it best.”Golden girl Hodgkinson won the 400m in Paris and Johnson-Thompson got silver in the heptathlon.Ten things from the Olympics closing ceremony you may have missedImani-Lara Lansiquot (second left) with Team GB’s 4x100m relay teamCredit: AFP More

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    Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’

    REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her ex-boyfriendCredit: AlarmyRebecca had competed at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: AFPWho was Rebecca Cheptegei? The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events. Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Read more in crimeShe sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei? Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.Most read in AthleticsShe was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024. According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital. The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence. There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei? The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to RebeccaCredit: AP: Associated PressThousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner. The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. “May her soul rest In Peace.”Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024. She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th. When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon. Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships More

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    British star upgraded to Paralympics bronze after gold medal winner disqualified and banned from second event

    BRIT sprinter Zac Shaw will leave Paris 2024 with a medal after a rival was DISQUALIFIED from the T12 100m.Shaw initially finished the race in fourth place, with Turkey’s Serkan Yildirim, USA’s Noah Malone and Brazil’s Joeferson Marinho de Oliveira taking home the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.ParalympicsGB star Zac Shaw missed out on a bronze medal in the T12 100m finalCredit: GETTYBut the disqualification of race winner Serkan Yildirim has resulted in him medallingCredit: GETTYBut the retrospective disqualification of race winner Yildirim due to the discovery of his ineligibility to compete has seen ParalympicsGB star Shaw bumped up to the bronze medal position.A World Para Athletics statement read: “On the morning of 30 August, World Para Athletics (WPA) was notified of a without notice interim injunction issued by a single judge in the Bonn regional court, requiring the NPC Turkey athlete, Mr Serkan Yildirim, to be entered into the Para-athletics men’s 100m T12 and 400m T12 medal events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.”WPA was not provided with notice of the proceedings, or any opportunity to participate in them.”Under both the WPA classification rules and the WPA qualification regulations for Paris 2024 an athlete with a Sport Class Status ‘Review’, such as Mr Yildirim, is not eligible to compete.READ MORE PARALYMPICS NEWS”Solely in order to comply with the court order, WPA permitted Mr Yildirim to compete in the men’s 100m T12 event, pending the outcome of WPA’s appeal against the injunction.”WPA has now successfully appealed the injunction and the injunction has been lifted by the court with immediate effect.”The results of Mr Yildirim in the men’s 100m T12 medal event have been disqualified, with all resulting consequences. “The medals from the men’s 100m T12 medal event will be reallocated.Most read in Athletics”WPA appreciates the patience”WPA appreciates the patience and professionalism shown by the other teams and athletes affected by these proceedings.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChannel 4’s Paralympics Line-UpChannel 4 have a star-studded line-up of hosts and pundits for their coverage of the 2024 Paralympics”WPA is unable to provide further substantive comment at this point in time.”Shaw, 28, has yet to react to the news, although ParalympicsGB fans were over the moon at his retrospective winning of bronze.Heartbreaking moment Brit certain for Paralympics 2024 gold suddenly crashes and collapses onto velodrome floorOne said: “So well deserved! I hope he gets his moment on the podium!”Another said: “What ! Wow! Amazing.”And another said: “Congratulations @shawzac on winning a bronze medal so happy for you.”One remarked: “Fantastic news Zac so happy for you.”Another chimed in: “Wooooo @shawzac bringing home a medal fully deserved.” More