Paris Olympics 2024

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      in Soccer

      Iconic Champions League stadium bigger than most Prem grounds shuts down after authorities LOST maintenance manual

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      GREECE’S iconic Olympic Stadium has been forced to shut down over grave safety concerns.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) is the country’s biggest sporting complex and hosted the 2004 Olympic Games as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.
      Athens’ landmark OAKA Stadium has been forced to shut downCredit: AP
      Greek chiefs lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding OAKA’s maintenanceCredit: AP
      The ground – named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis – holds a capacity of 70,000 and makes it larger than every Premier League stadium bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.
      However, the government decided to close it until further notice due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome.
      All events, including concerts, have been halted indefinitely as the stadium’s roof – as well as that of the cycling track nearby – “did not meet the legally permitted levels of static adequacy”.
      According to journalist Tasos Telloglou, authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.
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      Greek media showed images of the stadium’s crumbling state and claim OAKA had to shut down due to security concerns for fans in attendance.
      According to ERT, prosecutors have already launched a preliminary investigation covering the last five years.
      The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has faced criticism after promising to revamp it in 2021.
      Sports Minister Yiannis Vroutsis admitted the decision to shut the facilities down was “painful”.
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      Vroutsis added that the government is actively looking for the best solution to resolve the issue, but experts fear it will take a long time until OAKA reopens its doors.
      Panathinaikos used the stadium until very recently but had to move back to Leoforos Alexandras and their historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground.
      In fact, the Greek giants faced Villarreal in a Europa League clash less than two weeks ago and won 2-1 before heading back to Leoforos. More

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      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt reveals Paris 2024 Olympics plan as fans say ‘look at those abs… danger!’

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      ALICA SCHMIDT has her sights set on qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.The 400m runner has never participated in the Olympic Games.

      Alica Schmidt has her eyes on the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: Getty
      She was included in Germany’s 4x400m relay squad for the Tokyo Games in 2020 but never took to the track.
      But she is now putting in the work to go one better and race at the Paris Olympics, which begins on July 26.
      Alica shared a photo from a recent event on the track showing off her incredible physique.
      She captioned the post: “The goals are set, the plan is made, it’s time to get back to the grind 💯 Olympic season next year ❤️‍🔥🔥😍”
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      Fans reacted by complimenting the athlete with one follower mesmerised by her abs.
      One fan said: “Not only athleticism is great, but also this figure is crazy.”
      Another added: “Look at those abs… danger!”
      A third said: “Gorgeous 🔥”
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      And another commented: “Abs like a superhero 🦸”
      Alica shared another video of herself in the gym using a Germany Olympic towel, showing she is very much getting in the spirit of the Games.
      The runner sent fans wild with a figure-hugging dress she wore to the Opera, while showing off her abs once again in a matching crop top and skirt.
      Alica recently challenged Erling Haaland to a race, claiming she could run rings around the Manchester City striker. More

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      in Athletics

      Inside the jet-setting life of Brit athlete Lauryn Davey, from bikini-clad beach breaks to snowboarding in Switzerland

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      LAURYN DAVEY can often be seen on the track or in the gym as she bids to make the cut for Team GB at a future Olympic games. The 24-year-old British heptathlete is also a medical student at Swansea University.
      Lauryn Davey enjoys a lavish lifestyleCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey has been able to go snowboarding in SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She frequently shares her outings on InstagramCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      When not on track or studying she enjoys a number of activitiesCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey is gunning for the Olympics in 2028Credit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      However, Davey is not gung-ho 24/7.
      Between training and having her head in medical books, she is able to enjoy some remarkable downtime.
      Davey recently enjoyed some time in Heby, Sweden.
      While there she could be seen taking a dip in a lake while wearing a blue bikini.
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      One fan commented: “🔥🔥🔥 that body is beyond perfection.”
      Keeping with the bikini theme, Davey was seen wearing a red bikini while relaxing in a swimming pool.
      In April she wore a similar bikini on an outing to the beach.
      Davey has also been seen holidaying in numerous lavish spots.
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      From sunny spells in Spain and fab French breaks to Ireland adventures and snowboarding in Switzerland, she has come a long way from her home country of Wales.
      Davey also shares when she is in the gymCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She was seen relaxing in red bikini last monthCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She will be desperately hoping she will get to visit Los Angeles, United States in 2028 when the Olympics roll around.
      The Paris 2024 games come too soon for Davey considering her pursuit of a medical doctorate.
      But Davey hopes the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia, another country on the bucket list, will be her ticket to LA that will see her achieve a lifelong dream.
      Oh, and aside from all of that she is a massive dog lover!
      Davey has more than 22,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She is often seen wearing bikini’s during visits to the beachCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Davey is also a huge dog loverCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey More

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      in Athletics

      Glamorous British athlete Lauryn Davey told ‘that body is beyond perfection’ as she strips to bikini and shows off bum

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      OLYMPIC hopeful Lauryn Davey has stunned fans by stripping down to a blue bikini while away in Sweden.The British heptathlete, 24, has her eyes set on a place at the Olympics in the future.
      Lauryn Davey posed in a blue bikini as she dipped her toe in a Swedish lakeCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She showed off her incredible figure for her followersCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      But as well as her talent as a track and field competitor, she has also built up a substantial following on social media.
      She already has in excess of 22,000 fans on Instagram having posted more than 500 times.
      And her latest snaps saw her dipping her feet into a Swedish lake, before she showed off her impressive physique.
      In response, one fan said: “Never been so jealous of a fish in a lake before 🤩😍.”
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      Another replied: “🔥🔥🔥 that body is beyond perfection.”
      A third replied: “Obsessed with this.”
      While a fourth responded: “Now you’re just showin’ off !! 😂”
      Along with being an athlete, Davey is also pursuing a medical degree at Swansea University.
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      Davey has won junior national titles as a heptathleteCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She has also amassed a big following on social mediaCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      Lauryn has more than 22,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      But her sporting prowess means she has one eye on reaching the Olympics in the future.
      The Paris Games next year will come a little too soon for Davey – who has won a host of junior national titles in heptathlon.
      However, she has her eyes set on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia as her route to qualifying for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
      Speaking last year, she said: “It’s not entirely impossible so why don’t I give it my all? If I give it my all and don’t make it, I’ll have no regrets.
      “Whereas if I tell myself now, ‘I’m not ever going to make it, there’s no point in trying,’ how will I ever know what I can do?”
      Lauryn has shared several pictures in her bikinisCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey
      She boasts an incredible physiqueCredit: Instagram @laurynlouisedavey More

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      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt takes fans inside day in the life on road to Olympics 2024 with amazing breakfast

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      ALICA SCHMIDT has given fans a glimpse into a day in the life of an athlete trying to make it to the 2024 Olympics.The German runner competes in the 4x400m mixed relay and has amassed a huge online following.
      Alica Schmidt has taken fans inside a day of the life of an athleteCredit: INSTAGRAM – Olympics
      She showed off her breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAM – Olympics
      Schmidt kept in shape with trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM – Olympics
      And visited the physio after trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM – Olympics
      She is a runner for the Germany athletics teamCredit: EPA
      She recently competed in the World Championships in BudapestCredit: Getty
      Schmidt, 24, has 4.4million followers on Instagram and is often hailed as the “world’s sexiest athlete”.
      She recently competed at the World Championships in Budapest and reached the final.
      However, the team finished seventh as a dramatic race was won by USA after the Netherlands’ Femke Bol fell metres from the line.
      Following the World Championships, she has now let fans see what it is like in the day of an athlete.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      She uploaded a video to Instagram which showed her be able to have an incredible breakfast.
      The clip then jumps to her arriving for training, followed by an ice bath and physio session.
      Schmit then goes for lunch and has a team meeting before watching the events on television.
      She has also spoken about how she is proud that the team made the final, with her goal being to make it to the Paris Olympics next year.
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      Schmidt has a massive following on social mediaCredit: Instagram_@alicasmd__6
      She has 4.4milion followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram_@alicasmd__6
      She said: “Competing in Budapest has been a great experience. Especially the mixed relay, which was a huge success for the team.
      “We really wanted to make it to the final. It had been a tough road for the last few years.
      “We were incredibly proud that we made it. Germany have a lot of young athletes who work hard. So hopefully we can build up in the future.
      “Of course, Paris is the big goal next year. I want to run there with the 4x400m relay, with the mixed and women’s teams.
      “Improve my 400 metres time. We will see what happens after that.
      “I hope I can show people how great track and field is and encourage people to watch the sport and take part.
      “Make it more popular in Europe but also worldwide.”
      She is aiming to compete at the Paris Olympics next yearCredit: Sportsfile
      She is often hailed as the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’Credit: Getty More

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      in Athletics

      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.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      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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      in Athletics

      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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      in Athletics

      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