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    Canadian soccer coach Bev Priestman suspended from Paris 2024 Olympics over ‘drone use against opponents’

    THE head coach of Canada’s women’s Olympic soccer team has been removed from her role amidst an alleged drone spying scandal.The announcement regarding head coach Bev Priestman was made by The Canadian Olympic Committee on Thursday.Head coach of Canada’s women’s Olympic soccer team, Bev Priestman, has been dropped by the Canadian Olympic CommitteCredit: GettyCanada beat New Zealand 2-1 in their first game in ParisCredit: GettyIn a statement, the Committee revealed that Priestman’s removal was down “to her suspension by Canada Soccer.”The team will now be led by assistant coach, Andy Spence, who led them during their 2-1 win against New Zealand.”Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” said Canada Soccer CEO & General Secretary Kevin Blue in a statement. “In light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Team Head Coach, Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and until the completion of our recently announced independent external review.”This marks the latest chapter in a dramatic week for Canada, which all began when New Zealand claimed that a drone had been spotted flying over their training facility on Monday, as per the BBC.The drone was also spotted by police, who arrested Joseph Lombardi, an “unaccredited analyst,” and also interviewed Jasmine Mander, who worked as an assistant to Priestman.Having already reportedly admitted to spying, Lombardi later pled guilty to “maintaining an unmanned aircraft over a prohibited area.”He was handed a €45,000 fine and a suspended eight month sentence.Most read in OlympicsMander denied any knowledge of the incident.Both Lombardi and Mander were sent home.The Olympics are already underway in Paris Meanwhile, Fifa began an investigation into the allegations.On Wednesday, Priestman released an apologetic statement, via the Committee.”On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologize to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada,” she said.”This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our program. How to watch the Olympics in the USAll recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.While you may feel very far from the 2024 Paris Olympics, you can stay up-to-date with all of the action right from the comfort of your sofa.You can watch on:Or if you’re not able to watch, you can follow along with The Sun’s live blog for the latest updates from France.”Accordingly, to emphasize our team’s commitment to integrity, I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from coaching the match on Thursday. “In the spirit of accountability, I do this with the interests of both teams in mind and to ensure everyone feels that the sportsmanship of this game is upheld.”Priestman also reportedly denied any involvement in the incident, according to Rolling Stone.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has led the Canadian national team since 2020, guiding them to a gold medal at the Olympics in Tokyo.The U.S. Sun has reached out to Priestman’s representatives for a comment.Priestman led Canada to a gold medal in TokyoCredit: Getty More

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    Jake Paul is going to Paris Olympics after bursting onto boxing scene with just one defeat on pro record

    JAKE PAUL is going to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter moved to 10-1 with victory over ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry in Florida.Jake Paul is going to the 2024 Paris OlympicsCredit: YouTubeAnd he is now preparing to link up with Team USA’s boxing squad in the French capital – but not to compete. Paul, 27, is instead an honorary coach tasked with raising the profile of the gold medal hopefuls. He is also using his experience on the big stage to help the boxers deal with the pressures of the Games. Paul said on brother Logan’s podcast: “I’m bringing in meditation and them being prepared for the big moment and being there for them to support them in any way possible.READ MORE ON OLYMPICS”I don’t know how much help it’s going to be, I’m sure they’re going to do fine with or without me.”But also to try to bring eyeballs. We’re dropping a documentary on my entire week with them and the whole programme that’s going on there.”Paul even explored the idea of competing in Paris himself only to miss the deadline – with an eye now on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.He said: “We tried. I missed the cutoff. When we came up with the idea we were like three weeks late.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I can do it in LA. I think I might. I feel like it would be sick. I’d get gold medal, bro…”It’s a travesty. We missed the cutoff by about three weeks but if I could’ve gone to one qualifying tournament then it would’ve worked out.Jake Paul calls out Mike Tyson and UFC champion Alex Pereira after KOing Mike Perry”It would be hilarious. Become cruiserweight world champion and then get rid of my professional licence and become amateur, win a gold medal in 2028.”Paul spent a week with the USA boxing squad in Colorado before his last fight and will now jet off to France to link back up with them. He will then focus on his controversial clash against Mike Tyson, 58, which has been rescheduled to November 15 in Texas.Jake Paul is 10-1 in his pro boxing careerCredit: Getty More

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    Six footballers to watch at the Olympics including World Cup winner and former Arsenal fan favourite

    FOOTBALL is back after an agonising break following Euro 2024, at least at the Olympics.The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Games kicks off this Friday.Michael Olise is hoping to win gold for France at the OlympicsCredit: GettyWhile Julian Alvarez is hoping to add to his World Cup and Copa America medals with ArgentinaCredit: APAchraf Hakimi will captain Morocco in ParisCredit: AFPHowever, the men’s football event will be kicking off two days ahead of schedule with opening matches taking place on July 24 and the final – or gold medal match in this case – being held on August 9.The major difference between it and major tournaments such as the World Cup, Euros or Copa America, is the rule requiring players to be under the age of 23, barring three exceptions.The beautiful game has been an event at every summer Olympics except for the inaugural 1896 Games and the 1932 Games, which came as an attempt to promote the then new World Cup.Some major nations have managed to qualify, including France, Spain and Argentina, though the men’s defending champions, Brazil, won’t be there.READ MORE IN OLYMPICSDespite Team GB not sending a team to the tournament – with London 2012 the exception – since the 1970s, massive stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Samuel Eto’o have all tasted Olympic glory.SunSport have picked out six more stars – including some that Premier League fans will be familiar with – to keep an eye on as they aim to light up the tournament this summer.Michael Olise – France/Bayern MunichCrystal Palace fans will feel a pang of frustration knowing they may never see the winger at Selhurst Park again.But Michael Olise will be wanting to show new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany what he will bring to the Allianz Arena in the new campaign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNaby Keita – Guinea/Werder BremenEx-Liverpool star Naby Keita will also captain his nation at the Paris GamesCredit: GettyThe former Liverpool midfielder failed to make the impact expected at Anfield despite 129 appearances, but he has relished his switch to the Bundesliga and leads his nation as an overage player in their first global tournament at this level. Guinea will want to use it as a springboard for 2026 World Cup qualification.The Olympians who have won the most medals – with American swimming sensation Michael Phelps leagues ahead of the restJulian Alvarez – Argentina/Manchester CityThe Etihad striker is missing City’s pre-season tour to the USA in a bid to add an Olympic gold medal to his World Cup and Copa America titles.He is flying back from last week’s final in Miami to join Javier Mascherano’s squad in France, though City supporters may be concerned at his workload.Mohamed Elneny – Egypt/Free agentFormer Arsenal fan favourite Mohamed Elneny will be starring at the OlympicsCredit: GettyNo Mohamed Salah for the Pharaohs, much to the disappointment of their fervent fans, but ex-Gunners midfielder Mohamed Elneny will hope to lead his side into the knock-out stages and possibly beyond. Expectations are high in Cairo and Alexandria.Achraf Hakimi – Morocco/PSGThe flying right-back starred at Qatar 2022 as Morocco became the first African semi-finalists in World Cup history, and he will skipper the side as one of the three overage players in France. Morocco are assured of plenty of local support.READ MORE SUN STORIESFermin Lopez – Spain/BarcelonaFermin Lopez is making an appearance after just one game in Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaignCredit: RexFermin Lopez and Villarreal’s Alex Baena have both jumped straight from Euro 2024 to Paris and are expecting rather more game-time than in Germany. Barcelona starlet Lopez made a 28-minute appearance off the bench in the final group win over Albania. More

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    Paris Olympics star Jalolov is next in line to heavyweight throne and so good he was gifted luxury BMW by boxing boss

    BAKHODIR JALOLOV is the 6ft 7in horse-riding, gun-toting Uzbek southpaw tipped to top heavyweight boxing after the Paris Olympics.The 30-year-old leftie already has a winner’s medal from Tokyo 2020 and is the red-hot favourite to do the double in France.Bakhodir Jalolov won super-heavy Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020Jalolov was gifted a luxury BMW as a wedding gift by a Russian boxing bossAnd – in another embarrassment for struggling amateur boxing – he has been allowed to reach 14-0 in the pro ranks, knocking over all of the stiffs inside the distance.The scary stats impressed Russia’s International Boxing Association boss Umar Kremlev so much he sent Jalolov a luxury BMW – complete with bright red bow tied across the bonnet – as a December wedding gift..And the flashy gift from the controversial figure arrived with a whiff of ludicrous as it failed to blend in with the much more modest surroundings of Jalolov’s home.With 37-year-old undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk, 35-year-old rematch challenger Tyson Fury and 34-year-old former champ Anthony Joshua all approaching retirement, the throne will soon need a huge and super-talented backside to take over.Read more OLYMPICSAnd – even though 19-year-old Kent prodigy Moses Itauma has shown staggering early potential – giant Jalolov is earmarked to be the next monster success.Legendary Top Rank promoter Bob Arum revealed Paris was always part of the plan when the US powerhouse did their deal with the ace.The mastermind, who has played a pivotal role in the careers of icons from Muhammad Ali to Vasyl Lomachenko, explained to us: “When we signed Jalolov last year, his participation at the Paris Olympics was always part of the plan. “I have the utmost confidence that he will win another gold medal.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We plan on moving him very quickly after the Olympics. “He is a uniquely talent fighter, and I do not doubt that he’ll one day be a dominant heavyweight champion.Inside Muhammad Ali’s stunning former LA mansion up for sale“His combination of size and power from a southpaw stance doesn’t come around too often. “Every time I watch him fight, I am amazed by his composure and unique skill set.”The devout Muslim is multi-talented too, judging from the photos and clips from his star-studded Instagram account.Sandwiched between photos of Jalolov with Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson and Cristiano Ronaldo, are snapshots of his far-more pious personal life.The 18st hulk knows his way around a stable and can even mount and ride a giant horse, without either of them collapsing.I have the utmost confidence that he will win another gold medal.We plan on moving him very quickly after the Olympics.He can also bend a left-footed free-kick into the side netting from 25 yards so sweetly that – if he were English – Gareth Southgate would undoubtedly guarantee him three minutes off the bench in a pointless friendly.One Englishman who already rates Jalolov very highly is 2016 Olympic silver winner Joe Joyce, 38 – who beat the rising star in Rio.Jalolov has already been invited out to boxing hot bed Saudi Arabia and mixed with Cristiano RonaldoThe giant Uzbek southpaw has also met Mike TysonTeam GB hero Joe Joyce did beat Jalolov at the 2016 Rio GamesCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Putney Juggernaut – who was robbed of a gold by scandalous judging – told SunSport: “He was quite young back then and I felt I was in my prime, unstoppable.“It was a good fight, he tested me but I was ready and really ripping through people back then.“He was fresh back then and a tricky southpaw, but I was driving through anyone to get that gold medal.“That was eight years ago so he will have more experience and power and be even more difficult to beat.”Away from the ring and sport, Jalolov is a patriot too.Every January 14 he celebrates Uzbekistan’s military holiday by donning their combat fatigues.World title next yearBy Wally Downes JrBAKHODIR JALOLOV will get his world title shot in 2025.A second Olympic gold in Paris at the start of August will only strengthen his case but he already has most of boxing’s powerbrokers firmly in his corner.Heavyweight kingmaker Turki Alalshikh has already hosted the amateur star in Saudi Arabia and promoter Bob Arum knew he was dedicated to competing at the 2024 Games when he signed him last year, so the wheels are turning perfectly.Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will decide an IBF boss on September 21 and Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will settle their two-fight rivalry three months later.Then Jalolov will join in-form giants like Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel – who have seriously impressed in the Middle East since its takeover – in competing for the four major titles that are bound to fragment.Brit prodigy Moses Itauma seems nailed on for the top too but Jalolov has over a decade of experience on him and two Olympic gold medals would definitely put him at the head of the mega-money queue.Saudi is hosting a US show on August 3 in Los Angeles – featuring Andy Ruiz, Martin Bakole and Jared Anderson – and an eye-catching win for one of those hulks will sling them in the mix too.But Jalolov – complete with his rare heavyweight stance, his size, amateur pedigree and power – will be the golden bloke of 2025.Read more from Wally Downes Jr.And in 2020 – to mark the May 9 Uzbek Memorial Day – he showed off his rifle handling skills flanked by soldiers.In Paris, if the form book is to be believed, Jalolov should meet Team GB’s hero Delicious Orie in a mouth-watering semi-final clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Russia-born Brit with the beautiful backstory will need to add another chapter to his tale to win, after suffering three 2024 defeats already.But it already promises to be a cracker as the Turkic cowboy targets one more gold mine before turning pro and hunting down belts to match his stirrups and reins. 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    Chelsea recall £23m star from France Olympics team just days before tournament kicks off in blow to Thierry Henry

    CHELSEA have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympic team just days before the tournament.The host nation begin their campaign against the USA in Marseille on Wednesday.Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympics teamCredit: RexThe midfielder had been included as a replacement by Thierry Henry for the tournamentCredit: GettyThierry Henry’s side are also set to face Guinea and New Zealand during the group stage.However, they will do so without Ugochukwu after the midfielder’s return to Chelsea.A statement confirming he had been recalled read: “Lesley Ugochukwu leaves the Olympic selection.”The midfielder is leaving the French Olympic Team this Friday, July 19, and will not be among the reserves for the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Following a request from Chelsea FC, Lesley Ugochukwu will permanently leave the French Olympic football team and will no longer be available as a reserve.”The technical staff, who have made a request to the organisers to be able to replace him, are awaiting a response. The current group is therefore made up of twenty-one players.”Ugochukwu had missed out on a place in the 18-man squad but was included as one of four replacements.Replacements can play in the tournament at any time if a member of the squad gets injured.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea had previously blocked both Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile from call-ups for the Olympics.Ugochukwu returns to the Blues ahead of their pre-season USA tour, with five matches scheduled including a clash with Real Madrid.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaHowever, the 20-year-old may still not be involved amid a potential move away from Stamford Bridge.Chelsea are keen to loan the midfielder to another Premier League club, with three sides currently interested according to the Metro.Ugochukwu signed from Rennes in a £23million deal last summer, penning a deal through to 2030.He made 13 appearances before a hamstring injury in December ruled him out for six months.Following the lay-off, Ugochukwu played twice more off the bench after returning to action in May.Ugochukwu is expected to be loaned out to a Premier League club this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Meet Molly Caudery, the glam Team GB pole vaulter who doubles up as a model & hopes to take Paris Olympics 2024 by storm

    BRITISH pole vaulter Molly Caudery is Team GB’s glam gold medal hopeful and model.She came fifth in the World Championships in Budapest last August before winning the World Indoor title in March.Molly Caudery is hoping for Olympic success at Paris 2024Credit: PAShe is the current World Indoor championCredit: RexAway from track and field, she also works as a modelCredit: Instagram molly_caudery
    And she has been snapped up by AdidasCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyThe athlete regularly shares bikini pics with her followers onlineAnd she has a huge following on InstagramCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyMolly dates fellow Team GB star Joel Clarke-KhanMolly, 24, holds the British record for the women’s pole vault, with a best of 4.92m.And after adding a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a bronze from the 2024 European Athletics Championships to her collection – she is a medal contender at the Olympics.The Cornwall-born beauty puts several hours into training everyday but still finds time for her other passion – modelling.The pole vaulter is signed to W model management and sportswear giants Adidas recently signed Molly up as one of their athletes.READ MORE IN SPORTShe also has a degree in sports science from Loughborough University, a place she has been using as a base as she gets ready for Paris 2024.Molly admits her chance at gold at the Olympics comes as a shock, saying: “Prior to this year, my sights were always set on LA 2028. But things have really snowballed, I’ve built so much confidence.”And the blonde bombshell shows just that to her 280,000 followers on her Instagram page.She has built up an army of fans by posting clips of her gruelling training regime.Most read in AthleticsBBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony LiveseyThere is also plenty of modelling and holidays snaps shared away from the athletics.Additionally, she loves to travel the world from Indonesia to Monaco to Italy, living the life of luxury.The Weirdest Olympic Sports You Never Knew ExistedAway from the track and field, she is dating high jump and Team GB star Joel Clarke-Khan.And just like stunning Molly, he is a model signed up to FORTE Management.Winning gold is her aim and would complete an incredible road to recovery as less than three years ago she virtually lost her finger in a freak accident at home.Molly, who sports a scar on her index finger, said: “I was doing snatching and, as I brought the bar down, my finger caught between where you rack it and the bar.“It was 90 per cent off. It was holding on by the skin on the side. “Three surgeries later, it is all good. But since then, I had two Achilles surgeries, which put me out for almost nine months. “That was a pretty big setback that I managed to come back from.”Molly is from CornwallThe Amalfi coast is one of many places Molly has visitedMolly always makes time for a bikini dayCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyShe studied at Loughborough UniversityMolly loves travelling the worldCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyShe has soaked up the sun in BaliCredit: Instagram molly_cauderyThe athlete lives the life of luxuryCredit: Instagram molly_caudery More

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    Premier League clubs worst-hit by Paris Olympics with Chelsea and Man City losing stars

    MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are both set to lose two players to the Olympics.With just a seven days to go before the football event starts, the 16 nations involved have released their squads.Julian Alvarez is set to lead the line for ArgentinaCredit: ReutersLesley Ugochukwu will feature for FranceCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta has also been called-up to the French squadCredit: GettyThe gold medal match is scheduled for August 10 at PSG’s stadium Parc des Princes.That’s just a week before the Premier League returns, meaning several players will miss a large chunk of pre-season and possibly be unavailable for the first match.In total, nine Prem stars will feature at the Olympics this summer.Man City see Julian Alvarez heading off with Argentina.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea are also losing two players in USA keeper Gabriel Slonina and France’s Lesley Ugochukwu.Meanwhile, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line for Les Bleus.Wolves pair Boubacar Traore of Mali and Enso Gonzalez of Paraguay are both set to play in France.Gonzalez will be joined by Brighton ace Julio Enciso.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd New Zealand have called up young duo Alex Paulsen of Bournemouth and Ipswich’s Henry Gray.Other big name players battling it out for gold in Paris include PSG’s Achraf Hakimi for Morocco, Argentina’s ex-City star Nicolas Otamendi and former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny for Egypt.Inside sex-mad Olympic Village with 300k condomsSpain have an impressive squad, starring Barcelona wonderkid Pau Cubarsi and Chelsea transfer target Samu Omorodion.Host nation France managed by Thierry Henry are the favourites.He has also called up the likes of Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette to the squad.Players must be under 23 years old to qualify for selection – unless they are one of three over age stars chosen.Premier League stars at the OlympicsJulian Alvarez – Man City/ArgentinaLesley Ugochukwu – Chelsea/FranceGabriel Slonina – Chelsea/USAJean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace/France Boubacar Traore – Wolves/Mali Enso Gonzalez – Wolves/ParaguayJulio Enciso – Brighton/ParaguayAlex Paulsen – Bournemouth/New ZealandHenry Gray – Ipswich/New Zealand More

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    Meet Delicious Orie, Anthony Joshua sparring partner and boxing gold medal hopeful at Paris 2024

    DELICIOUS Orie is part of Team GB’s boxing team at the Paris Olympics.He is the sparring partner of Anthony Joshua and after winning gold at the European and Commonwealth Games, he is eyeing now Olympic gold at the Paris Olympics.Delicious Orie started boxing at the age of 18Credit: GettyHe won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022Credit: ReutersWho is Delicious Orie?Delicious Orie is a British boxer.He was born in Moscow on May 31, 1997 to a Nigerian father and a Russian mother.Orie relocated to England at age seven to escape racial prejudice, settling in Wolverhampton.He played basketball in his youth before transitioning to boxing at the age of 18.read more on Paris OlympicsOrie secured a bronze medal at the 2022 European Championships, marking his arrival on the international stage.He went on to clinch gold medals at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England and the 2023 European Games in Poland.In a BBC interview in 2022, his father disclosed that Orie’s name draws inspiration from Delicious Kennedy, the vocalist of the renowned American R&B and pop group ‘All for One’.Orie holds a first-class honours degree in Business and Management from Birmingham’s Aston University.Most read in BoxingHe told The Sun: “I only started taking boxing seriously after I watched AJ at London 2012.“That’s when it really resonated with me. “That’s my first and biggest Olympic memory — until I do it!“When I started, the man everyone looked up to was Anthony Joshua.“From then it was in my head that I need to win a medal, because this is what GB Boxing has been doing time and time again and proved over and over again.“So it’s only right for me to go out there and do that. “To listen to the coaches and go up there and perform and just have full belief and trust in them and myself.”His plan is to turn professional after the Olympics.He added: “So this is the plan — Paris Olympics and then turn professional. And then world heavyweight champion by 2029.“Early 30s, world champ — I’ll be happy with that.”Will Delicious Orie be competing in the Paris Olympics?Delicious Orie is part of Team GB in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyYes, Delicious Orie will be competing in the Paris Olympics.He secured his spot for Team GB after he won a gold medal at the 2023 European Games in Poland.He told GB Boxing: “Winning gold at a multi-sport event like the Commonwealth Games was a brilliant and I am looking forward to putting all of that experience to good use at the Olympics. “We have all worked so hard to get to this point and, it is great to have qualified, but the job is not yet done and my aim is to keep working hard and make sure I am in the best possible shape when it comes to competing on the biggest stage of all in Paris.”When will Delicious Orie be competing in the Paris Olympics?Delicious Orie will compete from Saturday July 27 to Saturday August 10, 2024 in the Paris Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Olympic boxing competition features 124 male and 124 female participants across seven weight classes.BBC will broadcast the Paris Olympics on BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer live. More