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    Six players to watch from Baller League as former Team GB Olympics ace is hailed by Shearer after stealing show

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    BALLER League UK kicked off on Monday night – and delivered on everything it had promised. With huge names like John Terry, Jody Morris, Jens Lehmann, Gary Lineker, Chunkz, The Sidemen, Alan Shearer and more involved, the pressure was on to deliver on debut night. Marvin Sordell impressed Alan Shearer with a hat-trickChelsea legend John Terry is managing the 26ersCredit: PAEx-Watford and Burnley forward Sordell caught the eyeWith the rules being hugely different to normal football, it was spectacular to see how the players took to the format.Some really stood out, even among talents from the football league and ex-Premier League players like Ciaran Clark and Marvin Sordell. It was Angry Ginge’s ‘YANITED’ who ended the night at the top of the tree.But there were a host of players who impressed from each game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSunSport’s Lloyd Canfield has noted down the ballers to watch…Game One: Mo Mahyoub – YANITEDPK Humble will take the headlines in this game, with his performance bringing the dancing, the skills and the entertainment to the pitch alongside the first goal of the tournament.But it was Mo Mahyoub who stole the show for YANITED on night one. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe attacker was on fire with electric feet, and scored a beauty at the near post, just kissing it before hitting the back of the net. It was a brace for Mo on the night before you knew it, and he was awarded the Man of the match too. Fans baffled as Mark Goldbridge ‘chats up Alisha Lehmann’ on Baller League live watchalongHe is going to be a threat in this league, and it was evident he has shone previously at academies like Man City and Man Utd as well as becoming Manchester’s 1v1 ‘Top Baller’ champion. Serious tekkers. Game Two: Declan McCarthy – MVPs UnitedAlisha Lehmann’s MVPs United took the win over Clint419’s FC R.T.W, and it was no doubt down to their sensational goalkeeper. A good link-up up top provided them with goals, but it was a stunning triple save from McCarthy that really blew me away. Michael Ndiweni scored but it was his keeper Declan McCarthy who shoneCredit: PAAlisha Lehmann is in charge of MVPs United along with Maya JamaCredit: Sky SportsFormer Newcastle striker Michael Ndiweni is not to be sniffed at, and neither is ex-Manchester United midfielder Josh Harrop, but the man in net managed to deny them both numerous times. He was a great stopper, but in this format you also have to be great with your feet, and he had it all. Game Three: Michael Folivi – SDS FCComing up against a side managed by John Terry and Jody Morris would strike fear into some forwards.Not Michael Folivi.The ex-AFC Wimbledon frontman looked more than comfy on the ball, showed off no better than when he strolled forward from the penalty line to stroke the ball into the top right corner when the pressure was on.The 27-year-old is up against some elite forwards in this competition, but for my money he is one of the very best involved. Expect to see more from the lethal striker for SDS FC, who looked like one of the best teams on the night.Micah Richards was a big-name observer at the Copper Box ArenaCredit: PAGame Four: Michael Hill – Santan FCMichael’s footballing pedigree, being formed at academies like Chelsea and Fulham was evident from the get go as he took on a Prem defender with 200 caps in Ciaran Clark. The midfielder was the ‘Starlight’, always in the right ‘Location’ to put the ball in the back of the net in what was a crunch ‘Clash’ for Dave’s side. Working perfectly in the ‘System’, defenders will be having a ‘heart attack’ seeing him line up against them next week. There really were ‘No Words’ that would do his performance justice, with a clean touch and tidy finish making it clear why his gaffer gave him the nickname KDB previously. Game Five: Toby Bull – M7 FCMiniminter’s M7 FC clutched up with a win against Chloe Kelly’s Wembley Rangers, with another goalkeeper proving one to watch in this game. The ex-Brighton stopper, who was in their matchday squad for a win over Manchester United in 2022 now plays for Lewes FC – and is still only 21. Let me tell you this kid made some exceptional saves, with two big ones springing to mind, palmed onto the post and bar. In what was such a tight game his performance was vital, and was another stopper who looked relaxed and composed with the ball at his feet. If I was Todd Boehly at Chelsea, I’d be taking a look that’s for sure. Game Six: Marvin Sordell – Depotrio FCBeing a striker selected for the team by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer can either bring you extreme pressure or extreme confidence. For ex-Prem baller Marvin Sordell, it was the latter. A debut hat-trick bought critical acclaim from Newcastle legend Shearer, and it was more than deserved.When the 1v1 wildcard was called, it was he who stood up, lobbing Henri Lansbury and watching the ball loop into the back of the net as well as keeping it out of his own. READ MORE SUN STORIESA sublime performance from the Kettering Town forward who previously represented Bolton, Burnley, Watford and even Team GB at the Olympics showed that this is far from the end of his journey. An experienced attacker in these tight games will bring an air of calmness to his side which may just prove vital as we progress through the league.  More

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      I’ll never forget coach’s reaction to my pregnancy… getting back to top was such a proud moment says Jessica Ennis-Hill

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      OLYMPIC golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill dealt with many a challenge in her career, but one of the toughest was her coach’s chilling reaction when she told him she was pregnant.It was two years after she had won the heptathlon at the London 2012 Games when she broke the news to Toni Minichiello.Jessica Ennis-Hill at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards last yearCredit: GettyJessica shows off her baby bump in 2014 while pregnant with the first of her two childrenCredit: Getty Images – GettyTrainer Toni Minichiello with Jessica at 2012 GamesCredit: GettyInstead of congratulating her, he instantly began scrolling through competition dates on his laptop to work out the bombshell implications.Jessica, who was made a dame in 2017 on the back of her Team GB Olympic glory, says of her pregnancy by childhood sweetheart Andy: “It was a bit of a surprise, it all happened sooner than we expected. “It was definitely a shock to all of my team.“My coach had this plan, ‘You’re going to do the Commonwealth Games in 2014, and then Worlds, then Olympics’.READ MORE IN SPORTS“I remember going to his house and being like, ‘I’ve got something to tell you — sit down’. “I was so nervous.“I said, ‘So I’m pregnant . . .’ “He was just so shocked. Most read in Athletics“He didn’t know what to say — he just kind of sat there“And then he got his laptop out and started looking at dates. Jessica Ennis-Hill stuns in bold outfit live on BBC for Paris Olympics as fans say ‘how I have missed you’ “He didn’t even say, ‘congratulations’, he was in such a fluster. “He said, ‘When’s he or she going to be born?’“I was sat there like, ‘Congratulations, you know, anything like that would be nice’. “Eventually he said, ‘Congratulations’.”Defining momentMinichiello was later banned from UK Athletics due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denied.Following the 2022 ruling, Jessica said she was never on the receiving end of any such misbehaviour.But she will never forget his cold response to being told back in 2014 that she was to become a mum at age 28.She adds: “It was quite a challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career.“You do all your career stuff then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.”Jessica was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games as a result.She was then determined to get back to her best, but acknowledged her body had changed, so her coach encouraged her not to ­compare how she was before — and just focus on the comeback.She says: “There’s a mental impact when you’re at the back of the group in training — and you’re the Olympic champion.“I would compare myself to me at my best. “When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near.“Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin throw.She says: “My coach would say, ‘These are your post- pregnancy PBs’ [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after baby Reggie arrived in her life, and initially struggled to rebuild her fitness.’Challenging time’She adds: “It was quite a tricky, challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career, you kind of do all your career stuff and then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.” But she was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games — and after she had son Reggie, who is now ten, Minichiello would compare her performances as “before” and “post” pregnancy.She says: “My coach would say ‘These are your post-pregnancy PBs [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after Reggie arrived, and struggled to rebuild her fitness. She says: “There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic champion.Jessica beams after winning gold in the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Times Newspapers LtdJessica competing in the long jump event during the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Getty“I would compare myself to me at my best. When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near. “Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic championJessica Ennis-HillIt was more than OK, in fact, as just 13 weeks into motherhood she stormed back to win the 2015 World Championships in Beijing — then Olympic silver a year later in Rio de Janeiro.Jessica, who would retire the following year, now admits it was crazy trying to achieve again what she had done before her pregnancy.She says: “I thought, ‘What am I doing? What am I training for? This is hard’.“Your body changes so much. “It’s the hormones that go through your body for months after, the relaxing, that makes all your ligaments relax.“So my Achilles were loose and that’s not great when you’re trying to be this coil that needs to jump as high and far as you can.“I couldn’t train like I did before 2012.”But she made it her mission to return to the top of her sport — and soon revelled in the challenge.She says: “That journey was the hardest and the best — that feeling of beating the rest of the world, and those who doubted me, was the best.Greatest achievers“Your body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the Olympics.”While Jessica didn’t get a second Olympic gold, she wouldn’t change a thing.She says: “I was incredibly proud of what my body was able to achieve post-natally. “And having my son was the best thing ever. “But I might just get my silver one sprayed gold!”Jessica and Andy went on to have their second child Olivia in 2017 and she is now retired.When she married construction site manager Andy 12 years ago, she was already a national treasure.Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin.In 2009, the Sheffield-born star won gold at the World Championships in Berlin and, in 2010, gold in the World Indoor Championships in Qatari ­capital Doha, plus the European Championships in Barcelona.In 2011, she claimed silver at the World Championships in South Korea and, five years later, that was upgraded to gold after Russian star Tatyana Chernova was found to have been doping.After silver at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, there then followed her defining moment atop the podium in London.Today, Jessica says she still gets competitive when she laces up her running shoes. Now aged 39, she adds: “I have done parkruns a few times — my husband was doing it quite a bit at one stage.“I still don’t want to get beaten, especially by someone with a buggy!”After retiring and being ennobled in the 2017 New Year Honours, Jessica won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award that year. She has also launched her own post-natal exercise advice app, become a patron of Sheffield Children’s Hospital and is a TV sports pundit. Oh, and she is launching her own podcast, Gold Minds, where she will chat to some of the world’s greatest achievers about how they overcame real-life challengesYour body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the OlympicsJessica Ennis-HillIt means she can finally use the psychology degree from Sheffield University that she gained after leaving school.She says of her podcast: “I get to speak to people about their golden moment that’s changed their life.“They also bring in three items that take us on their journey to reach that moment and the aftermath. “They’ve all been fascinating. “It’s delving into the psychology and mindset.”One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion. Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris ­Paralympics.One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion.Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics,.Jessica says of their chat: “Erin was incredible. “I was sat with my mouth wide open, blown away by what she has been through.“She brought in a wig because that was a huge part of her journey to getting back to ­­winning gold in Paris.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe adds of podcast work: “As an athlete, you’re wanting to push your-self — and this was something out of my comfort zone I wanted to try.” Jessica’s Gold Minds podcast chats with former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and former Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton are on all major platforms. New episodes land on Wednesdays, the next features sports presenter Gabby LoganJessica wearing the Union Flag after her Olympic triumph in front of her home nationCredit: The Times More

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      Meet the Greta Thunberg of Team GB Athletics who has turned down events to avoid flying

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      ECO WARRIOR Innes FitzGerald is ‘gutted’ the British Athletics squad took a flight not the Eurostar to Holland for the European Athletics Indoor Championships.The Greta Thunberg of track-and-field might only be 18 years old, but she cares deeply about highlighting environmental issues.Innes Fitzgerald cares a lot about highlighting environmental issuesCredit: GettyShe prefers not to fly to eventsCredit: GettyTwo years ago, FitzGerald – who is studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter – skipped a cross-country event in Australia in “solidarity” of the “climate breakdown”.And to attend a race in Turin, she took trains, coaches and even rode a bicycle instead of taking a straightforward, direct flight to Italy.Yet for this latest event in Apeldoorn, she reluctantly flew with teammates into Amsterdam because she did not have enough time to sort out a train schedule.FitzGerald, who hails from Beer in Devon, said: “Unfortunately, this time, I hadn’t managed to sort it out.READ MORE ON SPORT“Logistically, it’s been quite complicated. I’ve been very busy with uni stuff and other different family issues.“I do feel like I should be getting the train there and that’s definitely something I’m going to be doing in the future.“And for me, it’s quite gutting that the whole team aren’t going together on the train, considering it’s so close and so easy to do.“But I’ll continue to talk out about environmental issues in the future, because I know it’s really important. I strongly believe that we as athletes have a responsibility.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“There’s always more they can do, whether that’s World Athletics or British Athletics, or any other organisations.“I think there’s always more to be done and I’ll continue to campaign for that. ‘See you next week’ vows Sharlene Mawdsley as she preps for Euro Champs with ‘lots of hard work, good food & goodies’“Whenever I’m getting on a flight, it’s never easy. I’m always thinking: ‘Oh, I shouldn’t be doing this.’“But I know that I’ve got to go to these championships to fulfil my dreams as a professional athlete.“So, it’s just about balancing that and trying to do as much as I can in other areas of my life to try and make up for it – and speak out and raise awareness.“Greta is very inspirational. She has managed to mobilise so many young people.“I think it’s a compliment to be associated with her. If I can do anything near to what she’s done, then I’ll be very happy.”Her first appearance wearing a senior GB top will be on Saturday morning in the heats for the women’s 3,000 metres.A successful junior cross-country runner, FitzGerald finished third in the indoor trials in Birmingham but was selected when second-place Laura Muir suffered a calf injury.FitzGerald is coached by Gavin Pavey – the husband of five-time Olympian Jo – and she said: “There’s not too much pressure on me because of my age and it’s my first senior GB vest.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I just want to go out there and enjoy it. Hopefully I’ll get into that final. That’s where I believe I belong.“Hopefully I’ll compete for one of those medals. But just getting close, that’s the main thing.”Personal best(s)Here is a look at FitzGerald’s recent best times…1500m: 4.15:04 (Watford, 2022)3000m: 8.40:05 (Ostrava, 2025)5000m: 15:26.76 (Manchester, 2024) More

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      Vile stalker sent me death and rape threats – my whole life changed, reveals former GB athlete

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      FORMER Team GB athlete Sabrina Sinha has opened up on her “terrifying” stalker ordeal.The middle distance runner was tipped as a future star after winning a silver medal at the Under-18s European Championship in 2016.Sabrina Sinha has opened up about her “terrifying” stalker ordealCredit: Global PlayerSinha’s stalker hell changed her lifeCredit: AlamyBut soon after her incredible performance, she was targeted by a stalker.Sinha bravely told The Sports Agents: “Around about the time I started to have a stalker, I had just come off European youths. So I was under 18, so a minor at the time. “I was busy with my final year of sixth form, but I was pretty much at my career high.”After graduating, she was going on holiday with friends when she was started receiving horror messages. READ MORE IN SPORTSinha explained: “He sent me death and rape threats, which were not nice at all.”That was direct to my email. I was so shocked by it. I just assumed it was spam originally.”It later transpired that her stalker had being targeting her online for several months.The man from the US was eventually hit with a 14-year prison sentence for cyber-stalking several women.Most read in AthleticsBut the impacts of what happened heavily affected Sinha, who “isolated” herself out of fear at university.She said: “My whole life changed. Until he was caught, I wasn’t allowed to be alone because we did not know what this guy was going to do.”You’re just literally staring at everyone being like, ‘Could it be this person?'”I was actually really fortunate, because he ended up being all talk, which is a terrible reality to say, that I was fortunate that all I got was threats.“I ended up falling out of love with athletics. I took a step back. I am still running, but I’m enjoying it because I’m not in the public light.”She has since spoken out against the behaviour she was a victim off, saying, “As a female athlete I spent my life being subjected to harassment just running along the roads, even from the age of 12-years-old.”Emma Raducanu has been the subject of a similar ordeal after being targeted by a man “exhibiting fixated behaviour” last month.The 2021 US Open champ burst into tears during a match at the Dubai Open after the individual was spotted courtside.Raducanu returns to action at the Indian Wells later this week with increased security. Emma Raducanu was targeted by a man “exhibiting fixated behaviour” More

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      in Boxing

      British Olympic gold medal-winning boxer poses with Nigel Farage as he’s revealed as Reform’s Mayoral candidate for Hull

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      FORMER boxer Luke Campbell has announced he is making a move into politics. The 37-year-old Olympic hero will run as Reform’s Mayoral candidate in his home town of Hull.Boxer Luke Campbell (right) has announced he is going into the world of politicsCredit: Richard Pelham – The SunCampbell was unveiled as Reform’s Mayoral candidate for Hull on ThursdayCredit: ReutersThe former boxer appeared alongside Reform boss Nigel Farage at an event in the cityCredit: GettyBantamweight Campbell won Olympic gold for Team GB at London 2012.He turned pro in July 2013, going on to win 20 of his 24 fights, with 16 by KO. Reform boss Nigel Farage declared Campbell was a “knockout candidate” as the pair posed for photos before his unveiling. Campbell was presented to Reform supporters at Hull’s Connexin Live Arena on Thursday. READ MORE ON BOXINGThe ex-boxer said: “The mayoral role for me isn’t about playing politics.”It’s about the people of Hull. We can either sit down or stand up. “We can stand up for our families, we can stand up for our communities and we can stand up for our future.”Campbell will go up against Conservative Anne Handley, Kerry Harrison for the Greens, Labour’s Margaret Pinder, Mike Ross for the Lib Dems and Yorkshire Party’s Rowan Halstead. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a video released alongside his candidacy, Campbell declared it had been an “honour” to represent his country. He added: “One of the proudest moments in my life was coming home after the Olympics.London 2012 Olympic champion Luke Campbell has announced his retirement from boxing “Seeing all the people that turned out for me. “It was the first time the country came together as one…I will fight for the people of this city.”The 37-year-old hung up his gloves in 2021 following defeat to Ryan Garcia in Dallas, Texas. Campbell had been grappling for the vacant WBC interim lightweight title, almost two years after going down to Vasiliy Lomachenko in a world title fight at The O2 Arena. Campbell rose to fame alongside fellow London 2012 gold medallist Antony Joshua (left)Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut he was stopped by King Ry in the seventh, despite a valiant effort Stateside. Announcing his retirement, Campbell wrote on X: “Every fight, right the way from my debut on 13th June 2013, up to my last on 2nd January 2021, the cheers and messages of encouragement have always been monumental. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Throughout my career I’ve tried to test myself against the very best in the industry and never shied away from anyone. “I’m so grateful this hasn’t gone unnoticed from supporters and I appreciate you all.” More

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      in Soccer

      Son of Premier League and England star breaks championship record after making his way in completely different sport

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      ATHLETE George Mills broke a record to win the men’s 3000m at the British Indoor Athletics Championships.The 25-year-old took a huge nine seconds off the competition’s record to cruise home and win gold in 7:40.16.George Mills won the 3000m at the British Indoor Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: GettyMills also holds the British record over the distanceCredit: RexHis dad Danny Mills played for England 19 timesCredit: GettyMills, who broke the British indoor record by running 7:27.92 earlier this month, has now qualified for the European Indoor Championships.His father and former England star Danny Mills was cheering him on from the stands.On his stunning performance yesterday, George said: “I came here to do a job – that was to first of all qualify and put my name in the hat again for worlds and obviously, to win.”When I go to races now in these championships, I’m going to win medals, so that’s what I’m aiming to do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I really give everything to this sport and I just want to be the best athlete I can.”George competed at the Olympics Games in Paris last summer – with his race was overshadowed by controversy.In a chaotic 5000m heat, the Team GB ace was one of four runners that fell over on the home straight.It led to a confrontation after the finish line as George pushed France’s Hugo Hay and appeared to tell him to “f*** off.”Most read in AthleticsJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then gave a fiery post-race interview and claimed he was “taken down”.His dad was a no-nonsense defender who played for the likes of Leeds and Manchester City in the Premier League.Every team GB gold at the Paris OlympicsThe now BBC pundit was capped 19 times by England and he featured in all five Three Lions games at the 2002 World Cup following an injury to Gary Neville.His other son Stanley, 21, came through the ranks at Everton and now plays for Oxford United in the Championship.Mills played all five games at the 2002 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe watched his son compete at the British Indoor Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: Instagram @dannymills77 More

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      Team GB legend and former Strictly star Roger Black undergoes open heart surgery on condition he’s had for 47 YEARS

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      FORMER Olympian Roger Black has undergone open heart surgery on a condition he has lived with for 47 years.The Team GB legend is a two-time 4x400m relay world champion and he won two silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games.Roger Black has undergone open heart surgeryCredit: InstagramThe Team GB icon won two silver medals at the Olympics in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdBlack, 58, battled a congenital heart condition throughout his glittering career.But the athlete underwent surgery last month after his health took a turn for the worse.Black said on Instagram: “Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root.”My ‘incompetent’ bicuspid aortic valve was discovered when I was 11-years-old and for the last 47 years I have been looked after by the cardiac team at Southampton General Hospital.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”At my annual check-up last summer it was clear that things had deteriorated despite me having no obvious symptoms.’It was a shock but deep down I knew this day would come even though I never allowed my heart disease to define me and prevent me from pursuing my athletic career.”Thank you to Mr Tsang and all the medical team in Southampton who cared for me during what was a tough time in hospital. I am forever grateful.”Most of all thank you to my wife Jules who was there when I woke up in intensive care 11 hours after surgery and has cared for me every day in recovery.Most read in Athletics”Each day has been about small steps – yesterday was a big milestone as we walked to the top of St Martha’s Hill… our special place.”After retiring from athletics, Black worked as a pundit for the BBC as well as appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he partnered pro Camilla Dallerup.The former runner also reached the Masterchef final in 2006, losing to rugby hero Matt Dawson.Black is a father of three, having twin boys George and Max with wife Julia Burgess.He also has a daughter Isabelle from his previous marriage to Elsa Devassoigne.When Black was diagnosed with congenital heart disease aged 11, he was initially banned from playing sport.He eventually got back into playing rugby before switching to athletics aged 18.Black’s health has worsened in recent years and he no longer exercises intensely due to his condition.Roger Black with his wife JuliaCredit: instagram More

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      BBC snub Keely Hodgkinson world record attempt for Blue Planet episode first broadcasted EIGHT years ago

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      THE BBC will not broadcast Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt this weekend on their main channels in a stunning snub.Team GB’s 800 metres Olympic champion is aiming to run the fastest time over the distance indoors on Saturday at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.Keely Hodgkinson’s world record attempt will be shown on BBC IplayerCredit: PAThe feat is the headline act of the inaugural Keely Klassic and other top British stars will be involved across the six-hour hybrid athletics/entertainment meeting.It will be her first appearance in running conditions since the Paris 2024 Olympics when she became Britain’s tenth female track-and-field winner in history.Yet TV bosses are not showcasing the 4.30pm race on BBC1 or BBC2 and it has been squirrelled away instead on the BBC iPlayer – away from casual viewers.BBC1 will be showing Blue Planet II – the Green Seas episode was first broadcast on November 26, 2017 – before Final Score, the football results programme, starts at 4.30pm.READ MORE IN SPORTAround the same time, BBC2 will show a repeat of the 2022 historical drama Mr Malcolm’s List and then it is an old episode of antiques show Flog It!The failure to give her event prominence is surprising given that Hodgkinson, 22, was crowned Sports Personality of the Year by the BBC last December.Hodgkinson’s success at the Stade de France last August was the BBC’s most watched event of the last Olympics with 9.1 million viewers tuning in to see her glory over two laps.It was one of 14 gold medals for Team GB at the Paris Olympics.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis year she is going for a Track Treble, trying to win gold at the European Indoors, World Indoors and World Outdoors within the space of seven months.The BBC declined to comment but it is understood Salford-based bigwigs feel they are supporting the Keely Klassic rather than snubbing it by displaying the action on the iPlayer and digital platforms.Amazing moment Keely Hodgkinson smashes British record to become sixth fastest woman ever ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics More

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      Keely Hodgkinson’s SPOTY win could push Olympic superstar into the £1m-a-year bracket with sponsorships and endorsements

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      KEELY HODGKINSON’S SPOTY triumph is the crowning glory of a magnificent year.And according to financial experts, she is due to receive a cash windfall – possibly pushing her annual earnings towards the £1MILLION mark.Keely Hodgkinson scooped the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awardCredit: PAThe gong capped off an incredible 2024 for the middle-distance runnerCredit: PAAnd it could soon lead to her raking in the cash courtesy of endorsement dealsCredit: REUTERSShe went into the Paris Olympics with an enormous weight of expectations on her shoulders as favourite for 800m gold.But Hodgkinson, still only 22, coped admirably with the pressure to deliver emphatically over 116 seconds and two laps of the Stade de France track.And now she can utilise her new-found fame with the BBC’s SPOTY award to ensure her financial security for years to come.Dr Dan Plumley, sports finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, told casino.co.uk: “Scooping the SPOTY award will only increase her fame and status.READ MORE ON KEELY HODGKINSON“She’s already becoming one of the most recognisable faces for UK Athletics.“Her success can lead to off-track partnerships and endorsements with good relationships with brands and marketing agencies.“Off-field earnings are a key driver of financial success for individual athletes.“And it is not unusual to see athletes pursue sponsorship and commercial opportunities to boost their income.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeely Hodgkinson celebrates her SPOTY win with Trevor Painter and Jenny MeadowsCredit: PA“Form and success on the track will continue to drive what happens for next for Hodgkinson.”But there is little doubt that the sponsorship opportunities will continue to come in.”Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford Hodgkinson stole the nation’s hearts last summer in Paris.Everybody had expected Hodgkinson – the world’s leading 800 metres runner – to storm to victory on the night of Monday, August 5 and she did just that.Her beaming smile and warm personality is why this girl from the Greater Manchester town of Atherton, who now lives in Salford, was voted last night as BBC Sports Personality of the Year.This is the fourth successive year a woman has lifted the prestigious trophy – following tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and footballers Beth Mead and Mary Earps – and that is a record.It is the 19th time in 60 years someone from track-and-field has received the main SPOTY Award, more than any other sport.Decent company that includes former winners Steve Ovett, Seb Coe, Daley Thompson, Kelly Holmes and Mo Farah.A reminder that even if some big names refuse to do media or the sport continues to suffer financial cutbacks, there is an appetite for athletics at the highest level.These days Hodgkinson, is used to winning races that she enters but that was not always the case.Keely Hodgkinson has the potential to become the face of British athleticsCredit: AlamyUntil this summer, the middle-distance heroine had to accept silver at THREE major championships – the 2021 Olympics and 2022 and 2023 World Championships.Those second-placed results really hit her hard, especially as she was defeated on each occasion by fractions of a second.Concerns that she might once again become the bridesmaid were allayed as she entered the Games having posted a personal best of 1:54.61 in London in July – the sixth-best time in history.Everything went perfectly on the track in 2024 – “the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything ” – something that perhaps only happens once or twice in an athlete’s career.Yet this time 12 months ago, she was unable to run for NINE WEEKS over Christmas and the New Year due to a serious knee issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was all down to a freak accident where she had “torn a ligament and tendon and a little bit of my hamstring around the knee area”.Whilst she was eager to resume training early, it was only by listening to and trusting her coach Trevor Painter that she managed to rest up and then make a successful return. More