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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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    Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, looks in good spirits as Man Utd legend hugs Team GB gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson

    LEGENDARY Man Utd boss was all smiles at Old Trafford on Sunday – despite a disaster out on the pitch. The former Red Devils manager, 82, was snapped alongside Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson following United’s 3-0 loss to Spurs.Sir Alex Ferguson and Keely Hodgkinson met at Man Utd’s game with Spurs on SundayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/keely.hodgkinson/The legendary boss was all smiles despite the 3-0 lossCredit: https://www.instagram.com/keely.hodgkinson/The Olympic star showed off her gold medal prior to the gameCredit: PAFerguson remains a regular at United games despite his recent health concerns.He posed for a snap alongside Team GB’s golden girl and United fan Hodgkinson. She was given a hero’s welcome as the 800m champion showed off her gold medal prior to kick-off at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old was presented with a framed Man Utd shirt before heading off on a lap of honour. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut she left disappointed as Erik ten Hag’s men fell to a calamitous defeat.Despite the result, Hodgkinson and Sir Alex were all smiles as they linked up after the game in the VIP area.The pair shared a hug as the Atherton native documented her day out to her 521,000 Instagram followers.Hodgkinson wrote: “Thank you for a warm welcome yesterday @manchesterunited. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It was an honour to meet the man of the hour, in the theatre of dreams, supporting the best team in the world.”One fan responded to the snap: “They were just happy to see a winner Keely!”Keely Hodgkinson challenged to rarely-seen race by Olympic gold medal-winning hurdlerWhile a second joked: “At the game yesterday, you were the highlight…..”And a third laughed: “Can you play up front for us?”Hodgkinson jetted straight off on holiday following her heroics in Paris last month. Hodgkinson came out on top in the 800m in ParisCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.She was spotted enjoying a well-earned rest in Marbella, sunning herself on a luxury yacht.The 22-year-old also revealed her mum was a diehard United fan. READ MORE SUN STORIESHodgkinson revealed: “My mum has had a Manchester United season ticket since she was 19.”Her name is on the seats at Old Trafford. She is more of a diehard fan than me.” 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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    Former Premier League star who played alongside Ryan Giggs and Micah Richards comes out of retirement at 33

    A FORMER Premier League star has surprisingly come out of retirement aged 33.The player was a team-mate of Ryan Giggs, Aaron Ramsey and Micah Richards.The Team GB Olympics team in 2012 featured plenty of starsCredit: GettyBut 12 years on from representing Team GB at the London Olympics, the ex-forward has returned.He initially hung up his boots aged just 28.The ace cited his struggles with his mental health and racist abuse when he decided to stop playing professionally.Raised a stone’s throw from Wembley, he burst on to the scene with Watford and shone in the Premier League with Bolton and Burnley. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, he called time on his career after slipping back down the divisions, last turning out for Northampton Town on loan in 2018-19 from Burton. But now Marvin Sordell is back after signing for nearby Kettering Town.The Southern League Premier Division Central side – who play in the seventh tier – announced their latest acquisition on X. Alongside a photo of Sordell smiling, the post said: “KTFC are delighted to announce that former Northampton Town loanee Marvin Sordell has joined the club. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Marvin a greatly experienced forward has played for League teams, the GB Olympic side in 2012 & England U20 & U23 sides. We wish him every success, welcome Marvin.”Sordell is not the only former Premier League man lacing his boots up for the Poppies this term.Premier League fathers and sonsHe will line up alongside ex-Newcastle striker Nile Ranger in attack for the Northamptonshire outfit. Sordell racked up 17 appearances in the Premier League – but famously did not win a single match.That was a record – until Ben Brereton Diaz was on the losing side as Manchester United won at Southampton earlier this month, his 18th Premier League appearance without a single victory. Sordell – who scored four goals in 15 England youth international caps – launched his own foundation after reading a book about trafficking and also fights for other societal issues, especially after his own suicidal attempts.The footballer has also branched into a new career in film.He is co-founder and producer at ONEIGHTY Productions, working behind the scenes on films with Arsenal, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, adidas and EA Sports. Marvin Sordell struggled with depression and feeling suicidalCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunThe forward did not win any of his 17 Premier League matchesCredit: GettyHis campaigning for social justice has been recognised by royaltyCredit: Twitter @MarvinSordellWho are these famous footballers? 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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    Team GB boxer emotionally torn apart and battling depression after Olympics 2024 robbery

    DELICIOUS ORIE has been emotionally torn apart and is still battling     the depression that engulfed him after he was robbed by Olympic  boxing judges.Orie hasn’t yet recovered from that intense sense of injustice he felt in Paris last month.Great Britain’s Delicious Orie, right, was devastated after losing to Davit Chaloyan during the Men’s +92kg final in ParisCredit: PAHe said ‘I’ve never suffered depression in my life before’Credit: GettyDJ, as he likes to be called, won Commonwealth Games and European Championship golds.And Great Britain’s super-heavyweight was a favourite to become Olympic champion.The smell from sewage in the Seine may have been unpleasant but there was a far greater stench in the boxing arena.The XY chromosomes controversy over Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting — allowed to compete in the women’s event despite previously failing gender tests — and some disturbing judges’ scorecards saw to that.READ MORE IN BOXINGOrie wasn’t at his best fighting Davit Chaloyan yet was given the first round by all five judges.The second and third rounds were much closer but DJ and his team were dumbfounded as he was ruled a 3-2 loser.Orie was distraught and is struggling to come to terms with that dodgy defeat to the Armenian.When I tracked Orie down this week, on holiday with his parents in Thailand, he was pleased to unburden himself.Most read in BoxingThough he was 5,000 miles away, I could feel his pain when he said: “It’s going to be a very long time before I get what happened to me in Paris out of my system.“I just can’t stop thinking about it.Ten things from the Olympics closing ceremony you may have missed“Knowing my Olympic boxing history, I know it has happened to much better fighters than me — Roy Jones Jr in Seoul and Floyd Mayweather Jr in Atlanta being the most famous victims.“But I couldn’t believe it when my opponent’s hand was raised — I felt sick to my stomach as if I’d been hit by a low blow from Mike Tyson.“It took eight hard years preparing to win gold, then all my dreams were just shattered.“I’ve never suffered depression in my life before — I just can’t get it out of my mind and my whole world seemed to have collapsed.“I’ve taken a lot of punches, been dropped in sparring, been really wounded as an athlete.I couldn’t believe it when my opponent’s hand was raised — I felt sick to my stomach as if I’d been hit by a low blow from Mike Tyson.Delicious OrieSunSport“But this is by far the worst thing I’ve had to go through — nothing has hurt me as much as this.”Orie is 27 and won’t want to stay amateur for another four years to try to make it to the Los Angeles Games.Not least because it’s uncertain if boxing will be included for 2028.He could turn pro — or quit boxing altogether and rely on his first-class honours degree in economics from Aston University to earn a living.Having failed to get an Olympic medal, DJ can’t expect to be offered a lucrative promotional deal to start punching for pay.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s certainly not too old to leave the amateurs — 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce didn’t turn pro until he was 32 and was interim WBO world heavyweight champ.Orie is not a big puncher but with his brains   and colourful background — his mother is Russian and his father Nigerian — he would be a welcome addition to Britain’s talented and highly competitive heavyweight scene.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More