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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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      in Athletics

      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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      in Athletics

      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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      in Athletics

      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

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      in Athletics

      BBC SPOTY favourite Keely Hodgkinson reveals fashion legend touched her cheek and called her beautiful

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      KEELY HODGKINSON says being branded “beautiful” by fashion icon Giorgio Armani was the craziest thing to happen to her since becoming Olympic 800 metres champion.From the running track to the catwalk, Britain’s athletics superstar is hot property these days and was invited to Milan in September by a major fashion brand.Keely Hodgkinson says she was branded ‘beautiful’ by Giorgio ArmaniCredit: GettyThe Olympic champ is frontrunner to win SPOTY tonightCredit: Sunday TimesShe loved being praised by fashion legend ArmaniCredit: GettyAs someone comfortable in both spikes and stilettos, Hodgkinson was surprised to be noticed by the famous Italian designer who was enthralled with her epic display in Paris.Hodgkinson, 22, said: “The craziest thing that has happened to me? I’m going to say when I met Giorgio Armani . . . “He came over to me and put his hand on my cheek and called me ‘Bella’ (pretty in English). Which I thought was really nice.“He’s just a little man. I met him in Milan at Fashion Week briefly. He can’t speak English but he’s quite into his sport.  He’s a lot older now, he’s 90 years old, but he looks great.READ MORE IN SPORT“He’s still heavily involved in his work. That was a really cool moment.”It is one wonderful example that sums up the mad celebrity world that Hodgkinson now inhabits.But she has earned that as only NINE other women have won an Olympic gold medal in Team GB colours in track and field over 60 years.It is why she is the front-runner to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which is being held close to her apartment in Salford, tonight.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf it happens, and darts star Luke Littler is a strong challenger, she will become the fourth woman in a row to receive the accolade — a record — but ten less than the men’s longest stretch.And her training mentor Trevor Painter, who masterminded three Olympic medallists this summer, is likely to be named Coach of the Year.Olympics hero Keely Hodgkinson thanks her home town for their support at the Paris Olympics Hodgkinson won the 800m gold in ParisCredit: GettyShe became a national treasure with victory over the summerCredit: GettyHodgkinson said: “If I go back to the beginning of the year when I started training, it didn’t go my way at all.“I spent a couple of months out with injury. But I just kept trusting the process and training got better.“About a month out, I realised I was in really good shape.“It’s the first time in a year where I’ve actually achieved everything I’ve set out to achieve on the outdoor track, which is quite special and doesn’t happen very often.”In 2025, Hodgkinson will attempt to win a hat-trick of gold medals at European and World Indoor level and then it is the World Outdoor Championships in September.And the controversial 800m world record of 1min 53.28sec — set in 1983  by Jarmila Kratochvilova of the Czech Republic — is within her sights. The question is whether she can do it in the next 12 months or closer to the LA 2028 Games.Hodgkinson, whose current PB is 1:54.61, said: “Medals can never be taken away from you, so that will always be a top priority. I don’t have a World Championship gold yet.“I do think 1.53 is possible — but obviously it takes a special race.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You’ve got to be in perfect shape, with perfect conditions, the right race for all that to come together.” BBC Sports Personality of the Year will be available to watch live tonight from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayerHodgkinson has also become a style iconCredit: GettyShe is up against some big names for SPOTYCredit: keely.hodgkinson/Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      Incredible display shows Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick for England and Team GB Olympic hero winning gold

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’S overhead kick at the Euros has been honoured on a shop display.One of three installations paying tribute to the nation’s most joyous moments of 2024, it depicts the Real Madrid star’s injury-time bicycle kick against Slovakia.Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick has been honoured in a displayCredit: SWNSThe goal was voted the third most joyous moment of the yearCredit: GettyOlympic hero Keely Hodgkinson has also been shown in a displayCredit: SWNSShe won gold at the Paris OlympicsCredit: The TimesAll three installations were crafted by prop maker Andy Billett using food from the chain’s seasonal menu, including items such as mince pies and gingerbread.Bellingham’s goal is not the only sporting moment of the year to be honoured.Keely Hodgkinson is part of the display as it shows her celebrating her gold for Team GB in the 800 metres at this summer’s Olympics.The displays are on show at the Pret A Manger in New Street, Birmingham.READ MORE ON SPORTThey are completely made out of food and are good enough to eat.Bellingham’s overhead kick was rated third for in the list of most joyous moments in the nation for 2024.Hodgkinson’s achievement came fifth in the rankings.The list was compiled through research of 2,000 adults, which was carried out by Pret.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024 topped the poll, while second place went to Sir David Attenborough for his 70 years on TV.Katherine Bagshawe, Pret’s UK food and coffee director, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to depict some of the most joyous moments that helped define 2024, as chosen by the nation.Keeley Hodgkinson rings Olympic bell“With 25 per cent of respondents saying they associated joy with their favourite foods.”We felt paying tribute through food was a fitting way to celebrate joyous moments.”Other moments that sparked joy in the nation included Oasis reforming and Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.Andy Murray’s emotional farewell retirement match at Wimbledon also made the top ten.Almost half (45 per cent) believe they’ll look back on this year fondly as a time which brought them happiness – with 22 per cent describing 2024 as their most joyful one to date.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn average, those polled have experienced 44 moments of joy so far this year – around four a month – and 30 per cent expect to see an increase next year.But it emerged 50 per cent believe they don’t prioritise their own joy enough, with 33 per cent unable to recall the last time they did something for themselves which gave them such a boost.TOP 10 – 2024 MOMENTS OF JOYHere are the top 10 most joyous moments for the Nation in 2024 according to Pret’s research…1. England men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024.2. David Attenborough celebrates 70 years of service as a conservationist and broadcaster3. Jude Bellingham’s overhead goal for England against Slovakia at Euro 20244. The announcement of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special5. Keely Hodgkinson’s 800 meters gold at the Olympics for Team GB6. Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship7. Andy Murray’s emotional retirement match at Wimbledon8. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour9. The announcement Oasis are reforming10. The Coronation Street 65th anniversary special More

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      in Boxing

      Olympic champ, 53, who David Haye brutally KO’d returns to boxing with emotional statement about ‘facing my demons’

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      AUDLEY HARRISON has announced he is returning to boxing.Harrison became Team GB’s first Olympic boxing champion since 1968 when he returned from Sydney in 2000 with the gold. Audley Harrison announced he is back in boxing as a managerCredit: X/ audleyharrisonDavid Haye knocked out Harrison in 2010Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBut he could not recreate the same success in the professional ranks, infamously losing by third-round knockout to David Haye in 2010.Harrison retired in 2013 but has now revealed plans to return as a manager after having his licence approved. He posted on social media: “I walked away from boxing for many years … partly because I didn’t want to tell my story, as I didn’t want to face my demons of my past, but life doesn’t work like that, so I’m ready to lift the lid, but not now.”All that knowledge & experience I have hasn’t gone, its been sitting dormant, waiting for me to return to guide that fighter who’s fallen and needs my support to help him rise.READ MORE IN BOXING”Ready like Freddy – its’ time to go. Cheers to me.”Harrison turned pro a year after his Olympic heroics and breezed past his first 19 fights. But the cracks started to appear after suffering consecutive losses to Danny Williams and then Dominick Guinn.Williams lost Commonwealth, European and British heavyweight title fights before challenging for Haye’s world heavyweight championship. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut Harrison only landed ONE single punch the whole bout and his career was left in tatters in the aftermath.The heavyweight boxed six times after defeat to Haye, losing for the final time against future champ Deontay Wilder. In retirement, Harrison, 53, featured on TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother and MasterChef while becoming a poker player. Mike Tyson, 58, sparks concern as he says he ‘wants to die in the ring’ ahead of Jake Paul fight in new Netflix video More