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      in Athletics

      Farzad Mansouri is Afghan Olympian and Team GB hopeful who fled Taliban and lived in refugee camp for eight months

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      AN Afghan Olympian who fled the Taliban will fight for European glory in Manchester on Saturday thanks to British Taekwondo.And the young refugee could potentially compete for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics if lawyers get him international clearance.
      Afghan refugee Farzad Mansouri is dreaming of representing Team GB at the 2024 OlympicsCredit: British Taekwondo
      Mansouri carried the Afghan flag in Tokyo last summer, but has since fled the TalibanCredit: Getty
      A month after carrying his nation’s flag at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Farzad Mansouri fled Afghanistan with his immediate family in fear of reprisals from the Taliban.
      After spending EIGHT MONTHS in a refugee camp in Abu Dhabi, the 20-year-old came to the UK three weeks ago on a special 12-month sportsperson’s visa.
      GB Taekwondo have given Mansouri access to their training facilities and a place to stay close to their national centre.
      And on Tuesday he was granted the chance to compete in the -80kg class at the European Taekwondo Championships under a refugee flag.
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      Gary Hall, performance director for GB Taekwondo, told SunSport: “Farzad is an incredible young man and very talented. We wanted to help him get back on his Olympic journey.
      “Whilst he is not training or competing that is compounding his mental health issues. We needed to help with that scenario.
      “It’s a tremendous story. We felt we needed to support him.
      “In terms of quality he’s extremely good. To do what he has done, win 6 or 8 medals on the Asian continents, especially with limited resources, is pretty impressive.
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      “Since then he has gone through significant trauma and we don’t know how that will expose itself.
      “Our performance team are working with him on a psychological and lifestyle perspective, to settle here as best as he can.”
      Mansouri, who lost in the men’s +80kg Last 16 at the Olympics, was airlifted out of his homeland before the Taliban took over capital Kabul.
      Two of his family members worked for the government and were deemed to be high-risk targets.
      They fled from their home in Parwan province, leaving behind their house and all their belongings.
      His mum, dad, brother and sister remain in the refugee camp in the Middle East which is providing safety and shelter to around 2,000 people.
      Mansouri said: “It’s still very difficult for me because I’m away from them. I worry about them.
      “They supported me through my career and if not for them I don’t think I would have had chance to go to the Olympics.
      Mansouri is now training with the GB Taekwondo elite squadCredit: Trevor Baxter
      Lawyers hope to get Mansouri international clearance to represent Britain in ParisCredit: Trevor Baxter
      “But for now, I’m very happy to be here. I never had any facilities like this to train in Afghanistan.
      “Sometimes, I still don’t believe I’m here. I’m very lucky and I can’t thank everyone enough for giving me a chance to start taekwondo again.
      “In the camp, me, my brother, sister and nephew lived in one room. I couldn’t train for taekwondo, but I tried to keep myself fit by running and other physical activities.
      “This was all in the camp as we weren’t allowed to go outside. We didn’t see anywhere. Most of the time we were sleeping or eating.”
      Mansouri’s elder brother lives in Reading – he arrived in the UK several years ago – and has obtained British citizenship.
      Lawyers involved in his case are exploring all options but there is the chance he could kick heads in GB colours at a future Olympics.
      Hall added: “His legal status is yet to be confirmed and he has personal ambitions of competing for Great Britain.
      “But also he has personal ambitions to become an Olympic champion – no matter where that might be.
      “Considering the hardship this lad has gone through mentally and physically to harbour those ambitious, knowing his family are still in a refugee camp, is just something we felt compelled to help with.
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      “Who he will fight for has yet to be determined. There’s a lot to be worked through.
      “The most important is about what is best for him and his family first.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Superfit Galal Yafai ready to go distance on 10-round pro debut after Team GB star’s gold medal heroics at Tokyo 2020

      by

      GOLDEN boy Galal Yafai booked a brutal debut on Sunday — after being Team GB’s shock Olympic star.The Birmingham fighter, 29, was crowned flyweight champ in Tokyo last summer to cap a Cinderella story, having worked in a Land Rover factory.
      Yafai will make his professional debut on Sunday eveningCredit: Reuters
      Almost all Yafai’s amateur bouts — taking in two Olympic Games — were scheduled for three rounds and a pro bow is usually an easy four or six.
      But the superfit youngest of three boxing brothers is boldly launching himself into a ten-round clash against Carlos Bautista at London’s O2 as he attacks the 8st division.
      Ahead of facing the Mexican, he grinned: “I was sound with the idea. I am pretty fit and think I can do the ten rounds.
      “Hopefully it doesn’t go the full ten but I’m sure I’ll cope if it does. I don’t want to go out all guns blazing in the first few rounds and blow a gasket.
      “There is a lot of expectation on myself but the Olympic gold is in my past now.”
      Leaping in at the deep end is hopefully the springboard Yafai needs to land a world title inside just ten fights.
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      But he has seen enough of boxing’s dark side — in his own amateur  struggles and the careers of brothers Gamal and Kal — to know it will not be easy.
      He said: “I believe I am good enough to be a world champion, 100 per cent. But it doesn’t mean it is going to happen.
      “There are always ups and downs in boxing. I’ve seen first and second hand with my brothers.
      “So I will just try to work hard and see what happens.”
      Sections of the O2 roof were blown off by Storm Eunice but repairs have been a success and Sunday’s show is on.
      Yafai said: “I’m used to fighting in empty arenas in places like Bulgaria and Hungary, being bored all week in the hotel, so all this is a nice change.
      “This is a lot more fun, we’ve been put up in a nice hotel and I am just ready to go now.”
      Hackney’s WBO cruiserweight champ Lawrence Okolie, 29, headlines against Michal Cieslak.
      And he insists he did not panic when the venue’s roof blew off.
      Ahead of his fight with Polish slugger Cieslak, 32, Okolie said: “I was actually quite calm about it all.
      He will begin his pro journey in a 10-round contest at the 02Credit: Reuters
      “I thought the worst-case scenario would be the fight getting relocated and maybe it might be delayed.
      “But I never try to let anything get to me — I like to take everything as it comes.”
      Meanwhile, Okolie still cannot help laughing when anyone calls him a world champion.
      He claimed the cruiserweight crown last March and is now the proud owner of a faultless 17-0 start to his career.
      His story is even more surreal as he was bullied over his obesity as a child and — just ten years ago — worked in a McDonald’s and considered a career in social services.
      The inspirational turnaround from flipping burgers to headlining at the O2 still has him smiling.
      He explained: “It is starting to feel a bit more normal but I do still laugh when someone calls me ‘the world champion’.
      “I always felt I was meant to do something — but I did not know what that was. I was considering becoming a manager at McDonald’s and because my mum is involved in social work, that was also something that I was looking at.”
      The 14st 4lb ace is itching to unify against any of the three other champs with WBC, IBF and WBA belts.
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      But he has found it a frustrating struggle and so could leap up to the heavyweights sooner than expected.
      He warned: “Every­one knows I want to unify the division and, ideally, go for undisputed with all four belts.
      “But if these other champions avoid me, I’ll move up and get some real dance partners.” More

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      Japan curling skip Satsuki Fujisawa has inspirational message on her hand that’s helped her reach final against Team GB

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      JAPAN curling skipper Satsuki Fujisawa has revealed the inspirational message on her hand that’s helped to set up a Winter Olympics final against Team GB.Fujisawa led her side to an 8-6 win over Switzerland in the semis.
      Japan curling captain Satsuki Fujisawa has found a novel way for inspiration at the Winter OlympicsCredit: Rex
      Fujisawa has a heart-warming message written in ink on her hand
      And Japan will now face off against Team GB for gold in Beijing this weekend.
      It is sure to be an epic showdown versus Eve Muirhead’s Scottish stone sisterhood.
      And it has now been revealed that Fujisawa had an uplifting message inked on her hand during the tournament.
      It read: “I’m a good curler. I have confidence. Let’s have fun!”
      Japan will come up against a Team GB side riding high on a tense 12-11 win against reigning champions Sweden.
      Skip Muirhead said: “It is third time lucky. I’ve lost two semi-finals before and I was desperate for it. 
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      “These moments and opportunities don’t come around very often.
      “I’m so proud of these girls. It is such a team game and all week we have dug so deep. 
      “I’m pretty speechless right now but what a moment. It sounds amazing to say we’re in an Olympic final.”
      Team GB’s men will also contest a curling final tomorrow against Sweden.
      And British sports fans will have their fingers crossed for double curling delight. More

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      Team GB men’s 4x100m relay team STRIPPED of Tokyo Olympic silver medal after CJ Ujah’s failed drugs test

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      TEAM GB have been STRIPPED of their Tokyo 2020 men’s 4x100m silver medal following the confirmation of CJ Ujah’s Anti-Doping violation.Ujah, 27, tested positive for two SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) after the race.
      Team GB have been stripped of their men’s 4x100m silver medal at Tokyo 2020 following CJ Ujah’s Anti-Doping violationCredit: Getty
      Ujah, 27, tested positive for banned anabolic agent OstarineCredit: PA
      The banned substances discovered in his system were enobosarm (Ostarine) and S-23, anabolic agents which help build muscle.
      The sprinter was handed a provisional suspension pending the outcome of an investigation by the Athletics Integrity Unit and a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      But the Londoner and team-mates Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, Richard Kilty and Zharnel Hughes have all lost their medals following the CAS’ ruling that he did commit a violation.
      An excerpt of a press release from CAS read: “Chijindu Ujah (the Athlete) is found to have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) pursuant to Article 2.1 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules (IOC ADR) applicable to the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020.
      “Chijindu Ujah is sanctioned with the disqualification of his results in the 4 x 100m sprint relay Final on 6 August 2021, and his results in the 100m sprint – together with the forfeiture of any medals, diplomas, points and prizes in accordance with Article 10.1 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules for the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.
      “The Great Britain men’s sprint relay team results in the 4 x 100m sprint relay Final on 6 August 2021 are disqualified together with the forfeiture of any medals, diplomas, points and prizes in accordance with Article 11.3 of the IOC Anti-Doping Rules for the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.”
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      Ujah did not contest the findings of the investigation but vehemently denied ‘knowingly or intentionally’ doping.
      And he blamed the discovery of the prohibited agents in his system on the ‘ingestion of a contaminated supplement’.
      The Team GB star said: “I accept the decision issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport today with sadness. I would like to make it clear that I unknowingly consumed a contaminated supplement and this was the reason why an anti-doping rule violation occurred at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
      “I sincerely regret that this has inadvertently led to the forfeiture of the men’s 4 x 100m relay team’s Olympic silver medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
      “I would like to apologise to my team-mates, their families and support teams for the impact which this has had on them.
      “I’m sorry that this situation has cost my teammates the medals they worked so hard and so long for, and which they richly deserved. That is something I will regret for the rest of my life.
      “I would also like to apologise to both British Athletics and Team GB. British Athletics has supported the relay athletes for years and this has been difficult for everyone involved in the programme.
      CJ Ujah has denied intentionally taking performance-enhancing drugsCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      “Representing my country at a second Olympic Games surpassed my childhood sporting ambitions and I will forever be devastated that this situation has marred the success achieved by the men’s 4 x 100 relay team in Tokyo.
      “Now that the IOC proceedings have concluded before CAS, my focus is on the forthcoming proceedings before World Athletics and I will therefore not be making any further comment until those separate proceedings have concluded.”
      As a result of the ruling, Canada’s bronze medal will be upgraded to silver and China will move from fourth place into the bronze medal position.
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      Team GB legend Greg Rutherford reveals bedtime routine ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics

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      BRITISH legend Greg Rutherford has explained how adults can replicate a child’s bedtime routine and why sleep matters ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games.The 35-year-old’s routine includes at least 45 minutes of ‘no screen time’, a warm bath, listening to relaxing music, reading a book, using lavender pillow spray and getting the bedroom set up two hours before bed.
      Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford has spoken of his bedtime routine ahead of the Winter OlympicsCredit: SWNS
      Rutherford has declared he has at least 45 minutes of ‘no screen time’ before sleepingCredit: SWNS
      His insight comes after research revealed 27 per cent of UK adults have no night-time routine at all – and the average person gets just five hours of quality shut-eye a night.
      The study was commissioned by Dreams, the Official Sleep Partner to Team GB and ParalympicsGB.
      Greg Rutherford said: “As an athlete, sleep is up there with being one of the most important elements in influencing our performance, whether in training or just before a competition.
      “But as we can see from the research, many adults are struggling with a good routine and they aren’t quite nailing a good night’s sleep – which isn’t good.
      “Sleep is our superpower! Having a bedtime routine is an essential part of my evening – I call it my ‘reverse warm up’ and it follows a similar structure to my kids’ routines.”
      The research found Brits spend a total of just 12 minutes on their sleep routine a night – with preparation consisting of brushing their teeth, getting into their pyjamas, and washing their face.
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      Just over a third sit reading a book as part of their evening ritual, and one in 10 are winding down with some stretches or breathing exercises.
      However, some adults go the extra mile to get a good night’s sleep – including counting sheep, clicking their body joints, doing 100 press-ups and checking the bed for spiders.
      More than a quarter follow the exact same routine every evening, in comparison to 38 per cent of parents who said their children, age newborn to six, do the same.
      And more than a fifth agree their youngsters never have problems when it comes to drifting off to dreamland.
      It also emerges that 63 per cent agree bedtime rituals can have a positive impact on their sleep.
      In fact, eight in 10 said a good night’s sleep can improve their productivity the following day, estimating to feel 50 per cent more focused the morning after a quality kip.
      Rutherford will not feature in Beijing after his bobsleigh team missed out on selectionCredit: ReutersGREG RUTHERFORD’S TOP TIPS TO A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

      1. 45 minutes no screen time: “I do this as it’s easy to get distracted by checking emails or texts and then your brain starts whirring before sleep.”
      2. A warm bath: “This helps me relax my body, especially if I’ve been working out and need to soothe my muscles.”
      3. Listening to relaxing music: “If I know I might not be able to switch off easily, I try to listen to some relaxing music until I drift off.”
      4. Reading a book: “This helps me unwind but I’ve got a stack next to my bed which I’m yet to finish!”
      5. Using lavender pillow spray: “I use this on my kid’s pillows too because they like it and we can take it with us on trips – it reminds them of home.”
      6. Organising my bedroom: “I like to get everything sorted a couple of hours before bed – so I’m not trying to find things and accidentally perking myself up in the process.”

      And as many as three in four adults say poor sleeping habits can negatively affect both their mental and physical health.
      With people reporting that poor sleep can affect their ability to concentrate, can make them more forgetful and even impact their appetite – resulting in cravings for sugary snacks.
      Yet, nearly a quarter of adults reckon it’s been over a week since they last woke up feeling well-rested. And more than half (55 per cent) admit they don’t get enough good quality sleep.
      The research also reveals that in the lead up to their bedtime routine, adults have 23 minutes of screen time before hitting the hay, according to the OnePoll data.
      In response to the findings, Rutherford shares why sleep is his superpower, explaining his ‘reverse warm up’ including all the things he does to ‘warm down’ for bedtime, to have the best quality sleep possible and to help the nation sleep better.
      Greg also chats with fellow winter sport athletes and Dreams ambassadors, including Katie Ormerod, Greg’s bobsleigh team-mate Lamin Deen and Paralympic GB medallist Millie Knight to help the nation sleep better and find out why sleep is their hidden secret to success.
      Rutherford turned to the bobsleigh after retiring from the long jump in 2018Credit: ReutersTOP 15 THINGS BRITS DO AS PART OF THEIR SLEEPING ROUTINE

      1. Brush teeth
      2. Change into pyjamas
      3. Wash face
      4. Take off glasses
      5. Set an alarm
      6. Read a book
      7. Start routine at the same time every night
      8. Take makeup off
      9. Prep bedroom
      10. Floss
      11. Have a bath or shower
      12. Listen to music or a podcast
      13. Watch videos on phone
      14. Write a list for the next day
      15. Do stretches

      Meric Pekcan-Butcher, marketing communications manager at Dreams, added: “It’s clear to see that our busy lifestyles have an adverse impact on our sleeping routine, even more so for parents with children.
      “We want to inspire the nation and help everyone to get a good night’s sleep.
      “That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford and the amazing Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes to share their exclusive insights and tips on their ‘warm down’ routines.” More

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      Team GB star CJ Ujah stripped of National Lottery funding over Tokyo silver medallist’s failed drug test

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      CJ UJAH has been stripped of domestic athletics funding following his Olympics drugs violation.The sprinter is suspended from the sport after testing positive for banned substances at the Tokyo Games in August.
      Ujah has taken his case to the Court of Arbitration for SportCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Ujah with his relay pals Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake in TokyoCredit: Getty
      The case has gone to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the GB team that won 4x100m relay silver behind Italy could be stripped of their medals.
      That would mean heartache for Ujah’s Tokyo team-mates Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake.
      Londoner Ujah, 27, was on Olympic Relays funding – between £21,000 and £28,000 – over the past 12 months.
      He insists he is not a cheat and denies any wrongdoing.
      And if he can prove his innocence in the CAS court then he could possibly request funds – which are provided through the National Lottery – for the 2022 season.
      Olympic head coach Christian Malcolm said: “It was a bit of shock when we found out about the test.

      “It’s very unfortunate, especially the hard work that the whole team had put into it. We’e still waiting to find out what the outcome of that will be.”
      British Athletics Performance Director Sara Symington added: “CJ is currently suspended from the sport so we were unable to consider him in this selection process. That was the rationale.”
      A group of 67 athletes have been offered membership to join the Olympic World Class Programme pool of cash.
      This includes Keely Hodgkinson, 19, who came from nowhere to win an Olympic 800m silver medal and the European indoors title.
      Scottish runner Andrew Butchart has been removed from Olympic Podium Potential funding of £10,000 to £16,000 despite finishing 11th in the 5,000m Olympic final.
      Athletics bosses say this was for ‘performance’ reasons not due to his embarrassing comments about allegedly faking Covid travel tests on a podcast. More

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      London Marathon hopeful Charlotte Purdue stopped running late at night in training after Sarah Everard tragedy

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      CHARLOTTE PURDUE refused to go running late at night or through empty parks in training for Sunday’s London Marathon.The safety of women on our streets has become a major talking point following the abduction and murder of Sarah Everard in March.
      Charlotte Purdue refused to train late at night after Sarah Everard’s murderCredit: PA
      Everard, 33, was kidnapped, raped and killed by policeman Wayne Couzens in MarchCredit: Reuters
      Everard, 33, was walking home alone at night when she was kidnapped, raped and killed by policeman Wayne Couzens.
      The serving Met Police officer was this week sentenced to life in prison for his hideous crimes.
      In recent days many women have revealed online their own near-escapes and encounters with dangerous men at night time.
      Purdue, Britain’s fourth fastest woman of all time over 26.2 miles, said: “I’ve been thinking of the Sarah Everard case a lot the last few days.
      “I personally only really run in well-populated places and in the day — not late at night or through empty parks.
      “I hadn’t thought about it much before this whole situation but I definitely have to a lot more now.
      “I run on the treadmill now when it’s dark and in winter because it’s a lot safer. In the day I do feel safe running outside by myself.

      “I’d say more streetlights, and CCTV cameras, stuff like that would help. People have to make their own decision on if they feel safe or where they run.”
      Purdue aims to use the 41st London Marathon — rescheduled from April — to show Team GB selectors were wrong to crush her Olympics dream.
      The 30-year-old ran her PB of 2:25:38 at the 2019 London Marathon but was snubbed for Tokyo — with Brits Stephanie Davis, Jess Piasecki and Steph Twell all flopping in Sapporo.
      It proved a very stressful time for Purdue, who was naturally left ‘gutted’, and she attempted in vain to appeal the decision.
      The Aldershot ace claims there were untruths told about her training and physical condition in the selection meeting, which she was keen to rectify on the record.
      And now seven months on, she feels let down by the lack of communication from UK Athletics about why she was ignored.
      ‘TOOK TIME TO GET OVER IT’
      Purdue said: “It has taken some time to get over what happened.
      “I was advised by the British Athletes Commission and they set me up with some legal advice.
      “When my appeal was unsuccessful, they advised me to write an open letter to UK Athletics boss Jo Coates about the whole situation.
      “I did receive a reply from her in March, a letter basically saying she acknowledged my points but I have had no communication since then.
      “The Olympics is such a big thing and I felt I did deserve a spot in the team. I feel like I could have run well in Tokyo.
      “I definitely haven’t forgotten about it but I just want to move on now and focus on Sunday.
      “The point to prove is more to myself that I’m back to my best rather than me proving anything to someone else.
      “It’s definitely tainted my desire. I’d obviously love to represent GB again but I definitely won’t forget about this whole year and situation.” More

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      CJ Ujah breaks silence on doping ban as ‘shocked’ Team GB relay silver medal winner says ‘I am not a cheat’

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      TEAM GB star CJ Ujah has declared ‘I am not a cheat’ after being provisionally suspended for an alleged anti-doping breach.The 27-year-old won 4x100m sprint silver in Tokyo.
      CJ Ujah declared ‘I am not a cheat’Credit: PA
      CJ Ujah poses alongside his team-mates on the podium after winning 4x100m relay silver in TokyoCredit: Getty
      But Ujah, as well as team-mates Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, could be stripped of his medal if he is found guilty.
      Ujah, however, is adamant that he did nothing wrong.
      Breaking his silence, he told PA: “It’s taken me a few days to process the information I received on Thursday shortly before it was made public.
      “I am completely shocked and devastated by this news.
      “To be absolutely clear, I am not a cheat and I have never and would never knowingly take a banned substance.
      “I love my sport and I know my responsibilities both as an athlete and as a team-mate.

      “I am respecting the formal processes and will not be making any further comment until it is appropriate to do so.”
      The presence of banned substances ostarine and S-23 were found in Ujah’s sample.
      These help with building muscle.
      Italy’s shock double-gold winning sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs taunted that he ‘smiled’ when hearing the news of Ujah’s provisional suspension.
      He told Tuttosport: “Doping? The situation has not touched me so much.
      After seeing the Ujah investigation I would say that perhaps it is better to look into your own house first and then attack others. It makes me smileLamont Marcell Jacobs
      “I know the sacrifices and the blows I went through to get here and instead I want to enjoy it 100 per cent.
      ‘”After seeing the Ujah investigation I would say that perhaps it is better to look into your own house first and then attack others. It makes me smile.”
      If found guilty, in addition to losing his silver medal, Ujah could be booted out of athletics for four years.
      First, however, he can ask to have his B sample analysed.
      Lamont Marcell Jacobs poses with one of his goldsCredit: AFP
      Team GB Olympic star CJ Ujah suspended over doping violation after helping men’s 4x100m relay team take silver in Tokyo More