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    What are the lyrics for God Save the King and is it both the England and UK national anthem?

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    ENGLAND are heading into the World Cup this winter in Qatar with hopes of winning the competition.The Three Lions are renowned for belting rousing renditions of national anthem ‘God Save the Queen’ before games.
    England will line up to sing God Save the King at the World Cup
    But following The Queen’s passing in September, her son Prince Charles became King.
    The England team will now sing ‘God Save the King’ at the World Cup instead.
    What are the words to God Save the King?
    God Save the King has three verses, with only the first one sung at sports events.
    The lyrics are as follows:
    God save our gracious King!Long live our noble King!God save the King!Send her victorious,Happy and glorious,Long to reign over us:God save the King!
    O Lord our God arise,Scatter her enemies,And make them fall:Confound their politics,Frustrate their knavish tricks,On Thee our hopes we fix:God save us all.
    Thy choicest gifts in store,On her be pleased to pour;Long may she reign:May she defend our laws,And ever give us cause,To sing with heart and voice,God save the King!
    Is God Save the King the British national anthem?
    God Save the King is the de facto national anthem of the United Kingdom.
    It is sung at all events in which the country is represented, however no national anthem has official status as the UK has never passed a national anthem law.
    Is God Save the King the English national anthem?
    God Save the King is normally taken to be the English national anthem.
    But in actual fact, England doesn’t have a national anthem at all.
    The issue has been debated in parliament before, with many believing that English sports teams should have a unique song to sing at events.
    Most sports teams representing England will sing God Save the King before events.
    Is Jerusalem or God Save the King the English national anthem at the Commonwealth Games?
    The English team sing Jerusalem at the Commonwealth Games.
    It has been used officially since 2010 after a public vote.
    Previously, England athletes sang Land of Hope and Glory at the Commonwealth Games.
    The poet William Blake created the lyrics to Jerusalem in 1804, with Hubert Parry adding music in 1916.
    The English boxers are hoping to bring medals homeCredit: PA:Press Association
    What are the lyrics to Jerusalem?
    And did those feet in ancient timeWalk upon England’s mountains green?And was the holy lamb of GodOn England’s pleasant pastures seen?
    And did the countenance divineShine forth upon our clouded hills?And was Jerusalem builded hereAmong those dark satanic mills?
    Bring me my bow of burning gold!Bring me my arrows of desire!Bring me my spear: o clouds unfold!Bring me my chariots of fire!
    I will not cease from mental fight;Nor shall my sword sleep in my handTill we have built JerusalemIn England’s green and pleasant land.
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      in Athletics

      ‘World’s sexiest athlete’ Alica Schmidt sends fans wild in bikini on beach in Bali before starting training camp

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      ATHLETICS star Alica Schmidt wowed her fans with some glamourous beach snaps from a holiday in Bali.The German runner, 23, posted a throwback photo from a previous trip to Bali ahead of starting her training camp.
      Alica Schmidt is back on the track in a training camp in TenerifeCredit: Instagram / @alicasmd / Puma
      The runner often shares bikini snaps on InstagramCredit: Refer to Caption
      The German is known as the ‘World’s sexiest athlete’Credit: Instagram / @alicasmd
      Schmidt wowed her 2.8million Instagram followers with her throwback photo from Bali
      Schmidt’s Instagram stories over the past 24 hours are full of clips showing her on the track and in the gym trying to build her speed.
      She is keen to improve after her heartbreak of missing out on Germany’s final women’s 4x400m relay team for the Tokyo Olympics.
      And Schmidt was excited to be back in training ahead of the start of the racing season.
      Sharing a stunning bikini picture on Instagram from her days in Bali, Schmidt captioned the post: “Can‘t wait to be back in the sun tomorrow 🌞 #trainingcamp #gettingready.”
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}REAL DRAMA .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TV info and team news as Man City take on Real Madrid in a mouth-watering clash
      Unsurprisingly, the photo sent her 2.8million Instagram followers wild.
      One commented: “Amazing angel! 😍”
      Another added: “Just insane 😍🔥”
      And a third said: “Sooo beautiful Goddess 😍”
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      Schmidt is now soaking up the sun once again in a training camp in Tenerife.
      The track star is a frequent visitor to the island and has been busy keeping her fans in the loop with her training regime.
      The 400m runner is trying to build her speed after missing out on the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Instagram / @alicasmd / Puma More

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      in Boxing

      Who is BT Sport boxing presenter Jo Ankier? Londoner is former international athlete

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      RECORD breaking steeplechase runner Jo Ankier has made history for Team GB on the track – and has now become one of the most popular faces in the broadcasting industry.Since smashing THREE British records during her time as an athlete, Ankier has sculpted a decade long career in presenting and live reporting.
      Jo Ankier is one of the most popular TV presenters in British boxingCredit: Rex
      Which includes serving as a presenter for some of the biggest events on the planet.
      But who exactly is she and what major sporting companies has she worked for?
      Who is Jo Ankier?
      Joanna Ankier commonly known as Jo was born August 5, 1989 and raised in North-West London.
      Ankier, 39, attended Henrietta Barnett School before securing a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nottingham.
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      However, it was King’s College London where the former international runner would obtain a sports law diploma to further her post-graduate education.
      The popular TV presenter always had an interest in athletics which led her to train at the UK Athletics Endurance Centre at St.Mary’s University Twickenham – alongside being a member of the Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers.
      Jo Ankier broke three British women’s steeplechase records for Team GBCredit: PA:Press Association
      And by 2005, Ankier had broken three British records in the women’s steeplechase event:

      2003 – 2000m at the Birmingham AAAs Championships (6:48)
      2004 – 1500m at the Bedford Inter Counties Championships (4:52)
      2005 – 3000m at the Naimette – Xhovemont track in Belgium (9:50)

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      Which helped her land a spot on the official video for the successful London Olympic bid also starring David Beckham, Amir Khan and other notable British athletes.
      After participating in 134 national and international events, Jo decided to wrap up her ten year athletics career in 2008.
      But shortly after, an anchor role with Chelsea FC TV set the tone for Ankier to become a star in the media and broadcasting sector.
      Who has Jo Ankier worked for?
      Jo began began her media career with Sky Sports News as a production junior learning editing, script writing and production.
      However, the former athlete featured on the Chelsea FC TV’s Blues News filmed at Stamford Bridge before embarking on her seven-year long journey in America with ESPN.
      Since then, Ankier has gone on to cover some of the biggest sporting events with BBC London Radio, Fox Soccer Channel, The Tennis Channel, Liverpool FC, CBS America, KDOC-TV, Los Angeles, Chivas USA, Vice News, TLN News and Vocative.
      She has also hosted the ESPN international’s global red carpet show as well as reporting solo for International News Channel TRT World becoming their FIFA World Cup correspondent and presenting for their flagship live studio show “Beyond the Game”.
      But the steeplechase star’s involvement with the Olympics is what has really put her name on the grand stage – having covered events at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
      Will she be covering Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte?
      Jo Ankier currently serves as a presenter for BT Sport Boxing and “Behind The Gloves”.

      Her roles include reporting before major events alongside providing post-fight reaction for “FIGHT NGHT LIVE”.
      Thus meaning the former international athlete has been heavily involved in the build up for arguably Britain’s biggest boxing match.
      Which includes being at the face-to-face weigh in between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte on Friday, April 22. More

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      in Athletics

      Daley Thompson backing runner Keely Hodgkinson to shine in golden summer of athletics

      by

      DALEY THOMPSON is backing Keely Hodgkinson to become a “complete world beater” ahead of a golden summer of athletics.Leigh athlete Hodgkinson, 20, made headline news last summer when she won an Olympic 800m silver medal at the Tokyo Games.
      Keely Hodgkinson won 800m Olympic silver last year at the Tokyo GamesCredit: AP
      The Leigh athlete could run at three major events this summer – at world, Commonwealth and European levelCredit: Getty
      In a few months’ time, she has the opportunity to win medals at world, Commonwealth and European level – all within the space of five spectacular weeks.
      Hodgkinson has the speed in her legs and the right personality and charisma to become a nationwide hero in the coming years.
      Thompson, the two-time Olympic decathlon champion, knows top talent when he sees one and he said: “The ladies are taking over, which is a great thing, and starting to win things.
      “Keely is tremendous. She has had the most incredible year or 18 months.
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      “Providing she can handle the pressure over the next couple of years, she is going to turn out to be a complete world beater. She will be fabulous.
      “You know what – it does help not being a real shrinking violet. I believe it does help to have a bit of faith in yourself.
      “Keely has got to go in there every day thinking that she has got to prove herself.
      Daley Thompson is a British sporting legend after winning two decathlon Olympic gold medalsCredit: Rex
      Thompson, now 63, works with Laureus and supports their community projectsCredit: PA:Press Association
      Laureus Academy Member & Olympic legend @Daley_thompson is calling on the sporting community to get active & raise funds for Laureus’ Sport for Peace Humanitarian Action Fund Help raise funds to support those impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine#Sport4Peace #IDSDP— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 6, 2022

      “Honestly once you get to the top and start thinking you have made it, you are actually on the start of the slippery slope on the way down.
      “She does have to be tough. Because nobody gives away those medals.
      “Everyone wants them really badly. They are all training just as hard as you are – or trying to. Yeah, you do have to be a bit selfish.”
      Today represents 100 days to go until the start of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the biggest UK sport event since the Covid pandemic.
      Humorous Thompson jokes that he would have signed up willingly for all three events if he was still competing in the British squad.
      The 63-year-old said: “I’d have enjoyed the challenge of going to those three major championships, which would have been a total of 30 events!
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      “It would have been a lot of fun. And you don’t need to ask me what I think the results would have been!”
      Thompson was speaking at the launch of the award nominees for the 2022 Laureus World Sports Awards.
      Emma Raducanu is the favourite to win the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award following her epic US Open triumph last September.
      Brits Sky Brown (skateboarding), Mark Cavendish (cycling) and Tom Daley (diving) will battle out with Simone Biles (gymnastics) for the Laureus Comeback of the Year category.
      For more details please visit www.laureus.com/World-Sports-Awards/2022. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Olympic gold champion Galal Yafai wins professional debut in style with knockout on Lawrence Okolie’s undercard

      by

      TEAM GB Olympic golden boy Galal Yafai leaped into the professional ranks with a ruthless fifth-round stoppage of tough Mexican Carlos Bautista. Seven months after grabbing flyweight gold at the delayed Tokyo games, Yafai, 29, refused the traditional four or six round intro and signed up for a 10-rounder against a live opponent.
      Galal Yafai leaped into the pro ranks with a fifth-round stoppage of Carlos BautistaCredit: Getty
      And he took to the paid game like a duck to water, hunting big shots and landing them on Bautista’s ribs and face until his corner saved him after five one-sided rounds.
      Yafai said: “I enjoyed it in there, he was a tough opponent, I caught him with big shots and he wouldn’t go.
      “I have waited so long to make my pro debut and it was everything I hoped and dreamed of.
      “I want to move at a fast pace, I want to be stepped up and become a world champion.”
      There were whipped hooks to the body and arrow-like straights that sliced through the visitor’s guard in the opener.
      Yafai had his whisker checked in the second when Bautista landed a left hook but he passed the test and retaliated generously.
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      The 8st division is hardly known for its knockouts but Yafai was precise and punishing, battering Bautista at the end of the round and coming close to ending it early.
      The Birmingham ace was clipped again at the start of the three but absorbed the blows and fired back, smiling as he inflicted the assaults.
      The right side of Bautista’s face was a horrible mess before the third even ended as his cheek swelled up into his eye.
      And when brave Bautista was floored in the fifth, even though he beat the count, his team threw in the towel and compassionate Yafai informed ref Mark Lyson of the surrender.
      And the youngest of three fighting brothers will waste no time setting up his next bout as he aims to be a world champion inside his first 10 pro bouts.
      Galal Yafai was clipped at the start of the third round but absorbed the blows and fired backCredit: Getty
      Galal Yafai proved too much for his tough Mexican opponentCredit: Getty 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.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}FOOTBALL OFFERS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      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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      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.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      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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      ‘I was self destructive’ – Kelly Holmes opens up on depression, identity crisis and growing up in care in emotional post

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      OLYMPIC gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes has emotionally detailed her ‘self destructive’ past in an inspirational social media post. The former Team GB athlete has used her platform to tell fans about her difficult past in a bid to inspire those in similar situations.
      Holmes posted an emotional picture of her as a child and her in army uniformCredit: Instagram / @damekellyholmes

      Holmes won two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics in AthensCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Holmes won gold in the 800m and 1500m at Athens 2004 after coming back from career-threatening injuries, and was awarded a damehood in 2005.
      She was also presented with an MBE in 1998 for services to the British Army after a ten-year contribution to the Armed Forces.
      But her astonishing achievements are made even more incredible given the challenges she faced growing up.
      And Holmes opened up about those struggles in an emotional Instagram post.
      She uploaded a picture of herself as a child next to a snap of her in army uniform and wrote: “In a children’s home until I started primary school.
      “No privileges. Grew up in a council house, did odd jobs like cleaning cars/paper rounds/shopping for elderly to get my own money.
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      “As a young girl I struggled with my identity. Grew up with my white mum,step dad,siblings and wider family (I didn’t know my biological father who’s Jamaican).
      “Joined the Army when I was 17 left when I was 27, Proud to have served for my country GB.
      “Suffered from depression,self harming and being self destructive.
      “Struggled to deal with the bereavement of my mother 2017. Breakdown 2020, Burn out 2021.
      “As a woman and a person in the public eye, I have never been confident with who I am.”
      But Holmes then went on to list her personal achievements in a bid to inspire those living in difficult circumstances that ‘anything is possible’, if they are given the opportunities to succeed.
      Holmes has spoken out about her mental battles before, and how she used to self-harm daily to ‘release the anguish’ she was feeling.
      And she finished her post with the motivational message: “GET HELP and support if you need to. SPEAK to people because you need to. DON’T GIVE UP at the first hurdle.
      “CRY if you have to. LOVE if you want to. DREAM cause you should do” More

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      Alex Quinonez dead at 32: Olympic sprinter shot and killed in ‘assassination’ in hometown of Guayaquil, Ecuador

      by

      AN OLYMPIC sprinter was shot dead outside a shopping centre aged 32.Alex Quinonez was allegedly killed in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador on Friday when he was attacked by an unknown killer.
      Alex Quinonez has been shot dead in his homeland of EcuadorCredit: AFP
      The sprinter competed against Usain Bolt at London 2012Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Quinonez was with his friend Jojairo Arcalla when the incident happened as police continue to investigate.
      Roberto Ibanez, president of the Guayas Sports Federation and pal of Quinonez, tweeted: “My heart is totally shattered, I can’t find words to describe the emptiness I feel.
      “I can not believe it, until when are we going to continue living so much evil and insecurity!
      “Rest in peace dear Alex, I will miss you all my life.”
      Ecuador’s Ministry of Sport called him ‘the greatest sprinter in the history of our country’.
      Quinonez raced in the 100m and 200m during his career.

      At London 2012, the Ecuadorian broke the national record with a 200m dash of 20.28 seconds then finished seventh in the final as Usain Bolt took gold.
      He claimed bronze at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar, his only major medal, and double gold at the 2012 Ibero-American Championships.
      The speedster also qualified to compete at this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
      However, he was suspended from taking part after going AWOL and failing to show for a routine doping test.
      Quinonez holds the national record for 100m (10.09 seconds), 200m (19.87) and 400m (46.28).
      His tragic death came on the fourth day in a state of national emergency in Ecuador as president Guillermo Lasso tries to thwart the rise in crime with several violent deaths in recent weeks.
      More to follow…
      Quinonez won bronze in the 200m at the 2019 World Championships in QatarCredit: Getty
      He was with a friend outside a shopping centre when the shots were firedCredit: Getty More