Tokyo 2020 Olympics

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      in Soccer

      FA apologise for telling players of Olympic axing just 90 mins before game as Ward and Kirk criticise governing body

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      FOOTBALL chiefs apologised after Birmingham ace Hannah Hampton was left in tears after being told she was not in Great Britain’s Olympic football squad shortly before a league game.
      And Carla Ward and Willie Kirk slammed Team GB officials for telling a number of Blues and Everton players of their omission before their WSL clash.

      Hannah Hampton was tearful after being told of her exclusion from Team GB’s women’s football squadCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hampton, 20, was informed she had been excluded from Team GB’s 35-player shortlist an hour and 30 minutes before her club took on the Toffees. 
      And Birmingham City boss Ward said the timing of the news had distressed her number one goalkeeper with her team losing the match 4-0 on Thursday evening. 
      Ward said: “Hannah made three errors for three of the goals and an hour and a half before kick-off the FA decided to give her a call and let her know she wasn’t in the Olympic squad. 
      “The girls are going out to warm-up, she’s in tears and we are wondering whether to even play her. 

      “The timing was absolutely ridiculous. We had a kid, a 20-year-old kid, in floods of tears, and you can see that it’s clearly affected her out there.”
      Everton gaffer Kirk echoed Ward’s views on the “poor” manner in which the details were conveyed by the FA. 
      And the Toffees boss revealed two of his aces found out they made Team GB’s shortlist while two others were told they had not been selected. 
      Kirk said: “The communication went out to the players before it went out to the clubs and I think that’s poor for a start.

      “I think it’s important if you’re sharing good news or bad news that the clubs get a heads-up so the clubs can try and support that if it’s bad news and certainly if it’s good news as well. 
      “A player finding out information two hours before kick-off is wrong in my opinion. 
      “It’s very, very poor and it has affected our players. I think the players that were affected dealt with it professionally.

      Carla Ward says the timing of the FA’s communication of Hampton was “ridiculous”Credit: PA:Press Association

      Willie Kirk criticised the FA’s decision to tell players of their Olympic squad exclusion before contacting clubsCredit: PA:Press Association

      The FA which oversees GB women’s football squad acknowledged the “upset” caused by the timing of its communication.
      In a statement, the football authority said: “We apologise to the players and clubs concerned, and will also do so personally.
      “The timing of the correspondence was an error but we take full responsibility for the upset this has caused.”
       ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      in Soccer

      Lionesses interim boss Hege Riise confirmed as Team GB’s women’s football team head coach

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      HEGE RIISE will lead Team GB’s women’s football squad when they compete at the delayed Tokyo Olympics later this year. 
      Riise’s appointment comes two months after she became the Lionesses temporary manager following Phil Neville’s departure for Inter Miami. 

      Hege Riise will coach Great Britain’s women’s football team at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Riise, 51, led England’s women’s team to a 6-0 defeat of Northern Ireland in a game that saw Jill Scott become the side’s second most-capped player.
      The clash in February was the Lionesses’ first international match in almost a year and their first win under their temporary boss who won a gold medal with Norway’s women’s team at the 2000 Olympics. 
      It is thought Riise’s success at England’s training camp led to football chiefs’ decision to appoint her along with Rhian Wilkinson as her GB assistant. 
      Riise said: “I know first-hand as a former player just how huge the Olympics are as a tournament and I am enormously proud to have this opportunity to lead the GB squad into the Games. 

      “We will go there to give everything we have to be successful and I hope we can also use the power of the Games to help women’s football continue to grow in popularity. I thank The FA for their trust in me. 
      Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “We could not have been more impressed with the impact that Hege and Rhian have had in such a short space of time with England  Women, particularly during our recent international camp at St. George’s Park. 
      “I am in no doubt that their  Olympic experience and management expertise will provide the squad with the best possible opportunity  to succeed at the Tokyo Games.” 

      A Great Britain women’s football side will be competing in the Olympics for the first time since London 2012Credit: Alan Walter – The Times

      Team GB will be one of 12 international football sides taking part in the tournament in Tokyo.

      Matches are due to take place between 21 July and 6 August. 
      And it will be the first time Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be represented at the Olympics since the London 2012 games. 
      A final squad of 18 is expected to include players from across the home nations with the team qualifying for the tournament through England reaching the 2019 World Cup semis.
      And Team GB will learn who they will face on 21 April when the draw for the women’s tournaments are held in Tokyo.
      So far nine other countries have been confirmed as taking part in the contest.

      Riise and Team GB will find out in April who they will face at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      They are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, United States, and Zambia.
      The remaining spots will go to the victors of play-offs being held next month between Cameroon vs Chile and Korea Republic vs China.
      Before then Riise will oversee England’s friendly clash Canada, who are led by former Lionesses assistant Bev Priestman.
      The match is due to take place on April 13.

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      in Athletics

      Tokyo 2020 Olympics BAN overseas fans from attending Games with fears over spread of Covid

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      BRITISH and other overseas fans will be banned from attending the Tokyo Olympics.
      The decision by the Japanese government follows increased Covid concerns among the country’s population.

      Fans will be banned from attending the Tokyo Olympics due to Covid concernsCredit: PA:Press Association

      SunSport revealed how Team GB bosses were preparing for the news in recent months with athletes told to expect their friends and families would not be allowed out to watch them compete.
      That will now be confirmed in the coming days with a decision having been finally taken by the Government and briefed to the country’s official news agency.
      A final meeting with the IOC and International Paralympic Committee next week will then make the decision formal.
      Japanese ministers are anxious about foreign fans spreading the virus and its contagious variants.

      Overseas citizen are still not allowed into Japan although those regulations will be lifted for the ‘Olympic family’ when the Games take place from late July.
      The opening ceremony of the torch relay would also be held without any spectators.
      Sending a statement through the Kyodo agency, Olympoic officials said: “The organising committee has decided it is essential to hold the ceremony in the northeastern prefecture of Fukushima behind closed doors.
      “Only permitting participants and invitees to take part in the event, to avoid large crowds forming amid the pandemic.

      Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto has said she wants a decision on whether to let in overseas spectators before the start of the torch relay on March 25.
      The statement continued: “Five parties, the IOC, the IPC (International Paralympic Committee), Tokyo 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the national government, came together for a meeting via online just last week.
      “The decision regarding allowing spectators from overseas to attend the Tokyo 2020 Games will be made by the end of March based on factors including the state of infections in Japan and other countries, possible epidemic-prevention measures, and expert scientific advice will be considered.”

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      in Boxing

      Team GB ace Cheavon Clarke holding on to Olympic dream and following in golden oldie Joe Joyce’s footsteps

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      CHEAVON CLARKE is looking up to Joe Joyce and banking on becoming another Team GB golden oldie.
      The 30-year-old Team GB heavyweight celebrated The Juggernaut’s November win over Daniel Dubois, especially as Joyce went into the British title clash as the underdog.

      Team GB heavyweight Ceavon Clarke is holding tight for the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Putney ace took his 2016 Olympic silver quality – after he was robbed of a gold in Rio – as well as all of his knowhow from years in the British amateur boxing super-school to dominate the red-hot prospect.
      Joyce, 35, spent years as Anthony Joshua’s understudy in Sheffield and had to bide his time.
      And Clarke is having to show similar patience now the pandemic is delaying his overdue shot at Olympic legacy.
      “Joe is a good story, I respect his hustle and the way he has levelled up,” Clarke told SunSport.

      “Joe started boxing later in life than a lot of boxers and took every opportunity that came his way and has never settled.
      “Some people get on the Team GB squad and think ‘I am the best in the country’ but then they have to go on to become the best in Europe and the world.
      “That’s why I respect what Joe has done, as well as guys like Joshua Buatsi, James DeGale, AJ and going right back to Audley Harrison.”

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      The delay to Tokyo 2020 has forced a lot of amateur boxers into snap decisions.
      Former Team GB prospect Solly Dacres will make his pro debut on March 20 and the American amateur team lost their hottest talent Keyshawn Davis to the paid ranks last month on the Canelo undercard.
      But Kent ace Clarke, speaking to SunSport to launch his new website and clothing line, is still laser-focused on representing his country at the highest level.
      “We are all on our own journey so everyone has to make their own right decision,” he said.

      Cheavon Clarke wants to follow in the footsteps of Team GB stars like James DeGale and Anthony Joshua.Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      “But, for me, there is only The Olympics. No disrespect to anyone, but anyone can be a professional boxer, not a lot of people can say they have even been to an Olympics, let alone medalled or won.
      “Good luck to everyone turning over now but I have set myself a goal and I like to conquer one level at a time.
      “There is a proven track record of success here and that leaves clues.
      “It isn’t the only way, but if you build your pedigree then when you turn professional you are usually very successful.

      Joe Joyce wins a silver medal for GB in super heavyweight boxing at Rio 2016
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      in Athletics

      Sprint star Yohan Blake says he’d rather miss Tokyo Olympics than have the coronavirus vaccine

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      SPRINT star Yohan Blake has claimed he would rather miss the Tokyo Olympics than have the coronavirus vaccine.
      Blake made the shock comments as preparations continue for this summer’s rescheduled games.

      Yohan Blake is prepared to miss out on the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: EPA

      The 31-year-old athlete told the Jamaican Gleaner: “My mind still stays strong, I don’t want the vaccine.
      “I would rather miss the Olympics than take the vaccine.
      “I am happy. I don’t want to get into it right now, but I have my reasons.”
      The Jamaican sprinter won the silver medal in the 100m and 200m at the London 2012 Olympics.

      Blake was also part of Jamaica’s gold-winning 100m relay team in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
      It is currently mandatory for athletes to have the vaccine to compete at the Olympics.
      A range of measures have been put in place to avoid the spread of Covid-19 at this summer’s Olympics.

      Sex, singing, hugging, chanting, hugging and hi-fiving will be banned from the games.

      Anyone flouting the health and safety rules will be thrown out with strict guidelines in place due to the pandemic.
      Athletes are waiting to hear about their stay in the Olympic and Paralympic village but have already been told post-event partying and sight-seeing will not be permitted.

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      in Athletics

      Caster Semenya demands European Court of Human Rights overturn middle distance running ban over testosterone levels

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      CASTER Semenya is asking the European Court of Human Rights to overturn her middle distance ban.
      South African Semenya, 30, a double Olympic champion at 800m from London and Rio, has been unable to run further than 200m competitively since 2019.

      Semenya is hoping she will be able to compete in elite middle distance running againCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      World athletics chiefs won a legal battle to impose restrictions on female athletes with enhanced natural testosterone levels from running against other women over 400m, 800m and 1500m unless they took medication to reduce the levels.
      Semanya, born with cross-gender characteristics but assigned female from birth, fought the original ruling, arguing that the regulations – which meant medication or surgery was required for her to be able to compete – were unfair.
      Despite an initial decision to place her ban on hold pending further scientific study, it was reimposed and Semenya lost a challenge at the Swiss Federal Supreme Court last September.
      Now the 2017 world champion’s lawyers confirmed Semenya is taking the case to the Strasbourg-based Court, with a hope that the IAAF rules will be overturned before the delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer.

      In a statement issued by her Johannesburg-based law firm, Semenya said: “I hope the European court will put an end to the long-standing human rights violations by World Athletics against women athletes.
      “All we ask is to be allowed to run free‚ for once and for all‚ as the strong and fearless women we are and always have been.”
      Semenya has set sights on qualifying for the South African team at 200m and also spoken about running the long distance events, with the 5,000m a possibility.
      But signalling a belief that there could be an enforced U-turn, the lawyers added: ”Caster asks the court to find that Switzerland has failed in its positive obligations to protect her against the violation of her rights.

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      “This is due to World Athletics’ continuing discriminatory attempts to restrict the ability of certain women to participate in female athletics competitions.
      “Caster’s application continues her challenge to the demeaning and intrusive regulations. implemented by World Athletics in 2018 which prohibit some women athletes with naturally higher levels of testosterone from participating in international competitions.
      “While the timeline of the application remains to be determined by the court‚ Caster remains ever hopeful that she will soon be allowed to return to the starting line in the 800m at international competitions.”

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      in Boxing

      Hot prospect Keyshawn Davis gives up Olympic dream to debut on Canelo undercard and aims to win title in ‘5-8 fights’

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      KEYSHAWN DAVIS is already backing himself as the ‘next star’ in boxing – as he gave up his Olympic dreams to debut on Canelo Alvarez’s undercard.
      The American amateur sensation was closer than ever to earning a spot on USA’s Tokyo squad for the delayed games in the summer.

      Keyshawn Davis, 21, makes his pro debut on Canelo’s undercardCredit: Ed Mulholland/matchroom.

      Keyshawn Davis snubbed the Olympic GamesCredit: Ed Mulholland/matchroom.

      Keyshawn Davis is one of the hottest prospects in AmericaCredit: Ed Mulholland/matchroom.

      But recognising a gap to fill in the paid ranks with boxing’s elite currently on the sidelines, Davis has turned over and announces himself this weekend.
      The 21-year-old told SunSport: “I had a whole entire year to think about staying amateur or going pro.
      “I feel like going into 2021, it was a great decision for me to turn pro.
      “The whole of 2020, the real top professionals like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence, Shakur Stevenson, they were all waiting to fight.

      “I feel like if I was to jump in around all the top pro fighters, then my pro debut would have been watered down.
      “Going into 2021, everybody’s already fought and I feel like I can be that new fighter coming into the game.
      “Not only that, Canelo Alvarez was starting off the year in 2021 and I feel like this is now a great opportunity for me, so I took it.”
      Davis had almost 200 amateur bouts, winning silver in the Pan American Games and World Championships.

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      And in his view, he passed on a guaranteed Olympic medal to instead make his mark in the big time.
      Davis said: “It was a very hard decision, it’s the Olympics.
      “It’s great to be there and win a medal, everybody knew I was going to win a medal, including myself.
      “It was a very hard decision, but I had a whole year to think about it, get over it and move on.”
      Davis, from Norfolk, Virginia, was the hottest property in American amateur boxing, due to his quick hands, smart defence and ring IQ way before his years.
      He has linked up with promoter Eddie Hearn to debut on the undercard of Canelo’s super-middleweight title defence against Avni Yildirim in Miami.

      Keyshawn Davis had nearly 200 amateur bouts

      Keyshawn Davis is not yet tied down to a promotional or managerial stable
      But lightweight Davis is not yet tied down to a promotional or managerial stable, and ensures his career is well and truly in his own hands currently.
      And he backs himself to be good enough to win a world title in just five to eight fights – so long as that is the path he choses.
      Davis explained: “It’s on me, it’s up to me on how fast I want to move.
      “I feel like I could win a world title in five to eight fights – but it’s on me how fast I want to move.
      “Maybe I want to take a little longer than that, maybe I want to go the fast route, it’s really on me.”
      Davis last year spent time in Floyd Mayweather’s Las Vegas gym and even sparred in front of the retired legend-turned promoter.

      Floyd Mayweather with amateur sensation Keyshawn Davis

      Shakur Stevenson pictured with Keyshawn Davis
      Mayweather promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe held talks with Davis’ older brother, 1-0 Kelvin, before turning his attention to Keyshawn.
      Davis revealed: “We had talks with Leonard Ellerbe, he called my big brother first and then a month later he had a conversation with me.
      “They tried to sign me as well.”
      According to the prospect, Mayweather and Hearn have not been the only ones expressing their interest in Davis.
      He said: “Who wouldn’t want to sign me? It’s a good investment.
      “When I was still amateur, not only promoters but fighters were telling me I’m ready to go pro and that I’m going to be a world champion.
      “I was the most guaranteed to come into the pros and be the next star or world champion. Who wouldn’t want to sign me?”
      Davis graduates from the amateurs having gained valuable experience sparring champions Crawford, Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis, Jamel Herring, and Stevenson.

      Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis

      Jamel Herring Terence Crawford and Keyshawn Davis
      He said: “Being in the ring competing with those guys and getting the respect after the sparring, they’d say, ‘You’re ready to go pro now’.
      “It gave me a big confidence boost and to go back and work on things to get even sharper going into into the professional game.”
      Mayweather’s proteges Davis and Haney both won world honours at just 21, while Lopez became lightweight champion at 22.
      But Davis, who turns 22 just days after his debut against Lester Brown, does not feel pressured to replicate their fast-tracked routes to the title.
      He said: “I don’t look at people and compare myself, I’m a completely different person.
      “I’m coming into the game with something new, something fresh, I can’t really look at those guys as I’m going to be watered down.
      “I’m just going to do what I do and what I feel is best for me and challenge myself.” More

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      in Athletics

      What are Nike ‘super shoes’ and why are they axed for Toyko Olympics? Nike Zoom Air Viperfly sprint shoes explained

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      NIKE’S Usain Bolt-beating sprint shoes have been put on hold and will not be produced.
      The controversial shoes are being branded as a Bolt-busting solution from Nike – but the American company have shelved the shoes with World Athletics approval unlikely.

      Nike’s new running spikes have been shelved ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

      The shoes are a different design to ones we have seen before on an athletics track

      Rival companies are also coming up with footwear that has similar technology – with Adidas among the chasing pack.
      What are the Nike Zoom Air Viperfly spikes and will they be allowed at the Tokyo Olympics?
      Nike’s cutting-edge running spikes are designed specifically for 100m sprinters.
      All sprinters wear footwear with small metal spikes on the bottom for better grip.
      Over the last few decades, manufacturers have found ways to make the foot plate more rigid and lighter, which has been approved by athletics officials.

      But the Nike shoes have a carbon fibre mechanism under the ball of the foot that acts like a springboard, generating more power in the sprinter’s stride.
      Nike said: “This composition, developed alongside the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, was designed to provide responsiveness and energy.
      “It follows deep study of the strategy and performance of the race, and focuses attention on what athletes need most in the last 20 meters of the sprint.”
      Currently, we will NOT be seeing these spikes at the Tokyo Olympics, if it goes ahead in the summer of 2021.

      Nike will not make these shoes available for athletes in Japan.
      The shoes have to be approved by World Atheltics, which approve certain lines of footwear ahead of each world championships, with specific limits on sole thickness.

      The black and green spikes are being described as the fastest of all time
      What shoes did Usain Bolt run his 100m and 200m world records in?
      Retired Jamaican track icon Bolt ran 9.58sec in the 100m in 2009 at the World Championships in Berlin.

      He then went on and broke his own 200m world record, setting an all-time fastest of 19.19sec in the half lap sprint.
      Bolt wore Puma spikes his whole career and was endorsed by the German company since his earliest days as a promising young teenager.

      Usain Bolt broke the 100m and 200m world records in Berlin in 2009, which still stand todayCredit: AFP – Getty

      Usain Bolt is rightly regarded as the greatest sprinter of all timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty More