Tokyo 2020 Olympics

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      What are Nike ‘super shoes’ and are they banned from Tokyo Olympics? Nike Zoom Air Viperfly sprint shoes explained

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      NIKE’S Usain Bolt-beating sprint shoes could be BANNED from the Tokyo Olympics, because they help 100-metre runners too much.
      The controversial shoes are being branded as an Usain Bolt-busting solution from Nike – but the American company are set to shelve the shoes with World Athletics approval unlikely.

      The Nike Zoom Air Viperfly was launched last year but has hit a bump in the roadCredit: Nike

      Rival companies are also coming up with shoes that have 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 are thought to have a mechanism under the ball of the foot that acts like a springboard, generating more power in the sprinter’s stride.
      Currently, we will NOT be seeing these spikes at the Tokyo Olympics, if it goes ahead in the summer of 2021.
      According to the Times, Nike have shelved plans for the shoes to be used in Japan.
      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

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      Man City’s Ellen White aims to ramp up England form under Lionesses boss Hege Riise

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      ELLEN WHITE is eager to become more clinical for club and country as England gear up for their first international game in almost a year. 
      The Man City goal machine could be in line to start against Northern Ireland and wants to boost her performances under Hege Riise. 

      Ellen White hopes to improve her international form under interim England Women’s boss Hege RiiseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      White, 31, has been clinical up top for the title-chasers this term, netting eight goals and providing three assists in 14 WSL games. 
      And the former Birmingham City ace, replaced Vivianne Miedema as the league’s all-time top scorer reaching a tally of 55 goals including four racked up in her last five games. 
      White said: “I feel good at the moment, and hopefully that can continue in this international camp.
      “I want to develop, I want to get better. For me it’s going to be about training hard, playing well for Manchester City and trying to lead by example.

      “I’m more experienced now in terms of having been led by different managers and their philosophies both with my clubs and England.
      “I love playing for my country – I’ve said that so many times – so it’s just a case of working hard and doing things that Hege likes to be part of her England team.”
      White, whose club will take on Birmingham next in the league, could be facing competition in the national side with the emergence of rising stars such as Bristol City’s Ebony Salmon. 
      The Robins forward, who earned her first call-up to England’s senior squad, has netted five goals in 14 top-flight matches for her WSL side. 

      Man City striker White has been in fine form for her club who are second in the WSLCredit: Reuters

      And White, who scored 36 times in 92 Lionesses appearances, says the progress of Salmon, 20, and other starlets is motivating her to perform better.
      White added: “We’ve got some very, very talented youth coming through. 
      “I’m 31 but I still want to develop, and these players are pushing me just as much as I want to push them and help them develop.” 
      England will play Northern Ireland in a friendly encounter at St George’s Park, a month on from Phil Neville, 44, stepping down as head coach and Riise stepping in as a temporary boss. 
      Neville opting to leave his England role earlier than expected to become Inter Miami’s new gaffer means Riise, 51, will take charge of three international camps.
      The gatherings to be overseen by the World Cup winning Norwegian coach will all take place before the September arrival of in-coming Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman. 
      Riise, who is one only three women in the world to win the Olympics, a World Cup and the European Championship, is also set to either oversee or be an assistant coach of Team GB women’s football side at the delayed Tokyo Olympics.
      And White, who played for the team at the London 2012 games, is keen to stake her claim to a spot in the squad. 

      White reckons the the emergence of Ebony Salmon and other rising England stars is helping her improveCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      White added: “Being able to say I am an Olympian … It was an unbelievable experience. 
      “It definitely did help propel women’s football. And to be a part of the Games in Tokyo this summer would be an absolute dream.
      “Obviously we understand it might be a little bit of a different Games, but nonetheless I think it will just be an absolutely phenomenal occasion, to be part of another GB team.”

      Lionesses in training More

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      in Athletics

      Watch Team GB star and pharmacist Tiffany Porter run hurdles in fastest time this year wearing a mask

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      TEAM GB hurdler Tiffany Porter clocked her fastest time this year while wearing a mask.
      The 33-year-old is a pharmacist based in the US and opted to wear the face covering despite not being ordered to do so and having received two vaccine doses for Covid-19.

      Pharmacist and athlete Tiffany Porter opted to wear a mask and ended up running a season’s bestCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      Porter safely negotiated the hurdles while wearing a maskCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      Porter juggles competing at the top level of athletics with working as a pharmacistCredit: Instagram @tiffofili

      Running indoors in New York on Saturday, she came second in the 60-metre hurdles in 7.89 seconds – a season’s best and only 0.09 seconds off her personal best for the distance.
      On Instagram, Porter asked for people to respect her decision to wear a mask after footage of her competing was shared by the World Athletics page.
      She said: “Thanks @worldathletics for the post. I have gotten a lot of questions about why I’m choosing to run in a mask so here are a few things:
      “1. Yes I am fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and today marked two weeks since my second dose.

      “2. Yes I ‘understand the science’ and I’m also aware how the pandemic, mask-wearing, government response etc has become controversial and politicised.

      Wearing a mask does not bother me and I train daily with one so competing with one on is not a big deal for me.”
      Tiffany Porter

      “3. Wearing a mask does not bother me and I train daily with one so competing with one on is not a big deal for me.
      “4. It makes me more comfortable to take every extra precaution (even if seen as ‘extra or unnecessary’) and that should be respected.
      “5. No I do not judge others for their decisions/their approach to this pandemic.

      “6. Information regarding the pandemic is rapidly evolving and we acquire new information and guidelines daily.”
      Porter was running against her younger sister Cindy Sember who also competes under the Union Jack flag for Team GB.

      The footage was shared on the World Athletics Instagram pageCredit: Instagram @worldathletics

      The British athlete came second in the indoor race in New YorkCredit: Instagram @worldathletics

      Sember, 26, came fifth in 8.22 seconds but along with all the other runners did not choose to wear any PPE while sprinting.
      The pair both made the 2016 Rio Olympics 100m hurdles final – Porter finished seventh with Sember just outside the medals in fourth, despite running a season’s best on the biggest stage of all.
      Porter was born in the US to a British mother and Nigerian father and represented the country of her birth until switching allegiance at the end of the 2010 season.
      She graduated from the University of Michigan with a doctorate in pharmacy in 2012.
      Porter juggles competing with her work as a pharmacist and said: “I am a woman who wears many hats and I’m very passionate about the different roles I play.
      “I’m a firm believer in giving your all, no matter the task.”

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      Team GB athletes face being kicked out of Tokyo Olympics if they catch Covid in Japan as chiefs try to avoid outbreak

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      TEAM GB stars who catch Covid-19 in Tokyo will be kicked out of the Olympics.
      In the newly-published IOC and IPC Playbook for Athletes and Officials – available to read on the insidethegames website – there will be a number of counter-measures in place to avoid any potential coronavirus outbreaks this summer.

      Tokyo 2020 officials are setting out strict measures for the summer’s GamesCredit: EPA

      If anyone provides a confirmed positive test during the Games, they should ‘immediately begin isolating’ and inform their designated Covid-19 Liaison Officer.
      Infected individuals will ‘either be required to continue isolating or be hospitalised’ and more significantly, they ‘will not be allowed to compete’.
      Depending on the symptoms displayed, the location of any isolation period could be a ‘government-approved isolation facility’ not the Athletes’ Village.
      Anyone deemed to be a ‘close contact’ of a positive case will be retested.

      All the athletes will be tested at least every four days during their stay at the Games.
      They must monitor their daily health and record their temperature for 14 days before travelling to Japan this summer.
      They must also prepare a list of all the people they expect to have close contact with – for example, room-mates, coaches, physiotherapists or immediate team members.
      Contact with others must be kept to a minimum and using public transport is forbidden.

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      As reported earlier this week, Olympians must ‘avoid shouting, cheering and singing’ and will be encouraged to clap their compatriots instead.
      This would suggest that singing the national anthem would be banned but the organising committee refused to answer questions on this at a media briefing on Wednesday.
      Questions also need to be asked whether any athlete would be stripped of their accreditation if they celebrate against the rules in the venues.
      Gyms, tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars are all banned to avoid the spread of the killer virus.

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      Tokyo Olympics anti-Covid rules revealed with handshakes and hugging BANNED and orders not to SING in crackdown

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      SINGING, chanting, hugging and high-fiving will be BANNED from the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
      The IOC, IPC and the Organising Committee are releasing a series of ‘Playbooks’ containing important dos and don’ts for this summer’s Games.

      Scenes like Jason Kenny and Laura Trott kissing could be banned in TokyoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And anybody flouting the general health and safety rules will be chucked out.
      In the first Playbook – which targets International Federation delegates, medical staff and officials – there are a series of coronavirus countermeasures that must be observed.
      It is understood the many principles will form the “framework” of the books sent to Team GB athletes shortly.
      In the first Playbook, it says:

      + Support athletes by clapping and not singing or chanting
      + Avoid unnecessary forms of physical contact such as hugs, high-fives and handshakes
      + Keep physical interactions with others to a minimum
      + Keep two metres distance from athletes and at least one metre from others, including in operational spaces

      + Use Games transport systems. Do not use public transport unless given permission
      + Wear a face mask at all times, unless outside and two metres away from others
      + Avoid enclosed spaces and crowds where possible
      + Do not visit tourist areas, shops, restaurants or bars, gyms etc
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      It is unknown if fans will be told to remain silent in venues – unless it is decided in April that it will become a behind-closed-doors event.
      A test, trace and isolate smartphone app will be in operation and everybody must monitor their health daily for 14 days before travelling to Japan.
      Everyone must undergo a PRC nose and throat test within 72 hours of flying and will be tested upon arrival in the Japanese capital.
      Anyone who tests positive must “immediately begin self-isolation in line with local rules”.
      Athletes will soon learn more about their stay in the Olympic and Paralympic village but they have already been told long-time post-event partying and sight-seeing will not be permitted.
      Team GB stars and staff will have restrictions “on socialising outside the Village” and “their movement between official Games venues”.
      Vaccinations are not mandatory and the rules will apply whether or not someone has had the jab.
      Covid-19 Liaison Officers will record symptoms, test results and monitor those who flout the rules.
      Anybody that does so repeatedly or in a serious nature will be chucked out and have their accreditation revoked.
      IOC President Thomas Bach admitted last week for the first time he is uncertain whether crowds can attend venues due to the global Covid-19 crisis.
      A decision on whether it will be a behind-closed-doors Olympic and Paralympic Games is expected to be made by April.

      Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has pledged that the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead this summer More

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      Team GB hero and Olympic hopeful Dina Asher-Smith reveals she has been seeing psychologist since start of Covid pandemic

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      DINA ASHER-SMITH revealed she has been seeing a psychologist since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Britain’s fastest woman’s dreams of Olympic glory last summer were thrown upside down with Tokyo 2020 delayed a year.

      Dina Asher-Smith turned to a psychologist at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemicCredit: Carla Guler / Women’s Health UK

      Britain’s speed queen wants to be in the best place mentally to compete at the top levelCredit: EPA

      But she refused to let the scuppered plans cripple her years at the top of world athletics.
      And so the Londoner, 25, immediately took the step of turning to an in-house psychologist at British Athletics to keep her mentally on track.
      Speaking to Women’s Health, Asher-Smith revealed: “When the pandemic hit, it was like, ‘Right, okay, let’s make sure my brain’s okay.’
      “The first thing I did was to get a psychologist because I’ve worked too hard for too long to have something like a pandemic ruin the next few years for me.

      “We’ve got five years on the go, which in track and field we have never seen before.
      “And the only way you can put your best foot forward is by being in the right frame of mind.”
      Asher-Smith broke her own British records for the 100m and 200m at 2019’s World Championships in Doha to win silver and gold respectively.
      She was also part of Team GB’s 4x100m relay team that managed a national-best 41.77s lap to claim bronze at Rio 2016.

      And it is that level of unparalleled ability that has seen her thrown into the British public’s conscience – not that she would have chosen to be such a famous figure.
      Asher-Smith added: “Believe it or not, when I was at school I was quite shy. But, obviously, you realise that being shy, unfortunately, is incompatible with being a high-profile sportsperson.
      “People will take your shyness as either you’re trying to hide something, or you’re being mean, or being cold – and you just have to come out of your shell.”
      That shyness could easily have seen Asher-Smith drop out of sport participation, as it does for a large group of girls as they hit their early teens.
      The Orpington sprint queen is not surprised, though.
      Many do not have the role models to inspire them and are made to feel as though a career as a sportswoman is not a plausible avenue.
      Thankfully for Asher-Smith, the Williams sisters helped transform that misconception for her – as they have done for the new generation of tennis stars.
      The athletics ace – who will be hoping of bringing home golds from next month’s European Indoors in Poland – said: “There’s a big drop off of girls who do sport when they’re about 13 to 15 or around that age, and everybody seems to be confused as to why.

      Girls see the ideal of femininity projected to them and, as a young sportswoman, you look and think, ‘So, am I opposite to that?’
      Dina Asher-Smith

      “To me, it’s perfectly clear. I think at that age, when people become more aware of their surroundings and people start to look for who they are, what it means to be a woman, sport isn’t in that picture.
      “They see the ideal of femininity projected to them and, as a young sportswoman, you look and think, ‘So, am I opposite to that?’
      “You have to show that being a career sportswoman is viable, is celebrated, is positive, it doesn’t come with stereotypes, it doesn’t come with boxes that you have to fit and that it’s not at odds with being a woman.
      “When Serena and Venus were the only two black women in tennis all that time ago, they were able to be pioneers.
      “But now you’ve got Naomi Osaka, you’ve got Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens.
      “You’ve got so many black girls because the Williams sisters have shown, yes, this is a sport they can play at the highest level.”

      Asher-Smith is preparing for this summer’s rearranged Olympic Games in TokyoCredit: Carla Guler / Women’s Health UK

      The Londoner recognises why so many girls drop out of sport at an early ageCredit: Carla Guler / Women’s Health UK

      She was speaking to Women’s Health magazine for their March editionCredit: Carla Guler / Women’s Health UK

      Asher-Smith won three medals at the 2019 World Championships including the 200m goldCredit: AFP or licensors

      Venus and Serena Williams have helped pave the way for black girls to dream of making a career in sportCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      in Soccer

      Casey Stoney dismisses Team GB job talk and looks to Man Utd future after signing Norway defender

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      CASEY STONEY says she has no plans to coach Team GB’s team at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. 
      The Manchester United manager had been linked with the role Phil Neville was due to take on before he became Inter Miami’s new boss. 

      Casey Stoney says she has no plans to lead Team GB’s team at the delayed Tokyo Olympics Credit: PA:Press Association

      Stoney and Emma Hayes have been talked of as possible candidates for Team GB’s head coach roleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former England ace Claire Rafferty is among those who talked up the possibility of Stoney leading Team GB’s women’s football team.
      And Chelsea gaffer Emma Hayes is another big name who has been spoken of as a potential candidate with the games due to take place this summer.
      Stoney told BBC Sport: “Anyone who takes [the Team GB job], it would be a fantastic opportunity. 
      “I have been a captain at the Olympics and it is an incredible tournament and an amazing experience.

      “The summer is a big period for me as a manager to make sure I have done the recruitment I need and to make sure plans are in place for next season.” 
      United, who suffered their first defeat of the season with a loss at Chelsea, are due to take on Birmingham City.  
      And Stoney’s side – who are currently second and level on points with the champs – have been boosted by the signing of Maria Thorisdottir. 
      The Norway international joined the Red Devils from Chelsea on a two-and-a-half-year deal. 

      Man Utd have strengthened their squad with the signing of ex-Chelsea defender Maria Thorisdottir Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the versatile defender, who has been capped 46 times by her country, says she is looking to win silverware with her new club. 
      Thorisdottir told Man Utd’s website: “I have big ambitions. I like to win, so of course I’ve signed here to hopefully lift trophies in both league, cups and the Champions League, to qualify there.
      “I heard a lot of good things about Casey and I think that it’s a big positive she’s been a player herself. 
      “I had a really good conversation with her and I think that had a big part of my decision [to join]. 
      “They’ve only been in the league for two years and it’s impressive what she’s done and the rest of her staff members. 

      Thorisdottir says she is looking forward to winning trophies with UnitedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “Manchester United, back in Norway, is massive. There are so many fans and I think also having a female player sign for United is huge. 
      “For young girls back in Norway it is big. They can see that it is a chance for them as well.”
      “I’m really impressed with how far they’ve come already and it’s a young group of players, so I think the future is bright and to be a part of that, I can’t wait.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      London Marathon planning for world-record 100,000 runners in October – with half of racers taking part ‘virtually’

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      LONDON MARATHON bosses plan to smash the world record for the biggest event of its kind – with 100,000 runners on Sunday October 3.
      A record 50,000 participants will be able to take part in the rescheduled race later this year from Blackheath to The Mall.

      Runners head towards the finish of the 2019 London MarathonCredit: Reuters

      On the same day, there will be 50,000 entries open for those willing to race in the ‘virtual’ London Marathon.
      Runners will be expected to cover 26.2 miles in a location of their choosing but must complete the distance within that calendar day.
      Organisers hope this will help swell charity coffers which were significantly affected by the cancellation of the 2020 race due to the Covid-19 crisis.
      Hugh Brasher, London Marathon Event Director, said: “With a national vaccination programme underway, we hope to see an unprecedented 100,000 people take part.

      “The London Marathon is a wonderful example of sport as a force for good while raising millions for charity.
      “It’s all about communities and people coming together and one of our founding pillars is to have fun and provide some happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world.

      Shura Kitata of Ethiopia, left, won the men’s elite event last yearCredit: EPA

      Kenya’s Brigid Kosel was the first woman home last yearCredit: Getty – Pool

      “The world record-breaking success of the virtual event in 2020 and the incredible stories from participants across the globe showed how the world’s greatest marathon brought light and hope in the darkness of the pandemic.
      “We want to offer that again and we have also accelerated the plans we have been working on for some years to increase the number of finishers on the streets of London to 50,000.

      “People can run wherever they are in the world, they can run for charity, they can run for their mental or physical health, or run for the sheer enjoyment of it. Whatever the reason, they will be part of a unique day.”
      The elite events were run last year, with Shura Kitata of Ethiopia winning the men’s race and Kenya’s Brigid Kosel the first woman home.

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