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Olympic legend welcomes new family member

<p>Michael Phelps and his wife Nicole Phelps are having another baby!</p> <p>The couple took to Instagram to announce the happy news, in honour of their seven-year anniversary. </p> <p>"A memory from Oct 29 over the last 7 years with you [Michael Phelps] (I couldn't find 2019's pic 🤭)," Nicole wrote in the caption, along with a series of photos of the couple taken on October 29 throughout the years. </p> <p>The first photo showed the couple posing in front of a stadium, with Nicole holding her growing baby bump. </p> <p>"Happy Anniversary to my best friend, hubby and partner thru life ❤️ I couldn't have asked for anyone better!"</p> <p>"For those that are wondering… yes! we're expecting our 4th Phelps in 2024," she concluded with a bunch of blue hearts, possibly hinting at the baby's gender. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBo-6xLvno/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzBo-6xLvno/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Nicole Michele Phelps (@mrs.nicolephelps)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple have known each other since 2007, but officially tied the knot on June 13, 2016. They  have three older sons -  Boomer, 7,  Beckett, 5 and Maverick, 4.</p> <p>Fans took to the comments to congratulate the couple on their wedding anniversary and welcome baby Phelps number four. </p> <p>"Omg congrats!! What a dream 😍❤️" wrote one fan. </p> <p>"You look wonderful! And congratulations! Here’s wishing for another beautiful healthy baby! Nice to see you in Ravens gear! Take care! 💜" commented another</p> <p>"I love y’all together! So happy to see you thriving in life and love together. Congratulations on the newest baby Phelps," wrote a third. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Olympian tragically killed at just 31

<p>A tragic incident has claimed the life of Alexandra Paul, a former Olympic figure skater, at the age of 31 following a collision involving seven vehicles.</p> <p>Alexandra Paul was in a car with her infant child when the accident took place in Melancthon Township, Ontario, Canada. The unfortunate incident occurred when a lorry collided with the car she was in, along with her baby, and five other vehicles that were stationary in a line, according to Canadian law enforcement.</p> <p>While Alexandra Paul was tragically pronounced deceased as a result of the collision, her baby was taken to a nearby children's hospital for treatment of injuries that were determined to be non-life-threatening.</p> <p>Skate Canada, through its Instagram platform, paid homage to Alexandra Paul's memory. The organisation conveyed their sorrow and announced the untimely passing of Alexandra Paul, a highly valued member of the skating community. Recognised as a radiant presence both on and off the ice, Alexandra's commitment, fervour and exceptional skills have left an enduring impression on the realm of figure skating.</p> <p>In remembering Alexandra's contributions to the sport, Skate Canada emphasised the camaraderie and sportsmanship that she consistently embodied. They praised her not just as an accomplished athlete, but also as a paragon of inspiration for budding skaters. Alexandra exemplified the principles of tenacity, persistence, and honourable conduct in sports.</p> <p>Skate Canada further extended their condolences, expressing their sympathy for Alexandra's family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her during this challenging period.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwY8LfjM58y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Skate Canada / Patinage Canada (@skate_canada)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Alexandra Paul, alongside her husband and skating partner Mitchell Islam, achieved numerous international medals during their career. Their accomplishments include securing three Canadian championship medals and participating in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Alexandra retired from competitive skating in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of excellence on the ice.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images / Instagram</em></p>

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"I can't wake Mummy up": Olympian dies at 43

<p>A former Olympic swimmer has passed away suddenly at the age of 43 while on a trip with her family. </p> <p>Helen Smart, a British swimming champion who competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, was found unresponsive by her four-year-old daughter Heidi when she tried to climb into bed with her parents. </p> <p>Heidi then woke up her father Craig Smart, saying, "Daddy, I can't wake Mummy up," before Craig discovered his wife lying next to him dead.</p> <p>Smart's mother confirmed the news of her passing, telling the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12413199/Ex-Olympic-swimmer-turned-headteacher-Helen-Smart-dead-four-year-old-daughter-heartbreaking-video-shows-mother-paddleboarding-hours-sudden-death-aged-42.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>MailOnline</em></a>, "Heidi had woken up in the night and tried to get into bed with her. She said to her daddy, 'Mummy won't wake up''. He said, 'Oh, she must be very tired Heidi - you go back to bed'."</p> <p>"He put the torch on and he said later that when he looked he could tell."</p> <p>Linda continued, "We're distraught. They don't know what it is but they think it must have happened shortly after she went to bed. She just died in her sleep."</p> <p>Just hours before her sudden passing, Helen and her family had been paddle boarding in the north of England, while on a trip for her brother Robert's 40th birthday. </p> <p>Helen had not been suffering with any illnesses her family knew of. </p> <p>Linda said, "At midnight, she went to bed telling me: 'I'll go to bed now mum as I know I'll be woken at 6am by Heidi. I just want to get some sleep in as I've had a long day.'"</p> <p>Linda was then woken by Robert at 4am who said, "Mum, dad, you need to keep up - we think Helen's died."</p> <p>Smart's father John said he and his wife "can't comprehend how she could simply go to sleep and not wake up."</p> <p>Helen became a school principal after her retirement from swimming and was enjoying her new life. </p> <p>Craig Smart took to her school's Facebook page to say his wife "loved the school, staff, children and parents so much."</p> <p>"She was so proud to reach her goal of being Head Teacher," he continued. "She used to say to me all the time she could never see herself at another school. She was Worsley Mesnes through and through! I remember only last week she said her goal was to get the school to outstanding and that she had the right staff to achieve this!"</p> <p>"I hope you all keep learning like champions. Please learn from this and live your best life, no regrets, take lots of photos, make memories and keep smiling just like Helen always did!" he added.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter / Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Olympian dies at just 37 years of age

<p>It’s a sad day in the world of winter sports and the Alpine Ski World Cup. Italian skier and silver medalist, Elena Fanchini has died at 37 from a tumour.</p> <p>"At the end of a serious illness, Elena Fanchini passed away in her home in Solato (near Brescia)," the Italian Winter Sports Federation said in a short statement.</p> <p>Fanchini died on the same day that fellow Italian skier Marta Bassio won the super-G world championships in Meribel, France; and just two days after Federica Brignone, a former teammate, won gold in combined.</p> <p>Another fellow skier, Sofia Goggia, the favourite for Saturday’s downhill, dedicated her win in Cortina d’Ampezzo last month to Fanchini.</p> <p>American champion skier, Mikaela Shiffrin took to Twitter to share her grief over Fanchini’s death. "This was a day filled with emotions. There is so much I'd like to share... but what weighs the heaviest is the loss of @ElenaFanchini,” she said in her tweet.</p> <p>Fanchini won a silver medal in the 2005 world championships and two World Cup races in her career - both in downhill.</p> <p>Fanchini last skied competitively in December 2017. She was cleared to return to training almost a year late but her condition had worsened.</p> <p>She had to miss the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics because of her condition.</p> <p>Fanchini's younger sisters Nadia and Sabrina were also World Cup racers.</p> <p><em>image credit: getty</em></p>

Caring

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Olympian tragically killed at just 24

<p>Olympic ski jumper Patrick Gasienica, who only just competed for the United States in the 2022 Beijing Games has tragically passed away at the age of 24.</p> <p>Gasienica died as a result of a motorcycle accident in the village of Bull Valley, located in Chicago’s northwestern suburbs, according to the Bull Valley Police Department.</p> <p>USA Nordic took to Twitter to share tribute for the late ski champ.</p> <p>“USA Nordic and the Ski Jumping community are saddened to hear about the passing of Patrick Gasienica,” they began their post.</p> <p>“A 2022 Beijing Winter Olympian, Patrick was an incredible competitor, teammate and friend. He will be dearly missed.</p> <p>“Rest in peace, Patrick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SkiJumpingFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&amp;src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#SkiJumpingFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668759332882874369%7Ctwgr%5E2dbdd92adb6e1717c97229e8bdab0462ef277ab4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwwos.nine.com.au%2Folympics%2Famerican-ski-jumper-patrick-gasienica-dies-in-motorcycle-accident-at-24%2F754748db-be62-498b-8866-c499a8753072&amp;src=hashtag_click" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#TeamUSA</a>."</p> <p>The U.S Ski &amp; Snowboard Team also posted on Twitter about his tragic death.</p> <p>“We are deeply saddened by the passing [of] Patrick Gasienica, an incredible athlete, teammate and person.</p> <p>"Sending love to his family, friends and the entire ski jumping community."</p> <p>Gasienica finished 49th and 53rd in individual events at the Beijing Olympics and secured 10th place in a team competition with Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner and Decker Dean.</p> <p>“We don’t really have a lot of jumpers, but it’s getting better,” Gasienica said in 2022 in China.</p> <p>“Especially since the pandemic, a lot of different kids are joining the different clubs around America. Hopefully in a couple of years — five, 10, maybe — we’ll have a really, really great team.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

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Olympian makes surprise announcement of new baby boy!

<p>Tom Daley and husband Dustin Lance Black have announced the news of their second child's arrival.</p> <p>The pair shared the news with the <em>Times</em> before taking to Instagram to reveal their son’s unique name, giving fans quite a surprise as they had not publicly revealed what they were expecting.</p> <p>Daley posted a picture of his now family of four and a sweet picture of him holding the newborn, paired with the caption, “🧡 PHOENIX ROSE BLACK-DALEY 🧡”</p> <p>"Our family has grown in the last week, we welcomed Phoenix to the world on 28/03/23 and he's just perfect 🧡 Robbie is loving being a BIG BRO! 👨‍👨‍👦‍👦”</p> <p>Friends and fans were quick to celebrate the couple’s new addition to the family in the comment section.</p> <p>Fellow Olympic diver Matty Lee wrote, “Can’t wait to meet him! Love you all ❤️”</p> <p>"Oh my god tom 😍💖 congrats angel!!!!” wrote social media star Holly H.</p> <p>Black also took to Instagram, posting a photo of the four of them, writing "And then there were four. Our second son, Phoenix Rose Black-Daley, arrived at 3:34 pm on March 28, 2023. ❤️"</p> <p>His comment section was also filled with excited friends and celebs wishing them well.</p> <p>“Congrats fellas!!!!” NSYNC singer Lance Bass wrote.</p> <p>“MAZEL TOV!!! ❤️🙌” TV presenter Andy Cohen said.</p> <p>The couple, who were married in 2017, welcomed their first child, five-year-old Robert Ray via surrogate in 2018.</p> <p>Young Phoenix isn’t the only newborn with an unusual name in the news at the moment, with proud mum <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/my-whole-heart-paris-hilton-shares-new-photos-of-baby-boy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Hilton announcing the birth of her first child</a>, a son with a name you won't forget.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Aussie speedster Steven Bradbury sells luxe apartment

<p dir="ltr">Aussie Olympian Steven Bradbury has sold his beachside investment apartment in Queensland after holding onto it for over a decade.</p> <p dir="ltr">The gold medallist skater listed the four-bedroom ground-floor apartment in the coastal suburb of Kings Beach in Caloundra earlier this year and has gone on to offload the flat for an undisclosed price.</p> <p dir="ltr">After 11 years of owning the apartment, Bradbury initially <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/unit-2-kings-palazzo-4-6-orvieto-terrace-kings-beach-qld-4551-2017750581" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> the home for $2 million in May before agents Danelle Wiseman and Jonathan Pattinson of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate revised the price to $1.8 million, per <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/property/news/steven-bradbury-times-his-run-perfectly-with-kings-beach-pad-20220517-p5am5r.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even with the reduction, Bradbury’s potential earnings were more than double the amount his investment company, Pricefinder, paid in 2011.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prior to its sale on August 16, the home was maintained as a weekender and rental with an asking price of $660 a week in rent.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sitting just metres aware from the surf of King’s Beach, the 111-square-metre flat includes plenty of luxe amenities, such as its two courtyards - with one on each floor - timber herringbone hard floors in the living areas, and a large granite waterfall bench in the well-appointed kitchen.</p> <p dir="ltr">The flat also has access to the amenities offered by the Kings Palazzo complex, including a pool and BBQ area shared with just 11 other apartments.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bradbury, a four-time Olympian, shot to fame after his unlikely win at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, getting through the semi-final and earning gold in the final after his competitors all crashed in the final seconds.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite trailing behind them all, Bradbury was able to skate into first place, giving rise to the phrase “doing a Bradbury” for winning as an underdog.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this year, Bradbury took to Instagram to reflect on that fateful win 20 years later.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ll always be seen as an overnight success, but it took me many years of sweat, tears and plenty of blood to get there and I’ll always appreciate those who helped me and backed me against the odds,” he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaBaljsvBl5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Courage, belief, determination and a little luck, all helped me to be the original #lastmanstanding, and now it’s fantastic to see our next generation of @ausolympicteam legends taking our Winter Olympic Dream into the future!”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-414adfac-7fff-b93d-0e1b-4618063616c7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: @stevenbradburyofficial (Instagram) / Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate</em></p>

Real Estate

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US Olympic gold medallist jailed by Russian court

<p>US Olympic gold medallist Brittney Griner has been charged with drug possession and smuggling, and sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison. </p> <p>The 31-year-old basketball champion listened to the judge's verdict with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the ruling by Judge Anna Sotnikova, with her lawyers later saying she was "very upset." </p> <div class="block-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 16px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <p>Griner also was fined 1 million rubles, or approximately $23,110.</p> <p>Brittney pled guilty to the charges, but admitted she "had no intention of breaking Russian law", as she explained that she accidentally packed the cannabis vape canisters in haste before her flight. </p> <p>US President Joe Biden denounced Brittney's verdict and sentence as "unacceptable", which came amid soaring tensions between the US and Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine.</p> <p>"I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates," Biden said, adding that he would continue to work to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction.</p> <p>Griner, who is recognised as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, has been detained in Russia since February 17 after police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage upon landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport.</p> <p>She was returning to Russia, where she has competed since 2014.</p> <p>Defence attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters later that Griner was "very upset, very stressed"</p> <p>"She can hardly talk. It's a difficult time for her," the lawyer said.</p> <p>Griner's agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas tweeted that the sentence "was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn". </p> <p>She added that she supported Biden's efforts "to get a deal done" to get Brittney sent home to the US.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

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"Just not fair": Australia's most-decorated Olympian's trans stance

<p dir="ltr">Olympic star Emma McKeon has taken a stance against transgender athletes competing in women’s sport.</p> <p dir="ltr">The five-time gold medallist said “it’s just not fair” to be competing against transgender athletes during a seminar at Griffith University.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her comments came as Prime Minister Scott Morrison backs Liberal candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves, who caused an uproar by declaring trans teenagers are “surgically mutilated” and that the rainbow Pride flag “triggers” her.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I personally wouldn't want to be racing against someone who is biologically a male, so that's a concern," McKeon said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's not a new thing, but it's new in that sport, swimming, are going to have to deal with it."</p> <p dir="ltr">McKeon believes it won’t “come to the point” where she is competing against a transgender opponent.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don't think I'm going to have to race against a trans swimmer, I don't think it's going to come to that point,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But now that it's a growing thing, the sport has to think about how to handle it and how to deal with it, because you do want to be inclusive, but you don't want to have females racing against swimmers who are biologically male because it's just not fair.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Laurel Hubbard from New Zealand competed in women’s weightlifting at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics which sparked a debate on the fairness of the competition.</p> <p dir="ltr">New Zealand's Laurel Hubbard sparked debate when she competed in women's weightlifting at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.</p> <p dir="ltr">Australia’s Hannah Mouncey, a former men’s national handball player wanted to compete in AFLW and was rejected with the AFL being taken to court.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Second Olympian killed in same town

<p dir="ltr">A second athlete has been killed in the same town that another Olympian was killed in just a year ago.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kenyan born Damaris Muthee Mutua was found in the town of Iten in western Kenya on Tuesday, the same town record-breaking distance runner Agnes Tirop was found dead in.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police have launched a manhunt for Mutua’s Ethopian boyfriend who is believed to have been the last person to see her. </p> <p dir="ltr">“According to Mutua’s immediate neighbour, her boyfriend was seen in the house on Sunday morning. It’s likely that the incident happened late Saturday or early Sunday since the body was in a state of decomposition,” county police chief Tom Makori told AFP.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have launched a manhunt for the Ethiopian who is believed to have fled the country.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The 28-year-old was a junior athlete and two times bronze medalist at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore and the East African junior athletics championships in Khartoum, Sudan before deciding to represent Bahrain. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her story is similar to Tirop who was only 25 when she was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/lost-a-jewel-olympic-runner-found-stabbed-in-her-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found with stab wounds</a> in her abdomen and her husband missing in October last year. </p> <p dir="ltr">Athletics Kenya said the country had “lost a jewel who was one of the fastest-rising athletics giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye-catching performances.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also paid tribute at the time, saying, “It is unsettling, utterly unfortunate and very sad that we’ve lost a young and promising athlete who, at a young age of 25 years, she had brought our country so much glory through her exploits on the global athletics stage including in this year’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she was part of the Kenyan team in Japan.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

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Olympian's shock death at just 17

<p dir="ltr">Tunisian Olympic sailor Eya Guezguez has died at the age of 17, after an accident during national team training.</p> <p dir="ltr">The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the tragic news on Monday morning, sharing that Eya was sailing with her twin sister Sarra, who is two minutes older, when their boat capsized.</p> <p dir="ltr">Eya drowned, passing away on Sunday, April 10, while her sister survived.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/61067142" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a></em>, their coach was able to save Sarra from tangled rigging before finding Eya and attempting CPR.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was taken to hospital and pronounced dead.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair competed at the Tokyo Olympics last year. </p> <p dir="ltr">It is understood they had hopes of competing at the 2024 Games in Paris, as reported by <em><a href="https://olympics.com/en/news/olympic-sailor-eya-guezguez-dies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am shocked by the news of sailor Eya Guezguez’s death. She was an inspiring talent and role model for her athletes’ generation,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement on the organisation’s <a href="https://olympics.com/en/news/olympic-sailor-eya-guezguez-dies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Eya Guezguez’s participation at Tokyo 2020 alongside her twin sister Sarra will continue to motivate girls everywhere. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the Olympic community in Tunisia.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Tributes to Eya have begun to appear online from fans and members of the sporting world.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a04f8f31-7fff-adf3-23d0-864ebcd65e37"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“RIP Eya Guezguez, left much too soon.Olympian in sailing. Thoughts of her twin sister and her family,” Tunisian Twitter user Wa!id wrote.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Eya Guezguez, 16, Tunisian Olympic Windsurfer, has passed away today after an accident at practice.<br />Eya, along with her twin, Sarra, were the Youngest female athletes at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> Olympics...<br />May she Rest In Peace 😔 <a href="https://t.co/Pvt6lGEscq">pic.twitter.com/Pvt6lGEscq</a></p> <p>— Souhail Khmira (@SKhmira) <a href="https://twitter.com/SKhmira/status/1513262295840866308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Barely 16 years old, our champion of sailing Eya Guezguez has died today after an accident during training for the national team,” Tunisian sports outlet Ettachkila wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We extend our condolences to her family and her loved ones.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Rest in peace.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Eya and Sarra were the youngest Olympians to ever represent Tunisia and the youngest sailors to compete at the Olympic Games.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Tunisian Olympic Committee (CNOT) said her death was a “tragedy in the sports scene”, writing on Facebook that Eya had died while training for upcoming regional and international competitions.</p> <p dir="ltr">“May God have mercy on the deceased, grant her eternal rest in paradise, and grant her family and relatives and the entire sports family a beautiful patience and solace,” CNOT said in a statement, per the <em>BBC</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0b5d7efe-7fff-ce2f-8cf9-18bf93ab8dda"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: International Olympic Committee</em></p>

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Olympic legend delivers his own eulogy

<p>Mourners were brought to tears during the emotional funeral for Australian Olympic legend Dean Woods, who delivered his own eulogy. </p> <p>The track cyclist died in early March after a long battle with lung cancer at 55 years old. </p> <p>Knowing his fate, the sportsman and father decided to address his wife and children, along with the congregation at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, in a pre-recorded message while wearing the same suit he was to be buried in. </p> <p>His wife and three kids has not previously seen the video before it was shown at the funeral, resulting in emotional scenes for the family. </p> <p>"I'm well prepared, even though I'm in the box in front of you," he said.</p> <p>"This will be the suit I'll be put in the box in. (I've) even got the torch ... in there just in case it gets dark."</p> <p>"Now for me, to say to Meagan and the kids that I'm going out for a two hour ride, and not coming back - now that's a tragedy."</p> <p>Speaking to the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&amp;dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fleader%2Falbury-wodonga%2Fdean-woods-olympic-legend-brings-audience-to-tears-with-selfread-eulogy%2Fnews-story%2F4bae63017940783605fe46082b383f9e&amp;memtype=anonymous&amp;mode=premium&amp;v21=dynamic-warm-control-score&amp;V21spcbehaviour=append" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a>, Dean's widow Meagan said her and her kids were "devastated".</p> <p>She said, "We're going home tomorrow and I think that's when the reality will hit. Especially for myself and the girls, because we have had such a wonderful distraction."</p> <p>"I think once we get back home and into the swing of things, the silence will be deafening."</p> <p>Dean's service began with footage of Woods and his teammates clinching gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and ended with a tribute from Meagan, his wife of 28 years. </p> <p><strong>Extract of Dean Woods' eulogy</strong></p> <p>"Hello ladies and gentlemen … it's a bit of a sad occasion.</p> <p>I've had a pretty extraordinary life, it's pretty hard for anyone to document that in a simple form, so the best person to do it is me.</p> <p>First of all, today is a sad day, but for me this is just my process with the whole cancer deal.</p> <p>It's not a tragedy, and I saw that for the reason I've spent so much time riding my bike throughout the world, had a lot of near misses, but never had any serious accidents.</p> <p>Now for me, to say to Meagan and the kids that I'm going out for a two hour ride, and not coming back – now that's a tragedy, because everything was fine.</p> <p>I've been fortunate enough, and I do say fortunate enough, to be able to have the time to put a few things in place, to get a few things sorted.</p> <p>Even though, two years ago when I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer … So the main issue was in the lungs.</p> <p>Which, when you consider someone who's spent 40 years with their lungs in their profession keeping you fit and healthy, it's just one of those things.</p> <p>But I've never once and never will say: 'Why me? Why me?'</p> <p>It's not who I am, and it's not the way to deal with it.</p> <p>It's like if I won 50 billion in the Lotto, would I be saying: 'Why me? Why me?'</p> <p>Absolutely not. So you take the goods with the bads. And that's what I've been able to do.</p> <p>I owe a massive amount of what I know to high performance sport.</p> <p>I've been fortunate enough to be able to put myself through many arduous situations.</p> <p>And you still have that commitment to keep going.</p> <p>There's never that moment you want to stop, even though it does creep in, but you know there's an end goal.</p> <p>And the end goal is to keep going and push through.</p> <p>So even from a young age I've been very fortunate to have those experiences which have served me really well in my two terms of cancer."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Dean Woods</em></p>

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Olympian who beat bone cancer sells medal to save toddler

<p>Olympic medallist Maria Andrejczyk has decided to auction off her silver medal for a very worthwhile cause. </p> <p>The Polish athlete, who won the silver medal for her outstanding performance in javelin, is auctioning off the medal to help fun a toddler's life-saving heart surgery.</p> <p>After beating bone cancer herself, the Olympian wants to help the young boy and his family pay for the operation, which comes with a hefty cost of $246,000.</p> <p>The 25-year-old athlete took to her Facebook page to call for her fans to help her. </p> <p>She said, â€œMiloszek has a serious heart defect. He needs an operation."</p> <p>“He already has a head start from Kubus — a boy who didn’t make it in time but whose amazing parents decided to pass on the funds they collected."</p> <p>“And in this way, I also want to help. It’s for him that I am auctioning my Olympic silver medal.”</p> <p>Maria missed out on an Olympic medal at Rio in 2016, before having to sit out the following year for a shoulder injury, which later led to her cancer diagnosis in 2018. </p> <p>After making it to the podium in Japan, she explained why she will be using her medal to help those in need. </p> <p>On a Polish television show, she said, â€œThe true value of a medal always remains in the heart. A medal is only an object, but it can be of great value to others."</p> <p>“This silver can save lives, instead of collecting dust in a closet. That is why I decided to auction it to help sick children.”</p> <p>Maria's personal best of 71.4 metres is the third longest ever thrown by a woman in javelin, but her kind action will go much further. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p>

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Olympian hospitalised after brutal one-punch assault

<p>Irish Olympian Jack Woolley, 22, has been hospitalised in Dublin after being punched in the face in a random attack.</p> <p>Woolley competed at the Tokyo Olympics in taekwondo and was assaulted “out of the blue” by a stranger, shortly after midnight on Saturday night.</p> <p>He was taken to Dublin’s St. James’ Hospital for facial reconstructive surgery, as he share d the news from his hospital bed on his social media profile.</p> <p>“Last night I went for a meal with my friend. Followed by a bar for a couple of drinks,” Woolley posted.</p> <p>“Heading back along the River Liffey a gang of roughly 8-12 men and women in their 20s began violently attacking people along the boardwalk</p> <p>“Unfortunately I was victim to these random attacks as I was just walking by before I was punched in the face by one of these group members.</p> <p>“Only one punch and followed by ‘my mistake wrong person’ then they continued to run off down the road attacking more civilians minding their own business.</p> <p>“Luckily I was able to phone an ambulance and stay conscious.</p> <p>“My friends helped me throughout all over this and I’m glad to say they both are well and safe.”</p> <p>Woolley added he would be undergoing surgery on his mouth.</p> <p>According to local reports, police are investigating the assault.</p> <p>The <em>Irish Times</em> stated: “One man, aged in his 20s, was conveyed to St James’s Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident.”</p> <p>“No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Olympic gold medallist's son dead at 26

<p><span>Cameron Burrell, former NCAA national champion sprinter, has died at the age of 26.</span><br /><br /><span>He was a star at The University of Houston throughout 2013 to 2018, and they announced his sad death.</span><br /><br /><span>The school says he died on Monday.</span><br /><br /><span>Burrell’s father, Leroy Burrell, a former Olympic gold medal sprinter who coaches Houston's track team, released a statement.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tk8BfAYpC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tk8BfAYpC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cameron Burrell (@camxburrell)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><br /><span>"My family is extremely saddened with the loss of our son, Cameron," Leroy Burrell said.</span><br /><br /><span>"We are going through profound sorrow and ask that all of our friends, extended University of Houston family and the track and field community in the U.S. and abroad allow us to gather with our closest family and friends.</span><br /><br /><span>“We are profoundly grief-stricken and thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers and support."</span><br /><br /><span>Cameron Burrell won the national title in the 100 metres in 2018 in Eugene, Oregon.</span><br /><br /><span>He went on to earn a second national title with his team that season by running the anchor leg of the 4x100-metre relay.</span><br /><br /><span>"Words cannot express how we feel for Leroy, Michelle and their family. Cameron grew up around the Houston athletics department, worked hard and developed himself into one of our greatest track and field stars," athletics director Chris Pezman said.</span><br /><br /><span>"To lose him so suddenly is tragic. We ask all University of Houston and track and field fans to keep coach Burrell and his family in their thoughts and prayers."</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CE-9h-8AnyV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CE-9h-8AnyV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cameron Burrell (@camxburrell)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>Cameron Burrell was a three-time, first-team All-America in the 60-metre dash (2014, 2017-18) in the indoor season and earned first-team All-America honours three times (2016-2018) in the 100 on the outdoor schedule.</span><br /><br /><span>He also was an All-America honouree as the anchor of the team's 4x100-metre relay in 2014 and 2018.</span><br /><br /><span>He ran anchor on the United States relay team that won gold at the 2018 Athletics World Cup.</span><br /><br /><span>Perhaps one of Burrell’s most notable achievements was when he became the 121st man to run the 100 in less than 10 seconds.</span><br /><br /><span>He posted a time of 9.93 seconds on June 8, 2017.</span><br /><br /><span>The mark was .01 of a second faster than his father's school record.</span><br /><br /><span>Burrell is survived by his father, mother, who is Olympic gold medalist Michelle Finn-Burrell, and brothers Joshua and Jaden.</span><br /><br /><span>Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.</span></p>

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“I’m in shock”: Olympian stuns the world with “impossible” run

<p><span>Norway’s Karsten Warholm has had an incredible run by smashing his own “impossible” world record, taking the gold in the men's 400m hurdles.</span><br /><br /><span>Warholm clocked in at a remarkable 45.94 seconds.</span><br /><br /><span>He beat his previous world best of 46.70sec.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842812/norway-world-record-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4a6da1c59057416f9b46990d2d57993b" /></p> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p><span>He went head to head with American Rai Benjamin, who came under the previous world record mark and won silver.</span><br /><br /><span>Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos claimed bronze in 46.72.</span><br /><br /><span>Warholm’s feat is something never-before-seen, as only four runners in history have ever clocked sub-47sec times, let alone sub-46.</span><br /><br /><span>Seven of the eight runners also recorded their personal best times.</span><br /><br /><span>The race was one that came down to the final 20m.</span><br /><br /><span>As Warholm’s world record time flashed on the big screen, he roared and ripped open his shirt.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842813/norway-world-record.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/60445dd9738a4b799bc26111795783a6" /></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em><br /><br /><span>Aussie icon and commentator Bruce McAvaney, described the win as one of the most iconic performances ever seen at the Olympics.</span><br /><br /><span>He said it competed with Usain Bolt's 9.63sec 100m run at the London Olympics.</span><br /><br /><span>"It will go down as the greatest 400m hurdles ever run and arguably the greatest race we have seen at an Olympic Games. What a contest," McAvaney said.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Karsten Warholm's 45.95 in the 400-meter hurdles took .75 of a second off of the world record.<br /><br />To take that much off of the WR in an event human beings have been running for 120+ years should not be possible. It should not be possible!</p> — Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) <a href="https://twitter.com/jgault13/status/1422399636698923010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><br /><span>Former Aussie athletics star Tamsyn Manou said the shock of the race left her speechless.</span><br /><br /><span>"I'm in shock. Bruce, I'm in shock. I cannot believe for the men's 400m hurdles there is a 45 second run," she said.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Ppl, I don’t think you realize what you just watched. A man just ran Sub 46 in the 400M Hurdles. That’s Beamon’s jump in Mexico City, Bolt’s sub 9.6 in 100 meters. I saw Kevin Young run 46.78 in Barcelona, still can’t believe Warholm ran that fast. Geeeeezzz</p> — shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShannonSharpe/status/1422400410812252165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><br /><span>"We've taken this event to a place where I don't think anybody (expected).</span><br /><br /><span>"Everybody was talking about a world record, but I don't think anybody would have said it will be won in sub-46 seconds."</span><br /><br /><span>American sports commentator Tom Harrington said: "That 400 meters hurdles was the greatest in history".</span></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Olympic athlete jailed for 25 years

<p><span>Olympic kayaker and silver medallist Nathan Baggaley has been jailed for 25 years, over an elaborate plot to smuggle more than 500 kilograms of cocaine into Australia in 2018.</span><br /><br /><span>His brother Dru was handed down a sentence of 28 years’ jail.</span><br /><br /><span>Both brothers were convicted of attempting to bring in 650 kilograms of white powder (with an estimate of 512 kilograms ro be considered pure cocaine).</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842696/nathan-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/465a8cf904c049858f187dae4733fc26" /></p> <p><em>Nathan <span>Baggaley, 45. Image: Getty Images</span></em><br /><br /><span>A Brisbane Supreme Court jury has found both the brothers guilty over the detailed high-seas plan to import cocaine worth up to $200 million.</span><br /><br /><span>Defence barrister Mark McCarthy, argued Dru should be handed a 20 year prison sentence, while Nathan’s defence lawyer, Anthony Kimmins, recommended his client should get 14.</span><br /><br /><span>Justice Ann Lyons handed the brothers their punishment, telling them: “It is clear that I must impose a sentence on both of you which is to punish your drug-related crime in a way which signals plainly to anyone who considers like offending that courts are both able and willing to make it clear that actions of this nature will receive quite substantial penalties.”</span><br /><br /><span>Justice Lyons said to Nathan: “You could have easily removed it [the boat] from the ability of Dru to use it … you knew full well what was happening, and you went along with it ... You played an essential role, it was one where you were trusted.”</span><br /><br /><span>To Dru she said: “You did not cooperate with law enforcement officials … you were caught red handed and on film disposing of the cocaine.”</span><br /><br /><span>A last-ditch bid for leniency by the lawyers defending the brothers failed on May 24.</span><br /><br /><span>Justice Lyons rejected a last-ditch bid for leniency on May 24, after Dru argued that thought he was picking up tobacco packages.</span><br /><br /><span>She decided that Nathan knew what the boat he bought was going to be used for.</span><br /><br /><span>Dru and boat driver Anthony Draper were both arrested on July 31, 2018.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842697/nathan-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fe801c64b7d54e64bae7ff31460e3de1" /></p> <p><em>Dru <span>Baggaley, 39. </span>Image: Supplied</em><br /><br /><span>NSW law enforcement had to employ a surveillance plane, a navy ship and a RAAF plane,</span><br /><br /><span>The dramatic chase was ended by a number of specialist heavily armed SERT officers on a Queensland Water Police vessel.</span><br /><br /><span>Nathan had claimed his brother told him he was buying the boat for a proposed whale-watching business at Byron Bay and that he was unaware of the drug plot.</span><br /><br /><span>Dru claimed he thought he was going to get packages of tobacco, not cocaine, and alleged he was kidnapped and forced to go on the long voyage.</span></p>

Legal

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Lisa Curry begs parents to do one thing in memory of her daughter

<p>Devastated Olympian Lisa Curry is struggling to come to terms with the death of her daughter Jaimi, who passed away from an unspecified illness at the age of 33.</p> <p>Lisa has called on parents to hug their children and tell them they love them after her heartbreaking loss.</p> <p>She's also thanked her fans for the "outpouring of love and strength" as they have flooded her social media with kind messages.</p> <p>“There are so many messages from so many people and it’s difficult to get back to all of you but in time we’ll try,” Lisa wrote.</p> <p>“Sadly, I know that we are not the only parents who have lost a child...</p> <p>“So to all the parents who have lost a child, and to those who will, today, tomorrow.... somehow I guess we get through it.</p> <p>“The grief is immense and we are allowing it to take its course.</p> <p>“If I can ask you to do something [for] Jaimi ... right now, go and give your children the biggest hug and tell them how much you love them, and do that every day, because you’ll never know if it’s the last day...</p> <p>“Our beautiful Jaimi. Resting peacefully now.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFLUI5KDRgA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFLUI5KDRgA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and strength we are receiving. There are so many messages from so many people and it’s difficult to get back to all of you but in time we’ll try. Sadly, I know that we are not the only parents who have lost a child... so to all the parents who have lost a child, and to those who will, today, tomorrow.... somehow i guess we get through it. The grief is immense and we are allowing it to take its course. 😞💔 If I can ask you to do something from Jaimi... right now, go and give your children the biggest hug and tell them how much you love them, and do that everyday because you’ll never know if it’s the last day... 😞 Our beautiful Jaimi🌸Resting peacefully now🌸</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/lisacurry/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Lisa Curry AO</a> (@lisacurry) on Sep 15, 2020 at 5:10pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Lisa announced on Monday that her daughter had passed, saying she was "heartbroken".</p> <p>“Jaimi will forever be remembered as a caring, bright and loving soul who always put others before herself,” Lisa said.</p>

Family & Pets

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Olympian Michael Diamond sells gold medal ahead of heart operation

<p><span>Olympic shooter Michael Diamond is selling his gold medal from the 1996 Atlanta Games after suffering from a heart failure.</span></p> <p><span>The 47-year-old said he is currently awaiting a heart transplant at a Newcastle hospital following a “bizarre and alarming” diagnosis.</span></p> <p><span>“This is the greatest fight of my life,” he told <em><a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/olympian-michael-diamond-fights-for-life-after-shock-arrest">New Idea</a></em>.</span></p> <p><span>Diamond said he started noticing his health problems a month ago after suffering shortness of breath. An ultrasound at Gosford Hospital revealed that Diamond’s heart was functioning at just 15 per cent. </span></p> <p><span>“They told me I’m actually in line for a heart transplant,” he said. “I thought, I’m too young for that.”</span></p> <p><span>Diamond missed the selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics after he was charged with high-range drink driving, firearm offences and domestic violence offences. The conviction saw him banned from holding a firearm’s licence until 2017, when he successfully appealed against the conviction in Newcastle District Court.</span></p> <p><span>In the same year, the former champion sold his gold medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics to pay for the legal bills for $72,000.</span></p> <p><span>Auction house Leonard Joel announced on Monday that Diamond’s Atlanta medal would be auctioned on December 5. It is estimated to bring between $50,000 and $70,000.</span></p> <p><span>“I still have bills and I’ve still got to survive,” Diamond said. “It’s a pretty sobering feeling to have your heart fail on you … It puts things into check.</span></p> <p><span>“I do want to hang around. I want to see my kids get older and get married and I want to have grandchildren. I’d be very grateful for life.”</span></p>

News

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The young royals have a special message for Britain’s Olympians

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, have recorded a special message for Britain’s Olympians to wish them luck in their quest for gold.</p> <p>Using the hashtag #BringOnTheGreat, the young royals took to twitter to share the video, that is aimed at uplifting both competitors and spectators’ spirits and encourage support for the team.</p> <p>Prince William can be heard saying "London 2012 saw this country come alive with a passion for sport. It saw people of all ages and from all walks of life join together to support Team GB”.</p> <p>Watch the Duke, Duchess and Prince Harry come together to wish all the “Team GB” athletes good luck in the video above.</p> <p>What do you think we can do to show support for our athletes? Let us know in the comments below. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/duchess-of-cambridge-and-princess-mary-at-royal-ascot/"><em>The Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Mary at Royal Ascot together</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/kate-and-william-want-at-least-three-kids-close-in-age/"><em>Kate and William “want at least three kids close in age”</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/05/duchess-of-cambridge-takes-control-during-high-speed-yacht-race/"><em>Duchess of Cambridge takes control during high speed yacht race</em></a></strong></span></p>

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