News
Historic move: Figure Skating minimum age raised to 17
In a historic move, figure ice skating has raised the minimum age to 17 for senior competitions
The International Skating Union has raised the minimum age from 15 to 17 for senior ice skating competitions, coming into effect for the 2024-2025 season.
In total, 100 countries backed the move, and just 16 opposed it. Rounds of applause filled the room as the decision was announced.
The ISU says the decision has been on the table for years but concerns over adolescent athletes’ well-being have cemented it into action.
“This is very important decision, I would say a very historic decision.”
ISU President Jan Dijkema
The medical advice given to the sporting body said that raising the age limit would ‘benefit the athletes both mentally and physically.’
“I feel as administrators of the sport of skating it is your moral obligation and duty to provide these young skaters with the opportunity and time to develop the skills they require in order to be successful at the senior level,”
Dr. Jane Moran from the body’s medical commission
It follows a drug scandal at the Beijing Winter Olympics drugs involving 15-year-old Russian figure skater, Kamila Valieva.
Valieva failed a pre-Games drugs test, with the global spotlight on the adolescent and the lengths she was willing to go to.
Before the vote, the ISU director-general Fredi Schmid encouraged countries to enforce the change saying “the moment of truth is obviously today because the credibility of the ISU will also be scrutinised”.
“The life of an athlete is short and intense, their experience in this short phase sets the platform for the rest of their lives — physically, spiritually emotionally,” said the Canadian, who won a pairs gold at the 2018 Olympics.
“While I hear the concerns of certain nations about the immediate difficulty that they might face with this proposal being passed … is a medal really worth the life of a young athlete?”
ERIC RADFORD, ISU ATHLETES COMMISSION MEMBER
The countries that opposed the move argue that raising the age will negatively impact athletes’ ability to reach elite levels.
But countries including Ireland counter these arguments saying “they are children first and athletes second,”
Gunmen open fire at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Festival; chaos ensues, raising safety concerns for public events.
What started as a joyful summer Sunday at Bondi Beach quickly descended into chaos when a gunman opened fire during a Hanukkah festival, leaving multiple dead and injured. The attack prompted an immediate counter-terrorism response as authorities scrambled to contain the situation. Witnesses described the horror unfolding in a busy public space, with brave bystanders and first responders stepping in to help.
The attack raises serious questions about the safety of major public events and religious gatherings. Why are such spaces increasingly vulnerable to violence, and how do authorities assess and prepare for these risks? Experts point to growing concerns about radicalization and the challenges of protecting open, high-profile locations.
In an exclusive interview, we speak with Tim Harcourt from UTS to explore the bigger picture. He discusses the role of bystanders, the impact of such incidents on public safety, and how authorities balance immediate response with long-term safety measures. Tune in for insights into how our communities can stay safer in an unpredictable world.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#BondiBeach #HanukkahFestival #TerrorAttack #PublicSafety #CounterTerrorism #FirstResponders #AustraliaNews #PublicEvents
News
Trump and Albanese sign rare-earth deal: What it means for U.S.-Australia relations
Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.
Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.
In a groundbreaking meeting in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a historic rare-earth deal that marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two nations. This agreement signals a potential alignment amid growing concerns over defense, technology, and foreign policy. As both countries face shifting geopolitical dynamics, this deal could redefine their strategic collaboration.
The U.S. and Australia have long been key allies in countering China’s influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. This deal, which focuses on rare-earth materials crucial for defense and technology sectors, demonstrates how both nations are looking to strengthen their ties. Australia’s role as a strategic partner is now more critical than ever, with the growing influence of China posing a shared challenge.
Chris Berg, an expert from RMIT University, discusses the implications of this partnership, including its impact on Australia’s security needs and its relationship with the U.S. regarding Taiwan, the Middle East, and the broader Indo-Pacific. From the AUKUS agreement to the U.S.-Australia approach to Palestine, these issues are shaping the future direction of bilateral relations.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#AustraliaUSRelations #RareEarthDeal #TrumpAlbanese #USAlliance #Geopolitics #IndoPacific #AUKUS #MiddleEastEurope
News
Bondi Beach terror attack: Hanukkah celebrations turned tragic
Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.
Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.
In a devastating and unexpected attack, two gunmen opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, leading to at least 16 deaths and numerous injuries. This horrific act of terror has shocked the nation, igniting widespread outrage and calls for unity against anti-Semitism. The Jewish community, along with the public, is grappling with the unimaginable loss and trauma caused by the attack.
Government officials have condemned the violence, and law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to prevent further incidents. While details about the gunmen are still emerging, the bravery of bystanders who intervened to stop the shooting has been widely praised. This act of terror has sparked a crucial conversation about safety, security, and the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism in Australia.
As the nation mourns, leaders from both religious and community sectors are calling for solidarity, urging authorities to take stronger action against hate-driven violence. Rabbi Abraham Cooper from the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins us to share his perspective on the impact of this tragedy on the Jewish community and how Australia can address the rise of anti-Semitism in the country.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#BondiBeach #HanukkahAttack #AntiSemitism #AustraliaTerror #JewishCommunity #GunViolence #SydneyTragedy #PublicSafety
-
News22 hours agoBondi Beach terror attack: Hanukkah celebrations turned tragic
-
Ticker Views21 hours ago
From the Goldberg’s to the Icebergs – Bondi is Australia, Australia is Bondi beach
-
Shows4 days ago
Reforms on underquoting address ongoing market frustrations
-
News23 hours ago
Father-son duo confirmed in Bondi anti-Semitic massacre
-
News23 hours ago
Netanyahu blames Albanese after Bondi attack
-
News4 days ago
Disney invests $1B in OpenAI to generate Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar videos
-
News5 days ago
Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans $25 billion IPO in 2026
-
News5 days ago
Netflix vs Paramount: The Warner Bros takeover battle explained
