Sport

Novak Djokovic says rule that bans Russian athletes is ‘crazy’

Published

2 months ago

April 22, 2022

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has slammed Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players saying its “crazy”

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its atrocities, the Wimbledon Organisers made the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from its tournament.

Novak Djokovic has slammed the rules as ‘crazy’.

“I will always condemn war, I will never support war being myself a child of war…As a child of war, I know what kind of emotional trauma a war leaves. Us in Serbia we know what was happening here in 1999, ordinary people always suffer – we’ve had lots of wars in the Balkans.
However, I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy. When politics interferes with sport, the result is not good.”
Novak djokovic

The Serbian endured his own experience of war when he was just 11-years-old.

Wimbledon has been quick to defend its motion though, moving in line with other Governments, sporting, and industries to condemn Russia’s actions.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club runs the Wimbledon Tournament and is standing firm on its decision, announcing it has also scrapped its broadcast deal with Russia.

This means the people of Russia will be unable to watch the tournament.

“Given the profile of the Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible,”
“In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.
“It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022,”
All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC)

Ukrainian tennis players Elina Monfils and Lesia Tsurenko have also responded to the ban, praising solidarity with Ukraine.

‼️💙💛🇺🇦✊🏼 pic.twitter.com/UK04g8OOh9
— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) April 20, 2022

However, the Kremlin continues to criticise bans on its athletes in global sports calling them “unacceptable”.

The ban is the first of its kind in an elite tennis event and the ban will include world number two Daniil Medvedev.

The ATP and WTA bosses have also slammed the move by Wimbledon, saying it’s unfair and discriminatory.

“We believe that today’s unilateral decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year’s British grass-court swing is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game,” an ATP statement said.
“Discrimination based on nationality also constitutes a violation of our agreement with Wimbledon that states that player entry is based solely on ATP Rankings.
“Our sport is proud to operate on the fundamental principles of merit and fairness, where players compete as individuals to earn their place in tournaments based on the ATP Rankings.”
Atp statement

I feel like Ukraine would be better served if @Wimbledon donated their entire profit in support aid instead of banning the Russian and Belarusian players.
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) April 20, 2022

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Holly Stearnes

Holly is an anchor and reporter at Ticker. She's experienced in live reporting, and has previously covered the Covid-19 pandemic on-location. She's passionate about telling stories in business, climate and health.

Sport

Hero coach rescues U.S. swimmer at Olympic event

Published

3 days ago

June 24, 2022

Holly Stearnes

U.S. Swimming coach, Andrea Fuentes, has saved the life of an American Swimmer, Anita Alvarez, at the FINA World Championships

Fuentes dived into the pool to rescue unconscious Alvarez from the bottom after her Olympic qualifying event.

In a nightmare moment, the 25-year-old didn’t return for breath after her synchronised swimming event and instead began to sink.

In a split-moment decision, Coach Fuentes jumped into the pool to rescue her, after the lifeguards failed to act.

When a swimmer finishes their routine, the first thing they want to do is breathe and so I saw that instead of going up, she was going down and I told myself, ‘Something is going on’ … So I went in as fast as I could.”
Andrea Fuentes

The young Olympic medalist was unconscious and not breathing but quickly received medical attention on the edge of the pool.

This is one of the most powerful photos I’ve seen in a long time. It embodies the true human spirit of love and sacrifice. It also reminds me that we all need “rescuing” from time to time. Glad Anita Alvarez is okay and thankful to Andrea Fuentes for her act of selflessness. pic.twitter.com/ijE0ya55r5
— Brad Hardin (@chinsobelife) June 23, 2022

She was taken to hospital and is now reportedly in ‘good health’.

Sport

Medical personnel to face trial over Maradona’s death

Published

4 days ago

June 23, 2022

Costa Haritos

Eight medical personnel will stand trial for their alleged negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona

The 60-year-old was found dead in a rented home in Buenos Aires two years ago, after recently being discharged from hospital.

Prosecutors say there were “omissions” by the star’s caregivers, who allegedly abandoned him during his hospital stay.

Around 20 medical experts found Maradona’s treatment was rife with “deficiencies and irregularities”, in a hearing convened by Argentina’s public prosecutor last year.

A neurosurgeon and family doctor, psychiatrist and psychologist are among those who are facing charges.

They risk sentences ranging from eight to 25 years in prison but are denying any responsibility in the Argentinian player’s death.

Diego Maradona played in four FIFA World Cups for Argentina, and then went on to coach the national team during their 2010 campaign in South Africa.

In May, his famous ‘Hand of God’ jersey sold for $9.3 million.

Sport

Sporting stars lose millions amid crypto crash

Published

4 days ago

June 23, 2022

Holly Stearnes

Many stars and celebrities are getting caught up in the crypto market crash right now, with big names losing millions

Most recently, star Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had $22 million wiped off his cryptocurrency portfolio.

The Jacksonville Jaguars athlete pushed his entire signing bonus into the sector when he decided to accept his wage in digital currency.

The 22-year-old partnered with a crypto tracking app, Blockfolio.

He organised for his entire wage package of $34 million to be delivered in cryptocurrency.

However, Bitcoin has currently lost more than 70 percent of its value, which has sent Lawrence’s paycheck nosediving.

His original pay packet is now worth just $12 million, leaving the Quarterback $22 million out of pocket.

Investors are selling off riskier assets because central banks are raising interest rates to combat quickening inflation.

The overall market value of crypto assets has fallen from $3 trillion to below $1 trillion.

This expensive nightmare for Lawrence follows a string of other top athletes like NFL star Odell Beckham and NBA player Andre Iguodala also losing millions.