Sport

Wimbledon returns but for two champs, is this goodbye?

Published

12 months ago

June 28, 2021

After last year’s cancellation Wimbledon is back and there are storylines everywhere.

Topping the list of interest is how different it will look and feel. But the two biggest questions surround the two biggest champions.

The tournament is part of the government’s “Event Research Programme” meaning it will operate at 50 per cent capacity across the grounds, and build to full capacity crowds of 15 thousand on Centre Court for the finals weekend.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 03: Serena Williams of USA looks on in her match against Pauline Parmentier of France on day two of the ASB Classic on January 3, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

All players are in bio secure bubbles with strong protocols and will stay in central London hotels with entourages limited to 3 people.

Britain’s number one female player Johanna Konta is already out after a member of her team tested positive for Covid-19.

WILL ROGER AND SERENA GO AROUND ONE MORE TIME?

So much of the fortnight will focus on the man who’s won the tournament eight times – 39-year old Roger Federer. Will this be his last? Don’t forget he turns 40 this August.

The world number eight warmed up with another cool story. After years of injury, and last year’s cancellation, Andy Murray plays his home slam for the first time since 2017.

On the other side of the event is another 39-year old, who’s lifted the trophy seven times.

Serena Williams. Could this be the swan-song?

The world number eight has already announced she won’t be at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Tight restrictions mean she won’t be able to take her daughter with her and that’s a step too far.

THE HOTTEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD WANTS MORE.

Meanwhile the hottest player in the world Novak Djokovic is aiming to stay on course for a calendar-year grand slam. But that’s not the prize he wants most. If the 34-year old Serbian wins his sixth Wimbledon title he will draw level on 20 majors with Federer and Rafael Nadal, who is missing in London.

The Spaniard has announced he will sit out both this tournament and the Olympics before returning for the US Open in September.

As is tradition, Djokovic, the world number one, will open Centre court action in his first match. His counterpart Australian Ash Barty will hit the grass on day two.

One thing is for sure, both Djokovic and Barty will be back again next year.

But will Federer and Williams join them?

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.