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  • Wisconsin basketball 2025-26 roster, lineup with Aleksas Bieliauskas

    Wisconsin basketball 2025-26 roster, lineup with Aleksas Bieliauskas

    Wisconsin basketball landed a commitment from Lithuanian forward Aleksas Bieliauskas on Thursday.

     

    The 19-year-old joins the program with its incoming class of 2025, which also includes top in-state guard Zach Kinziger, center Will Garlock and New Zealand guard Hayden Jones. The Badgers’ concerted overseas recruiting effort continues to pay dividends with Bieliauskas’ addition, an initiative that can be connected to Kirk Penney’s emerging role on Greg Gard’s coaching staff.

     

    Bieliauskas averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds on 58.8% shooting and 39.3% from 3 for Zalgiris II in Lithuania NKL, the country’s second-tier basketball minor league. The forward’s frame, shooting ability and playing experience make him an intriguing add for the Badgers as they look to reload their roster entering 2025-26.

     

    Notably, 247Sports’ Evan Flood reports that Kansas was another top contender for Bieliauskas’ commitment.

     

    The international signee is Wisconsin’s seventh addition of the offseason — three transfers, two in-state high school prospects and now two international players. With those additions, here is the Badgers’ updated projected lineup and rotation.

     

    Wisconsin Updated 2025-26 Starting Lineup Projection

    Guard: John Blackwell (Junior)*

    Guard: Nick Boyd (Senior — San Diego State transfer)

    Wing: Andrew Rohde (Senior — Virginia transfer)

    Forward: Austin Rapp (Sophomore — Portland transfer)

    Forward: Nolan Winter (Junior)

    Wisconsin’s starting five appears set after the sport’s transfer movement. Boyd, Rohde and Rapp were each top targets entering the cycle. All three add versatile scoring and shooting to the lineup, continuing a trend seen over the past two seasons, specifically in 2024-25. Blackwell and Winter are back from that group to lead the Badgers’ backcourt and frontcourt, respectively.

     

    *(Note: Blackwell declared for the NBA draft on April 3 while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He remains in the projected lineup, barring an unforeseen rise up draft boards)

     

    Wisconsin’s Projected 2025-26 Bench/Reserves

    )

    Guard Jack Robison (Sophomore)

    Center Riccardo Greppi (Sophomore)

    Forward Aleksas Bieliauska (Freshman)

    Guard Hayden Jones (Freshman)

    Guard Zach Kinziger (Freshman)

    Center Will Garlock (Freshman)

    Xavier Amos’ departure is the one key loss from this reserve unit. Janicki projects as the team’s sixth man, with several other intriguing depth guard prospects in Robison, Kinziger and Jones following. Bieliauska should see minutes immediately at reserve forward, although it is challenging to predict how international production translates to the college level.

     

    Wisconsin is likely to add another few transfers to round out the roster. The team is still in need of frontcourt depth, specifically a player with significant college experience.

     

    For more on the team’s transfer moves, bookmark our 2025 Wisconsin basketball transfer tracker.

     

     

  • Thompson, Jackson and Fraser-Pryce named for World Relays – Jamaica Observer

    Thompson, Jackson and Fraser-Pryce named for World Relays – Jamaica Observer

     

    Thompson, Jackson and Fraser-Pryce named for World Relays

    Olympic Games 100m silver medalist Kishane Thompson as well as Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have been named in Jamaica’s team to the 2025 World Athletics Relays to be held May 10 and 11 in Guangzhou, China.

     

    Jamaica will participate in five events over the two days, both men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m, and the mixed 4x400m relays.

     

     

    There has also been a recall for veteran Yohan Blake as part of the men’s 4x100m pool, according to a release sent out by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association on Thursday.

     

    Thompson leads the men’s 4x100m relay pool that also includes Ackeem Blake, Rohan Watson, Julian Forte and Bryan Levell.

     

     

    Jackson and Fraser-Pryce are part of the women’s sprint relay pool that also includes the Clayton twins- Olympic finalist Tai and Tina, US based Niesha Burgher, World Under-20 100m gold medalist Alana Reid and Natasha Morrison.

     

    The women’s 4x400m relay pool sees the likes of Stacey-Ann Williams, Roneisha McGregor, Shiann Salmon and Kelly-Ann Beckford while the men’s team will include Rusheen McDonald, Zandrion Barnes, Malik James-King and Tarees Rhoden.

     

    HEALTHY REWARDS

    Team

     

    Women

    Niesha Burgher, Tia Clayton, Tina Clayton, Serena Cole, Shericka Jackson,

    Natasha Morrison, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Alana Reid, Krystal Sloley, Shana Kaye Anderson, Kelly-Ann Beckford, Roneisha McGregor, Shiann Salmon, Ronda Whyte, Jodean Williams and Stacey-Ann Williams.

     

    Men

    Ackeem Blake, Yohan Blake, Julian Forte, Rasheed Foster, Bryan Levell,

    Javari Thomas, Kishane Thompson, Rohan Watson, Zandrion Barnes, Javier Brown, Demar Francis, Malik James-King, Delano Kennedy, Rusheen McDonald and Tarees Rhoden.

     

     

  • How Leeds United’s wage bill compares with every Premier League club after promotion

    How Leeds United’s wage bill compares with every Premier League club after promotion

     

    Leeds United are back in the Premier League and are going to be competing with the heavy spenders next season.

     

    The parties are only just coming to an end – for now at least – after Leeds United won promotion back to the Premier League on Monday.

     

    There were wild scenes at Elland Road during and after the 6-0 drubbing of Stoke City, with Burnley’s subsequent win over Sheffield United sending both sides back up to the top flight.

     

    Daniel Farke has now earned his third promotion to the Premier League but murmurings have already started on whether he is good enough to keep them there.

     

    Michael Brown and Gabby Agbonlahor are just two to suggest Leeds might have to consider sacking him, with Darren Bent suggesting Jose Mourinho would like the job.

     

    Farke hasn’t got a good record in the Premier League, having won just six out of 49 matches for Norwich City, but Simon Jordan believes he was set up to fail due to a lack of investment in the transfer market.

     

    Leeds won’t be the big fish in the pond next season and will be competing with the highest-spending clubs in the world, as their wage bill compared to the 20 Premier League sides attests.

     

     

    Leeds United’s yearly wage bill

    Leeds have one of, if not the, biggest wage bill in the Championship in the 2024-25 season, which has certainly helped them secure promotion.

     

     

    Farke’s squad is dripping with quality and players with ample Premier League experience, reflected in their ridiculous points return, scoring rate and defensive record.

     

    According to Sports Salary, this is the club’s wage bill this year:

     

    £31,747,560 per year

    £610,530 per week

    There may be variation on the figure depending on what percentage of wages Leeds are paying for on-loan duo Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell and other factors but, regardless, it’s a massive sum for the second tier.

     

    Yet, it pales in comparison to most of the Premier League.

     

    Where Leeds United wages rank in the Premier League

    Leeds’ wage bill will likely increase immediately after Premier League promotion, before new signings even arrive.

     

    The Leeds squad took pay cuts at around 50-60% when the club was relegated to the Championship and those wages might shoot back up next season.

     

    Those players who have been signed in the two years since may also be set for a pay rise after securing promotion.

     

    Still, at present, Leeds’ wage bill is absolutely dwarfed by the Premier League clubs, with Erling Haaland nearly earning as much himself in a year as the Whites spend on their whole squad.

     

    Ranking Team Weekly wage bill Yearly wage bill

    1 Manchester City £3,471,160 £180,500,320

    2 Chelsea £3,262,085 £169,628,420

    3 Arsenal £3,183,351 £165,534,252

    4 Manchester United £2,965,415 £154,201,580

    5 Liverpool £2,702,650 £140,537,800

    6 Tottenham Hotspur £2,262,015 £117,624,780

    7 Newcastle United £2,023,065 £105,199,380

    8 Aston Villa £1,874,466 £97,472,232

    9 West Ham United £1,710,350 £88,938,200

    10 Everton £1,489,346 £77,445,992

    11 Nottingham Forest £1,307,120 £67,970,240

    12 Fulham £1,287,825 £66,966,900

    13 Brighton £1,268,573 £65,965,796

    14 Wolves £1,245,253 £64,753,156

    15 Crystal Palace £1,236,340 £64,289,680

    16 Bournemouth £1,194,045 £62,090,340

    17 Leicester City £1,170,345 £60,857,940

    18 Southampton £ 971,000 £ 50,492,000

    19 Ipswich Town £820,465 £42,664,180

    20 Brentford £792,791 £41,225,132

    21 Leeds United £610,530 £31,747,560

    All wage date via salarysport.com

    Though Brentford reportedly have the lowest wage bill and are 11th in the league, they are an exception that proves the rule. It takes big money to thrive, even survive, in the first division.

     

    Leicester have a wage bill that is currently near double Leeds’ yet have been humiliated this season, while Ipswich and Southampton have been unable to survive despite increasing their spending as well.

     

    Other than Brentford, the three lowest wage bills will be relegated this season, which just shows that Leeds will likely have to outspend at least four other clubs on wages and more than double their bill if they want to stay up.

  • Justin Gatlin Gives Harsh Reality Check to Gout Gout & Others Amidst Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Defense

    Justin Gatlin Gives Harsh Reality Check to Gout Gout & Others Amidst Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Defense

     

    “Other than that, I think I would have had that 38 on Sydney [McLaughlin-Levrone].” That bold statement came from none other than Jasmine Robinson — one of the most electrifying young stars in high school track and field — speaking in mid-April after a pair of eye-catching performances. She had just taken the top podium in the girls’ 300m hurdles at the North Cobb Invitational and secured a second-place finish in the 100m hurdles at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational. But what really turned heads wasn’t just her times — it was her talk.

     

    Watch What’s Trending Now!

     

    Robinson claimed she was within striking distance of breaking Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s national record in the 300m hurdles: 38.90 seconds. That’s the same Sydney who owns two Olympic gold medals and the world record in the 400m hurdles. A legend. A household name. A force of nature on the track. And yet, here’s a young, untested Jasmine, with no international experience, tossing her name into the same sentence as Sydney’s. And guess what? It didn’t sit right with everyone.

     

    Olympic champion Justin Gatlin took notice, and not without skepticism. On a recent episode of the Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin expressed concern, not just about Jasmine’s comment, but about a broader trend in the sport.

    Phenoms with little experience, throwing down bold claims, sometimes before they’ve even faced the fire of elite competition. “Do you think it’s a good step in the right direction? Or do you think it’s making athletes at a younger age think that it’s easy, and then when they get into the big leagues, they’re going to see a whole different ball game?” Gatlin pondered, meanwhile.

     

     

     

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    Enter Rodney Green, co-host on the podcast, who offered a more nuanced perspective. For Rodney, it’s all part of what he calls “Track Inflation.” A new wave where young athletes — hungry and fearless — are pushing boundaries, sometimes even before fully understanding the weight of the records they chase.

     

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    “That’s why these kids are so fast,” Rodney said. “I said, I’m not worried about the kids running fast at this point, man, because when you’re young and hungry, you’re trying to beat the biggest dudes on the track.” Additionally, he pointed out that while the drive and motivation are exciting, they can lead to unrealistic expectations. Take Gout Gout, another breakout name in youth track — all talent, all hype, but also all pressure.

     

    Meanwhile, speaking about the pressure on Gout, Rodney said, “Everybody’s seen [Usain] Bolt’s success, but he lost a lot in the beginning of his professional career. We could even say Gout-Gout. The country is behind him right now. What happens when he starts to lose? Will the country still rally behind him? How are these kids going to handle the pressures of when the battle of the pen or the journalist turns on them?”

     

    It was a heavy question — and one Justin Gatlin didn’t have an answer for. However, the American legend had no lack of support for Sydney, and this wasn’t the only time he was supporting the hurdler.

     

    Justin Gatlin supported Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s key decision

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    Last year, after securing two Olympic gold medals, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made headlines not only for her dominance on the track but for what she did next. Rather than extending her season, she chose to step away early, skipping the Silesia Diamond League meet. That decision only fueled speculation and whispers in the track world, with fans and critics alike questioning her motives. But not everyone was caught up in the noise.

     

    On a Ready Set Go podcast episode last September, Justin Gatlin stepped in to defend Sydney’s choice — and offered some perspective. “You gonna get bored of that Sydney winning everything,” Gatlin said, speaking with the candor of someone who’s been at the top.

     

    “Sydney wins every race. You gonna get bored of it to the point where her time is not even gonna affect you anymore. You’re gonna be like, oh, she just ran 51.8? You know what I’m saying?” For Gatlin, the issue wasn’t about whether Sydney was competing enough — it was about giving her the space to be exceptional on her own terms.

     

     

     

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    “At the end of the day,” he added, “allow her to be special and unique. Allow her to go out. She clearly trains with the intent to go out and break a world record — and move the needle in her event to where it’s never been before.” Actually, in Gatlin’s eyes, Sydney isn’t just winning — she’s redefining excellence. And maybe, just maybe, greatness deserves a little breathing room.

     

     

  • F1 News Today: Hamilton quit fears issued as Ferrari star reveals unexpected new role

    F1 News Today: Hamilton quit fears issued as Ferrari star reveals unexpected new role

     

     

    F1 News Today: Hamilton quit fears issued as Ferrari star reveals unexpected new role

     

    Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to quit his new Ferrari team as early as this year having been identified as struggling at the famous Italian outfit.

     

    Lewis Hamilton caught off guard as Ferrari star reveals unexpected new role

     

    Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has been caught off guard in a confusing move made by his Ferrari F1 team.

     

     

    Former F1 boss gives DRIVE-THROUGH Verstappen penalty verdict

     

    A former Formula 1 team owner has issued his verdict on Max Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix penalty, suggesting he should have been punished more harshly.

     

    FIA statement explains Max Verstappen double penalty decision

     

     

    Michael Schumacher memorabilia to go up for auction in Miami

     

    A stunning piece of Michael Schumacher memorabilia is set to go under the hammer during an auction at the Miami Grand Prix weekend.

     

     

     

    Team boss reveals Adrian Newey doesn’t come to meetings or reply to emails

     

    Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell has opened up on the day-to-day of working with Adrian Newey, as the legendary designer works on his first car for the team.

     

     

    Former FIA steward blasts ‘unprofessional and disrespectful’ Max Verstappen

     

    Former FIA steward Johnny Herbert has labelled reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen ‘unprofessional’ after his actions at last weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

     

    Female F1 drivers get their own ‘Drive To Survive’ as Netflix make huge announcement

     

    The streaming service giants behind smash-hit Formula 1 documentary Drive to Survive have released further details about an exciting new project.

     

    Helmut Marko declares when Red Bull will be back to their best

     

    Red Bull Formula 1 director Helmut Marko has issued a prediction regarding his team’s chances of closing the gap to McLaren over the coming races

     

    Verstappen hits out at ‘super sensitive’ world after penalty

     

    Max Verstappen has blamed today’s ‘super sensitive’ culture for his reluctance to comment on a controversial penalty he received at last weekend’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

     

    Nicole Piastri opens up on ‘horrifying’ moment as an F1 mum

     

    The mother of McLaren Formula 1 star Oscar Piastri has revealed a ‘horrifying’ moment she experienced whilst watching her son race in the pinnacle of motorsport.

     

     

  • How the Leeds United dressing room truly feel about Daniel Farke after 49ers talks

     

    Daniel Farke has suddenly seen his future go into uncertainty after the 49ers made their stance clear.

     

    The 49ers are considering sacking Farke in what would be a shock to an incredible season for Leeds.

     

    With Leeds sitting on 94 points in the Championship and now promoted, the last thing you’d expect is a managerial departure.

     

     

    This has brought mixed opinions from the ownership, who will no doubt take a risk with the decision.

     

    But now it’s been revealed how the actual squad feel about these talks regarding Farke.

     

     

     

    How the Leeds United players feel about Daniel Farke amid sack claims

    With the German clearly seeing his position under threat, it will be intriguing to see what the squad thinks about it.

     

    Many a time Farke’s mentality has been praised, as Jayden Bogle thinks Farke’s character is ‘massive’ to Leeds.

     

     

    The players seem to take a liking to their manager and it’s no doubt a healthy environment around Thorp Arch.

     

    But with the 49ers considering the possibility of letting him go, Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed to LeedsUnited.News how the dressing room view their boss.

     

    “I think there’s a good section of the senior players who appreciate Farke for the way he’s managed the squad this season,” Bailey said.

     

    “I think a lot of what he’s done in the last month will be massively in his favour, and I think the senior players will back him.”

     

    49ers talks already raises doubt over Farke’s Leeds future

    With the owners already taking action with potential talks over Farke staying or leaving, this doesn’t bode well for the German.

     

    It seems like the Leeds hierarchy will be very critical of what the Whites boss does next season, as the 49ers disagreed with Farke starting Illan Meslier, proving he’ll be under the spotlight.

     

    Even if they decide to retain Farke going into the Premier League, a couple of poor results could see the Leeds manager on the chopping block.

     

    Going off his only full campaign with Norwich City in the top flight, it’s not a good look, and it might end up favouring the side of an exit for the German.

     

    Daniel Farke’s only full season in the Premier League (Norwich City 19/20)

    Position 20th

    Goals conceded per match 2.0 (20th)

    Shots on target per match 3.4 (16th)

    Touches in opposition box 715 (18th)

    Goals scored 26 (20th)

    It’s looking like Farke might have a troubled time with the owners, as these numbers don’t reflect well.

     

    Jose Mourinho is mooted for Leeds, which puts Farke out of the water if the Portuguese agrees to an Elland Road move.

     

    With all the factors considered, it seems like a 50/50 call but surely the players have some say in what is a major decision.

  • World’s Hottest Track Star’ Turns Heads In Sprinting Video

    World’s Hottest Track Star’ Turns Heads In Sprinting Video

    ‘

     

    Alica Schmidt is busy training for the summer outdoor track season.

     

    Last summer, Schmidt made her Olympic debut in Paris, running with Germany’s 4×400 team. This winter, she ran the 800m indoor for the first time ever and also participated in the 4×200 relay at the German Nationals.

     

    “First 800m at nationals are in the books!” Schmidt wrote back in February. “It didn’t go as planned, and the final was a very tough race for me. Overall I became 4th and I’m not satisfied with that but it‘s just the beginning.

    I knew before my indoor season that my first races wouldn’t be easy and there’s a lot to learn especially tactically. Still, racing the 800m now already was the best decision to improve for the summer!

     

    “But I‘m happy to take away silver with the girls over the 4x200m relay ❤️‍🔥 always the best to race with your team 🙋🏼‍♀️.”

     

    Alica Schmidt giving a thumbs-up after a race.

    Germany’s Alica Schmidt poses for a photo after the Women’s 4x400m Heats on day five of the 26th European Athletics Championships – Rome 2024 at Stadio Olimpico on June 11, 2024 in Rome, Italy.

     

    For the last few weeks, the 26-year-old athlete has been working out preparing for the outdoor slate, and she’s provided her fans with some glimpses into her routine.

     

    In Schmidt’s latest video, shared on Instagram Tuesday, she takes her followers through her sprint training program, explaining the methods behind her workouts and including footage of her running.

     

    As always, Schmidt’s fans on IG are enjoying the content.

     

    “Looks pretty fast to me,” one woman wrote in German.

     

    “Watched your video and made me want to get outside and run! Keep up the good work!” another person said.

     

    “How do you stay away from injury? I’m getting injured all the time as a distance runner,” a third person asked.

     

    “Love this type of content!” a fourth person wrote.

     

    “The training was fantastic miss,” another person said.

     

    Alica Schmidt on Instagram.

    We’re looking forward to seeing how Schmidt performs when her outdoor competitions get going.

     

    In the meantime, if you’d like to follow her on Instagram, click here.

     

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  • Willy Gnonto demands The 49ers keep Leeds United teammate for ‘one more season

    Willy Gnonto demands The 49ers keep Leeds United teammate for ‘one more season

     

    With promotion now in the bag, focus is quickly turning to the summer transfer window for Leeds United and The 49ers’ ability to put together a squad Daniel Farke can keep in the Premier League.

     

    There have been murmurs that Leeds might replace Daniel Farke even after promotion and possibly, a league title. Simon Grayson rubbished the idea that The 49ers could sack Farke, but the pressure is on.

     

    Paraag Marathe praised Farke in his promotion statement, but also told fans that work has been put in place in the event of promotion to deliver a squad capable of fighting for Premier League survival.

     

    Before making any new signings, even if Burnley are set to complete permanent deals for Jaidon Anthony and Marcus Edwards, The 49ers and Farke need to make a few decisions no the current playing squad.

     

     

    Josuha Guilavogui is one of five players set to leave Leeds United

    As things stand, three players are out of contract while two loans will come to an end. Leeds are expected to sign Manor Solomon though the jury is out over whether Leeds will bring in Joe Rothwell permanently.

     

    Guilavogui joined Leeds in October of the 2024-25 season, as an emergency free agent signing to cover the injuries to duo Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. He posted on Instagram after Leeds won promotion.

     

    The former Mainz, Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid star’s Instagram post read: “WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE.

    This team. These players. This club. One of a kind. Marching On Together always.”

     

     

    Willy Gnonto orders Leeds to hand Guilavogui a new contract

    Guilavogui played 17 times for Leeds, two starts in The FA Cup and 15 appearances as a substitute. The midfielder has matched Vinnie Jones’ record of going unbeaten in his first 15, even if he’s not started.

     

    But it is Guilavogui’s character that has won the love of fans. His constant smile, his posts on social media and the clear impact he has on the Leeds squad – a father figure-like character to the younger players.

     

    One of those is Willy Gnonto, who responded to Guilavogui’s post by commenting “one more season”. Joel Piroe echoed Gnonto’s statement, urging The 49ers to hand the versatile ace a two-year contract.

     

     

    Focus will be on the final two games of the season as Leeds host Bristol City next Monday, before the trip to Plymouth Argyle on May 3. If Leeds win both games, they win the title – regardless of Burnley’s results.

  • ‘Not Much Will Change’- Gabby Thomas Opens Up About Engagement to Spencer McManes

    ‘Not Much Will Change’- Gabby Thomas Opens Up About Engagement to Spencer McManes

     

     

    Gabby Thomas shares her engagement joy with Spencer McManes, balancing love and elite track goals ahead of LA 2028.

    Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas has opened up about her engagement to longtime partner Spencer McManes.

     

    Thomas, who was one of Team USA’s standout performers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared how McManes proposed in a moment that took her completely by surprise.

     

    “I was very surprised, and I normally nothing gets by me, but this one did, and so I was very excited,” Thomas said during a conversation with Tiara Williams ahead of her competition at the Grand Slam Track meet in Jamaica.

     

    McManes, a former collegiate athlete himself, has been a constant presence at Thomas’s meets, often spotted proudly wearing a “Team Gabby” shirt, including during her golden runs in the 200m, 4x100m, and 4x200m relays at the Paris Games.

     

    “I know there’s so many decisions to make, it’s a lot, but you know, my fiancé, he supports me so much and I love him so much. I go out to every meet. I know everyone sees him around all the time. So not much will change, we’ll just be committed and learn and it’s a very good feeling. I love it,” she added.

     

    The proposal took place at a Travis Heights Airbnb, as reported by Vogue Weddings, with the couple opting for a low-key celebration.

     

    ‘I Would Rob a Bank for Jose’ – Benni McCarthy on How Mourinho Helped Him Heal from a Painful Past

    ‘I Would Rob a Bank for Jose’ – Benni McCarthy on How Mourinho Helped Him Heal from a Painful Past

    The engagement comes during a high point in Thomas’s career. After her Olympic success, she continued her winning streak with a victory in the 4x100m relay at the Texas Relays in early 2025 and recently captured the long sprints title at the debut edition of the Grand Slam Track meet.

     

    Thomas also competed in both the 200m and 400m events at the GST meet in Jamaica, securing a win in the 200m and a runner-up finish in the 400m — further proof of her versatility and dominance on the track.

     

    Following her silver medal in the 200m and gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2023 World Championships, she has set her focus on the 2025 Tokyo World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

     

    Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Snubbed as South African Tactician Gets Nod for Orlando Pirates Job

    Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Snubbed as South African Tactician Gets Nod for Orlando Pirates Job

    “I am definitely training for LA 2028, and it takes me about four years to mentally prepare for that. But physically, I don’t start until about eight months out and now I’m training for World Championships in 2025,” she explained.

     

    The two originally connected in 2021 through social media after Thomas noticed a pizza-themed Instagram highlight on McManes’ profile — a quirky start that blossomed into a strong and supportive relationship.

  • Faith Kipyegon to make audacious sub-four-minute mile attempt – AW

    Faith Kipyegon to make audacious sub-four-minute mile attempt – AW

    Kenyan has teamed up with Nike to create a “Breaking4” bid to become the first woman to crack the barrier

    Seventy-one years after Roger Bannister ran the world’s first sub-four-minute mile and Diane Leather became the first woman to break five minutes for the distance, Faith Kipyegon will attack the four-minute barrier in Paris in June.

    The ambitious attempt will take place during a special event titled “Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs the 4-Minute Mile” at the Stade Charléty in Paris on June 26, although similar to Eliud Kipchoge’s INEOS 1:59 Challenge in the marathon in Vienna in 2019 there will be a small window of a couple of days in order to pick a good weather window.

    It is not clear yet whether the attempt will be eligible for a bona fide record or whether Kipyegon will have advantages such as male pacemakers. The women’s world record currently stands at 4:07.64, which was set by Kipyegon in Monaco in 2023.

    “I want this attempt to say to women, ‘You can dream and make your dreams valid,’” said Kipyegon. “This is the way to go as women, to push boundaries and dream big.

    “I’m a three-time Olympic champion. I’ve achieved World Championship titles. I thought, What else? Why not dream outside the box?” says Kipyegon, a Kenya native and mother to a young daughter. “And I told myself, ‘If you believe in yourself, and your team believes in you, you can do it.’”

    Nike says: “How do you make the impossible possible? You start by calling your moonshot. And as moonshots go, Faith Kipyegon’s is as audacious as they come. The longtime Nike athlete, already the world record holder in the mile, will attempt to become the first woman to break the 4-minute threshold in the distance, harnessing the full power of Nike to help make it happen.

    “In the process, she’ll push the limits of sport beyond what’s long believed to be achievable, setting the stage for future generations to dream big.”

    Roger Bannister and Diane Charles 2014 (Credit: Mark Shearman)

    “Faith is a once-in-a-generation talent, and her audacious goal is exactly what Nike stands for,” says Elliott Hill, Nike president and CEO. “Breaking4 is the kind of bold dream we will do everything in our power to make real — helping both elite and everyday athletes to believe anything is possible.

    No other brand can offer the level of expertise, innovation and support that our Nike teams can. Alongside Faith, our innovators are breaking barriers by combining cutting-edge sport science with revolutionary footwear and apparel innovation to help her achieve a truly historic goal.”

    “Advanced innovation at Nike is driven by a deep commitment to partnering with athletes like Faith, turning dreams into dares and dares into destiny,” adds John Hoke, Nike’s chief innovation officer.

     

    “This courageous attempt at breaking a monumental boundary embodies the alchemy of art, science and athlete, resetting ambitions and amplifying impact. Together with athletes, we approach problems systemically, creatively and parametrically — no problem too large, no detail too small. As always, we stand in awe of helping athletes achieve greatness.”

    Valentijn Trouw, from the same Global Sports Communication that was involved in Kipchoge’s two-hour marathon, adds: “Faith has come a long way as an athlete. From youth, to juniors, to seniors. From a Commonwealth medal to world championship titles, Olympic titles, and even world records. She has also grown a lot as a human being. Understanding the sport more deeply, becoming a mother, and building meaningful relationships both within and beyond the sport.

    “The Breaking4 project is the culmination of all these elements coming together: chasing the unthinkable in the sport while inspiring millions around the world with her personality and enthusiasm.”