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  • Diamond League Paris – Hunter Bell, Asher-Smith, Mills & Anning Compete

    Diamond League Paris – Hunter Bell, Asher-Smith, Mills & Anning Compete

     

    The Diamond League returned to Paris with electric energy and elite competition, as the world’s top track and field athletes gathered for one of the season’s most anticipated meets. Among the standout competitors were British stars Hunter Bell, Dina Asher-Smith, Jazmin Sawyers Mills, and Amber Anning, all bringing their talent to the international stage.

     

    Paris, with its iconic Charlety Stadium atmosphere, delivered yet another thrilling chapter in the 2025 Diamond League circuit. For British athletics fans, it was a night of pride and promise, with several performances signaling strong momentum ahead of the World Championships.

     

    Rising Star Hunter Bell Shines in the 800m

     

    Hunter Bell, still only 21, continues to establish himself as one of Britain’s most exciting middle-distance talents. In the men’s 800m, Bell ran a tactically sharp race, finishing fourth in a time of 1:44.87—his second fastest ever. The field was stacked with experienced athletes, including reigning Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir, but Bell showed poise beyond his years. Though just outside the podium, his performance was full of grit and will undoubtedly boost his confidence as he eyes a spot in the British team for the global stage.

     

    Dina Asher-Smith Bounces Back in the 100m

     

    Sprint queen Dina Asher-Smith returned to form with an encouraging third-place finish in the women’s 100m. Clocking 10.94 seconds, she showed flashes of the brilliance that made her a World Champion. After a couple of seasons interrupted by injury and inconsistency, her run in Paris signals a return to fitness and sharpness. The race was won by American Sha’Carri Richardson, but Asher-Smith held her own and finished ahead of several world-class names, laying down a marker ahead of the upcoming major championships.

     

    Mills Displays Resilience in the 400m

     

    Jazmin Sawyers Mills, transitioning back into the 400m after a stint focusing on the long jump, impressed with a season’s best of 51.11 seconds. Although it was only good enough for sixth on the night, it marked an important step in her athletic evolution. Mills has been open about her desire to explore her full range of athletic potential, and her performance in Paris indicates she’s making progress. With more races under her belt, a sub-51 time looks achievable this season.

     

    Amber Anning’s Growth Continues

     

    Amber Anning ran in the women’s 4x400m relay for a mixed-nationality squad and delivered a solid split of 50.67 seconds. Though the team didn’t make the podium, Anning’s leg was one of the fastest of the heat and demonstrated her growing consistency. Her performances this season have been quietly impressive, and she’s becoming a key contender for the British relay squad. With Olympic selection looming, Paris was a timely reminder of her reliability and rising form.

     

    Looking Ahead

     

    The Diamond League Paris meet was a celebration of both athletic excellence and emerging British talent. For Bell, Asher-Smith, Mills, and Anning, it was a chance to test themselves against the world’s best—and each delivered performances that suggest bigger things are ahead.

     

    As the season intensifies and qualification for the World Championships and Paris 2024 heats up, British athletes are showing that they’re not just participants on the global stage—they’re contenders. Keep watching.

     

     

  • Wigan Warriors air big retention reality as club concede inevitable player exits

    Wigan Warriors air big retention reality as club concede inevitable player exits

     

    Wigan have retained a big prize, but it will come at a cost elsewhere.

    Wigan Warriors have re-signed key forward Sam Walters to a long-term contract. However, the deal is now set to come at a cost elsewhere, with player exits now ‘inevitable’ – at least according to club chief executive Kris Radlinski.

     

    One of those exits is already set in stone, with All Out Rugby League exclusively reporting back in March that Wigan prop Harvie Hill has signed for Hull FC – who offered a better deal than the champions could facilitate.

     

    Ultimately, that fact has helped tie Hill down, with the young Cumbrian middle set to continue his development with the Airlie Birds under John Cartwright from next season.

     

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    That salary cap reality could also bite elsewhere, with Wigan’s success meaning retention comes at a greater price, with players naturally earning more due to recent achievements. It’s something Radlinksi acknowledged when speaking to club media after Walters’ new four-year deal was confirmed.

     

    He explained: “Sam committing to us for a long period is wonderful news, as his potential is huge. Whilst the news must be celebrated, there’s always a flip side. Retaining the exceptional talent that will shape our next five years remains a top priority.

     

    “We’re proud of the success this squad has achieved, and it’s a testament to their quality that many are now in high demand. However, in a salary cap sport, keeping a winning group together is never easy.

     

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    “Success brings opportunity, and in a short playing career, we fully respect players must make decisions in their best interests. While some departures are inevitable, replacing like-for-like talent is not always possible. We remain committed to building a strong, competitive team—but acknowledge the challenges that come with sustained success.”

     

    As well as Hill, another prop forward is expected to leave Wigan at the end of the season, with Liam Bryne set to join Warrington Wolves for 2026 – a move first reported by the Warrington Guardian.

     

    However, there’s no denying that Walters’ new contract is a huge bit of retention for Wigan. The forward has grown and grown in head coach Matt Peet’s setup, with his future now secured until at least the end of the 2029 season.

     

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    He originally joined Wigan from Leeds on a three-year deal ahead of 2024 but has now earned an improved contract after making 28 appearances for the club in both the back row and prop positions.

     

    Walters broke his collarbone in a pre-season friendly game at Hull last year but returned strong to play his part in Wigan’s quadruple-winning season. He is currently out with a broken leg suffered at Catalans in May.

     

    Commenting on his new deal, Sam Walters said: “I’m delighted, and grateful to have signed a new deal with the club. My family and I are settled here, and I believe this is the best place for me to keep developing my game. I want to continue working hard towards bringing more success to this club.”

     

    Meanwhile, Peet added: “Sam is very professional, and I’ve loved coaching him. Of course, I’m delighted we’ve got him for a further four years. Everyone will have been impressed by Sam’s form this year.

    Some of the foundations were laid last year, with how hard he worked, and he has grasped this opportunity with both hands. I can’t wait to see how we can maximise his potential in the coming years.”

  • Warriors ace Walters provides injury update and insight into recovery process

    Warriors ace Walters provides injury update and insight into recovery process

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Wigan Warriors star Sam Walters has provided an injury update, with the towering forward having suffered a fractured fibula last month.

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    The 24-year-old left the action in Wigan’s 48-0 win over Catalans Dragons on May 25, with scans revealing he had suffered a broken leg, ruling him out for around 10 weeks.

     

    Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 15/03/2025 – Rugby League – Betfred Challenge Cup Round 4 – Wigan Warriors v Hull FC – The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, England – Sam Walters.placeholder image

    Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 15/03/2025 – Rugby League – Betfred Challenge Cup Round 4 – Wigan Warriors v Hull FC – The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, England – Sam Walters.

    “After a try, I took in a second carry, and I broke my leg in that contact, and I played on for 10 or 15 minutes,” Walters said.

     

     

  • If You Love Becoming Led Zeppelin On Netflix As Much As I Do, Here Are Eight Rock Documentaries To Watch On The Streamer ASAP

    If You Love Becoming Led Zeppelin On Netflix As Much As I Do, Here Are Eight Rock Documentaries To Watch On The Streamer ASAP

     

    Becoming Led Zeppelin, which you can watch with a Netflix subscription, is a fantastic documentary. While I do admit I wish it were a little more revealing about the truth behind the legendary band’s blues influences, it’s still one of the best rock documentaries I’ve seen in a long, long time. And I’ve watched a lot of rock docs.

     

     

    Netflix has a solid selection of great documentaries about bands and artists from every genre, including these nine about some of the biggest rock stars of all time.

    It should be noted that I’m not including any concert films or any of the equally great documentaries on artists in other genres; this is all about rock n’ roll. In no particular order, here are a few documentaries you’ll probably love if you enjoyed Becoming Led Zeppelin.

     

    Keith Richards smiling wearing mirrored sunglasses

     

    In the world of rock and roll, there is no bigger star than Keith Richards. The Rolling Stones’ co-songwriter and guitar player has had one of the most incredible careers ever, and the stories he’s told over the years captivate rock fans like few others. I am speaking from experience here. I could listen to “Keef” tell stories all day. Keith Richards: Under the Influence is just that, it’s Richards telling his story, as only he can.

     

    Return Of The King: The Fall And Rise Of Elvis Presley

    There are countless documentaries, not to mention biopics about Elvis Presley. What makes Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley so great is that it is focused on one event in The King’s career, his 1968 comeback special.

    Not only does it feature interviews from many of the people directly involved in the show, like his wife, the late Priscilla Presley, but it has some amazing raw footage of the televised concert. Viewers really get to peek behind the curtain on one of the most famous events in rock history, and see Presley as he was at the time, nervous, scared, excited, and, of course, legendary.

     

     

    Close up of Bob Dylan in Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese

     

    Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese

    Martin Scorsese has a long history combining film and music, most famously with his direction of one of the best concert films of all time, The Last Waltz. Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story is a very different approach, not only for concert films, but for documentaries.

    The lines between fact and fiction are deliberately blurred, which is right in line with how Bob Dylan likes to present himself to the public. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you want to have some fun being tricked like a prankster would, it’s a fascinating film.

     

    A screenshot of an animated scene of a man holding up a guitar in ReMastered: Devil At The Crossroads

     

    It’s safe to say that without the Delta Blues and without Robert Johnson, there might not be rock n’ roll. Or, at least, it would sound very different. ReMastered: Devil At The Crossroads, from the ReMastered series of documentaries, tells the impossible-to-verify story of Johnson’s mysterious life.

    As legend has it, the guitar player, who died during the Depression, sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads, giving him his talent. The film plays up the myth, but also tells the real-life story of Johnson, at least what historians know about it, which isn’t much.

     

    A close up of Bob Weir being interviewed in The Other One: The Long Strange Trip Of Bob Weir

     

    The Other One: The Long Strange Trip Of Bob Weir

    The Grateful Dead have left a legacy as large as any band in American history, and while the late Jerry Garcia will always be the first name associated with them, Bob Weir has been the face of the band and its various incarnations for the three decades since Garcia’s death in 1995. The Other One: The Long Strange Trip of Bob Weir is a deep dive into Weir’s incredible 60 years on the road playing the music of The Dead. It includes extensive interviews with Weir and his family and friends, all helping to tell his story, and that of The Dead.

     

     

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    fans in the front of the crowd in Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99

     

    The Trainwreck series on Netflix has recently included a powerful documentary about Travis Scott and the AstroWorld Tragedy, but a few years ago, it kicked off with a chilling look at the disaster that was Woodstock ‘99.

    Much has been written and said about that ill-fated mess of a festival, but this might be the best telling of the story. The 1999 edition of Woodstock sadly tarnished the legacy of the previous two versions of the festival, and this intense documentary on Netflix shows exactly why.

     

    Norman Harris looking into the camera as he shows a guitar in Norman’s Rare Guitars Documentary

     

    Norman’s Rare Guitars started as a nondescript guitar shop in Reseda, CA, opened by a musician named Norman Harris, who saw the value in rare, old guitars.

    It has since moved to Tarzana and over the years has become the go-to spot for many of the most famous guitar players in the world whenever they are in LA. The Norman’s Rare Guitars Documentary on Netflix is not about a band or an artist, but in many ways, Harris and his guitar shop are as important to rock history as any artist.

     

    Three women being interviewed in ReMastered: The Lion’s Share

     

    tells the story of the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and the royalties from that song.

    It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of the music industry and just how ugly things can get when it comes to the finances. It follows the history of that one song, and highlights the complicated system that often rewards people other than the ones who are actually responsible for music’s biggest hits. It’s not a look into the artistic side of rock, but that side is only half of the story. It helps explain the other 50%, the business side, and just how weird it is.

     

    This isn’t, of course, an exhaustive list of great music documentaries on Netflix, and the streamer seems to be pretty dedicated to adding new ones in every genre regularly. At the very least, these are some of my favorites to start with.

     

     

  • WVU Planning Major Upgrade to Premium Seating at Milan Puskar Stadium

    WVU Planning Major Upgrade to Premium Seating at Milan Puskar Stadium

     

    Wren Baker gets the green light from the Board of Governors to search for funding for expanded premium seating.

     

     

    Changes are coming to Milan Puskar Stadium, at least that’s the plan.

     

    For quite a while now, West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker has talked about the desire and, really, the importance of additional premium seating. WVU ranks toward the bottom of the Big 12 Conference in available premium seating across its athletic programs, and that’s one quick, easy way to drive more revenue. Of course, it takes a big investment for it to happen, but the wheels are in motion.

     

    Baker revealed that there is a plan in place during a recent appearance on 3 Guys Before the Game.

     

    “We have a very detailed kind of press box side renovation/expansion of our premium seating space that architects dove deep into that not just the architects that do the renderings, but also a company called Legends, which is a combination that’s co-owned by the (Dallas) Cowboys and the (New York) Yankees.

    They’ve done a survey and they surveyed if we build x number of new suites, x number of new club seats, new loges – what’s the appetite to sell those? What premium areas in other parts of the stadium are you vacating? And then they look at the backfill of those. You don’t want to build a proforma that’s built on not doing the dominoes that’ll fall on down the line.

    And so, the Board (of Governors) has seen the results of both the architectural renderings, the cost estimates, but also an ROI, and we’ve been given the green light to talk to some donors, and really, that’ll be what drives how quick the project goes. Do you get a couple of those big gifts? It’s like a pyramid. You’re looking for one monster gift, two big gifts, and then you start to build out, build down the pyramid from there.”

     

    Baker said that he would consider things to be entering the “silent phase,” where they’re searching/securing funding.

  • Olympic medallists Stona, Campbell switch allegiance to Turkiye — reports

    Olympic medallists Stona, Campbell switch allegiance to Turkiye — reports

     

     

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Olympic medallists Roje Stona and Rajindra Campbell are reported to have switched allegiances to Turkiye after being lured by attractive financial remunerations.

     

    This is according to media reports, which quoted senior Turkish track and field officials on Thursday.

     

    US approves Gilead’s twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV

    June 18, 2025

    Roje Stona, who failed in his attempt to transition to play in the National Football League, broke the Olympic Games men’s discus throw record with 70.00m in Paris last year, while Campbell won the bronze medal in the men’s shot put.

     

    It was the first time that any Jamaican athlete had won a medal in those events at the Olympic Games.

     

    Pope warns of AI risks to young brains

    They will join sprinters Jacques Harvey and Winston Barnes as Jamaican athletes who have switched allegiances to the Middle Eastern country.

     

    Harvey, who changed his name to Jak Ali Harvey, is the joint national record holder in the 100m with 9.92 seconds and joined Barnes, who changed his name to Emre Zafer Barnes, as part of the team that set the national 4x100m record of 37.98 seconds.

     

     

  • Grant Holloway Returns to 110mH, Paulino vs Naser 400m | 2025 Paris Diamond League Preview

    Grant Holloway Returns to 110mH, Paulino vs Naser 400m | 2025 Paris Diamond League Preview

     

     

    The 2025 Paris Diamond League meeting promises high-octane action as the world’s top track and field athletes converge in the City of Light. Among the most anticipated events are the return of American hurdling powerhouse Grant Holloway to the 110m hurdles and a marquee women’s 400m showdown between Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino and the resurgent Salwa Eid Naser.

     

     

     

    Grant Holloway, the reigning world champion in the 110m hurdles, will be making his first Diamond League appearance of the season in Paris. Known for his explosive starts and near-flawless technique, Holloway has dominated the event in recent years, securing three consecutive world titles and consistently clocking sub-13-second times. After a carefully planned training block and a limited indoor season, the 2025 Paris meet will serve as a key test for the American ahead of the World Championships later this summer.

     

    With Olympic silver medalist Hansle Parchment of Jamaica and rising star Sasha Zhoya of France also expected on the start list, the men’s 110m hurdles could produce one of the fastest races of the year. For Holloway, the stakes are high—not just a win, but a statement of intent as he continues to build a legacy as one of the greatest hurdlers in history.

     

    Paulino vs Naser: The 400m Clash of Titans

     

    In the women’s 400 meters, all eyes will be on the electrifying matchup between the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino and Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser. Paulino, the reigning Olympic champion and 2023 and 2024 Diamond League winner, has been the picture of consistency in the one-lap race. Her controlled starts and devastating home stretch have made her nearly unbeatable on the circuit.

     

    However, Salwa Eid Naser’s return to form in 2025 has added a new layer of intrigue. The 2019 world champion, who has one of the fastest 400m times in history (48.14), spent years battling injuries and off-track issues but appears to be back at her best. Naser’s aggressive front-running style contrasts sharply with Paulino’s patience and precision, setting the stage for a thrilling tactical duel.

     

    The Paris track, known for its fast surface and enthusiastic crowds, may see the year’s first sub-49 performance if conditions are favorable. With the Olympic Games in Los Angeles just over a year away, both women will be eager to assert psychological dominance.

     

     

     

    While Holloway and the Paulino–Naser clash headline the event, the Paris Diamond League is packed with world-class contests. Mondo Duplantis will attempt to clear new heights in the men’s pole vault in front of his European fanbase. The men’s 800m features a deep field including Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Canada’s Marco Arop, while the women’s 1500m brings together Olympic medalists Faith Kipyegon and Laura Muir.

     

    With rivalries rekindled and rising stars pushing the pace, Paris serves as a mid-season barometer for who’s on track for global success—and who needs to recalibrate before the big showdowns in August.

     

    As the lights go on at Stade Charléty, fans can expect fireworks on the track and in the field. The 2025 Paris Diamond League isn’t just another stop—it’s a statement.

     

     

     

  • Usain Bolt finally receives long-awaited recognition eight years after retirement

    Usain Bolt finally receives long-awaited recognition eight years after retirement

     

    Usain Bolt reading the Guinness World Records book 2026 edition

    Sprint legend Usain Bolt can finally be called a Guinness World Record ICON, becoming the first track athlete in history to receive such honour.

    As the saying goes, “Delay isn’t denial,” it has been fulfilled in the life of the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, who was finally awarded a long-awaited recognition eight years after his retirement.

     

    The Jamaican track legend was officially named a Guinness World Records ICON, in celebration of their 70th anniversary. He was also given all his GWR certificates.

     

    During his active years, Bolt broke a total of 15 GWRs which includes: Most consecutive Olympic gold medals won in the 100m (male), most consecutive Olympic gold medals won in the 200m (male), most Olympic men’s 200m Gold medals, fastest run 200m (male), and most men’s IAAF World Athlete of Year Trophies.

     

     

    Usain Bolt set the 100m world record of 9.58s which makes him the fastest man in history

    Presenting all certificates to the world record holder in the 100m and 200m events, Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday said the titles were well earned.

     

    “Usain Bolt, for me, is the epitome of a Guinness World Records ICON. The great joy of this job is meeting these fundamental people – the world’s tallest and shortest, this amazing array of people.”

     

    Bolt, who couldn’t hide his excitement gave his appreciation on how much it meant to him to add such an array of certificates in his house.

     

    “I’m honoured to be a part of the greats, and always happy to be recognized by the Guinness World Records book. For years I’ve been in there and I’ve finally got all the certificates, which are going to look really good in my house,” said the eight-time Olympic champion.

     

    Legendary Words: Julien Alfred reveals the wise words Usain Bolt left with her during their iconic meeting

    Legendary Words: Julien Alfred reveals the wise words Usain Bolt left with her during their iconic meeting

    “I’m happy to be an ICON,” he added.

     

    Bolt also encouraged everyone to try to break a record of their own and shared the secrets in doing so.

     

    ‘It sucked being No2’ – American sprint legend finally opens up on intense rivalry with Usain Bolt

    ‘It sucked being No2’ – American sprint legend finally opens up on intense rivalry with Usain Bolt

    “It’s being dedicated to your sport, working hard, understanding that the road won’t be easy.

     

    “There will be ups and downs but you have to be focussed. Having a great team of people around you also, to support you, is very important. But it’s mainly just hard work and dedication,” he concluded.

  • Breaking news :Kentucky hits the ground running on summer practice to begin 2025-26

    Breaking news :Kentucky hits the ground running on summer practice to begin 2025-26

    Mark Pope returned to Lexington from coaching at USA Basketball U19 Training Camp this week and wasted no time ramping up summer workouts at the Joe Craft Center. With eight hours of training per week — four hours being skill-related instruction — over eight weeks to work with, Kentucky is pushing to make the most of every second, starting with day one on Tuesday.

    Conditioning is a “new focus” for the Wildcats during this stretch, Pope told KSR, a “huge emphasis for us the way we want to play this year.” They’ve also made some “significant headway” on learning each other during the “speed dating” process with so many new faces and names in the building.

    “Being able to function on the court,” Pope said of what he’s looking to accomplish this summer. “Understanding our terminology, understanding how we play, understanding how the coaching staff communicates. Those are kind of three areas where we’ve got to be great.”

    We got our first look at those things — and the new Wildcats together, in general — in Kentucky’s day-one highlights from the basketball facilities. Those include that crucial conditioning test to get started, followed by ball handling and shooting drills, plus some light scrimmaging.

  • Olympic Champion Julien Alfred Storms to 10.75 in Stockholm

    Olympic Champion Julien Alfred Storms to 10.75 in Stockholm

     

    Julien Alfred reaffirmed her status as one of the world’s premier sprinters with a blistering 10.75-second performance at the Stockholm Diamond League, storming to victory in the women’s 100 meters. The Olympic champion from Saint Lucia delivered a dominant run, demonstrating both technical precision and raw speed in front of a packed stadium of thrilled athletics fans.

     

    From the starting gun, Alfred exploded out of the blocks with exceptional reaction time, quickly separating herself from the field. Her drive phase was powerful, her transition smooth, and by the 60-meter mark, the race was all but over. She maintained her top-end speed through the final strides, stopping the clock at 10.75 seconds—one of the fastest times in the world this season.

     

    The time not only secured the win but also marked a personal season’s best and reinforced Alfred’s position as a leading contender for the upcoming World Athletics Championships. Only a few athletes have run faster in 2025, and Alfred’s consistency across the Diamond League circuit this year has been remarkable.

     

    In the post-race interview, Alfred said, “I felt really good coming into this race. Training has been going great, and I’ve been focusing on staying relaxed and trusting my race plan. Everything came together tonight, and I’m happy with the result.”

     

    The 10.75 performance is significant for several reasons. It equals the meet record and sets a new national record for Saint Lucia, adding another milestone to Alfred’s already impressive resume. Her rapid improvement over the past two seasons has turned her into a household name in track and field. Following her Olympic gold medal in Paris just last year, Alfred has transitioned seamlessly into a position of dominance, showing that her triumph was far from a one-off.

     

    Behind her in Stockholm, the competition simply couldn’t keep up. The closest challenger, American sprinter Tamari Davis, crossed the line in 10.95—a solid performance in its own right but still clearly overshadowed by Alfred’s electric run. Third place went to Great Britain’s Daryll Neita, who clocked 11.02, rounding out a high-quality sprint final.

     

    Experts and commentators praised Alfred’s execution, noting the improvement in her start and the fluidity of her mechanics. Many believe she is entering the prime of her career, and with the World Championships on the horizon, Alfred appears to be peaking at exactly the right time.

     

    Fans across the globe are now eagerly anticipating a potential showdown between Alfred and her top rivals, including Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson and the United States’ Sha’Carri Richardson. If her performance in Stockholm is any indication, Alfred is ready to challenge—and possibly surpass—them all.

     

    Julien Alfred’s 10.75 wasn’t just a fast time; it was a statement. A statement that the Olympic champion is not resting on her laurels. She’s hungry for more, faster, better—and if this season continues on its current trajectory, she might just become the woman to beat on the global stage