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  • ‘I made her lose’ – Betting Website Bans Bettor for Taunting Olympic Star Gabby Thomas to Land Accumulator Win

    ‘I made her lose’ – Betting Website Bans Bettor for Taunting Olympic Star Gabby Thomas to Land Accumulator Win

     

    In a dramatic intersection of sports betting, social media, and athlete well-being, a major online bookmaker has banned a user who publicly gloated over Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas’s loss — claiming he “made her lose” to secure a high-stakes accumulator bet win.

     

    The now-suspended bettor, whose username and account have since been deactivated, drew widespread backlash after posting a screenshot of his five-leg track and field accumulator that hinged on Thomas losing her race in the Diamond League meet. After Thomas finished second, the user took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to gloat: “Told y’all. I made her lose. Thanks for the bag, Gabby 💰💰💰.”

     

    The post quickly went viral, sparking outrage from both fans and fellow athletes who criticized the taunt as disrespectful and potentially harmful. Gabby Thomas, a bronze medalist in the 200 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, responded gracefully but firmly, saying in a follow-up post: “Athletes are not here for your bets. We’re humans first — not pawns in your parlay.”

     

    Thomas’s response sparked a larger conversation about the growing influence of gambling in sports culture — particularly the pressure it places on athletes who are increasingly subjected to taunts, threats, and abuse from bettors whose winnings hinge on their performance.

     

    The betting platform, one of the UK’s largest, moved swiftly to address the situation. In an official statement released Thursday, the company stated: “We have permanently closed the user’s account for violating our terms and promoting harmful conduct. We stand with athletes and condemn any behavior that promotes harassment or online abuse in the name of betting.”

     

    Industry experts say this incident highlights a troubling pattern. As sports betting becomes more mainstream, especially with the rise of in-play and prop bets, some fans are crossing the line — treating athletes less like competitors and more like commodities whose sole purpose is to deliver personal profit.

     

    “This isn’t the first time an athlete has been targeted by gamblers who lost money,” said Dr. Karen Temple, a sports psychologist and researcher at the University of Michigan. “But what’s different now is the visibility. Social media gives bettors a direct line to athletes, and it’s creating a toxic environment.”

     

    In the U.S., where betting is now legal in over 30 states, leagues and teams have begun to respond to this new reality. The NBA and NFL have both launched awareness campaigns and are investing in tools to monitor and report gambling-related abuse directed at players.

     

    Athletes like Thomas are also taking a stand. She has used her platform to speak out against online abuse and advocate for better protections. “It’s fine if you want to bet,” she said in a recent interview, “but don’t forget we’re real people doing our best. What you say — and how you say it — matters.”

     

    As the betting industry continues to grow, incidents like this may force companies and regulators alike to reexamine how to balance consumer engagement with ethical responsibility. For now, Thomas’s message is clear: respect the sport, respect the athletes, and don’t let your bet become someone else’s burden.

     

     

  • Bromell Blasts 9.84 100m World Lead in Rome 🚀 | Wanda Diamond League

     

     

    Trayvon Bromell stunned the track and field world with a blistering 9.84-second run in the men’s 100 meters at the Wanda Diamond League meet in Rome on Friday night, setting a new world-leading time for 2025. Under the golden lights of the Stadio Olimpico, the American sprinter silenced any doubts about his form and fitness as he tore down the track with a performance that signaled he’s firmly back in the hunt for global gold.

     

    Exploding from the blocks with razor-sharp precision, Bromell held his form through the middle phase and surged ahead in the final 30 meters, crossing the line with clear daylight between him and the rest of the field. His 9.84 not only marks the fastest time in the world this year but also serves notice to his rivals with the World Championships just weeks away.

     

    “I felt something special tonight,” Bromell said in his post-race interview. “My body’s been feeling good in training, and I just needed to put it together on the track. Rome gave me that chance.”

     

    Bromell’s journey back to the top has been anything but easy. Once touted as the heir to Usain Bolt’s sprinting legacy, the former world junior champion has battled through multiple injuries and surgeries since his breakthrough in 2015. But after a strong resurgence in 2021 and continued consistency, this performance may be the clearest indication yet that he’s peaking at just the right time.

     

    The field in Rome was stacked with talent, including Italy’s Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs and Canada’s Andre De Grasse. But neither could match Bromell’s power and rhythm on the night. Jacobs, returning from a hamstring injury, finished a distant third in 10.05, while De Grasse managed 10.01 for second place.

     

    The conditions in Rome were near perfect: a warm Mediterranean evening, slight tailwind (+1.3 m/s), and a capacity crowd buzzing with anticipation. The atmosphere crackled with energy as the sprinters took their marks, and when the gun fired, it was clear something special was unfolding.

     

    Bromell’s time now places him atop the 2025 global rankings, overtaking Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, who previously held the world lead with a 9.86 set in Nairobi. It also ranks as the sixth-fastest time of Bromell’s career, a remarkable statistic considering the setbacks he’s endured.

     

    The victory also boosts Bromell’s standing in the Diamond League points race, giving him crucial momentum heading into the latter half of the season. With upcoming meets in Paris and London, fans are already anticipating a possible sub-9.80 performance — something Bromell has flirted with but never quite achieved.

     

    More broadly, the race signals a shift in the sprinting hierarchy. While names like Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman remain in contention, Bromell’s Rome run places him at the forefront of the conversation. With the Olympics in Paris just over a year away, the battle for sprint supremacy is heating up.

     

    For now, though, Rome belongs to Trayvon Bromell. And if Friday’s performance is any indication, the best may still be yet to come.

     

     

  • Ty Simpson to attend prestigious QB event as he continues push for Alabama job

    Ty Simpson to attend prestigious QB event as he continues push for Alabama job

     

    Redshirt junior Ty Simpson is taking another step toward the Alabama starting QB job by attending a high-profile event this summer.

     

     

    Will McLelland-Imagn Images

    Ty Simpson may be the leader in the clubhouse for the Alabama starting QB job in 2025, but that doesn’t mean he’s taking anything for granted. The rising redshirt junior is putting in the work this summer to strengthen his lead in the QB competition and prove to head coach Kalen DeBoer and OC Ryan Grubb that he’s the right man for the job.

     

    Simpson left spring practice as the presumed starter, though that job has not officially been earned yet. It’s a long summer and then fall camp, and anything can still happen as both Austin Mack and freshman phenom Keelon Russell push Simpson for the spot.

     

    Simpson will have a nice opportunity for further development later this summer as he attends the prestigious Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana at the end of this month.

     

    Some of the best quarterbacks in the country will be in attendance for the 29th annual Manning Passing Academy, which will run from June 26-29 at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

     

    Simpson will work alongside elite talents like Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, and others. Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning will be there working with all the QBs in attendance as well. There isn’t a family that understands the quarterback position better than the Mannings, and this is a great opportunity for Simpson to learn and grow.

     

    Simpson’s development is vital for Alabama’ success in 2025

    It has been said by many, but it still rings true. How far the Crimson Tide can go in 2025 will rely heavily on well Simpson – or one of the other two quarterbacks – plays. Alabama has a loaded depth chart everywhere else. If they get good quarterback play, this should be a College Football Playoff team. If one of the quarterbacks steps up into elite territory, this is the best team in the country.

     

    Working in Simpson’s favor will be a much-improved WR room. Alabama brought back its two leading receivers from a year ago – Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard – but the most impressive part of the room is its depth. With Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Horton joining the fray, the Tide’s trio of starting WRs stacks up with anyone in the country.

     

    Behind those three are impressive talents such as Jalen Hale, Rico Scott, Lotzeir Brooks, Cole Adams, and Derek Meadows. With talented running backs in tow, there’s plenty of talent at the skill positions – as well as a veteran offensive line – to make things easier for a first-time starting quarterback.

     

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  • Andrenette Knight Runs to 400m Hurdles win in Rome [Interview]

    Andrenette Knight Runs to 400m Hurdles win in Rome [Interview]

     

    Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight stunned the competition at the Golden Gala in Rome on Thursday night, blazing through the 400m hurdles with a personal season’s best of 53.18 seconds. In a stacked field that included several world-class hurdlers, Knight maintained her composure through the final curve and powered down the home straight to secure a decisive win.

     

    The victory marks one of the biggest wins in Knight’s senior career to date and solidifies her position as a key contender heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite challenging weather conditions and stiff competition from American rivals and European hopefuls, the 27-year-old held her rhythm and displayed exceptional control over the hurdles.

     

    “I’ve been working really hard to get to this point,” Knight told reporters trackside after the race. “We knew coming into Rome that it was going to be fast. I just had to stay focused and execute each phase of my race.”

     

    Knight’s acceleration over the final 100 meters was particularly impressive. Coming off the eighth hurdle in third place, she surged forward with a technically clean penultimate step, timing her attack perfectly as others faded. The race dynamics mirrored her steady growth on the international circuit: quietly patient, tactically smart, and now, undeniably elite.

     

    Speaking to TrackFocus in an exclusive post-race interview, Knight gave insight into the mindset and preparation behind her standout performance.

     

    Q: You seemed calm and confident out there. What was going through your mind on the start line?

     

    Knight: “Honestly, I was just thinking about execution. We’ve been practicing a specific pattern—especially for the first five hurdles—and my coach told me, ‘Don’t chase anyone. Run your race.’ That really stuck with me. I was calm because I trusted the work.”

     

    Q: The final stretch—your finish looked very controlled. Did you feel it was your race at that point?

     

    Knight: “Yes and no. I could hear the crowd and sensed someone was close, but I stayed focused on my form. The last two hurdles are where races are won or lost, so I just reminded myself to breathe, lift, and finish strong.”

     

    This win in Rome adds momentum to what has already been a promising season for Knight, who trains in Florida under veteran coach Lennox Graham. With national trials looming and Olympic selection on the line, she is peaking at the right time.

     

    Knight’s victory also reflects Jamaica’s growing depth in the 400m hurdles, a discipline traditionally dominated by the United States. While all eyes often turn to more established names, Knight is proving she belongs in the global conversation.

     

    “This is just the beginning,” she said with a smile. “I know there’s more in the tank. We’re not at the peak yet—Paris is the goal.”

     

    As the Diamond League heads into its summer stretch, one thing is clear: Andrenette Knight is no longer an underdog. She is a contender—and in Rome, she made that known loud and clear.

     

     

     

     

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Incredible’ Ipswich Town striker faces uncertain future despite Liam Delap sal

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Incredible’ Ipswich Town striker faces uncertain future despite Liam Delap sal

     

    Liam Delap finalised his transfer from Ipswich Town to Chelsea this week, but EFL Analysis understands another one of Kieran McKenna’s strikers faces an uncertain future.

     

    Ipswich Town’s Premier League dream came crashing down last term, with Kieran McKenna’s men suffering an instant return to the Championship in 19th position.

     

    Although McKenna had an expensively assembled squad to select from, there were only a few rare highlights, and one of those was Liam Delap.

     

    The 22-year-old plundered 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys, and now, Delap has completed his £30m move to Chelsea.

     

    It leaves Ipswich needing to find a replacement for the Englishman, and he isn’t the only one poised to exit Portman Road.

     

     

    Ipswich Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi faces an uncertain future

    Ipswich are looking to invest in new strikers to not only replace Delap but complement the likes of George Hirst, Nathan Broadhead and Ali Al-Hamadi.

     

    The one who arguably faces the most uncertain future, though, is Al-Hamadi, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Stoke City after playing just 124 minutes in the top flight.

     

    To get the lowdown on where Ipswich currently stand with their striker situation, and particularly the future of the Iraq international, EFL Analysis spoke to Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey.

     

    “I’m not sure Al-Hamadi has much of a future there given how much we know that Ipswich are looking to invest in new strikers, but that depends on how many strikers Kieran McKenna wants,” Bailey said.

     

    “He may want four strikers, which some teams do like and there’s history for it in terms of teams getting promoted. Could I see him going next season with four strikers? Why not?

     

    “They’ve got the finances to do it. You can pay for it in that squad. So why wouldn’t they? And with someone like Al-Hamadi, he’s someone McKenna signed, so they do like him.

     

    “Obviously he wasn’t available in the Premier League. But I think there’s a chance he stays. It would just depend on him if he wants to. Does he want to play? He’s not going to be leading the line, but if he fancies his chances of competing, he could stay. What we do know is they’re going to bring at least one big name in, but he could be one of four there.”

     

    Al-Hamadi has to leave Ipswich for guaranteed minutes

    Al-Hamadi’s journey from playing at AFC Wimbledon in League Two to the Premier League in less than a year was nothing short of remarkable.

     

    But after a return of five goals in 27 appearances for Ipswich, the 23-year-old hasn’t discovered his prolific edge at a higher level.

     

    For the striker to enjoy a successful 2025/26 campaign, he must seek to exit Ipswich, with other Championship clubs surely interested in taking him.

     

    That is because, once Ipswich sign a big name to replace Delap, they will have Hirst challenging for first-choice, pushing Al-Hamadi further down the pecking order.

     

    Al-Hamadi was labelled ‘incredible’ by teammate Hirst, but he’s yet to prove he can score goals in a promotion-chasing side, suggesting he should leave either on loan or permanently.

  • CorSera: Milan in ‘constant contact’ with Juventus – the Theo replacement in mind

    CorSera: Milan in ‘constant contact’ with Juventus – the Theo replacement in mind

     

     

    With Theo Hernandez’s future away from AC Milan, a new left-back is a must this summer. So, the club are in constant contact with another Serie A club.

     

    There were talks of a reset happening at Milan, and it seems that that is happening very literally. The core of the team is being gutted – and arguably then some – and there are several names being linked with replacing them.

     

    Theo, Mike Maignan and Tijjani Reijnders all will not be present next season, it seems, though that list may get even bigger by the end of the mercato. Nevertheless, the club can only focus on the replacements when they are needed.

     

    So, with Theo’s departure seeming imminent, discussions are being ramped up for potential replacements, and it seems Igli Tare has a preference.

     

    According to Corriere della Sera (via Milan News), the sporting director is ‘insisting’ on replacing the Frenchman with Andrea Cambiaso, the Juventus wing-back, who is capable of playing on either side. In fact, the two clubs are in ‘constant contact’ over a move.

     

    Considering reports are also linking Dusan Vlahovic to the Diavolo, it would not be a surprise if these discussions between the clubs continued throughout the summer. When Theo leaves, though, dominoes could begin to fall for his ideal replacement to leave Turin.

  • Hamilton opens up on being a producer for the ‘F1’ movie

    Hamilton opens up on being a producer for the ‘F1’ movie

     

     

    Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari on stage prior

    Anticipation is building ahead of the release of F1 The Movie – on June 25 internationally and June 27 in North America – and one person who is especially excited for fans to see the film is Lewis Hamilton.

     

    After acting as a producer on the motion picture, the seven-time World Champion has been opening up on the “incredible learning process” involved, his experiences of working with Brad Pitt, and why he believes it will be the “most authentic racing movie that’s ever been made”…

     

    Tell me about stepping into your role as a producer on F1 The Movie and what it means to bring Formula 1 racing to the big screen in a way that’s never been seen before?

     

    Coming on board to this project as a producer has been such an incredible learning process for me, seeing what goes into making a feature film, and there’s been a lot of learning on the other side too as everyone has got to grips with Formula 1.

     

     

    I’ve always loved film and telling stories, and I’ve loved this sport since I was five years old, so when I got the opportunity to speak with Joe Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer about the project, it felt like the two worlds I’m passionate about coming together.

     

    I remember in the early days of the project I got to meet with Brad and go through the script, join meetings with the teams at Apple and Formula 1, and be part of some of the early casting processes. From those first conversations, to watching it all come together, it’s just been a super cool experience and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!

     

    Why will this be the most authentic racing film of all time?

     

    The access we’ve had to Formula 1 is totally unheard of, we actually filmed on race weekends with the film’s 11th team – APXGP, and you’ll definitely see that authenticity come through in the film.

     

    The footage filmed throughout the racing calendar will be blended into the movie and augmented with digital techniques to insert the movie’s team cars in the actual race footage, so it will seem really realistic for fans of the sport.

     

    But they’ve really welcomed my insights into the smaller details too, like the sounds a car would make when it’s at a certain position on the track, or the way a crash might happen. It’s what Joe [Kosinski, director] and Jerry [Bruckheimer, producer] wanted from the start, to make the most authentic racing movie that’s ever been made.

     

    f1_movie_poster16x9 (1).jpg

    F1 The Movie will be release internationally on June 25 and on June 27 in North America

    You mention filmmakers Joe Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, who together reached new cinematic heights with Top Gun: Maverick. How will F1 The Movie build on that track record?

     

    I grew up seeing Jerry’s name come up on screens at the cinema and he’s such a legend, so to finally be in a room and working with him was such an honor.

     

    He’s still so enthusiastic, even with all the accolades and all the success he’s had, he’s just so passionate about what he does and that’s been so inspiring to see. And I was really, really impressed by Joe and how he works, his laser focus, his ideas, his eye for how to capture things.

     

    As a producer on the film, what innovations did you witness that would make this film unlike any other racing film in history?

     

    Developing technology. Camera placement. Some of what they used with the fighter jets on Top Gun: Maverick, Joe brought part of that technology to this, and his team and our cinematographer Claudio Miranda, working with Apple, took it to another level.

     

    They developed this camera system and it’s so different, so much more advanced than what you’re watching when you watch a race during the weekend. The footage is much more raw, so when you’re watching the film you really feel like you’re in the car and going at super high speeds.

     

    How the driving sequences for Apple Original Films’ ‘F1′ movie were shot

    How the driving sequences for Apple Original Films’ ‘F1′ movie were shot

     

    Tell me about working with Brad Pitt – he’s a fellow producer as well as starring in the movie.

     

    I never thought I would get to work with Brad Pitt. I’m a huge fan of his films, and I think the first time I met him was in Jerry’s office over Zoom, which was crazy enough, but then we got to go to a track and I learned how much he’s into motorsport, particularly bikes, and saw the natural ability he had behind the wheel. It was really cool.

     

    I remember us both standing at Silverstone circuit, at Copse, and I was showing him the things that I look for when I’m going into that corner, and we were talking about the fact that ultimately drivers are elite athletes and there is so much that goes into racing that you don’t see; the G-force and everything that our bodies go through, the rigorous training we have to do to be able to do these races.

     

    He was really interested in that level of insight so he could bring as much authenticity as possible to his role.

     

    Experience the passion. Apple Original Films’ ‘F1′ movie – only in theatres June 2025

    Experience the passion. Apple Original Films’ ‘F1’ movie – only in theatres June 2025

     

    How does Brad embody the role of this veteran driver, Sonny Hayes?

     

    I think he’s done an amazing job. He really brings a huge amount to the character of Sonny as a driver, but also to how his character nurtures an up-and-coming underdog.

     

    For racing drivers, it’s important to work as a team but ultimately every other driver on track is your competition – even your team mate. So, there’s a real fine line and I think you get to see that play out between these two characters played by Brad and Damson [Idris].

     

    Part of the authenticity in the film is that you have Brad and Damson really driving these cars at real races. Why was that important to you as a filmmaker?

     

    I think having Brad and Damson drive was integral to the authenticity of the story because, through my career, I would tell people how difficult it is in the race, and they’re like, “How much weight did you lose” or “What bruises do you have after a race?” or “What? You don’t have AC in the car?”

     

    It’s super demanding. And yeah, we can lose up to 10 pounds within the race. So, I think having these two actors go through the process of the mental challenges that we go through as racing drivers – the speed in which you’re processing information, the affect on the body, how strong the brakes are, the G-forces…

     

    hamilton-movie-screening.png

    Hamilton and the F1 drivers attended a screening of F1 The Movie in Monaco last month

    I think it was really important for them because you can’t fake that. If you’ve not experienced it, you can’t imagine. By driving these cars – and they both did a great job – I think both of them got a real appreciation for what being a racing driver really means, and that’s what you get to see in the film.

  • Wigan Warriors new boy Christian Wade to make first rugby league appearance tonight

    Wigan Warriors new boy Christian Wade to make first rugby league appearance tonight

    Wigan Warriors’ new signing Christian Wade will make his first appearance in rugby league tonight in a reserves match against Castleford Tigers.
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    The 34-year-old winger linked up with his new club Wigan earlier this week following the conclusion of Gloucester’s season in Premiership Rugby.

    Wade has put pen to paper on a deal with reigning Super League champions Wigan for the remainder of the 2025 campaign, in what will be his first time playing rugby league after spending the majority of his career in rugby union, whilst also spending three years pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL.

     

    Wigan will travel to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle in a reserves fixture on Thursday evening, with Wade being named to start on the wing.

    First-team squad members Nathan Lowe, Jacob Douglas, Jack Farrimond, Kian McDermott, Tom Forber, Harvey Makin, George Hirst, Taylor Kerr and Lukas Mason have also been named to feature in the reserves match.

    Winger Douglas scored a hat-trick and picked up the Player of the Match award in the first-team’s 46-6 win over Salford Red Devils last week, whilst forward McDermott made his first-team debut for his hometown club. Promising halfback Farrimond also impressed in the win over Salford, with the youngster getting on the scoresheet.

    Meanwhile, winger Lowe has made four appearances for Championship side Oldham via dual-registration this year, whilst Hirst, who joined Wigan on a two-year contract in the off-season from Oldham, has played a key role for Sean Long’s side in 2025, playing 12 games. Outside-back Cartwright has also featured for Oldham this term.

     

    Forber, who played in Wigan’s Grand Final win over Hull KR at Old Trafford last autumn, has also spent time with Oldham on dual-registration this year, whilst getting six first-team appearances for the Warriors under his belt.

    Meanwhile, Makin will start in the front-row for the reserves on Thursday night, having played five games on loan for Salford this season.

    Young forwards Kerr, Mason and Kalum Rathbone will also play for the reserves on Thursday, having recently spent time on dual-registration with London Broncos in the Championship. Mason has also played for dual-reg partners Oldham this season.

    Wigan Reserves line-up to face Castleford: Finlay Yeomans; Christian Wade, Nathan Lowe, Josh Cartwright, Jacob Douglas; Charlie Yeomans, Jack Farrimond; Kian McDermott, Tom Forber, Harvey Makin, George O’Loughlin, George Hirst, Taylor Kerr. Subs: Lukas Mason, Declan Murphy, Jack Purtill, Kalum Rathbone. 18th player: Lewis Daniels.

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  • Daryll Neita making most of advice from Noah Lyles and training with Gout Gout

    Daryll Neita making most of advice from Noah Lyles and training with Gout Gout

    British sprint star Daryll Neita moved from Italy to Florida after last summer’s Olympics so she could redouble her efforts to win a first individual major medal

    Team GB’s Daryll Neita during the Women’s 200m at the Paris OlympicsDaryll Neita emerged from last summer’s Paris cauldron proud but aware that she needed to change. Fourth in the 100m and fifth in the 200m, she was more convinced than ever that a major individual medal was a stride away. And while she won a 4x100m relay silver, the overall Olympic experience was “bittersweet.”

    So Neita, 28, packed her bags and bought two one-way tickets – the other for chihuahua Melon – to Florida and a spot on legendary coach Lance Braumann’s roster.

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    Within days she was stepping on to the track with men’s 100m Olympic champ Noah Lyles and the Australian teen prodigy Gout Gout. And from so often being the nearly woman Neita now feels 100% certain that life-changing success is within reach.

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    “I was so locked in in Paris that I was not leaving without an individual medal,” she says. “That was what I promised myself, I wasn’t going to leave without one, and then I left without the individual medal.

    “That was tough because I knew I could do it and I was so close. That would have just changed my life, really put me where I was trying to be, but there was actually so much good stuff.

    “I did great. I’m so close. It might not look how it needs to right now, but I know where I’m going and I know what I’m doing and I will be on that podium. I will get there. I’m around people that have achieved these things many times.”

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    Getting to work next to “perfectionist” Lyles, who is never slow to offer advice, while being guided by the coach who has led athletes to more than 50 Olympic and world medals is already paying dividends.

    Neita, speaking to mark the launch of tickets for next summer’s European championships in Birmingham, is running well and cashing in on Michael Johnson’s lucrative Grand Slam Track programme.

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    She will soon come back to Europe for a handful of Diamond League appearances before sharpening up for August’s trials and, once there are no niggles, an attack on the medals at September’s World Championships.

    “Hundred per cent we’re going to see me on that podium and that’s something that I feel very confident in,” she says. “Getting so close to that podium twice, I felt like it’s really important for me to be in a place where every single thing is gearing towards it and there’s no stone left unturned.

    “Coach B was an amazing opportunity. He’s coached so many females that have inspired me in my journey and I know he can do the same with me.”

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    Neita has lapped up Lyles’ tidbits of wisdom. “Very inspiring,” she adds. “He has the eye for everybody else, so he’s very giving in terms of any kind of correction you can make or if he thinks you can do something better.”

    Gout Gout is being talked up as sprinting's next megastar.

    Gout Gout is being talked up as sprinting’s next megastar.(Image: Morgan Hancock, Getty Images)Watching Gout, 17, up close, meanwhile, was dazzling. The Aussie is already smashing records and reasonably being talked up as the long-awaited heir to Usain Bolt.

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    And Neita says: “I even learned some things from him because when he was doing his drills, I was like, ‘Wow, his ankle stiffness. There’s some things that he’s got naturally that are just really, really special.”

    Yet Neita needs time to think about what they may be learning from her. Resilience, she says after a lengthy pause.

    “How I am able to bring a positive attitude even in moments when things might not be going exactly how I might want them to be going,” she adds.

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    “Being able to come back and reset, go again, just being professional on that level where it’s like it’s sport, you’ve gotta trust your process, you’ve gotta come back in with a smile on your face. You’ve gotta know it’s fine, like it’s part of it. You just keep moving forward, I think. I think they might have picked up on that.”

     

  • Tuttosport: Bayern offer €60m plus player for Leao – what Milan and Allegri are asking for

    Tuttosport: Bayern offer €60m plus player for Leao – what Milan and Allegri are asking for

     

    The outgoing market is hotter than the incoming for AC Milan at the moment, and Rafael Leao has ended up in Bayern Munich’s sights.

     

    The fact that Leao – among the most talented players in the Milan squad as well as the highest paid – has ended up as a target for a top European club is not news. It has happened in almost every single recent transfer window including this one, with Arsenal first linked and now Bayern Munich.

     

    Asking price and Allegri’s wish

    As Tuttosport (via MilanNews) report this morning, Leao has also ended up in the sights of Saudi Pro League clubs, who have been after him for some time. The player himself has put a veto on these options, because at almost 26 years of age he wants to stay in Europe.

     

    In recent days, however, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have come forward. Milan’s response has always been the same: for less than €100m, the winger won’t leave. It was a counter that instantly made the Gunners desist and it remains to be seen how the Bavarians will interpret it.

     

    Leao Tare Allegri

    The German club seems to be seriously interested but at the moment the offer is far from the demand. They have put €60m on the table plus a counterpart to choose from that, however, does not interest Milan.

     

    In all this round of offers and proposals, one very important factor should not be forgotten that could have a say both with the club and with the player himself: the Massimiliano Allegri factor. The coach, since his time at Juventus, has been a great admirer of Leao’s game.

     

    He has asked the club (it was even among his first requests) to put up a wall in front of all the proposals that could arrive. Allegri is convinced that he can take Leao to a new level, and that he will be central to his plans.