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  • Grand Slam Track Execs Depart as Upstart League Restructures

    Grand Slam Track Execs Depart as Upstart League Restructures

     

    The news comes as the upstart league, founded by Olympic gold medal sprinter Michael Johnson, undergoes major changes.

    Grand Slam Track, the league founded by four-time Olympic gold medal sprinter Michael Johnson, has parted ways with two key executives.

     

    Chief content officer Rick Qualliotine and chief live event officer John Porco have left the company, according to sources familiar with the situation who were granted anonymity because the matter is private. The exec news comes as the upstart league undergoes major changes following the cancellation of this month’s season finale, which was set for Los Angeles.

     

    Grand Slam Track, which launched in April, has yet to name replacements for Porco, who formerly was the executive vice president of live events at WWE, and Qualliotine, a former vice president at NFL Media. Grand Slam Track declined to comment while Qualliotine and Porco couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

     

    The series featured top stars like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas in its inaugural campaign, but saw lackluster ticket sales for the season-opening event in Kingston, Jamaica, with improvements at events in Miami and Philadelphia. It canceled its June 28-29 event at UCLA’s Drake Stadium, slated to be the final leg of its four-meet season.

     

    The decision was made as operators pivot resources and funding to next season under a new capital allocation strategy.

     

    “Sometimes we have to make moves that aren’t comfortable, but what’s most important is the future and sustainability of the league,” Johnson said in a statement following the LA event cancellation.

     

    McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach Bob Kersee also chimed in last week on an Instagram post, calling for more financial support for Grand Slam Track after the LA finale was canceled.

    “I’m calling on athletes (past or present), coaches, athletic brands, and corporate partners to step up! We need leaders who will commit to sustainable investment in our sport. Our world-class athletes deserve a world-class organization and commitment to match.”

     

    Grand Slam Track continues to seek more investors for its second season, which is still in the planning phases. It has added new investors including Sundial Brands founder Richelieu Dennis and billionaire Robert F. Smith, the latter of whom was already member of the GST’s Board of Directors. This month, the league also announced a wider partnership with Dennis’ Sundial Media Group, which will assist in securing commercial partnerships.

     

    Grand Slam Track offered notable payouts to athletes in non-Olympic years. The prizes for each competition were to range from $100,000 for first place to $10,000 for eighth place, with a $12.6 million prize pot that was to be handed out over the inaugural season’s four events.

     

    The league began as a business collaboration between Johnson and Winners Alliance, the billionaire-backed commercial venture founded by the Professional Tennis Players Association in 2022. Grand Slam Track previously stated that it had $30 million in “financial commitments.”

     

    Sportico reported last year that Winners Alliance had already invested seven figures in Grand Slam Track before its existence was publicly announced.

  • Too short for me’: Gout Gout’s big reveal on pet event ahead as world awaits European debut

    Too short for me’: Gout Gout’s big reveal on pet event ahead as world awaits European debut

     

     

     

    Courtney Walsh with AAP from Fox Spor

    In a measure of the potential the athletics world sees in Australia’s teenage sprint sensation Gout Gout, he shared top promotional billing on Monday for a prestigious meeting in Ostrava alongside India’s superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra.

     

    Gout, who declared his preference for the 200 metres to 100 metres ahead of his first European appearance in one of the continent’s oldest and most prestigious meets, appeared at Bolt Tower alongside the Tokyo gold medallist from India.

     

    The tower is named after the Jamaican sprint legend, who was a regular visitor to the Czech Republic city, so it is scarcely surprising the meet promoters jumped at the chance given Gout has been liked to Bolt given his deeds as a junior.

     

    Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

     

    Gout Gout.

    Gout Gout. Source: Getty Images

    The 17-year-old won the Australian Athletic Championships in April clocking 19.84 seconds on 200 metres, a time which eclipsed Bolt’s best at that age, and 9.99 seconds on 100 metres, though both with a tailwind above the limit.

     

    “It definitely feels great. I’ve heard that a lot of sprinters run here really good. I know Usain Bolt ran here nine times, so the event clearly has a great tradition,” Gout told reporters.

     

    “Who doesn’t want to be Usain Bolt? Being compared to Usain Bolt feels great but would like to put my personality in the upcoming story.”

     

    He is getting ready to run 200 metres at the Golden Spike meet in the eastern Czech city on Wednesday morning (AEST) in his European premiere that will feature fellow Australian stars Peter Bol and Cameron Myers, along with 16 medallists from the Paris Olympics.

     

    “I definitely like 200 more than 100 because 100 is a bit too short for me. You get the start and then you’re already at the finish line,” Gout said.

     

    “I really like getting out and getting to my top speed and keep holding it to the finish line. So 200 is great and I love it.”

     

    Gout, who was born in Australia after his parents migrated from South Sudan, rose to prominence last December when he clocked the quickest 200m time ever by a 16-year-old of 20.04 sec.

     

    The lanky Gout, who has a six word mantra on the wallpaper of his phone which reads “You’re going to be Olympic champion”, relished being likened to Bolt, whom he called “the epitome of sprinting”.

     

    “If I could be on that level and just put my little bit of style onto it. So try to be like him but also bring my little personality with me,” he said in Europe.

     

    “Just to know that I may be on the same trajectory and just being compared to the best sprinter of all time is … definitely something I appreciate.”

     

    After the Australian championships, Gout focused on training in Queensland under coach Di Sheppard rather than competing.

     

    A sponsorship from Adidas secured after he broke Peter Norman’s longstanding Australian record over last December proved game-changing as it not only enabled him to buy a car to get to training, it also gave him a chance to train alongside Noah Lyles in Florida.

     

    “We did a lot of work… on my starts and just to get stronger overall for the Europe season,” he said.

     

    “I’m just building up my strength and just really trying to get in the gym and get to the next level for sure. I’m excited to run again after a long time.

     

    “I’m looking forward to going out on Tuesday and seeing how my training has been, how I have improved. I know there will be a good crowd, so hope to have some fun.”

     

    His season-best time of 20.05 for the 200m is equal-quickest among his rivals in Ostrava alongside Eduard Kubelik and Reynier Mena. The latter has recorded the quickest time in the field over 200m of 19.63 sec.

     

    After Ostrava, Gout will compete at the Diamond League in Monaco on July 11 with eyes on the world championships in Tokyo in September.

     

    “Obviously the world championships is the main goal and I just want to see what I can do on the world stage against professional athletes,” Gout said.

     

    “I just want to get out there and kind of prove myself.”

     

    Gout Gout is scheduled to race in the 200m in Ostrava at 4.35am AEST with the event live streamed via world athletics.

  • Lucy Barker Crowned 2025 European Women’s Motocross Champion — Making it Three Titles in a Row!

    Lucy Barker Crowned 2025 European Women’s Motocross Champion — Making it Three Titles in a Row!

     

    Lucy Barker has cemented her place in motocross history by clinching her third consecutive European Women’s Motocross Championship title in 2025. The 23-year-old British rider delivered yet another masterclass season, proving once again why she is regarded as one of the sport’s most dominant forces in recent years.

     

    Barker’s victory this season was anything but routine. Facing fierce competition from some of the fastest female riders across Europe, she demonstrated a perfect mix of speed, consistency, and mental toughness. With multiple race wins and podium finishes throughout the season, she held off rising stars like Italy’s Sofia Bellini and Germany’s Anja Klein, who pushed the pace and challenged Barker at every turn.

     

    The final round, held in Lommel, Belgium—a notoriously difficult sand track—was the ultimate test of endurance and skill. Barker entered the weekend with a slim championship lead, knowing that a single mistake could cost her the title. But in true champion fashion, she rose to the occasion. After a thrilling battle in Moto 1, she finished second, and followed up with a dominant win in Moto 2, sealing the overall and securing the championship with style.

     

    Speaking after the race, a visibly emotional Barker said, “This one means the most. Every year brings new challenges and competition gets stronger, but I’ve worked harder than ever for this. My team, my family, my fans—this is for all of them.”

     

    Her win marks a historic moment in women’s motocross. With three back-to-back European titles (2023, 2024, and now 2025), Barker joins an elite group of riders who have managed to defend their crown multiple times. Her success is not only a personal triumph but also a major boost for British motocross, inspiring a new generation of young female riders across the UK and beyond.

     

    Barker’s journey to the top has been a mix of raw talent and relentless determination. Originally from the West Midlands, she began riding dirt bikes at age six and quickly showed promise in junior categories. By her late teens, she was already competing on the European circuit, earning a reputation for her aggressive riding style and fierce competitiveness.

     

    This season, she also broke several personal records, including the most points scored in a single championship campaign and the highest average lap speed across multiple tracks. It’s no wonder many are now calling her the most complete female motocross rider of her generation.

     

    With her latest title secured, speculation is already swirling about what’s next. Will Barker continue her reign in Europe or make the leap to the global stage with a full-time run in the Women’s Motocross World Championship? While she hasn’t confirmed her 2026 plans, insiders suggest that a step up to the world level is likely.

     

    Whatever she decides, Lucy Barker’s legacy is already firmly established. Three consecutive European titles, a string of race wins, and a growing global fanbase—she’s not just winning races, she’s redefining what’s possible in women’s motocross.

     

    And with her passion, discipline, and unmistakable drive, few would bet against her adding even more titles to her name in the years ahead.

     

     

  • UEFA has confirmed that the draws for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League and the newly created Women’s Europa Cup will be held on Tuesday, 24 June

    UEFA has confirmed that the draws for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League and the newly created Women’s Europa Cup will be held on Tuesday, 24 June

     

    In a significant development for women’s football in Europe, UEFA has officially announced that the draws for both the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League and the inaugural Women’s Europa Cup will take place on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. This marks a major milestone in the ongoing expansion and professionalization of the women’s game on the continent.

     

    The UEFA Women’s Champions League, established in 2001 and rebranded in 2009, has grown tremendously in popularity and competitiveness. In recent seasons, it has showcased the increasing depth and quality of women’s football across Europe, with top clubs like FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais, Chelsea FC, and VfL Wolfsburg drawing global attention and fanbases. The confirmation of the 2025/26 draw continues this momentum, promising yet another exciting season of top-tier women’s football.

     

    However, the headline-grabbing element of UEFA’s announcement is the debut of the Women’s Europa Cup. This new competition is designed to mirror the structure of the men’s Europa League, providing a second-tier continental tournament for women’s clubs that narrowly miss out on Champions League qualification.

    The introduction of this competition is seen as a key step toward offering broader opportunities to developing teams and growing the competitive landscape beyond the top elite.

     

    The Women’s Europa Cup aims to bring more international experience to clubs across Europe, helping bridge the gap between the top-performing teams and emerging sides.

    It will give clubs from smaller leagues a platform to compete on the European stage, potentially inspiring investment and development at home. Much like its male counterpart, the competition is expected to feature a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final that could become another marquee event in the women’s football calendar.

     

    UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised the launch of the Europa Cup as “a historic moment that reflects the rapid progress of women’s football.” He emphasized that this new competition will “not only enhance the competitive structure but also inspire a new generation of players and fans across Europe.”

     

    The draw for both tournaments will be conducted in Nyon, Switzerland, at UEFA’s headquarters.

    It will be streamed live on UEFA’s digital platforms, ensuring fans around the world can follow the matchups as they are announced. Clubs, players, and supporters alike will be watching closely, eager to learn their group-stage opponents and begin planning for what promises to be an action-packed season.

     

    UEFA has also confirmed that changes to the qualifying formats have been made to accommodate the new Europa Cup. These changes are designed to allow more clubs to participate in European competition while maintaining a high standard of play. Further details on the format, prize money distribution, and calendar for the Women’s Europa Cup are expected to be unveiled following the draw.

     

    As women’s football continues to reach new heights, the dual draw on 24 June represents more than just fixture planning—it’s a signal of growth, investment, and opportunity. With both elite and aspiring clubs now having continental stages to compete on, the future of women’s club football in Europe looks brighter than ever.

     

     

  • Vt. student orchestra goes viral performing Led Zeppelin song

    Vt. student orchestra goes viral performing Led Zeppelin song

     

     

     

    In an unexpected blend of classic rock and classical music, a student orchestra from Vermont has taken the internet by storm with their stirring performance of Led Zeppelin’s iconic song “Kashmir.

    ” The high school ensemble, comprised of students from Montpelier High School, uploaded a video of their spring concert performance to YouTube — and within days, it had garnered hundreds of thousands of views and praise from music lovers across the globe.

     

    What started as a creative challenge by the school’s music director, Emily Thorne, quickly turned into a viral sensation. Thorne, who has been teaching at the school for over a decade, wanted to show her students that orchestral music isn’t limited to the works of Mozart and Beethoven.

    “Led Zeppelin was revolutionary in their sound, and ‘Kashmir’ in particular has a driving, almost symphonic quality to it. I thought, why not bridge the generations and give students a taste of something powerful and new?” she said.

     

    The arrangement, carefully adapted for strings, brass, and percussion, was both faithful to the spirit of the original and innovative in its orchestration. Students poured their hearts into weeks of practice, some even listening to the original track dozens of times to understand its intricate rhythm and emotional depth.

     

    The video, simply titled “MHS Orchestra – Kashmir (Led Zeppelin Cover)”, begins with a slow, moody build-up as the students tune and prepare, then erupts into the instantly recognizable riff that defined a generation. The conductor’s energy is matched by the students’ commitment — violins and cellos adding a haunting layer of drama while the percussion section drives the piece forward with rock-inspired beats.

     

    It didn’t take long for the internet to take notice. On social media, users praised the students’ talent and the boldness of the musical choice.

    Some Led Zeppelin fans admitted they were skeptical at first but came away deeply impressed by the rendition. “This is what music education should be — relevant, challenging, and moving,” one commenter wrote on Reddit, where the video climbed to the front page in the “Music” subreddit.

     

    Not only did fans love it, but even some musicians took note. Rumors swirled that a member of Led Zeppelin’s former touring crew had seen the video and shared it with Robert Plant himself. While unconfirmed, the story only added to the performance’s legend.

     

    Back in Montpelier, the students remain modest, though clearly excited by the attention. “We didn’t expect this at all,” said junior cellist Maya Kim. “We just thought it was a cool song and fun to play. The fact that people are listening and loving it means everything.”

     

    As the video continues to rack up views, other schools have reportedly reached out to Thorne for the sheet music arrangement. The success of the performance highlights the power of music to connect generations, genres, and communities — and proves that sometimes, a group of passionate teenagers with violins and a vision can rock just as hard as the legends themselves.

     

     

     

  • Alabama star gets medical redshirt approved

    Alabama star gets medical redshirt approved

     

     

    Alabama men’s basketball received good news from the NCAA.

     

    Latrell Wrightsell Jr., a graduate guard, officially had his medical redshirt approved, Yea Alabama announced Monday.

     

    Wrightsell sustained an Achilles injury early in the 2024-25 season, then he missed the rest of the season. Yea Alabama announced that Wrightsell Jr. had re-signed back in April. But the approval from the NCAA makes his return official.

     

    The Omaha, Nebraska played in only eight games in 2024-25 before his Achilles injury during the Oregon game in late November. Before he was injured, Wrightsell averaged 25.6 minutes, 11.5 points, and 0.5 steals per game. He shot 42.2% from deep and 50% overall.

     

    Wrightsell played for Cal State Fullerton before transferring to Alabama ahead of the 2023-24 season. In his first season with the Crimson Tide, Wrightsell played in 31 games, made 44.7% from beyond the arc, scoring 8.9 points and tallying 1.1 steals.

     

    Wrightsell joins a guard group that includes returners Aden Holloway, Labaron Philon and Houston Mallette as well as transfers Jalil Bethea and Preston Murphy Jr. Alabama also signed freshmen guards London Jemison and Davion Hannah.

     

     

  • Georgia Bulldogs Lose a Commitment From 2026 Recruiting Class to the Miami Hurricanes

    Georgia Bulldogs Lose a Commitment From 2026 Recruiting Class to the Miami Hurricanes

     

    The Georgia Bulldogs have lost a commitment from their 2026 recruiting class. Here are the details.

     

    The Georgia Bulldogs mascot before the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

     

    The Georgia Bulldogs mascot before the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

     

    The Georgia Bulldogs have lost a commitment from their 2026 recruiting class. Here are the details.

     

    The offseason is a turbulent time in the college football world as roster news, injuries, and other notable occurrences engulf headlines. The latest news to do so takes place on the recruiting front as the Georgia Bulldogs have lost a major recruit in their 2026 class.

     

    Vance Spafford, a wide receiver from Mission Viejo, California, has flipped his commitment to Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes. Spafford was one of the more exciting pass catchers in the Dawgs’ 2026 class, but it ultimately appears he will be continuing his collegiate career elsewhere.

     

    Spafford committed to the Bulldogs in November of 2024 and has since taken an official visit to Athens. According to 247Sports, the wide receiver is a composite 4-star and is the 62nd-ranked player in the 2026 recruiting class.

     

    While losing a recruit is always frustrating for fans, the Bulldogs have plenty of time to bolster their class and will likely finish inside of the top-5 in recruiting rankings as they usually do under head coach Kirby Smart.

     

     

  • Badgers pick up commitment from 2026 in-state offensive lineman

    Badgers pick up commitment from 2026 in-state offensive lineman

    A Wisconsin offensive lineman is always a good sign for the Badgers.

    The Wisconsin Badgers picked up a commitment from 2026 in-state offensive lineman Aiden Dirksen, he announced over the weekend.

    Dirksen, a 6’6, 280-pound offensive lineman from Bay Port, is joining the program as a preferred walk-on. He gives the Badgers a third offensive lineman in the class, joining three-star commits Maddox Cochrane and Benjamin Novak.

    “First off I would like to Thank God for blessing me with these opportunities that he has put in front of me,” Dirksen wrote in a post on X.

    “I also want to thank my family for supporting me on this long journey. I want to thank Coach Steven Jorgensen and the rest of the coaching staff at Bay Port football for pushing me to my limit and preparing me for this opportunity while molding me into the player I am today.”

    “I also want to give a thank you to all of my teammates who have been a huge role in preparing me on my football journey. With that being said, I am extremely blessed to announce that I have committed to the University Of Wisconsin.”

    Dirksen had been to campus this summer, working out for the Badgers, which seemed to finalize a big opportunity for him to play at his hometown school.

    Wisconsin hasn’t seen that third offensive line commit in their 2026 class just yet, after hosting a few targets during official visits. Now, they’re taking a preferred walk-on, which is notable, given the roster limits that could be set at 105 for the upcoming year.

  • Ole Miss Football Battling Miami Hurricanes, Indiana Hoosiers for Coveted Safety

    Ole Miss Football Battling Miami Hurricanes, Indiana Hoosiers for Coveted Safety

     

    Lane Kiffin and Co. make the cut for the talented defensive back, battling a trio of programs down the stretch.

     

    Courtesy of Cortez Redding’s X/Twitter.

     

    Jonesboro (Ga.) four-star safety Cortez Redding is down to four schools with Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels firmly in the mix for the talented defensive back.

     

    Redding, one of the top prospects in the Peach State, has earned double-digit offers with the likes of the USC Trojans, Miami Hurricanes, Texas A&M Aggies and Penn State Nittany Lions extending scholarships.

     

    Now, the 6-foot, 170-pounder has narrowed his focus to four schools with the Ole Miss Rebels making the cut for the Georgia native.

     

    Redding is down to the Rebels, North Carolina State Wolfpack, Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes.

     

    He’s taken official visits to each of his finalists with Kiffin and the Ole Miss staff getting him over to campus during the weekend of May 30.

     

    The multi-day stay provided a chance for Redding to soak in the scenes of Oxford alongside multiple priority targets that joined him in town.

     

    With four finalists locked in, Redding has also set a commitment date for July 25th as he winds down his recruitment process during the summer months.

     

    “I want to go where I can play and get my feet wet early for a coaching staff that develops my body and mind for the next level,” Redding previously told On3 Sports.

     

    “Then I want a school that prepares me for life after football and teaches me about manhood, my future with a wife, kids and things like that. Those are the main four things I look for in a school.”

     

    Now, all focus is on making a decision with four finalists locked in and a commitment date set for July 25th as Ole Miss intensifies its push.

  • Only William Saliba’s transfer exit could see Arsenal hijack Liverpool deal this summer

    Only William Saliba’s transfer exit could see Arsenal hijack Liverpool deal this summer

     

    Arsenal are only likely to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi if William Saliba leaves the club this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.

     

    It comes as the Gunners have done extensive scouting of potential additions for their backline over the transfer window.

     

    The priority for Andrea Berta has been the forward areas, as a striker and winger are on the cards, while the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga are close.

     

    However, Arsenal have been keeping their options open with defenders, as the sporting director could be called into action if the backline changes.

     

    William Saliba looks on during an Arsenal match

     

    Marc Guehi is only likely to join Arsenal if William Saliba leaves

    Arsenal have been linked with Marc Guehi as a transfer option this summer, with just 12 months remaining on his contract at Crystal Palace.

     

    Liverpool are also interested in Guehi, with the Premier League champions pushing hard to improve their squad.

     

    The defender may be tough to land for both teams, though, given his aim of being in the England team for the 2026 World Cup squad.

     

    That’ll mean first-team minutes are a must, which may not be available at the Emirates Stadium next season.

     

     

    Given the new contract for Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, that would only be possible if William Saliba were to leave.

     

    Saliba has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, though Arsenal currently have no intentions of making a sale.

     

    Arsenal Insider spoke to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about the situation, who said: “Arsenal like Guehi, they have for a while. However, with Arsenal, a move this summer is unlikely unless we see William Saliba exit, which is not part of their plans in any way.

     

    “Guehi won’t be moving anywhere if he is not in the team, he has an England World Cup spot to think about.

     

    “Guehi has a host of options available to him, but there is almost certainly going to be more next summer when he is on a free.”

     

    Should Arsenal sell William Saliba to sign Marc Guehi?

    Arsenal face a crucial decision over their backline in the next year, with several factors to take into account.

     

    One of those is the future of Jakub Kiwior, who has been linked with a potential exit over this summer window.

     

    If the Polish international moves on, then Arsenal will have to consider other options to play as a backup centre-back.

     

    Arsenal are stepping up talks over a potential stay, though it is currently unclear whether he will commit to a new deal.

     

    If, in one year’s time, things don’t change, then it may be time for the Gunners to make some tough decisions.

     

    That could involve a sale for Saliba, rather than losing him as a free agent, opening up the possibility of reinvesting elsewhere.

     

    A switch for Guehi, as a free agent next summer, could save a lot of money for Arsenal, while bagging a bargain in the market.

     

    Any money raised from selling Saliba could then be used elsewhere, working wisely in the market to keep the squad evolving.