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Legends of Olympic Sport: From Fanny Blankers-Koen to Bob Beamon

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Paris (AFP) – From Fanny Blankers-Koen in London to Emma McKeon in Tokyo, great figures of sport have marked the 19 editions of the post-war Olympic Games. First chapter from 1948 to 1968.

London-1948: Blankers-Koen’s four gold cards

After her first participation at the 1936 Berlin Games at the age of just 18, Francina Blankers-Koen had a brilliant sporting future ahead of her, but it was partly thwarted by the Second World War.

Once those years (1939-45) in which there were no Games had passed, the Dutchwoman returned to the tracks at the 1948 London Games.

Some doubted her success because of her age, 31, but Blankers-Koen silenced those voices by winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles and the 4x100m relay.

Dutchwoman Fanny Blankers-Koen crosses the finish line as winner of the 200m at the London Games, at Wembley Stadium on July 8, 1948 © – / INTERCONTINENTALE/AFP/Archives

She could have won as many as six golds if she had competed in the high jump and long jump, where she held the world record.

These successes not only earned her a star status when she returned to the Netherlands, but in 1999 the International Association of Athletics Federation named her the best athlete of the 20th century.

Helsinki-1952: Zatopek shines in the long distance

Czechoslovakian Emil Zapotek dazzled at the 1952 Helsinki Games.

Czech Emil Zatopek leads the 5,000m race at the Helsinki Games, ahead of Frenchman Alain Mimoun and German Herbert Schade, at the Olympic stadium in the Finnish capital on July 26, 1952 © STR / AFP/Archives

After winning the 10,000 m four years earlier, he took the Olympic title in the Finnish capital in the 5,000 m, 10,000 m and the marathon.

Despite competing in this famous long-distance race for the first time, he won by up to two minutes over the second-place finisher.

In the history of the Games, no other long-distance runner has achieved the feat of winning the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon in the same edition.

Melbourne-1956: Cuthbert, del 100 al 400

Australian Betty Cuthbert was just 18 when she won the 100m and 200m, as well as the 4x100m relay, at the Melbourne Games.

After triumphing at that event in Australia, the athlete missed the Rome Games four years later due to an injury, but shone again in 1964 in Tokyo with her victory in the 400 m.

Australian Betty Cuthbert (right) wins the 400m final over Britain’s Ann Packer (left) and compatriot Judy Amoore (second from right), at the Tokyo Games, at the Olympic stadium in the Japanese capital on October 17, 1964, her fourth Olympic title after those won in Melbourne-1956 in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay © STR / AFP/Archives

The ‘Golden Girl’ is the only athlete in Olympic history to have won gold in the 100, 200 and 400m.

Four decades after her Melbourne hat-trick, she reappeared at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Games (Australia) in a wheelchair as a result of ALS, and passed the torch to the last relay player, Cathy Freeman.

Rome-1960: Bikila, the barefoot champion READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Virtually unknown until the 1960 Rome Games, Abebe Bikila won the marathon at that edition, despite competing barefoot!

Accustomed to training in this way on the rocky trails of Ethiopia, Bikila had very strong feet and could run barefoot without pain.

Ethiopian Abebe Bikila runs barefoot to victory in the marathon at the Rome Games, 10 September 1960 © STR / EPU/AFP/Archives

The success of this shepherd’s son and member of the family of Emperor Haile Selassie was made possible by the injury of Ethiopian long-distance runner Warim Biratu, which enabled Bikila to qualify for the Rome Games.

Four years later, this time wearing sneakers, the Ethiopian retained his Olympic title at the Tokyo Games.

He died prematurely at the age of 41, four years after suffering a serious road accident that left him in a wheelchair.

Tokyo-1964: Geesink, foreign emperor of judo

Dutch judoka Anton Geesink poses with the gold medal as champion at the Tokyo Games, in October 1964 © STR / AFP/Archives

Judo made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games and, curiously, the gold medal was not won by a wrestler from Japan, the country where the discipline was born.

The first Olympic champion in this discipline was the Dutchman Anton Geesink.

Undefeated in Europe for almost ten years, this giant had already shown his true colors at the 1961 World Judo Championships in Paris by beating three Japanese wrestlers.

Geesink defeated Japanese idol Akio Kaminaga in the Olympic final, causing great disappointment in Japan even though his wrestlers won in three other categories.

Mexico-1968: Beamon, a historic leap

American Bob Beamon arrived at the 1968 Mexico Games with a world record of 8.55 m in the high jump and, although he was the big favourite, he upset the forecasts by winning the event with a jump of 8.90 m, that is, 35 centimetres higher than his previous world record.

American athlete Bob Beamon (centre) on top of the long jump podium at the 1968 Mexico City Games, accompanied by runner-up East German Klaus Beer (right) and bronze medallist American Ralph Boston (left), at the Olympic stadium in Mexico City on 18 October 1968 © – / UPE/AFP/Archives

All the necessary conditions for this record were met: altitude, high humidity, favourable wind right up to the maximum authorised limit (+2 m/s).

“It was a fabulous day. I asked myself, ‘I wasn’t dreaming,’” said the man who set the most memorable time at the Olympic Games years later.

The record stood for nearly 23 years, until American Mike Powell jumped 8.95m at the World Championships in Tokyo in 1991… a mark that has stood for exactly 23 years.

2024-07-15 12:12:01
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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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