SPORTS

France Advances in Olympic Rugby 7s as Excitement Builds for Paris 2024

Published

4 months ago

July 27, 2024

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► France in the semi-final of rugby 7s

The French men’s rugby 7s team eliminated Argentina (26-14) in the quarter-finals of the Olympic rugby 7s tournament on Thursday July 25 at the Stade de France, in a superb atmosphere.

2024 Olympics, D-2: the events have begun, the Blues draw in rugby 7s

Having gained momentum after a sluggish start to the competition, the Blues will face the South Africans in the semi-final on Saturday, who eliminated the New Zealanders.

The French, encouraged by their fans, scored three tries in the first half against the Argentinians, through Andy Timo and Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, who scored twice.

Trailing 21-0, the Argentinians came back into the match, taking advantage of Jordan Sepho’s yellow card, before Antoine Dupont delivered his team with a liberating try at the siren.

► The French handball players start with a victory

The French women’s handball team, in disarray, began the defense of its Olympic title with a narrow victory against Hungary (31-28) at the Arena Paris Sud.

2024 Olympics: French athlete sparks debate over wearing the veil

Les Bleues will face the players from the Netherlands on Sunday, who also won their first match (34-31 against Angola) to take a step, in Group B, towards the quarter-finals.

They have two full days to sort out the many problems they have seen which prevented them from unhooking the Hungarians until a goal from Orlane Kanor one minute and 45 seconds from the end (31-27).

► French archers qualified for the quarter-finals

French archers Baptiste Addis, Thomas Chirault and Jean-Charles Valladont took second place in the ranking round behind South Korea at Les Invalides in Paris and are now in the quarter-finals.

2024 Olympics: the coaches’ secrets to leading France to the podiums

With a score of 2025 points, the French are exempt from the round of 16 and will directly face the winner of the match between Italy (1990 pts, 7th) and Kazakhstan (1971 pts, 10th) in the quarter-finals on Monday.

With this result, they avoid half of the table of the South Koreans who dominated the classification round, with 2049 points, and the first two places for Kim Woo-jin (686 pts) and Kim Je-deok (682).

► “Come early”, the advice of the Ministry of the Interior to spectators

On the eve of D-Day, and with up to 500,000 people expected to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on the Seine, the Interior Ministry has issued new calls for caution.

« Checks and pat-downs will be carried out”recalls the spokesperson of the ministry who therefore urges spectators to come forward “early at the filtering points “For those lucky enough to live on the banks of the Seine, “Don’t overload the balconies “, insists the ministry. All this, without forgetting, of course, “enjoy the party” in order to “celebrate the Games in the French way”.

2024 Olympics: channels, schedules, where to watch the opening ceremony and events?

For his part, the Minister Delegate for Transport, Patrice Vergriete, warned that the Paris ring road would be “particularly disturbed” Friday for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, or even completely closed if the Paris police prefecture decides.

► Police reinforcements deployed to the British border

“736 police officers and gendarmes” were deployed as reinforcements in Pas-de-Calais on the occasion of the Olympic Games, declared the prefect Jacques Billant who participated on Thursday in control operations at the cross-Channel terminal in Calais.

Paris 2024: sport, a major sector in the French economy

Of the “enhanced security and surveillance measures” justified, according to Jacques Billant, by “a period conducive to trafficking”narcotics, tobacco, counterfeits “and also arms trafficking”.

During the Games period, customs personnel will be mobilized ” 100 % “the prefect also indicated, all checkpoints must remain open “every day of the week, 24 hours a day”.

► Archery: French women fifth in the Games ranking round

French archers Amélie Cordeau, Caroline Lopez and Lisa Barbelin took fifth place in the ranking round of the Olympic Games on Thursday morning on the Esplanade des Invalides, during which the world record was improved by Korean Lim Si-hyeon. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

With 1972 points, the French women took fifth place in the ranking round (72 arrows), which is used to establish the tables for the five events (individual men and women, men’s, women’s and mixed teams).

They will thus face the Netherlands, 12th and last nation on Thursday morning, in the round of 16 on Sunday morning, before a quarter-final in the event of qualification against India (4th, 1983 pts). The French are in the South Korean half of the table (1st, 2046 points, Olympic record).

► Attal to visit the French Information Security Agency

The Prime Minister will visit the headquarters of the French Information Security Agency (ANSSI) on Thursday, July 25, which, along with other organizations, is responsible for combating cyberattacks, which are expected to be numerous, and foreign interference during the Olympic Games.

The resigning head of government will attend a presentation of the cybersecurity and cyberdefense measures put in place as part of the Olympic Games which begin on Friday, Matignon said.

After two years of preparation, Anssi said last week ” trusting “ in the face of these threats, while the Paris Olympics are shaping up to be the most exposed in history. Authorities expect an exponential increase in these attacks compared to the Tokyo Summer Games in 2021, where more than 450 million were recorded.

► Emmanuel Macron receives heads of state and CEOs

The President of the Republic will receive around fifty heads of state and international organisations at the Louvre on the occasion of the Sport and Sustainable Development Summit. This summit should focus on “the importance of sport as a vector of progress”, according to the Elysée.

2024 Olympics: Between QR Codes and Souvenir Photos, Paris is Transforming to Welcome the World

The head of state will then meet, over lunch, the bosses of the major international groups present for the Olympic Games. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey are expected to attend.

► Pharrell Williams will carry the flame in Seine-Saint-Denis

American musician and stylist Pharrell Williams will carry the Olympic flame on Friday in Seine-Saint-Denis before it heads to Paris for the opening ceremony, according to a source close to the organisation.

2024 Olympics: Behind the scenes of the opening ceremony

Multi-award winning artist Pharrell Williams is known in particular for his worldwide dance hits « Get Lucky »in association with the duo Daft Punk in 2013 and « Lucky »In 2023, he was appointed artistic director at Louis Vuitton, the flagship brand of luxury giant LVMH, which is a premium partner of the Paris Olympic Games (July 26-August 11).

The flame, which began its journey in Athens in April, will travel through this popular territory on Thursday and Friday, passing in particular the Basilica of Saint-Denis known for its royal necropolis, before reaching Paris for the opening ceremony. The identity of the last torchbearer remains unknown.

► The program of the day

French women Caroline Lopez, Lisa Barbelin and Amélie Cordeau will begin the archery qualification rounds this Thursday. It will then be the turn of French archers Thomas Chirault, Jean-Charles Valladont and Baptiste Addis to enter the competition.

After a draw and a victory on Wednesday, the French rugby sevens players will this time play against Fiji, one of the favourites. The match will kick off at 3:30 p.m. at the Stade de France.

In the evening, the French women’s handball team begins its journey at the Arena Paris Sud against Hungary with the ambition of defending its Olympic title. This time, it will have the favorite’s sign on its back, at home and after winning the World Cup in December.

► 4,000 athletes will be subject to anti-doping tests

In total, 4,000 Olympic athletes (out of 10,500 in total) are expected to be tested in Paris, according to the International Testing Agency, an agency created in 2018 and partially funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Paris 2024: can we fight doping effectively?

Urine and blood samples collected by controllers from the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) will be sent to a brand new laboratory based in Orsay, on the campus of Paris-Saclay University, south of the capital.

New at Paris 2024: to comply with the global anti-doping standard, additional tests will be carried out using DNA sequencing technologies.

2024-07-25 20:07:01
#Blues #semifinals #rugby #victorious #debut #handball #players

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SPORTS

SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

Published

2 weeks ago

November 5, 2024

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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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SPORTS

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

Published

1 month ago

October 12, 2024

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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.

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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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SPORTS

A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

Published

1 month ago

October 12, 2024

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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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