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Mariano Haro, it all started with him: “I started running after hares to hunt them”

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I don’t know what they expect from me, but I know that they already know everything, everything, Fran Garrigósbronze in judo and our first medalist in ParisSo let me get on with my thing, which I hope is part of yours, although I am already 72 years old and we may not have the same tastes, not even in sports.

One of the greats has just died, one of the truly greats. Mariano Harohe ‘lion of Becerril’the first truly, seriously, professional Spanish athlete that Spain had. That is, he has just died, just the day the competitions started. Paris Olympics-2024the greatest, the father of all, the best, the only one, the pioneer, the forerunner, the one who won everything, the one who helped everyone, the one who went around the bullrings non-stop to take a salary home and help the family.

Infinite Champion

I have spoken to three monsters who knew him and thanks to them, the three monsters, Gerardo Prietoa great athletics journalist; Victorio Duketremendous communicator of COPE, one of the most original guys in this profession and Juanmari Iriondoa Basque-Basque, a unique guy, organizer of the Cross of Elgoibarone of the sanctuaries, the cathedral, where the Mariano Harowinner of all the middle-distance and cross-country titles and almost, almost, a medal in the 10,000 meters of the Munich Olympics-72. Everything that follows has been told to me by these three people. And I thank them.

They say that one day, a group of athletes were training in the Blume residence in MadridI’m talking to you, at the very least, about 1973. And that’s where Haro and his friend appeared. John Hidalgoa marathon runner. They went out to train in the Cottage And suddenly, a hare appeared and Haro left the group, his discipline, the rhythm and ran after the hare, until he caught it.

“Look,” Haro is said to have explained, as if justifying his snub. “At home in Becerril, we were seven siblings, dad was a bricklayer and, as you can understand, everything we brought home was little. We had to eat and I learned to run like the Ethiopians, like the Kenyans, chasing animals to hunt them and bring food home.”

Then, my wise men explain, everything was perfected. Well, not that either. Haro showed up one day in Madrid in a kind of competition organized by the Youth Front. “I went there to get out of Becerril, to walk around, to run a little and that’s all.” The fact is that, without any equipment, Haro, who was then 17 or 18 years old, went out to run against real athletes. He beat them to a pulp. “It was a 3.5 kilometer race and after 400 meters I was already 200 meters ahead of them. And I said to myself, well, go for it, let’s see how far I can go.”

Mariano Haro, in one of hundreds of victories. / EFE

He made it to the end. He won. The Civil Governor on duty gave him the trophy and he appeared on the cover of the newspaper. Palentino Diary. “I bought five copies to show to the whole town.” That was the beginning of everything. Until I arrived, three times in a row, in front of the Generalissimohe Leaderas Mariano Haro called him. “Always very correct with me. Period.”

I will tell you something else. Felipe VI does not remember, or maybe he does, who knows!, but Mariano Haro was his athletics teacher, at a clinic in Mallorca. “I taught him to run, along with 49 other athletes or young people. And, the truth is, he ran wonderfully. And I taught him to run because the Royal Family wanted the then prince to practice all sports. He was a good athlete. And a king, too.”

No running

Mariano Haro, I repeat, the father of all, absolutely all, Spanish athletics champions, rebelled against his mother because she would not let him run “in case he got sick”. But in his house, with a father who was a bricklayer and six other siblings, not only were many hands needed, but also a lot of food. And Mariano would run away from home, hiding from his mother, take his dog ‘Toni’ to the countryside and spend the day chasing rabbits and hares “because the partridges were unreachable”.

“My mother didn’t let me run away, in case I got sick. Anyway, I ran away from home, with my beloved dog ‘Toni’, a wonderful being, and we spent the day chasing rabbits and hares that we would later eat. We were seven siblings! And dad was a bricklayer.”

Mariano Haro

— Spain’s first professional athlete READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

The athletes of that time could not be professionals. Haro always ‘paid’ in kind. “But it was already good, very good. One day you won and they gave you a washing machine; another day you won and they gave you a refrigerator; I’ll tell you more, one day I ended up on the podium of the Elgoibar Cross (which I ended up winning many times, until I became the myth of Elgoibar) and I took home a FN Browning five-shot shotgunsomething never seen before, a real dream.” And Haro clarifies: “Well, I didn’t win it. Let me explain, there were several trophies and the athletes who preceded me rejected the shotgun and I, who was the best hunter in the world, was happy to take it.”

Haro, in order to help his family, and even feed many other families, signed up for everything. He even broke the record for 100 laps, 10 kilometres, around a bullring. He was paid a lot of thousands of pesetas “because there were bets, of course.”

Mariano Haro, in a photo from 2006. / JON BARANDICA

If any of you remember Mariano Haro, I celebrate it a lot. He was a wonderful person, a true gentleman, noble, farmer, runner, hunter (to survive, he and his entire family), an athlete as it should be. And he became so great, so popular, so mythical, that word of mouth even began to spread. “You run faster than Mariano Haro”.

He became so great, so human, so charismatic, so popular, so famous that Cola-Cao decided to include him in an advertisement in which, please note, the Belgian champion appeared. Eddy Merckxthe unique, unrepeatable swimmer, Mark Spitz and the F-1 champion Emerson FittipaldiShould I repeat the names? No, because Mariano Haro was there.

Haro was a blessing. “He never wanted to talk about how he could have lost, maybe, well, maybe, no, certainly, the chance to win an Olympic medal,” Gerardo Prieto, who knows everything, everything, about athletics, tells me. “We have always believed that the Finn Lasse Viren, suspected of doping, defeated him because of that, because he was doped.”

When people talked to him about these things, Haro, even at over 70 years old, always said the same thing. “I don’t care what other people do, I can’t stop them. My doping is a chickpea stew. However, I ask the new generations, everyone, to run as much as they can but not to take drugs. The first thing you have to be is loyal to yourself.”

Mariano Haro even starred in a great and very popular Cola-Cao advert, alongside – don’t miss the names! – the legendary Eddy Marckx, the incomparable Mark Spitz and the world-beating Emerson Fittipaldi.

Iriondo says that the last time he was with Haro was in the Cross of Elgoibar 2018on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary. “I will only tell you one thing, Emilio, and it will help you understand the dimension of Mariano: It took us an hour to cover the 100 metres, may I repeat? 100 metres!, from the square to the start of the race. Photos, autographs, selfies, hugs, greetings, cheers…we couldn’t take a step. People adored him. Sorry, they adore him.” And, yes, Iriondo also believes that it all began with Mariano Haro.

“I remember one day,” Haro told Duque, “that I was invited to an event in the Hotel Presidente, Barcelona. And there I went. But, of course, I had to follow my training schedule and, in the morning, I went out to the street to run. And, without realizing it, I stepped on a part of the grass around the hotel. And a security guard came up to me and said, ‘Hey, who do you think you are, Mariano Haro or what? ‘ “I’d better not say anything to him, right? I thought. Better, Mariano, better.

2024-07-27 23:21:37
#Mariano #Haro #started #started #running #hares #hunt

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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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