Details: According to the BBC, legendary Italian racer and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59. He began his career in Formula 1, making his debut in 1991 with the Jordan team, and later became a two-time champion of the prestigious American CART series.

Some sad news to bring you. Former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/YeuRoiBlXH

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 2, 2026

Alex's life changed forever on September 15, 2001, during a race at the Lausitzring circuit in Germany. After a horrific crash that literally tore his car in half, he survived clinical death and spent four days in a coma. Doctors miraculously saved his life, but due to the severity of his injuries, Zanardi had both legs amputated. What could have ended his sporting career instead became the start of an even more inspiring new chapter.

Displaying extraordinary determination, Alex returned to sport as a para-cyclist. He won four gold medals at the Paralympic Games in London (2012) and Rio de Janeiro (2016), proving to the world that human potential knows no bounds.

The Dailysports editorial team extends its condolences to Zanardi's family and loved ones.

Details: According to TV Prefeito, the blaze started at 4:17 a.m. local time in the Velodrome building. Around 60 firefighters and more than 20 pieces of specialized equipment were deployed to battle the flames, but despite the rescuers’ efforts, the fire managed to destroy a significant portion of the arena’s roof.

• See also: Junior FC — Palmeiras Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 9 April 2026

Fortunately, no one was injured as the venue was empty when the fire started. Nevertheless, the incident has cast doubt on the continuation of the championship. Organizers had to urgently relocate all scheduled matches to the neighboring Carioca arena. Originally, this venue was only supposed to host the knockout rounds, but now it will serve as the main stage for all phases of the competition.

Um incêndio atingiu o Velódromo do Parque Olímpico, na Barra da Tijuca (RJ), na manhã desta quarta‑feira (8), mobilizando uma grande operação com cerca de 60 bombeiros e mais de 20 viaturas. pic.twitter.com/nX9OlOjvak

— Maicon Souza (@MaiconSouza_) April 8, 2026

Despite this emergency, officials announced that the tournament would proceed without long-term interruptions. Group stage bouts at the new location kicked off on time as per the original schedule, though participants were warned about possible changes due to the increased demand on a single arena.

Reminder: The greatest mogul skier in history, Mikael Kingsbury, has announced his retirement.

Details: After 17 seasons of unrivaled dominance on the slopes, the 33-year-old "King of Moguls" has decided to hang up his skis for good.

• See also: Czech Republic vs Ukraine: the battle for the 2027 U19 Euro

Kingsbury's stats read like the script for a superhero blockbuster. Over his illustrious career, he captured 5 Olympic medals, amassed an incredible collection of 29 Crystal Globes, and set an untouchable world record with 100 World Cup victories. In total, the Canadian stood on the podium 143 times, making him the most decorated freestyle skier in history.

A post shared by Canadian Olympic Team (@teamcanada)

Mikaël didn’t just win races—he revolutionized mogul skiing technique and took the difficulty of aerial tricks to a whole new level.

Reminder: Transgender women have been officially banned from competing in female categories at the Olympic Games.

Details: According to The Times, the IOC leadership has adopted a new policy regarding Olympic rules on the participation of transgender women in female sports categories at the Olympic Games.

• Read also: Colombia — Croatia Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 27 March 2026

It is reported that from now on, female athletes will be required to undergo genetic testing to rule out the presence of male genes. Only after successfully passing this test will an athlete be cleared to compete at the Olympics.

Previously, the participation of transgender women in the Olympics had repeatedly sparked scandals, as they easily defeated biological women, causing heated debates and unrest among athletes. This IOC decision aims to completely resolve this issue and make the competitions more just.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Transgender women have been banned from female Olympic events under the new IOC policy.Athletes will now have to have genetic test (such as from saliva sample) to determine if any male gene in present.— @martynziegler pic.twitter.com/pPHaLOEKen

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) March 26, 2026

Reminder: For the first time in 46 years! Team USA wins Olympic hockey tournament for the third time in history

Details: According to MatchDay Central, one of the largest and most renowned indoor arenas in Iran, the Azadi Stadium, was demolished during a US air and missile strike on Tehran.

Reports indicate that the arena, which had a seating capacity of 12,000 and was part of the iconic Azadi Olympic Sports Complex, is now in ruins and unfit for hosting any events.

• See also: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: can Tottenham finally claim a win?

This venue had previously hosted major futsal, wrestling, football, volleyball, and basketball tournaments, with its crowning achievement being the staging of the first-ever Summer Asian Games in 1974.

Alongside the stadium, the offices of several Iranian sports federations nearby—including cycling, weightlifting, and sailing—were also damaged.

Iranian officials have stated that they eagerly await a response from the Olympic Committee, especially given that the 2028 Summer Olympic Games are set to be held in the United States.

In US-Israeli airstrikes on #Tehran today, the 12,000-seat Azadi Indoor Stadium was destroyed. The venue was built between 1907-71 under the shah regime and opened in 1974 just in time to host the seventh Asian Games. Iran's infrastructure are being increasingly targeted now pic.twitter.com/sAQEvHEwpj

— Kourosh Ziabari (@KZiabari) March 5, 2026

Recall: Money versus safety. Qatar refuses to move the Finalissima 2026 despite missile strikes

Details: Today, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the U.S. national hockey team for an honorary reception at the White House to celebrate their Olympic success.

As always, Trump welcomed his distinguished guests in the Oval Office. The meeting was warm and friendly, with players even lending Trump a gold medal so he could pose with it for photos.

Trump didn't come empty-handed either, announcing the creation of a new and highly prestigious civilian award: the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which will now be presented to American athletes for outstanding achievements and for bringing glory to the United States.

The first-ever Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded to Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Trump explained that he chose to honor only one player, to ensure the award retains its prestige and uniqueness:

"But I just want to say, members of this incredible hockey team will be pleased to hear that, following their vote and my own…

And in this case, my vote was a little more important... that I will soon present Connor with our highest civilian award, which we will continue to award and which has been presented to many athletes over the years.

But when I say 'many,' I mean not too many—about 12 people. It’s called our nation’s highest civilian honor."

Team USA defeated Team Canada in the Olympic final in overtime, 2-1, claiming gold for the first time in 46 years.

🚨 EPIC MOMENT IN THE OVAL OFFICE!Huge group photo with President Trump and Team USA Olympic hockey champions ahead of the State of the UnionLook at all that gold 🔥🏅 pic.twitter.com/tiQoEPGau2

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 24, 2026

Reminder: Hockey trolling: Donald Trump's White House mocks Justin Trudeau after Olympic final

Details: The 41-year-old forward of Saudi club Al Nassr and the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, warmly supported 41-year-old American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, who recently underwent a difficult leg surgery following a terrifying fall at the Olympics.

• Also read: ZED vs Zamalek prediction, H2H and probable lineups — February 24, 2026

Today, Vonn shared on her Instagram page that she was finally discharged from the hospital after more than two weeks of bed rest, and in the comments to her post, Ronaldo left a heartfelt message for the Olympic champion:

“Champions are defined by the moments they win, and the moments they refuse to give up. @lindseyvonn, the mountains you’ve conquered have never been greater than the strength you carry within. Keep fighting. Legends always rise.” Ronaldo wrote.

In response, Vonn thanked Cristiano for his support, saying his words meant a lot to her.

Ronaldo leaving a heart warming message under Lindsey Vonns post after leaving the hospital after a surgery. 💛💛 pic.twitter.com/9vwUzI47n6

— A (@lconicCristiano) February 23, 2026

On February 8, Vonn suffered a severe crash during the Olympic downhill. She was airlifted from the course to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a complex tibia fracture. After the incident, the athlete’s father stated that he would no longer allow his daughter to compete professionally.

Reminder: "Ronaldo will be the greatest in football history regardless of whether he wins the World Cup or not" - Roberto Martinez

Details: As soon as Team USA clinched the gold in overtime (2-1), the official White House social media account posted a message in which Donald Trump's administration poked fun at the former Canadian Prime Minister.

• See also: Kudrivka vs Zorya: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 23 February 2026

The Trump administration shared an image featuring a bald eagle (the symbol of the US) dominating a Canadian goose on the ice. The highlight of the post was a screenshot of Trudeau's message from the previous year, in which the Canadian Prime Minister confidently declared: "You can't take our country — and you can't take our game."

https://t.co/kOiCXdVMao pic.twitter.com/ZIiychKPoo

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 22, 2026

Reminder: Team USA won the Olympic hockey tournament for the third time in history.

The Scandinavian squad boasts 41 medals, including 18 golds. Their closest rivals, the USA, lagged significantly behind and couldn't mount a challenge for the top spot. This marks Norway's fourth consecutive and 11th overall victory in the Winter Olympics medal standings. The last time the Scandinavians surrendered the lead was back in Vancouver 2010—since then, their era of dominance has been unbroken.

The 2026 Games proved historic for Norway in terms of statistics as well. The previous record for gold medals stood at 16 (set at the 2022 Olympics), but in Italy, they raised the bar even higher with 18 top honors.

• Read also: Villarreal vs Valencia prediction, H2H and probable lineups – 22 February 2026

The record for total medals has also been updated. In 2018, the Norwegian team claimed 39 medals, which was considered the all-time best at the Winter Games. Now, that benchmark has been pushed to 41—a new standard for the entire world of winter sports.

A total of 116 medal events will be contested at the Olympics, with athletes from 93 countries competing across 16 sports. These Games will be the first in history to be officially hosted by two cities. In addition, for the first time since the Sarajevo Olympics, the opening and closing ceremonies will be held in different locations.

• Read also: A true talisman! Snoop Dogg carries the Olympic flame once again

Italy will see the Olympic debut of a new sport — ski mountaineering. The Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will run until February 22, with the final medal events and the closing ceremony serving as the culmination of the Games.

The Dailysports team has prepared information on the overall medal table of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

A total of 12 teams will compete in the men’s tournament. The competition will be held at two venues located within the Milan cluster: PalaItalia (Santa Giulia) and one of the halls at Fiera Milano.

Notably, for the first time since 2014, representatives of the National Hockey League will take part in the Winter Olympic Games.

• Read also: Winter Olympic Games 2026. Medal table

The 12 teams have been divided into three groups, and all teams will advance to the playoff stage. However, the top four teams will qualify directly for the quarter-finals. The remaining eight teams will contest the round of 16. The four winners from that stage will complete the quarter-final pairings.

The Dailysports team has prepared a full schedule and tournament overview for the 2026 Olympic Games.

Match start times are listed in CET.

• 12 February

12:10 Switzerland vs France 4:016:40 Czech Republic vs Canada 0:5

• 13 February

16:40 France vs Czech Republic 3:621:10 Canada vs Switzerland 5:1

• 15 February

12:10 Switzerland vs Czech Republic 4:3 ОТ16:40 Canada vs France 10:2

• 11 February

16:40 Slovakia vs Finland 4:121:10 Sweden vs Italy 5:2

• 13 February

12:10 Finland vs Sweden 4:112:10 Italy vs Slovakia 2:3

• 14 February

12:10 Sweden vs Slovakia 5:316:40 Finland vs Italy 11:0

• 12 February

21:10 Latvia vs USA 1:521:10 Germany vs Denmark 3:1

• 14 February

12:10 Germany vs Latvia 3:421:10 USA vs Denmark 6:3

• 15 February

19:10 Denmark vs Latvia 4:221:10 USA vs Germany 5:1

• 17.02

12:10 Germany – France 5:112:10 Switzerland – Italy 3:016:40 Czech Republic – Denmark 3:221:10 Sweden – Latvia 5:1

12:10 Slovakia – Germany 6:216:40 Canada – Czech Republic 4:3 ОТ18:10 Finland – Switzerland 3:2 ОТ21:10 USA – Sweden 2:1 ОТ

• 20.02

16:40 Canada – Finland 3:221:10 USA – Slovakia 6:2

• 21.02

20:40 Slovakia - Finland 1:6

• 22.02

14:10 Canada - USA 1:2 ОТ

Before the start of the Games, both teams were among the main favorites, and they delivered a closely fought battle in the final. The Americans struck first early in the opening period—Matthew Boldy scored his second goal of the tournament. The Canadians responded late in the second period, with Cale Makar finding the back of the net. Regulation time wasn't enough to determine the winner, and in overtime, fortune favored the Americans. Jack Hughes netted the decisive goal.

RED, WHITE, BLUE AND GOLD. TEAM USA IS BRINGING HOME THE #WINTEROLYMPICS GOLD. 🇺🇸🦅 pic.twitter.com/tbv1BILBDj

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 22, 2026

• Read also: Villarreal vs Valencia prediction, H2H and probable lineups – 22 February 2026

It's worth noting that this is Team USA's first Olympic hockey gold since 1980. This victory marks their third in history, following triumphs in 1960 and 1980. Interestingly, the Americans hadn't won an Olympic medal since 2010, when they lost to Canada in the final.

Details: Klæbo delivered a phenomenal performance: six gold medals in six races. No athlete in the history of the Winter Olympics had ever managed to win six medals at a single Games, and Johannes made sure every one was gold. The marathon's outcome was decided in the final meters, as the Norwegian's trademark finishing sprint left no doubt about the winner, leaving his rivals in the dust.

• See also: Bayern vs Eintracht Frankfurt: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 21 February 2026

#EsquíDeFondo | Salida en Masa Clásico 🚹🥇 Johannes Høsflot Klæbo #NOR🇳🇴🥈 Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget #NOR🇳🇴🥉 Emil Iversen #NOR🇳🇴1️⃣0️⃣4️⃣/1️⃣1️⃣6️⃣#MilanoCortina2026pic.twitter.com/esCTqW1gXa

— Pablo Martínez-Vilanova (@PabloMartinezVL) February 21, 2026

Thanks to this achievement, Klæbo became an 11-time Olympic champion, firmly establishing himself as the greatest cross-country skier of the modern era.

Reminder: A gruesome incident occurred at the Olympics: a Polish short track speed skater suffered a bloody injury.

Details: Polish speed skater Kamila Selje took a nasty fall, sliding awkwardly across the ice and right into the path of American skater Kristen Santos-Griswold’s blade. The rear edge of Santos-Griswold’s skate struck Selje’s face, just below her left eye. The race was immediately halted.

• See also: Juventus vs Como: who will prevail in the race for a top-four finish?

The situation on the ice looked dire: Selje began bleeding profusely. Medical staff rushed to her aid, shielding the scene from cameras and spectators with a white tent for several minutes. The athlete was carried off the rink on a stretcher to a round of applause from the stands. Despite the severity of the moment, Kamila managed to give a thumbs-up, signaling that she was conscious.

Later, Polish officials were quick to reassure the public: the athlete’s eye was unharmed. The wound was stitched up right at the arena’s medical station, after which Selje was taken to the hospital for further examination. A clear trail of blood remained on the rink and had to be cleaned up before the competition could resume.

Polską łyżwiarkę niemal pozbawiono oka w trakcie wyścigu — przewieziono ją na noszach, całą we krwiPodczas wyścigu short track na Zimowych Igrzyskach Olimpijskich we Włoszech Kamila Selje upadła razem z Włoszką Arianą Fontaną i Amerykanką Kristen Santos-Griswold. Podczas upadku… pic.twitter.com/eBGrYdzamr

— NEXTA Polska (@nexta_polska) February 21, 2026

It’s worth noting that the final result was disappointing for both athletes involved in the collision: both Kamila Selje and Kristen Santos-Griswold were disqualified, as the judges ruled there were mutual pushes immediately before the fall. Olympic gold in this event later went to South Korean star Kim Gil Li, with silver for her compatriot Choi Min Jeong, and bronze for American Corinne Stoddard.

Reminder: The Olympic Games 2026 medal table can be found here.

Details: According to NationalPost, a serious scandal has erupted between the Swedish and Canadian curling teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

• Read also: Sigma Olomouc vs Lausanne-Sport: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 19 February 2026

The issue is that members of the Canadian team were bending the rules and deceiving the referees by cheating during their throws. The Canadians twice touched the stone in a blind spot where the cameras do not operate. Sensing that something was amiss, the Swedish team set up a hidden camera in the blind spot, which ended up capturing the Canadians' violation.

Canadian curler Mark Kennedy was offended by the accusations from the Swedish team and told Swedish player Oskar Eriksson to get lost in no uncertain terms.

Kennedy refused to admit his guilt, claiming he played fair, but he had no idea that the Swedish team had video evidence of his misconduct.

Previously, Mark Kennedy had already been accused of similar rule violations, but no one had any proof.

Reminder: The President of the United States could travel to Italy for the Olympics. Under what condition?

Details: The latest changes concern freestyle aerials. Qualification and the final were originally set for Tuesday, 17 February, but were first moved to Thursday, 19 February, due to adverse weather. However, as organizers now report, the competition has once again been postponed because of the conditions.

The men’s freestyle aerials event at the 2026 Olympics has now been rescheduled for Friday, 20 February. Both qualification and the final will take place on the same day.

Meanwhile, at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Milano-Cortina, a truly unique animal wandered onto the course during the closing stages of the women’s team sprint final in cross-country skiing.

Reminder: The Dailysports team has prepared information on the overall medal table of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Details: Today at the Tesero ski stadium in Milano-Cortina, during the final stretch of the women's team sprint cross-country race, a truly unique animal made its way onto the track.

• Also read: Levante vs Villarreal: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — February 18, 2026

A dog, strikingly similar to a real wolf, ran onto the course and crossed the finish line alongside the athletes. The animal turned out to be extremely curious and playful, much to the delight of the crowd.

Fortunately, the wolf-dog proved to be friendly and showed no aggression toward the competitors.

Soon after, the dog was caught and safely returned to its owner.

🐺 Increíble. ¡Un perro lobo suelto en #MilanoCortina2026!😵⛷️ Impresionantes imágenes del precioso animal asaltando la recta de meta del esquí de fondo pic.twitter.com/6UDasqhrJD

— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) February 18, 2026

Reminder: An unexpected guest at the Olympic Games: dog disrupts slalom event by running the entire course

Details: According to Italian media reports, the U.S. President could travel to Milan if Team USA reach the Olympic hockey final. The visit would not include official meetings, formal dinners, or any protocol events.

Trump is reportedly planning to attend exclusively the final match. There is also the possibility of his appearance at the Closing Ceremony of the Games.

Meanwhile, the Finnish Ski Association, together with the Finnish Olympic Committee, has lodged an official protest with the jury of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) following the sprint events at the 2026 Olympics.

Recall: The Dailysports team has prepared information on the overall medal table of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Details: Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund head coach Jürgen Klopp made an appearance at the men’s biathlon competition. The German specialist had the honor of ringing the bell for the final lap of the men’s biathlon relay at the Olympics.

Jürgen Klopp's latest side quest:Ringing the bell for the final lap of the men's biathlon relay at the Olympics 🔔 pic.twitter.com/tcRfhJPuXK

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 17, 2026

The gold medals in the men’s biathlon relay at the 2026 Olympic Games were claimed by France. Norway finished second, while Sweden secured third place on the podium.

Meanwhile, the Finnish Ski Association, together with the Finnish Olympic Committee, has lodged an official protest with the jury of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) following the sprint events at the 2026 Olympics.

Recall: The Dailysports team has prepared information on the overall medal table of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Details: According to the official website of the 2026 Olympic Games, the start of the women's aerials qualification in Livigno, which was already scheduled to begin, has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

• See also: Galatasaray vs Juventus: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 17 February 2026

Just like yesterday, strong winds and heavy snowfall have made it extremely dangerous to hold such demanding and complex events, putting the athletes' safety at serious risk.

The tournament organizers have decided to delay the start of the qualification round until the weather stabilizes and no longer poses a threat to the competitors.

Yesterday, the women's big air event in Livigno was also postponed, falling victim to the same harsh conditions.

SAUT ACROBATIQUE 🎿La compétition est repoussée à 05h15. Il neige à Livigno ❄️@canfreestyleski#MilanoCortina2026 #rcsports #equipecanada #teamcanada #skiacrobatique #jeuxolympiques pic.twitter.com/cVQ0pSGOX8

— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) February 17, 2026

Reminder: Winter Olympic Games 2026. Medal table

Details: Today, the official Olympic Games website announced that the start of the women's big air freestyle final has been postponed due to weather conditions.

• See also: La Liga: Girona vs Barcelona: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — February 16, 2026

Today, the municipality of Livigno was hit by strong winds and a snowstorm, making it impossible for athletes to perform at their best and, more importantly, putting their safety at risk. As a result, tournament organizers decided to postpone the final until the weather becomes suitable for competition.

The new time for the women's big air freestyle final will be announced later on the official Olympic Games website.

The women’s big air ski final is currently delayed because of wind and blowing snow.Awaiting an update.Canada’s Megan Oldham is competing and had a great qualification. And won bronze earlier in the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/2cRjYQjspQ

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) February 16, 2026

Reminder: Olympic Games 2026. Schedule and results of the ice hockey tournament

According to the Finnish side, FIS allowed Norway's service team to bring a container of oil into the technical zone during the sprint—despite a direct prohibition clearly stated in the teams' instructions. Other teams were not informed of this possibility. It later emerged that the US team also used a liquid in the service zone that is banned by the regulations, yet the federation took no action.

• See also: Napoli – Roma: who will prevail in the battle for a top-four finish?

Subsequently, FIS admitted it had made a mistake and issued an apology. However, Finland believes that an admission alone is not enough. The complaint emphasizes that the principles of fair play and the provisions of Article 343.12.7 of the International Competition Rules were violated. The Finnish delegation is demanding a review of the race results to eliminate the advantage that was gained.

In the men's sprint, the medals went to athletes from Norway and the United States. The best Finnish finisher was Lauri Vuorinen, who came in fourth. The association also noted that it was the federation, not the athlete, who initiated the protest. Now, the Finnish side expects a prompt decision from the jury and does not rule out further action if the verdict is unsatisfactory.

Details: After leading Norway to victory in the men's relay, the 29-year-old Klaebo now boasts nine Olympic gold medals. This remarkable feat puts him ahead of legendary compatriots—skier Bjørn Dæhlie and biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen—who each held eight golds.

• See also: Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 15 February 2026

🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway just tied the record for most Winter Olympic gold medals!#MilanoCortina2026 #CrossCountrySkiing pic.twitter.com/Lfin1Ng2Mz

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 13, 2026

Klaebo's ninth gold medal is a fitting testament to his dominance on the cross-country tracks. He now sits atop the all-time list of Winter Olympic legends, setting a lofty benchmark that may stand unchallenged for years to come.

Reminder: Here is the schedule and results of the ice hockey tournament at the Olympic Games.

Details: The boxer sharply condemned the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to disqualify the athlete over his “helmet of remembrance” featuring portraits of athletes killed in the war.

• See also: Antwerp — Anderlecht prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 12 February 2026

Usyk emphasized that Vladyslav’s action was a display of the highest level of humanity, not a political gesture as Olympic officials are trying to portray it.

“I am proud of you, your courage and bravery. The helmet with portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes is a tribute, not a violation of the rules! Sport does not mean forgetting. True strength is having the courage to remain human even in the most difficult times,” the champion declared.

To recap, Vladyslav Heraskevych was banned from participating in the Winter Olympics because of his helmet design, which features photographs of 24 Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia during the full-scale invasion. The IOC considered this a violation of the rules on political neutrality.

Reminder: Renowned journalist Piers Morgan slammed the IOC for disqualifying Vladyslav Heraskevych from the 2026 Olympic Games.

Details: Morgan, known for his uncompromising opinions, did not hold back on social media, branding the actions of the Olympic officials as immoral.

“Disgusting decision. Shame on the Winter Olympic chiefs,” wrote the journalist, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian athlete.

• See also: Brentford vs Arsenal: Will Arsenal extend their winning streak?

Disgusting decision. Shame on the Winter Olympic chiefs. https://t.co/PLX2ibDHLZ

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 12, 2026

It is worth noting that Vladyslav Heraskevych used his helmet as a platform to honor the memory of fellow athletes whose lives were claimed by the war. However, organizers deemed this a violation of the rules regarding political neutrality, resulting in the athlete's immediate suspension.

Reminder: The official IOC store sells T-shirts commemorating the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Details: Before the start of the competition, it emerged that Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych had been disqualified. This was reported by Suspilne, citing the skeleton racer himself.

The decision was later confirmed by official resources of the International Olympic Committee. The ruling was made after Heraskevych refused to comply with the IOC’s Guidelines on Athletes’ Expression.

The Ukrainian had a morning meeting with the organization’s president, Kirsty Coventry, during which no consensus was reached.

We previously reported that Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych had planned to compete at the 2026 Olympics wearing a special helmet dedicated to the memory of those killed by Russian forces.

Heraskevych’s helmet features photographs of fallen athletes, including children who were killed by Russian missile strikes.

Reminder: The Dailysports team has prepared information on the overall medal table of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Details: The official Olympic Games online store has sparked an international scandal after a commemorative T-shirt honoring the 1936 Games appeared in its lineup. The launch of merchandise celebrating the event, which took place in Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler's regime, has raised many questions.

• See also: UEFA Women's Champions League: Wolfsburg vs Juventus. Preview, H2H, and probable lineups — February 12, 2026

The shirt's design features classic Berlin symbols, such as the quadriga atop the Brandenburg Gate and a laurel wreath. While there are no overt Nazi symbols on the merchandise, many have been unsettled by what they see as a "romanticization" of a tournament that became a powerful propaganda tool for the Third Reich. In 1936, the Nazi regime used the Olympics to mask growing repression and present the world with a false image of a "peace-loving" Germany.

So far, IOC officials have not issued a detailed statement about the removal of the product from the store.

Reminder: A dog disrupted a slalom event at the Olympic Games by running the entire course.

Details: American athlete Jordan Stolz clocked 1:06.28, setting a new Olympic record. He also secured gold at the 2026 Olympic Games.

The silver medal went to Dutch skater Jenning de Boo (+0.50), while China’s Zhongyan Ning claimed bronze.

The United States have now collected their fourth gold medal at these Games and 11 in total. Only Italy (12) and Norway (13) have more.

He came. He skated. He conquered. 🥇Jordan Stolz wins gold at the #WinterOlympics. pic.twitter.com/TwcL7aAJXX

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 11, 2026

The men’s 1000m speed skating event also proved to be a thrilling spectacle and a triumphant moment for renowned skater Jutta Leerdam, who not only captured gold but also broke the Olympic record.

Reminder: The Dailysports team has compiled the overall medal table for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Details: Today at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, 24-year-old Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen clinched the gold medal in the super-G slalom.

This medal marks von Allmen's third at these Games, making him the first athlete in the 21st century to secure three gold medals at a single Olympics.

• Read also: Nottingham vs Wolverhampton: can Nottingham pull away from the relegation zone?

Throughout history, he becomes only the third male athlete to achieve this remarkable feat. Previously, in 1956, Toni Sailer was the first to capture three golds at a single Olympics, and in 1968, Jean-Claude Killy matched that milestone.

We are witnessing history in the making!

THE KING FRANJO VON ALLMEN 👑⛷️The first alpine skier since 1968 to win three gold medals in a single edition of the Games. Bormio bows to the Swiss athlete who is rewriting Olympic history.@swissteam #MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics #AlpineSkiing #FranjoVonAllmen #Bormio pic.twitter.com/5w0crkbNP6

— Milano Cortina 2026 (@milanocortina26) February 11, 2026

Reminder: An unexpected guest at the Olympic Games: dog disrupts slalom event by running the entire course

Details: Right in the midst of the alpine skiing competition, a dog darted onto the course. Judging by his confident sprint, the spirit of a true slalom champion seemed to possess him—he dashed through every gate and made it all the way to the finish line, evading all attempts by stadium staff to catch him.

• Read also: Bologna vs Lazio prediction, H2H and probable lineups — February 11, 2026

The efforts of the broadcast crew deserve special mention. While the slope staff frantically tried to apprehend the shaggy intruder, the broadcast director kept his cool and expertly followed the canine's run down the course.

Doggo just wanted a chance to compete in the Winter Olympics. pic.twitter.com/00ENKOItNr

— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) February 10, 2026

Despite the commotion, the incident ended on a positive note: the dog successfully completed his run and disappeared into the finish area.

Reminder: A Norwegian biathlete won Olympic bronze and admitted to cheating on his girlfriend.

Details: After the competition, the biathlete himself admitted that it had been the worst week of his life. He revealed that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend.

Quote: “There is one person who perhaps did not watch the competition today. Six months ago, I met the love of my life. The most beautiful, the most wonderful person in the world. And three months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life — I cheated on her,” Lægreid said.

Meanwhile, the 1000-metre speed skating event proved to be a thrilling spectacle and a triumphant moment for renowned speed skater Jutta Leerdam, who not only won gold but also set a new Olympic record.

Reminder: The Dailysports team has prepared information on the overall medal table of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Details: Today it was revealed that Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych plans to compete at the 2026 Olympics wearing a special helmet, dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives at the hands of Russian forces.

Heraskevych's helmet features photos of fallen athletes, including children, all of whom were killed by Russian missiles.

However, the IOC responded in a questionable manner, stating that they could not allow Heraskevych to compete in such a helmet and requested he replace it—an appeal the Ukrainian athlete flatly refused.

"Some of them were my friends," Heraskevych stated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also stepped into the situation, declaring that this gesture is not a political provocation but rather a tribute to all those who gave their lives for Ukraine.

At this moment, there is no official suspension of Heraskevych from Thursday's scheduled run, but the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine has already contacted the IOC, stating that any discrimination against Ukrainian athletes is unacceptable.

"As of now, the situation is that we have contacted the NOC of Ukraine, and this issue will be resolved. So, for now, there are no threats of disqualification. We are currently awaiting detailed clarifications, which I hope will arrive this evening," said Heraskevych.

Post by VLADYSLAV HERASKEVYCH OLY (@heraskevychvladyslav)

Reminder: Sensational! Jake Paul's fiancée Jutta Leerdam claims Olympic gold and sets new Olympic record

Details: Today in Milan, the 1000-meter speed skating event delivered an electrifying spectacle and a triumphant moment for the renowned skater Jutta Leerdam, who not only clinched gold but also shattered the Olympic record.

• See also: Atalanta vs Cremonese: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 9 February 2026

The fiancée of famous American blogger and boxer Jake Paul crossed the finish line in 1:12.31, edging out her compatriot Femke Kok, who had just set a new record herself with a time of 1:12.59.

Legendary South Korean athlete Miho Takagi claimed third place with a time of 1:13.95.

Jake Paul was in the stands during the race, personally cheering on his beloved.

Reminder: Protests and sabotage. Mass demonstrations erupt in Milan against hosting the 2026 Olympics

Meloni made the statement on her Facebook page. According to her, during the Olympic Games, thousands of Italians—both professionals and volunteers—are working to ensure the event is held at the highest level and that the country leaves a positive impression on the world.

And against this backdrop, there are those staging demonstrations against the Olympics, broadcasting scenes of chaos across the globe. These are enemies of Italy and of Italians, the Prime Minister declared.

Meloni also referenced acts of sabotage, particularly the cutting of railway cables that brought train services to a halt. She emphasized that such actions harm not only the state but also ordinary citizens.

• See also: Roma vs Cagliari: can Roma put an end to their disappointing run?

For the record, Milan has seen mass protests against the 2026 Olympics. Demonstrators oppose the environmental impact of the Games and rising housing costs. The protests have been marked by clashes with police, arrests, and a series of incidents on the railways, which authorities are treating as deliberate sabotage.

Details: Losing her balance on one of the opening turns, the 41-year-old athlete—already competing with a severe knee injury—suffered further damage. Competition was immediately halted to provide emergency medical assistance to the American legend.

• See also: Sassuolo vs Inter: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 8.02.2026

Rompe el corazón 💔La durísima caída de Lindsey Vonn en el Descenso solo 9 días después de romperse el ligamento cruzadoDisfruta de #MilanoCortina2026 en los canales de @Eurosport_ES disponibles en DAZNpic.twitter.com/VwxAX17Fs3

— DAZN España (@DAZN_ES) February 8, 2026

This start was already being called a medical miracle. Just nine days before the Olympics, on January 30, at a World Cup stage, Vonn crashed into the safety netting, resulting in a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee. Even though her knee had essentially stopped functioning, Lindsey refused to give up and decided to compete at the Olympic Games despite the injury.

“I don't want to go home with regrets, knowing I didn't even try. I'll do everything I can to be at the start,” Vonn declared before the Games began.

Unfortunately, on the unforgiving Olympic course, where even the slightest mistake is costly, her injured knee could not withstand the extreme pressure.

Reminder: Kenyan alpine skier Sabrina Simader withdrew from the Olympic Games.

The spotlight fell on a German athlete with an Italian surname—Timon Grancagnolo—and, conversely, an Italian competitor with a German surname—Dominik Fischnaller.

the Italian guy is German and the German guy is Italian what's going on here pic.twitter.com/E081LyhxgW

— Val C. Delamere ♦️🇬🇧 (@ValDelamere) February 7, 2026

Worth noting, this is Fischnaller's fourth Olympic appearance, and he is a bronze medalist from the previous Games. For Grancagnolo, this marks his Olympic debut.

• See also: Liverpool vs Manchester City: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 8 February 2026

After the opening day of competition, Fischnaller sits in third place, while Grancagnolo holds ninth. The decisive final two runs are set for tomorrow, February 8.

After undergoing a course of physiotherapy and consulting with doctors, Vonn decided to continue her Olympic quest. She noted that her knee is not swelling, and wearing a special brace gives her the confidence to take to the starting gate as soon as this Sunday, February 8.

• See also: Liverpool vs Manchester City: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 8 February 2026

For the record, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, who returned to competition after retiring in hopes of making the U.S. Olympic team, suffered the injury following a crash during a World Cup downhill event in Switzerland.

.@DavidMuir has the latest on alpine skier Lindsey Vonn's recovery and the stunning video she posted after rupturing her ACL days before the Olympics. The American champion says she is determined to race to honor her mother who died of ALS in 2022. https://t.co/2FAytbn9sF pic.twitter.com/389YqzZrEM

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) February 6, 2026

According to Vonn herself, medical examinations revealed a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, a bone bruise, and a meniscus injury.

According to Olympics.com, the reason was not her athletic form or competition, but rather issues in her relationship with, and lack of funding from, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.

After announcing her retirement last summer, Simader decided to make one final attempt—to return for the 2026 Olympics in Italy. However, that plan fell through. According to the athlete, her comeback turned into a series of setbacks and delays, and her interactions with the National Olympic Committee reached a dead end.

• See also: FAR Rabat — Young Africans prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 7 February 2026

Simader admitted that she invested her own money to stay in shape, but bureaucratic hurdles proved insurmountable. Despite the blow to her Olympic ambitions, she has no intention of leaving the sport for good. Simader calls herself a pioneer of winter sports in Africa and is launching the Colourful Ski Camp project, aimed at giving future generations of skiers from countries where snow remains an exotic rarity a real chance.

Details: During the Parade of Athletes, the first-ever competitor from Benin appeared — Nathan Chiboso, who will make his Olympic debut in alpine skiing. In addition, a representative of Guinea-Bissau took part in the Winter Olympics for the first time in history, with alpine skier Winston Tang flying the flag.

Nathan Tchibozo is Benin's first ever athlete at the Winter Olympics. 🤩We're looking forward to his debut in alpine skiing.🎿#OpeningCeremony #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/ADx60i9JVj

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 6, 2026

For the first time in Winter Olympics history, Guinea-Bissau takes its place in the Parade of Athletes 🤩#OpeningCeremony #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/DiWAnLpxCf

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 6, 2026

Reminder: The Dailysports team has prepared information on the overall medal table of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Details: The International Olympic Committee reported that four players from the Finnish national team have contracted norovirus. The affected players and their roommates have self-isolated in the Olympic Village.

Quote: “The decision was taken following consultations with medical professionals after cases of norovirus were identified within the Finnish team. It was made collectively and in line with established health and safety principles, prioritising the health and well-being of players, team staff, officials, and all tournament participants,” the IOC said in a statement.

The match will now take place a week later, on February 12, with face-off scheduled for 14:30 CET. Canada are the reigning Olympic champions.

Reminder: Norway’s Olympic hopes were thrown into doubt following an incident during the team’s first training session in Bormio. Twenty-five-year-old Norwegian alpine skier Fredrik Møller suffered a serious setback during his run.

Details: 25-year-old Norwegian alpine skier Fredrik Møller suffered a major setback during the downhill run. The athlete lost control on a sharp turn and endured a dangerous fall, after which he was unable to get back on his feet unaided.

• See also: Galatasaray vs Istanbulspor: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 4 February 2026

The situation required immediate intervention from emergency services. Due to the challenging terrain and the severity of the injury, a medical helicopter was called to the slope to rescue Møller. The rescue team carried out a prompt evacuation directly from the mountainside.

Forferdelig start på OL⛷️😭❄️Fredrik Møller ble fraktet til sykehuset etter dette...🚑Se alt fra OL på HBO Max!#milanocortina2026 pic.twitter.com/3Hr7kbe5sw

— Eurosport Norge (@EurosportNorge) February 4, 2026

It's worth noting that the 2026 Olympics will kick off on February 6 in Milan and Cortina, running through February 22.

Reminder: Snoop Dogg is once again carrying the Olympic flame.

Details: Ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, the Olympic torch was traditionally carried through the streets of Milan, and among the torchbearers was once again the popular American rapper Snoop Dogg.

Snoop Dogg had already taken part in a similar event back in 2024, when the Olympics were held in Paris. Back then, the rapper running with the torch quickly became a meme among fans. The reason is simple: Snoop Dogg is widely known for his fondness for marijuana, and the sight of him with a burning torch in hand inevitably sparked certain associations among supporters.

Another torchbearer was Como’s head coach Cesc Fàbregas, who also took a turn running through the streets of Milan with the torch.

The Winter Olympic Games will kick off on February 6 in Milan and Cortina, running through February 22.

Snoop Dogg carries the Flame 🔥Nothing else to add.@SnoopDogg #MilanoCortina2026 #TorchRelay2026 #Olympics #Gallarate pic.twitter.com/uheB9LPxba

— Milano Cortina 2026 (@milanocortina26) February 4, 2026

Reminder: History! Today in Greece, the Olympic flame was lit for the 2026 Olympic Games

Details: According to ABC News, Sha’Carri Richardson was arrested for speeding. She was driving at 104 miles per hour on Thursday, 29 January, in Orange County, Florida.

In addition to exceeding the speed limit, she failed to maintain a safe distance and made sudden lane changes while overtaking other drivers. The bail for the track and field star was set at $500.

By the way, US President Donald Trump has threatened that he may push for the relocation of the 2028 Summer Olympics from Los Angeles if there are security concerns or if the city’s preparations for the tournament prove ineffective.

Reminder: With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the most discussed issues was the participation of Russian athletes, and a decision has already been made.

Details: The tragedy occurred on the second day of Christmas, when Wolski was involved in a serious car accident. His vehicle collided with another on a regional road between the towns of Piątek and Łowicz. He was urgently airlifted to Nicolaus Copernicus Hospital in Łódź by medical helicopter.

He sustained severe pelvic injuries and, despite the doctors' efforts, his life could not be saved — the athlete died several days after the accident.

Robert Wolski was a high jumper representing Poland. He competed at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, finished eighth at the 2006 World Championships, and was a two-time national champion — both indoors and outdoors. The Polish sports community mourns his loss.

The Dailysports editorial team extends its condolences to Wolski's family and loved ones.

Details: Today in Greece, the Olympic flame was ignited and will now be passed in a relay to representatives of Italy, marking the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to 22.

The first torchbearer was Greek Olympic canoeing medalist Petros Gkaidatzis, who handed the flame to Italian skiing legend Stefania Belmondo, and she, in turn, passed the Olympic flame to Armin Zöggeler.

The flame will travel 2,200 kilometers across Greece before being handed over to Italy at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on December 4.

🔥 The Olympic flame for #MilanoCortina2026 is lit!One of sport’s greatest traditions. It took place in Greece, as we prepare to go to Italy! 🇬🇷🤝🇮🇹#MilanoCortina2026 | @MilanoCortina26 pic.twitter.com/YCVsoj8oD7

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) November 26, 2025

Reminder: A legend bids farewell: Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge to run the final marathon of his career

The two-time Olympic champion, now 40, revealed that his final race will take place on November 2—at the New York Marathon. For Kipchoge, this run will mark both his debut on the streets of New York and the grand finale to his remarkable career.

To recap, Kipchoge boasts 11 victories at the world's most prestigious marathons—Berlin, London, Tokyo, and Chicago. He has also claimed two Olympic gold medals and twice set the marathon world record.

• See also: Milan vs Roma prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 2 November 2025

It's worth noting that despite hanging up his professional shoes, Kipchoge isn't leaving running behind. The champion is planning extreme races in Antarctica and is ready for new challenges.

• See also: Leuven (W) vs Twente (W) prediction, H2H and probable lineups - October 15, 2025

Details: Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Trump stressed that he is worried about the situation in California, especially in light of the large-scale wildfires sweeping the region. He sharply criticized state governor Gavin Newsom, stating that he is “not doing his job well.”

“If he doesn’t cooperate, we’ll have to take tough action,” Trump said.

The President added that he is ready to reach out to the newly elected IOC chief Kirsty Coventry to discuss the situation. Trump acknowledged that moving the Olympics would require coordination at the international level, but noted that decisive action would be necessary if there are threats to security.

Reminder: UEFA is considering reforming the World Cup and Euro qualifying tournaments based on the Champions League model.

Details: According to Reuters, the regulations will remain unchanged from 2024. Athletes from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics under a neutral flag and without their national anthems.

A special commission will grant neutral status only to those athletes who have no ties to military structures and have not actively supported the war against Ukraine.

It is also confirmed that Russian and Belarusian teams will not be permitted to participate in team sports.

Reminder: The International Olympic Committee recently announced that Qatar has submitted a bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.

Details: Armand Duplantis cleared 6.29 meters in the pole vault, conquering the bar on his second attempt. This marks the 13th world record for the Swede. His previous best—6.28 meters—was set in June 2025 at the Diamond League stage in Stockholm.

Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis bettered his pole vault world record by a centimetre on Tuesday, clearing 6.29 metres at the athletics meet in Budapest.Sweden's Duplantis broke the world record for the 13th time as he soared over the bar #AFPSports pic.twitter.com/CoqYDHe9hK

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 12, 2025

Recently, French swimmer Léon Marchand set a new record in the 200-meter individual medley, finishing in 1 minute 52.69 seconds.

Reminder: During the 17th stage of the Tour de France cycling race, held in Bollène, France, an unknown man ran onto the course from the crowd of spectators.

Details: The German Olympic Committee stated that the biathlete's death has shaken them, emphasizing that she was much more than just an Olympic champion.

Quote: "The news of the death of two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier in a terrible mountaineering accident has deeply shocked all of us in the Olympic movement. She lost her life in her beloved mountains," said the President of the International Olympic Committee.

Schweren Herzens nehmen wir Abschied von Laura Dahlmeier 🖤Ihr plötzlicher Tod macht uns fassungslos.Sie war mehr als eine Olympiasiegerin – sie war ein Mensch mit Herz, Haltung und Vision.Deine Geschichte wird weiterleben, Laura. pic.twitter.com/54CWBo4oMd

— DOSB (@DOSB) July 30, 2025

The news about the passing of two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier in a terrible mountaineering accident is deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic Movement. She lost her life in her beloved mountains.Laura made history at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics… pic.twitter.com/4gUKNrMhxD

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) July 30, 2025

The International Biathlon Union also responded to the news. Both Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 paid their respects as well.

Former Olympic and World Champion Laura Dahlmeier has passed away following a severe accident during a mountaineering trip in Pakistan.The IBU and the entire biathlon family mourn the death of Dahlmeier - our thoughts are with her friends, teammates and her family. 🖤

— International Biathlon Union Newsroom (@ibu_newsroom) July 30, 2025

Der FC Bayern trauert mit der gesamten Sportwelt um Laura Dahlmeier.Herbert Hainer, Präsident des FC Bayern: "Diese Nachricht hat uns alle tief erschüttert. Laura Dahlmeier wird den Menschen nicht nur als eine weltweit herausragende Biathlon-Ikone in Erinnerung bleiben, sondern… pic.twitter.com/xf2B7pMSGn

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) July 30, 2025

Mit Laura Dahlmeier geht eine große Sportlerin und ein herzlicher Mensch von uns. Unsere Gedanken und unser tiefes Mitgefühl sind bei ihren Angehörigen, Freunden und der gesamten Biathlon-Familie. Ruhe in Frieden, Laura 🕯️ pic.twitter.com/oOsIVttf2W

— FC Schalke 04 (@s04) July 30, 2025

Germany's current Chancellor Friedrich Merz also wrote:

Quote: "As a world champion and Olympic champion, she achieved feats that have become part of our country's biathlon history. The sad news of Laura Dahlmeier's death has deeply saddened me. We mourn together with her family, friends, and teammates," the statement said.

Als Weltmeisterin und Olympiasiegerin vollbrachte sie Leistungen, die in die Biathlon-Geschichte unseres Landes eingegangen sind. Die traurige Gewissheit über den Tod von Laura Dahlmeier macht mich sehr betroffen.Wir trauern mit ihren Angehörigen, Freunden und Weggefährten. pic.twitter.com/rdYyAODnI7

— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) July 30, 2025

Reminder: Laura Dahlmeier was a two-time Olympic champion and seven-time world champion in biathlon. At the 2017 World Championships in Hochfilzen, she set a record by winning five gold medals. At the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, she captured two golds.

Details: The International Olympic Committee has announced that Qatar has submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. According to officials in Qatar, preparations for the World Athletics Championships and the FIFA World Cup have left the country with Olympic-ready infrastructure.

Quote: "At the moment, we have 95% of the required sports infrastructure to host the Games. We have a comprehensive national plan that will ensure 100% readiness of all facilities," stated Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, in a statement.

Reminder: Middle Eastern countries, when granted the right to host major tournaments, often face criticism over human rights violations. This was the case with Qatar leading up to 2022, and is currently an issue for Saudi Arabia as it prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Details: The participation of both the French men's and women's national hockey teams at the Olympic Games had long been discussed, as they were expected to replace the disqualified Russian team, which was suspended due to military aggression. Today, this information received official confirmation.

For the "Musketeers," the upcoming Olympics will mark their first appearance since 2002, while the French women's team will make its historic debut at the Games.

In the group stage draw, France was placed alongside Canada, Czechia, and Switzerland. The tournament is set to kick off on February 6, 2026, in Milan.

La participation de la France aux Jeux Olympiques d'hiver de Milan-Cortina est confirmée pour ses deux équipes, féminine et masculine ! Le calendrier de nos deux équipes sera dévoilé très prochainement 🗓️ #TeamFranceHockey pic.twitter.com/3ziWJQmNZm

— Équipes de France Hockey 🏒 (@Hockey_FRA) June 16, 2025

Reminder: The International Olympic Committee has extended the suspension of the Russian national hockey team

Details: At the league's Spring Meeting, a unanimous decision was made to permit one player from each team, along with one international player, to participate in the Olympic flag football tournament.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell believes this presents a tremendous opportunity for the sport, and for the league in particular. He stated that this is a significant step toward globalizing American football for men and women of all ages.

Following this decision, the NFL has begun discussions with the NFL Players Association. The league will assemble a 10-player roster to represent at the Olympics.

Reminder: Baseball will return to the Olympics in 2028 and will be held in Los Angeles.

Details: The official USA Baseball page announced that in 2028, Olympic baseball games will take place at the legendary Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. This venue has hosted major baseball events in the US, including the 1984 Olympic Games when baseball was still a demonstration sport, and the USA team won silver.

Quote: "We are thrilled that Dodger Stadium will host the 2028 Olympic Games. This iconic stadium played a crucial role in baseball's initial inclusion in the Olympic program, and it's fitting that international baseball returns here. USA Baseball eagerly anticipates returning to Los Angeles and the opportunity to represent our nation on home soil," said executive director Paul Seiler.

Olympic Baseball is coming back to Dodger Stadium!📰: https://t.co/R2tFjdCp6x pic.twitter.com/OoNItFstvb

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) April 15, 2025

The 2028 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles (USA). The program includes baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, squash, and flag football.

Reminder: The International Olympic Committee decided to change the format of the football tournament at the 2028 Games, altering the number of teams in the men's and women's tournaments. The men's tournament will feature 12 teams, while the women's will have 16.

Details: The International Olympic Committee has decided to change the football program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles by simply swapping the number of teams in the men's and women's tournaments. Thus, the men's tournament will feature 12 teams, while the women's will have 16.

• See also: Heading to Hollywood: Cristiano Ronaldo to launch his own film studio

The IOC is striving for gender equality at the Games, and in Los Angeles, women will have more licenses than men. In team sports, women will have at least an equal number of quotas as men.

Reminder: Spain became the Olympic champion in the men's football tournament, defeating France in the final, while the American women claimed the gold in the women's competition.

Details: Technological changes in the tracks could improve grip and aerodynamic characteristics, leading to reduced running times, allowing athletes like Noah Lyles to get significantly closer to Bolt's record or even break it.

Lyles, who improved his personal best to 9.784 seconds at the 2024 Olympics, is already close to Bolt's historic result (9.58). If he competes on such "super tracks," he could theoretically improve his time by a few tenths of a second, allowing him to set a new world record. This means Lyles is quite capable of taking Bolt's place in history if such rule changes come into effect.

• See also: Suspension continues. World Athletics extends disqualification of Russians and Belarusians

Reminder: This move is controversial, as some believe that such changes could compromise fairness and undermine the historical significance of Bolt's record. It should be noted that these changes have not yet come into effect and are still under discussion.

Details: For the first time, the IOC is led by a woman – Kirsty Coventry.

In the voting, Coventry surpassed Japan's Morinari Watanabe.

Coventry will assume her duties on June 23 of this year, when the resignation of the previous IOC president, Thomas Bach, takes effect.

For the last 5 years, Coventry served as Zimbabwe's Minister of Sports. Prior to that, she was a professional swimmer. She is an 8-time Olympic medalist: 2 gold medals, 4 silver, and 2 bronze.

Reminder: Today, the IOC officially reinstated boxing in the 2028 Olympics program.

Details: It was previously speculated that due to these disputes, boxing might not be included in the 2028 Summer Games program, but the IOC Executive Board has advised keeping the sport, as announced by IOC President Thomas Bach.

The decision was made amidst the "provisional recognition" of World Boxing as the leading global boxing organization. However, the final decision on whether boxing will be included in the Los Angeles Games program will be made by the IOC session.

Reminder: In July 2024, the IOC withdrew recognition from the IBA because the organization, led by Russian Umar Kremlev, allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags, contrary to IOC recommendations. Later, the IOC banned athletes from IBA member federations from participating in the 2028 Olympics.

• Read also: True hero! Olympic champion from Botswana rescues people during flood

According to Simmonds, the substance was ingested by her partner, who had been taking ligandrol without her knowledge to enhance his physical condition. She claims that the banned substance entered her body through sexual contact with him.

Публикация от Imogen Simmonds (@imosimmonds)

Refusing to accept the test results, Simmonds and her boyfriend submitted hair samples to support her defense. The new tests confirmed a positive result for her partner but a negative one for Simmonds, reinforcing her claim that she had not knowingly consumed the substance.

Публикация от Imogen Simmonds (@imosimmonds)

"We have hired the best expert in the world to help us present the evidence in my case, and we will submit our findings to IRONMAN/ITA within the required deadlines and in accordance with their procedures," the Swiss athlete stated.

• Read also: Condition revealed for Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Olympics

Tebogo assisted several stranded motorists in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, after heavy rains caused widespread flooding. Using his all-wheel-drive Land Cruiser, he helped pull vehicles out of the water, ensuring their passengers’ safety.

Another angle of Letsile Tebogo rescuing a vehicle trapped by the flooding in Botswana.🎥: T-flow Don/FB pic.twitter.com/KvbBvBNqLx

— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) February 19, 2025

Tebogo made history at the 2024 Olympic Games by winning gold in the 200m sprint, setting a new African record with a time of 19.46 seconds. He also contributed to Botswana’s silver medal in the 4x400m relay, where his team finished second to the United States.

Footage shows Paris Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo 🇧🇼 helping rescue people stranded in flooding in Botswana.pic.twitter.com/Olha8psdai

— FloTrack (@FloTrack) February 19, 2025

The sprinter has also enjoyed success at the World Championships, winning silver and bronze in Budapest in 2023, and previously claimed African Championship gold in Mauritius in 2022.

Details: Sebastian Coe, one of the candidates for the IOC presidency, stated that if former U.S. President Donald Trump manages to negotiate a deal with Russia, then Russian athletes could be allowed to compete.

Quote: "It is not my role to draft peace agreements. All wars end at the negotiation table. All wars conclude with a table, a map, and people. It depends on where the table is, who is sitting at it, and what the map looks like. If you reach a situation where there is a peace agreement, then you will have to look very carefully [at lifting the Olympic ban]," Coe said in an interview with Piers Morgan.

Meanwhile, the IOC presidential election will take place on March 20, when 110 members of the organization will gather in Greece to vote for one of the seven candidates.

Reminder: The U.S. President recently signed an order banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports events.

And today, the case has taken a new turn.

Details: The IBA has officially announced that it is suing the IOC over its decision to allow Khelif to compete.

Official statement from the IBA:

"Despite being notified about the disqualification of Iman Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the IOC ignored critical information and allowed both athletes to participate in the Olympic qualifying tournament and, subsequently, the 2024 Olympic Games, where they won gold medals.

The IBA is filing an official complaint with the Swiss Attorney General against the IOC’s actions, which facilitated the participation of athletes who were ineligible for the Olympic boxing tournament in Paris. Under Swiss law, any act or omission that jeopardizes competition participants requires investigation and may be grounds for criminal proceedings. Similar complaints will also be filed with the Attorneys General of France and the United States."

Reminder: Earlier, Iman Khelif stated that she was prepared to take legal action against a French journalist who claimed she was hiding her true gender.

• Read also: Trump bans transgender athletes from competing in women's events

"Preserving the integrity of competition in the female category is a fundamental principle of the sport of athletics. And as we know everything starts in schools. Establishing clear, unambiguous policies is a critical first step," Coe wrote on his X page, sharing a link to the White House directive.

Preserving the integrity of competition in the female category is a fundamental principle of the sport of Athletics and as we know everything starts in schools. Establishing clear, unambiguous policies is a critical first step.Source: @WhiteHouse https://t.co/aLGlAUJH85 pic.twitter.com/IH7doZfhwQ

— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) February 6, 2025

Coe is among the seven candidates running for the IOC presidency, a position that will be vacated by Thomas Bach in March. The World Athletics chief has been vocal about protecting women’s sports and has vowed to prevent male-born athletes from competing in women’s events if he is elected as head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Sebastian Coe has already banned transgender athletes from competing in World Athletics events as the organization's president.Could the Olympics head down the same road if he gets elected as the IOC president? 🏳️‍⚧️ pic.twitter.com/wwKTG18twB

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) January 31, 2025

Coe has long opposed the inclusion of transgender women in female athletics. In March 2023, he banned transgender athletes from competing in any international women’s athletics events.

Details: The new order, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," grants federal agencies the authority to strictly penalize transgender individuals who attempt to compete in women's events by any means.

Additionally, the Department of Justice and the Department of Education will now have broad powers to enforce these regulations, even in educational institutions that receive federal funding. Schools that allow transgender athletes to participate in women's competitions risk losing their funding.

Quote: "The war on women's sports is over. My administration will not stand by and watch as men dominate and mistreat female athletes," Trump declared during the signing ceremony.

"From now on, women's sports will be only for WOMEN." –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2Vix6jlhJe

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 6, 2025

Reminder: During an NHL match between the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild, local fans booed the U.S. national anthem. The game was sold out, with approximately 20,000 fans in attendance at the arena.

Details: According to U.S. Figure Skating, several national team coaches and figure skaters were on the plane, which was traveling from Wichita to Washington.

Quote: "These athletes, coaches, and their family members were returning home from the National Development Camp, which was held as part of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas," the statement read.

The U.S. Figure Skating Championships took place in Wichita from January 20 to 26. Some athletes remained in the city until January 28 to participate in an advanced training program.

Reminder: Olympic kiteboarder Bruno Lobo, who competed in the Paris Games, turned into a real-life hero when he saved a drowning woman. The dramatic rescue was captured on video, which Lobo later shared on his Instagram page.

• Read also: Real-life superhero! Olympic kiteboarder Bruno Lobo rescues drowning woman

The controversy began in the summer when American skateboarder Nyjah Huston shared a video showing his medal in poor condition just days after receiving it.

US skateboarder Nyjah Huston says his Olympic medal is in poor condition days after earning it https://t.co/zkiMlgkHD6

— KKTV 11 News (@KKTV11News) August 10, 2024

"These Olympic medals look stunning when new. But if you wear them for a while, especially on your skin and sweat a bit, you realize they aren’t as high-quality as they seemed. I mean, just look at it. Even the front is cracking," Huston stated.

Since then, more athletes have contacted the IOC with similar complaints. The issue has particularly affected bronze medals, which are not made of pure bronze but rather an alloy of metals (primarily zinc, tin, and copper).

U.S. Skateboarder Nyjah Huston Reveals Poor Condition of His Olympic Bronze Medal: ‘Like It Went to War’ https://t.co/DQi0CKa5Kt

— People (@people) August 9, 2024

The IOC has released a statement confirming that all defective medals will be replaced by the manufacturer, Monnaie de Paris.

• Read also: New challenge: Former Olympian sprinter Ashleigh Nelson aims for Winter Olympics

While testing his new kiteboarding equipment off the coast of Brazil, Lobo noticed a woman struggling in the water. The video shows him spotting the distressed swimmer, approaching her on his board, and carefully carrying her on his shoulders back to shore.

Публикация от Bruno Lobo (@brunolobo31)

The rescued woman hugged the athlete in gratitude, appearing unharmed and in good condition after the ordeal.

Lobo’s actions were widely praised in the comments section, with many calling him a hero—a fitting title for someone who saved a life.

Bruno Lobo is a decorated athlete, having won gold medals at the Pan American Games in 2019 and 2023.

Публикация от Bruno Lobo (@brunolobo31)

Outside of sports, Lobo is also a successful orthopedic doctor. He graduated from medical school in 2017, proving that his dedication to helping others extends beyond the water.

• Read also: "All my medals burned!" Olympic swimming champion Gary Hall narrowly escapes California wildfire

Nelson, who suffered an ankle injury that dashed her hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics, initially planned to return to athletics. However, a single message changed her trajectory.

Публикация от Ashleigh Nelson (@ashleighlnelson)

Adelle Nicoll, a former British shot put champion turned bobsledder, reached out to Nelson and encouraged her to try bobsleigh. Initially, Nelson laughed off the idea, but just six months later, she found herself a member of Great Britain’s bobsleigh team.

Публикация от Ashleigh Nelson (@ashleighlnelson)

“I keep giggling because I am like, “How have I ended up here?” It’s all happened so quickly. But I’ll give it absolutely everything and if I make the Olympics, I will be absolutely ecstatic. It would mean a lot to me,” Nelson shared.

The former sprinter has already made her debut on the bobsleigh circuit, competing in the World Cup stage in Winterberg.

• Read also: Former German gymnast Kim Janas accuses German Gymnastics Federation of bullying

Hall revealed that the fire spread so quickly, he had only minutes to evacuate. He managed to save his dog, a painting by his grandfather, and some insulin, but tragically, all of his Olympic medals were lost in the blaze.

Публикация от Gary Hall, Jr. (@garyhall.jr)

The former swimmer admitted that losing the medals broke his heart, as he had hoped to pass them down to his children. However, he expressed gratitude for being alive despite the loss.

"It was unlike anything I've experienced before. So many people lost everything. Where I lived, nothing stands."Three-time Olympian and Arizonan Gary Hall Jr. tells 12News that he lost everything in the Los Angeles fires, including his Olympic medals. https://t.co/xw0C5YnaqE

— 12 News (@12News) January 9, 2025

Gary Hall won five Olympic gold medals across three different Games—Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004. In addition to his golds, he also earned three silver and two bronze medals.

Hall is also a three-time world champion, with three additional silver medals from World Championships. For his remarkable career, he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

• Read also: World's longest-living Olympic champion passes away

Now 25, Janas retired from gymnastics in 2016 at the age of 16 after suffering her third ACL tear.

Публикация от Kim Janas (@kim_janas)

She cited the constant pressure regarding her weight and eating habits, being labeled "fat" and criticized for having a "high" body fat percentage, despite being at 9%, close to the 10% limit. She was told to aim for levels of 4-5%.

“The focus was always on food and weight. From daily weigh-ins to bag checks for sweets—they monitored everything. I still remember jumping on beds before sleep or using plastic wrap to shed a few grams. Out of fear that tomorrow, I’d be insulted and exposed again.”

Публикация от Kim Janas (@kim_janas)

Since leaving gymnastics, Janas has pursued a career in music and acting. She was also a candidate for the Deutschland sucht den Superstar award in 2022.

According to AFP, Keleti died on Thursday in a Budapest hospital after being hospitalized with pneumonia. She would have turned 104 on January 9.

• Read also: Tragedy. Snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in the swiss Alps

Keleti survived the Nazi occupation, during which her father and other relatives perished in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp due to their Jewish heritage. In 1956, following the Soviet invasion of Hungary, she fled the country and lived in Israel for decades before returning to Hungary in 2015.

Keleti’s Olympic legacy includes an impressive tally of five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

• Read also: Sharing special moments! Jake Paul supports his speed skater girlfriend during competition

Caviezel was performing a downhill run when, just 50 seconds into his race, he fell after losing one of his skis. He slid down the slope and remained lying on the track. Emergency responders decided to airlift him to a hospital, and the race was subsequently halted.

Swiss skier Gino Caviezel suffered a serious crash during the World Cup Super-G in Bormio, Italy on Sunday, and had to be airlifted to hospital by helicopter. https://t.co/HygJUFYlTa pic.twitter.com/ud7MOtwg5v

— Reuters (@Reuters) December 29, 2024

This incident marks the third time in two days that a skier has required medical assistance during competitions in Bormio, Italy. Notably, this course is set to be used for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Публикация от Gino Caviezel (@g_caviezel)

Unsurprisingly, these incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of the track and its suitability for hosting major events like the Olympics. Athletes have criticized the course, calling it poorly prepared and dangerous, and have suggested it is unfit for Olympic competition.

• Read also: Reliving childhood! Jake Paul and Logan Paul enjoy festive fun during Christmas break

Leerdam participated in the national speed skating championship and emerged as the winner. Jake Paul, watching her success from the stands, congratulated his girlfriend with tender hugs and kisses.

Публикация от Jutta Leerdam (@juttaleerdam)

The couple has been together since 2023, consistently supporting each other ever since. Jutta is a regular presence at Jake’s boxing matches, while he makes an effort to attend her speed skating competitions.

Публикация от Jutta Leerdam (@juttaleerdam)

Notably, Paul recently defeated Mike Tyson, who returned to the ring after 19 years for this fight. Rumors are now circulating about a potential bout between Jake and MMA fighter Conor McGregor.

Jutta Leerdam is one of the world’s top speed skaters. She won a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and has claimed victory six times at world championships. Her accolades also include silver and bronze medals from world championships and four gold medals from European championships.

The qualification system has been established and primarily relies on the Nations Cup standings from the 2024/2025 season. The top three teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will be allowed to send six athletes each. Teams ranked fourth through tenth will be allowed five athletes, while those finishing between 11th and 20th will qualify four athletes.

Third career victory for Preuss and second podium of the season for Simon and Voigt.🥇🇩🇪 Franziska Preuss🥈🇫🇷 Julia Simon🥉🇩🇪 Vanessa Voigt📷Manzoni/IBU pic.twitter.com/yfofyWvrSM

— International Biathlon Union (@biathlonworld) December 21, 2024

The final twelve spots in each category will be filled individually, based on the IBU qualification points list, with a maximum of two spots per country for those that have not yet qualified.

Even with a quota of five or six athletes, each nation can enter a maximum of four athletes per discipline. An exception is the mass start, where up to six athletes may compete.

Congrats to Johannes on his 88th win, and to Eric & Emilien for incredible performances that electrified the home crowd! 🎉🥇🇳🇴Johannes Thingnes Boe🥈🇫🇷Eric Perrot🥉🇫🇷Emilien Jacquelin📷Manzoni/IBU pic.twitter.com/2a1xJJrBY3

— International Biathlon Union (@biathlonworld) December 21, 2024

For example, after eight scoring races in the 2024/2025 season, the top three teams in the men’s Nations Cup standings are Norway, France, and Sweden. In the women’s standings, France, Sweden, and Germany occupy the top spots. These nations will each be able to send six biathletes to the Olympics.

Previously, the biathlon competition schedule for the 2026 Winter Olympics was published.

Details surrounding the incident remain limited, as the athlete’s family has requested privacy. According to the French outlet Le Parisien, the avalanche was triggered after heavy snowfall. Rescuers located the athlete two hours after the emergency call was placed, with the Graubünden cantonal police confirming the incident without disclosing the victim’s identity.

• Read also: Tandrevold included in Norway's squad for Oberhof World Cup stage despite heart surgery

Sophie represented Switzerland at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, competing in women’s snowboard cross and team events. During the 2023–2024 season, she achieved her first World Cup podium finishes, including a second place in January in St. Moritz.

“We are deeply shocked by this news. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Sophie’s family,” said Walter Reusser, the federation’s CEO. He added that the loss is a heavy blow for the entire Swiss Ski family, casting a shadow over the holiday season.

Details: Today, the International Skating Union (ISU) officially permitted athletes from these two countries to participate in qualifying events for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

• Dutch speed skater Joy Beune breaks records by gracing Playboy cover

Athletes will only be allowed to compete under a neutral status, and eligibility is restricted to those who have no affiliation with military organizations and do not publicly support the political regimes in their respective countries.

A similar system was implemented in some sports before the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Reminder: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan from February 6 to 22.

• Read also: Dutch speed skater Joy Beune breaks records by gracing Playboy cover

Pistorius is now dating Rita Greyling, a family friend and business management consultant.

Former Olympian and convicted killer Oscar Pistorius 'finds love again' with stunning blonde - just months after his release from jail for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp https://t.co/dB1dTNCywh pic.twitter.com/4NrGzesyRz

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) December 15, 2024

“He is trying to rebuild his life in a low-key way and avoids bars and restaurants and the general public and is flying under the radar. He is slowly trying to reintegrate into society but that is being done through families that his family have been close to for decades and is slowly slowly. The word on the street for three months now is that he is dating again,” a source told Netwerk24.

In 2013, Pistorius was convicted of killing Steenkamp after shooting her through the locked bathroom door of their home in Pretoria, South Africa. He claimed at the time that he mistook her for an intruder, but the court found him guilty of murder, sentencing him to 13 years and 5 months in prison.

Oscar Pistorius 'has new girlfriend' with killer dating family friend following prison release earlier this yearhttps://t.co/IfpDUyQE7q

— GB News (@GBNEWS) December 15, 2024

Pistorius was released on parole on January 5, 2024, after serving part of his sentence.

• Read also: Big Scandal: Coach Slaps 8-Year-Old Athlete and Received Severe Punishment

The overwhelming demand prompted the publishers to reprint the Playboy issue featuring Joy.

Публикация от Playboy Netherlands (@playboynetherlands)

"In the 11 years that Pijper Media has been publishing our magazine, something like this has never happened," said editor-in-chief Nick Stalker.

The buzz is understandable, as the stunning blonde appears on the cover wearing nothing but fur gloves.

"That is very nice to hear. I would not have expected that so many copies would be sold. I expected a lot of criticism, but I only hear nice messages from everyone around me and that they think it's incredibly cool," Beune said, sharing her excitement.

She also revealed that the idea to pose for Playboy came from her boyfriend, Kjeld Nuis, who is also a professional speed skater.

Публикация от The Chesterfield Brand (@chesterfieldbags)

Details: In the final, 8-year-old Valina Fetiou from Kosovo lost to Serbian opponent Nina Savić, which led to an inappropriate reaction from her coach, Valmir Fetiou.

• He fulfilled his promise. The father of the Olympic champion got a tattoo on his scrotum

The young athlete began to cry after the defeat, but instead of receiving support from her coach, she was slapped in front of onlookers.

It was later revealed that the European Taekwondo Federation had disqualified Valmir for six months due to his aggressive behavior.

Coach himself stated that the slap was given "only to calm down the athlete" after her loss in the final to the Serbian opponent.

8-year-old Kosovar taekwondo athlete was slapped by her father and coach, Valmir Fetiu, during the European Cadet & Children’s Championship in Tirana. Fetiu said that the slap was meant “only to calm her down” after she lost in the final to a Serbian opponent. pic.twitter.com/VxZyLcP07X

— Githii (@githii) November 11, 2024

Details: Raygun became a viral sensation, with her highly unconventional style inspiring numerous memes. She lost all her battles 0-18, sparking debate about whether breaking should have been included in the Olympic program.

Unfortunately, Raygun struggled to handle the intense scrutiny that followed her Olympic performance.

"I just couldn’t control how people perceived me and who I am. I might have planned to keep competing, but now it’s really hard for me to do that."

In a rather dubious ranking, Raygun was still listed as the world’s number one, despite her Olympic performance.

Reminder: Controversial Olympic champion Iman Khélif recently appeared in a campaign video for Donald Trump.

With only a few days left before the end of voting, the former president addressed Americans with a final appeal, criticizing the current administration. In this criticism of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Khelif is also mentioned, having been at the center of heated debates during this summer’s Olympic Games.

• Read also: Scandalous Olympic champion turns to professional boxing

The Algerian boxer won gold in the women’s welterweight category under contentious circumstances, despite ongoing doubts about her gender, as she was excluded from last year’s World Championship after failing gender verification tests.

In the video, which claims that "everything we hold dear has collapsed" under the Biden-Harris administration, Trump’s campaign showcases footage of Khelif’s raised hand at the Olympics. The narrator then states, "Men can beat women and win medals."

WHEN WE GET KNOCKED DOWN, WE DON’T STAY DOWN—WE GET UP AGAIN…FIGHT!FIGHT!!FIGHT!!!https://t.co/czQRkZmYUH pic.twitter.com/yEXLPcsoYu

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2024

Trump has previously criticized Khelif amid controversies regarding her participation in women’s boxing at the Olympics. In a recent interview on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, Trump repeatedly referred to Khelif as a "man" after WWE legend The Undertaker argued that "protecting" women’s sports from transgender athletes is one of his main priorities in the upcoming election.

Details: In a comment to En Nahar, the boxer stated that she will soon enter the world of professional boxing, as she has numerous offers and opportunities.

Quote: "Right now, I haven't decided where I will pursue professional boxing. The Olympic gold medal holds great significance in the world of professional boxing," she said.

Remonder: After her first bout at the Olympics against Italy’s Angela Carini, the fight lasted only 46 seconds, after which the Italian athlete was unable to continue.

A tremendous scandal followed, with Imane Khélif being falsely accused of being transgender. You can interpret this information as you wish, but it’s crucial to understand: a transgender person is someone who has undergone gender transition, whereas elevated testosterone levels are something entirely different

Additionally, Imane chose to address the criticism and controversy that arose during the Olympic Games.

Alonso made headlines during the 2024 Paris Olympics after being involved in a scandal, which led to her departure from the sport.

The controversy arose when Luana spent a night outside the Olympic village, violating team rules. As a result, she was expelled from the Paraguayan Olympic delegation. "You are immediately requested to leave the team’s premises. Your presence is creating an inappropriate atmosphere within the team," stated Larissa Schaerer, head of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.

Following the incident, Alonso decided to retire from swimming, although she claimed that her decision had been planned regardless of her Olympic performance.

Now, Luana has made a splash on the adult platform OnlyFans, offering exclusive content with a subscription fee of just $35. Interestingly, this isn't her long-term career plan. Alonso intends to move to the United States to study political science, with ambitions of one day becoming Paraguay’s Minister of Sports.

PHOTO: Scandalous and sexy swimmer launches OnlyFans page with a $35 subscription

Публикация от @luanalonsom

Публикация от @luanalonsom

Публикация от @luanalonsom

Публикация от @luanalonsom

Details: Today, 57 years later, a woman ran a marathon in 2:09:56. This incredible record was set by Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich at the Chicago Marathon.

WORLD RECORD: In her third @BankofAmerica #ChicagoMarathon win, Ruth Chepngetich breaks the world record in an unofficial time of 2:09:57! Congratulations Ruth! pic.twitter.com/YJJP8j0oxQ

— Chicago Marathon (@ChiMarathon) October 13, 2024

Chepngetich, the 2019 World Champion in Doha, had already found success in Chicago in 2021 and 2022, but today's performance was truly unique.

Ruth Chepngetich, you are the Women’s World Record Holder! pic.twitter.com/bkwlfamrvN

— Chicago Marathon (@ChiMarathon) October 13, 2024

Quote: "I am very happy to bring the world record back to Kenya. Running in Chicago feels like home to me. I tried for a long time, in 2022 I missed it by 14 seconds, and now I've achieved my goal. I want to inspire young girls to get involved in sports, and perhaps in the future there will be those who will break my record," said the Kenyan after her victory.

• Read also: Luxurious. Cristiano Ronaldo has unveiled his own watch collection

Interestingly, in the men's marathon, the winner was also a Kenyan athlete. John Korir completed the race in 2:02:43.

Notably, 24-year-old Mengesha set a personal record, completing the distance in 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds, beating Kenyan athlete Sibrian Kotut (2:03:22) and his compatriot Haimanot Aleu. The final kilometer saw a tense battle between Mengesha and Kotut, but in the final stretch, Mengesha increased his pace and pulled ahead by five seconds.

• New scandal? WADA responds to accusations of doping tests before Olympics

The women's podium was entirely Ethiopian. Ketema's time of 2:16:42 allowed her to cross the finish line more than two minutes ahead of Mestawet Fikir and Bosenah Mulat.

Ketema significantly pulled away in the first half of the race and claimed victory, achieving the third-best time in marathon history. However, her time is five minutes slower than last year's winning result of Tigst Assefa — 2:11:53, which stands as the world record for women in the marathon.

Additionally, some well-known athletes did not attend the Berlin Marathon, as it took place just a month after the conclusion of the Olympic Games in Paris.

Details: According to the source, due to these issues, the agency lost the ability to accurately determine which cases needed to be monitored, leading lawyers to question whether the agency's staff were managing athlete cases correctly.

These accusations prompted the agency to issue a statement regarding the article published in the New York Times.

• He fulfilled his promise. The father of the Olympic champion got a tattoo on his scrotum

Quote: "Contrary to the claims, technical failures did not negatively impact the Olympics in Paris. All information has always been available, and data related to athletes heading to the Games has been properly verified by WADA.

As for the New York Times, instead of providing an objective account of the facts, the newspaper once again succumbed to the influence of questionable sources attempting to undermine our reputation," the agency stated.

Before the Olympics began, David Oman’s father promised his son that if he won gold, he would get a tattoo of the Olympic rings in an intimate location. The son fulfilled his part of the promise by bringing home the gold, and the father kept his word as well.

A post shared by Fanny Åhman (@faannyahman)

A video was shared on Instagram confirming that David Oman’s father indeed honored his promise and got the tattoo.

A post shared by Fanny Åhman (@faannyahman)

Reminder: The father also stepped in for his injured son, a jockey, and won prestigious races in Canada.

Details: On September 13, a devastating accident occurred. South of the Sanglow Pier in Daytona Beach, Alvarado struck his head and became entangled in the pier's supports. It took bystanders several minutes to free the surfer before he was rushed to the nearest hospital and placed on life support.

In related news: An Olympic athlete who was doused with gasoline and set on fire has died in the hospital. The incident took place at Rebecca's home during a dispute with her boyfriend, Dixon, over a parcel of land.

The athlete was rescued by nearby neighbors who heard the altercation. Both parties involved in the conflict were taken to Eldoret's hospital with burns, with Cheptegei suffering from burns covering 75% of his body.

Additionally, several members of Ghana’s football coaching staff were recently involved in a car accident.

Details: Kenya faces the risk of being deemed non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after the government reduced the budget for the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

• A Kenyan national team player has gone missing. It became known where he might be now

Kenya's Anti-Doping Agency chairman, Daniel MacDowallo, stated in Nairobi that the severe budget cuts hinder the agency's ability to effectively carry out its operations. MacDowallo revealed that ADAK’s board and management have raised the issue with the Ministries of Sports and Finance, as well as the Parliamentary Sports Committee.

Quote: "We risk not being able to host or send our athletes to international competitions. The agency cannot conduct regular testing, both in and out of competition, cannot prosecute athletes violating anti-doping policies, and cannot conduct anti-doping education."

Recall: The government cut the budget from 288 million Kenyan shillings to 20 million Kenyan shillings.

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced austerity measures worth billions of shillings, while the Supreme Court has backed the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to patrol Nairobi and other urban centers to suppress widespread social opposition. This has sparked a wave of protests across the country.

The austerity measures are part of the government's efforts to address the financial challenges facing Kenya, but they have been met with strong resistance from citizens.

Details: Chiles' appeal is based on two key arguments laid out by her legal team Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLC. First, they argue that video evidence ‘unequivocally proves’ that the investigation that led to Chiles' grade revision was filed within the one-minute time limit allowed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

In a statement, Chiles' lawyers criticised the process, pointing out that the CAS panel failed to take video evidence into account.

Chiles' lawyers argue that Garavi had a direct conflict because he represented Romania for nearly a decade and actively cooperated with the country during the arbitration. According to Chiles' lawyers, that relationship jeopardised the fairness of the proceedings and should have disqualified Garavi from presiding over the case.

‘From start to finish, the procedures leading up to the CAS panel's decision were fundamentally unfair and it is not surprising that they resulted in an unfair decision,’ the gymnast's lawyers said.

Another important aspect of the appeal concerns a conflict of interest involving Hamid Gharavi, the president of the CAS panel that ruled in Barbosa’s favor.

According to the appeal, Chiles was notified of the CAS hearing only hours before it was to begin, leaving her and her team little time to prepare a defense. This last-minute notice, they argue, violated her right to a fair hearing and further highlights the procedural flaws that tainted the original decision.

Recall: Chiles, who placed third in the women’s floor exercise at the 2024 Paris Olympics, lost her bronze medal after Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosa successfully appealed the results. The medal was ultimately awarded to her.

The IOC press service has released the list of candidates, there are seven of them:

• Faisal bin Hussein - IOC member since 2010
• Sebastian Coe - former British track and field athlete and president of World Athletics.
• Kirsty Coventry - former Zimbabwean swimmer, two-time Olympic gold medallist.
• Johan Elias - president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
• David Lappartien - president of the International Cycling Union.
• Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. is the son of former IOC President (1980-2001) Juan Antonio Samaranch.
• Morinari Watanabe - president of the International Gymnastics Federation.

In January 2025 candidates will make public their programmes, and the election procedure itself will take place at the 143rd Session of the IOC, which will be held from 18 to 21 March 2025 in Greece.

We will remind, earlier it was reported that the incumbent President of Poland Andrzej Duda is ready to compete for the post of IOC President.

The current IOC President Thomas Bach, who has held the post since 2013, in August 2024 said that he would not fight for the post again.

Details: Moran Sr. claimed an emotional victory, surging ahead at the start of the final stretch and beating his rival by a length. David wore a yellow cap with his son's name on it.

Quote: "I rode this horse for Pietro. He was with me. Before the race, he called me and explained how to handle the horse, so essentially, he was in the saddle, and I was just guiding her. The mare was amazing, she started to accelerate powerfully at the beginning of the final stretch, and it felt like Pietro was leading her from behind," David Moran said after the win.

Additionally: 18-year-old Pietro Moran, the leading apprentice jockey of the season in Canada, was the regular rider of the mare Fashionably Fab. The jockey was set to ride her in the Ontario Mation Stakes with a prize fund of £114,000, held in Woodbine, Toronto, on Saturday. However, a few days before the race, Pietro fell and broke his spine, putting him out of action indefinitely.

• New scandal in La Liga. Referee canceled the penalty against Barça, but the ball hit the hand

Details: According to LeMonde, the French police have launched an investigation, as their whereabouts have been unknown for several days. They were the only participants from Congo at the Games.

A member of the Congolese delegation reported that they were last seen on September 5 at their villa. Ngannga, who has a leg disability, and Muambako, who has a visual impairment, were the flag bearers for Congo at the opening ceremony.

• Law enforcers prevent several terrorist attempts at the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Recall: On September 2, Mireille Ngannga competed in the javelin throw but failed to qualify, registering three no-throws. On September 4, she was seen again in the shot put event, where she also failed to record a valid throw. On the same day, Muambako, alongside his guide Lusanga, competed in the T11 100-meter sprint, finishing fourth with a time of 12.07 and failing to advance to the next round. The Congolese delegation, having missed the closing ceremony, reported the athletes missing.

Their suitcases were also not found at the villa, but they did not have their passports with them, which were held by other members of the Congolese delegation. The police are considering voluntary disappearance or desertion as possibilities, but are also exploring other leads.

Details: The International Federation of Breaking released its updated world rankings, placing "Raygun" at the top. This decision sparked debate among fans, as she was eliminated in her first match at the Olympics without scoring a point.

The ranking system takes into account the four best performances from the past 12 months, with points remaining valid for 52 weeks. However, Olympic qualification and the Games themselves are not factored into the rankings.

Reminder: At the Olympics, Rachel Gunn was defeated by American breaker "Logistx" with a score of 0:2 (0:18), receiving significant criticism for her performance.

Additionally, authorities in France prevented three potential terrorist attacks during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, arresting five individuals suspected of planning the attacks.

Details: Law enforcement prevented three terrorist attacks during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France. According to AP, the perpetrators intended to target Israeli institutions or representatives in Paris during the events.

Olivier Christen, head of the French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, stated that the Israeli athletes' team was not a specific target for the terrorists. However, he did not provide further details.

Additionally, authorities have arrested five individuals suspected of planning the attacks, including a minor. Prosecutor Olivier Christen revealed that the detained suspects were motivated primarily by jihadist ideologies. They are currently facing terrorism-related charges.

Reminder: The International Olympic Committee lost one of its major sponsors, with whom it had collaborated for 37 years.

Details: According to Nation Africa, the man sustained burns during the incident. He was taken to the hospital with injuries and passed away on Monday, September 9. Rebecca Cheptegei died from her burns on September 5.

Police report that the incident occurred at Rebecca's home during an argument between her and her boyfriend, Dixon, over a piece of land. He poured gasoline on her and ignited it. The athlete suffered 75% burns.

Quote: "There was a commotion as the couple argued near their home. During the argument, the boyfriend was seen dousing the woman with a liquid before setting her alight. The suspect also caught fire and sustained severe burns," said Police Chief Jeremiah Ole Koyom.

Reminder: At the 2024 Olympic Games, Rebecca Cheptegei finished 44th with a time of 2:32:14 in the final, which was her best season time for 2024.

Details: Panasonic Holdings has announced its decision to end its collaboration with the IOC. According to the Daily Mail, this long-standing partnership, which began when the company was known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., will conclude in December this year.

Since 1987, the company has played a crucial role in providing technology and equipment for the Olympic Games.

The termination of this contract was mutually agreed upon. Panasonic explains that the decision to discontinue the partnership is due to changes in its business environment and strategic direction.

The departure of such a sponsor will be significant for the International Olympic Committee. However, they have a robust sponsorship program, and there are companies eager to fill the void left by Panasonic.

Reminder: Dailysports editorial suggests checking out the top 10 athletes of the 2024 Olympics, which took place this summer in Paris.

Details: After her first bout at the Olympics against Italy’s Angela Carini, the fight lasted only 46 seconds, after which the Italian athlete was unable to continue.

A tremendous scandal followed, with Imane Khélif being falsely accused of being transgender. You can interpret this information as you wish, but it’s crucial to understand: a transgender person is someone who has undergone gender transition, whereas elevated testosterone levels are something entirely different.

The boxer faced criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, writer J.K. Rowling, and tech billionaire Elon Musk.

Now, Khélif herself has spoken out, addressing Musk in an interview with Clique, where she revealed that his attacks led to her mother being hospitalized.

Quote: “I would say you hate me, but you don’t even know me. I don’t even understand why you led this attack. You were cruel to me, cruel to my family, cruel to my mother. During that time, my mother was going to the hospital every day.

I cannot comprehend the behavior of people today. God is my guide; I am a practicing Muslim. I am a Muslim, an Arab woman, and I endured this moment. I hope to become even stronger in the future and return with greater motivation,” declared the Olympic champion.

Khélif added that such attacks had affected her deeply. She experienced panic and fear. However, the boxer was able to overcome it.

"You hate me but you don't even know me"Imane Khelif reacts to the cyberbullying campaign spread by @elonmusk. #elonmusk #olympicgames #imanekhelif pic.twitter.com/Ad5Yc3fZYG

— CLIQUE (@cliquetv) September 8, 2024

Reminder: The controversial Algerian boxer, accused of gender transition, became an Olympic champion. Recall that Helif defeated Angela Carini because of the opponent's refusal to fight the Algerian 46 seconds after the start of the fight. Then Imam beat Luca Hamori (Hungary), Janjaem Suwannapheng (Thailand) and Yang Liu in the final.

During this period, athletes competed in 22 sports, contesting for 549 sets of medals—significantly more than the 329 awarded at the Olympics.

• Read also: Paralympic Games 2024. Calendar of competitions in Paris

A total of 184 nations were represented at the Paralympics. Athletes from China emerged as the dominant force in the medal table, with an impressive tally of 216 medals, including 94 gold, 73 silver, and 49 bronze. They pulled far ahead of their competitors.

Great Britain claimed second place, while the United States rounded out the top three.

Remarkably, the top three positions mirrored those of the previous Games, and once again, the Netherlands secured fourth place. Italy completed the top five. Interestingly, athletes ranked fourth and below earned fewer total medals than China did in gold alone.

The top ten teams also included athletes from Brazil, Ukraine, France, Australia, and Japan.

The Dailysports team has prepared a summary of the overall medal standings for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Details: The Uganda Athletics Federation reported that she passed away in the hospital from her injuries on September 5. Federation President Donald Rukare stated:

Quote: "We have learned of the tragic death of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei due to a brutal attack by her boyfriend. May her soul rest in peace. We strongly condemn violence against women.

This was a cowardly and senseless act that resulted in the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will endure."

As a reminder: The incident occurred at Rebecca's home during a dispute with her boyfriend, Dixon, over land. Cheptegei sustained 75% of her body burned.

• Read also: Three coaches of the Ghanaian national team were involved in an accident. What is their condition?

At the 2024 Olympic Games, Rebecca Cheptegei finished 44th with a time of 2:32:14 hours in the final, her best time of the 2024 season.