Category: 6. Sports

Olympic canoe champion Jessica Fox has undergone surgery to remove a tumour from her left kidney and says she will not compete in the remaining Canoe Slalom World Cup events.

The 31-year-old three-time Olympic gold medallist shared news of her condition and her subsequent recovery on social media on Thursday (28 August).

“Last week I had surgery to remove a tumour from my kidney. The surgery went really well and I’m on the mend,” said Fox.

“It’s been a whirlwind over the last few weeks, but I’m all good – just a couple of gnarly new scars, a bit less kidney and a whole lot more toughness.”

Fox was one of Australia’s Opening Ceremony flagbearers at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and went on to win two gold medals to become the first female canoe slalomist to win three Olympic titles and the most decorated of all time.

She expressed optimism around her recovery and hopes to return to her sport soon.

“I’m feeling positive and looking forward to heading home, focusing on recovery, and then building towards being back on the water again,” Fox added.

Buemi, who is tied for most wins in Formula E history (14) has driven for Envision Racing since Season 9. In that time securing six podiums, two poles and one win – back in Monaco this year – as well as contributing to Envision’s first Teams’ World Championship in his first season with the outfit.

Despite a more challenging season than anticipated in Season 11, Buemi delivered consistent points and strong performances: most notably that Monaco win, which he followed up with two further podiums in the remainder of the season in Jakarta and at the London finale.

These results took Buemi’s all-time stats to 14 wins, 35 podiums and 16 Julius Baer Pole Positions – as well as, of course, the Season 2 Drivers’ crown for a driver that is an ever-present from Formula E’s very first race in Beijing to present day. His Season 3 tally of six wins in a single campaign is still a Formula E record.

“I’m super happy to re-sign with Envision Racing,” said the 36-year-old, whose new deal will see him steer Envision into Formula E’s GEN4 era, starting at the end of next year. “We have enjoyed plenty of great moments and results together over the past three seasons, and I am very excited and motivated to add to this.

“Season 11 was a good year for me personally, achieving the win in Monaco and podiums which have been a great boost for us to keep working hard and achieve more this season.”

Envision Racing Managing Director & CTO, Sylvain Filippi, said: “We’re delighted to confirm that Seb will remain part of the team. His experience and technical insight have been instrumental in advancing both our car and our overall performance.

“We’re confident he will continue to drive us forward and deliver strong results.”

Franz Jung, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Envision Racing said: “We are delighted to resign Sebastien to our team. Seb is a great asset to Envision Racing, and we are looking forward to continuing our journey with him.”

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Before that Thomas will pull on the lycra and clip into his pedals for one final race.

The six-day Lloyds Tour of Britain starts in Suffolk on Tuesday, 2 September and finishes with two stages in Wales.

Sunday’s Newport to Cardiff finale is the perfect setting to end the near two-decade career of Wales’ most successful cyclist.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Thomas.

“Obviously it’s going to be a mix of emotions, it’s all I’ve done for 19 years so come Monday morning after the finish in Cardiff it’ll be strange waking up with no goals or targets racing wise, that’s going to be strange.”

Ten stage race wins, three World Championship victories, Olympic triumphs, a Commonwealth gold medal and numerous other successes later, he will finally pull off a race number for the final time.

“I just feel so lucky to be able to call time on my career on my own terms, you know when I’m finishing and even more lucky to decide where as well,” he added.

“The fact that the Tour of Britain is in September at the end of season and the last stage is into Cardiff is just unreal really.

“I think they’re planning some event afterward in Cardiff Castle as well so it’s going to be nice to say thanks to the fans as well.”

It will not be the first time the Welsh capital’s historic setting has paid tribute to the man who in 2018 won both BBC Wales and the national BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

That year thousands lined the streets to welcome home their yellow-clad Tour-winning hero.

“That’s probably the highlight of everything I’ve done off the bike really, that homecoming in Cardiff,” said Thomas.

“Because I live away, since I’ve been a pro, outside of the UK you don’t really get an appreciation of the support you get.

“Obviously I know it’s a massive amount and I get a massive amount on the road but then to go back to Cardiff and to have that was just insane.”

Similar scenes are expected next week, but once the fuss has died down and before he takes up his new roles Thomas is already planning more time with wife Sara and son Macs.

A first ever skiing holiday – out of the question during his racing career – has been booked.

Before all of that there are just 886km (553 miles) to race, six more days of sweat and maybe one or two more tears.

“I think so,” Thomas admitted.

“I was always winding up Sara – because she’s quite emotional, more emotional than me – and I was winding her up about crying at our wedding, and I was the one that cried the whole time!

“Obviously in the Tour de France [win in 2018] it was a similar thing. I never thought about the end, it was always about each day and then suddenly it got to the time trial and I’d won it and then it hit me.

“That’s when I ended up crying obviously on international telly, so I think Sunday could be similar.”

NEW DELHI:

India could be banned from world football for the second time in three years after FIFA and the Asian governing body demanded it implement a new constitution by October 30 or risk suspension.

World governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) sent a joint letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey expressing “profound concern” at the continued failure to finalise and adopt the constitution.

“Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision,” said the letter, seen by AFP.

“AIFF must regard this communication as binding and requiring immediate compliance in order to safeguard its rights as a member of FIFA and the AFC,” it added.

The AIFF constitution has been in India’s Supreme Court awaiting a decision since 2017.

A suspension would mean India national teams and clubs being barred from all international competitions.

FIFA previously suspended India in August 2022 for third-party influence after the Supreme Court appointed a committee of administrators to run the AIFF.

The ban was lifted a few days later, paving the way for the AIFF to elect Chaubey.

India’s top-flight club football is currently in disarray.

The Indian Super League (ISL) could fold over a dispute between the AIFF and its commercial partner.

This season’s ISL kickoff has been delayed with thousands of players and staff in danger of losing their jobs.

A rights agreement between the AIFF and the company that runs the ISL, Football Sports Development Limited, ends on December 8 and is yet to be renewed. 

The AIFF has been unable to come up with a revival plan for the ISL, which is usually played between September and April.

Players union FIFPRO Asia/Oceania raised the issue with FIFA last week.

Can you believe it’s already been a year since the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games?

Every day was magical. Around 4,400 athletes from a record 169 delegations lit up the City of Light, performing in front of electrifying crowds and showcasing the very best of Para sport. With over 500 medal events across 22 sports, the Games were packed with unforgettable moments, from athletic feats and historic firsts to a heart-warming proposal.

Join us as we relive some of the most memorable highlights to celebrate the first anniversary of Paris 2024. 

 

 

A stunning Opening Ceremony in the heart of Paris

The Opening Ceremony was a dream come true. For the first time in Paralympic history, the Ceremony was held outside a stadium—marking the beginning of the first Paralympic Games ever hosted in France. Athletes from around the world paraded through the iconic Place de la Concorde and along the Champs-Elysées, cheered on by thousands of fans waving flags and celebrating the spirit of Para sport.

 

Led by flagbearers Nantenin Keita and Alexis Hanquinquant, the French delegation made a memorable entrance to the tune of “Champs-Elysées.” The Ceremony dazzled with fireworks, music, and dance performances, and even featured a tour of Paris by French Paralympic hero Théo Curin, who drove a Phryge taxi—a red car adorned with hundreds of Paralympic mascots.

The Paralympic cauldron was lit by five French Paralympians: Hanquinquant, Keita, Charles-Antoine Kouakou, Fabien Lamirault, and Elodie Lorandi.

Read more about the Opening Ceremony and what the athletes had to say

 

 

Day 1: First gold of Paris 2024 and a historic first

The first day of competition saw Para athletes take centre stage in front of a packed crowd, which included Hollywood action star Jackie Chan and former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp, who came to support his friend and Para badminton player Wojtek Czyz.

Dutch Para cyclist Caroline Groot claimed the first gold medal of the Games, winning the women’s 500m time trial C4-5 at the Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.

 

Later in the day, history was made on the Para taekwondo mat at the Grand Palais. Zakia Khudadadi earned bronze in the women’s K44 -47kg event, becoming the first athlete from the Refugee Paralympic Team to win a medal at the Games.

“I am so, so happy today. For me, this medal is a dream,” Khudadadi said. “Today I am in a dream.”

 

Read the Day 1 medal highlights and big moments

 

 

Day 2: Love is in the air… and medals

After much anticipation, Para athletics kicked off on the iconic purple track at the Stade de France. Brazil’s Julio Cesar Agripino dos Santos and Tunisia’s Raoua Tlili were among the gold medallists on the first day of competition.

In shooting Para sport, India’s Avani Lekhara successfully defended her women’s 10m air rifle standing title, setting a new Paralympic record in the process. Having made history as India’s first-ever female Paralympic gold medallist at Tokyo 2020, Lekhara continued her winning streak—this time sharing the podium with teammate Mona Agarwal, who claimed bronze.

 

At the Grand Palais, Para taekwondo pioneer Lisa Kjaer closed out her storied career with a victory. She celebrated on the podium after defeating Cameroon’s Marie Antoinnette Dassi in the bronze medal match of the women’s K44 –65kg event.

And who can forget a heart-warming proposal? Brazilian Para badminton player Rogerio Junior Xavier de Oliveira proposed to sitting volleyball player Edwarda Dias de Oliveira after his match at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena. Holding a sign that read “Edwarda, Will You Marry Me?”, he got down on one knee with a ring box.

One year later, the couple are training together to compete in Para badminton’s mixed doubles event at the LA28 Paralympic Games.

 

Read the Day 2 medal highlights and big moments 

 

Day 3: Proving there are no limits 

Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham won bronze in the Para archery women’s individual compound open while 28 weeks pregnant. Competing against teammate Phoebe Paterson Pine, Grinham shared that she felt her baby kick. 

 

On the shooting range, Iran’s Sareh Javanmardi claimed her third women’s 10m air pistol SH1 gold. Jinho Park of the Republic of Korea won the men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 final, adding a gold to his collection of silver and bronze from Tokyo 2020. 

The Para table tennis competition featured a new event on Day 3, with China’s Mao Jingdian and Zhao Shuai becoming the first-ever mixed doubles champions, winning the XD17 competition. They faced compatriots Peng Weinan and Xiong Guiyan in the final in what was another strong day for China at the South Paris Arena. 

 

Read the Day 3 medal highlights and big moments

 

 

Day 4: Making waves 

The final day of Para rowing delivered five gold medals, including a historic win for Australia’s Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers in the mixed double sculls – PR3Mix2x, a newly introduced event. For Altschwager, Paris 2024 marked his Paralympic debut and the new format helped him soar straight to the top of the podium with Ayers. 

Lauren Rowles became a three-time Paralympic gold medallist on what was an outstanding day on the water for Great Britain. Along with Gregg Stevenson, Rowles won gold in the mixed double sculls PR2 by passing China in the last 100 metres. Moran Samuel of Israel finished ahead of Birgit Skarstein in a tightly contested women’s single sculls PR1 final to claim her first Paralympic title. 

 

The first boccia medals were also awarded on Day 4, with men and women competing separately in individual events for the first time at a Games. Portugal’s Cristina Goncalves earned her first gold since Athens 2004, defeating Republic of Korea’s Soyeong Jeong in the women’s individual BC2 final. Thailand’s Worawut Saengampa took gold in the men’s BC2 event. 

In Para archery, icon Matt Stutzman finally captured his first gold medal. He shared his hopes that archers without arms would be inspired to follow in his footsteps. 

 

Read the Day 4 medal highlights and big moments 

 

 

Day 5: Para triathlon and big day for hosts

Para triathlon stars took to the spotlight on Day 5. Home hero Alexis Hanquinquant received a rockstar reception from fans and proved he is the ultimate showman, winning gold in the men’s PTS4 event. The men’s PTS2 was won by France’s Jules Ribstein, while Spain’s Daniel Molina won the PTS3 gold in his return to the Paralympic Games for the first time since Athens 2004.

Three years after being beaten by just a second in the women’s PTWC race at Tokyo 2020, Australia’s Lauren Parker won her maiden gold by dominating the field in Paris. She also won two medals in Para cycling at Paris 2024, her second Games.

 

 

On the boccia court, Aurelie Aubert captured France’s first-ever Paralympic medal in the sport after beating Singapore’s Jeralyn Tan in the women’s individual BC1 event. Her smile and tearful embrace with her coach was carried on news bulletins across the host country.

Day 5 also brought more unforgettable firsts. Japan’s wheelchair rugby team had a fairytale ending, defeating rivals USA in the final to capture their first Paralympic gold. At the Stade de France, Ongiou Timeon made history as the first athlete to represent Kiribati, competing in the men’s shot put F11.

Mariam Eniola Bolaji clinched bronze in the women’s Para badminton SL3 event. She became the first athlete from Africa to win a badminton medal at either the Paralympics or the Olympics.

 

Read the Day 5 medal highlights and big moments

 

 

Day 6: More sports join the spotlight

Day 6 welcomed more sports into the Paris 2024 spotlight. Para equestrian competition got underway at the stunning Chateau de Versailles. Competing at her fifth Paralympics, Rebecca Hart won her long-awaited first gold aboard Florantina in the individual Grade III event. Team USA’s Fiona Howard topped the podium in Grade II, while Latvia’s Rihards Snikus upgraded his Tokyo 2020 silver to gold in Grade I.

 

Wheelchair fencing also started at the Grand Palais. Thailand’s Saysunee Jana won the women’s sabre category B gold, beating world champion Xiao Rong by a single point. While this was her first Paralympic gold since 2012, Jana topped the podium two more times in Paris.

At the Stade de France, world records continued to fall. Australia’s James Turner won the men’s 400m T36 final in 51.54 seconds. Brazil’s Yeltsin Jacques also won the men’s 1500m T11 final with a time of 3:55.82.

 

Read the Day 6 medal highlights and big moments

 

 

Day 7: Celebrating milestones

US Para swimming legend Jessica Long reached a major milestone, winning her 30th Paralympic medal with gold in the women’s 400m freestyle S8. She has now won at least one gold medal at every Paralympic Games since Athens 2004.

 

Dutch duo Sam Schröder and Niels Vink became the first wheelchair tennis champions of Paris 2024, winning in straight sets against Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne and Gregory Slade to retain their quad doubles title. South Africa’s Donald Ramphadi and Lucas Sithole earned bronze, becoming Africa’s first-ever Paralympic medallists in wheelchair tennis.

At the Esplanade des Invalides, India’s Harvinder Singh made history by winning gold in the men’s individual recurve open event, India’s first-ever Paralympic archery gold. Meanwhile, at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, Jordan’s Omar Qarada claimed the first Para powerlifting gold of Paris 2024, lifting 181kg in the men’s -49kg division to defend his Tokyo 2020 title.

 

Read the Day 7 medal highlights and big moments

 

 

Day 8: Drama on the court

Day 8 delivered thrilling team sport action and historic wins.

On the goalball court, Turkiye’s Sevda Altunoluk and Fatma Gul Guler each scored four goals to lead their team to an 8–3 victory over Israel in the women’s final, securing the gold medal. In the men’s final, Japan clinched their first-ever goalball medal, winning gold with a dramatic 4–3 overtime victory against Ukraine.

 

Blind football saw a stunning upset in the semifinals, as Argentina defeated Brazil in a penalty shootout, denying Brazil a sixth consecutive Paralympic gold. Osvaldo Fernandez scored the winning penalty at the Eiffel Tower Stadium, sealing Argentina’s historic triumph. 

At the Bercy Arena, Great Britain reached their first Paralympic men’s wheelchair basketball final since 1996, defeating Germany 71–43 in a commanding semifinal performance. 

 

Read the Day 8 medal highlights and big moments

 

 

Day 9: Couple goals and a medal rush

Day 9 was filled with emotional victories, record-breaking performances, and historic firsts. 

At the Stade de France, the golden couple of Paris 2024 stole the spotlight. USA’s Hunter Woodhall won his first Paralympic gold in the men’s 400m T62 final, finishing ahead of world record holder Johannes Floors of Germany. His triumph came just weeks after his wife, Tara Davis-Woodhall, won Olympic gold in the women’s long jump, also at the Stade de France.

 

Over at the North Paris Arena, Iran’s men’s sitting volleyball team continued their dominance, winning their eighth Paralympic title with a 3–1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Morteza Mehrzadselakjani led the team as the top scorer. 

 

In Para powerlifting, Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin smashed both the world and Paralympic records in the men’s –72kg event to secure gold. Nigeria’s Onyinyechi Mark made a stunning debut, winning the women’s –61kg category after breaking the world record twice in succession. 

Brazil’s most decorated women’s Para judoka, Alana Maldonado, claimed gold in the women’s –70kg J2 event, defeating China’s Wang Yue with an impressive ippon in the final. Meanwhile, at Roland Garros, Japan’s Yui Kamiji pulled off a thrilling three-set victory over favorite Diede de Groot of the Netherlands in the women’s wheelchair tennis singles—just a day after winning the doubles title.

 

Read the Day 9 medal highlights 

 

 

Day 10: A magical day and dreams come true

Under the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower, the French blind football team fulfilled their dream. In a dramatic gold medal match, Frédéric Villeroux scored the winning penalty in a shootout against Argentina after a 1–1 draw in regular time. Defending champions Brazil secured bronze by defeating Paralympic debutants Colombia. 

 

Team USA had a golden day in team sports, winning its third consecutive gold in both men’s wheelchair basketball and women’s sitting volleyball.

At La Défense Arena, Chinese Para swimmer Jiang Yuyan, nicknamed the “Flying Fish,” claimed her seventh gold medal of the Games in the women’s 100m backstroke S6 final, finishing ahead of reigning champion Ellie Marks of the USA. Jiang ended Paris 2024 as the most successful athlete of the Games.

At Roland Garros, Japan’s Tokito Oda became the youngest Paralympic champion in men’s singles at just 18 years old, defeating Great Britain’s Alfie Hewett in a thrilling three-set final. Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez made history as South America’s first Paralympic wheelchair tennis medallist, beating Spain’s Martín de la Puente for bronze.

 

Read the Day 10 medal highlights 

 

 

Festival of fun brings unforgettable Games to a close

The Closing Ceremony on 8 September marked the end of a historic Games. But before the final celebration at Stade de France, athletes competed in the marathon, Para canoe, Para powerlifting, and women’s wheelchair basketball.

At Vaires-sur-Marne Stadium, Great Britain topped the Para canoe medals table with two golds and two silvers. Former Para swimmer Charlotte Henshaw won both the women’s va’a single 200m VL3 and successfully defended her title in the women’s kayak single 200m KL2.

 

 

In the final team event, the Netherlands came from behind to defeat the USA 63–49 in the women’s wheelchair basketball gold medal match.

Morocco celebrated a triple podium in the marathon, with Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi setting a world record of 2:48.36 in the women’s T12 event. Swiss stars Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner won the men’s and women’s T54 marathons, respectively.

The Closing Ceremony was a joyful celebration filled with DJ music, fireworks, and dancing—despite the pouring rain. The Games came to a close in a picture-perfect moment as French boccia star Aurélie Aubert blew out the Paralympic flame. 

 

Read the Day 11 medal highlights 

Discover more about the Closing Ceremony and what the athletes had to say

 

 

From watching them against New Zealand, it’s clear to see that Spain are quick and fiery. Like Ireland, their backline is packed with Sevens players so that is going to be an intriguing battle.

Spain will be full of fight after losing to the Black Ferns, too. Nobody really expected them to beat New Zealand but they will be fired up to prove a point against Ireland.

And Ireland will not underestimate them. The 2021 World Cup qualifier and 2023 WXV3 game both went down to the wire, with a win apiece, so Ireland do not need reminding how competitive Spain can be in big games.

Finally, on the tournament as a whole so far, it is not hard to see why there is such a buzz around this World Cup.

England’s win over the United States set a new attendance record for a Women’s Rugby World Cup match with 42,723 fans. England showed why they are tournament favourites while Canada continued their exceptional form, which is even more impressive given their modest level of funding.

France did not exactly set the tournament alight in their win over Italy and while they are not short of world-class talent, I have reservations about them. Similarly, New Zealand did not make the same impression as England or Canada but I expect them to grow into the tournament and peak at the right time – perhaps ominously from an Irish point of view.

But Ireland have already made a significant impression on their World Cup return and if they replicate the intensity and work-rate they showed against Japan, they should have too much for Spain, setting them up nicely for that exciting reunion with the Black Ferns in Brighton on 7 September.