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Carl Lewis is Bahamas 24 ambassador

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Carl Lewis is Bahamas 24 ambassador

Announced as envoy for World Athletics Relays

 

Carl Lewis Image credit: World Athletics

 

Athletics legend Carl Lewis has been announced as the World Athletics ambassador for the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24. There are 50 days until the relay spectacular in Nassau.

 

The nine-time Olympic and eight-time world gold medallist claimed five global 4x100m titles during his incredible career. Now, he will be trackside as the sport’s current stars look to secure Olympic places on 4-5 May.

 

“The thrill of relay competition is like nothing else, and I’m looking forward to watching the world’s best in their bid to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris,” said Lewis.

 

“I was in The Bahamas for the 2017 edition of the World Relays, and it’s great to be going back, this time as the World Athletics ambassador for the event, where I aim to promote the competition and showcase the sport.”

 

Hundreds of the world’s top sprinters from more than 50 countries—including Bahamian stars Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner—will compete in Nassau for the two-day Olympic qualifying event.

 

Teams will race in the women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s, men’s and mixed 4x400m.

 

Lewis is sure to have a keen eye on the 4x100m, an event in which he twice anchored the USA to victory at the Olympic Games and three times carried them to World Athletics Championships glory.

 

His first Olympic relay triumph came on home soil at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, where he also won gold in the 100m, 200m, and long jump.

 

The US quartet repeated the feat in Barcelona in 1992, while Lewis gained his world 4x100m titles in Helsinki in 1983, Rome in 1987, and Tokyo in 1991.

 

“We are honored to have Carl Lewis with us in Nassau as the World Athletics ambassador for the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24,” said World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon.

 

“Carl is one of the greatest relay runners of all time, and it’s brilliant to have him on board with World Athletics. He has inspired many in the No.1 Olympic sport, and his presence at the World Relays is hugely significant as athletes look to emulate him as they race for places in Paris later this year.”

 

Otto Addo back in Black Stars’ trenches

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Otto Addo back in Black Stars’ trenches

Former Ghana boss returns as coach of national team

South Africa-Ghana in an AFCON 2021 qualifiers game Image credit: CAFonline

 

Otto Addo has been announced as the new head coach of the Black Stars after being identified as the outstanding candidate, says the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The 47-year-old returns to the Ghana national team 15 months after leading the side to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He takes over from Chris Hughton, who was sacked after the Black Stars exited the recent TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire at the group stage.

The GFA announced on Friday that Addo will take over the Black Stars on a 34-month contract, which can be extended for a further two years.

Addo, currently part of the coaching staff at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, impressed the five-person panel during a rigorous interview process.

“Otto was exceptional and was rated highly by the search committee, hence the decision,” said GFA president Simeon-Okraku.

“There were some brilliant individuals among the coaches who applied for the job, so the committee took the pain to interview a chunk of them to pick their thoughts.”

Addo will be released from his Dortmund duties to take charge of Ghana for this month’s international window before returning to Germany.

He will leave the Bundesliga club permanently in May to begin his new role with the four-time African champions.

“The committee was overly satisfied with Otto’s performance, so he was recommended to the Executive Council for approval,” Okraku added.

The 47-year-old knows Ghanaian football well, having played for the Black Stars and led their coaching staff at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He now faces the challenge of reviving the nation’s fortunes after it missed qualifying for the knock-out phase of this year’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco to host FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

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Morocco to host FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Named hosts for five consecutive editions

 

 

Morocco will host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ for five consecutive editions starting in 2025, CAFonline reports.

 

The world football governing body, FIFA, officially confirmed this on Thursday, 14 March, when Qatar was named host of the following five FIFA U-17 World Cup editions.

 

“These decisions followed a global call for expressions of interest in hosting both competitions, focusing on leveraging the use of existing footballing infrastructure in the interest of tournament efficiencies and sustainability,” FIFA said.

 

FIFA confirmed that the women’s competition will now be expanded to 24 teams and played annually, while the men’s edition expands to 48.

 

Both competitions will now be played annually instead of in the previous biennial editions, as approved by the FIFA Council.

 

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was launched in 2008 and has since had seven editions played: New Zealand 2008, Trinidad and Tobago 2010, Azerbaijan 2012, Costa Rica 2014, Jordan 2016, Uruguay 2018 as well as India 2022.

 

Ghana and Nigeria are the two African teams with the most participation, with six each.

 

Miller-Uibo ready to shine

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Miller-Uibo ready to shine

 with 50 days to World Athletics Relays

 

Steven Gardiner hands off to Shaunae Miller-Uibo in the mixed 4x400m at the 2017 World Relays (© Getty Images)

 

The first thing you notice about Shaunae Miller-Uibo – the world-famous sprinter who has clinched two Olympic golds for The Bahamas – is her kaleidoscopic style. From one day to the next, her hair color swings from magenta to purple, emerald, blue and yellow.

 

Ever the trailblazer, this Aries star embodies the stereotypical traits of her sign—ultra-competitive, determined, and hard to slow down—which is exactly why Bahamians are so proud to have her compete in the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 on 4-5 May.

 

In short, Miller-Uibo is a fierce athlete who won’t be overlooked. Even welcoming her son Maicel last April didn’t halt this champion, and the 29-year-old competed at the Bahamas nationals just ten weeks after giving birth.

 

Chasing the sun

Miller-Uibo is the national record-holder in the 200m and 400m and holds the world 300m best.

 

She took home two Olympic gold medals in the 400m, one at the 2016 Rio Games and another in Tokyo, as well as world gold in 2022.

 

But her path to gold was not without setbacks. “Those watching us never get the full scope of what athletes go through,” she says. “Injuries are one of those things. I’m referring to the physical pain and mental toughness you need to recover.”

 

She began running at the age of six. As a child, she was shy but very competitive, proudly admitting that she “would lace up against anyone who wanted a challenge.” Miller-Uibo fondly remembers the World U20 Championships in Moncton in 2010 because it was her first time competing on the world stage at 16. “To walk away with the gold… this was the start of my dreams unfolding,” she says.

 

Despite her massive success and relocation to Florida, Miller-Uibo always remained very close to her family, many of whom were also blessed with athletic talent. “All my siblings competed in track and field,” she says. “My dad, several uncles, and cousins also ran track, so yeah, I think it’s safe to say it runs in the genes.” She is the grandniece of Olympian Leslie Miller, the first Bahamian to run the 400m under 47 seconds.

 

She credits her parents as crucial role models. “They have taught me to go after my dreams, to work hard, and to be resilient. Most importantly, they’ve groomed me to know that what I do isn’t for me but for the glory of God, and I don’t think I could have had any two better role models in my life.”

 

Her advice to up-and-coming Bahamian athletes chasing their “sun” is “to always keep God first, choose a sport and event that you love, and always have fun doing it.”

 

Now that she’s started her own family, Miller-Uibo has entered a new life stage that she shares with her son, her husband (decathlete Maicel Uibo), and her two German Shepherd dogs, Taavi and Amina. “I’m married to an amazing guy who – being an athlete himself – understands my lifestyle. My family makes my life easier so that I can compete at my best.”

 

It’s literally paradise

Fortunately, it’s not all grind for the world’s fastest mama. Miller-Uibo enjoys vlogging, photography, and listening to gospel music, especially Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Cobbs, and Jonathan Nelson.

 

Her career has taken her to some of the world’s most glitzy and glamorous cities, including Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Zurich, Doha, Beijing, Monaco, London, Moscow, Paris and Budapest.

 

She may have the world at her fingertips, but she loves coming home to The Bahamas, and her main goal for the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 is to represent the country well.

 

“I think we have an amazing mixed relay team, and I’m hoping we can qualify The Bahamas for the Olympic Games,” she says. “It’s wonderful competing here because there’s no other feeling like hearing your home crowd cheer you on. It makes you want to bring your best.”

 

So, what does she love most about The Bahamas? “That our people are good-natured, always ready to share a good laugh, and that we are, in my eyes, one of the most beautiful countries in the world.” “It’s literally paradise.”

 

Are the Dallas Cowboys in trouble?

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Are the Dallas Cowboys in trouble?

Former Philadelphia Eagles star explains Dallas Cowboys’ free agency woes

 

Are the Dallas Cowboys in trouble? Tayyib Abu asks for DAZN.

The Dallas Cowboys’ quiet start to free agency has raised concerns amongst fans and pundits.

 

The Cowboys have seen several players leave while only signing four players, three of whom are projected backups.

 

Dallas fans feel miffed, especially after owner Jerry Jones told them they would go ‘all in’ on player recruitment for the 2024 season.

 

Two-time Super Bowl winner and former Philadelphia Eagles star Chris Long has analyzed his old rivals’ issues. On the Green Light podcast, Long said, “Dallas is up a creek without a paddle. Quarterback Dak Prescott has them in a bind. They’re trying to find a way to pay him and get flexibility. But there’s no flexibility.

 

“Dak has a no-trade clause in his contract. That’s what kills you. They should have traded him by now, especially because they kept the head coach.”

 

Prescott’s contract is one of the most lucrative in the NFL. His salary cap hit for 2024 is a mammoth $59.4 million, impacting Dallas’ ability to sign free agents.

 

Moreover, Prescott is due to enter free agency in 2025. The cloud hanging over Dallas ‘ heads is whether the Cowboys offer him another significant contract extension.

 

Former Super Bowl winner names Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest Super Bowl threat

 

Image credit: Getty Images/DAZN
Who will challenge the Chiefs in 2024? Tayyib Abu enquires for DAZN.

When the Kansas City Chiefs kick off the 2024 season, they will bid for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl win. After winning the last two, Patrick Mahomes’ team will start the new season as heavy favorites.

 

But the NFL is a volatile league. Teams can suddenly become contenders after years of mediocrity. The Houston Texans are a prime example of that. Houston posted three consecutive losing seasons between 2020 and 2022 before winning the AFC South in 2023 with a 10-7 record.

 

It was an extraordinary turnaround. And former Super Bowl winner Chris Long thinks the Texans could be the Chiefs’ biggest challengers in 2024.

 

On the Green Light podcast, Long said, “The window is wide open for Houston. If you asked me who Kansas City’s biggest threat is today, I’d say Houston. I love what they’re doing.

 

“They lost Jonathan Greenard but upgraded with Danielle Hunter. They lost Sheldon Rankins but replaced him with Denico Autry. I’m one of his biggest fans. And they got Joe Mixon from Cincinnati, a player with a 1,000-yard season last year.”

 

Combine those additions alongside young quarterback C.J. Stroud, returning from a Rookie of The Year season, and the Texans are in a good spot for a Super Bowl challenge.

 

UEFA Champions League 2023-24 next play

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UEFA Champions League 2023-24 next play

Quarter-final fixtures, schedule, how to watch

 

 

The Champions League has reached the quarter-final stage, and there are some considerable matches to look forward to in April, Ash Rose reports for DAZN.

The headline act sees Harry Kane return to North London, as his Bayern Munich team takes on Arsenal – who are in the last eight for the first time since 2010.

Elsewhere, Manchester City will once again face Real Madrid, whom they dumped out of the competition last season, while Atletico Madrid will play Borussia Dortmund and PSG will meet Barcelona.

 

Champions League Quarter-finals: Date, time

  • Date: First legs: April 9/10 Second Legs: April 16/17
  • Time: 8 p.m. UK / 3 p.m. ET

Champions League Quarter-finals:  TV channel, live stream

  • U.S.: Paramount+
  • UK: TNT Sports
  • Canada:  DAZN

 

For details on broadcasts in your country, consult UEFA.com.

 

Champions League Quarter-finals: Full draw

  • Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
  • Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
  • Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
  • PSG vs. Barcelona

 

Your European Women football weekend

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Your European Women football weekend

Lyon is the leader, acceptable margins in Germany, Inter vs. Juve, more Barca brilliance? And a decisive London derby

 

Arsenal-Chelsea Image credit DAZN

 

All the league action live this weekend on DAZN; Robert Pratley reports

Welcome to your weekend on DAZN, where we take a peek at the top tussles across the major European leagues, free for your enjoyment on our platforms. In France, Sonia Bompastor’s Lyon continues their march to the title, there is an extremely close race in Germany to claim the crown, Inter needs to win to have any hopes of chasing down Juventus in Italy, Barcelona will look to batter another opponent, and there is a crunch clash at Stamford Bridge as Arsenal and Chelsea once again lock horns in the WSL.

 

Let’s dive in.

 

D1 Arkema:

With a 7-point gap at the top, Lyon looks well placed to defend its crown again. Les Fenottes are doing it in some style, too, with 59 scored and just nine conceded, and they are still unbeaten domestically. PSG is praying it loses form soon but needs to keep its wits sharp to hold off Paris FC. At the bottom, both LOSC and Bordeaux risk being cut adrift from Dijon, and another win for Guingamp could see them clinch survival.

 

Game of the Weekend: Lyon vs Fleury, Mar 15, 21:00 CET/15:00 ET

These two teams meet just six days after Fleury stunned Lyon to knock them out of the Coupe de France Feminine on penalties. Sonia Bompastor complained about Fleury’s physicality that day, and she knows her team will be in for a similar tough battle at home. The hosts can’t afford to slip up again if they want to keep their unbeaten record alive in the league, with just five more match days after this clash.

 

Best of the Rest: Le Harve AC vs Montpellier HSC, Mar 17, 21:00 CET/15:00 ET

 

friday graphic

 

Le Havre has endured a frustrating season, but they sit 7 points above the relegation zone. Their inability to turn draws into positive results has seen them collect just a singular point seven times this year, an unwanted record within the division. However, a moment this weekend would be viewed as a positive result as they face a Montpellier outfit looking to consolidate 4th spot.

 

Watch and see if Lyon can remain unbeaten live for free. 

 

Frauen Bundesliga

League action has been suspended in Germany for the DFB Pokal Frauen for two weeks, so there’s no change at the top. Bayern still leads Wolfsburg by a singular point, but the Greens now boast a +6 goal difference against the Bavarians. At the bottom, Nürnberg and Duisburg both still look doomed, but they will hope to put pressure on Leipzig and Cologne, who are neither safe yet.

 

Game of the Weekend: Hoffenheim vs Wolfsburg, Mar 15, 18:30 CET/12:30 ET

It’s a titanic tussle in Germany as third-placed Hoffenheim takes on second-placed Wolfsburg. Tommy Stroot’s visitors are unbeaten in their last five outings and will be keen to claim three points to leapfrog Bayern, at least temporarily. They face tough opposition in hosts Hoffenheim, who are looking to cement themselves in third place and claim UWCL Football, having narrowly missed out last season.

 

Best of the Rest: Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig, Mar 16, 12:00 CET/06:00 ET

 

weekend graphic

 

Alexander Straus’ side may kick off this match in second place, and they will be eager to reclaim the top spot or, if Hoffenheim does them a favor, consolidate their position at the summit. Five wins on the bounce have put the Bavarians in excellent shape going into the business end of the season, and the return of influential defender Magda Eriksson has bolstered their squad. It could be a long afternoon for Leipzig in Bavaria.

 

Also live on DAZN:

 

MSV Duisburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt, Mar 17, 18:30 CET/12:30 ET

Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Köln, Mar 18, 19:30 CET/13:30 ET

Watch all the twists and turns in the Bundesliga title race and relegation battle live for free.

 

Serie A Femminile:

With domestic action on hold due to the Coppa Italia Femminile, we return to the same picture with AS Roma comfortably ahead of Juventus as La Lupa enjoys a rare weekend off. The Old Lady knows Fiorentina is just four points behind, while there is a big gap between Sassuolo and Internazionale. In the Relegation Playoffs, Milan, Como, and Sampdoria all look safe, leaving Napoli and Pomigliano scrapping it out to avoid finishing bottom.

 

Game of the Weekend: Internazionale vs Juventus, Mar 17, 14:00 CET/08:00 ET

Hosts Inter sneaked into the top half of the table, but inconsistent performances have seen them struggle against some of the more prominent names this season. They have an excellent chance to show they can compete with the big guns as they host a Juventus side still processing its Coppa Femminile exit, which spelled the end for manager Joe Montemurro. Can the Nerrazzuri stun Juve?

 

Best of the Rest: US Sassuolo vs Fiorentina, Mar 16, 15:00 CET/09:00 ET

The hosts have enjoyed a credible season and are in the fourth spot. However, they will know that slipping up today could see them sink to the bottom of the Championship Playoffs. The visitors, meanwhile, sit comfortably in third and will have their eyes on catching Juventus, who sit just four points above. With a Cup Final to look forward to, it’s already been an excellent season for La Viola, and it could get even better.

 

dazn wfootball

 

Also live on DAZN:

Como vs Napoli, Mar 17, 12:30 CET/06:30 ET

Watch the best action from the Serie A Championship Playoff Round live for free.

 

Liga F:

There has been no change at the top of Liga F. Jonatan Giraldez’s Barcelona continue to annihilate the opposition. They’ve already scored 82 goals—30 more than second-placed Real Madrid and almost treble that of third-placed Levante. At the other end of the table, Sporting Huelva continues a slow and painful end to a tough season, but who will be dragged down with them…

 

Game of the Weekend: FC Barcelona vs Tenerife, Mar 17, 14:00 CET/08:00 ET

As the Catalans prepare to gear up for the return of the UWCL next week, they will first want to maintain their 9-point gap at the top of the table. The hosts should have little problem running over mid-table UD Tenerife, who are safe from relegation on 21 points. The return of Alexia and Rolfo has given the hosts a big boost as they enter crunch time—will either of them score on Sunday?

 

Best of the Rest: Granada vs Atletico Madrid, Mar 17, 12:00 CET/06:00 ET

The hosts sit just a single point above Real Betis and will be looking nervously over their shoulders. This weekend, they face a tough test as Atleti comes to town, but the visitors are in poor form. One win in 5 has severely hampered UWCL’s ambitions, and dropping more points this week could be fatal for these hopes.

 

weekend fixtures

 

Also live on DAZN:

Real Madrid vs SD Eibar, Mar 16, 20:00 CET/14:00 ET

Athletic Club vs Valencia CF, Mar 17, 20:00 CET/14:00 ET

Watch FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and many other great Liga F action live for free.

 

Women’s Super League

Another league that has taken a week off for domestic cup action – congratulations to Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leicester City for reaching the FA Cup Semi Finals – but crunch clashes across the league look set to have a significant impact on the title race this weekend. Chelsea and City remain neck-and-neck at the top, but Arsenal aren’t far behind.

 

Game of the Weekend: Chelsea vs Arsenal, Mar 15, 20:00 CET/14:00 ET

A bumper crowd is expected under the lights at Stamford Bridge as the WSL’s fiercest rivalry pens another chapter. Emma Hayes will be looking to ensure she gets revenge in her final WSL clash against Jonas Eidevall, while the Gunners know anything less than 3 points likely end their title hopes. With the Blues missing several key players, it could be the perfect time for the visitors to make a big statement. However, the defending champions will also be eager to avenge the 4-1 defeat at the Emirates in this fascinating clash of cultures and styles.

 

Best of the Rest: Brighton vs Manchester City, Mar 17, 13:30 CET/07:30 ET

 

dazn w football

 

Lee Geum Min’s late strike stunned the Citizens in November, and Gareth Taylor’s side will be hoping they don’t suffer a third defeat in a row as they visit the South Coast this weekend. All eyes will be on whether Bunny Shaw will be fit to start against the Seagulls after she left the field in pain in last week’s late FA Cup capitulation. At the same time, it’ll be a test of Kiara Keating’s mentality after some recent patchy performances. Brighton are safe from relegation but suffered their cup disappointment and will be eager to get back on track.

 

Watch Chelsea vs Arsenal and other great WSL matches live for free.

what’s next for Anthony Joshua

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what’s next for Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn reveals his Ward’s following challenges  following Francis Ngannou victory

 

Joshua has enjoyed a stellar year in the ring; Ash Rose reports for DAZN.

Eddie Hearn has laid out Anthony Joshua’s plans after his impressive and dominant victory over Francis Ngannou.

 

The win made it four successive fights in a row for Joshua, following his victories over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin. The Brit now looks back to his best.

 

He now has his sights set on the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight on May 18. Many boxing fans hope Fury will win, setting up a historic showdown between the two Brits.

 

Speaking on the Matchroom YouTube Channel, Heard revealed Joshua’s immediate future following his triumph in Saudi Arabia.

 

He said, “Most fighters will finish a fifth and return to the gym on Sunday or Monday. Then the adrenaline calms down, and we must consider that he has boxed four times in 11 months.

 

“That’s four camps, ten weeks a camp, 40 weeks in less than 52. That’s not a lot of time off, but he feels great. The confidence is there. But I will sit down with Freddie Cunningham, AJ, and 258 management to see what we can do.

 

“No decisions will be made before the Fury fight because I’m confident that if Fury wins, His Excellency will do whatever he can, regardless of the two-fight deal, to make the biggest fight in the sport’s history. Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury, but there’s Filip Hrgovic there for the IBF title. He has lots of options.”

 

African Games medals table

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African Games medals table

How the Nations stand on the medals count

 

Medal Count

Past winner Garcia returns to Dudince

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Past winner Garcia returns to Dudince

Double 2022 world champion dips her toe into 2024 waters with a return to the spa town of Dudince

 

Kimberly Garcia on her way to winning the 35km race walk in Dudince (© Pavol Uhrin)

 

 

The Dudinska 50—the second World Athletics Race Walking Tour Gold meeting of the year—will be held in Slovakia on Saturday (14). Paul Warburton reports for World Athletics that South American athletes look set to take center stage.

 

Double 2022 world champion Kimberley Garcia dips her toe into 2024 waters with a return to the spa town of Dudince, which 12 months ago gave her a 35km world record of 2:37:44.

That superlative effort lasted no time before Spain’s Maria Perez sliced 39 seconds off a few months later.

 

Garcia has been somewhat in the Spaniard’s shadow over the past year, finishing more than two minutes clear of the Peruvian in the defence of Garcia’s world title in Budapest.

 

This time, she’s contesting 20km in a packed program that includes the distance for both men and women, a 35km race, U20 races, and a proposed marathon race walk relay set for inclusion in the Olympics later this year.

 

Garcia’s best of 1:26:40, set in June last year at La Coruña, could be both a target and confidence booster if she breaks it.

 

It helps that organizers are trying out a new course: one vaguely resembling a rectangular track with an extra dog leg tagged on, as opposed to the straight up and down 1km loop used in previous editions.

 

If Garcia is in good shape and the course delivers, that personal record is in danger.

 

Her teammates are likely to follow in her wake. Andia Mary Luz has a PB of 1:29:07, while Evelyn Inga is even faster with 1:27:42.

 

Mirna Ortiz from Guatemala boasts a PB of 1:28:32, but that’s from 11 years ago. More recently, the 37-year-old clocked 1:34:12 – her fastest time since 2021.

 

Mexico’s Ilse Guerrero has a record of 1:29:33, set in Dudince three years ago, so she will have fond memories of the town.

 

Brazil’s 38-year-old Erica Sena opens her season from a strong 2023 campaign, clocking 1:28:53 in La Coruna.

 

The race walker, who set her PB of 1:26:59 at the 2017 World Championships, is a member of the new Chocho Pro Team, as is Garcia.

 

This is the brainchild of Sena’s husband, Andrés Chocho, who is now looking after several top South Americans and contesting the 35km here.

 

Ukraine’s Maria Sakharuk, a 1:28:47 performer, also toes the line, but the outlier could be Katarzyna Zdziebło. The Pole went from double silver at the 2022 World Championships to double disqualifications at the 2023 edition. It’s safe to say she didn’t enjoy 2023, but this is a chance to turn over a new leaf.

 

Eider Arevalo of Colombia won the men’s 20km race walk last year but has not defended his title.

 

Instead, take your pick from two Ecuadoreans. David Hurtado posted a leg-stretcher 41:03 over 10km in Valencia last weekend, while his 20km PB of 1:18:45, set in 2023, puts him in with the elite.

 

Daniel Pintado, now part of the Chocho team, is even quicker after his breakthrough 1:18:26 to finish seventh at the World Championships in Budapest. He has also been ranked in the top four.

 

On paper, it’s hard to look beyond either for at least a place on the podium, although there are three good Guatemalans, including 2012 Olympic silver medallist Erik Barrondo.

 

Italy’s Stefano Chiesa, Finland’s Velli-Matti Partanen, and France’s Quinion Aurélien – whose front-walking in the 35km at the World Championship in Budapest caught the eye, only to suffer a DQ – should all give chase to the Ecuadoreans.

 

Intriguingly, Dawid Tomala also has his name down for the race. The last Olympic 50km race walk gold medallist has had a quiet time since his triumph on the streets of Sapporo, but the Pole does have a reasonably sharp 1:20:30 20km PB to his credit.

 

The 35km race should be easy for Italy’s Andrea Agrusti, who has a PB of 2:30:16, especially in a race with only four entries, including Chocho. That said, Pintado has his name on both races, too.

 

There are four starts, the first at 9am (CET), but seven races suggest a busy time on the new course, fast or otherwise.

 

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