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World records set at the double in Glasgow

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Final session sees dual world records by Charlton, Doom, and Bol and a shock win for Beamish

 

 

Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas produced the second world record of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24, lowering her 60m hurdles mark to 7.65 to secure her first global title.

 

There might have been a third world record as Mondo Duplantis, having successfully defended his pole vault title despite a few wobbles with a clearance of 6.05m, had two out of three decent attempts at increasing his world record to 6.24m.

 

Femke Bol followed her world 400m record of the night before by anchoring the Netherlands to gold in the women’s 4x400m.

 

Alexander Doom, the other individual 400m champion, completed the same double by anchoring Belgium to gold in the men’s 4x400m, stealing the spotlight from world 100m and 200m champion Noah Lyles, who ran the third leg for the USA.

 

A new star emerged in the women’s 800m in the form of Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, who powered ahead of home favorite Jemma Reekie in the closing stages.

 

Meanwhile, New Zealand was celebrating two golds as Geordie Beamish shocked everyone, including himself, to move from fifth to first in the final 20 meters of the men’s 1500m final, adding to the high jump title secured in the morning session by his compatriot Hamish Kerr.

 

That elevated New Zealand to third in the final medals table behind the United States, top with six golds, and Belgium with three.

 

Charlton, who had spoken of the need to “fix her start” after qualifying only seventh in the morning heats in 7.93, got away superbly in the 60m hurdles final and was never seriously threatened as she finished clear of the French athlete who had beaten her to this title two years earlier in Belgrade, Cyrena Samba-Mayela.

 

Samba-Mayela took silver in 7.74, with a delighted Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland claiming bronze in 7.79.

 

 

Duplantis made relatively hard work of winning in the arena where, four years earlier, he had set the second of his five world records by clearing 6.18m, Mike Rowbottom reports for World Athletics. With Sam Kendricks of the United States in dashing form after two years in the wilderness, the defending champion teetered on the brink of an exit after two failures at 5.85m. Still, it cleared on the third attempt before getting 5.95m the second time.

 

Kendricks, who had cleared first up to and including 5.90m, could go no further, claiming a comeback silver, with bronze going to Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis of Greece on 5.85m.

 

In the men’s 4x400m, Lyles took over the lead from Matthew Boling and handed it on to last-leg runner Christopher Bailey after running a respectable split of 45.68.

 

Bailey, however, was unable to hold off the late challenge of Belgium’s individual 400m champion Doom, who did to him what he had to Karsten Warholm the day before to complete a successful defense of the title in 3:02.54.

 

So, it was a second silver for Lyles in Glasgow. The United States clocked 3:02.60, with the Netherlands taking bronze in a national record of 3:04.25.

 

Bol lived up to expectations as she anchored the Netherlands home in the women’s 4x400m final. However, she finished under severe pressure from Alexis Holmes, the US runner who anchored the USA to victory after Bol collapsed at the close of the mixed 4x400m at the World Championships in Budapest.

 

There was no such lapse this time round by the athlete who had set a third consecutive individual world record the previous evening as she crossed the line in 3:25.07. The United States took silver in 3:25.34, and Britain, anchored by Jessie Knight, finished third in a national record of 3:26.36.

 

The women’s 800m final produced another medal for the host nation, although it was not quite the color Reekie, who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, had in mind.

 

A race in which the field dawdled along proved too slow for Reekie’s purposes. While she went for broke at the end, she could not match the finishing speed of Ethiopia’s latest middle-distance arrival, Tsige Duguma, who charged ahead at the end to win by almost a full second in 2:01.90.

 

Bryce Hoppel floated like a butterfly through a boisterous, barging men’s 800m final before stinging like a bee to secure gold as he outsprinted the laboring Belgian, Eliott Crestan, to cross in a world-leading 1:44.92.

 

Before taking the lead, Creston, who had been involved in some bumping with the defending champion, Mariano Garcia of Spain, faded to third as Sweden’s Andreas Kramer caught him on the line for silver in 1:45.27. Crestan clocked 1:45.32.

 

Simon Ehammer of Switzerland, whose efforts to win the European indoor heptathlon title in Istanbul last year ended when he failed to record a long jump distance – despite having won world long jump bronze the year before – did everything possible to make up for that disappointment in Glasgow.

 

In the end, he was able to take his first global title—by a slim margin of 11 points—as he did just enough in the concluding 1000m.

 

Ehammer reached the final discipline with a 140-point lead over Ken Mullings of The Bahamas, who was likely to find the 1000m challenging.

 

The danger man for him was Norway’s Sander Skotheim, and the latter did everything he could with victory in a four-second personal best of 2:33.23. Ehammer managed his final surge to earn a personal best of 2:46.03 before collapsing, exhausted on the track near the already prone figure of his rival.

 

Skotheim crawled over to his Swiss rival as they awaited the final adjudication—and it was the man in the red vest who soon waved his arms in the air as he was confirmed the gold medallist with a world-leading national record of 6418.

 

The Norwegian earned silver with a national record 6407, ahead of Estonia’s Johannes Erm, who took bronze with a personal best of 6340.

 

Mullings blew out his cheeks at the realization that he had just missed a medal with a total of 6242.

 

The women’s long jump title marked a huge breakthrough for Tara Davis-Woodhall of the United States. She earned her first global title, adding to the world outdoor silver she earned last summer with a fourth-round best of 7.07m.

 

She also produced three other jumps farther than the silver medallist, her compatriot Monae Nichols, who recorded 6.75m, with bronze going to Spain’s Fatima Diame on 6.78m.

 

In the final event of the championships, Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu secured the women’s 1500m title in 4:01.46 from the US pair of Nikki Hiltz, who clocked a personal best of 4:02.32, and Emily Mackay, who took bronze in 4:02.69, also a personal best, with Britain’s Georgia Bell fourth in 4:03.47.

 

Peseiro sacks Nigeria Football Federation

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Nigeria coach leaves role after TotalEnergies AFCON

 

The Nigeria national team is looking for a new coach after José Peseiro opted to leave his role following last month’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final defeat, CAFonline reports.

The Portuguese coach guided the Super Eagles to the final in his first major tournament in charge, where they were beaten by hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

But despite reaching the target set by the Nigeria Football Federation of a semi-final spot, the 63-year-old has decided to step down.

In a social media post, Peseiro said it had been “22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm” during his time with Nigeria.

He added, “We feel a sense of fulfillment. It has been a privilege to be part of this family.”

 

Peseiro was a surprise appointment by the NFF in May 2022, and he had to overcome initial skepticism about his suitability.

 

After missing out on the 2022 World Cup qualification, Peseiro took charge of the Super Eagles and implemented a pragmatic style.

 

Despite commendable performances, including a penalty shootout win over South Africa in the semi-final, Nigeria fell short in the final against Cote d’Ivoire, prompting Peseiro’s departure.

The search for Nigeria’s next manager begins. The country aims to build on its recent successes and continue pursuing footballing excellence on the international stage.

Peseiro leaves big shoes to fill, with calls growing for Nigeria to turn to a world-class coach as they begin the search for a successor.

 

US, Canada earn six Olympic quotas

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Out of 12 Paris 2024 spots on offer in women’s wrestling on day two of the Pan-American Olympic

 

An emotional Ana GODINEZ (CAN) after winning her 62kg semifinal. (Photo: UWW / William Bain)

 

On day two of the Pan-American Olympic Games Qualifier in Acapulco, Mexico, the United States and Canada earned six of the 12 Paris 2024 Olympic quotas in women’s wrestling, UWW reports.

 

The U.S. qualified three weights at the World Championships in Belgrade last year, and with three more qualifications on Thursday, it will send a full women’s wrestling team to the Olympics for a second consecutive time.

 

Elor, a two-time 72kg world champion, dropped to 68kg and lived up to the hype. The American, who has built a reputation for steamrolling her opponents in blink-and-you-miss bouts, faced a fierce challenge from Thamires MARTINS (BRA) in her semifinal and gave up a 4-0 lead.

 

Despite initially paying for her high-pressure approach, Elor kept her foot on the pedal, gradually wearing down Martins before unleashing a relentless scoring streak to seal the match, 10-4.

 

“I haven’t had a match like that where I was down in the beginning for a long time, but it’s something we practice for all the time,” Elor said after the about. “Nobody is happy to get down on their back. But at that moment, I was like, ‘I have to prove to myself that all the training I’ve done in practice for this situation will pay off.'”

 

Elor has eight world titles across different age groups, including two senior, two U23, three U20, and one U17 world gold. The 20-year-old is now eager to check off the ‘Olympics’ box.

 

“It is my number one dream,” she said. “Sometimes I’m driving my car and just daydreaming about it. And I’m looking at myself and have goosebumps just thinking about it. So I set this unimaginable goal for myself, and I can’t wait to see how it feels as I get closer and closer to it.”

 

In the other 68kg semifinal, Pan-Am silver medallist Soleymi CARABALLO (VEN) defeated Virginia JIMENEZ (CHI) 8-2 to secure a spot for her country.

 

Dominique PARRISH (USA) scored a 9-6 win in the semifinal. (Photo: UWW / William Bain)

 

Earlier, 2022 53kg world champion Dominique PARRISH (USA) kicked off the U.S. success with an exhilarating 9-6 victory over Laura HERIN (CUB), a 2020 Olympian and 2023 Pan American Games silver medalist.

 

Though initially taken down, Parrish returned to finish the first period with a 7-2 lead. Herin rallied in the second period with two takedowns, narrowing Parrish’s lead to 7-6, but the American held on and thwarted the attacking Cuban to secure a buzzer-beating takedown.

 

Venezuela got a second Paris place as Pan-Am silver medallist Betzabeth ARGUELLO (VEN) pinned Sabrina GAMA (BRA) with a big move to secure the second spot at 53kg.

 

Completing the hat trick for the U.S. was Kayla MIRACLE (USA), who won her 62kg semifinal. She had also won the Pan-Am title last week. The Tokyo Olympian and two-time World finalist beat Astrid MONTERO (VEN) 3-0, her second win over the two-time age-group world medalist in as many weeks.

 

Ana GODINEZ (CAN), who suffered the criteria loss in the Pan-Am Championships final to Miracle last week, earned a criteria win over two-time Olympian Lais NUNES (BRA) to win the spot at 62kg. However, it was a bittersweet evening for the Godinez household as elder sister Karla lost her 53kg quarterfinal to Herin.

 

Genesis REASCO (ECU) dispatched Rio Olympian Maria ACOSTA (VEN) 5-0 in the 76kg semifinal, getting Ecuador its first Olympic berth in over 57/58kg. This continues a strong run for Reasco, whose Pan-Am gold-winning campaign last week saw the 25-year-old overpower six-time world champion Adeline GRAY (USA) in little over a minute.

 

In the other semifinal, 2018 world champion Justina DI STASIO (CAN) outmatched Linda MACHUCA (ARG) 8-4.

 

In the 50kg category, Alisson CARDOZO (COL) completed a 9-9 criteria win against Yorlenis MORAN (PAN). With this, Cardozo also got revenge against Moran, who had dumped her out of medal contention at last week’s Pan American Championships. Tokyo Olympian Yusneylis GUZMAN (CUB) kept Genevieve HALEY (CAN) at bay to earn a 6-2 win in the second semifinal.

 

In the 57kg division, 10-time Pan-Am medallist Luisa VALVERDE (ECU) triumphed over Angela ALVAREZ (CUB) with a fall. At the same time, Hannah TAYLOR (CAN) secured an 8-4 win against Tokyo Olympian Alma VALENCIA (MEX), getting Canada its third berth at the Paris Games on the day.

 

RESULTS

 

50kg Paris Olympic Qualification Round

SF 1: Alisson CARDOZO (COL) df. Yorlenis MORAN (PAN), 9-9
SF 2: Yusnylis GUZMAN (CUB) df. Geneviève HALEY (CAN), 6-2

 

53kg Paris Olympic Qualification Round

S.F. 1: Dominique PARRISH (USA) df. Laura HERIN (CUB), 9-6
SF 2: Betzabth ARGUELLO (ARG) df. Sabrina GAMA (BRA), via fall

 

57kg Paris Olympic Qualification Round

SF 1: Luisa VALVERDE (ECU) df. Angela ALVAREZ (CUB), via fall
SF 2: Hannah TAYLOR (CAN) df. Alma VALENCIA (MEX), 8-4

 

62kg Paris Olympic Qualification Round

S.F. 1: Kayla MIRACLE (USA) df. Astrid MONTERO (VEN), 3-0
SF 2: Ana GODINEZ (CAN) df. Lais NUNES (BRA), 3-3

 

68kg Paris Olympic Qualification Round

SF 1: Amit ELOR (USA) df. Thamires MARTINS (BRA), 10-4
SF 2: Soleymi CARABALLO (VEN) df. Virgina JIMENEZ (CHI), 8-2

 

76kg Paris Olympic Qualification Round

SF 1: Justina DI STASIO (CAN) df. Linda MACHUCA (ARG), 8-4
SF 2: Genesis REASCO (ECU) df. Maria ACOSTA (VEN), 5-0

 

Sheffield United battles free-scoring Arsenal

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Premier League Preview, Game Week 27, 2024

Credit: Vavel

 

Sheffield United host Arsenal in the Premier League as the Blades look to battle relegation desperately while the Gunners continue their title fight, Jak Netting reports for Vavel.

 

Chris Wilder’s side have a mountain to climb, as they sit 11 points from safety and have won just one Premier League game since mid-December.

 

In an even more worrying trend, they have lost their last three home games with an aggregate score of 2-15 (including two 5-0 thrashings).

 

Arsenal’s form starkly contrasts their opponents, having won their last six Premier League games while scoring 25 goals.

 

Most recently, they certainly beat Newcastle 4-1 at the Emirates, laying down the gauntlet in their pursuit of the Premier League title – a result that will instill fear among the Sheffield United faithful.

 

The Blades have beaten Arsenal twice at Bramall Lane in the Premier League era, in 2006 and, more recently, in 2019. However, the recent form tells a different story, with Arsenal unbeaten against Sheffield United in their last five meetings.

 

  • Team news

Sheffield United

 

Sheffield United’s struggles on the pitch are more than matched by their injury record, with Wilder facing several key players being unavailable for the game.

 

Cameron Archer will remain absent, having suffered a calf injury, and it is doubtful that the Blades’ joint top scorer in the league will feature until after the approaching international break.

Credit: Vavel

 

Chris Basham is a long-term absentee after fracturing his ankle following a horror challenge in October 2023, and the 35-year-old is not expected to feature again until next season.

 

Welsh international Rhys Norrington-Davies will not play again this season, having suffered a severe hamstring injury last month.

 

Max Lowe‘s season is also over, as he is expected to undergo a second surgery to repair his ankle ligaments after injuring them after blocking a shot in February.

 

John Egan is facing a race to be fit before the end of the season as he recovers from an ankle injury, with Wilder saying: “He’s pushing for that!”

 

Tunisian midfielder Anis Ben Slimane continues to suffer from a hamstring strain and is not expected to be in contention again until at least the end of the month.

 

After his horror challenge on Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, Mason Holgate is suspended for the game.

 

Daniel Jebbison remains unavailable through illness, with the 20-year-old still yet to appear this season.

 

In a boost, Ben Brereton Diaz and George Baldock have been passed as fit to play in the game and will be available for Wilder to call upon on Monday night.

 

Arsenal

 

Arsenal’s previous injury crisis seems to have finally subsided, with several key players again in contention to play and others not too far from a return.

Credit: Vavel

 

Jurrien Timber is nearing a return from his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and has made tremendously quick progress. Despite not being available for Monday, it is hoped that he could return by the end of March, having now resumed first-team training.

 

Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey should be part of the squad to face Sheffield United, having recovered from a hamstring issue, saying: “Thomas had a session before the last game and now he’s done two consecutive sessions so he should be part of the squad on Monday.”

 

Both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also in contention for the game, though decisions on the duo are not expected to be made until over the weekend.

 

  • Likely line-ups

Sheffield United

Grbic; Ahmedodzic, Trusty, Robinson; Bogle, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, Larouci; McAtee, Brewster

 

Arsenal

 

Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz

 

  • Key players

Sheffield United – Oli McBurnie

Credit: Vavel

 

In the absence of the injured Cameron Archer, the performance of Oli McBurnie, the Blades’ joint top Premier League goalscorer, will be more critical than ever if Sheffield United have any aspirations of winning the game.

 

The 27-year-old Scotsman has scored four goals in just 14 Premier League appearances this season, and has two goal involvements in his last four games, despite Sheffield United’s poor overall form.

 

Arsenal – Declan Rice

 

Rice has yet to have a bad game for Arsenal and is quickly justifying the extreme fee that Arsenal paid for him last summer.

 

The 25-year-old boasts a 91% pass success rate and has already amassed nine goal involvements so far this season, making him an asset both defensively and offensively.

 

At Bramall Lane, controlling the midfield will be essential for Arsenal as they look to put Sheffield United to the blade. Rice possesses the qualities necessary to achieve precisely this.

 

  • Key details

Where is the match being played?

Sheffield United’s home stadium, Bramall Lane.

 

When is the match?

Monday, 4 March 2024, kickoff is at 20:00 GMT.

 

How can I watch it?

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Alternatively, highlights will be posted to both clubs’ YouTube channels shortly after full-time.

 

Lazio has three players sent off

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In-home loss to AC Milan, nine more players plus coach booked

Lazio’s Danilo Cataldi, left, argues to Milan players after the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Milan at Rome’s Olympic stadium, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Credit: Daily Mail

 

By Associated Press

 

Three Lazio players were sent off as they lost to AC Milan 1-0 at home in Serie A on Friday.

 

Luca Pellegrini, Adam Marusi´c, and Matteo Guendouzi all saw red cards.

 

Another four Lazio players were booked, while five AC Milan players were shown a yellow card on a bad-tempered evening.

 

Three Lazio players were sent off as they lost to AC Milan 1-0 at home in Serie A on Friday.

 

Luca Pellegrini, Adam Marusi´c, and Matteo Guendouzi all saw red cards.

AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, left, and Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi fall during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Milan at Rome’s Olympic stadium, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Credit: Daily Mail

 

AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, left, and Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi fall during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Milan at Rome’s Olympic stadium, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Credit: Daily Mail

 

Referee Marco di Bello shows the red card to Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi, background right, and the yellow card to AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Milan at Rome’s Olympic stadium, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Credit: Daily Mail

 

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, left, stops Lazio's Matteo Guendouzi during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Milan at Rome's Olympic stadium, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic stops Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Milan at Rome’s Olympic stadium, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

 

Another four Lazio players were booked, while five AC Milan players were shown a yellow card on a bad-tempered evening.

 

The confrontations followed a mini brawl after Pellegrini´s sending-off. Earlier, Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was booked for arguing with the officials.

 

Lazio was angered at not being awarded a first-half penalty, while Milan had a goal disallowed for offside with a quarter of an hour remaining.

 

The result took third-placed Milan to within a point of Juventus. Juventus plays Napoli on Sunday.

 

Lazio remained in ninth place.

No slowing Nuguse and his fast-track success

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As the shift in strategy from sit-and-kick to more lead-and-kick, usually “hammering,” from the front continues to yield results

 

Yared Nuguse in action at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest (© Getty Images)

While his pet tortoise snoozes in hibernation, Yared Nuguse wakes daily to do whatever it takes to win a medal in the 1500m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Karen Rosen reports for World Athletics.

Nuguse can’t wait for Tyro – named after tyrosine, an amino acid – to emerge from his dirt-filled, refrigerated box this spring.

 

Yet, as much as Nuguse, 24, relates to the tortoise, he has the speed of a hare. In establishing himself as the premier 1500m, mile, and 3000m runner in the United States, his strategy has evolved from sit-and-kick to more lead-and-kick.

 

In the last 13 months, Nuguse has claimed national and North American records at all three distances, usually “hammering,” as he puts it, from the front. Fresh off his US title in the 3000m, the former Notre Dame runner will race at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 on Saturday (2).

 

But his heart belongs to the 1500m and the mile – whenever he can race it.

 

“The mile’s kind of like the perfect event for me,” said Nuguse. “I’m not aggressive, so an 800 doesn’t appeal to me.

 

“The mile – it’s four minutes of just going at it – seeing what happens. It just feels like it matches all my strengths perfectly.”

 

He’s finished considerably under four minutes in his last three miles. In February 2023, Nuguse clocked the second fastest time in history (3:47.38) in the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games for a North American record, setting a 1500m record (3:33.22). Just 15 days earlier, Nuguse opened his season with a 7:28.24 to break Galen Rupp’s record in the 3000m.

 

Then, last September, Nuguse obliterated Alan Webb’s 16-year-old US outdoor record, running 3:43.97 at the Diamond League final in Eugene, Oregon. That eased some disappointment from his fifth-place finish in the 1500m at the World Championships in Budapest.

 

“I felt like that was the point of my season where I was tailing off a little bit, and I was still able to run something amazing and fast,” said Nuguse, who finished just behind Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s 3:43.73. “So I was very excited to get the next season started.”

 

Yared Nuguse and Jakob Ingebrigtsen go head-to-head in EugeneYared Nuguse and Jakob Ingebrigtsen go head-to-head in Eugene (© Getty Images)/World Athletics

Earlier this month, Nuguse went after the indoor mile world record in the Millrose Games but couldn’t quite get there despite a 55.96 last quarter mile. Nuguse posted a time of 3:47.83, still the third-fastest in history indoors.

 

“In my second year as a pro, to be just a little disappointed with not getting (the world record) is kind of crazy,” Nuguse said. “That’s what I love about indoor. It’s like the ‘See what’s to come’ part of the year.”

 

Nuguse never envisioned any years like this when he was a kid. His parents came to the US from Ethiopia, and Nuguse and his five siblings moved around a lot, eventually settling in Louisville, Kentucky, for his high school years. He played violin, and his biggest competitions were science fairs. Nuguse wasn’t into sports, except some fencing, a year apiece of YMCA basketball and soccer, and the bowling team.

 

“It was me living my best life, wanting to be like a scientist or something,” he said. “I was not a fan of physical exertion.”

 

Yet Nuguse’s natural talent came through in his physical education class. His teacher told the track coach. “I’m going to say track found me because I wasn’t looking,” Nuguse said. “The track coach came to me and was like, ‘You should do track,’ and I said ‘No,’ and he was like, ‘Please,’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, OK.’”

 

Nuguse adapted well to his new routine. “I have a very chill, kind of ‘go with the flow’ personality,” he said. “I’m not too excitable in general.”

 

When Nuguse lost a shoe in his first 3200m race indoors, he calmly finished in under 11 minutes. As a high school senior, Nuguse won five state titles: cross country, 800m, 1600m, 3200m, and 4x800m relay.

 

He made his first US national team for the World U20 Championships in Finland in 2018 but says with a laugh that he “did terrible,” failing to advance from the heats. A year later, he was the NCAA champ for Notre Dame in the 1500m and broke the famous four-minute barrier as a sophomore.

 

Nuguse qualified for the US Olympic team by placing third at the trials but did not compete in Tokyo due to a quad strain.

 

His senior year at Notre Dame was marred by injuries, and he applied to some dental schools.

 

“I’ve always been passionate about that more than anything,” Nuguse said. “When I was a kid, I had messed-up teeth and loved my orthodontist. I feel like I had a solid connection to him; how he helped people was how I wanted to help people.”

 

Nuguse liked knowing he could see something in a child’s mouth and fix it. “That’ll be fun,” he said. “I’ll get there one day.”

 

But he had unfinished business on the track and withdrew his applications to turn pro, joining coach Dathan Ritzenhein in Boulder, Colorado.

 

Ritzenhein, a former US record-holder at 5000m, told LetsRun.com that he expected Nuguse to progress, “but not this quick. He’s a special talent.”

 

Nuguse trains with world-class runners including Mario Garcia Romo of Spain, Olli Hoare of Australia and Geordie Beamish of New Zealand.

 

“We push each other to our limits,” Nuguse said.

 

As a pro, he has increased his workload. “It feels easier than everything was in college because I have more time,” said Nuguse, who earned an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and a masters of science in management. “Having that one focus has helped me become the runner I always felt like I could become.”

 

He also has time to read fantasy novels, play video games, and draw. Nuguse has been working on a dragonfly in charcoal and pastel. He’s also become more of a student of the sport, learning the names of runners from the past.

 

That’s fitting since Nuguse is part of the wave of the future, along with rivals Cole Hocker and Hobbs Kessler. His laidback personality is also attracting attention. For his yaredthegoose Instagram page, Nuguse filmed a “Get Ready With Me” video showing Tyro getting ready for hibernation. For World Athletics, Nuguse did an interior monologue while training, where he popularised “snack and field.”

 

After Nuguse broke the North American record in the 1500m at the Bislett Games in Oslo on 17 June, clocking 3:29.02, he captured his first US title. When he subsequently won his first Diamond League race, the expectations for Budapest ratcheted up even higher.

 

But the World Championships final was unlike any race Nuguse had ever experienced. He regrets not running a more intelligent race and believes he should have gone out harder. The race got away from him. Nuguse said he should have fought to be on Ingebrigtsen’s shoulder. Instead, Great Britain’s Josh Kerr took the upset win.

 

Nuguse watches videos of the race to learn from it.

 

“A lot of championship races are just being comfortable and then striking when you want to,” he said. “I couldn’t find that comfort, which made me a little more tired at the end of that race.”

 

Nuguse had not finished lower than third place in any other meeting in 2023. He went on to win the Diamond League race in Zurich before his record-breaking performance in Eugene, where Ritzenhein said he was “super dialed in. For Yared especially, everybody thinks he’s so calm, but man…”

 

The coach even thought Nuguse would catch Ingebrigtsen with 80 meters to go, but the Norwegian was too strong.

 

The last US runner to win an Olympic gold medal in the 1500m was Matthew Centrowitz in 2016, breaking a 108-year drought. His winning time of 3:50.00 in a highly tactical race was the slowest since 1932.

 

“I couldn’t do that,” Nuguse said. “I’m not that kind of racer. I get antsy waiting like that. I think I’d probably take the lead at that point. But that worked very well for Centro.”

 

Nuguse said that as his reputation has grown, “people expect you to set the tone. I’m in a position where I can make the race whatever I want. I’ll always kick, but maybe not so much sit.”

 

Yuguse expects the Olympic final, should he make it, to be much more complex than the World Championships.

 

“I’m in the right mindset to give it everything I have at that level. The last time I was at the Olympics, I couldn’t compete, which was sad. Now I’m at a point where I should be more than capable of putting myself where I want to be.”

 

Ritzenhein said that if Yuguse had won the world title in Budapest, it might have shortened his career.

 

“I don’t want Yared to be in dental school in 2025,” the coach said following Nuguse’s US record in Eugene. “If Yared won the World Championships (in 2023), won the Olympics and set the world record, we would probably not see him any more in 2025.”

 

Ritzenhein joked: “We need to slow him down a little bit.”

 

That’s something a tortoise could appreciate.

 

Destiny Udogie To Start against Palace

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4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 31, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Credit: The 4th Official

 

Tottenham Hotspur will host Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a Premier League fixture this weekend. They haven’t been in a form recently and failed to maintain their momentum. They lost their previous game against the Wolves and dropped three crucial points, Wansh Agarwal reports for The 4th Official.

 

Hence, the Spurs will be desperate for a win on Saturday. They are fifth in the domestic table with 47 points after 25 rounds of play. They are still five points off the Champions League spot. They will have an excellent opportunity to reduce the gap to two points against Crystal Palace.

 

 

Defense

 

Guglielmo Vicario is having an impressive debut season in the English league. He saved his side from humiliation by blocking some crucial balls against Wolves. He will again be the man with the gloves.

 

Pedro Porro will remain sidelined for the contest, and Emerson Royal will keep the right-back position. The latter had a dismal performance in the previous clash, which he will hope to overcome.

 

Christian Romero and Micky van de Ven will continue to operate at the center of the defense. The duo must organize themselves better to form a solid wall in front of the goal. The Spurs will get a significant boost in the form of Destiny Udogie. He will start the match, and Ben Davies will be sent to the bench.

 

Midfield

 

Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will continue to be the holding midfielders for the side. They will try to dictate the game and bring better results.

 

While Dejan Kulusevski had a decent game against Wolves, James Maddison and Son Heung-min weren’t comfortable. The Spurs will be hoping for Son to return to scoring form as he will be influential in the top-four chase.

 

Attack

 

Reports emerged that Richarlison suffered a blow during training, but it seems he is all fine. He will be ready to lead the attacking line on Saturday.

Mitton notches shot put triumph

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Nova Scotia native wins first gold medal of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024

 

 

It just so happened that the first gold medal of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 was claimed by a native of Nova Scotia – New Scotland, as the Canadian province translates from Latin, Simon Turnbull reports for World Athletics.

 

In old Scotland’s Second City, Sarah Mitton rose magnificently to the occasion of the only final of the opening morning session in the Glasgow Arena, emerging victorious from a gripping women’s shot put competition by a slender 3cm.

 

Runner up to Chase Ealey (now Jackson) of the USA at the outdoor World Championships in Budapest last August, the 27-year-old marine biologist snatched the lead with 20.20m in round four and had already sealed the gold medal deal before improving to 20.22m with the final flourish of the contest.

 

There was the consolation of silver for Germany’s Yemisi Ogunleye, who had led from the opening round with a big PB of 20.19m.

 

Canada’s world indoor shot put champion Sarah Mitton (© Getty Images)

Jackson, the outdoors winner of the last two world titles, was always chasing from behind. The silver medallist at the last World Indoor Championships in Belgrade two years ago had to settle for bronze with 19.67m.

 

“It feels amazing to win my first global title,” said Mitton, who won Commonwealth gold on British soil in Birmingham in 2022. “I’m excited by the distances all the women are throwing. It always comes down to small margins.

 

“Scotland’s my new favorite place outside of Nova Scotia. I’ll be coming back.”

WOMEN’S SHOT PUT MEDALLISTS
🥇 Sarah Mitton 🇨🇦 CAN 20.22m
🥈 Yemisi Ogunleye 🇩🇪 GER 20.19m
🥉 Chase Jackson 🇺🇸 USA 19.67m
  Full results

 

 

 

 

Mitton went into the final placed second on the 2024 world list, having thrown 20.08m – the farthest ever by a Canadian woman indoors – at Nehwizdy in the Czech Republic on 20 February.

 

She opened with 19.40m in Glasgow as the inspired Ogunleye threw down the gauntlet with a mighty effort measured at 20.20m.

 

That was a significant improvement on the 25-year-old’s previous best of 19.57m, putting her into the 20-metre club as second on the 2024 world list – at that point – behind the 20.31m that Jessica Schilder threw at the Dutch Championships.

 

Schilder, the bronze medallist in Belgrade two years ago, struggled all morning, fouling five of her six efforts. Her only valid mark, 19.37m in round three, was good enough for fifth place in the finishing order.

 

Ogunleye, who finished 10th in the outdoor world final last year, only managed one more mark herself, a third-round effort of 19.71m.

 

Mitton fouled in round two but improved to 19.81m before her fourth round at 20.20m, followed by 19.49m and that 20.22m big finish.

 

Jackson produced a solid series: 19.56m, a best of 19.67m in round two, 19.26m, a foul, then 19.60m and 19.29m.

 

New Zealander Maddison-Lee Wesche came through for fourth place with a PB of 19.62m in the penultimate round.

 

Ogunleye was more than happy with her big PB and her silver. “It’s unbelievable,” said the German gospel singer. “To get that 20-metre throw right on the spot with my first attempt was surreal.

 

“To go home with a silver medal is amazing. It’s a great gift for my whole team.”

 

Madueño dethrones Pauldo in Plant City

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Takes the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental North America lightweight belt

 

Pauldo and Madueño ready for Wednesday’s fight Credit: WBA

 

Miguel Madueño took the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental North America lightweight belt from Justin Pauldo on Wednesday night with a split decision victory at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida, Jesús Milano reports for WBA.

 

The Mexicans were surprised with a close decision of 95-95, 97-93, and 94-95 to win the regional belt of the pioneering body in the Americans’ hands.

 

As predicted, Madueño came out with his usual aggressive style and attacked at all times against a Pauldo who tried to move around the ring and counterattack taking advantage of his technical superiority. However, Madueño was incisive and could sometimes overwhelm his opponent to score points and take this great win for his career.

 

The 25-year-old fighter reversed his recent loss to Steve Claggett on November 14 and returned to winning ways with the belt in hand.

 

His record now stands at 31 wins, two losses, and 28 knockouts, while Pauldo’s record dropped to 17 wins and two losses.

 

Baraou and Eggington are ready for war

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Make weight for their WBA eliminator bout

 

Germany’s Abass Baraou and Britain’s Sam Eggington met the weight for their World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight eliminator bout to be held on Friday at the Telford International Centre in Telford, England, Jesús Milano reports for WBA.

 

Baraou weighed 153.1 pounds, while Eggington weighed 153.8 pounds, to a fight scheduled at 154 pounds, so they were qualified to fight for the eliminator.

 

The bout is significant for both boxers, as the winner will qualify for a final eliminator opportunity later, which is the stepping stone to earning a world title fight.

 

Baraou is 29 years old and comes in on a five-fight winning streak. His most recent was against Hugo Noriega last December 8, whom he defeated by unanimous decision in Orlando, Florida, during the WBA Drug KO.

 

Eggington is a 30-year-old veteran who is also in good momentum with three wins. The local has faced renowned opponents such as Carlos Molina and Ashley Teophane, an experience he wants to use to his advantage in the ring.

 

Baraou has 14 wins, one loss, and nine knockouts. On the other hand, Eggington comes in with 34 wins, eight losses, and 20 knockouts.