Others

Nigeria-born British athlete Divine Iheme has emerged as a rising star in the world of sprinting, captivating the attention of track and field enthusiasts with his exceptional speed. At the tender age of 14, Iheme has shattered the previous world record for his age group, running the 100m in an astonishing 10.30 seconds.Iheme's journey to the top has been marked by remarkable progress. Just two years ago, he completed the 100m distance in 11.3 seconds. However, through unwavering determination and rigorous training, he has shaved off over a second from his time, setting a new benchmark for young athletes.If Iheme maintains his current trajectory, he has the potential to challenge the legendary Usain Bolt's record of 9.58 seconds for the 100m. Iheme is not the only teenage sensation making waves in the sport. Australian sprinter Gout Gout, aged 16, has also impressed with his blistering speed, running the 100m in 10.29 seconds.The rivalry between Iheme and Gout is reminiscent of the iconic battles between football greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both athletes possess exceptional talent and the potential to dominate the sport for years to come.Iheme's achievements have drawn comparisons to Bolt, who is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. "It's a great feeling to be compared to Usain Bolt," Iheme said. "He's an inspiration to me, and I hope to achieve similar success."Gout, too, has expressed admiration for Bolt and other top sprinters. "I like Erriyon Knighton because he's a youngster competing against the best," Gout said. "And Noah Lyles because he's running crazy times."The emergence of Iheme and Gout has injected excitement into the world of sprinting. Their rivalry promises to produce thrilling races and push the boundaries of human speed. As they continue to develop and refine their skills, these young athletes have the potential to become the next generation of track and field legends.

Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil, India's javelin thrower, has set his sights on improving his world record and defending his title in the Men's F64 category at the Paris Paralympics Games in 2024. Antil, along with Bhagyashree Jadhav (shot put, F34 category), will be the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics Games, which will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.Antil, who lost one of his limbs in a road accident in 2015, has been on a remarkable journey since then. He set a world record thrice in the Tokyo Paralympics and won the gold medal with the best throw of 68.55 meters. He bettered it with a new world record throw of 70.83 meters at the 2023 Para World Championships and further improved it at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games (2023) to win the gold with an effort of 73.29 meters."My long-term goal is to achieve a distance of 80 meters, but in the Paris Paralympics, I will try to win the gold medal with an effort of 75 meters," the 26-year-old told PTI-Bhasha in an exclusive interview.Antil has been working hard on increasing his strength without changing his technique. He believes that his throws during practice have been quite consistent and that he can improve upon his previous record.When asked about the pressure of being defending champion and being the Indian flag bearer, Antil said, "There is no pressure right now, but things will be known after reaching Paris. Once you reach the Games village or at the competition venue, things become a little different. I will try to do my best without taking pressure.""I want to enjoy this moment. For the first time, such a large and strong contingent from India is going to the Paralympics, and I feel proud to be the flag bearer," he added.The Indian contingent comprises 84 athletes across 12 disciplines for the Paralympics. Antil, who is a Padma Shri awardee, said, "Being a flag bearer in an event like Paralympics is a different kind of emotion. This is the first time I will be a part of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics."After the Tokyo Paralympics, Antil focused more on practicing instead of participating in different competitions. He said, "I have participated in very limited competitions. I have spent more time in practice. Competitions keep going on, but my aim is to get a medal for India in the Paralympics, and my entire focus has been on this for the last three years."Antil prefers to practice in India rather than abroad. He said, "I went to Finland in 2018, but I did not feel much improvement there. I practice at SAI (Sports Authority of India) Sonipat center, which is equipped with a track for Javelin throw and world-class facilities."Antil is also a part of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) since 2019 and is getting all kinds of help from it. "I have been a part of the TOPS scheme since 2019, and since that time, I have been getting prosthetic legs from abroad. Along with my prosthetics, TOPS provides everything I need for my game," he concluded.

Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar made history at the Olympics on Friday, becoming the lightest man to lift 400 kilograms in competition. The 20-year-old shattered the men's 89kg weightlifting world record, setting a new benchmark for the sport.Nasar's journey to the record-breaking moment was not without its challenges. Tied for first after the snatch round, he delayed his entry into the clean and jerk until most of his rivals had exhausted their attempts. With his first lift, he effortlessly hoisted 213 kilograms over his head, securing the gold medal.Undeterred, Nasar set his sights on the world record. With two attempts remaining, he opted to aim high. Pausing briefly with the bar on his chest, he grinned before hoisting a record-breaking 224 kilograms over his head. The total of 404 kilograms was another world record.Nasar's victory was not just a physical triumph but also a testament to his mental fortitude. He has reportedly lifted even greater weights in training, demonstrating his exceptional strength and determination. "I have visualized the win many times and I succeeded each time," he said.Despite his success, Nasar remains humble. When asked if he was playing to the camera, he grinned, "Sometimes the emotions that I show, I cannot control. Sometimes I don't even remember what happened on the stage."Colombian Yeison Lopez took second place with a total of 390 kilograms, while Italian Antonino Pizzolato secured a dramatic bronze after a successful appeal following a video review.Beyond his athletic achievements, Nasar's personal life has also garnered attention. He plans to attend the rhythmic gymnastics competition on Saturday to support his girlfriend, Magdalina Minevska.Weightlifting has faced criticism for its association with doping, but Nasar's charismatic personality and exceptional talent could help change the sport's image. Despite a troubled past involving drug-related charges and an Achilles tendon injury, Nasar has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion in the women's 400-meter hurdles, celebrated her 25th birthday in grand fashion at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Not only did she successfully defend her title, but she also shattered her own world record, clocking in at an astonishing 50.37 seconds. This remarkable achievement marked the sixth time she had set a new world record in this event.McLaughlin-Levrone's victory was a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. She surged ahead from the starting line, leaving her closest rival, Femke Bol of the Netherlands, trailing behind. Throughout the race, she maintained a commanding lead, showcasing her incredible speed and endurance. Bol, the second-fastest woman in the event, struggled to keep pace and eventually finished third, while Anna Cockrell of the United States secured the silver medal with a personal best of 51.87 seconds."I think this was my first real Olympics," McLaughlin-Levrone said after her triumph. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity and to be celebrating my 25th birthday like this."McLaughlin-Levrone's achievement is a historic milestone. She became the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic titles in the 400-meter hurdles since the event's inception in 1984. She acknowledged the role of competitors like Bol in pushing her to achieve such heights, but it was clear that she was in a league of her own on this day."We've taken this event so far," McLaughlin-Levrone said. "I have to credit these ladies next to me for helping me do that. This is an event that wasn't very popular, but we made it very popular very quickly. I do think 49 (seconds) is possible. I do think the talent sitting in front of you can do that."With a personal best of 48.74 seconds in the open 400 meters, McLaughlin-Levrone hinted at the possibility of switching to that event in the future, though she remains undecided."I don't know if I can give a definitive yes or no," McLaughlin-Levrone said. "I do love doing other events. There are other events that I haven't done since high school that I'd also love to do. I don't know."

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vaulter, has once again etched his name in the annals of sports history by breaking the world record for the ninth time. At the Stade de France in Paris, Duplantis soared over a height of 6.25 meters, surpassing his previous record of 6.24 meters set in April this year.Duplantis's journey to the top began in his backyard in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he grew up with a pole vault pit. Coached by his father, Greg, a former pole vaulter, and his mother, Helena, a former heptathlete, Duplantis developed a deep passion for the sport.In Tokyo three years ago, Duplantis won the Olympic gold medal, but his ambitions extended far beyond that. He sought to push the boundaries of human potential and shatter his own world records.On Monday night in Paris, Duplantis faced a formidable field of competitors, but he remained unfazed. He cleared 6.00 meters on his first attempt, securing the Olympic gold medal. With the gold already in his grasp, Duplantis set his sights on the world record.In his third and final attempt, Duplantis unleashed his explosive speed and planted the pole in the vault box with precision. He launched himself into the air, his body soaring upwards. The pole flexed and bent as he ascended, propelling him over the crossbar.As he landed on the foam mat, Duplantis erupted in celebration, knowing he had achieved the impossible once again. He had broken the world record for the ninth time, cementing his status as the greatest pole vaulter of all time.Duplantis's victory was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to his unwavering determination and the power of human ambition. He has shown the world that anything is possible if you dare to dream big and work relentlessly towards your goals.

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulting sensation, has once again etched his name in the annals of sporting history by breaking his own world record and securing the Olympic gold medal in Paris.In a thrilling climax to the fifth day of track and field at the Stade de France, Duplantis soared over the bar set at an astonishing 6.25 meters, surpassing his previous best of 6.24m set in April. The crowd of 69,000 erupted in thunderous applause as the 24-year-old star shattered the world record by 1cm.Duplantis's triumph was not only a testament to his exceptional athleticism but also a display of his unwavering determination. It marked the ninth time the US-born Swede had broken the record, cementing his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time.In the competition, American Sam Kendricks claimed the silver medal with a best of 5.95m, while Greece's Emmanouil Karalis took bronze (5.90) on countback. Duplantis's gold medal made him the first man to retain the pole vault title since American Bob Richards in 1952 and 1956.After his historic victory, Duplantis celebrated in a unique way, mimicking the shooting pose of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who had gone viral on social media for his casual celebration after winning a silver medal in the Paris Games. Dikec himself took to Twitter to congratulate Duplantis, adding to the camaraderie and sportsmanship on display.Duplantis described his record-breaking performance as an "out-of-body experience." He expressed his gratitude for the support of the crowd, saying, "The biggest dream since a kid was to break the world record at the Olympics, and I've been able to do that in front of the most ridiculous crowd I've ever competed in front of."As he made an emotional lap of the track, draped in the Swedish flag and with Abba's "Dancing Queen" playing in the background, Duplantis rang the victory bell, symbolizing another exceptional display from the irrepressible young athlete.Duplantis's victory was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of national pride for Sweden. The country's Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, tweeted, "Congratulations to Armand Duplantis on his fantastic world record and Olympic gold! What an incredible achievement!"The Swedish pole vaulting star's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. His record-breaking performance in Paris will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter known as "Mondo," has once again etched his name in history by breaking the world record for the ninth time at the Tokyo Olympics. With a leap of 6.25 meters (20 feet, 6 inches), Duplantis soared to new heights, surpassing his previous record by one centimeter.The 24-year-old Louisiana native, who competes for his mother's native Sweden, has now cemented his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time. His victory marks his second consecutive Olympic gold medal and further solidifies his dominance in the sport.Duplantis's record-breaking performance came after a thrilling night of track and field action. Noah Lyles, the American sprint star, had electrified the crowd with a narrow victory in the men's 100 meters the previous night. Lyles was on hand to witness Duplantis's historic feat, adding to the excitement of the evening.The drama unfolded over a half hour, as Duplantis cleared the bar at 6.10 meters to set a new Olympic record. With the crowd chanting his name, he then raised the bar to one centimeter higher than his previous world record. After two unsuccessful attempts, Duplantis took a break to study video with his parents, who were both former LSU track and field athletes.With the crowd clapping in rhythm and singing along to a French song, Duplantis prepared for his final attempt. Drawing on his years of training and the support of his family, he soared over the bar, setting a new world record and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the sport.Duplantis's victory was not the only highlight of the night. Beatrice Chebet of Kenya pulled off an upset in the women's 5,000 meters, while Keely Hodgkinson captured Britain's first gold medal of the track meet in the 800 meters. Val Allman of the United States also won her second straight Olympic gold in the discus throw.

The United States shattered the world record in the heats of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics on Friday, setting a blistering pace that sent shockwaves through the competition. The quartet of Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown clocked an astonishing 3min 07.41sec, obliterating the previous best of 3:08.80 set by the US at the World Championships in Budapest last year.Vernon Norwood, the lead-off runner, emphasized the importance of executing flawless hand-offs. "We wanted to come out here and execute good hand-offs," Norwood said. "We set the tone for the rest of the United States with that world record."Shamier Little, the second leg, echoed Norwood's sentiments. "We have a really good group of guys and gals," Little said. "I'm just really excited, first of all for our record, and that's only in the prelim, so it's only up from here."Bryce Deadmon, the third leg, described the electrifying atmosphere at the Stade de France, where a sell-out crowd of 69,000 cheered them on. "It was completely different compared to Tokyo in 2021 just for the simple fact that we have fans out here," Deadmon said. "I was running down the curve and I was like, 'Ah damn, it's kind of loud in here.' It's a great experience. I'm excited to see what the rest of the Games are going to bring."Kaylyn Brown, the anchor leg, brought the baton home in record-breaking fashion. "It was an amazing feeling," Brown said. "I knew I had to give it my all for the team, and I'm so proud of what we accomplished today."The US team's world record performance not only set a new benchmark but also inspired other nations to push their limits. France, Belgium, and Jamaica all set national records in the same heat, finishing in second, third, and fourth places, respectively. Britain won the second heat in another national record time of 3:10.61, ahead of the Netherlands and Italy.The mixed relay, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo, has quickly become a fan favorite. Poland won gold in Tokyo, followed by the Dominican Republic and the US. The final of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics is scheduled for Saturday at 1855 GMT.

Armand Duplantis, the 24-year-old Swedish pole vaulter, has ascended to the pinnacle of his sport, becoming a global icon and a testament to human athleticism. Born to an American pole vaulter father and a Swedish long jumper mother, Duplantis's sporting roots were firmly planted from an early age.In 2015, at the tender age of 15, Duplantis captured the under-18 title, showcasing his prodigious talent. Two years later, he shattered the under-20 world record with a remarkable clearance of 5.90m. His meteoric rise continued in 2018 when he claimed the European Championships gold with a vault of 6.05m, etching his name among the all-time greats.At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Duplantis secured a silver medal, further cementing his status as a world-class vaulter. However, it was at the Tokyo Olympics that he truly ascended to the summit of his sport. With a flawless first-attempt clearance of 6.02m, Duplantis captured the Olympic gold, narrowly missing his own world record.In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Duplantis has continued to push the boundaries of human performance. In March 2022, he broke his own world record with a vault of 6.19m at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting. Two weeks later, he shattered the record once again at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, clearing an astonishing 6.20m.Duplantis's outdoor dominance continued in June 2022 when he surpassed his previous outdoor world best of 6.15m with a vault of 6.16m. At the 2022 Eugene World Athletics Championships, he once again broke his own world record, soaring over 6.21m.In March 2024, Duplantis claimed gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow with a vault of 6.05m. A month later, at the Diamond League, he extended his world record by one centimeter, clearing 6.24m. His European Championships triumph in Rome in June saw him set a new European Championships record of 6.10m on his first attempt.Speaking after the Paris Diamond League, Duplantis expressed his confidence ahead of the Olympics, stating, "I like where things are at and I know that I can be just even that much a little better for the Olympics in a month."With his unwavering determination and exceptional talent, Armand Duplantis stands poised to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His pursuit of perfection and his ability to transcend the limits of human performance have made him a true legend in the world of athletics.