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Tag: Olympic Games

  • Paris 2024: Table Tennis ‘Granny’ makes Olympic debut at 58

    Paris 2024: Table Tennis ‘Granny’ makes Olympic debut at 58

    Zhiying Zeng, known as Tania in Chile, was a member of China’s professional youth table tennis team in the 70s but retired in 1986 at the age of 20.

    Overwhelmed by the introduction of the ‘two-colour rule,’ which required bi-colour paddles, she decided to bow out, according to The Guardian.

    Born in 1966 in Guangzhou, China, Zeng was raised in a family passionate about table tennis.

    Her mother, a table tennis coach, trained her until she was 9. Zeng swiftly climbed the ranks, winning numerous regional tournaments and becoming a junior national champion.

    By age 16, she was part of the Chinese national team. However, the rule change significantly impacted her game, leading her to retire early.

    In 1989, a school in Chile invited Zeng to become a table tennis coach, a move that changed her life.

    She resumed playing a few years later, winning national-level tournaments in 2004 and 2005, but paused her career again when her son started playing the sport.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zeng bought a table tennis table to stay active during Chile’s lockdown. She entered local tournaments when restrictions lifted and by 2023 was the highest-ranked women’s player in the country. She joined Chile’s national team and qualified to represent them at the 2024 Olympic Games.

    At 57, Zeng became a sensation at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, earning her spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Though she lost to Lebanon’s Mariana Sahakian in the preliminary rounds, her journey to the Olympics remains inspirational.

    “My dad was able to see his daughter qualify for the Olympics,” Zeng said. “He used to take me to training and matches when I was a girl and now at 57, I made it. I made it.”

    Reflecting on her Olympic debut, Zeng said, “I don’t feel very sad because this is sport. My husband, my sons, everyone I love and care about were there shouting my name. I feel so content.”

  • Paris 2024: Olympian Luke Plapp shares gruesome injury after devastating Cycling crash

    Paris 2024: Olympian Luke Plapp shares gruesome injury after devastating Cycling crash

    Australian Olympian Luke Plapp has displayed a gruesome gash following a horrific cycling crash. Plapp, 23, came off his bike during a time trial after the 13.1km checkpoint on Sunday and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent abdominal surgery.

     

    Plapp shared a video on social media with his 31.5k followers, showing the fresh wound as he received treatment. Despite the severe injury, Plapp remained in good spirits, adding an optimistic caption.

     

    “Paris 2024, I had dreamt of this day for the last three years – not how I had imagined it, but I will definitely remember you. Still in hospital for the time being, but lucky to have my best mates by my side and support from everyone. See you in 1,445 days LA [The Olympic Games in 2028],” he wrote.

     

    Many fans filled the comment section with wishes for a speedy recovery.

  • COVID-19 rocks Paris 2024 Olympics

    COVID-19 rocks Paris 2024 Olympics

    Three years after the Tokyo Olympics were held amid strict precautions and with no fans because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is now another fear of the disease in Paris.

    The virus has forced athletes to withdraw from events at the Paris Games and has others donning masks again.cThis time the impact is much more limited though.

    Several athletes have tested positive, including Australian swimmer Lani Pallister. She was a medal hope in the women’s 1500 metres freestyle but had to withdraw from the event.

    A team spokeswoman said, however, that the decision was made to save Pallister’s energy for the 4x200m freestyle relay which starts on Thursday.

    Likewise, British swimmer Adam Peaty, tested positive a day after he just missed out on 100m breaststroke gold, sharing silver with American Nic Fink.

    He has now said he would focus on a “fast, full recovery” to give his best in relays later in the week.

    “Adam’s okay, he’s not dying. He’s alright, just a bit of a cold,” Peaty’s British teammate Matt Richards said after his 100m freestyle heat on Tuesday.

    “We’ll avoid it (COVID) as best as we can,” Richards said. But “we’re here to race. If we get a little bit ill whilst we’re racing we’ll keep racing. It’s how we do it.”

    Several Australian women’s water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 in the days leading up to the opening ceremony, forcing them to isolate from other team members.

    However the team played on Tuesday, smashing Serbia 8-3.

    The Tokyo Games were delayed a year due to COVID while the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics were held with strict precautions, making Paris the first post-pandemic Olympics.

    There are no strict protocols or restrictions around COVID-19 in Paris.

    “We have a protocol (that) any athlete that has tested positive has to wear a mask and we remind everyone to follow best practices but in terms of monitoring COVID, cases are quite low in France,” said Anne Descamps, Paris 2024 chief communications director.

    British swimmer Jacob Whittle said his team were nevertheless getting more strict with the precautions

    “We’re hand sanitising and wearing masks everywhere we can,” he said. “When we’re swimming and doing stuff like this (speaking to reporters) are the only times we’re not wearing a mask.

    “It’s just being extra cautious when eating and going on buses and communal spaces, just being really conscious so as to not catch it and also if you’ve got it not to give it to anyone else. Just being careful really.”

    Canada’s chief medical officer Mike Wilkinson, said his team “continued to implement many of the infection prevention protocols that proved successful during the COVID pandemic including hand washing, sanitisation and good hygiene practices.

    “We also have a team that disinfects shared spaces throughout the day, and isolation protocols for anyone who does get sick,” he said.

  • Paris 2024: LeBron James shines as US begin basketball gold defence

    Paris 2024: LeBron James shines as US begin basketball gold defence

    The U.S began their men’s basketball gold medal defence with a 110-84 win over World Cup runners-up Serbia on Sunday at the Olympic Games in Paris.

    The Serbians took a 10-2 lead less than three minutes into the first quarter of the Group C showdown, but it took the U.S a short time to storm back.

    With a 12-2 run, they took a 14-12 lead and never looked back.

    Kevin Durant and LeBron James led the way, scoring 21 and 23 points respectively.

    Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić recorded 20 points, eight assists and five rebounds for Serbia, but that was not enough to beat the U.S who were simply brimming with NBA talent.

    The U.S are chasing a fourth consecutive and a record-extending 17th overall Olympic gold.

    Their next game is against South Sudan on Wednesday, while Serbia will face Puerto Rico on the same day.

  • Olympics: Canada stun France in dramatic style as US, Spain advance

    Olympics: Canada stun France in dramatic style as US, Spain advance

    Reigning women football champions Canada got a lifeline at the Paris Games following a 2-1 last-gasp win over hosts France on Sunday.

    Spain and the U.S also claimed wins to reach the quarter-finals on the second match day of Olympic women’s football.

    Canada’s quest to defend their 2020 gold medal was marred following a drone spying scandal which led to a one-year ban of coach Bev Priestman from the Olympic tournament.

    They are to also suffer a six-point deduction by world governing body FIFA.

    The top two teams in each three groups advance, along with the two best third-placed sides.

    This has left Canada, now led by assistant coach Andy Spence, needing maximum points in their remaining Group A matches, on top of a favourable goal difference.

    The slim Canadian hopes even seemed to be dashed after France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto struck in the 42nd minute following a neat passing move.

    But team captain Jessie Fleming equalised 13 minutes after the break.

    The match looked to be heading for a draw before Vanessa Gilles seized on a rebound from the goalkeeper in the 12th minute of stoppage time to fire home.

    Canada now face Colombia in their final group match on Wednesday.

    Four-time Olympic gold medallists U.S. carried on their good form in Group B and secured a 4-1 emphatic win over Germany in Marseille.

    This was all due to a first-half brace from Sophia Smith and goals from Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams.

    Smith gave Emma Hayes’ side an early lead with a simple finish in the 10th minute, before Giulia Gwinn equalised for the 2016 Olympic champions.

    Swanson, who scored a quick-fire double in the win over Zambia, made it 2-1, while Smith’s deflected goal before half-time and Williams’ late effort sealed the rout.

    Earlier, world champions Spain secured a spot in the next round with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Nantes, courtesy of Alexia Putellas’ late winner.

    The world champions had to wait until the closing stages in their Group C clash to break the Nigerian wall with a wonder free-kick from former Ballon d’Or winner Putellas.

    The Barcelona midfielder struck in the 85th minute beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper and defenders, who until then had frustrated Montse Tome’s side.

    Also in Group C, Brazil missed the chance to progress after a late 2-1 loss to Japan at Parc des Princes.

    Brazil were leading after the break with Jheniffer’s low shot in the 56th minute after a play created by six-time Olympian Marta, who left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 84th minute.

    Japan claimed victory with two stoppage-time efforts by Saki Kumagai’s from the penalty kick spot and substitute Momoko Tanikawa from long range after a misplaced pass by Rafaelle.

    Australia and Colombia boosted their chances of making it to the next round with their first wins in the competition.

    In a goal feast in Nice, the Matildas rallied from two goals down to clinch a stunning 6-5 win over Zambia in Group B.

    Australian Steph Catley and Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji scored doubles, while Barbara Banda netted a hat-trick, the third to her name for an Olympic record.

    Colombia edged Group A rivals New Zealand 2-0 in Lyon, thanks to Marcela Restrepo’s volley and a fine goal from Leicy Santos.

  • Paris 2024: China claim first Olympic Gold medal

    Paris 2024: China claim first Olympic Gold medal

    China claimed the first gold medal of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games by winning the 10m air rifle team event, defeating South Korea 16-12 in the final.

     

    China’s Huang Yuting and Sheng Lihao secured the first gold medal of the Paris Games on Saturday in the 10 meters air rifle mixed team event. South Korea’s Keum Ji-hyeon and Park Ha-jun took the silver, while Alexandra Le and Islam Satpayev of Kazakhstan won the bronze.

     

    Three years after Yang Qian and Yang Haoran claimed gold in Tokyo, Huang and Sheng ensured China retained the title. The reigning world champions led the qualifying round, finishing ahead of their Korean competitors at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.

     

    Despite gaining a 14-8 lead after the first 11 shots, the gold medal round was challenging. Keum and Park mounted a late comeback, closing the gap to 14-12, but the Chinese pair ultimately triumphed 16-12. Le and Satpayev earned Kazakhstan their first medal of the Paris Games with a 17-5 victory over Germany’s Anna Janssen and Maximilian Ulbrich.

     

     

  • Olympics: Amusan leads Nigeria in historic opening ceremony

    Olympics: Amusan leads Nigeria in historic opening ceremony

    Flagbearer Tobi Amusan and Nigeria’s team captain Anuoluwapo Opeyori, led Nigerian delegation at a colorful and historic Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night.

    In spite the rain having its way on the night, athletes were cheered along the Seine as  more than 200 national delegations sailed  through the centre of Paris and past sights such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.
    For the first time in Summer Games history, the opening ceremony was not held in a stadium.

    Nigeria, in her colourful well styled green and white dresses, rode on a boat with Amusan hoisting the flag and supported by Opeyori, alongside the delegation as they sailed across.

    Meanwhile, a total of 88 Team Nigeria athletes, comprising 63 women and 25 men, will compete in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics.

    More than 10,500 athletes will compete at the Olympics, 100 years since Paris last staged the Games.
    The Games started on Wednesday and the first of the 329 gold medals will be awarded on Saturday with the closing ceremony billed for Aug. 11.

    UN urges peace, respect for Olympic Truce as games begin

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for global respect of the Olympic Truce – a custom of halting all hostilities from before, to after the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

    The UN General Assembly, in November, adopted a vote to observe the truce in Paris.

    Guterres made the call on Friday at a press encounter in the French capital alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

    “In a moment like this, it’s important to say that the first recorded in history real peace initiative was the Olympic Truce,” Guterres said in a statement.

    “And so, in a moment in which the Olympic Games are going to start, it’s time to remind the world of the importance of the Olympic Truce and to make the world understand that we must silence the guns,” he added.

    The UN chief noted that conflicts were ongoing across the globe, including in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and more.

    He said the Olympic Games symbolise “cooperation and loyal competition, instead of division and conflict”.

    “Therefore, we must encourage countries to foster unity the way athletes are, during these games.”

    Guterres attended the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

    Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has encouraged everyone across the globe to promote “peaceful co-existence and mutual respect” as the refugee team competing in the Games is doing.

    “Sport is a symbol of hope and of peace, which are sadly in short supply in our world today,” The High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, said.

    “The refugee team is a beacon for people everywhere. These athletes show what can be achieved when talent is recognised and developed, and when people have opportunities to train and compete alongside the best. They are nothing short of an inspiration,” he added.

    This year’s squad consists of 37 athletes – the largest since the 2016 Rio Games when refugee teams first debuted.

    On Tuesday, the IOC announced that Grandi would be the third recipient of the Olympic Laurel, an award created to “honour outstanding individuals for their achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport.”

    He received this award during the Olympic opening ceremony.

    Gender equality history

    UN Women is recognising the 2024 Olympic Games as the first time in history where an equal number of male and female athletes are competing.

    “This 50:50 representation of athletes makes the Summer Games the first to reach gender equality,” UN women said.

    The agency said the Paris Games are set to ensure a more balanced coverage of the sports events, creating a “spotlight” for all athletes.

    However, UN Women recognises that many gender gaps remain in sporting events and says that progress does not stop with balanced gender competitors at the Olympic Games.

  • Nigerians divided as Super Falcons lost to Brazil

    Nigerians divided as Super Falcons lost to Brazil

    Social media witnessed a heated debate amongst Nigerians after Super Falcons lost their first match at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the likes of Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade completed the cast that started the game, however their outing was shattered by a first-half goal pulled by the Brazilians in the 37th minute of the game.

    The super falcons’ defeat sparked lively debates among fans on various platforms as many expressed disappointment after which, condemned coach, Randy Waldrum’s descision to make Rasheedat Ajibade captain while benching Bay FC striker Oshoala who did not get the opportunity to play a minute in the match at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, France.

    Reacting a user identified as Buchi_Laba wrote on X: “My Review of the Super falcons match vs Brazil; We lost this match based on a childish mistake and we will do better. Randy Waldrum got no excuses for putting Asisat Oshoala on the bench for 90minutes.”

    Another user, Yuzeski wrote: “I don’t understand why Waldrum left Oshoala on the bench when she’s not injured. The team needed an extra attacking power, which was clearly missing. “The Brazilians had one of their veterans on the pitch,and her impact in the game was quite obvious.”

    damilola2i wrote: “Left Oshoala on the bench for players that can’t figure out which leg they play with. Coach better have a good explanation #NGABRA.”

    iknowAprilmufc wrote: “I want to believe Oshoala was injured, because nothing justifies her being on the bench the whole time during this game when the people upfront lacked everything basic for an attacker.”

    Saheed Afolabi wrote: “Bashing Asisat Oshoala despite she didn’t play a part in today’s game just shows the hypocrisy in some of you.The truth is Oshoala still remains our best Striker upfront.”

  • Olympic Games: France tightens security ahead of opening ceremony

    Olympic Games: France tightens security ahead of opening ceremony

    France aims to wow the world on Friday with an extravagant Olympic Games opening ceremony through the heart of Paris.

    It is officially kicking off a Games fraught with security risks at a time of heightened geo-political tensions.

    Some 45,000 police personnel, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security staff have been mobilised.

    This will ensure the safety of the parade along the river Seine, its banks and surrounding monuments, in an unprecedented display of security.

    A procession of barges will take nearly 7,000 athletes along the river past Paris’s most famous landmarks, while more than 300,000 spectators will watch from the banks.

    Since the last Olympics (the Winter Games in Beijing in 2022), wars have erupted in Ukraine and Gaza, providing a tense backdrop to the Games.

    France is however at its highest level of security, even though officials have repeatedly said there is no specific threat to the opening ceremony or the Games.

    As part of vast security operations, authorities have turned to powers passed under an anti-terror law, placing 155 people under surveillance measures.

    These strictly limit their movement, according to official data and a Reuters review of cases.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s competitors are being escorted by elite tactical units to and from events and given 24-hour protection throughout the Olympics, officials say.

    Scores of world leaders will be in Paris for the opening ceremony, which will be protected by snipers on rooftops.

    The Seine’s riverbed has been swept for bombs, and Paris’ airspace will be closed.

    For the Games more generally, radar-surveillance planes and Reaper drones will watch sensitive sites from above.

    Also, Mirage 2000 fighter jets will be on standby to intercept aircraft straying into restricted airspace.

    ”Everything is ready,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a video he posted on X.

    “Even the (Olympics) rings are there,” he said, overlooking the Eiffel tower. “Enjoy the Games!”

    Macron, who won a second mandate two years ago, had hoped the Olympics would cement his legacy.

    But his failed bet on a snap legislative election has weakened him and is casting a shadow over his moment on the international stage.

    Most important facts about 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony

    The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris officially begins with a unique show in the middle of the Seine later on Friday.

    Hosts France and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) already have big —- and mysterious —- plans for the pompous opening ceremony.

    What’s special about the opening ceremony?

    For the first time in Summer Games history, the opening ceremony won’t be held in a stadium.

    Instead, the more than 200 national delegations will sail across the Seine through the centre of Paris and past sights such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.

    How does the ceremony work?

    The parade of athletes will start at 7:30 p.m (6:30 p.m Nigerian time) at the Pont d’Austerlitz and will come to the end of its six-kilometre route at the Trocadéro.

    This is right next to the Eiffel Tower, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place, including the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

    It is still unknown who will light the Olympic cauldron, but according to reports, this honour will be given to French track and field athlete and three-time Olympic champion Marie-José Pérec.

    Football star Zinédine Zidane is also said to be a candidate.

    The festivities will be adorned with music and dance performances as well as light shows.

    According to the Parisien newspaper, 400 dancers and 3,000 artists will perform —– probably also on the bridges over the Seine.

    The organisers want to present the French cultural heritage in 12 different scenes.

    Skate and BMX stars are also expected to put on a show.

    Who is performing at the opening ceremony?

    That’s one of the biggest secrets —- but there are a few rumours.

    According to reports, superstar Céline Dion will be performing with pop icon Lady Gaga.

    Dion has cancelled all of the 2023 and 2024 dates of her “Courage Worlt Tour” in Europe due to illness.

    A performance at the opening ceremony would be a special and emotional moment for her and her fans.

    How can the sports fans in Paris watch the ceremony?

    Those among the 300,000 lucky people who were able to get a ticket, will follow the opening ceremony on the banks of the Seine.

    In addition, 80 giant screens and strategically-placed speakers will allow fans to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the show throughout the French capital.

    Which politicians will be in attendance?

    Around 120 heads of state and government as well as representatives are expected to attend the opening ceremony, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US First Lady Jill Biden.

    According to the Le Parisien newspaper, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be in Paris.

    The Games will be formally opened by French President Emmanuel Macron.

    What is being done to ensure the safety of the event?

    Security plays a major role at the Olympic Games in France and there will be some 45,000 security personnel on duty for the opening ceremony.

    The airspace within a 150-kilometre radius of Paris will be closed for the evening, while the areas of the Seine along which the parade will go through will be closed to car traffic.

  • Paris 2024: Kazakh tennis star forced out of Olympic Games

    Paris 2024: Kazakh tennis star forced out of Olympic Games

    Kazakh tennis star and third seed Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the Olympic Games in Paris due to illness.

    Rybakina withdrew just hours after the draw took place at Roland Garros on Thursday.

    “After the Wimbledon tournament, I fell ill with acute bronchitis, and in spite of my attempts to return to training, my body has not yet recovered.

    “The doctors have strictly forbidden me to go to court,” Rybakina said in a statement.

    “I am very sorry that I cannot fulfill your hopes and play for our team at the Olympics in Paris.

    “I was so close to a medal in Tokyo and carefully prepared for the Paris Games to win gold for Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, illness prevented these plans from coming true.”

    Rybakina, who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, has withdrawn from a number of tournaments in 2024, primarily citing illness.

    France’s Caroline Garcia will take Rybakina’s place in the Paris draw, while Australia’s Daria Saville will enter the draw as an alternate.