Sports
Suzanna Hext Withdraws from Paris 2024 Paralympics on Medical Grounds
Para-swimming world champion Suzanna Hext has been forced to withdraw from the Paris 2024 Paralympics on medical advice. The 35-year-old, who was set to compete in the S5 100m freestyle heats on Friday morning, did not appear for her race. ParalympicsGB later confirmed that Hext would miss the entire Games.
“Following consultation between the ParalympicsGB and Aquatics GB medical teams, Suzanna Hext has been withdrawn from competition in Paris,” ParalympicsGB announced. They expressed disappointment for Hext, acknowledging her hard work and dedication leading up to the Games. The statement emphasized that athlete welfare is a top priority, and ongoing support would be provided to Hext during and after the Games.
Hext, who transitioned to Para-sport after a riding accident left her paralyzed in 2012, has faced significant health challenges throughout her career. She had to withdraw from the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 after experiencing severe asthma attacks, which required hospitalization. In 2022, she missed the World Championships in Madeira due to sepsis, and just before the 2023 World Championships in Manchester, she spent five days in the hospital with an infection but still managed to win silver in the 100m freestyle and gold in the 50m freestyle.
Sports
Novak Djokovic Sets Grand Slam Record with Melbourne Victory
Novak Djokovic made history at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played in tennis history. The 37-year-old Serbian star achieved the milestone with a hard-fought win against qualifier Jaime Faria, triumphing 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the tournament’s third round.
With his 430th Grand Slam singles match, Djokovic now holds the all-time record for the most Grand Slam matches played by any tennis player, male or female. He overtakes Federer, whose last Grand Slam match was at Wimbledon in 2021, solidifying his place in tennis history.
Reflecting on his achievement, Djokovic expressed gratitude and passion for the sport:
“I love this sport. I love competition. I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level. Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record.”
The victory adds another chapter to Djokovic’s illustrious career, as he continues to push the boundaries of excellence in tennis. With his relentless drive and unmatched consistency, Djokovic remains a dominant force on the court and a source of inspiration to fans around the world.
Sports
Jack Grealish Ends Goal Drought as McAtee’s Hat-Trick Powers Manchester City to FA Cup Rout
Jack Grealish scored his first goal in over a year and James McAtee delivered a stunning second-half hat-trick as Manchester City demolished League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup third round. The 7-0 victory was City’s biggest win since January 2019.
Grealish opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a calm penalty after being fouled, jokingly deferring to usual spot-kick taker Erling Haaland, who was rested on the bench. This marked Grealish’s first goal since December 16, 2023, when he netted against Crystal Palace, ending a prolonged struggle for form.
Twenty minutes later, Grealish passed penalty duties to Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who confidently converted. Doku, instrumental throughout, set the tone for the dominant performance, helping City capitalize on their first-ever competitive meeting with Salford City, a club owned by Manchester United’s famous “Class of ’92.”
City’s youth players made the most of their opportunities. Divin Mubama, making his debut, tapped in Matheus Nunes’ precise low cross to claim his first senior goal. Nico O’Reilly also opened his City account, firing a low shot into the far corner from Doku’s cut-back.
The star of the match, however, was James McAtee. The England Under-21 midfielder, often overlooked this season, stole the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick. His first came in the 62nd minute, courtesy of another Doku assist. McAtee completed his treble within 19 minutes, with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish providing the setups for his second and third goals, respectively.
With key players rested, Pep Guardiola’s side showed their depth and quality, dominating possession and dismantling a Salford team that struggled to cope with the Premier League giants’ intensity.
Sports
David Moyes Returns as Everton Manager for Second Stint
David Moyes has been reappointed as Everton manager, marking his second tenure at the club. The 61-year-old Scot signed a two-and-a-half-year contract after Sean Dyche was dismissed on Thursday. Everton currently sits 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, with only three wins from 19 matches this season.
Moyes expressed his excitement about returning to Goodison Park:
“I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club. Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”
Moyes first managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, during which he transformed the club from relegation candidates to regular top-half finishers. His achievements included:
- Guiding Everton to the FA Cup final in 2009.
- Securing a fourth-place finish in 2004-05, leading to Champions League qualification.
- Developing young talent, including giving Wayne Rooney his professional debut.
- Signing iconic players like Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini.
After leaving Everton to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, Moyes managed Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and West Ham United, where he won the Europa Conference League in 2023. Moyes had been out of management since leaving West Ham at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Everton faces significant challenges, but Moyes brings vast experience and a deep understanding of the club’s culture. His goal is to stabilize the team and ensure their place in the Premier League as they prepare to transition to their new stadium.
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