Gearing up for the Honda Indy Toronto
Indycar Safety Director Tim Baughman on what goes into making high octane events like the Honda Indy safe for drivers and fans.
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CBC
15 hours ago
- CBC
Time is undefeated, but Venus Williams and Manny Pacquiao display how athletes can age gracefully
Social Sharing Eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao used ring I.Q. and boxing geometry to overcome height and reach deficits in his title fight against Mario Barrios, earning a controversial draw against a bigger, stronger, harder-hitting opponent. And if you think we're re-heating headlines from the Pac Man's late-2000s heyday, think again. That bout happened last Saturday in Las Vegas. Barrios, the World Boxing Council welterweight champion, is 30. Pacquiao, who last fought in August 2021, will be 47 in December. If he had edged out one more round on two judges' scorecards, he'd have become the first boxer in history to win world titles in four different decades. Even if he didn't defeat Barrios, Pacquiao earned a victory over age and expectations. Three days later Venus Williams, 45, ended two year layoff from pro tennis, entered the D.C. Open as a wildcard, and dispatched Peyton Stearns, a player roughly half her age, to reach the round of 16. These back-to-back triumphs for 80s babies offer more than a glimmer of hope for those of us old enough to wake up with aches we can't explain. They're more like a beacon, and a compelling argument against one of the most rock-solid axioms in sport and life. If time really is undefeated, how do you explain this weekend? Easily. But if we look at Pacquiao and Williams' performances as self-awareness success stories, and case studies in the value of choosing your opportunities wisely, we might learn something from these last few days. First, let's acknowledge that Pacquiao and Williams defied recent sports medicine trends just by reaching the arena in one piece. We just finished watching an NBA Playoffs in which two star players younger than age 30 – Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum – suffered a ruptured achilles tendon, an injury we normally associate with advanced age and high mileage. The third NBA star to tear his achilles tendon this post-season, Damian Lillard, turned 35 last week. Age matters at the extremes Against the backdrop, watching Pacquiao and Williams roll back the odometer looks even more impressive. They both turned pro during Bill Clinton's first term as president. If you can't remember that far back, that's the point. This kind of longevity might not be unprecedented, but it's rare. Let's also keep in mind that age matters at the extremes. It's why a 9.8 sprinter can stroll unrecognized through most U.S. cities, but a high schooler who breaks 10-flat becomes a minor internet celebrity. And it's why masters sports group athletes into cohorts that span five years, accounting for a sort of reverse puberty. In terms of strength and muscle mass, 55 and 60 years old are as different as 15 and 20. Age classifications matter, so when middle-aged athletes enter open competition, we're right to view their performances through the prism of their age. That's why so many people are classifying Pacquiao's draw against Barrios, a competitive fight by the stats, as a robbery. Barrios landed more punches, but if you think the intangibles favoured Pacquiao it's reasonable to see those two factors evening out to produce a draw. But Pacquiao, as we noted, is 46. At that age, even people who train daily are more likely to have arthritis than visible abs. Barrios, a top-ranked welterweight 16 years Pacquiao's junior, should have handled him, but Pacquiao kept rallying and landing punches and weathering Barrios' offence. It wasn't the fight most of us envisioned. There's a difference, however, outperforming expectations, which Pacquiao did, and winning a fight, which he didn't. There's also a gap between winning a bout, which one judge said Barrios did, and winning convincingly. But if you factor in Pacquiao's age, simply keeping pace with Barrios seems like a win. With Williams, there's no "seems like." She took the first set 6-3, and the second 6-4, so there's nothing to debate, not even whether Peak Venus Williams would have dispatched Stearns even more quickly. We're still discussing an all-time great, after all. Timing is everything But this weekend's results aren't evidence that Pacquiao and Williams have figured out how to freeze time. It's the opposite. Their success shows they've made smart adjustments for the aging process. You'll note, for example, that Pacquiao's surprise draw and Williams' convincing win came on night one, fresh off long layoffs. Given what we understand now about the art, science, and importance of recovery for older athletes, we know Pacquiao and Williams entered these contests with fully charged batteries, and would likely feel different on the last day of a long season. Which is to say, for those of us trying to perform physically even though we're closer to 50 than we are to 40, timing matters. And so do opponents. Stearns is an NCAA champ, which makes her several echelons better than the best tennis player reading this column. But she also competes in a sport where most elites turn pro instead of playing in college. By her age, Williams was already a nine-year veteran of the WTA tour. Williams is on the downside now, but even her current plateau hovers above most people's ceiling. As for Pacquiao – he chose Barrios for a reason. Among the current champions at 147 pounds, Barrios has the most glaring shortcomings. Defence is one, and a lack of home-run punching power is another. On fight night we learned he was also startstruck, reluctant to let his hands go when he had Pacquiao stunned, and willing to abandon half his offence when Pacquiao complained to the referee about body punches that appeared legal. Pacquiao made it clear that he didn't want Barrios punching him in the stomach, and Barrios, for large stretches of the fight, complied. If Pacquiao had chosen Brian Norman Jr., the hard-hitting W.B.O. champion, for his comeback fight, we'd be looking at one of two outcomes – peeling Pacquiao off the canvas or retrieving him from the rafters. Norman hits that hard. But if you're staying active deep into middle age, and trying to find inspiration in Pacquiao and Williams' success, that's the point. It's not just okay to scale back your goals and challenges. It's smart. Pacquiao is as unlikely to unify the welterweight title as Williams is to capture another Grand Slam, but it doesn't matter. They're still overperforming relative to the restraints that age places on all of us, and highlighting one more distinction few of us had considered until now. The one between aging gracefully and aging forcefully.
CTV News
16 hours ago
- CTV News
Ford expands recall for thousands of Canadian vehicles over engine concerns
Ford has expanded a Canadian recall to include more SUVs over a defect that could cause the vehicles to catch fire. An advisory posted by Transport Canada said a fuel injector may crack on certain vehicles, causing fuel to leak into the engine compartment and create the risk of a fire. The advisory issued earlier this month adds the 2024 Ford Bronco to a list of previously recalled vehicles. The addition brings the total number of vehicles impacted to 70,618, all of which have a 1.5 L EcoBoost engine, the notice stated. Ford said it would notify affected owners by mail, and that dealership mechanics will do an interim repair by updating the engine control software to detect fuel injector leaks. 'Once the final repair is available, you will need to return to a dealership,' according to the recall advisory. 'The final corrective actions for this recall are under development.' The recall affects Bronco Sport SUVs from 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as Escape models from 2020, 2021 and 2022. In the United States, officials have warned drivers facing similar issues to watch for a strong fuel smell, dashboard warnings, smoke or flames. The U.S. recall affects 694,271 Ford crossover SUVs over similar concerns with the fuel injector, Reuters reported on July 16. It was issued in the wake of a year-long investigation, and applies to 2021 to 2024 Bronco Sport and 2020 to 2022 Escape models with 1.5-litre engines. Canadian SUV recall from March In Canada, Ford issued related recall notices for the engine and fuel systems of certain SUVs in March of this year, which followed other advisories from 2024. One such recall, affecting 3,241 vehicles and updated on March 20, involved a risk of fire from cracked fuel injectors and recall repairs that may have been done incorrectly. That recall involved Bronco Sport models from 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as Escape models from 2020, 2021 and 2022. Ford drivers were also advised of another recall on July 8, affecting 107,534 cars, SUVs and trucks. This related to a different issue: a potential fuel pump defect could lead to a crash.
National Post
16 hours ago
- National Post
Leo Messi Backs Global Search for the Next Generation of Ballers With the Más+ by Messi 1V1 World Crown - And It's Coming to Toronto
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Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The inaugural Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown is a brand-new global search for the most talented male and female ballers It includes a Toronto event for the best ballers in Canada to face off against each other The best from Canada will head to a final in Miami this September, and show off their skills to Messi himself With a cash prize, and the title of World's Best 1v1 Baller on the line, the tournament is dedicated to uncovering and celebrating emerging grassroots talent from communities across Canada, the US, the UK, and Ireland Leo Messi is a driving force behind the competition, involved in competitor selection and will attend the final in Miami to see who will win the crown The groundbreaking tournament is organized by Más+ by Messi, the hydration drink co-founded by Leo, backing champions on their journey Watch the launch video featuring Messi TORONTO — Prepare for a soccer revolution! Hydration drink Más+ by Messi, in collaboration with Leo Messi, widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time and an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is igniting a worldwide search for the planet's most exceptional 1v1 players – and it's coming to Toronto. Today marks the official announcement of the inaugural Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown, a groundbreaking tournament set to uncover grassroots talent and create a dynamic new platform for the future of soccer. The event has been unveiled by Más+ by Messi, the hydration drink co-founded by the soccer legend. This brand new tournament is designed to redefine how the next generation of ballers make their name. From community pitches to the grandest stages, the Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring athletes to shine – and, critically, to perform under the watchful eye of Leo Messi. The soccer maestro will be personally involved, helping in the selection of competitors and overseeing the final rounds, culminating in the ultimate moment where he will crown the champions. A Global Quest To Unearth Unrivalled Skills The journey to anoint the world's top male and female 1v1 players begins on August 2nd in Los Angeles, where the first of four regional qualifiers kicks off. Over the following six weeks, the Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown will make stops in Toronto, London, and Dublin, with players battling it out in intense, head-to-head showdowns for a coveted spot in September's showpiece final in Miami. The first of its kind Toronto event will take place on August 16th at Central Tech Stadium. Aspiring ballers are encouraged to enter for a chance to be selected for a place in the city pre-qualifier events, with city event winners progressing to the final in Miami. Alternatively, a select few 'Wildcard' spots can be secured by showcasing skills through video applications, with selected competitors heading straight to the Miami final. The Essence of 1v1: Rules of Engagement At its core, the Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown champions the raw, unadulterated essence of street football. Top Baller, the world's leading 1v1 football specialists, will host these electrifying tournaments, ensuring a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and unparalleled talent. Here's how the 1v1 challenge unfolds: Attacker plays a 1-2 with the defender Attacker beating the defender to score a goal will get 1 point Play resets and players switch positions Defender stopping the attacker from scoring a goal will get 1 point Attackers get 10 seconds to score a goal at each round First to 3 points advances to the next round Witness Future Legends In The Making The search for the next generation of football masters kicks off this August: Los Angeles – August 2nd Toronto – August 16th London – August 23rd Dublin – September 6th Miami (Final) – September 19th The ultimate male and female 1v1 World Crown champions will not only claim a $5,000 prize, presented by Messi himself in Miami, but will also receive a meticulously crafted replica of the World Crown. This replica is modeled after the original, hand-forged creation by Joe Bazanetti, the renowned jeweler trusted by Messi for his eight Ballon d'Or rings. While the original crown remains a permanent symbol of glory, the replica serves as a distinguished emblem of the champions' achievement. Speaking about this groundbreaking initiative, Leo Messi shared: 'Football is about passion, skill, and the joy of the game. The Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown is pure sport and isn't just about finding champions; it's about incredible, undiscovered talent showing the world what they can do. Since I've been playing with Inter Miami, I've had the chance to play in Toronto a few times already. It's another place where you can clearly see the passion for football, and it's obvious that more and more people are getting into the game. The tournament is a great opportunity for local players to showcase their skills. I'm looking forward to seeing how they take part and what kind of talent is discovered there.' Throughout the series, Más+ by Messi will be on hand to support athletes, providing the essential hydration needed to perform at their absolute peak. Its expertly crafted blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, with natural flavours and no artificial sweeteners or colours, offers unmatched taste and just 10 calories per bottle. This ensures ballers can maintain their focus, stay locked in, and be at their very best for every challenge. To find out more about the Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown, enter for a chance to play in a city pre-qualifier event, or enter as a Wildcard, visit US (for LA & Miami), CA (for Toronto), UK (for London), 18+. LA: 08:00 PDT 7/24/25 – 7/27/25. Miami: 08:00 ET 7/24/25 – 9/11/25. Toronto: 08:00 ET 7/24/25 – 8/10/25. London: 08:00 BST 7/24/25 – 8/17/25. Visit , upload 2 min video of your football skills + #MasbyMessiContest & #1v1WorldCrown in post caption & follow @Masbymessi to enter Competition. No purchase. Prizes per event: 32 male category & 32 female category winners win a place in Más+ by Messi 1v1 Soccer City Pre-qualifier tournament in LA (on 8/2/25), Miami (on 9/19/25), Toronto (on 8/16/25) or London (on 8/23/25) (depending on country of residence), ARV: US$500, Total ARV: US$32,000. Promotion void where prohibited. 1 entry & 1 Prize p/p. Winners must respond within 2 days to claim. See website for Official Rules & Prize details. Promoter: Mark Anthony Brands International. Más+ by Messi is a hydration drink co-founded by global superstar Lionel Messi together with Mark Anthony Group. It has a balanced blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, with natural flavours and no artificial sweeteners or colours. Más+ by Messi offers unmatched taste and contains just 10 calories per bottle. Hydrate like a champion with Más+ By Messi. Más+ By Messi is available in four delicious flavours, inspired by Messi's life: Miami Punch – Hints of pineapple notes with classic fruit punch aroma and by the city where Messi and his family live, Messi's current and next chapter. Orange D'or – Smells like fresh squeezed oranges, with a refreshing orange flavour. Inspired by Messi's record 8 wins of the Ballon d'Or Trophy. Limón Lime League – Tastes like fresh lemons and green limes. Flavour name honours the time Messi spent playing in the UEFA Champions League, a cup he won four times. Berry Copa Crush – Notes of blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and açaí berries. The perfect balance of sweet and citrus tastes with a smooth finish. Flavour name inspired by the many incredible trophies, including the World Cup, that Leo has lifted in his career. Pioneers of 1v1 soccer – Top Baller creates events that celebrate community, sportsmanship and talent. We're finding Top Ballers around the world and showcasing grassroots talent across our media channels. Our goal is to bring together young players with a competition that celebrates community, sportsmanship and talent. All events will be filmed and available to view on our Youtube channel @Top_Baller. View source version on This advertisement has not loaded yet.
