Latest news with #2000OlympicGames
Sinar Daily
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
New game, same passion: Olympians find fresh spark in pickleball
How pickleball ignited Olympic stars in Malaysia 21 May 2025 09:00pm Former national badminton player and Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Chan Peng Soon, along with Malaysian hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi, are now active participants in the fast-growing sport gaining popularity across the country. - Photo source: mirnawannawawi/Instagram KUALA LUMPUR - Two iconic names who once brought glory to Malaysia on the Olympic stage are making their mark in sports once again, this time on a smaller but no less competitive court: pickleball. Former national badminton player and Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Chan Peng Soon, along with Malaysian hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi, are now active participants in the fast-growing sport gaining popularity across the country. Former national badminton player and Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Chan Peng Soon, along with Malaysian hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi, are now active participants in the fast-growing sport gaining popularity across the country. - Photo source: pschan88/Instagram Pickleball, a hybrid of badminton, tennis and table tennis, has become a compelling alternative for retired athletes who still possess the competitive spirit. Since announcing his retirement from professional badminton last year, Peng Soon admitted that his passion for racquet sports has never waned. Encouraged by friends, he took up pickleball in June last year and has since embraced it as a new hobby. To test his skills, Peng Soon has competed in several local tournaments and quickly recognised the sport's growth potential in Malaysia. In response, he opened a pickleball centre in Subang Jaya last year under his badminton academy. "I saw pickleball becoming a trend - that's why I grabbed the opportunity to open a dedicated pickleball facility. "I believe the sport has huge potential, so I'm doing my part to support its development in Malaysia,' he said,' he said, adding that the centre houses 18 courts with rental starting at RM50 per hour. Meanwhile, Mirnawan shared that he was introduced to pickleball by his wife, Datin Noorah Mokhsin, who regularly plays with friends. Since picking up the sport in May last year, the former national hockey captain has become an avid player, training four to five times a week. "Pickleball offers a fresh, enjoyable experience. What makes it even more special is how it brings people together, regardless of background,' he said. He recalled teaming up with national women's football captain Steffi Sarge Kaur in a local tournament, a testament to the sport's inclusive and friendly community. The former national team hockey captain who represented Malaysia in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, Mirnawan is no stranger to competition, having already won several local pickleball tournaments with his team. "The feeling of competing again brings back memories of representing the country, the nerves, the pressure but also the excitement,' he said. The 53-year-old sports icon also revealed plans to open a pickleball centre in Selangor soon to meet the growing demand for facilities. - BERNAMA More Like This
CBC
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Former U.S. women's basketball head coach Fortner takes over Canada's senior squad
Nell Fortner has been named head coach of Canada's senior women's national team, Canada Basketball announced Monday. The longtime NCAA, WNBA and international coach takes over from Victor Lapeña as the program looks to rebound from a winless showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Fortner guided the United States to gold at the 1998 FIBA World Championship and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, compiling a 101-14 international record. The 66-year-old from Jackson, Miss., most recently spent six seasons at Georgia Tech, leading the Yellow Jackets to three NCAA tournament appearances before announcing her retirement earlier this year. "I'm honoured to join Canada Basketball and help lead this next chapter for the senior women's national team," Fortner said in a statement. "I've followed the rise of this program for years and have great respect for the culture the organization and players are building. "This is a special group with the talent, toughness and togetherness, and they have the ability to achieve something great — I'm excited to get to work." Her hiring comes as 25 players commit to the national team through the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. In November, players and staff set team standards around commitment, accountability and culture — a foundation that now guides the women's program, according to Canada Basketball. "This commitment represents a shared belief in what we're building and how we intend to get there," said Steve Baur, general manager and vice-president of women's high performance. "Our athletes set a clear tone for this next chapter, and we're proud to see that vision backed by such a strong group of players." Canada finished fourth at the 2022 tournament and is turning to a younger core following the retirement of several veterans. The team will compete at this summer's FIBA AmeriCup and hold a training camp in Victoria this fall. Canadian basketball star Natalie Achonwa discusses what it means to represent Canada 9 months ago Duration 1:29 The 16-year Canadian women's national team member reflects on journey at Paris 2024.
Winnipeg Free Press
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Former U.S. head coach Fortner takes over Canada's senior women's basketball team
TORONTO – Nell Fortner has been named head coach of Canada's senior women's national team, Canada Basketball announced Monday. The longtime NCAA, WNBA and international coach takes over from Víctor Lapeña as the program looks to rebound from a winless showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Fortner guided the United States to gold at the 1998 FIBA World Championship and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, compiling a 101-14 international record. The 66-year-old from Jackson, Miss., most recently spent six seasons at Georgia Tech, leading the Yellow Jackets to three NCAA tournament appearances before announcing her retirement earlier this year. Her hiring comes as 25 players commit to the national team through the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Canada finished fourth at the 2022 tournament and is turning to a younger core following the retirement of several veterans. The team will compete at this summer's FIBA AmeriCup and hold a training camp in Victoria this fall. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2025.
AU Financial Review
21-04-2025
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Why Grant Hackett enjoys being a CEO more than winning Olympic gold
Grant Hackett is chief executive of Generation Development Group, a provider of specialist financial products, largely for retirees, and asset management and financial research services. But he is still better known as one of the great distance swimmers, having won the men's 1500 metres freestyle at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and the 2004 Games in Athens.
