Latest news with #Arena
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
McIntosh and Marchand dazzle for gold at world championships
Summer McIntosh came within a whisker of breaking a long-standing world record and Leon Marchand failed to improve on a new mark he set just a night earlier, but both young guns won gold medals at the world championships in Singapore on Thursday. Romania's David Popovici also flirted with a record on day five at the World Aquatics Championships Arena, the 20-year-old claiming a thrilling 100 metres freestyle gold to go with his 200 crown on day three. The 200 butterfly world record of 2:01.81 set by China's Liu Zige in 2009 is the last surviving mark from the supersuit era in women's swimming -- and McIntosh all but took it down. She stormed to her third individual gold medal of the meet in 2:01.99, the second-fastest swim of all time and a yawning three seconds better than American silver medallist Regan Smith. Having made the last turn under world record pace the Canadian 18-year-old flagged slightly coming home and shouted an expletive when she spied the clock. "I know that I messed up the last 15 metres of my race," she said. "Overall, happy with the time and a PB, but I didn't reach my goal tonight." China's 12-year-old marvel Yu Zidi finished just off the podium again having also placed fourth in the 200 IM. McIntosh might console herself in the knowledge that her bid for five individual titles remains intact, with the 400 IM and a hugely anticipated showdown with American great Katie Ledecky in the 800 freestyle still to come. Only Michael Phelps has won five individual golds at a world championships. Marchand, dubbed the "French Phelps", celebrated a world record on Wednesday when he blitzed the long-standing 200 IM mark of Ryan Lochte with an incredible swim of 1:52.69 in the semifinals. With victory seemingly assured in the final the only suspense was whether Marchand might reset his world record from the previous night but he ended up nearly a second short, with a time of 1:53.68. It was still the second fastest swim ever and led to a dominant win by 0.62 seconds ahead of American Shaine Casas and Hungarian Hubert Kos. Marchand said the record may have taken a bit out of him but he was hardly complaining. "I felt so excited yesterday that I couldn't sleep," he said. "So I think I lost a lot of energy yesterday night, but it was my goal to break the record, so I was really happy with it." Popovici then emerged the winner of a sensational men's 100 freestyle final, clocking 46.51 to give Pan Zhanle's world record (46.40) a big scare. American runner-up Jack Alexy also broke the 47-second barrier (46.92), while Paris Games silver medallist Kyle Chalmers took the bronze for Australia. At 20, 200 Olympic champion Popovici has already completed the 100-200 sweep twice at world championships, having done the double at Budapest three years ago. The relaxed Romanian said he had reached a higher plain; no longer worried about winning or losing. "I just feel very relieved that this huge pressure of being afraid of winning or losing is off me," he said. "I don't mean it in an arrogant way, I mean it in a self-maturing way." The United States celebrated a fourth gold in the meet as Katharine Berkoff won the 50 backstroke in 27.08 seconds, edging compatriot Smith. In the finale of Thursday's programme, Australia's women clinched a second relay gold as Mollie O'Callaghan held off Ledecky in a thrilling final leg to guide her 4x200 freestyle relay team over the finish line. Australia also won the men's and women's 4x100 freestyle golds on Sunday. O'Callaghan, whose 11th gold tied her with Ian Thorpe as the most successful Australian at the world championships, will now look to add the 100 freestyle title to her 200 crown on Friday. Medals will also be decided in the men's 200 breaststroke, 200 backstroke and 4x200 freestyle relay, as well as the women's 200 breaststroke.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'They can't hold me'- Gilbert Arenas makes a bold claim after being released post shocking gambling sting arrest
Gilbert Arenas, Image via Getty Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas generated waves across the globe for all wrong reasons. The popular podcast host, along with five others, was arrested after he was found running an illegal gambling business. According to the latest development on Arena's case, he was spotted leaving Los Angeles jail on Wednesday. He was seen happily taking the exit door after making headlines for an illegal gambling sting. Gilbert Arenas makes a bold prediction after being released from Los Angeles jail Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was all smiles while taking the exit route from Los Angeles jail on Wednesday. The Gill's Arena podcaster diverted the attention of NBA world after he was embroiled in an illegal gambling racket. According to multiple media outlets, the infamous sting was operated from California under an Israeli head with a criminal background. While leaving the Los Angeles prison, Gilbert Arenas made a bold prediction about himself post gambling sting. He looked straight into the camera and confidently said with a smile, 'They can't hold me.' According to U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, Gilbert Arenas was convicted on the charges of illegal gambling racket. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cargo Ship Meets Pirates - Watch What the Captain Does Next! Tips and Tricks Undo Reportedly, he played an important role in the day-to-day activities of gambling business and even made false statements to federal investigators. Gilbert Arenas pleaded not guilty and was released a few hours after his arrest. The trial for the particular case would start on September 23. Why was the former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas arrested? The former NBA star's exit came just a few hours after his arrest. Reportedly, he was taken into custody on federal charges stating that Arenas played an important role in the illegal gambling organization out of his Encino mansion. Reportedly, Arenas was mainly accused for renting out his Los Angeles residence to a group of people involved in order to conduct the activities related to the poker game. Also Read: Former NBA star Kwame Brown takes a dig at Gilbert Arenas' arrest and Shannon Sharpe's exit from ESPN FAQ's 1. Why was Gilbert Arenas arrested recently? Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested for running an illegal gambling business in California. 2. For which NBA team does Gilbert Arenas play? Gilbert Arenas used to play for the Memphis Grizzlies. He retired from the NBA after the 2011-12 season. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Irish Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
‘I loved every day I worked with Seán and will miss him': tributes paid to beloved RTÉ presenter Seán Rocks
President Michael D Higgins , friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Seán Rocks , the RTÉ broadcaster and actor, who died on Wednesday after a brief illness, aged 64. Rocks presented the nightly arts and culture show Arena on RTÉ Radio 1 since the show's inception in 2009. He was also an actor, appearing in plays at the Gate , Peacock and Abbey theatres, and he was recognised and admired for the knowledge and empathy he brought to his role interviewing some of the country's best known arts figures. In a statement, the President said Ireland had lost 'one of its finest broadcasters and advocates for the arts'. [ Seán Rocks: Ireland has lost one of its great cultural champions Opens in new window ] 'Seán's show Arena on Radio 1 was an example, for all generations of listeners, of the deep, wide and supportive curiosity that he delivered from a rich insight into all aspects of the arts and culture. Seán's interest in all forms of the arts shone through on every topic and he expanded so many people's appreciation of performance and culture of all kinds,' the President said. READ MORE Sinéad Egan, series producer of Arena, told The Irish Times that Rocks's time as an actor gave him a 'fascinating' perspective. 'It meant that he appreciated how important every single piece of art was to the people involved, no matter the scale,' she said. 'Seán was beloved in RTÉ radio and within the arts community. It is impossible to overstate Seán's warmth and empathy as a person and as a broadcaster. He knew that for guests on Arena, art is life. Making radio with Seán was a privilege and a joy. Time and again, the best writers, visual artists, musicians, actors and film-makers came to Arena to talk to Seán because they knew he would engage fully with their work and ideas. His loss is profound. I am devastated for Seán and for his beautiful family.' Donal Ryan, author Seán was a deeply warm, funny and kind man with an incredible intellect and vast empathy. He always made people around him feel special and appreciated. I remember meeting him years ago in the RTÉ canteen and he could tell that I was nervous. He put his arm around me and said, 'Ah Donal, you'll be grand,' and I was. There was nothing like turning on the radio on a long drive home and hearing that Arena was about to start. It was miraculous, to have such a rich, entertaining and expansive show every day, presented with such easy brilliance. Seán is a huge loss to all of us, but I can only imagine his family's devastation. My deepest sympathy to Catherine, Morgan, Christian and all of his loved ones. Kay Sheehy, former series producer of Arena If there is magic in radio it has to be on air, and Seán Rocks had plenty of magic moments. But for me, thinking back with sadness and love for my friend and colleague Seán, the magic I liked most was in our pre-show tussles. We just loved to have a good old barney about a play, book or performance we had seen. We'd bicker and bark with disbelief about what the other 'could possibly' have admired or hated. It may have got the critical juices flowing for the show ahead, but for me it was fun, because he was fun. A producer's worst fear is some hare-brained idea they have being dismissed by an all-knowing presenter. That was never the case with Seán. 'Let's go to the Abbey and do a deep dive show on Conor McPherson's The Weir with the writer, director Caitríona McLaughlin , actor Brendan Coyle and cast interpreting the play?' He would jump at the chance. 'Let's do a Trad Fest special with Janis Ian, with others singing her songs as her voice is no longer up to it'? Again it was a yes. I loved every day I worked with Seán and will miss him. Elaine Feeney, author Seán Rocks was so brilliant and smart, he was deeply supportive of the arts (of all persuasion of arts), and his knowledge and understanding of culture was unparalleled. He understood what creativity meant, and was a light on the many evenings I listened to him, even on dark days when the whole world seemed off kilter, he was reliable and reassuring. I am so very sad to hear of his untimely passing. (From Instagram) Olan McGowan, former producer of Arena Seán Rocks was the best, the most natural presenter I ever worked with. It was a pleasure producing Arena, going through material before the show and it was always a pleasure sitting in studio when he was in the chair. Nobody had a greater appreciation of the arts than Seán. His ability to go from the latest Netflix series to a highbrow author and then back to music of any genre, all in one show, was unparalleled. I always said Arena was a very good show with a very good team, but it was Seán that made it great. He is irreplaceable. (From Instagram) Edel Coffey, author and former RTÉ radio researcher I started working on Arena a long time ago, which is how I got to know and love Seán Rocks. He was always brilliant and interested and smart and informed, but also he was always kind and funny and great fun. I have lovely memories of chair-dancing in the studio with him as we reviewed albums. He was very special, a total gentleman. This is devastating news for him, his family, the arts community and radio broadcasting. Joseph Chester, singer-songwriter Going on to Arena to talk to Seán was always a bit more nerve-racking than any other interview simply because his knowledge of the arts was so deep and you knew he would never let you get away with blather and cliches. You had to be prepared for an interview with Seán. For that reason I think that his interviews had a depth and understanding that few others had. He was also so supportive to me, inviting me on the show whenever I had an album coming out. I was in with him just a few weeks ago, talking about Françoise Sagan, sadness and life and playing a few pieces for him. He was in great form, curious and warm and talking off air about his family. He will be so missed. (From Instagram) Roisín O'Donnell, author People talk about feeling seen, and I think that's what Seán did for everyone who walked into his studio. He had that rare gift for making people feel seen, heard and understood. Back in 2016, I was a very nervous young writer, just starting out, but Seán put me instantly at ease, and talked about my stories with such insight and empathy. I walked out of there feeling like a million dollars. His wit, intelligence and passion for the arts in all forms was truly remarkable. The Irish arts scene has lost a real legend. (From Instagram) Sinéad Gleeson, author and Arena contributor I am – along with so many in the Irish arts community – devastated to hear about the death of Seán Rocks, presenter of @rte_arena . An intelligent, curious, warm broadcaster who lifted us all up, but more importantly, was a wonderful person. A total gentleman, always smiling who put people at ease. I loved the studio chats before the mic was live, where we often talked about our kids. I was only on air with him nine days ago and I couldn't make it to studio, and now I wish I had. He was one of a kind and will be so missed. (From Instagram) Nadine O'Regan, Irish Times journalist and Arena contributor Seán Rocks was one of the most lovely people you could ever encounter. He was gas off air – with plenty of anecdotes and wisecracks – and professional, good-humoured, thoughtful and wise on air. There were so many lessons you could take from Seán as a presenter. He was a brilliant listener, with a finely tuned ear for a turn in a conversation, or a change in tone. He was extremely respectful to his guests – whether you were a huge star or a small contributor, he treated everyone the same. He was ego-free. And he was consistent – he always gave the show his all. Just the other week, I was saying to one of Arena's team how brilliant the show was, and how much I enjoyed contributing to it. 'Everything stems from the presenter,' she said. 'Seán is the same off-air as on – and he brings that atmosphere with him.' Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, poet and author Dinner with Seán Rocks A year ago I started having dinner with Seán Rocks. I light the candles, pour a glass of wine And set my plate upon the table. Then Arena starts. 'Imagine turning up For an interview with that!' he says. Novelists and singers. My favourites are the film critics: so frank and honest. It's March. I turn on the radio. The dark locked garden calls for candles. After the clock springs on In April they're not really needed. But still I persist. Dinner with Seán Rocks, at seven every evening. It's March again. A year has passed, The year of Covid. I light the candles, set My plate upon the table. Rice and chicken. 'I want to Finish with something I know you love!' You know what I like about Seán Rocks? He's nice. He has a melodious voice. He's not pompous, never perky. He speaks decent Irish. 'Anois an Nuacht ó Mháire de Bhailís' He says before his show begins. 'That is our lot for this evening.' Much has happened Since last March. Birth and death. And yet 'Tá sé díreach in am do John Creedon.' (from Facebook)
The Journal
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
In tribute: Seán Rocks showed us with warmth and wit that the Irish arts matter
ANY OUTLETS THAT shine a light on the Irish arts are precious these days, but none more so than the daily arts show Arena on RTÉ Radio One . Today came the terrible news that its stalwart presenter, the erudite, warm and witty Seán Rocks, has died aged 64 . You will see many tributes to him today, all extolling what a talented, informed presenter he was, a true champion of the arts. Seán Rocks himself probably would not have expected such an outpouring of love and sadness from strangers, because those of us who worked with him in any capacity did not experience him as a man seeking fame or attention. I first met the Monaghan native in 2009, when I started contributing as a reviewer to RTÉ Arena. Back then he had just moved from Lyric FM, and he wouldn't have known it but he taught me a huge amount about how to be a brilliant presenter, and how to up my game as a contributor. One could only wish for the combined gift he had of deep knowledge and an expansive love of the arts. Having been an actor himself, he could think about the arts from the point of view of both a performer/artist and an audience member. There was no artistic genre he wasn't capable of talking about, and he was as adept interviewing an actor or director as an artist or writer. He also had the vanishingly rare characteristic of being incredibly informed while free from ego, and it was this which meant he could do a deeply interesting and probing interview without coming across as snooty. He clearly thought of the listener: what would they want to know? What interesting nugget could he discover on their behalf? Advertisement 'He took his role seriously' View this post on Instagram A post shared by RTÉ Radio 1 (@rteradio1) So many of us have had evenings and dinnertimes soundtracked by his great interviews. They were always filled with gentle curiosity; humour was deployed with ease. Artists clearly enjoyed talking to him because Seán cared about what he was doing; he cared about the arts, and he wanted to champion them. He took his role seriously. He treated every interviewee with respect. I've mostly contributed to Arena as a music reviewer, though over the years I've contributed in other small ways too. It was and continues to be an incredible honour to get to contribute to the show in any capacity. My first thoughts when I heard the terrible news about Seán were of his family; earlier this year post-show we'd had a great chat about what his much-loved sons were up to. But I also thought of his team, because Arena was not just Seán – it was and is a team who care as much as him about the arts and about art-makers. Together they endeavour to cover all aspects of the arts, from independent bands to literary awards. They look across the country and are not satisfied with focusing on Dublin above everything else. It's a herculean job and I don't want to think about what the country would be missing if Arena wasn't on air. A rare and welcome show Many of us paying tribute to Seán today are freelancers and arts journalists who know what a precious gem Arena is. It's given us work, it's taken us seriously, and Seán always provided us with a welcome and rare opportunity to talk about the arts on air in an in-depth and serious way. Related Reads RTÉ radio presenter Seán Rocks dies aged 64 But he had a cheeky side to him too. While doing reviews, we'd joke around often between songs. He would always recover with panache from our shenanigans just before the mic was back on. He might have had a look of divilment in his eyes when asking a probing question about an album, but he was never dismissive about even the most dire of records. He always treated the work with respect and the genres reviewed on Arena have always been incredibly wide-ranging. When I look back on my own career since 2009, even if I was only on Arena a handful of times in a year the show has always played a huge role in keeping me validated, informed and on my toes as a journalist. I think I can speak for all contributors when I say that you want to do your best on Arena. Seán Rocks would show up to the mic – with the great support of the Arena team – ready to do excellent work. You couldn't show up and do half a job in response. There is a saying that you should 'give someone their flowers' before it is too late. I hope that Seán Rocks knew to some degree how respected he was, and how much his work on Arena has mattered to art-makers, journalists and art-lovers. We are all truly sad today, sad for his family, sad for the Arena team, sad for his colleagues at RTÉ, sad that we won't hear him on air tonight. If there is anything we can take from this terrible time, it is to treasure those who, like Seán, make an active contribution towards championing the Irish arts in a world that does not always value it. I hope Seán Rocks' family can glean some small comfort during this devastating time in seeing just how much he meant to the country. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Aoife Barry is a freelance arts journalist and author. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Post
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
President Higgins shares ‘great sadness' over sudden death of Seán Rocks
IRELAND'S president has led the tributes following the death of RTÉ presenter Seán Rocks. The Monaghan-born radio presenter and actor has died, aged 64, it was confirmed in a statement by RTÉ. 'It is with profound sadness that RTÉ announces the death of radio presenter and actor Seán Rocks,' they said. 'Seán died last night following a brief illness at the age of 64,' they added. Rocks presented RTÉ Radio 1's nightly arts and culture magazine, Arena, since its inception in 2009. Recently he presented a Sunday afternoon programme on RTÉ lyric FM, where his radio career first began in 2000. Seán Rocks, host of the long-running arts and culture programme Arena, has died, aged 64, following a brief illness RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst said it was with 'enormous shock and sadness' that the broadcaster learned of 'Seán's untimely passing'. 'Not only is radio the poorer for his passing, but so too has Ireland lost one of its most passionate advocates for the arts, and one of its most informed and versatile voices,' Mr Bakhurst said. 'I want to extend my most sincere sympathies to Seán's beloved Catherine, his children Christian and Morgan, his friends, and his colleagues at this terrible time.' Rocks began presenting programmes on RTÉ Lyric FM in 2000, before moving on to produce and present documentaries and arts programming on RTÉ Radio 1, including 'Soul of Ireland', an award winner at the New York Festival of Radio. He also regularly hosted important national literary and arts events and compered events at the National Concert Hall and other major venues nationwide. Paying tribute this morning, President Michael D Higgins said it was 'with the greatest sadness that I have learnt of the death of Seán Rocks'. 'Ireland has lost one its finest broadcasters and advocates for the arts and artists,' he added. 'Seán's show Arena on Radio One was an example, for all generations of listeners, of the deep, wide and supportive curiosity that he delivered from a rich insight into all aspects of the arts and culture,' he explained. 'Seán's interest in all forms of the arts shone through on every topic and he expanded so many people's appreciation of performance and culture of all kinds, a public service broadcaster in the truest sense.' Mr Higgins went on to recall the last time Rocks visited his Dublin home, Áras an Uachtaráin. 'Just last month, we had the benefit in the Áras on Bloomsday this year of Seán's brilliant critical and presentational skills and of welcoming his family,' he said. 'His trademark warmth and knowledge of the performers and their work lifted the occasion as it always did, communicating an instinctive respect for performance.' He added: 'Sabina and myself were honoured to welcome Seán to Áras an Uachtaráin on a number of other occasions over the years. 'I think for example of the wonderful way in which Seán led an event for youth to mark the visit of the then Prince of Wales, His Majesty King Charles, on his visit to Áras an Uachtaráin in 2017. 'Seán introduced young people from all over Ireland representing the worlds of art, music, sport, science, agriculture and advocacy.' In his own work as an actor, Rocks had performed at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and the Royal Court in London. He leaves behind his wife Catherine and sons Morgan and Christian. See More: Death, Monaghan, President Higgins, RTE, Radio, Sean Rocks
