Latest news with #Ex-Olympian


Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Tory MSP hands SNP victory in knife-edge Holyrood vote – after hitting Yes button instead of No
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said it was "a genuine mistake". BUZZER GAFFE Tory MSP hands SNP victory in knife-edge Holyrood vote – after hitting Yes button instead of No Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TORY MSP Brian Whittle handed the SNP victory in a knife-edge Holyrood vote — after hitting the Yes button instead of No. The former Team GB relay runner's blunder saved Nats from defeat as MSPs debated a legal services shake-up. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Brian Whittle takes the baton from Kris Akabusi during his running days 3 The debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament. The SNP instead landed a 59-58 win — while experts claimed the amendment bungle could see home-buyers left high and dry if their solicitor goes bust. Last night, a Holyrood source said: 'Brian dropped the baton — and unfortunately it means the rules are now a complete mess.' Labour MSP Paul O'Kane hit out: 'The amendment was very clearly not in interests of consumers when undertaking what can be an extremely stressful action like buying a house. It shouldn't have been passed and it wouldn't have, had Brian Whittle read his whip sheet properly. 'It's very disappointing.' MSPs had been deciding if the profession's governing body could step in on behalf of clients to ensure work is completed if a solicitors' firm goes bust. Nats wanted to give flop companies the right to appeal. Nats justice minister Siobhan Brown said it was 'important such matters can be tested by the court'. But critics claimed that risked clients being left in limbo and could lead to homes sales falling through. Ex-Olympian Mr Whittle's Tory colleague Tess White told of legal experts' 'concerns' that the move would 'weaken public protections'. Jenny Gilruth accused of 'playing truant' after her parliament no-show But the South of Scotland MSP then failed to follow instructions from party whips and backed Nats' amendment. Further chaos came when he then voted as instructed on a linked measure. The Law Society of Scotland claimed the muddle could create a two-tier system, with larger firms able to appeal but not self-employed solicitors. A Tories spokesman said: 'This was a genuine mistake from Brian while voting on a vast number of amendments. 'He recognises concerns surrounding these proposals. This vote was made in error.'


Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Olympian Strictly star forced to flee home after obsessed schoolgirl stalker showed up at front door
The teen's campaign caused the medallist a lot of 'fear and anxiety' STAR'S TERROR Ex-Olympian Strictly star forced to flee home after obsessed schoolgirl stalker showed up at front door AN EX-OLYMPIC gymnast and Strictly star was forced to flee her home after she was stalked by an obsessed teenager. Claudia Fragapane's life was turned 'upside down' after she was harassed by the 15-year-old girl, Bristol magistrates heard. Advertisement 6 Claudia Fragapane was stalked by a teen girl Credit: Getty 6 The Olympic medallist was forced to flee her home Credit: Getty 6 Claudia was paired with AJ Pritchard for Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 Credit: Kieron McCarron/BBC The 4ft7in gymnast managed to take a picture of the teen when she knocked at her door having done 'detective work' to track down her address. Claudia, who reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 with AJ Pritchard, previously gave a victim statement describing the 'fear and anxiety' caused by the stalker. The court heard that the defendant, who cannot be named due to her age, attempted to contact Claudia on May 5 and breached an existing restraining order imposed last month. District Judge Lynne Matthews said: 'Claudia has no idea how [the defendant] found her. Advertisement 'She left her own home because of her actions. She's turned Claudia's life upside down.' Claudia, who won a record equalling four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and was named Young Sports Personality of the Year, was not in court. The court heard the defendant was currently out of school awaiting placement. She was given an 18-month rehabilitation order, with 18 months supervision and a residence requirement to stay with her father, as well as a restraining order to keep away from Claudia at her current address or anywhere else. Advertisement The judge added it was the 'last straw' or the defendant would be looking at detention as she had to think about Claudia's safety. She said: 'I'd really like it if this was the last time you see me. Stay away from her [Claudia].' 6 Fragapane was represented England during the 'Internationaux de France' in 2017 Credit: Getty 6 She reached the semi-final of Strictly in 2016 Advertisement


Daily Record
27-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Paula Radcliffe's teen daughter's two cancer symptoms before diagnosis
Paula Radcliffe's teenage daughter showed two warning signs before her cancer diagnosis. British running icon Paula Radcliffe's 18-year-old daughter, Isla Lough, was faced with battling a rare ovarian cancer which was detected during the Covid-19 lockdown five years ago. Isla's health cancer journey began when she started to experience stomach pains and a shortness of breath. Months prior to this, Paula had noticed earlier subtle indicators that Isla wasn't well, which included bladder issues and unusual bleeding outside her regular periods. Concerned for her daughter's health, Paula arranged for a paediatrician consultation, leading to hospital scans in Nice, where their worst fears were confirmed. A week later, Isla was in hospital commencing her first round of chemotherapy treatments, Surrey Live reports. Diagnosed with a rare malignant germ cell tumour, which affects around one in 200,000 women, Paula drew strength from her athletic background. She recalled: "When we were over the initial shock and the medical team had explained everything, having that sporting background helped. "We had a treatment plan - like all the training plans I have followed over the years - and it was something we could stick to and see things improving." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Sharing insights into her daughter's ordeal, the marathon legend, 51, confessed: "It's the hardest thing a parent can go through. "You can support them and be with them the whole way through, but you can't do that chemo for them. It's horrible to watch your child suffering through that, but at the same time, we believed that if it felt bad, it was killing the cancer. "There are things you're not ready for – either going through it or as a parent." Ex-Olympian and triple London Marathon champion Paula Radcliffe is set to witness her daughter tackle the same 26.2 mile challenge today, commemorating a decade since Radcliffe said goodbye to marathon running. Isla will join over 56,000 participants in the 2025 London Marathon on Sunday April 27 in the capital. Starting at Greenwich Park and culminating on The Mall near Buckingham Palace, runners will follow a mainly flat course passing illustrious landmarks including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Big Ben. While Isla has experience in shorter races, this marks her inaugural marathon endeavour. She's running to fundraise for Children with Cancer UK, a charity that resonates deeply with the family following Isla's own battle with the disease. Paula has shared that her daughter's motivation is to demonstrate her health by completing the marathon, without the aim of breaking any records. Paula, set to join the BBC commentary team for the event, shared with Radio Times: "It's an extremely emotional place to be anyway, when you see people turn that corner on the Mall and they realise they've done it. But when it's your little girl doing it, that's going to be a bit more emotional."

Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
FBI: Hoax by two young children responsible for diverted Sun Country flight to Mexico
After a Mexico-bound Sun Country flight from the Twin Cities diverted to El Paso earlier this week, FBI officials said that the security concern that caused the plane to land in Texas stemmed from a hoax by two young children on the flight. The online statement said that after a threatening handwritten note was found on the plane Wednesday saying 'You Are All Going to Die, Help Me,' it was reported to Sun Country personnel on the airliner and resulted in the unscheduled landing. The U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Texas will not press charges against the children, said the statement by FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales. The FBI thanked the 156 passengers on board Flight 593 to Mazatlán for their patience as they investigated the 'circumstances behind the reported safety concern.' The Sun Country passengers departed El Paso for Mazatlán on Thursday, the airline said. Crime & Public Safety | Defendant in $250 million pandemic food fraud case pleads guilty to wire fraud Crime & Public Safety | Charges: Shoplifting suspect delivered several strikes to Roseville officer's head, injuring him Crime & Public Safety | Apple Valley man jailed in fatal Bloomington hit-and-run Crime & Public Safety | Mexican cartel leader's son is sentenced to life in prison for role in major drug trafficking plot Crime & Public Safety | Ex-Olympian, accused in drug ring tied to Southern California, added to FBI's 10 Most Wanted list

Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Community invited to line procession route from St. Paul Officer Reilly's funeral to cemetery
The St. Paul Police Department is encouraging the community to line the procession route from Officer Felicia Reilly's funeral to the cemetery Monday. Reilly, 67, had to retire after she was assaulted on duty 15 years ago. She sustained a brain injury and her condition deteriorated over the years. Her last wish was for a line-of-duty funeral, her family said in a letter to Police Chief Axel Henry. Reilly died Sunday and Henry wrote to police department employees on Tuesday that she will receive 'the full honors she deserves.' Visitation will begin 9 a.m. Monday at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St. in St. Paul, with the funeral service at 11 a.m., which Reilly's family says the public is invited to attend. The church will be livestreaming the service at Streets around the church will be closed. The procession is expected to leave the church, which is at Arcade Street and Larpenetur Avenue, at noon or shortly after. It will go west on Larpenteur Avenue from the church to Roselawn Cemetery, 803 W. Larpenteur Ave. in Roseville, for interment. Crime & Public Safety | Ex-Olympian, accused in drug ring tied to Southern California, added to FBI's 10 Most Wanted list Crime & Public Safety | MSP Sun Country Airlines flight diverted, no threat found Crime & Public Safety | Final wish of St. Paul officer brutally assaulted on job 15 years ago was full police funeral, which she'll get Crime & Public Safety | St. Paul: Pedestrian fatally struck by Green Line train Crime & Public Safety | Two-alarm blaze consumes St. Paul flooring business Sunday afternoon