Latest news with #Olympics
United News of India
42 minutes ago
- Sport
- United News of India
India end engagements at Lonato World Cup
New Delhi, July 13 (UNI) India ended engagements at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Shotgun in Lonato, after the pair of Lakshay Sheoran (22,19,25) and Neeru Dhanda (25,24,25), despite shooting a perfect third series, fell short of the Trap Mixed Team medal rounds. They totaled 140 out of a possible 150 in the qualifying round to finish 10th among 54 pairs. The second Indian pair of Zoravar Singh Sandhu (21,23,24) and Preeti Rajak (23,24,23) combined for a tally of 138 to finish in 22nd spot. While Neeru continued from her brilliant fourth place finish in the women's trap a day earlier to miss just one target out of her 75, Lakshay had a blip in the second series, where he missed six, which eventually cost a shot at a podium finish. Four teams, Australia, Great Britain and both the Spanish teams topped the qualifications with identical tallies of 143. Indian pair of Kynan Chenai and Sabeera Haris had won a bronze in the Trap Mixed Team event at the previous Nicosia Shotgun World Cup. The event will be held for the first time in the Olympics at Los Angeles in 2028. UNI RKM
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Clare Balding's famous partner and TV comment that sparked Ofcom complaints
Wimbledon presenter Clare Balding has become one of the UK's most popular broadcasters over the past two decades, while her private life has also become the subject of much intrigue Clare Balding is once again in the thick of things this summer as she leads the BBC's Wimbledon coverage. With three decades of experience under her belt, Balding has become one of the most recognised and respected faces on British television. She has previously fronted the BBC's coverage of high-profile sporting events such as the Olympics, Grand National and the Commonwealth Games. This evening, she will be at the forefront of the broadcaster's coverage of SW19, where Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face off in the men's final. Given Balding 's rise in prominence, there has naturally been an increased interest in her personal life, with her romantic relationships and occasional controversies attracting public attention. And we will now look to provide an in-depth insight into Balding's world beyond the cameras. Who is Clare Balding married to? Balding met her wife, fellow presenter Alice Arnold, in 1999 while they were both working for the BBC. Initially close friends, their romantic relationship began in 2002 when a national publication disclosed Balding's sexuality to the public. The couple made their relationship official with a civil partnership in 2006 and later married in a private ceremony in 2015, following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the UK. Their wedding was subsequently backdated to honour their original 2006 pledge. Reflecting on her first meeting with Alice, Balding admitted that she was immediately drawn to her at a BBC programme, despite not knowing who she was. "I saw her and thought 'Oh, she's really interesting and rather beautiful'," she recalled. "We started chatting and she's very funny. We were friends for at least two years." Balding, 53, described her partner as "fiercely loyal", adding: "She would protect me and it's an incredible quality to have. It's like having your own little guard dog - it's amazing." Alice has had a successful career in her own right as a broadcaster for the BBC, including an impressive 18-year stint on BBC Radio 4. Balding has had relationships with men in the past and was even proposed to by one of her former boyfriends. She turned down the proposal and has no regrets about it, later learning that he went on to "behave appallingly". "I had a few boyfriends, not like loads. But I had one very serious boyfriend for two or three years," she explained. "He asked me to marry him and he was in the Army and he was going off. And I thought 'he's only asking me because he thinks he's in danger and, according to romantic films, I'm meant to say yes at this point'. "I knew I didn't want to. I said 'Look, that's a lovely thing to say but ask me again when you come back'. When he came back he didn't ask me again, and I thought ''Thank God''. I thought 'I don't trust you and I'll never trust you' - and funnily enough I was absolutely spot on as his ex-wife told me not that long ago." She continued: "That relationship ended not very well with him behaving appallingly. I think I was damaged by that, but that doesn't make you gay. I just think when I first fell in love with a woman it was completely different." Cancer diagnosis In 2009, Balding shared her thyroid cancer diagnosis. The presenter spotted the warning signs, including a noticeable lump on her neck, while viewing herself on screen - symptoms which can encompass a lingering sore throat and trouble swallowing. After undergoing surgery to remove a cyst, her thyroid gland and a lymph node, she was treated with radioactive iodine to halt the cancer's spread. Despite concerns over the potential impact on her voice and career, she fortunately received the all-clear by the end of 2010. Discussing her experience, Balding said: "I had to have a little operation just before Christmas to take out a nasty little lymph node and there was a worry that I might have to have more treatment." She also shared some positive news: "But I had a lovely letter from my oncologist just after Christmas saying, 'Hurrah, no more treatment', so I'm very happy about that. 2011 is going to be a good one." Looking back on her battle, she admitted going through a "dark stage" because of her health struggles but came out with a renewed outlook on life, admitting: "When I recovered, my attitude to life changed. I feel happy most days, grateful for all I have." Broadcasting controversies Despite being one of Britain's esteemed presenters, Balding found herself embroiled in controversy during the 2024 Paris Olympics coverage. During a chat with former Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington on air, Balding was surprised to learn no Olympic athletes had visited Adlington's school in her youth, which led to accusations of classism from viewers. The topic arose when pundit Mark Foster spoke about being "inspired" by meeting Duncan Goodhew at his swimming club as a child. Having asked if Adlington had a similar encounter, she answered: "To be fair, I didn't have somebody like that," to which a clearly astonished Balding, who had a private education, asked: "No one came to your school?!" Her remark sparked indignation among some viewers, with one commenting: "Of course Balding thought it TOTALLY NORMAL for Olympic medal winners to visit schools - because being privately educated and descended from nobility and privilege, this kind of thing is part of the cultural experience they expect." However, Balding's BBC colleague Gabby Logan came to her defence. She responded to a critical comment with: "I'm sure lots of what you say may be true about private school experiences, but it's certainly not true about the whole of the BBC. I went to a state school nobody visited, teachers were striking in the 80's, and no school trips. NB 'Speakers for Schools' is great charity." Logan added "Also to be clear I love my colleague and she's a great broadcaster. But a sweeping statement about the BBC needed addressing. Look at our OG line up across the day, we are a mixed bag from different backgrounds bringing all our many experiences to the way we communicate." It wasn't Balding's first encounter with public outrage. She once made a notorious comment to the late jockey Liam Treadwell after he won the Grand National, where she said jokingly that now he could afford dental treatment, commenting: "Liam, just give us a big grin to the camera, let's see your teeth. He hasn't got the best teeth in the world, but you can afford to go and get them done now if you like." Treadwell, who sadly passed away in 2020 at the age of 34, took the comment with grace, responding: "Well I could do, but I ain't complaining. It might be bringing on bad luck if I do that, though." However, viewers reacted badly to the exchange, leading to over 2,000 complaints being lodged with Ofcom. Balding showed regret for her comments, admitting: "It was a terrible thing to do. It coincided with my illness and I believed that was it for me – I would never work again. It was inexcusable and it taught me a big lesson."
Edinburgh Live
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC star Clare Balding's famous partner and 'inexcusable' live TV comment
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Clare Balding is once again in the thick of a bustling summer as she leads the BBC's Wimbledon coverage. With three decades of experience under her belt, Balding has carved out a reputation as one of the UK's most esteemed and recognisable TV personalities, having also fronted broadcasts of high-profile sporting events such as the Olympics, Grand National and Commonwealth Games. Today, she'll be at the heart of the broadcaster's coverage from SW19, with Carlos Alcaraz and Yannik Sinner squaring off in the men's final in south west London. Naturally, Balding's high profile has piqued interest in her personal life, with her romantic liaisons and occasional controversies attracting public attention over the years. Here's a glimpse into Balding's life away from the spotlight, covering her journey to openly embracing her identity, her 'dreadful' ex-partner and an 'unforgivable' comment that remains one of her biggest regrets, reports Wales Online. Who is Clare Balding married to? Balding met her wife, fellow presenter Alice Arnold, back in 1999 when they were both working for the BBC. Initially good friends, their relationship took a romantic turn in 2002 when a national newspaper disclosed Balding's sexuality to the public. The couple entered into a civil partnership in 2006 and later tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2015, following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Britain. Their marriage was backdated to acknowledge their initial commitment made in 2006. Reflecting on her first encounter with Alice, Balding shared that she spotted her during a BBC programme without realising who she was. "I saw her and thought 'Oh, she's really interesting and rather beautiful'," she recalled. "We started chatting and she's very funny. We were friends for at least two years." Balding, aged 53, praised her partner as "fiercely loyal", likening her to a protective presence. "She would protect me and it's an incredible quality to have. It's like having your own little guard dog - it's amazing." Alice has had a notable career with the BBC, including an extensive period on BBC Radio 4. Balding, a prominent face on BBC Sport, has had relationships with men in the past, including one serious boyfriend who proposed to her. She declined the proposal, later discovering that he went on to "behave appallingly". "I had a few boyfriends, not like loads. But I had one very serious boyfriend for two or three years," she disclosed. "He asked me to marry him and he was in the Army and he was going off. And I thought 'he's only asking me because he thinks he's in danger and, according to romantic films, I'm meant to say yes at this point'. "I knew I didn't want to. I said 'Look, that's a lovely thing to say but ask me again when you come back'. When he came back he didn't ask me again, and I thought ''Thank God''. I thought 'I don't trust you and I'll never trust you' - and funnily enough I was absolutely spot on as his ex-wife told me not that long ago." She went on: "That relationship ended not very well with him behaving appallingly. I think I was damaged by that, but that doesn't make you gay. I just think when I first fell in love with a woman it was completely different." Cancer diagnosis. In 2009, Balding disclosed that she had received a thyroid cancer diagnosis. The broadcaster noticed the telltale signs, including a prominent lump on her neck, whilst watching herself on television - warning signs that can also include a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing. After undergoing an operation to remove a cyst, her thyroid gland and a lymph node, she received radioactive iodine therapy to stop the cancer from returning. Despite concerns about potential damage to her voice and broadcasting career, she was given the all-clear by the end of 2010. Reflecting on her ordeal, Balding said: "I had to have a little operation just before Christmas to take out a nasty little lymph node and there was a worry that I might have to have more treatment." She also conveyed some heartening news: "But I had a lovely letter from my oncologist just after Christmas saying, 'Hurrah, no more treatment', so I'm very happy about that. 2011 is going to be a good one." Reflecting on her health battle, she acknowledged experiencing a "dark stage" but emerged with a fresh perspective on life, confessing: "When I recovered, my attitude to life changed. I feel happy most days, grateful for all I have." Broadcasting controversies Despite being one of the UK's most esteemed broadcasters, Balding found herself embroiled in controversy during her coverage of the Paris Olympics. A conversation with former Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington led to unexpected backlash when viewers perceived a hint of classism. The incident unfolded after pundit Mark Foster discussed how meeting Duncan Goodhew at his local swimming club had "inspired" him in his youth. Inquiring if Adlington had a similar inspiration, she responded: "To be fair, I didn't have somebody like that," which seemed to surprise Balding, who had a private education, prompting her to question: "No one came to your school? !". The comment made by Clare Balding about Olympic medallists visiting schools sparked a backlash from some viewers, with one stating: "Of course Balding thought it TOTALLY NORMAL for Olympic medal winners to visit schools - because being privately educated and descended from nobility and privilege, this kind of thing is part of the cultural experience they expect." Despite facing flak, BBC's Gabby Logan came to Balding's defence, replying to a critic: "I'm sure lots of what you say may be true about private school experiences, but it's certainly not true about the whole of the BBC. I went to a state school nobody visited, teachers were striking in the 80's, and no school trips. NB 'Speakers for Schools' is great charity." Logan didn't stop there, clarifying her stance further: "Also to be clear I love my colleague and she's a great broadcaster. But a sweeping statement about the BBC needed addressing. Look at our OG line up across the day, we are a mixed bag from different backgrounds bringing all our many experiences to the way we communicate." Previously, Balding had stirred controversy with her infamous comment to the late jockey Liam Treadwell after his Grand National triumph. She jokingly suggested he could now afford dental work, saying: "Liam, just give us a big grin to the camera, let's see your teeth. He hasn't got the best teeth in the world, but you can afford to go and get them done now if you like." Treadwell, who sadly passed away in 2020 at just 34, replied with characteristic dignity: "Well I could do, but I ain't complaining. It might be bringing on bad luck if I do that, though." The comment sparked outrage amongst viewers, resulting in over 2,000 complaints being lodged with Ofcom. Balding expressed remorse for her remarks, confessing: "It was a terrible thing to do. It coincided with my illness and I believed that was it for me – I would never work again. It was inexcusable and it taught me a big lesson."
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Snoop Dogg unveils Swansea kit in playful dig at Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds
Deadpool actor Reynolds responded to Wrexham's own kit launch this week by posting a picture of himself on Instagram wearing the latest shirt while holding a dog. Reynolds wrote: 'Been waiting a year for this kit to make its debut – and it did not disappoint. Coming to a hood near you 👀🦢 #YJB — Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) July 12, 2025 'Available NOW in the Wrexham online store. Link in stories. Dog not included.' Swansea reacted to their Welsh rivals by turning to another famous face for their kit unveiling ahead of the 2025-26 season, posting on X: 'Dogg included @SnoopDogg. 'Nuthin' But A Wales Thang, the Jacks are ready. We're the Pride of Wales.' In a video posted later, Snoop said: 'Hail to Wales and to Swansea City. It's your boy big Snoop Dogg. A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) 'Coming to a hood near you. Oh yeah, these are the new jerseys.' West Coast rapper and record producer Snoop Dogg is a keen sports fan and worked as a correspondent for NBC at the Paris Olympics last year. Snoop also carried the Olympic torch in the closing stages of the relay. The 53-year-old has previously spoken of investing in Celtic – similar to the involvement of Reynolds and his fellow actor Rob McElhenney at Wrexham – and been pictured in the kits of various English clubs in recent years. Swansea and Wrexham will be rivals in the Championship this season following the Red Dragons' three successive promotions under their Hollywood owners. Hereeeeee we go 👊🏿👀 @SwansOfficial — Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) July 12, 2025 It is the first time Wrexham have been in the second tier of English football since 1982. While Reynolds and McElhenney have entertained some of the biggest names in Hollywood at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground in recent years, Swansea have their own touch of glamour in South Wales. Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who has just left Real Madrid after 13 seasons with the Spanish giants, invested in Swansea three months ago to become a minority owner at the club.
NDTV
2 hours ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Lakshay Sheoran, Neeru Dhanda Fall Just Short Of Medal Rounds, India's Shooting World Cup Campaign Ends
India ended engagements at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Shotgun in Lonato, after the pair of Lakshay Sheoran (22,19,25) and Neeru Dhanda (25,24,25), despite shooting a perfect third series, fell short of the Trap Mixed Team medal rounds. They totalled 140 out of a possible 150 in the qualifying round to finish 10th among 54 pairs. The second Indian pair of Zoravar Singh Sandhu (21,23,24) and Preeti Rajak (23,24,23) combined for a tally of 138 to finish in 22nd spot. Four teams, Australia, Great Britain and both the Spanish teams topped the qualifications with identical tallies of 143. Indian pair of Kynan Chenai and Sabeera Haris had won a bronze in the Trap Mixed Team event at the previous Nicosia Shotgun World Cup. The event will be held for the first time in the Olympics at Los Angeles in 2028. On Saturday, National Games champion Neeru Dhanda reached a first-ever World Cup final to finish a creditable fourth in women's trap, on the penultimate day. Having taken the sixth and final qualifying spot by virtue of winning (2-1) a shoot-off over last year's New Delhi World Cup Final winner Alessia Iezzi (Italy), Neeru eventually went out due to a higher bib number. Australia's Laetisha Scanlan won gold with 45 hits. While Neeru continued from her brilliant fourth-place finish in the women's trap a day earlier to miss just one target out of her 75, Lakshay had a blip in the second series, where he missed six, which eventually cost a shot at a podium finish.
