Latest news with #UsainBolt
Wall Street Journal
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘The Front Runner' Review: Steve Prefontaine, Racing Through Life
Track and field shimmers with names that transcend the sport—Jesse Owens, Florence Griffith Joyner, Usain Bolt. But perhaps no name carries the power and poignancy of Steve Prefontaine, the gritty, charismatic distance runner from Oregon whose life ended in a car crash in 1975. Only 24 at the time, he was already a celebrity—a brash media star whose career presaged the commercial-endorsement boom for sports figures, a rebel who decried the exploitation of amateur athletes, a leg-churning whippet whose desperate exertions thrilled the roaring crowds. By conventional standards, Prefontaine would not be considered among the greats; he holds no world records and won no Olympic medals. But scrutiny of his life, in books and film, highlights how unconventional he was—a point reinforced in Brendan O'Meara's well-crafted 'The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine.' Sidestepping the deification of his subject, Mr. O'Meara humanizes Prefontaine in his vexing contradictions, buoyant spirit and brutal competitiveness.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Photos offer stark reality check after Gout Gout cops swipe over 'soft' move
Aussie sprint sensation Gout Gout has put the recent criticism of his athletics development into perspective after sharing a series of happy snaps from his year 12 formal. Among the comparisons to the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt, and the enormous hype and expectation that has accompanied Gout's meteoric rise, it's easy to forget that the Queensland track phenomenon is still just 17 years old. American sprinter Noah Williams took an extraordinary swipe at Gout's decision to run in an Under-23 event at the Monaco Diamond League in July, rather than compete in the open category. Williams described it as a 'soft' decision and says it would never happen with young American athletes, accusing Gout of "ducking" races against the world's best sprinters. The move is clearly designed with the best interests of Gout's development in mind, and protecting him from the risk injury or overexposure at such an early stage of his career. And the series of photos that Gout shared from his recent year 12 formal provide a telling reminder of the sprint star's tender age and the importance of allowing him to enjoy his final year as an Ipswich Grammar School student. Gout attended his school's senior formal earlier this month, and has now taken to Instagram to share a number of photos from the special night. The superstar arrived in style to the May 15 spectacle, with Gout pictured alongside his friends in a pink stretch Hummer that took them to the formal at Brisbane's Victoria Park. Decked out in a dark suit with deep-red tie and matching pocket square, plus a red rose on his lapel, Gout looked dapper as he celebrated the milestone moment with a group of his school buddies. The 17-year-old shared a number of beautiful snaps with his date, Asha, who looked striking in a strapless red gown that complimented Gout's look superbly. 'I step light, but my presence heavy,' Gout posted alongside the photos in a nod to his burgeoning reputation as one of the world's most exciting young sprint talents. The post sparked an outpouring of messages for the 17-year-old as fans remarked about how incredible Gout and his friends looked. "Gout Gout breaking the dance floor," one person replied to the teenager's Instagram post. Others flooded the comments section with fire emojis, while fellow Aussie teen sprinter Bella Pasquali alluded to the photos with Gout's date by writing: "The hard launch we've all been waiting for." The images reinforce the fact that Gout is focusing on enjoying his final year of high school before inevitably turning his attention towards a professional athletics career. And it goes a long way to explaining his decision to make his Diamond League debut (the premier global athletics tour) in the Under-23s in Monaco on July 11, rather than competing in the open event. Gout has become a global sensation after some eye-catching and historic times in the 100m and 200m in recent months, but his favourite event is the 200. He is also slated to run the 200m at the world championships in Tokyo in September but critics such as American sprinter Williams have questioned why Gout's team is being overly protective by not entering him in open categories against the world's best. Speaking on the 'Track World News' podcast earlier this month, Williams labelled it 'soft' that Gout is running the Under-23 event in Monaco. "That's really, really just soft," Williams said. 'The kid is super talented, but that's besides the point... the narrative now is he's ducking these professional races."
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs
Organisers of the controversial Enhanced Games are eyeing up Usain Bolt's sprinting record 'THE NEXT ERA' Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE first edition of the Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026. The controversial sporting event – which is backed by businessman Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President – will encourage its athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs to break existing track-and-field events. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claims to have broken the 50m freestyle world record Credit: X @enhanced_games 2 Gkolomeev was awarded $1million after taking performance enhancing drugs Credit: X @enhanced_games It will be held annually and will initially consist of three sports – short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting. Competitors will be permitted to use substances that are banned from elite sport – and there are significant cash bonuses available for those who break world records and produce 'truly superhuman performance'. Organisers say the Enhanced Games will 'move humanity forward' and 'to redefine what mankind can be with audacity' – and to create 'the next era of human potential'. They claim that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who was fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, swam 20.89 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle time trial in the US in February. This is 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009. Separately, the Bulgarian-born star swam 21.03 seconds 'in jammers', which was 0.01 seconds faster than American Caeleb Dressel's 2019 mark. For 'breaking two world records' and becoming the 'fastest swimmer in history' he has received a £1million bonus but World Aquatics, the sport's governing body, will not recognise his achievements. Their big goal is to find someone who can run faster than Jamaican sprinting sensation Usain Bolt, whose 100 metres world record time of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, stands as the benchmark of athletic endeavour. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK If that happens, then the individual runner will earn $1million. At a glitzy launch in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, president of the Enhanced Games Dr Aron D'Souza – an Australian entrepreneur and lawyer – said: 'The world is hungry for something new. Fury after three-time Olympic swimming medallist is offered $1m to break records while 'juiced to the gills' 'A new vision of sport, of science and of human potential. 'We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential. 'The idea came to life in 2022 during a moment of reflection where I found myself asking: 'Why are athletes still bound by outdated rules that ignore everything we know about science?' 'I imagined a new kind of competition where science, sport and society could evolve together. Where we stop apologising for progress, and start to embrace it. 'A platform that celebrates human innovation, rewards excellence and explores enhancements openly, responsibly and ethically. 'Make no mistake, in 50 years we'll look back and realise that biology was never the ceiling. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It's controlled, safe and athletes' first. Maximilian Martin, 'We will be faster, stronger, younger for longer and wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science. The old rules didn't just hold back athletes – they held back humanity. 'We are the vanguard of super-humanity. This is disruption by design.' D'Souza says there will be a 'performance enhancement protocol' where all athletes are enhanced 'ethnically, safefully and above all, with great safety and effectiveness'. Two commissions – 'one medical, one scientific' – will be established to assist coaches and athletes, whilst also developing and marketing 'new drug compounds' for the American public to purchase. Las Vegas will stage the first Games on the Memorial Weekend of May 24-26, 2026 at Resorts World. Maximilian Martin, deputy president of the Enhanced Games, expects about 100 athletes to join next year, including finalists at the Paris Games and world-record holders. He said: 'Our medical framework is built to the highest standards in sport. 'The main difference to traditional testing is that we don't make a decision for athletes which substances they can or cannot take – as long as it is inherent with the law. 'We care about athletes' safety and health while being at the peak level of athletic performance. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It's controlled, safe and athletes' first.' The idea behind the Enhanced Games has received widespread criticism for potentially endangering athletes' health and undermining fair play. Anyone that signs up for the unprecedented concept will find that they cannot compete at the LA 2028 Olympics for their country or at the world championships in their respective sports. Speaking in Glasgow in February 2024, World Athletics chief Seb Coe – a two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion – said: 'Well, it's b******s isn't it? I can't really get excited about it. 'There's only one message, and that is if anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they'll get banned for a long time. 'But I really don't get sleepless nights about it. It's not going to be a page turner.'
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Simple running essential that can help transform your runs – and even Usain Bolt uses it
WHEN it comes to must-have running essentials, many of us probably think that a good pair of shoes will suffice. However, great shoes are only part of the battle, and there's one performance-boosting accessory you're probably overlooking. Even sprinting legend Usain Bolt is considered a trusted fan. Enertor Running Insoles, £40 Enertor Running Insoles are the secret weapon that's been supporting Olympic champions for years, and now, it's transforming the way everyday runners train, recover, and race. Retailing for £40, the insole brand is trusted by elite athletes like Usain Bolt, Vivian Cheruiyot, and British Marathon Olympian Rose Harvey. But these insoles aren't just about comfort; they can really maximise your performance and resilience while pounding the pavement. Enertor insoles have been designed specifically with runners in mind and absorb a staggering 51% of the impact from each footstrike. This allows you to run further, recover faster, and avoid the kind of injuries that can derail your training plans. Backed by science and elite-level biomechanics expertise, these insoles feature revolutionary shock absorption technology to reduce the strain on your joints, muscles, and soft tissues. Another reason shoppers are opting for Enertor is injury prevention. By cushioning every step and reducing the stress placed on vulnerable areas such as your shins, knees and hips, these insoles lower the chances of developing common aches and strains. Enertor Running Insoles, £40 It means you can stay consistent with your training regime and make it to race day without any frustrating and potentially painful setbacks. Whether it's sore joints, tight tendons, or aching arches, the advanced cushioning and targeted arch and forefoot support work to reduce pressure on high-impact areas. A slightly raised heel is also a bonus for runners with calf or Achilles issues, easing strain and discomfort both during and after runs. Recovery is just as crucial, and Enertor's shock-absorbing design aids in reducing post-run soreness and stiffness. There are currently over 1,000 positive reviews online. One happy customer shared, "I ordered these to use in my Nike running shoes that had done 500 miles and lost a bit of bounce and comfort. "A massive improvement, and I will use them in the future, even in new running shoes." A second person raved: "I have been using these insoles for years now. I have plantar fasciitis, and they are the best insoles for managing the problem. "I initially started to wear them inside my running shoes, but now I wear them in all my shoes, and they have prevented the problem from recurring. I can't praise them enough!"
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
American sprint star Noah Williams slams Gout Gout for 'soft' move ahead of Diamond League debut
Teen track star Gout Gout has been called 'soft' by American sprinter Noah Williams just days before his highly anticipated Diamon League debut. Gout, 17, will take part in the Under-23 200m event in the Diamond League in Monaco on July 11. His decision not to compete in the open category is not one that Williams respects. 'That's (the decision to not run in the open event) really, really just soft,' Williams explained on the Track World News podcast. 'The kid is super talented, but that's beside the point … the narrative now is he's ducking these professional races.' It's believed that the schoolboy is planning to focus on the 200m for the time being as he develops into his body. Earlier in the month, Gout said believes he can emulate his hero Usain Bolt, who won eight Olympic gold medals in his unmatched career on the track. 'I think the limit is just obviously winning Olympics and winning world championships and honestly dominating like Bolt did,' Gout told Fox Sports' The Back Page. 'I think that limit is reachable for me.' In the lead up to the Brisbane Games in 2032, the pressure for Gout to deliver at his home Olympics - should he qualify - will be immense. But Gout believes he can first leave an impression at the LA Games come 2028. 'The times I've run so far could potentially make it into finals, make the top four, top five, top six,' he said. 'Just getting better and aiming for LA obviously would be a great achievement and trying to be on that podium running against (Olympic 200m gold medallist Letsile) Tebogo, Noah (Lyles), (Lachlan) Kennedy, all them athletes. 'That's definitely a goal of mine and to keep aiming for the top.' Gout's times are incredible given his age and the fact he is still maturing physically. His PB in the 100m is a wind-assisted 9.99 seconds, not far off Bolt's jaw-dropping world record of 9.58 seconds set in 2009. The youngster also firmly believes he can eventually eclipse Bolt's 19.19 run in the 200m, which is his favourite event. Having clocked a wind-assisted 19.84 over 200m at the Australian Athletics Championships in April shows the hype around Gout is justified.
