Latest news with #recordbreaking
ABC News
an hour ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Susana Qionibaravi smashes her way into Fiji's powerlifting scene
Susana Qionibaravi, widely known as Suzy, never planned to become a record-breaking athlete. But at 35, the mother of two has smashed her way into Fiji's powerlifting history, having only just started. In less than a year, Suzy recently broke Fiji's women's national record by lifting a jaw-dropping 215kg deadlift that sent waves across the local powerlifting scene. At the recent East vs West Divisional Meet in July, she not only won gold in the Women's 84+kg category but also walked away with the overall Women's Open Gold. Suzy's lifting journey started when she returned to the gym postpartum in May 2024, and now she's here, lifting over 200kg. "I've always been active, but after becoming a mum, I knew I had to physically focus on myself to ensure I am able to give my best for my children," she said. Suzy recently broke Fiji's women's national record, lifting a 215kg deadlift. ( Image: Supplied ) It was during a regular strength class in July 2024, just months after giving birth, that Suzy casually lifted 150kg. Her coach, Norman Ravai, saw something special and encouraged her to consider competing. At first, she laughed it off. But after a conversation with her husband in January 2025, and three months of targeted powerlifting training, Suzy entered her first competition in March earlier this year. What was meant to be a fun challenge turned into something far more powerful. "I wanted to try something different. Then I pulled 200kg and everything changed," she said. Novice and Masters Fiji Powerlifting Competition in March, where 14 participants and crowds come to show their support for this growing sport. ( Supplied ) Breaking barriers, one rep at a time In Fiji, where sports like rugby and netball dominate, powerlifting is still building its place and women like Suzy are helping change that. "There's still this idea that women shouldn't lift heavy, that it's bad for a woman's body, but it's changed my life in the best way possible." Fiji Powerlifting President, Ryan Bale, agrees that the sport faces challenges, just like any other. Susana Qionibaravi ready to lift. ( Image: socialsnaps ) "Funding is a big issue," he said. "Because we're not an Olympic sport, getting official support is tough. But interest is growing. We're seeing young girls, even as young as 16, stepping onto the platform. "Suzy is our strongest female lifter." Mother. Lifter. Leader. Balancing training with family and a full-time job in aviation is no small feat. Suzy trains five days a week, often sacrificing weekends with her kids. "My husband and our two beautiful boys are my rock. I'm only able to chase my dreams in sports because of them," she said. "I'm also not just lifting for me. I'm lifting for every Fijian girl who's watching." Support for Susana Qionibaravi. ( Image: Supplied ) Her next goal? Qualifying for the Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championships in Christchurch this November. With a total best of 467.5kg, Suzy is more determined now than ever. "There are so many strong Fijian women out there who may not have identified their potential or aren't given the opportunity to come out and perform. I encourage more women to join this incredible sport. "Reach out through our social media platforms, and we are here to help you unlock your potential.
The Guardian
21 hours ago
- Climate
- The Guardian
Japan and South Korea reel from record-breaking heat
Authorities in Japan and South Korea have urged people to take precautions to prevent heatstroke, as the region reels from record-breaking temperatures and pressure on hospitals. On Thursday, South Korea's meteorological office said the country had experienced a record-breaking streak of 'tropical nights' for 22 consecutive days this month. A day earlier, Japan saw its hottest day on record, with the mercury reaching 41.2C, as hospitals across the country were inundated with people who had fallen ill as a result of the heatwave. Overnight temperatures in Seoul stayed above 25C for 22 consecutive days in July, meteorological officials said – the longest period since modern weather records were first kept in 1907. The South Korean capital was also due to record its hottest July night in history on Wednesday, with the lowest temperature of the day at 29.3C. Media reports said the record could be broken again on Thursday. The intense heat in Seoul is expected to continue, according to the meteorology office. 'The warm air from the North Pacific High began affecting South Korea a bit earlier than usual,' Youn Ki-han, director of Seoul's meteorology forecast division, told Agence France-Presse. Youn added: 'Normally, if it's hot for just a day, temperatures spike and then quickly return to normal. But when warm conditions persist for several days, the heat doesn't fully dissipate, it lingers and accumulates with each day.' Japanese weather officials said the temperature on Wednesday had risen to 41.2C in Tamba, in the western prefecture of Hyogo, and urged people to stay hydrated and use air conditioners and electric fans to prevent heat-related illnesses. Japan's temperature record was broken as a high-pressure system brought clear skies and blistering heat to many parts of the country, the meteorological agency said, adding that the brutal weather was expected to continue into Thursday. The agency said temperatures on Wednesday had exceeded 35C at 271 of its 914 observation points, with new highs seen in 39 places. The previous record of 41.1C was set in Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture, in August 2020, and in Kumagaya, Saitama prefecture near Tokyo in July 2018. The extreme heat poses a particular threat to the countries' large populations of older people. Thirteen people have died in South Korea from suspected heat-related causes so far this year – three times the number over the same period last year – according to the Korea's disease control and prevention agency. In Japan, 10,804 people, more than half of whom were aged over 64, were taken to hospital suffering from exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses in the week up to 21 July – the highest weekly number so far this year. Sixteen people died, according to the fire and disaster management agency. Summer temperatures in Japan have soared in recent years as a result of more erratic weather patterns that scientists attribute to the climate crisis. Last summer was Japan's joint hottest on record, with temperatures matching those of 2023, which was followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago. The heat is also affecting overseas visitors. On Wednesday, the temperature reached 40C for the first time on record in Kyoto, which last year attracted a record 10.88 million foreign tourists. Human-caused climate breakdown is supercharging extreme weather across the world, driving more frequent and more deadly disasters from heatwaves to floods to wildfires. Agence France-Presse contributed reporting.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Climate
- The Guardian
Japan and South Korea reel from record-breaking heat
Authorities in Japan and South Korea have urged people to take precautions to prevent heatstroke, as the region reels from record-breaking temperatures and pressure on hospitals. On Thursday, South Korea's meteorological office said the country had experienced a record-breaking streak of 'tropical nights' for 22 consecutive days this month. A day earlier, Japan saw its hottest day on record, with the mercury reaching 41.2C, as hospitals across the country were inundated with people who had fallen ill as a result of the heatwave. Overnight temperatures in Seoul stayed above 25C for 22 consecutive days in July, meteorological officials said – the longest period since modern weather records were first kept in 1907. The South Korean capital was also due to record its hottest July night in history on Wednesday, with the lowest temperature of the day at 29.3C. Media reports said the record could be broken again on Thursday. The intense heat in Seoul is expected to continue, according to the meteorology office. 'The warm air from the North Pacific High began affecting South Korea a bit earlier than usual,' Youn Ki-han, director of Seoul's meteorology forecast division, told Agence France-Presse. Youn added: 'Normally, if it's hot for just a day, temperatures spike and then quickly return to normal. But when warm conditions persist for several days, the heat doesn't fully dissipate, it lingers and accumulates with each day.' Japanese weather officials said the temperature on Wednesday had risen to 41.2C in Tamba, in the western prefecture of Hyogo, and urged people to stay hydrated and use air conditioners and electric fans to prevent heat-related illnesses. Japan's temperature record was broken as a high-pressure system brought clear skies and blistering heat to many parts of the country, the meteorological agency said, adding that the brutal weather was expected to continue into Thursday. The agency said temperatures on Wednesday had exceeded 35C at 271 of its 914 observation points, with new highs seen in 39 places. The previous record of 41.1C was set in Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture, in August 2020, and in Kumagaya, Saitama prefecture near Tokyo in July 2018. The extreme heat poses a particular threat to the countries' large populations of older people. Thirteen people have died in South Korea from suspected heat-related causes so far this year – three times the number over the same period last year – according to the Korea's disease control and prevention agency. In Japan, 10,804 people, more than half of whom were aged over 64, were taken to hospital suffering from exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses in the week up to 21 July – the highest weekly number so far this year. Sixteen people died, according to the fire and disaster management agency. Summer temperatures in Japan have soared in recent years as a result of more erratic weather patterns that scientists attribute to the climate crisis. Last summer was Japan's joint hottest on record, with temperatures matching those of 2023, which was followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago. The heat is also affecting overseas visitors. On Wednesday, the temperature reached 40C for the first time on record in Kyoto, which last year attracted a record 10.88 million foreign tourists. Human-caused climate breakdown is supercharging extreme weather across the world, driving more frequent and more deadly disasters from heatwaves to floods to wildfires. Agence France-Presse contributed reporting.
Al Arabiya
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Dubai Airport logs record 46mln passengers in first half of 2025
Dubai International Airport welcomed a record 46 million passengers in the first half of this year, authorities said on Tuesday, despite disruptions due to the Iran-Israel conflict. The facility marked its busiest first half on record with a 2.3 percent year-on-year growth, Dubai Airports said in a statement, 'despite temporary regional airspace disruptions in May and June.' During the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, airlines cancelled flights to many Middle East destinations as some governments closed their airspace. In the first six months of 2025, the average monthly traffic stood at around 7.7 million passengers or 254,000 daily travelers. 'Based on our performance to date and a positive outlook, we expect the annual traffic to reach 96 million this year, bringing us closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone,' said Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths. In 2024, Dubai International Airport recorded its highest annual passenger traffic in history, totaling 92.3 million. 'January was the busiest month of the period and also set a new monthly record, with 8.5 million guests,' said the statement. 'As we enter the second half of the year, travel activity is expected to accelerate,' it added. The top countries for passenger traffic to and from Dubai were India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. The Emirati city, located between Asia, Europe and Africa, has been ranked the world's busiest air hub for international passengers for a decade. Dubai is planning a $35 billion expansion and relocation of the airport to Al Maktoum International, on the city's outskirts, in 2032. The new airport will be scaled up in phases, with an eventual capacity of about 240 million -- expected to be the world's largest by a wide margin.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stuart's double ton sends Social Circle to the summit
Farnworth Social Circle are the new Premiership leaders in the Anthony Axford North West Cricket League - and they were indebted to record-breaking Jameel Stuart for firing them there on Saturday. Bajan batting all-rounder Stuart hit a remarkable 236 not out off 119 balls as Social Circle beat Atherton by 258 runs at home - his second double-century of the summer represented the highest ever individual score in the three-season history of the NWCL. He crashed 19 sixes and as many fours, underpinning a 45-over total of 376-5 to which Atherton could only respond with 118 all out. New-ball seamer Dave Mather impressed for 6-58. The Bolton side's 11th win in 14 games saw them claim the full 12 points on offer and capitalise on a slip-up by Read, who were beaten at Padiham - only their third reverse of the league season. It now sets up a blockbuster clash between the top two teams at Read on Saturday, the difference between them just a point. Social Circle have 127 points, Read 126. That will be the first of eight remaining games. Padiham's home victory over Read - their eighth in 14 to move up to third in the table on 103 points - was achieved by five wickets chasing 188. South African overseas amateur Zander Van Tonder struck four times to limit Read to 187-9 before opener Ben Uttley's 72 off 66 balls led a stress-free chase, started with a first-wicket stand of 56 with Joe Edgar. The eye-catching result in the Championship saw Astley Bridge captain Syd De Silva claim a superb 'seven-for' to inspire a landslide seven-wicket victory at home to Oswaldtwistle Immanuel, who they bowled out for just 33. De Silva opened the bowling with spin and returned figures of 7-16, supplemented by three wickets for South African overseas amateur Ulli Bronkhorst. Five Oswaldtwistle batters recorded ducks and no one reached double figures, Bridge winning for the eighth time to keep themselves in the promotion mix. Ribblesdale Wanderers strengthened their grip on top spot in the second tier, their 10th win in 16 achieved in impressive fashion - by nine wickets chasing 203 at Baxenden. Seamer Ian Britcliffe's five wickets featured in Baxenden's 202-9 before Australian OA Jordon Kelly's brilliant opening 122no lit up a chase inside 28 overs. He dominated partnerships of 94 and 113 unbroken for the first and second wickets with Hammad Amin and Waqar Rafique. Whalley are just behind Ribblesdale in second place having won their 10th game in 14, this one away at bottom-placed Brinscall by 110 runs defending a 209-target. Ethan Jackson's middle-order 72 was the feature innings in Whalley's 208-9 before pro Levi Wolfenden and Josh Dentith equally shared eight wickets in Brinscall's 98 all out. Ribblesdale sit top with 132 points from 16 games and Whalley second with 127 from 14. Those two occupy the promotion places. Cherry Tree are third on 115 points after 13 games and the aforementioned Astley Bridge fourth on 103 from 14. Cherry Tree beat Earby at home in an engaging low-scoring game which could have gone either way. The hosts won for the ninth time in 2025. This came by 16 runs on the back of a 192-9 total led by pro Mini Bhada's composed 56. In reply, second-bottom Earby were 54-0 and 95-2, only to fall to 176 all out in the penultimate over. Mark Hadfield and captain Andreas Sudnik claimed three wickets apiece. Back in the Premiership, fourth-placed Kearsley - 100 points from 14 games - were six-wicket winners away at champions Blackrod, who crumbled to 84 all out. New-ball seamer Mustafa Bashir claimed five wickets as Kearsley won for the eighth time to continue their productive campaign. Like Oswaldtwistle in that aforementioned Championship fixture, a handful of Blackrod batters posted ducks. South African substitute pro Jacques Snyman top-scored with 32 in reply. Blackrod are part of the mid-table pack hunting down a top-four finish for Lancashire Knockout qualification for next year. Little Lever are fifth with seven wins. They won at Salesbury, who are part of that conversation. Opener Cameron Murray's well-paced 110 off 115 balls underpinned Little Lever's 253-8 before Pakistani professional Muhammad Junaid followed up 49 with five wickets in Salesbury's 197 all out. Sixth-placed Lostock's sixth win was achieved away at bottom-side Eagley, by seven wickets chasing 108. Adam Syddall claimed four wickets having taken the new ball to help bowl Eagley out for 107, before Pakistani pro Akbar Ur Rehman underpinned a routine reply with an unbeaten 59. Blackrod are seventh, Salesbury eighth - both still within striking distance of Kearsley. Farnworth boosted their survival hopes and dented Tonge's chances of top four. They won at Tonge by 77 runs. Win number four puts them on 72 points, 10 clear of second-bottom Atherton and 14 ahead of Eagley. Opener Matthew Hicks top-scored with 62 in Farnworth's 181 all out before striking three times as Tonge were bowled out for 104. Back in the Championship, Walkden dented Barnoldswick's promotion hopes with a five-wicket home win chasing 208. Walkden's fifth win came after captain and new-ball seamer Ammad Afzal claimed five wickets in Barnoldswick's 207 all out before Indian OA Saqlain Haider top-scored in reply with a brisk 69. Barnoldswick are now fifth in the table, 27 points adrift of second-placed Whalley.
