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Wimbledon champion calls out commentator's "disappointing" remarks

Wimbledon tennis champion Barbora Krejcikova has called out a commentator for making "unprofessional" remarks about her live on-air. The Czech player was taking part in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, which was broadcast on the Tennis Channel, when the comments were made by commentator Jon Wertheim. The 28-year-old player took to X to express her disappointment over the comments, writing, “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary." "This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world. I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media." “These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field." "I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we make to compete at this level.” Wertheim responded to Krejcikova's posts, apologising for his comments and also explaining what happened. "During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air," he said. "I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player. "What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead." "A few moments later, I was told to frame up my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the photo of the player in question." "Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently and without context made it to live air." "I realise I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be. I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry." Image credits: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial

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Olympic champion inducted to Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson and surfing legend Mick Fanning have joined the most elite group of Australian sportspeople, after being inducted to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF). Pearson is one of only nine Australian women to win an Olympic track and field gold medal, winning her first gold in London 2012. She won a silver medal in 2008 for the 100m hurdles, and has World Championship success in 2011 and 2017. She is also the first Australian to be named World Athlete of the year, and won the SAHOF’s “The Don” Award twice. Pearson said it was “surreal” to be included in such esteemed company, including the likes of Cathy Freeman, her childhood hero. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in. It’s so surreal. It feels like it just happens to people you see on TV,” she said. “I still feel like I’m watching the Sydney Olympics and watching Cathy Freeman run. When Steve Hooker won gold in Beijing I was sitting on the sidelines. “Even though I won silver, I was thinking, this is really cool. I’m watching this person, this athlete, just doing amazing things. It’s a bizarre feeling that I’m one of those people now.” Surfing legend Mick Fanning, who is already a member of the World Surfers’ Hall of Fame and Australian Surfing Hall of Fame and said he was pretty “flabbergasted” to be elevated into the SAHOF. “Australia produces so many incredible sporting stars and to be honoured as one of those, among the greats, I’m pretty flabbergasted, to be honest,” he said. “It’s not something that we ever look for when we’re doing our sport, but to be acknowledged later in life is very special and I’m very honoured to be able to share it with people who have supported me. “I wasn’t the most talented person, I wasn’t the most gifted, I didn’t have the most money or anything like that, but I just gave it my all.’’ Fanning enters as a three-time world champion for surfing. Motorsport great Mark Skaife, former Kookaburras’ captain Mark Knowles, lawn bowls trailblazer Karen Murphy and dual-sport Paralympics champion Liesl Tesch are some of the other 2024 inductees. Image: Colorsport/ Shutterstock Editorial

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Dancing With The Stars champion crowned

The winner of Dancing With The Stars has been crowned after a fierce month of competition. The semi-final saw Ben Cousins, Adam Dovile, and Shane Crawford sent home, so the five remaining stars Lisa McCune, Ant Middleton, James Stewart, Nikki Osborne, and Samantha Jade, battled it out for the final show down. For the first set of performances, each pairing was tasked with doing a freestyle routine for the judges, with Lisa and Ian landing themselves at the top of the leaderboard with a perfect score of 40. Samantha and Gustavo came in close with a score of 38, while Ant and Alex scored 34. Nikki an Aric scored 31 while James an Jorja were awarded 30 which left both pairs at the bottom of the leaderboard. Despite the audience votes being added, the scores didn't change, so the the top three pairs moved to the stage for one last chance to impress the judges. They were all tasked to choose perform a dance from the season that they thought they excelled at. Samantha and Gustavo opted to take on the foxtrot, landing a final score of 38. Ant and Alex were up next with a contemporary routine with Judge Helen Richey complimenting them for a "fantastic" performance before the panel awarded them with a final score of 36. Lisa and Ian were the last couple to hit the dancefloor and they performed the Viennese Waltz. The judges said they loved the dance but weren't sure if it was as good as the first time they did it. “But it was just gorgeous, it was absolutely stunning,” said Craig Revel-Horwood before the panel gave them a final score of 39. After a tense wait as the audiences casted their votes, Ant and Alex placed third, Samantha and Gustavo placed second and Lisa and Ian were announced as the Dancing With The Stars 2024 champions. “I’m so thrilled,” she said before praising her dance partner. "This one is so beautiful,” she said of the trophy. “Like he’s going back to the UK. What happens? Do I keep it here? It will keep my Logies company.” Images: Seven

Championing confidence at the salon for those facing cancer

<div title="Page 1"> <div> <div> When it comes to facing cancer, it's can often be hard to find support and understanding from people when your physical appearance can be changing. A salon day can do the world of good for anyone, especially for people going through a hard time. But for those dealing with cancer, their wants and needs at the hairdresser can be different than other clientele. Thankfully, <a href="https://lgfb.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Look Good Feel Better Australia</a> are here to support those on their cancer journey to look their best in the face of their health battle, From August 1st, the team at Look Good Feel better Australia have launched their latest initiative; <a href="https://www.styleforcancer.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Style For Cancer</a>. Created to unite the beauty, grooming and styling industry as a force for good, the initiative will help raise vital funds for the Look Good Feel BeIer program while giving service providers the opportunity to build their knowledge and position as part of an invaluable support system to those undergoing treatment for cancer. The new initiative caters to both the consumer, or the “Style Seeker”, and the expert, known as the “Style Maker”. Style Makers who sign up to take part in Style For Cancer will be provided with materials to help them better understand the common side effects of cancer treatment, and advice on language to use and avoid, in order to more sensitively and compassionately support their clients as they navigate diagnosis and treatment. The directory of participating Style Makers will be available to all Style Seekers, allowing them to choose salons and service providers who have a better understanding of what they may be experiencing if they are undergoing cancer treatment, while also knowing they are choosing a business who is consciously supporting the important work of the Look Good Feel Better program. General Manager of Look Good Feel Better, Carol Kavurma, shares the passion and excitement around the launch of Style For Cancer which will provide a way for the industry to feel more empowered while further connecting with their local communities. “Having 34 years of incredible knowledge behind us, when looking at the Australian beauty, grooming and style industries, we saw an opportunity to make salon appointments less daunting and more comfortable for those undergoing life altering treatments,” said Carol. “Everybody deserves to feel excited and uplifted after a trip to the hairdresser, nail salon or when sitting in the makeup chair – it’s the whole premise of the Look Good Feel Better program – and those undergoing cancer treatment are no different." “To help service providers – or Style Makers - feel the same excitement and confidence when working with their clients makes the Style for Cancer initiative even more important, and one we hope will be welcomed with open arms within the industry and the broader community,” she said. Look Good Feel Better program participant and Style Seeker, Jodie Strong, who underwent an array of cancer treatments says the physical and mental sensitivities during treatment are challenging, and while there is some support for mental recovery, the information and resources available for physical recovery are far less abundant. “During treatment, particularly chemo, I didn’t have the confidence to book in any services. After my active treatments were complete, while most service providers were sensitive and careful in the way they approached me and their language with me, I was usually the one to share what worked and didn’t work for me in my recovery rather than the salon or styling professional. I think that’s from a lack of awareness in the industry around this area, so as I was never quite sure what the right thing to do or not to do was,” explains Jodie. </div> </div> </div> <div title="Page 2"> <div> <div> “An important part of recovery from cancer is your feelings of self-worth and being able to take care of your body both mentally and physically. There are a lot of resources in the area of mental recovery, however not as much is available on the physical side of things." “Style For Cancer is an important initiative to bring awareness and some education to the physical side of recovery and help patients both during and post-treatment access services to help them feel more comfortable in their recovery.” Michael Kelly, Founder and Creatvve Director at Salon HER believes there is room for industry professionals to improve conversation and bolster skills for listening, empathising and creating a safe environment for clients trying to navigate cancer diagnosis and treatment. “I think language and the wholistic therapy side of the conversation could definitely improve. Not everyone has the resources to be able to hold space for another human in a very vulnerable stage of their life." "Style For Cancer is an obvious cause for me to be part of as I have lost family members I love to cancer, I’ve had family members recover from cancer, and I’ve supported clients who I care for deeply through some of their darkest days. It’s an initiative close to my heart.” Style For Cancer fundraising activities will take place in participating businesses Australia-wide during the month of August, however the Style Maker directory and registration in the initiative are available year-round. All funds <a href="https://donorbox.org/styleforcancerdonations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised</a> through the Style For Cancer initiative will directly support the Look Good Feel Better program, with each $100 raised allowing one participant to benefit from the program, free-of-charge. Image credits: Shutterstock </div> </div> </div>

Beauty & Style

Former world champion cyclist to face court over Olympian wife's death

Rohan Dennis, the husband of former Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins, will face court after allegedly causing her death. Dennis, a former world champion cyclist, was arrested in January and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. It is alleged that he recklessly struck his wife with his car in front of their home in Medindie in Adelaide on December 30. Hoskins was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but died later that night. The pair share two children together, and Dennis is due to appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court today. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The Australian cycling community were devastated when news of Hoskins' death first broke. "Melissa described her team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 world championships as the highlight of her career but for the rest of us, the highlight was just having her around," AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said at the time. "Although she retired in 2017, her presence as an alumnus of the sport has been felt and appreciated by many in the cycling and riding community." Hoskins competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics as a member of the Australian track cycling team pursuit, that finished fourth place. She also competed at the 2016 Olympics for the same team, and was in the squad that won the 2015 world title in the event. The Olympian was laid to rest in her hometown, Perth, in January with a public memorial service held in Adelaide during what would've been her 33rd birthday a month later. Dennis, who has been on bail since January, attended both ceremonies. Images: Getty

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Hard to watch! Paralympic champion given the worst gifts ever

A Spanish Paralympic cyclist has been given the worst trophy gifts in history, with his calm and collected reaction making waves online. Ricardo Ten Argiles was last week crowned world champion in three separate events at the 2023 UCI World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. During the post race ceremonies, he was presented with two gold medals, along with two very surprising gifts from the event's major sponsor: international watch company Tissot. The 47-year-old was gifted not one, but TWO watches in a fancy display case, despite having both his arms amputated at the forearm. A video of Ten keeping a straight face while being handed one of the watches has started to spread across the internet with more than 800,000 views. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Not a very well thought gift. <a href="https://t.co/hRhaTfnGsE">pic.twitter.com/hRhaTfnGsE</a> — Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) <a href="https://twitter.com/OutOfCycling/status/1691136594747469836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2023</a></blockquote> One video shows Ten standing on the podium and exchanging some friendly words with an official as he holds the watch case tightly between his arms. Understandably, the mortifying moment has been met with outrage and black humour. The athlete himself has been laughing off the incident and has embraced the way his social media pages have exploded with comments. Many of the comments suggested that Ten regift the expensive watches at Christmas, while others wondered how officials at the event could've let the awkward gifts happen. Despite the outrage from fans, Ten responded to one news story about the “tactless blunder” by writing on Twitter, “I am very happy to have won two TISSOTs, one for each arm, but above all for what it means for Paralympic cycling, total inclusion of the sport at the highest level”. Image credits: Twitter

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Fitness inspiration from a 75-year-old tennis champion

Being 60 no longer means sinking deeper into armchair and shying away from the fitness world. In fact, new research commissioned by over-50s insurer, Apia, shows that most of Australia’s mature residents are fighting fit and loving life. Local tennis champion Gordon, 75, says there is “no age barrier” when it comes to accomplishing great feats in sport. He recently won the singles in the NSW Seniors Tennis Championships after only starting to play at 40. The tennis star also volunteers his time at his local tennis club through mentoring members on the health benefits that result from exercising on a regular basis and supports his fellow players in reaching their potential. Gordon hopes that his experience and commitment to health and fitness will help change misconceptions of age and encourage others to have a more positive outlook towards keeping fit. He spoke to Over60 about motivation, the joy of volunteering and getting out of life what you put in. How have you found the motivation to stay focused on your tennis for the last thirty years? Have there been any obstacles, be it mental or physical? I realise only too well that as we age, it is important to stay as active and involved as possible - ‘If we don't use it, we lose it.’ So shortly after I retired at 55, I decided to fully engage in the sport of tennis, joining tennis seniors and my local club, both of which I am very active in socially and competitively. I find that I love this sport and am very passionate about all aspects, and I think that one must have this sort of commitment in order to excel at anything you do. Despite having some setbacks over the years, I can honestly say that the wonderful friendships, esprit de corps, and support of this tennis fraternity and family, have helped me through. Everyone has their life challenges. If you get knocked down, just get up and keep going. For me, the burning desire to keep improving at whatever I do, is the motivation to keep playing the demanding physical sport of tennis, where with the support of family and friends, I am still competing at 75. How does volunteering at your local tennis club enrich your day to day life and what made you decide to do it? You get out of life what you put into it, and I so thoroughly enjoy tennis and the fantastic friends and connections I make both locally and overseas, that I try to put back into this sport whatever I can contribute, since it has been so good to me. Consequently, any volunteer work I and others do for the club and community is not viewed as work, rather as pleasure, and I am grateful to be of service. When nominated to be on the club committee, I happily accepted the opportunity to participate and contribute even more. What advice would you give to someone who is over 60 and looking to make a change to a more active lifestyle? If I was 60-years-old and planning to change from a sedentary to a more active lifestyle, I would probably proceed as follows: 1. Start slowly on any exercise or activity undertaken, and build up gradually. 3. Engage in a body strengthening regime of some sort. 4. Do whatever you enjoy, so it is easy to repeat, little and often better than too much at one time. 5. Some people may want to join a gym, others walk or swim etc. There are plenty of good books on the general subject, after you have made the choice of your favoured activity. Images: Getty

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Aussie rowing champion rushed to hospital in coma

Australian rowing athlete Georgia Nesbitt, 30, has been admitted to hospital after suffering serious injuries during a cycling event in Hobart. The 30-year-old was put in an induced coma but is said to be in a stable condition after the crash during a criterium race, Rowing Australia confirmed. The former World Championships silver medallist was recently appointed to a position on the Rowing Tasmania board. Rowing Australia Chief Executive Ian Robson said in a statement, “Georgia is one of the most respected athletes in Australian rowing. The entire rowing family and wider sports community is thinking of Georgia and her family in the wake of this serious accident. “Rowing Australia offers its ongoing support and assistance to Georgia’s family during this most testing of time. They are foremost in our thoughts.” The crash was reported to have occurred during a criterium road race at Tolosa Park on Friday night, March 10. The Nesbitt family have requested the media respect their privacy. According to Rowing Australia, Nesbitt represented the Australian team on 10 occasions, including a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships. She was part of the Hancock Prospecting Women’s National Training Centre in Penrith until December 2022 when she returned to her home state. Image credit: Getty

Caring

Australian Olympic champion convicted of theft

Australian Olympic champion and former diver Chantelle Newbery has been convicted of theft for stealing groceries from Woolworths. Newbery, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, was caught walking out with $383 worth of unpaid groceries in Towoomba, Queensland, last July. She later told the police that she had no food or money to pay for it, according to the <a href="https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/toowoomba/chantelle-lee-newberys-dive-into-drug-use-ends-in-stealing-groceries-and-a-jail-term/news-story/50c6008c1d67130b170904c028bf9318" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Toowoomba Chronicle</a>. Newbery, now 45, has also pleaded guilty to driving on a suspended licence, on December 5, but was released on immediate parole after being jailed for eight months. The reason why she wasn't jailed, according to Magistrate Kay Phillipson, was because at that time she was caring for her 18-month-old niece. The Magistrate told her, “you really need to turn things around". Newbery's solicitor Alysha Jacobsen told the court that the former diver had turned to drugs following her divorce from Robert Newbery. After the divorce, she also faced the death of her new partner and her mother. In 2014, she told Channel 9's A Current Affair that she resorted to drugs after her mother’s death. She also said that she had been suffering from chronic depression and had tried to commit suicide multiple times. “There have been times in the past few weeks especially around the time of the court case I knew I was slipping into a place where I was a little bit worried and I did actually go to a GP and get another referral to get help again,” she said. In 2021, she was caught with an ice pipe after being stopped for shoplifting from Woolworths and Target, to which she pleaded guilty for stealing and possessing drug utensils. Newbery was the first Australian Olympic diver to win gold in over 80 years at the 2004 Olympics. She received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005. Image: Getty <hr /> If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, you can call these support services, 24 hours, 7 days: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (for people aged 5 to 25) MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 StandBy - Support After Suicide: 1300 727 24

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"Absolute little champion": 11-year-old boy saves elderly neighbour

Thanks to the calm and composed actions of Queensland boy, 11-year-old Ned Compton, his neighbour Elizabeth Taylor lives to see another day. Ms Taylor had fallen in her backyard and was unable to get up. She was laying there for an hour before Ned heard her calls which he was watching TV two blocks down and immediately leapt into action. The young boy had jumped on his bike and called triple-0 on the way. “There’s an old lady that’s hurt?” Queensland Ambulance Service operator Terry Hands asked, in a recording of the emergency call. Ned replied: “Yeah, I’m riding there on my bike right now.” “How do you know that this old lady’s fallen down? What’s happening?” Hands asked. “I called out (for) who needed help,” Ned replied. “She’s been there for an hour ... I might jump the fence to see if she’s OK.” Ned was able to provide clear information on his whereabouts for an ambulance to find them and come to the rescue. “For an 11-year-old boy, he’s an absolute little champion,” Hands told Sunrise. “He’s a triple-0 hero. He gave me the information and helped Elizabeth greatly that day.” Ned and Taylor have now formed a firm friendship which even extends to Ned mowing her lawn. Ned said: “I didn’t want her falling over in the grass again and getting hurt”. Ned is a local hero and his community are lucky to have him! Image: Sunrise

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Man faces court after one-punch attack kills world champion surfer

A man has faced court over the deadly one-punch assault that claimed the life of former professional surfer Chris Davidson. The former elite surfer is being mourned by the sporting community after he was attacked outside a pub on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. Police said they were called to Sportsmans Way at South West Rocks just after 11pm on Saturday following reports a man had been punched in the face, fallen and hit his head on the pavement. Officers arrived on the scene where they found 45-year-old Davidson unconscious on the pavement. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the nearby Kempsey Hospital, where he died a short time later. A 42-year-old man was arrested at a nearby home early on Sunday, and was charged with assault causing death. At Port Macquarie Court on Sunday, he was refused bail. Surfing Australia says the sport's community is mourning the loss of the man affectionately known as "Davo". "Davo was an incredibly talented surfer and a true individual in our sport and community," the organisation said on Facebook. "Our thoughts go out to his two children, friends and family at this time." Eleven-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, who Davidson beat in two consecutive heats at Bells Beach as a 19-year-old wildcard entrant in 1996, called him one of the most naturally talented surfers he ever knew. "Lost another soldier yesterday. #RipChrisDavo. Had many a good battle with this guy," Slater said on Instagram. Image credits: Getty Images

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"RIP champion": Bondi Rescue star dies

Tributes have poured in for Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry ‘Tezz’ McDermott after the news of his passing broke on Friday night. In an emotional post on the Bondi Lifeguards Instagram account, it was revealed that McDermott died after a long battle with cancer. “The lifeguard community is mourning the loss of one of the nicest watermen to don a jersey,” the post read. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAMBn7LU2_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAMBn7LU2_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bondi Lifeguards (@bondilifeguards)</a> </div> </blockquote> “This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches. “Terry, Tezzy, T-Mac, Moondoggy McDermott… Thank you for your service to the community. “Rest easy great man.” Sunshine Coast Lifeguards shared on social media that McDermott passed away “surrounded by family in Sydney” and paid tribute to the “champion”. “Terry was a charismatic articulate character who always had a wonderful story to tell,” the Facebook post <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0FU55nE5KJYX1i3k1fLdk1a1Y6QBwVpGqybeU7mdoYTJg6k7RjzSNKWveY7MhWj4Bl&id=104517091618709" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read</a>. “He was a friend and colleague to many Lifeguards around the country and in fact well known all over the world.” After working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast for 20 years, McDermott spent a decade working at Bondi Beach, starring in both Bondi Rescue and Bondi Rescue: Bali. Fans, friends and fellow lifeguards quickly flocked to social media to pay tribute to McDermott and share their sympathies with his family. “Gonna miss you Tez. If there were more people like you in this world it would be a better place. So many great memories that I will always hang on to. Think of Jo and Matty during this tough time. RIP my good friend,” a friend commented. “So sad to hear of his passing. He always came across as a man full of compassion for young and old. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Memories last a lifetime and Terry has left a lot of memories for everyone to cherish,” one fan wrote. Rest In Peace 'Ricky' Terry McDermott thanks for teaching me the ropes of life guarding,” lifeguard Trent ‘Maxi’ Maxwell shared in an emotional Facebook tribute. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftrent.m.maxwell%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02h9FxoM6sH5UhX4YzVffZRnzyq7ps5P4KrEqnsvadoWupyRZGy9ueVfd1JWspATo3l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="742" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “I will miss you mate, never a dull moment you were a great waterman and always had some great wisdom to share to the young blokes. “We had some great times together, you will be missed.” Weeks before his passing, McDermott shared a video of him singing ‘The Horses’ and laughing with another cancer patient at the Prince of Wales cancer ward. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcPdOJehVmf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcPdOJehVmf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Terry McDermott (@lifeguardterry)</a> </div> </blockquote> In the post’s caption, McDermott wrote that he struck up “an instant friendship” with Dave, despite them supporting “Souths and Easts” teams respectively, and that “singing and laughing” is the “answer to Cancer”. “Cancer can’t get us, we’re too happy,” he said in the clip. He is survived by his wife Joanna and their son, Matt. Image: @bondilifeguards (Instagram)

News

Tennis legends react to Ash Barty’s retirement

Ash Barty surprised the tennis world and fans after announcing her retirement from the sport at the young age of 25. The World No. 1 announced the news on Wednesday saying she knew it was time to move on after winning Wimbledon and the Australian Open. “I will be retiring from tennis. It’s the first time I’ve actually said that out loud and it’s hard to say,” she began. “But I’m so happy and I’m so ready and I just know at the moment in my heart for me as a person, this is right. “I’m so grateful to everything that tennis has given me. It’s given me all of my dreams, plus more. “But I know that the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams. And put the racquets down.” Women’s Tennis Association chief executive Steve Simon wished Barty the best in her future endeavours. “We wish Ash only the very best and know that she will continue to be a tremendous ambassador for the sport of tennis as she embarks on this new chapter of her life,” he wrote. Fellow tennis legend Serena Williams tweeted: “@ashbarty I can’t lie I was sad to read your decision but also happy for your new chapter. Always your fan close up and afar. Sending all my love.” “Ash Barty. Amazing tennis player but even better person. A champion in every sense of the word. Very proud of you mate,” Dylan Alcott wrote. Aussie tennis hero Thanasi Kokkinakis kept it simple: “Respect it @ashbarty.” “An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour,” American Madison Keys wrote. “Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis what a player,” Andy Murray tweeted. “An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour,” American Madison Keys wrote. “Congratulations @ashbarty on an amazing career and good luck with what’s next!” Former World No. 1 and Romanian tennis player said she’d miss Barty on tour. “Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour,” she tweeted. “You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. “What’s next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max.” Image: Instagram

Caring

World champion surfer unleashes on “disrespectful” kids

World champion surfer Joel Parkinson has unleashed fury at a pair of vloggers he claimed were disrespecting victims of the floods. Vloggers Paton and Steeze shared a video of themselves to Instagram sliding down a muddy hill near Duranbah Beach at Tweed Heads. The video, which has since been viewed more than 10,000 times, shows the pair being angrily approached by the surfing legend telling them to show respect to the victims of the floods. “That’s enough. Hey you f***ing idiots. Get the f*** off. People have lost their houses,” Parkinson yells. “You should be more responsible you f***wits. You know people lost everything in these floods.” “Oh settle down mate. Don’t bring that into it. This is not someone losing their house in the floods bro, so don’t do that,” one of the men responded. The man continued to say that they knew people who had lost their homes. Parkinson asked the young men where they live, before the filmer interjected telling his mate to let it go. The video then cuts to the boys back at the top of the hill when Parkinson once again yells at them saying “they can’t do that’. The older man behind the camera jumps in telling Parkinson “that’s enough”. “Settle down. They’re having their fun alright. You’ve had your fun, you try to stop them from having their fun. We've had a gutful. “Have fun boys, live. “Mate we're here to have fun, they’re all having fun, no one’s hurting anyone or oppressing anyone except for you.” The boys agree to sliding down one more time before heading home, when another man jumps at the cameraman prompting the boys to get up and defend him. Parkinson attempts to calm the situation as the men all swear at each other. 'Have some respect,' the surfing legend says. 'You have some f***ing respect, look at my camera,' one of the vloggers replies, before Parkinson calls it a 'piece of s***'. Some viewers sided with the vloggers calling out Parkinson’s for allegedly doing the same thing last week. “Floor was already f***ed. Parko he was doing the same thing last week I don’t see what the problem is,’ one wrote. “With everything going on at the moment.. covid lockdowns floods this is nothing to get upset about! The kids are just having some fun.. the grass will grow back the first week the sun's out. He is just an entitled w***er assaulting kids for living a little is all I see in the clip!’ another commented. “Hahahah Parko was sliding down that last week and he posted it on his story,” another wrote. “Didn't I see him sliding down it last week? Now he decides it's disrespectful? GTFO. What a hero picking on some young guys having fun during a sh*t time,” someone else commented. View the video <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca1zIMLB9F4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Warning: explicit language used. Image: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Olympic champ back in court on stealing and unlicensed driving charges

The lawyer representing a champion Olympic diver on charges of shoplifting and unlicensed driving has called for the media to be banned from court proceedings. Robert Burns, Chantelle Lee Newbery’s lawyer, has accused the media of “opportunistic conduct”, claiming there would be little interest in the case if any other member of the community was involved. “Were she not a person of some note who had achieved something for this country she would be of absolutely no interest to the press whatsoever,” Mr Burns told magistrate Zac Sarra. “But for the fact that she’s been a gold medallist at the Olympics the press wouldn’t give a brass razoo.” The 44-year-old is accused of stealing groceries from a supermarket in Ormiston, Queensland, in April last year, as well as from a store in Victoria Point in January and a Woollongabba supermarket last month. Ms Newbery has also been charged with three counts of breaching bail conditions by allegedly failing to report to Cleveland Police Station in June and July. When asked why Ms Newbery was not present in court, Mr Burns said “there was an issue with a potential application for closed court due to press involvement”. “Every time this matter is before the court the press take an active interest in a matter which … if it were any other member of the community there would be little interest and it’s really opportunistic conduct by the press,” he said. Mr Burns added that Ms Newbery had made mistakes and would take responsibility for her actions, but “shouldn’t necessarily be subjected to any additional punishment through what the press are doing”. Mr Sarra said court proceedings would only be closed under extenuating circumstances, and that an application could be brought before the court that the press could respond to. “I wish the press were here more often, Mr Burns, to be honest, to report the problems we have to deal with [like] the impact ice is having in the community, the increasing levels of domestic violence, many of the issues that are tearing this community fabric to shreds,” Mr Sarra said. The magistrate also cancelled a warrant for Newbury’s arrest that had been issued by Brisbane magistrate Elizabeth Hall last month, which had not been executed. Newbury’s matters have been adjourned to Wynnum Magistrates Court, to be heard on October 1. Newbery won gold and bronze at the Athen Olympics in 2004 and became Australia’s first diving gold medallist in 80 years. Image: Getty

News

The single act that shows why Ash Barty is a next level champion

When asked about her recent COVID-19 immunisation, Aussie tennis star Ash Barty gave a response that impressed fans. During her post-victory press conference in Stuttgart, after nabbing a spot in the quarter-finals of the WTA clay-court tournament in Germany, Barty received several questions about her vaccination. She revealed the lengths she went to in order to avoid jumping the vaccine queue or using her tennis fame to receive preferential treatment in the roll-out of the vaccine. Barty was also among the tennis leaders calling for the Tour’s suspension in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sitting out the 2020 WTA Tour rather than risking the health of her team by travelling all over the world. The world champion secured her first victory in Europe since her famous Roland Garros triumph, when she defeated Germany’s Laura Siegemund in her Porsche Tennis Grand Prix debut 21 months ago. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN8TT4ih4Ij/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN8TT4ih4Ij/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)</a> </div> </blockquote> As successful as she is on the court, it is her off-court behaviour that has fans impressed. In the press conference, Barty revealed she eventually received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the Charleston Open in the United States earlier this month. Before she did, she checked with officials to ensure she was not taking away the opportunity from a member of the public. “We were looking at different avenues to try and get vaccinated without jumping the queue in Australia,” she said, according to Ben Rothenberg, tennis correspondent for the New York Times. “To see what our options were and we weren’t able to get much of an answer before we left in March.” “We were able to get the vaccine, as were a lot of other players, through the Tour and that they had organised through a certain pharmacy that had extras, and that was important to me knowing that those who were the most vulnerable were able to get it first,” she explained. On receiving the jab, she said, “It was nice to know that we have got that small layer of protection.” Sitting out Roland Garros last year due to the pandemic, the 24-year-old was succeeded by Poland’s Iga Swiatek as champion. Prior to the press conference, she triumphed against 33-year-old Siegemund by winning all 24 points when she got her first serve into play, then fending off a second-set surge to secure victory in 84 minutes. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-z6t8lBnH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-z6t8lBnH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Women’s Tennis Association (@wta)</a> </div> </blockquote> The win came as Barty’s first on European clay since defeating Marketa Vondrousova in June 2019, claiming her maiden grand slam singles title. “It was good to play on a new surface, the court was quite quick compared to what I am used to,” Barty said, having hit six aces in her opening display. Following her surprise loss to Spain’s Paula Badosa in Charleston that ended her eight-match winning streak, her most recent win was an important rebound. In the upcoming quarter-finals, Barty will play Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, another former Roland Garros winner, or the Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova, a former world number one. Barty retained her No. 1 WTA ranking earlier this month following her second consecutive Miami Open title. The 2021 French Open will commence on Monday, May 24.

Beauty & Style

Australia joins club of virus champions

Australia has been invited to be a part of an exclusive club of countries that have taken exceptional measures to beat the coronavirus. The group, informally known as the “first movers”, is led by Austria and is used to discuss the best response to the pandemic. Other countries involved include Greece, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Singapore, Israel, Norway and New Zealand. All of these nations acted quickly to control the spread of COVID-19 and have been successful in containing the virus. Unlike Italy, Spain and France, which have all seen over 25,000 people die from the virus, Austria has kept its deaths to just over 600, Denmark just over 500, Czech Republic to just over 250, Norway to just over 200 and Greece to less than 150. In Australia, less than 100 people have died, there have been less than 150 deaths in Israel, and there have only been about 20 deaths in Singapore and New Zealand. It has been confirmed by Scott Morrison’s representative that the leaders gathered to swap notes and tactics on safely opening the economy, including schools, how to manage localised outbreaks, the importance of regular tracing and testing, keeping supply chains open, and scientific cooperation. They also noted Australia’s introduction of the CovidSAFE app. Morrison spoke about the importance of an independent review of the response to COVID-19, and support for an EU-sponsored resolution at the forthcoming World Health Assembly. The group will be meeting again next week. The Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz sent out a tweet last month thanking the PM and other leaders for taking the time to exchange best practices on COVID-19 after their first meeting. “We look forward to enhancing our scientific & economic co-operation to increase our resilience,” he posted on April 24. Morrison tweeted in response, thanking Chancellor Kurz for hosting the “valuable exchange”. “It emphasises the need for continued strong co-operation and collaboration on research for a vaccine, supply chains and combating the virus as well as strengthening our economies again,” he said. Australia has well and truly succeeded in controlling the coronavirus, with less than 800 active cases in the country. Overall there were fewer than 7000 coronavirus infections reported in Australia.

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Serena Williams pays tribute to her father’s “amazing” work ethic

As tennis legend Serena Williams has her sights set on the record-equalling 24th grand slam singles crown she’s been training her whole life for, Serena has taken a moment to reflect on her father Richard’s sacrifices to get her to where she is today. Serena says that the birth of her own daughter Alexis Olympia has made her realise just how much her father gave up for her over the years. "My dad is amazing. I could never have done what he has done, not only with myself but with Venus," the American told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/27529598/serena-breezes-6-1-6-0-win-just-44-minutes" target="_blank">ESPN</a>. "It's shocking and as a parent to do something every single day is very difficult - and I can't do something with my daughter every single day. "And I remember when we were young, we went out and trained and practised and we didn't miss a day.” Serena said that she appreciates the discipline as it has made her a better player. "To have that discipline actually makes me look at myself as a player, as a parent and just really appreciate my dad so much more than I ever have in the past,” she said. "It just makes me see it totally different and I love him to death and he's watching all my matches and he's probably already texting me right now saying 'Serena, you need to do this a little more'. "And I'm like 'okay, Dad, I got this." As to whether or not her two-year-old will make an appearance at the games? It’s not looking likely until Alexis can sit still. "She's a little bit loud and obnoxious right now," <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11mw-S-AJo" target="_blank">Williams said at a US Open press conference</a>. "I'm not sure she should come to the matches." "I'm hoping next year she'll be at an age where she can sit ... Maybe I'll start at the smaller tournaments and see how she does and go from there. Also, she's still napping. It's hard." Scroll through the gallery to see Serena and her father Thomas through the years.

Relationships

Cheeky! Prince Harry pens hilarious note to Wimbledon wheelchair champion Dylan Alcott

Wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott received a nice surprise in the mail, as he took to Twitter to show off a cheeky letter from none other than Prince Harry himself. The royal heaped praise on Alcott, commending him for his Wimbledon win and most popular new talent at the Logies. He also appreciated him for his work “raising awareness and changing perceptions of disability”. But while the top half of the note was quite formal, it was the PS that had fans chuckling, as Harry hilariously asked about Alcott’s underwear situation. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> Pen pals with the Duke of Sussex himself - Prince Harry.. What an absolute legend ... Also very impressed he watches the <a href="https://twitter.com/TVWEEKmag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TVWEEKmag</a> logies..! <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KensingtonRoyal</a> <a href="https://t.co/I328TqnMaX">pic.twitter.com/I328TqnMaX</a> — Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanAlcott/status/1163385140308918273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 August 2019</a></blockquote> The letter reads: “Dear Dylan, I wanted to pass on my congratulations for your recent win at Wimbledon and your most popular new talent award! Thank you for the special contribution that you made to sharing the stories of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women on the Invictus Games Today show. Your achievements are extraordinary, and the impact you have had in raising awareness and changing perceptions of disability is really inspiring. I wish you the very best of luck for the future, on-air and on-court! All the best, Harry PS – I’m wondering if you wore your Invictus Games budgie smugglers on the big night to accept it? Mine have come in handy in this recent UK heatwave!” The 28-year-old won the Wimbledon title in mid-July for his ninth wheelchair Grand Slam title, including third straight this year as he nears a calendar Grand Slam.

Body

Olympic champion Betty Cuthbert passes away aged 79

Olympic champion Betty Cuthbert has passed away at the age of 79, the one-time world record holder succumbing to multiple sclerosis after a long battle. Cuthbert famously became one of the stars of the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, winning gold in the 100m, 200, and 4x100m relay, which instantly cemented her status as Australian sport’s golden girl. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Athletics Australia is saddened to confirm the passing of Olympic legend Betty Cuthbert, Our thoughts with her family & friends. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash">#RIP</a> <a href="https://t.co/l4onq19Yke">pic.twitter.com/l4onq19Yke</a> — Athletics Australia (@AthsAust) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthsAust/status/894320980750983169">August 6, 2017</a></blockquote> While injury prevented her from adding to her tally in Rome, she came out of retirement in 1964 to take the 400m title in Tokyo. Cuthbert remains the only Olympian to have won gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m and only Ian Thorpe has won more gold medals for Australia. Tributes have flowed on social media following news of her passing: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Rest in peace Betty Cuthbert, forever a golden girl. — Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/billshortenmp/status/894321869825875968">August 6, 2017</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Betty Cuthbert ran times in the ‘50s and ‘60s that they’d struggle to run today. Her legend will remain with us forever. Rest in peace. — Alan Jones (@AlanJones) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlanJones/status/894321837198290944">August 6, 2017</a></blockquote> Our thoughts are with Cuthbert’s family. Image credit: Twitter / David Tarbaton

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Cheeky! Prince Harry pens hilarious note to Wimbledon wheelchair champion Dylan Alcott

Olympic champion Betty Cuthbert passes away aged 79

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