Greg O'Keeffe
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Articles by Greg O'Keeffe
Hyrox athlete who continued event after soiling herself says outcry over incident ‘hard to navigate’
Joanna Wietrzyk, the Australian endurance athlete who continued a Hyrox race despite soiling herself, has said she found the outcry after the incident “a hard situation to navigate”. Wietrzyk repeated an earlier apology for her decision to keep going during the fitness race in Beijing, China, which she won despite becoming ill and having fecal matter running down her legs and onto the shared track.
Inside the world of marathon ‘cheats’: Online sleuthing, ‘scary’ abuse and grey areas
It will be a familiar scene to anyone who has run or watched a marathon. As the weary athlete crosses the finish line, they glance at their wrist, fiddle with their watch, and join the throng of fellow runners being funnelled off the course amid hugs and high fives. Then comes the stagger to collect their medal and, for many, a moment to share their achievement on social media.
Racecourse fined after injured jockey taken to hospital in horsebox
A British racecourse has been fined after an injured jockey was transported to hospital in a horsebox. Sedgefield Racecourse, one of England’s most historic courses having been in operation since 1846, was fined £6,500 ($8,680) by the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) for its handling of the incident in a race on March 19.
Ballon d’Or 2026 live updates: Start time, news and ranking all today’s contenders
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Ballon d’Or 2026 — Latest The world’s best footballers will be honoured at today’s 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe are among the contenders for the men’s prize, won last year by Ousmane Dembele. Aitana Bonmati, meanwhile, missed most of last season through injury — opening the door to a new winner of the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the first time in three years.
By Luke Brown Verified, Max Mathews Verified, Jack Pitt-Brooke Verified, Greg O'Keeffe Verified, George Ramsay Verified, Sebastian Stafford-Bloor
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The New York Times
Verified
The secrets of Ironman’s senior citizens: Titanium knees, tough love and indomitable spirit
They stood atop their podiums, medals glistening around their necks, knees aching perhaps more than most. For any triathlete, defying the searing heat and humidity of Kailua-Kona to win Ironman World Championship gold in in your age group is a major achievement. When you’re 71 and 79, it is an age-defying feat of exceptional strength and character. For Laura Rossetti and Simon Butterworth — the triumphant athletes in question — the idea of putting their feet up is laughable.
The secrets of Ironman’s senior citizens: Titanium knees, tough love and indomitable spirit
They stood atop their podiums, medals glistening around their necks, knees aching perhaps more than most. For any triathlete, defying the searing heat and humidity of Kailua-Kona to win Ironman World Championship gold in in your age group is a major achievement. When you’re 71 and 79, it is an age-defying feat of exceptional strength and character. For Laura Rossetti and Simon Butterworth — the triumphant athletes in question — the idea of putting their feet up is laughable.
Taylor Knibb and the ‘sadistic’ secrets of an Ironman world champion
For one agonising moment last Saturday, Taylor Knibb thought it was happening all over again. Twelve months ago, the U.S. triathlete’s dream of becoming Ironman world champion came to a shuddering halt when heatstroke wiped her out as she led with only a couple of kilometres left in the women’s event. Norway’s Solveig Lovseth capitalised to surge past and win.
Ironman World Championships: USA’s Taylor Knibb wins as Solveig Løvseth collapses while leading race Original
She was the defending champion and a historic victory at the Ironman World Championships within sight. But then exhaustion hit. Solveig Løvseth had been competing for over eight hours, negotiating heat and humidity and arduous climbs in one of the world’s toughest events, when on the streets of Hawaii’s Kona district, the long-distance triathlon’s conclusion took a dramatic turn.
Everton were just getting used to stability under TFG. This brings back fans’ worst memories
Stability, peace of mind, a clear future… it was nice while it lasted. The Athletic reported TFG’s intention to find fresh investment last month, but releasing a statement today confirming the group’s position will lead many to suspect the owners want out completely, rather than just extra investment.
Inside the mind of Solveig Lovseth, the world’s fittest woman: ‘I’m my own cheerleader’
It is described in semi-mythical terms by competitors simply as ‘The Island’. On Saturday, amid its volcanic climbs, extreme heat and punishing humidity, Kona on Hawaii will again host the blue-riband event of the world’s most extreme sport: the Ironman World Championships. It is a triathlon race that can humble even the toughest athletes, involving a 3.8km (2.4 mile) swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run. The idyllic scenery belies the punishing physical toll it takes on the competitors.
Inside the mind of Solveig Lovseth, the world’s fittest woman: ‘I’m my own cheerleader’
Inside the mind of Solveig Lovseth, the world’s fittest woman: ‘I’m my own cheerleader’ Inside the mind of Solveig Lovseth, the world’s fittest woman: ‘I’m my own cheerleader’ It is described in semi-mythical terms by competitors simply as 'The Island'. On Saturday, amid its volcanic climbs, extreme heat and punishing humidity, Hawaii's Kona district will again host the blue-riband event of the world's most extreme sport: the Ironman World Championships.
Hyrox, a PR crisis and the battle for the multi-billion-dollar CrossFit market
It is already a multi-billion-dollar industry and one of the fastest-growing sectors in sports. And now a new front is opening up in the battle to dominate it. Christian Toetzke, the man who helped turn Hyrox — a sport that combines running with functional endurance exercises — into a global phenomenon, has his sights set on CrossFit.
Kevin Sinfield: The rugby legend who became a knight after raising millions in memory of his mate
His legs heavy, his lungs burning, Kevin Sinfield approaches the athletics track with the first marathon of the day completed. One done, one to go, and then another and another, and then more. It is day two of his latest challenge, called ‘7 in 7: The Grand Finale’, to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), the terminal muscle-wasting condition that took the life of his former team-mate and close friend Rob Burrow at the age of 41 in 2024.
Louis Rees-Zammit, the end of an NFL dream and why he has no regrets
He is smiling and invigorated after a training game for his team Bristol Bears, and looking forward to the start of a new rugby union season. But if things had gone to plan for Louis Rees-Zammit, he wouldn’t be in south-west England. Instead, he would have been on the other side of the world, trying to stake a claim to play for Kansas City Chiefs against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Could Harry Kane really be an NFL kicker? The experts are not so sure Original
On an indoor astroturf pitch Harry Kane stands, arms aloft in mock celebration. The England striker, then playing for Tottenham Hotspur, has just nailed a succession of field goals from various distances in an NFL social media clip. “Boom,” he says, clearly having fun. “Might be a little career maybe.” One, in particular, delights him: a 50-yard effort that sails comfortably between the posts.
Luke Littler could be darts’ greatest ever player. Why do some fans boo him?
As jeers and whistles rang out around Amsterdam’s Afas Live venue on Friday, Luke Littler turned, glowered at his detractors and put his hands to his ears before making a beckoning hand gesture. Twenty four hours later, the English darts sensation offered sarcastic applause to others in the Dutch crowd who booed him. On both occasions, Littler — the prodigiously gifted 19-year-old darts player who many believe could become the greatest star the sport has ever seen — won the match.
Enzo Maresca is using training-ground music at Man City. This is why it might be a smart move
It might have seemed more like a soundtrack suited to a nightclub than a top-level football training ground. High-energy dance music pulsed from huge speakers around the field as the Manchester City players warmed up before a session at the Etihad Campus. New manager Enzo Maresca watched approvingly. This was the Italian introducing his novel methods to his squad, seeking to build harmony as he forges his own identity in the shadow of his iconic predecessor, Pep Guardiola.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham completes world’s largest half marathon Original
The British Prime Minister Andy Burnham completed the world’s largest half marathon in under two hours on Sunday. The 56-year-old politician, who succeeded Sir Kier Starmer as Labour leader in the summer, is a keen runner and has completed the Great North Run — a renowned 13.1 mile (21 kilometre) race in Newcastle — on previous occasions.
Birmingham’s Luis Vazquez misses an open goal from three yards – but was it even the worst miss of the weekend?
As close-range, open-goal misses go, this was up there with the most baffling. Birmingham City striker Luis Vazquez somehow put the ball over an unguarded net from three yards during the 2-1 win away to Derby County in the EFL Championship, England’s second tier, on Saturday. It could well be the miss of the season already, and will certainly not be a moment the 25-year-old cares to watch back too many times.
Premier League Forum: Can anyone stop Arsenal? Are Spurs in trouble again? Can Hull and Ipswich stay up?
This felt like a significant result for Arsenal. In the second half against a spirited Sunderland side, they conceded a penalty when Ezri Konsa appeared to grapple with Dan Ballard. It was a decision that incensed Mikel Arteta, who described it as “unacceptable” in his post-match press conference and left the champions facing the prospect of defeat at the Stadium of Light. David Raya had other ideas.
Premier League Forum: Can anyone stop Arsenal? Are Spurs in trouble again? Can Hull and Ipswich stay up?
This felt like a significant result for Arsenal. In the second half against a spirited Sunderland side, they conceded a penalty when Ezri Konsa appeared to grapple with Dan Ballard. It was a decision that incensed Mikel Arteta, who described it as “unacceptable” in his post-match press conference and left the champions facing the prospect of defeat at the Stadium of Light. David Raya had other ideas.
South Africa runs over New Zealand before North American record 68,173 in Baltimore Original
A North American rugby record 68,173 watched South Africa produce a blistering performance of power and precision to beat New Zealand 43-28 Saturday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. With the win, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks made it 3-1 across four games in the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Tottenham draw a blank again. Has Jay-Z concert harmed their pitch?
The problems mount for Tottenham Hotspur and Roberto De Zerbi. A summer outlay of more than £300million appears to have done little for his team’s attacking output and for a fourth successive game they failed to scored. It was the first 0-0 in a Premier League game since the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was rebuilt. Savio, Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush started as the front three for the first time for Spurs and it was the Brazil forward who was often the brightest spark for the hosts from the off.
Two riders killed in crashes during qualifying for Manx Grand Prix
Two riders have suffered fatal crashes within 24 hours of each other during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix motorcycle race. Spectators come from around the world to watch a series of races on the course on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. The course goes along closed public roads, with fans able to watch up close from hedges, verges and viewing platforms around the island and its quaint villages.
Two riders killed in crashes during qualifying for Manx Grand Prix
23 hours ago A second competitor has died during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man. Sam Naughton, from Castletown on the island, was killed in a crash at Doran's Bend, on the western section of the course, on Wednesday afternoon. The 37-year-old was competing in the event for the second time, …
Aston Villa’s Zion Suzuki: The U.S.-born Japan goalkeeper who turned down Man United Original
Zion Suzuki was just 20 and had never played in Europe, but when he strode into the training ground of Sint-Truiden in 2023, his new team-mates were impressed. Any fears the new arrival on loan from Japanese team Urawa Red Diamonds may have lacked maturity, though, were quickly dispelled.
Jonathan Klinsmann interview: ‘I was really close…to never playing again, never walking again’
It was only much later that Jonathan Klinsmann realised quite how close his life came to being irreversibly changed. With only a few minutes of the game left, without fully realising it, he was in considerable peril. It was the final stages of Palermo’s 2-0 home win back in April over Cesena, for whom Klinsmann was playing in goal. At first, when he collided with an opponent’s knee, it felt like the sort of head injury he and his fellow ’keepers learn to expect.
Jonathan Klinsmann interview: ‘I was really close…to never playing again, never walking again’
It was only much later that Jonathan Klinsmann realised quite how close his life came to being irreversibly changed. With only a few minutes of the game left, without fully realising it, he was in considerable peril. It was the final stages of Palermo’s 2-0 home win back in April over Cesena, for whom Klinsmann was playing in goal. At first, when he collided with an opponent’s knee, it felt like the sort of head injury he and his fellow ’keepers learn to expect.
Behind Wayne Rooney’s makeover: How he became such a polished pundit Original
Studying clips of his first season as a BBC pundit, Wayne Rooney could not shake a feeling of dissatisfaction. It was not so much the internet trolls, although some were unsparing in their jibes about his contributions and appearance, as it was his internal drive to be better. So harnessing the competitiveness and work rate which complemented a generational talent, the former striker went back to the drawing board with gritty determination.
Why U.S. prodigy Cavan Sullivan, 16, was picked to wear Adidas’ newest boot innovation first Original
There was so much about Cavan Sullivan’s performance to capture attention that, for many watching, his brightly coloured footwear may barely have registered. After all, as the recently concluded World Cup has taught us, pink boots have become nearly ubiquitous.
Pundit and commentator pitfalls – and how they try to explain controversial topics on air
The countdown has finished, the cameras are rolling, microphones are live and millions have tuned in — now watch what you say. Players on the pitch are under intense pressure at the World Cup, but it is also a test for the TV presenters, pundits and commentators who must choose their words more carefully than ever during live broadcasts watched by huge audiences.
Pundit and commentator pitfalls - and how they try to explain controversial topics on air
The countdown has finished, the cameras are rolling, microphones are live and millions have tuned in -- now watch what you say. Players on the pitch are under intense pressure at the World Cup, but it is also a test for the TV presenters, pundits and commentators who must choose their words more carefully than ever during live broadcasts watched by huge audiences.
England v Mexico kicks off at 1am in the UK. How are fans planning to watch it?
It is an unprecedented challenge for England. And for many of their supporters too. Thomas Tuchel’s men have little time to acclimate as they face Mexico at altitude at the Azteca Stadium in the round of 16 on Sunday. Back in England, the World Cup match starts on Monday at 1am BST — the earliest (or latest) ever kick-off for England at a major tournament.
England v Mexico kicks off at 1am in the UK. How are fans planning to watch it?
It is an unprecedented challenge for England. And for many of their supporters too. Thomas Tuchel's men have little time to acclimate as they face Mexico at altitude at the Azteca Stadium in the round of 16 on Sunday. Back in England, the World Cup match starts on Monday at 1am BST -- the earliest (or latest) ever kick-off for England at a major tournament.
Lamine Yamal, 18, announces himself as a World Cup phenom as Spain crush Saudi Arabia Original
Lamine Yamal did not wait long to make his mark on his first World Cup start. The 18-year-old Barcelona attacker sparked a riotous performance from Spain against Saudi Arabia, scoring after 10 minutes of his first start at the tournament to set his team on their way to a 4-0 victory which all but confirmed their place in the last 32. It was the perfect antidote for Spain, whose status as pre-tournament favourites had been dented by the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their first game.
Gary Lineker’s ITV cameo: Banter, BBC barbs and a reminder of why he was King of the Box Original
There was a time Gary Lineker was ubiquitous. When it came to Saturday night sport in the UK, he was just there, like the weather. It was Match of the Day, TV commercials, hit TV dramas, talk shows, the BBC’s coverage of Olympic Games, European Championships and, of course, World Cups. Ah, World Cups. The man who starred in two notable tournaments for England as a striker went on to leverage his easygoing charm as the presenter who eventually flourished into national-treasure territory.
Netherlands vs Sweden live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest news and buildup
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Netherlands vs Sweden live updates: World Cup 2026 game latest news and buildup Follow live as the Netherlands and Sweden continue their World Cup campaigns in Group F. June 20, 2026 at 11:57 AM EDT Virgin van Dijk arrives for today’s World Cup game Getty Netherlands vs Sweden — Latest The Netherlands and Sweden resume their 2026 World Cup campaigns today in Houston.
By Ed Mackey, Denny Alfonso Verified, Luke Brown Verified, Liliana Michelena, George Ramsay Verified, Greg O'Keeffe Verified, Darren Richman, Nancy Froston Verified, Nick Miller
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The New York Times
Verified
A World Cup predicament: Scoring against a country that feels like home Original
Scoring for your country in international football is almost always a cause for celebration. Unless, that is, the team you’ve just scored against is the nation where you or your parents were born. That is the dilemma which faced Sweden’s Yasin Asari against Tunisia in the sides’ World Cup game on Sunday. Many others over the years have had the same unusual experience — bringing with it questions over how to celebrate, or whether to do so at all. For many, the initial reaction is to signal respect.
Super subs spring Switzerland to life in World Cup win vs. Bosnia; Xhaka responds to scrutiny
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Switzerland secured their first win at the 2026 World Cup by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 through a late goal barrage largely from a pair of substitutes to ease fears that their profligacy against Qatar in the opener would cost them. Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas came off the bench together in the 71st minute and by the final whistle, they had scored the three goals to clinch a victory that put the Group B favorites on course for the knockout phase.
Six standout young players who lit up World Cup’s first round of matches Original
It is the ultimate stage where reputations can be forged before the biggest audience — and some of the World Cup’s young stars have already risen to the occasion. Jude Bellingham and Desire Doue are well known to many around the world, but other rising stars have quickly shone in the tournament’s opening round of fixtures. Here are six less widely known players, aged 22 or under, who have hit the ground running.
Six standout young players who lit up World Cup's first round of matches
It is the ultimate stage where reputations can be forged before the biggest audience -- and some of the World Cup's young stars have already risen to the occasion. Jude Bellingham and Desire Doue are well known to many around the world, but other rising stars have quickly shone in the tournament's opening round of fixtures. Here are six less widely known players, aged 22 or under, who have hit the ground running.
Super subs spring Switzerland to life in World Cup win vs. Bosnia; Xhaka responds to scrutiny
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Switzerland secured their first win at the 2026 World Cup by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 through a late goal barrage largely from a pair of substitutes to ease fears that their profligacy against Qatar in the opener would cost them. Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas came off the bench together in the 71st minute and by the final whistle, they had scored the three goals to clinch a victory that put the Group B favorites on course for the knockout phase.
Lukaku’s impact keeps Egypt waiting for World Cup win but do Belgium’s old guard still cut it?
Egypt are still waiting for a World Cup win 92 years after their first appearance as Romelu Lukaku took just 23 seconds to go from the bench to causing chaos in the box, forcing an equaliser for Belgium. Emam Ashour’s 19th-minute opener was a fine low strike from outside the box and was followed by strutting celebration after which he was knocked to the turf by a team-mate.
Bayern Munich reach agreement in principle with PSV for Morocco international Ismael Saibari Original
Bayern Munich have reached an agreement in principle to sign Ismael Saibari from PSV. Saibari, 25, is at the World Cup with Morocco and scored in his country’s 1-1 draw with Brazil. An attacking midfielder or forward, he has just won his third straight Eredivisie title with PSV, whom he joined from Genk in 2020, scoring 15 goals in 27 games. The deal is pending a medical, which is yet to take place.
Japan’s late goal stuns Netherlands: This was the World Cup’s best match so far Original
Japan struck late from a corner to earn a brilliant 2-2 draw against Netherlands in the best game of the World Cup so far. Ronald Koeman’s side went ahead when Virgil van Dijk glanced a header into the far corner early in the second half but Japan were level six minutes later through Keito Nakamura’s strike from the edge of the box.
Understanding Saudi Arabia fan culture – ‘Football is emotional fuel’
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Ya akhder, Allah ma’ek — Oh Green, Allah is with you Renowned for an abundance of natural oil, Saudi Arabia is a nation that plays a major part in fuelling the global economy.
Understanding Saudi Arabia fan culture - 'Football is emotional fuel'
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Ya akhder, Allah ma'ek -- Oh Green, Allah is with you Renowned for an abundance of natural oil, Saudi Arabia is a nation that plays a major part in fuelling the global economy.
Inside the making of Norway’s ‘Viking’ photo for World Cup Original
They beat Christopher Columbus to North America by centuries. Research shows that Vikings first made the remarkable journey across the Atlantic more than 1,000 years ago. Now, it looks like they’re back. Just take in this gang of grizzled Nordic warriors assembled beside a fjord, weapons in hand, long boats in the background, preparing to raid. But look a little closer at the picture above, perhaps at the sword-brandishing warrior with the long blond hair, and they appear quite familiar.
The strange art of the World Cup send-off: From Brazilian plane ‘baptisms’ to a Turkish motorcade Original
Baptising a whole airliner, a 100-vehicle convoy and a team-bonding meal in an empty stadium… World Cup teams have been enjoying some memorable send-offs in the past week. The tradition of holding a farewell ceremony for sides leaving for major tournaments is not new, but in the social media age it seems countries are coming up with ever more extravagant ways of making their mark — often making a cultural point in the process. Take Brazil, for example.
Turkey fans finally feel like they have a team which represents them. They are ‘Our Guys’ Original
As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase. You can read the articles in one place here. Bizim Cocuklar – Our Guys It has been a long time coming, but generations of Turkey fans are celebrating a new connection with the national team as they get ready for their first World Cup appearance in 24 years.
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