#Athletics World Cup London 2018

[bocciaraf]

A sporting account… on Tumblr?

Bit of an experiment, this. Hopefully not a mistake.

Hello. I’m Rafael. I play boccia, which is a Paralympic sport (e.g., a sport which is in the Paralympics, like goalball, wheelchair rugby, etc). It’s a cousin of pétanque, lawn bowls, curling, and all those other sports whose ancient ancestor is someone going “I bet I can get my rock closer to that pebble over there than you can get yours”. Boccia is played indoors, in a space almost exactly the same size as a badminton court, as individuals, in pairs, or teams of 3. In the UK the overwhelming emphasis is on individual play, although pairs and teams competition is growing in global significance.

I’m a member of the newly reformed England squad, run by our governing body Boccia England, and I’m classified as a BC3 athlete - that means that instead of throwing or kicking the balls, we roll them down a ramp instead. The ramp is positioned, and balls set up on it for us, by a Ramp Operator - for me, that’s either one of my personal assistants, or increasingly, my partner. The RO isn’t allowed to see what’s going on on the court, they have to keep their back to it at all times during matchplay - they’re only allowed to physically help, not tactically help.

Playing boccia changed my life - I’ve always been a competitive person but until I discovered the sport in 2012, aged 27, had not only no access to participate in sports but no idea that a sport I could meaningfully play even existed. My sporting career is a direct legacy of the 2012 London Paralympics; it was the presentation of the Boccia UK Squad at the opening ceremony which resulted in the penny dropping. I was at my first club session within a few weeks, and attended my first competition a few weeks after that - I won a bronze medal, and was hooked.

My breakout year was the 2018-2019 season; our last complete season before the pandemic brought everything to a screeching halt. That year I zoomed my way through the Heathcoat Cup national finals - our ‘second division’ competition, a precious space for beginner and improving players to learn their trade without getting steamrollered by the pros - which qualified me directly into the BE Cup Finals, which is the de facto England national championship. I won my pool, unbeaten, and ultimately came 4th, which saw me begin the 2019-2020 season ranked 5th in England, behind two international athletes and two England players.

After that came a funny couple of years; half a season and two bronze medals in BE Cup Qualifiers before the pandemic stopped everything, and then a heavily modified “Back to Boccia” season for 2021-2022, at which I won the gold medal at two of the three Back To Boccia Cup events, went and won the qualifying tournament for the German National Boccia Championships in Düsseldorf - broadening my horizons as a dual national - before being selected for my very first Boccia UK Challenger. The Challengers are events run by BUK to provide the UK national squad, and selected others from the home countries, with additional formal competition experience. At the Gloucester Challenger there were 4 Boccia UK-supported athletes; two men from the World Class Programme and two women being supported in their development with coaching and world-class equipment, including Paralympian Scott McCowan, who had come 4th in Tokyo just nine months earlier. I beat all four UK athletes, and ultimately came second to my England colleague Matt Berry. That silver medal is my greatest achievement, to date. Matt and I followed that up with another one-two finish at the special, pandemic-edition competition run within the talent pathway as a substitute for the England national championships, which resulted in my being selected for my very first UK National Championships, where I lost only to the two McCowan brothers, Paralympians both, and ultimately came 6th. Just a fortnight later I was in Berlin, where I won the silver medal in the German National Championships.

I’ve just kicked off the 2022-2023 season with a very solid 5th place at the first BE Cup qualifier competition, and I’m off up to the SMILE Boccia Open tomorrow, to train up a shiny new personal assistant as a ramp operator. Wish us luck!

http://www.rafaelyoung.co.uk

[sportsgr8]

Olympic, World Champion Pole Vaulter Katie Moon Become Ambassador For Mumbai Marathon 2024

World Champion Pole Vaulter Katie: Two-time pole vault World Champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Katie Moon is the International Event Ambassador for the 19th edition of the Mumbai Marathon to be held January 21. Promoted by Procam Global, Mumbai Marathon is a World Athletics Gold Label Race. It is one of the top 10 marathons in the world. With a prize money of USD 405,000, Mumbai Marathon 2024 will witness participation from across the globe. "While running the race of life, every step is an opportunity to inspire and make a difference. I am deeply honoured to be named the International Event Ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024, where each stride carries the spirit of resilience, determination, and community. I look forward to inspiring and being inspired by the incredible participants as we come together to celebrate the power of human potential and the pursuit of excellence. Let's lace up Mumbai, and run towards a healthier, and happier future!" Katie said. The solo Olympic medalist, Katie, has clinched three medals at the World Athletics Championships: a silver in the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, and a gold medal at the 2022 Eugene and 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships. In 2023, she also won the top slot in the Diamond League. Katie hit a streak with two medals in 2018 alone: a gold at the Toronto NACAC Championship and a silver in the London Athletics World Cup. In the consecutive year, she pocketed a silver in the 2019 Lima Pan American Games. In her early childhood, she competed as a level 4 gymnast and diver, while in pole vaulting, she graduated with a state record of 3.97 m (13 ft 0 in). "We are thrilled to welcome Katie Moon to our Tata Mumbai Marathon family as the esteemed International Event Ambassador. With her unparalleled sporting spirit, competitiveness, passion for excellence, and dedication to making a positive impact, we're confident she'll inspire countless others to join us on this incredible journey!" Vivek Singh, Jt MD, Procam International said. Read the full article

[realmadridnews]

Official announcement

Kepa Arrizabalaga joins Real Madrid for a 1 year long loan deal.

Kepa grew up in Athletic Bilbao's youth team. During his career he was loaned to CD Basconia, SD Ponferradina and Real Valladolid. In 2018 he left Athletic to join Chelsea London. In the seasons 19/20 and 22/23 he was Chelsea's first choice goalkeeper. In 20/21 and 21/22 he Lampard and Tuchel preferred Edouard Mendy. He is the winner of the Champions League, Club World Cup, European Supercup, Europa League and the Nations League.

Previous team: Chelsea London

Age: 28

Position: goalkeeper

Height: 1,86 m

Matches last season: 39

Clean sheets last season: 12

[imperial-waterboy]

[erika---k]

Translation of Pernille’s interview from Elfen Fußball-Magazin

Middle part translated by @nerdyduckprince, rest by me

Thanks to @fcb-sweden and her anon for providing the article.

In the article it sounds like they were not very publicly open about their relationship before the wc, which I am aware isn’t true! But that’s how the article goes...

Work hard, play harder

The best in the world?

Pernille Harder of Vfl Wolfsburg is the best player of the flyeralarm Women’s Bundesliga. Two years ago the British guardian even chose her as the top female footballer of the earth.

The Dane collects as many championships, cup wins and Torjägerkanonen (the Bundesliga’s award for the top scorer) as she wants and on the side she also became an ambassador  for the LGBT-community. But all of that isn’t enough for her yet.

You have to see special athletes live to see the whole spectrum of their qualities. Usain Bolts incredible endspeed, LeBron James’ superhuman physique or Roger Federer’s unreached precision just unfold in front of an observer actually in attendance.

It’s similar with Pernille Harder. Sure, you know her name, her statistics, her career path paved with awards. For an impressive proof of her special class, though, you don’t need numbers nor trophies, but just fifteen minutes on a draughty february evening under the floodlights of Sinsheim. In this quarter of an hour the exceptional scorer from Denmark and her Wolfsburgers dismember the up to now second in the standings with every trick in the football book and showed her whole repertory.

Gala at the summit

After 30 seconds she takes the ball, lets the opponent get of and shoots with her left. Corner. Not a minute later she takes the ball and shoots with her right inside. Made from one piece, brilliant.

She prepares the 0:1 in minute with a well measured cross, just little later she fails scarcely with her heel. As the capstone of her gala performance a goal like a painting follows. She takes the ball with the outside of her boot, then she gets on the ball in the penalty box, Luana Bühler from Hoffenheim sails out of the picture and the blonde from the North casually plays the ball through the legs of TSV-goalkeeper Leitig. 0:2, the summit is decided, world class confirmed - all in the compact format for the Tagesschau (main evening news) and without a single misplaced pass.

Demonstrations like these aren’t a rarity for Pernille Harder. She works in the attack vertex of Wolfsburg as the “free radical”, as the one to show the room behind striker Ewa Pajor. Her equally excellent use of both feet, her excellent eye and her extraordinary technique allow her to make a difference almost everywhere on the pitch and to maraud between the opponents' defense lines. 

“It’s very important to me that people can be true to whom they fall in love with.”

“I’m most comfortable in the creative role of the offensive midfield. Of course I want to score, but I also want to shape the game and put my teammates in the limelight”, Harder emphasizes, who downright studies other distinguished players, of both genders. “From Cristiano Ronaldo I mainly analyse his running in the box. But I also look at midfield strategists like Iniesta or Xavi, to learn more about game organisation.” If you need to find a comparison in the men’s football, you might think of Dennis Bergkamp. Harder shares more than the hair colour with the delicate Dutch, for example an enormous playing intelligence and a world class format with and without the ball.

Considering her more multifunctional position away from the classical front striker it’s all the more surprising, that Europe’s footballer of the year 2018 criticizes herself so often. In front of the opponents’ goal Harder stays nordic-cool and uses her chances. After she scored 92 times in 100 games 

In 100 games for Wolfsburg she has scored 92 times, in an interview she says, I would rather have had 100 goals. A joke, of course, but with a bit of truth. “I am never satisfied, i am a perfectionist.” Already at 10 wrote the daughter of a soccer coach in an essay at school that she would want to become the best player in the world. From her point of view she has this goal is far from being achieved, even if the Guardian has named her as this in 2018. “more important than a one-time award is it, to hold this level over several years.”

For this  Harder works very hard, since ten years with a mental coach. Even for her career she has a stringent plan, the plan fits for her preference for math and physics. In 2012 she went from her home country to Linköping in Sweden, four years later she goes to the top club VFL Wolfsburg. “After school I want to go to a Scandinavian country as an intermediate step. After that I was ready to go to a German top club, it was a dream of mine.”

In contrast, her private life did not develop according to plan. In Linköping she fell in love with her teammade Magdalena Eriksson. At the first time only family and friends knew about their relationship. Later with a picture of them kissing at the World Cup in 2019, where Magda represented Sweden and Harder was in the stands to support her, because Denmark did not qualify, the public coming out happend. 

A kiss as coming-out

“The picture is from a spontaneous moment and we were surprised by the attention. The reaction was the mostly positive, many wrote to us that we give them hope to stand for what they are. And then we realized that we have a platform to speak.” Now we engage in Juan Mata's Common Goal, we give 1% of our salary. “For me it's important that all people can be open with their life and their love. I would love that this would be also by the men’s, that a active player would coming out, for sure it has gay players. The culture in men’s football is still outdated and the response would be different.”

Also in football Hader and Eriksson complete each other perfectly. “We both love to talk about Football. And it is perfect that I am a striker and she is a defender, she can tell me what is difficult for her about a striker and I can give her advice on what is suitable to keep attackers in check and annoy them.

To the question if she would like to play in the same club with her girlfriend again instead of discussing their achievements via Facetime Harder answers professionally evasively. “Sure it would be nice, but only if it makes sense for us football-wise. None of us wants to cut down or choose the second best situation just so we can be together.”

No million-dollar-baby for now

This diplomatic answer doesn’t surprise, since this wish might have come true sooner than Harder’s contract at Wolfsburg, that runs until summer 2021, provided for. Allegedly it contained a release clause that, that until the end of March would have made it possible for the FC Chelsae to lure Danmark’s record scorer to the Themse by paying a middle high six figure fee. And at the high end club from the west of London that regularly belongs to the candidates for the Champions League as well as the English league and with the signing of the Ex-Bayern captain Melanie Leupolz just poached in Germany again… Who is also employed there with a decent salary? Exactly, Magdalena Eriksson. Manchester United, that is said to also be interested and whose men’s team Harder admired already as a teenager, seems to just be an outsider in the fight for her services. It probably were the turmoils from the Corona virus that prevented one of the British big clubs from picking up the Dane now already and would have made her the most expensive female player of all times. The joined search of a new club by the power couple Harder/Eriksson is that way assumingly postponed to the summer 2021.

“I’m never content, a real perfectionist.”

So the fans of the Vfl Wolfsburg can probably look forward to a new season with their superstar. But also football enthusiasts, who don’t cheer for the Lower Saxons can just be advised to use the perhaps last chances to admire Pernille Harder at a German stadium. Because the best of the world have to be experienced live.

[africanamericanpeople]

29 notable African Americans who helped change the world

From activists to entertainers to record-breaking athletes to a postal worker, 6abc shines a spotlight on the contributions of 29 influential African Americans in Philadelphia and beyond as we celebrate Black History Month.

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander | Writer | 1898-1989

A native Philadelphian, Alexander was the first black woman to receive a Ph.D. in economics in the United States, the first black woman student to graduate with a law degree from Penn Law School, and the first African-American woman to practice law in Pennsylvania. Alexander's work and views are recorded in speeches kept in the Penn archives. The Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander University of Pennsylvania Partnership School ("Penn Alexander") in West Philly is named after her.

Richard Allen | Minister | 1760-1831

A minister, educator and writer, this Philadelphia native founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first independent black denomination in the United States. He opened the first AME church in Philly in 1794. Born into slavery, he bought his freedom in the 1780s and joined St. George's Church. Because of seating restrictions placed on blacks to be confined to the gallery, he left to form his own church. In 1787 he turned an old blacksmith shop into the first church for blacks in the United States.

Maya Angelou received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Barack Obama in 2010.

Maya Angelou | Poet | 1928-2014

Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist with a colorful and troubling past highlighted in her most famous autobiography, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings". She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies and television shows spanning over 50 years. Her works have been considered a defense and celebration of black culture.

Arthur Ashe | Tennis Player | 1943-1993

Ashe's resume includes three Grand Slam titles and the title of the first black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team and the only black man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. In July 1979, Ashe suffered a heart attack while holding a tennis clinic in New York. His high profile drew attention to his condition, specifically to the hereditary aspect of heart disease. In 1992, Ashe was diagnosed with HIV; he and his doctors believed he contracted the virus from blood transfusions he received during his second heart surgery. After Ashe went public with his illness, he founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, working to raise awareness about the disease and advocated teaching safe sex education. On June 20, 1993, Ashe was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.

James Baldwin | American novelist | 1924-1987

Baldwin was an American novelist, playwright and activist, most notably known for "Notes of a Native Son", "The Fire Next Time" and "The Devil Find's Work". One of his novels, If Beale Street Could Talk, was adapted into an Academy Award-winning dramatic film in 2018.

"It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have."

U.S. Deputy Marshals escort Ruby Bridges from William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, La.

Ruby Bridges | Civil Rights Activist | 1954-present

At age 6, Bridges embarked on a historic walk to school as the first African American student to integrate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana. She ate lunch alone and sometimes played with her teacher at recess, but she never missed a day of school that year. In 1999, she established The Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and create change through education. In 2000, she was made an honorary deputy marshal in a ceremony in Washington, DC.

Kobe Bryant | NBA star, humanitarian| 1978-2020

Drafted right out of Lower Merion High School at the age of 17, Bryant won five titles as one of the marquee players in the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. He was a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. men's basketball teams at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2012 London Olympic Games. In 2015 Bryant wrote the poem "Dear Basketball," which served as the basis for a short film of the same name he narrated. The work won an Academy Award for best animated short film. A vocal advocate for the homeless Bryant and his wife, Vanessa started the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation aimed to reduce the number of homeless in Los Angeles. Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and seven other passengers died in a helicopter crash in late January.

Kobe Bryant inspired a generation of basketball players worldwide with sublime skills and an unquenchable competitive fire.

Octavius V. Catto | Civil Rights Activist | 1839-1871

Known as one of the most influential civil rights' activists in Philadelphia during the 19th century, Catto fought for the abolition of slavery and the implementation of civil rights for all. He was prominent in the actions that successfully desegregated Philadelphia's public trolleys and played a major role in the ratification of the 15th amendment, baring voter discrimination on the basis of race. Catto was only 32 when he was shot and killed outside of his home on South Street in1871, the first Election Day that African Americans were allowed to vote. In 2017, a monument to Catto was unveiled at Philadelphia's City Hall.

Philly unveils first statue dedicated to African-American. Vernon Odom reports during Action News at Noon on September 26, 2017.

Bessie Coleman | Civil Aviator | 1892-1926

Coleman was the first black woman to fly an airplane. When American flying schools denied her entrance due to her race, she taught herself French and moved to France, earning her license from Caudron Brother's School in just seven months. She specialized in stunt flying and performing aerial tricks. Reading stories of World War I pilots sparked her interest in aviation.

Claudette Colvin | Civil Rights Pioneer | 1939-present

Colvin was arrested at the age of 15 for refusing to give up her seat to a white woman, nine months before Rosa Parks' more famous protest. Because of her age, the NAACP chose not to use her case to challenge segregation laws. Despite a number of personal challenges, Colvin became one of the four plaintiffs in the Browder v. Gayle case. The decision in the 1956 case ruled that Montgomery's segregated bus system was unconstitutional.

Medgar Evers | Civil Rights Activist | 1925-1963

Evers was an American civil rights activist in Mississippi, the state's field secretary for the NAACP, and a World War II veteran serving in the United States Army. After graduating from college with a BA in business administration, he worked to overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi after Brown v. Board ruled public school segregation was unconstitutional. Evers was assassinated by a white supremacist in 1963, inspiring numerous civil rights protests which sprouted countless works of art, music and film. Because of his veteran status, he was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mary Fields | Mail carrier |1832-1914

Known as "Stagecoach Mary", Fields was the first African-American to work for the U.S. postal service. Born a slave, she was freed when slavery was outlawed in 1865. At age 63, Fields was hired as a mail carrier because she was the fastest applicant to hitch a team of six horses. She never missed a day, and her reliability earned her the nickname "Stagecoach". If the snow was too deep for her horses, Fields delivered the mail on snowshoes, carrying the sacks on her shoulders.

Rudolph Fisher | Physician | 1897-1934

Fisher was an African-American physician, radiologist, novelist, short story writer, dramatist, musician, and orator. In addition to publishing scientific articles, he had a love of music. He played piano, wrote musical scores and toured with Paul Robeson, playing jazz. He wrote multiple short stories, two novels and contributed his articles to the NAACP all before his death at the age of 37.

James Forten | Abolitionist |1766-1842

Forten was an African-American abolitionist and wealthy businessman in Philadelphia. Born free in the city, he became a sailmaker after the American Revolutionary War. Following an apprenticeship, he became the foreman and bought the sail loft when his boss retired. Based on equipment he developed, he established a highly profitable business on the busy waterfront of the Delaware River, in what's now Penn's Landing. Having become well established, in his 40s Forten devoted both time and money to working for the national abolition of slavery and gaining civil rights for blacks. By the 1830s, his was one of the most powerful African-American voices in the city.

Robert Guillaume claimed the 1979 Emmy for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Soap".

Robert Guillaume | Actor | 1927-2017

Robert was raised by his grandmother in the segregated south but moved to New York to escape racial injustice. There, he performed in theatre for 19 years, gaining momentum and a Tony nomination for his portrayal of Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls. In 1976, he landed his infamous role as Benson on Soap which won him an Emmy and his spin-off, Benson for which he won another Emmy. He returned to the stage in 1990, playing the role of the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera at the infamous Ahmanson Theatre. He voiced one of Disney's most beloved animated characters, Rafiki, and can still be heard as the narrator for the animated series, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child.

Francis Harper | poet | 1825-1911 (died in Philadelphia)

Born free in Baltimore, Harper was an abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, public speaker, and writer. She helped slaves make their way along the Underground Railroad to Canada. In 1894, she co-founded the National Associated of Colored Women, an organization dedicated to highlighting extraordinary efforts and progress made by black women. She served as vice president.

Langston Hughes was instrumental figure in the Harlem Renaissance and jazz poetry.

Langston Hughes | Poet | 1902-1967

Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. Born in Missouri, he moved to New York at an early age becoming one of the earliest innovators of a new art form, jazz poetry. In the early 1920's, his first book of poetry was published and he wrote an in-depth weekly column for The Chicago Defender, highlighting the civil rights movement. His ashes are interred beneath a floor medallion in the middle of the foyer in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, the entrance to an auditorium named for him.

Zora Neale Hurston | American author | 1891-1960

Hurston became an American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker but as a child she was unable to attend school after her father stopped paying her school fees. In 1917 she opted to attend a public school but had to lie about her age in order to qualify for a free education. She studied hoodoo, the American version of voodoo, and found her way to Hollywood by working as a story consultant. One of her most notable works, Their Eyes Were Watching God was turned into a film in 2005.

Nipsey Hussle | Rapper, entrepreneur | 1985-2019

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Hussle, was an American activist, entrepreneur, and Grammy Award winning rapper. Raised in South Central, he joined gangs to survive before eventually attaining success in the music industry. Hussle focused on "giving solutions and inspiration" to young black men like him, denouncing gun violence through his music, influence and community work, while speaking openly about his experiences with gang culture. Hussle was shot and killed a day before he was to meet with LAPD officials to address gang violence in South Los Angeles.

If you stop and look around near the intersection of Grand and Ellita Avenues, a brightly-colored mural of Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle is sure to catch your eye.

Harriet Jacobs | Writer | 1813-1897

Born a slave, her mother died when she was 6. She moved in with her late mother's slave owner who taught her to sew and read. In 1842 she got a chance to escape to Philadelphia, aided by activists of the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee. She took it and worked as a nanny in New York. Her former owners hunted for her until her freedom was finally bought in 1852. She secretly began to write an autobiography which was published in the U.S. in 1860 and England in 1861. She lived the rest of her life as an abolitionist, dedicated to helping escaped slaves and eventually freedmen.

Cecil B. Moore | Lawyer |1915-1979

Moore was a Philadelphia lawyer and civil rights activist who led the fight to and successfully integrate Girard College. He served as a marine in WWII and after his honorary discharge, he moved to Philadelphia to study law at Temple University. He quickly earned a reputation as a no-nonsense lawyer who fought on behalf of his mostly poor, African-American clients concentrated in North Philadelphia. From 1963 to 1967, he served as president of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP and served on the Philadelphia City Council. Moore is cited as a pivotal figure in the fields of social justice and race relations. He has an entire neighborhood named after him in the North Philadelphia area.

Bayard Rustin | Civil Rights Activist | 1912-1987 (Born in West Chester, PA)

Bayard Rustin was an American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. He was a key adviser to Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Rustin has local ties as he was born in West Chester and attended Cheney University of Pennsylvania, a historically black college. A gay man, he adopted his partner to protect their rights and legacy.

Nina Simone | Musician | 1933-2003

Born Eunice Waymon in Troy North Carolina, Simone was an American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and civil rights activist. Her music crossed all genres from classical, jazz, blues and folk to R&B, gospel, and pop. She learned to play the piano as a toddler and played in church where her father was a preacher. She would cross tracks to the white side of town to study classical piano with a German teacher and was later accepted into The Juilliard School. She went on to record more than 40 albums and in 2003 just days before her death, the Curtis Institute awarded her an honorary degree.

Big Mama Thornton | Singer | 1926-1984

Thornton is best known for her gutsy 1952 R&B recording of "Hound Dog," later covered by Elvis Presley, and her original song "Ball and Chain," made famous by Janis Joplin. Affectionately called "Big Mama" for both her size and her powerful voice, she grew up singing in church and eventually caught the ear of an Atlanta music promoter while cleaning and subbing for the regular singer at a saloon. An openly gay woman, she joined the Hot Harlem Revue and danced and sang her way through the southeastern United States. She played at the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theatre and continued performing sporadically into the late 70's.

Sojourner Truth | Abolitionist |1797-1883

Truth was born into slavery but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. She then sued and won the return of her 5-year-old son who was illegally sold into slavery. In 1851, Truth began a lecture tour that included a women's rights conference where she delivered her famous "Ain't I a Woman?" speech, challenging prevailing notions of racial and gender inferiority and inequality. She collected thousands of signatures petitioning to provide former slaves with land.

Denmark Vesey | Carpenter | 1767-1822

Vesey was born a slave but won a lottery which allowed him to purchase his freedom. Unable to buy his wife and children their freedom, he became active in the church. In 1816, he became one of the founders of an independent African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and recruited more 1,800 members to become the second largest "Bethel Circuit" church in the country after Mother Bethel in Philadelphia. In 1822, Vesey was alleged to be the leader of a planned slave revolt. He and five others were rapidly found guilty and executed.

Muddy Waters | Singer | 1913-1983

An American blues singer-songwriter and musician who is often lauded as the "father of modern Chicago blues", Waters grew up on a plantation in Mississippi and by the age of 17 was playing the guitar and the harmonica. In 1941, he moved to Chicago to become a fulltime musician, working in a factory by day and performing at night. In 1958, he toured in England, reviving the interest of Blues and introducing the sound of the electric slide guitar playing there. His performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960 was recorded and released as his first live album, At Newport 1960. In 1972, he won his first Grammy Award for "They Call Me Muddy Waters", and another in 1975 for "The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album".

Phillis Wheatley| Poet |1753-1784

Born in West Africa and sold into slavery, she learned to read and write by the age of 9 and became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry. In addition to having to prove she had indeed written the poetry, no one in America would publish her work. She was forced to go to England where the pieces were published in London in 1773. Years later, she sent one of her poems to George Washington who requested and received a meeting with her at his headquarters in Cambridge in 1776.

Serena Williams is arguably the greatest women's tennis player of all time, with 73 singles titles and an overall record of 831-142.

Serena Jameka Williams |Tennis Player |1981-present

Williams emerged straight outta the streets of Compton to become the world's No. 1 player. She has won 23 major singles titles, the most by any man or woman in the Open Era. The Women's Tennis Association ranked her world No. 1 in singles on eight separate occasions between 2002 and 2017. She has competed at three Olympics and won four gold medals.

[pakistannews2021]

Imran Khan Biography

Latest News happenings from Pakistan & around the world on ARYNews.tv 

Latest news, happenings & round the clock updates from Pakistan and All around the World. Visit ARYNEWS.tv and stay…

Latest News Breaking, Pakistan News

https://arynews.tv/category/pakistan/

FULL NAME Imran Khan Niazi

BORN October 5, 1952

HEIGHT 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)

NATIONALITY Pakistan

ROLE All-rounder, Right-arm fast Bowler, Right handed Batsman

RELATION(S) Bushra Manika (Spouse), Ikramullah Khan Niazi (Father), Shaukat Khanum (Mother), Sulaiman Isa Khan, Qasim Khan (Sons)

Imran Khan Biography

In addition to being a former first-class cricketer, Imran Khan Niazi is also the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Currently serving as a Member of the National Assembly, he was born on 5th October 1952 in Lahore, Punjab.

Pakistan’s national team used him as an all-rounder between 1971 and 1992.

Just behind Garry Sobers as the best all-rounder in the history of the sport is this right-handed batsman.

He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

Background

In Lahore, imran Khan made his debut as a first-class cricketer at the age of sixteen. A few years before making it into the main team in 1970–71, he played for smaller teams based out of Lahore.

During 1973–1975, imran Khan played for the Blues Cricket team at Oxford.

In his county cricket career, he played medium-pace bowling for Worcestershire from 1971 to 1976.

Debut

On 3rd June 1971, he made his Test debut against England which ended in a stalemate as he failed to take a single wicket across both innings and scored just five runs.

Three years after making his debut in the ODI format, he played against the same opponents for the Prudential Trophy at Trent Bridge.

However, he finished his 10 overs with the third best economy of the match while failing to claim a single wicket.

Rise to Glory

The following year, he returned to Pakistan, where he has been an integral part of the national team since 1976–1977 after completing his education at Oxford and serving his tenure at Worcestershire. He played his initial Tests against the mighty teams of New Zealand and Australia.

Tony Greig subsequently signed him up for Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket after the West Indian Series.

With a speed of 139.7 km/h, he finished as the fastest bowler in that tournament, which was the third-fastest ball.

A bowler with at least 50 wickets in a year had an average of 13.29 while playing nine tests in 1982. He got 62 wickets at that average, the lowest in Test history.

It took the all-rounder only 75 Tests to achieve the all-rounder’s triple of 300 Test wickets and 3000 Test runs, second fastest behind Ian Botham who reached the milestone 3 matches earlier.

Club Career

From 1975–1976, he played for Dawood Industries and between 1980–1981, he played for Pakistan International Airlines.

His time as a student in England saw him represent Oxford University, Sussex, and Worcestershire. As a member of Australia’s New South Wales team during the 1984–85 season, he also represented the United States.

Captaincy

Javed Miandad appointed him captain at the age of 30. His side won 14 tests and lost eight matches while he was their captain.

Over the course of his 139 ODIs as a captain, he lead his team to victory 77 times and lost 57.

It is suspected that the injury caused him to miss more than two years of the 1982 international season.

In the 1984–1985 season, he returned to basketball. He retired from International Cricket after failing to reach the 1987 World Cup before returning to the team in 1988.

He provided significant contributions with both the bat and the ball throughout the 1992 Cricket World Cup, as he took Pakistan to victory at the age of 39.

Imran’s Record in Numbers

The Wisden Cricketer of the Year award was given to him in 1983.

A cricketer among fifty-five inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Cricket Council during its centennial celebration, he was one of fifty players.

Even in 1985, he was named Player of the Year by the Sussex Cricket Society.

Retirement

When Pakistan faced Sri Lanka in the series decider, he played his final test as a Pakistani.

After failing with the bat in his first two innings, he failed to bowl either innings. Pakistan eventually won the series by 3 wickets.

He is Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi (born October 5, 1952, Lahore, Pakistan), former cricketer, politician, and prime minister of Pakistan (2018 — ) for leading the Pakistani team to a Cricket World Cup victory in 1992 and then became interested in politics during the corruption scandal in Pakistan.

Early life and cricket career In addition to being educated at elite schools in Pakistan and the UK, Khan was born into an affluent Pashtun family in Lahore. In his family were several accomplished cricket players, including two elder cousins who served as Pakistani national team captains, Javed Burki and Majid Khan. He continued to play cricket at the University of Oxford even as he studied philosophy, politics, and economics. The first time Khalil Khan played for Pakistan’s national team was in 1971, but he did not become a regular member of the team until after he graduated from Oxford University in 1976.

imran Khan was named captain of Pakistan in 1982 due to his outstanding skills as a bowler and all-rounder in the early 1980s. Khan gained fame in Pakistan and England because of his athletic ability and good looks, and his appearances at London nightclubs provided entertainment for the British tabloid press. The 1992 World Cup was the greatest sporting accomplishment of Khan’s career, as he led Pakistan to its first World Cup championship. The year after he retired, he was regarded as one of the greatest cricket players in history.

imran Khan remained a prominent philanthropist after 1992. The young man had embraced Sufi mysticism and shed his playboy image after experiencing a religious awakening. Khan served as the primary fund-raiser for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, a specialized cancer hospital in Lahore that opened in 1994. Khan’s mother died of cancer in 1985, and the hospital was named after her.

Entry into politics imran khan became an outspoken critic of government mismanagement and corruption in Pakistan after retiring from cricket. In 1996, he founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Justice Movement; PTI). Khan won only one seat in the 2002 elections, a seat he filled with less than 1 percent of the vote in the following year’s national elections. His party had received less than 1 percent in the election the following year, and it lost no seats in the National Assembly. Khan attributed his party’s low vote total to vote rigging. Khan was among a group of politicians who resigned from the National Assembly in October 2007 in protest of President George W. Bush. Currently, Pervez Musharraf is running for president. Musharraf, who had declared a state of emergency, briefly imprisoned Khan last November. For its part, the PTI opposed the state of emergency, which ended in mid-December, and boycotted the 2008 election to express its opposition to Musharraf’s government.

Although imran Khan’s populist positions found support, especially among young people, in spite of the PTI’s electoral struggles. Pakistan’s participation in the fight against militants near the Afghan border belied a lack of economic equality and corruption, which he opposed. In addition, he attacked Pakistan’s political and economic elites, accusing them of being Westernized and out of touch with Pakistan’s religious and cultural norms.

A list of Khan’s published works includes Warrior Race: A Journey Through the Land of the Tribal Pathans (1993) and Pakistan: A Personal History (2011).

Political ascent imran Khan and his party drew large crowds at their rallies in the months leading up to the early 2013 legislative elections and attracted the support of several leading politicians from Pakistan’s established parties. A 2012 opinion poll found that Khan was the most popular political figure in Pakistan, which is further evidence of Khan’s political rise.

Days before the 2013 legislative election, imran Khan fell from a stage at a campaign rally, causing injuries to his head and back. From his hospital bed, he addressed the nation hours later. Although the PTI won its highest numbers ever, it won only half as many seats as the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PMLN) led by Nawaz Sharif. PML-N leader Khan accused them of rigging the polls. The opposition leader, along with other opposition figures, led four months of protests in late 2014 in order to bring Sharif to justice.

When the Panama Papers linked Sharif’s family to offshore holdings, suspicions of corruption were heightened. Later that year, Khan organized new protests but canceled them in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to open an investigation. He was forced to resign from office after his candidacy was disqualified by an investigation. Khan, meanwhile, was also discovered to have offshore holdings, but in a separate case, the Supreme Court did not disqualify him.

The following year, in July 2018, elections were held. Despite being attacked for too cozy relationships with the military, Khan ran on a platform of fighting corruption and poverty. Following PTI’s majority in the National Assembly, Khan was able to form a coalition with independents. On August 18, he was sworn in as prime minister.

Premiership

As prime minister, imran Khan faced a mounting balance of payments crisis. A key reason for the growth in the economy, imports, and debt commitments is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).  CPEC News And Updates When the United States refused to provide Pakistan with $300 million in promised military aid just a few weeks after becoming prime minister, the crisis deteriorated rapidly. In a bid to use foreign assistance to help Pakistan’s macroeconomic situation, Khan eschewed a bailout by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A dozen previous packages from the IMF had failed to solve the country’s macroeconomic problems. In the absence of favorable terms for foreign assistance from other countries, Pakistan requested financing from the IMF. The United States, China, and Saudi Arabia offered him foreign aid in return for investment.

In addition to courting foreign aid, Khan presided over several significant developments in Pakistan’s foreign relations. Both the country and the United States achieved a mutually beneficial understanding through negotiations with the other. In February 2019, India launched its first air campaign against Pakistan in over five decades after a suicide attack on Indian security personnel killed 40 Indian soldiers in Kashmir. An attack by one country raised concerns about a possible conflict with the other.

Pakistan has downplayed the impact of the incident and appears to have avoided escalating the situation. India again entered Pakistani airspace, leading to Pakistan downing two fighter jets and capturing a pilot, who was later returned to India. As a result of this incident, Khan passed legislation to establish international standards in Pakistan’s laws, made arrests, and shut down multiple religious schools.

Early in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the economic situation of China. Khan was less eager to endorse a lockdown than some of his critics. In contrast, the opposition-controlled Sindh government imposed an immediate lockdown on the province in March. His government eventually instituted a nationwide lockdown in April and began limiting it to areas with high rates of infection in May.

Efforts by Khan to crack down on militants and keep close ties with the military continued to draw opposition. With a stated goal of increasing the independence of civilian governments from the military establishment, the major opposition parties formed a coalition in late 2020, called the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM). The PDM has called for Khan to “step down” in protests and rallies organized by it down.

Khan’s coalition partners narrowly survived a vote of confidence in his government in March 2021 after these parties boycotted it.

Quick Facts

Birthday: October 5, 1952

Age: 68 Years, 68 Year Old Males

Sun Sign: Libra

Also Known As: Imran Khan Niazi

Born In: Lahore, West Punjab, Dominion Of Pakistan

Famous As: 22nd PM Of Pakistan

Quotes By Imran Khan Cricketers

Political Ideology: Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf

Family:

Spouses/ex-: Bushra Maneka (M. 2018), Jemima Khan (M. 1995–2004), and Reham Khan (M. 2015–2015)

Father: Ikramullah Khan Niazi

Mother: Shaukat Khanum

Siblings: Aleema Khanum, Rani Khanum, Rubina Khanum, Uzma Khanum

Children: Qasim Khan, Sulaiman Kha

What is Imran Khan’s background?

The 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan is Imran Khan Niazi, a former cricketer. Young cricketers looked up to him as an inspiration. One of Pakistan’s finest cricketers, he rose to popularity with his incredible skills. From cricket’s biggest heartthrob to one of the most influential politicians, his journey is remarkable and inspiring. During his reign as Pakistani captain, he led the country to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1992 by beating England. This led him to be described as one of Pakistan’s most famous and accomplished captains. As he could bowl fast and was a good all-arounder, this outstanding cricketer made the game of cricket more popular in his country. Cricket and politics were not the only areas in which he excelled. His involvement in politics began in 1992 when he formed his own political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice). Following the death of his mother from cancer, he established Lahore’s first cancer hospital. By raising money for health and education projects, he is helping the underprivileged and deserving.

Childhood & Personal Life

Ikramullah Khan Niazi and Shaukat Khanam raised Imran Khan Niazi in a well-to-do Pashtun family in Lahore.

Following schools at Lahore’s English-medium Aitchison College, he went to Warwick, England, for higher studies at the Royal Grammar School.

The University of Oxford graduated him in philosophy, politics, and economics in 1975. Growing up in a family of cricketers, he played the game in Pakistan and in England.

Career

As a result of his not-so-good performance in the 1971 English series in Birmingham, he failed to make a mark in tests.

When he returned to Pakistan in 1974, he debuted for the first time in one-day international (ODI) matches through the Prudential Trophy.

In the 1980s, he became a prominent fast bowler in Pakistan after a stellar performance against New Zealand and Australia in 1976–77.

Pakistan chose him to be their captain in 1982. In a stunning performance, he led India to its first Test win over England after 28 years at Lord’s, as a fast bowler and all-rounder.

A draw was achieved in 8 of the 48 matches Pakistan played under his captaincy. A total of 139 ODI matches were played, with 77 victories, 57 losses, and one tie.

For two years, he was sidelined by a stress fracture in his shin. Following a win over India in 1987, he also won in England to give Pakistan its first-ever Test series win.

General Zia-ul-Haq invited him back to Pakistan after he retired in 1987. With 23 wickets in three tests, he was named ‘Man of the Series’ against West Indies.

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust was established in 1991 as a charity organization for cancer research and development that honors his mother.

A test and ODI record of 3807 runs and 362 wickets, and a ODI record of 3709 runs and 182 wickets, prompted him to retire in 1992.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was founded by him in 1997 as a means to eliminate corruption and mismanagement in Pakistan.

Mianwali was the seat he won at the October 2002 elections.

Besides founding Namal College, a campus of the University of Bradford, he also set up the Institute of Imran Khan Foundation.

In 2013, he launched ‘Naya Pakistan Resolution’, which threatened the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) rejected his proposal to collaborate.

When he fell off a stage during a campaign rally, four days before elections, he injured his head and back and had to be hospitalized. However, he maintained his campaign appeal through the hospital and his party lost.

Imran Khan’s party finished first in Pakistan’s general elections, defeating the ruling party. In August 2018, he became Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister.

A number of British and Asian newspapers as well as Indian publications have published his views on cricket, including Outlook, Guardian, Independent, and Telegraph.

As an active cricket commentator, he has worked for Star TV, BBC Urdu, and TEN Sports.

Records & Achievements

In 1992, despite suffering from a ruptured shoulder cartilage, he became the hero of Pakistan by winning the first-ever ODI Cricket World Cup for Pakistan, defeating England in the finals at Melbourne.

Three thousand runs and three hundred wickets made by an all-rounder in 75 tests are second only to Ian Botham’s 72 wickets in test cricket.

Aside from most wickets, best strikes and best averages, he also had best figures (8 wickets for 60 runs) when he was captain.

Awards

The Cricket Society Wetherall Award was given to him in 1976 and 1980 for being the best all around player in England’s first-class cricket.

1985 was the year he was named Sussex Cricket Society Player of the Year.

Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second highest civilian award given by the Pakistani Government to him, was the highest civilian honor he received.

As a result of his support for various charitable programs, he received the Asian Jewels Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in London in 2004.

On April 28, 2007, in Kuala Lumpur, he received the Humanitarian Award for setting up Pakistan’s first cancer hospital.

As one of many cricket legends present at the AICC (Asian Cricket Council) Awards in Karachi in 2009, he was presented the special silver jubilee award.

During the centennial celebration of the International Cricket Council (ICC), he was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2009.

Towards his activities in Pakistan treating cancer in 2012, he was awarded an honorary fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Globa lPost recently ranked him #3 in its list of the top nine world leaders of 2012.

Personal Life & Legacy

It was in Paris, in May 1995, that he married socialite Jemima Goldsmith, a convert to Islam, in a traditional Islamic ceremony. After a month, they remarried in Richmond in a civil ceremony. Both sons are born to them — Sulaiman Isa (1996) and Kasim (1999). Jemima cited difficulties adjusting to Pakistani life as the reason for the couple’s separation in June 2004.

Jemima’s father was Jewish, making Jemima’s decision to enter politics a source of attacks by his opponents.

In January 2015, despite objections from his own family, he married British-Pakistani divorcee Reham Khan, a former BBC weather girl, in a secret ceremony at his home in Islamabad. In October 2015, the couple divorced after being married just a year.

Bushra Manika, his spiritual advisor, married him in February 2018

He belongs to a cricketing family that has produced successful cricketers, including Javed Burki and Majid Khan, both of whom graduated from Oxford and served as captains of the Pakistan national team.

Vote for Your Favourite Pakistani Leaders

Famous As: 22nd PM of Pakistan

Birthdate: October 5, 1952

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Lahore, West Punjab, Dominion of Pakistan

The current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan is also the founder and chairman of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Before making an entry into politics, Imran Khan was an extremely popular international cricketer who led Pakistan to its first ever Cricket World Cup title in 1992. As a philanthropist, he established Pakistan’s first cancer hospital in Lahore.

[luckywilliams]

Charles Hughes: A Man for all Seasons

Charles James Hughes was born in Applegate Street, Northwich, on August 16th, 1853, and grew up to become one of the great sporting figures of Victorian Cheshire. He was a notable figure in the development of both rowing and cricket in Northwich. He also indulged in athletics, and became a figure of national importance in the development of association football.

Yet, Charles Hughes was much more than just a sportsman. His 1901 census returns show that he was an auctioneer and valuer, by occupation, setting up his own auction house business under the name of Charles Hughes & Son. He also became a Justice of the Peace, an honourable auditor of the Victoria Hospital on Winnington Hill, a Conservative political agent during four Northwich parliamentary elections, and a governor of Witton Grammar school. The Northwich man was clearly prepared to take on many different roles, and he proved to be rather good at them all.

However, it is for Charles Hughes’ role in developing the game of association football that he chiefly deserves to be remembered. He was a co-founder of Northwich Victoria F.C. in 1874, and played in the team’s first recorded game against Stedman College, in that same year. Sadly, his playing career came to a premature end in 1877, when he broke his ankle after a hefty tackle from an opponent in a game against Hanley Rangers, at the Drill Field, Northwich.

It was at this point that Hughes made the transition from being a player to being a football administrator and official. Crucially, he did this at a key time in the evolution of association football, when proper rules were being formulated for the game, and when leagues were being established. The ex-Northwich Victoria player became a co-founder of the Cheshire Football Association in 1878, and he stayed on as the Honourable Secretary of the Association for the next 30 years. In addition, Hughes acted as the Vice President of the national Football Association in 1901.

Charles also became a football linesman and referee of some distinction. Few if any modern footballers make the transition to become a linesman or referee. The massive salaries on offer to players mean that further involvement in the pressurised activity of officiating at a football match simply isn’t wanted or desired. – It was different in Charles Hughes’ day, however. He seems to have gravitated to refereeing, and being a linesman, with considerable ease and enthusiasm. In 1891, the Northwich auctioneer refereed the FA Cup Final between two of the founders of the English Football League – Blackburn Rovers and Notts County. Blackburn won 3-1 in an apparently entertaining encounter watched by 23,000 people. In these early days of the FA Cup, the venue of the final changed between one year and another.  The 1891 Final was held at the Kennington Oval, London, which in more modern times has been the home of Surrey County Cricket Club, and of international Test Match cricket.

Charles travelled to Goodison Park (now the home of Premier League Everton FC) to referee the 1894 FA Cup Final between Notts County and Bolton Wanderers. Here, he officiated in another high scoring match, watched by a crowd of 37,000, which Notts County won 4-1. In 1892, the Northwich man had been a linesman at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, during one of the early England v Scotland Home International fixtures. England won the game 4-1, in an encounter watched by 20,000 people. Rather unusually though, Hughes combined his linesman role with being a member of the 7 man FA International Selection Committee which picked the England team for the match. It would be impossible for such an event to occur in the modern game. – One simply can’t imagine, for example, any modern England football manager picking the team for a particular international match, and then running on to the pitch to participate in the game as the officially appointed linesman/Assistant Referee. Things were clearly very different in the Victorian amateur game!

In the early years of the 20th Century, the England football team wasn’t picked by an all-powerful manager, who was solely responsible for selection decisions. Instead, the selection procedure was quite similar to the practices followed in English rugby union and cricket, where a group (or committee) of selectors, headed by a Chief Selector, chose the team. By 1907, CJ Hughes was the Selector in Charge of the English football team, both at home and abroad (when the team was on tour). In 1907, the team largely – but not completely – selected by Hughes drew 1-1 against Wales, in a game played at Craven Cottage, Fulham, in front of 22,000 people. As the Selector in Charge of the side, Hughes had, in many respects, reached the pinnacle of the football game in England, at that time.

Hughes died nine years later, in 1916, though the significance of his death was largely overshadowed by the gloom and terrible casualties of the First World War. Few newspapers wrote substantial obituaries for the great footballing man. Nevertheless, the Northwich auctioneer and father of six had achieved much during his lifetime. As a player, linesman, referee, senior Football Association official and Chief Selector of the England football team, Charles Hughes did more than most to develop and enhance a game which dominates the modern sporting world.

Adrian L. Bridge, October 2018.

[thekotaroo]

Profiles of Pride: June 25th! 🏳️‍🌈Megan Rapinoe🏳️‍🌈

Megan Anna Rapinoe (born July 5, 1985) is an American professional soccer midfielder/winger who plays for and captains Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League. As a member of the United States women's national soccer team, she helped the U.S. win the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, the gold at the 2012 London Olympics, and finish runners-up at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Since 2018, she co-captains her national team alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan.

Rapinoe is internationally known for her crafty style of play and her precise cross to Abby Wambach in the 122nd minute of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals against Brazil, which resulted in an equalizer goal and eventual win for the Americans after a penalty kick shootout. The last-minute goal set a record for latest goal ever scored in a match and was awarded ESPN's 2011 ESPY Award for Best Play of the Year. During the 2012 London Olympics, she scored three goals and tallied a team-high four assists to lead the United States to a gold medal. She is the first player, male or female, to score a Goal Olimpico at the Olympic Games.

Rapinoe is an advocate for numerous LGBT organizations, including the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally. In 2013, she was awarded the board of directors Award by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. She is sponsored by Nike, Samsung and DJO Global, and has appeared in multiple promotional pieces for clothing company Wildfang, as well as for Nike. She previously played for the Chicago Red Stars, Philadelphia Independence and magicJack in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) as well as Olympique Lyonnais in France's Division 1 Féminine.

On September 4, 2016, during a game in Chicago against the Red Stars, Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback who refused to stand during the anthem to protest what he calls racial injustice and minority oppression. She said at the time she planned to continue to kneel. Later that week on September 7, the Washington Spirit uncharacteristically played the national anthem prior to the teams taking the field, indicating that they did not want to "subject our fans and friends to the disrespect we feel such an act would represent". In an additional statement, the Spirit management said "to willingly allow anyone to hijack this tradition that means so much to millions of Americans and so many of our own fans for any cause would effectively be just as disrespectful as doing it ourselves." Rapinoe expressed displeasure with this move saying "it was incredibly distasteful, four days before one of the worst tragedies in our country, to say I tried to hijack this event." She continued the protest on September 15, 2016 during the national team game against Thailand. U.S. Soccer then issued a statement saying: "Representing your country is a privilege and honor for any player or coach that is associated with U.S. Soccer's National Teams. Therefore, our national anthem has particular significance for U.S. Soccer. In front of national and often global audiences, the playing of our national anthem is an opportunity for our Men's and Women's National Team players and coaches to reflect upon the liberties and freedom we all appreciate in this country. As part of the privilege to represent your country, we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the national anthem is played." In addressing the issue, Rapinoe stated in an interview that, "Using this blanketed patriotism as a defense against what the protest actually is was pretty cowardly," and further stated that she would probably never sing the national anthem again.

[thatsnotcanonpodcasts]

Stress, Picard Prequel & E-Scooters

Here we come, washing over the net, getting happiest looks from everyone we know. Hey hey it’s the Nerds! We are back once again with a brand new episode for your entertainment pleasure. This week we have another fun filled episode for you, and we promise not to sing. First up the Professor continues his series on Game Developers with a lot of information on some funding support that is available. We also look at the negative side of crowd funding with the keyboard warriors and trolls being their useless selves. So if you are interested in becoming a games developer and have been listening in on the rest of the series you are sure to find this helpful and interesting.

Next up we urge you to grab yourselves a cup of Earl Grey, hot, and prepare for some awesome news from the Star Trek universe. There is news that some Picard prequel comics and novels are on the way. At present we aren’t expecting to see a young Picard running around the vineyards in France breaking hearts with the wind blowing through his hair. That sounded like bad fan fiction, sorry. Anyway we are certainly looking forward to this fabulous news material.

Buck has word that e-scooters are not as green friendly as is first suggested. That’s right, Buck is unhappy with the misperception of those zippy little shared e-scooters littering up the city. Apparently a study has shown some data that questions their usage, let alone the materials used in the manufacture of the various components. Then there is the issue of the scooters ending up in water ways. That’s right, some idiots are throwing e-scooters into rivers, creeks, lakes and other various waterways. Some people are seriously troubling in the level of stupid they present to the world.

Next as usual we have the various shout outs, remembrances, birthdays, events of interest and the games we are currently playing, minus one host who was abducted. Was it by aliens, the CIA or someone else we may have insulted? You will have to listen to find out who; then we think we will see who comes up with the most interesting answer. Let us know what you think. As always, stay safe, take care, look out for each other and stay hydrated.

EPISODE NOTES:

The Stress of funding - https://twitter.com/jasonschreier/status/1157298020691644416?s=09

Picard prequel comics and novels revealed – https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/star-trek-picard-prequel-novel-and-comics-on-the-way/

Shared E-scooters - https://phys.org/news/2019-08-e-scooters-green-options.html

Games currently playing

Buck

– Company of heroes 2 - https://store.steampowered.com/app/231430/Company_of_Heroes_2/

Professor

– They Are Billions - https://store.steampowered.com/app/644930/They_Are_Billions/

DJ

– DOTA 2 - https://store.steampowered.com/app/570/Dota_2/

Other topics discussed

Epic Games Store exclusivity helps Phoenix Point achieve 191% return

- https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/1999-11-30-epic-games-store-exclusivity-helps-phoenix-point-achieve-191-percent-return

Epic Games will fund the cost of Kickstarter refunds for Epic-exclusives

- https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-03-epic-games-will-fund-the-cost-of-kickstarter-refunds-for-epic-exclusives

Video games blamed for shootings

- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/05/sports/trump-violent-video-games-studies.html

International Game Developers Association defend industry following President Trump's accusations against "gruesome and grisly video games"

- https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-08-06-igda-igdaf-issues-statement-on-weekend-shootings-in-the-us

Ooblets dev received thousands of "hateful, threatening messages"

- https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-08-05-ooblets-dev-received-thousands-of-hateful-threatening-messages-over-epic-exclusivity

Steam takes down Devotion

- https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/25/18239937/taiwanese-horror-game-devotion-gone-steam-removed-winnie-the-pooh-meme-china

Screen Queensland Announces Successful Recipients of the 2018-19 Game Development and Marketing Investment Program

- https://screenqueensland.com.au/news/on-screen/screen-queensland-announces-successful-recipients-of-the-2018-19-game-development-and-marketing-investment-program/

Applications now open for the Game Development and Marketing Investment Program 2019

- https://screenqueensland.com.au/news/on-screen/applications-now-open-for-the-game-development-and-marketing-investment-program-2019/

Screen Queensland (SQ) are inviting applications from Queensland game developers seeking finance for games with a global audience. Applications open – finance for games

- https://screenqueensland.com.au/news/apply-now/applications-open-finance-for-games/?utm_source=Social%20Media&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=GamesFinance19Rd2

Brisbane International Game Developers Association (brIGDA)

- http://www.igdabrisbane.org/

Una Mcormack (British-Irish academic and novelist)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Una_McCormack

Star Trek's Jeri Ryan Had A Hard Time Finding Seven's Voice for Picard

- https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2019/08/star-treks-jeri-ryan-had-a-hard-time-finding-sevens-voice-for-picard/

Jeri Ryan in Seven of Nine costume

- https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0a/SevenofNine.jpg

Star Trek: Voyager (1995 Star Trek series)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_Voyager

Kathryn Janeway (Star Trek character)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathryn_Janeway

Star Trek: Nemesis (2003 film)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_Nemesis

Lead–crime hypothesis (proposed link between elevated blood lead levels in children and increased rates of crime)

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead–crime_hypothesis

Huffing: Getting a high from aerosol cans

- https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-hills/teens-risk-death-huffing-cans-of-deodorant/news-story/595989e970947a6f6d33537c56b1d653

Submerged Share Scooters Out of The Water

- https://www.pedestrian.tv/tech/share-scooters-water/

Lime scooter helmets

- https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/183700245006_/Lime-Scooter-Helmet-NEW-Size-XL-EXTRA-LARGE.jpg

Elvis Lives (TNC podcast)

- https://thatsnotcanon.com/elvislivespodcast

Shoutouts

5 Aug 1914 – In Cleveland, Ohio, the first electric traffic light is installed. - https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-electric-traffic-signal-installed

5 Aug 1966 - Beatles release single "Yellow Submarine" with "Eleanor Rigby" in UK - https://www.beatlesbible.com/1966/08/05/uk-single-eleanor-rigby-yellow-submarine/

5 Aug 1936 - American athlete Jesse Owens wins 200m in world record time (20.7), his 3rd gold medal of the Berlin Olympics - https://www.olympic.org/news/jesse-owens-completes-the-hat-trick-with-200m-win

5 Aug 2010 - Copiapó mining accident, also known then as the "Chilean mining accident", began with a cave-in at the San José copper–gold mine, located in the Atacama Desert 45 kilometres north of the regional capital of Copiapó, in northern Chile. Thirty-three men, trapped 700 meters underground and 5 kilometres from the mine's entrance via spiralling underground ramps, were rescued after 69 days. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Copiapó_mining_accident

Remembrances

4/5 Aug 1962 - Marilyn Monroe, American actress, model, and singer. Famous for playing comic "blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s and was emblematic of the era's changing attitudes towards sexuality. Although she was a top-billed actress for only a decade, her films grossed $200 million (equivalent to $2 billion in 2018). More than half a century later, she continues to be a major popular culture icon. Monroe's troubled private life received much attention. She struggled with substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. Her second and third marriages, to retired baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller, were highly publicized and both ended in divorce. She died from overdose of barbiturates at the age of 36 in Los Angeles, California. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilyn_Monroe

4 Aug 2019 - Stu Rosen, American voice director and voice actor. Rosen voice directed many cartoons and commercials for television, including Fraggle Rock, the first episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 TV series), Biker Mice from Mars and many more. Other such shows soon followed: Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men,Spiderman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series directed by Andrea Romano and Phantom 2040 also directed by Rosen. He died from cancer at the age of 80 in Los Alamitos, California. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stu_Rosen

5 Aug 2000 - Alec Guinness, English actor. He is known for his six collaborations with David Lean: Herbert Pocket in Great Expectations, Fagin in Oliver Twist, Col. Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai, Prince Faisal in Lawrence of Arabia, General Yevgraf Zhivago in Doctor Zhivago, and Professor Godbole in A Passage to India. He is also known for his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy; for the original film, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 50th Academy Awards. Guinness won an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and a Tony Award. In 1959, he was knighted by Elizabeth II for services to the arts. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, the Academy Honorary Award for lifetime achievement in 1980 and the BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award in 1989. He died from liver cancer at the age of 86 in Midhurst,West Sussex - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alec_Guinness

Famous birthdays

5 Aug 1862 - Joseph Merrick, was an English man with severe deformities. He was first exhibited at a freak show as the "Elephant Man", and then went to live at the London Hospital after he met Frederick Treves, subsequently becoming well known in London society. He was born in Leicester - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Merrick

5 Aug 1930 - Neil Armstrong, American astronaut and aeronautical engineer who was the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also anaval aviator, test pilot, and university professor. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Apollo 11 Lunar Module (LM) pilot Buzz Aldrin became the first people to land on the Moon, and the next day they spent two and a half hours outside the spacecraft while Michael Collins remained in lunar orbit in the mission's command module (CM). When Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, he famously said: "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind." Along with Collins and Aldrin, Armstrong was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon. President Jimmy Carter presented Armstrong with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1978, and Armstrong and his former crewmates received a Congressional Gold Medal in 2009. He was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Armstrong

5 Aug 1889 - Conrad Aiken, American writer, whose work includes poetry,short stories,novels, a play, and an autobiography. Aiken wrote or edited more than 51 books, the first of which was published in 1914, two years after his graduation from Harvard. His work includes novels, short stories (The Collected Short Stories appeared in 1961), criticism, autobiography, and poetry. He was born in Savannah, Georgia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Aiken

Events of Interest

5 Aug 1888 – Bertha Benz was the first person to drive an automobile over a long distance, rigorously field testing the patent Motorwagen, inventing brake pads and solving several engineering issues during the 65 mile trip. That trip occurred in early August 1888, as the entrepreneurial lady took her sons Eugen and Richard, fifteen and fourteen years old, respectively, on a ride from Mannheim through Heidelberg, and Wiesloch, to her maternal hometown of Pforzheim. As well as being the driver, Benz acted as mechanic on the drive, cleaning the carburettor with her hat pin and using a garter to insulate wire. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benz_Patent-Motorwagen

5 Aug 1926 – Harry Houdini performs his greatest feat, spending 91 minutes underwater in a sealed tank before escaping. - https://www.historychannel.com.au/this-day-in-history/houdinis-last-stunt/

5 Aug 1930 – S. A. Andrée’s balloon polar expedition of 1897 was aimed to cross over the North Pole in 43 hours in a hydrogen balloon then journey on to land thanks to the financial support of the Swedish King Oscar II and Alfred Nobel. Andrée’s balloon lost much of its steering capabilities just after launch when a number of drag ropes fell from the craft and ballast sand was thrown overboard. The remaining ropes could be seen trailing in the water till the balloon vanished out of sight. And that was the last anyone heard or saw of the trio for more than 30 years. Discovery came on the 5th August 1930 when the Norwegian Bratvaag expedition found remains on White Island, on the Svalbard archipelago, of a headless body, disturbed by polar bears propped up against a rock. Further investigations by a journalist revealed the bodies of both his companions and diaries detailing much of their ordeal. A camera was also found, and 93 eerie negatives developed of their tragic journey. The remains of the expedition were brought home to Stockholm to a grand procession, where they were feted as national heroes. - https://www.onthisday.com/articles/strange-story-of-the-balloon-expedition-to-the-north-pole

Intro

Artist – Goblins from Mars

Song Title – Super Mario - Overworld Theme (GFM Trap Remix)

Song Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GNMe6kF0j0&index=4&list=PLHmTsVREU3Ar1AJWkimkl6Pux3R5PB-QJ

Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NerdsAmalgamated/

Email - Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/NAmalgamated

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Nux69rftdBeeEXwD8GXrS

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/top-shelf-nerds/id1347661094

RSS - http://www.thatsnotcanonproductions.com/topshelfnerdspodcast?format=rss

[rachael19860213-blog]

0 in World Cup qualifier

0 in world cup qualifier "Don't get us wrong. Been a week since we played, so I thought there was some rust early and then coach factory outlet online we settled in. Taking the step into contention is a big one, but it one the Panthers are confident in making. Orgeron still probably needs to win at least three of the Tigers four games left to have a good shot at getting the job permanently, and that's still anuphillclimb with Alabama, Texas A Florida and Arkansas remaining. Carroll had been a longtime NFL assistant before becoming the head coach of the Jets for a season in 1994 and the Patriots for three more from 1997 99 before being fired each time. Beyond Billy's accomplishments as a hockey coach, some say an even greater accomplishment was the impact he had as a junior high school teacher for 16 years, during which time he played a prominent role in the development of the innovative Donnan and Vimy Ridge sport schools. 11 McNeese. Bishop then converted from the penalty spot in the final 10 minutes, but coach Darrell Pascoe admitted his side didn get it all their own way. Taking the MLS by storm in his debut season, the former Arsenal striker has bagged three goals in his last two appearances and also now sits four goals clear in the race for the Golden Boot.. "Obviously, when you see the ball go in, it helps you feel good and helps your confidence go up, but you can't just rely on scoring," said Chartouny, a third team All Atlantic 10 pick last season. The Raiders were unable to win their first playoff game since 2002, falling to the Houston 27 14.. "I've always tried to be a good role model for our wrestlers and our community. If you taking them outside for a run, Jabra Through technology can pipe in the sounds of cars and traffic to keep you aware of your surroundings.. There are different types of relationship coaches. "I pinned the guy and jumped into Coach Emmert's arms and was immediately overwhelmed by an unbelievable sense of accomplishment. They might only recruit about 10. And, the team performance wasn't the greatest effort put forth by a Kansas football team, there is still plenty of time until their season opener Aug. RF Chas McCormick then kept his bat red hot with a two run single, giving the E Train a quick 2 0 edge. On the other side, Hadspen captain coach Liam Reynolds has been well led his side cartel alongside Sameera Vishwaranga and Nick Price, while Thanuka Dabare, Reynolds and Damien Woods have been the batting staples. In the AFC East alone, which the Patriots have won 12 of 14 seasons, 17 coaches have come and gone, according to STATS.. SPONSORED During the 2018 Seahawks season, CenturyLink and the Seattle Seahawks will honor WIAA recognized student athletes that display leadership, passion and dedication both on and off the field. The University Ringette team won its fourth consecutive Canadian National University Ringette Championship in January 2015.. Port City: 1. We played much better. Injuries to established players, such as Adam Campbell, Josh Meulendyks and Kane Uebergang hurt. But the Wildcats didn't get another basket until Jemarl Baker sank a 3 pointer with 51 seconds remaining in the half.. Lynchburg defense was stout in the first half as they held the Warriors scoreless and settled for a 0 0 halftime score.. Having started brightly, the London team wilted and had to settle for a 1 1 draw.. Dianne is now in her 20th season as head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team, widely considered the best cheer team in the CFL. More than 20 pro scouts were in attendance. Michigan State's Xavier Tillman scored 17 points and blocked five shots. From our camp, practice matches and general training. MONTRAL The Montreal Impact suffered a 3 2 loss, Saturday night at Stade Saputo, at the hands of Minnesota United FC. Our other two seniors, Bekah Workman and Shaylynn Hartmann, also share with Lauren the experience in running in three consecutive sectionals. "We probably got sucked in a little bit but they will learn from that. KEY ADDITIONS Emilie Stephenson (attack) Georgie Bunworth (mid court) Lilly Francis (mid court) Emily McNamara (attack) Amelia Ford (mid court) Ginger Wollermann (defense) Lauren Benington (defense) After multiple years of building chemistry and falling short in the finals, Sebastopol is looking to push into the upper echelon on the competition in 2019. Wright. In his playing days, he was known as "The Gainesville Gunner." At Gainesville High School, he averaged 30.8 points a game, the highest scoring average in the state at that time, as a hard driving shooting guard who often fired shots from 25 feet. Q: What do you see as your key on field strength? A mix of new jordan shoes strong and determined experienced players, combined with some depth at the younger end of the list. As 'primal beings' we are in need of several vital elements and forms of energy. In effect, doing little things to make other people happy can greatly improve your happiness.. [ 14 ] The fireworks scene has lost none of its one of my favorite scenes in the movie, Guiry says. I have blogged on the topic before but it bears repeating. Sometimes that means risking their lives to lace up running shoes, and sometimes that means running 26.2 miles through a desert.. Defensively, he would guard the other team's best player no matter what position they played. He has a ton of physical upside and has shown an above average fastball and slider. Avoid rush orders. He motivates everybody to be the best ballplayer they can be. Bowden Jr. Running provided opportunities to build deep friendships even when alongside teammates according to running pace rather than common interests.

[imperial-waterboy]

[londonmarathoninfo-blog]

London Marathon 2019

The London Marathon 2019 is a long-distance running event held in London, United Kingdom, The most recent event was the 2018 London Marathon on 22 April 2018. The date of the next London Marathon is Sunday, 28 April 2019.

It's the 2019 London Marathon. It's that time of the year again when the 26.2-mile race starts on the south of the Thames at Blackheath, passing through Greenwich and crossing Tower Bridge before finishing on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace.

As with every year, you can watch the London Marathon live on the BBC. Coverage begins at 8.30am on BBC Two, before it switches to BBC One from 10am to 2pm. There is then another 30 minutes on BBC Two between 2pm and 2.30pm.

The London Marathon is less than two weeks away with some of the world's best runners set to compete against each other. Around 40,000 athletes, celebrities and elite amateurs will descend on the capital to take on the 26.2 mile race across its streets.

It is one of the biggest events in the global running calendar. With this in mind, here is everything you need to know about the Virgin Money London Marathon 2019.

The different race categories will be staggered throughout the morning. The elite wheelchair race kicks off at 9.05am, the World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup is at 9.10am and the elite women's race starts at 9.25am.

The elite men’s race, British Athletics & England Athletics Marathon Championships, and the mass race start at 10.10am. It’s later than a lot of races, but it’s also much bigger, so you’ll want to get there early to avoid the crowds.

[ahz-associates]

University of Bedfordshire The University of Bedfordshire in the UK is a Silver Award winner of the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) held in June 2017 The University of Bedfordshire has the honour of hosting athletes in the London 2012 Olympic Games and 2015 Rugby World Cup in their sports facilities The University of Bedfordshire holds an outstanding employment rate of 91% according to DLHE – Destination for Leavers of Higher Education 2018 Read More : https://ahzassociates.co.uk/uk/university/university-of-bedfordshire/

[desportsch]

N'Golo Kante unwilling to sign a new Chelsea deal France star set demands

N’Golo Kante unwilling to sign a new Chelsea deal France star set demands

N’Golo Kante’s contract talks with Chelsea have reportedly hit a snag, which could leave the midfield maestro as a free agent next summer. Conversations between the London club and the 2018 World Cup winner began last year, but were halted as ownership of the Blues switched hands to a consortium led by Todd Boehly. Now The Athletic are claiming the French 31-year-old is holding out for a longer…

[mohsinbeg]

Steve Smith Career

Steven Peter Devereux Smith (born 2 June 1989) is an Australian international cricketer who was the was the captain for the Australian national team. Smith has been compared with Donald Bradman, widely acknowledged as the greatest batsman in history because of his unique high batting rate in the Tests. While he was initially picked for Australia as an right-arm leg spinner Smith was later primarily an batting player. After playing in five matches between the 2010-2011 season Smith was called back into Australia in 2013. He was recalled to the Australian squad in the year 2013 and was appointed captain over Michael Clarke in late 2015 and subsequently batted at the number 3 or 4. The awards he has received includes awards he has won include the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2015. ICC Test Player of the Year in both 2015 and the year 2017; ICC Test for Men Player of the Decade from 2011 to 2020 and the Allan Border Medal for the top athlete for Australian Cricket in the years 2015, 2018, as well as 2021. Australian Test Player of the Year in the years 2015 and 2018 and Australian One Day International Player of the Year in the years 2015 and 2021. He was selected as a result of Wisden among their top cricketers in the 2016 edition of the Wisden Almanack. in 2014 New Zealand batsman Martin Crowe declared Martin Crowe Smith as being one of the youngest members of the Fab Four Cricketers from the Test era, along with Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli. On the 30th of December, 2017, Smith scored an batting score in Test cricket of 947, which is the second highest of all time, and only after Don Bradman's record of 961. In March of 2018, Smith was widely criticised for his oversight of ball tampering in the third Test match against South Africa, during which Smith resigned from captaincy of the team to be replaced Tim Paine. Following an investigation conducted by Cricket Australia, Smith was exiled from all domestic and international games in Australia for a period of one year, beginning at the 29th of March, 2018 and was barred from being considered for any leadership role for a further one year. Life in the early years and later Steve Smith was born on 2 June 1989 in Kogarah, Sydney to an Australian father, Peter, who has an chemistry degree, along with an English mother, Gillian. Smith went to Menai High School, but left at the age of 17 for cricketing in England where Smith played in the cricket club of Sevenoaks Vine in the Kent Cricket League. He was so good with Sevenoaks that he got chosen to be part of Surrey's second XI. Since Smith's mother had been born in London, Smith has dual British and Australian citizenship. In the year 2011, Smith started dating Dani Willis who is who is a law and commerce student in Macquarie University. In June 2017 they announced that the pair were engaged on a vacation on holiday in New York. The couple was married in Berrima, New South Wales on the 15th of September in 2018.

Also read: American Rules Football | IFAF | 1st & Ten |American Football Shoulder Pads | American Football Helmet | American Football Ball Domestic and young career Smith was part of the Australian team in the 2007 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. At the event, he recorded 114 wickets and seven runs over four games. Smith made his debut as a first-class player with New South Wales against Western Australia at the SCG on January 25, 2008. Smith scored 33 in his one-hit inning during the time that New South Wales defeated Western Australia without a doubt. Smith played in the New South Wales team that took home this year's Twenty20 Champions League. In the final match against Trinidad and Tobago at Hyderabad, Smith made 33 with the bat. He also took two wickets. In the 2009-10 season in the domestic league, Smith had a first-class batsman's average of 50 after playing in 13 first-class matches. While his bowling average for first-class in the mid-forties was not as remarkable, his bowling seemed to be improving steadily thanks to a well-publicised coaching program with praise and encouragement by Shane Warne. In the final game of the season, he recorded 7-for 64 on the 2nd wicket against South Australia. Big Bash League Smith has made the Twenty20 Cricket debut with New South Wales in a match against South Australia at Adelaide on 1 January 2008, during the six-team KFC Big Bash event. Smith was the most successful wicket-taker in the 2007 Big Bash tournament. He scored four wickets against Queensland and was able to take 9 wickets in total. He was named the second-best player at the competition. In the year 2011-12 The Australian T20 competition became the city-based Big Bash League featuring eight teams. Smith became a part of with the Sydney Sixers and filled in as captain in the event that Brad Haddin could not play because of Test duty and then led the team to victory during the opening season. As an all-rounder Smith, he scored 166 run with the bat over nine games, with an average striking rate of 130.71 which included a half century. When he played his ball, he scored six wickets with an economy pace at 8.06 for each over. He also took nine wickets during the tournament. In the final game, the Sixers defeated the Perth Scorchers by 7 wickets as they chased their target of 157 in 18.5 overs, after the Scorchers were able to score 5/156 over 20 overs. Smith's impressive performance in this season's Big Bash League, attracted the interest of the former India captain Sourav Ganguly. He was invited to join Pune Warriors, the Pune Warriors India team captained by Sourav Ganguly during 2012. Indian Premier League. Smith was also appointed captain for the squad during one game, during which Ganguly was not playing in spite of Australian captain Michael Clarke being the vice-captain. Smith continued to be a part of the same team in 2013 with the leadership of Angelo Mathews. Indian Premier League Smith was first purchased from Royal Challengers Bangalore for the 2010 Indian Premier League as a replacement for Jesse Ryder. In the 2011 IPL auction for players and purchase, he was acquired from Kochi Tuskers Kerala for $200,000 however, he was required undergo an ankle surgery and was unable to play that season. The following season Kochi Tuskers were dropped from the IPL and Smith was offered for auction. Smith was not sold during the 2012 IPL Players Auction, but was later purchased to replace Mitchell Marsh by the Pune Warriors India. In his first game for his new team He scored 39 runs from 32 balls, leading his side to victory over India's Mumbai Indians. He was awarded The Man of the Match Award for his performance. In the auction of IPL 2014 auction, Smith became the target of Rajasthan Royals for $600,000. Smith was named captain of the Royals during the second half of the 2015 season . He helped the team win important victories, which resulted in an appearance for his team in the play-off portion in the IPL. In this year's IPL Auction, Smith was purchased by a new franchise called that of the Rising Pune Supergiants for the same amount as the auction before ($600,000) however, he was unable to find his form early on. Smith finally broke through a string of low scores in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 46*. Smith's form was maintained as Smith recorded his maiden T20 century in the match against Gujarat Lions, scoring 101 out of 54 balls. Then he was able to score 45 more with the Mumbai Indians, before being excluded from the remainder of the competition due to an injury to his wrist. The Supergiant management decided to remove MS Dhoni as captain and appointed Smith to be captain of the team for 2017. In the opening game of RPS's season with Mumbai Indians, Smith led his team to victory fashion with a score of 84* and was awarded an award for the Player of The Match award. Three consecutive losses however they left the team in the last spot on the scoreboard. An eight-win streak in 10 games contributed to Supergiant finish in second spot and get into the playoffs with Smith being praised for his leadership qualities from well-known cricketers as well as experts like Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen. Smith led his team to the finals with an impressive 20-run win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 1. Smith's men were up against Mumbai again. He scored 51 runs off 50 balls, but he was unable to take RPS into victory. Pune was defeated just one run. Smith was the RPS's top scorer of runs during the tournament by scoring 472 runs with the rate of 39.33 and three fifties. In February of 2018 Smith was announced as the captain for Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2018 season. After his admission that he was involved with the Australian test team's ball-tampering controversy during the third Test played in South Africa in March 2018 the team announced players that Smith has stepped down from the captain's position and Ajinkya Rahane assumed the role of the new captain of the Rajasthan Royals team. On March 28, 2018, following his ban from Cricket Australia for his involvement in a ball-tampering incident Smith's contract as a cricketer to the Royals was removed at the request of the Board of Control for Cricket in India as Steve Smith and fellow Australian batsman David Warner were banned from playing in their respective teams for the 2018 IPL edition. In November of 2018, Smith was signed as the captain of Rajasthan Royals for the 2019 Indian Premier League. After losing six of the eight matches in the initial campaign, Smith was appointed as the captain of Rajasthan Royals by replacing Ajinkya Rahane. In the competition, he recorded 319 runs, with average 39.87 which included three fifties. The auction was unsuccessful. 2022 IPL auctions. 

Also read:

HOW TO CUSTOMIZE A SKATEBOARD?

Anmolpreet Singh

What to wear to ice skate?

SRIKAR BHARAT

The everyday electric bike