Sport Integrity Australia has moved to strengthen its anti-doping program by signing a partnership agreement with the International Testing Agency (ITA).
The collaboration and service agreement will see Sport Integrity Australia and the Swiss-based ITA working together on a range of programs and initiatives, including the coordination of the testing of athletes under their respective authority and the sharing of information for athletes under the specific anti-doping authority.
The agreement aims at facilitating the sharing of intelligence and information between the two organisations, as well as an efficient planning of doping controls.
It will also allow the ITA to appoint Sport Integrity Australia to act as a sample collection authority or provide anti-doping services, in addition to reciprocal access to all relevant Athlete Blood Passport data, Athlete Passport Management Unit reports and test results.
Sport Integrity Australia CEO, David Sharpe, said the agreement strengthens anti-doping capabilities in Australia and around the world.
“This partnership with the International Testing Agency significantly enhances Sport Integrity Australia’s anti-doping operations and builds on the agency’s existing capabilities,” Mr Sharpe said.
“Sport Integrity Australia is always looking to work with and learn from other anti-doping agencies and to protect innocent athletes. By partnering with other leading global anti-doping agencies like the ITA we are strengthening the testing program for clean athletes in Australia and abroad.”
Javid Nikpour/Tasnimnews via Wiki Commons. Creative Attribution 4.0
ITA Director General, Benjamin Cohen, said the collaboration will benefit both potential investigations and intelligence-led doping controls in Australia and for the country’s athletes.
“Sport Integrity Australia is a well-developed and strong integrity agency – in Australia, but also within the larger anti-doping community,” Mr Cohen said.
“Sport Integrity Australia is a progressive and innovative integrity player that inspires us when it comes to learning, sharing knowledge and best practice, and further developing our mutual activities for the benefit of athletes and sport in general. We are very pleased about this cooperation agreement which will help us to ensure better organisation of testing and coordination of any intelligence or investigative activities on Australian soil to help protect Australian and international-level athletes.”
Sport Integrity Australia is the National Anti-Doping Organisation for Australia while the ITA delivers independent expert anti-doping programs for International Federations and major event organisers requesting support with their anti-doping activities.
The ITA has established bilateral collaboration agreements with over 30 National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs/RADOs) and has partnered with over 57 anti-doping organisations in recent years to deliver advanced training and certification to their workforce.
Feature image: CBP Photography via Wiki Commons, Public Domain.
The Jaded Newsman’s Editor-in-Chief, Ciaran O’Mahony, and Australian journalist Bianca Roberts, have been recognised in the International Sports Press Association’s (AIPS) list of the top 36 writers in the world under 30.
Each year, the organisation holds the AIPS Sports Media awards, which honour the best sport storytellers across the globe, and is widely regarded as the highest international accolade in the sports media industry.
The fifth edition of the awards received record levels of participation, with almost 2000 submissions from 138 countries across five continents.
This is the second consecutive year that O’Mahony has been nominated in the AIPS Sports Media awards, having been shortlisted in the Best Columnists and Best Writers Under 30 categories in 2021. He was honoured with these nominations for a longform investigation into the effects of Covid lockdowns on doping testing around the world, and a feature from a multimedia series co-produced with Ms Roberts, that highlighted the rise of Rwandan football coach, Grace Nyinawumuntu.
Roberts also features in the longlist for her human-interest piece on Felicite Rwemarika, a former refugee who has become a pioneer for social change in Rwanda through her creation of women’s football programs and a national football league. The article illustrates the benefits of using football as a vehicle for women’s rights and healing in post-genocide Rwanda.
Roberts has a background in health and aged care reporting, with further experience at country newspapers and popular magazines. She is also sharing her knowledge and passion for journalism as a Visiting Instructor of Mass Communication at Abu Dhabi University.
Roberts’ commitment to incisive reporting on important social issues, policies and legislation made her an excellent fit to collaborate with The Jaded Newsman on the Rwandan women’s football series, and her dynamic skills both in print and audio were instrumental in developing what is now a multi-award winning project as well as Roberts O’Mahony Productions.
You can view the AIPS’ full longlist of the best writers in the world under 30 here.
We congratulate both journalists for their nominations and wish them luck for the remainder of the competition.
Just three days shy of his 36th birthday, Rafael Nadal added another important chapter to his legacy, with his 11th Grand Slam victory over Novak Djokovic.
Although Nadal has enjoyed many victories over the Serbian in Paris, this was one of the sweetest, given that Djokovic had beaten him soundly at last year’s French Open.
In 2021, Djokovic seemed to have finally cracked the code. He used his forehand to push Nadal out wide, creating sharp angles that pinned the Spaniard to his backhand side.
With Nadal forced to hit more groundstrokes from his weaker wing, and unable to dictate the play with his heavy forehand, Djokovic picked him apart. He took control of key rallies, forcing the King of Clay to hit backhands “on the run” – over and over again.
Djokovic prevailed in 4 sets that day, en route to his his second French Open crown.
“I never thought he was unbeatable [on clay],” the World No. 1 declared in the aftermath.
Nadal seemed even more beatable this time, arriving at the tournament with little match practice and huge injury concerns. He even had his personal doctor sitting in the front row of his coaches’ box.
But as soon as this highly anticipated rematch began, it was clear that Nadal had no intention of playing “retriever” again.
Here are three key reasons why Nadal got his revenge at Roland Garros.
1. Avoiding Djokovic’s Forehand
Nadal clearly understood that Djokovic’s success last year was built around his forehand. It was the weapon that had driven him into the “double’s lines” of the backhand corner, or even off the court altogether.
Nadal kept the ball away from the Serbian’s forehand as much as possible, hitting a high percentage of his backhands down the line, rather than cross-court. Even when he found himself out of position, Nadal would send his backhand up the middle of the court. This limited the cross-court exchanges that Djokovic has often used to trap him and break his backhand down.
Djokovic’s only significant period of success on the forehand, came during the 2nd set, when he hit far more of his own backhands down the line. But he reverted back to his familiar cross-court patterns in sets 3 and 4.
For his part, Nadal made almost every forehand opportunity count, directing many of his biggest ones down the line, and maintaining a dominant court position.
2. Superior Endurance
There were serious questions about Nadal’s ability to go toe-to-toe with Djokovic over 5 sets after a marathon 4th round clash with Felix Auger-Alliassime. Djokovic arrived as the fresher player, having breezed through his first four matches, yet it was Nadal who appeared to have the stronger legs.
Both players set an unsustainable pace in the first 2 sets. The power and intensity of the rallies was staggering, but with both men pushing 36, it was never going to last. As their levels dropped in the final 2 sets, Nadal was more willing to extend the rallies and grind the match out. A huge surprise given Djokovic’s legendary fitness and the question marks over Nadal’s.
3. Out-serving Djokovic
It’s normally an extremely consistent and reliable tool, but Djokovic’s serve completely abandoned him at key moments in this match.
His first serve percentage dipped from his tournament average(prior to this match) of 71% to a measly 45%. Nadal’s, on the other hand, rose from his average of 65% to 71%.
The vast majority of Nadal’s serves targeted Djokovic’s backhand, particularly on the deuce side of the court. This forced the World No. 1 to go for low-percentage returns – either an “inside-out” backhand or a backhand down the line. When Djokovic struggled to execute these returns, Nadal either received an easy error or an offensive opportunity on his forehand. Both relieved a significant amount of pressure from his service games.
It’s no secret that we love our basketball at The Jaded Newsman. We’ve been walking on air since the Boomers’ heroic performance in Tokyo and we’ve shamelessly jumped on the Tasmanian JackJumpers bandwagon this season.
It’s safe to say that Australian basketball is flying and none of this would be possible without the NBL. To celebrate our great league, we’d like to reflect on some of its most important formative moments. Here are six, in no particular order, that stood out to us.
1. The inaugural 1979 season
The NBL’s debut season may not have been broadcast on tv or radio stations, but it was a seminal moment in the rise of Australian Basketball. The 10-team competition was so enthralling that the NBL was expanded to 12 teams the following season. But it was the St Kilda Saints who captured the first title, edging the Canberra Cannons in a thrilling Grand Final: 94-93. CJ Bruton’s father, Cal Bruton, was the NBL’s leading scorer that season, averaging over 33 pts per game.
2. Introduction of the three-point line
The NBL’s sharp shooters received a huge boost when the three-point line was introduced in 1984. Brian Goorjian, Darryl Pearce and Mark Gaze made the most of this new feature, wowing crowds with their long-range shooting that season. Future legends like Andrew Gaze and Bryce Cotton took three-point shooting to even greater heights in the ensuing years.
3. Emergence of Andrew Gaze
The 1984 season also marked the emergence of the Melbourne Tigers and a young man named Andrew Gaze. Now a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Gaze won rookie of the year with a season average of 29 pts per game. He would go on to set almost every NBL record imaginable. He has played the most games, scored the most points and provided the most assists – to name just a few. He has also competed in a record five Olympic games, becoming the highest scorer in Olympic Basketball history.
4. Larry Kestelman assumes ownership of the NBL
From 2010-2014, numerous NBL teams found themselves in financial peril and the league itself was struggling to survive. Melbourne businessman Larry Kestelman proved to be the NBL’s saviour, taking ownership of the league and investing $7 million into its future. This was the spark that Australian basketball desperately needed and it led to a huge spike in crowd attendance, sponsorship and TV coverage. Unlike the temporary rise of basketball fever in the 1990s, the NBL has managed to sustain this success and is now widely considered one of the best basketball leagues in the world.
5. Historic Broadcast Deal
The NBL’s great revival reached its pinnacle in July last year when it scored a historic $45 million broadcast deal with ESPN, Foxtel and Newscorp. The deal means that Foxtel, ESPN and Kayo Sports will air every NBL game, including the finals. Newscorp also agreed to provide the NBL with dedicated reporters, extra content and game analysis. By mid-August, Channel 10 had also bought a piece of the action – purchasing free-to-air rights for two games every Sunday on 10 Peach and 10 Play.
6. Exhibition games against NBA teams
The historic preseason games between Sydney vs Utah, Brisbane vs Phoenix and Melbourne United vs Oklahoma City – are the ultimate compliment to the NBL’s quality. These games were held in 2017 and although the pandemic got in the way for a couple of years, the NBL plans to send teams to the US again in 2022/23. The strength of Australian talent in the NBA, combined with our success on the international stage, has ensured the quality of the NBL is respected around the globe.
Tennis’ governing bodies have stripped Wimbledon of its tour ranking points, following the All England Club’s (AEC) decision to ban Russian and Belarussian players from this year’s championship.
Players will no longer be able to earn or defend ranking points at Wimbledon, which could effect their overall position on the tour.
The ATP and the WTA released statements describing Wimbledon’s Russian/Belarussian ban as a breach of their rankings agreements, and confirming their penalisation of the tournament.
“The recent decisions made by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to ban athletes from competing in the upcoming UK grass court events violate that fundamental principle, which is clearly embodied in the WTA rules, the Grand Slam rules, and the agreement the WTA has with the Grand Slams,” said the WTA in a statement.
The ATP said Wimbledon’s decision undermines “the integrity of the ATP Ranking system” and “the ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit, and without discrimination.”
“Absent a change in circumstances, it is with great regret and reluctance that we see no option but to remove ATP Ranking points from Wimbledon for 2022,” they said.
The AEC has expressed “deep disappointment” with these measures, but re-affirmed its stance on the matter.
“Given the position taken by the UK Government to limit Russia’s global influence, which removed automatic entry by ranking, and the widespread response of Government, industry, sport and creative institutions, we remain of the view that we have made the only viable decision for Wimbledon as a globally renowned sporting event and British institution, and we stand by the decision we have made.”
The British Government had previously expressed concern that a Russian victory at Wimbledon could become a powerful propaganda tool during the country’s illegal occupation of Ukraine.
World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, would have been among the favourites at Wimbledon, if not for the ban. Photo: Matthew Stockman via Getty Images.
However, the ATP noted that there were no government mandates in place, and the participation of Russian and Belarussian players, remained at the AEC’s discretion.
“We greatly value our long-standing relationships with Wimbledon and the LTA and do not underestimate the difficult decisions faced in responding to recent UK Government guidance. However, we note that this was informal guidance, not a mandate, which offered an alternative option that would have left the decision in the hands of individual players competing as neutral athletes through a signed declaration.”
While the ATP and WTA’s decision reverberates around the world, players of all nationalities have been permitted to compete in the French Open, which starts on Sunday.
After two consecutive seasons on the throne, Bryce Cotton surrendered his MVP crown to Jaylen Adams, in one of the closest voting counts in years.
In the end, Adams’ league-leading assists tally and his growing reputation for clutch play, were enough to squeak past Cotton by 105 votes to 94. Jo Lual-Acuil finished third in the race with 62 votes.
Adams said this “tremendous honour” had been a “quiet goal” he’d set for himself prior to his debut season in Australia.
“I’m thankful for my coach, the front office and the ownership for bringing me here, the fans for their love all season and my teammates,” said Adams.
“It’s a special accomplishment.”
But now that he’s captured the coveted Andrew Gaze trophy, the Sydney Kings star has set his sights on Game 1 of the playoffs against the Illawarra Hawks.
Adams missed the final two games of the regular season with an illness, but he confirmed that he will be ready for the Kings’ quest for championship glory.
“I’m feeling good,” he said.
“I know how important this game is, I’m going to be prepared for it.
“It’s an opportunity for our team to come out and show what we’ve worked so hard for all year, show what we’re capable of doing.”
Who were the other winners?
Vic Law (Perth Wildcats) and Antonius Cleveland (Illawarra Hawks) joined Adams (Sydney Kings), Cotton (Perth Wildcats) and Lual-Acuil (Melbourne United) on the All-NBL First team, while Kai Sotto (Adeliade 36ers) clinched the Fans MVP award. Cleveland also won Defensive Player of the Year.
Rising star Bul Kuol (Cairns Taipans) won Rookie of the Year, while Keanu Pinder (Cairns Taipans) was deemed the league’s Most Improved Player.
Scott Roth was unsurprisingly named Coach of the Year after spearheading the Tasmanian JackJumpers’ incredible first season. The New Zealand Breakers’ Simon Edwards, won Executive of the Year.
Finally, Matthew Dellavedova leads the All-NBL Second team, which also features Josh Adams (Tasmania JackJumpers), Chris Goulding (Melbourne United), Mitch Creek (South East Melbourne Phoenix) and Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings).
The All England Club (AEC) has officially banned Russian and Belarussian tennis players from competing in the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, the AEC has described the ban as a “sad”, but necessary stand against the country’s “illegal actions” abroad.
The participation of the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Victoria Azarenka, has been in doubt ever since UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston stated that they would need to provide “assurances that they are not supporters of Vladimir Putin”, before a House of Commons digital, culture, media and sport select committee in March.
World No. 2 Medvedev, was one of the favourites to win the Championships. Photo: Matthew Stockman via Getty Images.
The AEC has now gone a step further, banning them outright in a bid to “limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible,” as outlined in a statement released yesterday.
“In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with the Championships,” it said.
“It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.”
Men’s Tennis’ Governing Body, the ATP, has condemned the decision, describing it as discrimination that will set a harmful precedent.
“We believe that today’s unilateral decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year’s British grass-court swing is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game,” the ATP said.
“Discrimination based on nationality also constitutes a violation of our agreement with Wimbledon that states that player entry is based solely on ATP rankings.”
The ATP has indicated that it is exploring any potential means of overturning the ban.
“Any course of action in response to this decision will now be assessed in consultation with our board and member councils.”
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has also stated that it is “very disappointed in today’s announcement by the AELTC and the LTA to ban individual athletes who are from Russia and Belarus from competing in the upcoming UK grass court events.
“A fundamental principal of the WTA is that individual athletes may participate in professional tennis events based on merit and without any form of discrimination. That principle is expressly set forth in our rules and has been agreed to by both AELTC and LTA. Prohibitions against discrimination are also clearly expressed in their own rules and the Grand Slam rules,” says the WTA.
“The WTA has consistently stated, individual athletes should not be penalized or prevented from competing due to where they are from, or the decisions made by the governments of their countries. Discrimination, and the decision to focus such discrimination against athletes competing on their own as individuals, is neither fair nor justified.”
The Russian/Belarussian ban has drawn significant criticism on social media, with Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova and the Belarussian Tennis Federation (BTF), also criticising the AEC’s actions.
The BTF, in particular, is said to be aggressively pursuing international legal action to overturn the ban.
“Such destructive actions in no way contribute to the resolution of conflicts, but only incite hatred and intolerance on a national basis,” the BTF said in a statement.
“Throughout the history of tennis, armed conflicts have occurred in the world – in Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Yugoslavia and other countries – but never until now have tournament organisers suspended athletes from the United States, Great Britain and other countries.
“Illegal decisions of international tennis organisations in relation to our athletes undermine the reputation of these organisations.”
Despite the criticism and potential legal ramifications, Chairman of the All England Club, Ian Hewitt, said “we recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.
“We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.”
While they will not be able to compete at Tennis’ biggest event, Russian and Belarussian players will still be permitted to compete at both ATP and WTA events, under a neutral flag, throughout the year.
Taekwondo has shaped some of MMA’s greatest champions and truly iconic moments.
Every fan loves a head-kick KO, but few realise how many of them have been delivered by fighters with a black belt in the Korean Martial Art.
This isn’t surprising given that MMA analysts continue to underrate, and even ignore the discipline, fixating on the skills of Wrestling, Kickboxing and Muay Thai.
Few, if any broadcasters, have highlighted the advantages that Taekwondo’s dynamic footwork and aerial kicks can provide inside the octagon.
Nevertheless, some of the sharpest and deadliest strikers in MMA history were forged in Taekwondo classes.
Below is a list of The Jaded Newsman’s five greatest MMA fighters who fit this description.
5.Benson Henderson
A highly decorated UFC and WEC champion, Henderson’s mother kick-started his fighting career at the age of 9, when she took him to Taekwondo classes. He obtained a black belt, before adding further skills to his game and defeating the likes of Frankie Edgar, Glibert Melendez, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz.
4. Rose Namajunas
Former UFC Strawweight Champion, Rose Namajunas, started Taekwondo at the age of five, gaining her black belt by the age of nine. Her stunning head-kick KO of then-champion, Weili Zhang, was a brilliant demonstration of her traditional martial arts background.
3. Valentina Shevchenko
Arguably on her way to becoming the greatest women’s fighter of all time, Shevchenko’s combat sports journey also began in a Taekwondo school at the age of five. She became a black belt, before perfecting her skills in Muay Thai and Kickboxing – disciplines in which she obtained multiple world titles. “The Bullet” is the reigning UFC Flyweight champion and looks set to dominate the division for years to come. If this KO doesn’t scream Taekwondo to you – nothing will!
2. Anthony Pettis
Another fighter who started Taekwondo at – you guessed it – the age of five. Pettis held a 3rd-degree black belt by time he was 18, before adding a BJJ black belt to his arsenal. One of the Great Lightweights of his era and a UFC and WEC Champion, Pettis is perhaps best known for his “Showtime Kick” on Benson Henderson. Grab your popcorn and check it out below.
1. Anderson Silva
Widely considered one of the greatest, if not THE greatest fighter of all time, Mr Silva needs no introduction. He holds the record for the most finishes in UFC title fights and in the history of the UFC Middlweight division. His 16-fight winning streak is one of the most dominant runs in MMA history.
Honourable Mentions:
Yair Rodriguez
Rodriguez’s flashy style and ability to spring unique kicking attacks from almost any angle, have made him a huge fan favourite. The Taekwondo black belt recently came agonisingly close to defeating former UFC champion, Max Holloway, in a “fight of the year” contender. Many believe “El Pantera” has the potential to become champion himself one day.
Edson Barboza
In January 2012, Edson Barboza sent Terry Etim into orbit with perhaps the most vicious head-kick UFC fans had ever seen. Many believe that thunderous wheel kick remains unmatched. Although Barboza never quite reached the pinnacle of the sport, he has been a top contender for years, and people know they’re in for a kicking masterclass whenever he fights.
Ciaran O’Mahony’s sports reporting for The Jaded Newsman has earned him a place on the International Sports Press Association’s (AIPS) prestigious list of the best sportswriters in the world.
O’Mahony was shortlisted in two AIPS Sports Media Awards 2021 categories (Best Columnists and Best Writers Under 30) for his investigative projects on pre-Olympic doping tests during Covid lockdowns and the rise of Rwanda’s first female football coach.
“I’m blown away,” said O’Mahony, The Jaded Newsman’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief.
“This is a huge honour and I’m so grateful to the AIPS for all of the work they’ve put into running a global competition and providing a platform to acknowledge all of the hard work that sports journalists do around the world.”
“Sport has always been my greatest passion in work and in life. Telling the stories of so many important figures in the industry and then having that work recognised internationally, means so much to me.”
The AIPS Awards are one of the highest international accolades in sports media, honouring the world’s best sports storytellers across video, audio, photography and writing.
Over 1730 journalists from 133 countries entered the 2021 edition of the awards, which were judged by an esteemed panel of 40 judges from 35 countries.
O’Mahony’s column on doping revealed exclusive WADA statistics that showed enormous dips in athlete drug testing during emergency lockdowns. The Presidents and CEOs of international doping bodies, and Olympians who had been denied medals by dopers in the past, were interviewed for further insights on the issue.
“It was a very competitive field and I’ve followed many of the writers on that list for a long time. I really admire their work,” O’Mahony said.
“It’s a great feeling to be listed alongside them.”
O’Mahony’s special feature on Grace Nyinawumuntu, the first Rwandan woman to become a professional football coach, was also highly regarded by the international panel of judges.
Nyinawumuntu was orphaned by Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and this trauma sent her into deep despair. But a football for women’s rights initiative created by IOC member, Felicite Rwemarika, offered her a pathway out of isolation and into Rwandan sports history.
O’Mahony was ranked in the world’s top 20 sportswriters under 30 for this story and he believes it sends a powerful message about the impact sport can have on society.
“The feature on Grace Nyinawumuntu was part of a special collaboration with the very talented Bianca Roberts. I have to say a huge thanks to Bianca because she was a huge part of bringing that piece to fruition.
“We produced a series of articles and a podcast on the impact of Felicite Rwemarika’s AKWOS (Association of Kigali Women in Sports) football program on women’s rights in Rwanda.
“Ms Rwemarika changed so many lives and led an important movement for social change in her country. Ms Nyinawumuntu was one of the most inspiring participants in that program, rising above unimaginable grief and loss to become the country’s first female professional referee and coach.”
The AIPS rankings have capped off a fantastic debut year for The Jaded Newsman, which was also recognised for its reporting on homelessness at the Victorian Homelessness Media Awards in November 2021.
The independent publication continues to grow in popularity and an increasing pool of experts are recognising the quality of the coverage it is providing readers on important social and sporting issues.
“I’m delighted as both a writer and an editor,” O’Mahony said.
“Starting a new publication with modest resources is a challenging and daunting task. There is so much more involved than writing engaging feature articles. It has been a huge learning curve as far as website design, promotional and social media campaigns are concerned. But I think we’re starting to reap the rewards.”
“Achieving so much in the first year is really humbling and it’s made me hungry to push The Jaded Newsman to even greater heights.”
“Our readers are the real winners because they have access to a publication that is not only turning heads, but also free from any financial or political bias. That’s very rare in this day and age.
“We’re starting to mix it with the world’s best and I don’t think we look out of place. We’re just getting started and I hope readers will continue to join us on the journey.”
Ireland may be a small country, but it has punched well above its weight when it comes to sporting achievements on the world stage.
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, The Jaded Newsman is tipping its hat to some of the greatest athletes produced on the Emerald Isle. This list is sure to spark debate and I must admit, it was extremely difficult to narrow it down to 15 names.
Before any GAA fans come banging on my door, I should mention that I have only included athletes that have competed in international sports. As the furthest thing from a GAA expert, I wasn’t able to judge how the likes of Colm Cooper and Henry Shefflin stack up against the rest of the field.
With that said, let’s dive into the list.
15. Derval O’Rourke (Runner)
One of three track and field athletes on this list (all from County Cork), Derval O’Rourke brings a World Championship in hurdles to the table. She shocked the world in Moscow (2006), clocking a PB and winning the 60m hurdles at the World Indoor Athletics Championships. Although she was unable to recapture the same form, O’Rourke also picked up numerous medals at the European Championships in both the 60m and 100m hurdles.
14. Pat O’Callaghan (Hammer Thrower)
His name may not be familiar to many, but it would be absurd to keep a two-time Olympic Gold medallist off this list. O’Callaghan and his two brothers paid their own travel fares to compete in the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. It proved to be money well spent as Pat won Gold in the Hammer Throw. His medal presentation was the first time that the Irish tricolour was raised at an Olympic Games. O’Callaghan defended his title in 1932, firmly sealing his place in Irish sporting history.
Photo: Sean Sexton/Getty Images
13. Carl Frampton (Boxer)
It was tough to split Frampton and his former mentor (now turned enemy) Barry McGuigan, but I’m giving “the jackal” the nod. Frampton was a two-weight world champion in the highly competitive Super-Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions. He gained his first world title by easily dispatching Kiko Martinez – the current IBF Featherweight champion – twice. He later defeated his arch-rival and WBA Super-Bantamweight champion, Scott Quigg, before moving up to Featherweight and upsetting the highly rated Leo Santa Cruz.
12. Padraig Harrington(Golfer)
The epitome of an athlete who performed at his best on the biggest stage. Harrington is a three-time major winner, with two British Opens and one PGA Championship to his name. He won all three between 2007-2008, earning PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year honours. It’s safe to say that at his peak, the Dubliner was on top of the golfing world.
11. Sonia O’Sullivan (Runner)
Undoubtedly one of Ireland’s greatest sportswomen, Sonia O’Sullivan is an incredibly decorated runner. The Cork woman was definitely at her strongest in the 5000m and 2000m races. She set a world record in the 2000m in 1994, which stood until 2017. In the 5000m, O’Sullivan won Gold at the World Championships in 1995 and Silver at the Olympic Games in 2000. She has plenty more medals in her cabinet, but it’s safe to say that the aforementioned achievements alone, have made her an Irish sporting legend.
10. Conor McGregor (MMA Fighter)
Love him or hate him, it’s hard to deny that “The Notorious” set the UFC alight during an incredible three year stretch. His legendary featherweight run included dominant victories over huge names such as Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier and Chad Mendes. But it’s perhaps that viral 13-second KO of the greatest Featherweight of all time, Jose Aldo, for which he is best known. No one could quite believe that the Brazilian’s 10 years of dominance were undone in the same amount of time it takes us to unlock our phones. A masterful performance against Lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, silenced any remaining doubters, making McGregor the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion.
9. Liam Brady (Footballer)
One of the greatest playmakers of his generation, Liam Brady is a certified Arsenal legend. Brady had everything you wanted in a footballer – silky skills, vision, strength, and an eye for goal. He was a dominant force in the Premier League during the 1970s, picking up the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1978-79, and appearing in the Team of the Season several times. He moved to the mighty Juventus in 1980, winning the Serie A in 1980-81 and 1981-82, before further successful spells at Sampdoria and Inter Milan.
8. Brian O’Driscoll (Rugby Player)
There aren’t enough superlatives in the English language to describe this man’s effortless talent. O’Driscoll was a player who didn’t just do the impossible, but made it look easy. BOD is Ireland’s record cap-holder, a Grand Slam winner, and for many years, was one of the best players in the world. For club, he won three Heineken Cups and three RaboDirect Pro12s. For country, he scored 26 tries in the Six Nations and was shortlisted for the IRB World Player of the Year – three times!
7. Jimmy McLarnin (Boxer)
Contrary to popular belief, Jimmy McLarnin (not Sugar Ray Robinson) was the first boxer to ever be called the best “pound for pound” fighter in the world. “Baby Face” had thunderous power in both hands, which helped him to floor some of the best fighters of his generation. Throughout his career, McLarnin faced World Champions from seven different weight classes, famously defeating five reigning champions in non-title bouts (as well as many future world champions). He finally captured a World Title of his own in 1933, with a vicious first round knockout of Welterweight Champion Young Corbett III. McLarnin would lose and regain the title in a legendary trilogy with the great Barney Ross. The pair contested three razor-close 15-round bouts in one year, with Ross winning the decider in front of 55,000 people at the Polo Grounds. Across 77 professional fights, McLarnin defeated 13 Boxing Hall of Famers.
6. Katie Taylor (Boxer)
The Queen of Irish sport, Katie Taylor is still champion of the world, and it would hardly be surprising if she topped this list in a few years’ time. At 35 years of age, she has already won everything there is to win in Boxing. As an amateur, she won 5 world championship Gold medals (and one bronze), 6 European Championship Golds, and an Olympic Gold. As a pro, she is currently a two-weight world champion and the Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the world.
5. Rory McIlroy (Golfer)
Another sports star who’s not done yet – and we’re hoping he can add some more majors to his resume. Rory McIlroy held Golf’s No. 1 ranking for 106 weeks. Between 2011-2014, he won two PGA Championships, a US Open and a British Open. Throughout his career, he has scooped the following accolades on multiple occasions: PGA Tour Leading Money Winner, PGA Player of the Year, PGA Tour Player of the Year, European Tour Golfer of the Year. Enough said.
4. Stephen Roche (Cyclist)
If not for injuries, Stephen Roche may well have gone down as the greatest cyclist of all time. However, despite persistent knee problems, he is still considered an all-time great. Most professional cyclists hope to win one of the following races throughout the course of their career – the Tour De France, Giro D’Italia and the Road Cycling World Championship. If they’re lucky, they might even win a couple of them. Roche won all three of these races in one year. He is one of only two men to achieve this extraordinary “Triple Crown” and no one has done it since. While he clocked up 58 professional victories overall, and even added a World Championship Bronze medal to his list of accolades, his knee injuries severely shortened his prime.
3. Sean Kelly (Cyclist)
Stephen Roche’s achievements are hard to top, but his former teammate Sean Kelly, finds himself higher on the list due to his sustained dominance. Kelly is widely considered one of the greatest road cyclists ever. Arguably the best sprinter and classics rider of his generation, he won 9 monuments classics and 196 professional races. This included seven consecutive Paris-Nice victories and the 1988 Vuelta a Espana. Kelly won the coveted Green Jersey at the Tour de France four times as well as two Bronze medals at the Road Cycling World Championships. He was also the first cyclist to capture the No. 1 ranking – a position he held for five years.
2. Roy Keane (Footballer)
The man, the myth, the legend. Manchester United’s (and quite possibly the English Premier League’s) greatest captain drove the club to incredible heights for 12 years. Keane is best known as a tough-tackling midfield general, but he was also incredibly skilled. Blessed with pace and an excellent engine, his passing was top class and his finishing was extremely underrated. Ultimately, Keane’s best attribute was his ability to control a game and set the tempo. In 2000, he was recognised as the best player in the Premier League, winning FWA Footballer of the Year and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. For United, he won 7 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups and the Champions League. Keane is also consistently selected in Premier League Teams of the Decade and Teams of the Century by football experts far and wide.
1. George Best (Footballer)
Perhaps the most talented footballer that ever lived, George Best’s story is one of greatness and sadness, in equal measure. In 1961, Manchester United Manager Matt Busby received a telegram from his scout in Northern Ireland, Bob Bishop. It contained just eight memorable words.
“I think I have found you a genius.”
Bishop was watching a 15 year old George Best, who was immediately snapped up. His prediction was proven right as Best carried United to the top of European Football just a few years later. During that period, Best became football’s first true superstar. A player so famous that he transcended the sport and became a pop icon. His silky skills dazzled football fans, while his good-looks and exploits off the pitch, made him a prime target for the tabloids. Who can forget this famous quote:
“If you’d given me the choice of going out and beating four men and smashing a goal in from 30 yards against Liverpool, or going to bed with Miss World, it would have been a difficult choice. Luckily, I had both.”
Thrown into the spotlight at just 17 years of age, Best battled an alcohol addiction that would curtail his career before he’d even reached his mid-20s. It was an addiction that dogged him for the rest of his life.
Nevertheless, his astonishing highlight reels live on and football experts agree that he was one of the greatest players ever. Best spearheaded Manchester United’s European Cup triumph in 1968, winning the coveted Ballon d’Or that season. He also won 2 First-Division titles with United and was the club’s top scorer for 5 consecutive seasons – all whilst battling serious personal demons. He came 5th in the Fifa Player of the (20th) Century vote and 8th in World Soccer’s Greatest Players of the 20th Century list.
But the honour Best cherished the most, was Pele’s confirmation that he was the best player in the world. “George Best until today, is a footballer without comparison and his technical skills will never be forgotten,” said the Brazilian.
In response, Best said “Pelé called me the greatest footballer in the world. That is the ultimate salute to my life.”
Michael Conlan was less than two minutes from glory. The Irishman’s silky skills had confounded Leigh Wood for eleven rounds, putting him well ahead on the judges’ scorecards.
The situation was clear. Wood, the WBA featherweight champion, needed a knockout in the final round of the fight, while Conlan only needed to stay on his feet to achieve a lifelong dream.
But Boxing is a cruel sport and as the cliche goes, one punch can change everything.
Not only did Conlan fail to stay on his feet, he failed to stay in the ring, as the Champion delivered a savage right hook, when he needed it most.
Wood sent Conlan through the ropes, delivering a dramatic ending to what was surely the fight of the year – so far.
Michael Conlan slumps through the ropes as Leigh Wood completes a dramatic comeback victory. Photo: Zach Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images.
Conlan dominated the fight early, knocking Wood down in the 1st round, and almost finishing him.
A well-disguised left hook found the Englishman’s jaw and put him flat on his back. In the 2nd round, he ate similar left hooks over and over again. He was dazed, he was wobbly, he looked shot.
It took Wood several rounds to recover from that early damage, eventually findings his legs down the stretch.
By then, he was well behind on the cards and his trainer, Ben Davison, let him know all about it.
A dazed Wood rises from the canvas in Round one. Photo: Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images.
Conlan had been cleaner, faster and calmer. He made all the right choices, pressing the action and throwing intelligent combinations at the correct moments, and stepping out of range when his heavy-handed nemesis looked threatening.
It was the Olympic Bronze medallist’s fight to lose.
Conlan’s career had been carefully managed up to this point. Despite his ready-made Irish fanbase and amateur credentials, his team avoided rushing him into a world title fight.
Some of the Belfast man’s previous outings left experts questioning if he really had the ability to reach the very top of the professional ranks.
Not tonight, it seemed. They were preparing to eat their words as Conlan gave a gritty world champion a lesson. That is, until Conlan himself was given the most painful lesson of all.
In the 5th and 6th rounds, Wood upped the ante, attacking Conlan with quick flurries, rather than loading up with singular attacks.
Photo: Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images
The fight was becoming more competitive, but Conlan was still taking the rounds with cleaner and sharper punches.
In the 8th, Wood was hurt again with heavy shots, but he wore them well, continuing to pour on the pressure.
That pressure began to tell in the 10th, when he pinned Conlan to the ropes and began to drain him with aggressive bodywork.
Then came the 11th, where things really started to turn. Wood sent Conlan to the canvas with a big left hook. The Irishman disputed the knockdown, claiming he’d slipped, but it gave Wood the momentum he needed to turn it on in the final round.
Conlan hits the canvas in Rd 11. Photo: Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images.
With 1:44 left in the 12th, Wood pinned Conlan against the ropes again and let vicious flurries fly.
One of those punches caught Conlan, putting him unconscious against the ropes, before slumping through them, as the referee stopped the fight.
Conlan had failed to put a proud champion away when he was there for the taking – and he paid the ultimate price.
If this was a “Hail Mary”, Wood’s prayers had certainly been answered. It was his second 12th round stoppage in a row.
Photo: Nigel Roddis via Getty Images.
But the way Conlan flew through the ropes was so disturbing, that celebrations were muted.
Watching someone go limp and free-fall out of the ring in such a manner – made you wonder if he would ever be the same. Not Michael Conlan, the fighter. But Michael Conlan, the person.
Can we be certain that he will make a full and speedy recovery? I truly hope so and my thoughts are with him and his family.
The result did not go his way, but he still put on an exceptional performance against world-class opposition. Conlan was almost perfect from start to finish, but almost was not enough.
“Thank you to all the fans. All the Irish travelling fans. First of all I just want to say I hope Michael is ok. I can’t celebrate until I know he’s alright. My thoughts are with him at the minute,” Wood said after the fight.
He said what we were all thinking. Classy words from a humble and worthy champion.
We all hope that both men return to their families safely.
Tennis fans, the wait is finally over. The Australian Open is upon us!
Melbourne Park may be Novak Djokovic’s playground, but his Visa cancellation has given the men’s field a huge opportunity to lift the Norman Brooks cup.
A new men’s champion will be crowned for the first time since 2018, when Roger Federer clinched his 20th Grand Slam.
Federer will also be missing, and as Nadal and Murray battle on in their twilight years, a fresh champion seems likely.
On the women’s side, Ash Barty remains a heavy favourite in her home slam. The World Number one’s stiffest challenge may come from four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka, who is aiming to put a turbulent 2021 behind her.
Women’s favourite Ash Barty. Photo: Simon M Bruty via Getty Images
But there are other former champions right on their heels, including Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza and Iga Swiatek.
It’s a tough tournament to predict, but we’re willing to put our reputation on the line with some bold(?) tips.
Here are the Jaded Newsman’s predicted sleepers, flops and champions for AO22.
Men’s Sleepers
Gael Monfils
I’m taking a huge leap of faith here as Monfils doesn’t always bring his A-game to the biggest stage. His tendency to take unnecessary risks can often result in early round marathons that leave him drained for the big matches. But Monfils has played with a rare discipline of late and he looks like a man who realises his time is running out. A semi final run is definitely achievable for “La Monf”.
Taylor Fritz
One of the most improved players on the tour last year, Fritz has the tools to give anyone problems. His nightmare draw means he could face Tiafoe, Bautista Agut and Tsitsipas in the first four rounds. But if he’s firing, he can beat the lot of them. The talented American was unlucky to lose a tense 5-setter to Djokovic last year, but he will bury those painful memories in 2022.
Felix Auger-Aliassime
It might seem odd to call the world no. 9 a sleeper, but few believe he can make a run to the final. I’m going big and predicting just that. He’s a prodigiously talented shotmaker, who is quickly maturing into the full package. When FAA does put it all together, he’s going to do some damage. The young Canadian will go deep in the tournament and knock off at least one of the Top 5 seeds.
Felix Auger-Aliassime. Photo: Elsa via Getty Images.
Men’s Flops
Andrey Rublev
The Russian had a tough finish to the 2021 season and he is yet to prove he can beat elite competition in the majors. May find a way past Marin Cilic, but unlikely to beat Auger-Aliassime in the 4th round.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Tsitsipas will be aiming to improve on an impressive semi final showing last year, however, he’s arrived in poor form. After coming agonisingly close to French Open glory last year, the Greek suffered a serious slump. He’s also had elbow injury surgery during the offseason. Expect an early exit.
Stefanos Tsitsipas. Photo: Tim Clayton via Getty Images.
Andy Murray
Murray’s a great champion and it would be a tremendous comeback story, but his body won’t hold up at Melbourne Park. Although his run to the Sydney final featured some encouraging wins, he did them all the hard way. It’s hard to see him sustaining that sort of effort over 5 sets past the 3rd round here.
Champion
Alexander Zverev
I’m not sure how many times I’ve said this ahead of a Grand Slam – it feels like 100 – but this will be the tournament where Alexander Zverev finally fulfils his promise. He was close to winning a pandemic-effected US Open in 2019, but he really seemed to turn a corner at the Tokyo Olympics. That Gold Medal should spur him on to greater things and avoiding Medvedev until the final is a major bonus. Zverev will become the first German to win an Australian Open since Boris Becker in 1996.
Alexander Zverev. Photo: Sarah Stier via Getty Images
Women’s Sleepers
Maddison Keys
Enters the Open with an Adelaide International title under her belt. Keys has the weapons to give anyone problems if she can maintain some consistency. If she gets through a tricky opening match against Sofia Kenin, the momentum should carry her past the quarter finals.
Maddison Keys. Photo: Matthew Stockman via Getty Images.
Maria Sakkari
There are some concerns about Sakkari’s form leading into the AO, but she’ll arrive with huge support from Australia’s Greek community. The world number 6 will ride that wave to an impressive showing.
Iga Swiatek
Swiatek won’t win the tournament, but the 2020 French Open champion should make her first Australian quarter final or better. She’ll arrive full of confidence after a strong showing in Adelaide.
Women’s Flops
Simona Halep
A multiple slam winner, who made the final here in 2018, Halep has a nightmare draw. Add an injury-ravaged 2021 to the mix and it’s hard to see her going far.
Naomi Osaka
When Osaka’s at her best, she’s arguably the benchmark in women’s tennis. But a tumultuous 2021 that included struggles with mental health and serious inactivity, means her preparation has been far from ideal. She’s likely to face Anisimova and Barty in the and 3rd and 4th rounds, where she’ll be eliminated.
Naomi Osaka. Photo: Tim Clayton via Getty Images.
Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka’s confidence is at rock bottom. She’s been bounced in the 1st round at two consecutive warmup events. During those matches, she served a total of 40 double faults. The young Belarussian looks set to struggle in Melbourne.
Champion
Garbine Muguruza
Last year’s finalist will go one better this year. Muguruza played exceptional tennis to clinch the WTA Finals last season. The 28 year old has two slams to her name and a fairly favourable draw. Barty may be the favourite, but the pressure of playing in her home tournament will weigh on her heavily. Muguruza’s poise and experience will carry her to the title.
Garbine Muguruza. Photo: Clive Brunskill via Getty Images.
The Jaded Newsman 