分类: sports

  • Victor Conte, mastermind of BALCO doping scandal, dead at 75

    Victor Conte, mastermind of BALCO doping scandal, dead at 75

    Victor Conte, the central figure behind the infamous BALCO doping scandal that sent shockwaves through the worlds of athletics and baseball in the early 2000s, passed away on Monday at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by a statement from his sports nutrition company, SNAC, which described him as a ‘fearless leader’ whose memory would ‘forever live in our hearts.’

    Conte’s Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), founded in 1984, became a notorious hub for the development and distribution of performance-enhancing drugs. The scandal implicated high-profile athletes, including Olympic track and field star Marion Jones and baseball legends Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi. Conte served a four-month prison sentence in 2005 for his role in the scandal.

    The BALCO case unfolded when investigators from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) received a syringe containing traces of an unknown substance in 2003. This discovery led to a widespread investigation that exposed a sophisticated doping regime designed to evade detection. Marion Jones, after years of denial, admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs and was stripped of her three gold medals from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She later served six months in prison for lying to investigators.

    The scandal also tarnished Major League Baseball, with several players testifying that they had used steroids provided by Greg Anderson, the personal trainer of Barry Bonds. Bonds claimed he had unknowingly taken steroids, believing them to be flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm.

    In later years, Conte sought to reshape his legacy by positioning himself as an anti-doping advocate, collaborating with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to combat drug use in sports. Despite his efforts, the BALCO scandal remains a dark chapter in the history of athletics and baseball.

  • Caribbean Cup rivals look to restore joy after Hurricane Melissa

    Caribbean Cup rivals look to restore joy after Hurricane Melissa

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, the nation is grappling with widespread devastation. The death toll has risen to 32, and the impact has been felt deeply across the island, including by the Mount Pleasant Football Academy. The club’s sporting director, Paul Christie, revealed that their training facility and Drax Hall Sports Complex suffered significant structural damage due to fallen trees and light poles. Despite these challenges, the team is preparing for the second leg of their Concacaf Caribbean Cup semifinal against Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, rescheduled to November 5 after the original date was postponed due to the hurricane. Mount Pleasant holds a commanding 5-1 lead from the first leg, but Christie emphasized that the upcoming match now carries a deeper significance. ‘This game is about showing the resilience of our people,’ he said, highlighting the need for normalcy amidst the crisis. The club has launched a donation drive to aid affected communities, particularly in St Ann and St Elizabeth, and has encouraged fans to contribute to relief efforts. Meanwhile, Defence Force’s interim coach, Devorn Jorsling, sees the match as an opportunity to unite the island through football. Despite their slow start in the TTPFL season and a significant deficit in the tie, Jorsling remains optimistic, stating, ‘Nothing is impossible in football.’ The Caribbean Cup’s top three teams will qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding further stakes to the encounter.

  • Hope: Windies riding wave of momentum into Auckland

    Hope: Windies riding wave of momentum into Auckland

    West Indies captain Shai Hope is brimming with confidence as his team prepares to face New Zealand in a five-match T20 series, set to commence on November 5 at Eden Park, Auckland. Fresh off a commanding 3-0 sweep against Bangladesh, Hope believes the series is a crucial opportunity to test the team’s adaptability and build momentum ahead of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.

  • 80-year-old Trinidadian runs 40th New York City Marathon

    80-year-old Trinidadian runs 40th New York City Marathon

    Dr. Everold Hosein, an 80-year-old Trinidadian-born scholar and distinguished faculty member at the City University of New York School of Public Health (CUNY-SPH), has once again defied expectations by completing his 40th consecutive New York City Marathon on November 2, 2025. This remarkable achievement comes despite a significant health challenge: Dr. Hosein suffered a heart attack shortly after participating in the 2016 NYC Marathon. Following the incident, he underwent a stent implantation and pacemaker fitting, yet he returned to the marathon circuit a year later, albeit with a slower finish.

    In a statement released by CUNY-SPH, Dr. Hosein emphasized the importance of physical activity for heart attack survivors and the general population alike. ‘For heart attack survivors, my advice is to keep exercising. It is good for you. Consult with your doctor. You don’t have to run marathons, but you should be physically active every day,’ he said. He also highlighted the broader benefits of daily activity, noting that even 30 minutes of walking per day can significantly improve mental health, prevent diabetes, and enhance cardiovascular health. ‘Just 30 minutes per day, in any combination, can make a difference,’ he added.

    Dr. Hosein’s perseverance and advocacy for heart health have made him a symbol of resilience and determination. His story continues to inspire individuals worldwide, proving that age and health challenges are no barriers to achieving extraordinary feats.

  • Diaz hero and villain as Bayern beat PSG in Champions League showdown

    Diaz hero and villain as Bayern beat PSG in Champions League showdown

    In a high-stakes Champions League encounter, Bayern Munich extended their flawless season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday. The match, held at the Parc des Princes, was marked by standout performances, dramatic moments, and unfortunate injuries. Colombian forward Luis Diaz emerged as both the hero and the villain, scoring two crucial goals before being sent off for a reckless challenge on PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, who left the field in tears. Bayern’s resilience shone through as they defended their lead despite playing the entire second half with ten men. Joao Neves managed to pull one back for PSG, but the German giants held firm to secure the win. This victory cements Bayern’s dominance in the competition, with four consecutive wins in the Champions League and an unblemished record of 16 wins across all competitions this season. PSG, despite the setback, remains well-positioned to advance to the knockout stages. However, concerns over player fitness loom large, with Hakimi’s injury casting a shadow over Morocco’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations campaign. PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the challenges of managing player fitness amid a congested schedule. The match also saw Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele substituted early, raising further questions about PSG’s depth and readiness for upcoming fixtures. This clash, a rematch of the 2020 Champions League final, reaffirmed Bayern’s credentials as one of Europe’s elite teams while exposing vulnerabilities in PSG’s star-studded squad.

  • Trinidad and Tobago sport stars advise NGBs at workshop

    Trinidad and Tobago sport stars advise NGBs at workshop

    The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA) and the Sports Company of TT (SporTT) recently convened a landmark workshop aimed at propelling sports development in Trinidad and Tobago. Held on November 1 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, the event brought together representatives from 53 National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs) to engage in direct dialogue about their challenges and chart a forward path for the sector. Key themes included financial literacy, accountability, and compliance with organizational reporting standards. The workshop also featured newly-appointed sports ambassadors Keshorn Walcott, Nicholas Pooran, Dwayne Bravo, and Kieron Pollard, who shared their experiences as elite athletes representing TT and the West Indies globally. Walcott, a javelin gold medalist at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, and the trio of Pooran, Pollard, and Bravo, who led the Trinbago Knight Riders to victory in the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, highlighted the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts, SporTT Chairman Kester Lendore, and other officials emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a robust sports ecosystem. Attendees included prominent NGBs such as the TT Cycling Federation, the National Association of Athletics Administrations, and the TT Cricket Board, underscoring the event’s significance for the nation’s sporting future.

  • Liverpool master Real Madrid on Alexander-Arnold’s return

    Liverpool master Real Madrid on Alexander-Arnold’s return

    Liverpool delivered a commanding performance at Anfield on Tuesday, securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Real Madrid and halting the Spanish giants’ flawless start to the Champions League campaign. Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive header proved to be the match-winner, though Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois played a pivotal role in keeping the scoreline respectable with a series of stunning saves. The win marked a potential turning point for Liverpool, who had struggled in recent weeks, losing six of their last eight matches across all competitions. Manager Arne Slot’s decision to revert to a more familiar lineup paid dividends, as the Reds showcased glimpses of the form that propelled them to Premier League glory last season. Captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the importance of maintaining composure amidst challenges, stating, ‘In a world of chaos, you have to stay calm and see the perspective of things.’ Madrid, under the guidance of former Liverpool favorite Xabi Alonso, had suffered only two defeats in their previous 20 matches but were unable to break down a resolute Liverpool defense. Despite their star-studded attack, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, Madrid failed to score for the first time this season. The match also saw Trent Alexander-Arnold return to action after a hamstring injury, though he was met with a mixed reception from the home crowd. Liverpool’s defense, often criticized this season, held firm to secure their first Champions League clean sheet, offering hope for a resurgence in their campaign.

  • Prisons spank Phoenix, move to TTPFL summit

    Prisons spank Phoenix, move to TTPFL summit

    Prisons FC surged to the top of the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) standings with a commanding 4-0 triumph over 1976 FC Phoenix at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin on November 2. The match, initially a stalemate in the first half, saw Prisons FC unleash their full potential in the second half, securing a decisive victory. The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Kevon Williams converted a penalty, followed by Kevin Seales’ header in the 68th minute. Jeremiah Vidale added a third in the 71st minute, and substitute Christon Phillip sealed the win with a late goal in stoppage time. Prisons FC now shares the top spot with Miscellaneous Police, both with six points and a +5 goal difference, but Prisons leads due to a higher total of goals scored. In the second game of the double-header, Point Fortin Civic clinched their first win of the season, defeating Terminix La Horquetta Rangers 2-1. Despite ending the game with ten men after goalkeeper Terrence Lewis was sent off, Civic secured the victory, moving to fifth place in the 12-team league.

  • Rambaran, Cooper score centuries in Red Force practice match

    Rambaran, Cooper score centuries in Red Force practice match

    In a thrilling warm-up match ahead of the upcoming CG United Super50 Cup, the TT Red Force A team emerged victorious against their counterparts, TT Red Force B, thanks to stellar centuries by Shatrughan Rambaran and Cephas Cooper. The match, held at the iconic Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair, Trinidad, showcased exceptional batting performances and competitive bowling displays.

  • Change expected for Piton Girlz ahead of Concacaf Qualifiers

    Change expected for Piton Girlz ahead of Concacaf Qualifiers

    The Saint Lucia national women’s football team is set to undergo significant changes as they gear up for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled across three FIFA Women’s International Match windows from November 2025 to April 2026. Following a second-place finish at September’s Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) competition, the team is expected to strengthen its roster with at least six overseas players for the Concacaf W Qualifiers, the preliminary stage of the 2026 Concacaf W Championship. Last month, the team, comprised mostly of home-based players, played unbeaten until the title match in St Vincent and the Grenadines, where they lost to Barbados. Injuries and positional adjustments impacted their performance, with captain Cassandra Shepherd playing deeper than usual and not showcasing her usual goal-scoring prowess. The team’s top scorer, Krysan St Louis, a Texas A&M University graduate and former professional player in the United States, is expected to play a key role. Young forwards Kayla Polius, Amaya Emmanuel, and midfielder Tori Fanus also showed promise in the senior ranks. For the upcoming qualifiers, Saint Lucia is drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, Puerto Rico, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the US Virgin Islands. The team’s first match is against the US Virgin Islands on November 27, followed by a tougher game against Puerto Rico on December 1. The squad is likely to blend players from the WIFA team and the 2023 Concacaf W Gold Cup, including Arnicka Louis and Kirsheema Ince, both of whom have excelled in US collegiate football. The team’s defense will be led by Racquel John, supported by consistent performers like Steffany Allain and goalkeeper Renala Francis. The involvement of US-based players and the support of organizations like the Free Kick Foundation and AR Student Athlete Soccer Scholarship Academy have been crucial in developing talent. However, the Saint Lucia Football Association and the government are urged to take more deliberate steps to ensure the players’ futures in higher-level football. The Concacaf W Qualifiers will feature 29 Member Associations, with the six group winners advancing to the 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which will serve as the qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics.