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“Sick for Her”: Simone Biles Was Unfortunately Tagged ‘Quitter’ but Her Family Was Deeply Worried After Tokyo Olympics Withdrawal

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“Mom, come pick me up. I’m scared,” said Simone Biles on the phone call. “Are you okay?,” asked her mom in apprehension. Her family was worried, and her fans were disheartened, when the 7x Olympic medalist walked out of the Ariake Gymnastics Centre during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Citing the issue of “twisties,” when she was exiting the arena, critics called her “Quitter of the year.” She was cladded in Swarovski crystals embroidered red and white leotard when she walked to her coach, with just one thought in mind, “I was going to be banned from America.“

Amidst the noise of the disregards around, Simone was searching for comfort. Her next reaction – she called the home phone, to talk to her family. Her sister, Adria Biles, picked the phone before passing it to their mother, Nellie Biles. Astounded, Adria asked the gymnast, “You’re crying. Are you okay?” To this, Simone confirmed, “I’m out. I’m done.”

Simone Biles defined her parents’ sentiments about her Tokyo Olympics withdrawal on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast aired on April 17, 2024. “My dad is always so calm and collected, it seems. So he was probably like, Oh, is she okay?,” stated Biles while giving details about her father, Ronald Biles’ reaction. She further added, “My mom was like, a mess. I could hear her crying and breaking down, and that’s what broke me, too.”

More so, when her then-boyfriend Jonathan Owens saw Biles walk off a failed Amanar vault in the team final, he felt sick to his stomach. “I was sick for her, just because I can see her facial expressions, I can kind of read her lips and kind of know what was going on and kind of what she was telling her coach,” stated Owens in an interview with ESPN back in 2021.

When ‘Call Her Daddy’ host Alex Cooper further asked about her rough first vault finish, Biles went on to explain how she lost her bearings in the air while performing the Amanar vault. Its simulation consists of two-and-a-half twisting flips, but Biles was only able to complete one-and-a-half twists, before stumbling out of her landing. “The world is going to hate me,” her intrinsic fears surfaced when she touched the ground.

Following this, the gymnast’s siblings shared their concerns about her exit on their respective Twitter handles. While Ron Biles penned, “everyone please pray for my sister @Simone_Biles. She really needs them at this time, and is having a hard time,” Adria Biles called out to the critics with a stern message. “y’all are all about mental health until it no longer benefits you” she added.

Hence, given the extreme pressure and criticism, as Simone Biles was navigating through the rough waters, the gymnast’s clan made sure to support her every step of the way.

Simone Biles Rising – with friends, family, and fans

While Jonathan Owens promised, “Imma ride with you through whatever baby,” Biles’ parents, friends, and family helped her immensely in her comeback journey. Next, we know – Simone Biles made a staunch comeback to finish her “unfinished business.”

It was in August 2023, when the 4x Olympic gold medalist donned her GK Elite leotard and marked her resurgence with the All-Around title at the 2023 US Core Hydration Classic. She then aced the most difficult vault, Yurchenko Double Pike, at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, and became the first woman in history to pull off the routine at an international competition. This earned her the 6th All-Around World title. A dramatic comeback indeed!

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CELEB NEWS

Simone Biles, Olivia Dunne and Others Become Faces of Gymnastics To Revolutionize the Sport With New League

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In recent years, gymnastics has undergone a vast transformation, propelled by iconic figures such as Simone Biles, Olivia Dunne, Gabby Douglas, and many others. They have become symbols of innovation and change within the sport. All of them have their own stories which inspired young stars to join the clan that is gymnastics.

Many of these influential athletes are also college competitors like Dunne, and some are currently pursuing their Olympic dreams, such as Biles, who, at 27, could potentially become the oldest women’s all-around Olympic gold medalist since Maria Gorokhovskaya of the Soviet Union. These athletes have made invaluable contributions to gymnastics, shaping its future and inspiring generations to come. Here are some athletes who have contributed greatly to supporting and inspiring young athletes.

Simone Biles- Overcame the twisties to shine as the gymnastics GOAT

Simone’s devotion to gymnastics, phenomenal performance, and admirable character have inspired many girls of color to participate in sports and embrace her activism. Biles grew up with her grandparents, who adopted her as her biological mother struggled with drug addiction. Despite these challenges, she showed the world that it doesn’t matter; you can still achieve greatness.

Biles’ natural abilities in sports were discovered at the young age of six. She began imitating the athletes and caught the eye of a coach who later invited her to join gymnastics. Despite her age, she broke the norm and joined the clan. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career, and as of 2024, she has 37 medals to her name. But that’s not all.

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BOXING

Predicting Tyson Fury to Win Rematch, Eddie Hearn Remains Brutally Honest About His Controversial Claims Over Oleksandr Usyk Loss

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Oleksandr Usyk

Tyson Fury, it seems, remains adamant that he won the ‘Ring of Fire’ against Oleksandr Usyk. The duo met last month on May 18 at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena for the heavyweight division’s undisputed title fight. The Ukrainian champion eventually emerged victorious, winning by a split decision. Following the loss, ‘The Gypsy King’ invoked the rematch clause. So the new undisputed champion and the former heavyweight champion will meet again on December 21. In a recent interview, the Mancunian poured his heart out, talking about how the fight went, where exactly things went wrong, and more. As it appears, the discussion on the podcast ‘Furocity’ has grabbed considerable attention since it came. It follows muted voices that have seemingly questioned his drive for the rematch. Eddie Hearn was present at the Kingdom Arena ringside, watching the two heavyweight champions clash.

He was asked for his opinion on the commotion that broke out after Tyson Fury’s latest interview. The Matchroom boss shared his two bits on what might have caused Tyson Fury to make the contentious statements. Subsequently, he also shared his views on whether ‘The Gypsy King’ can turn the tables in the rematch.

Boxing Debate: Eddie Hearn analyzes Tyson Fury’s close fight loss

IFL TV‘s Joe Pugh caught up with Eddie Hearn in Birmingham. The Matchroom honcho had come down for the Tyler Denny–Felix Cash card. So the reporter asked Hearn whether he had seen Tyson Fury’s interview. Eddie Hearn replied that, although he hadn’t, he had received the details from his acquaintances.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury brutally trolled by Oleksandr Usyk’s team after bizarrely claiming he lost because it was ‘probably too easy’

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TYSON FURY has been brutally trolled by Oleksandr Uysk’s camp after he claimed he lost the fight between the two because it was “too easy”.

The Gyspy King tasted the first defeat of his career as the judges awarded the Ukranian the win by a split decision on May 18.

Since the fight, Fury has come out and suggested that he lost the fight because it was “too easy”.

The Morecambe boxer insisted that it became a problem for him as he was “messing around” in the ring,

Uysk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk has now trolled Fury in his reponse to his comment.

Krassyuk suggested another example that Fury had believed would be an easy one in his bout against Francis Ngannou.

He said: “Second easiest fight after Ngannou.”

Fury, 35, faced the UFC heavyweight champion in a crossover fight back in October last year.

Billed as Battle of the Baddest, Fury came out on top but was far from convincing.

Fury was even knocked down in the third round by Ngannou but survived in order to win the fight by a controversial split decision.

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BOXING

Eddie Hearn reveals Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent and it’s neither Benavidez nor Crawford

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Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez

The owner of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, believes he has the definitive name of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez‘s next opponent for September 14 and, according to his information, it would not be David Benavidez or Terence Crawford, but the Puerto Rican fighter, Edgar Berlanga, who is the mandatory challenger of the World Boxing Association (WBA).

In an interview with Boxing News, Hearn confirmed that, although there are no firm negotiations with the Canelo Team at the moment, he did point out that if the fight is finalised, it could take place in the Saudi Arabian market, at the Kingdoom Arena in Riyadh.

“In a million years I can’t believe they’re going to fight Scull,” (International Boxing Federation mandatory challenger).

He added: “I would think it’s a deal to step aside. I’m sure there’s a lot of talk with Canelo Alvarez around the world. I’m not really involved in that, apart from a possible fight with Edgar Berlanga, which there have been some whispers about. There are no negotiations about that fight. Obviously, he’s under contract with us. He’s a Matchroom fighter.”

What are the certainties for the possible fight between Canelo and Edgar Berlanga?

According to El Nuevo Herald, Canelo Alvarez has three finalists for his September fight: Edgar Berlanga, David Benavidez and William Scull, all mandatory opponents and the final decision will be known in the coming weeks.

In Scull’s case, which is the most delicate because if he does not reach an agreement it could cost him the IBF title, Canelo has already made him a financial offer to avoid the fight, but it is still unknown if he accepted the offer to step aside. Several reports confirm that Scull has too little card to challenge for an undisputed 168-pound title fight.

While in the case of Berlanga, he has enough name to challenge the Mexican and, in addition, by becoming WBA mandatory challenger, he has intensified his campaign in search of becoming Canelo’s challenger.

Also in the pipeline remains the possibility of David Benavidez, who looks like the most attractive opponent for Canelo and has been waiting for the opportunity for three years.

Canelo Alvarez, 33, has 61 wins (39 by knockout), two losses and two draws in his professional career and although he is in the beginning of the final stretch of his career, he still has some good fights ahead of him.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford Names The One ‘Big Money’ Fight He Would Return To Welterweight For

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford has already conquered three-weight classes and has his sights set on more before he hangs up the gloves.

The 36-year-old won titles at lightweight before becoming undisputed at super-lightweight and, just last year, achieved the same feat at welterweight with a dominant victory over Errol Spence Jr.

Seemingly uninterested in top 147 contenders like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, the Omaha fighter is now ready to move up once more – but that’s not to say there aren’t tempting match-ups that could see him return.

In an interview with The Breakfast Club following the Spence victory, Crawford reacted to Gervonta Davis saying he could knock him out.

‘Tank’ Davis has fought as high as the super-lightweight limit of 140 – a win over Mario Barrios for the WBA Regular belt – although looks much more suited to 135 where he is currently full WBA Champion.

Asked if he would stick around to make 147 for the fight, ‘Bud’ said yes for the money rather than the credit, but warned Davis against that scale of weight-jump.

As ‘Tank’ now pushes to become undisputed at lightweight, the gulf deepens as Crawford moves to 154 on August 3 to challenge for a world title in a fourth division, this time against Israil Madrimov.

He has an ambitious weight jump of his own in his sights thereafter, adamant that he wants a shot at undisputed 168 champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

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CELEB NEWS

Phil Mickelson is mocked by fans as he pulls out hilarious dance moves in Nashville ahead of LIV Golf event: ‘I can’t unsee this’

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Phil Mickelson has been ripped by fans online for his hilarious dance moves, as seen in a video from Nashville.

Mickelson and his HyFlyers team have traveled down south ahead of a LIV Golf tournament at The Grove this weekend.

And the 54-year-old embraced the city’s music culture as he was spotted busting out some moves ahead of the tournament.

In the clip, which has been viewed more than 176,000 times on the HyFlyers X account, Mickelson can be seen line dancing as he wears a black cowboy hat and bandana.

And fans were quick to mock the six-time major winner after the clip was posted.

‘I cant stop watching. So awful. Yet so good,’ one said.

‘What did I just watch. Good lord what money does to people,’ another said of Mickelson, who received a reported $200million signing fee upon joining the Saudi-backed LIV.

Another joked, ‘PGA players could never.’

And a different X user imagined a hilarious scenario around the video.

‘Imagine showing up to a bar absolutely hammered and seeing Phil Mickelson dancing in a cowboy hat.’

Mickelson’s dance outing comes after he missed the cut at last weekend’s US Open.

The cut at Pinehurst was +5, and Mickelson was nowhere close to moving on with a +15 mark after two rounds.

Mickelson’s HyFlyers are also struggling this season, as they’re 11th of 13 teams in the LIV standings.

His last major win came at the 2021 PGA Championship, as he became the oldest-ever major champ at 50 years and 11 months.

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BOXING

Eddie Hearn delivers Daniel Dubois warning in Anthony Joshua fight update

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Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn has insisted that if a deal can’t be reached between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, the two won’t fight – despite a scheduled presser next week

Eddie Hearn has warned that if negotiations fall through between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, the pair simply won’t fight. Despite a press conference being scheduled for June 26 in London, Matchroom chief Hearn has insisted that a deal between the two boxers still isn’t done.

Talking to iFL TV earlier this week, the 45-year-old promoter looked flustered as he admitted that the proposed fight between AJ and Dubois isn’t quite set in stone just yet. He said: “There’s nothing done yet. Honestly, genuinely.

“We’re in final negotiations for AJ’s fight – nothing is agreed yet. I’m telling you right now, the fight with Dubois is not done and if it don’t get done, we won’t fight.”

When asked if he’s talking to other fighters, Hearn noted that he’s got his “options open”, adding: “We’re focused on fighting Daniel Dubois for the world title at Wembley. But it is not all agreed, there’s still work to be done.

“But 100% myself, his excellency [Turki Alalshikh], George Warren – we’re all working together to make it happen. That’s the absolute focus, no-one’s trying to be clever and hopefully that all gets in order for the big press conference next week.”

A preliminary date for Joshua and Dubios to meet in the squared circle at Wembley Stadium has been set for September 21, with AJ taking to social media earlier this week to explain that talks are almost complete. He wrote on X: “Nearly finished my negotiations for my next fight! Feeling motivated.”

Joshua’s last bout came in March and saw him secure a knockout victory over MMA star-turned-pro boxer Francis Ngannou at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.

While there was speculation going into the bout as to how AJ would fare against his opponent – after ex-UFC heavyweight champ Ngannou went the distance with Tyson Fury in his boxing debut back in October 2023 – the 28-3 Watford scrapper would lay ‘The Predator’ out with a stiff right in the second round.

Dubois, meanwhile, is no stranger to sharing the ring with some of the best boxers of his generation. With a record of 21-2, Dynamite DDD has made light work of Filip Hrgović, Jarrell Miller and Kevin Lerena – only tasting defeat at the gloves of undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk and Joe Joyce in his career to date.

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BOXING

Eddie Hearn makes Daniel Dubois warning as he provides Anthony Joshua fight update

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Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn has admitted that a deal for Anthony Joshua to fight Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium is still not complete, despite a press conference being scheduled for later this month

Eddie Hearn has issued a stark warning that Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois might not clash in the ring if their negotiations hit a snag.

Despite a press conference pencilled in for June 26 in London, the Matchroom boss stressed that an agreement between the heavyweight contenders is still up in the air, reports the Express.

In a candid chat with iFL TV, Hearn, 45, appeared visibly concerned as he revealed the much-anticipated bout between AJ and Dubois is far from confirmed.

He confessed: “There’s nothing done yet. Honestly, genuinely. We’re in final negotiations for AJ’s fight – nothing is agreed yet. I’m telling you right now, the fight with Dubois is not done and if it don’t get done, we won’t fight.”

Hearn, when quizzed about alternative opponents, conceded that while they are keeping their “options open”, the priority remains to secure Dubois for a world title showdown at Wembley. He elaborated: “We’re focused on fighting Daniel Dubois for the world title at Wembley. But it is not all agreed, there’s still work to be done.”

“But 100% myself, his excellency [Turki Alalshikh], George Warren – we’re all working together to make it happen. That’s the absolute focus, no-one’s trying to be clever and hopefully that all gets in order for the big press conference next week.”

The provisional date for Joshua to take on Dubois at Wembley Stadium is slated for September 21, with AJ hinting on social media that the deal is nearing completion. His post read: “Nearly finished my negotiations for my next fight! Feeling motivated.”

Joshua’s most recent fight was in March, where he achieved a knockout victory over Francis Ngannou at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia. There was much speculation about how AJ would perform against his opponent, especially after ex-UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou lasted the full distance with Tyson Fury in his boxing debut in October 2023.

However, the Watford scrapper, with a record of 28-3, managed to knock ‘The Predator’ out with a powerful right in the second round. On the other hand, Dubois is well accustomed to facing some of the best heavyweights currently fighting.

With a record of 21-2, the Londoner triumphed over Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller and Kevin Lerena. He has only been defeated by undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk and Joe Joyce in his career so far.

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BOXING

Manager Insists Shakur Stevenson Is Bigger Fight for Tank Davis Than Vasiliy Lomachenko

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There are three fights that Shakur Stevenson wants, but he does not feel he is close to any of them.

On the wish list of the WBC lightweight champion are WBA ruler Gervonta “Tank” Davis, WBO belt holder Denys Berinchyk and IBF titlist Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Gifted southpaw Stevenson, 26, meets Artem Harutyunyan in the last fight of his existing deal with promoter Top Rank on July 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Amid speculation that Davis and Lomachenko could meet, Stevenson’s co-manager Josh Dubin has defended Stevenson’s position as a significant draw in boxing, having taken exception to a recent interview given by promoter Bob Arum, who said Lomachenko is a more lucrative option for Davis than Stevenson, adding that Loma is the bigger fight.

“If a fighter doesn’t bring to the table eyeballs, people who will pay to see the match, then it’s really tough to make a big match for them,” Arum said.

“That, in my opinion – and I manage Shakur with James Prince – that is a totally nonsensical reason why they are not pushing to get Shakur this fight,” said Dubin. “And Lomachenko three fights ago couldn’t fill [New York’s Madison Square] Garden, he had to fight in the small room in The Garden. Shakur has been consistently one of the highest-rated fighters on their roster anytime he fights on ESPN.

“The only time he didn’t pull one of the higher ratings is when they had him fight on a Thursday night and tried to convince us, because of the Formula One race, that was going to be the biggest event in the world. Shakur didn’t even want to do it. He said, ‘They’re not going to be able to fill the arena.’

“People can draw their own conclusions. I think it’s pretty obvious. In my opinion, they don’t want to give him a big fight because their contract is running out. But they have the power to say to Lomachenko, ‘Look, here’s the fight we’re offering you.’ They don’t do that. They could say to Tank Davis’ people, ‘Look, Shakur’s a bigger fight.’ And he is a bigger fight, in our opinion, because they’re two undefeated guys in their prime. They’re putting a 36-year-old fading Lomachenko out there against him.

“Shakur wants the biggest fights. And I understand they can’t force people to fight him, but to give the explanation that they’re not trying to negotiate a Tank Davis fight because Shakur isn’t the draw is just nonsense. Then, the guy who just beat [Emanuel] Navarrete, [Berinchyk], is on social media calling Shakur out. He’s making videos calling him out. That’s their fighter. They have options on that guy right now. Shakur just sits here and has to take it.

“They have the ability to help us make these fights, and they’re not doing it.”

Stevenson is one of the most gifted boxers in the sport and boasts a record of 21-0 (10 KOs). His last fight was a dull decision win over Edwin De Los Santos back in November, and he has also won titles at featherweight and junior lightweight.

“I think it’s pretty obvious why they’re not,” Dubin said of trying to land the Davis fight for Stevenson. “What incentive is there for him to want to keep fighting for them? They’re not fighting for him right now.

“[Arum]’s not saying anything bad, but I’m saying it’s just a lame reason, a lame excuse as to why they wouldn’t pursue a Tank Davis fight.

“There’s three fights that [Stevenson] wants: Lomachenko, Tank and Berinchyk. Those are the fights he wants. He’s been pleading for those fights, and they could make the Berinchyk fight at the snap of a finger right now, but the specific thing I’m responding to is Arum saying that in order to make a big fight you need someone that puts bums in seats or eyeballs on the screen. Shakur’s that guy.

“Just look at not only the TV ratings, but he has broken the ticket sales records for events at the United Center in Newark. He’s sold 10,000 seats there several times. His fight with Oscar Valdez sold around 10,000 tickets and maybe more in Vegas. In my opinion, it’s a ridiculous excuse.

“He consistently sells 10,000 tickets in Newark. He’s a huge draw in Newark. He’s a huge draw in Vegas. We know that. These aren’t things we’re giving our opinion on.”

Dubin argues that Stevenson is a bigger draw than Lomachenko. But while Stevenson failed to dazzle against De Los Santos, Lomachenko sizzled to beat George Kambosos in Australia.

“Fair enough,” Dubin countered. “The operative part of that is against Kambosos. And that’s another fight Shakur wanted. He didn’t get that.”

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