Connect with us

Sports

Tennis great, Serena Williams, announces retirement in emotional statement

Published

on

Tennis star, Serena Williams, has announced that she will retire from the sport after the US Open at Flushing Meadows which begins later this month

The 40-year-old 23-time Grand Slam champion has been the face of tennis since winning her first U.S. Open in 1999, but in a statement published by Vogue Magazine on Tuesday, said she plans to hang up her racket and bring an end to her active romance with the sport after playing again in the tournament.

Williams who last won a Grand Slam tournament while she was pregnant during the Australian Open in 2017, has been struggling to cope with the pace of the game after the birth of her daughter, Olympia, with hopes of equaling or surpassing Margaret Court’s record 24 Grand Slam titles going up in flames.

In an emotional statement in Vogue Magazine in which she will appear on the front cover for September’s edition, Williams said:

“I’m turning 41 this month, and something’s got to give. I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me.

Serena Williams has plans to call it quits with tennis (Photo Credit:WTA)

Serena Williams has plans to call it quits with tennis (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution.

“But I’ve been reluctant to admit to myself or anyone else that I have to move on from playing tennis. Alexis, my husband, and I have hardly talked about it; it’s like a taboo topic.

“I can’t even have this conversation with my mom and dad. It’s like it’s not real until you say it out loud. It comes up, I get an uncomfortable lump in my throat, and I start to cry. The only person I’ve really gone there with is my therapist!”

Sports

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Published

on

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

Sports

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

Published

on

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Continue Reading

EDITOR’S PICK

Metro29 minutes ago

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under...

Sports35 minutes ago

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches. The former...

Culture40 minutes ago

Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set...

Uncategorized10 hours ago

1,172 Nigerians killed, over 1,000 kidnapped in nine months— NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has put the figures of Nigerians killed and kidnapped by non-state actors from January...

Tech12 hours ago

Bolt invests $107m in Nigeria to boost safety standards

Ride-hailing platform, Bolt, has announced an investment of $107 million in its bid to boost safety and service quality in...

Sports22 hours ago

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft. Jordaan,...

Metro22 hours ago

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia,...

Metro1 day ago

Mpox immunisation scarcity slows Kinshasa’s epidemic fight

A lack of mpox vaccine doses has prevented the Democratic Republic of the Congo from starting a campaign in the...

VenturesNow1 day ago

After decades of imports, Nigeria ends oil importation

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has declared that it has finally stopped the long-standing practice of importing petroleum...

Politics1 day ago

Ghana’s Supreme Court reinstates ruling party’s majority

The ruling New Patriotic Party regained its majority in the legislature ahead of the Dec. 7 election after Ghana’s Supreme...

Trending