By Chang-Ran Kim and Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber PARIS, Aug 3 (Reuters) – Carlos Edriel Yulo produced a spectacular performance to win the men’s floor exercise final at the Paris Games on Saturday, earning Philippines their first-ever Olympic medal in gymnastics. Yulo’s gold medal is also only the second-ever top prize won by the Philippines across both the Summer and Winter Games, and the first in the men’s category. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz struck gold in Tokyo three […]
Tag: Olympics
New report warns of heat danger at Paris Olympics
PARIS, June 18, 2024 (AFP) – A new report backed by climate scientists and athletes warned Tuesday about the dangers of extreme high temperatures at this year’s Paris Olympics. The “Rings of Fire” report — a collaboration between non-profit Climate Central, academics at Britain’s University of Portsmouth and 11 Olympians — said conditions in Paris could be worse than the last Games in Tokyo in 2021. It warned that “intense heat at the Paris Olympics […]
Chechen arrested over Paris Olympics attack plot: ministry
By Shahzad ABDUL and Adam PLOWRIGHT PARIS, May 31, 2024 (AFP) – French security services have arrested a Chechen teenager suspected of plotting an “Islamist-inspired” attack on a football game during the Paris Olympic Games in July and August, the interior ministry said Friday. The DGSI domestic intelligence agency “arrested a 18-year-old of Chechen origin in Saint-Etienne” in southeast France on May 22, the ministry said, calling it the “first foiled attack against the Olympic […]
About 2,000 foreign troops to help France secure Paris Olympics
PARIS (AFP) – Some 2,000 foreign troops and police will be sent to Paris to bolster security for this summer’s Olympic Games as France remains on high alert following attack threats, the French armed forces minister said Friday. “We have something like 2,000 foreign police officers, gendarmes and troops who will be joining the protection system for the Olympic Games,” Sebastien Lecornu told all-news television station LCI. France, which will host the games from July […]
Living in extraordinary times! ASEAN in Focus – March 21, 2024
Age barrier ends Pacquiao’s olympic hope; boxing icon bows out gracefully
MANILA, Feb 19, 2024 (AFP) – A “saddened and disappointed” Manny Pacquiao conceded Monday his Olympic boxing dream was over after the ring great was denied a berth at this year’s Paris games. The International Olympic Committee rejected a special request for Pacquiao to take part, the Philippine Olympic Committee announced Sunday. Pacquiao, 45, who hung up his gloves in 2021 before an unsuccessful presidential run, said he respected the decision of the IOC, which […]
Paris’ grittiest suburb awaits Olympics dividend
By Adam PLOWRIGHT From the windows of “Les Bons Vivants” cafe, a short walk from the athletes’ village for the Paris Olympics, the changes underway in the once run-down neighbourhood are instantly visible. Next door, the makeover of the 130-metre (430-foot) Tour Pleyel skyscraper is nearly complete, turning the 1970s eyesore into a modern landmark that will host a four-star hotel and a pool with panoramic views. Its private owner started the 500-million euros ($550 […]
Surfing tower will be built, says Paris Games chief
By François BENEYTOU PARIS, Dec 20, 2023 (AFP) – The controversial building of a tower to judge the surfing event at the Paris Olympics will go ahead despite the sport’s federation saying it is not required, chief organiser Tony Estanguet said on Wednesday. A proposal made by the International Surf Association (ISA) to Paris 2024 organisers and the Polynesian government suggested the use of “live images shot from land, water and drones” to judge events […]
Men to make splash in 2024 Olympics artistic swimming ‘milestone’
PARIS, France (AFP) – Men will take part in Olympic Games artistic swimming for the first time at the 2024 Paris Games with the decision hailed on Thursday as a “milestone” for the sport. Male swimmers will be eligible to compete in the eight-person team event with a maximum of two men in each team, officials said. “This announcement marks a milestone in artistic swimming history,” said Italy’s Giorgio Minisini, a world champion in 2017 and […]
Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal widens with mascot allegations
Tokyo, Japan | AFP | A corruption scandal surrounding the Tokyo Olympics widened on Wednesday as a former Games executive was re-arrested on suspicion of taking bribes from two firms, one of which reportedly sold official mascot toys. Prosecution documents seen by AFP accused former Tokyo 2020 board member Haruyuki Takahashi of accepting 54 million yen ($360,000) in bribes from a major advertising firm and a merchandise company. It was the fourth time the 78-year-old […]
Obiena wins 2022 Orlen Cup in Poland, beats 2016 Olympic gold medalist Braz
(Eagle News) — Philippine pole vaulter EJ Obiena finished first in the 2022 Orlen Orlen Cup in Poland on Friday (Saturday in the Philippines), after clearing 5.81 meters on his first attempt. This is a major win for the 26-year old Obiena who beat seven other pole vaulters, including 2020 Olympics bronze medalist Thiago Braz da Silva of Brazil who finished second. Obiena tried to reset his personal best and Asian record of 5.93 meters, […]
Russian skater Valieva tested positive for banned drug: Olympic testers
BEIJING, China (AFP) — Russian skating sensation Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance, Games testers confirmed Friday, and the IOC is now appealing against Russia’s decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing. The case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before February 15, when the 15-year-old is scheduled to take part in the individual event at the Olympics, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said in a […]





