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  1. #76
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
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    she's back.......














    Simone Biles dazzles in first competition since Tokyo Olympics

    Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles has made a triumphant return to gymnastics after a two-year hiatus, winning the US Classic in her first competition since the Tokyo Olympics.

    Biles electrified a sellout crowd in suburban Chicago on Saturday with a stunning performance, receiving an all-around judges’ total score of 59.100 points.

    “It just makes my heart warm because it’s nice to come out here and have all that support, especially in a time like this where I was really nervous to compete again,” Biles told reporters after the competition.

    “I got back out here and I did what I was training so I’m very happy with the result.”
    Last edited by S Landreth; 08-08-2023 at 03:43 PM.
    Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

  2. #77
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    I am working on the non sport prep for a French client
    These gargle prices would be eye wtering were not teh French state financing one drink after work
    I shall be proceeding to Picpus and the Coule Vert cycle track on old rail lines where Bretos Basques and Irish can find a Guinees under $10

    Les Aperitifs & Liqueurs – Ritz Bar Paris

    I had Gentiane from the Chartreuse monks at 22 euros almost 1000 baht delicious but not 800 better than Suze Cassis in every bar in Paris for 6 euros
    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post
    your brain is as empty as a eunuchs underpants.
    from brief encounters unexpurgated version

  3. #78
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    For those who like less hallucination I cut Mandragora with gentian the finest is La Gentiane des Peres Chartreux | The Umbrella Project

    You may not ear shave or paint like van GOGH but you'll see the difference

    If your first quaff have nurse kleenex and spare undercrackers/counselling in hold

    Is the Mandragora plant poisonous?


















    Toxicity. All species of Mandragora contain highly biologically active alkaloids, tropane alkaloids in particular. The alkaloids make the plant, in particular the root and leaves, poisonous, via anticholinergic, hallucinogenic, and hypnotic effects. Anticholinergic properties can lead to asphyxiation.

  4. #79
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    Ordoki Liqueur Mandragora, 0,5l bottle, Baztan Licores


    Spaniens Genussweltenhttps://www.spanien-shop.com › lng › liqueur-navarra














    A potent spirit from Navarra, Spain, which contains extracts from mandrake, one of the most popular european witch plants. Very delicious and special

  5. #80
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    Meanwhile fwogs wiv sticky paws


  6. #81
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    Paris 2024: French police raid Olympics HQ in suspected corruption probe

    According to Le Monde's information, confirmed by the National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF), the first procedure, opened in 2022, follows an audit by the French anticorruption agency (AFA), which uncovered possible irregularities in certain public contracts awarded by Cojop and Solideo. The procedure, entrusted to the Economic Crime Squad, concerns illegal interest-taking, favoritism and the concealment of favoritism.
    Favoritism and illegal interest-taking

    In two reports drawn up in early 2021, the existence of which had been made public by Le Canard Enchaîné, the AFA expressed concern about the serious risks of "conflicts of interest" and "breaches of probity" in the awarding of public contracts linked to the organization of the 2024 Games. In particular, the organization pointed to insufficient safeguards in the procedures, and a "risk of illegal taking of interest when its employees leave for the private sector."

    The duck in chains like UK private eye or National Enquirer are digging dirt te lazy press wont touch, anti terror effort resources being wasted on graft scalpers nepotism that makes LOS look clean

    PN Surete and other agencies sniffing the low hanging fruit according to endless gossip

    Of course whisteblowing great if anybody acts


    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]In this fourth edition of the weekly newsletter, we move away from the duty of care and human rights compliance and discuss practical ways to tackle corruption in the context of the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]In a striking development, a series of police raids took place on June 20, 2023 on various entities involved in the organization of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The police actions are part of two judicial investigations into suspicions of irregularities in public contracts. According to an article by Le Monde[1], the premises of the Organizing Committee (Cojop) in Saint-Denis, the public establishment responsible for Olympic infrastructures (Solideo) in Paris, and the headquarters of several companies and consultants associated with the organization of the Games, were all subjects of police attention.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]These investigations follow initial findings from the French Anticorruption Agency (AFA), which raised concerns about potential irregularities in certain public contracts awarded by Cojop and Solideo. The allegations under scrutiny include illegal taking of interests, favoritism, and concealment of favoritism.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]The AFA, in early 2021, had already expressed its concerns over serious risks of "conflicts of interest" and "breaches of integrity" in the allocation of public contracts related to the organization of the 2024 Games. It highlighted the inadequate checks and balances in place and the risk of illegal interest taking when employees left for the private sector. In fact, the AFA has even published dedicated guidelines in view of the Olympic and Paralympic Games of Paris 2024[2].[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Further compounding these concerns, a separate investigation initiated in 2017 explores suspicions of illegal interest taking, misappropriation of public funds, favoritism, and concealment of favoritism related to a public contract awarded by Cojop to a specific company.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]This context of suspected corruption and irregularities underlines the significance of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, not only for sports organizations but also for sponsors and corporations. With the commencement of Olympic ticket sales in May 2023, it becomes paramount to understand the inherent corruption risks and to establish robust preventive measures. The high price of these tickets adds another layer to this narrative, suggesting the potential for misuse under the guise of gifts and invitations.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]I. Sponsors of the Olympic Games: Ensuring Ethical Practices[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]The sphere of sports sponsorship in the Olympics has proven to be a significant area susceptible to corruption. This risk is far from being a mere theoretical possibility; it's a tangible threat that has manifested in the past and can even implicate the most senior individuals within an organization.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In theory:[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]While neither the DOJ’s and SEC’s Resource Guide[3] nor the AFA Guidelines tackle this topic directly[4], we know that mainstream compliance guidelines emphasize the importance of:[/COLOR]

    1. Transparency in the sponsorship and bidding processes to deter underhanded agreements and bribes.
    2. The establishment of robust whistleblowing mechanisms, providing a secure environment for individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
    3. Strong accountability mechanisms, advocating for diligent investigations into corruption allegations and severe penalties for the perpetrators.
    4. The creation of clear ethical guidelines for sponsorship that specify acceptable behavior and outline the consequences for infringements.
    5. Regular auditing to ensure compliance with anti-corruption guidelines. Such audits can help detect and tackle unethical practices at an early stage.

    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In practice:[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Indeed, an essential component of combating corruption and fostering transparency in sports sponsorship deals is empowering and involving compliance officers at the earliest possible stages of any potential sponsorship. It might seem an obvious step, but compliance officers are often left in the dark until the last minute, pressed to approve what's heralded as "the deal of the century." This practice undermines the effectiveness of the compliance function and can inadvertently facilitate unethical transactions.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]As we approach the Paris Olympics, which is actively seeking last-minute sponsorships to complete its budget, the risk of hurried, non-transparent deals escalates. High-level officials might be negotiating directly with representatives of your company, making the need for early compliance involvement even more critical. Thus, enhancing training and communication channels becomes an urgent requirement. Compliance teams need to be kept in the loop right from the start, apprised of all relevant information concerning potential sponsorships.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Once informed of a prospective sponsorship, the compliance officer must meticulously adhere to the organization's established procedures for such deals. A detailed analysis of the proposed sponsorship should be undertaken, which would include understanding:[/COLOR]

    1. The origins of the deal: who initiated the contact, the context, and circumstances leading to the proposal.
    2. The benefits to the organization: How will the sponsorship align with the organization's business goals? How does it compare with past sponsorships in terms of added value?
    3. The terms of the sponsorship: This encompasses the financial aspects, the proposed communication plan, and any other relevant details.
    4. The extras: Any other benefits deriving from the sponsorship, such as complimentary Olympic tickets, need to be understood and evaluated. Questions about their intended use and distribution must be clarified to avoid misuse and potential ethical concerns.
    5. The involved parties: Understanding who has been involved in the negotiations can reveal potential conflicts of interest and can help to assess the transparency of the process.

    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]In conclusion, it is critical for compliance officers to be proactive, fully informed, and involved from the onset of any potential sponsorship deals. This proactive approach is the cornerstone of effective compliance and will go a long way in preventing corruption and maintaining the integrity of the sponsorship process. Compliance officers must also be thorough and rigorous in their analysis, and document such analysis (and not just save a declaration form and questionnaire in a folder or emails chain).[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In facts (in case you still need to convince your internal clients that risks are real…):[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]The 2021 Tokyo Olympics were marred by a significant bribery case that involved sponsorships, and implicated key figures within the event's organization. Haruyuki Takahashi, formerly a board member of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee and an executive at Dentsu, Japan's largest advertising agency, was charged with accepting bribes amounting to about ¥198 million from Olympic sponsors.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]On April 21, 2023, the Tokyo District Court passed its first ruling related to a series of corruption cases linked to the Tokyo Olympics. They found Hironori Aoki, the 84-year-old founder and former chairman of Aoki Holdings Inc., guilty of bribery and sentenced him to two and a half years in prison, suspended for four years. Alongside him, his brother, Takahisa Aoki, and former executive managing director, Katsuhisa Ueda, were also found guilty of transferring a total of ¥28 million ($209,100) to Takahashi's consulting firm, Commons Co., over thirty installments from 2019 to 2022.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]The funds were used to secure advantageous arrangements for Aoki Holdings in Olympic sponsorship selection, accelerated approval for official licensed products, and a contract to provide the official uniforms for the Japanese national team.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]This high-profile corruption case serves as a stark warning to compliance professionals globally. It shows that no one, regardless of their status within the company, is exempt from the risk or temptation of corruption. This revelation reinforces the need for comprehensive, proactive, and top-down anti-corruption measures throughout an organization, including rigorous oversight and regular audits.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]II. Ticket Purchasers: Balancing Client Entertainment and Compliance[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Lavish gifts and hospitality is a classic means for corrupting, and is a particularly relevant in the context of the Olympic games.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In theory:[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Whether the tickets are being purchased for clients, partners, or even public sector individuals, recognizing these risks is the first step in countering potential corruption. It's crucial to understand scenarios where gifts or invitations could potentially be construed as corruption, especially when these offerings could influence business decisions or regulatory matters.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Here are the best practices recommended by the AFA in its guidelines in view of the Olympics regarding the handling of gifts, invitations, and other benefits:[/COLOR]

    1. Formalize Policies: Organizations should create a code of conduct detailing their policies on gifts, invitations, and other advantages. These policies should include rules about declaring gifts and invitations, establishing a monetary value threshold for acceptance, specifying extra vigilance for particularly exposed roles (e.g., those involved in purchasing or sponsorship), and prohibiting the receipt of gifts and invitations during certain periods (e.g., during contract bidding or renewal).
    2. Education and Communication: These rules should be presented and explained to all employees and executive members. The policy on gifts can be discussed in informational meetings and each staff member should sign a copy of the document, which should evolve as different situations arise.
    3. Policy Dissemination: This policy should also be disseminated to third parties. This practice allows employees to refuse gifts that are excessive in value, based on a policy that is known to the third parties.
    4. Record Keeping: Organizations should maintain a register (physical or digital) to track gifts, invitations, and advantages, whether they are accepted or refused.
    5. Regular Monitoring: Compliance with these policies should be regularly monitored, both by employees and executive members.
    6. Seeking Advice: In case of uncertainty, advice should be sought from a compliance advisor.

    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In practice:[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]These guidelines are typical compliance advice regarding gifts and hospitality. That being said, with respect to the Olympics more precisely, because of the anticipated accrued scrutiny from the authorities around the world, it may be relevant to put in place dedicated compliance internal controls:[/COLOR]

    1. Transparency: Keep a clear record of all Olympic tickets purchased, gifted, or used for entertainment purposes. This record should specify the recipients, the reasons behind the offering, and the expected business outcome.
    2. Accountability: Decisions on purchasing and distributing Olympic tickets should be made or approved by senior management following a review by the compliance department to avoid any conflict of interest.
    3. Proportionality: The value of the tickets should be reasonable and in line with the industry norms. Exorbitant or lavish ticket offerings can be seen as bribes and can undermine the organization's integrity.
    4. Purpose: The intent behind the gift or entertainment must be legitimate and business-related. If the purpose is to unduly influence a business decision, it could be construed as corruption.
    5. Compliance with local laws: Ensure all practices align with both the home country's laws and the laws of the country where the recipient is located.
    6. Public Sector: When dealing with the public sector, organizations must exercise extra caution. Many public officials are subject to strict rules regarding the acceptance of gifts and entertainment.

    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]In practice, strict compliance does not necessitate the outright prohibition of all gifts or hospitality involving the Paris Olympics. It is crucial to remember that the underlying purpose of compliance is to prevent corruption, and corruption, under French law, necessitates the presence of an intent to offer, promise, grant, request, or accept a bribe or undue advantage, whether directly or indirectly, at any time. It's a crime that requires not just the act but also a corrupt intent.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]However, this is not a call for compliance officers to act as uncompromising ayatollahs. Instead, the role of compliance is to guide and work alongside businesses, enabling them to navigate the rules while still engaging in legitimate, business-related gift-giving or hospitality. Compliance officers should aim to find practical, acceptable solutions that respect the spirit of the law and ethical guidelines without stifling business relationships or opportunities. This balanced approach allows for appropriate relationship-building activities within the scope of the Olympics, while still protecting organizations from potential corruption risks.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]The focus is on being reasonable, proportionate, and transparent, ensuring any gifts or hospitality are given with a clear, legitimate business purpose, not as a covert means to gain an unfair advantage or influence. As such, compliance becomes a facilitator, helping businesses operate ethically and lawfully within the exciting, high-profile context of the Paris Olympics.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In facts (in case you still need to convince your internal clients that risks are real…):[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]A high-profile example of the corruption risks related to Olympic tickets and hospitality is the case of global resources company BHP Billiton during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing[5]. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged BHP Billiton with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for its handling of a global hospitality program connected to its sponsorship of the Olympic Games.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]BHP Billiton invited 176 government officials and employees of state-owned enterprises to attend the Games, ultimately paying for 60 such guests and some accompanying spouses and others. These guests primarily hailed from Africa and Asia and enjoyed three- to four-day hospitality packages, including event tickets, luxury hotel accommodations, and sightseeing excursions, valued at $12,000 to $16,000 per package.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]According to the SEC, BHP Billiton "footed the bill for foreign government officials to attend the Olympics while they were in a position to help the company with its business or regulatory endeavors." The company eventually agreed to pay a $25 million penalty to settle the SEC’s charges.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]III. Companies in the Sports and Construction Industries: Navigating the Corruption Minefield[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Undoubtedly, due to their significant monetary value, the primary avenue for corruption, particularly in terms of scale, stems from third-party contracts. These contracts may be involved in either the construction for the Olympics or its broader organization. In the context of large-scale events like the Olympic Games, companies across diverse sectors - spanning from construction and logistics to communication - frequently resort to outsourcing segments of their operations to third-party entities. However, this practice can inadvertently open the door to corruption risks if these third parties engage in unlawful acts such as bribery or other forms of corrupt behavior.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In theory:[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Companies are traditionally expected to consider the following steps to mitigate third-party corruption risks:[/COLOR]

    1. Due Diligence: Companies should perform comprehensive background checks on all third parties before entering into any business relationship. This includes checking the third party's reputation, financial stability, and adherence to anti-corruption laws.
    2. Contractual Protections: Contracts with third parties should include anti-corruption clauses that explicitly prohibit bribery and other corrupt practices. Contracts should also include the right to audit the third party’s activities and terminate the relationship if the third party engages in corruption.
    3. Monitoring and Audit: Regular monitoring and audits can help detect any corrupt activities at an early stage. Companies should also have a reporting mechanism that allows employees and third parties to report suspected corruption without fear of retaliation.
    4. Training: Providing anti-corruption training to third parties can help ensure that they understand the company's anti-corruption policy and legal requirements.

    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In practice:[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)] In the context of the Olympics, the monitoring and auditing of third-party contracts is of utmost importance. To do this, organizations need to gain an in-depth understanding of the third parties they are involved with and the nature of their relationships with them. Again, the analysis should not just be having a questionnaire filled-in and exchanging a few emails. There need to be a thorough and documented analysis. This involves asking critical questions: Are we a supplier, client, or partner in this arrangement? What is the financial structure of the deal, and what are the payment installments? How was the deal initiated and who were the primary drivers behind it? What is the precise scope of the contract? Was there a competitive bid process?[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Further, in outsourcing situations or in forming partnerships with third parties, the rationale behind these decisions should be well understood. This could involve speaking directly to the internal staff involved to grasp the justification for these arrangements, and documenting these conversations for future reference.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]High-risk contracts warrant additional measures. In such instances, it may be beneficial to have a discussion with the third party's legal or compliance representative. This conversation can provide insight into the third party's own compliance infrastructure, their approach to the contract from a compliance standpoint, and their interpretation of the contract. If the circumstances permit, in-person meetings are recommended.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Remember, compliance analysis is not strictly about legalities—it also involves a keen understanding of business norms, ethical practices, and intuition. An informed gut feeling, backed by a solid understanding of the facts, often plays a significant role in such analysis. Thus, the importance of thorough monitoring and auditing cannot be overstated when dealing with third-party contracts in the context of an event as large and globally scrutinized as the Olympics.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Finally, if you are compliance officer at a non-French group, and your French subsidiary may be involved with the Paris Olympics, inquire about it and review independently the analysis done by your local team in France.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]==> In facts (in case you still need to convince your internal clients that risks are real…):[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics represents one of the most expensive Games in history, with various reports estimating costs ranging from $6.07 billion as per President Putin's statement to about $42.2 billion according to the Anti-Corruption Foundation of Alexei Navalny. A large proportion of this expenditure was state-funded, raising concerns about the proper allocation and use of these funds.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]One of the most significant issues highlighted in a Transparency International’s report[6] is the overstatement of construction costs. Multiple contractors allegedly attempted to misappropriate state funds by inflating construction costs. The exact sum of these overstatements is challenging to determine, but two particular instances led to criminal proceedings where state funds allocated for Olympic venues were overstated by more than 8 billion Russian roubles ($230 million).[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Employment scandals also emerged. Six criminal proceedings were initiated against employees of Olympstroy, the state corporation responsible for the construction of Olympic Venues. These employees allegedly used false documents to secure their employment, calling into question the legitimacy of the hiring practices within the corporation.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Further scrutiny was applied to Olympstroy’s spending patterns. The average monthly wage for an Olympstroy employee in 2010 was 141,400 Russian roubles ($4,050), significantly higher than the average wage in the Moscow construction sector in 2011.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Transparency International's report also detailed allegations of misuse of company funds by the Open Joint-Stock Company Northern Caucasus Resorts (NCR), which was in charge of Sochi's development. Company money was reportedly spent on trips by Ahmed Bilalov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and other top managers. Around 80 million Russian roubles ($2.3 million) were spent on Bilalov’s charter flights, and over 2 million Russian roubles ($57,000) were spent on his London hotel during the London Olympic Games. It was discovered that 96% of the company’s authorised capital had come from the federal budget, making this uncontrolled spending even more scandalous.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Contract violations also occurred, including advances received for further work without accounting for previously completed work. One such instance involved the FKU DSD Chernomorye and Tonnelny Otryad №44, receiving advances without proper accounting, totalling over 1 billion Russian roubles ($31 million).[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]Conclusion[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]In conclusion, the experience from previous Olympic events, including the recent Tokyo Olympics, brings to the fore the necessity for stringent anti-corruption mechanisms in all business dealings associated with the Games. A practical yet thorough approach that incorporates robust due diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to local and international laws, can help strike the right balance between maintaining business interests and ensuring ethical conduct. The underlying objective is not merely to avoid legal issues, but to uphold the values of integrity, respect, and fair play that the Olympics symbolize. As we approach the Paris Olympics, it's crucial to remember that embracing these principles in our business practices is equally as important as celebrating them in our sporting arenas.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)][/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)][1] JO 2024 : des perquisitions au Comité d’organisation pour des soupçons d’irrégularité sur des marchés publics (lemonde.fr)[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)][2] Guide_AFA_sport_operateurs_2022.pdf (agence-francaise-anticorruption.gouv.fr)[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)][3] https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fra...92051/download[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)][4] The DOJ and SEC Guide analyzes charitable contributions, and while the AFA Guidelines for the Olympics has two explanatory sheets on sponsorship they refer to (i) the provision of equipment against provision of rooms, and (ii) rebate for the staff of an institution from a supplier.[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)][5] SEC.gov | SEC Charges BHP Billiton With Violating FCPA at Olympic Games[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)][6] Olympic-sized-corruption_6Feb2014.pdf (transparency.org)[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]
    [/COLOR]
    [COLOR=var(--color-text)]
    [/COLOR]

  7. #82
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    Sorry re formatting original is in French somewhere, thers shedloads more to come

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    C'est un croque de merde


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    Demission de Brigitte Henriques du CNOSF : le sport francais malade de sa gouvernance

    Démission de Brigitte Henriques du CNOSF : le sport français malade de sa gouvernance

    Éditorial

    Le Monde
    La présidente du Comité national olympique et sportif français est la troisième représentante de premier plan des instances tricolores à être poussée vers la sortie en 2023, après les démissions de Bernard Laporte pour le rugby et celle de Noël Le Graët pour le football.
    Publié le 26 mai 2023 à 11h00 Temps de Lecture 2 min. Read in English

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    Quand tous les regards sont dirigés vers vous, mieux vaut se montrer à son avantage. Depuis de longs mois, cette évidence ne parvenait plus à franchir les portes de la Maison du sport français, qui abrite le siège du Comité national olympique et sportif français (CNOSF), à Paris. Jeudi 25 mai, le retour de bâton a été brutal pour sa présidente, Brigitte Henriques, qui a présenté sa démission, seule solution pour mettre un terme à la bataille rangée qui minait le mouvement sportif tricolore.
    A un peu plus de 400 jours de l’ouverture des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques de Paris, c’était encore plus devenu une nécessité, une question d’image renvoyée au monde entier. Jeudi, le Comité international olympique (CIO), qui veille généralement à ne pas s’immiscer dans les affaires des comités nationaux, a même demandé au CNOSF de se « focaliser » sur l’échéance à venir, en appelant « à la responsabilité de chacun pour que les conflits internes (…) cessent ».
    L’affaire qui a poussé Mme Henriques au départ est devenue au fil du temps un enchevêtrement complexe d’accusations – mêlant abus de bien social, violences psychologiques, diffamation, dépenses ou notes de frais abusives – entre la présidente du CNOSF, son prédécesseur, Denis Masseglia, et son ancien secrétaire général, Didier Séminet. Deux enquêtes préliminaires ont été ouvertes par le parquet de Paris.
    Lire aussi : Article réservé à nos abonnés Après la démission de sa présidente, le Comité national olympique va devoir sortir des conflits internes
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    Au-delà des raisons du conflit qui ébranle le CNOSF, c’est la question de la gouvernance du sport en France qui est une nouvelle fois posée. Mme Henriques est la troisième représentante de premier plan des instances tricolores à être poussée vers la sortie en 2023, après les démissions de Bernard Laporte de la Fédération française de rugby, le 27 janvier, et celle de Noël Le Graët de la Fédération française de football, le 28 février. En a-t-on fini ? Pas sûr. D’autres fédérations – notamment celle de tennis – inquiètent.
    Lire aussi : Article réservé à nos abonnés Fédération française de tennis : les pratiques passées du président créent de nouveaux déchirements
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    La ministre des sports et des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, s’est montrée active dans la résolution de ces crises à répétition. Jeudi, elle a appelé à « un sursaut éthique et démocratique du CNOSF ». Mais le départ de celles et ceux qui ont failli pitoyablement dans leur mission, oubliant que les règles éthiques qui valent dans le reste de la société s’appliquent également aux fédérations sportives, n’est qu’une première étape.
    Valeurs d’exemplarité

    La France doit désormais se doter de mécanismes permettant d’assainir à long terme le fonctionnement des instances du sport. La loi du 2 mars 2022 visant à sa démocratisation comporte un volet sur le renouvellement du cadre de la gouvernance des fédérations qui n’a pas produit encore d’effets visibles.
    Lire aussi : Article réservé à nos abonnés Les liens troubles de David Lappartient, poids lourd de la gouvernance du sport français
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    A l’initiative de Mme Oudéa-Castéra, un comité national pour renforcer l’éthique et la vie démocratique dans le sport a été mis en place le 29 mars. Il rassemble des personnalités reconnues, dont l’ancienne ministre des sports Marie-George Buffet et l’ex-athlète Stéphane Diagana. Il faut souhaiter que les idées qui en ressortiront permettent au mouvement sportif français de renouer enfin avec les valeurs d’exemplarité que le sport lui-même est censé véhiculer.

    L’enjeu est crucial pour les pratiquants et bénévoles des petits clubs, pour tous les amateurs du spectacle sportif au sens large, comme pour les athlètes de haut niveau. Un nouveau départ est impératif à la veille du grand rendez-vous des Jeux olympiques de Paris.

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    Scandal looms over the Paris 2024 Olympics | Al Mayadeen English

    PNF rightly gather its not a single Khvnt but a Bvnch de Coontz ensemble un bande D'Apaches, Les Aveugles "Peaky"

    Old Clues ) is making le progress when bribed to leave the office/mistress maison de vacanes etc


    Scandal looms over the Paris 2024 Olympics

    • ByAl Mayadeen English
    • Source: Le Monde
    • 31 Jul 2023 23:23





    Two preliminary investigations are being conducted, one of which is looking into claims of favoritism and conflicts of interest involving two organizing committee members of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

    • The Olympic rings are set up on Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower, a day after the official announcement that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be in the French capital, in Paris, France, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. (AP)



    The Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 (COJOP) is under siege. The wave of searches conducted in June as part of two preliminary investigations headed by the Parquet National Financier (France's national financial prosecutor, PNF) has raised the possibility that the event's key figures would be implicated even before the competition begins.
    These dramatic anti-corruption police raids took place at the COJOP offices and the Société de Livraison des Ouvrages Olympiques (SOLIDEO), a governmental entity in charge of infrastructure.
    This was a "crushing blow" and "bad publicity a year before the Games," as COJOP's lawyer Charlotte Plantin acknowledged, "even though the committee is under scrutiny and has endeavored to be exemplary."
    Read next: 2024 Olympic torch relay to start in Marseille
    Following tentative findings from the Agence Française Anticorruption (France's anti-corruption agency, AFA) and a report to the judiciary by a Paris councilor, a preliminary inquiry into suspected irregularities and conflicts of interest connected to public contracts was launched in 2022. An initial criminal procedure that began in 2017 is also gaining traction.
    Several contracts awarded by the Paris bidding committee (GIP 2024) and COJOP are being investigated for illegal conflicts of interest, favoritism, and theft of public funds. They also concentrate on the conflicts of interest that resulted from the departures of Etienne Thobois (current CEO of COJOP) and Edouard Donnelly (executive director of operations) from their former business Keneo, which they co-founded in 2008.
    Investigation into files

    Thobois and Donnelly's residences were searched. Investigators also seized Keneo's archives, which were initially acquired in 2016 by Japanese corporation Dentsu and then, in 2021, by entrepreneur Vincent de Bary, covering the years 2012-2020.
    These investigations stem from a report filed in 2017 by entrepreneur André Aubouy, who was a failed bidder for a contract with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF, the National Olympic Committee of France) for the 2012 London Olympics. A person familiar with the case added, "There was a privileged relationship between Keneo and the CNOSF. The call for tenders was just there for grandstanding."
    Read next: Paris Olympics tickets viewed pricey, ticketing process complicated
    Another person close to the probe said that the present investigation is looking into "the conditions of award, retraction, and compensation for this contract." The PNF is also investigating Thobois' employment as CEO of GIP 2024 in 2015, as well as the contracts signed by the bidding committee and Keneo in the aftermath.
    The PNF is also looking into the controversial recruitment of Donnelly by Paris 2024 in November 2022 after he sold his shares in RNK, a company he founded with his brother in 2020. Shortly before the sale, RNK had been awarded the €19 million Olympic torch relay contract through a company in which it holds half the shares.
    Could the discomfort brought by the PNF investigations go away?

    The Paris 2024 Ethics Committee, which was established in 2018 with promises of independence, authorized Donnelly's recruitment in October 2022. However, the committee required him to step aside and refrain from making any decisions or giving instructions concerning the RNK.
    "After a very thorough investigation, the Ethics Committee issued a favorable opinion with reservations, which it verified were respected," explained Jean-Marc Sauvé, former vice president of the Conseil d'État (France's highest administrative court) and chairman of the Paris 2024 Ethics Committee.
    COJOP has been attempting to defuse the Keneo-RNK controversy since the searches, citing audits by the Cour des Comptes (the national administrative court entrusted with conducting financial and legislative audits of public organizations), the AFA, and the statutory auditors.
    "I don't see what COJOP could have done better in terms of containment [and] recusal with an Ethics Committee that is an ultra-solid safeguard," said lawyer Charlotte Plantin.

    As some people close to the situation have pointed out, the dispute casts a sharp light on "inbreeding" within the "tiny, unstructured world" of sporting events. Following the corruption scandals associated with the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 editions, it has revived a continuous melancholy surrounding the Olympic Games organization.
    The chairman further admitted that the Ethics Committee, which "has no means of investigation or search," "is not competent" for the years before 2018, "especially the bidding process and the award of the 2024 Games."
    The International Olympic Committee remains quiet while these investigations are ongoing and is only "welcoming COJOP's cooperation with the authorities." Between now and the Games, the discomfort brought on by the PNF investigations is not likely to go away. There might be new legal fronts created.

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    June 15-23: U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Indianapolis, Ind.

    USA Swimming Announces 2024 Schedule around Olympic Trials

    USA Swimming on Monday announced its schedule of events for 2024, the tentpole of which is U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June.

    The year will start with three TYR Pro Swim Series dates – in Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 10-13; Westmont, Ill., March 6-9; and San Antonio, Texas, April 10-13.

    Open water championships will be held in Sarasota, Fla., May 3-5. It all builds up to Olympics Trials in Indianapolis from June 15-23, selecting the team for the Paris Olympic Games.

    While swimmers are away in Paris, the Speedo Summer Champs will be held in Irvine, Calif., from July 23-27. The senior and junior championships will be combined at that event.

    The Toyota U.S. Open will be held Dec. 4-7 at a site to be determined.

    New to the schedule is the Club Excellence Challenge Series, in which USA Swimming has partnered with three existing meets as a last tune-up for Trials. From the press release: “Prize money will be awarded by USA Swimming to the top three finishers in each event determined from combined results across all three meets, with a leaderboard posted on usaswimming.org.”

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    Jennifer Valente: most decorated US track cyclist wins more gold at worlds




    Jennifer Valente already had become the most decorated American track cyclist in history at this year’s world championships, winning a gold medal in the scratch race and a bronze medal in the elimination race to give her 19 medals for her career.

    Valente capped her week in Glasgow, Scotland, on Wednesday by making that total a nice, round – and golden – number.

    The Olympic champion in the multi-event omnium, Valente built a substantial lead over the first three of four races, leaving her only to keep track of her closest pursuers in the concluding points race. When Amalie Dideriksen and Lotte Kopecky gained a lap on the field, Valente was right there with them, and she was still with them by the time the 80-lap race had concluded.

    That allowed the 28-year-old from California to finish with 145 points, thanks in large part to her victory in the tempo race and second-place finishes in the scratch and elimination races. Dideriksen had 136 to take silver for Denmark, while Kopecky earned bronze for Belgium by holding off 2021 world champion Katie Archibald of Britain.

    “To back up last year is really special in a different kind of way,” Valente said. “I was just elated last year, and so excited and had reached a career goal of mine, and I think this race was really for me and I was focused on myself and my own racing.”

    Now, Valente will head to the Paris Games next summer as the favorite to defend her gold medal from Tokyo, which made her the first US woman to win any Olympic track cycling event.

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    IFSC Climbing Worlds: Four tickets punched to Paris 2024 in Bern as speed climbing medals awarded

    Jinbao Long, Matteo Zurloni, Emma Hunt and Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi earned quota spots to the next Olympic Games with their performance.




    Indonesia's Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi and Italy's Matteo Zurloni claimed the women's and men's speed world titles, respectively, Thursday (10 August 2023) at the 2023 IFSC World Championships in Bern, Switzerland.

    In the women's speed final, Made Rita Kusuma Dewi raced to a 6.49 for the gold medal, while American Emma Hunt, the 2022 World Games gold medallist, took 6.67 to claim the silver. Both earned quota spots for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, set for July 2024, based off their finish.

    Poland's Aleksandra Miroslaw, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian in 2021, was the bronze medalist, defeating compatriot Aleksandra Kalucka 6.55 to 8.07 in the small final. Miroslaw is a two-time world champion and holds the women's speed world record.

    Zurloni took gold after the People's Republic of China's Jinbao Long suffered a false start. Zurloni's time was 5.56. As with the women's gold and silver medal winners, both Zurloni and Jingbao qualified to Paris.

    The bronze medallist was Indonesia's Rahmad Adi Mulyuno, who defeated Rishat Khaibullin in the small final.

    Sport climbing - Paris 2024

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    Athletics track & combined events at Paris 2024: The entry standards

    World Athletics has revealed its qualification system for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Here are the entry standards for athletes seeking to qualify for track and combined events at the next Olympic Games.

    On 20 December 2022, World Athletics revealed the pathway to qualify for the track and combined events at Paris 2024, including the entry standards athletes will need to achieve during the timeframes* detailed below.


    • Individual events - other than the 10,000m and combined events: 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024
    • 10,000m, combined events, and relays: 31 December 2022 and 30 June 2024


    *Athletes will be able to qualify in two ways for the Paris 2024 Games, with 50% of qualification places based on achieving the entry standard for an event within the qualification period, and the other 50% based on the World Athletics Ranking within the ranking period.

    All entry standards for track events for Paris 2024





    _________

    Rules need to be set, or there might be runners that are able to slip in that shouldn’t be on the track.

    About 10 days ago.


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    Carissa Moore, three more U.S. surfers qualify for 2024 Paris Olympics




    Carissa Moore, who took gold in surfing’s Olympic debut in Tokyo, qualified to defend that title in Paris next year.

    Moore clinched her second Olympic berth via this season’s World Surf League standings. She was ranked No. 1 going into the last two contests.

    Moore, a 30-year-old Hawaiian, has three contest victories this season, one year after being upset by Australian Stephanie Gilmore at the World Surf League Finals.

    Gilmore, 35 and a record eight-time world champion, could miss the Olympics.

    A nation can qualify no more than two surfers per gender via WSL standings, and she’s currently third among Australians. However, Australia could get a third spot if it wins next year’s World Surfing Games team event.

    The entire three-woman U.S. team was decided on Friday, the opening day of a contest in Tahiti, which will also host the 2024 Olympic surfing competition.

    Moore is joined on the Olympic team by Caroline Marks, who was fourth in Tokyo, and 17-year-old Caity Simmers.

    Marks is having a bounce-back year after missing half of last season for health reasons. She’s ranked third in the world behind Moore and Australian Tyler Wright.

    Simmers is ranked fifth overall in her rookie year on tour.

    Marks and Simmers beat out Lakey Peterson for the last two Olympic spots.

    Peterson missed the Olympic team by one spot for a second consecutive Games.

    On the men’s side, two-time world champion John John Florence joined the previously qualified Griffin Colapinto on the U.S. Olympic team.

    Colapinto, set to make his Olympic debut, is the highest-ranked American man this season (third in the world), followed by Florence (seventh in the world), who was ninth at the Tokyo Games.

    No other Americans are in the world’s top 13.

    The U.S. will get a third Olympic men’s spot if it wins the 2024 World Surfing Games team event.

    Kelly Slater, the 51-year-old, record 11-time world champion, must reach the semifinals in Tahiti to keep his Olympic hopes alive for that possible third spot. Slater’s best finish in eight contests this season is ninth place.

    Italo Ferreira, the Brazilian who won the Tokyo Olympic title, could miss the Paris Games. He is ranked 12th in the world this season, and fifth among Brazilians, but is done for the season due to a right knee injury.

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    Australia seal Olympic Games 2024 qualification




    The Australian men’s and women’s team come out on top against New Zealand at the 2023 Oceania Cup, sealing their qualification to the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, where they join hosts France, becoming the first team to directly qualify for the Games as the continental champions of Oceania!

    The format for the 2023 Oceania Cup, which saw participation from Australia and New Zealand, had the two teams scheduled to face each other three times, with 3 points awarded for a victory, while a draw would result in both teams earning a point apiece. The Australian men’s team won twice and lost once to secure 6 points, while the Australian women’s team won two matches and drew one, to register 7 points. The results sees both Australian teams become the first to qualify for the Olympic Games 2024.

    New Zealand’s men’s and women’s teams will now move on to the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024, where they will have a second opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games.

    In the men’s competition, Australia registered a 3-1 win in the first match against New Zealand. The Kookaburras took a 2-goal lead inside the first 5 minutes, but New Zealand pulled a goal back quickly to stay in the game until the very end, when a 56th minute goal sealed the win for Australia. The second match saw New Zealand turn the tables on Australia winning 4-2. New Zealand took a 3-goal lead in the first quarter and never looked back, setting up a winner-takes-all match three. The third match went the way the first one did, with Australia scoring two early goals, followed by New Zealand pulling one back, but a late 4th quarter goal once again sealed the match and Olympic qualification for the Kookaburras.

    Jake Harvie of the Australian men’s team speaking on his team’s qualification to the Olympics said: “New Zealand made it a very competitive series, but we are very happy to have qualified for the Olympic Games. We have a lot of work to do before the games, but for now, we have to enjoy the moment and the fact that we get to send a team to the Olympics.”

    In the women’s competition, Australia registered a convincing 3-0 win in the opening encounter with all three of their goals coming in a devastating 4-minute spell of dominance on either side of the half-time interval. The second match ended in a 1-1 draw as New Zealand took the lead in the third quarter but Australia managed to find an equaliser late in the final quarter to split the points. New Zealand needed a big win in the final game to outqualify Australia, but it was the Hockeyroos who secured a narrow 3-2 win, with their defence holding steady in the face of mounting pressure in the final quarter, taking their points tally up to 7, and securing their Olympic qualification!

    Penny Squibb of the Australian women’s hockey team looked back on the matches and her team’s qualification, and said: “We play New Zealand quite often and know they are a tough opponent, so none of the three matches were easy. It is pretty special to qualify for the Olympics, and now we have to change our mindset towards that. But for the moment, we are going to enjoy this and celebrate with each other as a team.”

    Hockey: Olympic history, rules, latest updates and upcoming events for the Paris 2024 sport

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    Ukraine is ready to participate in 2024 Olympics even if Russian and Belarusian athletes are admitted

    In a pronounced shift in policy, Ukraine has announced it is ready to take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games even if neutral athletes from the aggressor states of Russia and Belarus are admitted, Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Huttsait told Japan’s Kyodo News.

    “Our athletes should be at the Olympics. Our flag will be at the Opening Ceremony, at competitions. Our athletes will represent our country so that everyone in the world can see that Ukraine is, was, and will be,” Huttsait said.

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in January that it would consider allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition under certain conditions, including as “neutral athletes”.”

    This prompted Ukraine to ban its athletes from competitions where Russian or Belarusian athletes competed — even if they competed as “neutral athletes.”

    This policy was dropped hours before Olympic champion Olha Kharlan was set to compete at the World Fencing Championships. After soundly defeating her Russian opponent, she was wrongly disqualified for not shaking hands afterwards. She was later reinstated — after missing out on a seventh world title — to compete in the team event.

    IOC President Thomas Bach has yet to rule out the admission of Russia and Belarus to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

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    'Still incredibly ambitious' - Katie Archibald targeting three Olympic gold medals at Paris 2024 to follow Chris Hoy

    Katie Archibald is doubling down on a historic tilt at triple Olympic gold at Paris 2024.

    It was an emotionally draining home World Championships in Glasgow for the track cycling star, yielding gold in the team pursuit and eighth place in the omnium.

    The 29-year-old still plans to add the Madison to that programme in Paris where she will aim to become the first British woman to win three titles at a single Olympics.

    "I'm still incredibly ambitious with [the Olympics]," said Archibald.

    "There were moments during the World Championships where I just wanted to get in the bin, so maybe it's daft to feel so clear-headed.

    "Now I've got 12 months stretching out in front of me, I think 'why can't I fix it?' I'm sure I can fix it.

    "The goal I've had for the past three years has been about tackling those three events at the Olympic Games. It's never presented itself as a simple goal, or an easy goal.

    "I think the success we've seen as a team has given me confidence that I have every opportunity to achieve something great, because we're so well supported."

    For Team GB, only Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and 1908 swimmer Henry Taylor have won three gold medals at one Olympics.

  18. #93
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    Robinson, McGillivray, Inaba, and Cleland earn surfing quotas for Paris 2024

    Australia, South Africa, and Japan now eligible to have at least two male surfers competing on the Teahupo'o wave during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games while Mexico are due to be represented at an Olympic surfing competition for the first time.

    Four male athletes have been added to the list of those provisionally qualified for the surfing competition of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    Australia's Jack Robinson and South Africa's Matthew McGillivray have earned quota spots through their World Surf League 2023 men's season ranking. Both athletes have been competing at Tahiti Pro, where the round of 16 ended on Tuesday (15 August), and their performances have ensured they've secured the points needed to finish as the top two athletes from their countries at the end of the year.

    If included on the national delegations for Paris 2024,

    It would be the first Olympic appearance for the two surfers.

    Robinson is still in the running at Tahiti Pro, which runs from 11 to 20 August, and will next compete in the quarter-final against Brazil's Yago Dora.

    Robinson, McGillivray, Inaba, and Cleland earn surfing quotas for Paris 2024

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    Dissapointment for yanqi rounders fans the kids game hasn't made the cut nor Tiddlywinks Camogie, kerplunk, three card brag, cheating at elctions nor chinos

    But it was a short-lived success, with the IOC announcing that baseball and softball would not be on the menu for Paris 2024. They will be replaced by, are you ready for this?
    Breakdancing. Oh, how I wish this was a joke. Sometimes, I can’t even recognize the world that we are living in.

  20. #95
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    Taylor Knibb Earns Spot for Paris 2024 U.S. Olympic Team


    The reigning 70.3 world champion and 2020 Olympian becomes the first American to automatically qualify for the U.S. Olympic team with a fifth-place finish at the Paris test event.

    With a fifth-place finish at Thursday’s Paris test event triathlon, Taylor Knibb has earned a spot on the U.S. 2024 Olympic team.

    After fighting back from 21st place out of the swim to work her way into 23rd place out of T2, Knibb unleashed a turbo-charged 33:12 10K split to push into the front, clocking the third-fastest run split of the day and beating fellow Americans Taylor Spivey (10th place), Katie Zaferes, (12th), Kirsten Kasper (15th), and Summer Rappaport (16th).

    Knibb’s fifth-place finish automatically locks in her spot for the 2024 Olympics. Per USA Triathlon qualifying standards (which we explain here) the first American in the top eight at the Paris test event auto-qualifies. The remaining American athletes will have another chance to secure their spot at two more events: September’s World Triathlon Championship Finals in Pontevedra, Spain and a yet-to-be announced event in March 2024. https://www.triathlete.com/culture/n...-olympic-team/

    Triathlon - Paris 2024

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    Bartekova wins world skeet title shoot-off and obtains Olympic quota for Slovakia, with Chile, Greece, and Turkiye also bagging Paris 2024 berths





    London 2012 bronze medallist Danka Bartekova celebrated a double triumph in women's skeet at the 2023 ISSF World Championships in Baku on Friday (18 August), winning her first shotgun world title and also securing an Olympic quota for Slovakia to compete at Paris 2024.

    The 10-time world medallist broke through in dramatic fashion with gold 18 years after winning her first world medal. A tense shoot-off determined the winner in Azerbaijan, with only one shot separating Bartekova from USA's Dania Jo Vizzi.

    “It’s a dream come true. For me, this year I’m struggling a little bit. Last year I was one behind the quota at the European Championships. It was this close. At the world championships last year it was again this close so I was nervous," Bartekova said in a post-competition interview. "For me it’s a dream day. I’m really excited about how it ended and I have to say, it took me 25 years to get this title so yes, finally, it’s done."

    A total of four Olympic quotas were handed out for Paris via the women's skeet event at the 2023 ISSF World Championships.

    In addition to Bartekova winning a spot for Slovakia, by reaching the final, three-time Olympian Francisca Crovetto obtained a quota for Chile and while Greece's Emmanouela Katzouraki sealed a spot for her National Olympic Committee (NOC) to send a shooter to Paris 2024.

    Turkiye's Sena Can also earned a quota for her NOC through her qualification performance.

    Shooting - Paris 2024

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    World Championships 2023 Baku: Mehuli Ghosh obtains Paris 2024 Olympic quota for India

    Indian shooter Mehuli Ghosh won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event while Tilottama Sen finished fourth. India also won the team gold medal in the event.




    India’s Mehuli Ghosh secured a Paris 2024 Olympics quota for India after finishing third in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Championship 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday.

    In the final, Mehuli Ghosh scored 229.8 to finish with a bronze medal behind the People’s Republic of China’s Jiayu Han and Zhilin Hang. India’s Tilottama Sen finished a credible fourth with 208.4.

    The ISSF World Championship 2023 is a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics. A total of 48 Olympic quotas are on offer with the top four finishers (one per country) in each of the 12 Olympic individual shooting events.

    Although Mehuli Ghosh obtained a nominative quota, National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games. Athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.

    This was India’s fourth Paris 2024 quota in shooting.

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    Canadian women's rugby 7s team qualifies for 2024 Olympics after winning Langford, B.C., event





    Canada's women's rugby sevens team is going to next summer's Olympic Games in Paris, but the men's team will have to continue trying to qualify.

    The Canadian women trounced Mexico 53-0 Sunday afternoon to win an Olympic-qualifying tournament in Langford, B.C., while the men fell to the U.S. 24-14 in their final.

    "I am over the moon," said a beaming Fancy Bermudez, who contributed one try in the Mexican drubbing, before joining teammates in a wild celebration mid-pitch at Starlight Stadium, to the delight of the 3,811 on hand.

    "We've been working so hard and like, this is the best feeling to have finally accomplished it."

    The Canadian women dumped St. Lucia 41-7 earlier in the afternoon, surrendering the only points on a weekend in which they outscored their opponents 288-7 over five games.

    "We're happy with this result, but we're ready for more," Bermudez added.

    The women are currently ranked ninth in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and were expected to come out of this tournament with a ticket to France.

    Women's coach Jack Hanratty said he felt "relieved," because "we were favourites coming in so we haven't had that tag in a while, so to be able to back it up is great."

    The men, meanwhile, disposed of Mexico 54-5 in one of the day's earlier semifinals, but ran into a determined U.S. team in the final.

    "Disappointing," was the one-word answer men's coach Sean White supplied at first, following the tough setback.

    The turning point in the men's final came early in the second half with Canada having just scored to pull within 12-7. But an errant lineout allowed American speedster Kevon Williams to gobble up the ball and sprint his way into the Canadian end for a 19-7 lead.

    Rugby - Paris 2024

    _________

    U.S. men's rugby team qualifies for 2024 Paris Olympics





    The U.S. men’s rugby sevens team qualified for a third consecutive Olympics and will seek its first medal in Paris next year.

    The Americans won a North American Olympic qualifier over the last week, beating host Canada 24-14 in Sunday’s winner-take-all final.

    The U.S. placed ninth at the 2016 Rio Games, where rugby returned to the Olympics for the first time since 1924 and the sevens discipline made its Olympic debut.

    The Americans were sixth in Tokyo, squandering a 21-0 lead over Great Britain in the quarterfinals.

    The face of the team is 37-year-old Perry Baker, the only man to win two World Player of the Year awards (in 2017 and 2018).

    Brit Mike Friday has been head coach since 2014, leading the Eagles to second place in the 2018-19 World Series standings. The team since dropped in the rankings and was 10th this past season, its lowest place in nine years.

    The U.S. women’s rugby team qualified for the Paris Olympics this past March.

  24. #99
    Guest Member S Landreth's Avatar
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    Kennesaw State student earns spot in speed climbing for 2024 Olympics in Paris

    Kennesaw State University student Emma Hunt has qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics scheduled for Paris. She earned a silver medal Aug. 10 in the speed climbing world championship in Bern, Switzerland.

    A 20-year-old exercise science major from Woodstock, Ga., Hunt posted a time of 6.672 seconds in her second-place finish Aug. 10 in the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Championships. Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi of Indonesia took the gold medal with a climb of 6.492 seconds.

    “I couldn’t believe it. It still has not really sunk in yet,” Hunt said Wednesday. “Qualifying to compete in Paris is something I have been dreaming of and working toward for a long time.”

    Hunt began speed climbing in 2015 and within four years was setting records. The proximity between KSU’s Kennesaw Campus and her training gym, Stone Summit Climbing off George Busbee Parkway was convenient, she said. And as her standing in the competitive climbing arena continued to rise, the ability KSU offered to study online was helpful as well.

    “I have been taking just online classes for a little while now, which is super helpful for my training and travel schedule,” Hunt said. “I’m lucky I can purse my athletic career and college education with facilities for both so close together.”

    Not many of Hunt’s classmates and professors were even aware she will now be an Olympic athlete

    Sport climbing - Paris 2024

  25. #100
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    Going through the motions, it's in Seine


    Paris Olympics test events cancelled again due to Seine ...


    Al Mayadeen Englishhttps://english.almayadeen.net › news › environment













    4 days ago — Saturday's para-triathlon test event at the Paris Olympics was forced to be postponed after high levels of E.coli were detected in the river.

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