On the eve of the Winter Olympics, IOC president Kirsty Coventry issued a statement designed to ward off complex matters of geopolitics from intervening in the festival of sport.

“We understand politics and we know we don’t operate in a vacuum. But our game is sport. That means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments,” she said.

Of course that statement was in itself political. An emphasis on remaining neutral was the clearest signal yet that Russia could be welcomed back into the Olympic fold, while it was also a non-comment on the continued participation of Israel at the Games, and a conciliatory hand extended to the American organisers of the next Olympics just two years away, despite the US administration’s brutality against its own citizens in Minneapolis.

Protests have broken out in Milan at the role of ICE agents in policing the Games; they are unlikely to have felt calmed by vice president JD Vance’s refusal this week to apologise to the family of Alex Pretti, who was gunned down by federal agents last month. “For what?” was his flippant response.

The level of perceived anti-American feeling is such that Coventry was asked in another pre-Olympic press conference whether it was understandable for spectators to boo American athletes.

In a case of inauspicious timing, Vance himself has been deployed to the Games. The vice president arrived in Milan on Thursday morning alongside his family and secretary of state Marco Rubio, to visit the US athletes and lead a delegation at the Opening Ceremony, in a diplomatic blitz before heading on to Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Vance told an assortment of American freestyle skiers on Thursday morning that “this is one of the few things that unites the entire country. The whole country, Democrat, Republican, independent, we’re all rooting for you, and we’re cheering for you.”

That in itself seems unlikely; one can only imagine the vitriolic response pending on Truth Social if any of the American squad were to loudly disavow ICE, or any of the Trump administration’s other policies and projects.

Several major American stars, notably cross-country skier Jessie Diggins and downhill skier Lindsey Vonn, have already issued polite rebukes. Diggins said she would race for “an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion, honesty and respect for others”; Vonn said her “heart is incredibly heavy” after the recent violent crackdowns.

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It was against this backdrop that Team USA, USA, USA got their Games underway on Thursday afternoon, as the women’s ice hockey team took on Czechia in their first preliminary game.

But it seemed that the healthy crowd inside the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena had indeed bought Coventry’s message – or switched off from the demands of politics for a couple of hours, at least. And not even the presence of Vance and Rubio inside the arena could chill the enthusiasm.

But Vance’s presence can’t be seen as anything other than political. The US women’s ice hockey team are the favourites to win the tournament. The reigning champions are arch-rivals Canada, who if this US administration had its way wouldn’t be competing at all, but would be subsumed into the United States as a 51st state.

The atmosphere in the Rho Arena was buoyant on Thursday evening; that may not remain the case if the US and Canada meet in the knockout rounds.

Perhaps it was a deliberate decision, then, for the Vance party to sneak into the arena some seven minutes before the end of the first period, rather than make a big song and dance of turning up, a la Donald Trump at last year’s US Open. The cameras, too, avoided the vice-president and his entourage, including his wife and children.

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And perhaps in a bid to distract, the organisers leaned into the ‘festival of sport’ atmosphere, with a DJ, club tunes at every minute break in play, flashing lights, and Mexican waves. Anywhere the cameras panned were scores of American fans decked in flags, hockey jerseys, and Team USA merch.

And the predominantly American crowd went suitably wild when, just shy of 16 minutes into the first period, the US finally broke the deadlock, helped by having a woman advantage after a two-minute penalty to Czechia’s Dominika Laskova. The inevitable chants of “USA, USA, USA” broke out; the outnumbered Czech fans went grimly silent.

Megan Keller, appearing on her third Games, scored the opener; she no doubt would go into the Vance good books for a carefully stated pre-Games message: “The powerful thing about sport in the Olympics is it’s everybody uniting together.”

Poignantly, however, she was assisted by Laila Edwards, the trailblazing 21-year-old who is the first black woman to make a US Olympic ice hockey squad, and the first to even make the senior national team.

Joy Dunne and Hayley Scamurra built on their advantage in the second period, and even a lightning-fast counter-attack by Barbora Jurickova couldn’t turn the tide as goals from five-time Olympian Hilary Knight and another from Scamurra sealed the game. It was a triumphant start and a well-deserved sporting victory for the team.

But even as Vance hid in relative anonymity in the stands, the bigger political questions around this Olympics refuse to be simply waved away. That party atmosphere feels unlikely to last long off the ice.

Antoine Griezmann has praised Atlético Madrid’s strong team spirit after Ademola Lookman made an instant impact on his debut in a 5–0 Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Real Betis.

The France forward said the unity within Diego Simeone’s squad has helped new signings settle quickly, following an impressive performance in Seville that sent Atletico into the semi-finals of the competition.

Speaking after the match, Griezmann highlighted how the club’s atmosphere allows new players to express themselves with confidence.

“Regarding Lookman, the idea is to enjoy the new players and let them give us nights of joy like this one,” Griezmann said.

“We are a team, a dressing room, a club and a fanbase that makes things easy. From the first second, every new player is welcomed with open arms.”

Lookman, who joined Atletico from Atalanta on deadline day, wasted no time in making his mark. The Nigeria international scored Atletico’s third goal just before half-time, bringing up his 100th goal in senior football, and later provided an assist for Griezmann.

Atlético had earlier taken control of the game when Dávid Hancko headed in from a Koke corner, before Giuliano Simeone doubled the lead. Lookman then capped a swift counter-attack to score his first goal in Atletico colours eight minutes before the break.

Just after the hour mark, Griezmann finished calmly after being set up by Lookman to make it 4–0, with substitute Thiago Almada adding a fifth late on to complete the rout.

The emphatic win stretched Atlético Madrid’s unbeaten away run to eight matches across all competitions and underlined the positive impact of their new signings.

Kai Rooney, the 16-year-old son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, has reportedly been offered a new contract by the Red Devils as he continues to impress in the club’s academy

The 16-year-old son of Wayne Rooney, Kai, has been presented with a contract by Manchester United as he tries to emulate his legendary father.

Kai has spent several years in the United academy and plays as an attacker, just like Rooney Senior. After showing promise in the youth system, Kai is amongst a group of 14 exceptionally talented youngsters who have been presented with new terms by United.

According to The Sun, Kai and Jacey Carrick, the son of the Red Devils’ current head coach, Michael, have been presented with new deals alongside others. If accepted, Rooney Jr would sign a one-year scholarship which would then convert to a three-year professional contract when he reaches 17.

The report suggests said contract would see him earn approximately £50,000 per year plus an annual signing-on fee, though the Rooney family are yet to approve the deal.

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A source told the outlet: “The group is very strong and the majority of the boys including Kai and Jacey have been offered deals. It means when they finish school they can go into full-time ‘football employment’ and then when they turn 17 are guaranteed a pro status.

“They still have a long way to go to make the grade, but they can be very proud that the club thinks they have a chance of making it.”

Wayne, who holds the record for the most goals scored for the club, expressed his pride last month after watching his eldest son play for Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup against Derby County.

He said: “Kai got moved up to the under-18s squad for the Youth Cup and it was great to see him come on. It brought back memories of when I played in the Youth Cup for Everton.

“It was a proud moment and I’m delighted for him. Hopefully he continues that and he can have a good run with the team.”

Kai’s mother, Coleen, has emphasised that they have not pushed their children to follow in Wayne’s footsteps. Speaking to The Mirror in September 2024, she stated: “We’ve never pressured them into even playing football. We’ve always just let them decide what they want to do. My eight-year-old was playing and doing really well but then decided he didn’t want to, and that’s OK.

“I think they sometimes get pressure off other people, you know. People approach them now and then if we’re out, they do say, ‘Are you are as good as your dad?’ Kai says ‘I’m a different type of player.’ You’ve got to let them know that you don’t have to follow and to be your own person.”

Wayne has expressed his satisfaction with the interest Michael Carrick and his coaching team have shown in the academy since taking over. Speaking on his BBC podcast last month, he said: “It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy. In the next few years, some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team, so it is important they have that interest.

“On Saturday, they were all at the under-16s game as well before they travelled to London. It is great to see that coming back into the club.

“I have been quite vocal on this. It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years. With my two lads in the academy, I haven’t seen that and it was a bit disappointing. The lift it gives to the players and the players’ parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run.”

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NFL season.

Schwesinger won the award over New York Giants’ Abdul Carter, Seattle Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori, and Atlanta Falcons’ Xavier Watts and James Pearce Jr.

Schwesinger finished with 40 of 50 first-place votes, beating out Emmanwori, who came in second place with 199 points total and seven first-place votes.

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Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns celebrates the team’s 13-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)

Schwesinger was the favorite coming into the night after a tremendous year at middle linebacker for a formidable Browns defense despite what the record may say in 2025.

He’s also just the fifth non-first-round pick that has won the award in the last 40 seasons.

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The second-round pick out of UCLA led all rookies with 146 combined tackles, which has him in the top five all-time for tackles in a rookie season.

Schwesinger also notched two interceptions, 11 tackles for loss and three passes defended.

Jonnu Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass against Carson Schwesinger #49 of the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)

Schwesinger also battled through an ankle injury this season, playing 16 of 17 games for Kevin Stefanski’s club. He tallied 2.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits as well, showcasing his ability to get to the quarterback.

Speaking of the coaching staff, the team gave Schwesinger the “green dot” on his helmet, meaning he was calling the defense in the huddle for Cleveland all season as a rookie.

While first-rounders get the spotlight, it’s players after day one of the NFL Draft that make a team whole.

Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)

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The Browns clearly got their second-rounder right this past year, as Schwesinger proved to be a cornerstone piece, and he has the hardware to prove it now.

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Where to watch Illinois high school cheerleading championship: Schedule, channel, live stream for IHSA cheer event originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the state’s annual dance competition behind us, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) will now host its 2026 cheerleading championship this weekend.

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With two days chock-full of performances on the docket, nearly 100 squads will flaunt their best routines across 1A, 2A, 3A and co-ed classes. Only a handful of the most dominant teams will leave Bloomington with state title hardware.

As per usual, preliminary rounds will take place on Friday and finals on Saturday, marking the end of the competitive cheerleading season. Be sure to tune in and cheer on your favorite teams.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Illinois high school cheerleading championship, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual event.

Where to watch Illinois high school cheerleading championship: TV channel, live stream

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Illinois’ high school competitive cheerleading championship will not be broadcast on a TV channel. You can stream both days of the event live on NFHS Network.

The NFHS Network offers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($13.99 per month). These plans give subscribers the ability to watch live sporting events and create clips of their favorite moments from games.

When is the Illinois high school cheerleading championship?

• Date: Friday, Feb. 6 – Saturday, Feb. 7

• Time: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. CT

Illinois’ high school competitive dance championship will take place Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 7. Friday’s docket will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., while Saturday’s will only be from 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. CT. The competition will be held at Grossinger Arena in Bloomington.

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Illinois high school cheerleading championship schedule 2026

The 2026 IHSA cheerleading championship will be split into three sessions. All classifications (1A, 2A, 3A) will compete in preliminary rounds on Friday, and then team finals on Saturday.

Friday, Feb. 6

Session 1 — 1A and 2A Preliminaries

Session 2 — 3A and Co-ed Preliminaries

Saturday, Feb. 7

Session 3 — 1A, 2A, 3A and Co-ed Team Finals

Head Coach Cullie Tucker has named the Ireland XV Match Day Squad for Friday night’s clash against England ‘A’ at Thomond Park.

Leinster’s Max Deegan will captain the side as one of six senior capped Test internationals in the starting team.

Shane Daly, James Hume and Ciaran Frawley all add international experience to the backline, while Deegan, Gus McCarthy and Fineen Wycherley are named in the pack.

Daly, Zac Ward and Joshua Kenny start in Ireland XV’s back three, with Hume joined by Dan Kelly in midfield. There is an all Leinster half-back pairing as Fintan Gunne starts at scrum-half alongside Frawley at out-half.

In the pack, Billy Bohan, McCarthy and Scott Wilson are in the front row, while Charlie Irvine and Wycherley start in the engine room.

Deegan leads the side from blindside flanker and is joined in the back row by Bryn Ward at openside and Brian Gleeson at number eight.

On the bench, Diarmuid Barron, Sam Crean, Jack Aungier, Harry Sheridan, Paul Boyle and Sean Jansen provide the forward replacements, while backs Matthew Devine and Cathal Forde complete the Match Day Squad.

Friday’s match, which kicks off at 7.15pm, is live on Premier Sports.

Ireland XV (Club/Province/Test caps)

15. Shane Daly (Cork Constitution/Munster)(2)
14. Joshua Kenny (Terenure/Leinster)
13. James Hume (Banbridge/Ulster)(3)
12. Dan Kelly (Munster)
11. Zac Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
10. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(9)
9. Fintan Gunne (Terenure/Leinster)

1. Billy Bohan (Corinthians/Connacht)
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(7)
3. Scott Wilson (Queen’s University Belfast/Ulster)
4. Charlie Irvine (Queen’s University/Ulster)
5. Fineen Wycherley (Young Munster/Munster)(1)
6. Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(4)(captain)
7. Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
8. Brian Gleeson (Garryowen/Munster)

Replacements:

16. Diarmuid Barron (Garryowen/Munster)
17. Sam Crean (Ulster)
18. Jack Aungier (Clontarf/Connacht)(1)
19. Harry Sheridan (Dublin University/Ulster)
20. Paul Boyle (Buccaneers/Connacht)(1)
21. Matthew Devine (Corinthians/Connacht)
22. Cathal Forde (Corinthians/Connacht)
23. Seán Jansen (Connacht).