It’s difficult to overstate the impact of the Williams sisters on tennis. Now in their forties, both are back playing at the top level, after Serena (44) joined 46-year-old Venus in appearances at the Queens tournament in London and the Berlin Open over the last week.
The pair have also been offered a wilcard doubles entry for Wimbledon a decade after they won the last of their six doubles titles at that particular Grand Slam. They have also won two US Open doubles titles, two in the French Open and four in the Australian Open. Between them they also have 30 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena has 23 of those. But her motivation for this comeback after four years out came a little closer to home.
“My daughter Olympia told me I should play with Venus. She’s always right, so I was like ‘damn,’” Serena said. “So I said ‘You know, let’s see if we can do it’.”
Serena Williams has returned to professional tennis after four years outImage: Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu/picture alliance
Venus Williams had returned to top level tennis this January, becoming the oldest woman to play singles at the Australian Open.
At 45, Williams, was handed a wildcard for the tournament and was 27 years older than the youngest player in the women’s draw, fellow American Iva Jovic. After winning the first set, she fell 2-1 to Serbian player Olga Danilovic, in the first round. She’s won one of her six singles matches since her comeback but is looking forward to reprising her prolific doubles partnership.
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“It’s incredible, the quality of her stroke is obviously there,” Venus, who unlike Serena never formally retired from the sport, told British broadcaster TNT of her sister’s return.
“She’s, I think, a little bit of a natural, she’s got a pretty good record, she knows what she’s doing and she’s very tenacious, so I’m not worried about how she’s going to play even though I haven’t seen her play, which is crazy.”
40 but not finished
While elite athletes competing into their 40s and beyond is not so unusual in less-physical sports, more elite athletes in more physically demanding sports appear to be able to sustain a career longer now than ever before.
“Population aging is not only increasing the average age of citizens but the average ages of elite sport participants, too,” Dr. Rafal Chomik of the UNSW Centre for Population Ageing Research (CEPAR) in Sydney, Australia, told DW.
“There are a number of likely explanations, including improvements in sports science, equipment innovation, and training regimes which are sport-specific, but there are also the wider societal trends that combine medical innovations and better health behaviors that shift all of us towards longer, healthier lives, including athletes.”
CEPAR conducted a study of Olympic athlete ages at the Tokyo Games in 2021. It found that the average age of Olympians increased by 2 years from 25 to 27 between 1992 and 2021, with the median age up to 25 from 23. The trend continued at the Paris Games in 2024, with the average age just over 27 and the median age not far behind at 26.6.
Power fades first
But not all sports are made equal in this regard. The oldest competitor in Paris was Australian equestrian rider Mary Hanna at 70. That sport had an average competitor age of 39.5 in Paris — rhythmic gymnastics was the lowest at 20.44.
“We seem to lose power — measured by jumping ability in our study — at an earlier age than endurance and strength,” Maria Westerstahl, lead author of the study, told DW.
“One explanation could be that the explosive muscle cell type (Type II) appears most vulnerable to lack of exercise or to aging itself. However, we do not know why, so the exact reason requires further study,” she continued.
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“However, there is considerable room for change if you remain or become active. Aerobic capacity tracks the least, while muscular endurance tracks the most, meaning that aerobic capacity requires the most maintenance to preserve.”
Winning gets harder with age
This goes a long way to explaining why the likes of Williams, James and Ronaldo are such outliers in the top echelons of sports where power matters, whereas sports like equestrian, bowls or darts see players in their 40s, 50s or even older compete at the elite level.
“Darts is not a sport where you need to be really strong. All you need is to basically be healthy,” darts player Paul Lim said after becoming the oldest player to win a match at the World Championship this year at the age of 71.
“Longevity is something in darts that will be longer than a lot of other sports.”
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Although Lim won a match, the title went to 18-year-old prodigy Luke Littler. Realistically, winning a match or two, rather than a seventh title, might be all that the Williams’ can achieve in London.
“If you look at the top 100 Tennis player lists over the last 30 years, for both men and women, the maximum age appears not to exceed 40,” Chomik said.
“Perhaps it becomes a distinction between participating and winning.”
This article was originally published on January 12, 2026. It was updated on June 17, 2026 to reflect the fact that the Williams sisters have been playing doubles in London and Berlin this summer.
Portugal vs DR Congo LIVE Football Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo 1 Goal Away From Ultimate World Cup Record; Indian-Origin Player Starts For DR Congo
Portugal vs DR Congo LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign is about to begin, as they take on DR Congo in the opening Group K match in Houston. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal are one of the favourites to go all the way, also boasting stars like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes. Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s starting XI, and is set to appear in his sixth World Cup. On the other hand, DR Congo are appearing in only their second-ever FIFA World Cup. Their only previous appearance came in 1974, 52 years ago, when they had qualified as Zaire. Indian-origin midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy is starting for DR Congo. (MATCH CENTRE LIVE)
Portugal vs DR Congo LIVE Updates, FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE Score, straight from Houston:
One of the quickest ways to improve your scores is to dial in your distance control with your wedges. Of course, that’s easier said than done.
But Drew Stoltz, the co-host of GOLF’s Subpar Podcast, has a drill that can help you take your wedge game to the next level. It’s called the ladder drill.
In the latest episode of Emergency 9, presented by Cobra, Stoltz explains how he uses the drill to get the most out of his Cobra King wedges.
“It’s tailored to improve your distance control with your wedges,” Stoltz said. “All you need is a handful of balls and a chipping green. If you do this over and over before a round, it’s sure to improve your short game.”
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So, how does the drill work?
“You find a spot on the green and you give yourself a lot of green to work with,” Stoltz said. “You need some decent space for this drill. Grab a handful of balls, go down off the green and pick out one club. The goal of this drill is to get as many balls on the green as possible with each shot going shorter than the shot before it.
“So, for instance, on my first shot, I’m going to try to get it as close to the back of the green, to the fringe, as possible without going over. For my next shot, I’m going to get as close to that ball as possible but it has to be shorter.”
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Then, you work your way down the ladder until a shot goes past where your last shot landed. However many balls you get on the green before hitting one too far is your score. Then, you pick the balls up and try to beat that score.
“This will dial in your distance control,” Stoltz said. “You’re going to learn how to hit different shots with the same club — low runners, high soft ones. It’s a great way to improve your short game.”
To hear more from Stoltz, check out the entire video above.
Portugal begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign tonight with a Group K clash against DR Congo in Houston, aiming to make a strong start in their pursuit of a first-ever world title.
Roberto Martinez’s side qualified impressively, scoring 20 goals in six matches, and arrive at the tournament as one of Europe’s strongest contenders. Much of the spotlight will once again fall on veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 continues his quest to add the World Cup trophy to an already remarkable career.
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For DR Congo, the tournament marks a historic return to football’s biggest stage. The African nation has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when it competed as Zaire. Their place in the finals was secured through the intercontinental play-offs, where they defeated Jamaica 1-0 in Guadalajara.
The Congolese squad spent much of its preparation period in Europe due to the Ebola outbreak back home, playing warm-up matches against Denmark and Chile before travelling to the United States. The extended wait also allowed them to closely observe the opening weeks of the tournament and assess the level of competition.
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Forward Yoane Wissa believes the delayed start could work in his team’s favour as they look to continue the strong performances delivered by African nations such as Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Cape Verde.
Portugal will be cautious despite their status as favourites. With Colombia and Uzbekistan also in Group K, securing three points in the opener could prove crucial. Portugal have lost just two of their last 15 World Cup group-stage matches and are unbeaten in their last five such encounters against African opposition.
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Big match later on in the night
England and Croatia renew a familiar World Cup rivalry as they open their Group L campaigns in a rematch of the memorable 2018 semi-final, where Croatia came from behind to defeat the Three Lions before eventually finishing runners-up to France.
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Several members of that Croatian side remain at the heart of the squad eight years later. Veteran captain Luka Modric, now 40, continues to lead the midfield, while experienced stars Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric and Mateo Kovacic also remain important figures. Having reached the final in 2018 and secured third place at the 2022 World Cup, Croatia will be hoping their blend of experience and tournament know-how can inspire another deep run.
England, meanwhile, enter the tournament among the favourites and boast one of the most balanced squads in the competition. The only challenge facing Thomas Tuchel’s side may be the weight of expectation, with the nation still searching for its first World Cup triumph since 1966.
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The Three Lions were forced into a late squad adjustment after Tino Livramento suffered an injury in training, leading to the inclusion of Trevoh Chalobah. In midfield, Elliot Anderson is expected to partner Declan Rice, while Jude Bellingham will operate in an advanced role behind captain Harry Kane.
With both nations possessing quality, experience and high ambitions, the Group L opener promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.
Austria claimed their first FIFA World Cup victory since 1990 after beating debutants Jordan 3-1 in an entertaining Group J clash in San Francisco.
The win was a historic one for Ralf Rangnick’s side, who are appearing at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. It also marked Austria’s first World Cup win since their 2-1 victory over the United States on 19 June 1990.
Austria made the brighter start and took the lead in the 21st minute through Romano Schmid. The midfielder produced a superb strike from outside the box to give his side a deserved advantage.
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Jordan, ranked 67th in the world, refused to back down and found an equaliser five minutes into the second half. Ali Olwan curled a fine effort past the Austrian goalkeeper to bring the scores level and continue his impressive tournament debut.
Former Stoke City and West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic thought he had restored Austria’s lead shortly afterwards when he finished from close range after goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila failed to deal with a corner.
However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out because replays showed that Stefan Posch had handled the ball in the build-up.
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Austria eventually found their second goal in the 76th minute. Under pressure from another corner, Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab accidentally flicked the ball into his own net to hand the Europeans the lead once again.
Arnautovic finally got on the scoresheet deep into stoppage time when he calmly converted a penalty after Saleem Obaid was penalised for handball.
The victory puts Austria in a strong position ahead of their next match against defending champions Argentina, who defeated Algeria 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Lionel Messi.
For Jordan, there were still positives despite the defeat. Their performance showed they can compete at this level, and they will now look for a positive result against Algeria before finishing their group campaign against Argentina.
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Ali Olwan was named Player of the Match after an outstanding display and received an average rating of 8.0 for his efforts, despite ending up on the losing side.
Japan in action vs Serbia during the VNL Women’s Week 2 at Philsports Arena.
MANILA, Philippines — Japan survived a gritty Serbia side to eke out a come-from-behind20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 32-20, 15-7 win and preserve a 5-0 record in the Volleyball Nations League women’s week 2 on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Mayu Ishikawa and Yukiko Wada saved the Japanese from the brink of defeat, delivering the finishing blows to keep the solo lead of the 18-nation, nine-leg pool phase league.
Ishikawa delivered 24 points and the last two in the fifth set to seal the comeback win, while Wada chipped in 20 points — all from attacks.
Japan squandered a 24-22 advantage in the fourth after Serbia took five match points. Haruyo Shimamura put Japan ahead with a clutch block, 31-30, followed by Yoshino Sato’s set-clinching hit to force a decider.
Sato’s ace kept Serbia at bay in the fifth with a 13-5 spread, as she finished with 12 points off seven kills, four aces, and a block.Shimamura had 11 points.
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“Today, it was a good comeback.Serbia played really great. Great match. And we were struggling during the match, but after a while, we get the rhythm. So it was a great comeback. It’s the fifth victory in five matches, so it’s so good. We need to continue in this rhythm,” said Japan coach Fehrat Akbas, who was thrilled by the cheers of the Filipino crowd.
“All crowd, I see, I hear, Nippon, Nippon, so they supported us really good. We were feeling like we are in Japan, so thank you to all Philippine fans. I hope they come and support us for the next matches too.”
Aleksandra Uzelac scored 21 for Serbia. Nina Cajic chipped in 18 points only for them to drop to a 1-4 record.
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Hena Kurtagic had five of Serbia’s 15 block points, while Japan had only a total of four.
Japan returns to action on Friday against Czechia, while Serbia has a short turnaround before facing defending champion Italy on Thursday at 8 p.m.
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New York Knicks star OG Anunoby certainly played hard, and it looks like he partied hard, too.
The Knicks’ Game 4 hero appeared with some of his teammates on “Good Morning America” on Monday morning, and while he was physically present, mentally he might have been somewhere else.
Anunoby was asked about the difference first-year head coach Mike Brown made and how he brought the team together. The 28-year-old remained mute and stared off into the void, as if he didn’t hear the question.
Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos appear on Good Morning America on June 15, 2026.(Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.)
After a couple of seconds of silence, the “Good Morning America” crew and Anunoby’s Knicks teammates burst out laughing. Jalen Brunson, being the good captain that he is, offered to step up and answer the question through laughter.
Karl-Anthony Towns then took the reins and answered the question, while Anunoby sat there oblivious. For Anunoby, the Knicks’ title celebration was the first time he had consumed alcohol, according to The Athletic’s report.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby makes a game-winning tip shot vs. the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.(Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
His first sip — or rather, chug — of alcohol was a strong pull of tequila in the Knicks’ locker room. By the looks of how things went on Monday morning, Anunoby didn’t stop drinking after the locker room.
The team threw a party Sunday night in Manhattan at a private club after immediately flying back from Texas, according to the New York Post.
OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrates after winning the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026.(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE)
At one point during the interview, Michael Strahan asked Anunoby to smile, which he did, much to the delight of his teammates. Anunoby looked like he was struggling to keep his eyes open after Strahan’s request, sending his teammates into further hysteria.
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Anunoby, who was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team, was integral in the team’s playoff run. He played shutdown defense while also serving as a meaningful offensive contributor. He averaged just more than 20 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks across 17 playoff games.
Apple TV+ renewed Widow’s Bay for a second season on June 11, confirming that the series will return with a new installment days before season 1 was scheduled to conclude. As of now, we don’t have reports of a release date or what might follow in the upcoming season after the cryptic Season 1 finale.
Premiered on April 29, 2026, Widow’s Bay follows Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), a desperate politician determined to reshape the narrative of a sleepy, isolated New England community. Lacking Wi-Fi and cell reception, Tom tries to boost the local economy by turning the island into a bustling tourist destination, completely dismissing the warnings of his highly superstitious residents.
Widow’s Bay confirmed to return for a second season on Apple TV: Everything we know so far
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No cast members have been officially confirmed for Widow’s Bay Season 2 yet. However, Matthew Rhys is expected to return as Tom Loftis, alongside Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, and Kevin Carroll. Most of the main cast from Season 1 will likely return as well. This could include K Callan as Ruth Livingston, who survived her injury in the finale, and Kingston Rumi Southwick as Tom’s son, Evan Loftis.
The Season 1 ending revealed that Evan is a descendant of Richard Warren. Because he is still alive, the island’s curse remains unbroken, making him an important character for any future storylines in Season 2. At this point, these are simply predictions.
Katie Dippold has already hinted that there is plenty more story left to tell in Widow’s Bay. Following Apple TV+’s renewal announcement, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer jokingly described that everything would be fine in the island in Season 2. She said:
“Season two is about how everything is great on the island and there’s nothing to worry about.”
The show’s strong reception among audiences played a key role in securing another season. Reflecting on the series’ success, Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV, said:
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“From the moment audiences arrived in Widow’s Bay, they’ve been hooked on every eerie mystery, unexpected laugh and cursed secret that Katie, Hiro [Murai, executive producer and director], Matthew and the entire team have created. It’s become one of those shows everyone’s talking about, and we’re thrilled to see audiences continue to embrace it. We can’t wait to return for another season.”
It is tough to predict exactly when Widow’s Bay Season 2 will arrive on Apple TV+. While the show’s renewal was announced just days before the first season wrapped up, Apple TV is yet to annouce a release date.
The first season starred Matthew Rhys as Mayor Tom Loftis alongside Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, Kevin Carroll, K Callan, and Kingston Rumi Southwick. Viewers who want to catch up before Season 2 can stream all episodes of Widow’s Bay Season 1 exclusively on Apple TV+.
Man Utd are looking at their options on the wing this summer and they might have to add a new name to the list during the World Cup.
There is a winger at RB Leipzig who is attracting a fair bit of attention during this World Cup and looks set for a big-money move once the tournament ends. Yan Diomande was excellent for the Ivory Coast in their first game and Liverpool look set to win the race for the teenager.
Manchester United looked at Diomande earlier this year, but the 19-year-old’s performances have continued to go up a level in the second half of this season and the reports of the Bundesliga side wanting more than £100million would be enough to price United out in a summer when the midfield is their focus.
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But it turns out Diomande isn’t the only eye-catching young winger at Leipzig, and Antonio Nusa made his own electric entrance onto the World Cup stage on Tuesday night.
Nusa, 21, was superb for Norway in their 4-1 win against Iraq, causing havoc from the left, which is exactly where United want to strengthen. Diomande’s move to playing more regularly on the right would count against him.
He registered five goals and four assists for RB Leipzig this season and while those numbers don’t match Diomande’s stunning output, he is a lively wide man capable of beating his man with a bagful of tricks. He could also be around half the price of Diomande.
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The issue is whether RB Leipzig would sell both their first-choice wingers in the same window. With a deal for Diomande yet to be agreed, anyone moving swiftly for Nusa could steal a march and get that transfer done first.
For a player who only turned 21 in April, Nusa already has plenty of first-team football under his belt. He has made 170 appearances for Stabaek, Club Brugge and RB Leipzig and has 21 goal contributions in 70 games for the German outfit.
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He also now has eight goals in 25 caps for his country and has earned the nickname the Norwegian Neymar back home, partly because he has never hidden his admiration for the Brazilian attacker.
“I like to create chaos,” Nusa told Norwegian media in April 2021. “Neymar is my role model because he creates chaos on the pitch with his dribbling, just like me. He is one of the best in the world.”
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He has since tried to step back from those comparisons, insisting that while he takes it as a big compliment, “I’m not a new Neymar.”
He is an exciting left winger with a game that could suit the Premier League. Players from Scandinavia normally find it easy to adapt to the English game, and Sander Berge, Martin Odegaard, Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland are prime examples of that in the Norwegian squad. The pace of the Bundesliga and its transitions also make it a good league to step up from to the Premier League.
United have good links with RB Leipzig. They signed Benjamin Sesko from that club a year ago for £73million and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is a former employee at the Red Bull network of clubs.
They could use that to their advantage to look at Nusa. United are weighing up whether to sign a left-back or left-winger this season, and they have considered Morgan Rogers, Iliman Ndiaye and Crysenscio Summerville for the latter position. Nusa should also be on the list.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Grand Final Day is fast approaching for Asfoora, and trainer Henry Dwyer is forecasting an improved performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on Day 1 at Royal Ascot.
The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who captured the 1005-metre Group 1 sprint at Royal Ascot two years ago, is aiming to bounce back after two unplaced runs to kick off what will most likely be her final campaign.
After finishing tenth in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes (1005m) at Newmarket on May 2, Asfoora trailed the field of 12 in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (1005m) at Haydock three weeks later. However, Dwyer confirmed she has benefited from those runs and will be fitted with blinkers this week.
“She’s had the two runs back and is certainly much fitter now,” Dwyer commented.
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“She looks well and with the blinkers going on we are hoping she can turn her form around on Tuesday.”
Asfoora drew barrier 26 for the full field of 26 in the straight-track race that will be run at 12.40am AEST Wednesday.
The other Australian representative is Overpass, who will be positioned not too far from Asfoora at the start, having drawn gate 19.
Overpass heads the betting at $3.40 from French mare Rayevka (barrier 15), Temple Stakes winner Night Raider (six), defending champion American Affair (18), and Coolmore’s three-year-old Mission Central (24). These are the only runners with shorter odds than Asfoora, who is a $10 chance.
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Asfoora and American Affair, last year’s King Charles III Stakes winner when Asfoora placed fifth, are both striving to join the 12 horses that have won the King Charles III Stakes on multiple occasions.
Equiano (2008/10), Elbio (1991/93), Hornet’s Beauty (1911/13), and Woolsthorpe (1895/97) are the horses to have achieved this in non-consecutive years.
Asfoora went on to win the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1005m) at York and the Group 1 Prix De L’abbeye (1000m) at Longchamp following last year’s King Charles III Stakes. While Dwyer understands her international odyssey is nearing its conclusion, he is already making plans for her post-racing career.
The Ballarat horseman was recently licensed in the UK and has two European gallopers scheduled to run in his name later in the week. Ten Sovereigns’ colt Synners Kid will compete in the Britannia Stakes on Thursday, with Kodiac’s filly Kochella to make her second start in the Group 3 Albany Stakes the following day.
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Check out the latest online bookmakers and their sign-up offers at online bookmakers.
Noah Gragson took a jab at Jimmie Johnson’s San Diego autograph session arrangement this week. The Front Row Motorsports driver offered fans a free alternative just as the seven-time champion’s wristband-restricted signing event drew attention on social media.
Johnson announced an autograph session scheduled for 1:15 PM ET on Saturday (June 20), at the NASCAR Pit Shop Green Zone, with a notable restriction. The wristband required for the signing was limited to customers who purchased the 2026 Jimmie Johnson Carvana San Diego die-cast at the NASCAR Pit Shop on June 19, and autographs are strictly limited to that purchased die-cast only.
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Johnson posted the announcement on X:
“Looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and spending some time with fans this weekend. Planning to stop by the autograph session? Be sure to check the details on the graphic. Wristbands are limited, and there are a few important guidelines to know.”
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The post laid out the purchase requirement explicitly. It is designed to manage demand for what is expected to be one of the weekend’s most popular fan interactions, given Jimmie Johnson’s San Diego roots. But it also required a financial transaction before a fan could get an autograph at all.
Noah Gragson responded on X with:
“Reminder that you don’t need that wristband bullshit at our merch hauler. I’ll sign for all of you. No purchase necessary 😃”
Reminder that you don’t need that wristband bullshit at our merch hauler. I’ll sign for all of you. No purchase necessary😃
The post drew a wave of supportive replies from fans who appreciated the effort.
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Jimmie Johnson is set for one of the busiest weekends of his part-time career at Naval Base Coronado, attempting double duty across both the Truck Series and Cup Series in his hometown. He will drive the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Tricon Garage in Friday’s Truck Series race, before competing in Sunday’s Cup Series Anduril 250.
It will be his first Truck Series start since 2008. For Cup, Johnson will drive the No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry XSE for Legacy Motor Club, the team he co-owns. He grew up in nearby El Cajon, California, and has described the weekend as a full-circle moment, with his grandparents, both military, buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery near the base.
Noah Gragson feels the San Diego street race will be “an incredible week for our sport”
Noah Gragson – NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Brickyard. Source: Getty
The inaugural race at Naval Base Coronado carries weight beyond the standard Cup Series weekend given its setting. An active military base hosting the sport for the first time, built into the roads and runways of Naval Air Station North Island, with the event timed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.
For Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports team, the occasion carries its own significance.
“This is such an incredible week for our sport,” Noah Gragson said via Speedway Media. “To be able to put on a race at an active military base, in front of so many heroes that protect our freedoms each and every day, is an unbelievable honor.”
He broke down what he expects from the 16-turn circuit specifically:
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“I’ve been able to run laps on sim, and see videos of the layout, and it’s definitely going to be a challenging course but also a lot of fun. Each section of the track has its own unique character. There are some technical turns mixed in with some faster, sweeping turns, and then some areas where it will get crazy, especially on the initial start and on restarts,” he added.
Rush Truck Centers returns as the primary sponsor on Noah Gragson’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the San Diego Street course weekend. The partnership covers 12 races for him in 2026. The remaining dates after San Diego include Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, Daytona International Speedway on August 29, Bristol Motor Speedway on September 19, Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 4, and Talladega Superspeedway on October 25.
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