Kate O’Connor rewrote the history books but is keen to add another chapter to another storied summer before next month is out.
The absence of two-time world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson from the Commonwealth Games heptathlon made O’Connor the one to beat, a new feeling for the Northern Irish athlete.
Her silver medal at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo underlined her potential, but there’s winning on paper and winning in practice.
She’s the first Northern Ireland team member to win gold here, the first track and field athlete to top the podium in 40 years and the first woman to do so since Dame Mary Peters in 1974.
And while the emotion of her first major senior championship title came in a blur, there won’t be long to reset her focus before the European Championships in Birmingham in just 13 days.
Advertisement
Kate O’Connor won gold for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games (Getty)
A rested Johnson-Thompson, who prioritised that event over Glasgow, awaits, along with Swiss star Annik Kälin and others in a stacked field. Triple Olympic and European champion Nafissatou Thiam is not competing as she continues a cautious comeback from injury.
O’Connor’s winning score of 6,569 points at Scotstoun was well short of Kälin’s world-leading 6,819, but the 25-year-old didn’t just have to battle the new pressures of expectation here – she also had to contend with the elements. At times it didn’t just rain; it was biblical.
“I came here wanting to score somewhere in the 6,700s, or even higher, because I felt I was in that kind of shape,” she said.
“My coaches reminded me that championships aren’t about big scores – they’re about competing. You have to deal with whatever conditions you’re given, and with the rain and cold I think I produced a very good score. Hopefully at the Europeans in Birmingham it’ll be warmer and I’ll have another chance to chase that bigger total.
“I’m not worried about the turnaround before Birmingham. I’ll just treat these last few days as really good training.
Advertisement
“It’s not a difficult journey home and my body feels good. I feel healthy and I don’t think I emptied the tank out there, so I’m looking forward to what’s next.
“Being one of the favourites was a completely new experience for me. Last year I learned what it was like to carry the expectation of being in medal contention, but this was the first time I’d gone into a championships as someone people expected to win gold. That brings a different kind of pressure.”
O’Connor finished eighth in 2018 and claimed silver behind Johnson-Thompson four years later in Birmingham.
But it was only last year that her life changed: pentathlon silver and bronze at the World and European Indoor Championships, gold at the World University Games and that famous silver in Tokyo.
Advertisement
Records and personal bests were rewritten and then rewritten again, with her Irish national record of 6,714 points meaning she ended the season ranked second in the world.
After admitting her frustration with her opening day, she recorded a solid leap of 1.82m in the high jump, a season’s best 52.85m in the javelin and won the concluding 800m at a canter. Her winning margin over England’s silver medallist Jade O’Dowda was a huge 291 points.
“As an athlete you’re always looking ahead to the next competition, so you don’t always stop to appreciate what you’ve achieved,” she added. “Hearing those things makes you realise just how special it is.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33m is raised every week for good causes. It’s because of you that sport, arts, heritage and community projects, as well as our athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, are supported across the UK.
Olympic champion cyclist Emma Finucane insists she has “nothing to prove” at the Commonwealth Games despite her ambitions of winning an elusive gold in Scotland.
Finucane, 23, collected two bronze medals in Birmingham four years ago but has since won 16 medals at the Olympics, World and European Championships.
The Welsh star says she is targeting “the top step” on the podium in Glasgow.
“I haven’t actually stood on the top step at the Commonwealth Games,” Finucane told BBC Sport Wales.
Advertisement
“That’s something I’d love to achieve this time round.
“I feel like I’m a different person four years on and I can’t wait to show what I can do on the track.”
The Carmarthenshire native credits the Birmingham 2022 Games as the “springboard” to where she is today.
“I would not be where I am today without the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
Advertisement
“The first time I was pretty young, pretty naive to the sport of sprint cycling.
“It was a very overwhelming experience, whereas this time round I feel like I’m more of an established rider.”
She added: “I was 19 [in Birmingham] and the year after I won my first world title, which was crazy for me.
“I think it gave me the confidence I needed as an athlete to develop in my career, and get to where I am so quickly.
Advertisement
“We became Olympic champions two years ago, and I actually don’t even know how that happened.”
What had been billed as a Battle of Britain instead became another emphatic demonstration of Australia’s dominance in the Commonwealth Games pool.
With Olympic relay gold medallists James Guy, Matt Richards and Tom Dean all lining up for the men’s 200 metre freestyle final, plus Jack McMillan – the reserve member of the Paris squad – the hope inside Tollcross Swimming Centre was that one of Britain’s decorated quartet would come out on top. Instead, it was Australia’s Kai Taylor who stole the show.
Drawn in the outside lane, Taylor attacked the race from the opening 50 metres and set a fearless pace that none of his rivals could match. While Guy and Richards closed relentlessly over the final 25 metres, the Australian never looked vulnerable, touching first to secure a surprise Commonwealth title.
Behind him, Guy and Richards shared silver after recording identical times in a frantic finish, while McMillan and Dean faded out of medal contention.
Kai Taylor, right, took home gold while James Guy, centre, and Matt Richards shared silver (Getty)
Scotland’s Duncan Scott, perhaps the pre-race favourite and another member of Britain’s Olympic relay-winning team in Paris, had not even made the final after an unexpected exit in the heats.
Guy and Richards, training partners and friends, embraced at the end but it was hardly jubilant.
Advertisement
Guy has fought his way back into elite freestyle form this season and, aged 30, may have just seen his last remaining hope of an individual Commonwealth Games gold medal slip through his fingers.
Ahmedabad 2030 feels a long way away.
Ironically, he was beaten by a swimmer who displayed the very tactics for which he is renowned for.
Guy, left, and Richards, training partners and friends, embraced at the end but it was hardly jubilant (Getty)
The man from Bolton has made a career out of setting a searing pace and then trying to hang on as best he can while the field comes back to him at the end.
It helped deliver him a World Championship in this discipline 11 years ago but here he was caught out.
Advertisement
“I saw at the halfway mark Kai Taylor was out in front. In those situations you want to stick to your plan. Fair play, he got his hand on the wall first,” Guy said.
“Listen, I’ve tried that. I’ve done it so many times before. I go off like a rocket and then you die.
“When you’re in the outside lane, that’s probably the only way you can do it. You can’t just sit back and wait. You have to go out and smoke it. That’s what you’ll see anyone do at a World Championships or Olympic Games.
“Kai had a great swim, got his hand on the wall first and his family’s lovely. They were chatting to my mum and dad, so fair play to them.”
Advertisement
Kai Taylor stole the thunder of the Battle of Britain in Glasgow (Getty)
His silver brought up medal number 49 at senior championships, while Richards made Welsh history by becoming the first swimmer from the nation to win four medals at a single Games.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more,” said the 2023 world champion and Olympic silver medallist.
“I wanted a gold there but Kai was the better man tonight and that is sport. It’s frustrating but it gives me something to target again in four years.
“The record is pretty special in itself. To walk away with two bronzes, two silvers from this game is incredible. As much as that one stings tonight, there’s a lot of positives to take away this week.
“It’s tough not to beat yourself up when you feel like you are capable of more. But it’s been a phenomenal week and one that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.”
Advertisement
Richards made Welsh history by becoming the first swimmer from the nation to win four medals at a single Games (Getty)
It was an underwhelming result for a partisan crowd, with this the blue-riband event of the meet.
But like most of the 56 finals, the only colours on display at the end were green and gold.
This marked Australia’s 29th win of the week, their national anthem ringing in the ears of anyone who has been near Tollcross during the Games.
Taylor’s win was one of the more surprising – this was his first ever individual gold. They won seven more to take their tally to 36.
There was some respite from Advance Australia Fair and some home nations success, as Angharad Evans announced herself as the new queen of Scottish swimming.
Advertisement
The 23-year-old completed a breaststroke double by adding the 200m crown to the 100m title she won earlier in the week, before playing a part in a 4x100m mixed medley relay silver.
“It’s really surreal,” she said. “I didn’t go into this meet expecting any sort of medal. I just wanted more experience and to put the demons to bed after a tough 2025, and I have done that, with the help of some medals. I’m really proud of myself.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33m is raised every week for good causes. It’s because of you that sport, arts, heritage and community projects, as well as our athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, are supported across the UK
Kurtz, in the opening inning of the contest at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, took an inside pitch from Patrick Sandoval directly to his left wrist as he checked his swing. Kurtz immediately started hopping around, and bent over a few steps away from the plate, clearly in a lot of pain.
While he initially remained in the game, the Athletics pulled him from the contest by the next inning. Jeff McNeil came in to replace him at first.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Further specifics on Kurtz’s injury are not yet known.
Kurtz entered the night with a .260 batting average with 21 home runs and 69 RBI on the season, his second with the Athletics. The 23-year-old earned his first career All-Star nod earlier this summer, too.
Kurtz is now the second player in this series to go down with a wrist injury after being hit by a pitch. Boston Red Sox infielder Curtis Mead was diagnosed with a wrist fracture on Monday in what was his first game with the franchise. He’s expected to miss up to eight weeks.
The Athletics carried a 45-62 record into Wednesday’s contest, which has them in fourth in the AL West race. They fended off a late Red Sox comeback on Tuesday night to pick up a 4-3 win, too.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Red Sox, who have won nine of 12 games coming out of the All-Star break, sit at 55-51 on the season. They are in third in the AL East standings, more than seven games back from the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 2026 AIG Women’s Open begins early Thursday morning with the first round at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Thursday, including full AIG Women’s Open TV coverage, streaming info and Round 1 tee times.
How to watch AIG Women’s Open on Thursday
Charley Hull is hoping a return to her home country this week brings about her first major championship victory.
While Hull has accomplished much in pro golf, including three LPGA Tour wins, the World No. 7 has never won a major. She came incredibly close at last year’s Women’s Open, eventually finishing T2. That’s the same position she ended up in at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, where Nelly Korda took home the title.
But with the fans behind the star English pro, there’s no better place than this week’s Open at Royal Lytham and St. Annes for Hull to finally find her major breakthrough.
Advertisement
You can watch the first round of the AIG Women’s Open on TV via Golf Channel and USA, with Golf Channel kicking off the coverage at 4 a.m. ET on Thursday. USA takes over the coverage at 8 a.m. ET.
Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the first round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open.
NEWSLETTER
Sign up for GOLF’s Top Stories Newsletter!
Advertisement
Get the latest golf news and our most-read stories delivered to your inbox daily!
USA and Golf Channel will provide first-round TV coverage of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open. Golf Channel’s telecast runs from 4-8 a.m. ET, followed by USA from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on Thursday.
How to stream online Thursday
Additional streaming coverage for the first round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be available via Golfchannel.com, the Golf Channel App and the NBC Sports App.
Advertisement
2026 AIG Women’s Open Round 1 tee times (ET)
Tee No. 1
1:30 a.m. – Alice Hewson, Amanda Doherty, Chloe Williams 1:41 a.m. – Amelia Garvey, Leonie Harm, Smilla Soenderby 1:52 a.m. – Wei-Ling Hsu, Aditi Ashok, Darcey Harry 2:03 a.m. – Anna Nordqvist, Cassie Porter, Sayaka Takahashi 2:14 a.m. – Minami Katsu, Yealimi Noh, Stephanie Kyriacou 2:25 a.m. – Carlota Ciganda, Karis Davidson, Maria Jose Marin (a) 2:36 a.m. – Ina Yoon, Alison Lee, Yunseo Yang (a) 2:47 a.m. – Jiyai Shin, Auston Kim, In Gee Chun 2:58 a.m. – Linn Grant, Jin Young Ko, Kiara Romero (a) 3:09 a.m. – Sei Young Kim, Rio Takeda, Yuna Araki 3:20 a.m. – Hyo Joo Kim, Minjee Lee, Mao Saigo 3:31 a.m. – Lottie Woad, Aki Iwai, Andrea Lee 3:42 a.m. – Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu 3:58 a.m. – Hye-Jin Choi, Grace Kim, Mimi Rhodes 4:09 a.m. – Somi Lee, Esther Henseleit, Ayaka Furue 4:20 a.m. – Lindy Duncan, Amy Yang, Julia Lopez Ramirez 4:31 a.m. – Sophia Popov, Jenny Shin, Perrine Delacour 4:42 a.m. – Yan Liu, Shannon Tan, Yuka Saso 4:53 a.m. – Yani Tseng, Nastasia Nadaud, Alexandra Forsterling 5:04 a.m. – Arpichaya Yubol, Cara Gainer, Minji Kang 5:15 a.m. – In Kyung Kim, Manon De Roey, Carolina Chacarra 5:26 a.m. – Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Anna Zanusso, Justice Bosio 5:37 a.m. – Sara Kouskova, Soo Bin Joo, Annabell Fuller 5:48 a.m. – Pia Babnik, Anna Foster, Bel Wardle 6:14 a.m. – Jing Yan, Agathe Laisne, Lauren Walsh 6:25 a.m. – Kelsey Bennett, Weiwei Zhang, Kajsa Arwefjall 6:36 a.m. – Erika Hara, Chiara Tamburlini, Melanie Green 6:47 a.m. – Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Kana Nagai, Esme Hamilton 6:58 a.m. – Shiho Kuwaki, Helen Briem, Lucy Li 7:09 a.m. – Anna Huang, Jenny Bae, Paula Martin Sampedro (a) 7:20 a.m. – Lilia Vu, Shuri Sakuma, Rose Zhang 7:31 a.m. – Ariya Jutanugarn, A Lim Kim, Casandra Alexander 7:42 a.m. – Hinako Shibuno, Georgia Hall, Valentine Delon (a) 7:53 a.m. – Gaby Lopez, Chizzy Iwai, Celine Boutier 8:04 a.m. – Ruoning Yin, Nasa Hataoka, Jennifer Kupcho 8:15 a.m. – Miyu Yamashita, Jeeno Thitikul, Lauren Coughlin 8:26 a.m. – Charley Hull, Hannah Green, Brooke M. Henderson 8:42 a.m. – Maja Stark, Jin Hee Im, Allisen Corpuz 8:53 a.m. – Minsol Kim, Patty Tavatanakit, Megan Khang 9:04 a.m. – Pajaree Anannarukarn, Youmin Hwang, Leona Maguire 9:15 a.m. – Ashleigh Buhai, Fuka Suga, Dewi Weber 9:26 a.m. – Min Sun Kim, Mi Hyang Lee, Nicole Broch Estrup 9:37 a.m. – Chanettee Wannasaen, Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, Yu Liu 9:48 a.m. – Ryann O’Toole, Robyn Choi, Charlotte Naughton (a) 9:59 a.m. – Nataliya Guseva, Noora Komulainen, Lauren Crump (a) 10:10 a.m. – Carla Tejedo Mulet, Diksha Dagar, Yana Wilson 10:21 a.m. – Daniela Darquea, Polly Mack, Gina Kim 10:32 a.m. – Aunchisa Utama, Ana Pelaez Trivino, Vanessa Bouvet
Naomi Osaka of Japan looks on during a women’s singles match against Ashlyn Krueger of the United States during day three of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP
WASHINGTON–Women’s third seed Naomi Osaka also punched her quarterfinal ticket in the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, advancing when American Ashlyn Krueger retired while trailing 6-3, 3-1.
Japan’s Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion coming off a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon, cut a confident figure on the Washington hardcourts.
Article continues after this advertisement
Advertisement
But she admitted it was hard to stay focused with Krueger still hindered after receiving treatment on her right ankle while trailing 4-1 in the first set.
“It’s a tough situation, and I hope that she gets better ASAP,” Osaka said.
She’ll next face Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who toppled eighth-seeded American Emma Navarro 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
Meanwhile, Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala dumped out defending women’s champion Leylah Fernandez to reach the quarterfinals.
Advertisement
Article continues after this advertisement
Eala, 21, defeated the seventh seed from Canada 6-2, 7-6 (7/1), battling back from 5-1 down in an epic second set.
It continues a breakout season for Eala, who stunned Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon last month to become the first Philippine player to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam.
“Everything’s kind of a blur right now. I really made an effort to stay in the moment, and I was ready for anything that could have happened,” Eala, now ranked 28th in the world, said.
Advertisement
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Not even one full week into NFL training camp, one team is already dealing with quarterback injury woes.
The Atlanta Falcons’ Tua Tagovailoa, acquired this offseason to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting role, had a “flare-up” of an undisclosed injury, new head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters.
Stefanski didn’t divulge what exactly Tagovailoa is dealing with, but he had to be sidelined. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tagovailoa is dealing with a tight back.
Tua Tagovailoa of the Atlanta Falcons runs through drills during OTAs at IBM Performance Field May 27, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga.(Getty Images)
Stefanski did note that he believes Tagovailoa will return to practice “sooner rather than later.”
With Penix Jr. still recovering from a torn ACL he sustained last season — he may miss the first four weeks of training camp — the Falcons signed veteran backup Cooper Rush to bolster the quarterback depth chart.
The Falcons released Trevor Siemian earlier Wednesday, and after Tagovailoa’s injury, undrafted rookie free agent Jack Strand was the only healthy quarterback on the depth chart.
Penix was spotted doing individual drills and as 7-on-7 work with teammates, but he hasn’t seen any time in full team activities just yet.
Tua Tagovailoa of the Atlanta Falcons runs through drills during OTAs at IBM Performance Field May 27, 2026, in Flowery Branch, Ga.(Getty Images)
“I have a long injury history,” Penix, who had four season-ending injuries during his time at Indiana before he transferred to Washington during his college days, said, via ESPN. “The last thing I want to do is rush back just to get back on the field.
“This is the third ACL. We’re not taking it lightly.”
Advertisement
Stefanski knows that injuries can occur when you least expect them, even at the start of training camp before full pads are strapped on.
The Falcons will be an interesting team to watch this season, not just because of the quarterback dilemma. The team’s new regime, which includes legendary quarterback Matt Ryan as team president of football, is looking to get the team back into the playoffs.
Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa of the Atlanta Falcons laugh during OTAs at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga., on May 27, 2026.(Getty Images)
The Falcons have not had a playoff berth since 2017, when Ryan was still the franchise signal-caller. They also have not had a record at or above .500 since that same year.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Back in March, the Vikings opted to ship out edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Many saw that development as brutal news.
Doing so meant welcoming a pair of 3rd-Round selections. Added together, those picks are reasonably valuable. Better yet, there was some cap space that got saved while then being able to avoid needing to hand out a meaty extension.
The problem, though, rested in losing an EDGE1. Already, some depth issues existed, so sending out a player who terrorizes QBs and shuts down the run certainly didn’t help. Part of Minnesota’s motivation for moving on likely rested in concern about injury, which has been a reoccurring problem in Greenard’s career.
Advertisement
Adam Schefter of ESPN has been on a heater with the news updates. Another arrived in the form of Greenard’s injury: “Eagles Pro Bowl LB Jonathan Greenard is being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to a pectoral injury he recently suffered.”
Brutal News for Jonathan Greenard
Thankfully, the injury doesn’t appear to be super serious.
Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team sent out an update: “#Eagles pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard, who was acquired in a trade this offseason and received a 4-year, $100M contract, recently suffered a pectoral injury while lifting and will begin training camp on the PUP list. The team believes the injury is not significant and he should be back sooner than later.”
Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
As with wide receivers, teams get in trouble when there’s only a single threat at edge rusher.
Think back to that 2022 season. Justin Jefferson was a single-man demolition crew. Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn were closer to solid than sizzling. Teams therefore had the luxury of sending two (or more) coverage guys at Jefferson. Trading for T.J. Hockenson helped but the weapons deficit became very apparent in the Vikings’ one-and-done playoff effort.
Similarly, boasting just a single threat to take down the quarterback isn’t a good spot to be. That singular threat will face constant double teams in the form of tights ends, fullbacks, and even cracking receivers. Go watch how Danielle Hunter got treated during that 2023 season where he still piled up sacks.
The Vikings are proceeding with the hope that two pass rushing terrors remain. Andrew Van Ginkel is an elite athlete who hasn’t slowed with age. Look for him to pin his ears back more. He’s going to feast if Brian Flores lets him chase down quarterbacks.
Advertisement
There’s then Dallas Turner. To my eye, he’s reminiscent of Leonard Floyd as a long, explosive player who can bring down the passer. So far, he has yet to prove capable of mirroring Greenard, Hunter, and others who are well-rounded, complete edge defenders. Minnesota thinks that will change.
Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43), linebacker Dallas Turner (15) and linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) talk during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Jonathan Greenard arrived in the Twin Cities in the free agency period in March of 2024. His four-year agreement for $76 million quickly proved to be a bargain. Coach Flores leaned on the rugged, all-effort defender to bring juice in the pass rush; Greenard didn’t disappoint. Combined with his upbeat personality and outgoing leadership style, Greenard quickly became a favorite in Minnesota.
In 2025, Greenard took a step back on the stat sheet. Part of the problem rested in missing time due to injury. Another issue was found in getting his paws onto the passer but not getting him to the ground. He was like a goal scorer in hockey who kept hitting the post even though he was getting good looks to score.
If health allows, the edge rusher appears bound to bounce back with some huge numbers as an Eagle. Playing alongside those terrific d-tackles will help.
The 29-year-old defender stands at 6’3″ and 260 pounds. Many boast about having a great motor but few can mirror the effort that Jonathan Greenard offers. Philly snagged a good one.
Before the super-heavyweight bout Abdul told the BBC he wanted to become the new ‘King of Scotland’ – in reference to Amin declaring himself that name in 1976.
After taking power in a coup in 1971, Amin ran a brutal regime during which an estimated half a million people were killed. He was also known as the Butcher of Uganda.
Abdul, who never met his grandfather, was chasing Uganda’s first Commonwealth boxing medal since Auckland in 1990 – something which would have been guaranteed had he beaten Thomas.
Instead, he was given warnings in the previous two rounds and was trailing on all of the judges’ scorecards.
Advertisement
“All I can say about this is the decision is not right, I am not happy,” he said.
“He elbowed me. He caught me with the elbow.
“It [the head movement] was not intentional. I was trying to come back.
“How can I headbutt someone? I would not.
Advertisement
“He was the person they wanted to win. He was the winner before.
“I knew if I did not get knockout I could not win the fight.”
BBC Sport has contacted Commonwealth Games organisers and World Boxing for a response to Abdul’s comments.
Thomas, who is now guaranteed at least a bronze medal, said it was “not the way” he wanted to win.
Advertisement
“I can’t change what happened today but I can control how I box on Friday,” he said.
Amin, himself a boxer, harboured a fascination with Scotland after serving in the King’s African Rifles in his 20s.
At the height of the regime, he was fond of wearing a kilt and playing the bagpipes – and even declared himself “King of Scotland” in 1976.
Some years later, those predilections even spawned an Oscar-winning film, The Last King of Scotland, starring Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy.
Advertisement
In a previous interview, Abdul said he was “inspired” by Amin, although it was not entirely clear whether he was talking about his boxing feats or not.
Speaking to the BBC, he refused to answer when asked if he was proud to be the dictator’s grandson, but he did address the question of how he feels when he is linked to someone with such a sinister reputation.
A fresh dispute has broken out in Senegalese football after the country’s Ministry of Sports reportedly said it will not pay any compensation if national team coach Pape Thiaw is dismissed.
Reports say the Ministry has officially informed the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) that it will not accept any financial responsibility if the federation decides to end Thiaw’s contract.
The Ministry stated that the decision to sack the coach belongs entirely to the FSF and that the federation must cover any compensation owed under his contract.
Advertisement
The decision could create more pressure for the federation, which may have to use its own funds if it chooses to part ways with Thiaw.
The disagreement is the latest challenge facing Senegalese football and has added more uncertainty over the future of the national team’s coaching situation.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login