Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff said they drew inspiration from American figure skater Alysa Liu’s dramatic return from burnout to Olympic gold, a comeback all the more remarkable considering how abruptly her career had seemed to end.

Liu stunned the world by retiring aged 16 after the Beijing Games in 2022 citing burnout, but returned and put on a dazzling display at the Milano Cortina Games last month to snap a 20-year Olympic medal drought for Americans in the women’s event.

“I think overall what happened in figure skating was super interesting, from a psychological point of view,” Swiatek told reporters ahead of the Indian Wells tournament on Tuesday.

“I saw Liu winning when actually she had some troubles, like before she was burned out and she had to stop, and now she seems like everything she does, she does to have fun and to really show her amazing skills in a way that makes her happy.

“I haven’t spoken to her … but it’s really inspiring. I’ll remember it for a long time.”

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Liu returned to the ice in 2024 with more creative control, taking charge of her music choices, programmes and costumes, and went on to win the world title in Boston last year.

Gauff added that although she had never experienced burnout, she could understand the pressure Liu was under having burst onto the scene herself as a 15-year-old qualifier at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships.

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“I think her whole story was super inspiring and I could highly relate as someone who was very young put into a sport,” Gauff said.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve faced burnout, but there are times you’re mentally just tired of it and you feel like you’re doing stuff and you don’t know why.

“So I definitely could relate to her whole story. I was happy to see her be that voice saying the unsaid things that athletes think but are maybe scared to say.”

The Minnesota Vikings canned Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason largely because of his inability to come through in the NFL Draft. He was able to identify some key contributors in free agency and uncover some undrafted gems, but picks often went to waste.

Caleb Banks Could Tempt the Vikings at Pick No. 18

Arguably, the best talent Adofo-Mensah unearthed during the April process was late-round kicker Will Reichard. With Kevin O’Connell, Rob Brzezinski, and Brian Flores now speaking most significantly into the roster, they have to get things right.

With the 18th overall pick, the MN Vikings need to land a day-one starter, and Caleb Banks could be that. He may also wind up being someone who can’t stay on the field, and therefore a massive reach. Banks is considered “boom or bust.”

ESPN Insider Jordan Rein put together a two-round mock after the NFL Combine. A pair of popular prospects are now gone before reaching pick 18, but Banks is there. The talented Florida Gator is a menacing presence, but there are serious warts.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is expected to be released and Jonathan Allen could follow, leaving the Vikings extremely thin along the interior defensive line. At 6-foot-6, 327 pounds, Banks is a towering presence who would give Minnesota a key player inside. The Vikings have gravitated toward explosive athletes like Banks, who jumped 32 inches in the vertical and ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Banks has an injury history, but he also has plenty of potential and is an ideal fit in coordinator Brian Flores’ defense.

Jordan Reid – ESPN

Minnesota is already done with Hargrave after just one season. They could also cut Jonathan Allen, as Reid mentions, but the cupboard would be incredibly bare.

Either way, the Vikings need to get younger on the interior defensive line. Banks is an intriguing talent because he’d be an immediate difference maker. The only question is whether he can stay on the field.

After suffering a foot injury during camp and then later breaking it, he played in just three games last season for the Gators. In 2024, however, seven of his 21 total tackles were for losses. He also had a whopping 4.5 sacks.

That sort of production is the stuff that Flores would certainly drool over. He plays in both the run and pass game, and Banks can be a stud up the middle. Minnesota needs to make sure it is getting the guy who started 24 games in 2023 and 2024, rather than the one who missed considerable time throughout his collegiate career.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

Talent was never in question, but Six Nations appearances eluded Nick Timoney until this year and while the 30-year-old is yet to start for Ireland in the competition, the back row insists he is “not worrying too much about what number I’ve got on my back”.

The Ulster back row made his debut against the USA in 2021 but by the start of 2025, had made just four further appearances with two of those against the Maori All Blacks.

However, perseverance has started to pay off as after featuring against Georgia, Japan and Australia last year, Timoney has been introduced as a replacement in each of the three games in the 2026 Six Nations, crossing for a try in the opening defeat by France.

While the Dublin native would prefer to start when Ireland host Wales on Friday [20:10 GMT], he is happy to play his part and if that is best served off the bench, then so be it.

“Obviously I haven’t played in the Six Nations before this season and it’s something I’ve always dreamed of so obviously from that point of view just feeling very grateful to be given the opportunities,” he told reporters this week.

“Everyone wants to start and I’d love to start as well, a lot of people say to me, friends and family, have said to me, ‘you’ve been going well of the bench, when are you going to start’, obviously I’d love to start but I still feel like I’m playing a game.

“If you come on for 30 minutes at Twickenham, you could argue the game wasn’t necessarily in the balance at that stage but it’s a pretty important part of things.

“I’ve always tried to not worry too much about selection, but the fact that the coaches are backing me to be in the squad and come on, and I’m getting to do what I’ve always dreamed of doing, I’m not worrying too much about what number I’ve got on my back.”

Carrick did state the situation “was not a huge concern at the moment” and that he felt there were options available to him that allowed him variety in attack.

“We can still be dangerous,” said the 44-year-old.

“Matheus [Cunha] has played that role and caused big problems and had big moments. When he plays wide, he is tough to stop one-on-one.”

But Cunha is happiest drifting away from the touchline and likes to get on the ball in deeper or more central positions.

In the junior ranks, Gibraltar international James Scanlon was virtually an ever-present in the Premier League 2 side for the first half of the season and is capable of playing in an attacking role on both sides of the pitch, but he has now joined League Two promotion chasers Swindon on loan.

England Under-20 international Shea Lacey made a huge impact in three substitute appearances for the senior team but he prefers to play on the right. In any event, he has only been involved once since getting sent off in the FA Cup third-round defeat by Brighton on 11 January, when he was an unused substitute against Fulham last month.

Few supporters would claim United were wrong to get rid of Sancho or Antony.

Some believe Amorim could have handled the Garnacho situation better, although the Argentina international is yet to impress on a consistent basis at Chelsea, while Rashford’s time at his boyhood club seemed to have run its course.

Nevertheless, at a time when United are trying to control their budget and costs across the club are being cut, the wide-left situation highlights an historical weakness in their recruitment strategy.

It also raises questions about the wisdom of hiring a coach like Amorim, whose tactics differed so significantly from what fans had been used to.

United were prepared to sanction the £65m signing of Antoine Semenyo in January, but the former Bournemouth man opted to join Manchester City.

Amorim wanted to use the money elsewhere in his squad. United’s refusal suggests they are targeting specific areas, and the left side of their attack is one of them.

They are among several high-profile Premier League clubs to be linked with RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande, who is likely to cost around £70m if he opts to move in the summer.

Newcastle‘s Anthony Gordon has also been mentioned, although it is not clear whether United have an interest in the England international.

United’s situation is complicated by the fact they are prioritising bringing in at least one, and possibly two central midfield players.

Experienced Brazil captain Casemiro is leaving at the end of the season and £50m Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte has only made three substitute appearances – totalling 27 minutes – under Carrick.

No changes can be made until the transfer window opens anyway, so, for now, Carrick must make the best of his present options.

“We’re always thinking of that perfect scenario of mixing players together and connections and seeing how it suits on the pitch,” he said.

“There’s different ways of doing it and we have really good options across the front line.”

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Carrick has been a breath of fresh air since taking over as caretaker manager at Manchester United, but one former team-mate had his reservations

Jermain Defoe is stunned at how impressive Michael Carrick has been at Manchester United due to his former team-mate’s unassuming demeanour.

Carrick has been an instant hit at United, winning six out of seven games and going undefeated throughout. This run of form earned him the Premier League manager of the month award in January, and fans have been calling for his permanent appointment come the summer.

However, his former Tottenham and England colleague Defoe didn’t expect this sudden impact at United. The 43-year-old, who will be starring at Soccer Aid 2026 at the London Stadium, was left surprised at just how well the team are performing under the man he perceived to be a quiet and reserved character.

Speaking exclusively to the Manchester Evening News, Defoe said: “He’s just a family man. He’s just quiet and loved his football.

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“I have to be honest, obviously knowing Michael and how quiet he was, I wouldn’t have looked at him and been like, you know what, you’d be like… I wouldn’t say he wouldn’t have been a manager, but you can’t imagine him being a coach and really giving it to players.”

Despite this uncertainty, there is one thing Defoe is adamant Carrick possesses that boosts his credentials at United. He added: “But I think what he has got is he’s got a winning mentality, of course, because he’s only ever been in elite environments.

“And obviously he got to move to Man United and done what he’d done there. And now that transition to then become a coach or a manager, it’s never easy.

“But to see him go in and do what he’s done for such a massive football club, and I know he’s played there before and he’s been involved, he’s been assistant manager and all that sort of stuff, but still to go in and do what he’s done, it’s been amazing.

“And for me, it’s just so nice to see it, because I know Michael, it’s so nice to see it.”

This winning mindset has clearly dripped down to the current United squad. Many players have commented on the positive impact Carrick has had, with club captain Bruno Fernandes one of those to have publicly backed the boss.

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He said: “I think Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the responsibility. He’s very good with the words. I think he still remembers what I told him the last time he was our manager for our last game. I was sure that Michael could be a great manager, and he’s just showing it.”

Harry Maguire recently praised Carrick’s continued knack for football in training. During an episode of Inside Carrington, the defender said: “He still does demos in passing drills and he still bangs it through the lines like he’s still got it.

“He was doing the demos the other day, and I think he did two passes. Everyone did about 300. I think his two were the best I’ve seen out of them all. But no, he’s still got it. And he’s really hands-on in training.”

Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31st May at the London Stadium. Adult tickets start from £20 and juniors from £10: socceraid.org.uk/tickets

Vikings Territory Breakdown

The Vikings Problem: The roster is old and top-heavy and the team needs to trim some fat. The Purple came into the offseason with the second most money over the cap (north of 40 million). And, to paraphrase Dean Wormer from the “Animal House” movie: Old, fat and expensive is no way to go through life in the NFL. So, what is the Purple personnel department to do? Rob Brzezinski is now the acting GM and remains the working cap guy, and he hired Matt Thomas to help out, but the decisions ahead are difficult ones to avoid “getting expelled and flushing seven years (or more) down the drain” (another Animal House reference).

Reports from ESPN surfaced this week that the first two cuts/trades are imminent: defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and running back Aaron Jones. Both are old (33 and 31, respectively and expensive ($21,453,382 and $14,550,000 in cap hits, respectively). That is a start, but there is plenty more to do. While the Vikings are known to be over the cap, potential trade partners, if they exist at all, will be more likely to wait until March 11, when teams have to be under the cap, and see which players are cut and become more affordable.

There could be trades, but more likely cuts and/or renegotiated contracts. Who those candidates for new deals are remains to be seen—but players such as T.J. Hockenson or even Justin Jefferson could be in the personnel office hammering out deals right now. That is all speculation, of course, but that’s what we do on the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast. The fellas, Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com) are here to speculate on it all. Tune in and check it out. Skol!

Listing to Vikings Territory Breakdown here or on your favorite podcast network.

Joe Oberle is a veteran sportswriter/editor/reporter and has covered the Vikings since 2008. The author of three books, he … More about Joe Oberle

Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a commanding display to defeat the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 3-1 in an international friendly played at the Military Stadium in Yaounde on Tuesday evening.

The match was the second of a two-game tour and served as part of preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The victory ensured the nine-time African champions ended the tour on a high note after narrowly losing the first encounter by a lone goal three days earlier.

Head Coach Justin Madugu made seven changes to the side that featured in Saturday’s defeat, signalling his intent to test depth and tactical flexibility ahead of the continental tournament.

However, it was the hosts who struck first once again. Cameroon found the breakthrough in the seventh minute, momentarily raising fears of a repeat of the previous result.

Nigeria gradually grew into the game and were rewarded in the 32nd minute. Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross from Rinsola Babajide, powering a header past the Cameroonian goalkeeper to restore parity.

The Falcons completed the turnaround just before the interval. Following a scramble inside the penalty area, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, giving Nigeria a deserved 2-1 lead at half time.

Madugu’s tactical reshuffle, particularly in midfield, proved effective as Nigeria pressed higher up the pitch, closed down spaces quickly and restricted Cameroon to long and hopeful deliveries.

The third goal arrived in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, impressive throughout on the right flank, delivered an inviting cross into the box. Michelle Alozie met it with determination, launching herself into a flying header that extended Nigeria’s advantage to 3-1.

Both teams made changes as the match progressed, using the fixture to fine-tune strategies and assess combinations ahead of the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.

For the Super Falcons, the emphatic victory was a strong statement of intent as they continue preparations to reclaim continental glory.

Dominik Szoboszlai has divided fans as he debuted a bold new look for Liverpool’s clash with Wolves on Tuesday night.

The talismanic Liverpool midfielder, known for his slicked-back hairstyle, rocked up to Molineux with cornrows, resemblant of David Beckham’s trim of 2003.

It may explain why the Hungarian has been letting his hair grow out in recent months, having spent much of his early career with a short-back-and-sides haircut.

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While some supporters questioned the change of appearance, other fans were in favour of the new style with one writing on X: “He looks like a viking.”

Szoboszlai has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers of a difficult campaign, scoring 10 goals and creating eight.

He has also been operated in an array of positions, standing in capably at right-back with Arne Slot’s options becoming very limited by injuries to the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.

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But playing in his preferred attacking midfield role against the Premier League’s bottom club, he struggled to control the tempo in the first half with Wolves’ middle pairing of Angel Gomes and Andre frustrating the Reds.

Liverpool ended up become the latest victim of Wolves’ surprise bounce, with Andre snatching a stoppage-time winner thanks to a wicked deflection off Joe Gomez.