Keely Hodgkinson returns to competition at the European Athletics Championships in an unusual position. After breaking the world indoor record over 800m in March, it looked as though the world was at her feet. But the Paris Olympic champion has had a distinctly stop-start outdoor season, troubled by a “freak” injury and dogged by bad luck, and has been beaten resoundingly, twice, by Switzerland’s breakout star Audrey Werro, the fastest woman in the world this year.

With that in mind, does she still believe she is the best in the world, going into a major championships on home soil? On a video call with The Independent and other outlets, she smiles confidently as she says: “Yes, I still believe I’m very much capable of that.

“This is what I trained for, this is the exciting moment. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now, had lots of people come around and challenge me, and I’ve always been there. I’m proud to have always been in that top segment, I’ve medalled at every single championships. So it’s really great to have the women’s 800 in the spotlight and everyone getting behind us and wanting us to run fast, it’s really exciting.”

The 24-year-old’s outdoor woes began when she fell in training onto a metal grate that left her with cuts to her knees before the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, where she lost to world champion Lilian Odira. She suffered surprise back-to-back defeats and withdrew in tears from the British national championships earlier this summer, moments before the 400m final, after tweaking her hamstring.

Now she is relaxed about the fall; her knees have healed – “I’ve got some fat scars, but they’re all fine” – and the incident didn’t cause her to miss any training. “It was like, how much pain can I manage? Against these girls, if you’re limping and your back’s out, all these little fine margins can affect your performance.

“I just fell over, it’s a freak accident, who cares? I think people are very quick to judge and don’t really fully know what has happened. I wanted to run, I was there, I flew all the way out. Maybe in hindsight I probably shouldn’t have, but, I was there, I just thought, why not?”

She returned to winning ways on home soil at the London Diamond League last month, but cannot be considered the out-and-out favourite – although she remains a major force – in a glittering field.

Switzerland’s Werro has been the surprise package of the season and is the outright favourite after running the fastest times in the world this year. She won the Diamond League in Stockholm in one minute 53.98 seconds – the third fastest women’s 800m ever and the quickest this year – to leave Hodgkinson a distant second, even with a new personal best and British record time of 1:54.33.

Hodgkinson reflected on that race, saying: “I didn’t know what she was capable of at that point, and I think that just shows you that you can’t underestimate anybody. If you look at all our other head-to-heads, you wouldn’t have thought she was going to hang on. I don’t think I did anything wrong – I think people were trying to make me feel like it was a failure and it really wasn’t. That was a British record, it was my fastest time ever, and I’m going to remind myself of that because I’m proud of that.”

Hodgkinson has become used to being the athlete to beat throughout her young career, a generational talent who wins with ease. This year she has been on the back foot. With Femke Broeders-Bol – having converted her brilliance in her normal discipline of 400m hurdles to the 800m – also a potent force, the 800 is set to be the race of the championships, but it may not go all Hodgkinson’s way.

She is taking a relaxed approach to that. “I’ve obviously got a lot of experience, and experience can be both a positive and a negative thing. Sometimes you overthink more because it’s like, I’ve done it this way, I’ve done it this way. So I just like to go back to basics, like when I was young, upcoming, I didn’t care. I had nothing to lose and I think it’s important for me that I hold on to that and I just race with courage and fearlessness and I think that’s how I’ll get the best out of myself.”

Of the strength of her competition, she says: “I think it definitely just helps motivation-wise. This is what I love about championships. I’ve gone into them ranked eighth in the Olympics in Tokyo, came out with a silver; I’ve gone in as favourite and not won. I think it’s like a bit of a clean slate.

“The standard now in Europe has gone up [over the last few years], so I think the heats, the semis are going to be a lot faster than what we’ve seen in the last couple of years. It does mean you’ve got to bring your A game a bit sooner. But I think that’s a bit better for me because I like to line up and feel like, you know, this matters, I’m gonna have to run fast, I’ve got these girls to run against. I think it’s really exciting, the levels that we have.”

She had initially pencilled in the London Diamond League for an attempt at breaking the infamous world outdoor record, having smashed the world indoor record in March. But it now looks as though Werro, who became the first woman since the controversial Jarmila Kratochvilova to run under 1:54 – twice – in Paris and Stockholm this year, is the best placed to finally topple the Czech’s mark of 1:53.28, which has stood since 1983.

The stage is set for a hugely entertaining race – the only drawback is that newly crowned Commonwealth 800m champion Georgia Hunter Bell is opting not to compete over the distance in Birmingham, focusing on the 1,500m instead.

Hunter Bell and Hodgkinson are training partners and close friends, but the 32-year-old has spoken openly about her desire to double up, racing both the 800m and 1,500m, in future championships, adding yet another rivalry to the 800m field and another dynamic to negotiate for coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows.

Asked whether she would relish the challenge of having another rival over 800m, Hodgkinson says: “If Georgia wants to do that, that doesn’t really affect me. I think it’d be great. Obviously we train together, we push each other really hard, we’re both in really good shape. When we plan our races, I sit down with Trevor and plan mine, she does hers and whatever she feels like she wants to do.

“I think with there being three championships [UK nationals, Commonwealths and Europeans] and her being decisive between the two events, she’s just done what is best for her. But I’m sure there’ll be a time this season that we do match up and it’ll be a good race.”

Tom Dabernig plans to step up the training of exciting sprinter Oliveanotherday, a gelding, with an upcoming jump-out at Casterton.

This Monday’s appearance at Casterton will be Oliveanotherday’s first public run since securing victory in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) during Warrnambool’s three-day carnival in May.

Oliveanotherday has a strong record, winning five of his seven starts, and Dabernig revealed that some interest has been shown by The Everest slot holders regarding the sprinter.

However, Dabernig indicated that there are many factors to consider before a start is confirmed, and the Warrnambool-based horseman wants to assess the gelding’s condition upon his return.

“He’s ready for a jump out on Monday and then we’ll probably jump out at Caulfield Heath on the 19th with a likely kick-off on the 29th at Caulfield,” Dabernig stated.

Dabernig added that the cold and wet winter weather was not conducive to preparing horses for racing, and Monday’s jump-out is a significant step towards that goal.

“Even through my Lindsay Park days, getting the spring horses ready out of winter is, I find, not as easy as going from spring to autumn,” Dabernig explained.

“In summer, with the warm weather, they seem to carry a bit more residual fitness.

“He’s come back really well, but with the wet tracks everywhere, and while you never miss any work, you’re only going along at about 80 per cent because you don’t want to overdo it on the testing ground.

“He will get benefit from a trip on the truck and in all honesty, he went out extremely fit and when he went out, he only had a month in the paddock.

“Technically, he should come to hand quickly, but he’s a horse that I have never pushed.

“Some horses you push to be where they need to be, but this horse, I have let him do it naturally and I haven’t felt the need to work him too hard too often, but there might come a stage when we have to.

“I want him to improve into the spring, not come out all guns blazing first-up and then peter-out, which some spring horses can do.”

While interest from The Everest has been noted for Oliveanotherday, Dabernig stated his intention to set aside those thoughts and focus on the sprinter’s immediate form after his spell.

“I’m just concentrating on one run at a time and if it goes that way, we’ll embrace it and try and do the best we can,” Dabernig said.

Although Oliveanotherday is still a few weeks from his racing comeback, his stablemate Shadhavar is scheduled to resume in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this Saturday.

Dabernig, who prepared Cavalry Girl to victory at Caulfield Heath on Saturday, is anticipating Shadhavar’s return.

Shadhavar remained unbeaten in two starts last preparation, winning at Murray Bridge first-up and then in Listed grade at Morphettville.

“We were thinking of going back for the Robert Sangster Stakes, but we thought with the spring and three Adelaide trips, all in the one prep, it might have been a bit too much,” Dabernig mentioned.

“She seems to be going well, has a good Caulfield record and hopefully she can run well.”

Oliveanotherday is slated to begin his campaign at Caulfield on the 29th. Consider placing bets with online bookmakers.

Hall of Famer Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, has died at the age of 86. His family announced the passing of the five-time champion as a player on Sunday, though they did not disclose the manner of death.

“On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family,” the Nelson family statement read. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”

Nelson retired in 2010 as the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories, a record later surpassed by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (1,390). His distinctive fast-paced style, utilizing smaller athletic players, became famously known as “Nellie Ball.”

The three-time Coach of the Year didn’t win any NBA titles during his 31-year overall tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks (1976-87), Golden State Warriors (1988-95, 2006-10), New York Knicks (1995-96) and Dallas Mavericks (1997-2005). But he put together 13 seasons of 50 or more wins, twice reaching 60 (once with the Bucks, once with the Mavericks).

“[Nelson] was a true basketball visionary who saw the game differently and was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking,” the Warriors said in a statement. “His approach helped shape the game and paved the way for generations of players and coaches who followed.

“More than anything, Don Nelson will be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality, and incredible passion for basketball, and his influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come.”

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012.

As a player, Nelson won five NBA titles during 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics.

He initially reached the NBA with the Chicago Zephyrs (1962-63) after being the No. 3 overall pick. He then spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining behind a loaded Boston starting five and was one of seven Boston players to average double digits in scoring in 1967-68. He averaged a career best 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in 1969-70.

In 134 career playoff games, Nelson averaged 11.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.

“Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “He spent nearly 50 years in the NBA – winning five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics before building one of the most successful and pioneering coaching careers in league history. He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations.

“I send my deepest condolences to Don’s family and many friends throughout our league.”

In college, Nelson averaged 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds in 72 games over three seasons at Iowa.

Nelson won the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award to honor his overall contributions to basketball.

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates while playing Alina Korneeva during day eight of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 09, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

World number two Elena Rybakina battled her way into the WTA Canadian Open quarterfinals on Sunday, while fourth-ranked Coco Gauff cruised into the last eight.

Kazakhstan’s Rybakina outlasted Russian Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 after two hours and 49 minutes, before American Gauff eliminated Russian teen qualifier Alina Korneeva 6-3, 6-1 in Toronto.

Rybakina, down two breaks at 0-3 in the third set, rallied to book a quarterfinal against the winner of the last-16 match between four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and home hope Leylah Fernandez.

READ: Canadian Open: Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff advance while Andreeva exits

For the love of the game 🫶@CocoGauff continues her winning run in Toronto to secure a place in the quarterfinals.#NBO26 pic.twitter.com/1edtDqSaeR

— wta (@WTA) August 9, 2026

Gauff reached the last eight in Canada for the first time since 2023.

Her seventh WTA quarterfinal of the year will be against either Swiss 12th seed Belinda Bencic or Alexandra Eala, the in-form Filipina who won her first WTA title earlier this week in Washington.

Gauff, who has not dropped a set in Canada, fired 16 winners against 15 unforced errors.

READ: Alex Eala faces another big test vs Belinda Bencic at Canadian Open

“My main focus today was let me try and close it out,” Gauff said. “Probably not the way I should be thinking but it worked today.

“I’m proud of how the last three matches have gone and just knowing if I have to go the distance I’m ready but obviously would prefer to cut it short if I can.”

Gauff won seven of 12 break points she forced but lost all three of those against her.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines acknowledges the crowd after losing to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during day eight of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 09, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Belinda Bencic – Canadian Open round of 16

MANILA, Philippines–The best stretch of Alex Eala’s career came to an end in the Canadian Open round of 16 on Monday (Manila time) in Toronto.

Seemingly weary after the amount of tennis she’s played dating back to her title run in Washington last week, Eala was overwhelmed by a ruthless Belinda Bencic, 4-6, 0-6, despite being cheered on by a massive Filipino crowd at Center Court at Sobeys Stadium.

READ: Alex Eala faces another big test vs Belinda Bencic at Canadian Open

Simply stunning 🌟@BelindaBencic ends the Eala run with a 6-4, 6-0 victory to power into the quarterfinals.#NBO26 pic.twitter.com/iiZIIEiFCx

— wta (@WTA) August 10, 2026

“I know most of you guys were cheering for Alex, but I still have to say it was very nice to play in front of you all. Thank you so much for the great crowd tonight,” said the 12th-seeded Bencic, who became the tournament’s youngest champion in 2015 at just 18 years old when she made her debut in the Toronto Masters.

Eala saw her career-best seven-match winning streak snapped by the Swiss star and former World No. 4, whose unpredictable service game put the Filipino ace in all sorts of trouble.

The loss spoiled what could’ve been an interesting quarterfinal matchup between Eala and fourth-ranked Coco Gauff. Eala beat Gauff, 6-2, 2-0, in the third round of Indian Wells last March after the two-time Grand Slam winner retired due to an injury.

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland is congratulated by Alexandra Eala of the Philippines after their match during day eight of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 09, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

While many players struggle against left-handers like Eala, Bencic flourished. The 29-year-old Bencic improved to 10-0 against lefties since 2024, a fact that left the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist in awe.

“On this day, I had to play against a left so I’m surprised by this statistic. Obviously, very tricky maybe it helped me a little bit that I played a lefty the round before against Taylor Townsend so that was a tough one and I got used to the serve a little but yeah, I mean, I wish I was a lefty too,” said Bencic, who overcame Taylor Townsend in the round of 32 on Saturday in a match that lasted more that three hours.

The 21-year-old Eala got off to a hot start after holding to love in the opening game. But that was the only time where she led as she had to play catchup the rest of the way against Bencic, who played like a well-oiled machine.

Eala managed to keep up and level in the first set at 4-4 before Bencic shifted to another gear and never letup.

Bencic broke Eala thrice in each of the two sets in a dominant display set up by her laser sharp serves.

Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski took the ball Sunday and every time that happens, we’re in for a strikeout show. Sure enough, he struck out six through his first three innings. His fifth strikeout was his 200th of the season. 

Ho hum, just easy 102 mph heat there. That was a theme early, as 29 of Misiorowski’s first 30 pitches were fastballs. If a pitch is that effective, why stray?

Again, that strikeout above was the 200th of the season for the power right-hander. Not only is he the first pitcher to 200 strikeouts this season, but he’s the second fastest to ever get there, by innings pitched. 

Misiorowski’s 200th strikeout came on the out that moved him to 129 ⅓ innings. Here’s the new top five fastest to 200 strikeouts in a season (via MLB). 

1. Spencer Strider, 2022, 123 ⅓ IP
2. Jacob Misiorowski, 2026, 129 ⅓ IP
3. Spencer Strider, 2023, 130 IP
4. Randy Johnson, 2001, 130 ⅔ IP
5. Gerrit Cole, 2019, 133 ⅓ IP

That 2001 Randy Johnson season saw him finish the year with 372 strikeouts and win the National League Cy Young award with the Diamondbacks, as well as the World Series MVP. Spencer Strider in 2023 recorded 281 strikeouts and broke John Smoltz’s single-season strikeout record.

Misiorowski isn’t just a strikeout machine. He entered Sunday leading the majors in ERA (1.63) and WHIP (0.73). He was also a huge favorite in the NL Cy Young race. Here are the odds, according to FanDuel: 

Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride set a new WNBA single-game record with 10 3-pointers during Sunday’s 103-90 victory against the Dallas Wings. There was a lot to celebrate for the Lynx, because the win also made them the first team this season to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

In the process, McBride set a new career-high of 43 points. She had a very efficient shooting night, going 10 of 14 from beyond the arc. She said she was not really aware she was close to breaking the record until a member of the coaching staff told her she needed one more 3-pointer.

“Just trying to win, really, that’s all it is,” she said postgame, while also admitting she had been angry about missing some shots in the third quarter. “Just hooping, trying to get a dub. When it’s going down, it’s going down. There is no better feeling.”

In 2019, Kelsey Mitchell became the first player in WNBA history to make nine 3-pointers in a game. Since then, that mark has been matched seven times — this season alone, Chelsea Gray had nine 3-pointers on June 11 and Marina Mabrey equaled that in two separate games later in the month. But no player was able to reach double digits from beyond the arc until Mabrey on Sunday. 

The bucket that earned her the 3-point record happened with 2:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. Fans at Target Center gave her a standing ovation to celebrate the achievement. 

McBride joined the team in 2021 but was one of the top free agents during this past offseason. She has not won a WNBA championship ring yet and had a chance to star fresh somewhere else, but she chose to return to Minnesota and Sunday was confirmation that she made the right decision.

“When you have a good moment, you want to just soak it all in. I’m just very grateful,” McBride said. “I’m 34 years old, it’s my 13th year in the league. I’m exactly where I want to be. Coming back here in the offseason was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m so grateful to the city of Minneapolis for just loving me the way they do.”

Besides’s McBride’s stunning performance on Sunday, the Lynx also got 20 points and a season-high 13 assists from Rookie of the Year favorite Olivia Miles. Miles was a key part of McBride’s record because the veteran had 22 points going 8 of 9 from the field off Miles’ passes, per ESPN Insights. Miles is the first true point guard the Lynx have had in a while and McBride said she has certainly benefited from her skills.

“It’s like a kid in a candy store. I’m very grateful for that,” McBride said. “Her ability to get in the paint and her ability in the pick and roll just creates so much for me. These types of moments don’t happen without that play…. It’s all about the team.”

The win helped Minnesota improve to a 27-7 overall record, which is impressive considering the fact that star player Napheesa Collier missed the first 27 games while recovering from surgery on both ankles. The Lynx have been the most dangerous team since May, and they are actually on track to break their franchise record for most wins in a single season. They set the current record last year when they went 34-10 overall.

Next up, Minnesota will take on the Portland Fire on the road on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET.