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7NEWS
23-06-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Australian Olympic gold medallist Chloe Dalton forced to retire from sport after back surgery
With a sporting career inspired by Cathy Freeman, fellow Olympic gold medallist and multi-sports star Chloe Dalton has been forced to retire due a back injury. Part of the champion women's sevens rugby team at the 2016 Rio Games, Dalton also played AFLW for both Carlton and GWS over seven seasons, running out for 32 games. Demonstrating her versatility and skill, she also played in the WNBL before switching her focus to rugby sevens. Requiring back surgery after an injury ended her 2024 season with the Giants, Dalton said she's failed to recover sufficiently to resume her career. 'Retired. After a second back surgery nine months ago, my body hasn't bounced back to the point where I can play footy again,' the 31-year-old posted on social media. 'It's been a tricky process trying to come to terms with the fact that my sporting career has finished through injury.' Loading Instagram Post Dalton posted a series of photos and told the story of her sporting journey; how she was determined to win an Olympic gold medal after watching Freeman's triumph at the Sydney Games. When realising she wasn't good enough to make the Australian basketball team she set her sights on sevens. 'I went onto Google and typed in lists of Olympic sports,' Dalton wrote. 'Rugby sevens would be in the Olympics for the first time in 2016. I had just 2.5 years to learn how to play rugby and secure myself a ticket on that plane to Rio. '... That seven-year-old girl got to stand on the podium and have her very own Olympic gold medal put around her neck.' Dalton said that she then saw AFLW on television and, although she didn't know the rules, wanted to play. Joining the Blues in 2018, she was part of Carlton's grand final team a year later. She decided to switch back to sevens to compete at the Tokyo Olympics but shattered her cheekbone four weeks out from the Games. After launching The Female Athlete Project, which is a platform to highlight the sporting achievements of women, she then resumed her AFLW career with GWS but injuries restricted her to just 16 games across four seasons. Dalton became a mother with partner Riley giving birth to son Fred last November. ''What's next' seems to be the question people ask when you say you're retiring,' she wrote. 'Number one is being a mum to Fred with Riles. He is my greatest joy.' After announcing her retirement the Giants congratulated Dalton her achievements and contribution. 'Chloe's impact both on and off the field for the Giants has been profound and she'll leave a lasting legacy with her teammates, coaches and staff,' GWS women's football boss Alison Zell said.
Perth Now
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Dalton's stellar sports career dimmed by back injury
With a sporting career inspired by Cathy Freeman, fellow Olympic gold medallist and multi-sports star Chloe Dalton has been forced to retire due a back injury. Part of the champion women's sevens rugby team at the 2016 Rio Games, Dalton also played AFLW for both Carlton and GWS over seven seasons, running out for 32 games. Demonstrating her versatility and skill, she also played in the WNBL before switching her focus to rugby sevens. Requiring back surgery after an injury ended her 2024 season with the Giants, Dalton said she's failed to recover sufficiently to resume her career. "Retired. After a second back surgery nine months ago, my body hasn't bounced back to the point where I can play footy again," the 31-year-old posted on social media. "It's been a tricky process trying to come to terms with the fact that my sporting career has finished through injury." Dalton posted a series of photos and told the story of her sporting journey; how she was determined to win an Olympic gold medal after watching Freeman's triumph at the Sydney Games. When realising she wasn't good enough to make the Australian basketball team she set her sights on sevens. "I went onto Google and typed in lists of Olympic sports," Dalton wrote. "Rugby sevens would be in the Olympics for the first time in 2016. I had just 2.5 years to learn how to play rugby and secure myself a ticket on that plane to Rio. "... That seven year old girl got to stand on the podium and have her very own Olympic gold medal put around her neck." Dalton said that she then saw AFLW on television and, although she didn't know the rules, wanted to play. Joining the Blues in 2018, she was part of Carlton's grand final team a year later. She decided to switch back to sevens to compete at the Tokyo Olympics but shattered her cheekbone four weeks out from the Games. After launching The Female Athlete Project, which is a platform to highlight the sporting achievements of women, she then resumed her AFLW career with GWS but injuries restricted her to just 16 games across four seasons. After announcing her retirement the Giants congratulated Dalton her achievements and contribution. "Chloe's impact both on and off the field for the Giants has been profound and she'll leave a lasting legacy with her teammates, coaches and staff," GWS women's football boss Alison Zell said.
Perth Now
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Quarter century of indoor beach volleyball in Joondalup
Marking its 25th anniversary this month, the Joondalup Indoor Beach Volleyball Centre remains the top spot for volleyball fans across Perth's northern suburbs. When it opened on Winton Road in 2000, it was surrounded by bushland and kangaroos, with no freeway in sight. Darrel Fox, together with his wife Vicki and son Jayson, is recognised as a driving force behind the creation of WA's indoor beach volleyball industry. Your local paper, whenever you want it. He pioneered the sport by establishing centres in Port Kennedy, Malaga, Canning Vale, Bunbury, Fremantle and Joondalup, as well as founding the Indoor Beach Volleyball Federation. Mr Fox recalled how their opening of the Joondalup Centre coincided with a historic moment for beach volleyball in Australia just three months later. 'We moved into Joondalup the same year beach volleyball made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Games, where Australians Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst won gold — which was purely coincidental but really helped boost the sport's profile,' Mr Fox said. Though Joondalup is now the only centre they still own and operate as he moves closer to retirement, Mr Fox said that after a quarter of a century Perth's indoor beach volleyball community remained as strong as ever, with current participation evidence of that. Joondalup Indoor Beach Volleyball is celebrating 25 years of operation this month. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian 'We have everyone from schools bringing students in to play to 80-year-olds who join to stay active and social,' Mr Fox said. 'We've even started drop-in volleyball sessions, designed specifically to give shift workers like police, nurses and FIFO employees a flexible way to play team sports without the pressure of long-term commitment, which supports their mental health and social connection.' Given the sport is played indoors with nets and soft sand, Mr Fox said there's never a quiet season, with players of all ages and skill levels drawn to the game year-round. 'The nets are what make the game, helping beginners get started and giving more experienced players even greater control,' he said. 'Schools especially love it because, unlike on large ovals or basketball courts where balls can fly and distract kids, the nets keep the ball in play, helping students stay focused and the game run smoothly.' Owner Darrel Fox said the sport is popular with all age groups. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian An indoor sports centre just down the road in Joondalup, Bouncer, closed its doors earlier this year after 30 years due to what it described as unsustainable rent increases. Mr Fox hopes privately operated indoor sports venues will one day receive support from the government or local councils in recognition of their important contribution to the community. 'People wonder why places like Bouncer closed, why two or three of our volleyball centres shut in the last 18 months. It's not because we want to. It's just really hard to survive with the costs,' he said. 'We're trying to provide for the community but don't get any assistance. Eventually they'll all be gone, like most squash centres have disappeared, and a lot of indoor cricket centres have closed down over the last 20 years here in WA.' Mr Fox believes council-run recreation centres should look to cater for a broader range of activities rather than just traditional sports. 'Overheads are so high now, it's just not viable anymore for a lot of private sports centres,' he said. 'It'd be great if the government or councils provided space at new recreation centres for activities other than basketball courts, as people want more variety these days.' The centre holds a special place in the hearts of many locals after nurturing players who began with no volleyball experience and went on to represent Australia nationally and internationally. Mr Fox hopes it will continue to serve the community for many years to come. 'It would be devastating for people if this place closed. It's more than a community — it's like a close-knit family,' he said. 'The kids who played here 20 years ago are now bringing their own children to play here. 'It's been a great 25 years, and hopefully the sport will still be going strong for another 25, even if I'm not the one running it.'
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
OT Jackson Cantwell, No. 1-ranked college football recruit, commits to Miami
OT Jackson Cantwell, No. 1-ranked college football recruit, commits to Miami Show Caption Hide Caption Jaguars select Travis Hunter No. 2 overall, here's what they'll get Travis Hunter captivated the college football world with his two-way abilities and now the Jaguars are ready to see what he can do in the NFL Sports Pulse Miami football landed a big-time commitment on Tuesday, as coach Mario Cristobal earned a pledge from the highest-ranked recruit of his career. Five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the No. 1-ranked player in the 2026 class according to 247Sports' Composite rankings, chose the Hurricanes over Georgia, Oregon and Ohio State on Tuesday. REQUIRED READING: Southern California, Lincoln Riley crushing recruiting in bid for college football resurgence 'Miami excites me a lot because they have an offensive-line oriented coach in Mario Cristobal,' Cantwell told On3 recently. 'I like Coach Cristobal a lot. I think Coach Mirabal is a top-five O-line coach in the country. Even that could be a little like subjective where in the top five it would be. He does a fantastic job. He does a great developing (sic). They always seem to have the right guys on the offensive line.' Cantwell has a 6-foot-7, 325-pound frame, according to his 247Sports page. The Nixa High School product from Nixa, Missouri, was also the Missouri state champion in shot put and discus. Cantwell comes from an athletic background, as his dad, Christian Cantwell, won the silver medal in shot put at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. His mother, Teri Steer, was a thrower at the 2000 Sydney Games. Cantwell reportedly is receiving quite the name, image and likeness package for his commitment. According to a report from Eli Lederman, the national recruiting and college football reporter for ESPN, Miami has an NIL deal in place with Cantwell worth more than $2 million annually. The Hurricanes' 2026 class now ranks ninth nationally, as they have 10 commitments, four of whom are rated as four stars or higher by 247Sports.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Projected $1.5 Million Star Reveals College Football Program Recruiting Him 'Hardest'
Decision time is near for five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, and one college football program is going all-out to land his services. Cantwell plays for for Nixa High School in Missouri. The 6-foot-7.5, 305-pound tackle is rated as the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2026 by both On3 and Rivals. Advertisement Cantwell is credited with 286 pancake blocks over his three high school seasons, per MaxPreps. He was named as the 2024-25 Gatorade Player of the Year in December and is also a national track and field record holder in shot put, an athletic family legacy. Cantwell's father, Christian Cantwell, won a silver medal in shot put at the Beijing 2008 Games. His mother, Teri Steer, competed in shot put at the 2000 Sydney Games. On the gridiron, Cantwell holds an NIL valuation of $1.5 million entering his senior high school season. And his high-profile recruitment has come down to Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State and Miami. Nixa's Jackson Cantwell as the Eagles take on the Republic TigersNathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK Cantwell previously delayed his commitment date from April 30 to May 13, adding another unofficial visit to the Bulldogs on May 10. He previously took unofficial visits to Miami (March 18), Ohio State (March 22) and Oregon (April 26). Advertisement There's no shortage of recruiting expertise among Cantwell's top contenders, as Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon are coming off top-five classes with the Hurricanes landing at No. 13 (247Sports). According to Cantwell, though, it's Miami and head coach Mario Cristobal that have been putting in more effort as his commitment date approaches. Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal takes the Navarro-USA TODAY Sports 'I'll be honest, Miami is recruiting me the hardest right now,' Cantwell said via On3's Stephen Wagner. Cantwell received an in-home visit from Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal on Sunday. Mirabal and Cristobal appear to be in contact with Cantwell every day, and he spoke highly of Cristobal's history as a position coach. Advertisement 'Obviously that's not the end-all be-all, but there's something to be said for that," Cantwell continued. "I hear from coach Cristobal every day. I hear from coach Mirabal every day. Mario Cristobal has coached a lot of guys that play early. He's very open to it. They prioritize O-line development. They're the only program left in it for me that has an O-line guy as their head coach, so I know they'll prioritize that.' It doesn't appear that Cantwell has made up his mind just yet with the May 13 announcement around the corner. While he seemingly learned enough about Miami and Oregon this spring, the Bulldogs will get the final crack at the elite tackle. "That's something I feel good about with Miami and Oregon and we're going to see Georgia one more time, and then I'm going to make my decision on the 13th and I'm not going to look back," he said. Related: Nation's No. 2 QB Drops Intriguing Recruiting Hint After Four Major Offers Related: ESPN Names Last Season's Luckiest College Football Team
