Latest news with #World
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Mouat: We're missing Olympic gold and we're desperate to put it right
30-year-old Mouat and his teammates of Grant Hardie, Bobby Lammie and Hammy McMillan have, over the past year in particular, established themselves as the standout men's curling team on the planet. Their most recent season, which came to a close at the end of April, was literally history-making. Team Mouat became the first curling team ever to win four Grand Slam of Curling titles in one season and added to that, they became world champions for the second time, reclaiming the title they won in 2023. Bruce Mouat and his team had what he describes as an almost perfect season last season (Image: JUSSI NUKARI/ Getty Images) It's the kind of season even the most optimistic would have been wary about hoping for and Mouat admits even he was taken aback somewhat by his and his teammates ability to continue notching up win after win. 'It's an incredible thing to have people talk about how successful our season was but for us, the season was actually a bit of a blur. We went from event to event and just kept winning,' the skip from Stirling says. 'To keep coming away with titles was just incredible - we were riding this amazing wave of momentum and confidence. We had a bit of a blip at the Scottish Championships (where Team Mouat lost in the final to compatriots, Team Whyte) but apart from that it was pretty close to a perfect season for us. 'We were taking so much self-belief and self-confidence into each game and every tournament, we knew that if we played our best, our chances of winning were pretty high, which is a nice feeling to have.' With his medals from last season safely tucked away in his trophy cabinet, Mouat's sights are now set on filling the one last gap in his résumé. Having won multiple European, World and Grand Slam titles, as well as Olympic silver, the only thing missing from Mouat's CV is Olympic gold. That's something he's hoping to rectify in the very near future. The four members of Team Mouat, plus alternate Kyle Waddell, have become the first athletes selected for Team GB for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which will take place in February of next year. Such early confirmation of the fact they're heading to their second Olympic Games gives Mouat and his teammates the luxury of being able to focus purely on how to be at their best when the most prestigious event in the curling calendar rolls around. Heading into Olympic season as clear favourites for Olympic gold is a high-pressure position in which to be but it's one in which Mouat feels entirely comfortable. 'Being selected this early takes a little bit of the pressure off and gives us seven months of planning to get it right so we can make sure we peak just when we need to,' he says. 'Knowing that we're going to our second Olympics is, in itself, very exciting but we're going there to try and win. Olympic gold is the one thing we're missing so hopefully we can play our best when it matters. 'Having the number one ranking does put a target on your back but it's also nice to know that we have the ability to beat all the teams we play against - that's a comforting feeling. 'We feel fine about the pressure on us. What's a nice feeling is knowing that we have the upper hand mentally because all the other teams know they'll have to play one of their best games ever to beat us - I always like going into games knowing that.' With Team Mouat having won silver in their last Olympic outing, at Beijing 2022, Mouat is determined to go one better this time around and with selection for the mixed doubles at Milan-Cortina alongside Jen Dodds looking likely, he'll be in the unique and fortunate position of having the potential of winning two Olympic gold medals and replicating two of his very earliest Olympic memories. Team Mouat won silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics (Image: Getty Images) 'My first Olympic memory is Dame Kelly Holmes winning her two Olympic golds in 2004. By 2008, I was really into swimming so I remember watching Rebecca Adlington win her two gold medals in the pool,' he says. 'It's amazing to think I could potentially have the same success as they had. Obviously winning two golds is the absolute dream but I know how much work it will take to get to that point. I'm very willing to do the work over the next six months, though, and I am hoping to emulate their achievements and do what I dreamt of as a kid." Mouat has never been one to get ahead of himself but with the prospect of winning Olympic gold certain to be very much be in the forefront of his mind over the coming months, he has allowed himself to ponder what it would feel like to call himself and his teammates Olympic champions. 'When we first got together as a team, our long-term goal was always to win the Olympics,' he says. 'We got very close last time and came away disappointed that we didn't get over the line so we put a plan in place for the next four years to go one better and now we know we have the opportunity to do that. 'We've won two world titles to get to this point and we've put ourself in the right place to achieve Olympic gold. It would mean everything to become Olympic champions, and it'd feel like the last eight years has been worth all the blood, sweat and tears.'
The National
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Mouat: We're missing Olympic gold and we're desperate to put it right
It's a standing few athletes can even dream about but for Bruce Mouat and his Team Mouat teammates, it's exactly where they are. 30-year-old Mouat and his teammates of Grant Hardie, Bobby Lammie and Hammy McMillan have, over the past year in particular, established themselves as the standout men's curling team on the planet. Their most recent season, which came to a close at the end of April, was literally history-making. Team Mouat became the first curling team ever to win four Grand Slam of Curling titles in one season and added to that, they became world champions for the second time, reclaiming the title they won in 2023. Bruce Mouat and his team had what he describes as an almost perfect season last season (Image: JUSSI NUKARI/ Getty Images) It's the kind of season even the most optimistic would have been wary about hoping for and Mouat admits even he was taken aback somewhat by his and his teammates ability to continue notching up win after win. 'It's an incredible thing to have people talk about how successful our season was but for us, the season was actually a bit of a blur. We went from event to event and just kept winning,' the skip from Stirling says. 'To keep coming away with titles was just incredible - we were riding this amazing wave of momentum and confidence. We had a bit of a blip at the Scottish Championships (where Team Mouat lost in the final to compatriots, Team Whyte) but apart from that it was pretty close to a perfect season for us. 'We were taking so much self-belief and self-confidence into each game and every tournament, we knew that if we played our best, our chances of winning were pretty high, which is a nice feeling to have.' With his medals from last season safely tucked away in his trophy cabinet, Mouat's sights are now set on filling the one last gap in his résumé. Having won multiple European, World and Grand Slam titles, as well as Olympic silver, the only thing missing from Mouat's CV is Olympic gold. That's something he's hoping to rectify in the very near future. The four members of Team Mouat, plus alternate Kyle Waddell, have become the first athletes selected for Team GB for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which will take place in February of next year. Such early confirmation of the fact they're heading to their second Olympic Games gives Mouat and his teammates the luxury of being able to focus purely on how to be at their best when the most prestigious event in the curling calendar rolls around. Heading into Olympic season as clear favourites for Olympic gold is a high-pressure position in which to be but it's one in which Mouat feels entirely comfortable. 'Being selected this early takes a little bit of the pressure off and gives us seven months of planning to get it right so we can make sure we peak just when we need to,' he says. 'Knowing that we're going to our second Olympics is, in itself, very exciting but we're going there to try and win. Olympic gold is the one thing we're missing so hopefully we can play our best when it matters. 'Having the number one ranking does put a target on your back but it's also nice to know that we have the ability to beat all the teams we play against - that's a comforting feeling. 'We feel fine about the pressure on us. What's a nice feeling is knowing that we have the upper hand mentally because all the other teams know they'll have to play one of their best games ever to beat us - I always like going into games knowing that.' With Team Mouat having won silver in their last Olympic outing, at Beijing 2022, Mouat is determined to go one better this time around and with selection for the mixed doubles at Milan-Cortina alongside Jen Dodds looking likely, he'll be in the unique and fortunate position of having the potential of winning two Olympic gold medals and replicating two of his very earliest Olympic memories. Team Mouat won silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics (Image: Getty Images) 'My first Olympic memory is Dame Kelly Holmes winning her two Olympic golds in 2004. By 2008, I was really into swimming so I remember watching Rebecca Adlington win her two gold medals in the pool,' he says. 'It's amazing to think I could potentially have the same success as they had. Obviously winning two golds is the absolute dream but I know how much work it will take to get to that point. I'm very willing to do the work over the next six months, though, and I am hoping to emulate their achievements and do what I dreamt of as a kid." Mouat has never been one to get ahead of himself but with the prospect of winning Olympic gold certain to be very much be in the forefront of his mind over the coming months, he has allowed himself to ponder what it would feel like to call himself and his teammates Olympic champions. 'When we first got together as a team, our long-term goal was always to win the Olympics,' he says. 'We got very close last time and came away disappointed that we didn't get over the line so we put a plan in place for the next four years to go one better and now we know we have the opportunity to do that. 'We've won two world titles to get to this point and we've put ourself in the right place to achieve Olympic gold. It would mean everything to become Olympic champions, and it'd feel like the last eight years has been worth all the blood, sweat and tears.'
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Russell over Verstappen for Mercedes: Toto Wolff plays down chances of blockbuster move in 2026
George Russell is more likely to stay with Mercedes next year than Max Verstappen is to join, the Formula One team's boss Toto Wolff said on Friday while confirming his interest for the future. Russell indicated on Thursday that Mercedes were talking to Verstappen about a move from Red Bull and suggested that was why an extension to his own contract beyond this season was taking time, although he was confident for the future. 'There is no delay in George's contract negotiations,' Wolff told Sky Sports television at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Russell was fastest in first practice. 'It's pretty clear since a long time what our timings were and are, we've known each other for such a long time and so there is no such thing as a delay.' Wolff said it was a question of trying to understand what time framework Verstappen, a four-time World champion, who is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, was operating under and what his plans were. 'And that could be long into the future,' he added. 'But that has no effect on us putting a signature on George's contract.' Russell said on Thursday that it was normal Mercedes would want to talk to Verstappen. Asked if Russell, whose teammate is 18-year-old Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli, was more likely to be in the Mercedes than Verstappen next year, Wolff replied: 'Yes.' 'What we are trying to do in the team is to be transparent... you can either choose to hold things under wraps or like we have done in the last 10-12 years is put it out there and say 'this is the situation',' said Wolff. 'There is no such thing as saying 'we are going to sign Max'. This is so far away that it is not realistic. With George, we talk about everything.' Speaking to reporters earlier, Wolff said everything was normal and going to plan with Russell's contract talks. He also did not rule out pairing Russell and Verstappen in future, despite their recent public feuding and on track clashes. 'I can imagine every line-up. I had Rosberg and Hamilton fighting for a World championship, so everything else afterwards is easy,' said the Austrian. 'There's pros and cons of having two drivers fighting each other hard. We've seen examples where that functioned and other examples where it didn't.'
Economic Times
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
A lot of admiration for Juhi Chawla while 'nothing' about Priyanka Chopra: Ex-Miss World's blunt comment on two Bollywood actresses
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Former Miss World Yukta Mookhey About Yukta Mookhey More than two decades after winning the Miss World crown in 1999, Yukta Mookhey is still remembered for her regal poise and elegance. But in a rare, candid interview, the former beauty queen peeled back the glamour to talk about what really matters to her—grace, values, and mutual respect among women. While reflecting on her journey, Yukta stirred conversation online with her blunt remark about fellow Miss World winner Priyanka Chopra , who succeeded her in asked if there's anything she admires about Priyanka, Yukta's response was sharp: 'Nothing,' she said, explaining that Chopra is junior to her. She further stated that she guided her on a few things, but refused to further speak about contrast, Yukta was all praise for 1984 Miss India winner Juhi Chawla , calling her the epitome of elegance and humility. She called Juhi 'gracious' and further shared that the actress encouraged her, praised her, and never saw her as a threat and chose to lift her up. That, according to her, was the measure of 'true greatness'. She also appreciated the Darr actress for her grounded nature and deep connection to Indian culture and value Mookhey entered the film industry in 2001 with a special appearance in the Tamil film Poovellam Un Vasam, featuring in a song titled after her. She made her Hindi film debut in 2002 with Pyaasa, opposite Aftab Shivdasani, though the film failed at the box office. She went on to sign projects like Kab Kyon Kahan and Hum Teeno in 2003, both of which were eventually shelved. In 2005, she appeared in Memsahab and Love in Japan. The following year, she featured in the music video Kathputali. In 2010, Mookhey took on a more serious role in the Odia film Swayamsiddha, portraying a Maoist rebel.
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Rising MMA stars: Cape Town youths make their mark in martial arts
Jiyaad Diedericks, right, in action Image: Supplied Two Cape Town youths are making waves across the country and internationally as they compete in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Ismaeel Booley,16, from Ottery, fought in the SA MMA champs held in Durban recently and has been selected to compete in Abu Dhabi next month. Jiyaad Diedericks, 19, from Strandfontein, competed against Rais Hoosain for the VK1 57kg Pro-AM title two weeks ago and was named the champion. The MMA champions are under the wing of Fidaah Edries, a Cape Town sensei, head coach, psychologist and founder of Fightertz MMA and Wellness Academy. 'Jiyaad Diedericks competed against Rais Hoosain for the VK1 57kg Pro-AM title. Jiyaad won in spectacular fashion, winning via technical knockout with a jumping knee, rendering him the champion. "The competition was held on June 14, and Vibrant Sports Club hosted a Boxing and Kickboxing tournament in Grassy Park, where it gave martial arts gyms an opportunity to showcase their top athletes. 'Jiyaad completed matric last year and his goal is to become a World Champion.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Ismaeel Booley with his coach, Fidaah Edries. Image: Supplied Edries said they were also calling on support for Booley, who is set to compete at the World Championships. "He is only 16 years old and he fought in South African official MMA Championships held in Durban this year between June 14 and 16," said Edries. 'He has also entered into the youth Strawweight division (52kgs), there was no one in his weight division. 'He then entered the under 57kg division, with guys 5kgs heavier than him. 'He won two guys in that division and become the official champion of the youth under 57kgs division (Flyweight). 'This makes him the the current official South African Champion in the Youth Strawweight (52kgs) and Flyweight (under 57kgs) champion. 'He was also invited to represent his country at the World MMA Championships this year in Abu Dhabi in July. 'His coaches for Striking and MMA is myself, Jiujitsu: Eddie Manhando, Wrestling: Hayden Abrahams. Jiyaad Diedericks with his coach, Fidaah Edries. Image: Supplied Edries said a Backabuddy fundraiser has become to help raise funds for him. Alia Booley, mother of Booley, said her son is resilient and the sport is shaping him into a strong and confident young man. 'I am very proud of Ismaeel, he has come a long way, I see the hard work that he has put in, day and night,' she said. 'What makes this special is that he is able to achieve his dream, this is his goal. 'We are doing everything possible to support him on this journey. 'We also are grateful to all of his coaches." Diedericks said he started martials arts in order to protect himself and is working hard to compete internationally. "I have been in a situation where I felt helpless, and I never wanted to feel that way again. The moment I started it, I fell in love with the sport, it sparked a passion in me that's only grown stronger ever since," he said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
