Olympic triathlon mixed relay gets underway with swims in the Seine amid water quality concerns
Organizers on Sunday night made the decision to hold the event Monday morning with swimming legs in the Seine
Organizers said tests showed water quality at the triathlon site would be within the limits mandated by World Triathlon
Updated 05 August 2024
AP
PARIS: Olympic triathletes plunged into the Seine River Monday morning as the mixed relay event got underway after days of uncertainty over water quality in the long-polluted Paris waterway.
The plan to hold the swimming portion of the triathlons and the marathon swimming events in the Seine was an ambitious one. Swimming in the river has, with some exceptions, been off-limits since 1923 because it has been too toxic.
Representatives from World Triathlon and the International Olympic Committee along with Paris Games organizers and regional and weather authorities met Sunday night to review water tests. The results indicated the water quality at the triathlon site had improved over the preceding hours and would be within the limits mandated by World Triathlon by Monday morning, they said in a statement.
The decision to allow the event to go forward with swims in the Seine came after Belgium’s Olympic committee announced Sunday that it would withdraw its team from the mixed relay triathlon after one of its competitors who swam in the river last week fell ill. It was not clear whether her illness had anything to do with her swim in the Seine.
Paris spent 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) on infrastructure improvements to clean up the river that flows through its center. That included the construction of a giant basin to capture excess rainwater and keep wastewater from flowing into the river, renovating sewer infrastructure and upgrading wastewater treatment plants.
Heavy rains that have fallen off and on during the Games have caused headaches for organizers as they result in elevated levels of fecal bacteria, including E. coli and enterococci, flowing into the river.
But organizers have continued to express confidence that warm temperatures and the sun’s ultraviolet rays would combine to kill enough of the germs ahead of each event set to include a swim in the Seine.
Athletes swam in the river for the men’s and women’s individual triathlons Wednesday, though the men’s race had been delayed by a day because of the water quality. Elevated bacteria levels in the waterway have caused cancelations of the swimming portion of training sessions for the relay event.
Daily water quality tests measure levels of the fecal bacteria, including E. coli. World Triathlon’s water safety guidelines and a 2006 European Union directive assign qualitative values to a range of E. coli levels.
Under World Triathlon’s guidelines, E. coli levels up to 1,000 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters can be considered “good” and can allow competitions to go forward.
The triathlon mixed relay involves four-person teams made up of two men and two women, with each athlete swimming for 300 meters (yards), cycling for 6.8 kilometers and running for 2 kilometers.
Leveling Up: Abu Dhabi’s video game scene powering the knowledge economy
The Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) – Abu Dhabi shares his views on how the gaming industry is proving to be a powerful catalyst for technological progress and innovation
Updated 59 min 45 sec ago
Mohamed Khalifa Al-Mubarak
ABU DHABI: In a dynamic landscape where innovation is paramount, Abu Dhabi is staking its claim. As the emirate navigates the shifting tides of the knowledge economy, the video game industry is emerging as a transformative force, proving to be a powerful catalyst for progress and innovation.
With the potential to redefine entertainment, education, and technology, gaming presents a unique opportunity for Abu Dhabi to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and digitized world.
To put it bluntly, gaming is the future and Abu Dhabi has a major role to play in making this future a reality. By staying ahead of the curve, we will attract global talent to the emirate whilst creating new career paths for aspiring local talent to realize their dreams.
Next phase of the knowledge economy
As the global gaming industry became mainstream, Abu Dhabi was right there beside it. This growth dates to Ubisoft’s arrival in the UAE capital in 2010. As data began to show the speed at which the Middle East’s gaming market was growing, more companies took advantage of this growth by settling in Abu Dhabi.
The industry is now thriving and growing at pace, with highly skilled jobs being created that encompass the latest trends in game development technology such as AI, machine learning and game analytics.
Each year, we push the boundaries of learning and development even further. We have started 2025 strong by hosting Global Game Jam, the world's largest game jam event, which takes place simultaneously around the globe. One of the locations this year was Berklee in Manarat Al Saadiyat hosted by Abu Dhabi Gaming, where game developers and enthusiast had 48 hours to develop and showcase their projects in a safe and welcoming environment.
Mohamed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. (Supplied)
Every initiative matters, as Abu Dhabi leads the way in driving forward the growth of the knowledge-based economy.
With revenues forecast to rise from $455 billion in 2024 to $625 billion by 2028, the global gaming industry continues to grow at a healthy rate, with the UAE and its legions of tech-savvy gamers now accounting for 30 percent of revenue in the MENA region.
Recognizing the creative potential of the gaming industry at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), we’ve actively pursued strategies to leverage its power. This involved adopting a comprehensive approach with three key pillars: developing the local talent pipeline and creating a second home for the global talent pool; bringing a healthy mix of game developers to Abu Dhabi and supporting the local home-grown development studios; engaging with the esports and gaming community across the globe.
We can point to immense progress on all three of the strategy’s pillars.
Talent development
Establishing a robust talent development pipeline stands as one of our top priorities, and we are making significant strides in this regard. Our initial move involved forging more than a decade-long partnership with Unity Technologies to enhance the skill set of our workforce. With its Middle East and Africa headquarters based in Abu Dhabi, San Francisco’s Unity is a leader in the industry, powering 80 percent of mobile games globally. Undertaking Unity training enhances employability prospects significantly and helps keep early-career talent in Abu Dhabi.
Bringing game developers to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is now home to more than 80 video game companies, the largest such community in the region. These companies and organizations, such as MY.Games, Sperasoft and Ninjas In Pyjamas, are drawn to Abu Dhabi by its reputation for delivering results. Last year, leading esports company NIP Group entered into a five-year term gaming subsidy agreement with DCT Abu Dhabi, with an aim to elevate its presence in the region.
Facilitating this growth is Abu Dhabi Gaming, serving as a vital connector within our community. Through initiatives like internship events, Abu Dhabi Gaming matches students with companies, streamlining the process for founders who can conduct multiple interviews in a single evening.
In the words of the late Steve Jobs, “Real artists ship.”, as in, deliver their products. Innovation has the potential to yield incredible results, but action is essential to realize its full potential – and Abu Dhabi Gaming is our channel for action in gaming.
Esports
Esports events pack arenas and have huge global viewership – over 540 million people worldwide by the latest estimates. At the local level, these big-tent events activate the gaming community by creating occasions that draw gamers together – which then paves the way for the success of further community gatherings such as Gaming4Good and the Yas Gaming Festival.
Increasingly, Abu Dhabi-based esports teams are making their mark on the global stage. Take, for example, Nigma Galaxy, a mainly Arab Dota 2 team that clinched a world championship title ahead of setting up their HQ in Abu Dhabi. With a support team comprising of a psychologist, strategist and analysts, they exemplify the professionalism in esports. Additionally, local talent like Amjad Al Shalabi, also known as AngryBird, emerged victorious at the 2023 EVO (Street Fighter) world championship in Las Vegas. We are also seeing a surge in the number of esports academies across the emirate to bring rising local stars to the forefront of competitive gaming.
Recognizing the growth opportunities the emirate has to offer, more teams are establishing themselves in Abu Dhabi: the emirate is poised to become a leading regional hub for esports, fostering heightened competition levels as teams train local gamers, and a burgeoning fan base as tournaments highlight local venues.
The future is ours
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is for Abu Dhabi Gaming to be a key player on the global stage. We believe it is important to tell more stories about the region through gaming, akin to how Dynasty Warriors presents Chinese imperial history. This is starting to happen. For instance, Ubisoft's team collaborated with multiple museums and historians covering Islamic art, architecture and history to ensure the authenticity of Assassin’s Creed Mirage’s portrayal of medieval Baghdad, highlighting its historical significance as a center of science and mathematics during that period.
In years to come we will witness more local success stories in game development. These energies are bubbling up at companies like Kashkool Games. Founded by three Emirati brothers, they have been working on their game called Sheba: A New Dawn for years and are now under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Gaming. The game was successfully published last year, and they are already working on their second title with an increased focus in showcasing Emirati culture and preserving heritage.
AI is also an essential consideration as we move forward. AI and machine learning can transform games so that every time you play, the game is different. The monster around the corner this time won’t be the same monster as last time. Speech can be crafted so that every interaction is unique for every player. Developing games using AI technology is a skillset that needs to be leveraged and one for which the demand is only going to grow.
The opportunity in front of us is endless. Here in Abu Dhabi we are harnessing the power of creation, welcoming the dreamers and creating a world class ecosystem for the gaming industry.
Kevin Durant becomes the 8th player in NBA history to score 30,000 points
The 36-year-old Phoenix Suns forward was also recently voted to his 15th All-Star team
Durant is a four-time NBA scoring champion and remains one of the league’s elite shot makers in his 17th NBA season
Updated 12 February 2025
AP
PHOENIX: Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, hitting the mark against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night with a free throw late in the third quarter.
The 36-year-old Phoenix Suns forward, who recently was voted to his 15th All-Star team, joins LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki and Wilt Chamberlain in the 30,000-point club. Julius Erving also hit the mark when combining his points scored in the NBA and ABA.
Durant is a four-time NBA scoring champion and remains one of the league’s elite shot makers in his 17th NBA season. He’s averaging about 27 points per game while shooting 52 percent from the field.
Durant scored 17,566 points over his first nine seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were the Seattle SuperSonics during his first season in 2007-08. He’s also played for the Golden State Warriors (5,374 points), Brooklyn Nets (3,744) and the Suns (3,324).
Durant finished with 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting in the Suns’ 119-112 loss.
Australia’s Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
Chief selector says Australia has a range of options to shape the playing XI, depending on the opposition
While Cummins and Hazlewood suffer from injuries, Mitchell Starc has withdrawn for personal reasons
Updated 12 February 2025
AFP
SYDNEY: Australia’s bid to win the Champions Trophy was dealt a major setback Wednesday with their formidable pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood all ruled out.
Cummins (ankle) and Hazlewood (side and calf) were always unlikely to play, but Starc has also withdrawn for personal reasons.
Steve Smith will captain the team after standing in for Cummins during their two-Test thrashing of Sri Lanka this month.
The 15-man squad is also without all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who retired from the 50-over game last week, and Mitchell Marsh who was previously omitted with a back issue.
“The squad has changed significantly over the past month on the back of some untimely injuries and the retirement of Marcus Stoinis,” said chief selector George Bailey.
“The upside of that is that we have been able to call on players who have had international exposure and success over the past 12 months.
“A strong core of some of our most experienced players will provide a strong foundation in our attempt to win this edition of the Champions Trophy,” he added.
“We have a range of options to shape the playing XI within the tournament depending on the opposition and conditions we face.”
Starc was the only member of the “Big Three” fast bowling attack to play all seven Tests against India and Sri Lanka across the current Australian summer.
Bailey said he respected Starc’s decision, with the reasons for his withdrawal to remain private.
“Mitch is deeply respected for his commitment to international cricket and the priority he places on performing for Australia,” he said.
“His loss is of course a blow for the Champions Trophy campaign but does provide an opportunity to someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”
Starc will also miss the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo later Wednesday.
The loss of Australia’s long-time pace attack has opened the door for the likes of Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis.
Aaron Hardie takes over as the seaming all-rounder while emerging leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha was included to complement Adam Zampa.
The eight-nation Champions Trophy, between February 19 and March 9, will be played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
Gauff dumped out of Qatar Open by Kostyuk, Rybakina prospers
Chinese seventh seed Zheng Qinwen joined Gauff in crashing out, beaten 6-4, 6-2 by Ons Jabeur
Jasmine Paolini, last year’s French Open and Wimbledon runner-up, also made a winning start to her campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 victory against Caroline Garcia in the second round
Updated 12 February 2025
AFP
DOHA: Coco Gauff suffered a surprise early exit from the Qatar Open on Tuesday with a straight-sets defeat by Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, while Elena Rybakina eased into the last 16.
Former US Open champion Gauff blew a healthy advantage in the second set as Kostyuk sealed a 6-2, 7-5 victory and a third-round meeting with the winner of an all-Polish tie between Magda Linette and Magdalena Frech.
“Coco is an incredible fighter,” Kostyuk said. “We always have incredible matches. I tried to stick to what I had to do.”
Gauff, playing for the first time since a quarterfinal loss to Paula Badosa at the Australian Open on Jan. 21, served seven double-faults and made 39 unforced errors in an erratic display.
The American made a terrible start, slipping 4-1 behind after dropping her serve twice.
Gauff was broken again in the eighth game as Kostyuk secured the first set in just half an hour.
The world No. 3 hit back with a break en route to a 4-2 lead in the second set as she started to find her rhythm.
But Kostyuk battled back, taking advantage of an error-strewn Gauff performance which ended when she served two double-faults to be broken for the fifth time.
“The double-faults made it easier for me... I’m very happy that it ended in two sets,” Kostyuk told BeIN Sports.
Rybakina, who lost to eventual winner Belinda Bencic in the Abu Dhabi semifinals last week, saw off Payton Stearns in her opening match.
The fifth seed cruised to a 6-2, 6-4 win despite a late wobble to set up a third-round tie against Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova who beat Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.
Rybakina led 5-0 in the second set but missed three match points to take it 6-0 and then briefly fell apart as Stearns dragged the set back on serve.
The former Wimbledon champion belatedly got over the line on her fifth match point.
Chinese seventh seed Zheng Qinwen joined Gauff in crashing out, though, beaten 6-4, 6-2 by Ons Jabeur.
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur claimed her first win against a top-10 opponent since last year’s Madrid Open after struggling with injury.
The Tunisian will next face 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
Jasmine Paolini, last year’s French Open and Wimbledon runner-up, also made a winning start to her campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 victory against Caroline Garcia in the second round.
American sixth seed Jessica Pegula negotiated a tricky second-round match, battling past Elina Svitolina 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).
Czech youngster Linda Noskova earned a last-16 tie against three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva.
Fresh off a World Series win, the Los Angeles Dodgers look even more formidable in 2025
The defending World Series champions went through a light workout on Tuesday and most of their stars were on the field, including NL MVP Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts
Los Angeles open against Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19 and are trying to become the first team to win back-to-back World Series since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000
Updated 12 February 2025
AP
GLENDALE, Arizona: Yoshinobu Yamamoto let loose a few fastballs and some nasty breaking balls during a bullpen session while manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior stood a few steps to each side of the pitcher, smiling as the ball popped into the mitt of catcher Will Smith.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were in a pretty good mood as spring training began at Camelback Ranch.
The defending World Series champions went through a light workout on Tuesday and most of their stars were on the field, including NL MVP Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. Left-hander Clayton Kershaw played catch, a sign that the three-time Cy Young Award winner is returning for his 18th season.
“Everyone’s more hungry than ever,” third baseman Max Muncy said.
Muncy said he’s been in Arizona for the past 1 1/2 weeks, coming to the Dodgers facility early to get in defensive work with Betts and Miguel Rojas. It’s been a short offseason: The Dodgers hoisted the World Series trophy barely three months ago after beating the New York Yankees in five games.
Betts said the quick turnaround presents challenges, but they’re good problems to have.
“It’s definitely tough, but we didn’t win last year because we were talking about the World Series every day,” Betts said. “We won last year because we talked about the task at hand every day.
“We have an end goal, of course, but you have to take stepping stones to get there. We’ll get there when we get there.”
Los Angeles open against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18-19 and are trying to become the first team to win back-to-back World Series since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000. The Dodgers’ owners spent to sign two-time All-Star Blake Snell, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki and relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates.
“Talent will take you to a certain place,” Rojas said. “But then the character will make you win championships. We realized that last year.”
Ohtani didn’t pitch last year following elbow surgery and is recovering from a partially torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, an injury sustained while sliding into second base during the World Series.
Even without pitching, Ohtani won MVP last season after becoming the first MLB player to hit 50 homers and have 50 stolen bases in the same season. Now he’ll try to return to the mound, where he was 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels.
Roberts said at the team’s fan fest on Feb. 2 that a May return to the mound is “about right.” The manager also said Ohtani’s recovery from the offseason shoulder surgery was encouraging.
“He looks really strong,” Roberts said. “I saw some videos recently and you just wouldn’t think that there was any shoulder surgery this past winter.”
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last week that some fans were concerned about the sport’s lack of a salary cap, mostly because of the big spending of teams like the Dodgers and New York Mets.
Muncy says the team welcomes the attention — positive or negative.
“It’s just the nature of Dodger Stadium, our fans, the scene,” Muncy said. “We go on the road, our fans travel so well that we’re selling out every stadium we go to and that was even before the last couple years.”
