Author: Evelyn Haaman

When does the new F1 season start? Full 2025 calendar and test calendar

Australia will host the opening race of the Formula 1 season this year – without any new race on the calendar.

This means that Lewis Hamilton will make his debut for Ferrari in Albert Park in Melbourne, who organized the first race for the last time in 2019 after Cavid paid for the 2020 opener.

Australia will organize the first race of the season on Sunday March 16 – two weeks later than the start date of 2024.

Bahrain has organized the first race of the season since 2021, after pre-season tests on the same track in Sakhir, but moved in April because of Ramadan.

Arabia has also moved in April, China and Japan that has been spending a month in two and three races respectively.

The 24 races season will end in Abu Dhabi on December 7. The British Grand Prix 2025 takes place on July 4 to 6 in Silverstone.

The pre-season tests will remain in Bahrain, two weeks before the first race, with three days of racing from February 26 to 28.

For the second consecutive year, there will be no new races on the calendar. 2026 should be different, however, with Madrid already confirmed as the new house in the Spanish Grand Prix, which means that 2025 could be the last year that Barcelona is hosting an F1 race.

The other changes to the calendar include a triple head in April between Japan-Bahrain-Saudi, while Spain advanced three weeks until the end of May / early June.

Australia will host the first race of the 2025 F1 season (Getty Images)

Belgium and Hungary have also exchanged weekends, Budapest now welcoming the last race before the usual summer holidays.

This year is a four -week gap in autumn, but there will be no such space in the calendar next year, with only a week of rest between Singapore and Austin in October.

2025 F1 entire calendar:

Pre -season test – Bahrain

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir – February 26-28

Round 1 – Australia

Albert Park, Melbourne – March 14-16

Round 2 – China (Sprint Weekend)

Shanghai international circuit – March 21-23

Round 3 – Japan

Suzuka International Racing Race – April 4-6

Round 4 – Bahrain

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir – April 11-13

Round 5 – Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Corniche circuit – April 18-20

Round 6 – Miami (Sprint Weekend)

Miami International Autodrome, Hard Rock Stadium – May 2-4

Round 7 – Emilia Romagne

Imola circuit – May 16-18

Round 8 – Monaco

Monaco circuit – May 23-25

Round 9 – Spain

Barcelona-Catalunya circuit-May 30-June 1

Round 10 – Canada

Gilles Villeneuve circuit, Montreal – June 13-15

Round 11 – Austria

Red Bull Ring, Spielberg – June 27-29

Round 12 – Great Britain

Silverstone circuit – July 4-6

Round 13 – Belgium (Sprint Weekend)

Spa-Francorchamps circuit-July 25-27

Round 14 – Hungary

Hungaroring, Budapest – August 1-3

Round 15 – Netherlands

Zandvoort circuit – August 29-31

Round 16 – Italy

Monza circuit – September 5-7

Round 17 – Azerbaijan

City of the city of Baku – September 19-21

Round 18 – Singapore

Marina Bay Street Circuit – October 3-5

Round 19 – United States (Sprint Weekend)

Circuit of the Americas, Austin – October 17-19

Round 20 – Mexico

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico – October 24-26

Round 21 – Brazil (Sprint Weekend)

Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo – November 7-9

Round 22 – Las Vegas

Street circuit of Las Vegas – November 20-22

Round 23 – Qatar (Sprint Weekend)

International Lusail circuit, Lusail – November 28-30

Round 24 – Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina circuit – December 5-7

February 19, 2025
Why the Olympic gold medalist Gretchen Walsh is 2024 Tennessean sportsman of the year

Right in a sock and slipped carefully inside a drawer in Charlottesville, in Virginia by Gretchen Walsh, is four pieces of metal that weigh 6,428 pounds combined.

The 6,428 pounds of metal include the four medals – two gold and two silver – the native of Nashville won at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The 6,428 pounds of metal are a great reason why Walsh, a graduate of Harpeth Hall and Senior of the University of Virginia, is the Tennessean sportsman of the year 2024.

The 6,428 pounds of metal are not the best travel companions.

Sister, sister: Alex, Gretchen Walsh has gone from floating in Nashville pools at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

MORE: How Polly Linden helped build the swimmers of Harpeth Hall in Olympic contenders

MORE: He was the first Olympic gold medalist in Tennessee – and he did it 100 years ago in Paris

“I didn’t want to bring them home with me because they are really heavy, and they also stop me by TSA because they look very suspect on the X -ray machine,” said Walsh , which won gold in the 400 Relaying Medley and 400 mixtures and silver relays in the 100 butterfly and 400 free relay. “It’s this big black circle and it’s not warm and friendly, let’s just say that.”

Walsh broke the world record in 100 butterflies in June during American Olympic tests in Indianapolis and in the 400 swimming relays mixed in Paris.

Walsh added seven other gold medals to the world short-term world championships earlier this month in Budapest, where she broke the world records 11 times more, including nine in individual events.

It’s 14 times, she broke world records.

Fourteen.

Without forgetting, she – with her older sister, Alex – helped Virginia to her fourth consecutive NCAA team championship in March. Gretchen won seven events there.

“I don’t wear them often,” said Walsh about his Olympic medals. “From time to time, I come out of the sock. I like to try to remember:” Oh, my God. It really happened, and it was I who did that. “”

“How is it going at the moment?”

Gretchen Walsh was, from all things, halfway up during a warming between his free semi-final and the final of the 100 Mixed Swimming on August 3 when the most heartbreaking moment shone in front of his eyes.

She had just looked at Alex winning the bronze medal in the 200 individual swimming.

She was looking forward to “going to give her a big hug”.

This big hug for his sister, who led halfway through the racing and entered the fastest qualification time, turned out to be more for comfort than celebration.

“I saw this, as, the Red square appears on the screen, and it was next to the name of Alex,” said Gretchen. “It was the symbol of disqualification. It was really heartbreaking. First of all, I was in shock, like:” How is it going at the moment? “”

Gretchen Walsh: Olympics Swimming Record Holder in Paris 2024 with Sister Alex what know

Alex, who won Silver during the Tokyo 2022 games event, had made an illegal backstroke transition to Breassroke.

Gretchen “didn’t know what to do.”

What she did was to show her courage by helping the mixed relay to gain gold, establishing a world record in the process.

“She certainly thought about it,” said Gretchen about her sister. “I think she has accepted it, but it will always be there, so it’s sad. The relay on which I was, I wanted to swim for it and do it in honor of Alex. I wanted to make her proud. “”

“ Seeing them brought all kinds of emotions ”

The most precious memory of Gretchen Walsh of the Paris Games is not rooted to a gold record or a world record, but following a scary defeat.

Walsh was the favorite towards the 100 butterflies final, fresh out of an Olympic record time in the semi-finals. She finished second, 0.04 seconds behind her American teammate Torri Huske.

.04 seconds.

“I was not super happy to have obtained the second,” said Gretchen. “I was the world’s favorite to get the first.”

After winning a victory tour with Huske and standing next to her on the podium, Walsh spotted her parents, Glynis and Robert, in the stands.

“Once I saw them, I completely broke down and I realized that there was no reason why I was upset about it,” she said. “It was the greatest moment in my swimming career and seeing them brought all kinds of emotions.

“I really moved away from this victory tour, this medal ceremony being proud of myself and I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to represent my country and show myself that I am able to realize my greatest dream of all time. “

“No one really cares about what you did during the summer”

Eight years ago, at the age of 13, Gretchen Walsh was the youngest competitor of the American Olympic trials. Three years ago, she failed to go to Tokyo. This year, she is a double Olympic gold medalist.

It has not finished either.

Walsh said she planned to swim at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, if she qualified.

For the moment, however, she tries to be as “normal” a college student as she can. Trying, with her sister, to help Virginia win another national championship.

“I feel like I’m going back to school was super humiliating,” said Walsh. “As, in class, no one really cares about what you have done during the summer. In many ways, I am treated normally at school.”

Outside the classroom may be different.

“It’s weird, because people certainly recognize that I may be a little celebrity on campus, which is so crazy,” said Walsh.

Breakout (I don’t know how to format them for the web and / or printing)

One year to remember

The victories of Gretchen Walsh in 2024

Olympic Games

400 swim relays (gold); Relay mixed 400 swimming (gold); 100 butterflies (money; world record broken during American Olympic tests), 400 free relays (money)

Short lesson in the world

50 free (2 world records); 100 free; 50 butterfly (2 WR); 100 butterfly (3 WR); 100 individual mixture (2 WR); 400 free relay (1 WR); 400 four -swim relays (1 WR).

NCAA Championships

50 free; 100 free; 100 butterfly; 200 free relays; 400 free relay; 200 relays four swimming; 400 Quatre swims; Team title.

Paul Skrbina is a journalist from the sports company covering predators, titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for Tennessean. Join it at pskrbina@tennessan.com and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) @PaULSKRBINA. Follow his work here.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: why Gretchen Walsh is 2024 Tennessean sportsman of the year

February 19, 2025
Barcelona monitors four attackers as potential attack reinforcements for the summer

Barcelona monitors four attackers as potential attack reinforcements for the summer

Barcelona was undoubtedly the best attack team in Europe this season, many thanks to the productivity of their trio before – Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

While Raphinha and Yamal seem to be long -term attack prospects for Barcelona, there are concerns that are preparing in Lewandowski.

Even if Barcelona is ready to extend the post of the post for another year, there is a lot of anxiety that the team has no appropriate long -term replacement for the player.

At the same time, the Blaugrana Also hope to add a new left winger to the team to further strengthen their attack list.

Barcelona looking at four attackers across Europe

To this end, a recent report of Mundo Deportivo suggests that Barcelona already follows at least four attackers across Europe, while the search for attacker strengthening intensifies.

The first of these four attackers is Liverpool Winger Luiz Diaz – The favorite option of the club to strengthen the left flank.

The attacker is well considered because of his ability to find himself in score situations, when he would have `dreams ” to play for Barcelona, which makes it a viable option.

Apart from Diaz, Barça also follows Alexander Isakwhich is very well rated in the camp because of his skills and elegance.

Isak is one of the players of the Barcelona radar (Photo by Michael Redan / Getty Images)

Isak is a much younger option for Barcelona but just as effective as Swedish has been phenomenal since he joined Newcastle United.

Although the Magpies refused to put Isak on the market, the conservation of the attacker’s services could be difficult next summer given the way he marked in the Premier League.

The third player on the list is Rafael LeaoWho is a personal favorite of the President of Barcelona, Joan Laporta.

Leao has been a coherent interpreter for Milan in recent years, with a history of 67 goals and 57 assists.

Rafael Leao remains on Barcelona radar. (Photo by Marco Luzzani / Getty Images)

Barcelona has been linked to a move for Leao for some time now. And given his longevity in Milan, the coming summer could be a timely moment for the player to try a new adventure elsewhere.

The last player on this list is none other than Nico Williamswhich was closely linked to a move to Catalonia last summer.

It seems that Barça always keeps an eye on the athletics club forward, which has not played at the same level as last season, but remains one of the most talented wingers in La Liga.

The addition of Nico to the attack of Barcelona, in general, could considerably increase the depth and quality of the club – which makes it an unstoppable force in Europe.

February 19, 2025
This Tiger Woods TGL shot was “one of the most embarrassing things that happen”

Before even hitting the blow, Jupiter connects the Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim teammates questioned the choice of the Tiger Woods.

During the simple game of the TGL match on Tuesday evening between Jupiter Links and the New York Golf Club, Woods struck his second blow on a par-4. He asked Kisner and Kim for a meter, and they answered 99. Woods took it literally, but he needed to add a 1 in front.

“He doesn’t have enough club,” said Kisner just before Woods hit the blow. “What is he doing?

“He has a corner,” said Kisner, while Woods hit a perfect corner that resulted in a perfect lay-up.

More: Tiger Woods uncertain when he returns to Pga Tour, did not “ thought of golf ”

“What are you doing?” Said Kim, laughing uncontrollable. “It’s 199,” added Kisner.

“You said 99 yards,” said Tiger with a confused look at his face. “You said 99.”

While Woods returned to the bench of his team, Kisner and Kim were folded in laughter. They even jokingly asked: “Can we have a Mulligan?”

Marty Smith of ESPN then came and asked Woods: “What just happened?”

“I caught my 56 and I hit him 100 meters,” replied Tiger.

The misunderstanding was a microcosm of the night for Jupiter Links, who lost 10-3 against the New York Golf Club. But the moment was also the highest point of the match.

“It was one of the most embarrassing things that happened,” said Woods after the match. “I can’t believe it has just happened.”

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Tiger Woods TGL has shot one of its most embarrassing golf times

February 19, 2025
“ REALS TO Dundee, but the season of the roller coasters shows no sign of slowdown ”

[BBC]

The feeling of relief of Aberdeen supporters was palpable from the top of Dundee’s law to Tay when the donations won a championship match for the first time in three months in Dens Park.

Topi Keskinen’s decisive objective was worthy of winning any match, anywhere. The huge support for visiting Bob Shankly also had a perfect view, because the Finn rocket whistled in front of Jon McCracken in the goal of Dundee. At this time of quality, you could see why the board of directors of Aberdeen sanctioned the large transfer costs to Later Keskinen in summer.

Jimmy Thelin hopes that the long -awaited victory will launch his Première season with a visit to Kilmarnock to come on Saturday.

There were a lot of positive points so that the manager withdraws victory with the winter arrivals Alexander Jensen, Mats Knoester and Kristers Tobers all impressive while the donations stopped their league sequence without record victory at 14.

Throughout the storm that had swallowed up the club during these 14 games, Thelin remained calm both on the touchline and in front of the microphones and it will be personally relieved that things seem to move in the right direction after sealing A place in the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup the previous Sunday.

The team also recorded successive victories for the first time since he beat Dundee United and the Rangers in the days of October Halcyon.

It is quite remarkable that, despite the expectation of 99 days for a first victory, Aberdeen came from the weekend in third place and with everything to play.

There are seven games to make up to the split with nine teams that are realistically fighting it for the four upper half -places that remain available and the donations face four of the last six current at the top of the 33 -game bar.

Fans of donations have led the roller coaster all season and that shows no signs of slowdown.

[BBC]

February 19, 2025
Carlos Sainz names her four contenders for the F1 title – and Lewis Hamilton is ignored

Carlos Sainz opted against the name Lewis Hamilton among his choices for the F1 title of 2025.

Hamilton replaced Sainz in Ferrari for the 2025 season after 12 years and six titles with Mercedes, while the Spanish pilot opted for a long -term project in Williams.

With Sainz who fights against the first 10 instead of podiums this year, the 30 -year -old was invited by Spanish Motorsport Outlet Somotor Who are his contenders for the title of this year’s pilots.

Questioned between the reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, Lando Norris of McLaren and Charles Leclerc de Ferrari, Sainz replied: “I think it will be between these first three that you said.

“If Mercedes made a good car, I would put [George] Russell too. I think it is a very good level. Any of them can fight this year. »»

Last week, during the launch of Williams cars in 2025 in Silverstone, Sainz admitted that the chances of Ferrari of a first pilot title in 18 years had increased only with the arrival of Hamilton. Kimi Raikkonen was the last Scuderia champion, back in the recruit of Hamilton in 2007.

“I have never been teammates with Lewis, so I don’t know what he is able to do, I have never seen his data,” said Sainz.

“I saw Charles [Leclerc] And I know how good Charles is, but I have never been teammates with Lewis. And the only way you can more or less assess a driver is when you are their teammate and you see what they are able to do.

“When I judge by the results and its history and what he has accomplished, I can only say that there is very great chances that he is obviously competitive in Ferrari.

Carlos Sainz was replaced in Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton (Getty Images)

“But like everything, everything will depend on how you can adapt to a car, how much you can adapt to a team and when your teammate is.

“There are so many variables that it is impossible for me to predict.

“I can only say when I left Ferrari, I felt that the team – Ferrari and Charles – were ready to fight for a world championship. And with Lewis joining, this chance only increased. »»

Ferrari launches his 2025 car on Wednesday in Fiorano, a day from Hamilton and Leclerc appearing in Ferrari Colors during the launch event of the season at Haut October, F1 75 Live, at the O2 Arena in London.

The 2025 F1 season begins on March 16 in Australia, with pre-season tests in Bahrain which take place next week, February 26-28.

February 19, 2025
“ Emotional ” Tiger Woods returns to golf after the death of her mother because the Jupiter ties suffer from loss

Tiger Woods’ TGL match against the Boston Common on January 27 was the last time his mother watched him in competition. – Mike Ehrmann / TGL / Getty Images

Tiger Woods returned to competition on Tuesday, two weeks after the death of his mother, while Jupiter Links Golf Club lost 10-3 against the New York Golf Club in the TGL.

The major winner at 15 times, who founded the partial partial league alongside Rory McILroy, was released alongside the 16 -year -old son Charlie before the event at the Sofi Center, where Kultida Woods watched her son play for the last time January 27.

Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational last week, telling Scott Van de l’Espn before Tuesday’s TGL event that he always worked through his emotions.

“It’s a process,” he said. “It was the last time she watched me play, so it was a bit emotional to come here tonight.

“(Cadressates) Kis (Kevin Kisner) and TK (Tom Kim), they made me huge hugs.”

Woods also thought about the support of her mother for her career in golf: “She was a hard woman. Very disciplined, very hard. She was very direct on her feelings, her emotions – she would make you know anyway.

“But she has always been so favorable to what I am there and that I played. It was incredible.

Kultida Woods died on February 4 – Sam Greenwood / Getty Images

Jupiter experienced difficulties on Tuesday, New York, collected three points on the first three holes – more than the team had succeeded during its first two combined games.

From this moment, Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick and Cameron Young never looked back, stretching New York’s advance at 8-0 after eight holes while the first goal of New York Mets, Pete Alonso and the Legend of Yankees, CC Sabathia, watched from the stands.

The 9th and 10th holes saw Jupiter back up three points, but a mixture for Woods on Hole 13 summed up the team’s game.

After a starting blow left Woods at 199 yards of the hole, Caddy Rob McNamara told him “99”, dropping the first issue as is often the case when the Caddies feel that the footage is obvious.

Woods then chose a corner and struck his next 99 yards shot – 100 shy target shy – inciting Kisner and Kim to die for laughter.

“I heard 99 yards, and so I went there and I hit him 100 meters,” smiles Woods thereafter. “One of the most embarrassing moments of my golf career has just happened!”

It is unlikely that Jupiter will be easier for Jupiter in his next event, with the team that should face the Bay Golf Club, which is undefeated and leads the League on February 25.

New York is the next in action against Los Angeles on February 24.

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February 19, 2025
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are the masterpiece of Novak Djokovic, but his long quest made him human

Medal table | Olympic calendar | How to look | Olympic news

Novak Djokovic winning his first Olympic gold medal on Sunday was a double surprise. First of all, he was not a shoo-in to win, although he was the goat of tennis in simple male. The 37 -year -old man, who spent much of the year to face knee problems, faced Carlos Alcaraz, the 21 -year -old Spanish phenomenon who beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final last month .

The second surprise was his intensely emotional reaction to victory. When he scored the final point, he let out a powerful howl, raising his arms to the sky and dropping his racket. This is normal for the course for Djokovic. But it was after he went to greet Alcaraz with the net that his emotions began to settle. He fell on his knees on the red clay then rested on his elbows, his head buried in his hands and his chest lifting with emotion.

After a few moments, he switched to his lap and raised his hands to the sky. Sobbing, he made the sign of the cross. Djokovic was then taken to the stands, where he immediately caught his young daughter while his wife, son and team surrounded him in a huge hug. He had finally fulfilled his dream.

At this point, even the most relaxed tennis fans saw Djokovic winning a tournament. He collapses on the ground, he jumps and shouts, he kisses his family and his team. It’s not by heart, but it’s a routine. He has won all the Grand Colam several times. He has the record for most of the Men’s Grand Chelem victories in the history of tennis and is equal to Margaret short for the record of all time (24).

This is why his answer was so unexpected. After winning bronze in 2008 at the age of 21, then finished fourth in 2012 and 2021, he Really wanted to gain gold. And it was like the first time in a long time that he was ready to let the world see part of him that is not perfect and composed. He wanted something, failed, had to fight for that and finally got out in mind. It is one of the most human stories that are.

The place of Djokovic in the history of tennis, and all that he accomplished is what makes his response so resonant and so touching. The Olympic Games do not matter for tennis (nor the ranking points of the WTA or ATP for the Games), but the Olympic Games count for him. It was not only another cut in his Grand Chelem belt. He wanted to win the gold medal for himself and Serbia.

He has almost lost it several times. There were moments that you could almost feel that the desperate carelessness just hiding under the surface, ready to unbalance it. He shouted in his box, accusing them of staying silent and not to help him when he needed it. He looked at Alcaraz in perplexity, shaking his head every time he transformed one of the winners of Djokovic into his own winner.

But Djokovic has never broken. He never panicked. He has never abandoned. Faced with a 21 -year -old man at the very beginning of what has already been an exciting and accomplished career, the 37 -year -old went to each lesson he has ever learned in tennis, each experience he had Acquired, each endurance ounce that he could bring together. Beating Alcaraz was not only tennis on the ground. It was about his mind. Which player could better resist pressure?

Sunday was Djokovic. The crowd was slightly tilted to Alcaraz, but it was clear that they wanted to be entertained by great tennis more than anything else. Djokovic did not always obtain a full support for Roland Garros, but the crowd was 100% behind him when the last point was marked. They rugged in appreciation and celebration while the greatest male tennis player of all time finally realized his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.

At that time, there was no tomorrow. No thought of his next tournament, or the United States, or his knee injury, or even Carlos Alcaraz. There was just Djokovic, crumpled on the red clay, doing what thousands of Olympians around the world have done before him: crying with joy, shouting excitement, shouting with pride, desperate to kiss people who Aid every day on his trip on his trip.

There are a lot of djokovic moments that will live in memory. But that, his Olympic gold medal at the end of his career, will be out of competition in 10, 20, 30 years. It represents so much the spirit of tennis and the true nature of dedication and commitment. But that also represents so much Djokovic: for a man who has always been dedicated to being the aberrant value, the exception, the different, his most touching moment came when he simply let his real emotions shine and let them take.

February 19, 2025
Rudiger to replace Camavonga | The predicted range of Real Madrid against Manchester City

Rudiger to replace Camavonga | The predicted range of Real Madrid against Manchester City

After an exciting first step at the Etihad stadium last week, Real Madrid and Manchester City lock the horns of Santiago Bernabeu in their decision -makers in the Champions League Sharginations.

The hosts will go to the game as a favorite with an advance of 3-2 on their side, although we consider the record of Pep Guardiola against them as well as the quality of the city, it will be a game that begins with the Visitors having a great chance to progress nevertheless nevertheless.

Los Blancos was reinforced by the returns of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez, who all missed the first step. That said, here is an overview of the potential starting eleven of the team at home.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Courtois should keep its place between the sticks in front of Andriy Lunin.

Return – Federico Valverde

Although he did the team, Vazquez is not entirely in good shape, so Valverde should play on the right back.

Central rear – Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger is undoubtedly the best defender of Real Madrid and will make a quick return to the starting eleven at the heart of the bottom line.

Rear center – raul asencio

ASENCIO has been brilliant in recent weeks and having become essential in the four rear, it is likely to associate itself with Rudiger in central defense.

Rear left – Ferland Mendy

Mendy rested on weekends against Osasuna after being presented in the first stage last week, so that he can also return to the left back for the return match.

Defensive military – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni could return to his favorite role at number 6 with Rudiger Fit to play in the central back, replacing Eduardo Camavonga in the process.

Right midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Although he will play an idiot role, Bellingham will move like the right midfielder on paper while he is trying to reproduce the superlative performance last week.

Mid -Terrain left – Dani Ceballos

Ceballos did not appear against Osasuna after a laborious performance in the first leg, in which he also helped the first equalizer of the team. He will be back in the starting eleven for Real Madrid once again.

Right winger – Rodrygo goes

Rodrygo has scored three goals and provided a decisive pass in his last three meetings against Man City in Bernabeu. He will start again on the right flank because he hopes to improve his incredible record against them.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe was on the target in the last three games for Real Madrid in all competitions and will also be nailed to Starter for this evening match.

Left winger – Vinicius Junior

The Madrid Big Game superstar, Vinicius, will play on the left wing when it still seems decisive in the Champions League after a man in the Etihad match in the first stage.

February 19, 2025
Yusra Mardini and the power of sport in the “following steps” of the new era of Syria

Yusra Mardini went up on a plane in Germany for the holidays overwhelmed by emotion. The news had just filtered Syria with the overthrow of the longtime dictator of the Bashar al-Assad country.

Joy and relief were welcomed by hesitation, a reluctance to really celebrate. The former Olympic swimmer of the Olympic refugee team (ROT) would sit with her thoughts for the next 10 hours, unable to access the Internet to really understand the extent of such a historic moment.

Now living in Los Angeles, Mardini has been survived for almost 10 years has survived a treacherous crossing of the Aegean Sea in a rubber canoe alongside her sister Sara, successfully escaping her country torn apart by war. Mardini’s birth history allowed him to survive.

The engine of the boat began to fail at only 30 minutes after the departure of Turkey and with 20 people piled up in a space designed for only six, Mardini and his sister chose to sacrifice their own safety. By jumping in the free date, they swam for three hours to reduce the prospect of the caps of the boat before finally reaching Lesbos, in Greece.

Bombs landing around her house in Darayya on the outskirts of Damascus, her miraculous resolution journey ended with her which finally reached Germany in the hope of a better life. This quickly materialized in the form of two appearances at the Olympic Games, in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. Her story would later be told in the film Netflix Swimmers.

“The last thing I saw before flying is that half of Syria was released,” said Mardini The independentAfter having quickly forgotten his exams at the USC before attending the world swimming championships this month in Budapest.

“It was the longest flight of my life, there was no internet on the plane, I didn’t know anything, but when I landed, I saw it, Syria is free from the diet ASSAD. I was in total shock. It is deeply rooted, the fear of this diet. I thought: “What if he comes back?” And “Is it real?”

“I didn’t want to risk my family’s life in Syria. It was intense. But I made, slowly, it’s real and that happens and I was very happy. »»

Mardini for a heat of 100 m of butterfly at the Tokyo Olympic Games (Sugimoto / Aflo / Shutterstock)

Nathalie Issa played Yusra Mardini in the film “The Swimmers” (Laura Radford / Netflix)

The immediate future is uncertain, the priorities dispersed. The leader of the group of insurgents Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, who led the movement to force Assad to power, promised to court those who imprisoned, tortured and killed dissident votes under the regime.

Mardini is also in conflict on the next steps. She has major projects for her Yusra Mardini foundation, but she is clever enough to realize that there is a need for patience.

His passion for swimming and the capacity of the sport to inspire can wait. She hesitates on several occasions during our conversation during the discussion of her country’s potential, returning to the urgent need to contribute to undernourished Syrians and to provide fundamental human rights, or simply the right to a dream.

“The fear of this regime and everything they have done to the people is deeply rooted, we have never lost hope in what we deserve: human rights, the right to dream, just for being human , like anyone, ”she says. “It was incredible to see the Syrians come together, we know that we are not able to build an incredible country, but we want to try to heal, build houses from zero. Be able to be there for each other.

“I think that the Syrians are frustrated, everyone tries to discover what is going on, the next steps, but we are so traumatized, we have so many problems, people online for bread, there are still people In mourning, people who are not part of houses.

Yusra Mardini hopes for the new era of Syria (Getty)

Yusra and Sarah Mardini pose during a prize ceremony (AFP via Getty)

“I don’t think we are ready for another regime, it will take a while to trust a government. Actions speak more than words. But for the moment, we have to focus on the humanitarian side of it, to help the Syrians and give them shelter to feel safe again.

“”[What we ultimately want is] Very simple: a country and a government that respect human rights and understand that people want freedom, peace and dignity. »»

The 26 -year -old is now withdrawn from the swimming pool, after participating in the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly. Inspired by her friend, the legendary American swimmer Katie Ledecky, Mardini attended the games in Paris this summer, covering the sport as an expert for Eurosport to the defense Arena, where two of the Rot 37 record athletes, Alaa Maso and morning Bulssini, competed, competed, competed, compensated, contributed, contributed, Alaa Maso and morning Burgini, competed. .

“It took me a few years for not having won a gold medal, because it was my dream,” adds Mardini, now in peace with his way being to make a difference. However, the upgraded situation of the house raises the question: would it come out of retirement to represent Syria?

“The representation of Syria now represents its people,” explains Mardini. “I don’t think I would care who is the government, I would like to represent my people anyway. But I am retired. Will I get out of retirement? I doubt it, but if I ever do it, I would like to represent my country and swim for Syria. »»

Her future, she hopes, will understand both a return to Syria when the opportunity arises, and her studies at the school of cinematographic arts, where she specializes in cinematographic and televised production, with an eye on obtaining the diploma in 2026.

And although there are more urgent things to do in Syria when celebrations calm down, Mardini maintains sport can play a crucial role in what promises to be “a new era” for the country.

“I don’t know when I come back,” admits Mardini. “It will depend on the fact that Syria is in peace and quieter. I want to try to support with education and sport lessons, with the foundation, with the self -esteem of children or adults, and help them psychologically. Either professionally or for fun, both can help. I want to go back as soon as possible.

The Olympic refugee team during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (Getty)

“There is a lot of work to do, I sometimes wonder how I can give sports lessons if they don’t even have a house?” But I speak to humanitarian workers, they say that they like all types of normality. If they have sport and education, it helps to build their future and take the next steps.

“For me, it was always swimming, no matter where I was in the world. Even if I was in a tent, I still thought about it, my next goal and I went to the Olympic Games. Sport and education can change lives and that has changed mine, so why not help and give these opportunities to other refugees and Syrians when I turn there? »»

February 19, 2025