NATALIA MOLCHANOVA, the Russian woman considered "one of the greatest" freedivers of all time, "is feared dead after she failed to surface after a dive in the Mediterranean." She was diving without fins to a planned depth of 35 meters (115ft) near La Savina port on Formentera, "a small island south of Ibiza, where it is feared she may have encountered a strong underwater current." Molchanova, 53, holds 41 world records in freediving -- diving without breathing apparatus -- "and can hold her breath for nine minutes" (London GUARDIAN, 8/5). ... Three days ahead of former ManU player ERIC CANTONA’s Channel swim, huge images of him "have been beamed across the White Cliffs of Dover." Cantona
"is completing the 25-mile France to England swim as part of a beer
promotion -- and to big him up further, the larger than life images of
him in his swimwear dominated the Kent coastline" (YAHOO SPORTS, 8/3). ... Major League Soccer club L.A. Galaxy player STEVEN GERRARD will be the "star attraction" for BT Sport when its Champions League coverage kicks off later this year. He "will make regular transatlantic flights from his new home" in L.A. to be part of the broadcaster's new European shows this season. He was only expected to "take part in BT Sport broadcasts during the MLS off-season." He reportedly "will make the long trip home for the Champions League group stages, despite broadcasts taking place during the MLS season" (London DAILY MAIL, 8/4). ... Australian cricketer JAMES FAULKNER has been banned from getting behind the wheel for two years and fined £10,000 ($15,600) after he admitted "drink-driving." The 25-year-old, who is currently playing for Lancashire, "was nearly three times over the legal limit when his Toyota car hit the back of a BMW 3 Series vehicle in West Didsbury, Manchester" (PA, 8/5). ... Arsenal shareholder ALISHER USMANOV believes the club's move to the Emirates cost Manager ARSENE WENGER "the best years of his career." The Emirates cost close to £400M to build, with the board "reluctant to spend money on new players as the debt involved in building their new home was paid off." Usmanov: "Arsene had a very, very difficult position when club shareholders didn't want to put their money into constructing the new stadium" (London DAILY MIRROR, 8/5).
TRUE TO HER WORD: UFC fighter RONDA ROUSEY has "gifted the UFC championship belt she won for her 34-second demolition" of Brazilian BETHE CORREIA on Sunday morning to a judo school and social project in Rio de Janeiro. Rousey visited Instituto Reacao, owned by Olympic Bronze Medalist FLAVIO CANTO, which will be the "permanent home of the prize" for her seventh title defense in the organization. The 28-year-old Olympic judo Bronze Medalist has "now been good to her word that she would leave the belt in 'a special place' in Brazil if, as expected, she defeated Correia in her home town" (DAILY MAIL, 8/5).
