CHRIS NAUMOFF, one of "Australia's rising stars, has been forced into premature retirement at the age of 21 due to a heart condition." The former Sydney FC attacker had "recently signed a three-year deal with Spanish Segunda Division club Numancia." A medical assessment "revealed an abnormality in his heart and the club released a statement to say he would be unable to continue his career" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 7/4). ... All Blacks veteran LIAM MESSAM "missed out on representing New Zealand in the rugby sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics." Messam "was omitted from the NZ men's sevens squad." Fellow All Black regular in recent years SONNY BILL WILLIAMS "was named in the squad of 12." Williams' sister NIALL WILLIAMS "was named in the women's squad" (STUFF, 7/3). ... DIMITRI MASCARENHAS “never played Test Cricket,” but the former England all-rounder has been “appointed coach” of the Cricket Australia U16 side that will compete at the national U17 championships to be held in Brisbane in September and October. It is “a coup for CA,” given Mascarenhas earlier this year ended a year-long stint as New Zealand’s bowling coach (SMH, 7/4). ... BBC gymnastics commentator MITCH FENNER has died aged 70. Fenner, who had been commentating on gymnastics for the BBC since ’79, and every Olympic Games since ’84, “had been seriously ill with cancer.” He “acted as a consultant to the Dutch gymnastics squad” from ’10 and took over as head coach two years later (BBC, 7/4).
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| Usain Bolt |
INJURY SCARE: Six-time Olympic Gold Medalist USAIN BOLT "suffered an injury scare ahead of Rio after tearing a hamstring at Jamaica's Olympic trials." Bolt, 29, "sustained the grade-one tear during the first round of the 100m and withdrew after winning his semi-final." He "is still expected to defend his 100 and 200m titles as Jamaica's selection policy allows medical exemptions." Bolt "will seek treatment immediately" and is aiming to return for the London Anniversary Games on July 22 (BBC, 7/2).
PERSONAL REASONS: Racing's co-chief stipendiary steward ROSS NEAL "resigned for personal reasons and to pursue other interests." The Racing Integrity Unit "confirmed the resignation of Neal, whose personal life had been in the public spotlight." In May, it was revealed he was with Harness Racing New Zealand employee LYN O'CONNELL in a Christchurch motel in February "when she suffered a heart attack." Her husband, BLAIR O'CONNELL, a Motukarara breeder and trainer, in May "called for Neal to resign." In a statement Neal, who has been in the role for eight years, said that "he had chosen to resign" (STUFF, 7/4).
