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Paris Olympics: Athletics to feature custom purple track
Italian firm Mondo will supply this summer’s Paris Olympics with a custom purple track which could be the fastest yet for athletes hunting the biggest prizes in sport.
Based in the sleepy Piedmont town of Alba which is immersed in vineyards where the grapes for the world-famous Barolo wine ripen in the sun, Mondo first made the track for the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
For Paris — its 13th Olympics — it has devised the Mondotrack EB that will host 46 of 48 athletics events of the Games at the Stade de France.
The biggest stars in athletics such as reigning women’s world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson will strive for Olympic glory on its surface.
Mondo claim the track delivers better performance than the one used at the Covid-delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where three world records were broken, including the men’s and women’s 400m hurdles marks set by Karsten Warholm and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone respectively.
“We have changed the design of the cells on the lower layer of the track compared to the one used in Tokyo,” Maurizio Stroppiana, vice-president of Mondo’s sports division and son of one of the two founders, told AFP.
“That reduces the energy loss for athletes and sends it back up to them at the best possible point of their movement.”
However, research and development manager Andrea Marenghi says that Mondo cannot “do whatever we want” with the composition of the track.
“There are very strict criteria set by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) because the most important thing is to safeguard the health of the athlete and not impair their technique,” says Marenghi.
“Athletes are more high-performance than ever, and the track doesn’t give anything that they don’t already have.”
The Paris track will be a striking purple rather than the traditional terracotta.
Marenghi told AFP that the two new shades — one for the competition areas and another for the technical areas — will only be used for the Games in the French capital.
“We wanted to have an original colour,” said former decathlete Alain Blondel, the head of athletics and para-athletics events at the Paris Olympics.
“The two shades of purple allow for maximum contrast when TV pictures are being shot, highlighting the athletes.”
Despite being purple the track, which in all measures 21,000 square metres, will also be more “green” than usual as it is made with more natural components than ever before.
“Up to 50 percent of the components of the track are either renewable to recycled… we were at just over 30 percent for London 2012,” says Mondo’s sustainability and innovation chief Giorgio Lesage.
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BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria
In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.
Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.
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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win
Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.
Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.
Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice
Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.
Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.
According to the manager:
“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”
Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.
Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens
And Rice isn’t the only concern.
Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.
Arteta put it bluntly:
“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”
Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”
January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind
Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.
“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”
In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.
Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off
Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.
“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”
Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.
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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again
Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.
With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.
Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books
The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:
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226 international caps
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143 goals for Portugal
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A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals
Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.
“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes
Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:
“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”
Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.
He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.
Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:
“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”
Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:
“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”
Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.
So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?
If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.
And with CR7, you can never say never.
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