I’m no longer a kid at Newcastle — Ameobi

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Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

Sammy Ameobi has targeted more opportunities in Newcastle United’s first team in 2013 and he is determined to help fire the club back towards the UEFA Champions League.

The 20-year-old forward has made just 11 appearances for the St James’ Park club this season and five of those have come in the Europa League.

But Ameobi, who made his first-team debut in May 2011, would like to force his way into manager Alan Pardew’s starting XI plans on a regular basis.

“I want to be playing a lot more football,” he told Sky Sports when speaking at the Need for Speed Most Wanted Pro Player tournament ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Queens Park Rangers.

“I feel like I am passed the stage where I am the new kid on the block. I want to start making a difference.”

It will not be a simple task for Ameobi when facing competition for attacking places from the likes of star striker Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, older brother Shola Ameobi, fellow winger Hatem Ben Arfa and the versatile Jonas Gutierrez.

However, Ameobi is also developing his game by educating himself on the performances of his more experienced club-mates.

“It keeps you on your toes, really,” said Ameobi, who sees himself as a winger, when asked about Newcastle’s attacking options.

“It is never easy getting into the first team, especially with the great players we have. There is no slacking.

“It is a case of watching and learning from players in your position. I am still learning the game and I am looking forward to continuing to do that.”

Newcastle will likely need all of their squad to play a part in the second half of the season as they bid to rescue a disappointing 2012/13 which had started with dreams of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.

After last season’s impressive fifth-placed finish, targets of the Champions League were not out of the question but the Tyneside club currently find themselves in 15th position with just 17 points from 17 games after a run of six defeats in seven matches.

But when questioned whether the players were still up for the challenge, Ameobi replied: “Of course. Obviously we were unfortunate not to get anything out of last weekend’s Manchester City game.

“But there were positives to take out of the game. We took that into training and through the week and hopefully we can come out and get a win against QPR.

“We looked like we were going to come back and get at least a point against City but left it a bit too late. That is the story of Newcastle, I think.

“We have just left it too late to get back into the game. We have been playing some good football but just need to do that at 0-0.

“Obviously everyone wants to be on the front foot from kick-off and I think that is something we have lacked over the last few weeks. Hopefully we will get back on track.”

Newcastle’s slump has coincided with owner Mike Ashley’s decision at the end of September to give Pardew a staggering eight-year contract.

The club have averaged just 0.75 points-per-game since then, losing seven games and conceding 20 goals in the process, but Pardew still has the full backing of his players.

“Especially for me as a young lad, he is all about encouragement,” said Ameobi. “He keeps me going and keeps the boys working hard.

“He will never say a bad thing about us. Encouragement is the thing we need at the moment, because we are not doing too well.”

Critics have suggested Newcastle’s domestic struggles are due to their participation in the Europa League, which has meant they have already played 26 games in all competitions.

They will renew their continental campaign in February when taking on Metalist Kharkiv in the last 32, having been drawn against the Ukraine club in Thursday’s draw for the knockout stages.

But Ameobi is relishing the chance to play in Europe, as he said: “I have really enjoyed it. It gives more opportunities to young boys like me and people on the fringes.

“We need experience as young boys. It is something we can take on.

“The style of play is not as quick as the Premier League but it is maybe more technical. It is not easy at all but the pace is not as high intensity.

“For me, it is a stepping stone, as it is for a lot of the young players. I am enjoying every bit of it.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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I’m no longer a kid at Newcastle — Ameobi

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Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

Sammy Ameobi has targeted more opportunities in Newcastle United’s first team in 2013 and he is determined to help fire the club back towards the UEFA Champions League.

The 20-year-old forward has made just 11 appearances for the St James’ Park club this season and five of those have come in the Europa League.

But Ameobi, who made his first-team debut in May 2011, would like to force his way into manager Alan Pardew’s starting XI plans on a regular basis.

“I want to be playing a lot more football,” he told Sky Sports when speaking at the Need for Speed Most Wanted Pro Player tournament ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Queens Park Rangers.

“I feel like I am passed the stage where I am the new kid on the block. I want to start making a difference.”

It will not be a simple task for Ameobi when facing competition for attacking places from the likes of star striker Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, older brother Shola Ameobi, fellow winger Hatem Ben Arfa and the versatile Jonas Gutierrez.

However, Ameobi is also developing his game by educating himself on the performances of his more experienced club-mates.

“It keeps you on your toes, really,” said Ameobi, who sees himself as a winger, when asked about Newcastle’s attacking options.

“It is never easy getting into the first team, especially with the great players we have. There is no slacking.

“It is a case of watching and learning from players in your position. I am still learning the game and I am looking forward to continuing to do that.”

Newcastle will likely need all of their squad to play a part in the second half of the season as they bid to rescue a disappointing 2012/13 which had started with dreams of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.

After last season’s impressive fifth-placed finish, targets of the Champions League were not out of the question but the Tyneside club currently find themselves in 15th position with just 17 points from 17 games after a run of six defeats in seven matches.

But when questioned whether the players were still up for the challenge, Ameobi replied: “Of course. Obviously we were unfortunate not to get anything out of last weekend’s Manchester City game.

“But there were positives to take out of the game. We took that into training and through the week and hopefully we can come out and get a win against QPR.

“We looked like we were going to come back and get at least a point against City but left it a bit too late. That is the story of Newcastle, I think.

“We have just left it too late to get back into the game. We have been playing some good football but just need to do that at 0-0.

“Obviously everyone wants to be on the front foot from kick-off and I think that is something we have lacked over the last few weeks. Hopefully we will get back on track.”

Newcastle’s slump has coincided with owner Mike Ashley’s decision at the end of September to give Pardew a staggering eight-year contract.

The club have averaged just 0.75 points-per-game since then, losing seven games and conceding 20 goals in the process, but Pardew still has the full backing of his players.

“Especially for me as a young lad, he is all about encouragement,” said Ameobi. “He keeps me going and keeps the boys working hard.

“He will never say a bad thing about us. Encouragement is the thing we need at the moment, because we are not doing too well.”

Critics have suggested Newcastle’s domestic struggles are due to their participation in the Europa League, which has meant they have already played 26 games in all competitions.

They will renew their continental campaign in February when taking on Metalist Kharkiv in the last 32, having been drawn against the Ukraine club in Thursday’s draw for the knockout stages.

But Ameobi is relishing the chance to play in Europe, as he said: “I have really enjoyed it. It gives more opportunities to young boys like me and people on the fringes.

“We need experience as young boys. It is something we can take on.

“The style of play is not as quick as the Premier League but it is maybe more technical. It is not easy at all but the pace is not as high intensity.

“For me, it is a stepping stone, as it is for a lot of the young players. I am enjoying every bit of it.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Sportsmen and women who dazzled in 2012

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Read Time:10 Minute, 30 Second

The year 2012 saw several stars in different sports exhibiting amazing displays and making their marks along the way. ’TANA AIYEJINA brings to you some of these major stars who held the world spell-bound

Usain Bolt (Jamaica)

This year was a special one for Jamaican Bolt. He retained his 100m and 200m Olympic titles shrugging off his rival and close friend Yohan Blake in both races. Blake had beaten Bolt prior to the Olympics, setting up a potentially explosive Olympic confrontation.

But Bolt once again weaved his magic, outwitting his training partner in both races as well as also retaining the 4×100m gold medal with the Jamaican team.

Serena Williams (USA)

The Williams sisters have dominated women’s tennis in recent times but this year Serena was the star of the two. She won the most WTA titles for any player this year, and won Wimbledon for the fifth time, the US Open the fourth time, taking her total Grand Slam titles to 15. At only 31, she still has a few years at the top of the women’s game, and was recently described by John McEnroe as the greatest female tennis player in history, which is a heck of a recommendation.

Williams also won the Wimbledon doubles with her sister Venus, but she capped a wonderful year with two gold medals at the 2012 Olympics; one alongside her sister in the doubles and the other in the women’s singles event demolishing Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 in the final.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

There is no doubt about who the best footballer on earth is. Messi is the quintessential modern day footballer, no doubt about that too.

However in 2012, the Argentine’s performances have been astronomical; it’s been a record-breaking year for the player. He made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the first player to score five goals in one match and also matched José Altafini’s record of 14 goals in a single Champions League season.

Messi also emerged as the first player to top-score in four successive Champions League campaigns; he set the world record for most goals scored in a season during the 2011/12 season with 73 goals.

He surpassed German Gerd Müller’s record of 85 goals scored in a calendar year in 1972. He now has 90 goals with matches still to be played in 2012.

 Nicola Adams (Great Britain)

Take it or leave it, Nicola Adams has etched her name in the record books. She is the first ever female boxing gold medalist at the Olympics, a feat she achieved in London. Her rise to World No.2 in the Flyweight division, behind current world champion Ren Cancan, has made her a favourite for the amateur title in 2014, after her comprehensive defeat of the World No.1 in the 2012 Olympic final.

Are Feyisetan (Nigeria)

Nigerians would rather forget the 2012 Olympics in a hurry but they are still relishing the country’s feat at the Paralympics, no thanks to the powertlifting team coached by Are Feyisetan.

The lifters powered the country to six gold, five silver and one bronze medals under the guidance of Feyisetan, himself an ex-Paralympian in the sport.

He was recently named as The Coach of The Year at the Nigerian Sports Awards held in Lagos.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

With Euro 2012 and the Olympics both taking place over the summer, it was a big year for soccer—and in particular, for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is one of football’s biggest stars at the moment, but this year was an especially spectacular one for him. He hit the 100-goal mark in La Liga in March—in just three seasons with Real Madrid and averaging just over a goal per game in the process. In May, he also established himself as the only player—ever—to score against every team in the league.

At Euro 2012, he led Portugal to the semifinals, where they fell to eventual champions Spain but his most memorable moment at the tournament was his header against the Czech Republic which gave Portugal a crucial 1-0 win. He also scored twice against the Netherlands earlier in the tournament, helping his team to erase a 2-0 deficit and advance to the quarterfinals.

Roger Federer (Switzerland)

Switzerland’s tennis legend Roger Federer was phenomenal, winning his seventh Wimbledon title and equaling Pete Sampras’ the record with Pete Sampras for most wins.

Not many people thought Federer could win a seventh Wimbledon title this year but the master of the grass courts proved everybody wrong, taking down Andy Murray en route to his 76th career title.

In an epic-battle to the finish, the 30-year-old beat Great Britain’s hopeful Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 at the All England Club in London in July.

Alex Morgan (USA)

The US women’s soccer team are known to churn out amazing talents year-in-year-out and in 2012 it was Alex Morgan who took centre stage.

The Americans defeated Japan to win the gold medal in the women’s football at the London Olympics, exacting revenge for their loss to the Asians in the 2011 World Cup final. There were plenty of star moments along the way, and one of the biggest ones belonged to Morgan, who scored the game-winning goal in extra time in the semi-final against Canada to send the US to the final.

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)

McIlroy is already touted as the next Tiger Woods after recovering from a poor start to win the PGA Championship with a dominating performance.

He became a household name in 2011, when he dominated the rest of the field at the U.S. Open, winning by a whopping eight shots and setting a tournament record with a collective score of 268.

But  McIlroy struggled throughout much of 2012: he tied for 40th at the Masters, he missed the cut at The Players Championship, he missed the cut at the U.S. Open and he tied for 60th at the British Open.

But he ended all that with a touch of genius on the way to capturing the PGA Championship.

Tao Zheng (China)

Despite only able to use his legs, Chinese swimmer Zheng was one of the star attractions at the Paralympics, winning a gold, silver and two bronze medals. The highlight of his performance was when he set the 100m backstroke S6 world record in 1:13.56.

Jessica Ennis (Great Britain)

One of the most difficult medals to win in sports is in heptathlon. It consists of seven sports: 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin throw and 800m.

Ennis has been a force in the sport but after an injury-forced absence from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, she knew London was the right setting for her to win the gold.

 At the 2012 Olympics, she was under severe pressure to perform, appearing in almost every advert of the Olympics.

Ennis didn’t disappoint as she led from the first day, running the fastest ever 100m hurdles in heptathlon, before winning the final event-800m- and winning gold. In winning gold, she became the British record holder in Heptathlon with a score of 6,955 points.

Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain)

The man with the sideburns became the first British man to win Tour de France after the country’s 99th attempt.

Wiggins became the only man in history to win Paris-Nice, the Tour de Romandie, the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France in a single season. He also won a gold medal at London 2012 in the Time Trial event, becoming the most decorated British Olympian of all time. Furthermore, he is the only cyclist in history to win both a gold medal and Tour de France in the same year. This remarkable year meant that Wiggins won the Velo d’Or trophy for Best Rider of The Year and more importantly earned him fourth place on this list.

David Weir (Great Britain)

It’s been an unforgettable year for the man with arms the size of most people’s legs. Born unable to use his limb

Born unable to use his legs, Weir chose to become an athlete from childhood. He has won the London Marathon for wheelchair-bound participants six times since 2002, including this year.

But his most outstanding moment of the year was at the Paralympics, where he won a remarkable four gold medals. The powerful athlete won the T54 categories of the 800m, 1500m, 5000m and marathon.

Michael Phelps (USA)

Some say fishes look at him with envy. Really, hardly does a sport witness the dominance exhibited by Phelps in swimming.

The highlight of the 2012 Olympics was definitely Phelps. Competing in his last games, Phelps etched his name in the history books as the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals. After winning eight gold medals four years ago in Beijing, he still managed four gold and two silver medals in six events in London to become the greatest athlete in Olympics’ 116-year history.

Phelps also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (18), Olympic gold medals in individual events (11) and Olympic medals in individual events for a male (13).

David Rudisha (Kenya)

It’s been a year of award after award for Kenyan Rudisha after the 800m Olympic champion and world record holder’s feat in London, where he was the only athlete to break a world in the track events.

The Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year Award stormed to the finishing line in an amazing world record time of 1:40.91 in what was acclaimed “The Greatest 800 Meter Race Ever”. The 22-year-old became the first runner to break the 1:41 barrier for 800m.

Rudisha also became the first reigning 800m world champion to win Olympic gold at that distance. Sebastian Coe, organiser of the London Olympics described Rudisha’s feat thus, “It was the performance of the Games, not just of track and field but of the Games.”

Ye Shiwen (China)

Youngster Ye won gold medals in the 400m and 200m individual medley, setting the world record in the 400m event and the Olympic record in the 200m event.

The 16-year-old superstar started swimming at age six and was in the Chinese national team by 2008 when she was 12.

Due to her startling performance, she was accused of using drugs but The British Olympic Association stated that Ye had passed drug tests and “deserved recognition for her talent.”

 Iker Casillas (Spain)

This year was a big one for Spain’s national football team- they won three major international tournaments in a row. Spain won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, and with another Euro title in 2012, it had the chance it became the first team ever to accomplish the feat.

And Spain had captain Iker Casillas to thank. The formidable goaltender was almost invincible as La Roja and Casillas made history.

Casillas earned his 100th international win, becoming the first player to do so. He also set a new record for the most consecutive minutes without allowing a goal (817).

Andy Murray (Scotland)

Tennis player, Murray got his chance this year and he grabbed it with both hands. He had been regarded as tennis’ nearly man after finishing as runner-up in four previous singles Grand Slam finals: the 2008 US Open, the 2010 Australian Open, the 2011 Australian Open, and 2012 Wimbledon, losing three of these to Roger Federer and one to Novak Djokovic.

But at the 2012 US Open, he became the first British player since 1977, and the first British man since 1936, to win a Grand Slam singles tournament, when he defeated Djokovic in five sets. It makes him the only British man to become a Grand Slam champion during the Open Era.

At the Olympic Games, Murray defeated Federer in straight sets to win the gold medal in men’s singles, becoming the first British champion in over 100 years to do so. He also won a silver medal in the mixed doubles. He is the only man to win the Olympic gold and the US Open back-to-back.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Sportsmen and women who dazzled in 2012

0 0
Read Time:10 Minute, 30 Second

The year 2012 saw several stars in different sports exhibiting amazing displays and making their marks along the way. ’TANA AIYEJINA brings to you some of these major stars who held the world spell-bound

Usain Bolt (Jamaica)

This year was a special one for Jamaican Bolt. He retained his 100m and 200m Olympic titles shrugging off his rival and close friend Yohan Blake in both races. Blake had beaten Bolt prior to the Olympics, setting up a potentially explosive Olympic confrontation.

But Bolt once again weaved his magic, outwitting his training partner in both races as well as also retaining the 4×100m gold medal with the Jamaican team.

Serena Williams (USA)

The Williams sisters have dominated women’s tennis in recent times but this year Serena was the star of the two. She won the most WTA titles for any player this year, and won Wimbledon for the fifth time, the US Open the fourth time, taking her total Grand Slam titles to 15. At only 31, she still has a few years at the top of the women’s game, and was recently described by John McEnroe as the greatest female tennis player in history, which is a heck of a recommendation.

Williams also won the Wimbledon doubles with her sister Venus, but she capped a wonderful year with two gold medals at the 2012 Olympics; one alongside her sister in the doubles and the other in the women’s singles event demolishing Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 in the final.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

There is no doubt about who the best footballer on earth is. Messi is the quintessential modern day footballer, no doubt about that too.

However in 2012, the Argentine’s performances have been astronomical; it’s been a record-breaking year for the player. He made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the first player to score five goals in one match and also matched José Altafini’s record of 14 goals in a single Champions League season.

Messi also emerged as the first player to top-score in four successive Champions League campaigns; he set the world record for most goals scored in a season during the 2011/12 season with 73 goals.

He surpassed German Gerd Müller’s record of 85 goals scored in a calendar year in 1972. He now has 90 goals with matches still to be played in 2012.

 Nicola Adams (Great Britain)

Take it or leave it, Nicola Adams has etched her name in the record books. She is the first ever female boxing gold medalist at the Olympics, a feat she achieved in London. Her rise to World No.2 in the Flyweight division, behind current world champion Ren Cancan, has made her a favourite for the amateur title in 2014, after her comprehensive defeat of the World No.1 in the 2012 Olympic final.

Are Feyisetan (Nigeria)

Nigerians would rather forget the 2012 Olympics in a hurry but they are still relishing the country’s feat at the Paralympics, no thanks to the powertlifting team coached by Are Feyisetan.

The lifters powered the country to six gold, five silver and one bronze medals under the guidance of Feyisetan, himself an ex-Paralympian in the sport.

He was recently named as The Coach of The Year at the Nigerian Sports Awards held in Lagos.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

With Euro 2012 and the Olympics both taking place over the summer, it was a big year for soccer—and in particular, for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is one of football’s biggest stars at the moment, but this year was an especially spectacular one for him. He hit the 100-goal mark in La Liga in March—in just three seasons with Real Madrid and averaging just over a goal per game in the process. In May, he also established himself as the only player—ever—to score against every team in the league.

At Euro 2012, he led Portugal to the semifinals, where they fell to eventual champions Spain but his most memorable moment at the tournament was his header against the Czech Republic which gave Portugal a crucial 1-0 win. He also scored twice against the Netherlands earlier in the tournament, helping his team to erase a 2-0 deficit and advance to the quarterfinals.

Roger Federer (Switzerland)

Switzerland’s tennis legend Roger Federer was phenomenal, winning his seventh Wimbledon title and equaling Pete Sampras’ the record with Pete Sampras for most wins.

Not many people thought Federer could win a seventh Wimbledon title this year but the master of the grass courts proved everybody wrong, taking down Andy Murray en route to his 76th career title.

In an epic-battle to the finish, the 30-year-old beat Great Britain’s hopeful Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 at the All England Club in London in July.

Alex Morgan (USA)

The US women’s soccer team are known to churn out amazing talents year-in-year-out and in 2012 it was Alex Morgan who took centre stage.

The Americans defeated Japan to win the gold medal in the women’s football at the London Olympics, exacting revenge for their loss to the Asians in the 2011 World Cup final. There were plenty of star moments along the way, and one of the biggest ones belonged to Morgan, who scored the game-winning goal in extra time in the semi-final against Canada to send the US to the final.

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)

McIlroy is already touted as the next Tiger Woods after recovering from a poor start to win the PGA Championship with a dominating performance.

He became a household name in 2011, when he dominated the rest of the field at the U.S. Open, winning by a whopping eight shots and setting a tournament record with a collective score of 268.

But  McIlroy struggled throughout much of 2012: he tied for 40th at the Masters, he missed the cut at The Players Championship, he missed the cut at the U.S. Open and he tied for 60th at the British Open.

But he ended all that with a touch of genius on the way to capturing the PGA Championship.

Tao Zheng (China)

Despite only able to use his legs, Chinese swimmer Zheng was one of the star attractions at the Paralympics, winning a gold, silver and two bronze medals. The highlight of his performance was when he set the 100m backstroke S6 world record in 1:13.56.

Jessica Ennis (Great Britain)

One of the most difficult medals to win in sports is in heptathlon. It consists of seven sports: 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m, long jump, javelin throw and 800m.

Ennis has been a force in the sport but after an injury-forced absence from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, she knew London was the right setting for her to win the gold.

 At the 2012 Olympics, she was under severe pressure to perform, appearing in almost every advert of the Olympics.

Ennis didn’t disappoint as she led from the first day, running the fastest ever 100m hurdles in heptathlon, before winning the final event-800m- and winning gold. In winning gold, she became the British record holder in Heptathlon with a score of 6,955 points.

Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain)

The man with the sideburns became the first British man to win Tour de France after the country’s 99th attempt.

Wiggins became the only man in history to win Paris-Nice, the Tour de Romandie, the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France in a single season. He also won a gold medal at London 2012 in the Time Trial event, becoming the most decorated British Olympian of all time. Furthermore, he is the only cyclist in history to win both a gold medal and Tour de France in the same year. This remarkable year meant that Wiggins won the Velo d’Or trophy for Best Rider of The Year and more importantly earned him fourth place on this list.

David Weir (Great Britain)

It’s been an unforgettable year for the man with arms the size of most people’s legs. Born unable to use his limb

Born unable to use his legs, Weir chose to become an athlete from childhood. He has won the London Marathon for wheelchair-bound participants six times since 2002, including this year.

But his most outstanding moment of the year was at the Paralympics, where he won a remarkable four gold medals. The powerful athlete won the T54 categories of the 800m, 1500m, 5000m and marathon.

Michael Phelps (USA)

Some say fishes look at him with envy. Really, hardly does a sport witness the dominance exhibited by Phelps in swimming.

The highlight of the 2012 Olympics was definitely Phelps. Competing in his last games, Phelps etched his name in the history books as the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals. After winning eight gold medals four years ago in Beijing, he still managed four gold and two silver medals in six events in London to become the greatest athlete in Olympics’ 116-year history.

Phelps also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (18), Olympic gold medals in individual events (11) and Olympic medals in individual events for a male (13).

David Rudisha (Kenya)

It’s been a year of award after award for Kenyan Rudisha after the 800m Olympic champion and world record holder’s feat in London, where he was the only athlete to break a world in the track events.

The Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year Award stormed to the finishing line in an amazing world record time of 1:40.91 in what was acclaimed “The Greatest 800 Meter Race Ever”. The 22-year-old became the first runner to break the 1:41 barrier for 800m.

Rudisha also became the first reigning 800m world champion to win Olympic gold at that distance. Sebastian Coe, organiser of the London Olympics described Rudisha’s feat thus, “It was the performance of the Games, not just of track and field but of the Games.”

Ye Shiwen (China)

Youngster Ye won gold medals in the 400m and 200m individual medley, setting the world record in the 400m event and the Olympic record in the 200m event.

The 16-year-old superstar started swimming at age six and was in the Chinese national team by 2008 when she was 12.

Due to her startling performance, she was accused of using drugs but The British Olympic Association stated that Ye had passed drug tests and “deserved recognition for her talent.”

 Iker Casillas (Spain)

This year was a big one for Spain’s national football team- they won three major international tournaments in a row. Spain won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, and with another Euro title in 2012, it had the chance it became the first team ever to accomplish the feat.

And Spain had captain Iker Casillas to thank. The formidable goaltender was almost invincible as La Roja and Casillas made history.

Casillas earned his 100th international win, becoming the first player to do so. He also set a new record for the most consecutive minutes without allowing a goal (817).

Andy Murray (Scotland)

Tennis player, Murray got his chance this year and he grabbed it with both hands. He had been regarded as tennis’ nearly man after finishing as runner-up in four previous singles Grand Slam finals: the 2008 US Open, the 2010 Australian Open, the 2011 Australian Open, and 2012 Wimbledon, losing three of these to Roger Federer and one to Novak Djokovic.

But at the 2012 US Open, he became the first British player since 1977, and the first British man since 1936, to win a Grand Slam singles tournament, when he defeated Djokovic in five sets. It makes him the only British man to become a Grand Slam champion during the Open Era.

At the Olympic Games, Murray defeated Federer in straight sets to win the gold medal in men’s singles, becoming the first British champion in over 100 years to do so. He also won a silver medal in the mixed doubles. He is the only man to win the Olympic gold and the US Open back-to-back.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Moyes nurses German ambition

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Read Time:1 Minute, 21 Second

Everton manager David Moyes has revealed his ambition to one day coach in the Bundesliga.

Having joined Everton in 2002, Moyes is currently the third longest serving manager in the English Premier League.

The Scot’s achievements with Everton have led him to be widely touted for a top Premier League job in the future, but the 49-year-old admits he dreams of a job abroad when he leaves Goodison Park.

“I always had the hope of being a coach abroad,” Moyes told France Football.

“If I had the choice I would probably go to Germany. In part because of the mentality, which is similar to mine.

“I’m also fascinated by what happens in German football. They seem to have found a way of producing young players.”

Moyes used the rise of Juergen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund as an example of how top Bundesliga sides are beginning to have a big impact in European competition.

“Look at Borussia Dortmund,” Moyes said.

“I saw them against Manchester City this season. They were fantastic. They put this incredible intensity on their opponents to break the tempo. It adds a new tactical level.”

The former Preston North End manager also said he would be interested in learning about the game in South America.

“If I was not working as a coach, I think I would decide to go to South America,” Moyes said. “To Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, to see how they train young people out there.

“That would be my project – to understand football better.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Moyes nurses German ambition

0 0
Read Time:1 Minute, 21 Second

Everton manager David Moyes has revealed his ambition to one day coach in the Bundesliga.

Having joined Everton in 2002, Moyes is currently the third longest serving manager in the English Premier League.

The Scot’s achievements with Everton have led him to be widely touted for a top Premier League job in the future, but the 49-year-old admits he dreams of a job abroad when he leaves Goodison Park.

“I always had the hope of being a coach abroad,” Moyes told France Football.

“If I had the choice I would probably go to Germany. In part because of the mentality, which is similar to mine.

“I’m also fascinated by what happens in German football. They seem to have found a way of producing young players.”

Moyes used the rise of Juergen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund as an example of how top Bundesliga sides are beginning to have a big impact in European competition.

“Look at Borussia Dortmund,” Moyes said.

“I saw them against Manchester City this season. They were fantastic. They put this incredible intensity on their opponents to break the tempo. It adds a new tactical level.”

The former Preston North End manager also said he would be interested in learning about the game in South America.

“If I was not working as a coach, I think I would decide to go to South America,” Moyes said. “To Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, to see how they train young people out there.

“That would be my project – to understand football better.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Manchester City close gap on Manchester United

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Read Time:1 Minute, 43 Second

Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United in dramatic fashion as Gareth Barry’s stoppage-time winner clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday.

With United not in action until Sunday’s trip to Swansea, Roberto Mancini’s team desperately needed to put pressure on their bitter rivals and they finally seized the opportunity in the closing minutes at Eastlands.

After labouring to break down struggling Reading for long periods, the champions broke the deadlock when England midfielder Barry headed home from a David Silva cross.

That was enough to move City within three points of United and keep their title challenge alive heading into the busy Christmas programme, while Reading stay bottom after their 11th defeat of the season.

Arsenal climbed to third place as Mikel Arteta’s second half penalty sealed a 1-0 win over Wigan at the DW Stadium.

The only goal of a scrappy encounter arrived in the 60th minute when Spanish midfielder Arteta fired home from the spot after referee Jonathan Moss gave a penalty for Jean Beausejour’s clip on Theo Walcott.

For all the talk of a crisis enveloping Arsene Wenger’s side after their humiliating League Cup defeat at League Two minnows Bradford, the Gunners have now won their last three league matches and are back in the race to secure a Champions League place.

“It was very important because we beat West Brom at home and now we have two away wins,” Wenger said.

“It was a difficult game because they stopped us from playing. I believe they are in the wrong position in the table.”

Newcastle ended a miserable run of six defeats from their last seven league games as Shola Ameobi clinched a 1-0 victory against QPR at St James’ Park.

Ameobi came off the bench to hit the winner with a fine finish in the 81st minute, handing QPR boss Harry Redknapp his first defeat since officially taking charge last month.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Manchester City close gap on Manchester United

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Read Time:1 Minute, 43 Second

Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United in dramatic fashion as Gareth Barry’s stoppage-time winner clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday.

With United not in action until Sunday’s trip to Swansea, Roberto Mancini’s team desperately needed to put pressure on their bitter rivals and they finally seized the opportunity in the closing minutes at Eastlands.

After labouring to break down struggling Reading for long periods, the champions broke the deadlock when England midfielder Barry headed home from a David Silva cross.

That was enough to move City within three points of United and keep their title challenge alive heading into the busy Christmas programme, while Reading stay bottom after their 11th defeat of the season.

Arsenal climbed to third place as Mikel Arteta’s second half penalty sealed a 1-0 win over Wigan at the DW Stadium.

The only goal of a scrappy encounter arrived in the 60th minute when Spanish midfielder Arteta fired home from the spot after referee Jonathan Moss gave a penalty for Jean Beausejour’s clip on Theo Walcott.

For all the talk of a crisis enveloping Arsene Wenger’s side after their humiliating League Cup defeat at League Two minnows Bradford, the Gunners have now won their last three league matches and are back in the race to secure a Champions League place.

“It was very important because we beat West Brom at home and now we have two away wins,” Wenger said.

“It was a difficult game because they stopped us from playing. I believe they are in the wrong position in the table.”

Newcastle ended a miserable run of six defeats from their last seven league games as Shola Ameobi clinched a 1-0 victory against QPR at St James’ Park.

Ameobi came off the bench to hit the winner with a fine finish in the 81st minute, handing QPR boss Harry Redknapp his first defeat since officially taking charge last month.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Amao wins Apapa Club squash tourney

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Read Time:1 Minute, 2 Second

Gold medallist at the 18th National Sports Festival, Wale Amao, continued with his fine form on Saturday, beating hard-fighting Seun Jaiyeola 9/11, 13/11, 11/6, 11/9 to win the Apapa Club Professional Squash Championship.

The competition, which started in January, featured only professional players from across the country. The players amassed points each month while also winning up to N100,000 at each edition.

Captain of the squash section at the club, Femi Adeyemo, said the competition was organised to raise the standard of the game, revealing that the prize monies came from the club.

“The prize money each month is N100,000 but the winner in the final goes home with N500,000. We’ve not decided to bring in corporate organisation to sponsor the competition because it was the maiden edition and we plan to establish it properly before calling on sponsors,” Adeyemo said.

The tournament featured only men but Adeyemo did not rule out a possible introduction of the women’s category in future editions.

He said, “Introducing the women’s category would have stretched our little resources. But we are going to look at the prospect of including it next year.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Amao wins Apapa Club squash tourney

0 0
Read Time:1 Minute, 2 Second

Gold medallist at the 18th National Sports Festival, Wale Amao, continued with his fine form on Saturday, beating hard-fighting Seun Jaiyeola 9/11, 13/11, 11/6, 11/9 to win the Apapa Club Professional Squash Championship.

The competition, which started in January, featured only professional players from across the country. The players amassed points each month while also winning up to N100,000 at each edition.

Captain of the squash section at the club, Femi Adeyemo, said the competition was organised to raise the standard of the game, revealing that the prize monies came from the club.

“The prize money each month is N100,000 but the winner in the final goes home with N500,000. We’ve not decided to bring in corporate organisation to sponsor the competition because it was the maiden edition and we plan to establish it properly before calling on sponsors,” Adeyemo said.

The tournament featured only men but Adeyemo did not rule out a possible introduction of the women’s category in future editions.

He said, “Introducing the women’s category would have stretched our little resources. But we are going to look at the prospect of including it next year.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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