The memory of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, remains vivid for Olympic diver Anna Pysmenska. 

“When the invasion began at 4 a.m., I was in shock and didn’t know what to do. By 7 a.m., I was at the swimming pool training,” the 33-year-old shared with CNN Sport. “It was terrifying.”

As one of nine Ukrainian divers set to compete in the Paris Olympic Games, Pysmenska is no longer afraid; she’s channeling her anger into her sport, determined to represent her country.

For the first time in 12 years, Ukraine will have representation in all synchronized high diving and 3-meter springboard events for both men and women.

“We live under constant pressure,” said Pysmenska, who will be competing in her third Olympics. “During the day, we focus all our energy on preparing for the Games, but at night, we’re often awakened by explosions or sirens. The stress is immense.”

Originally from central Ukraine, Pysmenska trained in the eastern city of Luhansk until she fled in 2014 after Russian forces occupied the area.

“I didn’t even pack my belongings. I never imagined I wouldn’t return,” she recounted.

Since her escape, Pysmenska has been haunted by a recurring dream: attempting to return to Luhansk, only to find herself trapped by Russian forces.

After relocating her training to Kyiv, Anna Pysmenska faced another challenge when Russia attempted to invade the city again in February 2022.

Following the onset of the war, Pysmenska and her team moved to Croatia, but they returned to Kyiv in the summer of 2022. Yet, the relentless Russian attacks have made focus and preparation increasingly difficult.

“We train every day and are physically prepared, but morally, it’s tough,” Pysmenska admitted. “I was in tears a few days ago. The constant blackouts disrupt everything—I can’t eat properly. There’s no way to plan; the lights are never on. It feels like we’re living in the Stone Age. It’s incredibly unsettling.”

Power Outages and Air Raid Sirens

As Russia targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, blackouts have become increasingly prolonged. To combat ongoing power outages, the Ukrainian Diving Federation purchased a powerful generator for the training pool.

When an air raid siren sounds during practice, athletes must promptly stop and take shelter in the bomb shelter.

“Diving is a challenging sport,” said Ilya Tselutin, the national team coach, in an interview with CNN. “Before each jump, athletes need to warm up and prepare. After a disruption, they have to start their preparation all over again.”

A total of 136 divers from around the globe are expected to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in France. 

Judges will evaluate each dive based on several criteria, including the aesthetic quality of the diver’s movements, the dive’s complexity, and the diver’s entry into the water. In synchronized diving, additional points are awarded for how well the two divers match each other’s movements.

For coach Ilya Tselutin, these Games represent more than just competition. 

“The divers’ mission is to win top-level medals and raise the Ukrainian flag as high as possible. This is their front line right now. They aim to demonstrate that our country is resilient and our nation is invincible,” he stated.

First Appearance in Paris

The Paris Games will mark 21-year-old Danylo Konovalov’s Olympic debut.

His day starts at 7 a.m. with two training sessions. When air raid sirens sound, he utilizes the time in the basement to do some physical exercises.

Born in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, Konovalov has been unable to train in his hometown due to the invasion.

In April 2022, Russian forces destroyed a water pipeline, leaving the city without access to drinking water. This prompted Konovalov to initially leave Ukraine, but he soon returned to Kyiv to continue his training. His parents still reside in Mykolaiv, a city under constant attack.

“I avoid reading the news; it keeps me calmer. My mom updates me, allowing me to focus on my sport,” Konovalov shared with CNN.

On July 5, the diving team held a farewell ceremony in Kyiv, starting with a priest’s blessing at a nearby church.

Konovalov follows several superstitions that he considers crucial to his performance. “I have my lucky swimwear that helps me jump well. It’s also important to place my slippers correctly; if I have a good jump, I always put them in the same spot,” he explained.

If he wins a medal, Konovalov plans to dedicate his achievement to Ukraine and its soldiers. Despite the turmoil in his homeland, he remains determined to focus on the Olympic Games, viewing his participation as a way to support Ukraine in its fight.

Ollie Watkins Secures England’s Euro 2024 Final Spot with Stunning Late Goal Against Netherlands

Xavi Simons’ Rocket Gives Netherlands Early Lead; Harry Kane’s Penalty Equalizes for England

In a tightly contested match, chances were scarce in the second half. However, substitute Ollie Watkins clinched a dramatic victory for England in added time, stunning the Netherlands.

England Makes History with First Major Final on Foreign Soil

Manager Gareth Southgate and his team have the opportunity to redeem their heartbreak from the previous final against Italy three years ago. They face Spain, the standout team of Euro 2024.

Ollie Watkins, the match-winner, expressed his anticipation for weeks leading up to his crucial goal, set up by substitute Cole Palmer. Watkins praised Palmer, affirming his confidence in their game plan: ‘I told Cole Palmer before we came on today that he would set me up, and he did exactly that.’

Seeing it go into the bottom corner was an incredible feeling. Despite the criticism, reaching the final is what counts. We’ve tuned out the distractions and now we’re here.

“We’ve shown resilience, bouncing back from a goal down, winning on penalties, and staging comebacks. One more game to go,” Watkins said, looking ahead to Sunday’s final.

The Three Lions Roar Once More

England Faces Euro 2024 Challenges Amidst High Expectations.

Despite boasting a plethora of world-class attacking talent, England has struggled to find its rhythm in the tournament. Many fans have found Gareth Southgate’s team difficult to watch, criticizing its perceived negativity and defensive style. The team narrowly topped a relatively weak group, with criticisms focusing on predictable passing and sluggish movement.

England’s Path to the Semifinals Marked by Individual Brilliance. England advanced to the semifinals on the strength of standout performances from Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, whose individual brilliance rescued the Three Lions in their previous knockout matches.

Similarly, the Netherlands faced challenges in Germany, narrowly making it to the knockout stage as one of the top four third-placed teams. They had to stage a comeback against Turkey in the quarterfinals to secure their spot in the next round.

However, in tournament football, the ultimate goal remains clear: winning the trophy. Supporters from both nations would overlook any number of lackluster showings if their team manages to lift the Henri Delaunay Cup on Sunday.

From the outset, the semifinal clash in Dortmund proved more captivating than any previous matches for both teams at Euro 2024.

Xavi Simons, named in homage to Barcelona legend Xavi Hernández, seized the moment early on, dispossessing Declan Rice and unleashing a sensational strike into England’s top corner just seven minutes into the game.

England, now compelled to attack—an aspect they’ve struggled with in Germany—responded swiftly, equalizing just 10 minutes later. A VAR intervention confirmed Denzel Dumfries’ foul on Harry Kane inside the penalty area, prompting referee Felix Zwayer to award a penalty after Kane’s acrobatic attempt narrowly missed the mark.

Harry Kane, overcoming past World Cup woes, confidently placed his penalty low into the bottom corner to level the score against the Netherlands.

Denzel Dumfries then came to the Netherlands’ rescue, clearing Phil Foden’s goal-bound effort off the line and later striking the crossbar with a powerful header at the other end.

Foden, having his standout performance of the tournament, was unlucky to hit the post with a superb curled shot from distance.

England displayed dominance in a thrilling first half, prompting reflection on their performance throughout the tournament. Passes were precise, runs were incisive, and there was a willingness to shoot on sight.

The halftime break left England fans optimistic, sensing a turnaround in form crucial for a semifinal. However, Ronald Koeman’s tactical adjustments tightened the Netherlands’ midfield, stifling England’s creativity in the second half.

England struggled to break through the resolute Dutch defense, resorting to sideways and backward passes as they searched for openings.

Thankfully for England, the Netherlands failed to mount significant threats, keeping both goalkeepers relatively untested—until Watkins shattered Dutch hopes.

Facing Stefan de Vrij with his back to the goal, Watkins received Palmer’s pass, maneuvered for space, and unleashed a superb strike into the bottom corner.

England has endured decades of disappointment and heartbreak since their 1966 World Cup triumph, with Gareth Southgate familiar with these struggles more than most. Now, the team stands poised for another opportunity to end 58 years of longing.

In a surprising upset at Wimbledon, World No. 1 Iga Świątek faced a shocking defeat in the third round against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. The Polish star, who had not lost a match in nearly three months, including a dominant victory at the French Open, seemed poised to continue her streak after taking the first set 6-3. However, Putintseva, ranked 35th in the world, mounted a comeback, winning the next two sets decisively with scores of 6-1, 6-2.

Reflecting on her performance, Świątek acknowledged the need for adjustments in her Wimbledon preparations, particularly after another tournament where her best result remains reaching the quarterfinals in 2023.

“My tank of really pushing myself to the limits became suddenly empty,” she told reporters, per Reuters. “I was kind of surprised. But I know what I did wrong after Roland Garros. I didn’t really rest properly. I’m not going to make this mistake again.”

Following an impressive clay court season, Iga Świątek skipped warm-up tournaments on grass, emphasizing the need for patience and acceptance of errors on the faster surface.

Transitioning from her peak performance on clay, Świątek admitted to grappling with the adjustment, noting, “For me, moving from a surface where I felt I was playing the best tennis of my life to one where I face more challenges, it’s not straightforward.”

In contrast, her opponent, Yulia Putintseva, has excelled on grass, remaining undefeated this season and securing her first title on the surface in Birmingham last month. Putintseva’s prowess was evident in the match, highlighted by precision shots like a well-executed backhand crosscourt pass that frustrated Świątek and a delicate slice return winner to stave off a set point.

After a strong start by Świątek in the first set, Yulia Putintseva steadily dismantled the Polish player’s game, dominating the second set to even the match. In the decisive third set, Putintseva maintained her composure while Świątek struggled with uncharacteristic errors, tallying 38 compared to Putintseva’s 15.

Reflecting on her performance, Putintseva expressed her fearless approach, telling reporters, “I believed 100 percent, I had nothing to lose, just go for it.” Encouraged by her coach to commit fully to every shot, Putintseva now looks ahead to a matchup with Jelena Ostapenko on Monday for a spot in the quarterfinals.

In other Wimbledon action, Novak Djokovic overcame an initial setback to defeat Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), setting up a fourth-round encounter with Holger Rune.

Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon winner, will skip this year’s singles competition following recent spinal surgery, announced his management team on Tuesday. Despite intensive recovery efforts since his operation a week ago, the 37-year-old has made the tough decision not to participate in singles. His team expressed Murray’s deep disappointment but confirmed his commitment to competing in doubles alongside his brother Jamie, marking his final Wimbledon appearance.

“We are incredibly disappointed to announce that Andy will not be playing singles at Wimbledon this year,” said Murray’s team in a statement. Despite his dedicated efforts in recovery post-surgery, he has decided to focus on the doubles event with Jamie and looks forward to bidding farewell to Wimbledon in this capacity.

Murray, originally slated to play against Tomas Machac in Wimbledon’s first round on Tuesday, deliberated until the final moments before opting out. His decision stemmed from ongoing recovery after spinal cyst surgery, which had led him to withdraw from the Queen’s Club Championship due to a back injury.

As a three-time grand slam champion nearing the conclusion of his tennis career, Murray has hinted that the Paris Olympics might mark his final tournament.

Expressing his desire to exit the sport with a proper match, Andy Murray remains open to competing in other tournaments this season if he isn’t competitive at Wimbledon and the Olympics.

Murray, the sole British man in the Open Era to claim a grand slam singles title, secured his first major at the US Open in 2012 and added Wimbledon victories in 2013 and 2016. A former world No. 1, he also clinched consecutive singles gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, along with a silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012.

Despite a resurgence after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 that saw him return to the top 50, Murray has faced ongoing challenges with injuries in recent years.

Following Murray’s withdrawal from Wimbledon singles, Belgium’s David Goffin, a fortunate loser in qualifying, is set to face Tomas Machac in the first round.

Wimbledon expressed regret over Andy Murray’s decision not to play singles this year in a statement on social media, but eagerly anticipates his participation in doubles and celebrates his memorable contributions to the tournament.

Georgia Shocks Euro 2024: Stunning 2-0 Victory Over Portugal Secures Round of 16 Berth

In a remarkable upset, Georgia seized an early lead against Portugal within two minutes, courtesy of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalizing on a defensive error. Georges Mikautadze sealed the victory with a second-half penalty, propelling Georgia into the round of 16.

At their inaugural major tournament, Georgia captivates Euro 2024 with fearless, high-intensity football, winning over fans’ hearts.

In Wednesday’s well-deserved victory, Georgia showcased its fearless spirit and high-intensity football, securing qualification for the Euro 2024 knockout stages as one of the tournament’s top four third-place teams.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s 2-1 triumph over the Czech Republic positioned them second in Group F behind Portugal. Portugal, having already secured their spot in the knockout stages with victories over the Czech Republic and Turkey, aimed to emulate Spain as the only team to win all three group games at Euro 2024.

In contrast, Georgia, the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, demonstrated resilience throughout their matches, narrowly losing to Turkey and drawing with the Czech Republic.

Despite Portugal already having secured qualification, their lapse in focus and intensity allowed Georgia to seize an early advantage with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s well-taken goal less than two minutes into the game, courtesy of an errant back pass by Antonio Silva.

The atmosphere inside the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen erupted with Georgia’s early lead, which was maintained despite Portugal dominating possession and attempting long-range shots against a resilient Georgian defense. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili thwarted all attempts, frustrating stars like Ronaldo and João Félix, with Ronaldo earning a yellow card for dissent after a penalty claim.

Georgia missed chances to extend their lead before halftime, but their persistence paid off early in the second half when Otar Kiteishvili was fouled in the box, leading to Georges Mikautadze calmly converting from the penalty spot. Mikautadze’s goal marked his third of Euro 2024, solidifying his status as the tournament’s top scorer.

Throughout the match, Georgia maintained their attacking threat and effectively held Portugal at bay, with Mamardashvili making crucial saves to secure a clean sheet. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from the Georgian team, acknowledging their historic achievement on the global stage.

Ranked 74th globally and representing a nation of under four million people, this victory stands as Georgia’s finest football moment to date.

KARIYA, JAPAN, Aug 24, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – DENSO Corporation at present offered that this can exhibit at the IAA Mobility 2023 to be held in Munich, Germany, September 5-10.

DENSO Exhibition Stand, Munich Exhibition Heart (Hall A2 – D21)

DENSO will showcase the concepts of “Inexperienced” and “Peace of Mind” and DENSO’s outlandish technique to the ?2035 Vision?.

On the 4th of September only within the near previous-appointed DENSO President and COO Shinnosuke Hayashi will abolish his first European public appearance and speaking engagement all the map thru a press tournament at the DENSO exhibition stand.

DENSO Press Event
Date and time: 4 September 2023, 14:20 to 14:40 CEST
Dilemma: DENSO Exhibition Stand, Munich Exhibition Heart (Hall A2 — D21)
Presenters: Shinnosuke Hayashi, President and COO of DENSO Corporation Yasushi Mukai, President and CEO, DENSO Global Europe

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