From the track to the ring, athletes made headlines across the globe this week.
Oscar Piastri wins F1 Chinese Grand Prix
Australian Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has won his third career race this weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
Piastri started in pole position, having qualified in first place, and converted it to a win in a chaotic fashion.
Piastri and his team used strategic pit stops to extend his lead, building more than a four second advantage on lap 20 of 56.
“Mega job, guys. Mega, mega job,” Piastri said to his team over the radio as he crossed the finish line in first.
Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly were disqualified after the race as their cars were both found to be one kilogram under the 800kg requirement. Lewis Hamilton was also disqualified after it was determined the rear skid block on his car was below the minimum thickness required.
Boxing icon George Foreman passes away at 76
Boxing legend and two-time world heavyweight champion George Foreman has passed away aged 76.
Foreman, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most powerful punchers, rose to fame in the 1970s with his intimidating presence and knockout ability, famously defeating Joe Frazier in ‘73 to claim his first heavyweight title.
He rose to fame once again in the 1990s, staging one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history by reclaiming the world title at 45-years-old , making him the oldest heavyweight champion of all time.
Rival, Mike Tyson, took to X with a tribute: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Outside the ring, Foreman was known for his larger-than-life personality, entrepreneurial success and role as a mentor and motivational speaker.
Matthew Dellevedova hands his NBL1 Finals MVP to rival Illawarra Hawk
The NBL Finals came to an end yesterday, with the Illawarra Hawks claiming a winner-take-all Game 5 victory, 114-104 against Melbourne United.
It was their first NBL title since 2001 thanks to Game 4 and 5 heroics from guard Will Hickey.
In the presentations to follow, the series MVP was handed to Melbourne United’s Matthew ‘Delly’ Dellavedova. This was met by boo’s from the Illawarra crowd, as Dellavedova took to the stage.
The Melbourne United point guard paid tribute to the Illawarra Hawks guard, Will Hickey.
“Davo, this really belongs to you,” Dellavedova said to Hickey.
Dellavedova walked from the stage, still visibly devastated, and headed directly to Hickey, handing him the Finals MVP trophy.
Cheers of “Davo” were chanted loudly as the crowd also showed their appreciation to Dellavedova.
Australia records an all-time medal haul at the World Athletics Indoor Championships
Australia has claimed seven total medals at the World Indoor Championships over the weekend, nearly two times the previous best of eight at the 1993 competition.
High jumpers Nicola Oyslagers and Eleanor Patterson competed against one another for gold, with Oyslagers coming out on top. The Paris Olympics silver medalist won on a countback after both women cleared the 1.97 metre mark.
Long jumper Liam Adcock won the bronze medal, after jumping just one centimetre short of a silver medal and two centimetres short of a gold medal.
Ellie Beer, Ella Connolly, Bella Pasquali and Jemma Pollard then went on to deliver Australia’s first medal in the Women’s 4x400m relay in 26 years.
“We were all so nervous but we came home with a bronze medal and what an experience to share it with the girls, it’s such a privilege,” Beer told Australian Athletics.
Photo:
- Aerial View of Soccer Field by Mike found HERE
- Basketball Hoop on Court by Daniel Absi found HERE
- Person Swimming on Body of Water found HERE
All photos used under a Creative Commons license. The images have not been modified.
