Irish Olympic swimmer Shane Ryan has joined the Enhanced Games, a multi-sport competition that will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subject to drug tests.
Ryan, who was born in the USA, competed in three successive Olympics Games for Ireland before announcing his retirement from the sport earlier this month.
“After a decade dedicated to traditional competition on the world’s highest stage, I’m excited to dive into this next chapter with the Enhanced Games,” the 31-year-old said on his decision.
Ryan joins Team GB Olympic swimmer Ben Proud, four-time Greece Olympian Kristian Gkolomeev and US sprinter Fred Kerley in announcing his intentions to compete at the Games.
The move has been criticised by Sport Ireland, which says it is “deeply disappointed” with the decision.
The first Enhanced Games are due to take place in Las Vegas in 2026 with each event awarded a total prize purse of $500,000 and a $1m on offer for competitors who break world records.
Swim Ireland has also condemned the move, confirming his disassociation with the organisation and that he will no longer be provided with any funding or services.
Ryan competed at the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, becoming the first Irish swimmer to participate at three Olympics.
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Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist at Windsor Park
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The full-time whistle at Windsor Park was met by jeers, which then turned to a loud round of applause.
The frustration was directed towards the match officials who left the field of play after adding only two minutes onto the end of 90 minutes, and waved away late appeals for a penalty.
The cheers, which soon drowned out the jeers, were for a young Northern Ireland side who had given everything and put Germany on the ropes in the closing stages of the 1-0 defeat in World Cup qualifying.
Ultimately, it came down to small margins.
What if Paddy McNair hadn’t strayed offside in the build-up to Dan Ballard’s disallowed effort?
What if the ball had bounced over or wide from Nick Woltemade’s shoulder, rather than into the net?
What if Callum Marshall’s chance had fallen on his stronger foot?
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Those questions don’t change the result on the night, but they were the difference as a Germany side far from their vintage best got the job done to take charge of Group A.
“We’re disappointed and it’s a sore loss,” O’Neill, who was taking charge of his 100th game, said after the defeat.
“I thought in the first half we lacked a bit of belief with the ball. Germany forced their physicality on top of us, and it was difficult for us to get any rhythm in the game.
“The disallowed goal would have helped us at that point, but it was offside. We shouldn’t be offside in that situation so that’s an error on our part.”
O’Neill felt Woltemade’s first-half winner was a “freak goal” but said his players should have defended the corner better.
“It comes off the player’s shoulder and ends up in our net.
“That was the disappointing thing. But in the second half we were terrific. We just couldn’t force an equaliser in the end.
‘The crowd carried us’
It is not the first time Northern Ireland’s young players had matched Germany after a battling 60 minutes in Cologne before the hosts pulled clear with a quickfire double.
The contrast this time was stark, as Northern Ireland piled the pressure on the German defence in an additional two minutes that ended all to quickly – a tally O’Neill described as “ridiculous”.
O’Neill also said that Northern Ireland missed the energy and quality of the suspended Bradley at right-back, but was delighted with the performance of his players in the second half.
Windsor Park was at its rip-roaring best on Monday to greet Germany and O’Neill said the home support “carried” his young squad as legs started to tire.
“We’re at home, that’s the biggest difference [to the reverse fixture].
“We’re at home and we’re chasing the game. We’ve put a huge amount into the game on Friday night [in a 2-0 win over Slovakia] and the crowd carried us tonight when we needed them to carry us.
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Despite the loss, and his frustration, O’Neill still had time for a joke with a member of the German media.
“Having looked at the stats, ironically Germany played more long balls than us in the game,” he said.
For his part, Julian Nagelsmann, whose comments after the reverse fixture in Cologne prompted O’Neill’s quip, was relieved to get through a “tough” game.
“The second half was all about defending,” Nagelsmann told BBC Sport.
“As I said before the game it was a really tough opponent, a lot of long balls and they fight and we had to fight as well.
“It was a good step in the right direction to beat a team like Northern Ireland and to fight for second balls and be as tough as the opponent.”
Top spot in Group A is now a long shot given Germany have put their grasp on automatic qualification.
But second place and a guaranteed play-off is still on the cards ahead of November’s two qualifiers in Slovakia and home to bottom side Luxembourg.
It may not be much consolation now, but a play-off as one of four Nations League group winners seems to be a more secure fall back given other results across Europe, if Northern Ireland were to miss out on the top two.
Professional dancer Jowita Przystal has shared a heartfelt message about her former Strictly partner Pete Wicks as the pair continue to brush off romance rumours
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Jowita Przystal has shared a very sweet post about Pete Wicks(Image: p_wicks01/Instagram )
Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has shared a gushing message to her former celebrity partner Pete Wicks as they continue to brush off romance rumours. The dancer, 31, sparked intense speculation of something more than friendship during her time with Pete on the BBC dance competition last year.
They both tried to play down the rumours, but drew attention when they shared many sizzling dance routines together and struck up a close bond away from the dancefloor. However, Pete, 36, became linked to Love Island’s Maura Higgins until they split earlier this year.
Things seemed to shift gears last month when Jowita made a surprise appearance at London’s O2 Arena for Pete’s Staying Relevant podcast show alongside best pal Sam Thompson. They performed a dance routine together and even shared a series of kisses on stage.
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Now, Jowita has shared a sweet message as she supported Pete with his latest project. The TOWIE star was back on screens this evening for his show, Pete Wicks For Dogs ‘ Sake as he helps pups find their forever home.
Jowita shared a photo of her TV as she settled down to watch the show as she gushed: “No words can describe how proud I am of you @p_wicks01. You’re one of the most passionate and hardworking people I’ve ever met.
“Your love for dogs is uncondiational, and is shines through in every moment of that episode. I hope you know what a difference you are marking, how life changing this show is for all those pups.”
She continued: “Every time I see you with them, my heart melts. The care, patience and compassion you show are truly beautiful. You never give up on them, you fight for them with everything you have.
“I know this whole season will be a huge success, because it’s made with love. And when you do something with love, it’s always powerful, beautiful and unique. Because it’s real. And that’s what this show is… it’s real [ red love heart emoji].”
Many thought the kiss on stage last month was final proof of something between Jowita and Pete, but again they have played it down to being in the name of showbiz. Pete appeared on This Morning to chat about his new show but was also quizzed on his feelings for Jowita.
After weeks of speculation, he revealed: “It’s all part of the choreography, it’s the magic of showbiz. Jowita is such a good friend of mine and that dance was something we didn’t get to do on Strictly because we didn’t make the final because I was useless!”
Just weeks before locking lips with Jowita, Pete confessed to being ‘in love’ on his podcast. Taking part in a lie detector test he was asked by pal Sam: “Are you in love with somebody right now?”
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Pete answered ‘no’, but he was proven to be lying as the polygraph examiner said he wasn’t telling the truth, by giving a thumbs down.
Fans went wild following Pete and Jowita’s very intimate dance as one asked: “Was that like a hard launch?” “Hard launch for Pete and Jowita,” a second said while a third wrote: “You & jowita” with a heart eye emoji.
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Loose Women star Stacey Solomon was thrilled to receive a surprise parcel and handwritten note from David Beckham after fearing he ignored her plea for help
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Stacey Solomon amazed as David Beckham sends cute gift after cringe interaction(Image: Instagram)
Stacey Solomon was “so excited” on Monday after receiving an unexpected gift from David Beckham, accompanied by a lovely handwritten note.
The Loose Women star, 35, had earlier sent Beckham a “cringe” Instagram voice note asking for beekeeping advice, after deciding to start her own hive at home. However, she had feared he would ignore it but was delighted to discover he had responded.
“I’ve been sent a parcel from… the Beckhams. How sweet that he actually replied to an Instagram!” Stacey shared on her Instagram story. And inside the package was a card from David that read: “To Stacey and Joe, I hope you enjoy the honey and snacks. Lots of love, David Beckham.”
Overjoyed, Stacey told her followers: “I’ve got David Beckham’s autograph! What a time to be alive! They’re obviously funny. This is the best thing ever! Thanks David we love you.”
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Stacey then revealed that sister Gemma encouraged her to reach out and explained the voice note: “I’m getting a beehive and I know you and Victoria have got bees and they’re a big part of your life, so I just wondered if you had any top tips or advice.”
Cringing as she sent it, she admitted: “I’m already regretting sending you this message because I know you’ll never see it, or hear it, and if you do you’ll probably think I’m a weirdo.”
Later, she told Gemma: “I’m going to be blacklisted from all cool things now because I’ve just sent David Beckham the most loser-ish message.”
Her husband Joe joked about the situation as he said: “Damn right he didn’t reply, he better not either. Hands off mate.
“I don’t need David Beckham as competition! It’s the last thing I need. I’ve got dogs, ducks, the last thing I need is David Beckham,” he added.
Former football ace Beckham manages bees at his £12 million Cotswolds estate and has turned the hobby into a business.
He launched BEEUP, a honey-based children’s snack brand sold in Target stores across the US.
Of his business, he said: “Beekeeping began as a hobby with my sons, but quickly grew into a deep appreciation for honey as a powerful superfood that provides natural energy.
“I am excited to make this wholesome, nutritious ingredient available for active kids and families in the form of these incredible BEEUP snacks.” And his wife Victoria affectionately calls the hobby “David’s Sticky Stuff.”
Meanwhile, Stacey has returned to the BBC with Stacey & Joe, a fly-on-the-wall series following life at Pickle Cottage with Joe and their five children.
As Israeli and Palestinian captives return to their families as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the status of many prominent Palestinian detainees remains uncertain.
Among them is Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safia, a hospital director in Gaza who was abducted by Israeli forces in December 2024 and has stayed in detention despite growing calls for his release and reports by his lawyer that he has been tortured in Israeli prison.
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Many Palestinian rights supporters see Abu Safia as the embodiment of the resilience of Palestinian medics, as Israel systemically targeted Gaza’s health sector for more than two years.
It is unclear whether Abu Safia will be released as part of the ceasefire deal, which includes both Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza and Palestinians swept up in Gaza and imprisoned en masse by Israel, most without charge or trial.
But as of the end of Monday, the doctor has not been freed.
CNN reported over the weekend that Israel would not release Abu Safia, citing a source from Hamas. However, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Monday that Abu Safia was among five extra names added to the list of Palestinians from Gaza to be released.
The human rights watchdog Amnesty International says that the hospital director has been held without charge or trial under an Israeli security law after being arrested by Israeli forces at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, where he continued to work as a paediatrician after his son was killed in an Israeli air strike.
“Not until 11 February 2025 did Israeli authorities allow Dr Abu Safiya to meet with a legal counsel,” the group said in a petition calling for his release. “In the latest visit by a lawyer to Ofer military prison in early July 2025, she reported that Dr Hussam and other detainees were subjected to assault and beatings.”
Amnesty International noted that Abu Safia had also lost significant weight during his detention.
Palestinian detainees and rights groups have reported torture, sexual violence and other abusive conditions in Israeli captivity during the two-year war on Gaza. Many of those released on Monday show signs of abuse and significant weight loss.
“As we speak, Husam Abu Safiya is subjected to severe torture,” a Palestinian detainee told Al Jazeera upon his release in Khan Younis in Gaza.
Calls have grown in recent days, after the ceasefire deal was finalised, for Abu Safia’s release.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has urged United States President Donald Trump to push Israel to abide by the ceasefire deal.
“We also call on the President to demand that Israel release Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and all other kidnapped medical professionals.”
UN expert Francesca Albanese suggested on Friday that the lack of pressure to release civilian captives reflects the shortcomings of the ceasefire plan, which was put forward by Trump.
Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is suing the BBC and one of its subsidiaries for up to £10,000 following his axe from the show as he claims he suffered ‘distress and harassment’
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Gregg Wallace was axed from the show this summer(Image: BBC /Shine TV)
The BBC has issued a response to Gregg Wallace’s claim against them following his axe from MasterChef. Last week, it was reported the TV presenter was claiming up to £10,000 in damages from the BBC and one of its subsidiaries.
He claimed they allegedly caused him “distress and harassment” by failing to disclose to him his personal data. Wallace is suing the BBC and BBC Studios Distribution Limited after he was sacked from the hit cooking competition in July.
Last year, it was announced that Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. Over the summer, production company Banijay UK and the BBC said they had agreed “Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable.”
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In court documents last week, barrister Lawrence Power said that Wallace was seeking damages for “distress, harassment and loss of amenity not exceeding £10,000”, damages under the UK General Data Protection Regulation, and interest. He is also seeking a court order that the BBC and BBC Studios comply with the subject access requests.
Now, the BBC has responded as they filed a defence at London’s High Court. They insisted Wallace was not “entitled to any damages” and said Wallace pursued his claim without giving them prior notice.
According to the Sun, the BBC said: “That voluntary disclosure demonstrates the claimant has no basis to claim damages for distress in respect of the withholding of such information.” The publication claimed Wallace is planning to launch a disability claim for damages regarding his then-undiagnosed autism.
Wallace began co-presenting MasterChef in 2005, but it was announced in November 2024 that he would step away from his role while the misconduct allegations were investigated. A review by law firm Lewis Silkin later upheld 45 of the 83 allegations against him, including one of “unwelcome physical contact”.
The report found that the “majority of the allegations against Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018”, with only one allegation substantiated after that year.
It also concluded that the “majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour”, adding that “a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated”.
The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity.
Wallace issued an apology saying he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate”. The former greengrocer said: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait.
“None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching, but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.”
In July, the BBC said: “Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour, both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.”
The Mirror has contacted the BBC and Wallace’s representatives for comment.
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