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  • Legends of Winter Olympics: heroes of the slopes

    Legends of Winter Olympics: heroes of the slopes

    As the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics approach their February 6 opening, the spotlight turns to legendary alpine skiers whose Olympic triumphs and personal journeys have shaped winter sports history.

    Toni Sailer, Austria’s ‘Blitz from Kitz’, revolutionized alpine skiing during his brief but spectacular career. At just 20 years old during the first televised Winter Games, Sailer achieved an unprecedented triple victory in slalom, giant slalom, and downhill events. His dominance extended to the combined championship, earning him additional recognition. Though narrowly missing a repeat sweep at the 1958 World Championships, Sailer transitioned to a multifaceted post-athletic career encompassing film work as James Bond’s stunt double, music recording, ski equipment entrepreneurship, and sports administration. His legacy was cemented as Austria’s ‘Sportsman of the Century’ in 1999.

    Jean-Claude Killy mirrored Sailer’s achievement under controversial circumstances during the 1968 Grenoble Olympics. After overcoming health challenges that hampered his 1964 Olympic performance, Killy dominated the World Cup circuit for two consecutive seasons. His Olympic triple crown was secured amid dramatic foggy conditions during the slalom event, where officials disqualified competitors Karl Schranz and Hakon Mjoen for missed gates after reviewing television footage. The French skier’s triumph sparked such public euphoria that authorities required helicopter extraction to escape adoring crowds. Killy later diversified into motor racing, co-chaired the 1992 Albertville Olympics, and joined the International Olympic Committee, though his association with Vladimir Putin later attracted criticism.

    Hermann Maier’s narrative embodies extraordinary resilience. Initially rejected for his small stature, the Austrian developed into a powerfully built competitor through bricklaying work and regional competitions. His Olympic debut featured a spectacular downhill crash that saw him somersault through safety barriers, followed by remarkable super-G and giant slalom victories just days later. After equaling Killy’s World Cup record, Maier survived a motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his leg, missing the 2002 Games but returning to claim additional Olympic medals in 2006.

    Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark established unparalleled dominance in technical events with a record 86 World Cup victories between 1974-1989. Despite limited Olympic appearances due to eligibility controversies, Stenmark capitalized on his 1980 Lake Placid opportunity with dramatic come-from-behind victories in both giant slalom and slalom events. His sponsorship-related exclusion from the 1984 Sarajevo Games underscored the sport’s transition from amateurism, yet his victory record endured until Mikaela Shiffrin surpassed it in 2023.

  • ‘So little we know’: in submersibles revealing the deep sea

    ‘So little we know’: in submersibles revealing the deep sea

    Beneath the waves off Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, a state-of-the-art submersible descends into the abyss, carrying scientists on a mission to document unknown species and uncover potential medical breakthroughs from the deep. AFP recently joined OceanX’s research expedition aboard the advanced OceanXplorer vessel, funded by billionaire Ray Dalio and his son, which represents a new paradigm in marine exploration.

    The expedition focuses on a previously mapped seamount chain where Indonesian researchers are conducting biodiversity surveys using two specialized submersibles. The Neptune is equipped for scientific collection with hydraulic arms and suction tubes, while the Nadir features high-end cameras for media documentation—reflecting OceanX’s philosophy that compelling imagery makes scientific research more accessible and impactful.

    At 200 meters depth, sunlight vanishes completely, leaving only the submersible’s lights to illuminate the eternal darkness. Researchers like Husna Nugrahapraja of Institut Teknologi Bandung experience both anxiety and wonder during their first descent into this alien environment. The beams reveal ‘marine snow’—continuous showers of organic debris—and extraordinary bioluminescent displays triggered by the vessel’s lights.

    The team encounters fragile comb jellies with pulsating illuminations, translucent siphonophores resembling abstract art, and silver fish no larger than fingernails. On the seafloor, delicate sea stars and fronded soft corals thrive in complete darkness under immense pressure.

    For deeper exploration down to 6,000 meters, OceanX employs a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) controlled from a mission center resembling NASA mission control. Operators in gamer-style chairs maneuver hydraulic arms to collect specimens including a bone-white lobster, horned sea cucumber, and a hermit crab living inside a deceased sea star.

    The expedition operates under strict safety protocols, with submersibles regularly inspected according to industry standards—a pointed contrast to the tragic Titan submersible implosion of 2023. Each dive vehicle carries four days of emergency life support as backup systems.

    Despite technological advances, much of the deep ocean remains unmapped and unexplored. Researchers like crustacean specialist Pipit Pitriana discover potentially new species, including pearl-sized barnacles, highlighting how little humanity knows about deep-sea biodiversity even as threats from plastic pollution, rising temperatures, and acidification intensify.

  • A girls’ soccer tournament drives HPV vaccine awareness in Zimbabwe

    A girls’ soccer tournament drives HPV vaccine awareness in Zimbabwe

    NORTON, Zimbabwe — While Lesotho’s Lishoeshoe soccer club suffered a decisive 5-0 defeat against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in a regional Under-17 girls’ tournament final, the actual victory extended far beyond the scoreline. This unique sporting event, hosted in Zimbabwe, represented a groundbreaking initiative blending athletics with public health education, specifically targeting cervical cancer prevention through HPV vaccination awareness.

    The tournament, organized through a collaborative effort between Africa’s soccer governing body CAF, the European soccer association, GAVI the Vaccine Alliance, and multiple African health ministries, brought together approximately 200 adolescent girls from six nations. Dubbed the ‘Goal Getters’ campaign, this innovative program previously launched in Tanzania and Eswatini before culminating in Zimbabwe during December.

    For participants like 16-year-old winger Nteboheleng Leticia Sooane, the educational component overshadowed competitive results. ‘Participating provided invaluable learning opportunities to disseminate crucial health information despite our loss in the finals,’ Sooane remarked while awaiting her medal in rain-drenched Norton stadium, near Harare.

    The initiative addresses a critical health emergency: cervical cancer claims a woman’s life every two minutes globally, with Africa bearing the heaviest burden. According to GAVI, the freely administered HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-14 can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, potentially saving families thousands in future treatment costs.

    Post-COVID-19 pandemic, Africa has significantly intensified HPV vaccination efforts. WHO data indicates coverage for at least one dose increased to 40% in 2023 from 28% the previous year, trailing only the Americas region. This progress stems from expanded government-backed campaigns supported by GAVI.

    ‘Goal Getters ingeniously merges two teenage passions—sports and health—creating secure environments where girls feel empowered and trusted,’ explained GAVI spokesman Olly Cann. The tournament launch featured vibrant dance and musical performances, while sidelines saw mothers visiting nearby clinics, some attracted by prominent women’s soccer figures, to vaccinate their children.

    HPV (human papillomavirus), a prevalent sexually transmitted virus, represents the primary cervical cancer cause. While most infections resolve naturally, persistent cases can develop into cancer years later. Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common female cancer worldwide, claiming approximately 350,000 lives annually. Africa accounts for nearly one-quarter of global deaths, with 19 of the 20 most affected nations located in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Zimbabwe faces particularly severe challenges, recording the highest cervical cancer rates among its female population with about 2,000 annual deaths. In a strategic move ahead of the tournament, Zimbabwe transitioned to a single-dose HPV vaccine regimen, aiming to improve uptake compared to the two-dose program initiated nationally in 2018.

    Despite medical advances, misinformation and reproductive health stigma present substantial obstacles. At Harare’s Budiriro Polyclinic in January, only two 10-year-olds arrived for vaccination—a typical turnout according to health officials, necessitating school-based vaccination programs.

    ‘Families frequently avoid clinic vaccinations, and even school follow-ups encounter refusals primarily due to religious beliefs,’ noted Barbara Mashonga, the clinic’s community mobilization lead. ‘Some parents mistakenly perceive these injections as covert family planning methods that might impair future fertility. These misconceptions underscore why health education remains central to our campaign.’

    Soccer-oriented initiatives help bridge this awareness gap. ‘We’re embracing these opportunities to enhance community wellbeing through football,’ stated Nqobile Magwizi, president of Zimbabwe’s football association, during celebrations for tournament winners Mamelodi Sundowns.

    For Sooane, the message transcended athletic competition: ‘Cancer remains a severe disease, so every child should receive vaccination for protection. We came here to learn about maintaining our health intact.’

  • Asian shares mostly dip as the yen rises against the U.S. dollar

    Asian shares mostly dip as the yen rises against the U.S. dollar

    Asian financial markets experienced broad declines on Monday, with Japan’s benchmark index leading the losses following a significant appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar. The Nikkei 225 plummeted 1.9% to close at 52,812.45, driven by substantial selling of major export-oriented corporations. Toyota Motor Corp. witnessed a notable 3.2% decline in share value, reflecting market concerns about reduced competitiveness in international markets due to currency fluctuations.

    The yen’s surge to 154.26 against the dollar, marking a substantial recovery from last week’s 158 yen level, came after financial authorities from both Japan and the United States indicated potential intervention measures to support the Japanese currency. This currency movement represents a dramatic shift from recent trends where the dollar had been consistently gaining ground against the yen.

    Other Asian markets followed the downward trend with South Korea’s Kospi declining 0.6% to 4,961.58. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng experienced a marginal 0.1% decrease to 26,722.89, while China’s Shanghai Composite managed a slight 0.1% gain to 4,141.10. Trading remained suspended in several major markets including Australia, New Zealand, India, and Indonesia due to local holidays.

    U.S. futures indicated continued market uncertainty, with S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures both declining 0.3%. This cautious sentiment reflects ongoing concerns regarding U.S. tariff policies and international trade tensions. Precious metals demonstrated strong performance as investors sought safe-haven assets, with gold climbing 2% to approach $5,100 per ounce and silver surging 6.4% to approximately $108 per ounce.

    Energy markets showed minimal movement with benchmark U.S. crude edging up 2 cents to $61.09 per barrel and Brent crude increasing 3 cents to $65.10. Market participants await the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday, where officials are expected to maintain current interest rate levels amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

  • Baghdad says it will prosecute Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria

    Baghdad says it will prosecute Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria

    In a significant development following regional military shifts, Iraq has formally announced it will prosecute Islamic State group prisoners being transferred from detention facilities in northeastern Syria. This judicial undertaking follows a US-mediated agreement that coordinates with recent Syrian army advances into territories previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

    The prisoner transfer initiative gained momentum after Syrian government forces assumed control of key detention sites including al-Hol camp, al-Shaddadi prison, and al-Aqtan facility under a ceasefire extension. Although over 100 prisoners escaped during the chaotic SDF withdrawal from al-Shaddadi, Syrian authorities report most have been recaptured.

    Baghdad’s proposal to relocate detainees to Iraqi jurisdiction received approval from both Washington and Damascus, resulting in the aerial transfer of 275 prisoners to date. The Associated Press confirms 125 individuals were moved on Sunday alone, citing anonymous Iraqi security sources.

    Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council has asserted exclusive judicial authority over all transferred detainees, regardless of nationality or specific role within the terrorist organization. The council emphasized that standard legal procedures will apply uniformly, with Iraqi security forces conducting preliminary investigations before trials commence in domestic courts.

    This judicial transfer has raised substantial concerns among human rights organizations. Legal action NGO Reprieve characterized the development as “extremely worrying,” citing documented patterns of summary trials and executions in Iraq. CEO Maya Foa warned that transferred prisoners face “a very real risk of being tortured into making a forced confession and executed.”

    Human Rights Watch has previously documented Iraq’s sentencing of hundreds of IS suspects through “rushed and deeply flawed” trials that frequently relied on confessions obtained under torture. These concerns emerge against the backdrop of ongoing security operations against IS remnants in Iraq, despite the group’s territorial defeat in 2017.

    The SDF, which played a pivotal role in IS’s territorial defeat in 2019, previously managed thousands of detainees until their withdrawal from predominantly Arab regions. The United Nations subsequently assumed management responsibilities for al-Hol camp, highlighting the complex international dimensions of post-conflict detention challenges.

  • Australian Open defending champion Madison Keys upbeat about fourth-round exit

    Australian Open defending champion Madison Keys upbeat about fourth-round exit

    MELBOURNE – Reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys offered a refreshing perspective on competitive sportsmanship following her fourth-round elimination from the season’s first Grand Slam. The 30-year-old American fell to compatriot and close friend Jessica Pegula in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) on Monday, ending her title defense campaign at Melbourne Park.

    Despite the disappointment of her exit, Keys demonstrated remarkable philosophical maturity when reflecting on her loss. ‘Honestly, I’d say it feels way better losing while still being defending champion because it means you’ve won,’ Keys told reporters during her post-match press conference. She emphasized that a tournament defeat doesn’t diminish the value of previous accomplishments.

    The athlete revealed the psychological challenges professional tennis players face in balancing celebration with continuous competition. ‘When I won here, I had about 48 hours to enjoy it before immediately shifting focus to maintaining momentum for the next tournament,’ Keys explained. She noted the practical reality where champions often compete again within days of their victories, requiring rapid mental transition.

    Keys acknowledged the support from Melbourne crowds as particularly meaningful. ‘Those are moments that you just dream of as a little kid,’ she said, expressing gratitude for the fan encouragement even during her exit. The former finalist remains optimistic about her season ahead, noting she has ’11 months of the year left’ to implement improvements and build on her performance.

    The athlete humorously remarked that excessive focus on defending points rather than forward progress would make players ‘even more insane than we already are,’ highlighting the healthy perspective elite athletes must maintain in the demanding professional circuit.

  • Fifteen dead after Philippines ferry with 300 passengers sinks

    Fifteen dead after Philippines ferry with 300 passengers sinks

    A major maritime tragedy unfolded off the southern coast of the Philippines as the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, a combined cargo and passenger ferry, sank in turbulent waters, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. Search and rescue operations have successfully saved 316 individuals from the vessel that was carrying over 350 people when it issued a distress signal at 1:50 AM local time on Monday (17:50 GMT Sunday).

    The ferry was en route from Mindanao, the nation’s southern mainland, to Jolo island in the southwest Philippines when the incident occurred. Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab indicated in a televised interview that rough sea conditions reported by survivors may have contributed to the disaster. The archipelago nation, consisting of approximately 7,100 islands, has experienced numerous maritime accidents throughout its history.

    Rescue efforts faced significant challenges as emergency responders became overwhelmed by the influx of survivors. Basilan emergency responder Ronalyn Perez confirmed to AFP that medical facilities were experiencing staffing shortages due to the volume of patients requiring attention. Social media footage shared by Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman showed survivors wrapped in blankets disembarking from rescue vessels.

    Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the sinking, examining factors such as vessel maintenance, loading procedures, and weather conditions. The Philippines has historically struggled with maritime safety standards, with poor maintenance and overloading frequently cited in previous ferry accidents. Despite these risks, ferry travel remains a primary transportation method for many Filipinos due to its affordability.

    This incident follows other recent maritime tragedies in the region, including a May 2023 ferry fire that claimed 28 lives, including three children, and a high-speed ferry fire the previous year that resulted in at least seven fatalities among 134 passengers.

  • Heatwave warnings across Australia as millions celebrate national day

    Heatwave warnings across Australia as millions celebrate national day

    Meteorological authorities across Australia have escalated warnings as an unprecedented heatwave engulfs the nation, coinciding with Australia Day festivities. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temperatures soaring into the high forties Celsius across Victoria and South Australia, with the southern region already recording a searing 48.5°C on Sunday. This thermal surge has triggered extreme fire danger alerts and forced the cancellation of numerous public events, including Adelaide’s flagship parade and light exhibition.

    Emergency management officials compare the current conditions to Victoria’s most severe pre-bushfire weather patterns in nearly two decades. ‘This represents a profoundly serious meteorological situation,’ emphasized Tim Wiebusch, Victoria’s emergency management commissioner, referencing comparable conditions preceding the devastating 2009 wildfires. Firefighting units are actively combating multiple blazes that have necessitated evacuations and threatened residential areas.

    The scorching conditions have significantly impacted public life and major events. At Melbourne Park, the Australian Open tennis tournament witnessed athlete distress, with Italian player Jannik Sinner experiencing visible cramping during matches. Organizers temporarily suspended play as approximately 80,000 spectators received heat safety advisories.

    Contrasting the eastern heat emergency, Western Australia confronted Tropical Cyclone Luana over the weekend, which inflicted substantial property damage along coastal areas before weakening inland. Meteorological authorities nationwide recommend citizens seek climate-controlled environments in libraries, shopping centers, or community facilities, while implementing home cooling strategies including window closures and curtain adjustments.

  • Patriots, Seahawks set up Super Bowl rematch

    Patriots, Seahawks set up Super Bowl rematch

    The National Football League’s championship Sunday delivered two spectacular contests, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. In the NFC Championship game, quarterback Sam Darnold orchestrated a magnificent performance, leading the Seahawks to a nail-biting 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold’s stellar showing included three touchdown passes and 346 yards without a single interception, cementing his remarkable career resurgence since joining Seattle.

    The game reached its climax when the Rams’ final drive, advancing to Seattle’s six-yard line, ultimately yielded no points, securing the Seahawks’ conference title. Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged the hard-fought battle, stating that critical errors proved costly despite a back-and-forth contest between two elite teams.

    Meanwhile, the AFC Championship unfolded under dramatically different conditions as the New England Patriots battled both the Denver Broncos and a fierce blizzard in Colorado. Emerging with a gritty 10-7 victory, the Patriots demonstrated exceptional resilience in brutal weather that gradually blanketed the field in snow. Quarterback Drake Maye overcame a shaky start, contributing a first-half rushing touchdown and leading the decisive field goal drive that secured New England’s conference championship.

    The victory marks a stunning resurgence for the Patriots franchise, which has endured challenging rebuilding seasons following the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, New England captured the AFC East title for the first time since 2019 and now advances to their record 12th Super Bowl appearance. Brady, now a television commentator, praised his former teammate Vrabel and the organization for their remarkable turnaround from consecutive 4-13 seasons.

    The upcoming Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California on February 8 will revisit one of the most memorable matchups from the past decade, recalling Seattle’s heartbreaking loss to New England in the 2015 championship. This marks the first meeting between the franchises on football’s biggest stage since that iconic game, with New England seeking an unprecedented seventh Super Bowl title while Seattle aims for redemption.

  • Melbourne champion Keys exits as Sinner bids to avoid same fate

    Melbourne champion Keys exits as Sinner bids to avoid same fate

    In a stunning display of precision tennis, Jessica Pegula dismantled reigning champion Madison Keys in straight sets during their fourth-round clash at the Australian Open. The compelling 6-3, 6-4 victory unfolded under the Melbourne sun at Rod Laver Arena, where Pegula’s strategic mastery overwhelmed her fellow American and podcast collaborator.

    The match represented a fascinating intersection of friendship and competition, as the two athletes co-host ‘The Player’s Box’ podcast and had planned to record an episode before their on-court meeting. Pegula’s clinical performance featured just 17 unforced errors compared to Keys’ 27, along with six double faults from the defending champion that ultimately sealed her elimination.

    ‘My ball recognition and striking have been exceptional throughout this tournament,’ Pegula remarked post-match, having conceded merely 17 games across her four victories. ‘I remained committed to my strengths while anticipating her patterns. My serving strategy required particular focus—mixing pace and taking calculated risks on second serves proved crucial.’

    Pegula now advances to face either fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova or China’s Wang Xinyu as she pursues her maiden Grand Slam title, having reached the 2024 US Open final previously.

    Elsewhere in the draw, attention turned to men’s second seed Jannik Sinner, who seeks to avoid similar upset fate against compatriot Luciano Darderi. Sinner aims to capture his third consecutive Australian Open crown—a feat only Novak Djokovic has accomplished in the Open era.

    The tournament witnessed further developments as Djokovic received an unexpected walkover into the quarterfinals after Czech opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew injured. The 10-time champion now awaits the winner between Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti.

    Additional Monday matches feature Elena Rybakina versus Elise Mertens in women’s play, while Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud conclude the evening session originally scheduled for Djokovic’s match.