Jules Boykoff, a renowned American scholar and writer, has expressed his view that unless Israel is held to the same standards as Russia by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the 2024 Paris Olympics may become a stark symbol of hypocrisy. According to Boykoff, the IOC demonstrates a clear bias in its responses to the hostile actions of both countries. While it quickly denounced Russia’s infringement on Ukraine, it has not yet publicly criticised Israel, despite widespread human rights abuses. He also noted that Russian athletes will have to participate in Paris as ‘neutral individuals’, whereas Israeli athletes can compete without any constraints.
Despite the politics at play, our own athletes keep their sights mainly on qualifying for the Paris tournament or performing their best once they arrive, depending on whether they’ve secured their spots just yet. Sonia O’Sullivan suggests that the European Championships in Rome, occurring seven weeks prior to the Olympics, can provide an ideal trial ground for Paris, as well as a more feasible opportunity to clinch medals.
Looking forward to another medal at the summer Olympics is Kellie Harrington, despite a recent loss after a three-year winning streak at the European Championships in Belgrade. Ian O’Riordan shares the specifics, while Elizabeth Carr’s efforts to qualify for Paris are discussed by Cliona Foley in a conversation with the Irish Army captain and triathlete.
In the world of rugby, Johnny Watterson addresses the increasingly common use of 6-2 splits on benches and the sport’s shift towards power-based contact gameplay away from elusive running. He gives insights suggesting this is ‘counterintuitive’ to rugby’s objectives in its injury profile.
Elsewhere, Gerry Thornley chats with Cork Con’s Matthew Bowen about the upcoming All-Ireland League final on Sunday against his old club, Terenure. Michael Sadlier also gives a preview of the URC match between Ulster and Benetton, with the standout performance of young tighthead Scott Wilson highlighted as a beacon of hope for Ulster this season.
Joe Canning is eagerly anticipating the following round of championship hurling matches, describing the intense atmosphere which is already noticeable just a week in. Particularly feeling the pressure are Cork and Clare, as they face each other this coming Sunday. Offaly also can anticipate a heated match this Sunday as they go head-to-head with Dublin’s football team, with Paul Keane catching up with Dublin’s Ciarán Kilkenny, whose mother hails from Offaly. Despite this, there are no mixed feelings.
Gavin Cummiskey provides a preview of the upcoming League of Ireland games for this weekend – Shelbourne is currently leading, but the competition is closing in. Hayley Nolan, gearing up to live her dream of playing in the WSL in England, speaks up about her journey, with her team, Crystal Palace, predicted to secure promotion on Sunday.
In the world of televised sports, all attention is on the second round of the Classic of New Orleans, where Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are part of the four teams currently in the lead (Sky Sports Golf, 2.15pm-11.30pm). Rugby fans can catch Ulster taking on Benetton in the URC (RTÉ 2, BBC 2 & Premier Sports 1, 7.35pm). Meanwhile, in football, Leeds are striving for promotion to the Premier League, with an away game against QPR this evening (Sky Sports Football, 8pm).