Michele Barbero is a senior journalist from Italy based in Paris. Excellent knowledge of Western politics, with particular focus on France, Italy, and Brussels. Available for articles (news or features) and for live hits (tv and radio).

France’s Quest for Olympic Glory

23 Aug 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  National Pride

France's performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics marked a significant improvement from previous years, with the country nearly doubling its medal count from the Tokyo Games. French President Emmanuel Macron's initiatives, including the creation of the National Sports Agency (ANS) and increased funding for athletes, played a crucial role in this success. Despite the impressive results, experts caution that the impact of these efforts should not be overestimated, and critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure equitable access to sports across regions and social classes. The article highlights the importance of sustained public funding and the development of a comprehensive sports model to maintain France's status as an Olympic powerhouse.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) Élysée Palace National Sports Agency (ANS)

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Paulomi Barman is a journalist based in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan.
She has been working for the Indian News Media for the past 4 years and has recently shifted to Tokyo ( 2019 ). During her work experience in India, she has worked with emminent journalists like Rajdeep Sardesai, Rahul Kanwal, ...

Tokyo Olympics: Protests to continue near opening ceremony venue as Olympic torch starts journey

23 Jul 2021  |  India Today  |  English  |  Protests

Protesters gathered outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as the Olympic torch arrived, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. Demonstrations are planned to continue near the Olympic stadium, despite heavy police regulation. The Olympics, starting amid pandemic restrictions and a state of emergency in Tokyo, have faced significant opposition with calls for cancellation. The opening ceremony will be scaled back with no mass choreography or large-scale performances, as COVID-19 cases among Games-accredited individuals have reached 67 since July 1.

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International Olympics Committee (IOC) Tokyo Metropolitan Government

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At Whiz Consulting, we help you efficiently deal with your business finance. Our experts have decade-long experience and served various businesses, be it e-commerce companies or aged care centres. We help each client with tailor-made bookkeeping and accounting solutions. 

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Gender row boxer’s next opponent: I’m not scared, I won’t give up

02 Aug 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Olympics

Hamori expresses confidence and determination ahead of her fight, dismissing concerns about her opponent's gender. The International Boxing Association disqualified Khelif and Lin Yu-ting from last year's world championships due to unspecified gender tests, while the IOC maintains eligibility based on passport sex. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over gender testing in sports.

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IOC International Boxing Association

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Yordano Carmona Is a journalist based in Miami, United States of America. He has been covering baseball for the last 7 years and is a BBWAA Member. He has been at World Series, and World Baseball Classic and covers the Miami Marlins on a daily basis.

Cuban becomes 'one of the most coveted boxers' of the moment

09 May 2023  |  Martí Noticias | Martinoticias.com/  |  Spanish  |  Boxing

Cuban boxer Andy Cruz, a three-time amateur world champion and current Olympic lightweight champion, has signed with Matchroom Boxing, a leading promoter in professional boxing. Cruz, who escaped from Cuba in November after a failed attempt that led to his suspension, aims to debut in one of boxing's most competitive divisions. Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing praised Cruz as one of the most coveted talents to turn professional. Meanwhile, Cuban athletes Ramiro Mora and Fernando Dayán Jorge will join the Olympic Refugee Team for Paris 2024, as announced by the International Olympic Committee. In other sports news, Cuban baseball players continue to make their mark in Major League Baseball, with Andy Pagés, Adrián Morejón, and Yennier Cano having notable performances, while Jorge Soler struggles to meet expectations. The article also touches on the defection of judoka Magdiel Estrada and the success of the World Baseball Classic in Miami, which will again be a venue in 2026.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) Major League Baseball (MLB)

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Mazino Dickson-Amagada is a multimedia journalist based in Columbia, United States of America.

Ahmed Fathi is a UN Correspondent and, global affairs analyst based in New York, NY and available for international assignments.

Russian Skater with Positive Drug Test Allowed to Compete at Beijing Olympic Games

10 Oct 2023  |  www.amerinews.tv  |  English  |  Sports

Kamila Valieva, a favorite for the women's individual gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, failed a pre-Games drug test but is allowed to compete. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled she does not need to be suspended indefinitely. If she finishes in the top three, the IOC will not award her any medals, and there will be no medal ceremony for Russia's team event, affecting athletes like Nathan Chen from the United States.

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IOC Court of Arbitration for Sport

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Nick Gutteridge is a freelance journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Gary Lineker retweets call for Israel to be banned from international football

14 Jan 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Sports

Gary Lineker faces criticism for retweeting a call to ban Israel from international sports due to its actions in Gaza. Conservative MPs and organizations accuse him of endorsing an anti-Semitic campaign and question the BBC's impartiality. The article highlights the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the role of Hamas, and the broader implications for media figures commenting on sensitive political issues.

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IOC BBC FIFA Hamas Conservative Friends of Israel Campaign Against Antisemitism

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Tom Jenkins is a highly experienced journalist, editor, digital producer and consultant with a demonstrated history working in media production and an acute understanding of the digital landscape. He writes about food and drink, travel, culture and lifestyle.

Born, raised and based in London, he ...

Paris Olympics 2024: Guardian photographers at the Games – picture essay

13 Aug 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Sports

The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a return to vibrant, packed venues, offering a visual feast for photographers. The Guardian's photographers captured the essence of the Games, highlighting the city's allure and the athletes' remarkable performances. Despite the challenges of a demanding schedule and competition with top photographers, the experience was exhilarating and rewarding. Key moments included Team GB's gold at Versailles and Andy Murray's final performance at Roland Garros. The Games were a testament to Paris's charm and the successful efforts of the organizers.

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IOC Guardian Observer Team GB

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Seda Karatabanoglu is a journalist and content creator based in Istanbul, Turkey. She writes about journalism ve current in Journo, NewsLab Turkey, Talent Politan and Dazzle Your World. She received communication and justice training.

Gender-focused journalism in sports media

19 Aug 2021  |  www.newslabturkey.org  |  Turkish  |  Sports

The article discusses the underrepresentation of women in sports media, where only 4% of coverage is dedicated to women, often focusing on physical attributes rather than athletic achievements. It highlights the need for gender-focused journalism that avoids victimizing women and LGBTI+ individuals, increases their representation in primary societal agendas, and steers clear of discrimination and hate speech. The article references guides and handbooks for inclusive reporting, emphasizing the importance of focusing on athletes' sports achievements rather than personal lives or identities.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) UNESCO

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Matthew Kynaston is a journalist / photojournalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Going for gold: Farzad Mansouri targets taekwondo success for Olympic Refugee Team

14 May 2024  |  The National  |  English  |  Taekwondo

Farzad Mansouri, a taekwondo athlete from Afghanistan, has been selected for the Olympic Refugee Team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. After fleeing Kabul due to the Taliban's takeover, Mansouri faced numerous challenges, including immigration hurdles and training limitations. Despite these obstacles, he has achieved significant success in taekwondo competitions and is determined to win a medal for the Olympic Refugee Team. His journey highlights the difficulties faced by refugees and the support provided by organizations like Team GB Taekwondo and the IOC.

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IOC Olympic Refugee Team Taliban Team GB Taekwondo UNHCR GB Taekwondo

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Hannah McCarthy is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

The Politics Of The Olympics

26 Jan 2022  |  www.civics101podcast.org  |  English  |  Athlete Activism

The podcast episode explores the political dimensions of the Olympic Games, discussing how the event has been used historically and in contemporary times for political purposes by host nations, the International Olympic Committee, and athletes. It covers the financial implications of hosting the Olympics, the militarization of public spaces, displacement of local communities, and greenwashing. The episode also delves into athlete activism, such as the iconic protest by John Carlos and Tommie Smith in 1968, and the IOC's Rule 50, which bans political demonstrations. The discussion includes the motivations behind Olympic bids, the impact of the games on national unity, and the diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Nazi Germany

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jorge Morejon is a journalist based in Miami, United States of America.

Robeisy Ramírez Returns to the Rings in Miami; Sends Message to Cubans

02 Nov 2023  |  Martí Noticias | Martinoticias.com/  |  Spanish  |  Cuban Athletes

World featherweight champion Robeisy Ramírez is set to defend his title against Mexican Rafael Espinoza on December 9 in Miami. Ramírez, a two-time Olympic champion, has a record of 13 wins and one loss, while Espinoza has 21 victories with no losses. Ramírez expressed his dream of defending his title in Miami, home to a large Cuban exile community, and sent a message of support to Cubans on the island through Radio Martí. The article also covers performances of other Cuban athletes in baseball, including Andy Ibáñez's notable contribution to the Detroit Tigers' victory, and mentions the inclusion of Cuban athletes Ramiro Mora and Fernando Dayán Jorge in the Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024. Additionally, it discusses the success of the V World Baseball Classic in Miami and the city's selection as a main venue for the 2026 edition.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Major League Baseball (MLB)

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British journalist, editor, and researcher. Work published in the Guardian, POLITICO Europe, New Statesman, Vice, The Moscow Times, and New Eastern Europe. 

Now primarily in London/Baltics but open to Russia-based commissions with the appropriate arrangements.

Ukraine’s Dead Athletes Haunt 2024 Olympics

16 Jan 2024  |  cepa.org  |  English  |  Documentary Film

The documentary 'Athletes of War' highlights the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Ukrainian athletes, with over 400 killed. It challenges the neutrality of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, citing the unfair conditions faced by Ukrainians due to the war. The film features Ukrainian athletes like Sergiy Stakhovsky and Iryna Koliadenko, who speak about the psychological and physical disadvantages they endure. An open letter to French President Macron from Ukrainian athletes calls for a ban on Russian and Belarusian participants, some of whom have publicly supported the invasion. The film also questions the International Olympic Committee's reluctance to exclude Russia and the broader issue of international complicity. It ends with a call for recognition of Ukraine's losses and a hope for a response similar to the 1968 Olympics after the invasion of Czechoslovakia.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) United Nations

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Emeka Nwokocha is a journalist and Senior Correspondent at TheBrief Online News Platform. He brings his honed expertise in news reportage and feature writing to bear on his current job. His area of specialty includes politics, governance, economy, gender inequality and human rights. He is a ...

ERA/FoEN Faults IOCs Divestment in Niger Delta, Laments Worsening Underdevelopment of Oil & Gas Bearing Communities

06 May 2023  |  www.thebrief.com.ng  |  English  |  Community Development

The Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action (ERA)/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (FoEN), Barr. Chima Williams, criticized the divestment policy of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta, describing it as harmful to host communities. He blamed the Nigerian government for failing to protect the economic rights of these communities, which suffer from severe pollution due to oil and gas exploitation. Environmental activists, including Jonah Gbemre and Dr. Rachael Misan-Ruppee, echoed these concerns, highlighting the health and social impacts on local populations. The article calls for legal action and collective efforts to ensure fair treatment and compensation for affected communities.

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International Oil Companies (IOCs) Environmental Rights Action (ERA) Friends of the Earth Nigeria (FoEN) Kristal Kare Foundation Development Initiative for Community Impact (DICI)

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Suryanshi is a journalist based in New Delhi, India.

Why India’s retired domestic women cricketers are left out of BCCI pension scheme

05 Apr 2023  |  ThePrint  |  English  |  Sports Law

The article discusses the persistent issue of doping in Indian sports, highlighting India's ranking as the third-highest in the world for anti-doping rule violations according to WADA's 2019 report. It outlines the history of doping in Indian sports, the establishment of NADA, and the challenges faced in combating doping, such as low testing rates, lack of awareness, and insufficiently stringent laws. The article also covers the roles of various stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and supplement suppliers, in the doping ecosystem. It mentions specific cases of Indian athletes who have faced bans due to doping violations and discusses the legislative efforts to combat doping, including the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021. The article emphasizes the need for targeted testing, stringent laws, and increased awareness to effectively tackle the doping menace in Indian sports.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) ThePrint Navodaya Vidyalayas National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) International Association of Athletics Federations

Rupert Read is a professor of philosophy at the University of East Anglia. He is a former chair of Green House think tank, and a former Green Party of England and Wales councillor, spokesperson, European parliamentary candidate and national parliamentary candidate. Until recently Rupert was a ...

Alternatives: How to end our addiction to oil and gas

21 Jul 2023  |  www.declassifieduk.org  |  English  |  Environmental Crisis

The fossil fuel industry's long-standing knowledge of its detrimental impact on the climate has led to calls for profound legislative action to end the fossil fuel era. Despite the industry's influence and lobbying efforts to maintain oil dependency, the climate crisis benefits no one, including industry executives. Oil corporations have been accused of delaying public awareness of fossil fuels' role in climate change. The article discusses the Climate Majority Project's goal to shift business orientation away from competitive advantage-seeking. It calls for the fossil fuel industry to acknowledge its responsibility for environmental crises, apologize, and tell the truth in legally binding documents. The industry must invest in renewables, reduce emissions, and lobby for policies that support a transition to a renewable energy future. Citizens are encouraged to demand legislative action, support a windfall tax on oil companies, and reduce energy demand. The article suggests that employees, investors, and shareholders of fossil fuel companies should press for change or divest.

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International Oil Corporations (IOCs) Paris Agreement

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Lee Reaney is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine. He is Editor of the award-winning Lviv Today, the Sports Editor at What's On Kyiv, and covers Para taekwondo for the International Paralympic Committee and World Taekwondo. He is previously worked for organisations such as The Budapest Times, ...

Living Inside The Beijing Bubble

09 Feb 2022  |  www.kyivpost.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, under the motto 'Together for a Shared Future', ironically enforces a 'closed loop' system preventing togetherness and sharing. Ukrainian athletes face COVID-19 challenges, with nearly 10% testing positive, affecting their training and participation. Transportation issues plague the press, with new bullet trains undermined by inefficient transport hubs. Political tensions surface as Ukrainian athletes encounter provocations from Russian media, and the IOC remains silent on Russian violations of sanctions. The demand for Olympic souvenirs, especially the mascot Bing Dwen Dwen, skyrockets, reflecting a sudden surge in interest post-Opening Ceremonies. The article conveys the complexities and contradictions of the Olympic experience amid a pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) United Nations Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

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Able to provide - Fixing, Live Radio, Print, Radio Newsgathering, Radio Packages and some TV.
 BBC credits include Diana Ross & The Best of Jazz (as co-writer/co-producer): The Capitol Records Story and Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (as creator/writer/producer/host); and several BBC live ...

Women's Sports Turning Moments into Movements

25 Jul 2024  |  S&P Global  |  English  |  Investment in Sports

The podcast episode discusses the growing interest and investment in women's sports, highlighting the significant increase in viewership, attendance, and media rights deals. The discussion covers the impact of star athletes like Caitlin Clark on the popularity of women's sports, the rising valuations of teams, and the potential for further growth in media rights and sponsorships. The conversation also touches on the role of the Olympics in promoting gender equality in sports and the increasing commercial opportunities for women's sports leagues. The episode concludes with a look ahead at future investment opportunities and the importance of grassroots development in sustaining the momentum of women's sports.

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IOC S&P Global WNBA NWSL NBA BBC NBCU

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Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

Scandal over Japan’s ‘secret funds’ for Olympics deals fresh blow to unpopular Kishida

30 Nov 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Olympics

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces increased scrutiny as allegations surface regarding 'secret funds' used to influence the selection of Tokyo as the 2020 Olympics host city. The controversy, involving former Liberal Democratic Party member Hiroshi Hase, adds to Kishida's challenges amid declining support. The opposition has raised questions in the Diet, further pressuring Kishida's administration.

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IOC Liberal Democratic Party

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Ngewakl Isaac Soaladaob owns and operates TMC Palau, the local television station broadcasting on channel 38, which he established to serve the community of Palau with quality programming, including the Palauan Language news show "Meang el Chais" and various talk shows. His expertise in videography ...

Palau Aims to Manage 100% of Its Marine Zones Amid Global Challenges

01 Apr 2023  |  Island Times  |  English  |  Environmental Policy

The Palau Government has announced its goal to manage 100% of its exclusive marine economic zones (EEZ) using Marine Spatial Planning, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and debates over its marine sanctuary. Marine Spatial Planning is a process defined by IOC-UNESCO for allocating marine area use to meet ecological, economic, and social goals. Lukes Isechal, Palau’s Marine Spatial Planning Coordinator, discussed the country's plans at a conference in Fiji, highlighting the importance of collaboration at various levels to achieve marine management objectives. Palau has been a leader in marine conservation, with initiatives dating back to the early 2000s, and continues to show a strong commitment to protecting its marine ecosystems.

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IOC-UNESCO

Bruno Waterfield is Brussels correspondent for The Times. He has been reporting on European affairs for almost 20 years, first from Westminster and then from the capital of the EU. He reported for the Daily Telegraph from Brussels from 2007 to 2015.

British concerns after Netherlands select child rapist for Olympics

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Crime

British Olympic chiefs have expressed serious concerns after the Netherlands confirmed that Steven van de Velde, a beach volleyball player convicted of raping a 12-year-old English girl, will compete at the Paris Games. Despite his conviction and a four-year prison sentence, the Dutch Olympic Committee has selected him to represent the country, and the IOC has stated it will not intervene.

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IOC British Olympic Committee Dutch Olympic Committee

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Jamie Wills is a journalist based in Inverurie, United Kingdom.

Snow strikes schedules

18 Jan 2023  |  We love Stornoway  |  English  |  Transportation Disruptions

Continued snowfall has disrupted services across the Western Isles, affecting road transport, flights, and school operations. Lochs Motors cancelled some bus services, while Stornoway Airport reported flight cancellations and delays. CalMac adjusted livestock transport on the Stornoway-Ullapool route due to low tides. Several schools in Uist closed for the day, and events like the Point Show AGM and Stornoway Historical Society's evening with Malcolm Macdonald were postponed.

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Iochdair Primary School Stornoway Airport Sgoil Lionacleit Balivanich Primary School Daliburgh Primary School Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath MacVicar and Aitken Point Show Stornoway Historical Society

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Brian Yatich is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Getting Oil And Gas Working For Africa

02 Oct 2023  |  The East African Business Times  |  English  |  Oil and Gas Industry

Africa has not fully capitalized on its oil and gas resources, with a significant portion of the population lacking electricity. The continent faces challenges in attracting upstream investment, developing natural gas reserves for economic growth and low-carbon energy, and managing the downsizing of major oil companies. The upcoming African Oil Week in Cape Town will address these issues. Africa's oil and gas production is projected to decline without increased investment and improved project delivery. Governments need to balance taxation with incentives for low-carbon technologies, and sustainability regulations are becoming increasingly important. Floating LNG offers a new avenue for gas monetization, but domestic gas market development remains hindered by affordability and infrastructure. African independent operators are emerging, acquiring assets from international companies and navigating local challenges with the support of favorable government policies and partnerships.

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International Oil Companies (IOCs) African Oil Week Wood Mackenzie National Oil Companies (NOCs)

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