Gymnast Simone Biles Bags 5th Olympic Gold Medal

Jul 31 2024

Simone Biles secured her fifth Olympic gold medal by leading the United States to victory in the women’s gymnastics team final at the Bercy Arena.

Biles, alongside teammates Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera, delivered a dominant performance, scoring 171.296, nearly six points ahead of Italy (165.494), who earned their first artistic gymnastics medal in 96 years.

Brazil claimed bronze (164.497), their first team medal in history, narrowly edging out Great Britain.

This win marks a return to dominance for the U.S. team after they settled for silver at the Tokyo Olympics when Biles withdrew from the team final due to mental health concerns.

The Americans excelled across all four disciplines, reclaiming the team gold for the third time in the last four Olympics.

Biles, who at 27 is the oldest American woman to compete in Olympic gymnastics since the 1950s, showed no signs of her recent calf injury, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

With this victory, she extended her record as the most decorated gymnast in history with 38 medals from the Olympics and World Championships. The team celebrated their win in sequined red, white, and blue leotards, with the result never in doubt.

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18 Year Old Woman Falls Two Storeys In Raħal Ġdid

Jul 31 2024

Yesterday, at around 1700hrs, police were informed that their assistance was needed in Triq San Ġużepp, Raħal Ġdid.

Police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations found that an 18 year old woman from Bulgaria had fallen two storeys from a residence’s roof.

A medical team assisted the victim and transported her to Mater Dei Hospital. She was later confirmed to have suffered grievous injuries.

Police investigations are still ongoing.

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Edward Scicluna Steps Down From Central Bank Governor

Jul 31 2024

Edward Scicluna, the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, will retain his salary despite temporarily stepping aside from his role, Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed.

Robert Abela confirmed with journalists outside Castille after a Cabinet meeting which took longer than usual. No information as to why this was the case was given.

Abela emphasized that Scicluna was not dismissed but voluntarily stepped down by “mutual agreement” in light of an ongoing court case concerning a hospital deal.

He stressed that Scicluna’s decision to step aside was a proactive move that demonstrated integrity and exceeded the standards expected of him.

Abela highlighted that Scicluna’s suspension is temporary, and his employment terms will remain unchanged.

It is still not clear whether Scicluna would receive full pay or additional compensation but reiterated that the conditions of Scicluna’s employment would not change during this period.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence in Scicluna’s decision, noting that it was made out of respect for the autonomy of the Central Bank and the integrity of Malta’s financial sector.

Abela also defended Scicluna’s presumption of innocence, pointing out that Scicluna has not been found guilty by any court. He dismissed any suggestions of internal dissent, affirming that the cabinet unanimously supported the decision, which he believes upholds the integrity and moral standards of the Central Bank and the country.

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Maltese Student Races Around The World In Sailing Challenge

Jul 31 2024

Sacha Tayyar-Barnes from Lija, Malta, completed the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race, returning to Portsmouth, UK, on July 27.

The Clipper Race, which trains ordinary people for global sailing, is a 40,000 nautical mile journey that few have achieved.

Sacha and his Bekezela team became circumnavigators, crossing all meridians of longitude and the equator twice, joining an exclusive group fewer than those who’ve climbed Everest.

Sacha described his arrival as overwhelming and reflected on the immense challenges and growth he experienced during the race.

Over eleven months, he crossed six oceans, faced extreme weather, and sailed continuously with 20 teammates. Highlights included enduring and overcoming harsh conditions, which brought a sense of incredible achievement.

The Clipper Race involves eleven identical racing teams and took Sacha through a diverse route starting from Portsmouth on September 3, 2023, and visiting places like Spain, Uruguay, South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, China, the USA, and Scotland.

Founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the race welcomes anyone over 18, regardless of prior sailing experience. Participants, aged 18 to 75 from 45 nations, paused their everyday lives for this test of endurance, resilience, and courage.

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