Get news about what's happening outside the pool with the latest Beyond the Lane Lines. Each edition collects personal stories, little-known facts, and items of general interest from around the world. Keep reading and learn something new this week.
World's number one Icelandic president takes part in memorial swim
president of iceland Guzny Th. Johannesson Participated in the annual swim in memory of the rescue efforts of Guðlaugur Hríðursson.
according to iceland monitorThe underwater event commemorates a 1984 boating accident in which a swimmer swam 6 kilometers to shore in icy waters in bad weather and then walked over a lava field to a town on Vestmannaeyjar.
The competition, which has been held since 1985, saw nearly 40 swimmers swim various distances. Johannesson's Facebook post shows she swam 1 kilometer.
Johannesson, 55, is Iceland's sixth president and took office in 2016. Although he was re-elected in 2020, he announced in January 2024 that he would not seek a third term.
#2 France proposes Russia/Ukraine ceasefire during Olympics
In a recent interview with the organizers of the United Ukraine Telethon, the French President said: Emmanuel Macron The country said it would offer Russia a cease-fire agreement that would last for the duration of the Olympics.
Two months later, meeting with the Chinese president Xi JinpingPresident Macron once again called for a ceasefire during the world's biggest multi-sport event.
Last week, President Xi said, “The world will never be at peace, and as a permanent member of the United Nations, China calls for a global truce during the Olympic Games.'' (POLITICO)
President Macron reiterated his statement, saying: “I would like to thank all parties for expressing their intention to call for an Olympic Truce during the talks.”
The Olympics will be held from July 26th to August 11th. Late last year, the International Olympic Committee announced that Russian athletes could participate in the Olympics under a neutral flag.
#3 Russian “neutral” Paralympic athletes wear special uniforms
The International Paralympic Committee has approved certain clothing colors for athletes of the Russian national team who may compete as “neutrals” in Paris. The team wears various shades of turquoise and beige.
Pavel Roszhkov, head of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC), recently told state news agency TASS: In this case, this means the colors white, blue and red.
“We will continue to actively collaborate with designers to prepare samples of sports apparel.”
Roshkov said Russia hopes to have 108 Paralympians representing seven of the 22 sports participate in this summer's games.
#4 Retired Olympic medalist mack horton Go racing with Ironman
australian olympic champion mack horton He may have announced his retirement from competitive swimming in January, but the 28-year-old isn't resting on his laurels.
Instead, Horton took on the Ironman 70.3 Geelong in March, competing in a trio of 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run. This was his second triathlon race, making his debut at Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast in September 2023.
Horton finished 451st out of 1,018 players and 388th out of 790 boys.
The highlight of Horton's career was at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won gold in the 400-meter free at the age of 20 with a personal best time of 3:41.55.
At the 2019 World Championships, he refused to share the 400m free podium with the four-time defending champion in a silent protest. Sun Yang, Horton called him a “drug crook” at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Yang was subsequently suspended for four years for allegedly interfering with his attempted drug test and will not be able to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
#5 Queensland considers abandoning its mandate to host the 2032 Olympics
a report Written by 9News Queensland Politics Editor Tim Arvia In March, the Queensland government announced that it was considering canceling the 2032 Olympics due to rising costs.
“Tonight we can reveal that the Queensland Government has sought advice and is considering canceling the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Amid controversy and public backlash over stadium plans, including the demolition and rebuilding of the Gabba, the Government has We have sought advice on the potential costs and legal implications of cancellation.” (9News)
Albier said he had received a response saying it would cost at least A$500 million in compensation to withdraw from hosting the 2032 Games. Additionally, the Australian federal government's A$3 billion funding commitment attached to the Games would have been cancelled. (1 Australian dollar = 0.65 USD)
In response, the Queensland government decided to hold the 2032 Olympics. “Better value for taxpayers” But it is also important for the country's reputation. (9News)
One particular venue that caused controversy was Brisbane Cricket Ground 'The Gabba', which was originally slated to be demolished and rebuilt at a cost of $3.4 billion. The Queensland Government did not accept that view and said it would instead opt for “more modest enhancements to existing facilities”. (Government News)
“One of their recommendations was to abolish the Gabba, which is unacceptable for such a much-loved venue,” the Premier said. stephen miles said in a statement.
“And while the concept of building a new stadium at Victoria Park has merit, the uncertainty of the final cost means it is unfortunately not an option.”
