Boston bans Russians and Belarusians

This year’s Boston Marathon set on April 18 banned runners from Russia and Belarus for invading Ukraine. Runners who are not residents of either country will still be allowed to compete but cannot run under their flags. The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) said it will refund fees of registered Ukrainian runners who cannot make it to the race. Russia and Belarus are already banned in all international soccer matches, including the World Cup. The Paralympics also banned both countries from the Games last month, while Chelsea owner, Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich is selling the club. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest marathon. Some of the top runners entered are Birhanu Legese (2:02:48) of Ethiopia and two-time Tokyo Marathon champion, Sisay Lemma (2:03:36) of Ethiopia, 2021 London Marathon champ, Kinde Atanwaw (2:03:51) of Ethiopia, 2019 Valencia Marathon titlist.

Autistic Ultramarathoner

ZACH BATES buckled blisters and exhaustion while running 28 hours through the Arizona trail to finish a 100-mile ultramarathon. Diagnosed with autism at age 4, the 20- year old completed the Coldwater Rumble 100-mile Ultramarathon earlier this year, to become the youngest finisher in the race history, aged 19.He finished 38thover- all out of 99 starters, 33 dropped out.  Bates was a member of the cross- county school team in Arizona.

YULIYA LEVECHENKO is Ukraine’s best high jumper. The 24-year old, 5’11” native of Bakhmut, competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics but didn’t reach the finals. She however redeemed herself the following year, when she won the silver medal in the World Championship in London. Also in 2017, she ruled the European U23 Championship in Belgrade. Her personal best are 2:02m 6’7 and 1/2 (outdoor) and 2:00 (indoor) 6’6 and 1/2, all recorded in 2019. The record holder in the  high jump is Stefka Kostadinova of Bulgaria with a jump of 2:09m set in the 1987 World Championship.

San Juan is PCAP champion

The San Juan Predators went an extra period, but nevertheless, repulsed the Southern Division titlist Iloilo  Kisela Knights, to win the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) Tournament, season two.  The Predators who trailed the mighty Pasig Pirates throughout the tournament and only entered the Northern Division Finals when they defeated the Pirates bannered by Darwin Laylo and Mark Paragua. The Predators were led by GM Oliver Barbosa, IMRicky De Guzman ,IM Rolando Nolte, WIN Jan Jodilyn Fronda, FM Narquinden Reyes, blasted Iloilo in the first set 16-5 but the Knights behind GM Joey Antonio drew with San Juan in the second set 10-5 apiece to arrange an Armageddon with the Predators prevailing 2-1.  Congrats San Juan and Iloilo for a good fight!