Is Coe harassed for being a Tory?

Understandable uproar in Wales, and particularly the Welsh Blogosphere about the alleged comments of Seb Coe in London's press, covered by Ian James Johnson, Miserable Old Fart, Amlwch to Magor, Ordovicius, Up the Valleys and Peter Black.

As Damon Lord sums it up:

It is also covered by Nick Webb, who justifiably asks did Coe really say it?

There is further mystery to the story, however. Did the paper actually print the story? I don't doubt Ian James Johnson's comment that he saw it on page 5 in the paper, so here's a link to a jpg of thelondonpaper's story (Hat tip to Dougthedug's
comment on Welshfootball.net).

The article however has now curiously disappeared from thelondonpaper's website, and also from the Metro's site, but I've managed to track down an online cached version of the Metro story. So, in probable breach of some copyright law, I'm reproducing the text of the Metro article below, so people can see what exactly was printed and reported before the cached version disappears as well.

As we aren't sure that Seb Coe actually made this comment, isn't most of this fuss in Wales down to the fact that he is a Tory?

Most recognised man on the planet

You rarely see them together, and some say that they have merged to a certain degree. I say, if you work together, then why not holiday... I mean, represent Wales together. Yes... the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for Wales have held hands across the pond, and taken in a spot of diplomatic/touristic/joint ministerial venture in the USA.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has presented a tribute from Wales to one of the most famous sportsmen ever - former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali is the ‘favourite son’ of Louisville, Kentucky - location of the 2008 Ryder Cup competition at the Valhalla course - and he and Mrs Lonnie Ali met a Welsh delegation at an official “Muhammad Ali Welcomes the World to Louisville" event.

Mr Jones said:

Muhammad Ali [insert name here when applicable] has been an inspiration to many in my generation - and it is a great privilege to meet him in person.

We have produced our own crop of boxing greats - from Tommy Farr, the 'Tonypandy Terror’, who fought Joe Louis back in 1937 [well done Assembly Researchers], to Joe Calzaghe, a champion in our own days. Wales has followed Muhammad Ali's career in the ring with great excitement and empathy.

The meeting was one of the highlights of an official visit to the United States this week which marks the official handover of responsibility for the Ryder Cup to Wales in 2010. It took place in the Muhammad Ali Centre, Louisville, which promotes his legacy to future generations and shares the stories, and lessons from his life, with the world. During the evening, Mr Jones presented the former champion with a special Muhammad Ali 'Grogg' from Pontypridd.

Muhammad Ali is described as still ‘the most recognizable man on earth’. Over forty years after he burst on to the scene as a gold-medal winner at the 1960 Rome Olympics, he remains a magical figure, known and loved throughout the world.His success as a boxer is widely respected, but Ali's greatest triumph lies in his legacy as a champion, leader, humanitarian, and artist. His work both inside and outside the ring truly makes Muhammad Ali "The Greatest of All Time."

There's only one Plaid member that's hoping to move up/down a weight or two. All rumours and propaganda of course, but the most recognised man in Plaid Cymru, the part-time philosopher-politician himself would make a welcome addition to the corner of Plaid Cymru in most corners of Wales.

A Paralympian Congratulations and Welcome Home

Members of the Welsh contingent of the Great Britain Paralympic team will be attending a welcome home celebration in Cardiff Bay today.

At the games, Dave Roberts equalled Tanni Grey-Thompson's record of 11 golds by winning the 50m freestyle; and 13-year old Eleanor Simmonds, won 2 gold medals and achieved a World Record in the pool.

The event will take place outside the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay at 12 noon, with a procession to the Senedd led by a traditional Chinese Lion. Another excuse to pop down to the bay for a lunch-time coffee.

Congratulations and Welcome Home

Members of the Great Britain team arrived back in the United Kingdom from China on Monday following their best Olympic performance for 100 years.

We'll be seeing some of you down the bay tomorrow!

Quote of the Week: Party differences

Ministers congratulate Welsh Athlete on Olympic Gold Medal

First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones have congratulated Nicole Cooke on her historic Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympics.

The First Minister said:

Nicole Cookes' Gold medal is a fantastic achievement. I am so pleased for her because she had been planning this for four years since her disappointment in the Athens Games in 2004 when she was outwitted in the final attack.

She has learnt her lesson and was able to time her efforts perfectly. This has brought her, Wales and Britain the honour of an Olympic Gold - the greatest prize in sport.

Nicole has already been a great example to women in Wales, encouraging them to take up physical exercise. From now on she will be forever be a role model as it has been for a very long time, if ever, since a Welsh woman has taken a Gold medal.

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said:

This is another incredible achievement for one of our great sporting champions.

Despite such dreadful weather conditions, Nicole's strength and sheer determination secured a victory in China that will be celebrated as a great moment in Welsh sporting history for many years to come.

Nicole is a great ambassador for her sport and for Wales and a role model for aspiring young athletes across our nation.

[August 11 2008]

Farewell Bob (1952-2008)

Former BBC Wales sports correspondent Bob Humphrys has died two months after he confirmed he had cancer.

Mr Humphrys, who was 56 and lived in Cardiff, passed away with his family at his bedside.

He had presented Wales Today's sports coverage for 20 years before taking early retirement this year. He was married with three children, and revealed his illness in an article written for the Daily Mail newspaper in June.

His brother John Humphrys, presenter of Radio 4's Today programme, said:

He was a great journalist and a great man and we will all miss him so much.

Pippa met him in the City Centre years ago and thought he was very charming and down to earth. A much-missed personality from Welsh television. Farewell Bob. Rest in Peace.

Wales' and Britain's New Olympian

Congratulations to Nicole Cooke on winning the gold medal in the Women's Cycling Road Race today, doing Wales proud in the process. We've known it for years, and today the world also knows just how good she is as an athlete. This Bridgend girl deserved to win an Olympic Gold Medal, and Britain's first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics.

So near, but yet so far...Cardiff

Fans of Cardiff City FC must feel very proud of the remarkable feat that has been achieved this season, despite missing out on overall success.

I'm not a football fan myself, unlike others, to name but a few.

What impressed me, was the interest in Cardiff, which was astounding, and I became a fan, if only for the day. The atmosphere in the city was wonderful, and more importantly - memorable for both myself and the little one.

The players, management and residents of Cardiff and further afield should feel very proud.

The Big Fight: We're behind you Joe Calzaghe

I'm disappointed by the leaders of the Welsh Assembly Government due to their lack of support for Joe Calzaghe this weekend.

Not that I condone two men beating the living daylights out of each other, which I suspect may have been taken into account as demonstrated by their hesitation. However, after jumping on the sporting success bandwagon by openly supporting Wales' success on the rugby and football field, the very least they could do is send Joe and the team their best wishes.

This aside, I always find it odd when athletes in their prime play down their opponent's achievements and abilities. I guess boxing is different in this respect, with the need to psyche out the opponent, but surely there is more glory in beating an excellent and much regarded opponent than a poor one.

This fight is generally regarded as not an easy one. Best wishes to you Joe - we're behind you!

One Wales is a dream and not a reality

While clearing up newspapers that have been piling up for weeks, I came across a letter in the South Wales Echo by a Mr. D Hughes, London.

He writes with regard to a recent regular visit to Wales and his surprise at the naming of the coalition government, 'One Wales'. Thought readers may like to read his take on it all.

I have been visiting family here in Wales for the past month, due to a family illness and was surprised that the AMs down the Bay are calling the coalition government the One Wales.

How can this be when we have a nation divided by lack of public transport, language and regional finances?

Rugby is only played along the M4 corridor and our three major football teams play in the English system.

Rugby unites us when we are doing well, even if we are coached by a New Zealander and an Englishman.

I found to my dismay that it is not possible to visit the National Library in a day by public transport, even though it is only 120 miles away from Cardiff!

What is the Transport Minister in the Assembly being paid to do?

I have never come across so many people who are anti-English, blaming anyone but themselves when anything goes wrong.

Thankfully the English are not so petty with their feelings towards the Welsh.

In this the 21st Century, it's time we learnt to stand by ourselves proving we can govern ourselves efficiently and not blame everyone else for our shortcomings.

Before anyone who replies gets on the language bandwagon, I can speak and write Welsh fluently, and have done so since the age of 15.

Although this is only one man's opinion, some elements do ring true with the general public and thought it worth a mention.

One Wales Grand Slam

PRESS RELEASE

ONE WALES GOVERNMENT

EMBARGO: For immediate release as soon as the whistle has blown in our favour.

People of Wales. I speak to you now as your leader, and though I do not take full credit for what we have achieved on the field today, I cannot help but think that this achievement would not have been managed under any other government.*

What the true and honest Welsh Plaid-lab men named Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have done, is to turn the men in red into men of steel, just like the Welsh teams of the golden years thirty years ago.

This team is playing with a ruthless defensive efficiency, combined with traditional Welsh attacking flair, very much like the Press and Propaganda Office of my government.

If I live long enough to swim and eat with dolphins in my twilight years (subject to my own 'private' healthcare plan), never will I experience such success that we have witnessed together, under the umbrella of a safe, Labour-led government of Wales.

* On behalf of the One Wales Government we thank you for providing space in the stadium for an emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss our sycophantic and opportunistic ways to join in with you on this triumphant occasion.

Joking aside. Heartfelt congratulations to the team and coaching staff for providing the public with such an amazing and emotional tournament. You deserve it!

Update: Celebration Parade/Plans. What the hell has it got to do with the Welsh Assembly Government? Assembly politicians, leave it alone! The WRU are in talks with Cardiff City & County Council - keep your opportunistic nose out!

Congratulations to Joe and Enzo Calzaghe

Congratulations to the Calzaghe family. Joe Calzaghe has been awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and his father Enzo Calzaghe was named Coach of the Year. This year there was no doubt as to why he should be the winner.

Calzaghe, the world super-middleweight champion, is undefeated in 44 fights, including a superb win over Mikkel Kessler in November.

Update: Promoter Frank Warren is confident of closing a deal for new BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Joe Calzaghe to fight American Bernard Hopkins in 2008.