Search

Aussie Olympian amputates finger to compete at Paris Games

<p>Matthew Dawson has amputated part of his ring finger in order to compete in the Olympics. </p> <p>The 30-year-old is set to represent the Australian men's hockey team - the Kookaburras- at this year's Paris Olympics.</p> <p>His Olympic participation was cast into doubt after he broke his finger, but in an extreme show of dedication, he opted to amputate it instead of getting a cast. </p> <p>“I made an informed decision with the plastic surgeon at the time not only for the opportunity to play in Paris but for life after as well,” Dawson told <em>7NEWS</em>.</p> <p>“The best option was for me to take the top of my finger off. It’s a bit of a change at the moment and an exciting challenge, I guess.”</p> <p>He reportedly didn't have much time to make the decision, but reassured that he was well informed before making the big move. </p> <p>“I had made the decision and then I called my wife, and she said, ‘I don’t want you to make a rash decision’, but I had all the information I needed to make the decision not for Paris but for life after,” he said.</p> <p>“Hopefully, I can not take too long to get back to form.”</p> <p>He added: “There are plenty of other issues and other people going on with other stuff in their lives that are bigger than losing a finger, so I’m very fortunate that it’s just a little bit of my finger.” </p> <p>Kookaburras Coach Colin Batch praised Dawson for making the big decision. </p> <p>“Dawson is back in training now. He’s certainly set the bar high for anyone getting a broken finger in the future, but full marks to Matt; he’s made that decision and obviously really committed to playing in Paris,” he said.</p> <p>The coach also told <em>7NEWS</em> that the decision was made entirely by Dawson, and that a coach can't decide for a player. </p> <p>“I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great,” he said.</p> <p>The Aussie hockey team will compete against Argentina on July 27 in their first match for the Paris Olympics.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

Body

The Reject Shop launches affordable new homewares range to compete with Kmart

<p>The Reject Shop is launching an affordable new homewares range that’s set to rival Kmart, IKEA and Target’s range.</p> <p>Fashionable décor items on offer include a gold metal planter, $12, and a pink Himalayan salt lamp for $19.</p> <p>Scented candles are priced at a low $5 each.</p> <p>The new collection is on sale now and available in store.</p> <p>If you’re looking to update your loungeroom, there are items available for that too.</p> <p>The Reject Shop are selling a blush pink velvet “decorator” chair, which is a stylish addition to the bedroom or loungeroom and priced at $58.</p> <p>There is also a velvet footstool available, complete with a gold base, which is selling for $28.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0iI5tqAYQv/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0iI5tqAYQv/" target="_blank">Add a touch of savvy style to your home with this comfy velvet chair, only $58, and foot stool, $28. Perfect touch to any home, without the hefty price tag 😍. Available from this Thursday! #getsavvy</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/therejectshop/" target="_blank"> The Reject Shop</a> (@therejectshop) on Jul 30, 2019 at 1:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The interiors on offer have seen an embrace of metallics, which is a trend that seems to be showing no signs of slowing down.</p> <p>A mirror with a gold frame and a black hanging strap is available for a low $12.</p> <p>If you’re sick and tired of watering your plants, there are fake potted plants available, such as the Calla lilies, that start at $12.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzjRKF-AMr1/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzjRKF-AMr1/" target="_blank">Add instant style to your indoors with low maintenance artificial plants, they are sure to bring some zen into your home or office space 🌴 #getsavvy</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/therejectshop/" target="_blank"> The Reject Shop</a> (@therejectshop) on Jul 5, 2019 at 3:00pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Creating a relaxing environment in your home just got easier with an electric LED colour changing diffuser that illuminates and changes colours as aromas are released. It’s available at $29.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0mM-eKHmlU/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0mM-eKHmlU/" target="_blank">Create a relaxing environment in your home with an electric LED colour changing diffuser. For just $29 it illuminates and changes colours as the fragrant aromas are released. Smell those savings 👌 #getsavvy</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/therejectshop/" target="_blank"> The Reject Shop</a> (@therejectshop) on Jul 31, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote>

Home & Garden

Meet the 99-year-old Aussie competing in the Commonwealth Games

<p>For the upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Australia has a total of 473 athletes representing our nation, but there is one who is already winning our hearts.</p> <p>Ninety-nine-year-old Australian swimmer George Corones has been added to the Aussie team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games after smashing the 50m freestyle world record.</p> <p>When Corones swam in the specially added masters event, he had no opponents in the 100-104 age bracket, but he didn’t let that slow him down.</p> <p>Masters swimmers compete in the age bracket that corresponds with their birthday and Corones will soon be celebrating his 100th birthday in April.</p> <p>Remarkably, the Aussie sensation took a massive 35 seconds off the previous world record, completing the race in 56.12 seconds.</p> <p>Corones has built up quite a fan base after footage of his record-breaking swim went viral and now Australia can cheer him on at the Commonwealth Games.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F7NewsBrisbane%2Fvideos%2F1848961021783408%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>At the age of 80, Corones took up swimming and his goal for the Commonwealth Games trial was to complete the race in under a minute.</p> <p>“I’d be surprised if I can’t break the minute. I’m aiming to swim 58 (seconds),” he said.</p> <p>Masters Swimming convinced Swimming Australia to add the special event for Corones at the Commonwealth Games trials and it has paid off.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">🇦🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> News. Today the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Triathlon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Triathlon</a> team welcomed 99yo swimming world recorder holder George Corones onto the team as an honorary member. 🙌<br /><br />📍In 1938 he was at the Empire Games in Sydney as a 19yo. Same age as <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Hauser?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Matt_Hauser</a> this Games. - 80 years apart. 💛💚 <a href="https://t.co/FZHkmkfhev">pic.twitter.com/FZHkmkfhev</a></p> — Triathlon Australia (@TriAustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TriAustralia/status/975946667584143362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>On Tuesday, Corones was announced as an honorary member of the Aussie team.</p> <p>In 1939, Corones was a part of the Empire Games in Sydney at the age of 19 and now 80 years on, he is still proving himself to be an inspirational athlete. </p>

Body

First woman with Down syndrome to compete in Miss USA pageant

<p>The world of beauty pageants isn’t exactly known for its inclusiveness and diversity, but the Miss USA Minnesota state pageant has taken a big leap forward, welcoming the first ever contestant with Down syndrome.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FChannel9BatonRouge%2Fvideos%2F10155291333433823%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>Mikayla Holmgren, 22, competed in the event over the weekend and took home the Spirit of Miss USA award and the Director’s Award.</p> <p>“I’m really good at them because it’s my passion,” she told <a href="http://kstp.com/news/minnesota-woman-first-with-down-syndrome-to-compete-in-miss-usa-state-pageant/4682219/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">KSTP News</span></strong></a>. “It’s really fun. As I do more pageants and I’m really proud of myself … this is my dream.”</p> <p>It’s not the first time Holmgren has won big at pageants. In 2015, she was crowned Minnesota Junior Miss Amazing and moved on to the national Junior Miss Amazing in Los Angeles.</p> <p>“Anybody that spends even five minutes with her knows that she is the right person to be the first to represent a community of people that need to see themselves doing something like this,” Miss USA executive director Denise Wallace said.</p>

Mind

Rio Olympics athletes to compete in contaminated waters

<p>In yet another blow to the Rio Olympic committee, athletes competing in water sports have officially been warned by health experts to “keep their mouths closed” while competing in the games.</p> <p>Government and Olympic officials admit that efforts to treat sewage and clear garbage from Guanabara Bay and the city’s beaches have been insufficient, and that Rio’s aquatic sites remain contaminated with rubbish, and even human waste.</p> <p>The bay will be hosting both the wind sailing and wind surfing competitions next month.</p> <p>Local Paediatrician Daniel Becker also told <em>The New York Times</em> that athletes are at risk of getting sick from microorganisms and toxins in the water.</p> <p>However, Brazilian authorities claim the situation isn’t as bad as the experts are making out, as the most contaminated areas are a fair distance away from where actual races will be taking place. Andre Correa, the Rio state secretary for the environment, told AFP that every measure has been taken to prevent garbage floating into designated competition areas.</p> <p>“There is a very small chance, but it can’t be ignored. It’s not impossible. But I am very optimistic that we can guarantee a fair regatta.”</p> <p>Mr Correa said the barriers, placed across 17 principal rivers, aim to stop 85 per cent of garbage running into the bay.</p> <p>However, that does not curb scientist's concerns about the toxins and bacteria still present in the water. Called Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, the bacteria can potentially cause meningitis, pulmonary gastrointestinal urinary tract and bloodstream infections.</p> <p>In their winning bid to host the Olympics, Rio de Janeiro officials had promised to reduce pollution by 80 per cent.</p> <p>Do you think the Rio games will be safe for our athletes? Let us know what you think in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Image source: Picture: Yasuyoshi ChibaSource:AFP</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/06/zika-vaccine-tests-a-major-success/"><em>Zika vaccine tests a major success</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/experts-warn-postpone-or-move-rio-olympics-to-prevent-zika-catastrophe/"><em>Postpone or move Rio Olympics to prevent Zika catastrophe, warn experts</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/04/olympic-flame-officially-lit-for-rio-games/"><em>Olympic flame officially lit for Rio games</em></a></strong></span></p> <p> </p>

News

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information