London 2012: Teenage weightlifter Zoe Smith makes Team GB - BBC News
Commonwealth bronze medallist Zoe Smith will make her Olympic debut this summer after being named in the five-strong GB weightlifting squad for London 2012.
Smith, 18, achieved the Olympic A standard twice and finished fourth at April's European Championships.
"I'm elated to have been selected for the team," said Greenwich-born Smith.
"It has been a nerve-wracking period ahead of selection, so I'm glad that I've secured my place to say I'll be representing Team GB!"
The teenager will be joined in the squad of five by veteran Welsh lifter Natasha Perdue.
GB weightlifter and Leeds City council worker Natasha Perdue
The 36-year-old who combines training with full time work at a refuse collection centre in Leeds will be following in the footsteps of her father, Terry, who competed at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.
"I can't describe in words how happy I feel and I keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming," said Perdue.
"I waited two weeks for the call, and when it came I didn't want to answer it in case it was bad news.
"I asked them to repeat it about three times just to make sure."
Scotland's Commonwealth silver medallist -94kg Peter Kirkbride is the highest profile lifter in the three-strong men's squad.
The 24-year-old has endured a difficult 18 months after a series of injuries disrupted his training regime, but he hopes to be back to peak form by the Games.
GB weightlifting squad
Gareth Evans - Men's 69kg (26, Holyhead)
Peter Kirkbride - Men's 94kg (24, Hurlford)
Jack Oliver - Men's 77kg (21, Bexleyheath)
Natasha Perdue - Women's 69kg (36, Swansea)
Zoe Smith - Women's 58kg (18, London)
"I'm excited to find out about being selected as part of the team," said Kirkbride.
Winning Commonwealth silver was a great moment for me, and I hope to perform better than I did in Delhi."
Wales' -67kg lifter Gareth Evans, who left both his family and full-time job up to move to Leeds and train full-time with the GB squad, joins Kirkbride in the Olympic team.
"I'm ecstatic," he said. "It is testament to the sacrifice I have made and the hard work I have put in over the years.
"I would just like to thank everyone who has supported me so far."
Despite struggling at the Olympic trials in May, 20-year-old Jack Oliver is included in the team as a result of his promising displays over the past 18 months, which included British records at the World Championships.
"I feel ready to rise to the occasion and try to make my country proud," said Oliver.
The weightlifting events will take place between 28 July and 7 August at London's ExCel Centre at this summer's London 2012 Olympic Games.
London Broncos 28 Widnes Vikings 24 - runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk
Jun 11 2012 by Daniel Mckenzie, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News
A LAST-GASP Antonio Kaufusi try denied Widnes their first away win of the season against London at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.
The Broncos prop touched down in the final seconds of the match to lift his side above the Vikings and off the foot of the Super League table.
Widnes were on the back foot for large periods of the game – especially in the first half – but went into the break level at 12-12 and lead by two points going into the final minute.
Then, with the final play of the game, Kafusi powered his way through an exhausted Widnes defence to break the hearts of the hundreds of travelling Vikings fans.
The Vikings got off to a flying start and Cameron Phelps opened the scoring after two minutes.
Phelps, again playing at full-back in Shaun Briscoe's absence, burst onto John Clarke's well-timed pass to touch down to the right of the sticks. Ah Van added the extras.
But straight from the restart a Widnes mistake gifted London possession and the Vikings were made to work hard in defence to shut out three repeat sets.
The home side continued on the front foot and eventually turned pressure into points when Craig Gower touched down after 13 minutes. Jason Golden levelled the scores with the conversion.
After 20 minutes of stalemate, in which Widnes struggled to get out of their own half, London took the lead when Omari Caro finished off a well-worked last tackle move.
But the Vikings sparked into life in the closing stages of the half and Frank Winterstein popped up with a collector's item of a try seconds before the hooter.
Winterstein used all of his 18-stone frame to power his way to the line after Ah Van had gone close. The successful conversion meant the side's went in level at the break 12-12.
The Vikings started the second half in similar vein to the first, with Phelps again crossing in the early stages after good work by Jon Clarke.
The scores were level once again five minutes later when substitute forward Tony Clubb powered over a break by London's pacey winger Kieran Dixon.
Paddy Flynn then denied Dixon what looked to be a certain try with an outstanding last ditch tackle.
Widnes then had several chances to reestablish their lead in a long period of possession but first Paul McShane and then Ah Van had tries chalked off by referee Robert Hicks.
They did eventually get their noses in front however when Winterstein completed his brace with an hour played, latching onto Rhys Hanbury's precision pass.
Ah Van then had a chance to put a bit of daylight between the two sides but was off target with a penalty from 45m out.
Moments later Paddy Flynn came up with yet another try-saving tackle moments later, again denying Dixon and forcing the error.
And when Daniel Sarginson crossed for London with just seven minutes left to played, it looked as though the Vikings had been denied securing back-to-back victories for the first time this year.
But from the conversion Golden missed the chance to tie things up, leaving Widnes two points ahead with minutes to play.
However, with the final play of the match Antonio Kaufusi powered his way through the tiring Widnes defence to win the match for his team in the most dramatic fashion.
Vikings coach Dennis Betts said: “We have to stay philosophical about it. Last week we won a game in the last minute and this week we lose in the last minute.
“I thought we did enough to deserve something from the game, although we did have to spend a lot of our time defending and that took a lot of energy out of us.
“I'm really disappointed as this was a great opportunity to push ourselves away from the foot of the table and we have not taken it.”
London 2012 Olympics: Tom Daley confirmed in Britain's Olympic diving squad - Daily Telegraph
He said: “I can’t wait to see the home crowd. There’ll be 17,500 people all behind us wanting us to do well and I can’t wait to hear the noise they’ll make.
“A home Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I really can’t wait to get onto those boards at the Aquatics Centre again.”
But Gladding's attempt to compete in the 10m individual in her first Olympics, just 18 months after she almost died following an accident at a diving competition in Russia, could be under threat.
Reports suggest her place is set to come under appeal from 10 metre platform rival Tonia Couch.
Couch, who will go to London in the platform synchro, and her coach Andy Banks have revealed their anger at the decision after being overlooked by a British Diving selection panel headed by controversial performance director Alexei Evangulov.
She had beaten Gladding into third place at the British Gas Diving Championships - which doubled as the Olympic qualifiers - at the weekend and was last night in tears after being informed of the decision.
But British Diving were still to receive official notification of an appeal, with Couch, who reached the 2008 Olympic final, having 48 hours to lodge any complaint.
Banks made public their dissatisfaction today, though, saying: "I feel, quite strongly, that she [Couch] has demonstrated over the course of this year that she is still the UK's premier platform diver - she has been since 2008."
Couch used her Twitter page to say: "Picked 4 syncro but not for individual. I dived my socks off with a PB and came 2nd, had the best year yet not been picked for 2012 £gutted."
Gladding's selection had loomed as an emotional choice after she almost died in February last year following the freak accident at a diving competition in Russia.
The 30 year-old had to be dragged to safety from the bottom of the diving pool after hitting her head on the concrete 10m platform and plummeting unconscious into the water.
She said: "I have had many ups and downs to get to today's announcement.
"It has taken a lot but I am now fully back, ready and excited to put on my Team GB tracksuit.
"It really is a dream come true."
Couch will also focus on her partnership with Sarah Barrow in the 10m synchro. The pair became Britain's first women's European diving champions in Eindhoven last month and are expected to push for a podium place.
Rebecca Gallantree and Nick Robinson-Baker were picked for their second Olympics, while rising star Jack Laugher heads a list of four teenagers heading to their first Games along with Chris Mears, Hannah Starling and Alicia Blagg.
The Olympic diving events begin on July 29 before finishing with Daley's platform final on August 11.
The Great Britain Olympic Diving team:
Tom Daley – 10M Individual and 10M Synchronised
Peter Waterfield – 10M Individual and 10M Synchronised
Chris Mears – 3M Individual and 3M synchronised
Nick Robinson-Baker – 3M Synchronised
Jack Laugher – 3M individual
Alicia Blagg – 3M Synchronised
Rebecca Gallantree – 3M Synchronised
Hannah Starling – 3M Individual
Tonia Couch – 10M Synchronised
Sarah Barrow – 10M Synchronised
Stacie Powell – 10M Individual
Monique Gladding – 10M Individual
Vauxhall targets company car drivers with Mokka Tech Line SUV - easier.com
Hot on the heels of Vauxhall’s recent pricing announcement for the Mokka SUV, is news that there will be a fourth trim line aimed at company car drivers, called Tech Line and costing £15,995.
Available from today, Mokka Tech Line offers company car drivers exceptional levels of standard spec, combined with low P11D prices and attractive benefit-in-kind charges. Tech Line models can already be found in the Astra and Insignia model ranges.
The Mokka Tech Line will enter the growing sub-compact SUV B-segment, but despite its compact 4.28 metre length can accommodate five adults in comfort. Its key rival will be the Nissan Qashqai although some customers may well view the Mokka as a competitor to the Juke and the Skoda Yeti. Like all Vauxhall passenger cars, the Mokka comes with Lifetime Warranty.
The Mokka comes with very generous levels of standard equipment, including the Navi 600 satellite navigation system, DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio,, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 18 inch alloy wheels and cruise control. This is on top of air conditioning, Descent Control System, aux-in and a multi-function trip computer.
Three engines, ranging in power from 115 to 140PS, will be available from launch. The 1.6-litre petrol produces 115PS and 155Nm of torque, and with its standard Start/Stop system delivers a combined 43.5mpg. With 140PS, the 1.4-litre turbo is the Mokka’s most powerful petrol engine and brings with it standard four-wheel drive and sub-150g CO2 emissions.
The Mokka has a choice of two diesel models, both of which use Vauxhall’s 1.7 CDTi 130PS engine, with CO2 emissions as low as 124g/km. In front-wheel drive form, the 1.7 CDTi is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and with all-wheel drive the Mokka comes with the six-speed manual only. Like the petrol-powered cars, all manual models have Vauxhall’s fuel-saving Start/Stop system as standard.
“The Mokka takes its design cues from larger SUVs and integrates them into a compact, yet modern form,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “We are now growing a compelling and diverse range of products that appeal both to retail and fleet customers, and the Mokka will complement this perfectly.”
“An array of eye-catching standard features paired with exceptional P11D values make the new Mokka Tech Line really stand out from the competition,” said James Taylor, Fleet Sales Director. “Mokka expands our Tech Line range aimed at fleet customers after its launch earlier this year with Astra and Insignia.”
Front- or four-wheel drive transmissions
The Mokka has been designed to perform efficiently in urban environments, but with the ability to be driven off-road when the need arises. Both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are available, with the AWD system being fully adaptive. When the vehicle’s being driven on smooth, dry surfaces all drive is sent to the front wheels for maximum efficiency. But when the road surface is slippery, as much as 50 per cent of the drive automatically and seamlessly is diverted to the rear axle. The entire AWD system weighs just 65kgs, benefitting handling and fuel economy.
Mokka Tech Line brings wide range of new tech to sub-compact SUV segment
A variety of state-of-the-art driver-assistance systems will be available in the Mokka. The Vauxhall Front Camera – first seen in the latest Insignia, and also the new Zafira Tourer – gives drivers access to Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Alert, as well as a rear-view camera, which works with park-assist sensors front and rear.
Reinforcing its role as a recreational car for families, the Mokka also has the option of Vauxhall’s latest generation FlexFix rear bicycle carrier. The carrier is fully integrated into the rear bumper, and slides out like a drawer to accept up to three bicycles at a time. The system even allows easy access to the tailgate/cargo area when the bikes are on the carrier.
Standard on all Mokkas is a comprehensive package of safety systems, including Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, providing drivers with reassurance, no matter if they’re on or off-road. HDC is an excellent ally when a driver is descending a steep hill, when it determines and limits the speed of the vehicle, meaning that the brakes need not be applied.
Adding further still to the Mokka’s comprehensive safety armoury is Vauxhall’s Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+). This technology automatically adapts the Mokka’s lighting to suit its driving environment, whether it be motorway, country, urban, adverse weather, increased full beam, or cornering beam. The system is also equipped with High Beam Assist, which adjusts the high beams automatically so that oncoming traffic isn’t dazzled.
Bold SUV design combined with generous functionality
Muscular and attractive, the Mokka incorporates Vauxhall’s signature ‘blade’ on the body side, sweeping towards the rear. The Mokka’s stance is reinforced by its higher ground clearance as well as a 1540mm track and 18-inch wheels on most models.
Inside, the Mokka has 19 storage locations, 60:40 split rear seats, and an all-up load space of 1,372 litres with the rear seats folded down.
British team play integral role in RHD chassis development
Gerry Baker, Vauxhall’s manager of vehicle dynamics based at Millbrook, has been involved with Mokka chassis development from an early stage. “Early prototype cars were tested in the UK during 2011, to establish if bespoke damper settings were required for cars sold in Britain,” said Gerry.
“We’ve also been evaluating an RHD steering tune for the car, which is important, given the unique road conditions British drivers have to deal with. Finally, a large part of the Mokka’s durability testing has been carried out at Millbrook, here in the UK.”
There’s been great emphasis on the Mokka’s dynamic performance, both on- and off-road, The front MacPherson suspension has been fitted with side-load compensation springs to improve damper reliability and consistency. At the rear, a U-section compound crank is mounted ahead of the rear wheels, angled to suit either FWD or AWD set-ups, and ensuring that both on- and off-road dynamics are not compromised.
Vauxhall has adopted a state-of-the-art Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for Mokka, which provides more speed sensitive assistance for drivers, no matter what model they opt for. The specific settings for the steering will be tuned to suit the UK market.
Mokka launches later this year
Customers can order the Mokka Tech Line from today and first cars will arrive in UK showrooms in November this year.
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