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Paris 2024
Paris Olympics 2024 LIVE updates: Day 14 - Maddison Keeney dives to silver; Bronzed Australians were just 0.42 seconds from gold in K2 final
The Games are beginning to wind down, but there are still plenty of opportunities for Australia to add to a record haul in Paris. Follow all the action as it happens.
- by Billie Eder, Russell Bennett, Marnie Vinall and Roy Ward
Breaking
Paris 2024
‘Free Afghan women’: BGirl stages first political protest of the Games
She fled Afghanistan after the Taliban abducted her father. Now in Paris, Talash has found her voice on the world’s biggest stage.
- by Jordan Baker
How a Zoom spelling bee with friends became a TV comedy hit
During the COVID lockdowns, Guy Montgomery devised a way to keep in touch with comics around the world.
- by Ben Pobjie
Opinion
Opinion
We desperately need to improve our concentration. Here’s a novel idea
In a world of fleeting social media grabs and instant gratification, how can we learn to focus?
- by Richard Glover
This high-octane investment bank drama is a sleeper hit
Loud, cocaine-fuelled and set in a London investment bank, the third season of Industry begins next week.
- by Benji Wilson
Overcoming heritage controls to design award-winning home
Heritage areas such as Albert Park can be tough places to design anything with a contemporary whiff.
- by Stephen Crafti
Swans win a thriller against Collingwood to keep their premiership hopes alive
The Sydney Swans have breathed life back into their season by staging a spectacular fourth-quarter comeback against Collingwood.
- by Jonathan Drennan
They called her ‘Pele in skirts’. Now they call Marta by her name
Whether or not Brazil win Olympic gold on Saturday, the player who has been a giant for her nation and global women’s soccer will retire a legend of the sport.
- by Emma Kemp
Updated
Trade unions
TWU investigating allegations against Victorian secretary
The Transport Workers Union has revealed it is looking into allegations against its Victorian state secretary Mem Suleyman.
- by Nick McKenzie
LETTERS
Letters
AUKUS deal should never have been floated
Age readers react to the AUKUS deal with the US, and to Australia’s Paris success.
Editorial
Paris 2024
There’s an obvious lesson in Australia’s Olympic success
The level of excitement over the achievements of young women should prompt reflection – and action – from local sporting codes.
- The Age's View
Resilience isn’t just for Olympians. Here’s how you can master it
The Olympics is always a masterclass in resilience, but what exactly does it mean to be resilient – and how can we get there ourselves?
- by Nell Geraets
As it happened: Paul Keating slams AUKUS, calls Taiwan ‘Chinese real estate’; Details of planned Taylor Swift concert attack revealed
Read the national news headlines for Friday, August 9.
- by Cassandra Morgan and Josefine Ganko
Updated
AFL 2024
Saints rule out Tarryn Thomas pursuit after ‘due diligence’
The club issued a statement on Friday after it emerged the club’s head of talent and acquisition Graeme Allan had met Tarryn Thomas.
- by Andrew Wu
He first met the outside world at 21. Now he’s won one of Australia’s richest arts prizes
Pitjantjatjara painter Noli Rictor, from one of Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities, has won the 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.
- by Helen Pitt
Why unions believe Victoria’s hospital shake-up was a missed opportunity
Health unions have been advocating hospital amalgamations for years to improve patient care. They say Victoria made a mistake.
- by Henrietta Cook and Kieran Rooney
Exclusive
Healthcare
Parkville locks in 400 hospital beds, but replacement of Arden’s pledged 1800 still up in the air
Victoria has appointed a builder for the first stage of its Parkville medical precinct upgrade. But there’s a long way to go to match a 2022 election promise.
- by Broede Carmody
Street dance or serious sport? What I learned in my night as a b-girl
I took a breaking class to find out what the most divisive Olympic sport is all about. It turns out its more controversial than I thought.
- by Frances Howe
Exclusive
Courts
Patron charged with violent disorder for chasing neo-Nazis from suburban fundraiser
A man is facing jail time as the only person charged over a melee that broke out when he asked 20 neo-Nazis to leave a Thornbury venue.
- by Erin Pearson
Exclusive
Gambling
‘It’s too much’: Howard urges tobacco-like ban on gambling ads
The former prime minister and sports fan says the spread of gambling and the social harm from it is a serious issue for our country.
- by Paul Sakkal
E-scooter numbers in the city to be cut to rein in footpath ‘circus’
Dedicated on-street parking bays, restrictions on nighttime rides and fine increases are in the plan to combat complaints about e-scooters.
- by Patrick Hatch
Rebel Sport owner dogged by claims of bullying, questionable travel to further affair
The CEO of Super Retail Group stands accused of being part of a culture of bullying at the retailer and questionable trips to further a relationship with its HR boss.
- by Colin Kruger
Exclusive
Development
Decision made on future of prized Kew VicRoads site
The government hopes the former VicRoads headquarters will be rezoned, with 10 per cent of the project to be affordable homes.
- by Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Public housing
The Victorian social housing projects that have quietly lost funding
Hundreds of new homes due to be built on state land have been left without funding after the state government removed them from its Big Housing Build scheme to cut costs.
- by Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Recycling
Big business calls on government to police tide of plastic packaging
The companies behind Australia’s biggest consumer brands are calling for regulation of recycling and packaging to ensure consistency between the states and territories, and ensure laggards don’t benefit from cheaper costs.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
A girl in flight for sanctuary and to find out who she is
In Courtney Collins’ Bird the main character wakes up in hospital, unsure of where she comes from or who she is.
- by Jessie Tu
At the heart of a love story, an urge to understand Country
Anita Heiss’ second historical novel is an act of remembering, educative about sorry business and the need for empathy.
- by Lucy Sussex
It may be a miniature, but this story of music strikes the right note
Andrew Ford speculates that music might predate speech. But in his informative “shortest history”, he insists that music is not a universal language.
- by Barney Zwartz
Science of Sport
Paris 2024
More than muscle: The hidden physics of javelin
As well as power, it takes a mastery of the wind, aerodynamics and energy to produce a throw worthy of an Olympic medal.
- by Tony Blazevich
Opinion
Olympics
The greatest athlete of the 21st century? Bolt runs away with it
ESPN’s American-centric list of the top 100 athletes of this century is a blatant attempt to bait hopeless chumps into pointless arguments – so let’s join in.
- by Malcolm Knox
‘It comes at you so ferociously’: Calling from the Olympics hot seat
Gerard Whateley is Australia’s pre-eminent sports caller. How does he prepare for something like the critical call of Jessica Hull’s 1500-metre final?
- by Konrad Marshall
How plastic surgeon Terry Wu taught himself English, went to therapy and became an arts supremo
When Wu came to Australia aged 14, he couldn’t speak English – so he committed to learning 20 words a day. He knows the importance of diverse role models, especially in positions of cultural power.
- by Elizabeth Flux
Exclusive
Unfair dismissal
Paul Kent takes aim at ‘sham’ sacking in broadside at News Corp
The rugby league journalist claims the media company has tolerated and condoned alleged misconduct by other employees and that he was treated differently.
- by Chris Barrett
Alienation of middle class from litigation a justice system ‘failure’
One of the country’s most prominent judges has labelled the affordability of litigation as a justice system “failure”, revealing he is troubled by a lack of trust in the courts.
- by Riley Walter
How Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson are fuelling a far-right firebrand
Tommy Robinson denies he incited the British riots that swept the country last weekend, but he has whipped up hate for years.
- by Louise Carpenter
‘No excuses’: US, Egypt and Qatar call on Israel, Hamas to resume Gaza talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it had accepted the invitation, although his critics accuse him of slowing talks to end the war in Gaza.
- by Ellen Knickmeyer
If you hate Henry VIII, then this is the musical for you
It would appear that & Juliet has been pipped at the post by Six the Musical for the poppiest show ever inspired by the 16th century.
- by Cameron Woodhead, Bridget Davies and Barney Zwartz
Updated
World markets
ASX gets tech boost after Wall Street records best day in two years
The sharemarket has bounced back after a better than expected report on unemployment in the US eased worries about the slowing economy.
- by Brittany Busch
★★
Review
Cate Blanchett’s sci-fi adventure is bizarre, yet watchable, claptrap
Why anyone thought the star’s role in this video game adaptation would appeal to the demographic is a mystery: there’s not much here for Tar or Carol fans.
- by Jake Wilson
National Anti-Corruption Commission raided home of Bruce Lehrmann
Search warrants seen by this masthead show officers were authorised under the Crimes Act to search for “documents concerning any submarine deal”.
- by Olivia Ireland
Exclusive
Casinos
NSW may give reprieve to cash in casinos after Star boss plea
Changes to state casino law could include pushing back the deadline for mandatory carded play and increasing the cash limit.
- by Amelia McGuire
The ‘unacceptable failure’ that left ANZ red-faced
Investors are assessing the financial implications of probes into ANZ’s markets division, amid allegations of misconduct by traders.
- by Sumeyya Ilanbey
Paris Olympics 2024 day 13 as it happened: James, Curry pull US back from brink; massive upset in 200m after Hull cruises into 1500m final; Stingers into gold medal match
Team USA pulled off a stunning victory in the basketball semi-final, Australia’s K4 men were denied gold in the canoe sprint, while the Stingers beat the USA to advance to the gold medal match in the women’s water polo. Follow the action.
- by Billie Eder, Daniel Lo Surdo, Marnie Vinall, Roy Ward, Claire Siracusa, Vince Rugari and James Polson
Analysis
AUKUS
There are two camps on nuclear-powered submarines. Only one of them is based in reality
Critics of the AUKUS pact argue the submarine plan is failing and could collapse at any moment. In the real world, significant progress is being made.
- by Matthew Knott
Analysis
AFL 2024
How the Swans can stop the rot against Collingwood
We take a look at the five burning questions for John Longmire’s side ahead of Friday night’s showdown with Collingwood at the SCG.
- by Vince Rugari
Dart of sharpness: How teen star Luke Littler hit the bullseye
The 17-year-old Brit, a rugby league fan who has turned darts into a sexy sport, will compete at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong this weekend.
- by Emma Kemp
Opinion
Road rage
The man in front of me was cracking it at the cashier. Five minutes later I lost it myself
Rude behaviour is contagious and on the rise. I’ve been guilty of it myself. Are we losing touch with civility?
- by Kate Halfpenny
Webster in Paris
Paris 2024
This is Australia’s greatest performance at an Olympics – thanks to our women
My enormous head bursts with patriotic pride when I look at the medal ladder.
- by Andrew Webster
Opinion
Political unrest
The spirit of the London Games has gone up in flames. Brace for Paris to torch the legacy
As we saw in London and Sydney, the celebratory multicultural and liberal triumphs of the Games are quickly followed by illiberal kickbacks.
- by Nick Bryant
Analysis
Naked City
While the city sleeps: On the road with cops, chasing youth offenders
Police slowly approach, then the car roars to life, racing away from us at speeds of up to 140km/h. Police know the driver, 16, is one of their five most active offenders.
- by John Silvester
★★★★★
Sydney live reviews
Hamilton’s return is spectacular – and exactly what we need right now
In today’s divided political climate, Hamilton’s brilliant story and incredible cast of fan-favourites and newcomers is precisely the antidote we need.
- by Chantal Nguyen
The ‘magic’ case of the missing Catalonian separatist leader
“They thought they’d be celebrating my arrest,” Carles Puigdemont told a crowd in Barcelona. “Well, they are wrong.”
- by Joan Faus
‘Always an excuse’: Tszyu fears Russian could pull out of title fight
Tim Tszyu is one of the most avoided fighters on the planet, but hopes his mooted bout against an undefeated Russian doesn’t follow suit.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Updated
Media & marketing
News Corp looks to sell Foxtel as streaming competition heats up
Australia’s storied pay TV operator and owner of Kayo and Binge is up for sale, News Corp’s global chief executive has revealed, following third-party interest and a strategic review.
- by Calum Jaspan and David Swan
Glen Waverley station car park sells for $50m
Beware commuters: the car park next to Glen Waverley station has been sold
- by Nicole Lindsay
Brazilians tower at the Eiffel, leaving Aussies beached
The beach volleyball stadium will be the defining image of the Paris Olympics, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to play there.
- by Greg Baum
Super Stingers stun the States to set up a golden final
Twenty–four years on from one of the defining moments of the Sydney Games, Australia’s women’s water polo team won through to their own gold medal final.
- by Rob Harris
Updated
Paris 2024
This was the worst version of Team USA. Yet, somehow, they woke up
Down by 17 points at one stage, the Americans rallied in the last quarter to defeat Serbia and book their place in the gold-medal match.
- by Michael Chammas
‘Communist China is very happy’: Republicans pile on Tim Walz’s history
Walz first visited China to teach English and US history in 1989, the year of the Tiananmen Square massacre, and has been back more than 30 times.
- by Patricia Zengerle and David Brunnstrom
The staggering 200m upset, the wheelchair and the secret illness
Earlier this week, Noah Lyles left the Stade de France with an Olympic gold medal. On Thursday, he departed in a wheelchair wearing a mask.
- by Michael Gleeson
‘It got spooky’: Inside the three days of chaos that rocked Japan
No market was hit as hard as Japan’s as financial turmoil spread around the world this week. There was one reason why.
- by River Akira Davis
Donald Trump, rattled by Kamala Harris’ poll rise, commits to September debate
When asked what assets Harris possessed, Trump said: “She’s a woman. She represents certain groups of people.”
- by Jill Colvin
Putin stunned as Russia battles Ukrainian troops for third day after shock incursion
The incursion has shocked Russia, nearly two-and-a-half years since President Vladimir Putin sent his army into Ukraine in February 2022.
- by Guy Faulconbridge
Surf’s up: Sydney Opera House to showcase ’70s cult Australian surf films
Fifty years after their first screening, some of Australia’s most important surfing films will be shown again at Sydney’s best-known venue.
- by Helen Pitt
Opinion
Work therapy
Why is my company determined to have such a boring ‘mission statement’?
These statements are sometimes referred to as “Vision and Values”. A more accurate name would be “Banality and Inanity”, or simply “About Us Page Wank”.
- by Jonathan Rivett
Opinion
Paris 2024
It’s one thing to cheer our Olympians, but don’t abandon them now
Why are so many of you waking up at 3am to support our athletes during the Olympics, but then forgetting about them for the next four years?
- by Kieren Perkins
Opinion
Crime
With power in the balance, Allan is facing a youth crime headache
A rise in youth crime is rattling community confidence and undermining support for the Allan government’s pledge to lift the age of criminal responsibility to 14.
- by Annika Smethurst
‘Wombat of Wall Street’: The ad guru selling Australia to the world
David Droga has created ads for The New York Times, Barack Obama, Puma and The White House. Now he will test his world-famous talents on Australia.
- by Calum Jaspan
New tax stoush flares over Woodside’s $7.7b oil project in Senegal
Woodside, the largest Australian energy company, is locked in a legal dispute in Senegal over how much tax it must pay from its newest oil field.
- by Nick Toscano
Exclusive
Schools
Why most Victorian teachers want to quit the profession
A statewide survey found just three-in-10 educators envisage staying in the public school system until retirement, with 40 per cent already eyeing the exit.
- by Noel Towell and Angus Delaney
Opinion
Sharemarket
What does the sharemarket turmoil tell us about our economy? Not a lot
Why didn’t the central bank care when panic swept across financial markets earlier this week? In short: because the sharemarket isn’t the economy – or a good indicator of its health.
- by Millie Muroi
High and dry: Luxury health retreat in strife over magnesium spa
It was supposed to offer serenity and wellness, but neighbours of a South Melbourne wellness centre say an outdoor spa was built without a permit.
- by Cameron Houston
Who is the lord mayor of Melbourne? Take The Age quiz
How well do you know Melbourne and Victoria? Test your trivia and news knowledge with Stephen Brook’s weekly quiz.
- by Stephen Brook
Exclusive
US Votes 2024
This former Pentagon official could serve in a Trump administration. He has thoughts on Australia
Elbridge Colby is a self-proclaimed “big fan” of Australia. When it comes to nuclear-powered submarines, he has changed his mind.
- by Peter Hartcher
Russian chess player arrested after smearing pieces with mercury to poison rival
Amina Abakarova is reported to have said she attacked Umayganat Osmanova out of revenge for a personal insult.
- by Lilia Sebouai