The U.S. women's gymnastics team won their seventh consecutive world championship title on Wednesday night in Antwerp, Belgium, led by four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles. Despite an injury to Joscelyn Roberson in warmups, the team was able to put up a dominant performance and won by a margin of 2.199 points. This marks the 26th world medal for Biles, who is the most decorated American gymnast in history, and is sure to inspire future generations of gymnasts.
Posts tagged as “Belgium”
Simone Biles made history on Sunday at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, becoming the first female gymnast to perform the Yurchenko double pike on vault internationally, now officially called the "Biles II". She posted an all-around score of 58.865, putting her in first place at the end of her qualifying session, and the United States was in first place after the first day of competition. Biles' performance was a reminder of her dominance in the sport and her ability to make history, as she is the most decorated American gymnast of all time.
Interpol has released a video featuring Dutch celebrities in an effort to draw attention to the case of 22 unidentified women whose remains were found in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands over a span of 43 years. Police have been unable to identify the women by their distinguishing features or apparel, and are hoping that the public can provide information that will lead to the identification of the victims and their killers. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Interpol or the local police.
Europol has announced the arrest of 132 members of the 'Ndrangheta, a powerful criminal network responsible for much of Europe's cocaine trade, money laundering, bribery, and violence. The operation involved 2,770 officers from 10 countries and is being described as the "largest-ever coordinated hit" against the 'Ndrangheta. The raids took place in eight European countries, as well as Brazil and Panama, and is a major step in the fight against organized crime.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed grave concern over the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia on espionage charges, and has called for his immediate release. The Journal and Dow Jones have denied the unsubstantiated allegations and the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation, with the safety and security of American citizens around the world a top priority.
On Saturday, Belgian goalkeeper Arne Espeel tragically died after collapsing during a match for his amateur team Winkel Sport B. He had saved a penalty kick and was celebrating before collapsing, and emergency services were unable to revive him. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.
An international team of investigators has found "strong indications" that Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the supply of heavy anti-aircraft weapons to Ukrainian separatists who shot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014. The Joint Investigation Team has collected a large amount of evidence, including witness statements, intercepted phone calls, satellite images and videos, and identified the exact location from which the missile was launched. However, the team has insufficient evidence to prosecute Putin or any other suspects and has suspended their 8½-year inquiry into the shooting down that killed all 298 people on board.
An international team of investigators have released a statement claiming that there are "strong indications" that Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the supply of heavy anti-aircraft weapons to Ukrainian separatists who shot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014. The Joint Investigation Team noted that although there are strong indications that Putin was involved in the decision, the "high bar of full and conclusive evidence is not met." The team is composed of representatives from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, and Ukraine and is expected to release its final report in the coming months.