Agnes Keleti, the world’s oldest Olympic champion and a Holocaust survivor, passed away at the age of 103. Her death was confirmed on Thursday by her press official, Tamas Roth, following a report from the local sports daily Nemzeti Sport. She had been hospitalized with pneumonia the previous week. Her son, Rafael Biro-Keleti, had expressed hope to celebrate her 104th birthday as a family on January 9.

Keleti's extraordinary life story is one of resilience and triumph, blending survival during the Holocaust with Olympic success. As Hungary’s most decorated gymnast, she won ten Olympic medals, including five golds, competing against younger rivals after the age of 30. Her achievements at the Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956) Games marked her as a legend in the sport.

Her initial motivation for pursuing gymnastics was not for fame but to travel beyond the confines of communist Hungary. In a 2016 interview, she explained, “I was competing not because I liked it, but because I wanted to see the world.”

Born Agnes Klein in Budapest on January 9, 1921, she later adopted the surname Keleti. She joined Hungary’s national gymnastics team in 1939 and claimed her first Hungarian title the following year. However, her Jewish heritage led to her exclusion from sports in 1940.

When Nazi Germany occupied Hungary in 1944, Keleti evaded deportation by acquiring false documents, giving up all her belongings, and assuming the identity of a young Christian woman. While working as a maid in hiding, she secretly trained along the Danube whenever she had free time. Tragically, her father and other relatives perished in Auschwitz, though her mother and sister survived thanks to the efforts of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg.

After the failed Hungarian uprising of 1956, Keleti chose not to return to Hungary following the Melbourne Olympics. She settled in Israel, where she married Hungarian sports teacher Robert Biro in 1959 and had two children. She later transitioned to coaching, training the Israeli national gymnastics team and working as a physical education teacher.

Keleti returned to Hungary in 1983 for the World Gymnastics Championships and moved back permanently in 2015. Reflecting on her life, she remarked in 2020, shortly before her 100th birthday, “It was worth doing something well in life. The attention I’ve received gives me shivers when I see all the articles written about me.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that defender David Alaba is set to rejoin the squad this month following a lengthy injury layoff.

Alaba has returned to training and is expected to be match-ready by January 20.

"David Alaba is close to playing games; he will be ready by January 20," Ancelotti stated. "We will rotate more now, especially in defense."

When questioned about potential signings during the winter transfer window, Ancelotti remained non-committal. "January signings? It’s not easy to talk about this topic now. We will see," he said.

Real Madrid will kick off their 2025 campaign against Valencia on Friday night.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother, just two months after the passing of his father.

The South Africa-based goalkeeper shared the devastating news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on New Year’s Day.

“RIP mom, worst year of my life already,” Nwabali wrote, accompanied by tear and heartbreak emojis. In an earlier post, he expressed his anguish, saying, “A very, very crazy world indeed.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) extended its condolences to the grieving goalkeeper, offering words of comfort and solidarity.

“Our heartfelt condolences to Stanley Nwabali on the loss of his mother. Stay strong, Stanley. Sending you strength and support during this difficult time. You are not alone; we are all with you,” the NFF posted.

Nwabali’s father passed away in November, mere hours after the goalkeeper played a crucial role in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic during their penultimate 2025 AFCON qualification match.

The football community continues to rally around Nwabali, offering prayers and support as he navigates this profoundly challenging period.

Rip mom, worst year of my life already 😢💔

— Nwabali Stanley bobo (M.O.N) (@NwabaliBobo) January 1, 2025

Arsenal began the New Year with a crucial 3-1 victory over Brentford, moving within six points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners entered the match determined to reclaim second place from Nottingham Forest and maintain pressure on Arne Slot’s Liverpool. However, they faced an early setback at the GTech Community Stadium when Bryan Mbeumo beat David Raya at his near post to give Brentford the lead.

Gabriel Jesus leveled the score for Arsenal before halftime, reacting quickly to head home from close range. The second half saw the visitors take control, with Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli scoring two quick goals to secure all three points.

Mikel Arteta’s side now sits on 39 points after 19 games, while Liverpool leads the table with 45 points and a game in hand. The Gunners’ performance keeps their title hopes alive as the season heats up.