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Team GB Remains Medal-less, Yet Historic Olympics Still Within Reach

The Winter Olympics have presented challenges for Team GB, with three fourth-place finishes and a disappointing figure skating outing, yet numerous medal opportunities remain.

Mia Brookes is a top contender for a medal in the snowboard slopestyle event, with her skills and experience making her a strong possibility for a podium finish.

Great Britain has consistently punched above its weight in winter sports over the years, achieving impressive results despite the lack of ideal training conditions.

The country's athletes have overcome the limitations of few snowy mountains and no ice track to become world champions, X Games medallists, and World Cup podium finishers.

However, the current situation is reversed, with Team GB facing challenges and setbacks in their pursuit of medals.

Many had expected Team GB to have secured at least three to four medals by now, but the tally remains at zero, leaving fans and supporters waiting for a breakthrough.

There have been several near-misses, including fourth-place finishes for freestyle skier Kirsty Muir, snowboarder Mia Brookes, and curlers Bruce Mouat and Jen Dodds, as well as a narrow loss for figure skaters Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson in the ice dance event.

These close calls highlight the fine margins that separate success and disappointment in winter sports.

Kirsty Muir's experience in the slopestyle event is a prime example, where a mere 0.41-point difference separated her from a bronze medal.

A slight error on her final run, where she squatted on a landing, ultimately cost her a spot on the podium.

Mia Brookes, on the other hand, took a bold approach in her final big air run, attempting a competition-first backside 1620 trick with four-and-a-half rotations.

Although she over-rotated at the last moment, a clean landing would have likely secured her a medal.

The outcome could have been different if she had executed the trick flawlessly, demonstrating the tiny margins that separate medal winners from those who miss out.

In the past, Team GB has benefited from such fine margins, as seen in Jenny Jones's bronze medal win in the slopestyle event at the Sochi Games 12 years ago, where she edged out her competitor by just 0.25 of a point.

Jones reflected on her experience, telling BBC Sport that she could have easily finished fourth if her competitor had not made a mistake.

Jones noted that the competitor who finished fourth had performed a bigger trick, but a slight error, such as dragging her hand, made the difference.

According to Jones, the mental aspect of competing in the Olympics plays a significant role, with athletes needing to have the right mindset to perform at their best.

Jones emphasized that all the athletes are capable of achieving great things, but it ultimately comes down to who has the mental advantage on the day of competition.

Rather than being disappointed, Jones believes that Team GB's athletes should be celebrated for their impressive performances on the world stage, with much to look forward to in the future.

The story of how British skeleton has bounced back from challenges in 2022 is a testament to the team's resilience and determination.

The women's curling team has its sights set on a medal, with the athletes acknowledging that there are multiple paths to success in the sport.

Team GB is at the forefront of innovation in curling, with the team investing in the latest technology and strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Britain's best Winter Games medal haul is five, achieved at both the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Games, but UK Sport had set a target of up to eight medals for the current Games.

While reaching eight medals may now seem ambitious, a record-breaking performance is still within reach for Team GB.

Dame Katherine Grainger, chair of the British Olympic Association, stated that questions will be asked if the team fails to deliver a record-breaking performance, given the significant investment of £25.5m in Olympic winter sports over the past four years.

Dame Katherine emphasized the importance of accountability, saying that the use of public funds comes with a responsibility to ensure value for money and deliver inspiring performances.

As a former Olympic medalist, Dame Katherine acknowledges the high expectations surrounding Team GB, given the talent and potential within the team.

She recognizes that the team's capabilities will inevitably attract scrutiny, and it is essential to understand what goes wrong if the expected results are not achieved.

Dame Katherine reiterated that the potential for a record-breaking performance is real and that the team has a responsibility to deliver on that promise.

While it is too early to have conversations about what went wrong, the potential for a strong finish remains, and the team is focused on making the most of the remaining opportunities.

With several medal chances still to come, Team GB is poised to make a significant impact in the remaining events.

The team's prospects are looking promising, with key events approaching, including the men's and women's skeleton competitions.

The competition schedule includes men's heats on 12 February, followed by the mixed team event on 15 February.

Matt Weston is currently in top form, leading the men's skeleton after two of four races, and is a strong contender for the gold medal.

As a two-time world champion and three-time overall World Cup title winner between 2023 and 2026, Weston has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skills.

This season, he has won five out of seven World Cup golds, with the other two events resulting in silver medals behind team-mate Marcus Wyatt.

Weston's impressive performance puts him in a prime position to win the skeleton gold, with his experience and talent making him a favorite to take the top spot.

The women's skeleton competition is scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 February, with the mixed team event on 15 February.

Tabby Stoecker has shown promising form, finishing in the top three in all six official women's training runs, including two first-place finishes.

With one World Cup victory and two World Championship silver medals in the mixed team event, Stoecker has proven her capabilities and is expected to team up with Weston in the mixed event.

The partnership between Stoecker and Weston is likely to be a strong one, as they prepare to compete in the Olympic debut of the mixed team event on Sunday.

The snowboard cross event is one of the competitions to watch, with athletes vying for top honors on the slopes.

Mark your calendars for 13 February, when the women's snowboard cross event takes place, and 15 February, when the mixed team competition gets underway.

In 2021, Charlotte Bankes secured the world championship title in snowboard cross, and two years later, she teamed up with Huw Nightingale to claim the mixed team title.

Bankes has had a successful run in the World Cup, winning the Crystal Globe twice and finishing as the runner-up in the overall standings in both 2024 and 2025, despite being sidelined by a collarbone injury last season.

Following her recovery from injury, Bankes recently scored her first win in January, marking a strong return to competition.

Another thrilling event is freestyle skiing's halfpipe, which promises to deliver high-flying action.

The halfpipe competition is scheduled to take place on 19 February for qualifying and 21 February for the finals.

Reigning world champion Zoe Atkin is a top contender in the halfpipe event, bringing a strong track record to the competition.

This season, Atkin has already achieved three podium finishes in as many World Cup starts, including a gold medal, demonstrating her consistency and skill.

Atkin's recent victory at the X Games has further solidified her position as a favorite to win, adding to her impressive collection of accolades.

The slopestyle snowboarding event is another highly anticipated competition, with athletes showcasing their skills on the slopes.

The qualifying round for slopestyle is set for 16 February, with the finals taking place the following day, on 17 February.

Mia Brookes, who narrowly missed a medal in big air, is considered a strong contender in the slopestyle event, which is her preferred discipline.

At just 16 years old, Brookes made history in 2023 by becoming the youngest world champion in snowboarding, winning the slopestyle gold medal.

Brookes has also won back-to-back Crystal Globes in big air and recently claimed World Cup gold in December, as well as slopestyle gold and big air bronze at the X Games, showcasing her versatility.

The big air freestyle skiing event is another competition to watch, with athletes pushing the limits of what's possible.

The big air competition is scheduled to take place on 14 February for qualifying and 16 February for the finals.

Kirsty Muir, who was disappointed to miss out on a slopestyle medal, will have another opportunity to shine in the big air event.

Muir is a two-time World Cup gold medalist, with her most recent win coming in the big air event in Secret Garden, China, in November.

At the recent X Games in Aspen, Muir won gold in slopestyle and silver in big air, demonstrating her ability to excel in multiple disciplines.

The Winter Olympics will take place from 11 to 22 February, featuring a wide range of events and competitions.

The British men's curling team, led by Bruce Mouat, is the reigning world champion, having also won the title in 2023.

The team has a strong track record, having won three consecutive European titles from 2021 to 2023 and claiming silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

In their opening match, the team defeated China 9-4, getting their campaign off to a strong start.

Brad Hall's two-man and four-man bobsleigh teams are also ones to watch, having consistently performed well on the World Cup circuit in recent years.

Hall's teams will begin their competitions on 16 February for the two-man event and 21 February for the four-man event, looking to build on their past successes.

After a disappointing mixed doubles event, Jen Dodds will look to bounce back in the women's curling competition, as she joins Team Morrison in their bid to defend the gold medal won by Eve Muirhead's team in Beijing.

A day-by-day guide to the Winter Olympics is available, providing a comprehensive overview of the events and schedule.

The full schedule, including times for medal events, can be found online, helping fans plan their viewing.

The Winter Olympics 2026 medal table will be updated throughout the competition, tracking the progress of teams and athletes.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

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Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie.
Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023.
Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests

The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.

In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahman’s photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain
Tarique Rahman has been out of the country for 17 years. He has promised democracy will be restored

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.

As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.

In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.

Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.

Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.

This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.

During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.

The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.

Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.

In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".

Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.

Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.

The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.

The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.

As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.

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