• James Guy is a Team GB swimming stalwart, winning medals at the Olympic Games and World Championship
• At just 20 years old, James won two World Championship gold medals in 2015
• He will be a leading hope in the pool for Team GB at Tokyo 2020

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One of the biggest names on the Team GB swimming squad, James Guy brings a wealth of experience to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Guy clinched two Olympic silver medals at Rio 2016, helping the 4x200m freestyle relay team clinch second place before playing a role in the 4x100m success.

A leading figure in the swimming pool for Team GB since making his World Championship debut at 18 years old, Guy is going to be a key contender.

Here, we look at Team GB swimming star James Guy and discuss his chances of Olympic gold in Tokyo – he will be one to watch this summer for sure…

James Guy Swimmer

Swimming has been a part of James Guy’s life since he was a young boy, with the former Crewe Flyers swimmer earning a scholarship when he was just 13 years old.

Guy announced himself on the international stage with a bronze medal at the European Junior Championships in 2012 and his rise to prominence has continued ever since.

According to Swimswam, James recognises brother Luke as his greatest inspiration and his sporting hero is Floyd Mayweather Jr.

We’ll be seeing a lot of James Guy this summer as he was once again confirmed as part of the Team GB swimming squad for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

James Guy Height

Standing at 6 foot 2 inches, James Guy has the height to cause a real splash in the pool – and he has certainly done that throughout his career.

Being tall is almost a necessity for a swimmer and James ticks that box, though his diet plan and fitness routine is undoubtedly the most important factor to his success.

There won’t be a clear James Guy height advantage over his rivals at Tokyo 2020 but his long frame will do his chances of Olympic glory no harm whatsoever.

James Guy Rio 2016

Competing at his first Olympic Games at just 21 years old, James Guy exceeded expectations to claim two silver medals in Rio de Janeiro.

Both medals came in relay races, with Guy playing a key role in the Men’s 4x200m freestyle and 4x100m medley success – with both races breaking the British record time.

In addition, Guy competed individually in the 200m and 400m freestyle events and managed to reach the final of both, finishing fourth and sixth respectively.

With that experience under his belt, the sky is the limit for James Guy at Tokyo 2020. Will he be celebrating a first Olympic gold medal? Only time will tell…

James Guy Medals

One of the most successful swimmers on the current Team GB Olympics roster, James Guy has an impressive haul of medals from various competitions.

Since making his senior international debut at the 2013 World Championships at just 18 years old, James has gone from strength to strength and is now a leading figure in the sport.

According to the Red Sky management website, here is the James Guy medals list heading into Tokyo 2020...

2013:

• European Junior Champion – 200m & 400m freestyle
• World Championship Finalist – 400m freestyle
• World Junior Championship Silver Medallist – 200m & 400m freestyle

2014:

• Commonwealth Champion – 4x100m medley
• Commonwealth Bronze Medallist – 4x200m freestyle
• World Short Course Champion – 400m freestyle

2015:

• Double World Champion – 200m freestyle & 4x200m freestyle
• World Championship Silver Medallist – 400m freestyle

2016:

• Olympic Games Silver Medallist – 4x200m freestyle relay & 4x100m medley relay
• British Champion – 200m & 400m freestyle

2017:

• World Championships Gold Medallist – 4x200m freestyle relay
• World Championships Silver Medallist – 4x100m medley relay
• World Championships Bronze Medallist – 100m butterfly

2018:

• Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist – 100m butterfly & 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x200m freestyle relay & 4x100m medley relay
• Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist – 400m freestyle

2019:

• World Championships Gold Medallist – 4x100m men’s medley
• World Championships Bronze Medallist – 4x100 mixed medley

2021:

• European Championships Gold Medallist – 4x100m medley, mixed 4x100m medley and mixed 4x200m freestyle relay
• European Championships Silver Medallist – 4x100m freestyle relay & 4x200m freestyle relay
• European Championship Bronze Medallist – 100m butterfly

James Guy Best Times

The 25-year-old has been working hard on his butterfly in recent months and he was rewarded when setting a new personal best in the 200m event earlier this year.

James Guy best times are impressive, especially in the disciplines where he holds records at either national or British level.

So before getting involved in sports betting on swimming at Tokyo 2020, it is well worth looking at the best times for each of the competitors.

James Guy best long course times:

• 200m freestyle: 1.45.14 (2015)
• 400m freestyle: 3.43.75 (2015) – British Record
• 100m butterfly: 50.67 (2017) – British Record
• 200m butterfly: 1.55.20 (2021)
• 4x200m freestyle relay: 7.01.70 (2017) – British Record
• 4x100m medley relay: 3.28.10 (2019) – English Record
• Mixed 4x100m medley relay: 3.40.18 (2018) – English Record

James Guy best short course times:

• 200m freestyle: 1.42.11 (2019)
• 400m freestyle: 3.36.35 (2014) – British Record
• 100m butterfly: 50.56 (2019)
• 200m butterfly: 1.51.73 (2019)

James Guy Instagram

James Guy is active on social media, from sharing images of family life to pictures of his rather extensive medal haul.

At the time of writing, James Guy has 75,000 Instagram followers – a figure that puts him in the middle of the road in comparison to other Team GB athletes on social media.

Plenty of sport fans out there will want to follow Olympics updates across social media and James Guy Instagram should see a lot of activity with fans from across the United Kingdom.

You can find James Guy Instagram posts during Tokyo 2020 here: @james.g.guy.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Martin Meissner / AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 17th June 2021

• Mallorca were founded in 1916 – some 13 years before La Liga was established

• The Visit Mallorca Stadium has a maximum capacity of 23,142 spectators and regularly sells out for home fixtures

• RCD Mallorca clinched promotion to La Liga in 2020/21 but missed out on the Segunda Division title on goal difference

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It would be inaccurate to label RCD Mallorca as one of Spanish football’s biggest clubs but their story is fascinating and it will be great to see Mallorca back in La Liga.

Betting fans will have seen the Real Mallorca name at one time or another in years gone by, with the club enjoying lots of success in the 1990s and early 2000s.

While they have struggled to hit those heights in more recent times, RCD Mallorca clinched  promotion from the Spanish Segunda in 2020/21 – much to the delight of their passionate supporters.

Here, we’ve created a Real Mallorca club profile ahead of the upcoming campaign. What is the name of the RCD Mallorca stadium? Who is Mallorca’s record appearance maker? No matter the question, we’ve got the answer.

RCD Mallorca 2020/21

Real Mallorca secured promotion to La Liga in the 2020/21 campaign after finishing second to RCD Espanyol.

Goal difference was the decisive factor at the end of the season, with the two clubs finishing level on points and goals conceded.

An 87th minute equaliser for Ponferradina cost Mallorca the Spanish Segunda title but fans won’t care about that if the club can avoid relegation back to the second tier.

It is going to be a difficult campaign for Luis Garcia Plaza’s side but, with shrewd investment in the transfer window and hard work, Mallorca fans will be quietly confident of another big season.

Visit Mallorca Stadium

Only the 26th largest stadium in Spanish football, the Visit Mallorca Stadium is not exactly imposing in stature but the home fans can create a fantastic atmosphere during games.

A maximum capacity of 23,142 spectators can cram into the arena, previously known as the Son Moix Stadium, and RCD Mallorca will be relying on support in 2021/22.

Real Mallorca previously played home matches at the Estadio Lluis Sitjar but left that venue in 1999 after the Visit Mallorca Stadium was constructed.

While RCD Mallorca obtained a 50-year lease of the stadium in 1999, rumours suggest that the club will consider building a new football venue in the not-so-distant future.

Mallorca Honours

The vast majority of RCD Mallorca’s success came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the club winning the Copa del Rey in 2003 and securing their best ever La Liga finish in 1999 and 2001.

While Real Mallorca have slipped down the Spanish football pecking order in recent times, supporters are still rightfully proud of the club’s success.

Mallorca are never going to be able to compete with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid but the RCD Mallorca trophies list is certainly respectable.

Here, we’ve put together a collection of the top RCD Mallorca honours and achievements throughout the club’s history:

• Copa del Rey (1) – 2002/03

• Copa del Rey – Runners up in 1990/91 and 1997/98

• Spanish Super Cup (1) – 1998

• Spanish Super Cup – Runners up in 2003

• Segunda Division (2) – 1959/60, 1964/65

• Segunda Division B (2) – 1980/81, 2017/18

• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup – Runners up in 1998/99

Mallorca Rivals

With Real Mallorca situated on the Balearic Islands, there is no real derby fixture based on proximity to the Visit Mallorca Stadium.

That being said, RCD Mallorca do have an official rival in Atletico Baleares – though the two clubs went 37 years without facing one another due to the difference in ability.

Both teams competed in the Spanish Segunda Division B back in 2017/18, with the teams playing out a goalless draw in the first fixture before Mallorca snatched a 3-2 victory in the return fixture.

Atletico Baleares continue to ply their trade in the Spanish Segunda Division B and hopefully it won’t be nearly four decades before the next battle between these Balearic rivals.

Mallorca Records

RCD Mallorca will want to cement their La Liga status next season but it isn’t going to be a walk in the park.

Can the 2021/22 squad take inspiration from the Mallorca teams of the past? The 1998/99 and 2000/01 teams managed to finish third – though avoiding relegation would certainly qualify as a successful campaign.

Here, we look at some of the Real Mallorca club records, as well as RCD Mallorca player records and statistics:

• Best La Liga finish – third (1998/99 and 2000/01)

• Record La Liga win – 7-1 (vs Recreativo de Huelva in March 2008)

• Fastest goal – 22 seconds (Dani Garcia vs Real Ovideo in February 1999)

• Most goals in a single season – 69 goals scored in 2007/08 season

Most Appearances For RCD Mallorca:

1. Miguel Angel Nadal – 255

2. Jose Nunes – 222

3. Javier Olaizola – 206

4. Ariel Ibagaza – 204

5. Victor Casadesus – 197

6. Juan Arango – 183

7. Jovan Stankovic – 175

8. Marcos – 171

9. Paco Soler – 168

10. Dudu Aouate – 167

Real Mallorca All-Time Top Scorers:

1. Samuel Eto’o – 67 goals

2. Juan Arango – 49 goals

3. Victor Casadesus – 45 goals

4. Lago Junior – 36 goals

5. Abdon Prats – 33 goals

6. Daniel Guiza – 32 goals

7. Pierre Webo – 28 goals

8. Ariel Ibagaza – 28 goals

9. Chory Castro – 27 goals

10. Aritz Aduriz – 24 goals

Mallorca Twitter

With over 300,000 followers, the official RCD Mallorca Twitter page isn’t one of the biggest football club accounts on the internet but it has a hardcore following.

Unlike many other Spanish clubs, it looks like Real Mallorca channel their energy into one social media page – with the @RCD_Mallorca account thriving during the season.

However, it is worth noting that there are several non-official pages that provide useful insight into the club, each of which targets Mallorca fans and La Liga betting tipsters from overseas.

The @RCDMallorcaUK account is popular with Real Mallorca supporters here in the United Kingdom while there are also similar accounts for French fans, Scottish fans and even Brazil.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Andres Kudacki / AP Photo*

 

• Founded in 1900, RCD Espanyol is one of the oldest clubs in Spanish football

• Espanyol legend Raul Tamudo is the club’s all-time top goal scorer and tops the all-time appearances standings

• The RCDE Stadium has been the home of Espanyol FC since 2009

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After one season in the Spanish Segunda, RCD Espanyol are back in La Liga. Having finished bottom of Spain’s top flight in 2019/20, Espanyol bounced back to claim the Segunda title the following campaign.

Prior to Espanyol’s relegation, the ‘periquitos’ has been present in La Liga since 1994 and it will be great for Spanish football to see them back in the top flight.

While arch rivals Barcelona may not be so happy, La Liga football betting fans will be happy to see Espanyol on the big stage once again.

Here, we put Espanyol FC under the spotlight ahead of their La Liga return. Where do RCD Espanyol play? Who is Espanyol’s top goal scorer? What is Espanyol’s stadium called?

We answer the biggest questions relating to RCD Espanyol here at 888sport and our soccer prediction experts will be back with La Liga tips from August onwards.

RCD Espanyol 2020/21

Espanyol were crowned Segunda Division champions after edging title challengers RCD Mallorca on goal difference.

Both teams finished on 82 points and 28 goals conceded but Espanyol’s firepower in attack made the difference with Vicente Moreno’s side notching an impressive 71 goals.

Espanyol broke the club transfer record to sign Raul de Tomas from Benfica in August 2020 and the team saw an instant return on that investment, with De Tomas bagging 23 goals to clinch the Segunda Division top scorer award.

His relationship with Adri Embarba was clear for all to see, with the 29-year-old finishing as the league’s top assists maker with 14 in 2020/21.

On all known facts and figures relating to the 2020/21 Segunda Division season, RCD Espanyol were excellent value for their title success and fans will be quietly confident of avoiding relegation in La Liga next term.

RCDE Stadium

Espanyol played home matches at the Estadi de Sarria for over 75 years before switching to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in 1997.

However, things didn’t really work out as planned and Espanyol moved into the new RCDE Stadium ahead of the 2009/10 season.

The RCDE Stadium is visually impressive, with its 40,500 capacity making it the 10th largest stadium in Spain.

It is a stadium worthy of Spain’s top flight and La Liga betting punters will be familiar with the venue come the end of the 2021/22 Spanish football season.

RCD Espanyol Honours

Although Espanyol cannot compete with city rivals Barcelona in terms of trophies, the club have still enjoyed reasonable levels of success over the years.

Espanyol FC are four-time Copa del Rey winners, with the most recent success coming back in 2005/06 – RCD Espanyol put four goals past Real Zaragoza in the final.

Historically, Espanyol were crowned Campionat de Catalunya champions on 11 occasions and this competition was the first football league in Spain before La Liga was established in 1929.

See below for the complete RCD Espanyol honours list:

• Copa del Rey (4) – 1929, 1940, 1999/2000, 2005/06

• Copa del Rey – Runners up in 1911, 1915, 1941, 1947, 1957

• Catalan Football Championship (11) – 1903/04, 1905/06, 1906/07, 1907/08, 1911/12, 1914/15, 1917/18, 1928/29, 1932/33, 1936/37, 1939/40

• Segunda Division (2) – 1993/94, 2020/21

• Spanish Super Cup – Runners up in 2000 and 2006

• Catalan Super Cup (1) - 2016

• UEFA Cup – Runners up in 1987/88 and 2006/07

RCD Espanyol Women:

• Primera Division (1) – 2005/06

• Primera Division – Runners up in 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11

• Copa de la Reina (6) – 1996, 1997, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012

• Copa de la Reine – Runners up in 1990, 2002, 2007, 2011

Barcelona vs Espanyol

Without a shadow of a doubt, Espanyol’s biggest rivals are FC Barcelona. The rivalry dates back to the origins of organised football in the region – three decades before La Liga was even formed.

While Barcelona were founded less than one year prior to Espanyol, there was an instant rivalry due to proximity and political issues.

There have been plenty of derby matches played over the years in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup and other competitions, though Barcelona have often come out on top.

However, RCD Espanyol are always determined to spring an upset whenever the two clubs clash and fans will be keeping a close eye on La Liga fixtures for this encounter.

Espanyol B

As well as branching out into basketball, baseball, hockey and volleyball, the Espanyol FC department created a reserve team to play in the lower tiers of Spanish football.

In 1981, Espanyol B were officially formed and joined the Spanish league system, with the team currently playing in the Segunda Division B.

RCD Espanyol Records

With over 100 years of history, Espanyol fans have seen some fantastic footballers ply their trade for the club but Raul Tamudo sticks out above all others.

Tamudo helped Espanyol to two Copa del Rey triumphs during his time at the club and he is the Espanyol FC all-time top goal scorer with 140 goals.

In addition, he also holds the record for most RCD Espanyol appearances with 389 games played for the club – Tamudo is arguably the biggest legend in Espanyol history.

Without further ado, we’ve shared some of the best Espanyol records as of June 2021. Fans will be hoping that the Periquitos can challenge some of these next season…

• Best La Liga finish – 3rd

• Most goals scored in a single season – 82 (1950/51)

• Most goals scored in a match – 8 (vs Real Sociedad, 1941/42)

• Espanyol FC all-time top scorer – Raul Tamudo (140 goals)

• Most RCD Espanyol appearances – Raul Tamudo (389 appearances)

Espanyol Top Scorers:

1. Raul Tamudo – 129 goals (1996 – 2010)

2. Maranon – 111 goals (1974 – 1983)

3. Julian Arcas – 86 goals (1946 – 1958)

Espanyol Twitter

The RCD Espanyol brand has thrived on social media in recent years, so much so that the club opted to create Twitter channels for individual sections of Espanyol FC.

According to Twitter, the @RCDEspanyol account is the official page for the men’s football team – with almost 500,000 followers as of June 2021.

However, there are a few other verified Espanyol FC accounts on Twitter, with each page targeting a specific section of the RCD Espanyol fanbase.

We’ve included a full list of the Espanyol Twitter pages below:

• @RCDEspanyol

• @RCDEspanyolFF

• @RCDEFemeni

• @RCDeSports

• @RCDESpecial

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Joan Monfort / AP Photo*

 

• Acestream is a form of software used by sport fans wanting to stream without downloading
• Live broadcasting via Ace Stream is a popular free web streaming platform for sports
• Users claim that the Acestream video player offers HD streaming and is based on P2P technology

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In a nutshell, Acestream is the name of popular web streaming software – though you could break the name down into 2 separate words: Ace and Stream.

The first word ‘ace’ could refer to the high quality of the sports streaming platform while it can also relate to a perfect serve in tennis.

Acestream Live Streaming:

• Who are Acestream?
• Download Acestream
• Use Acestream
• Legality
• Movies and TV

Furthermore, an ace is the most important card in a deck of cards for many games and the term is generally associated with positivity in all aspects of life.

Meanwhile, the ‘stream’ part is self-explanatory and refers to the function of the Acestream software itself.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Martin Meissner, Pool / AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 16th June 2021

• Caroline Dubois is regarded as one of Team GB’s best chances of a boxing medal at Tokyo 2020
• Dubois won the gold medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, beating Porntip Buapa in the lightweight division
• She is the sister of British professional boxer Daniel Dubois

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If you’re into boxing betting, you’ll be familiar with the surname Dubois. However, you may not have heard of new kid on the block Caroline Dubois.

Sister to British star and WBA interim heavyweight title holder Daniel, Caroline has a fantastic opportunity to announce herself on the big stage.

Although inexperienced compared to some of her competitors, Dubois came up trumps at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Argentina.

The 12-month delay to Tokyo 2020 should work in Caroline’s favour, with that additional year giving her the chance to focus on improving elements of her style.

Without further ado, it is time to look at Team GB boxing star Caroline Dubois. Will the British fighter be celebrating Olympic gold later this summer?

Caroline Dubois Olympics

In 2018, Caroline Dubois shocked the world when she announced herself on the boxing stage at the Summer Youth Olympics in Argentina.

Dubois was outstanding throughout the Games, dominating her preliminary bout before winning her semi-final to set up a contest with Porntip Buapa.

Caroline was labelled ‘the best female boxer’ that Mike Costello has ever seen and that kind of praise puts her in an elite bracket heading to Tokyo 2020.

Winning a boxing gold medal at the Olympics is the ultimate dream and Caroline Dubois can follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams by clinching the top prize.

Caroline Dubois Height

Standing at 5 foot, 5 inches, Caroline Dubois isn’t the biggest female boxer around but she is certainly powerful and her incredible physique counts for much more than height.

Like brother Daniel, Caroline is a power puncher and she will certainly be one of the top Team GB hopes going into the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Her southpaw stance can be advantageous against some of her inexperienced opponents but ultimately it is her speed rather than her height that gives her an edge in the ring.

Plenty of punters will be looking at boxing betting tips for the Olympics and Caroline Dubois is likely to be near the head of the odds. Watch this space…

Caroline Dubois Brother

Daniel Dubois is one of the biggest names in British boxing and he is now the WBA interim heavyweight title holder.

With just one loss on his professional record – a knockout defeat to fellow Brit Joe Joyce – Dubois looks destined for success on boxing’s big stage.

Despite that defeat, Dubois responded well with a second round success over Belgian boxer Bogdan Dinu and he will look to rebuild his career in 2022.

Daniel Dubois has been solid enough in the early stages of his professional career and sister Caroline will be hoping for similar success in the coming years.

Caroline Dubois Boxrec

One of the best websites for finding out the latest boxing news and statistics, Boxrec is the place to be for Caroline Dubois updates and tips.

If you look at the Caroline Dubois Boxrec profile, you can find results, fighter record figures and other information relating to the boxer in question.

Regularly updated with the biggest boxing fight results, Boxrec is a must visit for any boxing fan and it could be crucial for those looking for boxing tips during the Olympics.

Caroline Dubois Next Fight

While amateur boxers tend to fight more frequently than professionals, Caroline Dubois is unlikely to be involved in a bout until the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

News on Caroline Dubois’ next fight will be available in due course – sports betting fans will want to keep a close eye on the latest Olympic updates in the coming weeks.

In June 2021, Caroline Dubois came through her Olympic qualifiers unscathed after winning all of her bouts by unanimous decision, including victory over number one seed Mira Potkonen.

Caroline Dubois Instagram

Caroline has her boxing success plastered all over her social media channels and Instagram is one of the ways she communicates to fight fans.

But it isn’t just boxing on the Caroline Dubois Instagram page; the youngster shares images of family, friends and snapshots from her life away from the boxing ring.

Could we see Caroline celebrating Olympic gold on her Instagram page later this summer? Only time will tell – either way she is likely to be active on social media…

You can follow Caroline Dubois Instagram updates via @_carolinedubois1.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Frank Franklin II / AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 16th June 2021

• A key figure for the Team GB swimming squad, Ben Proud will feature at the Tokyo Olympics this summer
• Along with fellow swimming star Adam Peaty, Proud is one of Team GB’s best chances of a medal in the pool at Tokyo 2020
• Ben won a silver medal in the 50m freestyle at the 2021 World Championship in Budapest

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Holding several British records, Ben Proud is one of Team GB’s top swimmers and he will be quietly confident of claiming an Olympic medal this summer.

The London-born swimmer is in the prime of his life, winning the 50m freestyle silver medal in May ahead of what could be a successful trip to Tokyo 2020.

Ben races for Energy Standard in the International Swimming League but the Team GB star will be fully focused on representing Britain on the biggest stage of all.

Sports betting may have Proud as an outsider for Olympic gold but the 26-year-old has the talent to defy the odds when he enters the Tokyo pool.

Here, we look at Ben Proud statistics, including best times, height and record in Olympics trials. So here’s everything you need to know about Team GB swimming star Ben Proud…

Ben Proud Swimmer

The 2017 world champion in the 50-metre butterfly, Ben Proud developed his passion for swimming while growing up in Malaysia.

During his time at school, Ben was trained by professional Malaysian swimmer Francis Kiu before opting to return to England when he was 16 years old.

Proud has gone from strength to strength since bursting onto the swimming scene, winning medals in some of the biggest swimming competitions – including gold at the 2017 World Aquatics Championship.

Ben Proud Height

Standing at 6 foot 3 inches tall, Ben Proud has the physique you’d expect from a top class swimmer.

While he isn’t the tallest in the pool, Ben is exceptionally quick through the water, with his streamlined frame giving him an edge over his peers.

While Ben Proud height figures won’t impact Olympics betting tips today, he recorded the fifth fastest time in the world this year in May 2021 and his body is in tiptop condition.

Ben Proud Olympic Trials

Ben Proud swam the second quickest splash and dash in 2021 during an Olympic trial at the London Aquatics Centre back in April – which puts him in contention for Tokyo 2020 gold.

Notching a lifetime best in the 100m freestyle, Proud has since been selected for the Team GB swimming squad for the Olympic Games and he has a real chance of coming home with a medal.

Speaking afterwards, Ben revealed: “For the Olympics this year, I really want to hone in on that 50. If I’m going to do it then I have to be able to get up and go when needed.

“Going to the last Olympics, it was my first one and it was all quite new so I’ve had a host of experience since then and I’m hoping to do the best I can.”

Ben Proud Diet

To be the best swimmer in the world, you need to be in peak physical condition and Ben Proud takes his diet very seriously indeed.

Speaking to Men’s Health in 2018, Ben said: “With swimming being such a high demanding sport in terms of constant energy expenditure, my aim has always been to get on foods naturally high in energy.

Here is Ben’s typical diet plan when he is training to prepare for a swimming competition:

• Before (and during) first training session – a banana.
• Breakfast – 2 or 3 eggs with a bagel, salmon and avocado OR granola with Greek yoghurt and blueberries.
• Light lunch – a chicken wrap with spinach and avocado.
• Before and after second training session – Another bowl of granola OR a bagel with peanut butter, bananas and honey.
• Dinner – a bowl of penne pasta with chicken, beef or salmon.
• Before bed – a glass of milk.

Ben Proud Best Times

The 26-year-old has five British records on his resume; the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly in the long course and 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly in the short course.

Ben Proud is a household name amongst British swimming fans and he has been a dominant figure in the pool since bursting onto the scene at just 19 years old.

While he hasn’t been able to eclipse any of his British record times since 2018, Proud is still one of the best around, particularly in the 50m freestyle division.

A full list of Ben Proud best times for each event can be found below:

Ben Proud long course times:

• 50m freestyle: 21.11 (2018) – British Record
• 100m freestyle: 48.52 (2016)
• 50m butterfly: 22.75 (2017) – British Record
• 100m butterfly: 54.88 (2013)

Ben Proud short course times:

• 50m freestyle: 20.66 (2017) – British Record
• 100m freestyle: 45.97 (2015) – British Record
• 50m butterfly: 22.18 (2017) – British Record
• 100m butterfly: 54.11 (2013)

Ben Proud Instagram

Like most sports athletes, Ben Proud is active on Instagram – sharing footage of swimming events, his gruelling training schedule and his life out of the pool.

With close to 60,000 followers on the official Ben Proud Instagram page, the Team GB star is well supported and there are even some fan accounts dedicated to him.

Proud hasn’t posted on Instagram since November 2020 but success at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo could see his social media presence soar.

You can follow Ben Proud Instagram updates here: @benproudswim.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Darko Bandic / AP Photo*

 

FIRST PUBLISHED: 16th June 2021

• La Liga is often home to some of football’s biggest transfers

• Real Madrid and Barcelona have both set transfer records since 2010

• Which players make our top 10 of the biggest summer La Liga transfers?

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La Liga is often at the centre of the biggest summer transfers. Real Madrid and Barcelona have spent massively since 2010, for instance, as Spanish clubs have frequently come out on top in Champions League football betting.

From players still relevant in La Liga predictions to those who are nearing the end of their careers, we have compiled a list of the biggest Spanish football transfers since 2010.

The ‘size’ of the transfer is not just on transfer fee. It’s a mix of their impact on the field, the cost, and in some cases, performance relative to expectations.

Here are the 10 biggest transfers to La Liga since 2010…

Iago Aspas to Sevilla (2015)

It’s fair to say Iago Aspas’ brief stint with Liverpool did not work out. He was loaned to Sevilla after a year with an obligatory purchase option.

However, once Sevilla bought Aspas, they immediately moved him to Celta for around €5 million.

What a bargain that has proved to be. Aspas has top scored for Celta in six straight seasons, and led them to a sixth-place finish in 2015/16.

He’s scored 103 La Liga goals in just 185 league starts since his return to Celta – this is one of the great value signings in recent memory.

Jan Oblak to Atletico Madrid (2014)

Talking about value signings, few can rival Jan Oblak.

That may seem an odd thing to say about a player who became the most expensive goalkeeper in La Liga history when he signed for €18 million in 2014, but Oblak has more than repaid that fee.

It doesn’t take a La Liga betting expert to know how good Oblak his. Only a handful of goalkeepers have been anywhere near his level over the last few seasons.

Twice named to La Liga Team of the Season, a league winner and four times the ‘Best Goalkeeper’, Oblak has the team and individual accolades to show for his shot-stopping supremacy.

Carlos Vela to Real Sociedad (2012)

Unable to break through at Arsenal, Carlos Vela completed a permanent move to Real Sociedad in the summer of 2012.

It proved to be one of the great La Liga deals, with Vela leading the way as Sociedad qualified for the Champions League in 2012/13.

The Mexican was also key in 2016/17 as Sociedad made the Europa League through a sixth-place finish.

Now lighting up MLS, Vela’s career has gone from strength to strength since swapping north London for San Sebastian.

Luis Suarez to Barcelona (2014)

Luis Suarez arrived at Barcelona in controversial circumstances. It might have slowed his arrival with the team, but it didn’t alter the player Barcelona had.

Suarez scored 198 goals in 283 appearances for the Catalan giants, forming an unstoppable partnership with Lionel Messi.

He won back-to-back La Liga titles (twice) with Barca, and lifted the Champions League as he, Messi and Neymar tormented defences across the continent.

Looking to cut salary, Barcelona let Suarez move to Atletico in 2020. He won a fifth league title and finished as the fourth top scorer.

Angel di Maria to Real Madrid (2010)

Arriving at Real Madrid from Benfica for around £20 million in 2010, Angel di Maria’s Bernabeu career was not as decorated as it could have been.

Di Maria was an integral player in a league winning team, and La Decima would not have happened without him.

Di Maria’s tenure in the capital was cut short when he moved to Manchester United in 2014. He never settled in Manchester, soon ending up in Paris.

Di Maria was as reliable as he was brilliant for Los Blancos, registering almost 200 appearances and playing an important role in the front line with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neymar to Barcelona (2013)

Since becoming a worldwide sensation as a teenager with Santos, European football was awaiting news on Neymar’s future. He ultimately signed for Barcelona in what proved to be a very messy transfer.

Over 56,000 fans turned up at Camp Nou for Neymar’s unveiling, which was just a taste of the attention the Brazilian star was going to get.

The trophies flowed, including a treble. Many pondered if Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were the best front three of all-time.

Ultimately, though, Neymar outgrew the role of Robin and took his talents to Paris, where he’s still looking for that elusive second Champions League win.

Jose Gimenez to Atletico Madrid (2013)

Jose Gimenez was only a teenager when he left Danubio in Uruguay for Atletico. It was an undisclosed fee, and it wasn’t met with the same fanfare as many other deals on this list.

It didn’t take long, however, for Gimenez to prove himself as one of Europe’s best central defenders.

Only a squad player during the 2013/14 title win, the Uruguayan has become a stalwart since, registering over 200 appearances for Atleti.

Gareth Bale to Real Madrid (2013)

Gareth Bale was a world record signing. He arrived with unachievable expectations and has never managed to develop a positive relationship with the Real Madrid fans.

Injuries played their part, as did Bale’s inconsistent performances. In his stay, though, he has delivered when it matters most for Los Blancos, scoring trophy-winning goals, and spectacular ones at that.

Bale was never going to be Ronaldo mark two, but there’s no question his signing was a massive success despite an up and down relationship with Zinedine Zidane.

Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid (2019)

Having won the Golden Boy award, European football was fighting for Joao Felix’s signature.

It was Atletico who came out on top in 2019, stumping up over £110 million for the Portuguese phenom, though Felix has taken time to find his role in Diego Simeone’s side.

The other attacking signings, including Luis Suarez, have taken some of the pressure off, however, and Felix played 1570 minutes in 2020/21 as Atletico won their second La Liga title of the Simeone era.

While Felix is yet to have the impact of others on this list, his career is just beginning. With the talent he possesses, the former Benfica forward could become an Atleti legend.

Luka Modric to Real Madrid (2012)

He might not be one of the La Liga top scorers, but Luka Modric is one of the league’s greatest players of the modern era.

A Ballon d’Or winner, two-time league winner and four-time Champions League winner, Modric has been an ever-present in the Real Madrid midfield.

He was already special at Spurs. Leaving the Premier League was a risk, and a step that not every player can make. Modric, though, took to the Bernabeu with ease.

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*Credit for the main photo belongs to Manu Fernandez / AP Photo*