Sports

'I'm in the dark'

Former Gaza hostage Mia Schem revealed Thursday that she is the woman who filed a complaint alleging a well-known Tel Aviv fitness trainer raped her. In a preview for an upcoming interview with Channel 12, Schem said she could no longer remain silent. “In captivity, in the Hamas tunnels and without a hand, I had hope,” […]

Published

1 month ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Former Gaza hostage Mia Schem revealed Thursday that she is the woman who filed a complaint alleging a well-known Tel Aviv fitness trainer raped her.

In a preview for an upcoming interview with Channel 12, Schem said she could no longer remain silent.

“In captivity, in the Hamas tunnels and without a hand, I had hope,” she said. “Suddenly, I am in darkness.”

According to Schem, the alleged assault occurred about six weeks ago. She later filed a complaint with the North Tel Aviv police station. The trainer, who has a large social media following, was arrested but released last month due to a lack of sufficient evidence, police said.

Schem and the trainer knew each other beforehand—she had been one of his clients at a fitness studio in north Tel Aviv. A few days before filing the police complaint, she reportedly invited him to her apartment for help with something personal, not for a training session. The invitation came at the suggestion of a friend.

Mia Schem, 21, reunites with her family following her release after being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, in this undated handout image, obtained by Reuters on December 1, 2023. (credit: Prime Minister's Office/Handout via Reuters) — Mia Schem, 21, reunites with her family following her release after being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, in this undated handout image, obtained by Reuters on December 1, 2023. (credit: Prime Minister’s Office/Handout via Reuters)

After they met, Schem reportedly contacted several friends, saying she felt disoriented and could not fully recall what had happened. However, Schem said she feared she may have been sexually assaulted.

Schem told police the trainer entered her bedroom, where the alleged assault took place, according to a report by Ynet.

The trainer initially denied entering Schem’s room

During questioning, the trainer initially denied entering the room, but later changed his version of events and admitted to briefly stepping inside while Schem was changing clothes.

In a police confrontation between the two, Schem told the trainer, “I was dazed for three days because of you,” and asked him not to look at her. When he refused, an investigator instructed him to avert his gaze, Ynet added.

Schem described five signs she said supported her account—three physical marks on her body and two findings from medical tests. The trainer did not respond to these claims, instead repeating, “I’m a good person,” and at one point breaking down in tears, saying, “I have a family.”

She told investigators she continues to suffer delayed flashbacks, all of which involve the trainer.

In addition to Schem’s complaint, police have also questioned the trainer in connection with a separate allegation, as reported by Ynet.

In that case, a different young woman accused him of harassment via disappearing messages sent a year earlier. She said he sent unsolicited, sexually explicit messages.

The trainer’s attorney, Sassy Gez, denied all the allegations. “He is an innocent man with no criminal record,” Gez said. “The complainant herself said during the confrontation that she ‘thinks it happened.’ The fact that he was released without any conditions proves that no rape occurred. The case will be closed soon due to a lack of evidence.”

While police have not confirmed the identity of the complainant, they stated that the investigation is ongoing.

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NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 2025

The NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 2025 take place at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon in Eugene from Wednesday, June 11, through Saturday, June 14. Featuring the best college track and field student-athletes attending university in the United States, the championships are a chance for these athletes to make their […]

Published

10 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 2025 take place at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon in Eugene from Wednesday, June 11, through Saturday, June 14.

Featuring the best college track and field student-athletes attending university in the United States, the championships are a chance for these athletes to make their marks.

Action will be broadcast and streamed in the U.S. on the ESPN network.

Discover the full schedule of events and the top three results from every single final below.

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Sports

Women’s Volleyball Announces 2025 Schedule

Story Links CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard women’s volleyball announced its 2025 schedule comprised of seven non-conference contests and its annual 14-match Ivy League slate. With nine contests set to be played inside the Malkin Athletic Center, the Crimson will look to make its return to the Ivy League Tournament as it returns […]

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11 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard women’s volleyball announced its 2025 schedule comprised of seven non-conference contests and its annual 14-match Ivy League slate. With nine contests set to be played inside the Malkin Athletic Center, the Crimson will look to make its return to the Ivy League Tournament as it returns to action in less than two months.

Harvard’s season will begin on the road as the Crimson heads to the Sunshine State to compete at the UNF Invitational. The Crimson’s season and the tournament will kick off as Harvard faces the host North Florida Ospreys on Friday, September 5.

Harvard will compete on its home court for the first time on Friday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. ET as Washington State travels to Cambridge. The Crimson will then host Seton Hall to close out the weekend on Sunday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. ET.

The Crimson’s final non-conference contests will take place just down the road as it meets with a trio of New England teams in Chestnut Hill, Mass. including the host Boston College (Sept. 18), Bryant (Sept. 19), and Stonehill (Sept. 20).

Following its non-conference season, the Crimson will begin its quest for an Ivy League Championship against Dartmouth on Sunday, September 28 at 4:00 p.m. ET in Hanover, NH. During the first half of conference play Harvard will host Penn (Oct. 10) and Princeton (Oct. 11).

A majority of the Crimson’s home action will come in the second portion of Ivy action as Harvard will then host the Big Green (Oct. 25), Columbia (Oct. 31), Cornell (Nov. 1), Yale (Nov. 7), and Brown (Nov. 8) in five straight matches.

With the addition of five first-years and the leadership of its co-captains Brynne Faltinsky and Yvette Easton, the Crimson will look to return to the Ivy League tournament for the first time since 2023. The postseason playoffs will be held on the campus of the top seed and will be held on November 21 and 22.

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Long Beach Poly Boys’ Wrestling Wins CIF State Academic Championship – The562.org

The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial. The Long Beach Poly boys’ wrestling team won a CIF State Academic Championship, as announced by the CIF last week. Forty schools were recognized for having the highest collective grade point averages in each sport, and the Jackrabbits led the […]

Published

17 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.

The Long Beach Poly boys’ wrestling team won a CIF State Academic Championship, as announced by the CIF last week. Forty schools were recognized for having the highest collective grade point averages in each sport, and the Jackrabbits led the state in boys’ wrestling with a 3.7 GPA.

The announcement comes a month after Poly wrestling celebrated both boys’ and girls’ CIF-SS Academic Championships at Angel Stadium, along with three other Long Beach sports programs. The Poly boys’ wrestling team was the only team to win in consecutive years, and the only one to also capture a CIF State Academic Championship.

“I am extremely proud of my wrestlers winning the CIF academic championships this year and it was a testament to the hard work and discipline our wrestlers put on the mat and off the mat,” said Poly coach Ken Lee. “Winning this is a reflection of the commitment our wrestlers have not only to the sport but to their futures. I am beyond proud of these wrestlers for proving that greatness can be achieved in every arena, both mentally and physically.”

The Jackrabbits become the first Long Beach school to win a CIF State Academic Championship since Wilson girls’ water polo did it in 2023.

The championship caps off a decorated school year for Long Beach Poly, both in the classroom and in athletics. The Jackrabbits won four CIF-SS championships and had four programs earn CIF-SS academic titles. They also captured a runner-up plaque at the state level, capped off by this CIF State Academic Team Championship.

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Seminoles Set for NCAA Outdoor Championships in Oregon

TALLAHASSEE – The No. 20/21 Florida State track and field teams are set for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon at historic Hayward Field from June 11-14. The Seminoles have five men and five women competing in nine individual events and three relay teams at the top collegiate meet in the country. […]

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32 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

TALLAHASSEE – The No. 20/21 Florida State track and field teams are set for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon at historic Hayward Field from June 11-14.

The Seminoles have five men and five women competing in nine individual events and three relay teams at the top collegiate meet in the country. The men will compete on Wednesday and Friday, while the women’s events will take place Thursday on Saturday.

MEET NOTES:

Florida State will begin on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET with the Semifinals of the men’s 4×100-meters relay team of Jaiden Rollins, Neo Mosebi, Micahi Danzy and Durian Moss. The Seminoles will need to finish within the top two of the heat or post the next three fastest qualifying times to make the 12-team final on Friday.

The meet will be streamed live on ESPN+ and coverage throughout the meet can also be found on the ESPN family of networks during the week. Live results will be available through flash results.

The Seminoles have had at least one student-athlete finishing in the top 16 at every NCAA Championship since 1976, earning All-America honors.

NATIONAL RANKINGS:

Florida State is the only school have both teams ranked in the week 10 USTFCCCA national poll.

The 20th-ranked men’s team enters the first round led by Danzy after qualifying individually in the 400 and participating on the 4×100. The Tallahassee native will be the first 400 runner since 2015 to represent Florida State. His time (44.38) is the fastest in the nation and 22nd all-time in collegiate history. Danzy becomes the first freshman to qualify individually since Trey Cunningham punched his ticket in the 110 hurdles in 2018.

The 21st-ranked women’s team will be highlighted by two-time All-American Shenese Walker, who punched her individual ticket after claiming the crown at the NCAA East Preliminary in the 100, lowering her personal best with the second-fastest time in program history at 10.98. Walker’s time currently ranks fourth in the nation.

LAST TIME OUT:

The Seminoles competed at the NCAA East First Round in Jacksonville, Florida on May 28-31.

FSU saw one program record and four others established FSU all-time top 10 performances.

The women’s 4×100 of Lucy May Sleeman, Walker, Liana Tyson and Joella Lloyd won the race with a time of 42.72, which ranks second in the nation this season. The Noles erased the previous conference and program record of 43.13 that was set by the Seminoles in 2019 behind Kelcie Simmons, Karimah Davis, Shauna Helps and Ka’Tia Seymour.

Walker was joined by Lloyd, who followed in fourth place, resetting her own Antigua and Barbuda national record and third-fastest time in program history at 11.01

Kaelyaah Liburd reset her own national record in the women’s 400, after lowering her performance best with the third-fastest time in program history at 51.31 to punch her ticket to the National Championships after placing sixth.

After coming off an ACC title in the men’s 4×100 relay of Rollins, Danzy, Mosebi and Moss placed with a time of 38.81.

Kyvon Tatham will compete in the men’s triple jump with the sixth-farthest mark in the nation at 16.01m.

Curtis Williams punched his ticket in the long jump with a mark of 7.59m.

Brooke Mullins qualified for women’s 3,000 steeplechase after finishing fourth in her heat with a time of 10:05.67. Mullins is the first athlete to compete in the event since Bridget Blake in 2016.

Tyson Williams advanced in the men’s 110 hurdles after qualifying with a time of 13.54. Mosebi qualified for his first outdoor nationals in the men’s 100, placing 10.08.

Kayla Pinkard punched her first career ticket in the women’s triple jump after placing 10th with a mark of 13.01m.

FLORIDA STATE NCAA OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 – Men’s semifinal/final

7:05 p.m.    4x100m relay

8:08 p.m.    110m hurdles –Tyson Williams

8:25 p.m.    100m– Neo Mosebi

8:40 p.m.-   Long jump-Curtis Williams (final)

8:41 p.m.    400m – Micahi Danzy

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 – Women’s semifinal

7:05 p.m.     4x100m relay

7:38 p.m.     3,000m Steeplechase- Brooke Mullins

8:25 p.m.     100m –Shenese Walker, Joella Lloyd

8:41 p.m.     400m – Kaelyaah Liburd

9:14 p.m.     400m hurdles – Tyra Wilson

10:36 p.m.   4x400m relay

FRIDAY, JUNE 13- Men’s final

8:02 p.m.     4x100m relay

8:10 p.m.-   Triple jump-Kyvon Tatham

8:42 p.m.     110m hurdles –Tyson Williams

8:52 p.m.     100m- Neo Mosebi

9:02 p.m.    400m – Micahi Danzy

SATURDAY, JUNE 14- Women’s finals

9:02 p.m.    4x100m relay

9:10 p.m.    Triple jump-Kayla Pinkard

9:24 p.m.    3,000m Steeplechase- Brooke Mullins

10:02 p.m.  100m –Shenese Walker, Joella Lloyd

10:14 p.m.  400m – Kaelyaah Liburd

10:21 p.m.   4x400m relay

10:27 p.m.  400m hurdles – Tyra Wilson

NCAA OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP MEET INFORMATION:

Meet Home

Meet Schedule

Tickets

Stream links

Live Results

Complete Men’s Entries List

Complete Women’s Entries List

For more information on Florida State track and field, follow Twitter (X) @FSU_Track and Instagram @FSU_Track.

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‘Jones Sand Volleyball Court’ hosts weekly games to support various causes

The Jones family invites people over for weekly volleyball games and tournaments. WISCASSET, Maine — From a love of volleyball to a legacy of giving back, Julie Jones has turned her backyard into a place where sport and community thrive, one serve at a time. Julie wears many hats. She’s a daycare provider, a mother, […]

Published

33 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Jones family invites people over for weekly volleyball games and tournaments.

WISCASSET, Maine — From a love of volleyball to a legacy of giving back, Julie Jones has turned her backyard into a place where sport and community thrive, one serve at a time.

Julie wears many hats. She’s a daycare provider, a mother, a volleyball coach, and now, the heart behind a thriving community tradition. Tucked away in her Wiscasset backyard is a homemade sand volleyball court—built not for competition, but for connection.

“I don’t really do it for myself,” Julie said. “I love the sport, but I especially love seeing young athletes enjoy learning it and seeing their growth.”

That love for volleyball and for bringing people together is what inspired Julie and her family to create a space where locals—and even those from hours away—can come together to play a few games, chat around a fire, and enjoy each other’s company.

It all started when Julie was pregnant with her first daughter and noticed a gap in local sports offerings.

“Our school only offered volleyball for girls and basketball for boys,” Julie said. “So after she was born, we were like, okay, what are we going to do to get volleyball rolling here in Wiscasset?”

With a background as a player, coach, and volleyball mom, Julie wanted to show others how fun the sport can be.

On Thursdays, the Jones’ hosts an open court where anyone can pick up a game, growing into something bigger than just a pastime. They’ve become a community event.

“Win or lose, it doesn’t matter,” Julie said. “It’s just about bringing people together and having fun.”

Now, the Jones family hosts fundraising tournaments that, at times, support various organizations throughout the season.

One recent event supported the Side-Out Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to metastatic breast cancer research.

“For Julie, it’s her passion,” Emily Hayes, the Northeast community engagement leader for the Side-Out Foundation, explained. “And you can feel it just seep off of her when you talk to her or are around her.”

Julie’s impact stretches beyond her own efforts, with two of her children now playing college volleyball and another who appreciates the sport, carrying on the family tradition.

“My whole journey with volleyball has been a whole family thing for me,” Julie’s daughter, Alyeea Jones, said. “It’s never been an individualized thing.”

Alyeea smiles when talking about her mom’s endless energy.

“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Mom, let me give you a break. Just go take a rest.’ But she loves it too much.”

The Jones family also hosts tournaments that don’t support an organization. Instead, the funds are used for court maintenance.

Currently, the family is raising money to build a second sand court. Proceeds from upcoming events, including one happening this Saturday, will go toward making that dream a reality.

Details about the tournament can be found on the Jones Sand Volleyball Court Facebook page.

For more local stories continue with us on our NEWS CENTER Maine+ streaming app.

For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app.

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Sienna Toohey,16, stuns crowd with swim in 100m breaststroke final

Toohey is faster at the same age. Yes, times have changed, but there is something special about this youngster. Australian swimming was buzzing with excitement on night two of the national trials when Toohey won her race in a personal best time of 1:06.55, just clear of Ella Ramsay (1:06.86). Sienna Toohey is interviewed on […]

Published

42 minutes ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Toohey is faster at the same age. Yes, times have changed, but there is something special about this youngster.

Australian swimming was buzzing with excitement on night two of the national trials when Toohey won her race in a personal best time of 1:06.55, just clear of Ella Ramsay (1:06.86).

Sienna Toohey is interviewed on Channel Nine after her win in the women’s 100m breaststroke final on Tuesday evening. Credit: Channel Nine

The time would have won a gold medal at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

By the time Toohey was being interviewed poolside, she was almost inconsolable.

“I’m just so excited because I worked so hard,” Toohey said as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I was so nervous and so happy I have done it.

“It’s been very hard living in Canberra for the last six weeks.”

Toohey waved to family in the stands before greeting reporters. She’d spoken to some a year earlier when, as a 15-year-old, she’d narrowly missed making a maiden Olympics team.

“It was definitely something that I really wanted to be a part of,” Toohey said. “It was definitely [tears of] relief.”

How did she get into swimming? When did the dream really kick in?

“I started swimming because I wanted to play water polo, but my parents told me that I couldn’t do water polo if I didn’t swim,” Toohey said.

Sienna Toohey is swimming faster than Liesel Jones was at her age.Credit: Sienna Toohey/Instagram

“I started swimming just to do it and then my brother started to get really good at it. I got to the point where I had to choose swimming or water polo. Obviously, I chose swimming. It was the right choice.”

Next month, the shy schoolgirl will travel to Singapore and represent her country at the world championships.

Not a bad story to take back to school.

“They’re very curious about swimming but they don’t really understand most parts of it. They know that I’m good though,” Toohey said.

“I’ve told them my goals and they’re very supportive. I’m sure I’ll go back and I’ll have numerous messages from them all.”

Sienna Toohey (left) in tears after winning the women’s 100m breaststroke final at the Australian swimming trials in Adelaide.Credit: Getty Images

Astute swimming judges have been whispering Toohey’s name for some time.

Last year, she broke Jones’ 15-year-old age record that had stood since 2000. Earlier this year, Toohey lowered Jones’ national record among 16-year-old breaststrokers in the two-lap event.

Jones’ best time as a 16-year-old was 1:07.31. Toohey is nearly a second quicker at the same age, but is now gunning for Jones’ overall Australian record of 1:05.09.

Toohey, who is now the eighth-fastest Australian in the event, was lucky enough to meet her hero during last year’s Olympic trials.

Leisel Jones with her Olympic silver medal, aged just 15.Credit: Craig Golding

“After nationals [this year] she sent me a message the night after I broke her record,” Toohey said.

“It honestly made my week. Getting something personalised from her … and her telling me to keep going and that things can happen when you’re young, was definitely inspiring.

“I watched some of her races when I was first chasing down her records.”

When the Brisbane Olympics arrive, Toohey is likely to be in the prime of her career, still at a tender age of 23.

Toohey admits she has thought about the prospect of competing at a home Olympics. She is living proof that the Olympic dream burns bright in the nation’s young athletes.

“When the Brisbane Olympics first got announced, that was the Olympic team I was hoping to get on. Now I’ve made this [world championship] one, we’ll have to push the timeline up a bit more,” Toohey said.

“It’d definitely mean a lot being in my home country, plus some family members could come.

“I just want to reach the top and hopefully get a medal at the Olympics one day.”

Once Toohey had finished her interviews, she was greeted by some of her teenage friends.

“I now know someone who’s going to be famous,” one was overheard saying.

For Sienna Toohey, the road to Brisbane 2032 starts now — and she’s already ahead of schedule.

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