Shoutbox » "Its every fast. Everything is full speed," S

LONDON - Elena Baltacha, a former top-50 professional tennis player who had been fighting liver cancer since retiring from the game, died Sunday. She was 30. The former British No. 1 died peacefully surrounded by family and friends, the Womens Tennis Association said on its website. The Kyiv-born Baltacha, who represented Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, was diagnosed with the illness in January, two months after retiring from tennis and only weeks after she married her long-time coach Nino Severino. "We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Severino said in a statement. "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness." Baltacha was born into a sporting family. Father Sergei played football for Dynamo Kyiv and English club Ipswich, and won a bronze medal for the Soviet Union at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Mother Olga represented the Soviet Union in the pentathlon. After being diagnosed with a chronic liver condition aged 19, Baltacha dealt with illness throughout her career, receiving medication and regular blood tests. "Elenas journey was never an easy one and yet she consistently showed her strength, good humour and indomitable spirit," WTA chairman Stacey Allaster said. Her best ranking was 49th in 2010, and she reached the third round at Grand Slam tournaments three times — at Wimbledon in 2002, and at the Australian Open in 2005 and 2010. Ankle problems eventually forced her to retire in November, and she had hoped to use her experience to develop the next generation of British players. "We have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis - a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend," former Fed Cup coach Iain Bates said. "We have so many special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and womens tennis, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news." Baltacha had already planned a tennis charity event in June, "Rally for Bally," to raise money for a cancer hospital and her tennis academy. It will go ahead in her memory, with competitors including childhood friend Andy Murray, Martina Navratilova and Tim Henman. "Bally was such a caring human being, always putting others before herself, and a warm, fun person," the WTAs Allaster said. "A shining example of her commitment to looking out for the welfare of others is the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis, which she established so that children from disadvantaged backgrounds could learn to play the game she loved so dearly." Wholesale Authentic Soccer Jerseys .Y. - Alex Rodriguez paid $305,000 for evidence that could be used in the case involving the Biogenesis of America drug clinic, the Daily News reported Saturday. Authentic China Jerseys . -- Southern Illinois coach Barry Hinson couldnt hear himself amid the roar in Koch Arena, so he kept stomping on the floor in a fruitless attempt to get his teams attention. http://www.authenticnfljerseyschinawholesale.com/ .C. -- Kurt Busch put his chances at "70 per cent" at running the Indianapolis 500 this year because of recent developments that have pushed a potential program along. Cheap Soccer Jerseys . City, fielding a depleted team having already qualified, was twice pegged back by the plucky Czech champions but substitute Negredo tapped home in the 78th minute and Dzekos header made sure of victory in the 89th. The result kept City three points behind Bayern Munich ahead of their meeting in Germany in two weeks. Cheap NFL Jerseys China . - PGA Tour rookie Tony Finau shot a 9-under 63 at Del Monte and had a two-stroke lead over Billy Andrade and Lee Janzen of the Champions Tour after Thursdays opening round of the Callaway Pebble Beach Invitational. BEREA, Ohio -- Michael Sam was laughing with teammates as they conducted a running-back drill for kids, each youngster stiff-arming and juking his way to a touchdown celebration dance in a makeshift end zone. Sam didnt stand out. He was just another rookie, simply one of the guys. The NFLs first openly gay active player, Sams first months in the league have gone just as he would have hoped. "Its very positive, its very fun," Sam said. "Im excited to be playing for the Rams, Im excited to be in the NFL." Sam was in town with the other NFC rookies, who took part in a PLAY 60 youth football clinic with local children at the Browns training complex, part of the leagues four-day rookie symposium. The AFC rookies will begin their symposium on Wednesday. The full orientation for the players includes presentations, workshops and speakers covering a broad range of topics that fit under four core teaching principles: NFL History, Total Wellness, Professional Experience and, yes, Workplace Conduct. But workplace conduct -- that is, experiencing workplace respect and maintaining positive relationships, two main outlined elements of the symposium -- hasnt been a problem for Sam. Not with his teammates and not among the other rookies. Its obvious he has the respect of those around him. "You dont see anyone not talking to him or against him," said guard Greg Robinson, Sams teammate in St. Louis and the second overall pick in Aprils draft. "They look at him as a football player." That doesnt mean Sam has to shy away from who he is, though. In a group meeting during the symposium, he was able to share some thoughts on his own life with teammates and rookies from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "Just know someones story before you judge them. Thats pretty much what it comes down to," said Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans. "Hes a normal guy, just like us.dddddddddddd Just here to play football." Sam is also quickly becoming known for his sense of humour. "The Rams love him," Evans said. "They always joke around with him. He seems like a fun-loving guy." And like any rookie, he is adjusting to the stark contrasts between the college and professional game. Sam was the SECs Co-Defensive Player Of The Year last season and was taken with the 249th overall pick in the seventh round of the draft, but he is working hard to carve out a role on a loaded Rams defensive line, led by ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn, who was second in the NFL in sacks last season. He has also been finding work on special teams. "Its every fast. Everything is full speed," Sam said. "If you make a mistake, it could cost you that win in practice or that win in a game. That one mistake. So youve got to pay attention to details." As for the details that have followed Sam around since he came out to the media in February, they havent mattered to anyone in the league, especially those who have met him. "Hes just another guy in the locker room," Robinson said. "Hes really cool once you get to know him and I feel like he has a great story behind him." That story has resulted in a whirlwind year for Sam, without much time to reflect on the fact that he is finally an NFL player. Its a lifelong goal that made him not unlike every player on the field Tuesday, having fun with kids eager to show off their quick feet or sure hands. "It still hasnt hit me yet, its still like a dream," Sam said. And as he continues to cross through uncharted territory, there is still that one vital, important thing to keep in mind. The thing that truly makes Sams experience a worthwhile success. "They treat me like a rookie," he said. ' ' '