An Oscar-directed masterpiece was expected as the Winter Olympics Games opening ceremony kicked off in China's capital Beijing – although, technically, the Games already started with the mixed doubles in the curling already underway. The true start of the Winter Olympics, however, began with the Opening Ceremony, directed by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Zhang Yimou.

A glittering collection of the world’s greatest sportsmen, sportswomen and teams have been nominated for the 2022 Laureus World Sports Awards, following a ballot by global sports media. Despite continuing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the return of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, football’s European Championship and other major tournaments and events in 2021 provided unforgettable drama and these Laureus World Sports Nominees were cast in starring roles.

Circuit of The Americas, North America’s premier motorsports and entertainment venue, has hired global sports industry leader Mark Pannes as its new President for Strategy and Corporate Growth.

Panne, who joins Circuit of the Americas (COTA) from Inner Market Media, will oversee the Circuit’s portfolio of new business properties which are in various stages of development and are poised to reach across its 1,500-acre campus.

”It’s an honor to welcome Mark to our team,” said COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein. “His business background and approach is a perfect fit with our community-oriented, fan-centric culture. “I look forward to Mark helping guide our growth and further our success.”

Pannes’ executive roles across international sports, entertainment, and finance markets include CEO of AS Roma (Serie A) and the MLS team the Vancouver Whitecaps, Chief Marketing Officer for the NBA team the New York Knicks (NBA), and the Founding Director of HSBC Private Bank’s Global Sports Group in London. Pannes’ international experience and local market knowledge make him ideally suited for the blend of global and domestic sports and entertainment growth initiatives that COTA is undertaking.

“This is such an exciting opportunity,” Pannes said. “After hosting the highest attendance Formula One Grand Prix weekend of all time, MotoGP, the Rolling Stones, and the Peppermint Parkway Holiday Festival all within the last few months, the Circuit of The Americas is poised for tremendous growth. Our chairman’s vision for adding sports and entertainment properties and attractions in rapid fashion over the coming years positions COTA to be North America’s premier destination for marquee events.”

Pannes is a University of Texas at Austin graduate and currently serves as chair for UT’s Center for Sports Communication and Media board. He is also a graduate of Fordham Law School and is a member of the State Bar of New York.

Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, is the only purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for all classes of racing. The 3.4-mile racetrack hosts the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas and NASCAR at COTA as well as world-renowned concerts, music festivals, and opportunities for track rentals.

The 1,500-acre campus is also home to the award-winning Germania Insurance Amphitheater and driving experiences such as COTA Karting as well as expansive meeting and hospitality spaces and an iconic 25-story observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the circuit, the amphitheater and downtown Austin.

UK Athletics has confirmed that Paula Dunn will assume the role of Team Leader across three major athletics championships in 2022. Dunn, who has now moved into a part time role in the Para world class programme as she transitions out of the Head Coach role, will use her vast championship experience to support the Olympic programme activity in what is set to be a busy year at major championships.

Olympic finalist Jake Wightman leads a strong British contingent in the men’s 1500m at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix – a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting – at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on 19 February.

The European and Commonwealth bronze medallist was 10th in Tokyo and is the Scottish indoor 1500m record-holder (3:34.48).

Wolverhampton will host not one but two half-marathons in 2022.

The Wolverhampton City Half Marathon is set to return to its traditional September date this year, with 21km and 10km races taking place on Sunday 4 September.