GLOBAL DIARY
DEMOCRACY “Here’s the problem: while some folks are frustrated and tuned out and staying home on election day, trust me other folks are showing up. Democracy continues with or without you.” – MICHELLE OBAMA, FORMER FIRST LADY
WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS BELGRADE Over the three days of thrilling action in Belgrade, from 18-20 March, 129 teams competed and athletes from 59 countries lined up in finals. Seven championship records and 17 area records were set. A total of 31 countries won medals, 20 of those claiming gold, including the host nation as long jump star Ivana Vuleta’s victory sent the 6800-strong crowd into raptures on the final night. This was the first World Athletics championship event with spectators since the pandemic began in 2020, and more than 20,000 spectators attended across the three days, despite a reduced stadium capacity due to Covid restrictions. Five years after winning the European indoor title in this very arena with a jaw-dropping effort of 7.24m, Vuleta successfully defended her world indoor title with a best effort of 7.06m.
WILL SMITH AND CHRIS ROCK’S OSCARS 2022 INCIDENT Hollywood actor Chris Rock got more than he may have bargained for as a presenter at the 94th Oscar Academy Awards. While presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature. He made a joke at the expense of Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, leading to an on-stage altercation that was not scripted and drew gasps
JAPAN’S CHERRY BLOSSOM A cherry blossom season is a time-honored event in Japan. It’s a long-standing tradition officialy starts on March 20, that brings marvel and wonder to every Japanese and tourist alike. These are one of the most beautiful flowers and appear throughout spring all over the country. Anyone taking a trip to Japan during this time would be remiss not to attend at least one hanami event. Also known as Sakura, the Japanese cherry blossom is a symbol of the end of winter and the coming warmth of spring and summer.
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from the room. Will Smith seemed to be laughing following Rock’s comment. But he then stunned the audience at the Dolby by storming the stage and slapping Rock in the face. “Wow,” said Rock afterward. “Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me.” Smith’s comments were bleeped when he returned to his seat, but it was apparent that he told Rock, “Keep my wife’s name out your f***king mouth.”
