HER incredible figure has been the envy of women across the world for decades.
But now supermodel-turned-filmmaker Caprice Bourret has revealed she was so scared of being trolled after gaining 20lbs that she turned to weight loss drug Mounjaro.
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Caprice Bourret says she was so scared of being trolled after gaining 20lbs that she went on MounjaroCredit: Mark Hayman
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The supermodel-turned-filmmaker jumped from a size 8 to 12 in Spring 2024 after easing up on her strict health regimeCredit: Instagram
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I got sick to my stomach. I got dizzy and lightheaded but I kept persisting because I needed to lose the weight, says Caprice of the jabsCredit: Mark Hayman
The 53-year-old – who was concerned about possible health issues – put on weight after easing up on her strict health regime and started indulging in sweet treats like cake and chocolate, as well her favourite tipple – red wine.
Her relaxed regime in Spring 2024 saw her jump from a size 8 to 12, bringing with it a string of worrying ailments including “heart palpitations”, difficulty walking upstairs, joint pain, severe inflammation and being unable to fit into her designer clothes.
As much as she tried, she just couldn’t shift the weight, which she blames on menopause and a refusal to go on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
“My health was deteriorating and I was feeling really bad about myself,” Caprice, who is also an actress and filmmaker, explains while chatting to us in her gleaming white kitchen as she tucks into a pot of cottage cheese.
“Even small things like walking up the stairs left me huffing and puffing.
“I would get out of bed and my back and joints were inflamed and stiff because of the additional weight.
“I started to get sick more often, so I knew my immunity was being compromised.
“I tried to lose the weight, but I couldn’t because I wasn’t taking HRT and I’m going through the menopause.
“My normal weight is about 138lbs, but I shot up to 160. That was the same weight as when I was pregnant.
“Then I started having these weird heart palpitations. Who has that at 53? I was too young for what was going on.”
I took a break from Mounjaro but now I’m back on – I’ve lost 1 stone 6 lbs in a month but the side effects are savage
Having made her fortune through her good looks and appearing on more than 350 magazine covers, from Vogue to Playboy, Caprice was suddenly terrified of “being judged for not looking how I did in my twenties.”
She continues: “Maybe it was me being hard on myself. Maybe I thought everyone was going to judge me because I was judging myself.
“I guess people might have been more supportive and said ‘you look great’. But I manifested this craziness in my head.
“I used to put on clothes and everything looked amazing, but then nothing fit. Honestly, I thought I’d be judged.”
But it’s not just showbiz royalty who rely on the drugs to shed the pounds – 1.5million Brits are also hooked.
Most people will find it hard to be sympathetic to super slim Caprice – but she explains that even her doctor was worried and suggested she try the fat busting drug.
I used to put on clothes and everything looked amazing, but then nothing fit. Honestly, I thought I’d be ridiculed
Caprice
At first she was hesitant – always preferring to tackle health issues with natural methods.
But she admits that the reported health benefits of taking Mounjaro – which include reducing inflammation, improving liver health, protecting kidneys, and potentially enhancing cognitive and mental well-being – were attractive.
‘It was awful’
“My BMI was super high,” she says, “and the doctor said: ‘You need help here, you need to lose this weight. You’re borderline clinically obese.’
“But I wasn’t sure. Even when I had bronchitis I had a whole bag of vitamin C and zinc intravenously to get rid of it.
“I like to go down the natural way first but I obviously couldn’t do it this time. It was strange because you’d look at me, and even though I was a size 12 – which is totally normal – I was struggling.”
Regular check-ups ensued, with the doctor prescribing half of .25, “a microdose of a microdose.”
But after a few days Caprice was struck with severe nausea.
“It was awful,” she says, “I got sick to my stomach. I got dizzy and lightheaded but I kept persisting because I needed to lose the weight.
“I continued for two months, mainly because there was all this research about the benefits for cardiovascular health.”
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Caprice lost five pounds after two months on the jabs, but decided to stop as the side effects continued (above with Halina Watts)Credit: Halina Watts
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Instead she decided to cut out carbs and processed sugar, and started exercising again, above pictured with Nigel Farage
After two months she lost five pounds but the side effects continued. Battling nausea and not being able to properly enjoy food anymore, she decided to stop taking Mounjaro.
“I’d had enough,” she insists. “I couldn’t take it anymore. I also love craving food and that’s another thing with these drugs, you don’t get the cravings. I really missed that.”
Taking matters into her own hands, she decided to cut out carbs and processed sugar.
“The first month eliminating carbs and sugar was hell,” she explains, “an absolute horror. You are begging for that pasta but I stuck to it.
“Then I started exercising again. I know we go to the office and we get stuck behind the computer and think, tomorrow I’ll do it. But try to make it a part of your life.”
Now she still enjoys three meals a day but has made her portions smaller.
“Sometimes I’ll cheat,” she says, “and have some white rice or a baked potato but that’s okay.
“I only have dark chocolate and lots of honey. I also eat lots of fruit. I love pomegranate, it’s great for your gut health, as is watermelon which is super alkaline.
“At the end of the day we keep our body alkaline and we keep disease away.”
As we talk she pulls out dozens of supplements, swallowing them one by one. Then she shows me Shilajit – a black tar like paste formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter over centuries in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I also love craving food and that’s another thing with these drugs, you don’t get the cravings. I really missed that
Caprice
She puts some of the paste onto a knife and tells me to lick it off. Intrigued, I follow orders then quickly gag, as it is probably one of the most revolting things I’ve ever tasted.
But she beams. “Well done,” she says, “it’s vile. But it’s full of goodness.”
She also has filtered Kanyon water and she suggests I drink a glass of celery juice every morning if I want to get clear skin.
Talking about her weight loss, she continues: “Since losing the weight I’ve no ache in my joints. The energy levels I have are the same as when I was in my twenties.
“I sleep through the night. Everything has changed.”
Everything you need to know about fat jabs
Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.
Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.
Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.
How do they work?
The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.
They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients’ sugar levels are too high.
Can I get them?
NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.
Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.
Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.
Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.
Are there any risks?
Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.
Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: “One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.”
Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.
Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients’ mental health.
Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
Thankfully Mounjaro didn’t damage her sex life. Caprice has been married to businessman Ty Comfort since 2019. They have 12-year-old sons Jett and Jax together.
“That’s been pretty healthy,” she says, smiling, “I have to be honest. My husband is so amazing. Even when I was 20 pounds over, he was like ‘you look great Cap’.
‘Change your lifestyle’
“I actually didn’t tell him I was going on the jabs. But I told him when I finally stopped because I couldn’t stand the sickness.
“When I started to lose weight quite fast by cutting out the carbs and exercising, I’d been away for two weeks shooting a movie.
“I came back and he said: ‘What happened to my wife?’ That’s when I told him. He said: ‘No, Cap, I didn’t mind the curves, I liked the curves.’”
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I want people to be educated on healthy options and think twice about doing this jab, says CapriceCredit: Instagram
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She also says many of her friends who go on the jabs put the weight back on once they come offCredit: Instagram
She won’t be telling her kids about Mounjaro or weight loss because “they already have so much pressure from social media. I don’t want to get it in their heads at all.”
She says everyone in showbusiness is on a weight loss drug. And she recently reached out to one celebrity pal who’d lost too much weight.
She explains: “When you take Mounjaro for a long time your skin changes and loosens. I’ve seen it with my friends. You think you are going to avoid it but you don’t.
“I called up some of my friends, worried, but they are so happy to be that skinny that they don’t see it.
“I think ‘wow, look what it’s done to you.’ It’s complete body dysmorphia.”
She says many of her friends go on the jabs but when they come off they put the weight back on.
“Ultimately, is that going to be healthy?” she wonders. “People are on Ozempic because it’s easy and they are getting a result – but is it at a cost?
“You are losing weight because you are starving your body. Let’s be clear on this. Also a lot of people have been losing their hair. I’ve heard of some women having to wear wigs because of Ozempic.”
At that point she makes me touch her hair, which is extremely thick and silky.
“This is what you get from doing it naturally,” she says. “Yes, it’s more difficult and then you change your lifestyle. I want people to be educated on healthy options and think twice about doing this jab. Ultimately the healthy route is longevity.”
Caprice admits her whole life has centred on her image – and she is not ashamed of being vain.
“I am vain but I don’t care,” she says. “I come from a world of vanity, it’s instilled in me, and it makes me feel good when I look good but it makes me feel good when I feel good more than anything. Health is my number one priority.
A BMI of 40 or more is usually required, or a BMI of 37.5 or more for certain ethnic groups.
For individuals from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean ethnic backgrounds, a lower BMI of 37.5 or higher may be considered due to increased health risks at lower BMI levels within these groups.
Additionally, you must have at least three or four of the following conditions:
These injections are generally provided with a structured weight management programme that includes lifestyle support.
If you’re looking to access weight loss injections on the NHS, discuss your options with your GP.
SCARLETT Moffatt has wowed fans after showing off her incredible weight loss – revealing she’s ditched her size 18 clothes for good.
The former Gogglebox star, 31, left viewers stunned as she unveiled her slimmer figure on Big Brother Late and Live on Sunday.
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Scarlett Moffatt stunned fans with her incredible weight lossCredit: Instagram/scarlettmoffatt
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She previously opened up about the gruelling bootcamps and rigourous exerciseCredit: Instagram/scarlettmoffatt
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She appeared on Big Brother Late & Live on SundayCredit: ITV
Scarlett looked happier than ever as she wowed viewers in a dark green co-ord top and mini skirt with feather deatiling at the trims.
She oozed confidence wearing a pair of leopard print block high heels and styled her dark hair in classy loose curls.
The reality star posted her look on Instagram, with the caption: “Always been a huge fan of big brother, in fact my guilty pleasure will forever be a chicken kebab and watching reality tv!
“So glad I got to do a major tick off my bucket list and be at a launch night at @bbuk“.
Fans flooded the comments gushing over her transformation, with one saying: “You look amazing.”
Another added: “Stunning!!🔥 😍😍 need outfit drop pls!”
A third penned: “Looking beautiful gal.”
This comes after Scarlett revealed she finally feels “happier” than ever after years of yo-yo dieting, brutal bootcamps and body battles.
She admitted she once dropped to a size 8 after punishing herself with 700-calorie days and a gruelling Swiss bootcamp involving six hours of exercise – all in a bid to stay slim after releasing her controversial fitness DVD in 2016.
But despite shedding three stone, Scarlett confessed she was still miserable and wracked with body image issues.
Scarlett Moffatt reveals when she plans to marry policeman partner Scott as star opens up on wedding plans
Now, she says she’s proud to embrace her curves – and is finally comfortable in her own skin.
“The thing with being body positive and having body confidence is just celebrating everybody’s body,” Scarlett previously told The Sun.
“As long as you are healthy, being yourself and you’re being nice to people, you do you.”
The I’m A Celeb star said she regrets the years she “missed out” on life because of low self-esteem, but now urges fans to stop being so hard on themselves.
Scarlett even revealed her own trick – imagining she’s speaking to her younger self whenever negative thoughts creep in.
“Would you ever say horrible things to a six-year-old?” she said. “Of course not. So don’t say it to yourself either.”
Now proudly flying the flag as a plus-size TV presenter, Scarlett says she’s thrilled kids today get to see more diverse faces and body types on screen.
Since bursting onto Gogglebox in 2014 aged just 23, Scarlett has carved out a successful career in telly.
And now she’s moving into hard-hitting documentaries, with her latest, Britain’s Tourette’s Mystery: Scarlett Moffatt Investigates, airing soon on Channel 4.
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Scarlett admitted she was 18 stoneCredit: Getty
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She said her weight effected her self-esteemCredit: Getty
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But now she is proudly flying the flag as a plus-size TV presenterCredit: Rex
Watching 6-foot-6, 220-pound Connor Ohl of Newport Harbor High play water polo is similar to a Great White Shark sighting. You’re stunned and in awe.
He’s water polo’s version of a speeding dolphin in the pool, able to accelerate so fast with his long arms and powerful legs that few can stay with him. He won the Southern Section Division 1 50-yard freestyle title last spring and broke 20 seconds in a league meet (19.79), so beware to those who think he’s not as fast as advertised.
Then comes his size and strength. He could be a football player because physicality comes naturally. Being the youngest of three water polo playing brothers, it was sink or swim in the Ohl household growing up in Greenwich, Conn. One brother plays for Stanford, where Connor will soon join him. Another plays at Princeton.
Connor moved to Orange County last year for his junior season so he could be part of what he calls “the water polo hub of America.”
This past summer, he was the youngest player on the USA junior national team that earned a silver medal at the under-20 world championships in Croatia.
“It was such a crazy experience,” he said.
First there was playing the host team in front of screaming fans in an indoor pool. “Oh my God, It was so loud,” he said. “They had drummers. You couldn’t hear yourself think.”
Then there was playing Serbia, known for its physicality. He was a boy going against men. “It’s insane,” he said. “Some are built like refrigerators.”
What Ohl learned from his international experience will help him immensely during a high school season in which Newport Harbor is the defending Southern Section champion and heavily favored to win again. The Sailors are off to a 6-0 start.
Ben Liechty, Peter Castillo, Connor Ohl and Gavin Appeldorn, from left, represented Newport Harbor at the Under-20 World Championships in Croatia.
(Courtesy of Newport Harbor water polo)
“Going from high school water polo to the junior level is like night and day,” he said. “These juniors have been playing basically their whole life — Spain, Hungary, Croatia. They worship water polo. It’s made me a lot more physical. Coming back to high school, it’s made me more confident to defend and control people with my strength and size.”
With the arrival of the Anderson brothers, Tyler and Sean, from JSerra, Newport Harbor starts out as perhaps the best team in the country.
“We could be a football team with as big as we are in water polo,” Ohl said.
Corona del Mar, JSerra, Oaks Christian and Harvard-Westlake hope to offer resistance.
Ohl is the latest Southern California product who can’t wait to represent the USA in the Olympic Games, which happen to be coming to Los Angeles in 2028. The Dodd brothers, Ryder and Chase, from JSerra and Huntington Beach, played in the 2024 Olympic Games.
It will be one of the toughest teams to make because of the experience and depth with so many players back from 2024.
“My chances are as good as anyone else,” Ohl said. “That’s my dream. I just want to represent my country at the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, if you want to see someone who can swim as fast as a fish, check out a Newport Harbor water polo match. That’s Connor Ohl, the speeding bullet.
FAMILIES living in the shadow of two “humungous” warehouses say the buildings have destroyed their view and devalued their properties.
The colossal steel frames, which residents have likened to cruise ships, are part of a 350,000 sq ft industrial site that is dwarfing homes nearby.
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The huge warehouses have been erected directly behind homes in WiganCredit: SWNS
Residents in Tyldesley, Wigan, described being alarmed by the scale, and some are even considering moving.
Plans from developer PLP show the massive site will eventually be home to four vast warehouses, with the council agreeing to a maximum height of 18.3m (60ft) for two of those buildings.
Delivery giant Whistl has already snapped up one of the huge sheds, signing a 15-year deal on a 140,000 sq ft unit.
A council boss insisted landscaping would help soften the appearance, adding that the project followed proper planning processes.
But residents argued the final approved plans from were far bigger than had been originally designed.
They worried about the effect on property values, arguing there was limited consultation before building started.
John Peters, 71, a retired teacher, has lived on the estate since 1978. He said: “It’s a total shock when you walk out of the door.
“The enormity of the thing just strikes you. It shouldn’t be there.”
He said his dreams of a peaceful retirement were “shattered” by the arrival of the structure so close to his home.
A campaign group has been set up to rally neighbours and fight the development, with more than 200 people in attendance at a recent meeting.
Josie Gibson embarks on Grand Designs style makeover to transform her rustic West Country home into a 21st century eco-friendly dream
Mr Peters claimed the way residents were informed about the project left many feeling blindsided.
He said: “A letter was sent out to 90 residents, but I don’t know how they selected those residents because some of the people who back onto the site didn’t get anything.
“It was just completely random.”
Paula Boardman, 47, lives with her husband and two kids in a house that backs onto the imposing warehouse.
She said: “It’s quite upsetting, because we used to have such a lovely view.
“We knew this was going to be built, but we thought it was going to be a lot smaller.
“As soon as the framework went up, everyone realised the height of it – it’s humungous. I’m worried it’s going to take all our sunlight.
“It’s like a cruise ship at the back of our garden. Even if we wanted to move, I think the value of the house has gone down.”
She raised concerns about damage in her home that she fears could be related to the warehouse’s size and proximity of construction work.
She said: “I noticed a dip in the flooring back in February and a big crack in the wall.”
Steve Retford, 69, said he no longer sits in the garden because of the structure that stands just 30m away – describing the impact as “profound”.
The retired police officer said: “It’s just dreadful. We feel this sense of injustice.
“I don’t profess to be a planning expert, but when you look at the sheer enormity of this, it’s not right.
“It must have taken tens of thousands of pounds off the value of our houses. Every time I think about it, I feel sick.”
Care worker Danielle Edwards, 38, fears the warehouse could make it difficult to sell her home in the future.
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She said: “It’s awful. We bought this house because we’re a young family wanting to stay in the area.
“It would be very difficult to move. I can see it from my back garden. We thought they were going to be low-rise industrial units, but they’re not.”
Retired project manager Eric Earnshaw, 79, has lived in the Tyldesley area all his life but is now preparing to leave for the Lake District.
The keen dog walker said it’s because he’s had enough of constant building work.
He added: “There are walks that take me along fields in the area where there are plans for thousands of homes.
“All the green space around here is disappearing.”
Aidan Thatcher, director for place at Wigan Council, told The Sun: “This planning application went through our planning consultation and committee process.
“The final plans include landscaping which will help to screen and soften the appearance, and mitigate the impact on nearby properties.
“We will continue to monitor the site throughout construction, ensuring this development bringing new jobs and investment to the area is delivered properly.”
A spokesperson for PLP said they would not comment.
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Some of the residents say they worry their homes will be completely blocked from daylightCredit: SWNS
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The residents claim they knew about the structure but didn’t realise it would be so hugeCredit: SWNS
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One resident said it’s ruined his retirementCredit: SWNS
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Some have noticed damage to the house since the work beganCredit: SWNS
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Paula Boardman, 47, lives with her husband and two kids and this is her garden view nowCredit: SWNS
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Delivery giant Whistl has already snapped up one of the huge sheds, signing a 15-year dealCredit: SWNS
Fifth in a series of stories profiling top high school football players by position. Today, Cooper Javorsky, San Juan Hills offensive lineman.
It wasn’t until last March when 17-year-old offensive tackle Cooper Javorsky of San Juan Hills High received his first football scholarship offer.
By May, there were 15 and counting. Any college recruiter who dropped by spring practice to see his size or view his game film from 2024 when he didn’t give up any sacks immediately knew what they were witnessing.
In the recruiting world, it’s called “blowing up.”
“He’s had a tremendous offseason,” coach Robert Frith said.
By early June, he had committed to UCLA with the outlook to one day play center.
He set a school record by bench pressing 405 pounds. He grew to 6 feet 4 1/2 and 295 pounds. He made it to the second day of CIF wrestling in the heavyweight division and competed in the shotput and discus during the track and field season.
“I’ve been lifting two to three times a day,” Javorsky said. “I’ve been trying to eat right. I haven’t had much time with friends, but at the end of the day, I’m working toward a goal, and I want that really bad. I’m working really hard to play in college and hopefully going to the league.’
He certainly has college sports success in his family. Older brother Jake, who was a standout linebacker for San Juan Hills, plays for Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Two older sisters played softball and soccer for Northern Colorado and UC Irvine, respectively.
Cooper Javorsky of San Juan Hills has grown to 6 feet 4.5 and 295 pounds and become a college football line prospect.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
As the “baby” in the family, Cooper got lucky.
“I definitely got the size genetics,” he said.
He got to play with Jake when he was a sophomore and admires his determination as a linebacker.
“He’s nuts,” Javorsky said. “He’s knocked out kids before. It’s hard to beat him.”
Jake used to “whip him” if there were any family squabbles. “I’m only recently bigger,” Javorsky said. “He was always so strong.“
As San Juan Hills’ starting right tackle, Javorsky has the assignment of protecting the blind side of left-handed quarterback Timmy Herr. The responsibility came even though he’s only been playing tackle football since he was in eighth grade.
All those other sports he plays helps in football.
“With shotput, it’s a pure explosion sport,” he said. “In discus, you have to learn technique. It helps with footwork and the mental aspect. Wrestling is footwork and hand placement and overall knowledge of where your body is and where your feet are.”
Frith sees a player with a bright future in football.
“I’m really proud of him and his hard work,” he said. “He did a phenomenal job last season but wasn’t done physically. He’s still growing.”
As his college options increased, Javorsky planned to embrace any and all opportunities.
“I want to meet everyone,” he said.
Then he decided to end the recruitment on June 12 with his commitment to UCLA, the same school where former San Juan Hills and NFL lineman Sean Rhyan came from.
To see his hard work pay off and see college recruiters validating his growth as a player and person is what Javorsky is most grateful for.
“It was a dream and now has become reality,” he said. “I’m thankful for my dad, my brother, my coach. It’s a very humbling moment.”
Sunday: Sierra Canyon defensive lineman Mikhal Johnson.
Offensive linemen to watch
Elisha Faamatuainu, Murrieta Valley, 6-5, 300, Sr.: Cal commit proved himself last season with versatility
Kaden Franco, St. John Bosco, 6-4, 295, Jr.: He’s finally healthy, so beware next two seasons
Blake Graham, Leuzinger, 6-3, 280, Sr.: Cal Poly commit has the size and athleticism to dominate
Kodi Greene, Mater Dei, 6-6, 320, Sr.: Washington commit was top linemen in Trinity League last season
Josh Haney, JSerra, 6-4, 280, Sr.: Fresno St. commit fits well with JSerra’s tradition of producing top linemen
Cooper Javorsky, San Juan Hills, 6-4, 295, Sr.: UCLA commit keeps growing and improving
Lucas Rhoa, Orange Lutheran, 6-4, 280, Jr.: Making impressive strides to improve
Sam Utu, Orange Lutheran, 6-5, 295, Sr.: Alabama commit is nasty blocker
Elisha Mueller, Servite, 6-4, 300, So.: College coaches will be standing in line to recruit him
Malik White, Rancho Cucamonga, 6-5, 310, Sr.: San Diego State commit has great work ethic
Fourth in a series of stories profiling top high school football players by position. Today, Luke Sorensen, Servite tight end.
Wearing size 18 cleats, Luke Sorensen might not be the best candidate to walk across a frozen lake and make it to the other side. Then again, his hands are so large (11 inches wide) he might be able to cling to a piece of ice in an emergency to stay afloat.
What he can do is catch frozen-rope passes from quarterbacks as a 6-foot-4, 255-pound tight end at Servite High. He’s so large you feel sorry for the person who might have to tackle him. Picture his twin sister jumping on his back while pleading for him to fall as what can happen on a football field.
In an era when tight ends at the NFL level are becoming more and more valuable because of their ability to catch and block, Sorensen will provide similar versatility for the Friars. He’s that unique individual with the size and athleticism to create mismatches.
“He’s a unicorn,” coach Chris Reinert said. “There’s probably two or three kids in the country that can do what he does. Most of the time recruiting athletes who are receivers, you need to teach them first how to block. He was reverse. He can physically move people against their will.”
The size 18 cleats of Servite tight end Luke Sorensen.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
This is only Sorensen’s second year playing tight end. He showed up to play football as a freshman at 170 pounds. He was put on the offensive line. Last season as a junior he was switched to tight end. He loves the position because he gets to be Servite’s “Swiss Army Knife.”
“I want to do it all,” he said.
He can be the blocker to open holes at the point of attack or the receiver running over smaller defenders after he makes a catch.
🚨 LUKE SORENSEN – TOO BIG. TOO FAST. TOO STRONG. 6’4” | 230 lbs | TE PROBLEM 💪🏽🔥 @turfwars7v7 Defenders can’t match the size. They can’t keep up with the speed. And they definitely match the strength. @lukesorensen26 is a nightmare matchup 😤🏈#LukeSorensen… pic.twitter.com/aMMuAIcuXU
“In the passing game. he’s become a massive matchup problem,” Reinert said. “He’s a great athlete.”
He can dunk a basketball because of his large hands and leaping skills. He was a baseball player growing up with dreams of becoming a major leaguer. But football is the sport that fits him best with the physicality required and his athleticism.
Even though he turns 17 on Saturday, making him a young senior, he welcomes the opportunity to face older players.
“It doesn’t bother me,” he said. “At the end of the day, they’re a player across from me. I think it’s cool I’m younger. I can have a chip on my shoulder and do good stuff against older guys. It gets me ready for the next level because guys there are really good and really old.”
Servite tight end Luke Sorensen makes a catch in a passing tournament game.
(Craig Weston)
Last season he caught 15 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers figure to increase considerably with his experience, strength and importance in Servite’s offense.
“I expect massive things from him,” Reinert said.
As part of the Trinity League, which already has perhaps the nation’s No. 1 tight end recruit in Mater Dei’s Mark Bowman, the idea of Bowman and Sorensen playing on the same field Oct. 18 will be like being in tight end heaven. They also could face off in the Big Ten, since Bowman is committed to USC and Sorensen to Nebraska.
Now if only someone has an extra size 18 cleats, please give him a call.
“I’m always looking for more,” he said.
Saturday: San Juan Hills offensive lineman Cooper Javorsky.
Tight ends to watch
Mark Bowman, Mater Dei, 6-4, 225, Sr.: USC commit is SoCal’s best since Colby Parkinson was at Oaks Christian
Keawe Browne, Corona Centennial, 6-5, 230, Sr.: Has quickness, athleticism and strength
Jaden Hernandez, Long Beach Poly, 6-3, 235, Sr.: Colorado State commit has reliable catching skills
Beckham Hofland, Los Alamitos, 6-4, 230, Sr.: Boise State commit has size and blocking skills
Max Leeper, Claremont, 6-7, 215, Sr.: New Mexico commit has size to be productive contributor
Jude Nelson, Long Beach Millikan, 6-4, 220, Sr. Colorado State commit is strong, agile
Andre Nickerson, Inglewood. 6-3, 235, Sr.: SMU commit is athletic and tough to bring down
Luke Sorensen, Servite, 6-4, 255, Sr.: Friars intend to build offense around Nebraska commit
A SAVVY shopper has bagged stunning wedding guest dresses from Asda for less than a tenner.
TikToker Christina Mitsi, who’s 5ft 3 and a size 12/14, headed to George at Asda in search of the perfect big-day look and found a whole rail of gorgeous dresses from just £6.
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A woman shared her wedding guest dress finds from AsdaCredit: TikTok/ @christinatmitsi
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Her favourite set her back just £6Credit: Tiktok/ @christinatmitsi
And while you might expect the cheapest frock to look like a bargain bin disaster, she reckons it’s one of the best of the lot.
Among her top picks was a beautiful navy satin-style number – simple, elegant and with a stretchy back that made it “so comfy” to wear.
The dress only set her back £6.
She laughed: “Can you imagine turning up in that and everyone saying, ‘Your dress is gorgeous, where’s it from?’ and you say Asda, six quid.”
She also fell in love with a flowy green dress for £15.
For something a little more versatile, she tried a multi-way bridesmaid-style gown for £32, which can be tied and styled in several different ways.
“So affordable if you need matching dresses for your bridesmaids, this is a fantastic option,” she said.
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She praised the £32 bridesmaid style gown
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Christina loved the flowy, green dressCredit: ASDA
Christina was seriously impressed with the quality, comfort and price of most of the range.
And with dresses starting at just £6, she says it’s the perfect excuse to splash out on a fancy handbag and heels instead.
“Why spend more when you can get a lovely dress for £15 or less?” she added.
Fans were just as impressed.
Kat Farmers new George at Asda Collection
One user said: “Wow, you look stunning.”
Another added: “Love – makes me want to buy it in case I ever get invited to a wedding”.
While a third said: “They all look gorgeous on you x”.
It came just days after another savvy fashionista showed off her £3 event dress she bagged from Asda’s clearance rail.
But the £3 event dress might just take the crown for the best fashion bargain yet.
So if you’re in the market for an affordable outfit that’ll turn heads without emptying your wallet, it might be worth swinging by your local Asda and checking the rails.
She said: “Asda often has an alcohol offer on: buy six bottles and save 25%.
“The offer includes selected bottles with red, white and rose options, as well as prosecco. There are usually lots of popular bottles included, for example, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot and Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C.
“Obviously, the more expensive the bottles you choose, the more you save.”
Join Facebook groups
The savvy saver also recommends that fans of Asda join Facebook groups to keep in the know about the latest bargains in-store.
Eilish said: “I recommend joining the Latest Deals Facebook Group to find out about the latest deals and new launches in store.
“Every day, more than 250,000 deal hunters share their latest bargain finds and new releases.
“For example, recently a member shared a picture of Asda’s new Barbie range spotted in store.
“Another member shared the bargain outdoor plants she picked up, including roses for 47p, blackcurrant bushes for 14p and topiary trees for 14p.”
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Christina was seriously impressed with the collectionCredit: ASDA
Wealthy first-time political candidate Stephen J. Cloobeck is spending $1.4 million on television ads starting Tuesday — the first barrage of cable and broadcast messaging that Californians will likely be bombarded with in next year’s governor’s election.
Cloobeck’s campaign declined to preview the 30-second ad on Monday, but the candidate confirmed the size of the ad buy. Public records of advertising purchases show that Cloobeck bought space in every California market on cable, as well as broadcast television time in Sacramento. He also bought time in New York City and Washington, D.C. — as well as West Palm Beach, the location of President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.
Cloobeck confirmed the size of the buy; a campaign advisor confirmed that they would run through Monday and that he was also launching a social-media effort.
“I will always Fight for California. All Californians deserve the contract to be fulfilled for an affordable livable workable state,” Cloobeck said in a text message. “Watch [the ad] and you will see how a conservative Democrat fights for All Californians.”
The candidates need to raise their name recognition among California’s 22.9 million registered voters, which makes Cloobeck’s early advertising understandable, according to Democratic strategists.
“It’s unprecedented for regular business. Not for this race,” said Democratic media buyer Sheri Sadler, who is not currently affiliated with a candidate in the contest.
It’s also not unprecedented for Cloobeck, a Beverly Hills philanthropist and businessman. He announced his gubernatorial run in November with a fusillade of television and digital ads.
While the 63-year-old’s exact net worth is unclear, he made his fortune in real estate and hospitality. He founded Diamond Resorts International, a timeshare and vacation property company, which he sold in 2016. Earlier, he appeared on several episodes of the reality-television show “Undercover Boss,” which sends executives in disguise into low-level jobs at their businesses.
While Cloobeck has not run for office before, he has long been a prodigious Democratic donor and fundraiser. He also played a critical role in renaming the airport in Las Vegas after the late Sen. Harry Reid, whom he describes as a father figure. The bookshelves at his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion are lined with pictures of himself with Democratic presidents and many other prominent members of the party.
Cloobeck announced last week that he was contributing $10 million to his campaign, on top of the $3 million he initially seeded it with. His wealth was on vivid display at the California Democratic Party‘s spring convention, where canvassers who said they were paid $25 per hour wore royal blue shirts emblazoned with his name chanted his name. Cloobeck said at the time that his campaign had spent “probably a couple hundred thousand dollars” on the effort.
LAS VEGAS — Yanic Konan Niederhauser received the pass near the half-court line from a Clippers teammate who had just stolen the basketball. The 6-foot-11 center maneuvered down the court, his long strides allowing him to use just two dribbles before he took flight outside the circle and threw down a thunderous dunk over helpless Lakers defender Cole Swider.
The crowd inside Thomas & Mack Center went into a frenzy, including Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who leaped out of his courtside seat, pumped his fists and yelled.
At that moment Monday night, Niederhauser displayed his agility, speed and ballhandling skills. It was another step taken in his progress while playing in the NBA Summer League on the campus of UNLV.
The Clippers had used the 30th and last pick in the first round of the NBA draft to select Niederhauser out of Penn State because they saw potential.
That exciting, and in many ways unexpected, play was an encouraging sign for the Clippers.
“I didn’t see Mr. Ballmer because I was in the moment,” Niederhauser, laughing, said late Monday night. “That’s the guard skills I was talking about and I had a couple of fast breaks these last few days and I passed the ball away. Now I said, ‘Naw, man. I can go up by myself.’ I told myself I was going to dunk it and I did.”
In his first three games in the NBA Summer League, Niederhauser has shown different skills.
It was his defense and rebounding in the first game, against the Houston Rockets in which he blocked four shots and collected 10 rebounds. Though he missed all four of his shots and scored just one point, Niederhauser found other ways to contribute.
It was a little bit of everything in his second game, against the Milwaukee Bucks in which he had two points, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
It was his offense in the third game against the Lakers in which he scored 10 points, grabbed two rebounds and had two steals.
“He just sticks with it,” Clippers assistant and Summer League coach Jeremy Castleberry said. “No matter if it’s going good or bad, he sticks with it. He’s trying his best to do everything we ask him to do. And just like I said after the last game, he continues to get better. From the last game [against the Bucks] to this game [against the Lakers], he was a little bit better than he was last game. He’s getting the dunks, catching the basketball, finishing it, being a rim-protector, consistently running the floor. Like, you can see the progress.”
Niederhauser was born in Bern, Switzerland, a town of about 135,000 an hour from Zurich. Even so, at 15, the Clippers’ international scouts became aware of Niederhauser when he played on the under-16 Switzerland national team. At that time, he was a 6-1 guard.
Niederhauser had a growth spurt at 17 that pushed him into playing center position. He said he was 6-5 when he broke his knee and was forced to sit out for a year.
Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser elevates for a shot over Lakers center Christian Koloko during a Summer League game in Las Vegas.
(Garrett Ellwood / NBAE via Getty Images)
“I was like out for a whole year and once I came back, after a whole year of sitting out and I get back on the court, now I’m 6-11,” he said. “Yeah, in one year, I had to change my whole game from being like a forward/guard to being a center. So, yeah, I had guard skills. That’s why sometimes I be dribbling the ball.”
Niederhauser laughed, agreeing those guard skills helped him make that electric dunk against the Lakers.
His size, weight (242 pounds) and youth (22) are all part of the package the Clippers like.
“We think there’s plenty of upside,” Clippers general manager Trent Redden said. “You know, the famous draft word, obviously. But for a guy that’s his age, he’s still learning and growing into his frame that he hasn’t really had his whole life. We just haven’t had a guy that size at that position in a backup role that’s young that we can feed into and give to our developmental staff.”
As a kid growing up in Switzerland, Niederhauser learned to speak four languages — Swiss, German, French and English.
His parents, Dominique and Nadege Niederhauser, made sure their son was well-versed.
“Since I was a baby, I was speaking all those languages,” Niederhauser said. “My mom, she speaks French. She’s from the Ivory Coast and that’s where I learned French, and my dad speaks mostly German and so that’s how I learned my German.”
Now that Niederhauser is with the Clippers, he’ll have tutors to teach how the NBA game is played.
Lopez is 37 and a 17-year veteran who signed with the Clippers this summer.
He mentioned how he played with great players like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now it’s up to him to pass on knowledge to Niederhauser like others passed on to him.
“I’m absolutely ready to get on the court, help him out and help him adjust and become a great player in this league,” Lopez said.
Niederhauser is soaking it all in while in Las Vegas, from the games to the practices to the conversations he’s had with Clippers coach Tyronn Lue.
“He’s been giving me advice. I can just tell that he has a lot of knowledge,” Niederhauser said. “I’m loving this. I’m in a great situation with experienced players to learn from. I’m just taking time to learn and get my experience. Everything is new to me so I’m just trying my best to soak everything in and just get better every day.”
In a major win for Brits travelling abroad this year, Ryanair has confirmed it’s changing its infamous cabin bag allowance following a huge EU ruling – here’s everything you need to know
Ryanair says the changes will come into effect in the coming weeks(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Ryanair is making some sizeable adjustments to its free cabin bag allowance, in a huge victory for Brits.
The ultra-low-cost airline, known for its sarcastic online presence, has frequently garnered global media attention for issuing out hefty fines for passengers flouting its strict luggage rules. Currently, passengers unwilling to pay for additional luggage must make sure their free ‘personal bag’ does not exceed 40 X 25 X 20cm – a volume of just 20 litres.
It is now common practice for card-machine-waving staff to ask customers to prove their bag fits the tiny dimensions during the boarding process. Those found attempting to bring a larger bag on board can be stung with a £75 charge. However, following a new European Union standard, all of this is about to change.
Brits will no longer be subjected to tiny cabin bag rules(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Last month (June 24), members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favour of introducing common dimensions for hand luggage. They agreed that all passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop with maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm without an additional fee.
Ryanair has been even more generous than the ruling dictates, confirming it will allow passengers to bring a personal bag up to 40 X 30 X 20cm in the coming weeks. However, its allowance is still stingier than rival easyJet – which permits passengers to bring a free under seat bag of 45 x 36 x 20cm (including wheels and handles).
British Airways (BA) technically has a smaller under-seat bag limit – with dimensions restricted to the EU minimum (40 x 30 x 15cm). However, passengers are also allowed to bring a larger cabin bag on board free of charge, as long as it is not heavier than 23kg and can fit in the overhead lockers.
“Today’s vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel,” vice-chair of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Matteo Ricci said in a press statement. “[It introduces] concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage … a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.”
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Last month the transport committee of the European parliament voted to give passengers the right to an extra piece of free hand luggage weighing up to 7kg. According to the BBC, the proposed rule would still have to be passed by the wider European parliament before becoming law.
Despite the ruling, Brits are still being advised to confirm the baggage rules with their selected airline directly this summer, to avoid any confusion. Showing up with a bag that exceeds the company’s allowance may result in a steep fine – or your luggage being taken away and stowed underneath the plane.
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CHOC-lovers are fuming after Cadbury reduced the size of its Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks by a third.
New packs of four are being sold for £1.40, even though packs of six cost the same last month.
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Choc-lovers are fuming after Cadbury reduced the size of its Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks by a third
The change has been blasted by shoppers, including many parents who bought them as kids’ snacks.
One fumed on the Tesco website: “Advertised as new, only thing new is you get 4 instead of 6!! For the same price. Disgusting!”
A second said: “Stop reducing how much is in the packet and charging the same price!!!”
A third added: “Was a six pack now a four pack for the same price, a third less chocolate, unacceptable shrinkflation.”
Read More on SHRINKFLATION
It comes after Cadbury reduced packs of Freddos from five to four and Cadbury Dairy Milk multipacks were cut from nine bars to seven.
Cadbury said: “We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business.
“However, as a food producer, we are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain, with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy, which are widely used in our products, costing far more than they have done previously.
“Meanwhile, other costs like energy and transport, also remain high. This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges
“As a result of this difficult environment, we have had to make the decision to slightly reduce the weight of our Cadbury Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks so that we can continue to provide consumers with the brands they love, without compromising on the great taste and quality they expect.”
Dan Coatsworth, analyst at the investment firm AJ Bell, explained: “The cost of producing chocolate has gone up a lot in recent years, driving up prices and prompting firms to make products smaller.
We’ve outdone ourselves with this one’ say Cadbury Ireland as they reveal new limited edition bar ‘coming soon
“When production costs rocket, companies only have a limited range of options.
“They can pass on the costs to the customer through higher prices, which is difficult with a product like chocolate where people are often looking for a cheap treat.
“Another option is to reduce the size of the product in order to reduce the manufacturing cost for each bar of chocolate. Or they can try a combination of the two.
“As a last resort, companies may have to tolerate lower profit margins, especially if consumers refuse to tolerate price rises and stop buying.”
The British Retail Consortium said global cocoa prices are around three times higher than in 2022, after being badly affected by poor harvests in parts of Africa.
Pep Guardiola has said he will quit as manager of Manchester City if he is given a big squad to select from after the summer transfer market.
A number of Man City’s senior players were not included in the squad for Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Bournemouth and Guardiola says he is unhappy at leaving so many players out.
Abdukodir Khusanov, Savinho, James McAtee, Claudio Echeverri and Rico Lewis all missed out on Tuesday’s 20-man matchday squad as City moved to third in the Premier League and within a point of Champions League qualification.
But, despite this showing the depth Guardiola has at his disposal, the Spaniard wants to work with a smaller squad.
He said: “I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad]. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”
Guardiola says it is “impossible for my soul” to leave players watching from the stands.
“Maybe [for] three, four months we couldn’t select 11 players, we didn’t have defenders, it was so difficult. After people come back but next season it cannot be like that,” the 54-year-old added.
“As a manager I cannot train 24 players and every time I select I have to have four, five, six stay in Manchester at home because they cannot play. This is not going to happen. I said to the club. I don’t want that.”
City spent more than £200m on four players in January after suffering a number of key injuries. Kevin De Bruyne is one of those players who will definitely depart in the summer, while the future of Jack Grealish is in doubt.
When asked if it meant more exits were inevitable, Guardiola – who signed a deal keeping him at the club until 2027 – said: “It is a question for the club. I don’t want to have 24, 25, 26 players when everyone is fit. If I have injuries, unlucky, we have some players for the academy and we do it.
Guardiola said a big squad is unstainable and that it is important for “the soul of the team” that his players “create another connection with each other that this season we lost it a bit”.
All Premier League clubs can have a 25-man squad, but this is not an exhaustive list of all players eligible to play. A team can also include under-21 players who are eligible over and above the 25-man squad limit.
Manchester City’s website lists 28 first-team squad members, plus four players who are on loan elsewhere.
Guardiola has explained in the past, external why he prefers to manage a smaller squad, going into the 2023/24 season with 20 senior players.
In comparison, Chelsea’s official website lists 31 players in their squad list, with 21 other players out on loan, Brighton and Tottenham list 29 players, while Wolves name 30 players on their squad list.
Clubs with smaller squads than Manchester City this season include Arsenal with just 24 players and champions Liverpool , Aston Villa, Everton and Nottingham Forest with 25 squad players.