sports stars: May 2011

David Beckham is one of Britain's most iconic athletes whose name is also an elite global advertising brand. He was captain of the English national team from 2000 to 2006, scored in three different FIFA World Cups, and played midfield for clubs in Manchester, England and Madrid, Spain, before agreeing to move to Los Angeles, to play for Los Angeles Galaxy team on a five year contract beginning on July 1, 2007.
He was born David Robert Joseph Beckham on May 2, 1975, in Leytonstone, East London, England, son of Ted Beckham, a kitchen fitter, and Sandra West, a hairdresser. Beckham's maternal grandfather is Jewish, and he has been mentioning the religion as influence; he wears a tattoo written in Hebrew from the 'Song of Songs' in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), albeit he is not known to practice Judaism or any other faith. Beckham has always played in long sleeve shirts to cover up his tattoos in consideration of others who may feel uncomfortable due to their beliefs.
He was brought up by his parents, supporters of Manchester United, attended Bobby Charlton's football school in Manchester, and won a spot in a training session at FC Barcelona as a child. In 1986 he was a Manchester United's mascot for a match against West Ham United. From 1992 - 2003 Beckham made almost 400 appearances for Manchester United and scored 85 goals, although his official record counts only 62 goals in 265 official senior team's matches. In the 1998 FIFA World Cup he played all of England's qualifying matches and scored in several important victories. He received a red card for violent conduct in England's match against Argentina, albeit his opponent later admitted to trying to send Beckham off by over-reacting to their contact during the game and by urging the referee to send Beckham off. After losing the game England was eliminated, Beckham was made a scapegoat and became the target of criticism and abuse in media.
He had a good season in 1999 - 2000 and helped Manchester United to win the Premier League. At that time, he married singer Victoria Beckham (nee' Adams) from the popular musical group The Spice Girls, and the couple had their first son, Brooklyn, born in 1999. That same year, Beckham was given a permission to miss training routine, in order to look after his son Brooklyn, who suffered from a stomach infection. Meanwhile, the Manchester United's manager, Alex Ferguson, fined Beckham £50,000 (about $80,000 then) the maximum amount that was permitted, for babysitting with his sick child, while his wife was spotted at a London fashion Week event on the same night. Ferguson's claim that Beckham should be able to train if his wife stayed home that day, caused a serious personal tension between two men. In February 2003, following the defeat to Arsenal, the Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson entered the changing room and kicked a football boot that struck Beckham over the eye, causing a cut that required stitches.

David Beckham has been a good scorer and a major attraction for public. On the field he has been demonstrating his consistent ability to see a big picture even under severe pressure during the most rapidly changing and unpredictable games. His field vision has been remarkable, allowing him to create many assists in a number of important matches. Beckham's forte has been his delivery from the right-hand side as well as his efficient free kicks. His superior performances in the midfield position has required a higher physical endurance through the entire game. "David Beckham's right foot" was mentioned, although humorously, as one of British national treasures in the movie Love Actually (2003)
He signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid, beginning on July 1, 2003, and worth a potential 40 million dollars. In Madrid, Beckham was not allowed to wear his favorite number seven, because another player had the right to wear it written into his contract. Beckham decided to wear the number 23 instead, being a big fan of Michael Jordan. He immediately became popular with the Real Madrid fans, but the team did not perform well enough to win either the Spanish League or the Champions League. However, Beckham remained a reliable scorer and his performances attracted more public. His shirts sales and other merchandising deals remained lucrative for the club, which continued to under-perform, regardless of the Real's management's higher expectations.
In 2005 Beckham became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He was also involved in promoting London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. His third season in Madrid was unremarkable, and he was criticized a lot, mainly because the team finished second to Barcelona in Spanish "La Liga" and lost to Arsenal in the European Champions League. However, during that season, he expanded his international presence by establishing football academies in Los Angeles and East London. During the FIFA World Cup 2006, he played for England, and became the first ever English player to score in three World Cups. In the quarter final game against Portugal, Beckham was replaced because of his injury in the middle of the game. Without him the English team lost and was knocked out of the World Cup.
In June 2007 Beckham played his final game for Real Madrid, winning a medal and celebrating with his friends Tom and Katie Cruse, who attended the game. This was his fourth, and last season there, ending his contract with the club. He announced that he had signed a five-year contract to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy from July 1, 2007 through June 2012. The 5-year deal includes up to $10 million a year in direct salary, and with merchandising endorsements and profit-sharing could earn Beckham up to $50 million a year, and may end up worth about $250 million in five years, making him one of the highest earning athletes of all time.
In 2009, in a unique time share agreement David played on loan at AC Milan to maintain his fitness after ending the season with the Galaxy. He ended up staying with Milan for five months, from January to May 2009. In 2010, he also arranged to embark on a second loan spell at AC Milan from the Galaxy, to play for Milan for another five months. He said the he "genuinely enjoyed playing for Milan."
The Beckhams, who have become known as "Posh and Becks", have three sons: Brooklyn Joseph Beckham (born 1999), Romeo James Beckham (born 2002), and Cruz David Beckham (born 2005) who was named "Cruz" in honor of their friend Tom Cruise.

Won the treble with Manchester United (Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League). [1999]
His first goal for England came at the Stade Felix-Bollaert in Lens in the 2-0 victory against Colombia on June 26 1998 during the World Cup.
Voted the #1 best male body in "Celebrity Bodies" (UK) magazine. [October 2001]
Voted best dressed male by readers of "Heat" (UK) magazine. [December 2001]
He began his footballing career at the age of 17.
Has been dubbed a master of set-pieces specialising in free-kicks and has developed one which is known around the world as the 'Beckham', which involves lifting the ball over the 'wall', sending it towards the far post, but bending it back to the near post confusing the keeper and having the ball just dip under the bar for the goal.
Scored on his first team debut in the European Cup against Galatasaray.
Was signed by Manchester United to their youth training program at the age of 14. His youth team also featured the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes - his current team mates.
On, May 11, 2003, David was voted the 91st worst Briton in Channel Four's poll of the 100 Worst Britons.
On June 17, 2003, David signed a four year deal worth £24.5m to play for Real Madrid.
He began his soccer career at the age of 17.
Signed new contract with Manchester United until 2005, making him the highest paid footballer in Britain at that moment - though he would be sold to Real Madrid a year later. [May 2002]
Declared he will retain the England captaincy, despite criticism for poor performances and two missed penalties in Euro 2004. [June 2004]
In November 1996, Beckham was abroad on his first trip with the England squad, in Tbilisi, Georgia. There, he saw the video that would change his life. It was "Say You'll Be There" by the Spice Girls. Beckham pointed at the screen and said to his best friend Gary Neville that the girl dressed in a black PVC catsuit (Victoria) was the woman he wanted and if she wanted him, they would be together for ever. A few months later, they began dating.
David and Victoria held a lavish, star-studded party for the christening of their two sons, Brooklyn, 5, and Romeo, 2. The ceremony was held on the grounds of the Beckhams' Hertfordshire mansion (December 23, 2004).
Was famously sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France for retaliation.
He wears a new pair of football boots for every game he plays at an estimated cost of £300 a pair.
Had his likeness made out of a napkin in "American Dad!" (2005) by Roger the Alien.
Among the guests at his 30th birthday party were Elizabeth Hurley, Elle Macpherson and Geri Halliwell.
He played for England in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups of Soccer. He was named captain for the national team in 2000 but announced his resignation from that prestigious position on 2 July 2006 (the day after England were knocked out of the 2006 World Cup).
Gary Neville - his teammate in the national English football team - was best man at his wedding.
Relinquished the captaincy of England after the team's quarter-final defeat to Portugal in the World Cup (July 2, 2006).
Chosen one of "Time" magazine's Time 100 in 2004.
After Real Madrid announced he would not remain there after the end of the 2006-2007 season, he signed a five-year-deal for the Los Angeles Galaxy, earning up to $50 million dollar a year in direct salary, with endorsements and profit-sharing.
Is mentioned in Love Actually (2003) when Hugh Grant's character lists "David Beckham's right foot" as one of the things that make Britain great.
Won the Spanish La Liga title with Real Madrid before his transfer to LA Galaxy.
Has three sons with wife, Victoria Beckham. Brooklyn Beckham, born on March 4, 1999, Romeo Beckham on September 1, 2002, in London, England and Cruz Beckham on February 20, 2005 in Madrid, Spain.
Was among the guests at Tom Cruise's and Katie Holmes' wedding ceremony in Italy.
Suffers from ornithophobia (fear of birds).
Godfather to Davinia Taylor's and Dave Gordon's son Grey.
In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his salary for the year to be $33 million.
Founded the David Beckham football academy.
Ranked #5 in the 2008 Forbes The Celebrity 100 list.

"Well, I can play in the centre, on the right and occasionally on the left side" - when asked if he thought that he was a volatile player
I like Victoria for herself, not for nothing else. I'd like her if she worked in Tesco.
"Shopping!" - Beckham describing his strengths
At home things are hard. For instance, my curtains are never open, I get no privacy at all. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw daylight in my house.
I think the most important goal I scored in Spain was the first one because people were wary about me coming over to Spain as a player - they thought I was just there to sell shirts.
On Real Madrid: "To experience playing and being in the same team as these players is something that might not ever happen again - to have so many players in one team. I just wanted to be one of these stars and play in this team."
Alex Ferguson is the best manager I've ever had at this level. Well, he's the only manager I've actually had at this level. But he's the best manager I've ever had.
I definitely want (my son) Brooklyn to be christened, but I don't know into what religion yet.
"During the past few months, I have become accustomed to reading more and more ludicrous stories about my private life. The simple truth is that I am very happily married, have a wonderful wife and two very special kids. There is nothing that any third party can do to change these facts." - denying any affair with his former personal assistant, Rebecca Loos. [April 2004]
The way I and my family have been treated is an absolute disgrace. At the end of the day, I'm a nice person and loving husband and father. I've been called a bad father, I've been called a bad husband and my wife has been called a bad mother. Things always hurt that are said about my family, and for people to call my wife a bad mother is unbelievable. I'm a strong person, I'm a strong family man, I'm a strong husband and a strong father.
I always wanted to be a hairdresser.
People can say what they like. But me and Victoria will always stay together as husband and wife.
I've got more clothes than Victoria.
It's one thing I like about America - they respect the sportsman. They put them up on a pedestal. They don't try to knock them down. And that's a great thing, to be respected by the whole country. It's so patriotic!
You can practice penalties till the cows come home but it is different when you are out there in front of 60,000 people and the pressure is on.
I have come to accept that if I have a new haircut it is front page news. But having a picture of my foot on the front page of a national newspaper is a bit exceptional.
[on media claims that pal Tom Cruise has tried to convert him and his wife Victoria to Scientology] I respect any person's religion but he's never pushed anything on to us. Friends don't do that.
Where Are They Now
(June 2003) Signs up for Spanish soccer team Real Madrid.
(July 2005) Is in Japan playing a tournament with his team Real Madrid
(2003) Release of the #1 International best-selling book, "Beckham - Both Feet on the Ground".
(June 2007) A member of the Real Madrid team who won the Spanish League season 2006/2007 after the game against Majorca (Real Madrid 3 - Majorca 1)
(2008) (20 December) Introduced to the media by AC Milan (Italy). On loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham will play for AC Milan from 7 Janunary - 9 March 2009.

Olga Poutchkova, coached by her father Alex Poutchkov, was No 1 in the World in the ITF U12 rankings in 1999.[2] Olga won the U12 category in the Eddie Herr in 1999, where she beat Shahar Pe'er 6–2, 6–2 in the final,[4] and a week later was runner up in the U12 category at the Orange Bowl, where qualifier Tatiana Golovin beat her 6–4, 3–6, 6–4.
Olga made her debut on the U18 circuit August 13, 2000 at the USTA Junior International Grass Court Championships where she was defeated in the first round.[6] Just a week later, at the USTA Junior International Hard Court Championships she secured her first win in a U18 doubles match playing alongside Brazilian Caroline Neves.[7] Alongside American Nicole Pitts she won her first U18 Junior tournament (out of 2 in doubles) in Ecuador, January 2001.[8] She won her only U18 Junior title in singles at the US Junior International Hard Court Championships in 2003, beating Jessi Robinson 6–2, 6–2 in the final.
[edit] ITF Circuit
Poutchkova started her ITF professional career in March 2002, when she played in four tournaments in Australia, reaching the quarterfinals at Warnambool and Benalla.[10] In 2003 she reached the final at Miami in January and the semifinal at Houston in June, and won her first professional tournament at Baltimore in July 2003 when she beat Jewel Peterson 6–2, 6–4 in the final.[11] She won her second professional title July 11, 2004 in College Park, Maryland.[12][13] She defeated first seeded Maureen Drake in the second round and Rossana de los Ríos in the final: 7–5, 4–6, 6–2.[14] In Pelham, Alabama she reached another final, but was defeated 4–6, 6–4 6–0 by Slovak Zuzana Zemenová.[15] She reached her fifth ITF final in August 2005, beating Stéphanie Dubois en route. In the final, Ashley Harkleroad was too strong as she beat Poutchkova 6–2, 6–1 to claim the Washington, D.C. title.
[edit] 2006: Breakthrough Year
In 2006 she made her WTA Tour main draw debut in Hobart, Australia as a qualifier; however she lost in the first round to Mara Santangelo.[17] Afterwards she tried to qualify for the 2006 Australian Open, but failed. She returned to the ITF tour and reached another final in Hammond, Louisiana at the end of March. She comfortably won the final, beating Andrea Hlaváčková 6–3, 6–4 to win her third ITF Title.
Her first WTA Tour main draw win in Birmingham followed in June, beating fellow qualifier Viktoriya Kutuzova. She then lost her second round match against 4th seed fellow Russian Elena Likhovtseva.[17] Back in the IFF Tour she cruised to the final in Felixstowe's grass tournament, where she turned out to be way too strong for Australian Trudi Musgrave who was beaten by 6–2, 6–1.[19] As being second seed in Bronx, New York she won yet another ITF title. First seed Melinda Czink was already beaten in the first round by Dutch Elise Tamaëla. Poutchkova herself won all her matches and faced Belarusian Tatiana Poutchek final, which was easily won by Poutchkova 6–3, 6–1.
After failing to qualify for the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier in 2006, she successfully qualified for the 2006 US Open, beating Virginie Pichet, Stéphanie Cohen-Aloro and Ryoko Fuda.[21] She then faced Marion Bartoli in the first round and was not able to excel against the 26th seed (6–4, 6–0).
Poutchkova reached her first WTA Tour final in Kolkata, India, in September 2006, losing to Martina Hingis (6–0, 6–4), but beating seventh seed Nicole Pratt en route.[23] A week previously she had reached her first Tour singles quarter-final at the Tier III Bali, Indonesia notching up her first top 20 victory along the way when beating Ana Ivanović.
At the end of the season, Olga reached her second WTA Tour final in Quebec City, Canada. She lost to Marion Bartoli 6–0 6–0, becoming the first woman since 1993 to lose by that scoreline in a Tour final, although she was injured during the final.
[edit] 2007 to present
Puchkova made her Top 100 debut in 2006, and peaked at a high of World No. 32 on June 17, 2007.[17] However, her results soon began to tail off, and she didn't reach another quarterfinal until her last tournament of the 2007 season in Bell Challenge. Prior to that she failed to win back-to-back matches on the season, although after the Bell Challenge she managed to reach the final of an ITF event in Pittsburgh, losing to Ashley Harkleroad in three sets. By the end of the season, Puchkova's ranking had fallen to 92, and her record
At the 2008 Australian Open, she won her first round match, but lost 6–1, 7–5 to World No. 1 Justine Henin in the second round. Her year would improve slightly as she finished runner-up in the Charlottesville ITF event falling to Alexis King ranked 640 in the world. She had to attempt to qualify for the 2008 French Open before falling to eventual quarterfinalist Carla Suárez Navarro of Spain in the qualifying playoff round. She then fell at the same stage in Wimbledon qualifying to Eva Hrdinová. She failed to qualify for another main draw of a tour-level tournament in 2008, but did receive direct entry into the Bell Challenge before losing in the second round to Melanie Oudin 6-1, 7-6(3). Her last event ended in a first round loss in San Diego, and her ranking dipped to 159. She went 15-28 on the season.
She fell in the final round of qualifying yet again in the 2009 Australian Open, and didn't enter into a WTA tournament until she was given the opportunity to qualify for the Bell Challenge. She did manage to qualify, but lost to Amra Sadikovic in the opening main draw round. 19-22 by the end of the season, Puchkova's woes continued and she was ranked 226 in her last tournament of the year in Toronto.