US Shatters World Record in Mixed 4x400m Relay at Paris Olympics

US Shatters World Record in Mixed 4x400m Relay at Paris Olympics

The United States shattered the world record in the heats of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics on Friday, setting a blistering pace that sent shockwaves through the competition. The quartet of Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown clocked an astonishing 3min 07.41sec, obliterating the previous best of 3:08.80 set by the US at the World Championships in Budapest last year.

Vernon Norwood, the lead-off runner, emphasized the importance of executing flawless hand-offs. “We wanted to come out here and execute good hand-offs,” Norwood said. “We set the tone for the rest of the United States with that world record.”

Shamier Little, the second leg, echoed Norwood’s sentiments. “We have a really good group of guys and gals,” Little said. “I’m just really excited, first of all for our record, and that’s only in the prelim, so it’s only up from here.”

Bryce Deadmon, the third leg, described the electrifying atmosphere at the Stade de France, where a sell-out crowd of 69,000 cheered them on. “It was completely different compared to Tokyo in 2021 just for the simple fact that we have fans out here,” Deadmon said. “I was running down the curve and I was like, ‘Ah damn, it’s kind of loud in here.’ It’s a great experience. I’m excited to see what the rest of the Games are going to bring.”

Kaylyn Brown, the anchor leg, brought the baton home in record-breaking fashion. “It was an amazing feeling,” Brown said. “I knew I had to give it my all for the team, and I’m so proud of what we accomplished today.”

The US team’s world record performance not only set a new benchmark but also inspired other nations to push their limits. France, Belgium, and Jamaica all set national records in the same heat, finishing in second, third, and fourth places, respectively. Britain won the second heat in another national record time of 3:10.61, ahead of the Netherlands and Italy.

The mixed relay, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo, has quickly become a fan favorite. Poland won gold in Tokyo, followed by the Dominican Republic and the US. The final of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics is scheduled for Saturday at 1855 GMT.

Neutral Athlete Ivan Litvinovich Wins Gold at Paris Olympics

Neutral Athlete Ivan Litvinovich Wins Gold at Paris Olympics

Ivan Litvinovich, a Belarusian athlete competing as a neutral at the Paris Olympics, has become the first to win gold in this capacity. However, his victory will not be reflected in the official medals table.

Litvinovich, 23, successfully defended his title in the men’s trampoline final, with China’s Wang Zisai and Yan Langyu claiming silver and bronze respectively. The Belarusian’s triumph marks a significant moment for neutral athletes, who are gradually returning to international competitions under strict conditions.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus were banned from world sport. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has since overseen their return under a neutral banner, subject to rigorous screening.

To qualify as “neutral individual athletes,” competitors must demonstrate exceptional results and undergo a double check by international sports federations and the IOC. They must also prove that they do not actively support the war in Ukraine or have any ties to their countries’ armies.

Neutral athletes are prohibited from participating in the opening ceremony or competing under their national flags. Additionally, their achievements on the podium are not recognized in the medals table.

Only 15 Russians and 17 Belarusians accepted the invitation to compete as neutrals at the Paris Games. Instead of hearing the Belarusian national anthem after receiving his medal, Litvinovich listened to a generic tune commissioned by the IOC.

“It’s different,” Litvinovich said. “Our anthem is better, and I hope we’ll be able to participate in competitions listening to it.”

Litvinovich declined to comment on his presence at the Games, particularly in relation to his previous expressions of support for Belarus.

Earlier in the day, Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya from Belarus won the first medal of any kind by a neutral athlete at the Paris Games, taking silver in the women’s trampoline.

Kobe Bryant's Locker Fetches Record-Breaking $2.9 Million at Auction

Kobe Bryant’s Locker Fetches Record-Breaking $2.9 Million at Auction

Kobe Bryant’s Locker Sells for Record-Breaking $2.9 Million at Sotheby’s Auction

The legendary locker used by Kobe Bryant throughout his illustrious NBA career has been sold for an astonishing $2.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The price tag for the Staples Center locker, where Bryant spent countless hours preparing for games, nearly doubled the estimated $1.5 million it was expected to fetch.

Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA champion, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2020 at the age of 41. He spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming one of the most iconic and beloved players in the league’s history.

The locker’s remarkable journey began in 2018 when a maintenance worker at the Staples Center saved it from being discarded during renovations. The piece was later acquired by an American collector who recognized its historical significance.

“Today’s price highlights not only Kobe’s enduring legacy but also the exceptional nature of this unique item,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectables, commenting on the record-breaking sale price achieved after 19 bids.

The Sotheby’s auction also featured a wide range of memorabilia from other sporting icons, including Michael Jordan, Reggie Jackson, Rafael Nadal, and Stephen Curry. The sale showcased the enduring appeal of sports memorabilia and the reverence with which fans hold their heroes.

Bryant’s locker is a tangible reminder of his extraordinary career and the impact he had on the game of basketball. Its sale for such a staggering amount underscores his enduring legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court.

Leon Marchand Makes History with Four Golds in Paris

Leon Marchand Makes History with Four Golds in Paris

Leon Marchand’s “perfect week” culminated in a historic triumph at the Paris Olympics, as he became the first male swimmer since Michael Phelps in 2008 to win four individual gold medals at a single Games. The 22-year-old Frenchman capped off his remarkable performance with an emphatic victory in the 200m individual medley, setting an Olympic record of 1min 54.06sec.

Marchand’s dominance was evident throughout the race. After trailing China’s Wang Shun in the opening butterfly leg, he surged ahead during the backstroke and extended his lead with a powerful breaststroke 50. Despite a valiant effort from Britain’s Duncan Scott, Marchand held on to his advantage in the final freestyle leg, eliciting thunderous applause from the ecstatic home crowd.

The victory marked Marchand’s fourth gold medal of the Games, following his triumphs in the 200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, and 400m individual medley. His success has been attributed to his meticulous training under Bob Bowman, Phelps’ former coach.

“It was just a complete success in terms of the way I see things,” Bowman said. “He’s just 100% successful. I’m so very proud of him. It takes a lot to be perfect.”

Marchand’s impact on the sport has been profound, according to Scott. “He’s becoming a sort of global superstar now and he kind of runs France now,” Scott said. “It’s amazing, and the kid, he’s loved it. You can see he’s doing it with a smile on his face and the crowd’s giving him so much energy, it’s been amazing to witness it.”

Despite his remarkable achievements, Marchand remains focused on the future. “It’s not over for me. It’s only the beginning,” he said. “I’m really excited…. my next goal is LA.”

Wellalage's All-Round Brilliance Ties ODI Series Opener

Wellalage’s All-Round Brilliance Ties ODI Series Opener

Dunith Wellalage, a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket, showcased his exceptional all-round abilities in the first ODI against India at Khettarama. Batting at number seven, the 21-year-old played a crucial innings of 67 not out off 65 deliveries, guiding Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 230 for 8.

Wellalage’s innings was a beacon of composure on a challenging pitch where no other batter looked entirely settled. He displayed a wide range of shots, including powerful boundaries, and drew inspiration from his teammate Pathum Nissanka, who has been in impressive form throughout the tour.

“I was watching Pathum Nissanka bat quite a lot,” Wellalage said. “I put his batting in my mind as I came up with a plan. If you take the pitch, it was one that supported spin bowling. I tried to put as much pressure on the bowler and build partnerships.”

With the ball, Wellalage proved equally effective, claiming two crucial wickets for 39 runs in nine overs. He dismissed India’s top scorer, Rohit Sharma, with a well-flighted delivery that beat the batsman in flight and struck him in front of the stumps.

Wellalage’s dismissal of Shubman Gill was equally impressive, as he deceived the opener with another flighted delivery that Gill top-edged to the keeper.

“We knew that the wicket was spinning,” Wellalage explained. “So Charith Asalanka had told me that I would be bowling in the powerplay. I had good support from the wicket too.”

“With Rohit at the time, I was trying just to bowl wicket-to-wicket, because I knew how much assistance there was from the pitch.”

Wellalage’s contributions with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s ability to tie the match. His performance is a testament to his growing maturity and versatility as a cricketer.

Simone Biles Reclaims Olympic All-Around Gymnastics Title in Paris

Simone Biles Reclaims Olympic All-Around Gymnastics Title in Paris

American gymnastics legend Simone Biles has once again etched her name in the annals of Olympic history, reclaiming the all-around title at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Friday. The 27-year-old, who previously won gold in the same event at the Rio Olympics in 2016, became the first woman to regain the Olympic all-around title.

Biles’ triumph was a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After withdrawing from most of her events in Tokyo three years ago due to a debilitating condition known as the “twisties,” she returned to the Olympic stage with a renewed sense of purpose.

Her performance in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. She opened with an electrifying floor routine to Taylor Swift’s hit song “Ready for It?,” captivating the crowd at the Bercy Arena. Her flawless execution and gravity-defying moves earned her a standing ovation.

Biles’ dominance continued throughout the competition. She displayed her exceptional skills on the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam, consistently scoring high marks. Her compatriot, Sunisa Lee, who won the title in Tokyo after Biles’ withdrawal, could only claim a bronze medal this time around. Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade took home the silver.

This victory marks Biles’ second gold medal of the Paris Games and her sixth Olympic gold overall. She has already led the United States to women’s team gold this week, solidifying her status as the most decorated athlete in her sport.

Biles’ success is not only a testament to her athletic prowess but also to her mental fortitude. She has openly discussed her struggles with mental health and has become an advocate for athletes’ well-being.

“Three years ago, I never thought I’d step on a gymnastics court again,” Biles said after her victory. “But I worked hard, mentally and physically, even saw my therapist this morning, just making sure I’m mentally well.”

Biles’ triumph is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. It demonstrates that even after setbacks and challenges, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Pant, Ishant to Grace Delhi Premier League Debut

Pant, Ishant to Grace Delhi Premier League Debut

Delhi Premier League to Feature International Stars Pant and Ishant

New Delhi is set to host its inaugural T20 league, the Delhi Premier League (DPL), starting August 17. The league will feature six men’s teams and four women’s teams, with international stars Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma expected to take the field.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) unveiled the league on Tuesday, with former India opener Virender Sehwag as the ambassador. The draft was also conducted, with Pant and Ishant being picked up by Purani Delhi 6. Harshit Rana, currently with the Indian team in Sri Lanka, was selected by North Delhi Strikers.

However, the availability of these India players is subject to their national team commitments. “The India players’ eventual availability will depend on their commitments to the national team. However, Rishabh has given his consent to be placed in the draft for now,” said DDCA president Rohan Jaitley.

The DPL joins a growing number of state T20 leagues in India. Sehwag believes such platforms are crucial for the development of young players. “In our younger days, we used to only think of playing for India or Delhi. Now, the young generation wants to play T20. These leagues will help them get noticed,” he said.

Sehwag emphasized that the younger generation should not neglect longer formats. “This DPL will help you get noticed. But to grow as a player, you will have to play four-day cricket. Like IPL is a basis for selection for Indian team, DPL will also do the same for Delhi team,” he added.

Jaitley assured that the DDCA’s primary focus remains on Delhi’s long-format team. He also stated that the league has received BCCI approval after thorough checks and that there will be zero tolerance for any corrupt activities.

ICC Approves USD 70 Million Budget for Pakistan Champions Trophy

ICC Approves USD 70 Million Budget for Pakistan Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a substantial budget of approximately USD 70 million for the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament, scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year. This decision was made after careful scrutiny and approval by the ICC’s financial and commercial committee, led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

The budget allocation includes a provision of USD 4.5 million for additional expenses, sparking speculation that these funds may be used to cover potential venue changes in case India declines to send its team to Pakistan. However, sources close to the ICC have indicated that this amount is insufficient to cover the costs of moving matches from Pakistan.

The approval of the budget has also raised questions about the potential impact on the Asia Cup, which is set to be hosted by India in 2025 and Bangladesh in 2027. The tentative format for the 2024 Asia Cup suggests that India and Pakistan could face off twice in the tournament, with a third match possible if both teams qualify for the final.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the upcoming tournaments, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has reported profits from the 2023 Asia Cup, which was held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The source attributed these profits to the high viewership and excitement generated by the India-Pakistan matches.

The ICC’s decision to approve the budget for the Champions Trophy and the ACC’s plans for the Asia Cup highlight the importance of these tournaments in the global cricket calendar. The upcoming events are expected to attract significant attention and generate substantial revenue, further solidifying cricket’s position as one of the most popular sports worldwide.

India's Medal Hopes Shine Bright at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s Medal Hopes Shine Bright at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s Medal Hopes Soar at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 is poised to make history, with a packed schedule of events and medal prospects. The nation’s hopes rest on the shoulders of its athletes, who will compete in archery, boxing, golf, sailing, and shooting.

Archery

Deepika Kumari and Bhajan Kaur will carry India’s archery aspirations in the women’s individual event. They will face stiff competition in the Round of 16, but their recent form suggests they have the potential to reach the medal rounds.

Boxing

Nishant Dev will be India’s lone representative in boxing, competing in the men’s 71kg quarterfinal. A victory would secure him a place in the semifinals and put him within striking distance of a medal.

Golf

Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar will represent India in the men’s individual strokeplay event. They will be aiming to make the cut and challenge for a podium finish.

Sailing

Vishnu Sarvanan and Nethra Kumanan will compete in the men’s and women’s Dinghy events, respectively. They will be hoping to qualify for the medal races and secure a place on the podium.

Shooting

Manu Bhaker, India’s two-time medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, will be the star attraction in the women’s 25m pistol final. She will be aiming to become the first Indian athlete to win three medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Anantjeet Singh Naruka will also compete in the skeet men’s qualification, while Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon will participate in the skeet women’s qualification.

India's Olympic Medal Hopes Alive with Bhaker, Sen's Progress

India’s Olympic Medal Hopes Alive with Bhaker, Sen’s Progress

India’s Olympic campaign continued with a mixed bag of results on Day 7 in Paris. Manu Bhaker maintained her medal hopes by qualifying for the women’s 25m pistol final, while Lakshya Sen advanced to the men’s singles semi-final in badminton.

In shooting, Bhaker’s consistent performance earned her a spot in the final, where she will aim to add to India’s medal tally. However, Esha Singh’s Olympic journey ended with an 18th-place finish.

Badminton saw India’s lone charge, Lakshya Sen, overcome a tough challenge from Chou Tien Chen to reach the semi-finals. Sen’s victory keeps India’s hopes alive for a medal in the sport.

Judo brought disappointment for India as Tulika Maan lost her women’s +75kg Round of 32 bout. In archery, the mixed team of Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara had a rollercoaster day. They defeated Indonesia and Spain but fell short against South Korea in the semi-final and USA in the bronze medal match.

The men’s hockey team bounced back from their previous loss with a 3-2 victory over Australia in their final pool match. This win secures their place in the knockout stage.

In rowing, Balraj Panwar finished 23rd out of 33 athletes in the men’s singles sculls. Athletics saw Parul Chaudhary and Ankita fail to advance from the women’s 5000m Heat 2 and Heat 1, respectively. Tajinderpal Singh Toor also missed out on qualification in the men’s shot put.

Sailing witnessed mixed results for India. Vishnu Saravanan finished 20th and 19th in the men’s dinghy, while Nethra Kumanan placed 11th in the women’s dinghy after the first three races.

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