Olympics - Milano/Cortina 2026 - Day 3/February 6

 

Day 3 is the official start of the Olympics, with the Opening Ceremonies, and with some events scheduled during the day as well, this IS the real start of the games - with apologies to mixed doubles curling and women's ice hockey.

The Opening Ceremonies dominate the coverage, as well as the minds of the athletes, spectators and fans, so we will open with our thoughts on the best moments of the Opening Ceremonies, which I will take in ascending order!

10.  In the middle of the fashion world in Milan, fashion was ironically missing from the Opening Ceremonies.  Czechia tried something unusual - and for that they receive kudos from me, but it was too busy and missed.  Iran's winter beanies worked - as simple as they were, with just back beanies with stark with "IRAN" on the front.  But the best of the night was Canada's coats, which contained a huge maple leaf in the front of the coat.

9.  Mariah Carey - singing in Italian!!!  Phenomenal.

8.  Nothing specific, but just the overall artistic value of the ceremonies with its tribute to art, sculpture, classical music, opera, dance, drama and everything else in the world of art, architecture, music and culture was fantastic.

7.  JD Vance's reception by the fans in attendance when the camera focused on him during the US delegation's entrance to the San Siro - which included a large amount of boos, whistles and jeers, which was telling especially given ...

6.  The amazing cheers and screams that welcomed the Ukranian delegation!

5.    IOC President Kristy Coventry's welcome speech, emphasizing the fact that all of the athletes present at the Olympics qualified, and the fact THAT in and of itself is the achievement.  She is the first female and first African to head the IOC.

4.  Charlize Theron appearing as the IOC Peace Ambassador was absolutely stunning!

Just think how great these last 3 had to be to upstage Charlize Theron!!!

3.  Milan IS fashion, and these models entering the stadium in suits to mimic the Italian flag was awesome!!!  Especially given that it doubled as a tribute to Milan native Giorgio Armani.

2.  ANDREA BOCELLI just killing his version of Nessun Dorma!

Now ordinarily, Bocelli would be number 1 on ANY Opening Ceremonies list the way her performed in Milan, but, sometimes a structural or logistical revolution really does change the way we look at things, and in this case ...

1.  Multiple Opening Ceremonies locations!  Every athlete, no matter where they were stationed to prepare their events, were able to participate as the Opening Ceremonies CAME TO THEM!!!  Usually, numerous athletes would just skip the ceremonies, but no attending is an option for EVERYBODY!  The simultaneous entries into the 4 locales was fantastic, and you could tell from teh athletes' reactions that they loved it.  This is going to stay!

Lots of training took place on day 3, but actual competition continued in women's ice hockey, mixed doubles curling, and Team figure skating.

In women's Ice Hockey, Japan defeated France 3-2, and Switzerland was victorious over Czechia 4-3.

In Mixed Doubles Curling, the host team from Italy won 2 matches, beating Switzerland 12-4 and Estonia 7-4, whereas two matches were also won by Great Britain, which was victorious over Sweden and Korea.

The American team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin kept pace and improved to 4-0 in Round Robin play by defeating Canada 7-5 and demolishing Czechia 8-1!  The semi-finals are definitely in play for the Americans!

And, the Team Figure Skating event kicked off, with 3 of the 8 team events being held on Friday.  For those that do not know, the team event is where a country enters women, men, pairs, and ice dancing competitors in short programs (called rhythm dance in ice dancing) and a long program.  The participants in each event are ranked, with the winner receiving 10 points for their country, 9 for second place, 8 for third place, etc.   The country with the most points after 8 events wins the gold medal.

The team event kicked off with the Ice Dancing rhythm dance, and the US team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates took home first place, and a needed 10 points for Team USA.  Next was the pairs short program which was won by Japan's Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won the 10 points for their country, with the USA finishing 5th.

Japan kept the pressure on the United States - and increased its lead in the Team Event, as Kaori Sakamato took first place in the women's short program.  Alysa Liu did win a much-needed 9 points for the US by finishing second with five events remaining.

Athlete of the Day - Kaori Sakamato, Japan, Figure Skating

An amazing performance in the short program to put Japan in the lead of the team event, and putting herself into the conversation for gold in the individual event as well.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Korey Dropkin, Curling

The team is 4-0, and Dropkin has been throwing beautifully so far.

Team of the Day - Italy, Mixed Doubles, Curling

The host team - and reigning Olympic champions - Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini dominated their opponents to virtually secure a spot in the Semi-Finals.

U.S. Team of the Day - Mixed Doubles, Curling

The Mixed Doubles Curling team secured another 2 victories, and Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin have legitimate sights on a medal!

Olympic Term of the Day:  End - A division of a game in curling, similar to an inning in baseball, where both teams have the opportunity to throw eight stones each (five in mixed doubles), alternating with the opponent.

Olympic Events Watched:  Curling, Figure Skating, Opening Ceremonies

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer Possibilities (listed alphabetically):  Evan Best, Madison Chock, Korey Dobkin, Hilary Knight, Hayley Scamurra, Cory Thiesse

Olympics - Milano Cortina 2026 - Day 2/February 5

 

Day 2 is in the books, with round robin sessions in Mixed Doubles Curling and Women's Ice Hockey, which both contained the American debuts!

In curling, Great Britain had the most dominating win in the opener, defeating Estonia 10-5, but then came back later in the day to win a nailbiter over Czechia 8-7.

The United States team with Korey Dropkin (pictured below) and Cory Thiesse (pictured above) throwing the stones, defeated Norway after falling behind 6-4 after sixth end.  In the seventh end, holding the hammer, Cory Thiesse threw a remarkable counter-clockwise take-out, to knock out the shot rock of Norway and to score 2 points to tie the match, and then she came back to throw a beautiful draw with the 9th stone, to protect Dropkin's shot rock to end the match, 8-6.  Team USA cruised to victory over Switzerland 7-4, after taking a 5-2 lead after the 4th end to go 2-0 and in the round robin tournament.

In women's ice hockey, The United States came out strong to defeat Czechia 5-1, in the largest victory of the day.  The United States was paced by a brace from Hayley Scamurra (pictured below), with other goals scored by Alex Carpenter, Joy Dunne, and Ms. America, Hilary Knight!

In other matchups, Sweden defeated Germany 4-1 and host Italy defeated France 4-1.

Athlete of the Day - Jennifer Dodds, Great Britain, Curling

Threw shot rock in the decisive 7th - and last - end, in which Great Britain picked up 4 points in the match against Estonia, and then came back against Czechia in the 7th and penultimate end to score the winning point - without holding shot rock!

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Hayley Scamurra, Hockey

Scored 2 goals in the United State's opener.

Team of the Day - Italy, Women's Ice Hockey

The host team winning its debut 4-1 against France is a great start for Italy.

U.S. Team of the Day - Mixed Doubles, Curling

It could have been the women's hockey team, but the Mixed Doubles Curling team secured 2 victories!

Olympic Term of the Day:  End - A division of a game in curling, similar to an inning in baseball, where both teams have the opportunity to throw eight stones each (five in mixed doubles), alternating with the opponent.

Olympic Events Watched:  Curling, Ice Hockey

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer Possibilities (listed alphabetically):  Korey Dobkin, Hilary Knight, Hayley Scamurra, Cory Thiesse

Olympics - Milano Cortina 2026 - Day 1/February 4

 

The first day of competition kicked-off with Mixed Doubles Curling, the only action (besides training sessions, to take place on the first day of competition.  Given that the quantity of the contests was so small, I will update the entirety of the day.

Sweden 10-3 over Korea

Great Britain 8-6 over Norway

Canada 10-5 over Czechia

Switzerland 9-7 over Estonia

In the opener, Seden did not have the hammer, but behind the shot of Isabella Wranaa, managed to secure 4 points in the 4th end, to turn a 5-3 close match into a 9-3 route.

In the next match, Great Britain took a7-6 lead but with the hammer into the 8th end.  Bruce Mouat managed to secure 1 point in the 8th to secure the win.

Canada, holding onto a 7-4 lead entering the 6th end, managed to open the game wide open on a stunning clockwise raise by Joceyln Peterman to take 3 points from the end and to expand their lead to 10-4.

The last match was absolutely remarkable, as the Swiss held a 5-1 lead after 5 ends.  The Estonian team of Marie Kaldvee and Harri Lill managed to close the gap to 5-3 in the 6th end, but the Swiss stormed back in the 7th to score 2 more of their own.  But, the Estonian duo score four in the 8th end to send the match into an extra end, where the Swiss team of Yannick Schwaller and Briar Schwaller-Huerlimann edged the Estonians by 2.

Athlete of the Day - Yannick Schwaller, Switzerland, Curling

He threw stones 4, 6, and 8 in the extra end to secure victory.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - N/A

Team of the Day - Sweden Mixed, SWE, Curling

The most dominating of the four matches played yesterday.

U.S. Team of the Day - N/A

Olympic Term of the Day:  Bonspiel - A tournament in which curlers compete.

Olympic Events Watched:  Curling

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer Possibilities (listed alphabetically): N/A to date

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 19

Day 19 - August 10, 2024

For these entire Olympics I have been able to mention a type of controversy that was brewing from that day, whether it be political, event-related, or imagined - but something each day became a story that people disscussed that wasn't about the competition.  I have refrained from mentioning the biggest one because it is disgusting and I did not want to even mention the man's name.  But, since I have made it to the end without doing so, I am going to mention the story so that you - my readers - know that I am not ignoring it to ignore it, but rather was purposefully trying not to add to the publicity of Steven van de Velde.  Van de Velde is a beach volleyball player from the Netherlands that was convicted of child rape in 2016 in England.  The incidents occurred when he was 19 and the child was 12.  He was transferred from prison in England to the Netherlands and was after serving only 13 months of a 4-year sentence.  He qualified for the Netherlands beach volleyball team, and participated in the Olympics, where he was booed more than cheered, the latter part to which I say - way to go Olympic attendees and fans.

Today was the last day of the Olympics, with only a few medal events being played and I will begin with the most exciting event of the day, the women's basketball gold medal match between the United States and host France.  The United States, led by A'ja Wilson, narrowly defeated France 67-66, to keep their 61 game winning streak in the Olympics in tact, as well as their 8th straight gold medal.  This games was very sloppy, and physical, and the scored showed it, but Wilson had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum each had 12 points coming off the bench.  Kelsey Plum follows-up her gold medal in 3x3 from Tokyo with this year's basketball gold medal.  Australia defeated Belgium for the bronze medal.

In women's volleyball, Italy defeated the United States 3-0, cementing itself as the best volleyball team in the world by unseating the defending gold medalists.

In the water, the United States men salvaged the bronze medal over Hungary by winning the shootout 3-0.  Serbia won the gold over Croatia 13-11.

In the men's team handball gold medal game, Denmark absolutely dominated Germany, winning 39-26.  Spain beat Slovenia for the bronze.

At the velodrome, American Jennifer Valente won the omnium, which is a points conglomeration of 4 different cycling events; the scratch race, tempo race, elimination race and points race.  The women's scratch race is a 7.5 kilometer race, with points being awarded to cycleists based upon their finish.  The tempo race is a complicated race where riders earn points by winning sprints during each lap and by lapping the field whereas riders who are lapped are deducted points.  The winning rider is the one that accumulates the most points, not the one that finishes first.  The elimination race is a race in which the field participates in a sprint race every other lap, and the last place finisher is dropped - or eliminated - from the competition.  The rider that lasts the longets wins this race.  The points race is exactly that, a points race.  This is an 80 lap race with a spring every 10 laps.  The winners of laps accumulate points (5,3,2,1) or a rider gains 20 points for lapping the field.  The winner is the rider that accumulates the most points in all four races, and that was Jennifer Valente!  Poland's Daria Pikulik won silver and Ally Wollaston of Australia earned bronze.

On the wrestling mat, American Kennedy Blades lost to Japan's Kagami Yuka 3-1 in the gold medal match, to win the silver medal.

The best performance yesterday belonged to Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, who won the marathon gold medal ahead of Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa (silver) and Hellen Obiro of Kenya (bronze).  This came on the heels of already winning bronze in both the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters earlier in the week.  This is the first time a female has won medals in all three distance races, and the only runner since Emil Zatopek of then-Czechoslovakia to achieve this feat in Helsinki 1952.

I may end up doing a wrap-up post, or perhaps a post on the Closing Ceremonies, with the former more likely than the latter, but for now, it's on the Los Angeles in 2028.

Athlete of the Day - Sifan Hassan, Netherlands, Athletics

She won the gold medal in the marathon after already competing in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters earlier this week, and won the bronze medal in all of them.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Jennifer Valente, USA, Cycling

Won her second gold of these Olympics in the Omnium, a series of races combining speed, endurance, and recovery.

Team of the Day - Denmark Men, DEN, Handball

Just absolutely dominated the gold medal match.

U.S. Team of the Day - USA Women, USA, Basketball

Despite all the pressure of a 60-game winning streak and a 7 consecutive gold medal streak, along with playing in front of a raucous crowd dying for a upset of the US juggernaut by France, the U.S. women managed to pull-out the gold medal 67-66.

Olympic Term of the Day:  clean-and-jerk; snatch - Both are weightlifting terms.  The former is a two-movement lift in which the weight is raised to shoulder level, and then raised above the head in a second movement.  The latter is a one motion lift in which the competitor takes the barbell from the ground overhead in one continuous motion.

Olympic Events Watched:  Basketball, Closing Ceremonies, Cycling, Handball, Water Polo

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 18

Day 18 - August 10, 2024

So the International Olympic Committee, by virture of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, has stripped Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal an awarded it to the Romanian Ana Barbosu.  In case you don't know, when the floor exercises was finished in the individual apparatus finals, Jordan Chiles was officially listed in fifth, behding gold medal winner Rebecca Andrade of Brazil, silver medalist Simone Biles of the USA, Barbosu and a fourth-place Romanian.  But, the US officials noticed that the scores, which are based upon a starting difficulty rating for the perforamnce, had been underscored for Chiles by .1.  They appealed to the judges who corrected their error.  That extra .1 point raised Chiles from 5th to 3rd, earning her the bronze medal, which was awarded at the podium.  Romania then appealed that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which concluded that the US coaches did not appeal in time, doing so four seconds after the one-minute deadline has expired.  So, Barbosu was announced as the bronze medalist and Chiles dropped to fifth.  The IOC has demanded the bronze medal awarded to Chiles be returned.  The United States gymnastic officals state they have time-stamped video evidence of them appealing the decision at 40 seconds and 55 seconds after the conclusion of the meet, thus within the time frame.  Who knows where this is going to end up?!

In the first ever Breaking events in the Olympics, the b-boy battle was decided with Canada's Phil Wizard winning gold in his battle over Frenchman Danny Dan, with American b-boy Victor (Montalvo) winning bronze.  This is likely the only time Breaking will be contested in the Olympics, as it will not return in Los Angeles in 2028.  Phil Wizard joins b-girl Ami from Japan as the Breaking gold medalists.

In ladies golf, New Zealand's Lydia Ko won gold, her third consecutive medal in the Olympics, and, with this win has now qualified for the Golf Hall of Fame, 

In sport climbing, in the ladies boulder and lead, Janja Garnbret of Slovenia won the gold medal just ahead of thh USA's Brooke Raboutou (silver) and Jessica Pilz of Austria (bronze).

The USA also won silver thanks to Nevin Harrison's performance in the women's canoe singles 200 meters, just behind Katie Vincent of Canada, who won gold, and just behind Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys of Cuba, who won the bronze.

Today a lot of emphasis fell to the team events, as the gold medal games happened to end the two weeks of game play.  And none was as hyped as men's basketball where host France played the previously dominant United States close, and then Steph Curry scored 12 points in the last three minutes of the gold medal game to secure victory over the France and secure gold.  LeBron James was named MVP of the tournament by FIBA, with Curry also making the first team along with Germany's Denis Schroeder, France's Victor Wembanyama, and Serbia's Nikola Jokic.

 

Nikola Jokic had only the fifth triple-double in Olympics history, as hed led Serbia to the bronze medal.

Despite falling short in basketball, France did win gold in men's volleyball, sweeping Poland 3-0.  Poland settled for silver.

In women's soccer, a late goal by Mallory Swanson put the USA women up 1-0 against Brazil, and some great goalkeeping by Alyssa Naeher preserved the shutout, her third straight in the knockout rounds.

In women's handball, which was one of the most exciting tournaments during thes games, Norway was able to defeat the home crowd and France, bringing gold to the Scandinavians and silver to France.  Seriously, if you haven't watched team handball, men or women, WATCH IT!

Women's water polo was also exciting in these games, and they wrapped up today with Spain defeating Australia 11-9 in the gold medal match.

But, as like most final weekends in the Olympics, the action on the track dominated.  In a fantastic race, Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya won the gold medal in the men's 800 meters, closely followed by Canada's Marco Arop (silver) and Djamel Sedjati of Algeria earned bronze.  American Bryce Hoppel wa right on the heals of the medalists, finsihing in fourth as the top four runners all finished within .48 seconds of each other, with first and second separated by only .01 seconds.

And, as close as the men's 800 meter finish was, the women's 120 meter hurdles race waws even closer.  American Masai Russell and France's Cyrena Samba-Myela both defeated the favorite Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico.  Masai edged Samba-Myela of .01 of a second for gold.

At the 5,000 meter distance, Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen won gold ahead of Ronald Kwemoi of Kenya (silver) and the American Grant Fisher (bronze).  Fisher is the first American ever to medal in the 5,000 and the 10,000 meter races at the same Olympics.

An even much farther distance, the marathon, was held today as well, with Ethiopia's Tamrit Tola winning gold ahead of Belgian Bashir Abdi and Benson Kipruto of Kenya.

The men's high jump was hotly contested, but New Zealand's Hamish Kerr came away with the gold, American Shelby McEwen earned silver, and defending gold medalist Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar winning bronze.

And then we get to the final races of the Olympics on the track (women's marathon still remains tomorrow), teh 4x400 meter relays, men and women, and we had some doozies.  In the men's race, anchor leg Rai Benjamin held off 200 meter gold medalists Letsile Tobogo, setting an Olympic record and earning gold for the Americans.  Tobogo, of Botswana, finished second for his country.  By virtue of his running a leg in the qualifying rounds, Quincy Wilson, 16, becomes the youngest track gold medalist in US History.

Another gold for the US women, who absolutely dominated their race running the second fastest time every in the event, behind only the Soviet Union in Seoul in 1988.  The American coaches pulled two runners from the relay inserting 400 meter hurdle gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and 200 meter gold medalist Gabby Thomas into the 2 and 3 slots, between leadoof Shamier Little and anchor Alexis Holmes.  The gold medal is Harvard's 13th medal at these games!

Athlete of the Day - Mallory Swanson, United States, Soccer

As deflated as the women's soccer team was after the last Olympics and World Cup, a new coach and a new outlook led to a gold medal, and a bright future for the entire team, but also its forwards, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Masai Russell, USA, Athletics

Her first victory in a major tournament was in the U.S. Olympic trials, and her second in these games.

Team of the Day - France Men, FRA, Volleyball

The host country dominated a Polan team that has the best player in the world, Wilfredo Leon.

U.S. Team of the Day - Women's 4x400 meter relay, USA, Athletics

Domination.

Olympic Term of the Day:  b-boy; b-girl - Athletes that compete in breaking are called b-boys (males) and b-girls (females).

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Breaking, Canoe, Golf

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically): KATIE LEDECKY, NICK MEAD

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 17

Day 17 - August 9, 2024

Today's controversy was political, but it occurred on the field of play.  Refugee B-girl, b-girl Talash, Manizha Talash, breaking for the Refugee team, was in action today along with the rest of the b-girls.  Manash, originally from Afghanistan but now living as a refugee in Spain, removed an outer article of clothing to reveal a cape that said, "Free Afghan Women!"  She was disqualified as the Olympics forbig any type of political statement or slogans.  Seeing that she lost her pre-qualifying match anyway, the disqualification did not keep her from participating any further than she already did.  So, I say, good on you Talash!

And, in the first ever gold medal in breaking, b-girl Ami from Japan takes it, and etches her name in history.

There was some absolutely amazing team games/matches/etc today.  For the host country, some disappointment among their excitemend as Les Bleus fell behind Spain in men's soccer 3-1 early.  But, some second-half persistence and aggressiveness led to a 3-3 draw at full time.  Spain broke that draw and added another in extra time to take gold, while the French earned bronze.  A great summer for Spain as they win Euros and capture gold in the Olympics.

In women's field hockey, the Netherlands won gold over China - who takes silver - in a shootout, making it a sweep for both Dutch teams in field hockey.

In women's basketball, the United States dominated Australia in the semi-finals, in search of their 8th consecutive gold medal in basketball.  A'ja Wilson leads the team, and shows that she is absolutely and by far the best women's basketball on the planet.

On the volleyball court, the US men captured the bronze medal over Italy, in a match that - althgouh a 3-set sweep, was amaingly close and exciting.

China's men swept the Swedes 3-0 in the team event, but 2 of the matches went a full five sets, as Sweden gave the defending champions all they could handle.

The Brazilian team of Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa defeated Team Canada to win the gold medal in beach volleyball.

Imane Khelif, the newsmaking athlete of these games - not of her own accord - defeated China's Yang Liu to win the gold medal in her boxing weight class.  I will refrain from commenting anymore on this so as not to give her lying critics any credence.  Well earned Imane. 

In another combat sport, the United States had a stellar day on the wrestling mat.  And nobody's day was more stellar than Helen Maroulis, who although she "only" earned a bronze medal, she became the only female wrestler from the US to win three medals.  This year's bronze will accompany her bronze from Tokyo and her gold from Rio!

Also earning a bronze was Aaron Brooks, who came back fired up after a literal last second loss in the-semifinals that you can read about in yesterday's post.

Spencer Lee won silver for the United States, after losing his gold medal match to Rei Higuchi of Japan, 4-2.

In what was likely the most exciting match in wrestling, Kyle Dake of the USA was defeated by Japan's Daichi Takatani 20-12, in a match that saw several stoppages so the video official could review to make sure enough points were being awarded.  Dake will wrestley for the bronze medal tomorrow.

In weightlifting, American Olivia Reeves won gold, the first such gold for the US since basically forever.

But, the track is where most of the action took place yesterday.  We should start with the heptathlon, where Belgium's Nafissatou Thiam won her second consecutive gold medal, making her the overall best women's athlete.

Another amazing female athlete is Yemisi Ogunleye of Germany, who won the shot put on the very last throw.  Ogunleye, who led the event after 5 puts, was relegated to second place on the penultimate throw of the event taken by Maddison-Lee Wesche of New Zealand.  Ogunleye stepped up on her last throw - the last of the event - and uncorked a 20 meter throw for gold.

The men's triple jump was interesting, as Cuban-born athletes swept the podium, with Jordan Alejandro Diaz Fortun winning gold, Pedro Pichardo earning silver, and Andy Diaz Hernandez taking bronze.  What makes this interesting is that none of the athletes represented Cuba, as they competed for Spain, Portugal, and Italy, respectively.

The biggest disappointment for the United States occurred in the - surprise, surprise, not - men's 4x100 meter relay, in which they failed to get the baton around the track.  Noah Lyles had to be replaced due to Covid, so instead of just inserting a runner - likely Kenny Bednarek, into the anchor leg, the team switched all of the spots/runners except for starter Christian Coleman, who could not catch Bednarek after what looked like an early start.  Canada took advantage of the sloppiness to win gold, as America has to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to get some continuity and practice out of its relay teams.

The women, however, did get the baton around the track, although a bit of sloppiness in the hand-off the Gabby Thomas in the third leg did slow the team down, but then Sha'Carri Richardson, caught the 4 athletes ahead of her for gold!  Gabby Thomas's gold was the 12th medal for Harvard alumni/students!

A much anticipated race was the men's 400 meter hurdles, pitting Rai Benjamin of the USA, who has the world's best time this year, Norway's Karsten Warholm, the world record holder and defending Olympic champion, and Brazil's Alison dos Santos, silver medalist in the world championships, but to quote Ato Bolden, the NBC track announcer, "Rai said never mind the big 3, THERE'S JUST BIG ME!"  (Thanks Kendrick Lamar!)  Benjamin cruised ahead of his rivals, with Warholm winning silver and dos Santos earning bronze.

The men's 400 meter hurdles may have been more anticipated, but thh women' 10,000 meter race turned out to be the most exciting of the day.  In an exhausting sprint finish that included several athletes, Kenya's Beatrice Chebet won gold, becoming the first ever Kenyan to win the women's 10,000 meter, and in so doing won the 5,000 meter/10,000 meter combination.  Finishing in second was Nadia Battocletti of Italy, and in the bronze position was the defending gold medalist in this event from the Netherlands, Sifan Hassan.  Hassan also medaled in the 5,000 meter, and will try to equal Czech great Emil Zatopek by adding a medal in the marathon to her collection.

Athlete of the Day - Nafissatou Thiam, Belgium, Athletics

Defended her gold medal in the heptathlon!

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Rai Benjamin, USA, Athletics

Ran away with what was supposed to be a three-way race in the 400 meter hurdles.

Team of the Day - Spain Men, SPA, Soccer

Won an exciting gold medal game in soccer, against the host country.

U.S. Team of the Day - Women's 4x100 meter relay, USA, Athletics

Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, Gabby Douglas, Sha'Carri Richardson brought home gold.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Exposure - When a wrestler turns an opponent shoulders to the mat.  Awarded two points.

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Golf, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling,

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically): KATIE LEDECKY, NICK MEAD

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 16

Day 16 - August 8, 2024

Not a large controversy, but American sprinter - and 100 meter gold medalists - Noah Lyles admitted to testing positive for Covid on Tuesday, at 5:30 in the morning.  With all of the vasccines taken by people and the immunities developed, it isn't as deadly now, but for the Olympians it could mean the difference between a medal and not even participating.  You would think that the IOC would have had some type of quarantine protocol and procedures to keep the virus from spreading around the village.  Seems like that would be important.

Lots of fantastic team events today, starting the women's volleyball semi-finals match between the United States and Brazil.  The US women defeated Brazil in 5 sets, but that 5th set had some absolutely amazing volleys and rallies, and if you have not seen it, you should go watch it!  US to the finals to try to defend their gold medal!

At the beach, Germany defeated Norway in a third set in an ending that had I not seen it, I would not have believed it.  Germany was up 14-13, when Norway seemingly tied up the match with a spike at the net around the German block.  Germany challenges the play for a net violation, and on the replay it is clear that the Norwegian athlete did indeed hit the net - the bottom of the net - with his leg on the play, not only nullifying Norway's point, but giving the point - and the victory to Germany.  This was not a situation in which the call was petty as it was absolutely correct; it was just unbelievable.

The  basketball was amazing.  In the first game, host country France defeated Germany to advance to the gold medal game, giving us all a chance to not only see Victor Wembanyama in action, but also to see Evan Fournier at his best - in FIBA.  No word if France gets to keep possession of Alsace-Lorraine.  

In the gold medal match France will play the United States, which just barely survived Serbia.  The US was down 17 at one point, and down 11 at one point in the 4th quarter, and would not have been victorious if not for Steph Curry's 36 points (9-14 from three point range), and LeBron's triple double.  This was LeBron's second career Olympic triple-double, the only athlete to achieve that feat.

In men's soccer, Morocco defeated Egypt 6-0 to capture bronze, but to set the stage for a barn-burning gold medal match between host country France and Spain tomorrow.

In men's field hockey, the Netherlands defeated Germany in a shootout to capture gold, with the Germans earning bronze.

In the pool, the United States succombed to Australia in the semi-finals of water polo, losing in a shootout, on the last shot of the game.  They will return to action in the bronze medal game.

On the wrestling mat, American Aaron Brooks seemed on his way to the gold medal match when he was turned by Bulgarian Magomed Ramazanov with 4 second left in the match, giving the Bulgarian a 4-3 win.  Brooks will wrestle for the bronze tomorrow, while Ramazanov goes for the gold.

In sport climbing, American Sam Watson could not equal his world record performance from the preliminaries, but still earned the bronze medal in the speed climb, behding gold medalist Leonardo Veddriq of Indonesia and the silver medalist China's Wu Peng.

The focus of yesterday's action - as well as most of the stars - were on the track, where the USA shined.  In most years, Grant Holloway would be one of the shining stars as the prohibitive favorite in the 100 meter hurdles, and defending silver medalist from Tokyo, coasting to his first Olympic gold, with compatriot Daniel Roberts winning silver, just ahead of bronze medalist Rasheed Broadbell from Jamaica.

  

In the pit, the USA's Tara Davis-Woodhall had secured the gold medal just prior to making her sixth and last jump, but jumped anyone, landing in the pit, standing up, and then falling back down and doing a sand angel in the pit celebrating her victory.  Her interaction with her husband in the stands made news the world over after the win.  Milaika Mihambo of Germany - the defending gold medalist - won silver, while the USA's Jasmine Moore earned bronze.

The women's 400 meter was supposed to be one of the highlights of these Olympics, with American world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone being challenged by Femke Bol of the Netherlands, and although that challenge never really materialized, the race was spectacular nonetheless as McLaughline -Levrone easily won defended her Tokyo gold medal by setting another world record.  Fellow American Anna Cockrelly joined McLaughlin-Levrone on the medal stand winning silver.  Femke Bol earned bronze.

But, as dominating as McLaughline-Levrone's performance was, the news was all about the men's 200 meter dash, where Noah Lyles was attempting to win the sprint double after capturing the gold in the men's 100 meters.  Lyles, who was diagnosed with Covid on Tuesday, and he just didn't have the closing burst we are used to seeing from him.  Lyles, settled for bronze, just behind fellow American Kenny Bednarek who won silver.  Both Americans were defeated by Letsile Tobogo, of Botswana, who earned a deserving gold.

Athlete of the Day - Letsile Tobogo, Botswana, Athletics

Won gold in the 200 meters over American favorites Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek and Erryion Knighton.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, USA, Athletics

She is probably the athlete of the day with her gold medal and world record in the 400 meter hurdles, but I had to give credit to Tobogo AND McLaughlin-Lecrone.

Team of the Day - Netherlands Men, NED, Field Hockey,

Defeated Germany in a shootout to capture the gold medal.

U.S. Team of the Day - Men's Basketball, USA, Basketball

Coming back from down 17 to advance to the gold medal game.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Split Decision - In boxes, it is a scoring determination in which two judges agree that one boxer was the winning boxer while the third judge decides that the other boxer should have been victorious.  This differs from a majority decision where two judges agree on a winning boxer and the third judge believes the match to be a draw.

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Volleyball, Water Polo

Note on the United States Flag-Bearers for the Closing Ceremonies:  The United States team captains have selected swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead.  Ledecky needs no introduction, as she has been successful not only in this Olympics but also in her Olympic career (most decorated American female athlete).  Nick Mead led the US men's rowing team to a gold in the men's four-boat.  Mead rowed bow for the United States' first gold in the men's four-boat in 64 years, since Rome 1960.  Although he specifically wasn't on my radar as a potential flag-bearer for these games, I do think he was an excellent choice.  Ledecky - should go without saying.

USA Potential Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically): Simone Biles, Ryan Crouser, Caleb Dressel, Brady Ellison, Kristen Faulkner, Cole Hocker, Vincent Hancock,Torri Huske, Lee Kiefer, Katie Ledecky, Ilona Maher, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Tom Murphy. Sophia Smith, Gabby Thomas 

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 15

Day 15 - August 7, 2024

Well, the biggest problem today isn't an actual controversy, for once, but is a black eye for Australia's field hockey team.  Tom Craig, a FeeHocker (shoutout to Blackish), wa arrested for purchasing cocaine.  I don't know if he did or didn't, but I do know that he was arrested for it.  That being said, good to see the controversies had nothing to do with anything that occurred in our around the actual events.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has definitely had an up-and-down memorable Olympics.  Qualifying in a weight class lower than the one in which she participated in Tokyo 2020, Phogat went on to upset Japanese star Yiu Sasaki in teh quarterfinals.  Sasaki won the gold medal in Tokyo without even surrendering a single point to any point during the entire tournament.  She then won her quarterfinal and semifinal matches to advance to the finals.  However, before the finals began, Phogat failed to make weight by about two-tenths of a pound.  This despite a lot of time in the sauna, and even cutting her hair.  Phogat then fainted later in the day and went to the hospital, suffering from dehydration.  She then announced her retirement from wrestling on X (Twitter).

In that weight class, Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA, who was supposed to wrestle Phogat, instead defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez for the gold medal in wrestling.

Showing off his own strength, USA weightlifter Hampton Morris won third place in his weight class, earning not only the bronze, but the first medal in weightlifting of any kind for the United States since 1984, games it should be noted that the Eastern Bloc countries boycotted.  Congratulations Hampton!

Another American flourishing at these Olympics is Kristen Faulkner, a cyclist that only took up cylcing six years ago.  She followed-up her gold medal performance in the road race by leading her team to the gold medal - her second of these games - in the women's team pursuit.  Faulkner, Chloe Dygert - a bronze medalist in the cycling time trial - Jennifer Valente, and Lilly Williams, defeated a New Zealand team that had beaten them in a preliminary round for gold.  Faulkner's gold medal is the 11th medal at these games for Harvard alumni and/or students.  ELEVEN!

On a different track, US track athletes had a great day today as well.  In the 3000 meter steeplechase, American Kenneth Rooks took off in a sprint in front of a lead pack of about 7 (some were spread out a little bit - but they were all in touch with each other), later saying "what did I have to lose".  Although he was caught and passed by defending Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco, Rooks won the silver.  Rooks, who is only in his second international race at this distance, seemed to be an unknown quantity to the rest of the finishers as they didn't even appraoch him to congratulate him like they did El Bakkali, but it didn't look like anger or jealousy, but more like, "Who is this guy?"  Abraham Kibiwot of Kenya finished with the bronze.

Steeplechase world record holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia fell over a hurdle on the penultimate lap and hit his head hard on the track.  He was transported on a stretcher, and later a gurney, to the hospital where he is recovering well.

And then there was the men's 400 meter dash.  Quincy Hall of the US dug down deep within himself, and passed 3 other runners in the last 30-40 meters in order to capture gold for the US!  Hall's finish was spectacular, as he was looking like he was putting so much into his final sprint that he might fall down.  You can tell from his facial expressions that he literally had nothing else to give as he was picking off runners.  Hall passed Zambia's Muzala Samukonga who held on for bronze, and at the line, nipped Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain, earning the Brit the silver.  This was Zambia's third medal ever, and the first since the great Samuel Matete.

Nina Kennedy of Australia wins gold in the women's pole vault, followed by the USA's Katie Moon (silver) and Alysha Newman of Canada (bronze).  Newman will be the one remembered, though, for her twerking celebration.

In team sports, there was no better place to be than in the water polo pool.  In the first semifinal matchup, Greece scored against Serbia with 11 seconds left on the clock to tie the match.  In a rush Serbia speeds up their transition, where Greece fouled with 3 seconds left; stopping the clock.  The Serbia player picks up the ball, fires it toward the net, and in for a victory and a date in the finals.  But this was just the appetizer.  

The entree match pitted the United States versus Australia, where the United States scored a second goal early to tie it up 2-2.  But wait, there's more.  On the play, the American's Johnny Hopper was issued a red card on a brutality call - he threw a punch - pulling the goal off the board, ejected Hopper, gave Australia a penalty shot - which they hit, and a 4:00 power play.  The score was 5-1 Australia at the end of the first period, but then it was 5-5 at the end of the third period.  At the end of regulation, the score was 7-7 and went to a shootout, where US goalie Adrian Weinberg made two saves for the US to win the match 4-3 on penalty shots.Weinberg had 11 total saves in the match - as the US adance to play Serbia in the gold medal match.

In the other pool, China won the team artistic swimming event capturing gold, leaving the silver for the United States and the bronze medal for Spain.

In other team sports, the United States fell to Poland in the men's volleyball semi-finals, as they just didn't have an answer for the best player in the world, Wilfredo Leon.  The Americans will be battling for the bronze medal later this weekend.

In kid's sports, just kidding, Keegan Palmer of Australia won gold in skateboarding, American Tom Scharr secured silver, and the bronze medal was awarded to Brazil's Augusto Akio.

Athlete of the Day - Quincy Hall, USA, Athletics

Not only did he comeback down the final backstretch to pass 3 athletes to win gold, he did it in the fourth fastest time ever.

Team of the Day - Poland Men's Volleyball Team, Volleyball

That team is good, but it is mostly because Wilfredo Leon is a bad, bad boy.

U.S. Team of the Day - Women's Team Pursuit, USA, Cycling

Gold medalists in the team pursuit.  Second gold for Kristen Faulkner, second medal for Chloe Dygert.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Brutality Call - A water polo call in which the offending player is "demonstrate obvious intent to injure another player."

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Kayak, Skateboarding, Volleyball, Water Polo

USA Potential Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically): Simone Biles, Ryan Crouser, Caleb Dressel, Brady Ellison, Kristen Faulkner, Cole Hocker, Vincent Hancock, Torri Huske, Lee Kiefer, Katie Ledecky, Ilona Maher, Tom Murphy. Sophia Smith, Gabby Thomas

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 14

Day 14 - August 6, 2024

Since I have been able to find something controversial that has occurred everyday, let's see what today brings ...  Well, US 3x3 athlete Hailey van Lith stated that the referees in 3x3 had it out for the Americans, not wanting them to win in 3x3 like the do indoors.  Nah - that is just complaining, especially since the US women won bronze medal after starting 0-3.

Given all the uproar about the "transgender" [Ed. Note - she is not transgender] Algerian boxer, and to a lesser extent the Taiwanese boxer, you would think an uproar would be caused by the fact that Henry Fieldman from Great Britain, a man who previously won a bronze medal in rowing in Tokyo, just won bronze for Great Britain in the women's eights in rowing.  Then, we find out he was the coxswain, and rowing allows the coxswain in the men's or women's eights to be of any gender.  No news there.

Then, I found out that trainers have been noticiing that horses in the equestrian events have been developing blue tongues, which is a key sign of oxygen deprivation.  This should be news, except that it is in equestrian!!!  These Paris games have been HOT, HOT, HOT, and still a lot of Americans do not believe in climate change.  Being in Florida, I might not even be allowed to say "Climate Change" (not quite true, but almost.)  All kidding aside, this is a serious issue, and animals used in competition should be taken care of as good, if not better, than the human athletes.  I hope that none of the horses suffer serious long-term effects from this.

With regard to the action, today was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!  Yes, I meant to capitalize that and add three exclamation points.  It was simply, GREAT!

And the greatest, perhaps of all time, was/is Mijain Lopez, the Cuban heavyweight wrestler, who won gold when he defeated his former training partner Yasmani Acosta Fernandez 6-0 in the gold medal match.  In winning gold, Lopez became the only athlete in any sport to win the gold medal in a single event 5 separate times (meaning 5 separate Olympics).  Entering Paris, 4 athletes had won 4 golds in one event, which I have written about previously (Al Oerter, Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps and Lopez himself).  That number was reached by two other athletes, including Katie Ledecky, which I have written about previously, also.  But today, Lopez rises above the rest by winning his fifth; (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024).  Lopez, now 41, had planned on retiring after Tokyo, but despite not competing in events since then, was convinced to return by the Cuban wrestling federation.  It was a glorious return to gold, after which Lopez definitively announced his retirement by removing his shoes and leaving them on the mat - a tradition of retirement in the sport.  Congrats Mijain, your retirement is well-earned.

 

Staying on the mat, American Amit Elor - just 20 - won her first gold medal in the 68 kilogram weight class by easily defeating Kyrgystan's Meerim Zhumanazarova 3-0.  Elor, who was never seriously challenged the entire meet, including three wins by technical fall, announced her presence as potentially the next great wrestling Olympian, especially given the fact she has not lost a match since 2019.

Hoping to join Elor as a gold medalist is Sarah Hildebrandt, whose victories in the meet so far have advanced her into the gold-medal match.  Hoping I will get to write about her again!

Staying in combat sports, Omari Jones lost his semi-final fight via split decision, meaning he earns bronze for the tournament, becoming the only American to win a medal in Paris.  Boxing, as of right now, will not be contested in Los Angeles in 2028, but the LA organizing officials are hoping that they will be able to include the sport in the games.

Kellie Harrington of Ireland won the gold medal of China's Yang Wenly in the 60kg weight class.

The United States women's volleyball team advances to the semi-finals by defeating Poland, and looking the best they have all tournament in doing so.

In women's soccer, the United States defeating Germany 1-0 in extra time thanks to a magnificent goal from Sophia Smith.  The shoutout guarantees the USA a medal, and they will face Brazil, a 4-2 victor in its semi-finals matchup - in the gold medal game.

The USA mens basketball team dominated Brazil to advance to the semi-finals in what was a phenomenal day of basketball for superfans and casual fans alike.  Serbia won its quarterfinal duel to advance to play the Americans, matching up the last two NBA MVPs in Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.  In other action, FIBA Denis Schroeder led Germany into the semi-finals defeating Greece, and the team most felt was best-situated to challenge the Americans, Canada, fell to host France, despite what seemed like a million points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.  I have to give credit to my friend JWeiss for coming up with both FIBA Denis Schroeder and FIBA Patty Mills - Akin to "Playoff Rondo."  

In the US game, Kevin Durant became the leading all-time Olympic scorer passing the immortal Lisa Leslie.

In perhaps the most dominating performance yesterday, the Netherlands' men's team sprint in cycling set a new world record in its semi-final race, only to eclipse it again to win gold.  Nobody else was even close!  And if you haven't watched Olympic cycling in a velodrome - DO IT!

At the skate park, Australia's Arisa Trew, just 14, led a collection of teenagers to the podium winning gold just ahead of Hiraki Cocona of Japan (15 - silver), and Great Britain's Sky Brown (16 - bronze).

Sam Watson of the USA broke his own world record in the sport climbing speed event, traversing the 15 meter wall in 4.75 seconds during qualifying.  Watson broke the record just moments after his previous record of 4.79 was tied by Indonesia's Veddriq Leonardo.

Approximately the world away, in Tahiti, the surfing medals were decided.  For the women, Caroline Marks of the USA defeated Tatiana Weston-Webb of Brazil for gold, with Johanna DeFay earning bronze.

In men's action, Kauli Vaust of France won gold by defeating Jack Robinson of Australia, who earned bronze.  Brazil's Gabriel Medina captured bronze by winning the bronze-medal match, and the hearts of all Olympians with this qualifying round photograph!

Athletics is always one of the most anticipated sports in the Olympics, but rarely is the anticipation matched by the deliver on the field as it was today.  For starters, in the women's 3000 meters steeplechase, Bahrain's Winfred Yavi overtook Peruth Chemutai of Uganda - the reigning Olympic champion - to not only win gold but to also set an Olympic record.  Chemutai looked in absolute shock at the finish line as she claimed silver, and Kenya's Faith Cherotic earned bronze.

Camryn Rogers of Canada, the reigning world champion in the women's hammer throw, uncorked a gold-medal winning throw on her last attempt to capture first place, defeating the USA's Annette Echikunwoke, who slipped to silver.  Zhao Jie of China earned the bronze.  Echikunwoke won the first ever medal in the women's hammer for the United States while Rogers added the women's gold medal to Canada's men's hammer gold medal.

In the men's 1500 meters, Norway's Ingebrigtsen - the defending Olympic champion - and Josh Kerr of Great Britain - the defending World Champion - had engaged in one of the best pre-Olympic trash talking episodes that we have ever seen.  And they were bot ready to prove it on the track, at least until the back stretch where America's Cole Hocker passed them both to set an Olympic record and win gold for the USA.  Running with Hocker, fellow American Yared Nuguse also passed Ingebrigtsen to win the bronze medal.  Kerr settled for silver, but it is unlikely that the fact he beat Ingebrigtsen means anything to him at this point.  The Hocker-Nuguse finish was the first time the US has won two medals in the 1500 meters since Stockholm in 1912.

And as great as the Hocker victory was, it was simply the appetizer to the women's 200 meter dash final.  With no Jamaican women qualified for the finals, it appeared to be Gabby Thomas's gold medal for the taking, and take it she did, running the turn like nobody else in the world to outdistance 100 meter gold medalist Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, who won silver.  American Brittany Brown came from behind at the finish line to win silver.  Thoms has secured the 4th gold medal, and 6th overall, for athletes from Harvard, and she is expected to participate in the 4x100  meter relay for a chance at another.

Athlete of the Day - Mijain Lopez, Cuba, Wrestling

He stands alone with 5 gold medals in 5 separate Olympics.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Cole Hocker, USA, Athletics

Unexpeted gold medal and Olympic record in the 1500 meters.

Co-U.S. Athlete of the Day - Gabby Thomas, USA, Athletics

Gold medal performance in the 200 meter dash.

Team of the Day - Netherlands Men, Netherlands, Cycling team sprint

Set a world record in the semi-finals, and then re-set it in the gold medal sprint!

U.S. Team of the Day - Women's Soccer, USA, Soccer

Heading to the gold medal match after a Sophia Smith 95th minute gold in extra time.

Co-U.S. Teams of the Day - Women's Volleyball, USA, Volleyball

Dominating performance - their best of these Olympics - over Poland to advance to the semi-finals.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Velodrome - An arena for track cycling.  It features steeply-banked oval tracks, consisting of two 180-degree circular bends connected by two straights.  The straights transition to the circular turn through a moderate easement curve.

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Cycling, Handball, Soccer, Sport Climbing, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling 

USA Potential Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically):  Simone Biles, Ryan Crouser, Caleb Dressel, Brady Ellison, Kristen Faulkner, Cole Hocker, Vincent Hancock, Torri Huske, Lee Kiefer, Katie Ledecky, Ilona Maher, Tom Murphy. Sophia Smith, Gabby Thomas

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 13

Day 13 - August 5, 2024

It looked like we were going to have some controversy on the track during the women's 5000 meters final as Kenyan's Beatrice Chebet won the 5K to win gold, ahead of compatriot Faith Kipyegon, both just ahead of bronze medalist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands.  However, Kipyegon was disqualified for impeding Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay, who ultimately finished ninght.  However, Kenya appealed the decision, which reinstated Kipyegon's silver finding that it was Tsegay who initiated the contact.  Hopefully all future controversies are this easily resolved.

It exciting news, boxer Cindy Ngamba won her quarterfinal match in teh 75kg weight class to advance to the semi-finals, guaranteeing at least a bronze medal, and becomes the first refugee athlete to win a medal in these games (technically she won't win it until this weekend after the semi-finals and finals, but it is guaranteed).  Ngamba moved to the United Kingdom from Cameroon at age 11, and was granted refugee status by the United Kingdom since returning to Cameroon could equate to a death penalty, as she is a lesbian.  Ngamba, who is an advocate for the plight of worldwide refugees, was selected to carry the Refugee flag during the Opening Ceremonies.

The biggest story of the day occurred in athletics, as defending pole vault gold medalist Mondo Duplantis not only secured his second-consecutive Olympic gold medal, but also set the world record in doing so.  USA's Sam Kendricks won silver and Emmanouil Karalis of Greece secured the bronze.

Also in the field events, American Valarie Allman defended her gold medal in the discus, outdistancing Sandra Elkasevic of Croatia (silver) and China's Feng Ben (bronze).

On the track, the men and women participated in the 200 meter dash, with the women completed their semi-finals and the men their preliminary rounds.  In both, all three Americans advanced, setting the stage for an amazing finals tomorrow for the women, and semi-finals for the women.

Germany won gold in the team triathlon, edging the United States (silver) and Great Britain (bronze), the latter two medals decided by a photo finish.  The USA's Taylor Knibb was determined to have nipped the British runner at the finish line, giving her, Morgan Pearson, Seth Rider and Taylor Spivey the silver.  Followers of the Olympics, or readers of this blog, will know that Taylor Knibb withdrew from the Cycling road race to focus on this team triathlon event, giving way to Kristen Faulkner to participate - and win gold!

Another heartwarming moment occurred in women's gymnastics, as Rebecca Andrade of Brazil outperformed Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles of the USA for gold, while Biles and Chiles took silver and bronze respectively.  This was Andrade's first gold medal, and you can tell that both Biles and Chiles really respect her as they gave her this greeting on the podium!

On the outdoor basketball court, The Netherlands defeated host team France in men's 3x3, securing the gold medal on a walk-off shot in overtime.  Given that the 3x3 game is exciting, and that France was in the finals, that stadium was absolutely rocking!  Earlier in the day the United States women secured bronze, defeating Canada in the bronze medal game after succombing to Spain earlier in the day.  Spain ultimately lost the gold-medal game to Germany, settling for bronze.  On the men's side Lithuania won the bronze medal by defeating Latvia, in an all Baltic final.

In other team competition, Spain defeated Morocco 1-0 in men's soccer, and will face host team France in the gold medal match after Les Bleus defeated Egypt 3-1.  

In men's volleyball, the United States defeated powerhouse Brazil in an incredibly entertaining match to advance to the semi-finals, and one step closer to a medal.

In team skeet shooting, the American team Vincent Hancock and Austen Jewell Smith earned the silver medal, falling to eventual champions Diana Bocosi and Gabriele Rossetti of Italy 45-44.  This is the second medal for both Hancock and Smith, as Hancock won gold in the men's individual and Smith earned bronze in the women's event.

In an electrifying women's badminton final, South Korea's An Se Young defeated He Bing Jiao in the gold medal match.  An, who didn't lose a game in the group play, won 21-13, 21-16 to capture gold.

On the men's side, Denmark's Viktor Axelson defeated Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the gold medal match, with Zii Jia Lee of Malaysia winning the bronze medal.

In kayak cross, which is such an exciting event to watch, Australia's Noemie Fox captured gold, defeating Angele Hug of the Netherlands (silver), Kimberly Woods of Great Britain (bronze) and Germany's Elena Lilik in the large final.  Noemie Fox's medal adds to her family's total in Paris as her sister Jess has already won two golds in these games.

Shinnosuke Oba of Japan added a gold medal in the men's high bar to his all-around individual gold medal and team gold medal.

In combat sports, Amit Elor of the United States had a tremendous, if expected day 1, as she defeated her three opponents by a combined score of 28-2, to advance to the gold medal match in the 68kg weight class, culminating in a 10-0 technical fall - her third consecutive technical fall in these games - over South Korea's Sol Gum Pak.  I say this was expected because Elor, although only 20, has not lost an international match since 2019!  I certainly hope to report on gold, not silver, for Elor after the finals.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, in the 130kg division, Cuban legend Mijain Lopez advanced to the gold-medal match where he will face Chilean Yasmani Acosta Fernandez for the gold.  Lopez, 41, will be wrestling for his 5th consecutive gold medal, and if successful, will be the only athlete to ever win 5 gold medals in the same event.  In his way is Cuban-born Acosta Fernandez, who moved to Chile in large part due to the fact that he was not able to get any international experience due to the fact that Lopez was the champion in his weight class.  I will definitely be reporting on this event after the finals occur.

Staying in combat sports, the mixed team judo finals was one of the more entertaining matchups in the entire Olympics as host country France tangles with Japan!  The mixed judo competition pits 5 judoka, 3 of each gender, in one-on-one matches, with the most victories determining gold.  Japan took an early 2-0 lead, winning the two opening matches, before Teddy Riner stepped up to turn the tide for France, the defending - and only - gold medalists in this event.  Riner won his match, defeating Saito Tatsuru to close the deficit in half.  Then, Joan-Benjamin Gaba defeated Japan's Abe Hifumi, to even the score.  Hifumi had not lost a fight in 5 years before yesterday's battle.  Both countries split the last two matches, leaving the score tied 3-3.  The tiebreaking procedure is to select a weight class at random, and Riner was selected to face Tatsuru again, and he was able to secure the gold for France!

I mis-reported Teddy Riner's record in a few posts this week.  Before yesterday he had won 4 gold medals in judo, but only three - including this year - were individual, as France won team gold in Tokyo.  This makes his fifth gold medal (in five events).

Athlete of the Day - Mondo Duplantis, Sweden, Athletics

Set the world record for the 9th time in winning his second consecutive gold medal in the pole vault.

Co-Athlete of the Day - Teddy Riner, France, Judo

Won two matches for France, to win gold medal in the mixed team judo competition, including the decisive seventh match.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Taylor Knibb, USA, Triathlon

Not just because she anchored the mixed triathlon relay team to a silver medal, but because she withdrew from the cycling road race for the specific purpose of preparing for the team mixed triathlon relay.  I would say she was successful.

Team of the Day - Netherlands Men, Netherlands, 3x3

Defeating France before a packed house by hitting a walk-off two in overtime.  (The overtime rules are first team to score two points.)

Olympic Term of the Day:  Technical Fall - In amateur wrestling, is a victory condition satsfied by outscoring an opponent by a specified number of points (10 points in the Olympics).  It is wrestling's version of the mercy rule.

Olympic Events Watched:  3x3, Athletics, Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Kayak, Shooting, Soccer, Sport Climbing, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling 

USA Potential Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically):  Simone Biles, Ryan Crouser, Caleb Dressel, Brady Ellison, Kristen Faulkner, Vincent Hancock, Torri Huske, Lee Kiefer, Katie Ledecky, Ilona Maher, Tom Murphy