The 2d day of racing headlined Wednesday’s motion at the 2023 Monster Vitality AMA Newbie National Motocross Championship, equipped by AMSOIL, because the gate dropped on 22 more motos. Racing bought underway within the morning to total the final opening motos from the 36 classes of opponents ahead of the afternoon gave plan to the inaugurate of 2d motos. The opponents became as soon as fierce, and several riders made additional statements after an already strong open to the week.
Moto 1: 250 Pro Sport
After a dominant efficiency in Launch Pro Sport on Tuesday, Monster Vitality Yamaha Huge name Racing rider Daxton Bennick had earned the honour of onlookers because the 250 Pro Sport self-discipline lined up for the principle time. Nevertheless, Bennick would no query face challenges from the likes of KTM Orange Brigade’s Julien Beaumer, GASGAS riders Evan Ferry and Designate Fineis, Rock River Yamaha’s Avery Lengthy, and NSA Yamaha Newbie Factory Workers rider Gavin Towers.
Out the gate it became as soon as Towers who led the self-discipline thru the principle turn aboard his Yamaha with the STACYC Holeshot. He held the high self-discipline swiftly nonetheless became as soon as soon overcome by Beaumer ahead of the completion of the outlet lap. Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha’s Trevin Nelson slotted into third ahead of Yamaha rider Brad West, whereas Ferry carried out the high five. Bennick became as soon as several spots inspire deep within the high 10, whereas Fineis became as soon as correct exterior the high 10.
The actual music allowed Beaumer to produce a multi-2d advantage over Towers, who in turn distanced himself from the leisure of the self-discipline. Because the lead duo asserted themselves out entrance, the jockeying for third began to unfold as Nelson, West, and Ferry battled it out. Both West and Ferry had been able to obtain by Nelson and every rider held onto the third self-discipline for a transient period, nonetheless Fineis became as soon as on a torrid payment thru the self-discipline. After he methodically improved one effect each and every of the outlet laps, he became as soon as able to hump a whole lot of riders thru the midway point of the moto and had soon fought his plan into podium effect in third. Because the quickest rider on the music, the GASGAS rider swiftly made inroads on his deficit to Towers and made the hump for 2d with a pair laps final.
Beaumer enjoyed a stress-free accelerate to snatch his first moto in finding of the week, whereas Fineis impressed in his climb to 2d. Towers parlayed his strong inaugurate correct into a Third-effect create. Bennick became as soon as unable to style up the roughly floor he did in Launch Pro Sport and became as soon as by no plan a element, mired in a battle correct exterior the high five for the length of the moto, finally settling for seventh.
250 Pro Sport Moto 1 Outcomes
Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu Metropolis, Ariz., KTM
Designate Fineis, Westfield, Ind., GASGAS
Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Yamaha
Avery Lengthy, Fresh London, Minn., Yamaha
Jayden Clough, Elko Fresh Market, Minn., Kawasaki
Julien Beaumer became as soon as impressive en route to the outlet moto in finding in 250 Pro Sport. Photo Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media
Moto 1: Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C
With a in finding in 250 B to inaugurate the week, Rockstar Vitality Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran became as soon as one other rider garnering consideration because the Schoolboy 2 self-discipline took to the initiating gate for the principle time. One other stacked self-discipline moreover featured Monster Vitality Kawasaki Workers Green’s Drew Adams, NSA Yamaha Newbie Factory Workers rider Logan Simplest, and the Monster Vitality Kawasaki Workers Green duo of Krystian Janik and Enzo Temmerman.
Because the self-discipline emerged from the principle turn it became as soon as Janik out entrance for the STACYC Holeshot, accompanied by his Workers Green teammate Temmerman. They simply paced the self-discipline thru the outlet laps, for the length of which Temmerman made the hump for the lead. Their battle allowed Simplest to discontinuance in from third after initiating fourth. Simplest became as soon as the faster rider of the trio and became as soon as patient in his hump on Janik for 2d. He shadowed Temmerman for a pair laps ahead of going on the assault to rob administration of the lead midway thru the moto. Their battle continued, because the pair traded the high self-discipline several events for the length of a glorious deal of parts of the music.
Because the lead trio duked it out, Cochran became as soon as making his payment to the entrance. The Husqvarna rider didn’t obtain a big inaugurate and began his lumber deep within the high 10, nonetheless he wasted no time deciding on off riders within the outlet laps and quickly slotted into fourth after a pair laps. He watched because the leaders engaged in battle and quickly made it a four-rider affair. He dropped the hammer to ride the quickest laps on the music, which allowed him to switch from fourth to first in only two laps. Once he took administration of the moto Cochran by no plan regarded inspire.
Cochran stormed to his 2d moto in finding in as many days, doing so with a savvy climb thru the self-discipline, whereas Simplest saved him correct thru the create in 2d. Janik reclaimed third from his teammate unhurried to stable the final self-discipline on the moto podium.
Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Moto 1 Outcomes
Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
Logan Simplest, North Port, Fla., Yamaha
Krystian Janik, Oak Lawn, Ill., Kawasaki
Enzo Temmerman, Visalia, Calif., Kawasaki
Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki
Casey Cochran is off to an undefeated inaugurate at Loretta Lynn’s this summer. Photo Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media
Moto 1: Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C
Following an excellent victory in 125 Jr. (12-17) B/C on Tuesday, GASGAS Newbie Workers rider Tiger Wood made a honest better observation on Wednesday for the length of the principle moto of Schoolboy 1.
The Georgia native put himself at the entrance of the self-discipline from the outset of the moto with the STACYC Holeshot, ahead of the Husqvarna of Owen Covell and the KTM of Klark Robbins. The actual music allowed Wood to slide out to a multi-2d advantage over the self-discipline that grew to impartial about double digits because the moto surpassed the midway point.
The rider on the switch for the length of the moto became as soon as EBR Performance/Altus Motorsports Yamaha’s Landon Hartz, who started the moto in ninth nonetheless rocketed up the working expose to rob administration of 2d at the midway mark. Hartz continued to ride the quickest laps on the music to chip away at his deficit to Wood, nonetheless the GASGAS rider managed his cosy lead to perfection, riding conservative nonetheless consistent lap events to raise home his 2d in finding of the week. Hartz grew to become heads with his resiliency and strong create in 2d, whereas GASGAS rider Carter Malcolm rounded out the high three.
Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C Moto 1 Outcomes
Tiger Wood, Cairo, Ga., GASGAS
Landon Hartz, Wilsonville, Ala., Yamaha
Carter Malcolm, Elizabeth, Colo., GASGAS
Jesson Turner, Wills Level, Texas, GASGAS
Kade Johnson, Hideaway, Texas, Yamaha
Tiger Wood is moreover off to a sizzling inaugurate with moto wins all over two classes. Photos Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media
Moto 1: Supermini 1 (12-15) & Supermini 2 (13-16)
The 2 respective Supermini classes bookended Moto 1 motion on Wednesday, featuring a loaded lineup of minibike talent headlined by KTM Orange Brigade’s Seth Dennis, Husqvarna rider Deacon Denno, and Monster Vitality Kawasaki Workers Green’s Landen Gordon. All three riders had been within the combo all over both classes.
Supermini 1 opened the morning, and it became as soon as Dennis who controlled the moto from open to create. The younger racer bought a stellar leap out the gate to simply suppose the STACYC Holeshot and swiftly gapped the self-discipline. After correct a pair laps, his lead had grown to impartial about 10 seconds and he became as soon as able to put up his advantage from there. Denno started the moto in third and quickly took administration of 2d, which allowed him to withhold Dennis correct for the length of the leisure of the moto, even closing to within a pair seconds of the lead ahead of losing inspire within the closing laps. Dennis and Denno had been by no plan challenged out entrance and executed 1-2, whereas Gordon continued an lumber of a moto to finally suppose the final self-discipline on the moto podium. After initiating the total plan inspire in 28th, Gordon managed to hump 25 riders to interrupt into the high three with correct a pair laps left within the moto for undoubtedly one of seemingly the most impressive particular person performances at Loretta Lynn’s thus far.
The final class to total its first moto became as soon as Supermini 2 and the ride began with KTM rider Max Shane out entrance with the STACYC Holeshot, nonetheless he became as soon as swiftly overcome by Gordon, who became as soon as particular to reverse his fortune from earlier within the day and put himself out entrance early. He regarded as if it would maybe well presumably contain administration of the moto till an early tip over dropped the Kawasaki rider from first to fourth. That handed the lead to KTM rider Canyon Richards and initiated a 3-rider battle with the KTM mounted duo of Dennis and Cole Timboe. This performed inspire into the palms of Gordon who fought inspire to the tail of the KTM trio and made fast passes to reclaim the high self-discipline correct a few laps after his danger. Once he regained the lead Gordon inched far off from Timboe, who moved into 2d, and carried on to rob the moto in finding for Workers Green. A unhurried hump by Richards helped him create 2d, whereas Timboe settled for third.
Supermini 1 (12-15) Moto 1 Outcomes
Seth Dennis, Groveland, Fla., KTM
Deacon Denno, Malakoff, Texas, Husqvarna
Landen Gordon, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
McKayden Fitch, Elbert, Colo., Husqvarna
Brennon Harrison, Jacksonville, Fla., KTM
Supermini 2 (13-16) Moto 1 Outcomes
Landen Gordon, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
Canyon Richards, Estell Manor, N.J., KTM
Cole Timboe, Calimesa, Calif., KTM
Seth Dennis, Groveland, Fla., KTM
Deacon Denno, Malakoff, Texas, Husqvarna
Seth Dennis went wire-to-wire to snatch the Moto 1 in finding in Supermini 1. Photo Courtesy: MX Sports / Align MediaLanden Gordon overcame a tip-over within the principle Supermini 2 moto to suppose victory. Photos Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media
Moto 2: Launch Pro Sport
The return of Launch Pro Sport highlighted the effect of 2d motos that concluded the afternoon on Wednesday as Monster Vitality Yamaha Huge name Racing’s Daxton Bennick regarded to obtain the effect he left off following a Moto 1 victory. Unfortunately for his opponents, that’s precisely what came about.
Bennick opened the moto with the early advantage to snatch the STACYC Holeshot and snatch the early lead over NSA Yamaha Newbie Factory Workers rider Gavin Towers. The Yamaha mounted opponents had been chased swiftly by outdated pro Ben Lamay aboard his KTM, nonetheless soon distanced themselves from the self-discipline as Bennick became as soon as able to grow his lead to more than five seconds. As Towers settled into 2d the rider who became as soon as producing seemingly the most consideration became as soon as KTM Orange Brigade’s Julien Beaumer, new off his 250 Pro Sport triumph. Beaumer became as soon as forced to battle his plan forward from a ninth effect inaugurate, nonetheless broke into the high five by the midway point of the moto.
Beaumer closed onto the rear fender of Triangle Cycles Yamaha’s Bryce Shelly, who ran third for quite so much of the moto, and efficiently made the hump with correct a handful of laps final. Beaumer then effect his sights on Towers, who had fallen inspire more than 10 seconds to Bennick within the unhurried stages of the moto. Once he bought discontinuance sufficient to mount an assault, Beaumer made fast work of Towers to rob over the runner-up self-discipline.
Bennick by no plan put a wheel immoral and regarded far more impressive en route to his 2d moto in finding. Beaumer’s daring effort became as soon as rewarded with a 2d-effect consequence, whereas Towers as soon as yet again leveraged his impartial correct inaugurate correct into a podium consequence in third.
Launch Pro Sport Moto 2 Outcomes
Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha
Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu Metropolis, Ariz., KTM
Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Yamaha
Bryce Shelly, Telford, Pa., Yamaha
Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Honda
Daxton Bennick became as soon as far more dominant in Launch Pro Sport Moto 2. Photos Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media
Moto 2: Senior (40+)
The third replacement to judge legends Mike Brown and Jeff Emig had followers furious because the Senior class lined up on the gate for its 2d moto. Thru the principle two races Brown enjoyed a clear tempo advantage over Emig, despite the indisputable fact that Emig nabbed a in finding after some danger for Brown.
With his hopes of going undefeated dashed, Brown no query wished to style a degree in his third gate fall of the week. When the gate dropped, Brown’s KTM swiftly jumped out on the leisure of the self-discipline as he simply earned the STACYC Holeshot. From there he dropped the hammer and ran far off from the Yamahas of Kris Keefer and Robert Fitch. Just like the day prior, Emig didn’t nail the inaugurate and began his moto in fifth aboard his KTM.
By the high of the 2d lap Brown became as soon as particular of the self-discipline by a double-digit margin and became as soon as no longer going to let up nor style one other miscue that would maybe well presumably tag him a in finding. By the midway point of the moto the lead had swelled to impartial about 30 seconds, which shifted the purpose of interest on Emig’s methodical march thru the self-discipline. One-by-one Emig picked up a self-discipline from his opponents and quickly realized himself in firm administration of third, giving mosey to Fitch, who held his contain. Emig wished to camouflage patience as Fitch saved him at bay for the bulk of the moto. A miscue by Fitch unhurried within the moto gave Emig the outlet he wished to suppose the effect.
Brown became as soon as in a category of his contain as soon as yet again and made it particular that right here’s his title to lose. Emig as soon as yet again impressed in his ability to style passes and switch forward into 2d, whereas Fitch made his presence felt with a sturdy third-effect consequence.
Senior (40+) Moto 2 Outcomes
Mike Brown, Bluff Metropolis, Tenn., KTM
Jeff Emig, Riverside, Calif., KTM
Robert Fitch, Elbert, Colo., Yamaha
Shane Kelleher, Cumberland, R.I., Honda
Dennis Stapleton, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda
Mike Brown emphatically reasserted his dominance of the aged classes. Photos Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media
2023 AMA Newbie National Motocross Championship Wednesday Winners
Moto 1
65cc (7-9): Jaydin Neat, Berry Creek, Calif., Cobra
250 C Jr. (12-17) Restricted: Kyle Paleologos, Auburn Ala., Yamaha
450 B Restricted: Jeremy Fappani, Scottsdale, Ariz., KTM
85cc (10-12) Restricted: Wyatt Thurman, Burleson, Texas, KTM
Senior (forty five+): Ronnie Renner, Floral Metropolis, Fla., KTM
250 C Restricted: Lope Haynes, Scottsdale, Ariz., Kawasaki
Ladies (11-16): Mayla Herrick, Thornton, Colo., Husqvarna
65cc (10-11): Easton Graves, Walker, La., KTM
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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to secure a thrilling victory at his team’s home race in Monza, Italy, skillfully nursing his increasingly worn tires to the finish line ahead of a charging Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who had led for much of the race after overtaking his McLaren teammate and polesitter Lando Norris at the first chicane, had opted for a two-stop strategy due to concerns over tire degradation. As Norris also pitted, Ferrari’s Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took the lead. Despite Piastri’s late surge on fresher tires, he couldn’t close the gap and finished second, with Norris overtaking Sainz to take third.
The win sparked ecstatic celebrations from thousands of Italian tifosi who filled the grandstands, flooding onto the track to witness Leclerc celebrate on the podium, with a massive Ferrari banner and red smoke filling the air. Leclerc, who is third in the driver standings, expressed his joy, comparing the emotions to his 2019 victory and emphasizing the significance of winning at Monza and Monaco, which he considers the most important races of the season. He praised the tifosi and reflected on how special this win was.
Meanwhile, Norris was visibly disappointed, having dropped from first to third after a series of mistakes and a less effective race strategy. Despite this, he managed to close the gap to Max Verstappen in the driver standings and showcased McLaren’s competitive pace. Verstappen finished sixth but remains well ahead in the championship. Piastri, who finished second, expressed his frustration, acknowledging that while the pace was strong, the final result was disappointing. He admitted that the team’s strategy decisions played a role in the outcome, making the close second-place finish particularly painful.
Carlos Alcaraz faced a stunning defeat in the US Open second round on Thursday, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The Dutchman, ranked 74th in the world, triumphed over the 21-year-old Spaniard with scores of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Alcaraz, the world No. 3 who recently claimed an Olympic silver medal and the Wimbledon title, struggled from the start and never found his rhythm, ending the match with 28 errors. Van de Zandschulp sealed his victory with an ace, marking his first win over a top-10 player at a Grand Slam and delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets in recent years. The crowd applauded the Dutchman’s remarkable performance as Alcaraz acknowledged him and waved to the audience before leaving the court.
In a post-match interview with ESPN, Van de Zandschulp expressed his astonishment. “It’s been an incredible evening,” he said. “Playing my first night session at Arthur Ashe with such an amazing crowd was unbelievable.”
He admitted to feeling nervous while closing out the match but emphasized the need for composure against top players. “You have to stay unbelievably calm and focused; otherwise, they will take advantage.”
Alcaraz’s defeat ends his 15-match unbeaten streak at the US Open and marks his earliest exit from a major since Wimbledon 2021. Van de Zandschulp, who has only progressed past the fourth round of a Grand Slam once, will face British 25th seed Jack Draper in the third round on Saturday.
Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Jr. is aiming for a historic season, revealing in an exclusive interview that he believes Los Blancos have the potential to achieve a historic treble. The Brazilian forward also expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of his Brazilian idols by winning the Ballon d’Or.
In a conversation at his Madrid home, Vinícius expressed confidence in Real Madrid’s chances of excelling across all major competitions this season as they prepare to defend their Champions League title.
“Every year, our goal is to win every title we can,” Vinícius stated, reflecting on the club’s ambitions before their sixth European Super Cup victory against Atalanta.
Could Madrid Achieve Their First-Ever Treble?
Despite its numerous successes, Real Madrid has never achieved a European treble, comprising the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. FC Barcelona remains the only Spanish club to have accomplished this feat, doing so in 2009 and 2015.
Vinícius Jr. explained why the treble has proven elusive, noting, “The Copa del Rey often disrupts our chances because it involves challenging teams throughout January, a period packed with games. This makes the cup competition particularly tricky.” While Vinícius emphasized that winning the club’s 16th Champions League is the squad’s top priority, he is also driven by the desire to “finally secure the treble.”
“The Champions League is the most challenging and prestigious competition, and it’s where Real Madrid always aims to excel,” he said. “Our fans expect us to win it, and so our focus is on achieving success in every competition we enter, with the ultimate goal of securing the treble.”
To truly grasp Vinícius Jr.’s impact over the past season, one needs to look at the numbers. His 15 league goals played a pivotal role in securing another Spanish title for Real Madrid. Additionally, his decisive goal in the Champions League final helped clinch Madrid’s second title in three years with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so I cherish every moment as if it were the last,” Vinícius said. “Everyone wants to win with the best team in the world, and being able to score so many goals in important matches and contribute so significantly… I’m only 24, and I aim to continue this way for many more years, making history with this incredible team. Not everyone gets this opportunity, so I emphasize savoring every moment in this jersey.”
Despite missing two months of the 2023/24 season from November to January, Vinícius ended the campaign as Madrid’s top scorer, with 24 goals and 11 assists.
Dreams of Gold
With his ability to deliver in crucial moments and impressive statistics throughout the season for one of the world’s top clubs, it’s no surprise that Vinícius Jr. is the favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the world.
For Vinícius, claiming the award represents more than just personal achievement; it’s about honoring his Brazilian heritage and joining the ranks of his country’s greatest soccer stars. He aims to follow in the footsteps of legends like Marta, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Kaká, all of whom have been recognized as the best in the world at various points in their careers.
“Marta is a true icon in women’s football. I deeply admire her for elevating the sport and making women’s football as respected as it deserves to be. She’s a pioneer, much like Pelé and Ayrton Senna are to Brazil,” Vinícius said.
He added, “For the men’s game, Kaká, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo are my role models. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, in particular, are close to me and consistently encourage me to strive for the Ballon d’Or.”
Vinícius also shared that he has recently spent time training with Ronaldo Nazário, receiving personal guidance from the legendary forward.
“I recently trained at Ronaldo’s house in Ibiza, and he advised me, ‘Spend a few more days training here, and you’ll be closer to winning the Ballon d’Or.’ These are players who have achieved extraordinary things, and competing for the Ballon d’Or and winning an award that they have won would be truly incredible.”
The New Galácticos Era
Teammates Jude Bellingham and the newly signed Kylian Mbappé will be Vinícius Jr.’s primary rivals for the Ballon d’Or in October, as this latest version of Real Madrid boasts exceptional talent across the board.
Despite Mbappé being a key contender for football’s top honor, Vinícius is thrilled to have the former PSG star join the Spanish giants. “The team has been very strong for a long time,” he said.
“With Mbappé’s arrival, people are talking about the potential for us to become unstoppable, but for now, we need to focus on having great training sessions and quickly building our understanding on the field.”
Vinícius, who has long admired Mbappé from afar, is excited about playing alongside the World Cup winner. He expressed his admiration for Mbappé’s style and achievements, saying, “I love how he plays and I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve this season. He’s joining us after scoring many goals and winning numerous titles, and he’s coming to the club he has always dreamed of playing for—Real Madrid.”
“God willing, Mbappé will score as many goals for us as he did with his previous team and the national team, and hopefully even more with us,” Vinícius said.
While Vinícius assisted on the opening goal and Mbappé scored in his official debut for Los Blancos during a 2-0 UEFA Super Cup victory, Madrid stumbled in their La Liga opener against a determined Mallorca side, settling for a 1-1 draw away from home. This result highlighted the need for the team to develop better cohesion before reaching their peak performance.
Despite the setback in Son Moix and experiencing some early struggles in their home opener against Real Valladolid—where they eventually secured a 3-0 win—the stage is set for what promises to be an exceptionally successful season for Madrid.
Focused on Achieving Success with Madrid
Recently, there have been rumors suggesting that Vinícius Jr. was offered an astonishing $1 billion to move to Saudi Arabia, similar to speculation about his new teammate Mbappé in July 2023.
Despite the buzz, the Brazilian star made his future intentions clear: “I always strive to be among the best, and with each passing day at Real Madrid, I grow more confident.”
“I’ve already won two Champions Leagues, and I play alongside teammates who have each won six titles—like Dani Carvajal. Their experience motivates us daily to push beyond our limits andshows that anything is possible with our current team shows that anything is possible with our current team.
Achieving two Champions League victories in three years was incredibly challenging. Staying at the top level is even harder, so my goal is to maintain this level of performance for a long time and win as many Champions League titles as Carvajal, Luka Modrić, Nacho, and Toni Kroos, who have each won six.
We might have one of the best teams for the coming decade, and now it’s up to us to demonstrate our capability on the pitch. With each game, my teammates and I are working towards winning even more titles for Real Madrid.”
The final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is just under six years away, and the design for the stadium hoping to host the grand event has finally been unveiled.
The Grand Stade Hassan II, located in El Mansouria, Morocco—one of the three co-hosting countries alongside Spain and Portugal—is being hailed as potentially “the largest football stadium in the world.” Designed by Oualolou + Choi and Populous, it aims for a staggering capacity of 115,000.
Set on a 100-hectare (about 247 acres) site north of Casablanca, the stadium’s design is inspired by a “moussem,” a traditional communal tent, with an aluminum lattice covering the stands and tiered gardens. The stadium will feature a botanical garden on the ground floor. According to Tarik Oualalou, design principal and founding partner at Oualolou + Choi, the design is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, combining traditional elements with modern expressions.
The stadium’s layout is tailored for World Cup events, with nearly 30,000 seats dedicated to general admission fans at each end and the central area reserved for boxes, hospitality, VIPs, and VVIPs.
“This will be a truly iconic venue for Morocco and football, becoming one of the world’s great stadia,” said Christopher Lee, managing director at Populous, EMEA. The Grand Stade Hassan II will face competition from other massive stadiums, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, which holds 132,000 spectators, and the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, with a capacity of 114,000.
Populous, known for designing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Emirates Stadium, is behind this ambitious project. After multiple unsuccessful bids, Morocco secured its place as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup. The final decision on which venue will host the final is still pending, though Real Madrid’s renovated Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a strong contender.
Preparations at the site outside Casablanca are underway, with Oualolou + Choi and Populous working to bring this grand vision to life in the coming years.
Men’s gymnastics in the U.S. has been struggling for decades, with numerous high school and college programs shutting down, including notable Big Ten programs like the University of Minnesota and University of Iowa, which were cut in 2021.
However, the U.S. team’s performance at the Paris Olympics, composed entirely of NCAA gymnasts, has renewed optimism among college coaches. The Olympians hailed from Stanford, the University of Michigan, Penn State, and the defunct University of Minnesota program. Despite representing a fifth of all current programs, this is a small fraction of the 15 active programs—12 in Division I and three in Division III.
A bright spot for the sport appeared in the fall of 2021, when Simpson College and Greenville University announced new men’s gymnastics programs. This was a notable development, as no new teams had been added in 60 years. Penn State Head Coach Randy Jepson expressed enthusiasm for this momentum.
Though Simpson and Greenville are smaller Division III schools compared to large Division I institutions like the University of Michigan, their competitive spirit is evident. Simpson Head Coach Colin Payne emphasized focusing on their own performance rather than comparing facilities.
Despite their size, Simpson and Greenville have already shown competitive prowess, with Greenville ranking higher than William & Mary and Army at the end of the past season.
The early success of new gymnastics programs is promising, but historical data suggests that winning alone may not be enough to ensure a program’s longevity. Eleven programs that once won national championships have since been discontinued.
Financial stability often determines a program’s survival. While sports like football and basketball typically generate revenue, gymnastics faces unique challenges. With recent changes in NCAA policy—such as the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and student-athletes being treated more like employees—there are new opportunities for gymnastics. This shift follows California’s 2019 law allowing athletes to earn endorsement money and a landmark 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting education-related payments, which have redefined college sports.
Simpson College Head Coach Colin Payne sees potential in merging this private enterprise model with college athletics. He believes that the specialization and existing privatized model in gymnastics could benefit from NIL opportunities, which are less common in other sports.
The recent Olympic success provides an additional boost. “In my coaching career, this is probably one of the most optimistic points for me,” Payne told CNN. “We have genuine interest now, and we hope to leverage the momentum from the Olympics and the success of athletes like Stephen Nedoroscik.”
Nedoroscik, who won bronze for the U.S. in the team event and on the pommel horse, has already had a significant impact on the sport. His success has sparked unprecedented interest in his hometown gym, with many parents eager to enroll their sons. His recent appearance on the Tonight Show also highlights the growing visibility of gymnastics.
The pommel horse specialist surprised many by making the Team USA squad, given he competes in only one of the six events in men’s gymnastics. However, his selection proved invaluable as his performance was crucial in securing bronze in the team event, alongside his individual achievements.
While Nedoroscik is technically exceptional, it’s his distinctive personality that has truly captivated the public. Known for his thick-rimmed glasses—leading the internet to nickname him the “Clark Kent” of Team USA—he also stands out for his sideline meditation and love for Rubik’s cubes.
His college coach, Randy Jepson, views Nedoroscik as a prime example of a gymnast who thrives in the sport. “There are many boys who might not fit into traditional sports like basketball, football, or soccer. They may see the world differently, be more cerebral, and still seek athletic opportunities,” Jepson said. “Gymnastics offers that chance due to its unique challenges and excitement, providing a fun and fulfilling experience for those who are a bit different.”
Other coaches agree with this perspective, recognizing that gymnastics appeals to a specific type of athlete who needs programs available at all stages of development to nurture their interest.
“Many talented gymnasts, who might not reach Olympic levels but have significant potential, step away from the sport once they reach high school because there aren’t enough opportunities,” Payne noted.
To build on the success of the Olympic team, there must be opportunities for gymnasts from youth through high school and into college. “In gymnastics, the Olympics is essentially the professional level,” Payne added.
While many elite female gymnasts turn professional right out of high school, most members of the U.S. men’s national team are currently in college or recent graduates. This means that fans can see these world-class athletes compete in NCAA meets every weekend without having to travel to Paris.
“The level of gymnastics displayed at NCAA championships, and even at conference meets, is on par with Olympic-level performances,” Jepson said.
Despite competing against one another, teams understand they share the common goal of growing the sport. “Men’s gymnastics is a collective effort, and it’s moving in a positive direction,” Greenville University Head Coach Zach Peters told CNN Sport. “It’s rare to see such strong relationships among head coaches.”
The sport still has room for growth, but the recent success of Team USA offers hope for a brighter future.
“Fans are witnessing the best gymnasts competing every weekend during the collegiate season,” Jepson said. “They’re seeing top-tier performances consistently.”
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both former college basketball stars, are now making significant strides in the WNBA. On Sunday, Clark led the Indiana Fever to a commanding 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, while setting a new league record.
Clark scored 23 points and recorded her 225th assist during the game, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s long-standing record for the most assists by a rookie in WNBA history. Clark, who tops the league with an average of 8.3 assists per game, expressed her gratitude for breaking the record held by Penicheiro, a revered figure in the sport.
The historic assist occurred in the second quarter, and Penicheiro celebrated the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), praising Clark’s achievement. “Records are meant to be broken…it shows growth and evolution. Can’t think of a better player to break it,” Penicheiro wrote. The Fever also shared a video of Penicheiro congratulating Clark, who ended the game with nine assists and a season total of 232.
In her standout rookie season, Caitlin Clark has already set several WNBA records, including becoming the first rookie to achieve a triple-double and setting a new high with 19 assists in a single game. This past Sunday, Clark added another milestone by surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s record for most assists by a rookie, finishing with 232 assists and leading the Indiana Fever to a 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese is making waves of her own. In a game on Sunday, Reese scored 19 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in an 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record 20 double-doubles in a single season. Reese reached this achievement in just 27 games and is now only two double-doubles away from tying Tina Charles’ rookie record for the most double-doubles in a season, as noted by ESPN. Earlier this season, Reese also set the record for most consecutive double-doubles.
As the WNBA resumes play after the Olympic break, both rookies are poised to continue their record-breaking performances. Clark’s Indiana Fever (13-15) will next face the Minnesota Lynx, while Reese’s Chicago Sky (11-16) will take on the Connecticut Sun. With their exceptional play, it’s clear that Clark and Reese will keep making history this season.
Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba’s journey epitomizes resilience and determination. The 25-year-old athlete made history by becoming the first-ever medalist for the Refugee Olympic Team, securing a bronze in the women’s 75kg boxing category at the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Ngamba, born in Cameroon, faced numerous hardships from a young age. At 11, she moved to the United Kingdom seeking a brighter future, only to confront additional struggles with citizenship and endure time in a detention camp due to paperwork issues.
Her life took a transformative turn at 15 when she discovered boxing. “Every day is a learning day in boxing. You have your ups and downs, just like in life in general,” Ngamba shared with CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. Boxing not only served as a mental refuge but also became a source of empowerment and self-discovery.
Through boxing, Ngamba found solace and strength, overcoming the challenges of her past, including her difficult immigration process. Despite her rising success and training with the Great Britain boxing team, she continues to fight for British citizenship. Ngamba was granted refugee status due to the criminalization of same-sex activity in Cameroon, adding another layer to her inspiring story.
Team of Refugee Athletes
The Refugee Olympic Team Provides a Platform for Displaced Athletes to Shine on the Global Stage. Comprising 37 athletes this year, the team aims to showcase how refugees enrich society.
‘We should embrace refugees as valuable assets to our communities. They have the potential to be outstanding role models, just like the members of the Refugee Olympic Team,’ said Yusra Mardini, former refugee Olympian, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and subject of the Netflix film ‘The Swimmers,’ in an interview with CNN.
These athletes may have lost everything and had to start anew in a foreign country, building new connections, learning a new language, and finding a sense of home. Sports can offer them an essential escape, aiding in their mental health, overcoming trauma, and rebuilding their self-esteem,’ Mardini continued.
Worldwide Refugee Crisis
Ngamba’s bronze medal is a landmark achievement for the Refugee Olympic Team and a beacon of hope for millions of displaced individuals globally.
‘This medal signifies that I am human, just like everyone else. Despite numerous obstacles, I stood firm and emerged victorious,’ Ngamba shared.
‘I hope that by winning this Olympic medal and representing refugees worldwide, people will recognize us as athletes who aspire to reach great heights.’
As of May 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a record 120 million forcibly displaced people around the world.
Escalating Tensions
A touching moment followed Ngamba’s bronze medal win when Team GB’s Lewis Richardson draped his Union Jack flag around her during the celebrations in Paris.
‘It meant the world to me,’ Ngamba said. ‘Lewis, the GB boxers, and I have shared the ring and they’ve always treated me like family. Sharing that moment with him, knowing our mutual struggles, was deeply emotional.’
Ngamba’s achievement comes amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in various countries, including the UK.
The nation is facing its most severe unrest in over a decade, with far-right, anti-immigrant violence surging following a misinformation campaign linked to a stabbing attack that killed three children in Southport, northern England.
In stark contrast to these protests, Ngamba’s Olympic podium appearance highlights the positive impact refugees can have. Her historic medal for the Refugee Olympic Team not only represents her personal resilience but also symbolizes the broader contributions of refugees striving for a better future.
McDonald’s France took a playful jab at the recent men’s basketball final during the Paris Olympics with a cheeky social media post. Following Steph Curry’s stellar performance—where he scored eight three-pointers to propel Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France—the French branch of the fast-food chain shared a tongue-in-cheek message on Instagram.
Their post, which garnered nearly 15,000 likes within just seven hours, humorously suggested they might be “considering removing” their Classic Curry dipping sauce in light of Curry’s outstanding play. The post, accompanied by a photo of the beloved sauce, was a clear nod to Curry’s impressive performance, which included four critical three-pointers in a crucial 2-minute and 13-second stretch during the final moments of the game.
McDonald’s France’s spokesperson clarified to Media that the post was a lighthearted reference to Curry’s remarkable contribution in the game. This defeat was a tough blow for the host nation, which had been narrowly trailing the U.S. by just three points with under three minutes left on the clock. The loss echoed a similar close defeat to the United States in the gold medal match at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where France fell short in a tight 87-82 game.
The excitement from the Summer Games is still buzzing as the annual Tour de France Femmes began on Monday, following the closing ceremony in Paris. This year’s race, which features the world’s top female cyclists, started with an eight-stage event in the Netherlands due to the logistical demands of the recent Olympics.
In the sunny setting of Rotterdam, 153 riders lined up for the third edition of the race. Dutch cyclist Charlotte Kool of DSM-Firmenich PostNL claimed victory in the opening stage, marking her first-ever stage win and making history as the first stage win outside France for this event.
Charlotte Kool surged ahead of the pack to claim victory in the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, finishing more than a bike length ahead with a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 40 seconds. Overwhelmed by her achievement, Kool covered her mouth in disbelief before celebrating with raised arms as the crowd in The Hague cheered.
After dismounting, the Dutch rider sat on the road, covering her face with her hands, and described the win as a dream come true. “This is the best day of my life,” she said, visibly moved.
The field also includes 2024 Olympic road race champion Kristen Faulkner from the US, and defending champion Demi Vollering, who is back to retain her yellow jersey.
The Tour de France Femmes continues with a dynamic schedule starting Tuesday, featuring two stages. Stage 2 will cover 43.3 miles (69.7 kilometers) from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, followed by Stage 3, which is a solo time trial later that afternoon.
Stage 4 will see the race cross into Belgium, from Valkenburg to Liège. Thursday’s Stage 5 will take the peloton into France, navigating through eastern regions with subsequent stages running from Bastogne to Amnéville, Remiremont to Morteau, and Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand.
The grand finale on Sunday will culminate in the French Alps, with Stage 8 concluding atop the legendary Alpe d’Huez.
The 2022 edition marked a revival of the Tour de France Femmes, a race with a storied history dating back to September 1955.
Prashant Pujar, a visionary in Sports Science and Strength and Conditioning, has transformed the landscape of athletic training in India with his innovative methodologies. His journey, marked by remarkable achievements and groundbreaking inventions, stands as a testament to his expertise and dedication to enhancing athletic performance.
Prashant Pujar’s journey in Sports Science began at a young age, working with college and school-level players. His passion and commitment led him to establish a department dedicated to Strength and Conditioning at the Karnataka State Cricket Association. This foundation paved the way for training young U-16 and U-19 national players at the National Cricket Academy, many of whom now represent India on the international stage. Pujar’s expertise extended to training Indian players in prestigious tournaments conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), including the Duleep Trophy, the Irani Trophy, Karnataka Premier League, U-16 Hanumant, Deodhar Trophy, and Vizzy Trophy.
Prashant Pujar’s most significant contribution to sports science is his patented invention, Sports Science Technology, recognized by the Government of India. This innovative system includes the Super Sixes Test, specifically designed to assess and enhance sports performance. His unique approach involves creating new methods of assessments, training systems, and recovery protocols that ensure athletes reach their optimal fitness levels.
Pujar has trained up to 150 athletes who have represented India at the international level and thousands of other athletes. His impact on the sports community is profound, having been instrumental in the success of 17 championship-winning teams, including the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His dedication to nurturing talent from the U-16 level has seen these athletes rise to represent India, contributing to the nation’s success on the global stage.
Despite facing significant challenges, including massive cyber attacks that delayed the launch of his product, Prashant Pujar remained steadfast in his vision. His resilience and perseverance have inspired many in the field of sports science. By creating a roadmap for athletes’ fitness from the beginning to their peak, Pujar has laid down parameters that ensure sustained excellence in performance.
Prashant Pujar’s vision extends beyond training elite athletes. Through his brand, Strength and Conditioning Powerhouse, he aims to bring his Sports Science Technology to coaches and trainers who can understand and apply these methodologies successfully. His goal is to help athletes and the general population achieve better fitness levels, ultimately contributing to the development of legendary athletes.
What sets Prashant Pujar apart from his peers is the originality and uniqueness of his system. His invention in sports science is a comprehensive approach that integrates strength and conditioning, tailored training methodologies, and recovery systems. This holistic approach ensures that athletes not only achieve peak performance but also maintain their fitness over time.
With all the love and accolades received for his invention, Prashant Pujar acknowledges the existence of forces that may try to suppress and derail his vision. His message to the world is clear: “With all the love and the accolades we received for the invention, there also lies a nexus that wants to suppress the invention, defame, and derail the vision simply because they don’t want you to do it.”
Prashant Pujar’s journey in sports science is a story of innovation, dedication, and resilience. His patented Sports Science Technology has revolutionized the way athletes train and perform, setting new benchmarks in the field. As a pioneer in sports science, Pujar’s vision is to empower coaches, trainers, and athletes, helping them achieve and maintain peak performance. His unique approach and groundbreaking methodologies continue to inspire and transform the world of sports.