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2023 LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR NATIONALS, DAY 1

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2023 LORETTA LYNN AMATEUR NATIONALS, DAY 1

Racing on the 2023 Monster Vitality AMA Amateur Nationwide Motocross Championship, supplied by AMSOIL, kicked off on Tuesday with a gap day that featured a stout slate of 23 motos. The action at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch started colorful and early, at 7:30 a.m. native time, and signified the first different for title hopefuls to develop their first assertion for the tension-stuffed week that lies forward for 36 varied classes.

The major day of motos on the 2023 Monster Vitality AMA Amateur Nationwide Championship commenced on Tuesday. Photograph Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media

Moto 1: Start Pro Sport

Arguably basically the most excessive-profile class on the Ranch, loads of attention centered on the first Start Pro Sport moto. A slew of contenders lined up on the gate, which saw Yamaha rider Mitchell Frantz emerge with the STACYC Holeshot, handiest to be overtaken by loads of riders. From there it became as soon as Bryce Shelley who took administration of the lead aboard his Yamaha, followed by GASGAS rider Evan Ferry and Honda rider Noah Viney. The Yamahas of Keegan Rowley and Daxton Bennick slotted into fourth and fifth, respectively.

A pair laps into the moto Bennick went on the payment and started a march to the front. He moved into the tip three by the completion of the 2d lap and didn’t relent, passing every Viney and Shelley on the same lap to rob administration of the moto. He then dropped his fastest lap to assign a pickle he would never relinquish.

As Bennick walked away with the moto, the action for a location on the moto podium became as soon as compelling. The early frontrunners of Shelly, Viney, and Ferry soon came below stress from a bevy of laborious chargers. After beginning ninth, Parker Ross piloted his Yamaha into the tip five and persisted a march into the tip three halfway by the moto. Lawful on the help of him, Yamaha rider Avery Long became as soon as on a huge transfer forward from 15th off the beginning. Shelly went from the early lead to dropping loads of positions in the 2d half of of the moto, while Viney battled it out with Ross and Long.
Bennick took an assertive opening moto secure by a double-digit margin, while Long closed out the moto stable with a slack proceed on Ross for the runner-up location. Ross followed closely in third.

Start Pro Sport Moto 1 Outcomes

  1. Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha
  2. Avery Long, Contemporary London, Minn., Yamaha
  3. Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Honda
  4. Mark Fineis, Westfield, Ind., GASGAS
  5. Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Yamaha
Daxton Bennick kicked off Start Pro Sport action with an emphatic Moto 1 secure. Photograph Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media

Moto 1: 250 B

Contemporary off a secure on the first Scouting Moto Combine of the twelve months early in July, Husqvarna rider Casey Cochran carried the momentum into the Ranch in the opening moto of 250 B. Out the gate it became as soon as Hayes Edward who led the field by the first turn aboard his Yamaha to rob the STACYC Holeshot. Yamaha rider Logan Easiest looked to venture for the lead but crashed, which allowed Cochran to love a examine sole stress on the tip location. He closed in and made the transfer earlier than the completion of the opening lap to manipulate the moto.
As Cochran looked to assign a lead Kawasaki rider Aden Keefer made his have faith push into 2d and dropped Edwards to Third. Misfortune struck Edwards on the ensuing lap and precipitated him to lose loads of positions. The emptiness for third became as soon as stuffed by Kawasaki rider Drew Adams. A puny while later a battle of Kawasaki’s unfolded as Adams became as soon as in a draw to secure the upper of Keefer and rob 2d. Adams proceeded to assign an organization address the draw.
While the lead duo asserted themselves out front, a multi-rider battle for third headlined the 2d half of of the moto. Keefer fended off GASGAS rider Landin Pepperd and Kawasaki rider Enzo Temmerman for several laps, but in the end dropped from third to fifth as every his opponents were in a draw to secure by. As this unfolded Temmerman vaulted his arrive from fifth to Third on a single lap and efficiently established some breathing room over Pepperd in fourth.
Cochran constructed his lead to better than 20 seconds in the closing laps and cruised to a dominant opening moto secure. Adams climbed from sixth off the beginning up to a audacious runner-up effort, while Temmerman moreover impressed in a march from thirteenth to Third.

250 B Moto 1 Outcomes

  1. Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
  2. Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki
  3. Enzo Temmerman, Visalia, Calif., Kawasaki
  4. Landin Pepperd, Wasilla, Alaska, GASGAS
  5. Aden Keefer, Hesperia, Calif., Kawasaki
Casey Cochran saved the momentum from his RedBud Combine triumph with a dominant Moto 1 victory in 250 B. Photograph Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media

Moto 1: Senior (40+) & Masters (50+)

A pair of AMA Pro Motocross champions headlined the battle throughout every opening motos in the Senior and Masters division, as KTM mounted opponents Mike Brown and Jeff Emig squared off. When the mud settled on this pair of motos, the legends every came away with a moto secure.
The major class to line up on the gate became as soon as Senior, which saw Kris Keefer out front early with the STACYC Holeshot aboard his Yamaha. Brown became as soon as within inserting distance after rising in fourth, while Emig had work to form with a beginning glorious outdoors the tip 10. It didn’t rob lengthy for Brown to develop his presence felt as he charged from fourth to first on the opening lap and never looked help.
By the 2d lap Brown’s lead had surpassed double digits, which shifted the eye to Emigs climb by the field. He became as soon as in a draw to interrupt into the tip five in glorious about a laps and then effect his sights on the rostrum with a proceed on Yamaha rider Robert Fitch for fourth. Emig then closed in on Keefer, who fell from 2d to fifth in the opening laps of the moto and battled his arrive help to reclaim the location. Emig made the transfer on Keefer to complete his chase to 2d. Brown received with ease while Emig enjoyed a laborious-fought runner-up earlier than Keefer in third.
When Masters lined up later in the afternoon Emig became as soon as looking for redemption to present Brown the more or much less stress he never faced in their preliminary outing. When the gate dropped the battle became as soon as on straight as Brown and Emig emerged in first and 2d, with Brown incomes the STACYC Holeshot.
Brown looked to develop an early assertion on his fellow previous titleholder and leveraged the sure tune to have a lead of better than five seconds on the opening lap. Emig without divulge settled into 2d but persisted to lose floor to Brown. As the moto entered its closing five minutes things took a dramatic and bustle-changing turn when Brown overjumped a drawback and broken his front wheel. His tempo dropped dramatically and allowed Emig to rob huge chunks out of what became as soon as a 19-2d deficit forward of Brown’s effort. Emig closed in slack and without divulge moved around a hampered Brown into the lead. He carried on to secure by better than a half of minute while Brown became as soon as in a draw to salvage a necessary runner-up consequence. Suzuki rider Barry Carsten finished third.

Senior (40+) Moto 1 Outcomes

  1. Mike Brown, Bluff Metropolis, Tenn., KTM
  2. Jeff Emig, Riverside, Calif., KTM
  3. Kris Keefer, Hesperia, Calif., Yamaha
  4. Dennis Stapleton, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda
  5. Robert Fitch, Elbert, Colo., Yamaha

Masters (50+) Moto 1 Outcomes

  1. Jeff Emig, Riverside, Calif., KTM
  2. Mike Brown, Bluff Metropolis, Tenn., KTM
  3. Barry Carsten, Bayville, N.J., Suzuki
  4. Gregory Pamart, Birdsboro, Pa., Kawasaki
  5. Gary Benton, Citadel Value, Texas, Yamaha
Mike Brown became as soon as in a category of his have faith in Moto 1 of the Senior class. Photos Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media
Jeff Emig emerged with the Moto 1 secure in the Masters class after Brown’s effort. Photos Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media

Moto 1: Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) & Mini Sr. 2 (13-15)

Coming into Loretta’s Husqvarna rider Vincent Wey became as soon as poised to be thought to be one of many tip minibike contenders, on the side of KTM rider Cole Blecha, GASGAS rider Jonathan Getz, moreover KTM riders Colby Lessar and Jayce Wolf. All riders were in the mix throughout every Mini Sr. 1 and Mini Sr. 2.

The major of the 2 classes to hit the tune became as soon as Mini Sr. 2 and it became as soon as Wolf who made his presence felt first with the STACYC Holeshot. Nonetheless, the rider on the transfer became as soon as Wey, who started glorious internal the tip five and managed to storm the total arrive around Wolf into the lead correct because the field done the opening lap. Wey became as soon as in a draw to scramble out to an early lead while Getz fought his arrive around Wolf for 2d. Lessar became as soon as moreover in a draw to secure around Wolf for third.

Wey and Getz started to distance themselves from the field while the battle for third persisted all the blueprint by the remainder of the moto because the KTM mounted trio of Lessar, Wolf, and Blecha gave inch to 1 one more. Wey carried on to the opening moto secure while Getz saved him correct all the blueprint by en route to 2d. Blecha became as soon as in a draw to develop a supreme lap proceed on Lessar for third.

When the gate dropped on Mini Sr. 1 it became as soon as a novel face to emerged with the STACYC Holehot in KTM rider Chadwick Nower. He held onto the lead for several turns earlier than Wey stormed previous and into the lead. The flexibility to secure out front early allowed Wey to assign a multi-2d wait on over Wolf, who moved into 2d, earlier than Blecha in third and Getz in fourth.

Wey enjoyed administration of the huge majority of the moto and managed a handful 2d margin over Wolf, who saved his Husqvarna mounted rival correct. That persistence by Wolf paid huge dividends because the moto entered its closing two minutes. Wey, who became as soon as in stout administration of the moto, crashed out of the lead after he substandard-rutted and went down, which allowed Wolf to mediate the lead glorious as Wey remounted. As the riders took the white flag, they were separated by two seconds and Wey made a push to try to shut help in. Nonetheless, one more miscue put Wey on the bottom as soon as one more time and saw him fall off the moto podium. Wolf closed out the moto secure over Getz in 2d, with Blecha in third and Wey fourth.

Mini Sr. 1 (12-14) Moto 1 Outcomes

    1. Jayce Wolf, Franklin, Wis., KTM
    2. Jonathan Getz, Passe Metropolis, Fla., GASGAS
    3. Cole Blecha, Fruita, Colo., KTM
    4. Vincent Wey, Murrieta, Calif., Husqvarna
    5. Colby Lessar, Centennial, Colo., KTM

Mini Sr. 2 (13-15) Moto 1 Outcomes

  1. Vincent Wey, Murrieta, Calif., Husqvarna
  2. Jonathan Getz, Passe Metropolis, Fla., GASGAS
  3. Cole Blecha, Fruita, Colo., KTM
  4. Colby Lessar, Centennial, Colo., KTM
  5. Jayce Wolf, Franklin, Wis., KTM
Vincent Wey became as soon as spectacular en route to the Moto 1 secure in Mini Sr. 2. Photos Courtesy: MX Sports / Align Media

2023 AMA Amateur Nationwide Motocross Championship Tuesday Winners

Vet (30+): Broc Peterson, Delta, Ohio, Honda
450 B: Nicolas Israel, Lake Elsinore, Calif., GASGAS
125 C: Makai Olerich, Waddell, Ariz, KTM
85cc (10-12): Darren Pine, Sir Bernard Law, Texas, GASGAS
65cc (7-9) Restricted: Kade Nightingale, Mounds, Okla., Yamaha
450 C: Tear Haynes, Scottsdale, Ariz., Kawasaki
250 B Restricted: Leum Oehlhof, Oak Hilla, Calif., Yamaha
65cc (10-11) Restricted: Jackson Vick, Highland Village, Texas, KTM
125 Jr. (12-17) B/C: Tiger Wood, Cairo, Ga., GASAS
Junior (25+): Heath Harrison, Silverhill, Ala., Honda
250 C: Damion Holmes, Kaneohe, Hawaii, Husqvarna
WMX: Kyleigh Stallings, Yukin, Okla., Kawasaki
College (18-24): Jaxon Pascal, Hudson, Colo., Honda
Micro 1 (4-6) Shaft Dr. Ltd.: Ollie Johnson, Alva, Fla., Yamaha
Micro-E (4-7) Restricted: Levi Meyer, Okeechobee, Fla., KTM
Micro 2 (4-6) Restricted: Kameron Buckman, Huntington, N.Y., Cobra
Micro 3 (7-8) Restricted: Abshur Hall, Morganton, N.C., Cobra

Sahil Sachdeva is an International award-winning serial entrepreneur and founder of Level Up PR. With an unmatched reputation in the PR industry, Sahil builds elite personal brands by securing placements in top-tier press, podcasts, and TV to increase brand exposure, revenue growth, and talent retention. His charismatic and results-driven approach has made him a go-to expert for businesses looking to take their branding to the next level.

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Charles Leclerc Secures Stunning Victory at Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari.

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Charles Leclerc

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.

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Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in US Open Second Round Upset

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Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in US Open Second Round Upset

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.

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Ballon d’Or Favorite Vinícius Jr Exclusive: ‘I Aim to Make History with Real Madrid’

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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.”

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“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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

 

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Design Unveiled for Grand Stade Hassan II: A Future Mega-Stadium for the 2030 World Cup

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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.

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Success at Paris Olympics Sparks Optimism for Men’s College Gymnastics Coaches

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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.

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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.

 

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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.”

 

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Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Set New WNBA Milestones

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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.

 

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Refugee Olympic Team’s Cindy Ngamba Makes History with First Medal, Aiming to Inspire Millions

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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.

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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.’

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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.

 

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McDonald’s France Playfully Considers Dropping Classic Curry Sauce After Steph Curry’s Victory Over French Team

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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.

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France’s Summer of Sport Heats Up with the Launch of the Tour de France Femmes

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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An Invention in Sports Science Applied Successfully

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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.

 

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