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Why Iowa is the favourite to gain the ladies’s NCAA title

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Why Iowa is the favourite to gain the ladies’s NCAA title

DALLAS — The 2023 ladies’s NCAA basketball tournament has been beefy of upsets for the reason that 2d spherical, and Sunday’s nationwide championship matchup (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) reflects it: Or now no longer it’s the third NCAA title sport (and first since 2011) played with out a No. 1 seed, as the 2-seed Iowa Hawkeyes will rob on the No. 3 seed LSU Tigers for the excellent crown. To discover to this level, the Hawkeyes upset the defending nationwide champion and then-undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks within the nationwide semifinal, while the Tigers knocked off the Virginia Tech Hokies, the replacement final 1-seed within the ladies’s Closing Four.

Iowa and LSU beget masses of star energy: the Hawkeyes with guard Caitlin Clark and the Tigers with ahead Angel Reese. But both groups are new to this stage. Iowa is playing in its first Closing Four since 1993, while LSU is in its first since 2008. And both are within the title sport for the principle time — LSU went 0-5 within the Closing Four from 2004 to 2008. Or now no longer it’s trusty the third time this century that the nationwide championship sport participants are making their debut appearances within the final.

Following three nationwide championships at Baylor, LSU coach Kim Mulkey is correct the fourth head coach to rob a team to the nationwide title sport within their first two seasons of taking over a program, and totally Purdue‘s Carolyn Peck in 1999 received her squad across the give up line. That would possibly be the totally Colossal Ten program to gain it all; sooner than this weekend, a Colossal Ten team hadn’t developed this some distance since 2005 when Michigan Bid reached the final.

Clark (161 capabilities) needs trusty 17 capabilities to interrupt Sheryl Swoopes’ sage for heaps of capabilities in a single NCAA tournament (177 in 1993 with Texas Tech). She has been held to fewer than 17 capabilities trusty once this season, in mid-February versus Rutgers.

ESPN’s M.A. Voepel, Charlie Creme, Andrea Adelson and Alexa Philippou spoil down the extremely anticipated matchup and portion their predictions for which team will lower down the nets at the American Airways Heart.


No one has slowed Caitlin Clark. How will LSU shield her?

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Caitlin Clark hypes up Iowa crowd after upset gain

Caitlin Clark is speechless when attempting aid at her performance after Iowa’s intelligent gain.

Adelson: There used to be one message LSU delivered when asked this very inquire on Saturday. They all acknowledge that Clark will discover her capabilities. The predominant’s to now no longer let her teammates beget substantial nights, too. Coach Kim Mulkey acknowledged, “One minute you specialise in you are going to provide protection to her a positive scheme, you then watch the movie and replace your mind and budge, ‘Oh, that is now no longer going to work,'” Mulkey acknowledged.

Freshman Flau’jae Johnson is expecting to rob some accountability for the defensive assignment, but guard Alexis Morris acknowledged every person on the bottom is going to hope to make a contribution. “Contain you if truth be told beget a sport idea for Caitlin?” Morris acknowledged. “You trusty want to possess her, strive to make every shot contested. You do no longer would prefer to give her those straightforward looks. She’s a 3-level scorer. Or now no longer it’d be laborious to give up her. The totally component we can provide up is possess her. Our sport idea is to now no longer let the 2d and third and fourth and fifth avid gamers beget an all-world night because that is when we’re basically going to be in be anxious.”

Creme: As Mulkey and Johnson acknowledged, there isn’t very this sort of thing as an trusty approach to Clark when she’s playing love this. Even Clark acknowledged she is in a zone correct now. Whereas she has been especially correct within the NCAA tournament, she’s been in a zone plenty of the season.

One scheme LSU can approach Clark is to strive to rob away one in every of her high-level skills and dwell alongside with her exceeding at one more one. Contain the Tigers crowd Clark with extra than one defenders frequently and make her a passer? Or single quilt Clark off the ball cloak and make positive she can not discover the ball to her teammates? Neither is extraordinarily best, but nothing is with defending Clark. Mulkey and affiliate head coach Bob Starkey are among the totally at devising the very best possible approach. The inquire remains if there if truth be told is one for a player of Clark’s caliber the scheme she is playing now.

Philippou: After being courtside as Clark scored 113 capabilities and dished 28 assists at some level of the final three video games, all towards defensive-minded groups, it be sophisticated to envision Clark being if truth be told contained at this level. And somehow on the splendid of phases, she totally looks to play greater, that means Sunday would possibly be no rather a form of. One component that has long past fairly beneath the radar is that Clark has mixed for 17 turnovers at some level of the final two video games. Neither Louisville nor South Carolina had been in a roundabout scheme capable of make the Hawkeyes if truth be told pay for it, but can the Tigers?

Voepel: At this level, all of us know everything that hasn’t worked. Blanketing Clark with defenders would possibly be the totally option. Strive to frustrate her in as many ways as that you most definitely can recall to mind as a scorer, and hope she would no longer give up up with high double-digit assists.

Iowa has a substantial defensive device, too. How must the Hawkeyes match up with Angel Reese?

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Mulkey says LSU’s sense of urgency used to be key vs. Hokies

Kim Mulkey says the Tigers’ tactic with time used to be most important to their comeback vs. Virginia Tech, seventy 9-72, then discusses the feelings of being on the nationwide stage.

Philippou: One of many issues (Iowa coach Lisa) Bluder highlighted namely about Reese’s sport used to be her dominance on the offense glass (where she averages 6.5 boards per sport), in addition to to her agility and skill to address the ball. What’s attention-grabbing about Iowa’s sport towards South Carolina used to be that the Hawkeyes gave up 26 offensive rebounds but done with trusty 24 2d-chance capabilities. Meanwhile, what helped discover Reese entering into the 2d half of of her sport used to be that she upped her effort on the glass as the game proceeded (she had two rebounds at the half of and 10 afterward), and the Tigers as a whole had 14 2d-half of, 2d-chance capabilities. Whereas Iowa packed the paint and dared South Carolina to shoot from the perimeter, Bluder would possibly now no longer love that concept if she’s announcing LSU is a greater capturing team. If this is the case, that also can aid Reese beget extra room to operate interior, but either scheme, the Hawkeyes will want to field her out, what is most incessantly a neighborhood effort entertaining extra than one avid gamers.

Adelson: Bluder also renowned that Reese looks to be playing extra free at LSU, in contrast to the final time they saw her at Maryland final twelve months. That is one thing Reese has talked about at length — having the flexibility to be herself and utilize her versatility to reduction her team with out being boxed into one role. Correct in case you specialise in you’ve got got slowed Reese down, she finds a means to make plays, so there can not be any complacency within the scheme Iowa guards her. Even towards Miami within the Elite Eight, when she wasn’t having a wide capturing night, she had 18 rebounds and acquired to the free throw line 10 cases.

Voepel: Reese has a soft mobility and leaping means that is rather a form of than what the Hawkeyes faced towards South Carolina. She would possibly be as the praise goes, “slippery” within the paint. She will be able to be able to soar above somebody on either team, which would perhaps perhaps assign Iowa’s post avid gamers love Monika Czinano and McKenna Warnock in tainted be anxious attempting to provide protection to her.

As opposed to Clark and Reese, who’re the replacement valuable avid gamers on the court docket and why?

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Caitlin Clark sets semifinal sage with 41-level performance in Iowa’s gain

Caitlin Clark ratings an NCAA semifinal-sage 41 capabilities in Iowa’s intelligent upset of South Carolina.

Philippou: Clark would possibly now no longer be the totally star within the backcourt. Fifth-twelve months senior guard Alexis Morris hit so many substantial shots for LSU within the semifinal, together with scoring half of of the Tigers’ 16 first-quarter capabilities when offense used to be otherwise fairly more difficult to rep. After Mulkey challenged her team going into the fourth quarter to approach the game love there used to be totally two minutes left, Morris took the message to heart, scoring the principle 5 capabilities of the fourth to reduction pull LSU within four and discover rolling the leisure of the scheme.

Bluder acknowledged Saturday, “I basically feel love, again, we’re playing South Carolina, nearly with fairly bit greater shooters.” Morris (alongside with Kateri Poole) can fit that mold as now no longer frequently the totally 3-level shooter, but a snatch one. Plus, would now no longer it be fitting that after her winding race in college, and with Mulkey, that Morris helps her coach make historical past with LSU’s first title within the grandest of ways?

Adelson: If Iowa needs to strive to replicate its effort interior the paint towards LSU, no person is extra crucial than Czinano, who gave an fantastic effort — even while she used to be outsized by South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso. Whereas Cardoso used to be able to ranking, Czinano used to be an wide key in limiting Aliyah Boston to trusty eight capabilities. Czinano done with 18 capabilities, three rebounds and three steals. Iowa easy received outrebounded, but Clark pointed to the resiliency her teammates showed interior. “We never received sorrowful, and I dangle that speaks to who this team is,” Clark acknowledged. “I do know Mon had a pair of trusty budge correct over her head. She tried her totally to field out. ‘Mon, it be OK. You beget received to take care of your head up. We now beget received this.’ I dangle it be trusty confidence and resiliency.”

Creme: LaDazhia Williams gave LSU a third scorer towards Virginia Tech and that used to be key. South Carolina didn’t receive a third except leisurely within the game when Raven Johnson made a pair of shots. Williams used to be there from the early going with eight of her 16 capabilities within the principle half of. Williams, at 6-foot-4, affords the Tigers some extra dimension. South Carolina would possibly no longer turn its dimension lend a give up Iowa correct into a gain, but the Gamecocks held a colossal 49-25 rebounding edge. If LSU, with Williams helping Reese interior, can replicate that dominance and discover the improved capturing that Alexa identified Morris, and most definitely Poole, can provide, the Tigers will be in correct region to gain the championship for the principle time.

Voepel: All the above are correct. Can even add in Iowa guard Kate Martin, identified as the Hawkeyes’ “glue player.” At 6-0, she is substantial enough to reduction guard post avid gamers and she can hit substantial shots as properly.

Who wins, LSU or Iowa?

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What makes Caitlin Clark special?

Doris Burke and Diana Taurasi analyze Caitlin Clark’s greatness at some level of her performance towards South Carolina.

Adelson: Iowa. It’s basically laborious to make a selection towards the Hawkeyes correct now. Clark is electrical and as unfamiliar as this sounds, she looks to beget hit an even elevated level over her final two video games. Attend-to-aid 41-level performances with the highlight on her — and towards the totally defensive team within the nation in South Carolina — how give up you identify towards that?

Creme: Iowa. As Alexa and Andrea beget identified, Bluder likened LSU’s form of play to South Carolina’s. The identical approach Iowa feeble on Friday want to be effective again. Sure, LSU’s coaching workers will make some changes in step with what it saw in Iowa’s gain over South Carolina, but the Tigers can not replace who they are in 36 hours. Clark has proven alongside with her on the bottom the relaxation is possible for this neighborhood of Hawkeyes, and this sage ends with them lowering down the nets.

Philippou: Iowa. I was impressed with how LSU took control of the game within the fourth quarter of the nationwide semifinal to erase a double-identify deficit and beat Virginia Tech, and with a coach as experienced as Mulkey on the sidelines, it’d be foolish to depend out the Tigers. But nationwide championships are rather typically received in which team has the most transcendent player on the bottom, and no one has fit that description extra this tournament than Clark. It can perhaps simply be her time, her twelve months.

Voepel: Iowa. Or now no longer it’s attention-grabbing that Clark didn’t play into the worn-out “no person believed in us” sage so overused in sports activities after the Hawkeyes beat South Carolina. As a replace, she used to be imminently life like, announcing with the Gamecocks being the final No. 1 seed and on a 42-sport a hit jog, why would now no longer somebody pick them? That is the sports activities fan in Clark; she knows every aspect of a matchup. But trusty because it used to be laborious to make a selection towards South Carolina going into Friday, how give up you identify towards Iowa now?

May perhaps well perhaps the Hawkeyes flee out of gas at final? Sure. May perhaps well perhaps LSU hit your whole shots that South Carolina didn’t? Entirely. And with Mulkey’s championship sport experience, LSU has one thing on its bench that Iowa would no longer. Peaceful, the Hawkeyes were playing too properly within the postseason to now no longer give them the nod now.

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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