Tag: Olympics

14-year-old Australian skateboarder’s parents promised a pet duck if she wins gold, so she did

14-year-old Australian Trew’s parents told her that she could get a pet duck … under one Olympic condition.

Different countries award different prizes for the Olympics. Most give some financial figure, while it has been reported that others add on bonuses like a house. The ask of a 14-year-old to her family was much different:

Australian skateboarder Arisa Trew secured a promise from her parents that if she won gold, she could get a pet duck. With that extra motivation, she won.

“My parents promised if I won the gold medal I would get a pet duck,” she said to Australian outlet nine.com.au. “Because they are really cute, then I can take it on walks and take it to the skate park.”

She added that her parents wouldn’t allow a dog or cat due to the amount of travel of the family, but Trew felt like “a duck might be a little easier.” Apparently, her dad gave the thumbs-up, but her mom remained hesitant. Trew proposed the stipulation of her winning gold, and her mother approved.

“It will just be in my yard and I’ll get a little pool thing for it,” said.

“I’m going to take the duck to the skatepark as well,” she added in a video interview posted to Reddit.

Trew, who has been skateboarding since she was 8, won gold with a score of 93.18 on her final run, which included two 540s. Legend Tony Hawk, who gave tips to Trew last year to help her become the first girl to land a 720, complimented Trew on the gold medal.

“Congratulations to Arisa Trew on her epic last run in women’s park finals this afternoon, landing her to a well-deserved gold medal,” Hawk posted to Instagram, according to Nine.

She has the gold and the praise from Hawk, but it’s unclear if she has the final prize: the promised pet duck.

Simone Biles shows up at Bears vs. Bengals to watch her husband in the NFL preseason

With a walking boot on her left foot, the seven-time gold medalist was in the building to watch her husband, Jonathan Owens.

Fresh off dazzling crowds, creating meme-able moments and piling up more medals at the Summer Olympics, superb gymnast Simone Biles was spotted on Saturday taking in some NFL preseason action.

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist was in the house for the Chicago Bears’ exhibition game against the Cincinnati Bengals, obviously to watch husband Jonathan Owens pile up tackles for the Bears.

Biles strolled the sidelines before the game, waving to fans and sporting a walking boot on her left foot from a calf injury she endured at the Olympics. She also wore a hat, sunglasses, and oversized jacket with images of Owens playing printed on it.

Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; United States gymnast Simone Biles, right, enters the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; United States gymnast Simone Biles, right, enters the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; United States gymnast Simone Biles, right, stands on the sideline before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; United States gymnast Simone Biles, right, stands on the sideline before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a new era for the Bears, who signed Owens, a safety, to a two-year deal in March and then drafted USC quarterback Caleb Williams No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

John Hollinger on Rockets addition Jack McVeigh: Potent shooter, defensive limitations

In his latest NBA column, The Athletic’s John Hollinger cited both the good (shooting) and questionable (defense) aspects of Jack McVeigh’s fit in Houston.

Newly signed forward Jack McVeigh, now on a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets, had an encouraging showing for Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But it wasn’t perfect.

While McVeigh made a clear impact with his long-range shooting, he also played off the bench for Australia (in contrast to Rockets center Jock Landale, who started for the Boomers).

In a new column reviewing Olympics performances, The Athletic’s John Hollinger — formerly an NBA front-office executive with the Memphis Grizzlies — shared a balanced take on McVeigh.

Hollinger’s analysis:

Hardcore Cornhuskers might remember him from his three years at Nebraska, but he’s become a much more potent shooter since then, hitting 42.0% and 43.4% from 3-point range the past two seasons in Australia’s National Basketball League.

The 28-year-old McVeigh also has a thin frame and may be a bit undersized for an NBA four at 6-8, 215 pounds. He filled his role at the Olympics, making 10-of-19 on 3-pointers in 75 minutes for a shooting-starved Australia team, but him not starting ahead of overseas journeyman Nick Kay hints at some of the defensive limitations he may see at the next level.

That could make McVeigh something of a situational player in the 2024-25 season for head coach Ime Udoka. If a matchup calls for additional shooting and/or the opponent isn’t as capable of punishing McVeigh’s defensive limitations, that could open up a role.

On the other hand, if more defense is needed, that could make a player such as Jae’Sean Tate a better reserve option. Udoka and the Rockets will sort it out when training camp opens in late September.

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Sabrina Ionescu hit the Olympic Turkish shooter celebration during a Liberty blowout win

Hitting this pose, while up 37, is diabolical, Sabrina. WE LOVE IT.

Sabrina Ionescu hit a fantastic Yusuf Dikec celebration during a matchup with the Sparks, and we love to see it.

The Turkish shooter’s Olympic reign continues and isn’t showing any signs of slowing. Yusuf’s iconic one-arm shooting stance appears to be the thing to do after you absolutely nail something, and Sabrina brought the fun to a Sparks game. (We had it had to be you, Los Angeles.)

After Ionescu drained her third 3-pointer of the game — extending the lead to a paltry 37 points — she caught the attention of Brenna Stewart to celebrate. Sabrina then dropped a filthy, winking Yusuf sharpshooter celly and immediately let off a diabolical laugh. Fantastic stuff.

@espn

Wait for it 😂 #wnba #basketball

♬ original sound – ESPN

Part of feature image courtesy of ESPN.

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Jayson Tatum doesn’t deserve the current criticism

Jayson Tatum doesn’t deserve the amount of criticism that has been sent his way since winning a championship with the Boston Celtics.

Since winning a championship with the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum has been under a microscope. NBA fans and media have been questioning his position within the NBA hierarchy, with some sharing their belief that he is being overrated for his role within the Celtics championship roster. That noise grew louder as Tatum struggled throughout the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

There’s no denying that the St. Louis native struggled for Team USA. He was being asked to play a role that didn’t suit his skillset and was unable to find a rhythm as a result. However, over the past two years, he has unequivocally proven himself to be one of the top 10 players on the planet.

In the latest episode of the “First to the Floor” podcast, the hosts break down some of Tatum’s most memorable moments from his career to date before ranking them in order. The episode was designed to show some appreciation for Tatum at a time when there is a growing swell of negativity surrounding him.

You can watch the full episode by clicking on the embedded video above.

Subscribe to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3SGM4MK

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4dBiNuJ

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

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Rapinoe: Current USWNT ‘by far’ most talented group in program history

The USWNT legend said the group’s legacy will ultimately be defined by trophies

Megan Rapinoe has said that the U.S. women’s national team currently features the most talented group of players in program history.

The USWNT legend was in the stands on Saturday as the U.S. defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Olympic gold medal game, securing the team’s first major title since the 2019 World Cup.

Even with some recent stumbles, the USWNT is easily the most successful women’s program in history. The gold medal was the USWNT’s fifth, to go along with four World Cups. As Opta pointed out after the gold medal game, that total of nine major titles is more than every other country combined.

Even with such a storied history, Rapinoe believes that the current group is easily the most talented the USWNT has ever seen.

“I think this is by far the most talented group of players that we’ve ever had,” Rapinoe said on her podcast “A Touch More.”

The 39-year-old, who retired last year after a storied career that saw her win one gold medal and two World Cups, added that talent alone won’t see the current group go down as the greatest the USWNT has ever seen.

“I think they’re the most talented group, but their legacy will be defined by them and how many championships they win,” Rapinoe added. “That’s how you define your legacy. But this is an amazing first step and they all did it basically under 25, that core group.”

Of the 11 players who started against Brazil, six were age 25 or younger, with another two — Emily Fox and Mallory Swanson — age 26.

That group didn’t include four other under-25 players on the Olympic squad who look set to feature regularly in the coming years: Jenna Nighswonger, Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt and Jaedyn Shaw.

Rapinoe was also quick to highlight the contributions of some of the veteran players on the Olympic roster as well.

“Throw in veterans, obviously Lindsey Horan captaining the team to a win, Rose [Lavelle] has been there, [Emily] Sonnett has been there, Tierna [Davidson] even through she’s young, she’s been there a bunch of times.

“Crystal Dunn, also. Can we talk about Crystal Dunn? … She’s such an unsung hero. And obviously as a left back, you’re not always going to get the shine, but does she [ever] deserve it.”

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San Antonio star forward Victor Wembanyama on borrowing from Kevin Durant

“I made it clear to him that I wanted to learn from him and perhaps only steal one or two of his secret techniques,” said Wemby.

It’s always a historical moment when an all-time great and a generational talent on the upswing of their career meet. And when the younger player grew up a fan of the older, it adds an extra layer of intrigue. Such was the case when star San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama got a chance to talk with Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant after his French National Team fell to Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Wemby opened up on the exchange with Durant in a recent interview with French news outlet “M6 Info”. “Clearly this is my personal childhood favorite,” offered the French forward (translation theirs via Clutch Points).

“He became my favorite player, and … there was this one classic moment for encouragement and congratulations to each other (after Team USA won the gold).”

“I made it clear to him that I wanted to learn from him and perhaps only steal one or two of his secret techniques,” explained Wembanyama.

And understandably given the two share a massive if wiry frame that makes them so hard to guard. With Wemby already a monster on the defensive side of the game, it makes all the sense in the world to study up on the Slim Reaper’s game.

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Can Boston’s Olympians go from Olympic gold to a second championship?

Can the Boston Celtics gold medal-winning trio help bring back-to-back championships to the Celtics?

The Boston Celtics had three players on Team USA’s gold-medal-winning team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Jayson Tatum were all part of their country’s success this summer, allowing them to continue playing elite-level basketball after winning an NBA championship with the Celtics just a few months earlier.

Now, Boston’s Olympic trio must turn their attention back toward the upcoming season. The Celtics will have a target on their backs and will aim to win a second-straight championship to prove last season wasn’t an anomaly. A second straight championship would also disprove the narrative that their journey to the NBA Finals was an easy one.

During a recent episode of the “First To The Floor” podcast, hosts Jake Issenberg and Wayne Spooney discussed Boston’s upcoming season and why it’s important for their Olympic trio to share their current momentum in the locker room as the Celtics embark on what could be a memorable season.

You can watch the full episode by clicking on the embedded video above.

Subscribe to the “Celtics Chronicle” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3SGM4MK

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4dBiNuJ

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QnlPcS

Substack: https://bit.ly/3WoA0Cf

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On Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama and his worry for his basketball foes

The rising Spurs star is sure to make another leap, and he has given them all fair notice of what will be coming down the pike.

The French National Team may have had to settle for a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. But from the sounds of star forward Victor Wembanyama after the loss, he also does not plan on being on the losing side of the gold medal game next time around in Los Angeles.

Wemby issued a chilling warning to his basketball foes after the loss — and not just in international play. The rising Spurs star is sure to make another leap at the NBA level in the coming 2024-25 regular season, and he has given them all fair notice of what will be coming down the pike.

To talk over Wemby’s Olympic play and what we can glean from it about his season ahead with San Antonio, the San Antonio Express-News put out a clip on their official YouTube channel. It features Mike Finger and Spurs beat reporters Jeff McDonald and Tom Orsborn diving deep into all things Wembanyama. Check it out below!

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What should we take away from Spurs star Victor Wembanyama’s play in the 2024 Paris Olympics?

What will it mean for how he will play with the Spurs in the NBA’s 2024-25 regular season?

What should we take away from San Antonio Spurs star forward Victor Wembanyama‘s play in the 2024 Paris Olympics? By and large, the French National Team exceeded expectations on their way to a silver medal and competitive gold medal game.

And of course, Wemby played a major role in Team France’s success in Men’s 5 × 5 Basketball success, but what will it mean for how he will play with the Spurs in the NBA’s 2024-25 regular season? If what we saw from his growth in his rookie season is any indication, the addition of some real veteran talent to the team ought to have Wemby poised to make good on his post-Olympics warning.

To talk it all over on a recent episode of his show, the host of the “Locked On Spurs” podcast, Jeff Garcia, sat down with guest Jack Thompson, formerly with San Antonio Sports Star. Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say.

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