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ATHLETICS: Baylor’s Ezekiel runs 47.86 to star on day one of NCAA Champs in Eugene, as New Mexico gets its needed 1-2 in the 10,000 m

By
Rich Perelman
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Baylor 400 m hurdles star Nathaniel Ezekiel (Photo: Baylor University)

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≡ NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS ≡

The first of four days of the 103rd NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships got going at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, with men’s semifinals and finals, in good, bright conditions when the meet began at 4 p.m.

The team title chances of New Mexico depended on the 10,000 m final, with a possible 1-2 with collegiate record holder Ishmael Kipkirui (KEN) and defending champion Habtom Samuel (ERI).

Through 8,000 m, Kipkirui and Samuel were fourth and eighth, with Tulane freshman Bernard Cheruiyot leading a huge pack still in contention. Samuel moved up with three laps to go, with Kipkirui fourth, then Alabama’s Dennis Kipruto taking the lead with two laps left.

At the bell, Washington State’s Evans Kirui (KEN) had the lead, but Texas Tech’s Ernest Cheruiyot (KEN) taking the lead with a full sprint, with Kipkirui chasing.

The tactics worked, as Kipkirui got to the front and sprinted away to win in a runaway in 29:07.70, with a 53.4 final lap! Samuel moved into second past Cheruiyot and got the 1-2 New Mexico needed, in 29:08.73, ahead of Ernest Cheruiyot (29:10.37). Not fast, but it’s the team points that count most.

In the qualifying:

● 4×100 m semis: Defending champion Auburn won semi three and took the national lead at 37.97, equaling the meet record! South Florida, which had run 38.05, won semi two at 38.12 over LSU (38.14). Heat one winner Tennessee had only the fifth-fastest time overall at 38.47.

● 1,500 m semis: Collegiate record holder and national leader Liam Murphy of Villanova was only sixth in heat one at the end of an all-out mass sprint off a super-slow pace, in 3:52.44, while Bradley senior Jack Crull won in 3:51.96. Wisconsin’s Adam Spencer (AUS) made a final rush down the home straight to win semi two in 3:41.67, and the faster pace eliminated Murphy.

● 3,000 m Steeple semis: National leader Geoffrey Kirma (KEN) of Louisville broke up the race in the second half and then jogged in in third place in 8:31.42 as Kristian Imroth (GBR-Eastern Kentucky) won semi one in 8:30.65, followed by Mathew Kosgei (KEN-New Mexico) in 8:31.14. Iowa State’s Joash Ruto (KEN) pushed the pace in semi two and ended up winning in a fast 8:22.94, followed by Furman senior Carson Williams (8:24.33 lifetime best), with Paris Olympian James Corrigan of BYU an easy qualifier in 8:24.97.

● 110 m hurdles semis: Semi one saw Florida’s Demaris Waters and then Texas A&M star Ja’Qualon Scott disqualified for false starts. On the third try, it was Baylor frosh Demario Prince (JAM) who ran away late to win in 13.27 (+0.8 m/s), over John Adesola (RSA) of Houston (13.43). Favored Ja’Kobe Tharp (Auburn), the 2024 runner-up, was a clean winner in semi two in 13.15 (+1.1), ahead of a lifetime best of 13.29 from LSU junior Jahiem Stern (JAM). 

Co-national leader Kendrick Smallwood of Texas won semi three in 13.26 in a close rush to the line against Zachary Extine (Arizona: 13.32).

● 100 m semis: Tennessee’s T’Mars McCallum emerged late in semi one to win in 10.03, ahead of USC’s Max Thomas (10.09) with just 0.1 m/s wind assistance. In semi two, national leader Abdul-Rasheed Siminu (GHA-South Florida) was anything but impressive as the field was close for most of the race. LSU’s Jelani Watkins surged in the final 15 m to win in 10.02, with Israel Okon (NGR-Auburn) getting second (10.07) and Siminu was fourth in 10.11 … and did not qualify for the final.

Semi three had SEC champion Jordan Anthony of Arkansas, but Auburn’s Kayinsola Ajayi (NGR) took over by 50 m and won in a lifetime best of 9.92 (+1.6)! Jaiden Reid of LSU got second in 10.02, with Anthony fading to fourth in 10.06, but he did qualify on time.

● 400 m semis: Alabama’s Samuel Ogazi (NGR), second last year, had the lead at 200 m in semi one, and cruised in, timing 44.77. Texas Tech’s DeSean Boyce (BAR) moved well in the final 60 m for second in 45.15.

UCLA’s Gabriel Clement led off the final turn of semi two, but was passed by Gabriel Moronta (DOM-South Florida: 45.10) and William Jones (USC: 45.12). Clement got a lifetime best of 45.35 in third and qualified on time for the final.

Semi three had Joseph Taylor of Duke coming into the lead around the final turn, and held on over Jayden Davis (Arizona State), 45.10 to 45.44, with early leader Nathan Kent (Navy) coming in third in a non-qualifying 45.46.

● 800 m semis: Oregon’s Matthew Erickson (CAN-Oregon), the NCAA Indoor champion, led through the bell, but faded after 600 m. Arkansas’ Tyrice Taylor (JAM) fought off Oregon frosh Koitatoi Kidali (KEN) for the win in 1:45.23 to 1:45.31, with Erickson finishing fourth (1:45.89) and qualifying on time.

The 2024 runner-up, Texas A&M’s Sam Whitmarsh led a crowded field at the bell in 52.59, and he led into the final straight. But Cal Poly’s Aidan McCarthy squeezed by on the inside in the final 50 m to win the mass sprint in 1:47.25 to 1:47.29, the only qualifiers from this race.

Semi three had Arkansas’ Rivaldo Marshall (JAM), the 2024 NCAA Indoor champ, in front through 700 m, but was in an all-out sprint to the line against national leader Christian Jackson (Virginia Tech), who won in 1:47.09 to 1:47.14.

● 400 m hurdles semis: Semi one was a showcase for national leader Nathaniel Ezekiel (NGR), who took the lead right away and blew away the field in a lifetime best of 47.86, remaining no. 3 in the world for 2025! The tight race for second saw USC’s Johnny Brackins edge Bryce Tucker (Rutgers), with both timed in 50.14.

Tennessee frosh Saad Hint (MAR-Tennessee) was out hot and held on to win in 49.07, staying in front of Texas’ Kody Blackwood (49.09). Texas A&M’s Scott took off in semi three and although he tired in the final straight, won in 49.18. Texas Tech’s Oskar Edlund (SWE) came up for second in 49.66 and advanced.

● 200 m semis: Carli Makarawu (ZIM-Kentucky) led around the turn of semi one, but on the straight, USC’s Garrett Kaalund came on to win 20.01 (+0.4) to 20.14. Tennessee’s McCallum got the win in heat two in 20.03 (+1.4), with Texas’ Xavier Butler second in 20.12, South Florida’s Siminu was third in 20.26.

Semi three had national leader Makanakaishe Charamba (ZIM-Auburn), but Arkansas’ Anthony had the lead into the straight. Charamba moved up and won in 19.94 (+0.9), but Anthony had to strain to get second in 20.01, with USC’s Max Thomas at a lifetime best of 20.02 in third (and qualifying on time).

● 4×400 m semis: Arkansas and Iowa separated from the field by the anchor leg and took the automatic-qualifying places in 3:02.53 and 3:03.14.

USC and Ohio State led semi two on the third leg, but South Florida and Penn State passed both on the final pass. Kaalund got USC into the lead again coming into the home straight, winning in 3:02.76 – Kaalund split 44.22! – ahead of Penn State (3:03.39) and South Florida (3:03.54).

Semi three had LSU in front on the third leg, but Ogazi zoomed into the lead (45.5) and passed first for Alabama. But Florida’s Reheem Hayles got to the front on the far turn, only to be passed by Texas A&M’s Auhmad Robinson (44.58) down the straight and A&M won in 3:03.09. Alabama (3:03.58) and Florida (3:03.69) followed, and qualified for the final.

● Decathlon: The first day was about 2024 runner-up Payton Bair (Mississippi State), who was brilliant in the 100 m (10.25) and 400 m (46.00), winning both. He scored a first-day total 4,479, and his expected rival, Till Steinforth (GER) of Nebraska suffered a bad cramp in his 400 m race and could not continue. Brad Thomas of UC Santa Barbara was a distant second at 4,192.

There were five field-event finals on Wednesday:

● Vault: The vault got complicated, as five were still in at 5.63 m (18-5 1/2), but with varying clearances at various heights. Kansas junior Ashton Barkdull took the lead with a first-time clearance at 5.63 m, a lifetime best. Same for Bradley Jelmert of Arkansas State, who cleared on his third try. Texas A&M’s Alexsandr Sololev (RUS), the national leader, also made 5.63 m, then missed once at 5.68 m (18-7 1/2) and once at 5.73 m (18-9 1/2).

Barkdull kept going, clearing 5.73 m on his second try to stay in the lead. But Sololev had one try to 5.78 m (18-11 1/2) and made it for a lifetime best and the lead! Barkfull missed once at 5.78 m and twice at 5.83 m (19-1 1/2), giving Sololev the win.

● Long Jump: Defending champion JC Stevenson of USC fouled his first two tries and then failed to advance to the finals on his third try. The first round produced the event leaders right away with Paris Olympian Malcolm Clemons (Florida) got out to 8.04 mw (26-4 1/2 +2.2) and Blair Anderson (Oklahoma State) at 8.02 mw (26-3 3/4 +2.4).

That’s how it ended, with Arkansas’ Henry Kiner third at 7.96 m (26-1 1/2).

● Shot Put: Defending NCAA shot champ Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan (Ole Miss) finally got unleashed in the third round, reaching 20.34 m (66-8 3/4). National leader Jason Swarens (Wisconsin) was at 20.17 m (66-2 1/4) from the second round, in second place.

Robinson-O’Hagan improved to 20.41 m (66-11 1/2) in round four, but then North Carolina’s Thomas Kitchell uncorked a 20.74 m (68-0 1/2) leader in the final round. But Swarens had the final answer, exploding to 21.23 m (69-8) to take the win!

● Hammer: Minnesota went 1-2 with Kostas Zaltos (GRE) at 78.08 m (256-2) and national leader Angelos Mantzouranis (GRE), who reached 76.96 m (252-6).

● Javelin: National leader Devoux Deysel (RSA) of Miami (Fla.) led the javelin at 81.75 m (268-2) on his first throw, the only one to throw past 80 m on the day.

Florida’s Leikel Cabrera (CUB) was second from the first round, but reached 79.05 m (259-4) in round three to get second, ahead of Callan Saldutto (CAN-Missouri) and his best of 76.88 m (252-3).

The meet continues Thursday with the first day of women’s competition, on ESPN2 beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time.

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PANORAMA: LA28 gets ASOIF vote of confidence; WADA’s Banka asks U.S. authorities to kill Enhanced Games! Title IX appeal vs. House settlement filed

By
Rich Perelman
-
Association of Summer Olympic International Federations President Ingmar De Vos (BEL) at the ASOIF General Assembly (Photo: ASOIF).

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Olympic Games 2028: Los Angeles ● A significant vote of confidence following today’s ASOIF General Assembly (more below) for the LA28 organizers from ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos (BEL), also the head of the International Equestrian Federation.

Asked at the follow-up news conference about the civic turmoil in Los Angeles, with continuing protests and demonstrations, De Vos focused more on LA28:

“We have been able to follow everything very closely. I must say, in general, when we had the IF Transition Seminar in January, we identified together with the International Federations, but also with the organizing committee, that there was serious delays in the delivery of these Olympic Games.

“And I would say when we were in Los Angeles [for the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission meeting last week], we were put back, I would say, in our comfort zone, and that we saw a lot of progress. A team that was expanding, a venue plan that was finalized – there are some little things to be done still, but the major venue plan has been finalized – in the meantime also, the events and the quotas have been sorted out. …

“So we are very confident in them.”

De Vos also spoke to the Trump Administration’s 4 June restrictions on entry to the U.S. from 12 countries and increased scrutiny for seven others:

“The organizing committee guaranteed us that they are very well connected with the government, and the fact already that there is a carve-out is already a very good indication that there is a clear willingness to allow important sport events in the United States, and in Los Angeles in this case, in the future.

“So we are quite confident that they will be able to tackle this, and we count on the organizing committee to do the necessary.”

As for the continuing civil unrest, especially in downtown Los Angeles:

“We believe that there is a lot of enthusiasm in Los Angeles for these Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we trust that the organizing committee and the IOC will do the necessary there, in the relationships that they have. They are in contact, again, with all the levels of the government that are relevant, but I am also believing very strongly in the state and the city and the people of Los Angeles.

“They want these Games, so they will contribute and they will facilitate that these Games can happen in the best circumstances.”

● Association of Summer Olympic International Federations ● The 49th ASOIF General Assembly was held Wednesday in Lausanne (SUI), with a series of presentations, including welcoming remarks from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach (GER) and President-elect Kirsty Coventry (ZIM).

Near the end of the agenda were elections for four seats on the ASOIF Council, the working body of the organization, with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis (GRE), United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic (SRB), World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland (FRA) all elected for four-year terms. After four rounds of voting and two ties, a coin flip – with a CHF 5 piece – was used to elect World Athletics Senior Vice President Ximena Restrepo (COL) over Sport Climbing President Marco Scolaris (ITA) for the two-year term to finish out an open position.

● Enhanced Games ● At the ASOIF General Assembly, World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka (POL) gave a detailed report, and continued his condemnation of the announced, pro-doping Enhanced Games in Las Vegas in May 2026:

“This initiative seeks to normalize the use of potentially dangerous performance-enhancing drugs in sport. It is not merely controversial, it is irresponsible and, of course, it is wrong.

“So, it threatens to erode decades of progress in athlete protection, of public health and the very ethos of sport. The event launched last month in the United States; one positive alignment out of all this has been the reaction of the rest of the world, I can say.

“So, we are really united against this misguided experiment. Governments, anti-doping organizations, sports federations and athletes have all come together to reject it and rightly so.”

He praised the new World Aquatics bylaw which penalizes participation or support of this project and called for action against the Enhanced Games:

“So WADA is now urging authorities in the United States to seek ways to prevent the Enhanced Games from going ahead as planned. And for the sake of athlete’s health and the purity of sport, of course, it must be stopped.”

● NCAA ● Exactly as expected, a group of eight women who objected to the House vs. NCAA settlement that was approved last week, filed an appeal against the settlement, saying it unfairly discriminates against female athletes in terms of the amounts to be paid to men, especially in football and basketball.

Attorney Ashlyn Hare told The Associated Press, “This is a football and basketball damages settlement with no real benefit to female athletes.” The appeal asked for a hearing before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

● Athletics ● The annual Bislett Games in Oslo (NOR) comes tomorrow (Thursday), as the Diamond League tour continues in Europe. A world-record try in the men’s 300 m hurdles – a new event for World Athletics – will feature Olympic champions Karsten Warholm (NOR) and Rai Benjamin of the U.S., as well as 2022 World Champion Alison dos Santos.

Another world-record try is slated for the men’s 5,000 m, with Ethiopians Hagos Gebrhiwet and Yomif Kejelcha both trying for the 12:36.73 mark by Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) from 2020.

And any time that Mondo Duplantis (SWE) is vaulting, a world record is always a possibility. The meet is only available in the U.S. on the FloTrack streaming service.

The Athletics Integrity Unit announced a provisional suspension of Kenyan distance star Benard Kibet Koech, the Paris 2024 fifth-placer at 10,000 m, for a prohibited substance or method from an examination of his Athlete Biological Passport. He has a best of 26:43.98 from 2024.

Fellow Kenyan Daniel Kinyanjui was banned for five years from 11 February 2025 for using a prohibited substance (CERA: Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator); his results from 21 September 2024 are nullified, which includes his road 10 km best of 27:06 in Valencia in January.

USA Track & Field said it will not be sending a U-20 team to the Pan American Junior Championships, now slated for 11-13 July in Villavicencio (COL). Per the announcement:

“Considering that several members of the Pan Am U20 team would likely be minors, USATF has been working diligently since the announcement to determine the logistics involved and the viability of sending a team to this location with such short notice. Currently, with less than 30 days until travel, USATF does not have sufficient details from the organizers regarding transportation logistics, accommodations, or security support. Information on logistics is critical, as the U.S. State Department has listed Colombia as ‘Level 3 – Reconsider Travel,’ and the U.S. State Department prohibits U.S. government employees from using taxis or public transportation in Colombia due to safety concerns.”

Instead, “USATF will look to host a U20 Pathway to Elite Seminar for event winners from the 2025 USATF U20 Championships.”

● Judo ● The International Judo Federation re-elected Marius Vizer (ROU) as President for a sixth, four-year term. He was first elected in 2007 and ran unopposed.

● Swimming ● Two world leads at the Australian Team Trials in Adelaide, with Olympic women’s 200 m Freestyle gold medalist Mollie O’Callaghan dueling with Lani Pallister and winning in 1:54.43. Pallister is now no. 2 at 1:54.89.

In the men’s 50 m Free, Olympic champ Cameron McEvoy won in 21.30, tops in the world in 2025, trailed by 2016 Olympic 100 m winner Kyle Chalmers in 21.68, now equal-eighth.

Sam Short won the men’s 800 m Free in 7:40.95, now no. 3 in the world this year.

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LOS ANGELES 2028: LA28 organizers looking to partner with existing leagues, such as NFL, MLB, Dodgers, MLS, World Surf to stage Games

By
Rich Perelman
-
LA28 Chief of Sport Shana Ferguson, speaking to the ASOIF General Assembly on 11 June 2025 (ASOIF video screen shot).

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≡ ASOIF GENERAL ASSEMBLY ≡

The annual meeting of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) in Lausanne (SUI) brought together all of the federations which will be involved in the sports operations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Presentations by the upcoming organizing committees is always a key feature and the LA28 organizing committee was represented by two-person team of Chief Sport and Games Delivery Officer Shana Ferguson and Vice President of Sport Niccolo Campriani (ITA).

The energetic presentation over a half-hour recited some of the well-known aspects of the Games, but also expanded some details:

● Olympic competitions are slated for an announced total of 49 venues, and 77% of all sessions will be held in existing, permanent sites.

● As had been expected – but not previously announced – the UCLA Olympic Village will not be the only one, and will primarily serve the sports and venues within a 50 km (31 miles) radius.

● There will be three satellite villages to support the venues outside of that radius; based on the map shown in the presentation, these will serve surfing at Trestles, close to the San Diego County line, Anaheim, close to the Honda Center for volleyball, and Pomona for the L.A. County Fairgrounds, where cricket is to be played.

● Six cities, all outside of Southern California, are expected to be used for football preliminary matches.

● The LA28 competition schedule by session – not with times yet – is to be submitted for approval to the International Olympic Committee by 23 June, and published in July.

Ferguson explained that the long-used concept of using “event delivery partners” – outside companies to operate specific sports or venues is being actively worked on now at LA28.

This idea has been around forever; even at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the organizing committee has similar agreements with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the demonstration baseball competition and with Santa Anita Park for equestrian.

But there can be problems. Tokyo 2020 used this concept widely and it ended up in a huge scandal as bids for the operation of test events (followed by venue management contracts for the Games) were essentially directed to specific firms. Multiple criminal convictions were obtained.

For Paris 2024, this concept was also used, in a more limited way, with some great successes, and some less, especially due to the complexity of contract negotiations and change orders.

Ferguson explained that any decision to use an “event delivery partner” will depend on consideration of four issues, with at least one needed to indicate a possible partnership:

● Reducing costs due to unique experience or increasing revenues from specific sales expertise or audience databases.

● Reducing complexity due to the partner’s capabilities.

● Reducing risk – financial and operating – due to the partner’s experience in similar events.

● Enhanced product, by helping to “ensure the participation of the best athletes” and can provide world-class service levels for operations and presentation.

Given these requirements, only very select partners make sense, and Ferguson displayed a slide with some illustrative candidates (not signed as yet):

● Baseball: Major League Baseball, to drive player participation, and the Dodgers, for sport presentation.

● Flag Football: National Football League to drive awareness and revenue.

● Football: Major League Soccer, to better work with MLS stadium owners and operators and reduce operating complexities.

● Surfing: World Surf League, which already stages events at the Trestles and knows the venue well.

Another possibility is the Tiger Woods Foundation to be the event organizer for golf at Riviera Country Club, since it already runs the annual Genesis Open at that venue, and can sell to its existing customer base.

Comments in the room centered on the importance to the federations of maintaining control of their sports, whether working with LA28 directly or a delivery partner, as the IFs are responsible to the IOC to put on the competitions at the Olympic Games. Said ASOIF President Ingmar de Vos (BEL), head of the International Equestrian Federation:

“We basically support the approach of Los Angeles, because every event in the Olympic Games, every venue, is different. You have existing venues that already have a long tradition of delivering that specific sport, or discipline, and you have events or sports that are not as traditional in a country, or that are organized in temporary venues.

“So I think it is very important so that instead of focusing on one specific event delivery model, that it’s much better and much more efficient – and also much more cost efficient – to be flexible and to have a kind of a hybrid system.

“With regard to these ‘event delivery partners,’ there is one very important principle that has been recognized again today, by the IOC but also by the organizing committee of the different Games, is that the international federation is still the one point of access. The international federation has to give an approval for whatever event model is used in their venues.”

Also of interest was the evolving use – or not – of test events. Instead of a lengthy schedule of test events for each sport, the Paris 2024 concept of targeted events or rehearsals will be used, “based on a risk and opportunity analysis.”

Campriani addressed one of the major priorities for the federations: the hiring of a staff manager for their sport! Of the 36 sports on the program, managers for five have started, five have been hired, seven more have been identified, and hiring of the remaining 19 is either in process or ha not started. Most are expected to be hired by the middle of 2026.

Also, another formality was taken care of, as ASOIF approved the entry of World Boxing as an associate member as the provisional International Federation for the sport in Los Angeles by a vote of 27-2.

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LOS ANGELES 2028: LA28’s Hoover asks for security funding; Ohio Senator Moreno calls for FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games to be moved

By
Rich Perelman
-
LA28 chief executive Reynold Hoover testifying before a Senate Subcommittee hearing on 10 June 2025 (Senate video screen shot).

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ SENATE SECURITY HEARING ≡

Tuesday saw the fourth straight day of protests in Los Angeles over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment actions, with a U.S. Senator asking if the area can host the assigned FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At a Tuesday morning Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs hearing titled “Match Ready: Oversight of the Federal Government’s Border Management and Personnel Readiness Efforts for the Decade of Sports,” LA28 chief executive Reynold Hoover told the panel:

“For the 2028 Games, LA28 is seeking a commitment by the federal government to fund 100% cost reimbursement for public safety staffing and the material costs associated with state and local law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel, including but not limited to the National Guard – all of which are essential to providing public safety support for a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games and Torch Relay. To be clear, this is not funding to LA28, rather it is reimbursement directly to those public agencies who are providing critical
security functions in support of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. …

“The House of Representatives included $1 Billion of funding for security, planning, and other costs related to 2028 Games as part of their 2025 Budget Reconciliation legislation. President Trump also included this funding in his initial budget submission to Congress. This is certainly welcome news and LA28 strongly supports the inclusion of this funding in any final package that the Senate considers related to the 2025 Budget Reconciliation package.”

The final questioner, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) was troubled by current events. Speaking to Hoover:

“It’s looks like law and order has completely gone downhill in Los Angeles and throughout California. You have a governor [Gavin Newsom] that refuses to follow the law, you have a mayor [Karen Bass] who doesn’t see a problem looting. They both blame it with issues around deportation, which obviously has nothing to do with why you would go in and pillage a store, or rob places. …

“The obvious question, I think, on the minds of most Americans, given that these two big events coming up in ‘26 and ‘28, are going to see basically the same political leadership in California, and L.A., don’t we just make a decision now to say they’re incapable of handling two big, high-profile events like this?

“And aren’t we better off as a nation just to make an acknowledgment of that, and move it to some place that actually will have law and order, that will have the proper amount of protections for American citizens and the tens of millions of visitors are going to come to both of those events?

“Why fight the upward battle of what is clearly an administration, both locally and at the state level, that’s just unwilling to follow basic civil protections?”

Hoover was resolute:

“Senator, I think there’s no place in the world like L.A. to host the world’s largest Olympics ever and I think my experience has been, in the year that I’ve been here, that both at the local level, the state level and the Federal level, the security coordination and the coordination and cooperation between all levels of government have been extraordinary, and I am confident that come July 14th of 2028, when we do the opening ceremonies in the Coliseum and the Stadium in Inglewood, the world will be watching and see America at its best.”

Moreno was unswayed:

“I share your optimism for America, but look, we also see the TV screens on today, and unlike previous big events like this, you usually didn’t have elected leaders who just refuse to follow the law. Basic elements: people on freeways, people breaking stones on the ground and throwing them at police officers, bricks being delivered, canisters being thrown, this is total and complete chaos and and we don’t even have any kind of event like this going on.

“The country’s a big place. We have a huge, diverse geography. We have places all over America that would be better equipped to handle this, and I just don’t see why we don’t just acknowledge the obvious, which is by the way, going to be an enormous cost to the Federal government, when you don’t have local officials who will do the bare minimum to protect their own citizens. How are they going to protect people coming in to visit, on top of when you look at threats that exist.

“You have drug cartels which are being squeezed by this administration that were made into billion-dollar entities by the Biden Administration , that have resources to wreak incredible amounts of havoc . You have the terrorists in the Middle East calling for the death of American politicians, including the President and Vice President of the United States. This presents an enormous challenge in normal situations.

“But when you have completely incompetent leaders, again, that’s just at the local level, but the state level, who feel that the Administration is doing too much to protect their citizens. I have to repeat that: you have the governor and the mayor saying the President of the United States is doing too much to protect businesses and to protect their own civilians. How are we not heading towards a complete and utter disaster?”

Hoover responded:

“Let me just answer your question this way, Senator. On the 2nd of July, 1979, I took an oath on the plain at West Point, to dedicate my life to public service. And I wasn’t looking for a job; they found me. This is my one-year anniversary, as I mentioned earlier; this is the end of my plebe year.

“But I came out of retirement to do this to unite the world, around sport. And unite L.A. and unite the nation. Our 50-state [torch] relay will hit all 50 states; it’s never been done before. That is the thread that will bind the nation to L.A. and the Games.

“The world will be watching. I think we have a great opportunity and I am confident in where we are now, in our state of planning, both from a security perspective and an operational perspective to deliver the world’s greatest Games and the largest Games ever. And I am confident that we will get there.”

Moreno wrapped up with praise for Hoover, but was also focused on who he wanted to hear from next:

“Just to be clear and I want to make this clear for the record, I have total, complete faith in you and your abilities. That’s not the question I have in mind, but you’re not able to do this, execute, without the help of local officials. It’s just not possible. Look, if it were you planning it, and you could put those two in a basement somewhere and have them give you their authority, to do what their job is supposed to do, I would be totally happy and ready to rock & roll to make this happen, but I have grave concerns unless we see movement.

“Mr. Chairman, I think what we should do, is ask those two people, the mayor of Los Angeles and the governor of California, to come in and explain how their behavior is going to be different in ’26 and ’28 to assure the American people that we are able to put on an event that is worthy of this country.”

Subcommittee chair Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) wrapped up noting that a lot has been done already and that the FIFA World Cup, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028 are important and need to be showcase events for the United States.

Observed: The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games aren’t going anywhere, as the International Olympic Committee’s contract is with the City of Los Angeles.

But the protests in Los Angeles over the work of ICE are going to continue and the deepening distrust between Los Angeles and California (Democratic) officials and the (Republican) Trump Administration is going to create significant funding and planning challenges. How those get overcome is an open question.

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PANORAMA: LA28 hiring entry-into-U.S. chief; another Summer McIntosh WR! U.S. Ski & Snowboard names Hall, Ferreira, Kauf to ‘26 OWG team

By
Rich Perelman
-

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ SPOTLIGHT ≡

● Swimming ● Another sensational swim for Canadian teen sensation Summer McIntosh, 18, at the national swim trials in Victoria, with a second world record in this meet with a 2:05.70 win in the women’s 200 m Medley on Monday.

This smashed the highly-respected mark of 2:06.12 from 2015 by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu.

So, in the first four days of the meet, McIntosh:

● 7 June: won the 400 m Free in a world record 3:54.18
● 8 June: won the 800 m Free in 8:05.07, moving to no. 2 all-time
● 9 June: won the 200 m Medley in a world record 2:05.70
● 10 June: won the 200 m Fly in 2:02.26, the no. 2 performance ever

She was originally entered in three more events, but may not swim them all:

● 11 June: 400 m Medley (world leader at 4:26.98)
● 11 June: 200 m Back (world no. 9 at 2:06.52)
● 12 June: 200 m Free (world no. 11 at 1:56.17)

The Paris 2024 gold medalist in the 200 m Fly and 200-400 m Medleys, McIntosh was already the world-record holder is the 400 m Medley at 4:24.38 from the 2024 Canadian Trials. She’ll turn 19 in August.

≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Olympic Games 2028: Los Angeles ● With so much angst over access and entry into the U.S. for the 2028 Olympic Games in view of continued tightening of the U.S. borders and visa processes, the LA28 organizing committee is paying attention now.

A new job posting for “Head of Global Mobility & Country Entry” went up on Tuesday, including:

“The Head of Global Mobility & Country Entry is a critical role on the People Management (PEM) team, supporting the enterprise wide goal of welcoming the world for the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. With a core focus on developing and maintaining strong working relationships with Games stakeholders and Federal agency partners, the incumbent will act as the steward of LA28’s global mobility strategy and operational planning and execution to support and facilitate country entry for stakeholders, both before and during Games Time.”

The position will have the responsibility to:

“Lead all case management work for the [LA28 Center of Excellence], including but not limited to being the primary point of contact for all LA28 endorsed stakeholders, visitors, short term workers, and other entrants.”

Of course, qualifications must include:

“Extensive experience working within the federal U.S. immigration framework, including prior working relationships with or work experience from State Department, Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Customs and Border Protection, and others.”

The starting salary is $115,000 to $130,000, and LA28 does not pay for relocation.

● Olympic Winter Games 2026: Milan Cortina ● The drama over Czech star Ester Ledecka’s quest to compete in both the Parallel Giant Slalom qualifying and Alpine Downhill at sites which are 200 miles apart on the same day – 8 February 2026 – continues.

She began asking for help with the schedule in December; with the PGS qualifying starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Livigno Snow Park in Valtellina and the Downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo at 11:30 a.m., about 200 miles east.

The surprise winner of the 2018 PyeongChang women’s Super-G gold medal, and the Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom gold winner in 2018 and 2022, she has not succeeded so far.

But according to the French-language site, Dicolympique, she did get interest from the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) – which governs both events – on a possible change in start times, with FIS chief Johan Eliasch (GBR), who is a pilot, volunteering to shuttle her between sites. Progress, but perhaps not enough (yet).

● Olympic Winter Games 2030: French Alps ● The sole candidate for the presidency of the French National Olympic Committee, Amelie Oudea-Castera, told FrancsJeux.com that the larger-than-expected Paris 2024 surplus of at least €76 million (€1 = $1.14 U.S.) will help the CNOSF at a time when its budget is under attack.

The current French government’s budget crisis saw the national grant to the CNOSF shaved from €9.4 million to €2.4 million – a 74% decrease – but these new sources of funds will help, with 20% of the surplus going to the CNOSF.

She also revealed that the joint marketing agreement with the 2030 French Alps organizing committee will bring a minimum of €65 million (~$74.3 million U.S.) to the CNOSF, over time.

By contrast, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee will receive at least $476 million from 2021-28 under its agreement with the LA28 organizing committee for the 2028 Olympic Games.

● Archery ● The Russian Archery Federation said it has been approved by World Archery to compete in team events at the World Junior Championships in Canada in August. This continues a pattern by international federations to allow Russian and/or Belarusian youth and junior teams to compete internationally while maintaining a ban on senior-level teams.

The issue of Russian and Belarusian participation, most immediately at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, is expected to be taken up by new International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) after she takes office on 23 June.

● Fencing ● USA Fencing announced its Hall of Fame inductees for 2026, including two automatic selections as Olympic gold medalists:

● Lee Kiefer: Two-time Olympic women’s Foil gold medalist
● Mariel Zagunis: Two-time Olympic women’s Sabre gold medalist

Elected to the Hall were:

● Kelley Hurley: 2012 Olympic women’s Epee bronze medalist
● Race Imboden: Two-time Olympic men’s Team bronze medalist
● Dagmara Wozniak: Rio 2016 women’s Team Sabre bronze medalist
● Jeanette Starks-Faulkner: 10-time Veterans World Champs medalist
● Laurie Schiller: 38-year Northwestern University coach
● Andy Shaw: Curator of the Museum of American Fencing

All will receive honors at the 2026 USA Fencing Summer National Championships.

● Football ● The U.S. men’s National Team faced Switzerland in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, looking to break a three-match losing streak, with a young team that had six players with six or less caps and two more with 20 or 21. It didn’t happen, in a 4-0 loss.

The 20th-ranked Swiss were sharp off the start, and off clever feed from above the box, a deflection gave forward Dan Ndoye an open shot from the left side and his strike in the 13th minute whistled past U.S. keeper Matt Turner for the 1-0 lead.

The Swiss found the net again in the 24th, with forward Johan Manzambi dribbling down the right side of the U.S. zone, turning toward the goal and then sending a cross right to the onrushing forward Michel Aebischer for the right-footed score and a 2-0 lead. At this point, the U.S. hadn’t recorded a shot.

The rout was on in the 33rd, as defender Ricardo Rodriguez got an uncontested shot from the left side that was saved by Turner, but it rolled out in front and was knocked in easily by striker Breel Embolo for the 3-0 lead.

The U.S. finally got a shot in the 35th, but Manzambi got the fourth Swiss goal in the 36th, drawing boos from the crowd, as he dribbled just inside the box and sent a rocket past Turner into the upper part of the net. The half ended with the Swiss holding 57% of possession and an 8-1 shots edge.

Five substitutes came in for the U.S. to start the second half and settled the U.S. defense down. But the Americans had few chances to score and finished with seven shots to 12 for the Swiss; the U.S. has zero shots on goal. Switzerland ended with 51% of possession.

The U.S. all-time record vs. the Swiss dropped to 1-5-4 (W-L-T). U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino (ARG) saw his record fall to 5-5. Next up is the first of three CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, on 15 June, against Trinidad & Tobago, in San Jose.

● Skiing ● U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the first four members of its 2026 Olympic Winter Games team:

● Two-time world champion Quinn Dehlinger: men’s Aerials
● Two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira: men’s Halfpipe
● 2022 Olympic gold medalist Alex Hall: men’s Slopestyle and Big Air
● 2022 Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf: women’s Moguls and Dual Moguls

USSS noted the selections were made by recent performance:

“The four athletes secured their spots by ranking as the top American among the top three athletes on the 2026 FIS Base List based on their 2024-25 season results. Both Hall and Ferreira won the top spots in slopestyle and halfpipe, respectively, while Kauf took the top spot in moguls, dual moguls and overall after the best season of her career, and Dehlinger finished third following his World Championships success.”

● Snowboard ● American snowboarder Sean FitzSimons received a three-month sanction from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for a “prohibited method.” But not for lack of trying to do the right thing:

● “FitzSimons received a saline and vitamin infusion on February 9, 2025 in an effort to self-treat flu-like symptoms. Intravenous infusions and/or injections greater than 100 mL per 12-hour period are classified as Specified Methods and are prohibited at all times” under the relevant anti-doping protocols.

● “Although no prohibited substances were administered, the treatment constituted a violation because it was over the permitted volume threshold of 100 mL in a 12-hour period and was not received during a hospital treatment, surgical procedure, or clinical diagnostic investigation.”

● “Before receiving the infusion, FitzSimons consulted with a trainer and medical professional at U.S. Ski & Snowboard about the appropriateness of intravenous infusions but was misadvised that he was permitted to proceed with the treatment. After receiving the treatment, FitzSimons discovered that he had committed a violation and promptly self-reported his violation to USADA two days later. FitzSimons qualified for a decreased sanction under Article 10.7.2 of the Code, which allows for such a reduction when an athlete admits to an anti-doping rule violation in the absence of any other evidence.”

His sanction runs from 1 May to 31 July 2025. FitzSimons, 24, competed for the U.S. at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, placing 12th in the men’s Slopestyle and 17th in the men’s Big Air event.

● Swimming ● At the Australian Team Trials in Adelaide, the absence of Olympic star Ariarne Titmus left the women’s 400 m Freestyle to Lani Pallister, who won in 3:59.72, moving to no. 4 on the 2025 world list and becoming only the seventh swimmer to break 4:00.

Although not quite as historic, Sam Short won the men’s 400 m Free in 3:41.03, moving to no. 2 in the world. Edward Sommerville, 20, won the men’s 200 m Free in 1:44.93, good to move to no. 4 in the world for 2025.

Alexandria Perkins is already a double winner, taking the women’s 100 m Fly on the first night in 56.42 (no. 3 in 2025) and then the women’s 100 m Breast final in 25.36, moving to no. 2 on the world list.

World leader (and world-record holder) Kaylee McKeown won the women’s 50 m Back in 27.33 after initially being disqualified in the morning heats, but was later reinstated.

● Taekwondo ● Uzbekistan’s Feruza Sadikova, a two-time Worlds bronze medalist at 62 kg in 2022 and 2023, has received a three-year suspension from 3 May 2025 to 2 May 2028, for refusing to provide a testing sample.

According to the International Testing Agency, “The athlete did not challenge her ADRV and agreed with the consequences proposed by the ITA,” which earned her a one-year reduction in what normally would be a four-year sanction … and leaving her possibly eligible to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games.

● Weightlifting ● Happy 120th to the IWF, which noted in a celebratory post:

“On June 10, 1905, in the German city of Duisburg, four founding members – Denmark, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands – created what would be the predecessor of the IWF. The first name of the world body in charge of governing weightlifting (and wrestling at the time) was ‘Amateur Athletic World Union.’ Other nations slowly joined the new organisation, which had 16 members in 1913. In 1920, Weightlifting became the only sport governed by the Federation, and in 1972, the definitive name of ‘International Weightlifting Federation’ was adopted.

“Presently, the IWF has 195 Member National Federations in the five continents and organises world competitions in Olympic weightlifting.”

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TRANSGENDER: Biles apologizes to Gaines after calling her “truly sick” on X; is this feud over? The play-by-play recap!

By
Rich Perelman
-
In uniform: Simone Biles (l) and Riley Gaines

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ BILES vs. GAINES ≡

In case you missed it, or prefer not to look at it, the transgender-in-sports debate got personal between Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles and former All-American swimmer Riley Gaines, now an activist for women in sports.

Both get lots of attention, as Biles shows 1.9 million followers on X (ex-Twitter) and Gaines has 1.5 million. The play-by-play:

● 6 June from Biles on X:

“@Riley_Gaines_ You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!!

“But instead… You bully them…

“One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”

● 6 June reply from Gaines:

“This is actually so disappointing. It’s not my job or the job of any woman to figure out how to include men in our spaces.

“You can uplift men stealing championships in women’s sports with YOUR platform.

“Men don’t belong in women’s sports and I say that with my full chest.”

● 6 June from Biles:

“bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_”

● 6 June from Gaines:

“And the subtle hint at “body-shaming” ???? Plzzzz I’m 5’5″”

● 8 June from Gaines, bringing up a vintage Biles tweet from 2017:

“Oop don’t you hate it when your past self completely undermines your current nonsensical argument?

“How has 2025 Simone reconciled with the fact 2017 Simone was a ‘truly sick bully’ by her own standard?

The October 2017 tweet from Biles read:

“ahhhh good thing guys don’t compete against girls or he’d take all the gold medals !!”

The tweet referred to a photo of a two-year-old boy playing on a baby trampoline, but the photo was not visible in the tweet, just the link.

By that point, the conversation had been taken over from activists from both sides, none of whom added much to the discussion.

● On Tuesday (10th), Biles posted a long apology:

“I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport. The current system doesn’t adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for.

“These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don’t have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect. I was not advocating for policies that compromise fairness in women’s sports.

“My objection is to be singling out children for public scrutiny in ways that feel personal and harmful. Individual athletes – especially kids – should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over. I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition. We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful.

“Xoxo Simone”

● Gaines replied thus:

“I accept Simone’s apology for the personal attacks including the ones where she body-shamed me. I know she knows what this feels like. She’s still the greatest female gymnast of all time.

“A couple of things. Sports ARE inclusive by nature. Anyone can and everyone SHOULD play sports. Competition, on the other hand and by definition, is exclusive. So the idea of ‘competitive equity’ is nonsensical.

“Secondly, the boys are publicly humiliating the girls. To suggest that women and girls must be silent or ignore a boy who is PUBLICLY hurting or humiliating them is wrong. You can’t have any empathy and compassion for the girls if you’re ignoring when young men are harming or abusing them. I am not ashamed to be a voice for the voiceless.

“Lastly, I agree with you that the blame is on the lawmakers and leaders at the top. Precisely why I’m suing the NCAA and support candidates who vow to stand with women. That’s why I joined @realDonaldTrump at the signing of his Executive Order. I didn’t see you there or championing this effort with your platform.

“Women’s sports can’t be used as an excuse for girl’s to center the feelings and validation of men and boys.

“I welcome you to the fight to support fair sports and a future for female athletes. Little girls deserve the same shot to achieve that you had.”

The war of words between the two may be done for now, but the issue continues.

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FENCING: USA Fencing removes LGBTQIA+ preference for site selection; adopts budget with $20,000 to try and finish disciplinary cases in 90 days!

By
Rich Perelman
-

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ USA FENCING ≡

In November 2022, USA Fencing’s Board of Directors announced the federation would “give preference when selecting host cities for national tournaments to states without laws that harm members of LGBTQ communities as well as states that do not have laws undermining the reproductive health of women.”

That policy has ended.

In a detailed report on its online Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, 7 June, a motion was approved to revise the site selection policy, deleting any direct reference to LGBTQIA+ or women’s reproductive rights issues, but including news references to “Accessibility” and “Safety and security of USA Fencing members and their families.”

The new Site Selection Policy also notes:

“USA Fencing will make every effort to work with cities to provide resources to ensure the safety, security, legality of presence and reasonable enjoyment of all USA Fencing members, event attendees and their families from all backgrounds.”

In early May, USA Fencing Board Chair Darren Lehfeldt was harshly questioned about the federation’s transgender policy in a U.S. House sub-committee hearing, but he was also asked about the site selection policy and the preference assigned to locations which met USA Fencing’s standards for state laws.

The stated preference is now deleted; USA Fencing had previously noted that its then-LGBTQ and pro-abortion policy could only be one factor among many others for site selection because “such a move would reduce the list of possible host cities to just over a dozen – with the possibility that additional states could pass similar laws in the future and further reduce the list.”

The USA Fencing Board also made a budget allocation of $20,000 for a software system that:

“will track disciplinary and SafeSport cases from intake to resolution, with a service-level goal of closing each case in under 90 days. Members will see clearer timelines, standardized communications and a self-service dashboard for checking a case’s status.”

The slowness of the U.S. Center for SafeSport has been a major complaint against the Center, as well as a lack of information about how cases are closed, in many situations temporarily shut down without any information to the relevant federation or to the complaining party. That can’t be solved with software, but USA Fencing’s own cases can be expedited and continuously updated on status and resolution.

The USA Fencing budget for 2025-26 was approved, with a projected $16.986 million in revenues and $15.716 million in expenses for an operating surplus of $1.270 million. However, other expenses such as event hosting and added general costs bring the projected surplus down to $412,808.

The budget narrative explained:

“This budget is both a reflection of where we are today and where we’re headed. It makes room for growth, acknowledges real-world cost pressures, and funds the people, programs, and partnerships that make this work possible.

“Our $17 million revenue target is bold but within reach. Our $16 million expense plan is built on smart, prioritized investments. We believe this budget puts us on a strong path to deliver greater value to our athletes, members, and partners—while positioning the organization for long-term success.”

The presented budget is $1.5 million in revenue above the current 2024-25 actuals with an increase of $1 million above 2024-25 actuals to date. Funding from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee is shown at $1.239 million or just 7.3% of the total budget.

The main income coursed are events ($9.1 million), memberships ($3.8 million), sponsorships and merchandise sales ($1.8 million). Direct athlete support is planned at $255,000 (funds six athletes per weapon) plus $420,000 in national team support and $119,105 in international programs expense.

USA Fencing revenues in recent years included $17.3 million as of 31 July 2024, which includes $1.1 million equipment and airfares provided in-kind. This was a jump from $12.3 million ending July 2023 and $11.4 million ending July 2022.

Observed: USA Fencing is to be commended for remarkably transparent announcements of its Board meetings, decisions, prompt publication of its minutes and the attachments provided to Board members.

This is fairly unique among Olympic-sport organizations in the U.S., many of which “hide the ball” as much as possible from their own members, as well as the public.

Other federations which seek to build trust among its membership, and potential event sites and sponsors, would be wise to follow USA Fencing’s example. But few will.

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PANORAMA: Paris 2024 surplus balloons to $87 million! USATF combos cross country nationals with NXN; McIntosh swims no. 2 all-time in 800 Free!

By
Rich Perelman
-

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Olympic Games 2024: Paris ● As the Paris 2024 organizing committee approaches shut-down on 17 June, the surplus from operations will be considerably larger than announced.

FrancsJeux.com reported a projected figure of about €76 million or about $86.86 million U.S., up from the original estimates of €26.8 million. Revenues were a little higher at €4.494 billion and expenses a little lower at €4.418 billion.

Former Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet said, “It’s money that goes to sport. It’s a legacy for sport. A very important legacy in a budgetary context that we know is very difficult.”

The French National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) will get 20% of this surplus, with 60% to go to the Paris 2024 legacy fund. The International Olympic Committee receives 20%, which may well end up assisting the French Alps 2030 Winter Games!

● Olympic Winter Games 2026: Milan Cortina ● If you ever wondered exactly what SiMiCo, the Italian government’s infrastructure company to support the 2026 Winter Games (and a lot more), its Commissioner, Fabio Saldini, summed it up in a single comment at the Sport Business Forum on Sunday in Cortina d’Ampezzo:

“We manage 3.4 billion euros of 96 works, 51 infrastructure 45 sports of which 31 are essential for the Olympics.

“46% of the works planned in Veneto, 23 in total, for a total value of 1,596,762,240.33 euros divided between 13 sports (261,433,134.61 euros) and 10 transport (1,335,329,105.72 euros).

“How is all this coordinated? I chose to deal with good people, high-level professionals, to live the territories and also share the contrasts. I chose to build a team, which is present in all the Olympic venues. We face reality for what it is, without excuses and giving the best of ourselves.

“We will be able to complete 100% of the planned sports works and all the essential infrastructure will be built – such as the roundabout of Bormio, Lot 0 of Cortina, Ponte Corona renovation – I realize that carrying out so many works in such a short time is not easy. I was appointed in February 2024; I understand that communities also have problems accepting the temporary inconvenience that is caused , I understand that those who are not satisfied with the administrative procedures appeal to the judiciary which is autonomous and independent and will decide what they want.

“I would just like to say that what we are doing is for the good of the territories, it is shared, and shows that it can be done in compliance with the times, costs and quality and will give rise to a territory different from the one that presented itself upon our arrival. It is not my job to say whether it is better or worse, it will certainly be different.”

Now you know.

● France ● The musical chairs in French sport following the 2024 Olympic Games have concluded for the time being, as former French Minister of Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amelie Oudea-Castera, 47, will run unopposed to become the President of the French National Olympic Committee (CNOSF) in elections to be held on 19 June.

Her opponent, Didier Seminet, the head of the French Baseball and Softball Federation, withdrew on Saturday.

Paris 2024’s Director of Impact and Legacy, Marie Barsacq, moved from the organizing committee to become the French Sports Minister as of 23 December 2024.

● Athletics ● At the FBK Games in Hengelo (NED) on Monday, the headliner was Dutch star Femke Bol, the 2023 World Champion in the women’s 400 m hurdles, who won in 52.51 and broke her own meet record by more than a second.

But U.S. athletes also starred, with two-time World Champion Chase Jackson extending her world outdoor lead in the women’s shot, winning in 20.62 m (67-8), ahead of European Indoor champ Jessica Schilder (NED/20.16 m/66-1 3/4) and American Maggie Ewen (19.48 m/63-11).

World men’s 110 m hurdles leader Cordell Tinch of the U.S. won his race in 13.10 (wind 0), and Americans Chris Nilsen (men’s vault: 5.82 m/19-1) and Anavia Battle (women’s 200 m: 22.75 [-0.5]) also won.

Slovenia’s 2022 World Champion Kristjian Ceh beat Australia’s Olympic bronze winner Matt Denny in the men’s discus, 69.21 m (227-0) to 67.64 m (221-11) and women’s Tokyo Olympic Steeple champ Peruth Chemutai (UGA) moved to no. 3 in the world this year with a win in 9:07.79. Two-time Olympic silver winner Nicola Olyslagers (AUS) won the women’s high jump at 1.97 m (6-5 1/2).

USA Track & Field will hold its Cross County National Championships in conjunction with the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) in Portland, Oregon on 6-7 December.

This allows USATF to select its team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on 10 January 2026, a date which would normally be about when the USATF Cross Country meet is usually held.

The Collegiate Track & Field/Cross Country Athlete Hall of Fame induction was held on Sunday in Eugene, Oregon, with a 12-member class that combined for an amazing 55 NCAA championships:

● Amy Acuff (UCLA 1994-97: high jump)
● Cathy Branta (Wisconsin 1981-85: distances)
● Bert Cameron (UTEP 1980-83: 400 m)
● Joaquim Cruz (Oregon 1983-84: 800 m)
● Joe Falcon, (Arkansas 1984-89: distances)
● Diane Guthrie (George Mason 1991-95: long jump-heptathlon)
● Larance Jones (Northeast Missouri State 1970-74/now Truman: 400 m)
● Madeline Manning (Tennessee State 1967-72: 800 m)
● Scott Nielson (Washington 1976-79: hammer)
● Suziann Reid (Texas 1996-99: 400 m)
● Gillian Russell (Miami (Fla.) 1992-95: 100 m hurdles)
● Forrest “Spec” Towns (Georgia 1934-37: 110 m hurdles)

This Hall of Fame was established in 2022; this is the fourth class.

● Swimming ● Another Summer McIntosh burner at the 2025 Canadian Trials in Victoria, winning the women’s 800 m Free in a sizzling 8:05.07, a national record, moving her to no. 2 in the world this year and the no. 3 performance of all-time. Only  American Katie Ledecky is faster, with her world-record swims in 2016 and 2025!

In the men’s 100 m Fly final, Ilya Kharun won over Josh Liendo, 50.37 to 50.46, moving to nos. 2-3 on the 2025 world list.

● Water Polo ● The U.S. men defeated Australia, 13-12, in a re-run from the Paris Olympic quarterfinals on Sunday at Mr. San Antonio College, in the first of a three-match exhibition set, on Ryder Dodd’s score with less than a second left.

Australia led, 4-1 and 7-5 after the first two periods, but the Americans scored five goals in the third for a 10-7 lead. Despite two more fourth-period goals from Dodd and older brother Chase Dodd, the Aussies tied it with 19 seconds left. Ryder Dodd’s heroics – and his fifth goal of the match – earned the U.S. the win.

Two more matches with Australia come on 11 June in San Juan Capistrano and 13 June at Orange, California.

● Wrestling ● The National Wrestling Hall of Fame class of 2025 was inducted in ceremonies in Stillwater, Oklahoma on Saturday:

● Darryl Burley: two-time NCAA champion at Lehigh
● Matt Lindland: Sydney 2000 Olympic Greco silver medalist
● Terry Steiner: USA Wrestling Women’s National Coach since 2002
● Greg Wojciechowski: NCAA Champion at Toledo

Special awards were given to 1992 Olympian Mark Coleman (Medal of Courage), Van Stokes, a USA Wrestling Board member since 1989 (Order of Merit), Ken Mara as Meritorious Official, and Vision Quest author Terry Davis (Outstanding American).

The Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award to four-time Ohio state champ Marcus Blaze, and the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award to four-time Tennessee state champion Piper Fowler.

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PANORAMA: House v. NCAA settlement approved; Paralympics wants new track, swimming federations; McIntosh crushes 400 Free world record!

By
Rich Perelman
-
Joy for American star Casey Kaufhold as the U.S. women defeated Korea for the first time in 20 tries, en route to a World Cup title in Turkey (Photo: World Archery).

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ SPOTLIGHTS ≡

● NCAA ● On Friday, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken approved the massive settlement in House vs. NCAA, which will allow schools to start paying its players directly, with 95% of a yearly payment of $20.5 million to go to football and basketball players.

All other sports are under threat, and the American Volleyball Coaches Association, College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America, National Wrestling Coaches Association and U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released a statement:

“Today, the Honorable Judge Claudia Wilken approved a settlement agreement resolving three antitrust lawsuits related to compensation for college student-athletes. While Judge Wilken’s decision marks significant progress in addressing the evolving college sports landscape, we remain deeply concerned about the potential negative impact the settlement may have on broad-based sports programs.

“We are concerned that the new financial obligations placed on schools will force administrators to divert their attention and resources away from non-football and non-basketball sports – the programs where the majority of NCAA student-athletes participate. This is no hypothetical.

“Budget cuts and program eliminations have already taken place in anticipation of today’s outcome, and more are likely to follow. Furthermore, the settlement leaves unaddressed the critical issues of employment classification for student-athletes and the application of Title IX, creating further uncertainty and risk for our sports programs in particular.

“The future of college sports must not disproportionately benefit a small fraction of the NCAA student-athlete population while jeopardizing opportunities for others. Congress must intervene to address these pressing issues and ensure a balanced, equitable path forward for all student-athletes, including the protection of existing requirements of schools to maintain robust sport sponsorship and meaningful allocation of resources for non-football and non-basketball programs.”

All four are insisting that the sports sponsorship requirements for Division I classification be continued (16 for Football Bowl Subdivision) and the establishment of “proportional spending targets” to protect these sports.

● Swimming ● The U.S. nationals are over, but the Canadian Trials started on Saturday in Victoria, British Columbia, with star Summer McIntosh, 18, destroying the women’s 400 m Freestyle world record, for the second time.

She won by more than 13 seconds in a startling 3:54.18, shattering Australia’s Ariarne Titmus’ 3:55.38 mark from July 2023. Titmus’ swim broke McIntosh’s record of 3:56.08 from March of 2023. She said afterwards:

“To be honest, I just didn’t really feel a lot of pain in that race. I felt so strong throughout and that’s never been the case in the 400 freestyle for me. That last 100, I’m usually really, really hurting. But I flipped at the 200 and I was just cruising. I knew I was having a strong swim and I could tell by the crowd and the way they were cheering that I was probably close to the world record, so I really tried to push that last part for them.”

≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Paralympic Games ● The International Paralympic Committee has been steadily working to have Paralympic sports governed by separate federations and not the IPC itself. It is now looking for independent governance of the two biggest sports of all:

“The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and World Para Sports are seeking partners interested in taking over the governance of the sports of Para athletics, Para swimming, or both.

“The Expression of Interest (EOI) is open to cities, national governments, sport organisations and other entities willing to assist with the transfer of governance and establishment of independent bodies for Para athletics and Para swimming.”

Para athletics accounted for about 25% of all participants in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and swimming had 13% of the athletes and 25% of the medal events. Interest must be signaled by 27 June 2025.

● Enhanced Games ● Another denouncement of the Enhanced Games, this time from the “OneVoice” group, representing the governmental representatives which are part of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Foundation Board and Executive Committee:

“[W]e firmly oppose the concept of the so-called Enhanced Games, which promotes the use of performance-enhancing drugs under the guise of competition and advancing sport science. Such initiatives not only endanger athlete health but also fundamentally contradict the values of clean sport and the global consensus enshrined in the World Anti-Doping Code.

“Furthermore, athletes, coaches and others associated with the Enhanced Games also needlessly risk being ineligible for other events and competitions, among other potential consequences.”

● Athletics ● The third and final disqualification of the Russian finalists at the 2012 Olympic women’s 800 m was competed Friday as the Athletics Integrity Unit reported that the appeal by Elena Guliyev against a four-year doping ban was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport:

“In reaching its judgement, CAS upheld the decision to disqualify the 34-year-old’s results from 17 July 2012 to 20 October 2014, confirming the loss of her reallocated Olympic silver medal. Guliyev (formerly Poistogova), who now represents Turkey, finished third in the Olympic 800-metres final on 11 August 2012 but her position was upgraded to silver after the original gold medallist – her former Russian team-mate, Mariya Savinova – was disqualified in 2017 for doping.

“That elevated South Africa’s Caster Semenya to gold and Guliyev to silver. Kenya’s Pamela Jelimo is now poised to be upgraded to silver and USA’s Alysia Montano to bronze.”

Guiliyev appealed a March 2024 decision by the Court of Arbitration, which instituted the four-year ban. The third Russian finalist, Elena Arzhakova, finished sixth, but was also disqualified in 2013 for issues dealing with her Athlete Biological Passport.

The process is not over, however:

“World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are now proceeding with the next steps: World Athletics’ Competition Department disqualifying Guliyev’s results and thereafter notifying the IOC that World Athletics has modified the relevant results and rankings on their website. The IOC may then proceed with the reallocation of Olympic medals and the update of the IOC database.”

USA Track & Field announced the U.S. marathon entries for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (JPN), with Clayton Young (2:08:12 in 2024), CJ Albertson (2:08:17) and Reed Fischer (2:10:14) for the men and Betsy Saina (2:19:17), Susanna Sullivan (2:21:56) and Erika Kemp (2:22:56 in 2025).

On Thursday, the Chicago Marathon announced that Olympic eighth-placer Conner Mantz will try for the American Record of 2:05:38 at this year’s race on 12 October. Khalid Khannouchi’s mark has stood since 2002.

Mantz ran 2:05:08 for fourth at the 2025 Boston Marathon, on a non-record-eligible course.

● Boxing ● Algeria’s women’s Olympic 66 kg gold medalist Imane Khelif skipped the Eindhoven Box Cup in The Netherlands after early indications she might fight there.

World Boxing announced last week that sex screening will be required for all contestants in the women’s division, beginning on 1 July, and singled out Khelif – inappropriately, as it later apologized – as being required to take the test. She won the tournament last year.

Eindhoven mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem said in a letter:

“As far as we are concerned, all athletes are welcome in Eindhoven. Excluding athletes based on controversial ‘gender tests’ certainly does not fit in with that. We are expressing our disapproval of this decision today and are calling on the organization to admit Imane Khelif after all.”

● Figure Skating ● The Chinese pair of Wenjing Sun and Cong Han, the Beijing 2022 Olympic champions, have declared their return to competition.

They have not competed since 2022, with Han citing injuries; he is 32 now. The pair won the Olympic silver in 2018 and World Championships golds in 2017 and 2019.

● Gymnastics ● More from USA Gymnastics chief executive Li Li Leung, speaking to The Associated Press on her announcement that she will resign at the end of the year.

Saying she’d “like a little bit of a rest,” she added:

“The organization is in a great place right now. I feel comfortable about being able to hand it over in this situation, in this position, to my successor who can then build on all the achievements we’ve had so far.

“From a timing perspective, it would be completely unfair of me to say to the Board in 2027: ‘Hey I’m out. Now you have to figure out how to get us to L.A.’”

● Ice Hockey ● The International Ice Hockey Federation announced its men’s Player of the Year candidates, including two members of the historic U.S. World Championship team, leading scorer Clayton Keller and goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman.

Swiss forward Denis Malgin from the silver medalists tied for the most assists at the Worlds with 10 and teammate Sven Andrighetto led all goal scorers with seven.

Czech forward David Pasternak was the leading scorer at the Worlds with 15 points in eight games. Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon tied for third in Worlds scoring, at 13 points in eight games.

Voting among media and IIHF officials will close on 13 June.

≡ RESULTS ≡

● Archery ● The important World Archery World Cup II in Antalya (TUR) was a trial for new scoring, with the center gold ring worth 11 points instead of 10, trying to better separate what are increasingly accurate archers in international competitions.

Two-time Worlds medal winner Marcus D’Almeida (BRA) stormed through the men’s Recurve division, winning the final over surprise runner-up Buianto Tsyrendorzhiev (KAZ), by 6-0, with Batistie Addis (FRA) finishing third.

The all-Korean women’s final saw Paris Olympic champ Si-hyeon Lim shut down Tokyo 2020 winner San An, 6-0. Casey Kaufhold of the U.S., the 2021 Worlds runner-up, took the bronze medal, 6-4, over Loredana Spera (ITA).

Kaufhold, Catalina GNoriega and Jennifer Mucino won the women’s team title, 6-2, over Italy, after getting past Korea’s Lim, An and Chae-young Kang in the semifinal. The match went to a fifth end and both sides shot 30, but the best American arrow – an 11 – was deemed closer to the center and earned the win.

World Archery reported that this was “the first time the USA has defeated Korea in a major competition after 20 attempts.”

South Korea won the men’s Team final over Germany, 5-4, and Olympic star Woo-jin Kim and Lim won the Mixed Team title, 6-2, over Germany.

In the Compound finals, France’s Nicolas Girard edged American Nick Kappers in the men’s final by 157-154, and Mexico’s Andrea Becerra won the women’s final, 159-151 over Seung-yeon Han (KOR). In the Mixed Team, an Olympic event for 2028, the U.S. pair of Alexis Ruiz and Curtis Broadnax took the gold over Germany’s Katharina Raab and Paolo Kunsch, 166-157.

● Athletics ● Fast sprinting at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston (JAM), with Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson moving to fourth in the world for 2025, winning the men’s 100 m in 9.88 (wind: 0.0), ahead of countryman Oblique Seville (9.97).

Bryan Levell (JAM) won the 200 m in a fast 19.79, but with +2.5 m/s wind, while World Indoor 400 m champ Chris Bailey of the U.S. taking the 400 m in 44.74. Paris Olympic bronze winner Rasheed Broadbell won the 110 m hurdles in 13.06 (+0.7), just ahead of American Trey Cunningham (13.08) with Eric Edwards of the U.S. in third (13.40).

Tina Clayton (JAM) continued her hot sprinting, winning the women’s 100 m in 10.98 (+1.8) with Jacious Sears of the U.S. second (11.04). Two-time World Champion Shericka Jackson (JAM) won the women’s 200 m in 22.53 (+1.0), with Caisja Chandler of the U.S. in third (22.92).

Lynna Irby-Jackson of the U.S. won the 400 m (50.23), and American Alia Armstrong took the 100 m hurdles in 12.54 (+1.1), ahead of World Indoor 60 m hurdles winner Devynne Charlton (BAH: 12.65).

Stunning result from the TOAD Fest in Brentwood, Tennessee on Saturday, with 2019 World 800 m Champion Donavan Brazier winning the men’s open 800 m in 1:44.70, his first recorded race since 2022! He ran away from Shane Streich (1:47.20) for the victory.

It’s Brazier’s fastest outdoor 800 since 2020, with a long series of injuries dogging him since the 2021 Olympic Trials.

At the women-only New York Mini 10K in Central Park, Kenyan star Hellen Obiri pulled away from American Weini Kelati and won Saturday’s race in 30:44. Kelati, the 10,000 m Olympic Trials winner in 2024, was a close second in 30:49, bettering the American road 10 km record of 30:52 by Shalane Flangan in Boston in 2016!

Fourth was Taylor Roe in 30:58, moving to no. 2 on the all-time U.S. list.

● Badminton ● Two wins for South Korea highlighted the BWF World Tour Indonesia Open in Jakarta (INA).

In the men’s Singles, 2019 Worlds runner-up Anders Antonsen (DEN) edged 2022 Worlds bronzer Tien Chen Chou (TPE), 22-20, 21-14, and Olympic champ Se Young An (KOR) came from a set down to beat two-time Asian champ Zhi Yi Wang (CHN) in the women’s final, 13-21, 21-19, 21-15.

Korea got a second win in the men’s Doubles, while China took the women’s Doubles and France won the Mixed Doubles.

● Canoe-Kayak ● Olympic champion Jessica Fox (AUS) was only ninth in the qualifying for the C-1 women’s race at the ICF Slalom World Cup in La Seu d’Urgell (ESP), but she was in great form in the final, winning in 98.42 seconds, with two penalties.

That was good enough, over Spain’s Miren Lazkano (102.52/4) and Czech Martina Satkova (102.80/0). It was Fox’s 53rd career World Cup victory and her 34th in C-1.

In the women’s Kayak final, Slovakia’s 2023 World U-23 C-1 champ Sona Stanovska was the winner at 93.50 (2 penalties), ahead of veteran star Camille Prigent (FRA: 94.31/0) and Monica Doria (AND: 94.61/2).

Seven-time Worlds medalist Luka Bozic (SLO) was a clear winner in the men’s C-1, timing 87.62 with no penalties, beating Paris silver medalist Adam Burgess (GBR: 88.79/0) and Paris Olympic winner Nicolas Gestin (FRA: 89.29/2). American Casey Eichfield was ninth (92.39/2).

The men’s Kayak final was a French 1-2 for Titouan Castryck (81.90/0) and Anatole Delassus (82.78/0), with Lucien Delfour (AUS: 83.56/2) finishing third.

Spain’s Manuel Ochoa won the men’s Kayak Cross final over Jonny Dickson (GBR), while Angele Hug (FRA) took the women’s final, with Tereza Kneblova (CZE) second.

● Cycling ● The four-stage UCI Women’s World Tour Tour of Britain had three different stage winners and three different leads after three days, with third-stage winner Cat Ferguson (GBR) winning the 143.8 km ride in and around Kelso in 3:42.37, and taking just a three-second lead into Sunday, over Ally Wollaston (NZL) and 12 seconds on Karlijn Swinkels (NED).

Dutch star Lorena Wiebes won Sunday’s mass sprint finish in 1:57:13 at the end of a flat, 82.2 km route in Glasgow, with Wollaston third and Ferguson seventh. With the intermediate and final time bonuses, Wollaston gained 13 seconds to six for Ferguson and won the overall title by four seconds in 10:36:45! Swinkels finished third at +0:22.

At the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Leogang (AUT), Czech star Ondrej Cink, now 34 and the 2015 Worlds XCO bronze winner finally got his first World Series gold in the men’s Cross Country Olympic race, winning in 1:25:05, 18 seconds up on Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Mathias Fluckiger (SUI: 1:25:23) and teammate Fabio Pintener (1:25:32).

American Christopher Blevins, the 2021 World Short Track champ, maintained a perfect record with his fourth Short Track win in a row this season, just barely winning over Martin Vidaurre (CHI), with both timed in 23:00, with Charlie Aldridge (GBR) third in 23:01.

Dutch star Puck Pieterse, the 2024 XCO World Champion, won her fifth career World Series gold in dominating fashion, 1:26:39 to 1:27:29 over Samara Maxwell (NZL), with Ramona Forchini (SUI: 1:28:05) in third.

Pieterse won her second straight Short Track race in 21:13, a clear winner over Maxwell (21:29) and Nicole Koller (SUI: 21:34). American Savilla Blunk was eighth in 22:05.

In the Downhill finals, Canada’s Jackson Goldstone won for the second straight time, in 2:57.229, ahead of five-time World Champion Loic Bruni (FRA: 2:57.288) and Henri Kiefer (GER: 2:57.764). Canada also won the women’s race with a second straight victory for Gracey Hemstreet, over American Anna Newkirk and World Champion Valentina Hoell (AUT), 3:21.962-3:22.827-3:24.389.

● Football ● The U.S. men faced Turkey in rainy East Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday in a friendly, starting beautifully, but disappointed for the last 88 minutes in a 2-1 loss.

Twenty-one-year-old midfielder Jack McGlynn – in his fifth cap – electrified the crowd with a sensational strike on the right side, taking a pass from forward Malik Tillman, dribbling toward the box and setting up a left-footed strike that flew into the far right side of the Turkish goal for a 1-0 lead after 59 seconds. It was officially credited as a second-minute goal.

But Turkey struck back. In the 24th, U.S. midfielder Johnny Cardoso was trying to clear a ball in front of the American net, but his pass bounced off the knee of forward Arda Guler and bounded into the net for a 1-1 tie. Then, striker Kerem Akturkoglu scored off another failed clearance in front of the U.S. net in the 27th to take the lead. Although the U.S. had 60% possession in the half, Turkey was the aggressor with nine shots to three.

The U.S. was the aggressor in the second half, and Tillman had a fabulous chance in the 61st, but his straight-on header in front of the Turkish goal was caught by debut keeper Berke Ozer. But the score did not change and it ended 2-1, with the U.S. getting 59% possession and finishing with a 13-11 shots edge (10-3 in the half), but coming up short for the third straight match.

The Americans will face Switzerland on Tuesday (10th) in Nashville, Tennessee next.

● Skateboard ● Japan’s 14-year-old Mizuho Hasegawa scored an impressive win at the World Skate Tour Park women’s final in Rome (ITA), with a build-up to a fourth and winning run.

Starting at 77.53 in the first round, Hasegawa scored 89.64 in the second round, but still had to overcome Arisa Trew (AUS), who scored 92.43 to take the lead. Hasegawa replied with a 92.80 to take the lead and finished with her 93.34 for the win. Trew remained in second and Cocona Hiraki (JPN) scored 91.62 on her last run to move up to third.

The men’s final had Spain’s Egoitz Bijueska (also 14!) take the lead on his first run at 92.54 and never relinquish it, improving to 94.50 in the final round to win. Japan’s Paris Olympian Yuro Nagahara was a clear second (92.30) with Gui Khury (BRA: 92.01) third.

● Sport Climbing ● Japan’s Olympic silver winner Soratu Anraku was going for a fourth straight win at the IFSC Bouldering World Cup in Prague (CZE), but France’s Mejdi Schalck, the 2023 Worlds runner-up, was almost perfect on his way to a 99.1 score and the win.

Anraku scored 84.1 and took second on criteria over Samuel Richard (FRA: also 84.1).

The women’s final was canceled due to safety concerns from strong winds, so the semifinal standings were used, with France’s 2023 Worlds silver winner Oriane Bertone (84.8) and Agathe Calliet (FRA: 69.7) finishing 1-2, and Melody Sekikawa (JPN: 69.5) in third.

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SWIMMING: U.S. Nationals wrap in Indianapolis with another Ledecky win, American record equaler for Walsh and three world leads!

By
Rich Perelman
-
Two impressive wins for Olympian Shaine Casas at the 2025 USA Swimming nationals! (Photo: USA Swimming).

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ USA SWIMMING NATIONALS ≡

The USA Swimming national championships in Indianapolis concluded on Saturday with more world leads, another American Record from Gretchen Walsh and, of course, another brilliant performance from Katie Ledecky.

● Women/1,500 m Free:
No doubt about the winner, as Freestyle superstar Ledecky won her third gold of the meet, up by almost two seconds at 100 m and expanding her lead from there. She won easily in 15:36.76, the no. 17 performance in history; she now has the top 23.

Jillian Cox, the two-time NCAA 1,650-yard champion at Texas, finished second in 16:05.88, which was only third overall, as 200 m Free champ Claire Weinstein had the fastest time in the morning sections in 16:01.96, no. 5 in the world in 2025, and would be in line to swim this event at the World Championships in Singapore if she chooses. Cox is no. 7 in the world this year and would go if Weinsterin passes.

Ledecky finishes the meet with wins in the 400-800-1,500 m Frees as expected and a place on the 4×200 m Free relay, which she also wanted.

● Women/200 m Medley:
Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Alex Walsh was the qualifying leader at 2:10.22, with 2022 Worlds bronze medalist Leah Hayes close at 2:11.22 and then surprise 200 m Fly winner Caroline Bricker at 2:11.63.

But it was Phoebe Bacon, the 2022 Worlds 200 m Back silver medalist, who got out well in the Fly and maintained a tiny lead of 0.07 after the Back leg. Walsh took the lead on the Breast leg, but Bacon held second, ahead of a charging Hayes. No trouble for Walsh to move ahead solidly on the final lap, winning in 2:08.45, no.2 in the world for 2025.

Hayes was moving up nicely on the final lap, but Bacon stayed strong and touched second in 2:09.22, no. 6 in the world this year. Bricker passed Hayes late for third, 2:10.12 to 2:10.83.

● Men/200 m Medley:
Paris Olympian Shaine Casas, the 2024 World Short-Course winner in this race, was the only one under 1:58 in the heats (1:57.70), but two-time Worlds runner-up Carson Foster was close at 1:58.15, and Tokyo 400 m Free bronzer Kieran Smith qualified fourth at 1:58.50.

Casas was out like a shot on the Fly, touching first ahead of Owen McDonald, and then Foster came up for third after the Back leg. Foster moved into second on the Breast leg, but Casas was sturdy and led on the turn by 0.83.

Foster moved right up on the Free and was almost even, but ran out of pool and Casas won in 1:55.73, fastest in the world in 2025! It’s his second title of the week, after the 100 m Fly.

Foster was right behind at 1:55.76 and no. 2 in 2025, followed by fast-closing Trenton Julian (1:57.59), who passed McDonald (1:57.98).

● Men/800 m Free:
Tokyo Olympic winner and Paris runner-up Bobby Finke said he would not contest the 400 m Medley – which he won earlier – at the Worlds in Singapore, and would concentrate on his signature distance Freestyles.

In the 800, Finke took the lead over 400 m Free winner Rex Maurer at 75 m, and was up by 3.22 seconds at 400 m. He won going away in 7:43.13, moving from no. 17 in the world to no. 5.

Maurer and 1,500 m Free runner-up David Johnston were battling for second, and within 0.4 of each other at 500 m, and were right together coming home, with Maurer getting the touch in 7:49.53 (world no. 13), to 7:49.85.

● Women/50 m Free:
Naturally, ex-Virginia stars Gretchen Walsh (the 2024 World Short Course champ) and Kate Douglass (the 2024 Worlds runner-up in this event) led the qualifying at 24.30 and 24.38, with Paris 2024 100 m Free runner-up Torri Huske at 24.42.

Douglass got off best in the final, but Walsh was strong underwater and came up with a slight lead and stayed in front – barely ahead of Huske and Douglass, with Walsh gaining a clear edge in the final 10 m and touching first in a world-leading 23.91, equaling Douglass’ American Record from 2024, and equal-eighth performer in history.

Huske got a lifetime best at 23.98 for second and Douglass was third in 24.04, followed by 2019 World Champion Simone Manuel at 24.39. The top three in the race are now the top three in the world for 2025.

● Men/50 m Free:
The 100 m Free winner, Jack Alexy, looked strong in the heats at 21.59, now no. 4 on the world list for 2025, followed by Jonny Kulow (lifetime best 21.75, no. 8) and Santo Cordonelli at 21.87.

Off the start, the field was even as they came up, but Alexy got to the lead by midway and was the clear leader with 10 m to go, touching with a lifetime best of 21.36, the world leader in 2025! He’s now no. 15 all-time and no. 2 in U.S. history.

A clear second was the 30-year-old Condorelli, who previously represented Canada and Italy at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, in 21.68 (world no. 8), just ahead of Kulow (21.73). 

There were also two fast swim-offs for national team places, with Paris Olympian Erin Gemmell winning the women’s 200 m Free over Anna Peplowski, 1:55.23 to 1:55.70. Gemmell’s time moves her to no. 3 in the world year, with Peplowski at no. 5. Gemmell will swim the individual 200 m Free in Singapore.

In the women’s 50 m Breast, McKenzie Siroky started fast and won in 30.05, a lifetime best and no. 5 in the world for 2025. Emma Weber was second in 30.55.

As expected, the meet produced a powerful showcase for the U.S., with 10 world-leading marks across five days:

● Men/100 m Free: 46.99, Jack Alexy (day 1)
● Women/100 m Free: 52.43, Torri Huske

● Men/200 m Free: 1:43.73, Luke Hobson (day 2)
● Men/200 m Back: 1:54.25, Jack Aikins
● Women/200 m Free: 1:54.92, Claire Weinstein
● Women/50 m Fly: 24.66, Gretchen Walsh ~ American Record

● Women/50 m Back: 26.97, Katharine Berkoff (day 3) ~ American Record

● Men/50 m Free: 21.36, Alexy (day 5)
● Men/200 m Medley: 1:55.73, Shaine Casas
● Women/50 m Free: 23.91, Walsh ~ equals American Record

Add in Ledecky’s three wins and this will, once again, be a strong American team at the World Championships in Singapore, starting at the end of July.

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SWIMMING: More brilliance from Ledecky and Smith, plus wins by new stars Mijatovic and McKean at USA Swimming nationals

By
Rich Perelman
-
World-record holder Regan Smith of the U.S.

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ USA SWIMMING NATIONALS ≡

The penultimate day of the USA Swimming national championships in Indianapolis saw yet another sensational swim by the great Katie Ledecky, but pleasant surprises from teen swimmers who may be stars at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The races:

● Women/400 m Free:
Superstar Ledecky led the heats at 4:03.16, with 200 m Free winner Claire Weinstein second at 4:07.45, the clear favorites in the evening.

Ledecky took a 0.90-second lead after 100 m of the final and was up 1.55 at 200 m and on world-record pace. She slowed slightly in the third 100 but extended to a 1.74-second lead, and finished with just more than a body-length win in 3:58.56, the no. 22 performance in history (she has 11 of them).

Weinstein was alone in second and got a lifetime best of 4:00.05, moving her to no.7 all-time, and remaining no. 4 on the 2025 world list. Tokyo Olympian Bella Sims was third in 4:07.11.

● Men/400 m Free:
Sixteen-year-old Luka Mijatovic (Pleasanton, Ca. high school) led the qualifying with a lifetime best of 3:45.89, moving to no. 10 on the 2025 world list, and setting national age-group 15-16 and 17-18 records!

Off the start in the final, Kieran Smith, the Tokyo Olympic bronze winner, was in lane one but had the lead at the 100 and 200 m marks. Rex Maurer, the Texas star who won the NCAA 500-yard Free title, took the lead by the 250 m mark, with Smith still close and 200 m Free winner Luke Hobson coming on for third. Maurer turned first at the 350 mark and rolled to a brilliant win with a lifetime best of 3:43.33, now no. 2 in the world for 2025. It’s also the fastest ever swum on U.S. soil and makes him the no. 3 performer in American history.

Smith and Hobson faded and Mijatovic came on and got second in 3:45.71, no. 11 in the world for 2025. Ryan Erisman moved well on the final lap for third in 3:46.01, with Smith fifth (3:47.17) and Hobson sixth (3:47.47).

● Women/100 m Breast:
Star Kate Douglass, the Olympic 200 m Breast winner, was the fastest qualifier in 1:06.27, followed by Rio 2016 Breast gold medalist Lilly King (1:06.57).

The final was King’s last race in the U.S., as she has announced her retirement at the end of this season. And she was out well, taking the lead halfway into the first lap and turning in front.

But Douglass was strong in the middle of the second lap and made up the deficit steadily and got to the lead with about 15 m left and touched first in a lifetime best 1:05.79, now no. 4 in the world for 2025. King was a clear second in 1:06.02, also a seasonal best and now no. 8 on the 2025 world list.

Alex Walsh, the Tokyo 2020 200 m Medley silver winner, was third in 1:06.50, and perhaps just as amazing as any of the top finishers was 47-year-old Gabby Rose, who made the final and finished seventh in 1:08.54!

● Men/100 m Breast:
The 200 m Breast winner, Josh Matheny, was the only one under a minute in the morning heats, at 59.80, with upset 50 m Breast winner Campbell McKean and runner-up Michael Andrew next at 1:00.18 and 1:00.27.

Off the start in the final, Matheny turned first in a tight race with McKean (+0.06) and Andrew (+0.27), but McKean got going in the middle of the final lap and got to the wall first in the final 10 m and finished in 58.96, for his second win of the championships and no. 3 in the world for 2025 and now equal-sixth all-time U.S.

Matheny was a clear second in 59.18, no. 8 on the season, with Nate Germonprez third (59.89) and then Andrew (59.99).

● Women/100 m Back:
World-record holder Regan Smith, 2022 World Champion and two-time Paris Olympic medalist in the event, led the qualifying at 58.06, ahead of the 50 m Back winner and American Record-setter Katharine Berkoff (58.75).

Berkoff had a tiny, 0.11-second lead at the turn in the final, but Smith moved up steadily and had the lead with 25 m left and touched the clear winner in 57.69, the no. 21 mark in history (she has 11 of them).

Second was Berkoff at 58.13 and Claire Curzan and Leah Shackley tied for third at 58.60.

Smith said in her Peacock interview afterwards that she was happy with the win, but also the other second-places in the 50 and 200 m Back and 200 m Fly, as she hadn’t done too much hard training this year. So, pretty good to make the team in four events for Singapore!

● Men/100 m Back:
With established stars Ryan Murphy and Hunter Armstrong taking the year off, nineteen-year-old Daniel Diehl had the fastest qualifier at 53.33, with 200 m Back champion Jack Aikins second-fastest at 53.35.

In the final, the field was incredibly close through 45 m, with Jack Wilkening touching first at the turn over 2024 Olympic Trials 5th-placer Tommy Janton and Diehl. It looked like Aikins and Diehl would duel for the win in the middle of the pool, but Janton – in lane one – kept steady and touched first in a shocker in a lifetime best of 53.00, now 11th in the world in 2025. He came in ranked 26th!

Aikins was second in 53.19, with Diehl in 53.35 and Keaton Jones fourth in 53.79.

The 2025 Nationals finish on Saturday with the men’s 1,500 m Free, the women’s 800 m Free, the women’s and men’s 200 m Medley and the 50 m Freestyles.

The meet is being shown on the USA Swimming Web site (both sessions) and NBC’s Peacock streaming service for the evening session at 7 p.m. Eastern.

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ATHLETICS: Chebet close on 5,000 m world-record try, with Bromell’s 9.84 among six world leads at Rome Diamond League!

By
Rich Perelman
-
How about American sprinter Trayvon Bromell!

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≡ ROME DIAMOND LEAGUE ≡

The Diamond League landed in Europe at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea in Rome (ITA), with pleasant conditions and some hot competition, including five outdoor world-leading performances and a tie:

● Men/100 m: 9.84, Trayvon Bromell (USA)
● Men/1,500 m: 3:29.72, Azeddine Habz (FRA)
● Men/High Jump: 2./32 m (7-7 1/4), Sang-hyeok Woo (KOR)
● Men/Long Jump: 8.34 m (27-4 1/2) (=), Liam Adcock (AUS)
● Women/5,000 m: 14:03.69, Beatrice Chebet (KEN)
● Women/Triple Jump: 15.64 m (48-0 1/2), Shanieka Ricketts (JAM)

The drama started right away, as Olympic champ Valarie Allman of the U.S. stood only third in the women’s discus after three rounds, at 63.01 m (206-8) and two fouls. But she revved up in round four to take the lead at 66.66 m (218-8) and then sealed the deal at 69.21 m (227-0) in the fifth round, for her 23rd straight win, dating back to September 2023. Cuba’s 2019 World Champion Yaime Perez was second at 66.63 m (218-7); American Lagi Tausaga, the 2023 World Champion, was eighth at 62.68 m (205-8). Said Allman:

“That was such a good competition. It feels good being here. I am trying to hold my technique and I am glad I figured it out over the competition. …

“I simply love Rome and felt empowered by the crowd. Yes, it feels a bit like being a gladiator, I could attack now! Now I need to work on my technique in order to walk in the ring and execute well from the first attempt.”

There was enormous anticipation for the women’s 5,000 m with world-record holder Gudaf Tsegay (14:00.21 in 2023) and Olympic 5,000-10,000 winner Chebet, who ran the second-fastest 3,000 m in history on 25 May. Chebet, Tsegay and World Indoor 3,000 m winner Freweyni Hailu (ETH) took over after the pacesetters stepped off and Chebet passed 3,000 m in 8:32.30.

Chebet then took off and laid waste to the field from 3,200 to 3,600 m with a 66.26 lap, with Ethiopians Birke Haylom, Hailu and Tsegay following, now four seconds behind. At the bell, Chebet was alone and moving strongly, with Hailu a distant second. Chebet crossed in 14:03.69, the no. 2 performance in history, behind only Tsegay’s world record; she now has three of the top nine performances ever. She ran the final 400 m in 61.8!

Hailu finished in 14:19.33, moving to no. 15 all-time, then Italian star Nadia Battocletti, with a national record of 14:23.15, followed by Haylom (14:24.20) and Tsegay (14:24.86). Josette Andrews was the top American in sixth (14:25.37), moving her to no. 3 all-time U.S., with the no. 3 performance. Shelby Houlihan was 10th (14:45.29) and Karissa Schweizer was 16th (14:56.38).

Two-time Worlds bronze medalist Bromell has always been an excellent starter and got off very well in the men’s 100 m, chased by Kenyan star Ferdinand Omanyala. But Bromell stayed strong and broke away, storming to the line in a world-leading 9.84 victory (wind: +1.1 m/s) and Emmanual Eseme (CMR) came on late to edge Omanyala for second, 9.99 to 10.01. Americans Brandon Hicklin (10.04), Fred Kerley (10.06) and Courtney Lindsey (10.19) were 4-5-6.

Still just 29, it’s the oft-injured Bromell’s fastest 100 since 2022 and equals his fifth-fastest ever!

In the men’s 1,500 m, a group was bunched at the bell and then Adrian Ben (ESP) had the lead heading into the back straight. Then Kenya’s 2019 World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot took over, but pursued doggedly by French two-time Olympian Abezzine Habz. The Frenchman got to the front onto the straight and held on to win in 3:29.72 to 3:29.75, as Morocco’s Anass Essayi getting a lifetime best in third in 3:30.74. American Vince Ciattei was 12th in a lifetime best of 3:31.69!

Five men cleared 2.23 m (7-3 3/4) in the men’s high jump, but Ukraine’s European Indoor champ Oleh Doroshchuk sailed into the lead with his first-try clearance at 2.26 m (7-5). But Romaine Beckford (JAM), American 2023 Worlds runner-up JuVaughn Harrison and two-time World Indoor winner Sang-hyeok Woo (KOR) all finally cleared on their third tries. Doroshchuk and Woo both cleared 2.28 m (7-5 3/4) and 2.30 m (7-6 1/2), but only Woo could get over 2.32 m (7-7 1/4) – on his first try – and got the win and the outdoor world lead for 2025.

The entire 2024 Olympic podium was back for the women’s triple jump, with silver winner Shanieka Ricketts (JAM) in control from her opening mark of 14.64 m (48-0 1/2), the outdoor world lead in 2025. Cuba’s Leyanis Perez, the 2025 World Indoor winner, moved into second in the third round at 14.46 m (47-5 1/4), while Olympic winner Thea LaFond (DMA) finished third at 14.30 m (46-11). Olympic bronzer Jasmine Moore of the U.S. was fifth at 14.15 m (46-5 1/4).

Elsewhere in an entertaining meet in the famed Stadio Olimpico:

In the men’s 400 m, South Africa’s world leader, Zakithi Nene, got off well and was in front on the backstraight, but Olympic champ Quincy Hall of the U.S. came on to lead into the turn. But Nene surged into the straight and had the lead when Hall came on with his patented late rush to win by 44.22 to 44.23. Botswana’s Busang Kebinatshipi was a clear third in 44.51, followed by Charles Dobson (GBR: 44.64) and American Vernon Norwood (44.86). Hall moves up to no. 5 in the world for 2025.

World leader Cordell Tinch and Olympic silver winner Daniel Roberts headlined the men’s 110 m hurdles and Tinch was in the lead by mid-race and over the final hurdles, but Swiss record holder Jason Joseph came through on the run-in for an upset win as both were timed in 13.14 (+0.9). Dylan Beard of the U.S. was third (13.28) and Roberts, a factor early, faded to fifth (13.40).

Olympic champ Miltiadis Tentoglou (GRE) got out to a quick lead in the long jump at 8.10 m (26-7) in the second round. Home favorite and World Indoor winner Mattia Furlani (ITA) got into second place in round five at 8.07 m (26-5 3/4), but in the show-down sixth round, Australia’s Liam Adcock equaled the world outdoor lead and got a lifetime best of 8.34 m (27-4 1/2) to win. Furlani also improved, to 8.13 m (26-8 1/4) for second and Tentoglou had to settle for third. Marquis Dendy of the U.S. was ninth (7.72 m/25-4).

New Zealand’s 2017 World Champion Tom Walsh led the men’s shot from the first round with his toss of 21.89 m (71-10) and held on, as Zane Weir (ITA) got up for second in the fifth round at 21.67 m (71-1 1/4) and Paris bronze winner Rajindra Campbell (JAM) was third at 21.64 m (71-0). Americans Joe Kovacs (21.59 m/70-10), Tripp Piperi (21.58 m/70-9 3/4) and Payton Otterdahl (21.56 m/70-9) finished 4-5-6.

The women’s 200 m had 2017 Worlds runner-up Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith (CIV) getting her usual strong start through the turn and onto the straight, but that’s where Tokyo Olympian Anavia Battle of the U.S. took over and charged to a 22.53 win (wind: +0.8 m/s), her third of the Diamond League season. Britain’s Amy Hunt came up to get second at the line over Ta Lou, 22.67-22.75, with McKenzie Long of the U.S. fourth in 22.81.

In the women’s 1,500 m, Kenya’s Susan Ejore – sixth at Paris 2024 – had the lead at the bell, in front of a tight pack. She pulled away slightly around the turn and held the lead over Saron Berhe (ETH) and Ireland’s Sarah Healy into the final straight, but then it was Healy taking over to win in 3:59.17, with Australians Sarah Billings (3:59.24) and Abbey Caldwell (3:59.32) passing Ejore, as did American Heather Maclean (3:59.71) for fourth. Ejore finished fifth in 3:59.73.

Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight took the lead from countrywomen Rushell Clayton near mid-race in the 400 m hurdles and then led around the turn and won in 53.67, a seasonal best and no. 5 in the world for 2025. Clayton was passed around the final turn by Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso, who got second (54.21) with Clayton in third (54.31). American Cassandra Tate was ninth in 56.15.

In the women’s vault, Americans Sandi Morris and Gabriela Leon and Italy’s Roberta Bruni were the only ones to clear 4.65 m (15-3). Morris, the two-time World Indoor Champion, was the only one to clear 4.75 m (15-7) – a seasonal best – and Leon and Bruni tied for second. Morris went on to clear 4.80 m (15-9) and stopped there.

The Diamond League schedule gets thick now, with the Bislett Games in Oslo (NOR) on Thursday (12th), the Bauhaus Galan in Stockholm (SWE) on the 15th and the Meeting de Paris in France on the 20th.

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SWIMMING: American Record for Berkoff, a Walsh world-record near-miss, a Finke stunner and emotional win for King on day three at U.S. nationals

By
Rich Perelman
-
American Record-setter Katharine Berkoff (Photo: North Carolina State Athletics).

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≡ USA SWIMMING NATIONALS ≡

Day three of the USA Swimming national championships in Indianapolis saw a near-miss by Gretchen Walsh at one of her own world records, but an American Record in the women’s 50 m Backstroke by Katharine Berkoff, plus an emotional win for Breaststroke star Lilly King.

The races:

● Women/400 m Medley:
Olympic silver and bronze winners Katie Grimes and Emma Weyant were back, but Leah Hayes, the 2022 Worlds bronze in the 200 m Medley, led the qualifying.

In the final, Grimes led after the butterfly leg, but Audrey Derivaux touched first after the backstroke. But Weyant came on in the breaststroke and Hayes moved up to second going into the final stroke.

Weyant had a 1.56-second lead entering the freestyle leg and was up to 2.0 seconds up on Hayes at the turn. But Grimes made up most of a two-second deficit to Hayes and passed her with 25 m to go and got the second spot.

Weyant finished in 4:34.81, not her fastest of the season, but still better than everyone in the world except Canadian star Summer McIntosh. Grimes timed 4:37.22 for second, now no. 11 on the world list this season. Hayes finished third in 4:38.46 and Derivaux was fifth in 4:41.39.

● Men/400 m Medley:
Carson Foster, the Olympic bronze medalist in this event in Paris was the fastest qualifier, but closest was 800-1,500 m Olympic Freestyle star Bobby Finke!

Foster took the lead on the fly lead-off, but Finke actually got the lead by 0.18 after the backstroke. Foster was a much better breaststroker and re-took the lead after 300 m, up by 1.12 over Finke. But no one was going to beat Finke in the free if he was close and he passed Foster with about 15 m to go and touched first with a surprise national title (and lifetime best) in 4:07.46, now no. 2 in the world in 2025!

Foster’s 4:07.92 got second and now no. 3 on the 2025 list. Rex Maurer was in the hunt and was third in 4:09.65, now no. 6 in the world. The Worlds schedule is a problem for Finke, with the 1,500 m Free and 400 m Medley on the same day, so he may drop this event, which would be great for Maurer.

● Women/100 m Butterfly:
Another showdown between leading qualifier – and Paris Olympic silver winner – Gretchen Walsh (the world-record setter in 2025), and Olympic champion Torri Huske, the Paris Olympic champion (no. 3). Walsh came in with the top six times in this event all-time.

The race was no contest, as Walsh got out hot and had a half-body-length lead by halfway down the pool. She turned in 25.19 vs. her world-record split of 25.32, but slowed slightly on the way home and won in 54.76, the no. 2 time ever; she now owns the top seven marks in history.

She looked back at the scoreboard right away and shook her head just a little at the time. Wow.

Huske was steady and finished a clear second in 56.61, 0.02 off her seasonal best, with Alex Shackell a distant third in 57.71.

● Men/100 m Butterfly:
Paris Olympian Thomas Heilman, 18, was by far the leading qualifier at 50.78, moving to no. 5 in the world in the morning.

In the final, Paris Olympic 200 m Medley man Shaine Casas got out first and turned with a 0.36-second lead on Heilman. But Heilman, as he usually does, came on in the final 50 and got even with 10 m to go, but Casas touched first with two great final strokes at 50.51, now no. 3 in the world for 2025.

Heilman was close at 50.70, then Dare Rose, who won the 50 m Fly earlier in the meet, in third at 51.06. Luca Urlando, the 200 m Fly winner, was fourth at 51.44.

● Women/50 m Breaststroke:
Indiana favorite Lilly King, the 2017 and 2019 World Champion in this event who said this is her last U.S. meet and will retire at the end of the season, led the qualifying at 30.15, moving to no. 4 on the world list for 2025.

And King was on fire in the final, getting to the lead by 25 m and edging steadily ahead to touch all alone in 29.88, now no. 3 in the world in 2025. Tennessee’s McKenzie Siroky and Paris relay gold medalist Emma Weber tied for second at 30.43, both no. 9 in the world this year.

● Men/50 m Breaststroke:
Veteran sprint star Michael Andrew and 18-year-old Campbell McKean had the top qualifiers at 27.14.

In the final, both were out well and Andrew had a tiny lead at halfway, but McKean got to the touch first in a lifetime best of 26.90, to 26.92. McKean’s mark is equal-11th on the world list for 2025.

Brian Benzing was well back in third at 27.40.

● Women/50 m Backstroke:
Paris Olympic 100 m Back bronze winner Katharine Berkoff led the heats at 27.15, moving to equal-fourth in the world for 2025.

In the final, Berkoff was off best in the middle of the pool, but American Record holder Regan Smith was pressing in lane seven. It was close – really close – but Berkoff got her hand to the touch with an American Record of 26.97! She took 13/100ths off of Smith’s 2023 mark of 27.10.

Smith was second in 27.20, now no. 6 in the world for 2025, then 2024 World Champion Claire Curzan at 27.26. It’s Smith’s third silver in the meet, to add to the 200 m Fly and 200 m Back.

Berkoff’s 26.97 is the no. 2 performance in history, 0.11 off the world mark of Kaylee McKeown (AUS) from 2023. Berkoff replaced McKeown as the world leader in 2025.

● Men/50 m Backstroke:
Casas, already the 100 m Fly winner tonight, had the best time in the heats (24.65), but the top six were within 0.28! He came back for his second final of the night after about 40 minutes.

Casas had the fastest reaction time and looked to be slightly in front of 21-year-old Quintin McCarty from North Carolina State, but McCarty barely got ahead and touched first in 24.34, now no. 4 on the 2025 world list.

Casas (already no. 3 in 2025) was a very close second in 24.44, with Will Modglin third in 24.76.

Coming Friday: the men’s and women’s 400 m Freestyles, 100 m Breaststrokes and 100 m Backstrokes.

The meet is being shown on the USA Swimming Web site (both sessions) and NBC’s Peacock streaming service for the evening session at 7 p.m. Eastern.

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PANORAMA: Manfred cites progress on MLB players at LA28; Trump visa ban order carves out World Cup, Olympics; Banka promises more aggressive WADA

By
Rich Perelman
-

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Olympic Games 2028: Los Angeles ● Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday after owners’ meetings that the question of whether major league players could participate in the 2028 Olympic tournament is still open:

“There was conversation about the Olympics. I would say this: I think we’ve made some progress with L.A. 2028 in terms of what it could look like. …

“We have some other business partners that we need to talk to about changes that would need to be made in order to accommodate the Olympics. I think we’re going to go forward with that process.”

One of those partners is undoubtedly FOX, which has the rights to the MLB All-Star Game through 2028. It is possible that the 2028 Olympic tournament could take the place of the All-Star Game on the schedule. The 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta will be held on 15 July; the 2028 Olympic Games will be held from 14-30 July.

President Donald Trump’s 4 June proclamation, “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” included bans on 12 countries and restrictions on seven more:

● “(f) After reviewing the report described in subsection (d) of this section, and after accounting for the foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives of the United States, I have determined to fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.

● “(g) I have determined to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 7 countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.”

Egypt was also identified for further scrutiny. There were, however, “categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers” and in section 4:

“any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State.”

How this section is interpreted and implemented will be closely monitored by the International Olympic Committee and National Olympic Committees and International Federations. Cuba has already protested vehemently the denial of visas for Panam Sports meetings in Miami and Puerto Rico and the inability of the Cuban men’s team to compete in the FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers in Puerto Rico, and asked the IOC and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee for assistance.

● Olympic Games: Future ● As promised, Poland is developing a bid to host an Olympic Games in 2040 or 2044, with a roadmap to be presented in the fall, according to Minister of Sports and Tourism Slawomir Nitras.

“We will try to organize the Games in Poland. I would very much like the Olympic Games to be held in Warsaw in 2040, but if they take place in 2044, it will be a reason to be proud. The first draft of the strategy, which will be submitted for public discussion, will be presented in October of this year.”

● International Olympic Committee ● Although his term as IOC President will conclude on 23 June, don’t expect Thomas Bach (GER) to fade into the sunset.

While he was elected as IOC Honorary President last year, he will also continue an operating role as the President of the Olympic Refuge Foundation, announced Tuesday:

“The Foundation Board will continue to be led by IOC President Thomas Bach, who has been the Chair since the ORF was created in 2017. Following a recommendation of IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry [ZIM], Bach was re-elected as Chair by the Board members. The ORF Board also extended the term of UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi [ITA] as Vice-Chair of the Foundation.”

● Anti-Doping ● Fascinating post by re-elected World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka (POL), who posted on X:

“Following my re-election, we’re focused on the future with some key priorities:

“✔ More audits, more transparency – All anti-doping organizations must meet the same high standards. Audit reports will be published, because transparency builds trust.

“✔ More appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – Fairness and consistency are essential. If needed, we’ll increase the number of appeals to protect the integrity of the system.

“✔ Investing in science and technology – We’re upgrading ADAMS, boosting cybersecurity, and embracing innovation like AI and dried blood spot testing to stay ahead.

“The mission continues — for clean sport, for athletes, for the future.”

These promises will be closely watched as WADA has been pilloried over the 2021 Chinese swimming mass-positives incident for not being transparent about its response and not filing an appeal of the China Anti-Doping Agency’s decision not to impose even temporary suspensions on those who tested positive for trimetazidine.

● Enhanced Games ● Responding to the World Aquatics’ ban on athletes or officials involved in pro-doping events such as the Enhanced Games, founder Aron D’Souza (AUS) said the Enhanced Games organization will provide support for athletes who compete in his event:

“We will support any natural or enhanced athlete denied the option to make this choice – both by providing them with an opportunity to compete and win – or by providing legal support against World Aquatics in the case of any challenge.

“This ban isn’t about protecting athletes. It’s about protecting a monopoly. World Aquatics hasn’t paid its athletes for decades. Now, faced with real competition and real momentum, they’ve fallen back on threats and bullying tactics.”

● Transgender ● California State Superintendent of Education Tony Thurmond issued a statement Wednesday in response to a demand from the U.S. Justice Department that it comply with Federal policy concerning transgender athletes in California schools:

“The DOJ assertions are not in themselves law, and the letter by itself cannot be an enforcement mechanism. The letter does not announce the passage of any new federal law.

“In fact, the CIF policy that the DOJ letter refers to reiterates California law, which protects students from discrimination based on gender identity, and which requires that students be permitted to participate on athletic teams that are consistent with their gender identity.”

A separate notice to local education agencies (LEAs) also noted:

“As we review the requested certification, we want to assure you that the California Department Education (CDE) and the LEAs in our state that receive federal funds have already provided the requisite assurances to funding agencies that programs and services are in compliance with the U.S. Constitution. In addition, LEA compliance with the Equal Protection Clause and other laws is monitored annually through the state’s federal compliance monitoring process and multiple accountability mechanisms. The DOJ letter references no law that would authorize the agency to require another ‘certification’ or one of this kind from LEAs.

“The CDE plans to respond to the DOJ on behalf of the state and its LEAs by the requested date, and we will share a copy of our response with you for your information once we have submitted it.”

The Justice Department letter asked for a reply by Monday, 9 June.

● Athletics ● The medal designs for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships were revealed, with the front featuring a stylized stripe design – like lanes on a track – which incorporates the letters “TYO” as the Tokyo city code. The vibrant concept is to convey ambition, momentum, and growth.

The back is mirrored, with a band for engraving for each winner’s name, country and event. The personalization will be done in the National Stadium and completed for the formal awards ceremony on the following day.

Following the popular introduction of separate medal presentations at the 2023 Worlds in Budapest (HUN), “[t]he medal ceremonies at WCH Tokyo 25 will be held at the Medal Plaza, an open-air plaza situated just outside the southern area of Japan National Stadium.”

● Boxing ● Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko, the two-time Olympic champion, and then a multi-time featherweight and lightweight professional champion, announced his retirement on Thursday.

Now 37, he was 396-1 as an amateur and won the 2008 Olympic Featherweight title and 2012 Olympic Lightweight gold. He also won Worlds golds in 2009 and 2011.

He turned pro in 2013 and had an 18-3 record, winning featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight titles in 2013, 2016 and 2018.

● Ice Hockey ● The International Ice Hockey Federation named its finalists for the IIHF women’s Player of the Year award for the 2024-25 season, including Canadian star Marie-Philip Poulin and five U.S. players.

The American finalists include forward Laila Edwards, goaltender Aerin Frankel, defender Caroline Harvey, Hilary Knight and keeper Gwyneth Philips.

The vote will be by more than 100 individuals comprised of IIHF officials and news media; voting will conclude on 13 June, with the winner to be revealed shortly afterwards.

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LOS ANGELES 2028: IOC Coordination Commission Chair “happy, satisfied” with growth and progress of LA28 organizing efforts

By
Rich Perelman
-
LA28 chief executive Reynold Hoover (l), LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman and IOC Coordination Commission Chair Nicole Hoevertsz (ARU) at the 5 June 2025 news conference (Photo: LA28-IOC video screen shot).

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≡ IOC COORDINATION COMM. ≡

“We leave the city happy, satisfied, very confident with the road ahead.”

That’s Nicole Hoevertsz of Aruba, the head of the International Olympic Committee’s Coordination Commission for the 2028 Olympic Games, giving the essence of Thursday’s news conference, at the end of three days of presentations and tours by the LA28 organizing committee.

LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman added:

“We did make progress this week. … It’s been nearly six months since we last hosted our Coordination Commission and I’m pleased to announce we’ve driven significant progress. …

“We’ve put a lot of hard work over the past six months to really continue to push forward our program and our delivery ethos and it’s nice to have a group of people who are truly experts at the Olympic Games recognize the work we’re doing. We’ve got a long way to go, but it’s really appreciated.”

He explained that the Commission meetings brought about 16 IOC members and 20 or more IOC staff and functional-area experts to Los Angeles to review the planning efforts:

“We are really confident in the progress we have made and we’re focused on what we’ve always done, to deliver the greatest Games we are capable of delivering in this city, in the most fiscally responsible way, that pays dividends for every member of the Olympic Movement and our community.”

After the announcement of Honda as the first Founding Partner announcement in four years, Wasserman noted:

“I feel really optimistic about our revenue progress, the pace of partnerships. Obviously, without revenue, we don’t have money to spend and so we will be incredibly aggressive to generate as much revenue as we can, to create as much opportunity as we can to deliver a spectacular Games.”

Asked about the budget and any worries about a deficit, Wasserman was firm:

“I take nothing for granted, but I am incredibly confident. Frankly, losing money is not really an option for us. We understand that while there is a backstop from the City, that is not something we ever intend to get close to and we have built our entire [expense plan] to be tracked against the revenue we create, which is why we are being so aggressive, and have been for a long time on generating as much revenue as possible, because it creates certainty on what you can spend money on.

“And we will make the appropriate adjustments as required, so that we manage this budget to break even at worst.”

Hoevertsz was asked to compare the preparation level of LA28 to other Games, and noted:

● “You cannot compare Games to Games. Each edition of the Games is different, they have their local context, the have their local difficulties, the local challenges.

“In this case, we were thinking that 11 years is a long time, but I think it’s not one day too many. Because even though there’s no construction, L.A. is a different kind of Games. It’s a unique market, it’s a unique commercial market. They have other issues.

“So we have been involved since the beginning, and we’re very happy with where we are at this moment. We have a fantastic team, under the leadership of Casey and [CEO] Reynold [Hoover], very talented people, very capable people.”

● “I think the big emphasis I would like to put on the progress that is being accomplished, especially in the last six months … if we look at it now, the team that is assembled now is consisting of people with a lot of Games experience as well, people that have done this before.”

She also noted the move of the expanding organizing committee to its lifetime headquarters at the USC Tower in downtown Los Angeles as a sign of the maturation of the effort.

Hoevertsz was especially enthusiastic about not having to deal with construction, as is usually the case with most Games, and especially praised the existing “Olympic Village” already in place at UCLA’s on-campus housing:

“That is fantastic, not just having this already in place and being ready for the athletes, but it is something … you have a village, where you have this village and this campus experience, that not many people have around the world.”

IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi (SUI) was excited about the expertise in Southern California that can help the organizing committee to stage the Games, explaining:

“You have so many talented organizations that can be part of delivering these Games, that for each and every sport, you have choice to make. And they have an incredibly smart strategy of how to go at this very fortunate market, where many players will be able to deliver the magic. Within six months, a lot has been achieved, and we couldn’t be more happy than this.”

Hoover and Wasserman also announced that the 2028 Olympic Torch Relay will go to all 50 states, a first for a U.S. Games, with details available probably in 2027.

As for transportation, Wasserman repeated his belief that the plan will develop well:

“The 17 days of the Olympics and the 10 days of the Paralympics are not a normal 17 and 10 days in Los Angeles. There are lots of things that change: traffic patterns, in 1984, people don’t remember … [there were] truck deliveries only between midnight and 5 a.m., and so it’s not a normal environment.

“And what that does is allow us to optimize the transportation system for all people involved: fans, athletes, officials, volunteers, everybody, efficiently and effectively, which is ironically why people say ‘ the best time to be in L.A. was the ‘84 Olympics, because there was no traffic.’

“And so we are very clear that that was a great experience and we’ll do our best to replicate that. We feel very confident in the plan. Obviously, L.A. has invested unto itself a lot in infrastructure here, in transportation infrastructure, far more than existing in ‘84, and that, combined with the support of the Federal government around our transportation delivery, we feel very confident that it will be a different version of the success we had in ‘84 in terms of ingress and egress and access and experience when it comes to transportation.”

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GYMNASTICS: Shocker as USA Gymnastics CEO Leung to leave at end of 2025

By
Rich Perelman
-
USA Gymnastics President and Chief Executive Li Li Leung (Photo: FIG).

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≡ LEUNG TO LEAVE ≡

“USA Gymnastics President & CEO Li Li Leung on Thursday announced that she will step down from her role at the conclusion of 2025.”

She said in a statement from USA Gymnastics:

“The opportunity to lead USA Gymnastics has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime.

“Thanks to the dedication of the entire gymnastics community, we are now in an incredible position as we turn our attention to the L.A. Olympic Games. The last several months have been a time of great reflection, and I know that now is the right time to pass the torch to the next leader, with the sport and organization thriving. I wanted to ensure the board has the opportunity to conduct a thorough search and also give my successor a long runway into the 2028 Olympic Games.

“I’m going to take some time to reset before determining what is next, and I look forward to USA Gymnastics accomplishing great things in 2025 and beyond.”

Leung, 52, came to USA Gymnastics from the National Basketball Association, where she was a Vice President, and took over an organization in disarray in the wake of the Larry Nassar abuse scandal. Longtime chief executive Steve Penny resigned in March 2017 and the federation went through two more hires for the position until finding Leung. In December 2018, USA Gymnastics filed for bankruptcy under weight of lawsuits related to Nassar and other abuse scandals.

Further, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee filed to de-certify USA Gymnastics as the National Governing Body for the sport in the U.S.

Leung, herself a former gymnast, was determined to fix things. In a message to the USA Gymnastics community when she was hired in February 2019, Leung said:

“As we all know, USA Gymnastics is at a critical turning point, and we now have the opportunity to look forward and to move forward.

“I have the experience, commitment, determination, and perspective to do what it takes to rebuild the organization.”

That she had success is without doubt. The Nassar lawsuits were finally settled through a long process with the survivors, the USOPC and the federation’s own insurers in 2022. The Board of Directors and much of the staff was turned over and the federation’s financial statements showed that at the end of 2023, assets had rebounded to $19.3 million and USAG had total revenues of $27.75 million for 2023, heading into an Olympic year. Not spectacular, but now steady.

Membership has rebounded from 205,500 in 2020 to more than 240,000 members and 3,300 member clubs.

Leung received total compensation of $632,567 ($577,925 in cash) for 2023, according to the USA Gymnastics tax filing. Given her performance, she could be in line for a much more lucrative position elsewhere, if she chooses to pursue it.

Leung is also a member of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Executive Committee, re-elected for another four-year term in October 2024.

USA Gymnastics said it has hired CAA Executive Search to helm the search for a new chief executive, expected to be named later this year and work with Leung for the transition.

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SWIMMING: American record for Gretchen Walsh and world leads from Weinstein, Hobson and Aikins at smoking USA Nationals second day!

By
Rich Perelman
-
U.S. national men’s 200 m Backstroke champion Jack Aikins (Photo: Aikins on Instagram).

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≡ USA SWIMMING NATIONALS ≡

Day two of the USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana saw more hot performances in the morning heats, with Luke Hobson moving to no. 2 in the world for 2025 in the men’s 200 m Freestyle (1:44.78) and Jack Aikins moving to no. 2 in the men’s 200 m Backstroke at 1:55.49.

So more was expected in the evening and more was delivered:

● Women/200 m Free:
Superstar Katie Ledecky was back in the pool after her 800 m Free triumph on day one, and leading the morning qualifying at 1:55.49, no. 3 in the world for 2025.

But 18-year-old Claire Weinstein, already the world leader this year and who beat Ledecky at the Tyr Pro Swim meet in Ft. Lauderdale, was having none of it. Neither was Torri Huske, already a winner in the 100 m Free on Tuesday, and leading at the 100 m mark, with Ledecky third.

At 150, it was still Huske in front, but Weinstein coming on and Ledecky third, but just by 0.02. On the final lap, Weinstein and Ledecky edged ahead of Huske and Weinstein had just enough in the final 10 m to touch first and shave another 1/100th off the world lead at 1:54.92.

Ledecky was second at 1:55.26, still no. 3 on the world list, followed by Huske in 1:55.71, equal-5th in 2025. Ledecky almost certainly won’t swim this race at the World Championships, but is now part of what will be a formidable 4×200 m Free relay in Singapore.

Erin Gemmell and Anna Peplowski tied for fourth in 1:55.82 and will also be in the relay pool.

● Men/200 m Free:
Hobson, the Paris 200 m Free bronze medalist, got a lifetime best with the 1:44.78 in the heats, and he took charge right away, leading at the first turn by 0.02 over Paris Olympian Chris Guiliano, and then pulling away by the 100 m mark in 50.05, up by 0.75 against Gabriel Jett.

Hobson was sensational through 150 m, but was paying for his fast start on the final lap, as Jett closed quickly. But Hobson got to the touch in a world-leading 1:43.73, the fastest ever on American soil. It moved him to no. 5 all-time and no. 2 all-time U.S. to Michael Phelps’ American Record of 1:42.96.

Jett, third at the NCAA 200-yard Free for Cal, got a lifetime best in second in 1:44.70, now no. 4 in U.S. history and no. 3 in the world for 2025. Rex Maurer was third in 1:45.13 and no. 7 in the world this year, and Henry McFadden in fourth was 1:45.22. Translation: an excellent 4×2 relay in Singapore.

● Women/200 m Breast:
Olympic champ Kate Douglass led the qualifying by almost three seconds, but Alex Walsh, the Tokyo 2020 200 m Medley runner-up – and Gretchen Walsh’s older sister – was close all the way. Douglass and Walsh were even after 50 and Douglas eked out a 0.9-second edge after two laps. But she opened a real lead on lap three (+0.34) and then held on.

Walsh increased her stroke rate in the middle of the final lap and moved up, but Douglas touched first in 2:21.45, still second in the world for 2025. Walsh was right behind in 2:22.45, remaining no. 4 on the 2025 world list.

Katie Christopherson was a distant third in 2:26.65.

● Men/200 m Breast:
Another event with a clear qualifying leader in A J Pouch – third at the 2024 Olympic Trials in this event – fastest by over a second.

But Josh Matheny, seventh in the Paris Olympic final, blasted out from the start and had an 0.63 lead after one lap, and was up 1.15 on Pouch at the 100 and 1.39 at 150. But he paid for it on the final lap and Pouch closed in, but ran out of pool as Matheny won in 2:08.87, no. 8 in the world for 2025.

Pouch’s fast close got him second in 2:09.31, slower than his 2:08.96 heat time. Gabe Nunziata got a lifetime best of 2:09.71 to finish third.

● Women/200 m Back:
The shocker in qualifying was Olympic silver medalist Regan Smith as the no. 4 qualifier, finishing second in her heat to qualifying leader, the 17-year-old Kentucky prep Charlotte Crush (huge lifetime best of 2:07.05, no. 7 in the world).

But out of sight in lane one was Claire Curzan, the 50-100-200 m World Champion in 2024 in Doha (QAT), who led from the start. In the middle of the pool, Crush and North Carolina State’s Leah Shackley led Smith. But Smith came into the picture at the final turn, behind Curzan and Shackley.

But Curzan would not be denied and held on as Smith charged into second with 30 m left, winning in a lifetime best of 2:05.09, now no. 2 in the world for 2025. Smith was a solid second in 2:05.84 – her best in 2025, now no. 3 – then Shackley in 2:06.66 (no. 5 this year) and Phoebe Bacon, the 2022 Worlds silver winner, in fourth at 2:06.79. Crush faded to seventh in 2:08.39.

● Men/200 m Back:
Qualifying star Aikins, the 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist in this event, backed up his morning swim with a dominant performance.

He had a small lead at the turn and lengthened it to 0.47 over Daniel Diehl by the 100 and then 1.12 seconds over Keaton Jones at the final turn. Aikins was consistent, strong and touch with a world-leading mark of 1:54.25, now no. 12 all-time! It was sweet redemption for Aikins, who was third at the 2024 Olympic Trials.

Jones was a clear second in 1:54.85, no. 3 in the world for 2025, followed by Diehl at 1:55.08.

● Women/50 m Fly:
Gretchen Walsh, the 2023 Worlds bronze medalist in this event, led the qualifying with a national championships meet record of 24.98, while Huske decided to skip this event in favor of the 200 m Free earlier in the program.

This was no contest. Walsh came up brilliantly and blasted away from the field, winning in an American Record of 24.66, improving her mark of 24.93 from April in Ft. Lauderdale, and improving on her own world-leading time (the fourth of the evening).

Douglass, coming back from the 200 m Breast, equaled her lifetime best of 25.39, remaining no. 2 on the world list, and getting into another event at Worlds. Brady Kendall was third in 26.02.

● Men/50 m Fly:
Paris Olympian in the 200 m Medley, Shaine Casas, and 2023 Worlds 100 Fly bronzer Dare Rose were 1-2 in qualifying at 23.10 and 23.12.

The race was tight, with four across together in the middle of the pool, but Rose emerged in the final 5 m to touch first in 23.06. He was barely ahead of Michael Andrew, the 2024 Worlds runner-up, who got second in 23.21. Casas was third in 23.29 and P.J. Foy was fourth in 23.32.

A good feeling for Rose, who was third at the 2024 Olympic Trials in the 100 m Fly; he’s on the team for Singapore.

Coming Thursday: men’s and women’s 400 m Medley, 100 m Butterfly, 50 m Breaststroke and the 50 m Backstrokes.

The meet is being shown on the USA Swimming Web site (both sessions) and NBC’s Peacock streaming service for the evening session at 7 p.m. Eastern.

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PANORAMA: Tardif says Russia out of 2026 Winter Games hockey; FanDuel bans Grand Slam Track heckler; “shoe extinguisher” stunt costs CIF win

By
Rich Perelman
-
IIHF President Luc Tardif (FRA) (Photo: Chris Tanouye/IIHF).

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Olympic Winter Games 2026: Milan Cortina ● International Ice Hockey Federation chief Luc Tardif (FRA) clarified the situation regarding Russian and Belarusian teams in the Milan Cortina Winter Games and the IIHF’s own World Championship, at a news conference on 25 May:

“The IIHF World Championship is our event, and we met this past February to discuss Switzerland in 2026. We agreed at that time that Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to play.

“We will meet next February to discuss this again for 2027. We need this lead time because of the promotion-relegation system of our events, as well as ordering the groups and creating a game schedule, which is something we start to work on right after the World Championship is over. And right after that, we have to start ticket sales.”

“As for the Olympics, the [International Olympic Committee] organizes that event. The IIHF is responsible for the competition itself. You certainly understand that eight months before the Olympic Games it’s important for IIHF, [organizing committee] and the participants to figure out which teams are playing, what groups look like, and what will be the games schedule.

“To anticipate, IIHF Sport Department drew up one schedule that included Russia and one that didn’t. In the beginning of May, the IOC send us a request to confirm the final groups and the game schedule following IOC Executive Board of March 2023 recommendation, meaning without Russian participation. There should be an official announcement at one point. In the meantime, the information went from the IOC to the Russian Olympic Committee announcing that they will not participate in the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.”

● Russia ● The Russian Anti-Doping Agency reported 14 possible doping violations during the month of May alone, with the total for 2025 now at 38.

Just two were reported in January, five in February, eight in March, nine in April and now 14 in May alone. RUSADA reported 102 violations in 2024, down from 150 in 2023.

By contrast, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has imposed 16 sanctions and two public warnings through the end of May 2025. It imposed 35 sanctions in all of 2024, plus two public warnings; there were also four findings of no fault or negligence.

● Athletics ● FanDuel removed a bettor from its site who boasted online that he harassed Olympic women’s 200 m champion Gabby Thomas at the Grand Slam Track stop in Philadelphia and won a bet.

The boast on X was from “Mr 100k a day” with a location of San Juan, Puerto Rico. In a statement to ESPN:

“FanDuel condemns in the strongest terms abusive behavior directed towards athletes.

“Threatening or harassing athletes is unacceptable and has no place in sports. This customer is no longer able to wager with FanDuel.”

Grand Slam Track said in a statement to Front Office Sports:

“Grand Slam Track is conducting a full investigation into the reprehensible behavior captured on video.

“We are working to identify the individual involved and will take appropriate action as necessary. We will implement additional safeguards to help prevent incidents like this in the future. Let us be clear, despicable behavior like this will not be tolerated.”

Crazy disqualification at the CIF State Track & Field Championships in Clovis, as Clara Adams of North Salinas High won the girls 400 m in 53.49, then took a small fire extinguisher from her father and “extinguished” her shoes.

The gimmick echoed a famous similar incident in the final event of The Home Depot Invitational in 2004 at what was then known as The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. American Maurice Greene, the 2000 Olympic men’s 100 m champ, won his race – to close the meet – in a wind-aided 9.86 (+4.6 m/s), a time so “hot” that his training teammate, hurdler Larry Wade, ran onto the track with a small extinguisher to “put out” Greene’s shoes.

(Editor’s note: I was the meet director for that event and was not involved in the stunt, but as long as it didn’t mess up the track – no harm was done – it was a great way to bring more attention to sport, especially in a nationally-televised meet, and as it was in the final event of the day, there was no interference with the rest of the meet. And, amazingly, the memory lives on.)

Adams wasn’t so lucky, and was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct by the State meet officials. Madison Mosby of St. Mary’s is now shown as the winner, in 53.52.

David Adams, Clara’s father, said. “That was our moment of celebration, and CIF officials made it about them. The crowd went crazy, they loved it, the CIF booth went crazy, they loved it. But those few guys in those jackets took offense to it, didn’t like it, and made a decision based off emotions.”

● Cricket ● Devastating incident in Bengaluru (IND), as The Associated Press reported Wednesday:

“At least 11 people are dead and more than 30 injured after a stampede on Wednesday as crowds tried to enter a cricket stadium in southern India’s Karnataka state, authorities said.

“The crush happened as tens of thousands of cricket fans gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru city to celebrate the winners of the Indian Premier League, the world’s most popular T20 cricket tournament.”

The Karnataka state minister said that the size of the crowd was unexpected, and that a part of the crowd tries to break down a gate and get in for the victory celebration.

Cricket T20 will be a medal event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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PANORAMA: LA28 Paralympics to have 552 events, 4,400 athletes; World Boxing apologizes to Khelif; Nordic Ski Champs lost millions in Norway?

By
Rich Perelman
-
LA28 rendering of Paralympic track & field in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Image: LA28).

★ The Sports Examiner: Chronicling the key competitive, economic and political forces shaping elite sport and the Olympic Movement.★

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Paralympic Games 2028: Los Angeles ● The International Paralympic Committee confirmed the event count and athlete quotas for the 2028 Paralympic Games, with a total of 552 medal events, up slightly from the 549 in Paris in 2024.

Of these, there will be 263 events for men, 243 for women and open or mixed events will total 46. The quota of 4,400 athletes – same as in Paris – has 2,228 spots for men and 1,967 for women, and 205 for gender-free events.

● Athletics ● The Athletics Integrity Unit announced a 22-month suspension for Ethiopian marathoner Tadu Teshome, 23, for “whereabouts” failures. The suspension will run from 5 February 2025.

In 2023, Teshome was eighth at the London Marathon and then fifth at Chicago. She has an all-time best of 2:17:36 – no. 21 all-time – from Valencia in December 2022.

USA Track & Field announced the entry standards for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials for 2028, with “[t]he men’s entry (‘B’) standard has been lowered by two minutes from 2:18:00 in 2024 to 2:16:00 in 2028, while the women’s standard will remain at 2:37:00.”

The first date for qualification will be 1 September 2025, through a date which is 60 days ahead of the 2028 marathon trials, whenever that will be.

● Boxing ● World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst (NED) wrote to Olympic women’s 66 kg gold medalist Imane Khelif through the Algerian Boxing Federation to apologize for singling her out in the announcement that World Boxing will require sex screening for eligibility in the women’s category.

The Associated Press reported that the letter to the federation included:

“I am writing to you all personally to offer a formal and sincere apology for this and acknowledge that her privacy should have been protected,” and that he was “reaching out to you personally we show our true respect to you and your athletes.”

World Boxing’s new “Sex, Age and Weight” policy will become effective on 1 July 2025.

● Football ● As expected, the top-ranked U.S. women’s National Team had no trouble with Jamaica, winning 4-0 in St. Louis.

Forward Ally Sentnor scored in the 19th and 28th minutes to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead at the half and substitute striker Lynn Biyendolo scored in the 60th and 88th minutes for the 4-0 final.

The U.S. overwhelmed Jamaica with 82.4% of possession, a 23-2 edge on shots and a 10-0 advantage in shots on goal. U.S. keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce got her second consecutive shutout.

● Nordic Skiing ● Despite strong crowds and a dominating performance by the host Norwegian skiers, the Verdens Gang newspaper reported that the company staging the 2025 FIS Nordic Skiing World Championships in Trondheim lost NOK 34 million, or $3.35 million U.S., or more.

It had been expected to show a surplus of NOK 20 million. Norwegian Ski Association Acting Secretary General Ola Keul told reporters, “It is simply incomprehensible and it is very serious.”

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LOS ANGELES 2028: LA28 names Paralympic Games venues, using Olympic venues for all sports in 100% re-use program

By
Rich Perelman
-
LA28 rendering of the 2028 Paralympic venue group in Long Beach (Image: LA28).

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≡ PARALYMPIC GAMES ≡

The LA28 organizing committee announced its venues for the 2028 Paralympic Games, the first to be held in Los Angeles, reusing Olympic sites for each of the 23 Paralympic sports:

In Los Angeles (6 sites):
● Crypto.com Arena: Wheelchair Basketball.
● Los Angeles Convention Center: Boccia, Para Judo, Para Table Tennis, Para Taekwondo and Wheelchair Fencing.
● Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Para Athletics.
● Peacock Theater: Goalball.
● USC Sports Center: Para Badminton, Wheelchair Rugby.
● Venice Beach: Para Athletics Marathon start, Para Triathlon.

In Arcadia (1):
● Santa Anita Park: Para Equestrian.

In Carson (1):
● Dignity Health Sports Park: Para Archery, Para Cycling, Wheelchair Tennis.

In Long Beach (4):
● Alamitos Beach: Blind Football.
● Long Beach Arena: Sitting Volleyball.
● Long Beach Convention Center and lot: Para Shooting, Para Climbing, Para Swimming.
● Long Beach Marine Stadium: Para Canoe, Para Rowing.

Still to named is the site for Para Powerlifting, the course for the Para Cycling road race and the course and finish of the Para Athletics Marathon will be announced later.

This is a far more compact Paralympic Games than Olympic Games, which has 36 sports and will have competitions outside Los Angeles for football preliminary matches and for Canoe Slalom and Softball in Oklahoma City.

The re-use will save considerable amounts of money, and make the two-week transition between the Olympic and Paralympic Games more manageable.

About 4,400 athletes are expected to compete in 2028; the 23 sports for 2028 is a record for the most sports in the history of the Games.

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SWIMMING: World 100 m Free lead for Alexy (46.99) and Huske shocks Walsh with world-leading 52.43 in women’s 100 Free!

By
Rich Perelman
-
Golden: Torri Huske, Olympic women's 100 m Butterfly champion! (Photo: USA Swimming)

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≡ U.S. NATIONALS ≡

Six finals on the first night of the USA Swimming National Championships at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis, with a world-leading performance in the morning prelims for the 22-year-old, 6-8 Cal star Jack Alexy.

Swimming in the final heat of the men’s 100 m Freestyle, Alexy – seventh in the Paris Olympic 100 and a relay gold medalist – won in a sparkling 46.99, making him only the sixth man in history to break 47 seconds, and moving him to no. 2 all-time U.S. behind Caeleb Dressel’s 46.96 from 2019.

There was one more world leader in the final session, with five-time Paris Olympic medalist Torri Huske rising to the top of the list in a duel in the women’s 100 m Free final.

The races:

● Women/200 m Butterfly:
Two-time Olympic silver winner Regan Smith led the qualifying by more than a second, and had the lead after the first turn in the final. She had an 0.46 lead over Olympic relay gold medalist Alex Shackell at 100 m and 0.55 at 150.

But Stanford’s Caroline Bricker mounted a charge in the final 20 m and touched just ahead in a huge upset, in 2:05.80 to 2:05.85! The time moves Bricker to no. 3 on the 2025 world list, to nol. 23 all-time and now the no. 5 all-time U.S.

Tess Howley was third in 2:06.79, then Paris Olympian Shackell, in 2:07.03. A shocker of a start, especially considering Bricker won the NCAA women’s 400-yard Medley, but was third in the 200-yard Fly!

● Men/200 m Butterfly:
Luca Urlando came in as the world leader at 1:52.37 in April – no. 4 all-time – but Worlds relay medalist Trenton Julian had the lead by 0.13 at 100 m. But Urlando got to the front at 150 m and had an 0.84 lead on Julian coming for home.

Urlando got home in 1:53.42, but he was being pressed by Carson Foster, the 2024 Paris 400 m Medley bronze medalist, a close second in 1:53.70, followed by Paris Olympian Thomas Heilman – still 18 – at 1:54.03, then Julian in fourth in 1:55.26.

Urlando didn’t touch his world-leading mark, but Foster and Heilman are now nos. 2-3 for 2025.

● Women/100 m Freestyle:
What would Gretchen Walsh do? The seven-time World Short-Course gold medalist from last December came in no. 2 in the world for 2025 at 52.90 and led the qualifiers at 52.99.

But Huske, the Paris Olympic silver winner in this event in 2024, was having none of it and was right with Walsh – 0.05 down – at the turn and poured it on over the final 25 m to touch first in a world-leading 52.43, with Walsh at 52.78 and Rio 2016 co-champ Simone Manuel resurgent in third at 52.83. That’s 1-3-4 on the 2025 world list, and Huske’s 52.43 is the fastest time ever swum on U.S. soil.

Kate Douglass, the Olympic Trials winner in 2024, was fourth in 53.16.

● Men/100 m Freestyle:
Alexy was in lane four in the final, but Olympic teammate Chris Guiliano – eighth in the Paris final last year – had the lead at the turn by 0.02. But Alexy came on strongly after that and would not be denied, touching in 47.17.

The surprise came from Arizona State’s Patrick Sammon, who got a lifetime best of 47.87 in the morning, then came on late to get second with another best, of 47.47, no. 6 in the world in 2025, with Guiliano third in 47.49, now no. 7.

Destin Lasco got a lifetime best in fourth as well, at 47.58, now no. 8.

● Women/800 m Freestyle:
No doubt about the favorite: four-time Olympic champ Katie Ledecky, the world-record holder and owner of 22 of the top 24 times in history. She was up by more than four seconds after three laps, and was on world-record pace at the half (4:00.66), and 0.93 up on her own record pace at 500 m.

She was 0.56 up at 600 m, but was 0.12 behind it at 700 m, and finished in 8:05.76, the no. 3 time in history! An astonishing follow-up to her world record 8:04.12 in May.

Behind her, teen star Claire Weinstein – still just 18 and a Paris 2024 relay silver medalist – won a tight duel with Jillian Cox, 8:19.67 to 8:19.88 for second, now nos. 5-6 in the world for 2025.

● Men/1,500 m Freestyle:
Two-time Olympic champ and world-record holder Bobby Finke was the prohibitive favorite, and ahead by almost two seconds after two laps and 3 1/2 seconds after four. He cruised home in 14:48.65, moving up to no. 5 in the world for 2025.

Paris Olympian David Johnston was a clear second through most of the race, and finished in 14:57.83, now no. 12 on the year. Aiden Hammer was third in 15:05.13.

Coming Wednesday: men’s and women’s 200 m Free, 200 m Breast, 200 m Back and the 50 m Flys. The meet is being shown on the USA Swimming Web site (both sessions) and NBC’s Peacock streaming service for the evening session at 7 p.m. Eastern.

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ATHLETICS: Lyles open to joining Grand Slam Track in ‘26; TV viewership slips down for Philly Slam; downside of betting in Grand Slam

By
Rich Perelman
-
Cam Newton (l) and Noah Lyles on Newton’s “Funky Friday" podcast of 30 May 2025 (Funky Friday video screenshot).

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≡ GRAND SLAM TRACK ≡

Noah Lyles is opening to joining Grand Slam Track next year.

That’s the key comment concerning the new circuit from Lyles’ three-hour appearance with former NFL star Cam Newton on his “Funky Friday” podcast from Saturday (30th).

Lyles explained, “This is the closest thing we’ve ever had to a professional league in track and field,” but said that he and Grand Slam Track founder Michael Johnson could not come to terms during months of discussions in 2024:

“I’ve worked very long to increase my value in this sport. When he came to me and asked me to be a part of it, he gave me a number and we said that number is not a fraction of what my worth is right now, and this is before the [2024] Olympics.

“We came back to him after the Olympics. I said I still like what you’re doing, I’d like to be a part of it but if I’m not going to financially gain on one side, I have to marketwise get value from it. And at the time he could not give me enough reason in my head to believe that I was going to – marketwise – get enough value from it.

“And I know a lot of track and field people are going to be mad, but I’m going to ask you this one question to prove my point: have you ever heard of Grand Slam Track?”

Replied Newton, “No, I have not.”

Lyles: “And that proves my point. Do not feel bad; this is only proving that we need to do better, we need to step up, that there needs to be a higher level of marketing, storytelling and you know, pushing the product.”

Now Newton also hadn’t heard of the “Sprint” series on Netflix which profiled the lives of sprinters as they pursued their careers and Olympic dreams. But Lyles said that the series was well received and showed off the sport to a larger audience that he feels is the key to growth for the sport. Lyles continued:

“Right now, we don’t have a lot of proofs of product, but that is one piece of it. But the fact that again, I ask you the question do you know what Grand Slam Track is, you cannot tell me. You know, what it is shows me that whatever they’re doing right now is not strong enough for me to get my value on the side of marketing and you’re not giving it monetarily, so what would I be doing it for?”

Newton observed:

“I know Michael Johnson is a household name but look, one thing I will tell you and without knowing anything, business is business bro, and one thing that you cannot do in business is get emotional or take it personal because it’s business and both parties have to come to any agreement to say, ‘hey this is fair [for you] and for me.’

“And that negotiation process may take long and as it’s happening, a lot of discoveries they come up. It’s like. ‘yo well he’s a little different, you know what I’m saying, or she’s a little different so we have to, you know, pay accordingly.”

Lyles closed on an upbeat note:

“I do agree and there might be a time maybe next year I’ll join, you know, who knows? I’m very open, I’m trying to stay very open ‘cause again, like I said, this is the first thing we’ve ever had [close] to a track and field league, and I would truly like to see it succeed.”

While the Philadelphia Slam at Franklin Field drew by far the best attendance yet – what appeared to be about 18,000 each day – the meet drew poorly on The CW television broadcast. Per The CW:

● 31 May (Sat.) in Philadelphia: 238,000 total viewers
● 01 June (Sun.) in Philadelphia: 211,000 total viewers

Courtesy of SportsMediaWatch.com, figures from the first two meets – for Saturdays and Sundays only – showed better:

● 5 April (Sat.) in Kingston: 246,000
● 6 April (Sun.) in Kingston: 241,000

● 3 May (Sat.) in Miramar: 250,000
● 4 May (Sun.) in Miramar: 248,000

No figures were available from the Peacock streaming service, which are generally significantly less than broadcast.

These totals are much less than seen for NBC’s track broadcasts from past years, but are comparable with the ESPN2 audiences for the NCAA Track & Field Championships in 2023, which averaged about 237,000 per day across four days.

Grand Slam Track has brought betting options into the sport, which inevitably ends up including a dark side. Olympic women’s 200 m champ Gabby Thomas, who dominated the Long Sprints in the inaugural Kingston Slam, but moved down to the Short Sprints for the Miramar and Philadelphia events and ran into a hot Melissa Jefferson-Wooden – the Paris Olympic women’s 100 m bronze medalist – who won the Short Sprints at the Miramar and Philadelphia events.

A self-proclaimed “King of Track and Field Dramedy, Sports Betting and Social Science Comedy” called “Mr 100k a day” from San Juan, Puerto Rico trolled Thomas on X and said he heckled her in Philadelphia and “I made Gabby lose.”

Thomas replied on X:

“This grown man followed me around the track as I took pictures and signed autographs for fans (mostly children) shouting personal insults – anybody who enables him online is gross”

Grand Slam Track said in a statement to Front Office Sports:

“Grand Slam Track is conducting a full investigation into the reprehensible behavior captured on video.

“We are working to identify the individual involved and will take appropriate action as necessary. We will implement additional safeguards to help prevent incidents like this in the future. Let us be clear, despicable behavior like this will not be tolerated.”

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SWIMMING: World Aquatics bans anyone involved in Enhanced Games; USA Swimming confirms Lucas Oil for 2028 Trials

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ ENHANCED GAMES WARNING ≡

“This new Bylaw clearly affirms World Aquatics’ position: people, organisations and competitions that promote or enable doping have no place in aquatics.”

The World Aquatics Bureau passed an immediately-effective bylaw on Tuesday (3rd) which takes dead aim at the recently-announced, pro-doping (but unmentioned by name) Enhanced Games.

The text of the new regulation specifies that any “Relevant Person” who desires to participate in a World Aquatics activity shall not be eligible if they:

● “(i) actively supported or endorsed a sporting event or competition that embraces scientific enhancements that include the use of Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods (as those terms are defined in the Doping Control Rules) and/or the use of any illegal drug; and/or

● “(ii) participated (in any capacity) in any such event or competition; and/or

● “(iii) supported (e.g., as a coach, trainer, manager, training partner, doctor, or physiotherapist) any other person in their preparation for and/or participation in any such event or competition.”

The bylaw states that “The Bureau shall decide on the application of this By-law in each particular case,” appealable to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Further, “Member Federations may choose to apply a similar policy for national competitions and events under their jurisdiction.”

There is some pressure on World Aquatics as the four athletes already identified to compete in the first Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, Nevada in May 2026 are all swimmers:

● James Magnussen (AUS), 34, the World men’s 100 m Freestyle champion in 2011 and 2013.

● Andrii Govorov (UKR), 33, European 50 m Butterfly champion in 2016 and 2018.

● Kristian Gkolomeev (GRE), 31, 2019 World 50 m Free silver medalist and 2024 European champion.

● Josif Miladinov (BUL), 21, 2020 European Championships 100 m Butterfly runner-up.

The Enhanced Games program is slated for 21-24 May in Las Vegas, promising events in athletics, swimming and weightlifting, but with limited details so far.

The International Weightlifting Federation issued a statement back on 23 May, noting:

“The IWF is firmly opposed to the organisation of the 2026 Enhanced games (where the sport of Weightlifting was announced in the programme) and the danger it poses not just to athlete health but the integrity of sport.”

World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit have not commented since the announcement of the Enhanced Games, but have repeatedly stated their displeasure with the event.

USA Swimming confirmed the already-leaked news that it will return to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials, following up on the very successful 2024 event.

The facility offered up to 30,000 seats per session and records for swimming attendance were set twice during the 2024 Trials, with a high of 22,209 for the evening session on 22 June.

The 2024 Trials had a total attendance of 285,202 or an average of 16,777 per session, and reportedly cleared $5 million net for USA Swimming, which organized the event in conjunction with the Indiana Sports Corporation and was reported to create a $132 million economic impact for the area.

Per the announcement, “Three temporary pools – one 50-meter competition pool and two warm-up pools – will be installed over the field in Lucas Oil Stadium,” and “[t]he Indiana Convention Center, connected to the stadium, will feature USA Swimming’s Toyota Aqua Zone.”

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TRANSGENDER: U.S. Asst. Attorney General demands California Interscholastic Federation abandon bylaw allowing transgenders

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ JUNE 9 DEADLINE ≡

In the aftermath of the California State High School Track & Field Championships, at which Jurupa Valley High junior AB Hernandez – a transgender – won two events and was second in a third, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon sent a letter Monday to the California Interscholastic Federation and each of its 10 section commissioners which included:

“As a member of the California Interscholastic Federation (“CIF”), and a political subdivision of the State of California, you are exposed to legal liability due to a policy CIF has enacted that violates federal law. …

“As a political subdivision, you have an obligation to comply with the Equal Protection Clause. To ensure compliance and avoid legal liability, you must certify in writing by 5:00 p.m. ET on June 9, 2025, that you will not implement CIF Bylaw 300.D.”

The letter describes the situation this way:

“The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Knowingly depriving female students of athletic opportunities and benefits on the basis of their sex would constitute unconstitutional sex discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause.

“Scientific evidence shows that upsetting the historical status quo and forcing girls to compete against males would deprive them of athletic opportunities and benefits because of their sex. Therefore, you cannot implement a policy allowing males to compete alongside girls, because such a policy would deprive girls of athletic opportunities and benefits based solely on their biological sex, in violation of the Equal Protection Clause.”

Dhillon had previously telegraphed that such an action was possible in a 28 May letter to CIF Executive Director Ronald Nocetti, announcing the Justice Department inquiry.

For the CIF and its sections, the newest Dhillon letter places them in an impossible position – as the Justice Department well knows – since California has a 2013 law which has been codified into the CIF bylaws as 300.D, titled “Gender Identity Participation:”

“Participation in interscholastic athletics is a valuable part of the educational experience for all students. All students should have the opportunity to participate in CIF activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on a student’s records.”

So now the CIF will be turning to California Attorney General Rob Bonta for a response, since either agreeing or disagreeing with Dhillon’s demand will place the CIF in a legal vice.

In order to blunt the obvious issue of having Hernandez’s participation cost any other athlete a place or prize, the CIF issued a rule prior to last weekend’s State meet that allowed a biological female entry into the meet if placed lower due to Hernandez’s participation.

Further, the CIF provided places and prizes to females in the three events in which Hernandez competed, as if she did not compete. So, there were three first-place winners in the girls high jump (due to a tie for second) and two first-place winners in the triple jump. Hernandez was second in the long jump and another second-place prize was awarded to the next biological female.

The Justice Department has concentrated on California, but transgenders also competed and placed in the State meets in Washington and Oregon. No word on actions against those athletic associations as yet.

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ANTI-DOPING: WADA vs. USADA fight getting nastier, as China asks about Enhanced Games, and Senate committee hearing to come

By
Rich Perelman
-
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s home-page splash, linking to a warning against the Enhanced Games.

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≡ CHINA CHIMES IN ≡

The World Anti-Doping Agency has been battered from multiple sides for its handling – or lack of action – of a mass doping positive of 23 top-level Chinese swimmers in January 2021 at a national competition. No sanctions were imposed, as WADA did not appeal the claim of the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) that contaminated food was responsible for the presence of the heart medication trimetazidine in 28 samples.

The incident only came to light in 2024 via the German ARD channel’s anti-doping team, which then triggered a storm of protest, most especially from the U.S., led by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and chief executive Travis Tygart.

Beyond a continuous stream of harsh comments and news releases on multiple sides, including a June 2024 U.S. House sub-committee hearing that included American Olympic swimming stars Michael Phelps and Alison Schmitt lambasting the agency. The International Olympic Committee was so irritated with the USADA attacks on WADA it inserted language into the Olympic Host Contract with the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games for the 2034 Winter Games that stated the hosting rights could be terminated for challenges to WADA’s authority.

The U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy withheld the U.S. dues for 2024 of $3.625 million.

In the meantime, WADA President Witold Banka (POL) and Vice President Yang Yang (CHN) were elected to a third term from 2026-28, running unopposed, on 29 May.

But nothing has slowed the harsh rhetoric. USADA posted on X:

“With this election, WADA has pulled the ultimate ‘bait and switch’, first promising governance reforms following the Russian anti-doping scandal and then quietly changing the rules the second the world looked away. Not only did WADA agree to an unprecedented third term for the current government/sport-appointed WADA President and Vice President, but it has made a mockery of meaningful independence by further protecting the incumbents, using sport to block a viable candidate and turning the election into a coronation.”

Banka shot back:

“If we talk about the U.S., I would say that we are open to cooperation, including with the White House authorities. We have repeatedly said that we must work hand-in-hand in the interests of American athletes, but it is difficult to work with Tygart. It is difficult to cooperate with someone whose goal is to attack WADA.”

In the middle of all this, the pro-doping Enhanced Games was announced on 21 May in Las Vegas, to take place there from 21-24 May in 2026.

So, now, the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency has added its voice once again, always supporting WADA – remember Yang is Vice President – and now challenging USADA to shut down the Enhanced Games:

● “It is worth noting that the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) response since the release of the plan reveals its weakness in the face of powerful interest groups and wealthy sponsors. In fact, rather than taking effective actions against those attempting to hold the Enhanced Games in the United States, USADA has used its dissatisfaction with the anti-doping system as an excuse to challenge the well-functioning world anti-doping order built by the joint efforts of the anti-doping community and undermine the global anti-doping governance system, which was designed to protect clean athletes worldwide in a fair and consistent manner.”

● “We strongly urge USADA to follow the Code and International Standards and take decisive measures to oppose the Games; to refrain from hegemonic actions under the pretext of reforming the global anti-doping system; to cease sowing discord, fanning the flames, and escalating tensions; to stop exerting pressure and issuing threats under the guise of so-called legal means, and to put an end to the arbitrary application of long-arm jurisdiction.”

This is, of course, pure propaganda, as USADA posted a home page splash about the Enhanced Games a week before the announcement of the event (pictured above) – and it’s still there – and has a lengthy post which warns against the Enhanced Games, noting

“First and foremost, much of what the Enhanced Games are championing is potentially dangerous in both the short and long term.”

And it goes on from there.

However, the Chinese aren’t likely to get in the next word.

A Senate Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing titled “WADA Shame: Swimming in Denial Over Chinese Doping” was scheduled for 22 May, led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), who has been a close watcher of Chinese activities in the U.S. and elsewhere.

The hearing was postponed, but Blackburn minced no words in the announcement:

“The World Anti-Doping Agency has allowed Communist China and Russia to lie, cheat, and steal, putting American athletes at risk. When Congress used its oversight authority to investigate WADA’s blatant corruption, they acted like they were above the law. When the federal government investigated WADA’s inaction, they tried to strongarm the United States and threaten our hosting of the Salt Lake City Games.

“As one of the largest financial contributors to WADA, the United Sates deserves answers. My colleagues and I refuse to be silenced in our mission to make certain WADA does not turn a blind eye to corruption. There must be real oversight and accountability at WADA, and this hearing will move us one step closer to ensuring fair competition for all athletes.”

Scheduled to testify were Tygart, Dr. Raul Gupta, the former head of the U.S. ONDCP, Tokyo Olympic relay silver medalist Katie McLaughlin and Prof. Dionne Koller from the University of Baltimore, who was the Co-Chair of the Commission on the State of the U.S. Olympics and Paralympics, whose report was released in 2024.

The hearing will be held eventually and having the U.S. withhold its dues will not shut down WADA in any significant way, but it will be able to do less, with less money.

Is there a possibility of resolution?

None in sight, at least at present.

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PANORAMA: Another trans protest at Oregon State meet; archery to try center score of 11, not 10; USA Swimming Champs start Tuesday in Indianapolis

By
Rich Perelman
-
Two U.S. swimming stars in Paris: gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Bobby Finke (Photo: USA Swimming on X).

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Games of the Small States of Europe ● The 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe closed on Saturday (31st), with about 1,000 athletes from nine countries competing in 12 sports and 19 disciplines in Andorra.

Cyprus led the medal table with 108 medals (36-30-42), followed by Luxembourg (86: 32-27-27) and Iceland (74: 26-22-26). The next edition will be in 2027 in Monaco.

● Transgender ● Two place winners in the Oregon State high school track & field championships class 6A girls high jump refused to stand on the awards podium with a trans athlete who placed fifth.

The event was won by Catherine Phillips (Mountainside) at 1.66 m (5-5 1/4), with Paige Shiffer (South Medford) and Alexa Anderson (Tigard) second and third at 1.63 m (5-4 1/4). Fourth was Reese Eckard (Sherwood) at 1.60 m (5-3).

Tying for fifth was senior Liaa Rose of Portland’s Ida B. Wells, at 1.57 m (5-1 3/4), and Anderson and Eckard refused to take their places on the podium, instead remaining standing in front of it. They were eventually told by an official to move away from the awards stand and wait at the side.

Anderson said in a statement, “We didn’t refuse to stand on the podium out of hate. We did it because someone has to say this isn’t right. In order to protect the integrity and fairness of girls sports we must stand up for what is right.”

Rose reportedly competed on the boys team in 2023 and 2024.

Nereyda Hernandez, the mother of AB Hernandez, a trans female who won two events and finished second in a third at the California State Meet in Clovis, told KATV FOX26 that she is starting an organization – “AB’s Safe Haven” – “to help educate and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in communities.”

AB Hernandez is finishing her junior year at Jurupa Valley High School and has one more year of eligibility remaining.

● Russia ● Mikhail Degtyarev, the Russian Minister of Sports and head of the Russian Olympic Committee, said he is working to end the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee by the International Olympic Committee:

“We have changed the ROC charter. We are currently awaiting the decision of the IOC Executive Committee on recognizing the ROC; we are legally fully prepared for this.

“We are waiting for [IOC President-elect] Kirsty Coventry to take office. We heard her statements during the election campaign and afterwards, they inspire cautious optimism. The situation is complicated, very confusing. We need to turn this page and return Russian sport to its rightful place in the international system.”

The IOC suspended the ROC on 12 October 2023 for the inclusion of the “Olympic Councils” of four territories which were part of the Ukraine prior to the February 2022 invasion by Russia. That situation has not changed.

● Archery ● World Archery announced two rule change tests at next week’s World Cup in Antalya (TUR). The most important will be the scoring change in which the smallest ring in the gold zone will score 11 points instead of 10. At present, arrows in the two smallest rings have scored 10.

Also, the qualifying round will be shortened from 72 arrows to 60 to help carve a day out of the schedule, lessening costs for the competing teams.

These are tests, not permanent rules, but will be watched closely.

● Athletics ● A fourth member of the Duplantis family has qualified for the NCAA Championships as LSU senior Jessica Duplantis (born 2002) cleared 4.24 m (13-11) at the East Regional, to advance to her first NCAA Champs, from 11-14 June in Eugene, Oregon.

She is the younger sister, of course, of Mondo Duplantis (born 1999), the Olympic and World Champion and world-record holder. He was the third Duplantis to make it to the NCAA finals, after his father Greg Duplantis in 1982-84-86, and Andreas Duplantis (born 1993) in 2012, both also for LSU.

So that four NCAA vaulters from the same family (across two generations) and the same school; that has to be a record, right?

● Diving ● The International Testing Agency announced that American diver Jaclynn Fowler “tested positive for amfetamine following an in-competition doping control on 1 August 2023 during the 2023 FISU World University Games, Chengdu, China.”

World Aquatics has jurisdiction in these cases and imposed a four-year ban, “effective from 30 May 2025 until 29 May 2029 and the athlete’s results have been disqualified from 1 August 2023 onwards.”

Fowler has competed mostly at the collegiate level, competing as a graduate senior for SMU in 2025 and qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 1 m, where she placed 30th. She earned All-American honors on the 1 m and 3 m in 2020, when at Minnesota.

● Rowing ● World Rowing confirmed that Brazil’s withdrawal from hosting the 2025 Beach Sprint Finals means it is looking for a new venue:

“World Rowing regrets to announce that the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, which were scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in October will be held at an alternative location and date.

“Despite extensive efforts by World Rowing to address significant delivery challenges, and following a recent decision by the Brazilian Rowing Federation (CBR) to withdraw from the organisation of the event, no viable local solution has been secured through alternative local stakeholders. World Rowing must now formally confirm the cancellation of the event in its originally intended location.”

The Brazilian federation announced by 14 May that it was not going to hold the event, but World Rowing was “surprised” and insisted that the event take place as scheduled. No more.

This was to be the first Worlds for Beach Sprint in the new quadrennial, leading up to its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

● Swimming ● The five-day USA Swimming national championships that will select the American team for the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore at the end of July, starts at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Tuesday.

The men’s and women’s 200 m Butterfly, 100 m Freestyle, women’s 800 m Free and men’s 1,500 m Free will open the program, with morning heats at 10 a.m. Eastern time, with finals at 7 p.m. nightly. The distance races on Tuesday will start with the slower heats at 4:15 p.m.

Freestyle superstar Katie Ledecky is the big favorite in the women’s 800 m Free, as is two-time Olympic 1,500 m Free champ Bobby Finke.

USA Swimming will be streaming the meet on its video channel, including the morning heats. NBC’s Peacock streaming service will have live coverage each night (3-7 June). There will be highlights shows on NBC on Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern and Sunday at 3 p.m.

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MEMORABILIA: Rare 1904 St. Louis tug-of-war bronze medal pops up at Olympic Collector’s Fair in Prague

By
Karen Rosen
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Time for deals at the World Olympic Collector's Fair in Prague (CZE) (Photo by Karen Rosen)

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≡ WORLD OLYMPIC COLLECTORS ≡

You never know when a rare piece of Olympic history will come through the door at a World Olympic Collector’s Fair. On Saturday, a 1904 St. Louis bronze winner’s medal for tug-of-war appeared at the 28th edition of the festival in Prague and was promptly whisked away to the United States. It will be offered in the RR Auction Olympic sale that will close on 17 July, with an estimate of $25,000.

Bobby Eaton, Chief Operating Officer for RR Auction, was already in contact with the consignor, who is from Slovakia. Eaton said the medal, which unfortunately does not have the ribbon or bar originally attached to it, was purchased from a European collectors website. He surmised that it was won by Franz Kugler, the sole German on the five-man St. Louis Southwest Turnverein team no. 2, which secured the bronze medal. The no. 1 St. Louis team took the silver behind the Milwaukee Athletic Club.

According to the Olympedia.org, Kugler was born in Germany, worked as a brewer in St. Louis and did not speak English at the time of the 1904 Games. He also won two bronze medals in weightlifting (unlimited two hands and all-around dumbbell contest) and a silver in wrestling (heavyweight freestyle), making him the only man to win medals in three different sports at one Olympic Games.

The fair, held at the aptly named Olympic Congress Centre, attracted 66 table holders from 19 countries, with 14 U.S. collectors booking one or more tables. The others hailed from Canada, China, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Other top-of-the-line items included Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic torches and a complete set of gold, silver and bronze Munich 1972 medals. Frank Neubauer of Germany said the gold was from the controversial men’s basketball final won by the Soviet Union over the United States and carried an $18,000 asking price. The U.S. players have never claimed their silver medals.

Stephane Hatot of France amassed a lot of material from the post-Olympic sales by Paris 2024 organizers. He brought a wide assortment of memorabilia including torches – which once fetched $40,000 but have dropped to less than half that as more come on the market. Hatot also had original medal boxes, signs (such as one for Bercy Arena), special mascots awarded to the medalists and even the Paris logo “mic flags” and foam microphone covers.

Stratos Klimou from Greece brought three hand-painted Olympic flame-carrying vessels from 2020 Tokyo, 2022 Beijing and 2024 Paris. Fewer than 20 were made of each and they are worth $3,000-$5,000 apiece. He also had the cups given to VIPs at the flame-lighting ceremony.

And, of course, there were pins, pins and more pins.

Activity was brisk with an estimated 200-300 people perusing the offerings Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the table holders mostly traded with each other to finalize last-minute deals.

International members of the Olympin Collector’s Club received their special-issue 2025 and 2026 pins, both themed for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

In addition to the fair, the Czech Olympic Academy and the Czech Pierre de Coubertin Committee hosted a seminar on the 100th Anniversary of the Olympic Congress in Prague. Fair attendees could also attend a cultural event at the Tyrs House and cruise on the Vltava River.

A long line of autograph seekers waited patiently Saturday to meet Czech stars David Svoboda, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist in modern pentathlon, and Pavel Benc, a member of the bronze-medal winning 4 x 10 km cross country relay team at Calgary 1988 and a four-time Czech Olympian.

The next World’s Olympic Collector’s Fair has been awarded to Colorado Springs, Colorado, from 22-24 May 2026. Organizers talked to collectors in Prague to assess interest, with some long-time fair attendees saying they intended to stay home based on the current political climate, expense of coming to the United States and fear of bringing items that might have trouble clearing customs.

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LOS ANGELES 2028: Major sponsorship boost for LA28 as American Honda joins as first Founding Partner in four years

By
Rich Perelman
-
Honda, a Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic organizing committee (Photo: American Honda).

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≡ HONDA SPONSORS LA28, USOPC ≡

The LA28 organizing committee has been steadily signing corporate partners at the lower levels for more than a year, but had not announced a first-tier sponsor since 2021 … and Salesforce withdrew in 2024.

On Monday, with the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission coming to Los Angeles for another visit this week, LA28 and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced a new, first-tier partner in American Honda Motor Company. From the announcement:

“Honda will help the world’s greatest athletes pursue their dreams in 2028 as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Honda, which established its first U.S. operations in Los Angeles in June 1959, will also serve as the Official Automotive Partner of Team USA, supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams during the LA28 Games and upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.”

In terms of what Honda will provide for the Games:

“Honda will offer a wide range of mobility products for usage throughout the Games, maximizing the use of electrified vehicles like the upcoming Honda 0 Series and Acura RSX.

“Honda also will provide powersports products including motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides, as well as Motocompacto e-scooters plus Honda Marine engines. Additionally, LA28 plans for Honda and Acura vehicles to act as the official pace vehicles for all LA28 endurance events.”

The agreement was announced at American Honda headquarters in Torrance, California, also including becoming the Official Automotive Partner of Team USA, for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy and in 2028. Honda and NBC also agreed to work together on an advertising and promotional program for the 2026 Winter Games and LA28.

The importance of this deal cannot be underestimated.

LA28 had signed three Founding Partner deals, with Comcast/NBC coming on thanks to its mammoth rights deal with the IOC through 2032 (now through 2036), and then Delta Airlines joining back in March of 2020 and Salesforce signing on in June 2021.

Salesforce pulled out in April of 2024 and LA28 had signed no first-tier sponsors since.

The “mobility” category as it is now called opened up with the decision of Toyota Motors not to renew its IOC “TOP” sponsorship at the end of 2024. When LA28 was awarded the Games in 2017, there was an expectation that not only would Toyota renew beyond 2024, but that the renewed deal could be worth as much as $200 million to LA28.

That money is not coming from the IOC now, but Milan Cortina 2026 signed a deal with Stellantis in March 2025, with its Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati brands all part of the program.

The deal also sent the signal that LA28 was free to make its own agreement in the automotive sector, and Honda made excellent sense given its long history – and high popularity – in the Southern California area.

Honda’s agreement will not only bring a significant cash contribution to LA28, but also thousands of vehicles for use during the Games, a critical supply area that would have cost the organizations millions if a sponsor was not available.

Honda has been an active sponsor in the sports space, sponsoring three Paralympic athletes in 2024 and as the title sponsor of the annual Honda Awards in college sports, honoring the top performer in multiple sports and the Honda Cup for the college athlete of the year.

The company is also the naming sponsor of the Honda Center in Anaheim, home to the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and the site for indoor volleyball in 2028. As a sponsor of the Games, look for the IOC to allow the site to be called the Honda Center instead of the current “Arena in Anaheim.”

The Honda announcement will help the continuing LA28 sales effort, and should have a positive impact especially among other national brands which have headquarters or significant hubs in the Southern California area.

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PANORAMA: U.S. Breaststroke star King to retire; transgenders win State HS T&F titles in California, Washington; Hall scores 7,032 in Gotzis!

By
Rich Perelman
-
American heptathlon star Anna Hall, the fifth woman ever to score 7,000 points (Photo: Grand Slam Track).

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Transgender ● There were some modest protests at the California State Meet in Clovis over the participation of Jurupa Valley’s transgender female AB Hernandez, who ended up with two wins and a second in the three finals contested on Saturday.

Hernandez won the girls high jump by clearing 1.70 m (5-7) on her first try, with two others – Lelani Laruelle (Monta Vista) and Jillene Wetteland (Long Beach Poly) – also given first place, moving up from what would have been a tie for second, due to Hernandez’s status as a transgender.

In the long jump, Hernandez finished second at 6.31 mw (20-8 3/4) on her fifth jump, only to have Long Beach Wilson’s defending champion Loren Webster pass her in the fifth round and win at 6.40 m (21-0 1/4). Brooke White (River City) was also placed second, jumping 5.89 m (19-4 1/4).

It was no contest in the triple jump, with Hernandez getting out to 12.49 m (41-0) in the first round and then to 12.87 m (42-2 3/4) in round two to win easily; all six of her marks would have won. Kira Grant Hatcher (St. Mary’s) reached 12.31 m (40-5) in the second round and was scored as the co-champion in the event, according to the rules adopted by the CIF elevating biological females to any place won by a trans competitor.

At the Washington State track & field championships in Tacoma, transgender Veronica Garcia (East Valley senior) repeated as the girls Class 2A 400 m winner in 55.70, well ahead of Lauren Matthew (West Valley: 56.75), who was second for the second straight year (in the same time!).

Reports indicated significantly louder and wider protests at the meet than at the California State event, including booing from the crowd after her race.

Both meets are over and the conflict will now continue, off the track.

● Badminton ● Further to Friday’s report that the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has asked USA Badminton to voluntarily surrender its status as the National Governing Body for the sport in the United States, it turns out that this is not the first time this situation has occurred.

Mike Harrigan, the executive director of the President’s Commission on Olympic Sports (1975-77) and principal architect of the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 (now the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act), told TSX that this also happened in the sport of shooting.

In 1993, a U.S. Olympic Committee (as then known) hearing panel declared that the National Rifle Association should not be the National Governing Body for the sport and declared a “vacancy.” The NRA had, under the Act, a right to appeal the decision in arbitration, but chose not to do so and left the scene. The subsequent process created USA Shooting, which remains the U.S. NGB in the sport today.

The badminton situation, as noted in our story, is unusual, in that the USOPC has asked USA Badminton to withdraw, but has not yet – as contemplated by the Act – either placed it on probation or de-certified it; in both cases, USA Badminton could file for arbitration on the decision.

A long-time observer of U.S. badminton told TSX that it was unlikely that USA Badminton with voluntarily withdraw as the American governing body for the sport.

● Football ● The Mexico Football Federation noted in a summary from a Liga MX owners meeting on Monday (26th) that it would also host matches during the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The tournament will expand to 48 teams and 104 matches, and although the U.S. was the only bidder, it indicated that matches would also be hosted by “other CONCACAF countries.”

● Swimming ● American Olympic star Lilly King announced that she will conclude her competitive career at the end of the 2025 season. She wrote on Instagram:

“Well folks, my time has come.

“This will be my final season competing. I’m fortunate heading into retirement being able to say I have accomplished everything I have ever wanted in this sport. I feel fulfilled.”

One of the greatest Breaststroke swimmers in history, King, now 28, won the women’s 100 m gold at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020, and a Tokyo 2020 silver in the 200 m Breast. She also swam on two gold-medal-winning U.S. medley relay teams, in 2016 and 2024.

She won 11 World Championships golds, two silvers and a bronze from 2017-23 and could qualify for another at this week’s USA Swimming nationals in Indianapolis. Among her Worlds wins were individual wins in the 50-100 m Breast double in 2017 and 2019 and the 200 m in 2022, plus six relay golds.

King holds the 100 m Breast world record at 1:04.13 from 2017 and held the 50 m world mark at 29.40 from 2017 to 2021.

≡ RESULTS ≡

● Athletics ● Norway’s Sander Skotheim, the 2025 World Indoor heptathlon champion, is no longer an emerging star, but the man to beat in the decathlon with a huge win at the annual Hypomeeting in Gotzis (AUT), scoring a sensational 8,909 points.

Still just 23, he crushed his old best of 8,635 from 2024, winning the high jump and getting lifetime bests in the 100 m (10.70), 110 m hurdles (14.12) and discus (49.18 m/161-4). His 8,909 is a national record and moves him to equal-seventh on the all-time list!

American Kyle Garland finished second at 8,626, no. 2 in the world for 2025, followed by Swiss star Simon Ehammer (8,575 national record) and Niklas Kaul (GER: also 8,575). Health Baldwin of the U.S. finished seventh at 8,430.

Ehammer also equaled the world lead in the long jump, reaching 8.34 m (27-4 1/2) on his first try, matching Jamaica’s 2019 World Champion Tajay Gayle’s mark from February.

Olympic fifth-placer and 2023 Worlds silver medalist Anna Hall of the U.S. reached a long-time goal, becoming the fifth woman in history to reach 7,000 points, winning with a world-leading 7,032!

She won the high jump (1.95 m/6-4 3/4), shot put (14.86 m/48-9) and 800 m (2:01.23), and scored lifetime bests in the high jump, shot, javelin (46.16 m/151-5) and 800 m. She now ranks equal-second all-time with Swede Carolina Kluft from 2007.

Sofie Dokter (NED) was second with a lifetime best of 6,576, then Martha Araujo (COL) with a South American record of 6.475, and American Michelle Atherley at 6,425 in fourth. Allie Jones of the U.S. was in sixth place with a lifetime best of 6,367, and Erin Marsh got a lifetime best of 6,171 in 11th.

At a meet in Palermo, Sicily, Italy’s European Indoor champ Larissa Iapichino reached a world-leading 7.06 m (23-2) in the second round of the women’s long jump, a lifetime best, and her first meet beyond 7 m.

● Badminton ● Thailand scored two wins at the BWF World Tour Singapore Open, with second-seeded Kunlavut Vitidsarn (THA) won the men’s Singles over Guang Zu Lu (CHN) , 21-6, 21-10, plus a three-set win in the Mixed Doubles by Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran in the Mixed Doubles.

Yu Fei Chen won the all-China women’s Singles final over Zhi Yi Wang by 21-11, 21-11, while Malaysia won the men’s Doubles and Korea took the women’s Doubles.

● Beach Volleyball ● A brilliant final between the last two Olympic men’s winners highlighted the Beach Pro Tour Elite 16 in Ostrava (CZE).

The final pitted Tokyo 2020 champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum (NOR) – the top seeds in this tournament – and no. 4 David Ahman and Jonatan Hellvig (SWE), the Paris 2024 winners. It took three sets, but after Mol and Sorum won a marathon, 30-28 first set, the Swedes swept back to win the last two, 21-17 and 15-7.

The 2023 World Champions, Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner (CZE) took the bronze over Poland’s Bartosz Losiak and Michal Bryl (POL), 23-21, 21-13.

Brazil’s Thamela Galil and Victoria Tosta swept through the women’s tournament, defeating Latvia’s Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova in the final by 21-16, 21-11.

Swiss sisters Anouk Verge-Depre and Zoe Verge-Depre took the bronze, 21-18, 16-21, 15-12 over sisters Dorina Klinger and Ronja Klinger (AUT)!

● Cycling ● Saturday’s 20th stage of the 108th Giro d’Italia was the last shot for all of the challengers to Mexico’s Isaac Del Toro, 21, who had led the event since stage 9. He started with a 43-second lead on Richard Carapaz (ECU) and 1:21 on Simon Yates (GBR), the 2018 Vuelta a Espana winner.

The stage had a brutal finish, with two big climbs in the final third of the 205 km ride from Verres (354 m altitude) up to the ski resort of Sestriere (2,036 m)! The Colle de Finestre rose from 500 m to 2,172 m over 18.4 km, followed by a descent and then an uphill finish to Sestriere, rising from 1,418 m to 2,036 m over the final 16.3 km.

Australian Chris Harper was able to shake free of the peloton on the Finestre climb and rode away over the final 32 km to win in 5:27:29. All the action was behind him, as Yates dropped Del Toro and Carapaz on the way up the Finestre, eventually battling with Alessandro Verre (ITA) for second.

Verre finished 1:49 behind the winner, but Yates (1:57) ended up crushing his rivals, as Del Toro was ninth (+7:10) and Carapaz was 14th (+7:14) and lost touch with the race lead. Yates led Del Toro by 3:56 and Carapaz by 4:43 with only Sunday’s ride in and around Rome remaining.

The flat, 143 km, eight-loop celebration on Sunday began at the Vatican Gardens as a salute to the late Pope Francis and new Pope Leo IV. The mass sprint at the end saw Olav Kooij (NED) win his second stage of the race, in 3:12:19 as the first 91 riders were given the same time. Kaden Groves (AUS) and Matteo Moschetti (ITA) finished 2-3.

Yates was 74th and won his second career Grand Tour in 82:31:01, ahead of Mexico’s Del Toro (+3:56) and 2019 winner Carapaz (+4:43). American Brandon McNulty was ninth overall (+13:36).

Canada’s Jackson Goldstone, 2021 World Junior Champion, took the men’s UCI Mountain Bike World Series Downhill in Loudonvielle (FRA) in 3:13.192 in a tight finish with 2019 Worlds bronze medalist Amaury Pierron (FRA: 3:14.729). Jordan Williams (GBR) was third at 3:16.163 with Luca Shaw and Ryan Pinkerton of the U.S. in 5-6 at 3:16.776 and 3:17.056.

Canada’s Gracey Hemstreet made it a sweep in the women’s Downhill, winning 3:39.179, ahead of three-time defending World Champion Valentina Hoell (AUT: 3:42.348) and nine-time World Cup winner Tahnee Seagrave (GBR: 3:48.081). American Anna Newkirk finished fifth in 3:48.865.

At the UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup in Montpelier (FRA), American 2024 Olympian Marcus Christopher – fourth in the Olympic final – won the men’s final, scoring 95.20 to edge Olympic bronzer Anthony Jeanjean (FRA), at 94.86. Britain’s Dylan Hessey got third (93.00) with Justin Dowell of the U.S. fourth at 90.00.

China’s Sibei Sun took the women’s title at 93.10, ahead of Ozawa Miharu (JPN: 89.84) and six-time World Champion Hannah Roberts (USA: 87.60). Olympic winner Yawen Deng finished fourth (82.20).

● Football ● After losses in two of their last three matches, the U.S. women faced China at St. Paul, Minnesota, and dominated the game from start to finish on the way to a 3-0 win.

After two close chances for the U.S., a shot in the box by forward Alyssa Thompson squirted free and striker Catarina Macario managed to pop it into the goal for a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute. In the 35th, another good U.S. possession had Macario sending a pass back to the middle of the box, where midfielder Sam Coffey popped the ball over the defense and into the goal for the 2-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the only score came from midfield star Lindsey Heaps, who sent a pass to the right side of the China zone that was picked up by forward Michelle Cooper, who sent a perfect cross back to the middle of the box. Heaps headed it into the right corner of the China goal in the 54th minute for the 3-0 final.

The Chinese had very few looks at goal, as the U.S. finished with a 70-30% possession edge and an 18-4 shots advantage. Phallon Tullis-Joyce got the shutout in goal for the Americans.

Midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta, age 32, became the oldest player to make her international debut for the U.S., as she entered in the 70th minute.

The U.S. women will face Jamaica on Tuesday (3rd) in St. Louis to finish this match set.

● Gymnastics ● At the Pan American Rhythmic Championships in Asuncion (PAR), American Alessia Keys took the All-Around gold, scoring 116.050 points, ahead of Barbara Domingo (BRA: 113.400), with fellow American Megan Chu in fourth (112.500).

The U.S. swept the apparatus finals, with Chu winning on Hoop (28.200) with Keys fourth (27.650), and on Ribbon at 28.350, with Keys second at 27.650.

Keys won on Clubs (28.350) with Chu third (27.150) and on Clubs (28.900) with Chu fourth (27.700).

The U.S., with Keys and Chu, also won the team title at 228.550 to 226.050 for Brazil.

● Shooting ● At USA Shooting national championships in Trap in Hillsdale, Michigan, 2022 World Champion Derrick Mein won the men’s final, 42-41, over Paris Olympian Will Hinton. Casey Wallace finished third (32). Hinton led the qualifying at 234/250, with Mein at 230.

Loretta Christian won the women’s final, scoring 35 to edge Aiko Bianca Coloso (34), with Ava Downs in third (26). Christian led the qualifying at 217, ahead of Downs and two-time Pan American Games medalist Rachel Tozier, both at 217.

● Sport Climbing ● The third IFSC Speed World Cup was in Denver, Colorado, finishing on Sunday, but following the round of 16, rain and lightning meant the rest of the event had to be canceled.

The decision was made to rank the eight finalists by their best time in the rounds completed, so Indonesia’s Kiromal Katabin won his second career World Cup at 4.83, followed by Zach Hammer of the U.S. (4.888) and teammate and Olympic bronzer Sam Watson (4.895).

American Emma Hunt, the 2023 Worlds runner-up got the women’s win (6.363), over Poland’s Natalia Kalucka (6.44) and China’s Olympic silver winner Lijuan Deng (6.50).

● Triathlon ● Olympic and World Champion Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA) dominated the women’s Olympic-distance competition at the World Triathlon Championship Series in Alghero (ITA).

Only seventh out of the water, she was quick onto the bike and had the third-fastest time in the field. That only expanded as she recorded the fourth-fastest 10 km run and finished in 1:55:55, a full 38 seconds ahead of runner-up Biance Seregni (ITA: 1:56:33), with Olivia Mathias (GBR: 1:57:04) in third place.

Summer Rappaport was the top American, in 28th at 2:03:41.

The men’s race had a similar story, with Brazilian Miguel Hidalgo no. 5 out of the water and then third-fastest on the bike. That means that when combined with the third-fastest run of the day, he won easily – Brazil’s first-ever WTCS men’s gold – in 1:44:05. Australia’s three-time World Cup winner Matthew Hauser was a distant second in 1:44:33, then 2022 World Champion Leo Bergere (FRA: 1:45:09).

Chase McQueen was the best American finisher, in 11th (1:46:34).

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ATHLETICS: Sensational world leads from undefeated Bednarek (9.86) and Jefferson-Wooden (10.73) in blazing close to Philadelphia Slam

By
Rich Perelman
-
Brilliant: Olympic 100 m bronze medalist Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (Photo: Grand Slam Track).

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≡ GRAND SLAM TRACK ≡

The third of four Grand Slam Track events for 2025 concluded at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field on Sunday, with two sprint world leads (well, one and an equals):

● Men/100 m: 9.86 (=), Kenny Bednarek (USA)
● Women/100 m: 10.73, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA)

Conditions were good again with some clouds and very comfortable 69 F temperatures at the start of the meet, and fans turned out strongly once again, filling the home straight and most of the back straight, again perhaps 18,000 in the house.

The races:

● Men/400 m: (long hurdles)
Brazil’s 2022 World 400 m hurdles champ Alison dos Santos won all five of his Slam races coming into Sunday, and he started in lane seven, just inside world no. 3 Chris Robinson of the U.S.

NCAA hurdles champ Caleb Dean got out best and was clearly in the lead down the straight. But around the turn, dos Santos was making up the ground on Robinson and they were close into the straight. Dean faded, and dos Santos and Robinson dueled down the straight, while 2022 Worlds hurdles bronzer Trevor Bassitt came up in the middle of the track.

While Robinson was literally leaping to the finish line to edge dos Santos, Bassitt sped to the front and crossed first in 45.47, with Robinson at 45.62 and dos Santos suffering his first Slam race loss, at 45.63. Dean was fourth at 46.01.

Bassitt won the Slam with 20 points, ahead of dos Santos with 18, then Robinson (14) and Dean (10).

● Women/400 m: (long hurdles)
Olympic hurdles bronze winner Anna Cockrell won the hurdles on Saturday and was out well in the flat 400, moving well on the back straight. But it was Britain’s Lina Nielsen who had the lead in lane two (!), maybe out of the sight of Jamaicans Rushell Clayton and Andrenette Knight, battling in lanes seven and eight.

Into the straight, Nielsen was the clear leader, but the fastest mover was U.S. hurdles Olympian Jasmine Jones, who powered into second. While Nielsen was first in 52.60, Jones got second at 52.73, ahead of Knight (52.87) and Clayton (53.17). Cockrell was sixth in 53.35.

Jones won the Slam with 18 points, edging Cockrell at 15, and Nielsen (15), and Knight in fourth with 12.

● Women/800 m: (short distances)
American Olympian Nikki Hiltz was second in both the Kingston and Miramar Slams in this group and was the world leader for a while with her surprise 800 win in Jamaica.

American Addy Wiley took over at the bell chased by 2023 World Champion Mary Moraa (KEN) and 1,500 m winner Diribe Welteji (ETH). With 200 m to go, Moraa got to the lead, followed by Welteji and suddenly Paris 1,500 m runner-up Jess Hull (AUS) coming hard around the turn.

In the straight, Welteji led, with Georgia Hunter-Bell (GBR) coming fastest, past Hull. But Welteji got to the line first to sweep the Slam in 1:58.94, to 1:58.99, then Hull in third in 1:59.63 and Abbey Caldwell (AUS: 2:00.57). Hiltz was not with the lead group and finished seventh in 2:01.43.

Welteji took the Slam with 24, then Hull at 14 with two terrific races, then Hunter-Bell (13) and Caldwell (9) .

● Men/100 m: (short hurdles)
Trey Cunningham won this race easily in Miramar with a lifetime best of 10.17, but Jamal Britt won the hurdles on Saturday and had the Slam lead.

Cunningham got out well, but had the lead by mid-race and was the clear winner at 10.36 (wind: -1.9 m/s)

Britt was strong as well, did not challenge Cunningham, but was a clear second in 10.50, just ahead of Lorenzo Simonelli (ITA: 10.52). Hurdles world leader Cordell Tinch of the U.S. got a lifetime best of 10.57 in fourth.

Britt, who noted afterwards that he’s unsponsored, won the Slam – and $100,000 – with 20 points, ahead of Cunningham (18), Tinch (13) and Simonelli (10).

● Women/100 m (short hurdles)
There was less interest in the Slam winner – Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent was the prohibitive favorite – than to see what Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was going to do, not having run the 100 since she was at Kentucky in 2018!

Nugent got out well and took control by 35 m and ran away to win in 11.11 (+0.1), but McLaughlin-Levrone was clearly second, finishing in a lifetime best of 11.21, with Swiss Dita Kumbundji getting third in a lifetime best of 11.41 and Danielle Williams (JAM: 11.44) in fourth.

Nugent won the Slam with 24 points, with McLaughlin-Levrone second with 12, then Tia Jones (10) and Jamaican Megan Tapper (9).

● Men/3,000 m: (long distances)
With the compressed schedule, this is the only race in this Slam, with halved prize money, of course. U.S. star Grant Fisher, the winner of the first two Slams, did not start.

Kenya’s Ronald Kwemoi led the race through the first half, but everyone was together. At about 2,000 m, Australia’s 2023 NCAA 5,000 m champ Ky Robinson took over, chased by American 10,000 m Olympian Nico Young and Edwin Kurgat (KEN).

With 600 to go, Robinson and Young were 1-2, with Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran who won the Miramar 3,000 m, close by At the bell, Robinson, Young and Coscoran led, but it was anybody’s race.

Robinson was still in front with 200 to go, with American Graham Blanks trying to get by but Young moved to lane two and ran away to win easily in 8:01.03. Fellow American Sam Gilman sprinted past everyone else in the final 10 m to get second (8:01.70), with Robinson third in 8:01.92) and Coscoran fourth (8:02.17).

The Slam was decided by the one race, so Young took home the Slam title and $50,000.

● Women/200 m: (long sprints)
Olympic 400 m champ Marileidy Paulino (DOM) was the favorite after her Saturday win, and got off very well, leading into the straight. She pulled away in the final 75 m and was a clear winner in 22.46 (+1.6).

Bella Whittaker of the U.S. was a clear second in 22.82 – coming from fifth with 50 m left – then Jessika Gbai (IRL) in 22.85. Bahrain’s 400 m star Salwa Eid Naser finished fourth in 22.90.

Paulino won the Slam, of course, at 24 points, followed by Whittaker (14), then Nickisha Pryce (JAM: 14) and Gbai fourth (12).

● Men/200 m: (long sprints)
Britain’s 400 m Olympic silver winner Matthew Hudson-Smith had the 400 m in hand after Saturday, but it was no contest in this race as Dominican star Alexander Ogando – fifth in the Olympic 200 m in Paris – flew around the turn, led into the straight and ran away in 20.13 (+0.8)

Jereem Richards (TTO), the 2017 Worlds 200 m bronzer, was the sole challenger in the straight and was a clear second in 20.34. Steven Gardiner (BAH), the Tokyo 400 m champ, got third in 20.49, with Hudson-Smith well back in fifth in 20.70.

Hudson-Smith won the Slam with 16 points, with Ogando second at 15 and Richards at 14 in third place.

● Men/1,500 m: (short distances)
It was Yared Nuguse’s 26th birthday on Sunday and he was in good position after his 1:45.36 third in the 800 m on Saturday.

Olympic 800 m silver winner Marco Arop (CAN) took the early lead, but then Olympic 1,500 m champ Cole Hocker of the U.S. took over, with Nuguse close and Arop hanging in. At the bell. World Indoor 800 m winner Josh Hoey (USA) took over and passed Hocker and Nuguse.

Arop shocked everyone with a huge move into the final turn, trying to steal the race, and led into the straight. But Hocker blew by as did 2023 World 1,500 m champ Josh Kerr (GBR), and Kerr had the fastest finish to win in 3:34.44, with Hocker at 3:34.51 and Hobbs Kessler of the U.S. coming up for third in 3:34.91.

Arop was fourth in 3:35.38, a lifetime best, and his courage paid off and he won the Slam with 17 points, with Kerr second in 16, then Hoey (12) and Hocker (11). Nuguse ended up sixth in 3:35.59, not the birthday present he was hoping for.

● Women/100 m: (short sprints)
Jefferson-Wooden, the Paris Olympic 100 m bronzer, came in with a win in the 200 m in hand, and the big favorite to win her third straight Slam.

It was no contest. She blasted out and was clearly in front by 40 m and pulled way to a brilliant victory in a blazing 10.73 with +1.4 m/s wind!

That’s not only a world leader in 2025, but moves her equal-10th all-time, and no. 5 all-time U.S. Wow! She’s now 18/100ths faster than everyone else in the world in 2025, an unheard-of margin.

American Tamari Davis was a clear second in 11.03, then Thelma Davies (LBR: 11.14) and Paris Olympic 200 m champ Gabby Thomas fourth at 11.14.

Jefferson-Wooden won the Slam with 24 points, then Davis with 14 points, Thomas with 13 and Dina Asher-Smith (GBR) at nine.

● Men/100 m: (short sprints)
What would Kenny Bednarek do? He came in as the only one to win all five of his races so far and has looked unbeatable.

Christian Coleman, the 2019 World 100 m champ, got his patented quick start, but Bednarek ran him down by 50 m and ran away with a clear win in 9.86 – equaling the world lead – with legal +0.8 m/s wind. And he was relaxed in the last 10 m!

Jamaica’s Bryan Levell ran strongly in lane two for second in 10.02, then Britain’s 2023 Worlds bronzer Zharnel Hughes was third 10.05 and Coleman in 10.12.

Bednarek won the Slam with 24 points, followed by Hughes (14) and Levell (12).

With one Slam to go, only Bednarek and Jefferson-Wooden have won at all three stops and only Bednarek has won all six of his races!

In the “Racer of the Year” standings, with one Slam remaining, Bednarek leads with a perfect 72 points, to 66 for dos Santos and Arop third at 46.

Jefferson-Wooden has the women’s lead with 66 points, followed by Paulino (62) and McLaughlin-Levrone (60).

Scoring in each event group (two races) is 12-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 and the placers in each group will win $100,000-50,000-30,000-25,000-20,000-15,000-12,500-10,000.

While famed as the site of the Penn Relays, Franklin Field does not get many other major events; it had the NCAA Championships last in 1976 and the Liberty Bell alternative meet to the 1980 Olympic Games was 45 years ago. So, on Saturday, all 11 events set stadium records, and on Sunday, five more!

The Grand Slam Track announce team had Citius Magazine founder Chris Chavez back in the second analyst chair, after Kyle Merber, the Grand Slam Track director of athletes and racing, subbed in on Saturday.

The final Slam of the circuit’s first year will be at UCLA’s Drake Stadium, now confirmed for two days (also down from three), on 28-29 June.

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ATHLETICS: Two world leads at Keino Classic in Nairobi, plus U.S.’s Koech goes 1:43.32 in 800; NCAA women’s second rounds conclude

By
Rich Perelman
-
New American distance star Jonah Koech winning the Diamond League 1,500 m in Rabat (MAR) (Photo: Diamond League AG).

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≡ NCAA REGIONALS ≡

Saturday was the final day of the first and second rounds of the NCAA Track & Field Championships, with the East Regional in Jacksonville, Florida and the West Regional at College Station, Texas, with women’s events only.

In the East, Florida State’s Shenese Walker had the leading 100 m time of 10.98 (+1.4), no. 3 in the nation for 2025, and equal-5th in the world for 2025. National 800 m leader Michaela Rose of LSU was the leader in that event at 1:58.91.

In the triple jump, Louisville’s Shantae Foreman (JAM) equaled the national lead at 14.01 m (45-11 3/4), and national leader Jayden Ulrich of Louisville led the discus qualifiers at 64.81 m (212-7).

In the West, USC equaled its best-in-the-nation 4×100 m with a 42.36 win, and sophomore star Madison Whyte moved to no. 2 in the nation in the 200 m, winning race three with a lifetime best of 22.16 (+0.9). Trojan Dajaz Defrand led the women’s 100 m qualifiers at 11.00 (+0.2).

National no. 2 Meghan Hunter of BYU was the fastest 800 m qualifier at 1:58.95, a lifetime best, and Maggi Congdon (Northern Arizona) moved to no. 2 in the national collegiate rankings in the 1,500 m at 4:05.73 in winning race two.

Oregon junior Aliyah McCormick is also second in the nation, in the 100 m hurdles in 12.74 from race one (+1.3).

On to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, from 11-14 June.

Two world leads at the World athletics Continental Tour Gold Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi (KEN) on Saturday, amid a series of strong marks:

● Men/400 m: 43.76, Zakithi Nene (RSA)
● Men/Hammer: 82.73 m (271-5), Ethan Katzberg (CAN)

Nene, a two-time Olympian and the 2025 South African champion, blitzed a good field and got a lifetime best, beating Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie (44.98) and Zablon Kwam (KEN: 45.01). Olympic and World Champion Katzberg had three throws over 80 m and got his winner in the fourth round.

American Jonah Koech, 28, who stunned with a brilliant Diamond League 1,500 m victory in Rabat in 3:31.43, stormed to another lifetime best to win the 800 m in 1:43.32 and move to no. 3 on the season and no. 9 all-time U.S.! He edged Kenyan Nicholas Kiplagat, who also got a lifetime best in second at 1:43.75.

Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy continued his strong season with a lifetime best 9.98 to win the men’s 100 m (-0.7) over South African teen sensation Bayanda Walaza (10.03)

Canada’s Olympic and World Champion Cam Rogers won the women’s hammer at 77.93 m (255-8), with American Janee Kassanavoid third at 74.17 m (243-4).

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ATHLETICS: Best Grand Slam Track day yet in Philadelphia, as Bednarek, Jefferson-Wooden, dos Santos, Ngetich and Welteji star

By
Rich Perelman
-
Another win for U.S. sprint star Melissa Jefferson-Wooden at the Philadelphia Grand Slam (Photo: Grand Slam Track).

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≡ GRAND SLAM TRACK ≡

Chapter three of the first season of the Grand Slam Track circuit was in Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, the first time for a two-day, 11-race format, with some sunshine, breeze and 72-degree (F) temperatures that turned into a modest drizzle halfway through, with temps dropping to the mid-60s.

The reasonable weather and the compact schedule helped with attendance, which was full on the lower level along the home straight, with the lower backstraight filling up a bit during the meet, so perhaps 18,000 or so in the house, easily the best yet for a Grand Slam Track meet. That’s very, very encouraging.

The focus was on, as usual, 400 m hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who moved down to the short hurdles. But the one world-lead (equaling) performance in the distances:

● Women/1,500 m: 3:58.04 (equals outdoor world lead), Diribe Welteji (ETH)

The races:

● Women/400 m hurdles: (long hurdles)
This race did not have McLaughlin-Levrone for the first time in the three meets, with Rio 2016 Olympic champ Dalilah Muhammad strong down the backstraight, as was Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton. Around the turn, it was Olympic bronzer Anna Cockrell who came on and ran away from the field down the straight in 54.04, followed by Olympic fourth-placer Jasmine Jones of the U.S. (54.65), then Andrenette Knight (JAM: 54.86) and Muhammad (54.88).

● Men/400 m hurdles: (long hurdles)
Brazil’s 2022 World Champion Alison dos Santos had won all four races in this event group so far. He clubbed the first hurdle and didn’t develop his usual momentum down the back straight.

Instead, former NCAA champ Chris Robinson was strong into the second turn, when he was passed by 2022 Worlds medalist Trevor Bassitt, with dos Santos coming in. The Brazilian hit the gas off the eighth hurdle and took over on hurdle nine and was a clear winner in 48.11, his most difficult race in the series so far. But also his fifth win in a row, without a loss.

Bassitt held on for second in a seasonal best of 48.25 (now nol. 7 in 2025), with Robinson trailing home in third in 48.76.

● Men/800 m: (short distance)
This was the first time the 800 m had come first in a Slam, with Olympic silver winner Marco Arop (CAN) the obvious favorite, along with World Indoor champ Josh Hoey of the U.S.

Arop got to the lead, with Hoey right on his shoulder as they passed in 52.05. Arop was pushing down the back straight and was giving everything trouble and he ran away with only Hoey anywhere else, winning in a seasonal best of 1:43.38! Hoey was an easy second in 1:44.41 and then U.S. 1,500 star Yared Nuguse overtook Olympic teammate Hobbs Kessler in the final 50 m for third. 1:45.36 to 1:45.60.

● Men/200 m: (short sprints)
American Olympic silver medalist “Kung Fu” Kenny Bednarek dominated the 200s in the first two Slams, and out of lane seven, it was no contest … again.

He got to the lead from the gun and gapped the field within 50 m and was in complete control into the straight, winning easily in 19.93 (wind: 0.0). Britain’s Zharnel Hughes was a distant second in 20.50, with Canada’s Aaron Brown also in 20.50 in third. Wow.

That’s five wins in a row for Bednarek in the short sprints; he celebrated by throwing some souvenir headbands into the stands!

● Women/200 m: (short sprints)
Olympic champ Gabby Thomas of the U.S. won her 200 m races in both Kingston and Miramar and was back in the short sprints in Philadelphia.

A drizzle came in, but off the gun, it was two-time Slam short-sprints winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the U.S. in lane seven who blasted away and had the lead over Thomas, in lane six. But Thomas was pushing on the straight, but came up short, 21.99 to 22.10 (+1.1). Tamari Davis of the U.S. ended up third in 22.59.

With her most explosive start in the three Slams, Jefferson-Wooden is now poised to win her third short-sprints Slam in a row with her better event, the 100 m tomorrow.

● Women/3,000 m: (long distance)
Because of the compression of the schedule to two days instead of three, the long-distance Slam was held with one race instead of two (with halved prize money, of course).

Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich was second in Kingston and third in Miramar, and took the lead right away, ahead of Josette Andrews of the U.S. and then Kingston distance Slam winner Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) came up for second.

The pace continued slow and no one could move Ngetich out. With 600 m to go, Andrews came up and at the bell, Ngetich and Andrews were together with Taye third and six in contention. On the backstraight, Andrews tried to take the lead – no – and then Ngetich held off Taye into the turn.

Onto the straight, they were hip to hip and Ngetich would not be denied, getting to the line in 8:43.61 with Taye at 8:43.70, with a 61.54 final 400 (!). Andrews got third in 8:44.70 and American Weini Kelati fourth in 8:45.31. The moral of this story is not to underestimate Ngetich’s speed, despite her long-distance credentials.

● Women/400 m: (long sprints)
Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser got the world lead in Kingston, but Olympic champ Marileidy Paulino (DOM) was looking for a second straight Slam win. Off the gun, American Alexis Holmes had the lead out of lane eight, but with Paulino following in seven.

Around the turn, Paulino had the lead, but now Naser – in six – was coming up to challenge. Naser got close into the straight, but moved into lane five – she was eventually disqualified – but could not cut into Paulino’s lead.

Paulino held on and won in a seasonal best of 49.12 – now no. 2 worldwide – with Naser at 49.47 (before the disqualification) and Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce coming up for third (second) in 50.04. Bella Whittaker (USA: 50.16) was third and Holmes faded to fifth (fourth) in 51.02.

● Men/400 m: (long sprints)
Olympic silver medalist Matthew Hudson-Smith (GBR) started in lane seven, but was challenged immediately by 2022 World Indoor champ Jereem Richards (TTO).

Richards got to the lead by 150 m and into the turn, and then it was a one-on-one duel with Richards into the straight, But Hudson-Smith strength got him to a clear lead with 75 m to go and he crossed first at 44.51.

Meanwhile, American Khaleb McRae was flying on the straight in lane two and passed Richards right before the line, 45.04 to 45.05 for second. Zambia’s Olympic bronze winner Muzala Samukonga came up for fourth in 45.10. It was Hudson-Smith first Slam win in the 400, after second in Kingston and third in Miramar.

● Women/1,500 m: (short distances)
Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji – the 1,500 winner in Kingston – took the lead, ahead of Olympic silver medalist Jess Hull (AUS) in second. Hull took over with two laps to go as the strong pace got rid of the 800 m specialists. Hull had the lead over Welteji at the bell, who broke away from the field.

They were a stride apart with 200 m to go, but Welteji moved past with 60 m left and won by a meter in 3:58.04 to equal the world lead for 2025. Hull was second in 3:58.36 for a seasonal best, now no. 4 in the world for 2025. Welteji won her second Slam 1,500 m, also in Kingston.

American star Nikki Hiltz led the chase pack in third in 4:00.54, with Georgia Hunter-Bell (GBR) fourth in 4:00.85.

● Men/110 m hurdles: (short hurdles)
World leader Cordell Tinch (12.87) was the focus, after a fifth in the Kingston Slam. But it was Olympic silver winner Daniel Roberts got out best in five, but Tinch and 2022 Worlds silver medalist Trey Cunningham took over in the middle of the race.

Tinch moved ahead slightly and appeared to have the lead, but no one was watching Jamal Britt – the Miramar Slam winner – in lane two. He moved up steadily in mid-race and as Tinch got clear of Cunningham in the middle of the track, there was Britt leaning hard and taking the race in 13.08 (+0.7)! That’s just 0.01 of his all-time best from 2024.

Tinch was a clear second in 13.10, then Cunningham in 13.18 and Roberts in 13.30.

● Women/100 m hurdles: (short hurdles)
McLaughlin-Levrone was in lane four, but a decided underdog. Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent, the world leader in 2024, got a fine start and made no mistakes on the way to a clear, 12.44 win (-0.4).

Tia Jones, second in the Miramar Slam in 12.29, ran smoothly in second in 12.60, with Jamaican Megan Tapper in 12.66. McLaughlin-Levrone finished fifth in 12.70, her second-fastest 100 m hurdles ever and only 5/100ths behind her best ever.

Scoring in each event group (two races) is 12-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 and the placers in each group will win $100,000-50,000-30,000-25,000-20,000-15,000-12,500-10,000.

The Grand Slam Track announce team got its third men’s analyst in three meets, as Kyle Merber, the Grand Slam Track director of athletes and racing, joined host John Anderson and lead analyst Sanya Richards-Ross. Rio 2016 men’s 1,500 m winner Matthew Centrowitz was in Kingston and Citius Magazine founder Chris Chavez was in Miramar.

With 11 races instead of eight, there was a lot less talking between events and more attention to the races themselves, another improvement in the best day of the Slam series so far.

Sunday’s meet starts at 3:41 p.m. Eastern time, shown on both The CW and NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

On Saturday’s telecast, the schedule for the final Slam at UCLA’s Drake Stadium was confirmed for two days (also down from three), on 28-29 June.

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PANORAMA: Referendum on L.A.’s “Olympic wage”? Del Toro stays in Giro d’Italia lead; 2028 swim trials back in Indianapolis

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Los Angeles 2028 ● The Los Angeles City Council passed an enormous minimum-wage increase for workers at Los Angeles International Airport and on hotels in the city with 60 or more rooms on 27 May, and signed into law by Mayor Karen Bass, raising wages to not less than $22.50 per hour as of 1 July 2025, then to $25.00 on that date in 2026, $27.50 in 2027 and $30.00 in 2028. Additional fees for health care will be added on top of that, if coverage is not provided by the employer.

The airlines, hotels and airport concessionaires impacted by the new law were unhappy with the actions of the labor-friendly City Council, and on Thursday announced a petition drive to place the ordinance in the ballot.

The L.A. Alliance for Tourism, Jobs and Progress filed a petition for a vote to repeal the new wage structure and will need to obtain 93,000 valid signatures within 30 days to force a referendum. The effort is being significantly funded by Delta Airlines (an LA28 Founding Partner), United Airlines and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Hotels, especially, have said the new “Olympic wage” formula will injure their businesses and stifle further hotel development, including properties which would open prior to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The minimum wage in the City of Los Angeles at present is $17.28, with a higher hotel minimum approved by the City Council in 2014 of $20.32 per hour. For private-sector workers at LAX, the minimum wage includes a $5.95 per hour healthcare benefit and is $25.23 per hour.

● Athletics ● The World Anti-Doping Agency and World Athletics appeals against the exoneration of U.S. Worlds 200 m medalist Erriyon Knighton on a doping charge – he showed some meat he ate was contaminated – has been scheduled for 23-24 June.

At the California State Track & Field Championships in Clovis, Jurupa Valley transgender jumper AB Hernandez was a co-leader in the girls’ high jump at 5-5, led all qualifiers in the girls’ long jump at 19-11 3/4 and led the triple jump qualifiers at 40-9 3/4.

In each case, one competitor was added to the final via the new rule to allow 12 biological females to advance in events with a transgender advancing.

● Canoe-Kayak ● British canoer Kurts Rozentals, a two-time C-1 silver medalist at the 2023 ICF World U-23 Championships, was suspended in April from the Paddle UK World Class Programme, which paid a stipend of £16,000 (£1 = $1.35 U.S.).

He said the sanction was for his social-media activity on the adult-content OnlyFans site, where he has earned more than £100,000 from the 39 videos and 100 photos he has posted, to support his training effort. He told the BBC:

“I have been posting videos [on Instagram] that are consciously made to be edgy in order to drive conversions to my ‘spicy content page’ [on OnlyFans], to fund this ultimate dream of going to the Olympics.”

He said he should not have to choose between his sport and making enough money to train. Paddle UK said the suspension is temporary and “[t]he investigation has been referred to independent investigation service Sport Integrity.”

● Cycling ● In the key 19th stage at the 108th Giro d’Italia, a misery-inducing five-climb 166 km route that finished at Champoluc, France’s Nicolas Prodhomme tore away from the field 28 km remaining and won going away in 4:50:35.

Behind him was a duel for the race lead, with Mexico’s Isaac Del Toro hanging right with challenger Richard Carapaz (ECU), a celebrated climber, and getting to the line for second, 58 seconds behind. With the time bonus, Del Toro has an 0:43 lead on Carapaz with Saturday’s climbing stage to Sestriere between him and an upset Grand Tour win.

● Swimming ● Indianapolis TV station WRTV (ABC) reported Friday that the 2028 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials will again be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, as in 2024.

The facility offered up to 30,000 seats per session and records for swimming attendance were set twice during the 2024 Trials, with a high of 22,209 for the evening session on 22 June.

The 2024 Trials had a total attendance of 285,202 or an average of 16,777 per session, and reportedly cleared $5 million for USA Swimming.

The 2025 USA Swimming national championships start Tuesday at the Indianapolis University Natatorium.

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ATHLETICS: Better weather, hot marks at NCAA second round, world leads 9.86 by Saminu and 19.83 for McCallum and 9.75w for Anthony!

By
Rich Perelman
-
University of South Florida’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu (GHA), now the men’s 100 m world leader! (Photo: University of South Florida).

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≡ NCAA T&F SECOND ROUND ≡

No delays for a change at the NCAA Track & Field Championships East regional second round in Jacksonville, Florida, but the weather was hot and so were the marks.

In 90-plus degree temperatures, South Florida’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu (GHA), who blazed to a world-leading 9.86 in the men’s 100 m with just a 0.6 m/s aiding wind in heat two, well ahead of Auburn soph Kanyinsola Ajayi (NGR) at 9.95, now equal-seventh for 2025.

Saminu is now equal-second all-time among collegians.

Saminu and his South Florida teammates had already taken the national lead in the 4×100 m relay at 38.05, ahead of Auburn (38.51) earlier in the day. And South Florida finished the day with the fastest time in the 4×400 m at 3:01.52 in race one, equaling the collegiate lead!

In the 200 m, SEC runner-up Makanakaishe Charanda (Auburn-ZIM) was the qualifying leader at 19.79w (+2.4) in race one, with legal marks from race three for T’Mars McCallum (Tennessee) at 19.83 – now the world leader – then NCAA Indoor champ Carli Makarawu (Kentucky-ZIM) at 19.92 (no. 5 worldwide) and Jaleel Croal (South Florida-IVB) in 19.95 (all with wind: +1.4 m/s). Charanda moves to equal-sixth all-time among collegians.

Alabama sophomore Samuel Ogazi (NGR), the 2024 NCAA runner-up, moved to no. 10 in the world in 2025 at 44.43 to take heat one of the 400 m quarterfinals, now no. 2 in the nation for 2025.

Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp remained at no. 3 in the nation in the 110 m hurdles, winning in 13.14 (+1.5),

At the West regional in College Station, Texas, California’s junior world discus record holder Mykolas Alekna got off another big throw, reaching 72.12 m (236-7) on his third throw to lead all qualifiers. Only he, Matt Denny (AUS) and Kristjan Ceh (SLO) have thrown that far this year. It’s also the no. 3 throw in collegiate history and he has top 11 throws ever.

On the track, SEC 100 m champion Jordan Anthony ran a sensational 9.75 to win race one, ahead of USC’s Taylor Banks, with just-over-the-allowable wind of +2.1 m/s. Iowa’s Kalen Walker won race two in 9.94 (+1.1). Anthony’s time is the equal-second-fastest college 100 ever.

USC’s Garrett Kaalund moved to no. 3 in the world for 2025 with a 19.85 win in race three of the 200 m, with legal (+1.1) wind. That’s a lifetime best and now equal-seventh all-time among collegians.

National leader Kendrick Smallwood of Texas led the 110 m hurdles qualifiers at 13.13 in race three (+1.1), while Jamar Marshall, the Big 12 champion from Houston, ran 13.19 in race one (+1.7). Texas A&M’s Ja’Qualon Scott won race two in a wind-aided 13.16 (+2.5).

The first and second-round regionals will end on Saturday with the women’s events, with the qualifiers moving on to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon from 11-14 June. What a meet that will be!

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BADMINTON: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee asks USA Badminton to give up National Governing Body status

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ USA BADMINTON ≡

In the long-running drama over the fitness of USA Badminton to serve as the National Governing Body for the sport in the U.S., the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has asked USA Badminton to relinquish its status as the National Governing Body for the sport.

In a statement posted on 28 May, the federation explained, in pertinent part:

“We would like to inform you that USA Badminton (USAB) has received a letter today from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). In the letter, the USOPC acknowledged and appreciated USAB’s continued work and efforts toward meeting the requirements set forth by USOPC. However, the Compliance Review Group (CRG) has concluded that not all requirements have been fully satisfied at this time. As a result, the USOPC has requested that USAB submit a letter relinquishing its status as the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of badminton in the United States.

“USAB firmly believes that it has fulfilled the necessary requirements and that there may be breaches of the agreement previously entered into between USAB and the USOPC. Our Board of Directors along with Interim CEO John Ruger and staff are actively reviewing the situation and considering the appropriate course of action.”

The message noted that USA Badminton events are scheduled to continue as planned.

In a 22 May message, USA Badminton said it had participated in a hearing that day as part of the decertification process undertaken by the USOPC in October 2024, and took “the opportunity to present our progress, demonstrate our commitment to governance excellence, and reaffirm our dedication to serving athletes, clubs, and the broader badminton community.”

The USOPC has been looking into USA Badminton issues for some time, filing for decertification in 2019, then backing off, but alarmed over financial controls, governance, human resources procedures and a former chief executive who encouraged a staff member not to report an abuse case to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Now, the USOPC is taking a halfway measure, in this continuing review procedure known as a “Section 8” in USOPC parlance:

● By asking USA Badminton to exit as the National Governing Body for the sport in the U.S., the USOPC does not have to make a direct finding against it for failure to fulfill its duties under the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S. §2205 et seq. (at §220527):

“If the corporation decides, as a result of the hearing, that the national governing body is not complying with sections 220522, 220524, and 220525 of this title, it shall—

“(A) place the national governing body on probation for a specified period of time, not to exceed 180 days, which the corporation considers necessary to enable the national governing body to comply with those sections; or

“(B) revoke the recognition of the national governing body.”

● Then, in §220528(g):

“If the national governing body does not comply with sections 220522, 220524, and 220525 of this title within the probationary period prescribed under subsection (f)(4) of this section, the corporation shall revoke the certification of the national governing body and either—

“(1) certify the applicant as the national governing body; or
“(2) declare a vacancy in the national governing body for that sport.”

● The USOPC has not placed USA Badminton on probation, nor has it revoked its status as the National Governing Body. If it decided to do so, the issue is still not settled, due to §220529(a):

“A party aggrieved by a determination of the corporation under section 220527 or 220528 of this title may obtain review by the arbitration and mediation provider designated by the corporation under section 220522(a)(4).”

So, now, USA Badminton has to decide how it wants to reply to the USOPC: agree to resign, ask for a formal probationary period, or challenge the USOPC to de-certify it and if done, take the USOPC to arbitration if it wishes to.

It’s a mess, but the next step is clear: it’s up to USA Badminton.

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BOXING: World Boxing adopts sex screening for women’s division entries; Olympic champ Khelif must be tested to box in next week’s Eindhoven Cup

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ SRY-GENE TESTS COMING ≡

“World Boxing’s new policy and the introduction of testing will mean that all athletes over the age of 18 that want to participate in a World Boxing owned or sanctioned competition will need to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test to determine their sex at birth and their eligibility to compete.

“The PCR test is a laboratory technique used to detect specific genetic material, in this case the SRY gene, that reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex. The test can be a be conducted by nasal/mouth swab, saliva or blood.

“Athletes that are deemed to be male at birth, as evidenced by the presence of Y chromosome genetic material (the SRY gene) or with a difference of sexual development (DSD) where male androgenization occurs, will be eligible to compete in the male category.

“Athletes that are deemed to be female at birth, as evidenced by the presence of XX chromosomes or the absence of Y chromosome genetic material (the SRY gene) or with a DSD where male androgenization does not occur, will be eligible to compete in the female category.”

This was one of the key issues facing World Boxing when it was confirmed as the new governing body for Olympic boxing by the International Olympic Committee earlier this year. This new policy is in line with the call for such testing by United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls Reem Alsalem (JOR) in 2024.

World Boxing’s tests will be required for entry into all of its competitions and its 2025 World Championships to be held in Liverpool (ENG), with “National Federations will be responsible for testing and will be required to confirm the sex of their athletes when entering them into World Boxing competitions by providing a certification of their chromosomal sex, as determined by a PCR test.”

A significant controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was drummed up over gold-medal boxers Yu-ting Lin (TPE: women’s 57 kg) and Imane Khelif (ALG: 66 kg), questioning their eligibility in the women’s category, although both had competed for their entire careers as women.

In view of the sensitivity of the issue, World Boxing disclosed its message to the Algerian federation, sent Friday, which included:

“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup, 5-10 June 2025 and any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures.

“In accordance with the World Boxing Statutes, amendments to the Competition Rules are typically made by Congress. However, under special or emergency circumstances, the World Boxing Executive Board holds the authority to make immediate amendments when a rule is deemed no longer functional or when evolving conditions necessitate a change.”

So, with the Eindhoven Cup next week, a close watch will be made over whether Khelif will be entered, tested and compete, or referred for more action, as noted in the World Boxing announcement:

“Where test results for boxers that want to compete in the female category reveal Y chromosome genetic material and a potential DSD, the initial screenings will be referred to independent clinical specialists for genetic screening, hormonal profiles, anatomical examination or other valuation of endocrine profiles by medical specialists.”

Observed: This is a critical development, which if well accepted in the boxing community, could be a positive signal to the International Olympic Committee – under new President Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) – to resume sex screening procedures for the women’s category, which it ended in 1999.

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ATHLETICS: “Athlos League” coming in 2026; LSU’s Godbless rips world-leading 10.91 in NCAA East first round

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ NCAA FIRST ROUND ≡

Warm conditions produced some sizzling times at the NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships East region first round in Jacksonville, Florida, with LSU’s Tima Godbless (NGR) winning heat one in a world-leading 10.91, a lifetime best by a startling 0.12 (wind +1.2 m/s)!

She had run 11.06 this year as the SEC runner-up. One heat later, it was the turn of Ohio State senior Leah Bertrand (TTO) – fourth in the Big 10 – to get a lifetime best of 10.92 (+1.8), to move to equal-second in the world for 2025. Her best had been 11.08 from 2023.

Another weather delay of more than 2 1/2 hours came in during the afternoon, with half of the program completed, but the full slate of races was held.

In the men’s qualifying held over from Wednesday, Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan of Ole Miss moved to no. 2 in the nation in the shot put, leading the qualifiers at 20.85 m (68-5).

At the West region meet in College Station, Texas, conditions were also warm, with world leader and Big 12 champ Alexis Brown of Baylor reaching 6.94 m (22-9 1/4) to lead the women’s long jump, in the best mark of the day. 

The single-day, all-women ATHLOS meet in 2024, and set for 10 October 2025 will expand into an “ATHLOS League” in 2026, announcing a “team-based” format today:

“We’re not just building a league – we’re crafting a movement, with @itsshacarri, @itsgabbyt and @tar___ruh at the center as athlete-owners.”

(That’s Olympic gold medalists Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas and Tara Davis-Woodhall.)

ATHLOS founder Alexis Ohanian added on X that “It’ll launch next year with meets in major cities and ending with one epic championship race.”

No dates were announced, but the ATHLOS site noted:

“When the global stage wraps, ATHLOS keeps the momentum going. Kicking off after the World Athletics season in 2026, our league will feature multiple events with the fastest athletes in the world competing for record-breaking prizes.”

So, 2026 calendar now has the World Athletics indoor tour, the Diamond League, the no-field-events Grand Slam Track and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship from 11-13 September 2026. And then the women-only (so far) ATHLOS League will add to what is becoming a pretty crowded mix.

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PANORAMA: ITTF rejects election protests, will be sure they don’t happen again; mistrial called in Maradona death suit; Ukraine boycotts judo

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ SPOTLIGHT ≡

● Table Tennis ● The International Table Tennis Federation issued a long statement on Thursday about the chaotic, high-decibel Presidential election held at Tuesday’s Annual General Meeting, which resulted in the re-election of Petra Sorling (SWE), but also an hour-long screaming session by supporters of Qatari candidate Khalil Al-Mohannadi.

The statement noted:

● “[T]he ITTF would like to clarify that the election process was conducted in strict accordance with the ITTF Constitution and Statutes and in full respect of the Member Associations’ rights.”

● “In accordance with the ITTF Statutes (1.48.1.), each Member Association present at the AGM, not in arrears, has one vote, irrespective of whether it is present in person or online, at the time of the roll call or at a later stage during the AGM.”

● “In light of the above, the ITTF rejects the misconceived statement by some Member Associations to recognise any other result.

“The ITTF will not comment any further on the election process at this stage and will address any formal complaint it should receive in the appropriate forum.”

As for the commotion which followed, in which Al-Mohannadi himself took the microphone to protest and much of the “discussion” was led by ITTF Nominations Committee head Abdulla Al-Mulla (QAT), the ITTF statement noted:

“After the presidential election had already concluded, the AGM had to be suspended following the disruption initiated by individuals who were neither delegates from Member Associations, nor members of the Executive Board, Council, Committees, or invited guests.

“The ITTF regrets and strongly condemns the disruption. It will conduct an investigation to determine the various responsibilities and take measures, in particular, to avoid a similar disruption from happening in the future.”

Because there were multiple elections not held due to the suspension of the meeting, including for Executive Vice President, the ratification of Council members and committee appointments, the Annual General Meeting will have to be continued, at a date and place to be announced later, but must be held before 24 November 2025.

Observed: It will be fascinating to see what ITTF disciplinary measures are initiated by the independent ITTF Integrity Unit, given that the protesters were well-known by the delegates. It can be assumed that a new rule be will be offered to bar future Presidential election meetings from being held in countries which have a Presidential candidate.

≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Cycling ● After two early climbs, the last third of stage 18 of the 108th Giro d’Italia was fairly flat, but German rider Nico Denz had no intention of allowing the race to come down to another mass sprint. So he took off with 18.6 km to go on the 144 km route to Cesano Maderno and won going away in 3:12:07. It’s his third career Giro stage win.

The chasers were 1:01 behind, led by Mirco Maestri (ITA) and Belgian Edward Planckaert, with the main contender almost 14 minutes back. It was a relatively eventful race for leader Isaac Del Toro (MEX: +13:51), as he maintained his 41-second lead on 2019 winner Richard Carapaz (ECU) and 51 seconds on Simon Yates (GBR).

A sad note was the abandonment by Spain’s stage 7 winner Juan Ayuso, who was stung by a bee in the eye area on Wednesday. The eye swelled and essentially closed and Ayuso could not continue after riding for about an hour on Thursday.

The drama will increase, with a five-climb monster of a course on Friday and a hilly, 205 km course on Saturday that ends with a massive climb and another uphill finish to the ski resort of Sestriere. Those two rides will decide the race, before the flat route into Rome on Sunday.

● Flag Football ● Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters on Thursday he’s likely not interested in playing for the American flag team at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles:

“It’s awesome, honestly, just to be able to showcase the NFL to the whole world through flag football.

“But I’ll probably leave that to the younger guys. I’ll be a little older by the time that thing comes around.”

Mahomes is 29 now and will be starting his ninth season with the Chiefs in 2025; he will be 32 by the time of the 2028 Olympic Games.

● Football ● In the high-profile trial in Argentina of seven medical professionals in the death of football legend Diego Maradona in November 2020, a mistrial was declared on Thursday. The Associated Press reported:

“[O]ne of the three judges overseeing the trial stepped down over criticism surrounding her participation in a forthcoming documentary series about the case, ‘Divine Justice,’ which spanned from the aftermath of Maradona’s death, as scandals and suspicions of foul play began to emerge, to the start of the trial. …

“The prosecutor asked judges to investigate allegations that [Judge Julieta] Makintach had violated judicial ethics in allowing a camera crew inside the courthouse to film her overseeing closed-door hearings for the reality TV-style series.”

Said Judge Maximiliano Savarino, “Judge Makintach did not act impartially. Her conduct caused harm to both the plaintiffs and the defense. The only person responsible is the recused judge.”

No date was set for the re-trial to begin.

● Judo ● Ukraine has said it will boycott the upcoming World Judo Championships in view of the decision of the International Judo Federation to allow Belarus to compete with its national flag, colors and anthem, effective 1 June 2025.

“The Ukrainian Judo Federation is forced to make a decision not to send an official delegation of the national team to the World Championship. The Federation strongly condemns the IJF’s decision and considers it contrary to the fundamental principles of fairness, responsibility and solidarity in the global sports movement.”

Belarus has been a direct ally of Russian in its invasion of Ukraine, allowing free access to the Russian military from the beginning of the attacks in February 2022. The IJF was reported to have restored Belarusian identity rights at an Executive Committee meeting on 16 May. The IJF previously decided to have Russian and Belarusian judoka compete under the auspices of the IJF itself.

● Swimming ● USA Swimming and NBC announced a rights extension to 2028, covering the national championships, the TYR Pro Swim Series, and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.

Coverage will be shown on NBC and CNBC, plus the Peacock streaming service.

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ANTI-DOPING: Banka re-elected as WADA President as U.S. Anti-Doping seethes; Banka in favor of life bans for Enhanced Games athletes

By
Rich Perelman
-
World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka (POL) at the 2025 WADA Annual Symposium (Photo: WADA).

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≡ WADA ELECTIONS ≡

As expected, the World Anti-Doping Agency re-elected President Witold Banka (POL) and Vice President Yang Yang (CHN), each for a final, three-year term of 2026-28, both running unopposed.

The WADA Foundation Board voted, in an online meeting, 36-0 for Banka with two abstentions and 38-0 for Yang. Said Banka:

“In our final term, we are committed to continue strengthening the global anti-doping system by elevating the athlete experience; expanding the impact of our science, development, compliance and intelligence work and much more. We look forward to working collaboratively with WADA leadership and staff, and our stakeholders around the world, to meet our shared objectives and exceed them – together, transparently and with the sole purpose of protecting clean sport.”

WADA – and Banka – continue to face headwinds caused by the agency’s handling of the 2021 Chinese swimming mass-positives incident, leading to a continuing, angry tug-of-war with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and dues withheld by the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy.

In a post on X, USADA did not mince words:

“With this election, WADA has pulled the ultimate ‘bait and switch’, first promising governance reforms following the Russian anti-doping scandal and then quietly changing the rules the second the world looked away. Not only did WADA agree to an unprecedented third term for the current government/sport-appointed WADA President and Vice President, but it has made a mockery of meaningful independence by further protecting the incumbents, using sport to block a viable candidate and turning the election into a coronation.

“All this at a time when athletes’ and the public’s confidence in the global anti-doping system is at its lowest in 25 years due to WADA’s inconsistent and uneven enforcement of the rules in the China swimming cases and others.”

Banka shot back:

“If we talk about the U.S., I would say that we are open to cooperation, including with the White House authorities. We have repeatedly said that we must work hand-in-hand in the interests of American athletes, but it is difficult to work with [USADA head Travis] Tygart. It is difficult to cooperate with someone whose goal is to attack WADA.

“He always finds a reason to attack WADA, so it is difficult to work with someone who believes in conspiracy theories, including the one that we helped cover up the positive doping tests of 23 Chinese swimmers. He does nothing in the interests of anti-doping, he only travels the world and attacks WADA.”

Banka continued his campaign against the pro-doping Enhanced Games, to be held in May 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada:

“I find it hard to imagine responsible doctors who would administer steroids that are dangerous to the health of athletes and monitor their condition at the same time. This is absolutely unethical, it is against the rules, it is against medical values. I simply cannot imagine responsible doctors who would do this.

“We also call on anti-doping organizations and other structures to test athletes who decide to participate in these Games, to test them with all the ensuing consequences. In addition, signals are coming from sports federations, and some have already announced that participation in this tournament will close their path back to normal international competitions. I think these are quite serious consequences, I think this is a good idea.”

This is one area where Banka and his detractors remain on the same page.

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ATHLETICS: Grand Slam Track III compressed to two days at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field as McLaughlin-Levrone tries something new

By
Rich Perelman
-
Another win and another world-leading performance from U.S. superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Photo: Grand Slam Track).

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≡ GRAND SLAM TRACK ≡

The third of four Grand Slam Track meets in 2025 will be at famed Franklin Field in Philadelphia, site of the annual Penn Relays, with three athletes trying to extend their perfect records across the first two Slams:

● Men/Short Sprints: Kenny Bednarek (USA)
● Men/Long Hurdles: Alison dos Santos (BRA)
● Women/Long Hurdles: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA)

While Bednarek and dos Santos will be favored in their event groups once again, McLaughlin-Levrone – the first athlete announced for the Grand Slam Track project – will be a decided underdog as she moves to the Short Hurdles.

She rarely runs this event and has a lifetime best of 12.65 from 2021; she did win at Franklin Field in 2022 in 12.75 during the Penn Relays. But against her are six women who have run faster than her lifetime best, just in 2025 alone:

● 12.19 Tia Jones (USA) ~ no. 2 worldwide
● 12.34 Ackera Nugent (JAM) ~ no. 3
● 12.50 Megan Tapper (JAM) ~ no. 7
● 12.53 Danielle Williams (JAM) ~ no. 8
● 12.54 Tonea Marshall (USA) ~ no. 9
● 12.56 Christina Clemons (USA) ~ no. 11

The only entrant slower is Swiss Dita Kumbundji, who has run 12.71 this year, but has a lifetime best of 12.40 from 2024.

So why would McLaughlin-Levrone do this?

She is coached by the legendary Bobby Kersee, who knows that the Grand Slam Track races are only a stepping stone to the U.S. Nationals in Eugene starting on 31 July and then to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (JPN) in September. While Grand Slam Track is nice, McLaughlin-Levrone and Kersee are planning for those meets, which could include letting go of the 400 m hurdles and heading to the 400 m, where her best of 48.74 (2023) is oh-so-close to the American Record of 48.70 by Sanya Richards-Ross in 2006.

She will need speed work to perfect her final-straight finish in a flat 400 m and the 100 m hurdles and 100 m flat races in Philadelphia are part of that development process for 2025.

McLaughlin-Levrone also hasn’t run a flat 100 in competition since a wind-aided 11.07 in 2018 when she was a frosh at Kentucky. So it will be interesting to see what she can do on Sunday, against the same field, but where she might be as good as anyone.

There are five who have won their event group at both Kingston and Miramar and will be going for a third in a row:

● Men/Short Sprints: Kenny Bednarek (USA)
● Men/Long Distance: Grant Fisher (USA)
● Men/Long Hurdles: Alison dos Santos (BRA)
● Women/Short Sprints: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA)
● Women/Long Hurdles: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA)

The circuit has produced outstanding marks in most events, with current world leaders in six events, despite not having had a meet for a month:

● Men/200 m: 19.84, Kenny Bednarek (USA) ~ Miramar
● Men/400 m: 43.98, Jacory Patterson (USA) ~ Miramar

● Women/400 m: 48.67, Salwa Eid Naser (BRN) ~ Kingston
● Women/5,000 m: 14:25.80, Agnes Ngetich (KEN) ~ Miramar
● Women/100 m hurdles: 12.17, Masai Russell ~ Miramar
● Women/400 m hurdles: 52.07, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ~ Miramar

Following three-day meets in the first two stops, the program was condensed for Philadelphia to Saturday and Sunday only, which should help with attendance and viewership.

Saturday’s meet stars at 4:39 p.m. Eastern time and Sunday at 3:41 p.m. Eastern time, shown on both The CW and NBC’s Peacock streaming service.

Scoring in each event group (two races) is 12-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 and the placers in each group will win $100,000-50,000-30,000-25,000-20,000-15,000-12,500-10,000.

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TRANSGENDER: U.S. Justice Dept. pushing against California law allowing transgenders on girls’ sports teams

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ TITLE IX vs. AB 1266 ≡

At the heart of the fight between the Trump Administration and the California Interscholastic Federation over the participation of Jurupa Valley High School high jumper-long jumper-triple jumper AB Hernandez, a transgender, in the California State High School Track & Field Championships is a 2013 California law known as AB 1266. It contains, in section (f):

“A pupil shall be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”

That allows transgenders to compete in girls’ sports without limit, including Hernandez.

So, in view of the Trump Administration’s view of Title IX as protecting women’s sports, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced on Wednesday:

“The Justice Department today sent letters of legal notice to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Jurupa Unified School District, and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) that it is opening an investigation to determine whether Title IX, a landmark federal civil rights law, is being violated by AB 1266, a state law permitting males to participate on female sports teams at state schools.

“The investigation is to determine whether California, its senior legal, educational, and athletic organizations, and the school district are engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination on the basis of sex.”

The 28 May letter sent to CIF Executive Director Ronald Nocetti from Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon included:

“My office has found reasonable cause to believe that CIF, too, is engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination against female athletes. CIF maintains a policy, CIF Bylaw 300.D, that permits, directs, instructs, or requires California high schools to allow males to participate in girls’ interscholastic athletics, thereby depriving girls and young women of equal athletic opportunities.

“As a result of CIF’s policy, California’s top-ranked girls’ triple jumper, and second-ranked girls’ long jumper, is a boy. As recently as May 17, this male athlete was allowed to take winning titles that rightfully belong to female athletes in both events. The male athlete will now be allowed to compete against those female athletes again for a state title in long, triple, and high jump. Other high school female athletes have alleged that they were likewise robbed of podium positions and spots on their teams after they were forced to compete against males. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom has acknowledged that this practice is ‘deeply unfair’ to girls and young women.

“In light of this alarming news and the other two ongoing investigations, I have directed my office to join [U.S. Department of Education’s] investigation into CIF. Additionally, I have directed my office and the office of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California to review this matter to determine whether the actions of CIF, [California Education Department], the Jurupa Unified School District, and any applicable state laws, violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.”

The announcement from U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli also noted his office filed a statement of interest in the Save Girls’ Sports, et al. v. Thurmond, et al. suit filed 31 January 2025 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California:

“The lawsuit alleges that this California statute ‘is harming hundreds – if not thousands – of female students by removing opportunities for female athletes to be champions in their own sports, robbing them of podium positions and awards, and creating unsafe and intimidating environments in their bathrooms and locker rooms.’

“The plaintiffs include K.S., a ninth-grade female cross-country athlete and T.S., an 11th-grade female cross-country athlete and team captain, both of whom attend Martin Luther King High School in Riverside.

“T.S. was removed from her position of the girls’ varsity cross-country team to make room for a biological male athlete who did not consistently attend practices and failed to satisfy many of the team’s varsity eligibility requirements. As a result, T.S. missed the opportunity to compete at a high-profile meet, lost the right to compete on the varsity level, and missed the opportunity to compete with elite fellow athletes to be recruited by universities and receive other forms of recognition.”

This week’s CIF State track & field meet is thus not the end of the controversy, but only the beginning.

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PANORAMA: Added places for biological girls in California State meet in three events; Cuba says U.S. denied sports visas; no Dressel at U.S. nationals!

By
Rich Perelman
-
Giro d'Italia leader Isaac Del Toro (MEX) (Photo: Wikipedia via Albinfo)

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Games of the Small States of Europe ● The 20th edition of this event, limited to the nine European countries with populations of less than one million – as of 1985 – opened in Andorra on Monday.

About 1,000 athletes from Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino are competing in 16 sports, through Saturday (31st).

● Cuba ● The Cuban Olympic Committee issued a statement on Tuesday, railing against the denial of visas to travel to the U.S. or Puerto Rico for competitions and meetings, including:

“[COC President Roberto Leon] Richards and COC Secretary General Ruperto Herrera Tabío were unable to attend the Panam Sports Executive Committee meeting, held in Miami from May 13 to 15, nor the Olympic Solidarity Forum for the National Olympic Committees of the Americas, which began days later in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“By the way, we recall that the visa denial for COC Vice President and International Olympic Committee member María Caridad Colón Ruenes prevented her from participating in the Panam Sports Women in Sports Commission session on May 5 in Miami.

“The United States government’s arbitrary and politically motivated handling of visa authorization in the implementation of its aggressive policy against the Cuban people is nothing new in the field of sports.”

The statement also noted visa denials this year for the FIBA men’s AmeriCup Qualifiers in Puerto Rico and World Athletics Masters Indoor Championships, and added:

“The COC warns about the impact of this policy on Cuba’s full participation in an Olympic cycle culminating with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and requests the International Olympic Committee, Panam Sports, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to intervene to end politicized decisions that undermine Cuba’s right to occupy its place on international sporting stages.”

● Transgender ● More from the California Interscholastic Federation on the State track & field meet where transgender AB Hernandez (Jurupa Valley) has qualified in the women’s division in the high jump, long jump and triple jump.

In addition to including athletes from the Southern Section Masters meet who would have qualified if Hernandez had not competed, this protocol will apply to those events at State as well:

“On Friday, May, 30, if necessary, in the high jump, triple jump and long jump qualifying events at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships, a biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark will also be advanced to the finals.

“Additionally, if necessary, in the high jump, triple jump and long jump events at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships, a biological female student-athlete who would have earned a specific placement on the podium will also be awarded the medal for that place and the results will be reflected in the recording of the event.”

● Athletics ● The first round of the NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships opened for men in Jacksonville, Florida (East region) and College Station, Texas (West) on Wednesday.

Action in Jacksonville was hampered by a lightning delay, with some events postponed and the running events delayed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the 10,000 m starting at 1:01 a.m.! Marks were understandably modest; Auburn’s national 200 m leader Makanakaishe Charamba (ZIM) led all qualifiers at 20.22 (wind -0.3 m/s). The 10,000 m finished at 1:31 a.m. with Furman senior Dylan Schubert the leading qualifier at 29:00.47 off a 59.74 last lap!

Arkansas’ Jordan Anthony, the double sprint winner at the SEC Championships, led the 100 m West qualifiers at 10.08 (+1.3). He won heat one of the 200 m in 20.50 into a 1.7 m/s headwind, behind USC’s Garrett Kaalund (20.40: -0.4) and Max Thomas (20.42: +0.2), and Texas’ Xavier Butler (20.45: -0.3).

New Mexico freshman Ishmael Kipkurui (KEN) and teammate and defending NCAA champ Habtom Samuel (ERI) were the 1-2 qualifiers in the 10,000 m in 28:09.32 and 28:09.33.

The women’s first round will be held Thursday at both sites, then the second rounds on Friday and Saturday to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon in June.

● Cycling ● Mexico’s Isaac Del Toro, in danger of losing his lead in the 108th Giro d’Italia, struck back in Wednesday’s 17th stage, speeding away in the final 1.6 km to win over the hilly finish of the 155 km route to Bormio.

The stage had two major climbs, but the stage was decided with 9 km left on the small, final climb and descent of Le Motte. French star Romain Bardet pushed first, but was caught by Del Toro with 5.5 km to go, with 2019 winner Richard Carapaz (ECU) right with Del Toro.

Del Toro won in 3:58:48, with Bardet and Carapaz both four seconds back and Simon Yates (GBR) in fourth (+0:15). That moves Carapaz into second place, but now 41 seconds back of Del Toro, with Yates third (+0:51).

The last major tests come on Friday and Saturday, both difficult climbing stages to see if Del Toro can hang on for a life-altering victory.

● Football ● FIFA has insisted that women be allowed to attend matches in Iran, but a national team match against North Korea was moved from Mashhad, the country’s second-largest city, to Tehran in the face of prohibitions by religious groups.

Inside World Football reported, “FIFA has stipulated that women must be given the opportunity to attend matches following multiple disturbances and protests outside venues where they have been denied entry, both for club and national team games.

“Mashhad has previously been a flashpoint in the protests to the point where women were beaten outside the stadium while a match was on-going.”

Abdullah Ibhais, who was a communications staff member for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, said he will sue the Committee and FIFA for his wrongful arrest and more than three years of imprisonment.

He told the Norwegian magazine Josimar that he had raised questions about how migrant workers were being treated on World Cup construction projects, and on 15 November 2021, he was arrested. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared him held arbitrarily, and was finally released in March 2025. He is now in Jordan, and said:

“I mean, the level of injustice, the violations that people will actually allow. The level of tolerance they show towards Qatar because it’s wealthy is unbelievable.”

● Swimming ● Some of the most decorated American men’s swimmers are skipping the 2025 USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis next week, meaning they will not compete in the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July.

Nine-time Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Caeleb Dressel did not enter in the 50 or 100 m Freestyles or Butterflys, while backstroke stars and Olympic medal winners Ryan Murphy (nine Olympic medals) and Hunter Armstrong (seven Worlds golds) have both decided not to swim.

The star American women are in, with Katie Ledecky in the 200-400-800-1,500 m Freestyles, Gretchen Walsh in the 50-100 m Freestyles and 50-100 m Butterflys, and Torri Huske entered in six events: 50-100-200 m Frees, 50-100 m Flys and 200 m Medley, but will likely scratch out of some of these.

Five-time Worlds gold medalist Regan Smith is entered in the 50-100-200 m Backstrokes, of course, and the 100-200 m Flys.

Olympic 200 m Breast champ Kate Douglass is in seven events (for now): 50-100 m Free, 50-100-200 m Breast; 50 m Fly, and the 200 m Medley, where she is two-time World Champion.

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SPOTLIGHT: U.S. Para-Cyclists Pile Up 29 Medals Over Two Road Cycling World Cups in May

By
Rich Perelman
-
U.S. Paralympic cyling star Barry Wilcox (Photo: Jean-Baptiste Benavent)

★ The Sports Examiner is delighted to present this important contribution from our patron, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, with a focus on American Paralympic stars. Opinions expressed are those of the USOPC. ★

Barry Wilcox captured four gold medals in two World Cup stops, and four-time Paralympic triathlon medalist Grace Norman medaled twice.

By Paul D. Bowker
Red Line Editorial on behalf of the USOPC

The UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup season came and went this spring, with U.S. cyclists piling up the second most medals of any country at the two European stops.

A U.S. team of 15 athletes raced in Ostend, Belgium, on May 1-4. Many of them were part of the 12-person team that then turned around for another competition in Maniago, Italy, on May 15-18.

Competing in road races and time trials across various classifications, U.S. cyclists combined to win 29 medals and finished second to only France in the World Cup team standings. France totaled 52 medals, including 25 gold medals.

Among the U.S. medals were 10 golds. The Netherlands won 18 gold medals but finished behind the U.S. in the medals table with 27 overall medals.

Several U.S. cyclists finished with standout individual performances, including Barry Wilcox. A former junior national champion as an able-bodied cyclist during his teenage years, Wilcox has enjoyed a rebirth as a Para-cyclist now in his late 40s and swept his four handcycling races this spring to claim the world cup overall title in the MH1 class.

Meanwhile, two-time Paralympian Clara Brown captured a pair of gold medals in WC3 in Ostend.

Samantha Bosco, a gold medalist at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, returned from a surgical procedure to reach the podium twice in WC4, winning a gold and silver medal.

Grace Norman, a two-time Paralympic champion in triathlon, including last summer in Paris, continued her foray into Para-cycling with two medals, including a gold in the time trial WC4, over her first two world cups.

“Being able to race back-to-back World Cups was a great way to gain experience, assess, and improve my performance!” Norman said on her Instagram account. “Absolutely thrilled with it!”

The World Cup schedule consisted of just two stops spread over three weeks this season. Road racers are now gearing up for the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, which will be held in late August in Ronse, Belgium.

Although the U.S. roster hasn’t yet been announced for the world championships, the World Cup successes had many pointing already to Belgium in August.

“The staff and fellow team USA athletes were all part of a successful trip not only for myself but others,” Wilcox posted on Instagram. “Back home to Arizona before returning to Belgium the end of August for the world championships where my category will be even more difficult! Challenge accepted.“

Cody Wills, a 2024 Paralympian in the MH2 class, won the time trial MH2 in Maniago.

“I finished the 2025 World Cup season ranked 3rd in UCI points but the race season isn’t over yet … my results here unofficially secured my spot on the Team USA roster for @ronse2025 World Championships!” he wrote on Instagram.

Medaling three times were eight-time Paralympian Allison Jones, three-time Paralympian Jamie Whitmore, two-time Paralympian Freddie De Los Santos and 2020 Paralympian Ryan Pinney.

“It was loads of fun and had a little bit of everything,” said Whitmore, who won the time trial WC3 in Italy. “It had fast turns, inclines and fast descents. It truly was my type of course. I love ones that challenge us and utilize bike-handling skills. To top things off, I won.”

The other U.S. gold medalist was Elouan Gardon. Coming off a bronze medal in his Paralympic debut last year as an 18-year-old, Gardon won the time trial MC5 in Belgium.

The U.S. nearly topped 30 medals over the two World Cup stops as a number of Americans posted fourth-place finishes, missing podiums by one finishing spot. Among them was five-time Paralympic medalist Jennifer Schuble, who developed a cramp at a key time in her WC5 road race in Italy and finished fourth just a month after leg surgery.

“If I wouldn’t have cramped up, I would definitely podiumed,” Schuble said. “With everything going on right now, that was a pretty good showing.”

Some of the cyclists headed for the USA Cycling National Championships in Charleston, West Virginia, immediately after returning from the second world cup stop in Italy.

Competition, for some, shifts to track cycling in June. The U.S. Paralympics Track Cycling Open is set for June 14 and 15 in Carson, California, followed by a national camp in Carson. The World Championships in track will be held October 16-19 in Rio de Janeiro.

Schuble, a three-time Paralympian, is among those trying to make the World Championship team in both road and track.

Paul D. Bowker has been writing about Olympic and Paralympic sports since 1996, when he was an assistant bureau chief in Atlanta. He is a freelance contributor to USParaCycling.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.

For more, please visit the USOPC Paralympic Educational Hub.

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LOS ANGELES 2028: Wasserman says LA28 has 72% of budget committed so far; IOC has advanced $251+ million to LA28 through 2024

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ LA28 REVENUES $5.1B SO FAR ≡

The New York Times posted a lengthy update story on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing effort on Wednesday (28th) titled “L.A. Made Big Promises for the Olympics. Can it Deliver by 2028?,” which included the usual recitation of positive and negative views of progress, from most of the usual suspects.

Of note was a financial update from LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman, as the story noted:

“Mr. Wasserman said he had obtained commitments of $5.1 billion from benefactors and corporate sponsors and was confident that the rest of the $7.1 billion [budget] would come in ticket sales.”

This is 72% of the budget and $500 million more than the $4.6 million confirmed at the news conference following last November’s International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission meeting in Los Angeles.

Wasserman said at that time these funds came from the IOC’s contribution of television rights and sponsorship fees, LA28’s own sponsorships and licensing and merchandising sales (and guarantees) and hospitality sales guarantees. Actual ticket sales are still to come.

The eight-year anniversary date of the 2017 award of the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad to Los Angeles is coming up on 13 September, and a quick look at the LA28 finances shows that it has spent – across its first six years – less than 10% of its planned $7.1 billion budget.

The International Olympic Committee has been a significant funder so far, with more coming.

Looking at the LA28 financial statements included in its annual report to the City of Los Angeles, spending as the organizing committee – not as the bid committee – began in 2018:

● 2018: $16.464 million in expenditures
● 2019: $23.413 million
● 2020: $36.493 million
● 2021: $93.243 million
● 2022: $142.592 million
● 2023: $156.647 million

That’s $468.852 million across the first six years of existence, and forecasting a $180 million cost for 2024, the seven-year total was likely about $648 million, or 9.1% of its latest $7.149.4 billion lifetime budget through 2028. (This is not all cash, as there are some modest amounts of non-cash expenditures, such as depreciation.)

In the spending are two large (really large) amounts which are not directly related to the work of organizing the Games. Those are the payments to the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department for the Youth Sports Partnership program that subsidizes participation in programs, and revenue-sharing payments to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee as part of its United States Olympic & Paralympic Properties revenue-generating joint venture.

At the end of 2023:

● $120.076 million to the USOPC
● $34.836 million to the Youth Sports Partnership

The USOPC payments kicked in in 2021 and account for the huge jump in spending in that year from 2020, and LA28 will pay a total of $430 million to the USOPC by the end of the program in 2028, at $58 or $64 million per year.

The Youth Sports Partnership payments are also increasing, with $25.088 million advanced in 2024 and more than $33 million requested for 2025 and into 2026.

In the meantime, the IOC will pay the LA28 organizers $898 million in television rights fees sharing and an estimated $437 million for a share of its TOP sponsorship program, totaling a projected $1.335 billion. Some of that has been paid already, including $160 million in advance for the Youth Sports Partnership funding, per the IOC’s financial statements:

● 2018: $36.0 million
● 2019: $36.0 million
● 2020: $36.0 million
● 2021: $36.0 million
● 2022: $36.0 million
● 2023: $36.262 million
● 2024: $34.900 million

That’s $251.162 million advanced by the IOC, against a $1.335 billion total, or about 18.8%. Of this, $167.895 million has come from advances against the $898 million for television rights sales, and just $14.817 million so far as a share of the TOP sponsorships.

So, there’s a lot more money coming from the IOC on the road to 2028, and LA28 has spent relatively little so far. But while more money is still to come in, the expenditures will leap, especially in the final 18 months from the start of 2027 through the 2028 Games.

But having 72% of its lifetime budget accounted for more than three years out is comforting, at least for now.

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TRANSGENDER: California Interscholastic Federation changes State T&F meet entries over Southern Section transgender jumps winner

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ CIF STATE MEET ≡

The California Interscholastic Federation’s massive Southern Section qualifies athletes to the State Track & Field Meet through its Masters Meet, held last weekend at Moorpark High School.

Among the performances was a double win for Jurupa Valley High School junior AB Hernandez, who took the women’s long jump at 19-3 1/2 and the triple jump at 40-4 3/4, after placing third in State in the women’s triple jump in 2024.

Hernandez, 16, also tied for fourth in the women’s high jump, at 5-4, also qualifying for State in that event.

She is a trans athlete and is now the center of controversy, with the State Meet coming up at Buchanan High School in on Friday and Saturday.

Hernandez has been competing in the women’s division for three seasons, but now is between California State laws allowing her to compete in women’s events and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14201 of 5 February, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”

On Tuesday, Trump posted a blistering message on Truth Social, writing in part:

“As a Male, he was a less than average competitor. As a Female, this transitioned person is practically unbeatable. THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS. Please be hereby advised that large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to. [California Governor Gavin Newsom], himself, said it is “UNFAIR.” I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go??? In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”

The CIF, which has been monitoring the situation, posted its own statement, announcing a change in the State Meet entry process:

“The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law and Education Code. With this in mind, the CIF will be implementing a pilot entry process for the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships.

“Under this pilot entry process, any biological female student-athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark for one of their Section’s automatic qualifying entries in the CIF State meet, and did not achieve the CIF State at-large mark in the finals at their Section meet, was extended an opportunity to participate in the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships. The CIF believes this pilot entry process achieves the participation opportunities we seek to afford our student-athletes.”

Newsom spokesperson Izzy Gordon said in a statement:

“CIF’s proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness. The Governor is encouraged by this thoughtful approach.”

The Jurupa Valley School District noted that “both state law and CIF policy currently require that students be permitted to participate in athletic teams and competitions consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”

So Hernandez is in three events, athletes have been added and the controversy will continue this weekend. Trump’s social post, however, creates a much more impactful situation concerning Federal funding for California that goes well beyond the CIF State Meet in Clovis.

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ECONOMICS: Good study on $2.3 million in spending on a smaller event, the 2024 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Final in Spain

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ CANOE SLALOM WORLD CUP ≡

There are lots of economic impact studies out there touting the millions and billions of dollars, euro, yen and more to be made from major sporting events like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.

What about something a lot smaller, like the final of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup from 19-22 September 2024, at Le Seu d’Urgell in Spain, the site of the 1992 Olympic slalom events.

The International Canoe Federation just shared such a study, compiled by The Whatsons, a public-opinion project of the Barcelona (ESP)-based Eiedom Gruppen SL, for the International Development Association of the World Bank.

La Seu d’Urgell is a town of about 12,000, so a smaller event can still have a significant impact. The study classified the event this way:

● 73 athletes, 30 team leaders
● 6,779 spectators over four days
● 42% of all visitors were from La Seu d’Urgell
● 22% of all visitors stayed overnight

The impact was quite interesting (€1 = $1.13 U.S.):

● €218,856: The “direct effect” of the event, meaning the organizing committee’s cost to stage the event.

● €1,862,118: The “associated effect” including athlete, team and visitor expenditures and any income received by the organizers.

● €1,048,367: The “induced effects” from the total of direct and associated spending, multiplied by the indirect and future impacts of the spending.

So, the actual spending, according to the study, was €2,080,974, pretty good for a four-day event with 73 athletes. Further, the €218,856 cost to put on the event brought back €8.5 in hard spending for every €1 spent. Not bad at all.

The study adds in the inducted effects and a “media effect” of €43,590 from publicity from coverage in the national (Spanish) media, including online, press and television.

Naturally, the study adds up everything for a total of €3,322,526 and claims a total return of €15.18 for every Euro invested, and €1,904,941 (57%) in the local area.

Observed: This is a noteworthy study, because it is about a smaller event, in an Olympic sport which has very little profile, in a small Catalonian town.

While the study itself is not a raging endorsement of the benefits of the event – the ICF is crowing pretty loudly – it shows once again that in terms of economic impact, it’s all about the visitors, whether they be participants or spectators. They’re the key.

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PANORAMA: Berlin bids for 2036, ‘40 or ‘44 Olympics; IOC says Russian teams still banned for 2026; Johnson good with Grand Slam Track so far

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● Olympic Games 2028: Los Angeles ● The LA28 organizing committee announced its 10th Official Supporter, its third tier of sponsorship below Founding Partners and Official Partners in Snowflake as “Official Data Collaboration Provider” for the organizers and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. According to the announcement:

“Snowflake platforms will empower LA28 and Team USA across critical functions, including athletes’ training data and fan engagement, as well as enhancing LA28 Games planning and delivery.”

● Olympic Games 2036: Berlin ● “I believe that the 2036 Games, regardless of where they take place, will also focus on the Nazi Games of 1936. That’s part of history and attention will be paid to it.

“I have to tell you, I’m proud to be the governing mayor of a city that has changed in the last 100 years, that we no longer stand for dictatorship, exclusion, and mass violence, but that Berlin is now a cosmopolitan, international metropolis, a colorful, diverse city.”

That was Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, at a Tuesday announcement at the much-renovated Olympiastadion that a “Berlin+” bid – involving four other German states and using existing facilities – for 2036, 2040 or 2044 will be offered to the German sports confederation (DOSB) by the end of the month.

Other German cities or regions are also interested; the German government has said that a 2040 bid would be appropriate on the 50-year anniversary of the country’s reunification.

● Olympic Winter Games 2026: Milan Cortina ● The International Olympic Committee issued a statement to Reuters concerning Russian teams – notably in ice hockey – competing at the 2026 Winter Games:

“The IOC Executive Board recommendation from March 2023 with regard to teams of athletes with a Russian passport remains in place.

“It is based on the fact that, by definition, a group of Individual Neutral Athletes cannot be considered a team. We take note that the [International Ice Hockey Federation] has confirmed that it will follow this recommendation.”

● Athletics ● Grand Slam Track is progressing well, said founder Michael Johnson in an interview with Front Office Sports. As for attendance:

“We’re going into Philadelphia next. It’s a huge stadium. We have no illusions that we’re going to fill up that stadium, that’s 50,000 plus. And the same thing with Kingston, we knew we weren’t going to – that’s a 35,000-seat stadium.

“Miami [Miramar] was a much smaller, intimate stadium. We did fill it up and sold it out, and it’s a great atmosphere when that’s the case. So the better atmosphere is when it’s a smaller, more intimate stadium right now. We feel like ultimately we will be able to fill up larger stadiums, and we look forward to that day…There are a lot of different factors that go into locations, but for this year we’re happy with the locations that we’ve chosen.”

Johnson said that he and his investors had no illusions are breaking even in year one – “We feel good about where we are, we feel like we’re on track with where we need to be” – and that the television audiences “exceeded our expectations and those of our partners as well.”

Tokyo Olympic women’s high jump champion Mariya Lasitskene, now 32, told the Russian news agency TASS she may not compete again:

“I am taking care of my health according to my plan, but I can’t say yet when I will return to the sector and whether I will return at all.

“I am very psychologically tired from everything that is happening. Track and field athletes have been in a suspended and detached position for ten years now, and personally, I can no longer find the motivation to compete only in domestic competitions.”

She last competed in August 2024. She won three World title in 2015-17-19 and World Indoor titles in 2014 and 2018, and stands no. 6 all-time at 2.06 m (6-9) from 2017.

● Cycling ● With four major climbs over 203 km, stage 16 of the 108th Giro d’Italia was going to have major impact on the race. And it did.

The rainy conditions created significant carnage, with multiple crashes. Slovenian star Primoz Roglic fell again and abandoned the race, as did Joshua Tarling (GBR), with Italian rider Alessio Martinelli was stretchered out of a ravine after sliding off the road in the wet conditions.

The final, miserable 18 km uphill climb to finish at San Valentino saw Italy’s Christian Scaroni and Lorenzo Fortunato race away, with Scaroni winning in 5:35:05. A third Italian, Giulio Pellizzari was third (+0:55) and then Ecuador’s 2019 champion Richard Carapaz (+1:10) and Simon Yates (GBR) in eighth (+1:52).

That made a difference in the overall race, as Mexico’s 21-year-old sensation, Isaac Del Toro, struggled, finishing 13 at +2:46. So Yates remained second, but within 0:26 now and Carapaz is third at +0:31. Canada’s Derek Gee is also now in contention at +1:31, with more mountain stages coming, including Wednesday’s double-climb, 155 km ride to Bormio.

● Football ● A California State bill to allow the transit agencies in Los Angeles County and Santa Clara County to add $5 to the price of all tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for transit services passed the State Assembly on 19 May and has been passed on to the State Senate.

The measure was passed by 57-16 (6 not voting) and only applies to the 2026 World Cup, and any games in the 2026 NCAA basketball tournament allocated to Santa Clara County (not Los Angeles):

“The bill would require LA Metro, if it imposes the charge, to allow any person to use its transit services at no charge on the day a match is held as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup if the person presents a ticket to the match at the location where LA Metro collects fares for transit services.”

Introduced in the State Senate on 20 May, it was sent to the Rules Committee for assignment.

The bill has no provisions relating to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

● Table Tennis ● Before the chaos of the ITTF Presidential election took place, selections of future hosts were made for the 2027-28-29 World Championships, with Astana (KAZ), Fukuoka (JPN) and Rio de Janeiro (BRA) named.

The U.S. was a candidate for 2027 and 2029, but was not selected for either.

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TABLE TENNIS: /Updated/Wild ITTF Presidential election in Doha sees Sorling win, 104-102, but chaos ensued and the meeting was suspended

By
Rich Perelman
-

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≡ ITTF PRESIDENCY ≡

After a tedious, 70-minute voting procedure at the International Table Tennis Federation’s Annual General Meeting in Doha (QAT), incumbent Petra Sorling (SWE) was elected by a tight, 104-102 vote over Qatar’s Khalil Al-Mohannadi.

But that was only the beginning, as a series of speakers in the room loudly protested the vote, saying that when the member roll call of national federations was made at the beginning of the meeting – almost 10 hours earlier – 16 were acknowledged to be online, but 21 voted (17-4 in favor of Sorling).

This went on for more than a half hour, screaming at ITTF Secretary General Raul Calin (ESP) and Executive Vice President Graham Symons (AUS), asking for the countries who joined later and insisting that late arrivals (beyond the roll call) could not vote.

It was noted that 16 members were online when the roll call was taken, two more came in during the early voting of propositions early in the session and three more came in prior to the presidential election.

One speaker demanded a re-vote only of federations physically present in the room. Eventually, the technical team was asked to show the federations which voted online and when they were present.

A half-dozen speakers took turns yelling at Calin and Symons, with absolute chaos in the room; one shouted:

“This is not allowed online. When the start, the roll call, you cannot put in anyone [later] from online.”

After almost an hour of yelling, Symons rather calmly noted that 208 member federations were registered to attend, that the purpose of the roll call was to establish a quorum and that a member association who arrives late – in-person or online – has the right to vote. He added, “there is an avenue of appeal and that is all that can be done.”

That did not stop the protests. More speakers criticized the result, acclaimed Al-Mohannadi as President, and accused Calin of favoritism. Symons suspended the Annual General Meeting and said that an emergency meeting of the ITTF Executive Board would be held to decide what the next steps would be.

More speakers asked for a selection committee and not the Executive Board, since a new Executive Board was to have been elected at this Annual General Meeting, but was not as the turmoil took over before any other elections could be held.

Observed: The vote was close and those behind Al-Mohannadi, in control in the room in Qatar, were not about to accept it without a challenge. The difference between the quorum roll call and those who arrived late online gave them an opening which does not appear to be sufficient to change the election result, but it was certainly enough to cause a wild scene which will not soon be forgotten.

Not by the federation and not by the International Olympic Committee, which will have monitored this closely. For the ITTF, this is a calamity it didn’t need and doesn’t want, but it has it now.

/Update/The ITTF posted a message about four hours later on its Web site which confirmed Sorling’s election and added:

“The AGM had to be suspended after it was disrupted by outsiders.

“As a result of this suspension, the AGM will need to be reconvened specifically to conduct the election of the Vice Presidents. ITTF President Petra Sörling will announce the new date in due course. This resumption must take place no later than November 2025 to comply with the four-year term of office for the Executive Board, as stipulated in the ITTF Constitution (Article 1.87.1).”

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PANORAMA: Ducrey to be next IOC Sports Director; Norway’s Johaug retires to be “full-time mom”; World Rowing’s Rolland to run for fourth term

By
Rich Perelman
-
Norway's Olympic and World Champion cross country skiing star Therese Johaug.

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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡

● International Olympic Committee ● Long-time IOC staff member Pierre Ducrey (SUI) was named Monday as the next Sports Director, taking over on 1 July after Kit McConnell (NZL) left to join the Brisbane 2028 organizing committee.

The highly-respected Ducrey came to the IOC in 2003 and has been a key member of the Olympic Games Department since 2010, where he is Olympic Games Operations Director.

● Cross Country Skiing ● In something of a surprise, Norwegian star Therese Johaug announced her retirement – for the second time – on Monday, writing on Instagram (computer translation from the original Norwegian):

“After getting the season away, I’ve decided not to bet on the Olympics. It’s been an adventure being back on the team this winter but even though I still love skiing I feel a great need for more family time.”

She previously stopped her career after the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, then came back for the 2024-25 season. From 2010-22, she won four Olympic golds, a silver and a bronze, all in distance races, and a sensational 23 Worlds medals (14-5-4) from 2007-25, including three silvers and a bronze at the 2025 Worlds in Trondheim (NOR). She would have been a contender for more medals in Milan Cortina in 2026.

She told NRK television, “It would have been fun to do the Olympics in Italy. I want to be a full-time mom.”

● Cycling ● At the USA Cycling national road championships in Charleston, West Virginia, women’s 2024 Olympic road race winner – and defending national champ – Kristen Faulkner won the women’s six-lap, 113.8 km road race in a heated finish with Lauren Stephens, as both were timed in 3:09:43. Katherine Sarkisov was right behind in third in 3:09:45.

The men’s 10-lap, 198.6 km road race was a rout for Quinn Simmons, who won his second national title in this event (also 2023) by almost three minutes. He finished in 4:46:46, with Evan Boyle well behind in 4:49:38 and Gavin Hlady in third in 4:51:10.

● Rowing ● France’s Jean-Christophe Rolland, 56, confirmed he will stand for a fourth and final term as the head of the federation. In a Q&A post on the federation’s Web site, he explained:

“This decision to stand for reelection has been carefully matured. While we may rightfully take pride in the progress achieved thus far, I am equally conscious that significant work still lies ahead. Internally, I believe I can rely on a committed and dedicated group of people, strongly motivated to continue adapting and evolving. Externally, I believe I have built strong relationships with the Olympic Movement and the wider sports community, which will allow me to continue advocating effectively for our interests.”

In terms of goals, “I want to strengthen each discipline’s place within the global sporting ecosystem, secure and diversify our revenue streams for reinvestment, and ensure a modern, transparent, and efficient governance structure. I hope to leave behind a sport that is stronger, more visible, and deeply connected to the younger generations, while staying true to its core values which makes our sport unique.”

The election will take place on 29 September 2025 at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai (CHN).

● Shooting ● At the USA Shooting National Skeet Championships in Hillsdale, Michigan, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit member Hayden Stewart won shoot-off with four-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock to win the national men’s title.

Hancock led the qualifying at 246, ahead of Christian Elliott (245) and Conner Price (243), but in the finals, it was Hancock and Stewart tied at 57 and into shoot-off. Stewart won that, 22-21, to take the national title. Dustan Taylor (46) was third.

Sam Simonton, the 2022 Worlds bronze winner, took the women’s title, 53-52, in the final over 2017 World Champion Dania Jo Vizzi, with Amber English third (42). Simonton had led the qualifying at 243, with Vizzi at 240, Julia Nelson at 238 and six-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode fourth at 236.

● Weightlifting ● The Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a four-year ban on Chinese star lifter Xiaojun Lu for recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) from an out-of-competition test on 30 October 2022.

A hearing confirmed the doping positive, but the start of the suspension period was moved back to the date of the test, and will conclude in 2026. Now 40, Lu won three Olympic golds at 77 kg in 2012 and 2016 and at 81 kg at Tokyo 2020. He won five world titles between 2009-19.

His last international championship competition was at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

● Wrestling ● American star Thomas Gilman, the 2021 World Freestyle Champion at 57 kg and a Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze winner at the weight, was suspended for 18 months for “whereabouts” failures by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Gilman’s 18-month ban began on May 16, 2025, the date he accepted the sanction; he missed tests on 28 April 2024, 12 August 2024 and 23 September 2024.

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LOS ANGELES 2028: L.A. Metro holds $42.04 million “Games Support Services” contract for Mott MacDonald Group amid Fed funding worries

By
Rich Perelman
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L.A. Metro’s rough estimate of the 2028 “Games Enhanced Transit Service”: $2.015.5 billion (Photo: L.A. Metro presentation slide).

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≡ METRO ON EDGE? ≡

A contract for $42.04 million in “Games Support Services” to assist the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority with planning for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games operations was approved by Metro’s Ad Hoc 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games Committee on 14 May, with the London-based Mott MacDonald Group, which had long experience working with Metro on other projects.

There were only three bidders for this “task-based” project, with the “not-to-exceed” cost to cover a four-year period of 2025-26-27-28, through the Games. Mott MacDonald’s submittal outscored Jacobs Engineering Group and a Legacy 2028 consortium, and included 27 subcontractors, including 11 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Small Business Enterprises, and two Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises.

In terms of the actual assignments, the contractual “[w]ork will be authorized through the issuance of task orders, and each task order will contain a specific scope of services. A cost/price analysis will be performed, as appropriate, to determine price reasonableness.”

Based on the Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendations, it was expected that the agreement would be endorsed by the full Metro Board at its 22 May meeting last Thursday.

But it was not. The approval of the contract was withdrawn from the agenda without comment, one of two items so handled (the other was a $198.25 million Metro Bike Share Program agreement).

Although there was no explanation, it is possible that the second-placed Jacobs Engineering Group may have filed a protest over the scoring of the respective bids, which could delay final approval of the agreement. Technical questions have also been raised regarding the administration of the lengthy proposal process, as well as potential conflicts of interest.

It may be that waiting on this agreement is the right thing to do for other reasons. Metro has asked for $3.2 billion in support funding for the 2028 Games from the U.S. Department of Transportation for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on 1 October.

This specific amount gives a remarkable insight into the nature of government funding requests. The game is played this way: ask for considerably more than you think you will need, and when the request is cut down significantly, both sides can claim victory!

In the case of Metro and the 2028 Games, there is a sharp contract between the requests for funding seen at the end of 2022 and now.

In December 2022, a list of “priority projects” identified by the Games Mobility Executives group – a coordinating body among Southern California government transportation groups and the LA28 organizing committee – showed 15 items with a combined cost of $6.855 billion.

But only three of these were labeled as “Specific Games delivery need” items:

● $500 million: Supplemental Bus System
● $170 million: Countywide Mobility Hubs
● $85 million: Games Route Network Design & Implementation

Those three items add up to $755 million.

In the presentation to Metro’s Ad Hoc Committee on 14 May, those estimates have gone up considerably:

● $2,015.5 billion: Games Enhanced Transit System (buses)
● $80.0 million: Metro Mobility Hubs
● $210.9 million: Games Route Network

That’s now $2,306.4 billion, or more than triple the December 2022 estimate. Metro is also asking the U.S. Department of Transportation for other items as part of its $3.2 billion request:

● $216.0 million: Key Stations (9 locations)
● $130.3 million: Integrated Transit Management (combine two centers)
● $115.6 million: Transportation Demand Management (fare system)
● $101.7 million: First/Last Mile Improvements (4 locations)
● $80.0 million: Light Rail Improvements (5 locations)
● $41.0 million: Bus Priority Improvements (12 miles)

The White House, in its 2 May 2025 description of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget requests, noted requested additions to the transportation budget for aviation, highway, rail safety and shipbuilding projects, but did not mention any Olympic & Paralympic-related funding. Further, during the 14 May 2025 hearing before the House Appropriations Committee subcommittee on transportation with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Olympic funding was discussed, but with no commitment on spending.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-California/San Bernardino) asked Duffy:

“Over the next couple years Southern California will also be host to the [FIFA] World Cup in 2026, Super Bowl in 2027 and the Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2028. You yourself have called these America’s Games; L.A. Metro estimates that the region will need over $3 billion in federal funding over the next three years to ensure public transportation network can support the athletes, the staff, the ticket holders and residents just for the Olympics alone.

“Last year the Senate included $200 million in transportation funding for the Olympics; President Trump signed a [continuing resolution] that funding was not included in the final funding package. Earlier this month, the California delegation and a couple of us here in the dais joined in sending a letter to the President asking for a budget request that included $500 million in dedicated infrastructure funding for the Olympics.

“Can you comment on the the status of how you view the Olympics from a from a dollars and cents perspective and will you commit to work with the California delegation as we work through FY26 and prepare for the ‘28 Olympics and these other events?”

Duffy replied with enthusiasm, but without any commitments:

“They’re going to be great. Our department is working with the White House, they have a task force for the World Cup as well as for the Olympics, and transportation is a key part of moving people where we have these massive events and so we are no doubt going to partner with California and your needs and with the administration and again, you guys have the power of the purse.

“I would look forward to all of us thinking through what those needs are because again this is our presentation to the world. The world’s going to come for both the World Cup and the Olympics and I know the President wants to have a great showing, a seamless showing and I think we want to invite the world for even for this summer for the for the [FIFA Club World Cup] and and to have them come in and, by the way, spend a lot of their money, would be wonderful but they have to have a wonderful experience with it, so we’re going to support the communities across the country with their transportation needs.”

Aguilar asked back, “You would support a funding level of around that $500 [million]?”

Duffy:

“I haven’t looked at the funding levels and what’s appropriate from the department’s
perspective but I want to make sure we have enough resources to make sure it’s seamless and I’d love to work with you if you have some ideas.”

Aguilar:

“I mean I appreciate the comment that it’s going to be great, but you know this body works with funding formulas and tables and real dollars out on the street to implement all the happy talk.”

Duffy:

“Of course, we have a skinny budget we were talking about today, so you know I’m happy to talk to you about it, but that was not on on the calendar for today, and so if you want me to look at the numbers. I’ll look at them and we can partner up together.”

No commitment, at least not yet and certainly not for $3.2 billion. The final Transportation Department budget is due at the end of May or early in June.

Lurking behind all of this is a note at the end of a 14 May attachment memo, “Games Enhanced Transit Service (GETS) Workstream Update,” stating:

“Building upon the precedent set in the Games Agreements between LA28 and venue cities, where LA28 commits to reimbursing for increased municipal services, Metro is pursuing a reimbursement agreement for the Games Enhanced Transit Service (GETS). This additional service represents a financial burden for Metro that would not otherwise be needed if not for the 2028 Games. This agreement will be part of the MOU that is executed between Metro and LA28.”

Metro clearly wants Federal money for the 2028 Games service program and whatever added money it can get for its other projects. But Transportation Secretary Duffy’s testimony two weeks ago indicated that Federal funding was not a priority, at least not yet.

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