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CANOE-KAYAK: Prindis and Vilarribla party like it’s 2017, Slafkovsky like 2016, at Markkleeberg World Cup

By
Rich Perelman
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Sweet win for Alexander Slafkovsky (SVK) in Markkleeburg (Photo: ICF)

Three familiar names return to the top of the podium at the fourth Slalom World Cup in 2019, but it had been a while since they had been there.

First came Slovakia’s Alexander Slafkovsky, who finally tallied a win in the men’s C-1 final, whipping through a clean run in 92.54 seconds, to win by almost two full seconds ahead of Luka Bozic (SLO: 94.33).

At 36, Slafkovsky had to be wondering when he was going to get back to the winner’s circle. His last win was more than three years ago, in 2016, in Pau, with seven silver medals and a bronze medal in between. But he made it and is now in good position for a run at Tokyo for 2020.

Two more veterans races to gold at the famed Markkleeberg course in Vit Prindis (CZE) and Nuria Vilarrubla (ESP). Neither had won in two years, Vilarrubla in the World Cup Final and Prindis, who won four times in five races that year.

Prindis had a clean run and won decisively over Lucien Delfour (FRA), 87.78-90.21 in the K-1 final. Vilarrubla was in a battle with Czech Teresa Fiserova and Australia’s star Jessica Fox. Vilarrubla’s time of 104.98 was just faster than Fiserova at 105.02 – both with no penalties – but Fox finished in 103.14, but was tagged with a two-second gate penalty and had to settle for third.

Emerging U.S. star Evy Leibfarth, 15, reached the semifinals in the C-1 and K-1 events; American Sage Donnelly also reached the C-1 semis. Summaries:

ICF Slalom World Cup 4
Markkleeberg (GER) ~ 30 August-1 September 2019
(Full results here)

Men/C-1: 1. Alexander Slafkovsky (SVK), 92.54 (0 penalties); 2. Luka Bozic (SLO), 94.33 (0); 3. Franz Anton (GER), 94.43 (0); 4. Michal Martikan (SVK), 95.71 (2); 5. Matej Benus (SVK), 95.75 (0).

Men/K-1: 1. Vit Prindis (CZE), 87.78 (0); 2. Lucien Delfour (AUS), 90.21; 3. Jiri Prskavec (CZE), 90.32 (0); 4. Hannes Aigner (GER), 90.71; 5. Vavrinec Hradilek (CZE), 91.08 (0).

Men/Extreme Canoe: 1. Etienne Chapell (GBR); 2. Max Karlsson (SWE); 3. Tren Long (USA).

Women/C-1: 1. Nuria Vilarrubla (ESP), 104.98 (0); 2. Tereza Fiserova (CZE), 105.02 (0); 3. Jessica Fox (AUS), 105.14 (2); 4. Andrea Herzog (GER), 105.45 (0); 5. Nadine Weratschnig (AUT), 106.24.

Women/K-1: 1. Ricarda Funk (GER), 95.27 (0); 2. Fox (AUS), 99.02 (0); 3. Stefanie Horn (ITA), 99.62 (0); 4. Ana Satila (BRA), 101.46 (0); 5. Jasmin Schornberg (GER), 102.23 (0).

Women/Extreme Canoe: 1. Caroline Trompeter (GER); 2. Ashley Nee (USA); 3. Sage Donnelly (USA).

BASKETBALL: U.S. skips past Czech Rep., 88-67 to open World Cup play in China

By
Rich Perelman
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Donovan Mitchell of the U.S. (5) goes for a rebound against Czech Vojtech Hruban (Photo: FIBA)

There were no upsets, but a lot of very competitive games on the opening days of the FIBA World Cup in China.

The United States started with an 88-67 win over the Czech Republic in Shanghai, taking control in the second quarter.

After a 17-14 first quarter, the Americans outscored the Czechs, 26-15 in the second for a 43-29 halftime lead and the game was essentially decided. A 15-4 run to start the quarter was decisive.

“It was a very competitive game, physical, opportunity to learn a lot,” said U.S. head coach Gregg Popovich. “The game is a little bit different, obviously from the NBA. A lot of great teams and just an opportunity to get better. That’s the way we look at each of these games, to try and be the best team we can be, and we’ve got a ways to go, but we’re willing.”

The U.S. outscored the Czechs in the third quarter, 23-19, and fourth, 22-19, for the final margin.

Donovan Mitchell led the U.S. with 16 points, followed by Harrison Barnes with 14 and Kemba Walker with 13. The U.S. shot 49.3% from the floor to 40.6% for the Czechs and had a 40-38 rebounding edge.

There were no upsets on the first days of play in each group. Jordan’s 6-11 center Ahmad Al-Dwairi led all scorers in the first round with 34 points, and guard David Huertas of Puerto Rico had 32. Scores:

Group A:
Poland 80, Venezuela 69 ~ Michal Sokolowski (P), 16 points
China 70, Ivory Coast 55 ~ Jianlian Yi (C), 19

Group B:
Russia 82, Nigeria 77 ~ Mikhail Kulagin (R), 16; Joshua Okogie (N), 18
Argentina 95, South Korea 69 ~ Ricardo Ratliffe (K), 31; Nico Laprovittola (A), 17

Group C:
Puerto Rico 83, Iran 81 ~ David Huertas (P), 32
Spain 101, Tunisia 62 ~ Ricky Rubio (S), 17

Group D:
Serbia 105, Angola 59 ~ Bogdan Bogdanovic (S), 24
Italy 108, Philippines 62 ~ Gigi Datome (I), 17; Amedeo Della Valle (I), 17

Group E:
Turkey 86, Japan 67 ~ Melih Mahmutuglu (T), 17
United States 88, Czech Rep. 67 ~ Donovan Mitchell (U), 16; Tomas Satoransky (C), 17

Group F:
Brazil 102, New Zealand 94 ~ Leandro Barbosa (B), 22
Greece 85, Montenegro 60 ~ Georgios Printezis (G), 16

Group G:
Dominican Rep. 80, Jordan 76 ~ Victor Liz (D), 15; Ahmad Al-Dwairi (J), 34
France 78, Germany 74 ~ Evan Fournier (F), 26

Group H:
Australia 108, Canada 92 ~ Matthew Dellevedova (A), 24
Lithuania 101, Senegal 47 ~ M. Kalnietis, D. Sabonis, J. Valanciunas, all 13

JUDO: Japan dominates World Champs in Tokyo … or did they, as France wins three golds

By
Rich Perelman
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Akira Sone (JPN) becomes the youngest world champ ever at 19, defeating Idalys Ortiz of Cuba (Photo: IJF)

The 2019 World Judo Championships came back to its Olympic home, the famed Nippon Budokan in Tokyo where the sport was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1964. And as always, Japan topped the medal table – as it has in every Worlds since men and women have competed together in 1987 – with 15 total medals.

But this was not a complete domination by the Japanese, who won four gold medals, to three for France, among the 14 individual weight classes. That’s half as many golds as Japan won last year and its lowest total since 2013. But with 828 judoka from 143 countries competing, leading the medal table is still impressive.

Just three fighters repeated their titles from 2018:

● Women/48 kg: Daria Bilodid (UKR)
● Women/52 kg: Uta Abe (JPN)
● Women/63 kg: Clarissa Agbegnenou (FRA) ~ Fourth Worlds gold

Japan’s Shohei Ono won his third world title at 73 kg and Czech Lukas Krpalek won a world title in a second weight class: he won at -100 kg in 2014 ad this time at +100 kg.

The French women scored three impressive wins, from Agbegnenou at 63 kg, Marie-Eve Gahie at 70 kg and Madeleine Malonga at 78 kg, with Agbegnenou and Malonga both defeating Japanese fighters in the final.

The final day saw two remarkable finals in the heavyweight divisions. Japan’s Akira Sone fought two-time World Champion Idalys Ortiz (CUB) to a draw in regulation time and the match went to golden score. Ortiz went out of the area and was disqualified, making Sone– at 19 – the youngest World Champion ever.

In the men’s +100 kg final, Krpalek became the first man ever to win both the -100 kg and +100 kg titles. In the final against Japan’s Hisayoshi Hirasawa, the 2018 Worlds bronze medalist, the match went to golden score and Hirasawa was disqualified for passivity after four minutes.

This Worlds will be remembered as a successful test event for the 2020 Olympic tournament, also to be held at Budokan, but also for the political impact of Iran withdrawing all of its fighters except so as not to meet any of the emerging Israeli team. The one who did complete, defending 81 kg champion Saeid Mollaei, was reported to have lost his semifinal and third-place matches on purpose – on orders from the Iranian government – to avoid competing against, or having to stand during the victory ceremony, with Israel’s Sagi Muki. Mollaei has reportedly asked for asylum in Germany.

Summaries from Tokyo:

IJF World Championships
Tokyo (JPN) ~ 25-31 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men

60 kg: 1. Lukhumi Chkhvimiani (GEO); 2. Sharafuddin Lutfillaev (UZB); 3. Yeldos Smetov (KAZ) and Ryuju Nagayama (JPN).

66 kg: 1. Joshiro Maruyama (JPN); 2. Limhwan Kim (KOR); 3. Hifumi Abe (JPN) and Denis Vieru (MDA).

73 kg: 1. Shohei Ono (JPN); 2. Rustam Orujov (AZE); 3. Denis Iartcev (RUS) and Hidayat Heydarov (AZE).

81 kg: 1. Sagi Muki (ISR); 2. Matthias Casse (BEL); 3. Antoine Antois-Fortier (CAN) and Luka Maisuradze (GEO).

90 kg: 1. Noel Van’t End (NED); 2. Shoichiro Mukai (JPN); 3. Axel Clerget (FRA) and Nemanja Majdov (SRB).

100 kg: 1. Jorge Fonseca (POR); 2. Niyaz Ilyasov (RUS); 3. Michael Korrel (NED) and Aaron Wolf (JPN).

+100 kg: 1. Lukas Krpalek (CZE); 2. Hisayoshi Hirasawa (JPN); 2. Min-Jong Kim (KOR) and Roy Meyer NED).

Women

48 kg: 1. Daria Bilodid (UKR); 2. Funa Tonaki (JPN); 3. Urantsetseg Munkhbat (MGL) and Distria Krasniqi (KOS).

52 kg: 1. Uta Abe (JPN); 2. Natalia Kuziutina (RUS); 3. Mejlinda Kelmendi (KOS) and Ai Shishime (JPN).

57 kg: 1. Christa Deguchi (CAN); 2. Tsukasa Yoshida (JPN); 3. Julia Kowalczyk (POL) and Rafaela Silva (BRA).

63 kg: 1. Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA); 2. Miku Tashiro (JPN); 3. Martyna Trajdos (GER) and Juul Franssen (NED).

70 kg: 1. Marie Eve Gahie (FRA); 2. Barbara Timo (POR); 3. Sally Conway (GBR) and Margaux Pinot (FRA).

78 kg: 1. Madeleine Malonga (FRA); 2. Shori Hamada (JPN); 3. Loriana Kuka (KOS) and Mayra Aguiar (BRA).

+78 kg: 1. Akira Sone (JPN); 2. Idalys Ortiz (CUB); 3. Kayra Sayit (TUR) and Sarah Asahina (JPN).

Mixed

Team Event: 1. Japan, 2. France; 3. Brazil and Russia. Semis: Japan d. Brazil, 4-0; France d. Russia, 4-3. Final: Japan d. France, 4-2.

CYCLING: Fourth world title for Ferrand-Prevot and no. 7 for Nino Schurter in Mountain Bike Worlds

By
Rich Perelman
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World Champion again: France's Pauline Ferrand Prevot wins her second individual Mountain Bike Cross Country title in Mont-Sainte-Anne (Photo: Thomas Mathieu via Wikimedia Commons).

/UPDATED with Downhill results/ Two of the best riders in the history of Mountain Bike racing won brilliant victories at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships at Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec, Canada: France’s Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Swiss superstar Nino Schurter.

In the women’s Cross Country event, Ferrand-Prevot came in with good recent results, having been first and third in the two World Cup races in August. She started 10th and after a modest start, moved up to ninth after the first of six laps on the hilly course.

Then she took over. Her second lap was the fastest of the entire field in the entire race at 14:07, then her third lap of 14:11 and fourth lap of 14:08 were all faster than anyone else on the day and she found herself with a three-second lead over Australia’s Rebecca McConnell in what had become a two-woman race.

Ferrand Prevot kept the pressure up and broke McConnell on the fifth lap, timing 14:22 as McConnell had trouble and moved back to third (15:00), as 2017 World Champion Jolanda Neff (SUI) moved into second place. But the gap was now more than a minute and Ferrand Prevot cruised home to win in 1:28:51, 43 seconds ahead of Neff and 1:17 ahead of McConnell in third. American Kate Courtney, the 2018 World Champion, finished fifth in 1:31:33.

For Ferrand Prevot, it continues her remarkable run of individual world titles: the 2014 world title in the women’s Road Race, then 2015 wins in Mountain Bike Cross Country and Cyclo-Cross and now a second individual title in Mountain Bike Cross Country. And she is still just 27.

Schurter, now 33, won his fourth consecutive World Championship title and seven career title, adding to his record total. He and France’s brilliant Julien Absalon (five world titles) are now tied for the most career World Championships medals with nine.

The Swiss star left little doubt almost from the start, taking the lead by the end of the first lap. But while he was challenged by countryman Mathias Flueckiger and France’s Stephane Tempier during the middle of the race, Schurter broke it open on the fifth lap, extending a four-second lead to 40 seconds with a 12:08 loop and his victory was assured. Schurter cruised in to the finish at 1:27:05, 30 seconds ahead of Flueckiger and 38 seconds ahead of Tempier.

In the Sunday Downhill races. France’s Loic Bruni won his third World Championships gold in a row (and fourth in five years), taking control from the start and finishing 0.581 seconds better than Australia’s Troy Brosnan. The women’s title was won by France’s Myriam Nicole, who finally got to the top of the podium after finishing 2-2-3 in the past three years. She led from start to finish, recording the fastest split at each checkpoint and finishing 1.204 seconds ahead of Britain’s Tahnee Seagrave, who won silver for the second year in a row. Summaries:

UCI Mountain Bike World Championships
Mont-Sainte-Anne (CAN) ~ 28 August-1 September 2019
(Full results here)

Men

Cross Country (29.7 km): 1. Nino Schurter (SUI), 1:27:05; 2. Mathias Flueckiger (SUI), 1:27:35; 3. Stephane Tempier (FRA), 1:27:43; 4. Titouan Carod (FRA), 1:28:01; 5. Gerhard Kerschbaumer (ITA), 1:28:07; 6. Ondrej Cink (CZE), 1:28:39; 7. Victor Koretzky (FRA), 1:28:48; 8. Jordan Sarrou (FRA), 1:29:02; 9. Andri Frischknecht (SUI), 1:29:05; 10. Henrique Avancini (BRA), 1:29:12.

Cross Country/Junior (21.5 km): 1. Charlie Aldridge (GBR), 1:07:31; 2. Luca Martin (FRA), 1:07:42; 3. Andreas Vittone (ITA), 1:07:51.

Cross-Country/U-23 (25.6 km): 1. Vlad Dascalu (ROM), 1:19:50; 2. Filippo Colombo (SUI), 1:21:47; 3. Vital Albin (SUI), 1:21:56.

Downhill (2.9 km): 1. Loic Bruni (FRA), 4:05.544; 2. Troy Brosnan (AUS), 4:06.125; 3. Amaury Pierron (FRA), 4:08.93; 4. Danny Hart (GBR), 4:08.349; 5. Greg Minnaar (RSA), 4:08.731; 6. Laurie Greenland (GBR), 4:10.440; 7. Finn Iles (CAN), 4:10.525; 8. Dakotah Norton (USA), 4:11.034; 9. Mark Wallace (CAN), 4:11.673; 10. Luca Shaw (USA), 4:11.891.

Downhill/Junior (2.9 km): 1. Kye A’Hern (AUS), 4:17.776; 2. Antoine Vidal (FRA), 4:18.920; 3. Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (NZL), 4:19.070.

Women

Cross Country (25.6 km): 1. Pauline Ferrand Prevot (FRA), 1:28:51; 2. Jolanda Neff (SUI), 1:29:34; 3. Rebecca McConnell (AUS), 1:30:08; 4. Anne Terpstra (NED), 1:31:17; 5. Kate Courtney (USA), 1:31:33; 6. Annie Last (GBR), 1:31:45; 7. Anne Tauber (GBR), 1:32:03; 8. Tanja Zakelj (SLO), 1:32:31; 9. Emily Batty (CAN), 1:32:50; 10. Linda Indergand (CAN), 1:33:37. Also in the top 25: 11. Lea Davison (USA), 1:33:43; … 15. Chloe Woodruff (USA), 1:34:32.

Cross Country/Junior (17.4 km): 1. Jacqueline Schneebeli (SUI), 1:05:03; 2. Mona Mitterwallner (AUT), 1:06:11. 3. Helene Marie Fossesholm (NOR), 1:08:14. Also in the top 10: 6. Madigan Munro (USA), 1:10:07.

Cross Country/U-23 (21.5 km): 1. Sina Frei (SUI), 1:16:34; 2. Laura Stigger (AUT), 1:17:05; 3. Loana Lecomte (FRA), 1:17:10. Also in the top 10: 6. Haley Batten (USA), 1:19:56.

Downhill (2.9 km): 1. Myriam Nicole (FRA), 4:53.226; 2. Tahnee Seagrave (GBR), 4:54.430; 3. Marine Cabirou (FRA), 4:54.920; 4. Tracey Hannah (AUS), 4:57.347; 5. Emilie Siegenthaler (SUI), 4:58.617; 6. Eleonora Farina (ITA), 5:01.781; 7. Melanie Chappaz (FRA), 5:11.335; 8. Vaea Verbeeck (CAN), 5:12.009; 9. Sian A’Hern (AUS), 5:13.816; 10. Carina Cappellari (SUI), 5:17.039.

Downhill/Junior (2.9 km): 1. Valentina Holl (AUT), 5:01.033; 2. Mille Johnset (NOR), 5:13.961; 3. Anna Newkirk (USA), 5:22.263.

Mixed

Cross Country Team Relay (20.5 km): 1. Switzerland (Roth, Baumann, Frei, Neff, Schurter), 1:02:55; 2. United States (Chris Blevins, Riley Amos, Haley Batten, Kate Courtney, Keegan Swenson), 1:03:11; 3. France, 1:03:23; 4. Italy, 1:03:53; 5. Canada, 1:04:04; 6. Great Britain, 1:04:26; 7. Denmark, 1:05:39; 8. Czech Republic, 1:06:10.

TRIATHLON: Zaferes wins seasonal World Series in style; Luis hangs on for men’s title in Lausanne

By
Rich Perelman
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World Champion: American triathlon star Katie Zaferes (Photo: ITU/Wagner Araujo)

Both of the leaders in the ITU World Series standings knew just what they had to do to collect their first career titles in the Grand Final in Lausanne, Switzerland. France’s Vincent Luis had to finish fifth or higher and he would win, no matter what anyone else did. American Katie Zaferes had to finish in the top 12.

Mission accomplished.

Zaferes was especially impressive, winning her race over the Olympic distance of 1.5 km swimming, 40 km cycling and the 10 km run in 2:02:45, four seconds ahead of season-long chaser Jessica Leamonth of Great Britain (2:02:49).

“I don’t even know if its hit me yet, I had a lot of emotions and doubts coming in to this race but I’m just really happy right now,” said Zaferes. “I worked really hard to get in the mental frame, I knew physically I was in the right frame, so I didn’t let it get to me too much. I’m just out there enjoying it and enjoying the process, and to do it on this course is amazing.”

Having been felled by bike crashes in two races this season, Zaferes was only seventh out of the water, with Britain’s Learmonth and Vittoria Lopes (BRA) leading the first group into the transition. But working in a chase pack with former World Champion Flora Duffy of Bermuda, Zaferes had the second-fastest bike phase of the entire field and there were five together heading into the run: Duffy, Lopes, Learmonth, Taylor-Brown and Zaferes.

Needed only a 12th-place finish, the seasonal title was essentially assured for the American, but as one of the best runners in the sport, she also sensed the opportunity for her fifth win of the season. Lopes and Duffy dropped back on the third lap and the top three moved on. Taylor-Brown lost contact on the fourth lap and then Zaferes – an All-Big East steepler at Syracuse – attacked with 200 m to go and Learmonth had to settle for second in the race and on the season.

The men’s race had more drama, as it became clear that Mario Mola (ESP) was going to try to break Luis and claim his fourth seasonal title in a row.

Luis was third out of the water, behind Igor Polyanskiy (RUS) and Spain’s Javier Gomez Noya. The bike phase showed Mola trying to break away, but no one could gain a significant advantage and a mass of 23 athletes started the run essentially together.

Spain’s Fernando Alarza headed into the run first, but Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt made strong move with 8 km left and had the lead with three laps to go. Mola made his move for the win and Luis could not hold on, now running third, but with the end close at hand. Counting the places, Luis was passed by Alarza and Norway’s Gustav Iden, but finished fifth and collected his first world title while Blummenfelt won his first World Series race, 16 seconds ahead of Mola.

“That was a really tough race, I can’t believe it,” said Luis. “The final 3 km seemed like 10 km for me, but the crowd was amazing, my parents were here and I just dug in really deep for them.

“I just knew I needed to follow Mario as close as I could but I got dropped so just did my best to stay in touch and do what I needed to. You can’t buy a world title; beating guys like Mario and Javii… it is great to have my name with theirs.”

Luis won with a seasonal total of 5,095 points to 4,939 for Mola, who came back from some bad races in the middle of the season to almost win a fourth consecutive title. Zaferes, with five wins, ended up crushing the field with 6,175 points to 5,326 for Learmonth and 5,191 for Taylor-Brown. The American depth was impressive, with Taylor Spivey finishing fourth on the season and Summer Rappaport in fifth. Summaries:

ITU World Series Grand Final
Lausanne (SUI) ~ 29 August-1 September 2019
(Full results here)

Men: 1. Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR), 1:50:47; 2. Mario Mola (ESP), 1:51:03; 3. Fernando Alarza (ESP), 1:51:18; 4. Gustav Iden (NOR), 1:51:34; 5. Vincent Luis (FRA), 1:51:53; 6. Javier Gomez Noya (ESP), 1:52:14; 7. Casper Stornes (NOR), 1:52:20; 8. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR), 1:52:32; 9. Marten van Riel (BEL), 1:52:53; 10. Alois Knabl (AUT), 1:52:53. Also in the top 25: 11. Morgan Pearson (USA), 1:52:56.

Final Standings: 1. Vincent Luis (FRA), 5,095; 2. Mario Mola (ESP), 4,939; 3. Javier Gomez Noya (ESP), 4.533; 4. Fernando Alarza (ESP), 4,395; 5. Marten van Riel (BEL), 3,659; 6. Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS), 3,433; 7. Henri Schoeman (RSA), 3,148; 8. Leo Bergere (FRA0, 3,042; 9. Gustav Iden (NOR), 3,028; 10. Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR), 2,892. Also in the top 25: 23. Morgan Pearson (USA), 1,699; 24. Matthew McElroy (USA), 1,497.

Women: 1. Katie Zaferes (USA), 2:02:45; 2. Jessica Learmonth (GBR), 2:02:49; 3. Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR), 2:03:03; 4. Rachel Klamer (NED), 2:03:44; 5. Flora Duffy (BER), 2:04:26; 6. Laura Lindemann (GER), 2:04:41; 7. Annamaria Mazzetti (ITA), 2:04:51; 8. Alice Betto (ITA), 2:05:11; 9. Taylor Spivey (USA), 2:05:40; 10. Nicole Spirig (SUI), 2:05:53. Also in the top 25: 14. Taylor Knibb (USA), 2:07:10; … 16. Summer Rappaport (USA), 2:07:44; … 21. Tamara Gorman (USA), 2:09:02.

Final Standings: 1. Katie Zaferes (USA), 6,175; 2. Jessica Learmonth (GBR), 5,326; 3. Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR), 5,191; 4. Taylor Spivey (USA), 4,651; 5. Summer Rappaport (USA), 3,589; 6. Rachel Klamer (NED), 3,586; 7. Non Stanford (GBR), 3,435; 8. Cassandre Beaugrand (FRA), 2,548; 9. Annamaria Mazzetti (ITA), 2,456; 10. Laura Lindemann (GER), 2,427. Also in the top 25: 15. Taylor Knibb (USA), 2,231; … 24. Chelsea Burns (USA), 1,616.

TSX DAILY: A Hall of Fame team that launched the no. 1 U.S. women’s pro league + fab Zurich T&F has four world leads & U.S. women stomp Portugal, 4-0

By
Rich Perelman
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Matriarchs of the WNBA: the 1996 U.S. women's Olympic Basketball Team (Photo: USA Basketball)

≡ TSX DAILY ~ 30 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  LANE ONE: Which of the three team nominees for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame was the best of them all? 

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame voting will finish next Tuesday, and we’ve already gone over the individual nominees. But what about the teams?

Three have been nominated, but only one will be elected:

● 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s Basketball team: gold medalists

● 1998 U.S. Olympic women’s Hockey team: gold medalists

● 2010 U.S. Olympic men’s Four-Man bobsled team: gold medalists

All three have amazing stories behind them.

The women’s basketball team had a group of players whose names still resonate today as legends of the game: Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, Sheryl Swoopes and others. They didn’t just win their eight games in Atlanta, they crushed their opponents by an average score of 102-74 and defeated Brazil in the gold-medal game by 111-87.

The women’s hockey team was facing an uphill battle in the Nagano Games of 1998 vs. the four-time defending World Champions in Canada. But the Americans, led by Cammi Granato and Angela Ruggiero, came back from a 4-1 deficit in the third period of their round-robin game against Canada to win, 7-4, and then won a defensive battle in the gold-medal game, 3-1, to leave no doubt of the better team in the very first Olympic women’s tournament.

The men’s bobsledders achieved this: the first Olympic gold for a U.S. four-man sled in 62 years. Led by driver Steve Holcomb, the squad emerged from obscurity to among the best in the world up until Holcomb’s untimely death at age 37 in 2017.

So which was best? Check out the full column for the details, but only one of these teams helped create the leading women’s professional sports league in the United States. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was announced just months prior to the 1996 Games and launched in 1997 with the Olympic stars as the core attraction. The WNBA continues today, nearly a quarter-century later, thanks to the matriarchs on that Atlanta super squad. That’s a successful legacy.

There’s still time to vote for your favorite nominees for the Hall of Fame, but balloting ends on Tuesday, 3 September!

| 2. | ATHLETICS: Fabulous Weltklasse Zurich produces four world leaders and historic Warholm win

The best track & field meet of 2019 took place right on schedule, in the first of two IAAF Diamond League finals, this one at Zurich’s famed Letzigrund Stadium during Weltlkasse Zurich, with spectacular results.

The most amazing race came last, in the men’s 400 m hurdles, matching two of the fastest in history, reigning World Champion Karsten Warholm of Norway and Rai Benjamin of the U.S. (above) The race was everything expected, with Warholm out fast in lane seven and Benjamin chasing from lane five, and within striking distance as they entered the home straightaway.

But Warholm had just enough strength on the run-in to get the win, 46.92-46.98, the first time ever that two men had run sub-47 in the same race and nos. 2-3 performances in history. The rematch will come at the World Championships in Doha (QAT) in a month.

But there was a lot more, including:

● An impressive win for Noah Lyles of the U.S. in the men’s 100 m over current World Champion Justin Gatlin (USA) and an excellent field in 9.98;

● Amazing pacing by Donavan Brazier of the U.S. to come from sixth on the back straight to win the 800 m in 1:42.70, the third-fastest performance in American history;

● Another come-through pole vault performance for World Champion Sam Kendricks of the U.S., with a final-trial clearance at 5.93 m (19-5 1/2) to win over Mondo Duplantis (SWE: 5.83 m/19-1 1/2);

● A sensational long jump – his first and only fair jump of the evening – for Cuba’s Juan Miguel Echevarria, who reached 8.65 m (28-4 1/2), with no one else within 17 inches!

The women’s results were just about as impressive:

● Shaunae Miller-Uibo of The Bahamas destroyed an excellent 200 m field in 21.74, a world leader and the equal-fourth fastest mark in the event in this century;

● Imposing wins in the 1,500 m and 3,000 m Steeple for Sifan Hassan (NED: 3:57.08) and Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech (9:01.71), stamping both as clear favorites for the World Championships;

● American star Sydney McLaughlin overcame world-record setter Dalilah Muhammad of the U.S. for the second time in three races this season in the 400 m hurdles, 52.85-54.13 (third).

There was much more to talk about; see our full coverage here. The second half of the IAAF Diamond League finals will take place on 6 September at the Van Damme Memorial in Brussels (BEL). That’s going to be quite a show as well!

| 3. | BASKETBALL: FIBA World Cup begins Saturday in basketball-crazed China as U.S. looks for record sixth title

The world championship of international basketball begins on Saturday in Foshan, China with Angola playing Serbia to begin two weeks of games to see whether a U.S. team of good, but not great NBA players can defeat the best from everywhere else.

FIBA, the international basketball federation, moved the event from 2018 to 2019 to stay away from the FIFA World Cup and raise the profile of its signature event. Placing it in basketball-crazed China is a good start. Having Milwaukee’s NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis  Antetokounmpo playing for Greece is another.

But as far as the sharpies are concerned, this is still the U.S.’s tournament to lose. Despite a four-point loss in Australia to the home team in an exhibition game – the other three were all solid wins – the American squad is a prohibitive favorite to win its third straight title. The top teams according to the line-setters are:

1. United States, at 11/20
2. Serbia, at 16/5
3. Greece, at 11/1
4. Spain, at 14/1
5. France, at 25/1

The U.S. will begin play on 1 September vs. the Czech Republic, followed by games on 3 September vs. Turkey and 5 September vs. Japan. The group stage will continue to 5 September, with the top two teams out of each group progressing to a second group round (of 16), with the top eight heading to the quarterfinals on 10 September. The championships matches will be on 15 September.

All-time, the U.S. and Yugoslavia are tied with five wins each in the 17 editions of this event, and the U.S. has won the last two. Much more in our tournament preview here.

| 4. | FOOTBALL: U.S. women’s National Team runs past Portugal, 4-0, before record crowd of 49,504

The second game of the U.S. women’s National Team’s “Victory Tour” was an easy, 4-0 victory over Portugal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in front of a big crowd of 49,504.

The U.S. played without offensive stars Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle, all dealing with injuries. But the American women were on offense from the first moment of the game and produced a goal in the fourth minute as a Christen Press cross to the far side of the goal was tapped in by Tobin Heath.

Press’s corner kick in the 18th minute found the head of Morgan Brian and her shot bounced on the ground and past Portuguese keeper Patricia Morais and the lead was 2-0. The U.S. had more chances, but the half ended that way.

The second half was more of the same, but there were more and more chances for the U.S. as the Portuguese tired. Carli Lloyd (pictured) got into the scorebook – her 115th goal for the U.S. – in the 52nd minute, and then assisted with a perfect cross that was popped into the goal by Allie Long in the 82nd minute.

The two teams will play again on 3 September at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. But the story in Philadelphia was as much about the crowd as the game, as 49,504 showed up, the largest-ever crowd for a stand-alone friendly match for the U.S. women’s team. The old high was 44,028 in 2015 – on the previous Victory Tour – in Pittsburgh, to see the U.S. stomp Costa Rica, 8-0.

Through two games of the Victory Tour, the U.S. is 2-0 and has outscored Ireland and Portugal, 7-0. More coverage here.

| 5. | SCOREBOARD: Crashes and a new leader in La Vuelta; historic Dutch gold at Judo Worlds

The sixth stage of La Vuelta a Espana was figured beforehand to be a hilly, but manageable route of 198.9 km, but with a nasty uphill finish.

That turned out to be important, as Jesus Herrada, brother of Jose – who finished third on Wednesday – took the lead in the final 200 m over Belgium’s Dylan Teuns for his first career win in a Grand Tour.

The struggle up to the finish also re-arranged the race leadership for the second consecutive day. Teuns is now the leader, with a 38-second edge over David de la Cruz (ESP) and a full minute over the prior leader, Miguel Angel Lopez (COL).

A crash at the 100 km mark, just last halfway, ended La Vuelta for early race leader Nico Roche (IRL) and star climber Rigoberto Uran (COL), who might have figured in the overall race standings. Friday’s route of 183.2 km to Mas de la Costa will end with a third straight uphill finish … and possibly another new race leader.

In Tokyo, Europeans won both judo titles on offer, with France’s Mahie Eve Gahie moving up from silver in 2018 to becoming World Champion at 70 kg. She defeated surprise finalist Barbara Timo of Portugal, who was trying to win the country’s first world judo title.

Dutch star Noel Van’t End, just 10th in the IJF world rankings, won the men’s 90 kg class, the first World Championships gold for the Netherlands in 10 years. He completed a waza-ari with 27 seconds left in the final match against Japan’s Shoichiro Mukai for his first Worlds gold.

With two more days of individual competition left, Japan is well ahead on the medal table, with 10 (3-4-3), with France second with four (2-0-2). A total of 22 countries have won medals so far. The day-5 IJF report (with photos) is here.

LANE ONE: Which of the three team nominees for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame was the best of them all?

By
Rich Perelman
-
Matriarchs of the WNBA: the 1996 U.S. women's Olympic Basketball Team (Photo: USA Basketball)

You still have time for vote for the Class of 2019 for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame – click here – but you must vote by next Tuesday, 3 September.

We’ve already listed our picks for the five individual Olympians, out of the list of 15 nominees for 2019 (here), but there is still the question of which one of the three nominated teams should get into the Hall of Fame this time.

You can see the resumes of all of the finalists here, but in the team classification the nominees are:

● 1996 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team

Though it played almost a quarter-century ago, the names still resonate today: Jennifer Azzi, Teresa Edwards, Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, Nikki McCray, Dawn Staley, Sheryl Swoopes and more. They didn’t just win their games, they crushed their eight opponents by a combined score of 819-590, or an average score of 102-74:

21 July: U.S. 101, Cuba 84
23 July: U.S. 98, Ukraine 68
25 July: U.S. 107, Zaire 47
27 July: U.S. 96, Australia 79
29 July: U.S. 105, South Korea 64 ~ end of group play (5-0)

31 July: U.S. 108, Japan 93 ~ Quarterfinals
2 August: U.S. 93, Australia 71 ~ Semifinals
4 August: U.S. 111, Brazil 87 ~ Championship

Coached by Stanford’s Tara VanDerveer, Leslie led the scoring parade at 19.5 points a game, with three more averaging in double figures: McClain (14.1), Swoopes (13.0) and Ruthie Bolton (12.8). The U.S. shot 57% from the floor in its games to 39% for its opponents, and the American squad out-rebounded its opponents by an average of 43-28 each game.

● 1998 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team

Winners of the first Olympic women’s hockey tournament, the U.S. performance in Nagano (JPN) was a huge hit on television and brought special attention to women’s hockey, leading to significant growth in participation.

Cammi Granato became one of the recognized stars of the game in Nagano and Angela Ruggiero began an Olympic odyssey which later saw her serve eight years as a member of the International Olympic Committee.

But the battles with favored Canada were what made this team special. The Canadians were favored, having won the IIHF World Championship in each of the four prior years, but the two teams met in the final of round-robin play, both with 4-0 records. But in the final match of the round-robin, the U.S. and Canada played, struggling to a 1-1 tie after two periods. Then came a memorable third period.

Canada scored three times in the first six minutes to take a commanding 4-1 lead, but the U.S. rallied. Laurie Baker scored with 12:55 to play, than Granato for her second power-play goal of the game with 9:03 left and Jenny Schmidgall tied it on a pass from Granato on another power play with 7:35 to go. Just 23 seconds later, Tricia Dunn scored and gave the U.S. a lead it would not relinquish. Two more goals made the final 7-4 and the U.S. had scored six against Canada in about 12 minutes … more than they had given up in their prior four games!

That left the two teams in a rematch in the gold-medal final. This one was tighter, but after a scoreless first period, Gretchen Ulion scored for a 1-0 lead and Shelley Looney made it 2-0 after five minutes of their third period. Careful defense in front of keeper Sarah Tueting kept Canada scoreless until 4:01 to go and then an empty-netter gave the U.S. a 3-1 win and the first gold medals in the history of Olympic women’s hockey.

● 2010 U.S. Olympic Four-Man Bobsled Team

This was a remarkable quartet of Steven Holcomb, Steve Mesler, Justin Olsen and Curt Tomasevicz, led by Holcomb as driver. Competing in an event dominated by other countries – especially Germany – these four men combined to win the 2009 World Championship and the 2010 World Cup seasonal title. So they came into the 2010 Winter Games as medal favorites, if not the outright favorites for the gold medal.

However, the U.S. record in Olympic sledding was abysmal and no American team had won a medal in four-man since 1948! And they had overcome a lot, with Holcomb’s eyesight so problematic that he almost retired three years before. But his teammates helped find the right diagnosis and treatment and the team’s cohesion was a key factor in their success.

Germany’s Andre Lange was the driver to fear, as the two-time defending Olympic gold medalist in the event. But his crew was no match for the American stars. Holcomb & Co. ripped off track-record times in their first two runs, creating a 0.44-second edge after the first day.

They followed up with another win in the third race, and even as Lange’s crew posted the fastest time in race four, the U.S. had the gold in hand with a 0.38-second edge, 3:24.46-3:24.84, with Canada 1/100th behind.

This inspiring story ended sadly some seven years later when Holcomb – still a medal winner at the Olympic and World Championships level – died suddenly in his room at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York in May 2017, at just 37.

But the achievement remains; Olsen continued with the team and became one of the U.S.’s top drivers.

So who to choose?

The bobsled team was inspiring and historic, but was the odds-on favorites after winning the world title the year before. Its story is made more poignant by Holcomb’s untimely death, but it’s no. 3 on the list.

The 1998 women’s hockey winners and the Atlanta basketball team both have history on their side. For the hockey team, it was a win in the first-ever Olympic women’s tournament and the exposure had an important impact on interest in the sport.

But it’s not well remembered that the 1996 women’s hoops squad was trying to regain the Olympic title after the U.S. had lost to the Unified Team (ex-USSR) at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. Moreover, a new women’s professional league – the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) – had been announced in April, prior to the Games, and a failure by the U.S. to win the gold medal in Atlanta could have been a serious blow to the credibility of the league, which began play in 1997.

Today, the WNBA is an important women’s professional league in the U.S. and the American women’s basketball team is among the most unbeatable – along with the U.S. women’s water polo team – in the Olympic world. Starting with Atlanta, the U.S. women have won six Olympic golds in a row, and are heavy favorites for Tokyo 2020 as well.

That’s why the 1996 Olympic women’s basketball squad will get my vote for the U.S. Olympic Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame later today. Be sure to cast your vote here.

Rich Perelman
Editor

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FOOTBALL: U.S. women cruise to 4-0 win over Portugal in Philadelphia before record 49,504

By
Rich Perelman
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Thanks for the memories: U.S. star striker Carli Lloyd

The second leg of the five-game “Victory Tour” for the U.S. women’s National Team was mostly celebration with a 4-0 victory over Portugal in front of 49,504 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The U.S. had some line-up changes, with Adrianna Franch in goal for more experience, and Kelley O’Hara, Alex Morgan (concussion), Megan Rapinoe (achilles) and Rose Lavelle (concussion) were out with injuries. Christian Press, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath were on the front line.

The U.S. applied pressure as soon as the game kicked off and the first score came just four minutes in. Julie Ertz had room in the midfield and found Press at the far left side of the box in Portugal territory. Multiple runners headed toward the goal and while defenders collapsed around Lloyd running down the middle, the ball whistled by and found Heath all alone at the right post for the easy tap-in for a 1-0 lead.

A in-swinging Press corner kick in the 18th minute found the head of Morgan Brian and her shot bounced off the ground toward the far side of the goal as Portuguese keeper Patricia Morais came toward her. It was an easy goal and a 2-0 advantage.

That was the halftime score, but there were more goals to come. Off of a long throw-in in the 52nd minute, Lindsey Horan headed the ball behind her and there was Lloyd for the right-footed tap that made the score 3-0. It was Lloyd’s 115th international goal.

Morais failed to stop a 78th-minute shot from Jessica McDonald and the carom bounced off of Press’s hands and into the goal, but the score was disallowed. The U.S. got a fourth goal in the 82nd minute, as Lloyd saved a long pass along the right side, turned and sent a left-footed laser toward the goal that was headed in by Allie Long for a 4-0 final. Press hit the right post in the 86th minute, or the score could have been bigger.

U.S. keeper Franch was required to get busy in the 54th minute with a save off a Portugal rush, but was otherwise mostly untroubled during the evening.

The attendance of 49,504 at the 69,176-capacity Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia was a record. According to U.S. Soccer, “The previous USWNT record for a stand-alone friendly – a game that was not a part of a World Cup, Olympics or a doubleheader – was set during the first match of the 2015 Victory Tour after that year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph when 44,028 fans came out to Heinz Field, home of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.”

The U.S. is now 8-0 vs. Portugal all-time; the Victory Tour continues with another match vs. Portugal on 3 September at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.

BASKETBALL Preview: U.S. favored over Serbia, Greece and Spain in 18th FIBA World Cup

By
Rich Perelman
-

What used to be called the FIBA World Championship is now the FIBA World Cup and after a five-year hiatus, will be played in China beginning on Saturday and over the following two weeks to (1) crown the World Champion in men’s international basketball and (2) qualify seven teams for the 2020 Olympic tournament in Tokyo.

This is the 18th edition of the World Championships – from 1950 to 2010 – now World Cup – beginning in 2014 – and the competition was moved to the year between the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games to try and make it a bigger player on the international stage.

One way to do that is to place the tournament in basketball-mad China, which will host for the first time, and is the third time the event has been in Asia: it was previously in the Philippines in 1978 and Japan in 2006. The games will be played in eight cities:

● Beijing: Wukesong Arena (18,000) ~ Group A
● Shanghai: Shanghai Oriental Sports Center (18,000) ~ Group E
● Nanjing: Nanjing Youth Olympic Sports Park Gymnasium (19,614) ~ Group F
● Wuhan: Wuhan Gymnastics (11,700) ~ Group B
● Dongguan: Dongguan Cultural and Sports Centre (16,000) ~ Group H
● Guangzhou: Guangzhou Gymnasium (11,609) ~ Group C
● Foshan: Foshan Int’l Sports & Cultural Arena (14,700) ~ Group D
● Shenzhen: Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre (12,381) ~ Group G

The tournament has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams, which will make for some lopsided games in the group stage. The eight groups (with FIBA world rankings):

● A: Cote d’Ivoire (64), Poland (25), Venezuela (20), China (30)
● B: Russia (10), Argentina (5), South Korea (32), Nigeria (33)
● C: Spain (2), Iran (27), Puerto Rico (16), Tunisia (51)
● D: Angola (39), Philippines (31), Italy (13), Serbia (4)
● E: United States (1), Turkey (17), Czech Republic, Japan (48)
● F: Greece (8), New Zealand (38), Brazil (12), Montenegro (28)
● G: France (3), Dominican Republic (18), Germany (22), Jordan (49)
● H: Australia (11), Lithuania (6), Canada (23), Senegal (37)

The U.S. stars who passed on playing for the American teams have been well documented, but there is plenty to watch with Giannis Antetokounmpo – the NBA Most Valuable Player for Milwaukee – headlining the Greek team and many other NBA players on Australia, Serbia and other squads.

The American schedule starts on Sunday (1) vs. the Czech Republic, followed on Tuesday (3) vs. Turkey and on Thursday (5) against Japan.

Group play continues to 5 September, with the top two teams advancing to the second round, in four new groups. The top two teams in each group will head to the quarterfinals on 10-11 September. The semis will be on 13 September and the medal matches on the 15th.

The United States is the heavy favorite, even after a close loss to Australia in one of its exhibition games – played in Melbourne in front of 52,079 screaming fans – with Serbia the next choice. The favorites, per Bet365:

● 11/20 ~ United States
● 16/5 ~ Serbia
● 11/1 ~ Greece
● 14/1 ~ Spain
● 25/1 ~ France
● 33/1 ~ Australia
● 40/1 ~ Lithuania
● 90/1 ~ Argentina

The longest odds are at 1,500/1 for the Philippines, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Venezuela, Jordan, South Korea and Angola.

The games will be streamed on ESPN+ in the U.S. Look for results here.

For many years, the U.S. didn’t care much about the FIBA World Championship, even after finishing second, first and second in the first three editions in 1950-54-59. The U.S. didn’t make the championship final again until 1982, but has done better since. The U.S. won in 1986-94-2010-14 and won bronze medals in 1998 and 2006. All together, the U.S. has five titles, three silvers and four bronzes for 12 medals in 17 tournaments.

The five championships for the U.S. are the most, along with Yugoslavia (1970-78-90-98-2002), followed by the USSR (3), Brazil (2) and one each for Argentina and Spain.

ATHLETICS: Warholm 46.92, Miller-Uibo 21.74, Echevarria 28-4 1/2 in sensational Zurich final

By
Rich Perelman
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Norway's 400 m hurdles superstar Karsten Warholm (Photo: Wikpedia/Yann Caradec)

The IAAF Diamond League finals are supposed to be among the best meets of the year and the 2019 Weltklasse Zurich was all of that and more, with sensational marks in multiple event, topped by the fastest 400 m hurdles race of all time.

The final event on the program, the year’s leading performers were in lane seven – Karsten Warholm of Norway (47.12) – and lane five, with Rai Benjamin of the U.S. (47.16).

As usual, Warholm got out fast and had a small lead by the third hurdle. Benjamin stayed close and was within striking distance when they came off the curve and into the final straight. But Warholm held form and was able to hold on during the run-in, barely, to finish in 46.92, the second-fastest time ever run.

Benjamin was at 46.98, the equal-third-fastest time ever and the first time in history that two men have run under 47 seconds in the same race. The all-time list after Zurich:

46.78 ~ Kevin Young (USA) ‘92
46.92 ~ Karsten Warholm (NOR) ‘19
46.98 ~ Abderrahmane Samba (QAT) ‘18
46.98 ~ Rai Benjamin (USA) ‘19
47.02 ~ Edwin Moses (USA) ‘83 and Benjamin ‘18

Samba has been out with injuries, but Warholm and Benjamin are on a collision course at the World Championships in Qatar at the end of September, and the world record is clearly in jeopardy.

So much more to talk about:

● Men/100 m: American phenom Noah Lyles continued to show his progress in the 100 m, as he got a good start, ran right with Justin Gatlin for the first 60 m and then ran away to a solid 9.98 win over Zhenye Xie of China (10.04). Gatlin couldn’t find a finishing gear in the final 25 m and faded back to fourth in 10.08, with Jamaica’s Yohan Blake third in 10.07.

Lyles punctuated his win with a “Letzigrund leap” into the stands a la the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field after his win.

● Men/800 m: The education of Donavan Brazier of the U.S. appears just about complete. Initially a wild front-runner prone to collapsing in the stretch, he gauged the hot early pace in this race perfectly. Only sixth with 200 m to go as Botswana’s Nijel Amos was running away to another sensational time, Brazier moved into overdrive and passed three on the curve, then ran down Emmanuel Korir (KEN) with 80 m to go and finally got past the teeth-gritting Amos with less than 50 m left.

Brazier – bringing back memories of Dave Wottle in the 1972 Olympic 800 m – crossed in 1:42.70, the third-fastest performance in American history. Only record-holder Johnny Gray has run faster: 1:42.60 in 1985 and 1:42.65 in 1988.

Said the winner, “I was just nervous and was thinking what my coach told to get a good position and do all my best. I’m quite amazed about my result, I just did my job and gave everything i had to make it to first place.”

● Men/Pole Vault: This is what we’re going to see for years to come. Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis was perfect through 5.83 m (19-1 1/2), with American Sam Kendricks having missed once. But when Duplantis missed all three times at 5.93 m (19-5 1/2), it opened the door and Kendricks jumped through it on his third try to win the event, leading to an ecstatic run toward the stands to the cheers of the Swiss crowd. Poland’s Piotr Lisek and American Cole Walsh tied for third at 5.83 m (19-1 1/2), a lifetime best for Walsh.

● Men/Long Jump: Don’t go anywhere if Cuba’s Juan Miguel Echevarria is jumping. Wildly inconsistent, his first effort in Zurich was tremendous, measured at 8.65 m (28-4 1/2) and ending the competition in the first round. It’s the equal-sixth-best performance this century:

8.74 m (28-8 1/4) ~ Dwight Phillips (USA) ‘09
8.73 m (28-7 3/4) ~ Irving Saladino (PAN) ‘08
8.68 m (28-4 1/2) ~ Juan Miguel Echevarria (CUB)
8.66 m (28-5) ~ Louis Tsatoumas (GRE) ‘07
8.66 m (28-5) ~ Echevarria ‘18
8.65 m (28-4 1/2) ~ Ivan Pedroso (CUB) ‘00
8.65 m (28-4 1/2) ~ Echevarria ‘19

The rest of Echevarria’s series was pass, foul, pass, pass, foul. South Africa’s Ruswahl Samaai got up for second at 8.20 m (26-11).

● Women/200 m: Could anyone stay with Shaunae Miller-Uibo (BAH), undefeated in this event since 2017. Answer: NO. She came off the turn just behind jet-starter Dina Asher-Smith (GBR) and then ran away from the field impressively in the final 50 m to finish in a world-leading 21.74, the equal-11th fastest time ever and the equal-fourth-fastest this century:

21.63 Dafne Schippers (NED) ‘15
21.66 Elaine Thompson (JAM) ‘16
21.69 Allyson Felix (USA) ‘12
21.74 Veronica Campbell-Brown (JAM) ‘08
21.74 Shaunae Miller-Uibo (BAH) ‘19

It’s the 12th straight win for Miller-Uibo in this event, dating back two years, but she won’t be able to run it at the World Championships because of the time schedule, with the 400 m being run at the same time.

● Women/1,500 m: For a while it looked like Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba was going to run away from the field, but when the bell rang, there were six in the lead pack and the race was open. Dibaba still led, but then Dutch star Sifan Hassan moved into second place from German Konstanze Klosterhalfen with 250 m to go and moved into the lead with a half-lap remaining.

Hassan had the wheels on the final curve and strode away from everyone as Klosterhalfen gave chase and Dibaba faded. Hassan finished in 3:57.08, well ahead of a happy Klosterhalfen (3:59.08) and Canada’s Gabriela Debues-Stafford charged home third in a national record 3:59.99, ahead of Dibaba (4:00.86). American Jenny Simpson finished eighth in 4:03.50.

● Women/3,000 m Steeple: Could anyone deal with Kenya’s world-record holder Beatrice Chepkoech? She went out fast, passing the pacesetter early in the race and was way out in front with two laps to go. But she was slowing; at the bell, however, she had a 50 m lead over Kenyans Hyvin Kiyeng and Emma Coburn of the U.S.

Chepkoech faded slightly, but had more than enough of a lead to win in 9:01.71, the 22nd-fastest time ever run. Kiyeng and Norah Jeruto moved strongly on the backstraight, as did Daisy Jepkemei (KEN: 4th) and German Gesa Krause (5th) while Coburn faded from third with 300 m left to sixth at the finish.

● Women/400 m hurdles: World-record setter Dalilah Muhammad and young star Sydney McLaughlin hadn’t met since the USATF Nationals. Muhammad got out well again, but didn’t run away from McLaughlin as she did in Des Moines. Into the final straight it was McLaughlin who had the momentum and stormed to an impressive 52.85, a season’s best, with Muhammad fading to third (54.13) as Shamier Little came up for second at 53.86. That’s two wins in three tries for McLaughlin vs. Muhammad this season; the next one will be in Doha.

● Women/Triple Jump: A complete shocker, as Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts scored a lifetime best 14.93 m (48-11 3/4) on the final jump of the event to surprise world leader Yulimar Rojas (VEN), who took the lead herself in the sixth round at 14.74 m (48-4 1/2).

● Women/Shot Put: China’s Lijiao Gong had the event in hand by the fourth round and won her third straight Diamond League title. But her 20.31 m (66-7 3/4) toss on her final throw extended her world lead and gave her a third straight Diamond League title. American Chase Ealey, quiet since her strong marks early in the season, set a lifetime best by a quarter-inch at 19.68 m (64-6 3/4), maintaining her position as no. 6 in U.S. history and claim second place.

There were four world-leading performances:

● Men/400 m hurdles: 46.92, Karsten Warholm (NOR)
● Men/Long Jump: 8.65 m (28-4 1/2), Juan Miguel Echevarria (CUB)
● Women/200 m: 21.74, Shaunae Miller-Uibo (BAH)
● Women/Shot Put: 20.31 m (66-7 3/4), Lijiao Gong (CHN)

The top eight places paid $50,000-20,000-10,000-6,000-5,000-4,000-3,000-2,000. The second Diamond League final comes on 6 September in Brussels (BEL). Summaries from Zurich.

IAAF Diamond League/Welklasse Zurich
Zurich (SUI) ~ 28-29 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men

100 m (wind -0.4 m/s): 1. Noah Lyles (USA), 9.98; 2. Zhenye Xie (CHN), 10.04; 3. Yohan Blake (JAM), 10.07. Also: 4. Justin Gatlin (USA), 10.08; … 8. Michael Rodgers (USA), 10.16.

800 m: 1. Donavan Brazier (USA), 1:42.70; 2. Nijel Amos (BOT), 1:42.98; 3. Brandon McBride (CAN), 1:43.51. Also: 5. Clayton Murphy (USA), 1:43.94.

5,000 m: 1. Joshua Cheptegei (UGA), 12:57.41; 2. Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH), 12:58.15; 3. Nicholas Kimeli (KEN), 12:59.05. Also: 8. Paul Chelimo (USA), 13:14.18; 9. Ben True (USA), 13:18.27.

110 m hurdles (non-Diamond League; +0.8); 1. Pascal Martinot-Lagarde (FRA), 13.51; 2. David King (GBR), 13.58; 3. Cameron Fillery (GBR), 13.74 m.

400 m hurdles: 1. Karsten Warholm (NOR), 46.92; 2. Rai Benjamin (USA), 46.98; 3. Kyron McMaster (IVB), 48.58. Also: 5. David Kendziera (USA), 48.98; … 8. T.J. Holmes (USA), 50.00.

High Jump: 1. Andriy Protsenko (UKR), 2.32 m (7-7 1/4); 2. Brandon Starc (AUS), 2.30 m (7-6 1/2); 3. Tihomir Ivanov (BUl), 2.30 m (7-6 1/2). Also: 7. Jeron Robinson (USA), 2.24 m (7-4 1/4).

Pole Vault: 1. Sam Kendricks (USA), 5.93 m (19-5 1/2); 2. Mondo Duplantis (SWE), 5.83 m (19-1 1/2); 3. tie, Cole Walsh (USA) and Piotr Lisek (POL), 5.83 m (19-1 1/2). Also: 5. Chris Nilsen (USA), 5.73 m (18-9 1/2).

Long Jump: 1. Juan Miguel Echevarria (CUB), 8.65 m (28-4 1/2); 2. Ruswahl Samaai (RSA), 8.20 m (26-11); 3. Tajay Gayle (JAM), 8.20 m (26-11).

Javelin: 1. Magbus Kirt (EST), 89.13 m (292-5); 2. Chao-Tsun Cheng (TPE), 89.05 m (292-2); 3. Andreas Hofmann (GER), 87.49 m (287-0).

Women

200 m (-0.4): 1. Shaunae Miller-Uibo (BAH), 21.74; 2. Dina Asher-Smith (GBR), 22.08; 3. Elaine Thompson (JAM), 22.44.

400 m: 1. Salwa Eid Naser (BRN) 50.24; 2. Shakima Wimbley (USA), 51.21; 3. Lisanne de Witte (NED), 51.30. Also: 7. Kendall Ellis (USA), 51.92; 8. Jessica Beard (USA), 52.60.

800 m (non-Diamond League): 1. Eunice Sum (KEN), 2:00.40; 2. Kate Grace (USA), 2:00.66; 3. Hedda Hynne (NOR), 2:00.79.

1,500 m: 1. Sifan Hassan (NED), 3:57.08; 2. Konstanze Klosterhalfen (GER), 3:59.02; 3. Gabriela Debues-Stafford (CAN), 3:59.59. Also: 8. Jenny Simpson (USA), 4:03.50.

3,000 m Steeple: 1. Beatrice Chepkoech (KEN), 9:01.71; 2. Hyvin Kiyeng (KEN), 9:03.83; 3. Norah Jeruto (KEN), 9:05.15. Also: 6. Emma Coburn (USA), 9:10.01.

400 m hurdles: 1. Sydney McLaughlin (USA). 52.85; 2. Shamier Little (USA), 53.86; 3. Dalilah Muhammad (USA), 54.13. Also: 8. Ashley Spencer (USA), 56.90.

Pole Vault (non-Diamond League; held in train station): 1. Anzhelika Sidorova (RUS), 4.87 m (15-11 3/4); 2. Katie Nageotte (USA), 4.82 m (15-9 3/4); 3. Alysha Newman (CAN), 4.82 m (15-9 3/4). Also: 4. Sandi Morris (USA), 4.72 m (15-6 3/4).

Triple Jump: 1. Shanieka Rickets (JAM), 14.93 m (48-11 3/4); 2. Yulimar Rojas (VEN), 14.74 m (48-4 1/2); 3. Liadagmis Povea (CUB), 14.49 m (47-6 1/2). Also: 4. Keturah Orji (USA), 14.43 m (47-4 1/4).

Shot Put: 1. Lijiao Gong (CHN), 20.31 m (66-7 3/4); 2. Chase Ealey (USA), 19.68 m (64-6 3/4); 3. Christina Schwanitz (GER), 19.37 m (63-6 3/4). Also: 8. Jessica Ramsey (USA), 18.27 m (59-11 1/4).

Javelin: 1. Huihui Liu (CHN), 66.88 m (219-5); 2. Kelsey-Lee Barber (AUS), 64.74 m (212-5); 3. Nikola Ogrodnikova (CZE), 63.05 m (206-10).

TSX DAILY: Middle East politics part of Israeli judoka’s path to World Champs gold; how the Diacks fleeced the IAAF for millions!

By
Rich Perelman
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Israel's Sagi Muki on the way to a World Judo Championships title at 81 kg over Belgium's Matthias Casse (Photo: IJF)

≡ TSX DAILY ~ 29 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  LEADING OFF: Israel’s Muki wins Judo Worlds gold, but not a handshake from beaten Egyptian

The World Judo Championships in Tokyo was the stage for more drama on Wednesday, as Israel’s Sagi Muki (in blue, above) won the country’s first-ever men’s gold medal, claiming the 81 kg class with a decisive win over Matthias Casse of Belgium.

But Muki’s gold-medal performance was only part of the story, as Middle Eastern politics also heavily present. Seeded second, Muki faced Egypt’s Mohamed Abdelaal – the African Championships winner – in his semifinal and won by waza-ari. The referee signaled Muki as the winner, and Abdelaal walked off the mat instead of participating in the traditional handshake between the opponents. Muki was left with his hand outstretched, but empty. Video here:

There was more politics in the play in the other semifinal, where the only Iranian entry in the 2019 Championships – reigning 81 kg gold medalist Saeid Mollaei – was taking on Casse. If he won, would Mollaei fight Muki, in defiance of Iran’s unwritten rule against Israeli-Iran competitions?

It didn’t matter, as Casse was the aggressor from the start, was able to obtain an armhold on Mollaei, leading to a submission. On purpose, perhaps? We will never know, and Mollaei did not have to make a choice about sharing the awards stand with Muki while the Israeli anthem played as he lost his bronze-medal match to Georgia’s Lukas Maisuradze. So, too, did Abdelaal of Egypt, who lost to Canada’s Antoine Valois-Fortier in his bronze-medal match.

So the medalists were Muki, Casse, Maisuradze and Valois-Fortier, with Abdelaal and Mollaei tied for fifth … and did not have to stand while the Israeli flag was raised and the anthem played at the victory ceremony.

The losses don’t directly hurt the Olympic qualification chances of either Abdelaal or Mollaei, as the primary method of advancement to the Games is their world-ranking standing next year. But this will not be the last time that Muki will face either or both on the road to, or in, Tokyo.

In the women’s 63 kg class, France’s Clarisse Agbegnenou won her fourth World Championships title, adding to her golds from 2014-17-18 with an extra-time victory over home favorite and 2018 runner-up Miku Tashiro of Japan. Neither could score in the four-minute regulation period, so the match went into “golden score,” with the first point winning.

This went on for seven minutes without a score – 11 in total – until Agbegnenou managed a waza-ari and ended the match with a third straight world title.

There’s more – and additional photos – in the IJF report here.

| 2. | ATHLETICS: More details on how the Diacks fleeced IAAF sponsorship cash for themselves

Reuters filed a long report on a new, 89-page filing by French prosecutors that describes how Senegalese IAAF President Lamine Diack’s son – Papa Massata Diack – was able to siphon off millions of dollars which should have been given to the IAAF as sponsorship or television rights fees from some of its major corporate partners.

Essentially, the scheme went like this:

● The IAAF’s primary marketing partner, Swiss-based International Sport & Leisure (ISL), went bankrupt in 2001, and the marketing of its commercial sponsorship rights to the Japanese advertising giant Dentsu. Lamine Diack (pictured) was already IAAF President by this time.

● Dentsu turned the task of IAAF marketing over to a new company, Athletics Management & Services (AMS), which was made up of former ISL staff members.

● According to the report, “As part of its partnership, AMS came to acquire IAAF rights for some territories from Dentsu. Starting around 2007 AMS transferred the rights for some markets to Papa Massata Diack, who earned millions of dollars, much of it through commissions from AMS, securing marketing and broadcasting deals in Russia, Asia and the Middle East.”

The indictment reportedly indicated that the younger Diack kept as much as $9.7 million of the $29.4 million sponsorship fee paid by Russia’s VTB Bank as “commissions,” far above the standard rate of 15-17%.

The French are asking questions about agreements with VTB, China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (Sinopec), Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (Korea), China Central Television, and Abu Dhabi Media Corporation.

CYCLING: First surprise of La Vuelta a Espana on the road to Javalambre

Major cycling events like the Grand Tours – Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana – are usually dominated by riders from the major UCI World Tour teams. But in Wednesday’s fifth stage, the final breakaway on the climb up to the observatory at Javalambre was by three riders from domestic teams that are – more or less – fillers for the field.

The first to finish was Angel Madrazo, 31, a rider for the Spanish Burgos team, who covered the 170.7 km route in 4:58:31, ahead of teammate Jetse Bol (NED), 10 seconds behind, and Jose Herrada, another Spaniard, but from the Cofidis team, 22 seconds back.

Fourth was Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez from the Astana Pro Team (a World Tour team) and despite being 47 seconds behind the winner, took the overall lead in the race, 14 seconds ahead of Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic and 23 seconds over fellow Colombian Nairo Quintana.

The racing continues Thursday on a hilly course with another uphill finish and a more difficult climbing stage on Friday. More on La Vuelta here, along with preview of the two one-day races coming in Plouay (FRA) this weekend.

| 4. | GAMES OF THE XXXII OLYMPIAD: TOKYO 2020: Reflective heat coating on streets might not work?

One of the suggested antidotes to the expected high heat in Tokyo for next summer’s Olympic Marathon is to place a reflective coating on the streets to lower the temperatures.

According to Asahi.com, “The government has conducted experiments on multiple occasions to examine the effectiveness of the heat-blocking pavement since four years ago and found that the road surface temperature can be lowered 10 degrees compared with asphalt.”

But now a team from the Tokyo University of Agriculture claims that the coating might raise temperatures and increase the possibility of heatstroke if temperatures are above 30 C (86 F).

Their findings will be disclosed in detail at an upcoming conference; will the issue be resolved by next year … or after the Games?

| 5. | WATCH PARTY: Busy day with Diamond League finals in Zurich and the USWNT Victory Tour

If you can get the time off, Thursday is a good day for watching Olympic sport:

● NBCSN at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time: The first of two IAAF Diamond League finals, this one in Zurich (SUI) with terrific match-ups including Noah Lyles and Justin Gatlin in the 100 m, Rai Benjamin and Norway’s Karsten Warholm in the 400 m hurdles, Sam Kendricks and Swede Mondo Duplantis in the vault and world-record setter Dalilah Muhammad in the women’s 400 m hurdles against Sydney McLaughlin, Ashley Spencer and Shamier Little, all of the U.S. More here.

● FS1 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time: The second leg of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s “Victory Tour,” this time vs. Portugal in front of a big crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. With more than 45,000 tickets sold, this will be the largest-ever crowd for a stand-alone friendly match for the U.S. women. The U.S. women are 7-0 all-time vs. Portugal and won 1-0 in their last match – in Portugal – last November. More here.

CYCLING: Madrazo climbs to victory in La Vuelta stage 5; classics in France coming this weekend

By
Rich Perelman
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A happy Angel Madrazo (ESP), winner of stage 5 of La Vuelta a Espana!

The first shake-up in the leaderboard of the 2019 La Vuelta a Espana came as expected on Wednesday, with a climb to the finish over the final 12 km to the observatory at Javalambre.

The surprise was the winner, Angel Madrazo, 31, a rider for the Spanish Burgos team, which is not a World Tour team. He and teammate Jetse Bol (NED), along with Spanish rider Jose Herrada – from another non-World Tour team, Cofidis – escaped from the pack on the final climb with about 3 km remaining in the 170.7 km route.

Those three finished within 22 seconds, with Madrazo winning and Bol second (+0:10) and Herrada third (+0:22). Then came the more familiar names, with Colombia’s Miguel Angel Lopez at +0:47, and Alejandro Valverde (ESP) and Primoz Roglic (SLO) both 59 seconds back.

That shuffled the race standings, with 16 stages left and a lot more climbing:

1. 18:55:21 Miguel Angel Lopez (COL)
2. +0:14 Primoz Roglic (SLO)
3. +0:23 Nairo Quintana (COL)
4. +0:28 Alejandro Valverde (ESP)
5. +0:57 Nicolas Roche (IRL)

Thursday’s route is a long, hilly stage of 198.9 km with two sharp early climbs and another uphill finish to Ares del Maestrat over the last 8 km. There is a third straight uphill finish on Friday, ending at Mas de la Costa before a hilly stage on Saturday. Summaries so far:

UCI World Tour/La Vuelta a Espana
Spain ~ 24 August-15 September 2019
(Full results here)

Stage 1 (13.4 km Team Time Trial): 1. Astana (KAZ), 14:51; 2. Deceuninck-Quick Step (BEL), 14.53; 3. Team Sunweb (GER), 14:56; 4. EF Education First (USA), 14:58; 5. Bora-hansgrohe (GER), 15:04.

Stage 2 (199.6 km): 1. Nairo Quintana (COL), 5:11:17; 2. Nicholas Roche (IRL), 5:11:22; 3. Primoz Roglic (SLO), 5:11:22; 4. Rigoberto Uran (COL), 5:11:22; 5. Fabio Aru (ITA), 5:11:22.

Stage 3 (188.0 km): 1. Sam Bennett (IRL), 4:25:02; 2. Edward Theuns (BEL), 4:25:02; 3. Luka Mezgec (SLO), 4:25:02; 4. Jon Aberasturi (ESP), 4:25:02; 5. Phil Bauhaus (GER), 4:25:02.

Stage 4 (175.5 km): 1. Fabio Jakobsen (NED), 4:04:16; 2. Bennett (IRL), 4:04;16; 3. Fernando Gaviria (COL), 4:04:16; 4. Mezgec (SLO), 4:04:16; 5. Marc Sarreau (FRA), 4:04:16.

Stage 5 (170.7 km): 1. Jose Madrazo (ESP), 4:58:31; 2. Jetse Bol (NED), 4:58:41; 3. Jose Herrada (ESP), 4:58:53; 4. Miguel Angel Lopez (COL), 4:59:18; 5. Alejandro Valverde (ESP), 4:59:30.

● 29 August ~ Stage 6 (198.9 km): Mora de Rubielos to Ares del Maestrat
● 30 August ~ Stage 7 (183.2 km): Onda to Mas de la Costa
● 31 August ~ Stage 8 (166.9 km): Valls to Igualada
● 1 September ~ Stage 9 (94.4 km): Andorra la Vella to Cortals d’Encamp
● 2 September ~ Rest day
● 3 September ~ Stage 10 (36.2 km (Time Trial) – Jurancon to Pau
● 4 September ~ Stage 11 (180.0 km): Saint-Palais to Urdax-Dantxarinea
● 5 September ~ Stage 12 (171.4 km): Circuito de Navarra to Bilbao
● 6 September ~ Stage 13 (166.4 km): Bilbao to Los Machucos. Monumento Vaca Pasiega
● 7 September ~ Stage 14 (188.0 km): San Vicente de la Barquer to Oviedo
● 8 September ~ Stage 15 (154.4 km): Tineo to Santuario del Acebo
● 9 September ~ Stage 16 (144.4 km): Pravia to Alto de La Cubilla. Lena
● 10 September ~ Rest day
● 11 September ~ Stage 17 (219.6 km): Aranda de Duero to Guadalajara
● 12 September ~ Stage 18 (177.5 km): Colmenar Viejo to Becerril de la Sierra
● 13 September ~ Stage 19 (165.2 km): Ávila to Toledo
● 14 September ~ Stage 20 (190.4 km): Arenas de San Pedro to Plataforma de Gredos
● 15 September ~ Stage 21 (106.6 km): Fuenlabrada to Madrid

Those World Tour riders not in Spain are prepping for the 53rd edition of the Bretagne Classic-Ouest France on Sunday, a hilly course of 251 km starting in Plouay, running to the coast and then back again. The race has eight previous medalists entered:

● Oliver Naesen (BEL) ~ Winner in 2016-18
● Grega Bole (SLO) ~ Winner in 2011
● Elia Viviani (ITA) ~ Winner in 2017
● Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA) ~ Second in 2013
● Michael Valgren (DEN) ~ Second in 2018
● Manuele Mori (ITA) ~ Third in 2006
● Tim Wellens (BEL) ~ Third in 2018
● Ramunas Navardauskas (LTU) ~ Third in 2015

The entire podium from last year is back, as well as the winners of the last three editions of this race. But there are other entries of note, including Greg van Avermaet (BEL), Niki Terpstra (NED), Matej Mohoric (SLO), Tiesj Benott (BEL) and others capable of winning.

Look for results here.

The women’s World Tour race – the 18th Grand Prix de Plouay – will precede the Bretagne Classic on Saturday, with a 128.0 km race that starts with two loops of a 13.9 km, hilly course and then six loops of a hilly 16.7 km route, beginning and ending in Plouay. There are five returning medal winners:

● Eugenia Bujak (SLO) ~ Winner in 2016
● Elena Cecchini (ITA) ~ Second in 2016
● Tiffany Cromwell (AUS) ~ Second in 2012
● Elisa Longo Borghini (ITA) ~ Third in 2012
● Coryn Rivera (USA) ~ Third in 2018

Rivera is the only returning medalist from last year, but any race with her, Longo Borghini, Amanda Spratt (RSA) and Leah Kirchmann (CAN) should be pretty entertaining, especially on the final lap. Look for results here.

GYMNASTICS Preview: Averinas  in Rhythmic Challenge Cup in Kazan; Artistic Challenge Cup in Mersin

By
Rich Perelman
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Russia's Rhythmic World Champion Dina Averina

The FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Challenge Cup series rolls on with the third event in Kazan (RUS), and with the World Championships coming up quickly on 16 September, a strong field is in place. The expected stars:

● Arina Averina (RUS) ~ 2017 World All-Around silver, Ball & Ribbon gold medalist
● Dina Averina (RUS) ~ 2017-18 World All-Around-Hoop-Clubs Champion
● Katsiaryna Halkina (BLR) ~ 2017-18 World Clubs silver medalist
● Milena Baldassarri (ITA) ~ 2018 World Ribbon silver medalist
● Kaho Minagawa (JPN) ~ 2017 World Hoop bronze medalist
● Katrin Taseva (BUL) ~ 2018 Worlds Team silver medalist
● Boryana Kaelin (BUL) ~ 2018 Worlds Team silver medalist
● Evita Griskenas (USA) ~ Four golds and one bronze at 2019 Pan American Games

The U.S. also has Lili Mizuno entered; she was fifth in the 2019 U.S. All-Around.

Qualifications are on 30-31 August and the individual apparatus finals are on 1 September.

Prize money for the individual All-Around is CHF 700-550-450-300-250-200-150-100 for the top eight places and for the apparatus finals: CHF 650-450-300-200-100-100-100. There is also prize money for the group events of CHF 1,200-900-600.

Look for results here.

The fourth leg of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup is in Mersin (TUR) for men and women in apparatus only (no All-Around).

The headliner is Turkey’s 2019 European Games silver medalist in the Horizontal Bar.

The qualifications are on 30-31 August, with the finals on 1 September. Prize money for each final is CHF 800–600-400-300-250-200-150-100 for the top eight places.

Look for results here.

TSX DAILY: “Why does a popular Olympic sport struggle?” is the wrong question ~ Lyles, Gatlin, Kendricks, Muhammad, McLaughlin in Diamond League final ~ Kate Courtney and Katie Zaferes looking for world titles

By
Rich Perelman
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≡ TSX DAILY ~ 28 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  LANE ONE: World Champion asks “Why does a popular Olympic sport struggle?” 

In last week’s edition of the “Player’s Own Voice” feature on CBC.com, World Beach Volleyball Champion Melissa Paredes-Humana  (pictured above) expressed her deep concern over the future of her sport.

Her doubts surfaced last December when a major annual tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was canceled, and along with it a substantial possible payday. She asked herself, “Is this what professional sports come to? Is it even a professional sport if we can’t make a living from it?  Do I need to pick up a part-time job again?”

Her piece was titled “Why does a popular Olympic sport struggle?” and is about her own sport, but it’s really asking a larger question about the paradox between the lean day-to-day popularity of many sports and the athletes trying to make a living at them, and the energetic showcase for these sports once every four years during the Olympic Games.

The reality: the Olympic Games is popular, not necessarily the sports that are in it.

If you look at the 28 sports that form the core of the summer Olympic program, there are just six that can really be said to allow North American athletes to make a consistent living, at least for a few years: basketball, boxing, cycling, football, golf and tennis. Equestrian is a maybe, for those at the elite level. The other 22 are either strictly for amateurs – like canoe and rowing, along others – or pay enough, here and there, to work in combination with sponsorship to sustain a professional career for those who are world-class.

Sure, there are super-elites like Usain Bolt and Katie Ledecky who can command more money from sponsors, but for the vast majority of “Olympic” athletes, their opportunities are nowhere close to those of the last player on an NBA roster, where the annual minimum salary is $898,310 for a league rookie.

Why is this? There are multiple factors, but the key fact is that the popularity of the Olympic Games is not dependent on the sports within it, but became of its semi-religious overtones and long history.

For Humana-Paredes and others in similar situations, the question is not why their sport isn’t doing as well as they would like when it does well at the Olympic Games, but simply why isn’t their sport more popular?

Once the athletes, supporters and sponsors of any sport begin to solve that problem, their sport will expand regardless of its Olympic status. And that’s what those sports which don’t need to be in the Games to be successful have already mastered. Read the full story here.

| 2. | ATHLETICS: Fabulous match-up ahead on Thursday in Zurich for first Diamond League final

The IAAF Diamond League is coming to a close, with two “finals” meets on Thursday (29th) in Zurich (SUI) and on 6 September in Brussels (BEL). The meets have the highest paydays of the Diamond League season: $50,000-20,000-10,000-6,000-5,000-4,000-3,000-2,000 for the top eight places, in each event in both meets.

The winners also receive a wild-card entry into the World Championships, which may or may not have an impact on them, but may have on entries for their country, especially for the U.S.

But the best part is seeing some of the top match-ups in the sport, and true previews of the 2019 World Championships in Doha (QAT) coming a month later:

● Men/100 m: No Christian Coleman, but reigning World Champion Justin Gatlin (pictured) vs. new U.S. star Noah Lyles;

● Men/400 m hurdles: Reigning World Champion Karsten Warholm(NOR) vs. Rai Benjamin of the U.S. in their first meeting of the year;

● Men/Pole Vault: Reigning World Champion Sam Kendricks vs. Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis, Poland’s Piotr Lisek and more;

● Women/200 m: Shaunae Miller-Uibo (BAH), who hasn’t lost at this distance since 2017, vs. Jamaica’s 2016 Olympic champ Elaine Thompson and 2018 European Champion Dina Asher-Smith (GBR);

● Women/400 m hurdles: World-record setter Dalilah Muhammad vs. U.S. stars Sydney McLaughlin, Ashley Spencer and Shamier Little.

There are 16 events in all; check out a full preview (and a bonus preview of the women’s vault in the Zurich Hauptbahnhof) here.

The IAAF Athletics Integrity Unit issued a Provisional Suspension of Belarus middle-distance runner Marina Arzamasova, the 2015 World Champion at 800 m. Now 31, she finished seventh at the Rio Olympic Games and had been competing this season with a modest best of 2:02.51 from mid-July.

The sanction was issued on 22 August for the presence of a prohibited substance (Ligandrol), but more information on the date of the test was not available on the AIU site.

As if the AIU didn’t have enough to do already, it’s worth noting that the state of Oregon began allowing sports betting on Tuesday (27th). The only sportsbook to open so far is the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, a town on the Oregon coast, about halfway between Portland and Eugene.

Operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, the facility offers 227 hotel rooms and is about 2 1/4 hours north of Eugene by car.

Why does this matter? Because the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials and the 2021 IAAF World Championships will be in Eugene. Wanna bet they’ll be taking bets on some events in both meets?

| 3. | CYCLING: American Kate Courtney looking for second world XCO title; Jakobsen wins La Vuelta sprint

The UCI Mountain Bike World Championships are starting on Wednesday in the Quebec resort of Mont-Sainte-Anne, with a full schedule of elite, U-23 and Junior events. Of interest to Olympic fans is the Cross Country Olympic races with past Worlds gold medalists the favorites.

Among the men, Switzerland’s amazing Nino Schurter will be seeking his eighth World Championships gold and fifth in a row. His job is a lot easier since Dutch star Mathieu van der Poel will ride in the World Road Race Championships next month instead of in Mountain Bike.

Kate Courtney of the U.S. (pictured) was a surprise when she won the 2018 world title, but she’s one of the two favorites among the women. Swiss Jolanda Neff won in 2017 and has come on strongly in the latter half of the season. Former World Champion Annika Langvad (DEN) and Sweden’s 2016 Olympic champ Jenny Rissveds should not be counted out.

In the Downhill, France’s two-time defending champ Loic Bruni is the clear men’s favorite, with Australian Tracey Hannah trying to move up from the three bronze medals she won in 2015-16-17. More details here.

Stage four of La Vuelta a Espana ended in another wild sprint, with Ireland’s Sam Bennett in position for a second straight win. However, Dutch youngster Fabio Jakobsen got to the line first, finishing the 175.5 km course from Cullera to El Puig in 4:04:16. It’s his sixth career World Tour race victory, but first in a Grand Tour. Colombia’s Fernando Gaviria was third.

The overall race situation did not change, with Ireland’s Nico Roche still in front by two seconds over Nairo Quintana (COL). However, Wednesday’s stage five is more challenging, finishing on an uphill climb to the observatory at Javalambre at the end of a 170.7 km ride.

| 4. | FOOTBALL: Record crowd expected for Thursday’s women’s Victory Tour match vs. Portugal

The U.S. Women’s National Team “Victory Tour” continues on Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with more than 45,000 expected for a match vs. Portugal. That’s the most tickets ever sold for a USWNT friendly that was not part of a doubleheader.

The American women are 7-0 all-time vs. Portugal, but won by just 1-0 last December in a match held just outside of Lisbon. It’s the first of two against the Portuguese, who did not make it to the 2019 World Cup.

Thursday’s game will be shown at 7 p.m. Eastern on FS1; the second game of the set will be on 3 September in St. Paul, Minnesota (8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2). More here.

| 5. | JUDO: Shohei Ono wins third world title while Canada’s Deguchi surprises defending champ Yoshida at 57 kg

The third day of the World Judo Championships in Tokyo ended with Japanese judoka in the finals once again, but only one won … sort of.

In the men’s 73 kg class, Japan’s Shohei Ono extended his winning streak to 28 straight international matches and won his third World Championships gold medal. Previously the title winner in 2013 and 2015, and the Olympic Champion in 2016, he won in 2019 in a Rio rematch with Azerbaijan’s Rustam Orujov via ippon.

The women’s 57 kg division ended up with a unique final in that Japan’s defending champion Tsukasa Yoshida met former Japanese fighter Christa Deguchi, now of Canada in the final. The two are familiar opponents, splitting their two matches last year. Deguchi still lives and trains in Japan, but switched allegiance to that of her father.

More details in the excellent IJF report here.

| 6. | TRIATHLON: American Katie Zaferes looking for first ITU World Series title in Lausanne

The final leg of the 2019 ITU World Series come Saturday in Lausanne (SUI), with France’s Vincent Luis and Katie Zaferes  (pictured) of the U.S. both looking for their first-ever seasonal titles.

Both have meaningful leads going into the final race. Luis, the 2018 runner-up, leads three-time defending champion Mario Mola (ESP) by 4,180-3,793 and Zaferes has a commanding 4,925-4,170 lead over Britain’s Jessica Learmonth.

The ITU calculates that Luis will clinch the title, regardless of what anyone else does, by finishing in the top five, and Zaferes finishing in the top 12.

The course is the standard Olympic distance – 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run – but with a nasty rise in the middle of the bike course.

If she wins, Zaferes will have progressed from third in the series in 2017 to second last year to the top of the podium over just three seasons. Fellow American Taylor Spivey has a chance to land on the seasonal podium as well, standing fourth behind Learmonth and British teammate Georgia Taylor-Brown (the women who were disqualified for finishing in a tie at the Tokyo test event!). More here.

| 7. | SWIMMING: First glimmer of hope for Int’l Swimming League: a European TV deal

There hasn’t been much news lately from the start-up International Swimming League, with its first meets coming up in October. The swimmers, teams and sites have been announced, but not much else until Monday.

A two-year agreement with Eurosport was revealed, essentially handing worldwide rights to the first two years of ISL meets to the company, with the exception of Australia and the U.S. ISL’s agreement will allow it to sub-license its rights to other countries outside Europe.

It’s a key step for ISL, which has seven meets on its schedule from October through December, with four in the U.S. and one each in Italy, Hungary and Great Britain.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the U.S. rights, which would normally be expected to go to NBC. However, Eurosport is owned by the U.S. media conglomerate Discovery, and could put the events on its own U.S. channels if it desired to do so … for an additional fee, of course. No terms were disclosed about the Eurosport agreement.

Australia’s 2016 Olympic 100 m Freestyle champion Kyle Chalmers had a third – and he hopes, final – heart surgery on Monday to treat a condition that first surfaced at age 12.

Now 21, his history of supraventricular tachycardia has plagued him with a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and possible fainting.

Chalmers has been through this before, having an operation in 2017 for the same problem, but recovering in time to win five medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He won four medals at the recent FINA World Aquatics Championships (1-2-1), with an individual silver in the 100 m Freestyle and three relay medals.

LANE ONE: World Champion asks “Why does a popular Olympic sport struggle?”

By
Rich Perelman
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Beach Volleyball World Champion Melissa Humana-Paredes (CAN)

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has an online feature called “Player’s Own Voice” and Melissa Humana-Paredes was the guest columnist last Wednesday (21st) with the headline:

Why does a popular Olympic sport struggle year round?

She began with the turmoil caused by the cancellation in December 2018 of one of the important – and highest-paying – tournaments of the year, the 2019 Ft. Lauderdale Major, about two months ahead of its scheduled time. The organizers reported that “we have discovered some financial and operational deficiencies that simply do not allow us to produce the tournament.” For Humana-Paredes:

“My heart sank.

“I felt both anxiety and relief, strangely oxymoronic feelings. The relief was in knowing that I could spend a few more precious weeks at home… the anxiety was all about concern for the future of my beloved sport and my livelihood. The mind raced: Is this what professional sports come to? Is it even a professional sport if we can’t make a living from it? Do I need to pick up a part-time job again?”

She is a poster child for the problem that seems universal across “Olympic” sports. Why is it so hard for “Olympic sports” athletes to make a living, while other sports thrive?

● Time out ●
Who is Melissa Humana-Paredes? She’s 26, a Toronto-born volleyball player who was so good so early that she participated in international matches beginning at age 16. Since 2016, she has partnered with Sarah Pavan and the pair became Commonweath Games champions in 2018 and World Champions this year. She and Pavan are clear medal favorites for Tokyo in 2020.

A York University graduate, she is a Board member of The International Beach Volleyball Player’s Association – established in 2017 – and writes, “I have a fire burning so deep to see my sport reach its full, untapped potential, because we haven’t even scratched the surface yet.”
● Time in ●

Her CBC piece doesn’t answer her question, but wonders what the future is. As she states, she believes it is bright. Really?

As discussed about track & field a week ago, what Humana-Paredes is discovering is that being a “popular Olympic sport” is exactly the problem.

Because it’s the Olympics which are popular and not the sports in it.

Think about that carefully. Taking the 28 sports in the summer Games, how many are self-sustaining, stand-alone businesses – on a commercial basis – for North American athletes like Humana-Paredes? I suggest:

● Yes (6): Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Football, Golf, Tennis

● No (21): Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Canoeing, Fencing, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

Equestrian is somewhere in the middle; with its various continental leagues, there is very substantial prize money at the highest level, but the costs – for the riders and the horses – are enormous.

There are overseas leagues which are self-sustaining in Handball, Hockey, Rugby and (indoor) Volleyball and very significant interest in Asia in Badminton and Table Tennis, but not in the U.S. Cycling is problematic outside of road racing.

Not a very good situation, is it? Further:

(1) In the U.S., the very name “Olympic sports” are synonymous – thanks to the classifications used at NCAA institutions – with “non-revenue” sports. This comes from decades of non-ticket sales and trivial-if-any television revenue for almost everything other than men’s football and basketball.

(2) Consider the amount of effort and expenditure that athletes put in to just get into the Olympic Games, an event which – itself – pays nothing. Nothing for competing, nothing for winning, nothing for travel, but the organizing committee will house you and feed you when you are there competing for a couple of weeks every four years. That speaks to be importance of the event and not the sport, when the same competitors show up at an annual World Championships.

(3) Look at my list of six sports in which you can make a living as a North American athlete – Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Football, Golf, Tennis – are any of those referred to in media coverage as “Olympic sports”? No, of course not. They are sports on their own and not dependent on a quadrennial infusion of interest.

(4) Don’t blame the International Olympic Committee. The IOC, for all of its faults, collects billions of dollars in television rights and sponsorship money for the Games and sends almost 50% of it right back to the Olympic organizing committees because the event is so expensive to produce. Moreover, it sends most of the rest to the National Olympic Committees and International Federations to support their development of sport in those countries and in those sports.

(5) And the IOC funds, at its expense, the Olympic Channel, which was supposed to be a savior for the smaller Olympic-sports federations, exposing their events to millions of new fans. The IOC has done its part; the Olympic Channel effort is a money-loser in its three years of existence, despite the billions of videos viewed on its site. Are any of the “Olympic-sport” federations seeing a major financial bounce from it? None that are obvious, anyway, and probably none is the answer.

The hard truth is that, for the substantial majority of “Olympic sports,” that designation and the crowds that may fill the arenas every four years at Games, are a result of the popularity of a modified religious festival which brings the world together in a unique way and is a showcase for a global, two-week summer camp: what we might be together if we could put aside our differences. But there are still winners and losers on the field of play and the Games are also a platform for the nationalism that some decry as tearing the world further apart than bringing it together. Both contribute to its enormous popularity.

Humana-Paredes is dedicated, smart and hard-working, but has been deluded by the aura of an event which is much, much more than the sum of its parts, the Olympic Games. The question is not why her “popular Olympic sport” is struggling, but “why is my sport struggling?”

Once the players, supporters and sponsors of beach volleyball – and all the other struggling sports – focus on that question, then the possibilities may open up.

Or not. Because as the big-time leagues know well, sports is a business. Those who do not recognize this are doomed to fail, no matter how many people watch them for a couple of weeks every four years.

Rich Perelman
Editor

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TRIATHLON Preview: Zaferes and Luis looking to wrap up season titles in Lausanne World Series finale

By
Rich Perelman
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An ITU World Series title coming for American Katie Zaferes? (Photo: ITU)

The final stop on the 2019 World Triathlon Series tour in Lausanne (SUI) could mean the first-ever seasonal titles for France’s Vincent Luis and American Katie Zaferes. The current standings:

● Men:
1. 4,180 ~ Vincent Luis (FRA) ~ 2018 World Series runner-up; 2015 bronze medalist
2. 3,783 ~ Mario Mola (ESP) ~ 2016-17-18 World Series Champion
3. 3,687 ~ Javier Gomez Noya (ESP) ~ 2010-13-14-15 World Series Champion
4. 3,325 ~ Fernando Alarza (ESP) ~ 2016 World Series bronze medalist
5. 3,255 ~ Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS) ~ 2018 World Series bronze medalist

● Women:
1. 4,925 ~ Katie Zaferes (USA) ~ 2018 World Series runner-up; 2017 bronze
2. 4,170 ~ Jessica Learmonth (GBR)
3. 4,121 ~ Georgia Taylor-Brown (GBR) ~ 2018 World Series bronze medalist
4. 3,981 ~ Taylor Spivey (USA)
5. 3,435 ~ Non Stanford (GBR) ~ 2013 World Series Champion

There will be 1,250 points awarded to the winner in Lausanne; according to the International Triathlon Union’s calculations, Luis would win the title with a top-five finish (regardless of what anyone else does) and Zaferes only need to finish in the top 12.

If he manages to win the overall title, Luis would be the first from France to do so. The last six titles in a row have gone to Spain, with Javier Gomez winning three in a row and Mola winning the last three. In fact, Luis is the only French medal winner in World Series history with a bronze in 2015 and a silver in 2018. He’s going for a complete set of medals this year.

Zaferes has been sensational from the start, winning four of the first five races, but she was in a bike crash in the Hamburg race and suffered the same fate in the Tokyo test event (and has the stitches to prove it). So she needs to get through the course safely and should be able to rise from third (2017) to second (2018) to first in 2019. She would be the first to progress that way over three years.

She would also be the first American to win the seasonal crown since Gwen Jorgensen in 2014 and 2015. With three career seasonal medals, should move to no. 2 all-time, behind only New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt, who won five (0-2-3) from 2009-15 and tied with Jorgensen (2-1-0) from 2014-16.

This will also be the first race for the British duo of Learmonth and Taylor-Brown since their disqualification for their on-purpose tie at the finish of the Tokyo test event. Bermuda’s Flora Duffy, back from injury, was awarded the win and will be a contender to win this race.

The men’s and women’s elite races are on Saturday (31st), over the standard Olympic distance: 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike (seven laps) and 10 km run (four laps). The bike phase is especially challenging with two sharp rises. Look for results here.

FOOTBALL Preview: U.S. Victory Tour continues Thursday vs. Portugal before more than 45,000 in Philly

By
Rich Perelman
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Big crowd expected at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Thursday

Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field will see a record crowd of more than 45,000 for the second match of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s “Victory Tour” on Thursday (29th) vs. Portugal at 7 p.m. Eastern time (TV: FS1).

It’s the biggest crowd ever for a “stand-alone” friendly for the U.S. women, meaning a game not attached with any others (in a doubleheader) or part of a tournament. The prior high was also in Pennsylvania in 2015 – during that season’s Victory Tour – when the U.S. defeated Costa Rica, 8-0, in front of 44,028 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

The American women have a 7-0 record vs. Portugal all-time and played last year in December in Estoril (outside of Lisbon), with Jessica McDonald scoring the only goal of the game for a 1-0 win.

Coach Jill Ellis, finishing her stint as U.S. head coach during the Victory Tour, called up forward Kristen Hamilton and defender Casey Short for this match for added depth. “With the injuries we currently have to several World Cup players, and with two of our main priorities on the Victory Tour being spreading around the minutes and keeping players healthy for their clubs during this critical playoff push, it made sense to call in Casey and Kristen to give us options and depth for these games against what will be a tough Portugal team.”

Portugal did not make the 2019 World Cup field, but will play two matches vs. the U.S. during the Victory Tour: on Thursday in Philadelphia and on 3 September at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota (8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2). The Tour will finish with games vs. South Korea on 3 and 6 October in Charlotte, N.C. and Chicago.

CYCLING Preview: Schurter goes for 8th, Courtney for 2nd win at Mountain Bike World Champs in Mont-Sainte-Anne

By
Rich Perelman
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Reigning World Cross Country Champion Kate Courtney of the U.S. (Photo: UCI)

A very large field of 635 total riders from 44 nations have gathered in Mont-Sainte-Anne,. Quebec, Canada for the 30th edition of the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. The program continues to expand, with competition beginning on Wednesday. The schedule of finals:

● 28 August: Cross-Country Team Relay; Men’s and Women’s e-Cross Country
● 31 August: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Olympic
● 1 September: Men’s and Women’s Downhill

In terms of the Cross Country Olympic and Downhill racing, the current seasonal World Cup leaders (with just one race remaining) offer a glimpse at the favorites:

● Men/Cross Country:
1. 1,670 ~ Nino Schurter (SUI): 7x World Champion, including last four: 2015-16-17-18
2. 1,649 ~ Mathieu van der Poel (NED): 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
3. 1,360 ~ Henrique Avancini (BRA)
4. 1,348 ~ Mathias Flueckiger (SUI): 2012 Worlds bronze medalist
5. 970 ~ Gerhard Kerschbaumer (ITA): 2018 Worlds silver medalist

Can Schurter do it again? He hasn’t been in his best form this season, but has progressed nicely as the season has moved along. Van der Poel, 24, has been a revelation, finding success in road Cycling with two major World Tour wins this season, and three wins in Mountain Bike, but will skip this event to concentrate on the World Road Race Championships in England next month. Flueckiger, 30, has been around a long time, but is riding better than ever. Schurter will be hard to beat.

● Women/Cross Country:
1. 1,625 ~ Jolanda Neff (SUI): 2017 World Champion
2. 1,522 ~ Kate Courtney (USA): 2018 World Champion
3. 1,225 ~ Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (FRA): 2015 World Champion; 2017 bronze
4. 1,210 ~ Anne Terpstra (NED)
5. 992 ~ Rebecca McConnell (AUS)

Courtney’s win in the 2018 World Championships was a stunner, but she started 2019 like she would never lose, winning three of the first four races of the season. But her last two events were ordinary and Neff has come on strongly to take the seasonal lead and has won two of the last four races held. Although not at the top of the points standings, Denmark’s 2016 World Champion Annika Langvad, Sweden’s comebacking 2016 Olympic champ Jenny Rissveds and Canada’s Emily Batty, the 2016-18 Worlds bronze medalist, are all potential winners.

● Men/Downhill:
1. 1,312 ~ Loic Bruni (FRA): 2015, 2017-18 World Champion
2. 1,222 ~ Amaury Pierron (FRA): 2018 World Cup seasonal winner
3. 1,094 ~ Troy Brosnan (AUS): 2014 Worlds bronze medalist
4. 883 ~ Danny Hart (GBR): 2011-16 World Champion; 2018 bronze medalist
5. 859 ~ Loris Vergier (FRA)

Bruni has won three of the last four world titles and leads the seasonal series. What more could you ask from a favorite? Pierron has also been excellent and the racing should be spirited. However, no one should be surprised if Brosnan, Hart, South Africa’s two-time champion Greg Minnaar or American Aaron Gwin pulled an upset for any of the medals.

● Women/Downhill:
1. 1,460 ~ Tracey Hannah (AUS): 2015-16-17 Worlds bronze medalist
2. 1,310 ~ Marine Cabirou (FRA)
3. 819 ~ Nina Hoffmann (GER)
4. 754 ~ Veronika Wildmann (ITA)
5. 730 ~ Rachel Atherton (GBR): 2013- 2015-16, 2018 World Champion

This could be Hannah’s year, with two wins and three seconds in the seven World Cup races held so far. Atherton has owned the Worlds, but suffered a leg injury and will not ride here. But Cabirou has been in the top four in the last four races and is a real contender. Veterans like Tahnee Seagrave (GBR), Myriam Nicole (FRA) and 2017 winner Miranda Miller (CAN) must be watched as well.

Look for results here.

ATHLETICS Preview: Benjamin vs. Warholm, Muhammad vs. McLaughlin, Kendricks vs. Duplantis among 16 Diamond League titles up in Zurich

By
Rich Perelman
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Dalilah Muhammad's last race was a world record of 52.20 in the 400 m hurdles. What will be her encore in Zurich?

The first of two finals meets in the IAAF Diamond League comes Thursday at the famed Weltklasse Zurich meeting in Switzerland in front of a full house at the famed Letzigrund Stadium with a lot at stake.

First is the prize money, which is the most for any of the Diamond League meets: $50,000-20,000-10,000-6,000-5,000-4,000-3,000-2,000 for the top eight places (same for the second final in Brussels on 6 September).

Second is a wild-card entry into the IAAF World Championships at the end of September in Doha (QAT), which may not mean much to an individual winner who is also ready qualified, but could mean a lot to someone else from their country (with the relevant qualifying standard). For example, in the men’s 110 m hurdles, American stars Daniel Roberts, Grant Holloway and Devon Allen all qualified for Doha from the USATF Nationals. But if Roberts should win the Diamond League final in Brussels – and he’s among the favorites – he would get the wild-card entry and Freddie Crittenden, fourth at the U.S. nationals, but with a lifetime best 13.17 in Paris last weekend, would get to run in Doha!

There are 16 events on the Zurich program; some of the anticipated highlights:

● Men/100 m: No Christian Coleman, awaiting his doping hearing on 4 September. Now to the race, which should be great. Justin Gatlin (9.87) is in, along with fellow Americans Noah Lyles (9.86) and Pan Am champ Michael Rodgers (9.97). The top challengers are also here: Akani Simbine (RSA: 9.92), Zharnel Hughes (GBR: 9.95) and Jamaica’s 2011 titlist, Yohan Blake (9.96). This would be an amazing win for Lyles, but it should not get him into the Doha Worlds since Gatlin already has the wild-card as 2017 champion … unless the USATF changes its mind …

● Men/800 m: The top five on the 2019 world list are here, and this is a likely preview of the Worlds final in Doha. Nigel Amos (BOT) ran a stunning 1:41.89 at the Monaco Diamond League, trained by Kenyan Ferguson Rotich (1:42.54) and Amel Tuka (BIH: 1:43.62). Amos will be tracked by American Donovan Brazier (1:43.63 in Rome), who hasn’t run since the U.S. Nationals, Kenyan Wycliffe Kinyamel (1:43.48) and Canada’s Brandon McBride, who looked great in Paris, winning in 1:43.78.

● Men/5,000 m: Another distance race with too many people in it (17). The seasonal list is dominated by the fabulous race in Rome, won by Telahun Haile Bekele (ETH) in 12:52.98 from teammates Selemon Barega (12:53.04) and Hagos Gebrhiwet (12:54.92). But fellow Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha (13:00.56) is undefeated in his three races at 5,000 m and famously ran the indoor mile in a world record of 3:47.01. Lots of room for surprises here, from Birhanu Balew (BRN: 12:56.26 this season), Joshua Cheptegei (UGA: 13:03.59) and maybe American Paul Chelimo (13:05.70).

Embed from Getty Images

● Men/400 m hurdles: American Rai Benjamin has run this race in four meets this season, winning three and running 47.16 to win at Pre. Norway’s reigning World Champion Karsten Warholm (shown above) has run five times and won them all (47.12 best), but they haven’t met yet. No one else is within a second of these guys, and anything – even a world record – is possible. Weather check: when this race is scheduled to be run around 9:45 p.m., the forecast is for about 68 F, humid with rain possible earlier in the day. Look for Warholm to get out fast and Benjamin to chase on the way home.

● Men/High Jump: A lackluster year for this event, but one of the three world leaders, Ilya Ivanyuk (RUS: 2.33 m/7-7 3/4) is in, but watch for the fitness of Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim. Returning from injuries, he’s done only 2.27 m (7-5 1/4) this season, but feels certain he will be in sensational form by the World Championships. Let’s see what he does in Zurich.

● Men/Pole Vault: A big field with 13 entries, but with all of the contenders. Reigning World Champion Sam Kendricks of the U.S. (6.06 m this year/19-10 1/2) will renew his rivalry with Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis (6.00 m/19-8 14 last week). Both could lose to Poland’s Piotr Lisek (6.02 m/19-9) with 2012 Olympic champ Renaud Lavillenie (FRA) and 2016 gold winner Thiago Braz (BRA) trying to get in on the fun. This will be another good test for upcoming American Chris Nilsen (5.95 m outdoors/19-6 1/4), who won the NCAA title over Duplantis back in June.

● Men/Long Jump: Whenever Cuba’s Juan Miguel Echevarria steps on the runway, all eyes turn. No one – including him – knows what’s coming, but he has the talent to jump further than anyone has ever jumped before. That said, he’s fifth on the 2019 world list at 8.34 m (27-4 1/2) and South Africa’s World Champion Luvo Manyonga (8.37 m/27-5 1/2) is the likely winner. World leader Zarck Visser (RSA: 8.41 m/27-7 1/4) is in, but he hasn’t reached 8 m (26-3) outside of his home country in 2019.

● Men/Javelin: Germany has dominated this event in recent years, but Estonia’s Magnus Kirt (90.61 m/297-3) is the only one past 90 m this season. Three German chasers are over 90 m: Andreas Hofmann (89 65 m/294-1), Johannes Vetter (89.28 m/292-11) and Bernhard Seifert (89.06 m/292-2), but watch out for Taipei’s Chao-Tsun Cheng (87.75 m/287-10), the last-throw winner in Birmingham.

Embed from Getty Images

● Women/200 m: Shaunae Miller-Uibo (BAH; shown above) stands third on the world list at 22.09, but she has won 24 straight 200 m finals, dating back to the 2017 World Championships. She has world leader (and Rio Olympic champ) Elaine Thompson (JAM: 22.00), Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (22.18), Blessing Okagbare (NGR: 22.05) and reigning World Champion Dafne Schippers (NED: 22.45) all gunning for her.

● Women/400 m: World leader Miller-Uibo is not in the field, but Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, second on the 2019 list at 49.17 is. She’s the overwhelming favorite here, well ahead of Americans Shakima Wimbley (50.20) and Kendall Ellis (50.38) and Jamaica’s Stephenie-Ann McPherson (50.74).

● Women/1,500 m: The field is too big, with 15 runners (including pacers), but seems likely to come down to a final-lap dash, with eight runners having broken 4:00 in the race. The 2015 World Champion, Genzebe Dibaba (ETH) is the favorite, having already beaten mile world-record setter Sifan Hassan (NED) at the Diamond League meet in Rabat, with Gudaf Tsegay (ETH) third, 3:55.47-3:55.93-3:57.40. An alternate scenario has German Konstanze Klosterhalfen pushing the pace on the third lap and trying a breakaway, which could turn the race sideways into who can kick the longest from the furthest out?

● Women/3,000 m Steeple: This will be an interesting race for reigning World Champion Emma Coburn of the U.S., since she will face seven Kenyans in this event instead of three as at Doha. World-record holder Beatrice Chepkoech leads this field and is the world leader at 8:55.58. No one else has broken 9:03 and Norah Jeruto (KEN: 9:03.71), Hyvin Kiyeng (9:05.81), Celliphine Chespol (9:06.76) and Coburn (9:04.90) are all in the mix. Will Coburn chase after Chepkoech here, or wait to show a new tactical plan at the Worlds?

● Women/400 m hurdles: We haven’t seen Dalilah Muhammad since her world record of 52.20 at the USATF Nationals, or runner-up (52.88) Sydney McLaughlin either. The top four on the world list are all from the U.S. and all are here, with Ashley Spencer (53.11) and Shamier Little (53.73) the only others to break 54 seconds this season.

● Women/Triple Jump: Venezuela’s world leader Yulimar Rojas (15.11 m/49-7) is the big favorite, but watch for a possible American Record from Keturah Orji. She reached a lifetime best of 14.72 m (48-3 1/2) in Paris and could challenge Tori Franklin’s 2018 mark of 14.84 m (48-8 1/4).

● Women/Shot Put: The top eight on the 2019 world list are here, but the big favorite is China’s Lijian Gong, the reigning World Champion. She’s won 11 of 12 meets this season, losing only to American Chase Ealey in Nanjing way back in May. Gong has thrown 19.84 m (65-1 14) this season to 19.67 m (64-6 1/2) for Ealey and 19.55 m (64-1 3/4) for Jamaica’s Danniel Thomas-Dodd. Those should be the top three in Zurich.

● Women/Javelin: World leader Huihui Lu of China (67.98 m/223-0) has won 11 meets in a row after an opening loss this season, but is going to get an argument from Kelsey-Lee Barber of Australia, who threw 67.60 m (222-1) last month. All four women who have thrown past 67 m this season are in the field.

There is also a women’s non-Diamond League pole vault at the Zurich train station on Wednesday night, with many of the usual suspects: Olympic and World champ Katerina Stefanidi of Greece, Sandi Morris and Katie Nageotte of the U.S., New Zealand’s Eliza McCartney, Anzhelika Sidorova (RUS) and the newest star, Canada’s Alysha Newman, who jumped 4.82 m (15-9 3/4) for another national record to win at the Meeting de Paris.

NBCSN has coverage of the meet from Zurich on Thursday (29th), beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Look for results here.

TSX DAILY: Amazing story of 17-year-old Nevin Harrison’s World title win ~ U.S. men’s basketball team thumps Canada in last tune-up ~ was Lima the best Pan American Games ever?

By
Rich Perelman
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Nevin Harrison (USA) was all smiles after her gold-medal performance at the Canoe Sprint World Championships!

≡ TSX DAILY ~ 27 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  CANOEING: Nevin Harrison’s journey from junior competitions to World Champion in one year! 

One of the most amazing stories of the weekend was the stunning victory of 17-year-old American canoeist Nevin Harrison of the U.S. (pictured above) in the C-1 200 m race at the ICF World Championships in Szeged, Hungary.

She’s a 17-year-old from Seattle, Washington, who started a GoFundMe page last November, introducing herself as:

“My name is Nevin Harrison. I’m 16 years old and chasing my dream to  compete in the 2020 Olympic Games in flatwater sprint canoe. This will be the first year that women will be competing in this event, and it would be an incredible experience and honor to represent the United States in Tokyo. I’ve been paddling for close to 5 years and have dedicated my whole life to being the best that I can be in this sport.”

Harrison’s international experience was really only at the ICF’s Olympic Hopes Regatta, held the last two years at Racice (CZE: 2017) and Poznan (POL: 2018). Then, just before the 2019 ICF Sprint Worlds, Canadian superstar Laurence Vincent-Lapointe, the six-time World Champion in the C-1 200 m, was suspended for doping (which she believes was due to contaminated food).

All of that opened the door for Harrison, who was only third in her heat (46.11) and second in her semi (45.08), but won the final in 49.30, ahead of 2018 silver medalist Olesia Romasenko (RUS: 49.74) and 2018 bronze medalist Alena Nazdrova (BLR: 49.99).

And what happened to the three paddlers who won their heats and semis? In the final, Canada’s Katie Vincent (5th: 50.12), Pole Dorota Borowska (6th: 50.14) and China’s Luqi Zhang (8th: 50.65) all were awful.

Harrison’s winning time was the slowest of any of the eight races in the event. So let’s recognize that’s she’s NOT the Olympic favorite right now, but she is in the mix.

She was giddy and disbelieving at the same time after the race and spoke in the mixed zone with the ICF video interviewer. Highlights:

“I had only had ever been to the Olympic Hopes Regatta, which is kind of like a step down from Junior Worlds. My coaches didn’t think I was ready; I probably wasn’t ready, but I got gold medals the last two years in the C-1 200 and 500. It was tough competition, but nothing like this and it’s really crazy. It’s a huge step for me to come to a senior event, and wow!

“I was going into that final thinking, ‘man, I’m just happy to be here,’ like, well, but I never, ever thought a medal was possible, especially gold. My teammates believed me, but I was still not quite convinced that it could happen.

“It has not hit me; I would probably be crying right now if it had.”

Asked about winning an Olympic quota place for the U.S. and being in position to go to Tokyo, she added:

“Oh my gosh, it’s been my dream since [I was] a little kid to make the Olympics. Since I was little, I watched [Canada’s world champions] Laurence [Vincent-Lapointe] and Katie [Vincent], and I want to be just like them, and wooo!”

She also talked about how she started in the sport:

“I actually, originally ran track. I love track, I wanted to do it in college, but I had a hip injury and I couldn’t run any more, so I switched over to more canoeing. I got into it because I did some sailing camp at a lake and I saw it – woah, that’s so cool, I want to try – and ever since then I just fell in love with it.”

Parting words?

“Oh my gosh, thank you everyone for helping me get here. It’s such a dream.”

| 2. | BASKETBALL: U.S. men’s World Cup team sails past Canada, 84-68

After the exhibition loss to Australia before 52,079 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Monday’s final pre-World Cup exhibition against Canada was relatively tame for the U.S. men and resulted in an 84-68 win.

Playing in Sydney in front of 15,155 at Qudos Bank Arena, the American squad jumped out to a 20-9 lead in the first quarter and was never headed. A Canadian run near the end of the first half was reversed with an 11-1 run to close out the second period with a 46-31 lead. The margin was as large as 24 points before the U.S. relaxed near the end of the game.

Jaylen Brown (pictured) led the U.S. with 19 points off the bench, followed by Kemba Walker and Donovan Mitchell with 12 each. The U.S. defense was much improved, holding Canada to 32% shooting and out-rebounding them, 55-37.

The U.S. heads to China now for the FIBA World Cup as two-time defending champions, but still with questions to answer. Their opener will be on 1 September in Shanghai (CHN) against the Czech Republic. More here.

| 3. | CYCLING: Stage win for Ireland’s Bennett at La Vuelta; countryman Roche still in front

Irish eyes were smiling in Spain, as sprinter Sam Bennett won the third stage of the Vuelta a Espana with a perfectly-timed sprint to the finish, winning ahead of Edward Theuns (BEL) and Luka Mezgec (SLO) in 4:25:02 for the 188.0 km route that finished in Alicante. It was Bennett’s first-ever stage win at La Vuelta and his fourth career Grand Tour stage victory.

There were no changes in the overall leaders in the race, with Ireland’s Nico Roche continuing to lead over Nairo Quintana (COL) by two seconds. The fourth stage from Cullera to El Puig is also hilly; the next major test comes on Wednesday with a mountain finish at Mas de la Costa.

| 4. | JUDO: Good day for Japan, but only one Abe won gold

Host Japan won both the men’s 66 kg and women’s 52 kg classes at the IJF World Championships in Tokyo, with the brother-and-sister Abes – Uta and Hifumi – both getting medals.

Uta Abe won her second consecutive world title in just 30 seconds, throwing Olympic bronze medalist Natalia Kuziutina (RUS) for ippon (pictured) to the roar of the home crowd. She’s now won 42 matches in a row and is undefeated since 2016.

Her brother, Hifumi, came in as the two-time defending World Champion at 66 kg, but had to face countryman Joshiro Maruyama in the semifinals. The bout went to extra time and Maruyama was the first to score, winning the match. That left Abe to fight for bronze (which he won), while Maruyama went on the face Korea’s Lim-Hwan Kim for the title. It was a clear win for Maruyama, with two scores in the final minute and he took his first World Championships gold.

With a bronze medal in the women’s 52 kg class from Ai Shishime, Japan scored four medals on the second day, with competition continuing through the week. The IJF report is here.

| 5. | ROWING: World Championships underway at Linz-Ottensheim with Tokyo quotas on the line

The 2019 World Rowing Championships have started on the Kafue River and Rowing Center at Linz-Ottensheim in Austria, with most of the quota allocations for Tokyo 2020 reserved for the top finishers.

There are sure to be surprises as this Worlds has a lack of heavy favorites, either from the prior two World Championships or this year’s World Cups. In fact, of the 14 events that will be on the Olympic program next year, only three had the same Worlds winner in 2017 and 2018. That would be Australia in the men’s Fours, Germany in the men’s Eights and Romania in the women’s Lightweight Double Sculls.

The U.S. is the defending World Champion in the women’s Fours and Eights; more of our preview here.

| 6. | SHOOTING: Shotgun World Cup ends in Lahti with wins for Italy and China

The final Shotgun World Cup of 2019 was completed last Friday in Finland with the Skeet events. Italy’s Luigi Lodde, 39, won the men’s event in a shoot-off with Eric Delaunay of France.

China’s Worlds silver medalist Meng Wei won the women’s title over U.S. shooters Caitlin Connor (silver) and Amber English (bronze).

| 7. | SWIMMING: U.S. tops World Junior Championships medal count in Budapest

The seventh FINA World Junior Championships were held in Hungary last week, with the U.S. earning 37 total medals and 18 golds in the 42 events.

American multi-medalists included Luca Urlando (pictured), who won the 200 m Free and 200 m Fly, plus three more golds on relays. Carson Foster won the 200 m Medley and two more relays golds for a total of three.

Sprinter Gretchen Walsh won the 50- and 100 m Frees and four relay golds (wow!), while Torri Huske won the 50-100 m Flys and three relay golds, and a silver in the 100 m Free.

However, the outstanding performance of the meet was likely the three individual golds by Australian distance swimmer Lani Pallister, who won the 400-800-1,500 Freestyles, all in meet-record times … and was second in the 200 m Free, plus two more silvers on relays for a total of six medals (same as Walsh).

A total of eight World Junior Records were set; Russia finished second in the medal table with 22 (7-11-4) with Australia tallying 13 (4-5-4). The meet was for boys from 15-18 years old and for girls from 14-17; complete results are here.

| 8. | PAN AMERICAN GAMES: Final statistics from Lima and the performance of the Games identified

PanAm Sports released some final statistics on the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, which PanAm Sports President Neven Ilic (CHI) called “the best Pan American Games in history.” Such as:

● A record total of 6,508 athletes from the 41 countries in the hemisphere;

● 3,028 medals were distributed, including 419 gold, 419 silver and 523 bronze;

● The biggest medal winner was American rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas, who won four events and a bronze for a total of five;

● Some 68 Pan American Games records were set, across eight disciplines, including 16 in Archery, 15 in Shooting, 14 in Weightlifting, 13 in Athletics, seven in Swimming and three in Cycling;

● The outstanding performance of the Games was identified as American Brady Ellison  (pictured) and his ranking-round world record of 702 points in Archery, the sole world mark achieved at the Games.

The organizing committee received more than 100,000 volunteer applications, with 12,000 eventually selected; Lima left an impressive record for Santiago de Chile to match in 2023.

ROWING Preview: Surprises expected at World Championships in Linz-Ottensheim

By
Rich Perelman
-

An important edition of the World Rowing Championships has commenced, with rowers from 80 countries at the Kafue River & Rowing Centre in Austria to decide not only the best for 2019, but to reserve places in 14 events for the 2020 Olympic regatta in Tokyo.

In each of the seven Olympic events for men and women, specific numbers of quota places will be available, with remaining places to be decided in continental qualification events next year.

In terms of favorites, it’s hard to tell. The World Cup series earlier in the year had spotty participation, so no obvious front-runners emerged. Looking at the last two Worlds, maybe that was to be expected, as in the 14 Olympic events, only three have had repeat champions in 2017 and 2018. A look at the gold medalists at the last two Worlds (with the qualification quotas from the 2019 Worlds for Tokyo):

Men

● Single Sculls: 9 to qualify for 2020
2017: Ondrej Synek (CZE) ~ fifth World Championships gold
2018: Kjetil Borch (NOR)

● Double Sculls: 11 to qualify for 2020
2017: John Storey/Chris Harris (NZL)
2018: Hugo Boucheron/Matthieu Androdias (FRA)

● Quadruple Sculls: 8 to qualify for 2020
2017: Lithuania
2018: Italy

● Pairs: 11 to qualify for 2020
2017: Matteo Lodo/Giuseppe Vicino (ITA)
2018: Martin Sinkovic/Valent Sinkovic (CRO)

● Fours: 8 to qualify for 2020
2017: Australia
2018: Australia

● Eights: 5 to qualify for 2020
2017: Germany
2018: Germany

● Lightweight Double Sculls: 7 to qualify for 2020
2017: Pierre Houin/Jeremie Azou (FRA)
2018: Gary O’Donovan/Paul O’Donovan (IRL)

Women

● Single Sculls: 9 to qualify for 2020
2017: Jeannie Gmelin (SUI)
2018: Sanita Puspure (IRL)

● Double Sculls: 11 to qualify for 2020
2017: Brooke Donoghue/Olivia Loe (NZL)
2018: Milda Valciukaite/Ieva Adomaviciute (LTU)

● Quadruple Sculls: 8 to qualify for 2020
2017: Netherlands
2018: Poland

● Pairs: 11 to qualify for 2020
2017: Grace Pendergast/Kerri Gowler (NZL)
2018: Calleigh Fisher/Hillary Janssens (CAN)

● Fours: 8 to qualify for 2020
2017: Australia
2018: United States (Wanamaker, Boxberger, Bruggeman, Reelick)

● Eights: 5 to qualify for 2020
2017: Romania
2018: United States

● Lightweight Double Sculls: 7 to qualify for 2020
2017: Ionela-Livia Lehaci/Gianina Beleaga (ROU)
2018: Ionela-Livia Lehaci/Gianina Beleaga (ROU)

Finals begin on Friday and the A-finals in the Olympic-program races are on the weekend.

NBC has coverage of the Worlds, mostly on the NBC Olympic Channel, but also on NBCSN; the full schedule is here. World Rowing has excellent coverage on its own site, with a live blog and full results here.

SHOOTING: Two World Cup Skeet medals for U.S. women as Lahti closes

By
Rich Perelman
-
The women's Skeet5 medalist from Lahti: Caitlin Connor (USA: 2), Meng Wei (CHN: 1) and Amber English (USA: 3). (Photo: ISSF/Photo Rosane)

The final ISSF Shotgun World Cup of the 2019 season finished in Lahti (FIN) on Friday with the Skeet competitions, with a noteworthy comeback and two American medals.

In the men’s competition, Italy’s Luigi Lodde, 39, equaled the world record in the qualifying round with a perfect score of 125/125. But that guaranteed him nothing and he had his hands full in the final, lastly against France’s 31-year-old Eric Delaunay.

Lodde hit 19 of his 20 shots, 37 of 40 and 47 of 50. But that was tied with Delaunay and while the Frenchman had a temporary lead after 55 shots, 51-50, they ended up tied after 60 shots at 55 each.

That meant a shoot-off and while Lodde hit his first four in a row, Delaunay missed on his fourth and the victory went to the Italian. It was Lodde’s third career World Cup medal and first since he won in Tuscon (USA) back in 2014!

In the women’s Skeet final, China’s 2019 Worlds silver medalist, Meng Wei, hit 38 of her first 40 shots, eliminating everyone except Americans Caitlin Connor (35) and Amber English (34). Wei hit nine of the next 10 to place English in third, 47-40, with Connor into the final with 44.

Wei missed three of her final 10, but as Connor missed twice, the final was Wei 54 and Connor 52. It’s Wei’s second World Cup win (also in 2017), while Connor – the 2018 World Champion – settled for her third career World Cup medal, all silvers. It was also English’s third career World Cup medal. Summaries:

ISSF Shotgun World Cup
Lahti (FIN) ~ 13-23 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men/Trap: 1. Alexey Alipov (RUS), 43; 2. Joao Azevedo (POR), 43 (shoot-off: Alipov, 2-1); 3. Mauro de Filippis (ITA), 34.

Men/Skeet: 1. Luigi Lodde (ITA), 55; 2. Eric Delaunay (FRA), 55 (shoot-off: Lodde, 4-3); 3. Azmy Mehelba (EGY), 46.

Women/Trap: 1. Penny Smith (AUS), 45; 2. Satu Makela-Nummela (FIN), 40; 3. Laetisha Scanlan (AUS), 33.

Women/Skeet: 1. Meng Wei (CHN), 54; 2. Caitlin Connor (USA), 52; 3. Amber English (USA), 40.

Mixed Trap ~ Final: 1. Alessandra Perilli/Gian Marco Berti (SMR), 40; 2. Selin Ali/Marin Kirilov (BUL), 38. Third: 1. Silvana Stanco/Giovanni Pellielo (ITA), 40; 4. Safiye Sariturk/Murat Ilbigli (TUR), 39.

STAT PACK: Results for the week of 19-25 August 2019

By
Rich Perelman
-

The Stat Pack: a summary of results of international Grand Prix, World Cup and World Championships events, plus U.S. domestic events and Pan American championships events of note.

In this week’s issue are reports on 12 events in 11 sports:

● Athletics: IAAF Diamond League 12: Meeting de Paris
● Badminton: BWF World Championships in Basel
● Canoe-Kayak: ICF World Sprint Championships in Szeged
● Cycling: UCI MWT: Euroeyes Cyclassics Hamburg
● Cycling: UCI WWT: Ladies Tour of Norway
● Gymnastics: FIG Rhythmic World Challenge Cup 2 in Cluj Napoca
● Sailing: Ready Steady Tokyo: Sailing in Enoshima
● Shooting: ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lahti
● Snowboard: FIS World Cup: Big Air in Cardrona
● Sport Climb: IFSC World Championships in Hachioji
● Table Tennis: ITTF World Tour: Czech Open in Olomuoc
● Taekwondo: World Taekwondo World Cup Team Champs in Wuxi

plus our calendar of upcoming events through 6 October. Click below for the PDF:

[wpdm_package id=16318 template=”link-template-button-popup.php”]

For the stories behind the stats, be sure to visit TheSportsExaminer.com often!

BASKETBALL: U.S. World Cup team starts quickly, holds off Canada, 84-68 in Sydney

By
Rich Perelman
-
Mason Plumlee grabs one of 55 U.S. rebounds vs. Canada (Photo: USA Basketball/Nathaniel S. Butler)

Back in the friendly confines of an arena instead of an outdoor football stadium, the U.S. men’s World Cup team got off to a 20-9 first-quarter lead and cruised to a 84-68 win over Canada in Sydney, Australia on Monday.

The American squad, coming off a 98-94 loss in Melbourne to Australia on Saturday, was energetic from the tip and went up 11-2 and finished the quarter at 20-9.

The U.S. had a 46-31 lead at halftime after an 11-1 run in the final minutes, and 64-47 edge after three quarters and extended the lead to as much as 24 before losing some of the lead in the final minutes.

“Tonight was another good lesson for them to realize what the mindset has to be going into these games, how physical they are, how you have to sustain the energy for 40 minutes,” said U.S. head coach Gregg Popovich. “It’s coming along, but there’s a lot of improvement we can make, and that’s a good thing. I think we’ve got good potential there to continue to execute better than we are now. We competed, that wasn’t a problem, but execution takes time.”

Jaylen Brown led the U.S. with 19 points off the bench, followed by Kemba Walker and Donovan Mitchell with 12 each. The U.S. shot poorly again, at just 43% overall and 2-14 (14%) from three-point range. But Canada was held to just 32% from the floor (25-76) and the U.S. was back to a healthy rebounding edge at 55-37. The full box score is here.

Said Brown afterwards, “There is a lot of room to improve I think for this team, especially offensively. Defensively, we came out with the right mindset, and that’s half the battle, more than half the battle, having the right mindset. Now, we got to execute. Now, we got to take care of the ball. We got to rebound and play unselfishly, and we’ll be pretty good.”

The attendance of 15,155 at the Qudos Bank Arena was not like the wild throng of fans cheering their home team in Melbourne, but still an excellent crowd for an exhibition game.

It’s off to China now for the U.S., which will open World Cup play in Shanghai (CHN) on 1 September against the Czech Republic.

TSX DAILY: USOPC Hall of Fame voting open, and our picks ~ fabulous Meeting de Paris T&F ~ Christian Coleman’s doping hearing set ~ Nevin Harrison’s canoeing stunner

By
Rich Perelman
-
American triple jump star Will Claye

≡ TSX DAILY ~ 26 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  LANE ONE: You can vote on the next class for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, and here’s who to vote for!

A Hall of Fame for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes has been more of an idea than a tangible reality, but with the opening of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in 2020, the concept will be in bricks and mortar.

The idea started in 1979 and classes were selected and inducted from 1979-2012, when the process was stopped. It’s on again and the Class of 2019 is open for your voting through 3 September here.

There are 15 Olympians nominated for five spots, plus nine Paralympians for three slots and three Olympic teams for one spot. Just looking at the Olympians today, the nominees:

● Gary Anderson, Shooting: 1960-64-68 Olympian ~ 2 medals
● Greg Barton, Canoe/Kayak: 1984-88-92 Olympian ~ 4 medals
● Laura Berg, Softball: 1996-2000-04-08 ~ 4 medals
● Anne Donovan, Basketball: 1980-84-88; coach in 2004-08 ~ 2 medals
● Lisa Leslie, Basketball: 1996-2000-04-08 ~ 4 medals
● Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics: 2008 ~ 5 medals
● John Mayasich, Ice Hockey: 1956-60 ~ 2 medals
● Misty May-Treanor, Beach Volleyball: 2000-04-08-12 ~ 3 medals
● Jonny Moseley, Freestyle Skiing: 1998-2002 ~ 1 medal
● Apolo Anton Ohno, Short Track Speedskating: 2002-06-10 ~ 8 medals
● Mark Reynolds, Sailing: 1988-92-96-2000 ~ 3 medals
● Angela Ruggiero, Ice Hockey: 1998-2002-06-10 ~ 4 medals
● John Smith, Wrestling: 1998-92 (athlete); 2000 (coach) ~ 2 medals
● Dara Torres, Swimming: 1984-88-92-2000-08 ~ 12 medals
● Brenda Villa, Water Polo: 2000-04-08-12 ~ 4 medals

Who to vote for? Lots of medals is good and so is longevity, as stretching career over multiple Games that are four years apart is pretty difficult.

Some hard choices had to be made, but you can see The Sports Examiner’s ballot choices in Lane One here.

| 2. | ATHLETICS: Sensational wins in Paris for Noah Lyles (200 m), Daniel Roberts (110mH) and Will Claye (TJ)

The final “regular-season” meet in the IAAF Diamond League was a doozy at the Stade Charlety in Paris, with tremendous performances from several American stars:

● Noah Lyles steamed around the turn and ran away from reigning World Champion Ramil Guliyev to win the 200 m in 19.65, his second-fastest time ever, and erased yet another meet record held by Jamaican legend Usain Bolt.

● Daniel Roberts won the 110 m hurdles in a sparking 13.08, defeating 2016 Olympic silver medalist Orlando Ortega (ESP: 13.14), with NCAA champ Grant Holloway leading in the middle of the race, but fading to sixth (13.25).

● Will Claye (pictured) is having a career year, after getting married, releasing new music and now defeating Olympic and World Champion – and former Florida teammate –Christian Taylor in the triple jump. Taylor took the lead in the fifth round at 17.82 m (58-5 3/4), but Claye responded with a thunderous 18.06 m (59-3) mark to win. It’s the no. 2 mark in the world this year, behind only his 18.14 m (59-6 1/4) earlier this year. As Claye noted, it’s an especially good sign with the World Championships coming up because it was his longest jump ever outside of the U.S.!

A new star on the horizon is Hanna Green, who hadn’t broken two minutes in the 800 m until this season, but defeated most of the top contenders for the Worlds in 1:58.39 with a smart, patient race that saw her race by almost everyone in the final 200 m. Why the improvement? “The big thing for me this year is just not being injured, I’ve been able to get through all the big workouts and because of that I’ve brought a lot more confidence into races.”

Sam Kendricks of the U.S. won the pole vault at 6.00 m (19-8 1/4); Norway’s Karsten Warholm ran brilliantly again to win the 400 m hurdles in 47.26 and Tom Walsh of New Zealand won the shot put at 22.44 m (73-7 1/2) ahead of American Joe Kovacs (22.11 m/72-6 1/2).

The first of two Diamond League finals comes on Thursday (29th) at the Weltklasse im Zurich meet, with the other events on 6 September in Brussels (BEL). More coverage from the Meeting de Paris here.

| 3. | ATHLETICS: Christian Coleman to have doping-violations hearing on 4 September

“I’m not a guy who takes any supplements at all, so I’m never concerned about taking drug tests, at any time. What has been widely reported concerning filing violations is simply not true. I am confident the upcoming hearing on September 4th will clear the matter and I will compete at World Championships in Doha this fall. Sometime after the hearing, I will be free to answer questions about the matter, but for now I must reserve and respect the process.”

That was 100 m world leader Christian Coleman’s comment to NBC analyst Ato Boldon, shared during the Meeting de Paris telecast on Saturday. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency added its own comment later that:

“Mr. Coleman has agreed to have the three-person independent American Arbitration Association/North American Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) arbitration panel hear the case on September 4 and issue its decision by the end of the following day, well before the IAAF World Championships.”

The USADA, working in conjunction with the Athletics Integrity Unit, claims that Coleman has missed reporting his “whereabouts” three times in a 12-month period, which is grounds for sanctions, including suspension for more than a year.

Interestingly, the Diamond League final in the men’s 100 m is this Thursday in Zurich. Will Coleman be there? If so, what will the crowd reaction be?

| 4. | BASKETBALL: U.S. men’s World Cup team looks to rebound vs. Canada

In case you missed it, the U.S. men’s national team lost a game on Saturday, losing to Australia, 98-94, in front of 52,079 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne thanks to strong team rebounding, and 30 points from guard Patty Mills (of the San Antonio Spurs; more coverage here).

It was Australia’s first-ever win over the U.S. and ended an American winning streak of 78 straight games from 2006-19 in major international competitions and attached exhibition games. That run included Olympic gold medals in 2008-12-16 and the 2010-14 World Cups.

“The loss means that we need to play better,” said U.S. head coach Gregg Popovich. “It’s a measure of who you are. Nobody wins forever. This is a group of guys that’s worked very hard, like I said, to get to know each other and get to know a system. And whatever comes, we can handle. Our job is to try to get better every day. We learned some things tonight. We’re actually a better team now than at the start of the game, because of the knowledge from the game. So, now we move on.” (Inset: Jayson Tatum)

The U.S. plays Monday in Sydney against 23-ranked Canada, then will head to China for group play in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The U.S.-Canada game will air on NBA TV starting at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time Monday morning.

| 5. | CANOE-KAYAK: Shocking win by American teen Nevin Harrison and double golds by Lisa Carrington headline Canoeing Worlds

It was prime time for the canoeing and kayaking world in Szeged, Hungary during the annual World Championships, with established stars like New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington and German Sebastian Brendel each taking home two gold medals.

But the shocker came when 17-year-old Nevin Harrison, who had shown promise on the World Cup circuit and is in the midst of a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for training and travel, upset a field with World Champs medal winners to win the C-1 200 m race and place herself in medal contention for Tokyo in 2020.

This race, especially, was in turmoil after a surprise doping positive was returned against 11-time World Champion Laurence Vincent-Lapointe (CAN; more here), but the silver and bronze medalists were back. Harrison was only third in her heat and second in her semi. But she was first to the line in the final. In case you’re wondering, the U.S. hasn’t won an Olympic medal in canoeing since 2004. Harrison’s win was the only U.S. medal at the 2019 Worlds.

Superstars Carrington and Brendel both won twice. Carrington took her seventh straight World title in the K-1 200 m and added the K-1 500 m as well. Brendel repeated as champ in the C-1 5,000 m and won the C-1 500 m and was second in the C-1 1,000 m.

Belarus won the most medals with 14 (6-4-4), followed by Hungary (12: 5-4-3) and Germany (11: 6-4-1). More here.

| 6. | CYCLING: Quintana takes first individual stage at La Vuelta; Vos takes over Women’s Tour

The last of the three annual Grand Tour is underway as the 74th La Vuelta Ciclista a Espana began with a team time trial on Saturday. This year’s route is especially brutal and very much made for climbers, as shown by Sunday’s win by Colombian Nairo Quintana, the 2016 winner.

He moved clear of Ireland’s Nicolas Roche in the final 3 km and won over Roche, Primoz Roglic (SLO), Rigoberto Uran (COL) and Fabio Aru (ITA) by five seconds. Because Roche’s team was faster in the time trial, he now wears the red leader’s jersey, with a two-second lead on Quintana.

Dutch star Marianne Vos won three of the four stages in the Ladies Tour of Norway and won the race for the third straight year. This time, she finished ahead of American Coryn Rivera by 29 seconds, the latter’s second straight medal in this race.

Vos’s domination was so complete that she collected enough points to take over the seasonal lead on the Women’s World Tour from countrywoman Annemiek van Vleuten, 1,467.00-1,367.67 with four races remaining. More cycling coverage here.

| 7. | JUDO: First World Champions crowned and Iran up to its old tricks vs. Israel

The 2019 World Judo Championships has begun in Tokyo, Japan at the famed Nippon Budokan hall where the sport was introduced at the 1964 Olympic Games and will be held against next year.

Sunday’s first day of competition saw the last two women’s world champs collide at 48 kg and Ukraine’s Daria Bilodid managed a second consecutive win over Japan’s Funa Tonaki, the 2017 Worlds winner.  In the men’s 60 kg final, Lukhumi Chkhvimiani (GEO) won his first world title with a modest upset of Uzbek Sharafuddin Lutfillaev.

However, politics was also at play in Tokyo. Iran, which has a strong team, decided not to compete in the 2019 Worlds, except for defending 81 kg champion Saeid Mollaei (pictured above). Pressured by the International Judo Federation to stop avoiding matches against Israeli opponents, the Iranian Judo Federation and Iranian National Olympic Committee agreed in May that it would abide by the federation’s rules on non-discrimination.

So much for that. As for top-seed Mollaei, his draw will not place him in a bout with Israel’s no. 2-seeded Sagi Muki until the finals. Now that could be interesting.

| 8. | FOOTBALL: Massive crowd in Philadelphia for U.S. Women’s “Victory Tour” match

U.S. Soccer reported that more than 44,100 tickets have been sold for Thursday’s second “Victory Tour” match for the U.S. Women’s National Team at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

It’s a record for a stand-alone friendly, as the U.S. women will face Portugal on Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time and shown on FS1. According to the federation:

“The previous USWNT record for a stand-alone friendly – a game that was not a part of a World Cup, Olympics or a doubleheader – was set during the first match of the 2015 Victory Tour after that year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph when 44,028 fans came out to Heinz Field, home of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, to watch the team defeat Costa Rica 8-0 on Aug. 16.”

The U.S.’s 3-0 victory over Ireland drew 37,040 to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on 3 August and there are three more games scheduled after Thursday’s game.

| 9. | SCOREBOARD: Badminton history in Basel and a U.S. 1-2 in the Snowboard World Cup opener (!)

● Badminton: History made at the Total BWF World Championships in Switzerland, as Japan won the most medals, with China second. It’s the first time that the Chinese did not win the most medals since 1995, breaking a streak of 17 World Champs in a row. Japan’s Kento Momota was impressive as the repeat men’s Singles winner and India’s P. Sindhu Pusarla became a national hero with a world title after silver medals in 2017 and 2018.

● Rhythmic Gymnastics: Israel’s Linoy Ashram won three events and four total individual medals to headline the second FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Cluj Nopaca, Romania.

● Snowboard: Believe it or not, the FIS Snowboard World Cup season started at the Winter Games NZ in Cardrona with a Big Air competition. American Chris Corning defended his 2018 win with two spectacular runs, while 2018 OWG Slopestyle gold medalist Red Gerard was second.

● Table Tennis: Youth ran wild at the ITTF World Tour Czech Open in Olomuoc (CZE), as 18-year-old Yun-Ju Lin (TPE) won his first World Tour men’s Singles title and the Korean pair of Daeseong Cho (16) and Yubin Shin (14) took the Mixed Doubles crown. China’s Xingtong Chen (22) won her second straight World Tour event in the women’s Singles.

| 10. | THE LAST WORD: U.S. hurdles star Grant Holloway, the world leader at 12.98, was only sixth on Saturday, but he had the best responses at the pre-Meeting de Paris news conference:

● “Why did I give up American Football? Because I want to walk when I’m 30.”

● “I trust my coach. I trust my training. I was able to peak at NCAAs and I’ll be able to peak again in October.”

LANE ONE: You can vote on the next class for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, and here’s who to vote for!

By
Rich Perelman
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Three-time Olympic Beach Volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor

The concept of a U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame got going pretty late, conceived in 1979 and only admitting its first class in 1983. There was no separate building for it, and there still isn’t. But there will be soon.

The “virtual Hall” admitted classes from 1983 through 2012 and has 109 individual Olympians and Paralympians, 10 teams, four coaches and 18 special contributors for a total of 141 inductees. With the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum now under construction in Colorado Springs, Colorado and opening in 2020, there will be a physical Hall of Fame and the USOPC has now opened voting to the public for the Class of 2019 (through 3 September).

The USOPC has nominated 15 Olympians for five slots, with some obvious choices and some tougher ones. Here’s a look at the ballot – very well done, by the way – and my own, unsolicited advice on who should be honored this year:

● Gary Anderson, Shooting: 1960-64-68 Olympian
> Gold medals in 300 m Free Rifle/3 Positions (1960) and Mixed Free Rifle/3 Positions (1964).

● Greg Barton, Canoe/Kayak: 1984-88-92
> Gold medals in K-1 1,000 m and K-2 1,000 m in 1988;
> Bronze medals in K-1 1,000 m (1984) and K-1 1,000 m (1992).

● Laura Berg, Softball: 1996-2000-04-08
> Gold medals in 1996-2000-04; silver in 2008 as a starting centerfielder.

● Anne Donovan, Basketball: 1980-84-88; coach in 2004-08
> Gold medals in 1984-88 as starting center;
> “Gold medals” as assistant coach in 2004 and as head coach in 2008.

● Lisa Leslie, Basketball: 1996-2000-04-08
> Gold medals in all four Games; led the U.S. in scoring in 1996-2000-04.

● Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics: 2008
> Gold medal in the All-Around; silvers in Team A-A, Uneven Bars, Beam; bronze in Floor.

● John Mayasich, Ice Hockey: 1956-60
> Gold medal in 1960 (as a defenseman); silver in 1956 (as a forward).

● Misty May-Treanor, Beach Volleyball: 2000-04-08-12
> Gold medals in 2004-08-12 with Kerri Walsh Jennings; fifth with Holly McPeak in 2000.

● Jonny Moseley, Freestyle Skiing: 1998-2002
> Gold medal in Moguls in 1998; fourth in 2002.

● Apolo Anton Ohno, Short Track Speedskating: 2002-06-10
> Gold medals in 1,500 m (2002), 500 m (2006); silvers in 1,000 m (2002), 1,500 m (2010) and bronzes in 1,000 m & 5,000 m Relay in 2006 and 2010.

● Mark Reynolds, Sailing: 1988-92-96-2000
> Gold in Star class (2000); silvers in Star (1988-92).

● Angela Ruggiero, Ice Hockey: 1998-2002-06-10
> Gold in 1998 as defender; silver in 2002 and 2019; bronze in 2006;
> Athletes Commission member of the International Olympic Committee, 2010-18.

● John Smith, Wrestling: 1998-92 (athlete); 2000 (coach)
> Gold medals at 62 kg in 1988 and 1992.

● Dara Torres, Swimming: 1984-88-92-2000-08
> Gold medals on relays in 1984 (1)-92 (1)-2000 (2); relay silvers in 1988 (1)-2008 (2); relay bronze in 1988 (1).
> Individual silver in 50 m Free (2008); bronzes in 50-100 Free & 50 m Fly (2000).

● Brenda Villa, Water Polo: 2000-04-08-12
> Gold medal in 2012; silvers in 2000 & 2008; bronze in 2004.

It’s a fabulously accomplished group of nominees. What’s important to remember is that this is an Olympic Hall of Fame. Although the USOPC bios include achievements outside of the Games, I don’t; whatever these folks did outside of the Games is not as relevant as what they did at the Games. So my ballot will include:

(1) Misty May-Treanor

Along with the still-active Walsh Jennings, the pair defined what excellence in women’s beach volleyball looks like. That she was able to qualify for the Games with two different partners is remarkable and to play in four Games – and win three gold medals – makes her a Hall of Famer.

By the way, whenever Walsh Jennings comes onto the ballot, she’s in too.

(2) John Mayasich

What’s astounding about Mayasich is that despite playing in two Olympic Games at ages 22 and 26, he never played in the National Hockey League. His career was in broadcasting, especially in the early days of FM radio, building a St. Paul station into a top performer and then as an executive for Hubbard Broadcasting. He led the U.S. in scoring in both Games (seven goals) and was a key defender on the miracle 1960 team that beat the USSR, 3-2, and won the gold medal.

(3) Apolo Anton Ohno

The guy won eight Winter Games medals over three Games, including in six individual events and two golds in the notoriously wild Short Track program. His Olympic exploits helped introduce and then popularize the sport to U.S. audiences and his sustained excellence from ages 19-27 was very impressive.

(4) Dara Torres

One of the most impressive qualities of a great Olympic performer is to be able maintain world-class performance levels over multiple quadrennials. It’s incredibly difficult and Torres achieved astonishing results over a five-Games career that spanned ages 17 to 41. True, eight of her 12 medals are from relays, but she won four individual medals at ages 33 (in 2000) and 41 (in 2008). She retired twice, coming back after seven years off for 2000 and seven more (and a baby) for 2008. If we value the concept of never giving up and doing what you love, then Torres has to be part of the Hall of Fame for her perseverance to be great across more than 20 years, in a sport that is normally dominated by those in the teens and 20s.

Deciding on the last one was difficult, especially among those who played in team sports. Several were deserving, but only one finished undefeated and with four gold medals:

(5) Lisa Leslie

Another long Olympic career, from age 24 through age 36. She set a U.S. Olympic record with 35 points against Japan in the 1996 quarterfinals in Atlanta and led the U.S. team in scoring with 19.5 points a game in 1996, 15.8 in 2000 and 15.6 in 2004. She averaged 10.1 points a game in 2008 at age 36 and scored in double figures in 28 of her 32 Olympic tournament games.

Oh yes, one more thing to consider. Her teams were 32-0 in her four Olympic appearances. How many others can say that?

The five inductees from this group will be announced on 23 September and inducted on 1 November, in Colorado Springs. There is also voting for three Paralympians (out of nine candidates) and one Olympic team (out of three candidates). Look for more advice on who to vote for in the coming days! Remember, cast your vote here by 3 September.

Rich Perelman
Editor

SNOWBOARD: Corning defends Winter Games NZ title as U.S. finishes 1-2 in Big Air opener

By
Rich Perelman
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Second straight Winter Games NZ Big Air title for Chris Corning (USA) (Photo: Iain McGregor/WGNZ)

The FIS World Cup season for underway – at least for the men – in New Zealand with the first of four competitions in Big Air. The men’s event went off as scheduled, but the women’s finals were not held due to high winds that came up after the men’s event was completed.

American Chris Corning came in as the defending champion and defend he did. According to the FIS report:

“Sitting in third place after the first run with a score of 80.75 for a frontside 1440 melon, Chris leapfrogged into top spot on run two, stomping a jaw-dropping quad cork 1800 for a score of 95.50 and a two-jump combined score of 176.25, stunning both the crowd and his fellow riders at the top of the course in the process.”

Said the winner afterwards, “I’m super happy we got this contest off, and everyone rode so well. It means everything to get this win; this is what we come to do, this is what we spend all year training for, this is what all the hard work goes into. I’m happy to come out with the win.

“There were a few of us from the very start of the day who wanted the contest to go. Sometimes the wind is really tough, but today it was really steady and didn’t matter than much and a lot of us were able to ride right through it. And then once we started the contest it calmed right down, so it worked out perfectly.”

Corning teammate Red Gerard, the Slopestyle gold winner from PyeongChang, had three quality runs, scoring 87.00 on his first try – good for second place – and stayed consistent with follow-up scores of 72.25 and 74.25. His best two runs totaled 161.25, ahead of bronze medalist Kalle Jarvilehto (FIN) at 160.25.

For the women’s competition, the qualifying scores had to be used, handing the victory to Finland’s Enni Rukajarvi. Summaries:

FIS Snowboard World Cup
Cardrona (NZL) ~ 24-25 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men/Big Air: 1. Chris Corning (USA), 176.25; 2. Red Gerard (USA), 161.25; 3. Kalle Jarvilehto (FIN), 160.25; 4. Nicolas LaFramboise (CAN), 160.00; 5. Matthew Cox (AUS), 158.00. Also: 6. Lyon Farrell (USA), 101.50; … 8. Luke Winkelmann (USA), 81.00.

Women/Big Air (qualifying scores) 1. Enni Rukajarvi (FIN), 86.00; 2. Katie Ormerod (GBR), 83.75; 3. Silje Norendal (NOR), 83.00; 4. Sarka Pancochova (CZE), 81.50; 5. Zoi Sadowski Synnott (NZL), 78.25.

CANOE/KAYAK: Carrington and Brendel win two each, stunning U.S. win for Harrison in Canoe Sprint Worlds

By
Rich Perelman
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Teen sensation (and World Champion) Nevin Harrison of the U.S. (Photo: ICF)

Two of the expected stars came through with two golds apiece at the 2019 ICF World Sprint Championships, but the biggest of the event came from U.S. teen Nevin Harrison in front of excited crowds in Szeged, Hungary.

The International Canoe Federation’s own report told it well:

“17-year-old Nevin Harrison was barely known even in her own country before winning C1 gold at the Pan American Games, but the American has thrown herself into medal contention for next year’s C1 200 Olympic debut with a stunning gold in Szeged.

“Canadian multiple world champion, Laurence Vincent-Lapointe, suspended because of a doping violation, was the only big name missing from the final, but it didn’t phase Harrison, who beat home Russian Olesia Romasenko and Belarus’s Alena Nazdrova.

“’I was going into that final thinking, man I’m just happy to be here, and I never ever felt that a medal was possible, and especially gold,’ Harrison said.

“’Oh my gosh, it’s been my dream since I was a little kid to make the Olympics, it’s so good to be here.’”

The result was completely unexpected, especially since Harrison had been third in her heat and second in her semifinal. But she beat the 2018 Worlds runner-up Romasenko by 49.30-49.74 with Nazdrova third for the second straight year in 49.99.

Pretty amazing; women’s canoeing will be introduced into the Olympic program in Tokyo for the first time, and the U.S. hasn’t won an Olympic medal in flatwater canoeing since 2004. Harrison has had a GoFundMe campaign on since last November, raising $3,180 of a hoped-for $10,000 to help her get to the Games. She should do better in the fund-raising now.

Two of canoeing’s big stars showed well in Hungary, with Germany’s Sebastian Brendel and New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington both winning twice:

● Brendel won the C-1 500 m for the first time in his career at the World Championships and took the C-1 5,000 m for the sixth time. He finished second to Brazil’s Isaquias Quieroz dos Santos in the C-1 1,000 m that he had won four times before, and now owns 20 World Champs medals: 12 gold, five silvers and three bronzes.

● Carrington dominated the women’s K-1 200 m and K-1 500 m races; it’s her seventh world title in a row in the 200 m and third in the 500 m. Her career totals are now up to 17 Worlds medals, with 10 golds, five silvers and two bronzes. She will be the heavy favorite in both events in Tokyo.

With 30 events on the program, there were only five repeat winners (including team events with the same team members):

Men:
● C-1 5,000 m: Sebastian Brendel (GER)
● K-2 1,000 m: Max Hoff (GER), with Jacob Schopf vs. Marcus Gross (2018)
● K-4 500 m: Germany, with the same team: Tom Liebscher, Ronald Rauhe, Max Rendschmidt and Max Lemke

Women:
● K-1 200 m: Lisa Carrington (NZL)
● K-2 1,000 m: Erika Medveczky (HUN), with Reka Hagymasi vs. Tamara Csipes (2018)

In addition to Brendel and Carrington, double winners included Tom Leibscher (GER) in the K-1 500 m and K-4 500 m; Belarus’s Maryna Livinchuk and Volha Khudzenka in the K-2 200 m and K-2 500 m and two Hungarian paddlers: Dora Bodonyi in the K-1 5,000 m and the K-4 500 m and Tamara Csipes in the K-1 1,000 m and K-4 500 m.

Belarus won the most medals with 14 (6-4-4), followed by Hungary (12: 5-4-3) and Germany (11: 6-4-1). Summaries:

ICF World Sprint Championships
Szeged (HUN) ~ 21-25 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men

C-1 200 m: 1. Henrikas Zustautus (LTU), 39.36; 2. Artsem Kozyr (BLR), 40.08; 3. Zaza Nadiradze (GEO), 40.24; 4. Alfonso Benavides (ESP), 40.79; 5. Jonatan Hajdu (HUN), 41.18.

C-1 500 m: 1. Sebastian Brendel (GER), 1:53.59; 2. Angel Kodinov (BUL), 1:54.49; 3. Oleg Tarnovschi (MDA), 1:54.94; 4. Wiktor Glazunow (POL), 1:55.28; 5. Mikhail Karpov (RUS), 1:55.79.

C-1 1,000 m (OG): 1. Isaquias Queiroz dos Santos (BRA), 3:59.23; 2. Tomasz Kacsor (POL), 4:00.92; 3. Adrien Bart (FRA), 4:01.55; 4. Sebastian Brendel (GER), 4:01.60; 5. Martin Fuksa (CZE), 4:02.02.

C-1 5,000 m: 1. Sebastian Brendel (GER), 22:15.86; 2. Balazs Adolf (HUN), 22:19.15; 3. Fernando Jorge Enriquez (CUB), 22:30.46; 4. Carlo Tacchini (ITA), 22:34.62; 5. Rigoberto Camilo (MEX), 23:00.21.

C-2 200 m: 1. Alberto Pedrero/Pablo Grana (ESP), 36.06; 2. Michal Marek Lubniewski/Arsen Sliwinski (POL), 36.18; 3. Artur Guliev/Elyorjon Mamadaliev (UZB), 36.42; 4. Hieb Saladukha/Dzianis Makhlai (BLR), 36.61; 5. Merey Medetov/Timur Khaidarov (KAZ), 36.73.

C-2 500 m: 1. Qiang Li/Sing Xing (CHN), 1:37.33; 2. Jonatan Hajdu/Adam Fekete (HUN), 1:38.41; 3. Alfonso Benavides/Antoni Segura (ESP), 1:38.97; 4. Pavel Petrov/Mikhail Pavlov (RUS), 1:39.04; 5. Jan Vandrey/Conrad-Robin Scheibner (GER), 1:39.43.

C-2 1,000 m (OG): 1. Hao Liu/Hao Wang (CHN), 3:40.55; 2. Serguey Torres Madrigal/Fernando Jorge Enriquez (CUB), 3:41.46; 3. Erlon Silva/Isaquias Querioz dos Santos (BRA), 3:44.34; 4. Peter Kretschmer/Yul Oetze (GER), 3:45.17; 5. Victor Mihalachi/Catalin Chirila (ROU), 3:45.34.

C-4 500 m: 1. Russia (Shtyl, Petrov, Melantev, Pavlov), 1:34.69; 2. Germany, 1:35.83; 3. Belarus, 1:37.14; 4. Ukraine, 1:37.68; 5. Hungary, 1:39.17.

K-1 200 m (OG): 1. Liam Heath (GBR), 34.86; 2. Strahinja Stefanovic (SRB), 35.04; 3. Carlos Garrotte (ESP), 35.12; 4. Maxime Beaumont (FRA), 35.36; 5. Manfredi Rizza (ITA), 35.38.

K-1 500 m: 1. Tom Liebscher (GER), 1:35.04; 2. Mikita Borykau (BLR), 1:35.19; 3. Maxim Spesivtsev (RUS), 1:35.49; 4. Thomas Green (AUS), 1:35.85; 5. Bence Dombvari (HUN), 1:36.41.

K-1 1,000 m (OG): 1. Balint Kopasz (HUN), 3:36.07; 2. Josef Dostal (CZE), 3:37.31; 3. Fernando Pimenta (POR), 3:37.63; 4. Peter Gelle (SVK), 3:39.99; 5. Maxim Spesivtsev (RUS), 3:40.04.

K-1 5,000 m: 1. Aleh Yurenia (BLR), 19:54.07; 2. Max Hoff (GER), 19:57.56; 3. Pimenta (POR), 20:19.94; 4. Joakim Lindberg (SWE), 20:20.55; 5. Jost Zakrajsek (SLO), 20:21.46. Also: 26. Nathan Humbertson (USA), 22:30.99.

K-2 200 m: 1. Iurii Postrigai/Alexander Dyachenko (RUS), 33.05; 2. Piotr Mazur/Bartosz Grabowski (POL), 33.10; 3. Mark Balaska/Levente Apagyi (HUN), 33.30; 4. Kostja Stroinski/Timo Haseleu (GER), 33.32; 5. Juan Oriyes/Daniel Abad (ESP), 33.42.

K-2 500 m: 1. Stanislau Daineka/Dzmitry Natynchyk (BLR), 1:33;13. 2. Pelayo Roza/Pedro Vazquez (ESP), 1:33.48; 3. Marcus Gross/Martin Hiller (GER), 1:34.50; 4. Ervin Holpert/Marko Novakovic (SRB), 1:34.52; 5. Zsombor Noe/Gabor Bogar (HUN), 1:35.66.

K-2 1,000 m (OG): 1. Max Hoff/Jacob Schopf (GER), 3:20.53; 2. Francisco Cubelos/Inigo Pena (ESP), 3:21.79; 3. Cyrille Carre/Etienne Hubert (FRA), 3:22.96; 4. Josef Dostal/Radek Slouf (CZE), 3:23.19; 5. Jordan Wood/Riley Fitzsimmons (AUS), 3:23.22.

K-4 500 m (OG): 1. Germany (Liebscher, Rauhe, Rendschmidt, Lemke), 1:19.26; 2. Spain, 1:19.77; 3. Slovakia, 1:20.96; 4. Russia, 1:21.00; 5. Hungary, 1:21.10.

K-4 1,000 m: 1. Germany (Reuschenbach, Frank, Thordsen, Schultz), 2:48.79; 2. Russia, 2:49.78; 3. Slovakia, 2:50.44; 4. Hungary, 2:52.20; 5. Belarus, 2:52.32.

Women

C-1 200 m (OG): 1. Nevin Harrison (USA), 49.30; 2. Olesia Romasenko (RUS), 49.74; 3. Alena Nazdrova (BLR). 49.99; 4. Maria Mailliard (CHI), 50.09; 5. Katie Vincent (CAN), 50.12.

C-1 500 m: 1. Alena Nazdrova (BLR), 2:00.73; 2. Kseniia Kurach (RUS), 2:01.64; 3. Anastasiia Chetverikova (UKR), 2:03.83; 4. Yanan Ma (CHN), 2:07.68; 5. Giada Bragato (HUN), 2:07.86.

C-1 5,000 m: 1. Volha Klimava (BLR), 25:34.67; 2. Maria Mailliard (CHI), 25:56.41; 3. Yajue Zhang (CHN), 26:14.90; 4. Zsanett Lakatos (HUN), 26:30.41; 5. Maria Corbera (ESP), 26:30.82. Also: 14. Ann Armstrong (USA), 28:42.92.

C-2 200 m: 1. Wenjun Lin/Luqi Zhang (CHN), 44.69; 2. Kincso Takacs/Virag Balla (HUN), 45.16; 3. Dilnoza Rakhmatova/Nilufar Zorikova (UZB), 46.60; 4. Volha Klimava/Nadzeya Makarchanka (BLR), 46.81; 5. Daria Kharchenko/Kseniia Kurach (RUS), 47.77.

C-2 500 m (OG): 1. Mengya Sun/Shixiao Xu (CHN), 2:02.81; 2. Takacs/Balla (HUN), 2:04.49; 3. Klimava/Makarchanka (BLR), 2:07.74; 4. Lisa Jahn/Ophelia Preller (GER), 2:08.18; 5. Rakhmatova/Zorikova (UZB), 2:08.47.

K-1 200 m (OG) 1. Lisa Carrington (NZL), 39.39; 2. Marta Walczykiewicz (POL), 41.33; 3. tie, Emma Jorgensen (DEN) and Teresa Portela (ESP), 41.34; 5. Mariia Kichasova-Skoryk (UKR), 41.46.

K-1 500 m (OG): 1. Carrington (NZL), 1:55.76; 2. Volha Khudzenka (BLR), 1:57.39; 3. Danuta Kozak (HUN), 1:58.01; 4. Milica Starovic (SRB), 1:59.19; 5. Jorgensen (DEN), 1:59.69.

K-1 1,000 m: 1. Tamara Csipes (HUN), 4:07.90; 2. Justyna Iskrzycka (POL), 4:09.26; 3. Lizzie Broughton (GBR), 4:10.44; 4. Sarah Bruessler (GER), 4:10.58; 5. Mariana Petrusova (SVK), 4:12.44.

K-1 5,000 m: 1. Dora Bodonyi (HUN), 22:02.23; 2. Tabea Medert (GER), 22:03.85; 3. Maryna Litvinchuk (BLR), 22:04.08; 4. Bridgitte Hartley (RSA), 22:17.76; 5. Kristina Bedec (SRB), 22:22.38. Also: 18. Kaitlin McElroy (USA), 23:38.79.

K-2 200 m: 1. Maryna Litvinchuk/Volha Khudzenka (BLR), 36.21; 2. Spela Ponomarenko Janic/Anja Osterman (SLO), 36.72; 3. Blanka Kiss/Anna Lucz (HUN), 36.79; 4. Kristina Kovnir/Anastasiia Dolgova (RUS), 36.99; 5. Mariya Povkh/Liudmyla Kuklinovska (UKR), 37.11.

K-2 500 m (OG): 1. Maryna Livinchuk/Volha Khudzenka (BLR), 1:42.55; 2. Karolina Naja/Anna Pulawska (POL), 1:43.34; 3. Ponomarenko Janic/Osterman (SLO), 1:44.21; 4. Hermien Peters/Lize Broekx (BEL), 1:44.49; 5. Sarah Guyot/Manon Hostens (FRA), 1:44.90.

K-2/1,000 m: 1. Erika Medveczky/Reka Hagymasi (HUN), 3:34.23; 2. Tabea Medert/Sarah Bruessler (GER), 3:35.59; 3. Karina Alanis/Maricela Montemayor (MEX), 3:40.91; 4. Alena Kostromitina/Daria Lukina (RUS), 3:45.15; 5. Camila Morison/Barbara Pardo (ESP), 3:45.79.

K-4 500 m: 1. Hungary (Bodonyi, Medveczky, Csipes, Gazso), 1:32.91; 2. Belarus, 1:33.69; 3. Poland, 1:34.77; 4. New Zealand, 1:35.35; 5. France, 1:37.08.

TABLE TENNIS: Youth has its way with teen wins at Czech Open, but two in a row for Xingtong Chen

By
Rich Perelman
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Czech Open winner Yun-Ju Lin (TPE) (Photo: ITTF)

Chinese Taipei’s Yun-Ju Lin and the Korean pair of Daeseong Cho and Yubin Shin put on a show of teenage power in the finals of the Czech Open in the city of Olomuoc over the weekend.

First, Cho, 16, and Shin, 14, won the Mixed Doubles title over veterans Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito of Japan, 3-2, for their first ITTF World Tour victory. Shin is the youngest-ever to be part of a World Tour Mixed Doubles tournament victory.

Cho wasn’t done, either, teaming with Sangsu Lee to win the men’s Doubles in a 3-1 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Cheng-Ting Liao and Lin.

Lin had the spotlight on his own on Sunday, and at 18, scored his first World Tour victory, over German veteran Dmitrij Ovtcharov, 4-1, in his second final. Lin defeated Timo Boll (GER) in the semis; between the two Germans, they had 68 years and 28 World Tour titles to 18 and none for Lin at the start of the tournament!

China’s Xingtong Chen, 22, won her second World Tour title in a row with a tight, 4-3 win over Japan’s Miu Hirano. Summaries:

ITTF World Tour/Czech Open
Olomuoc (CZE) ~ 22-25 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men/Singles: 1. Yun-Ju Lin (TPE); 2. Dimitrij Ovtcharov (GER); 3. Timo Boll (GER) and Hugo Calderano (BRA). Final: Lin d. Ovtcharov, 4-1.

Men/Doubles: 1. Daeseong Cho/Sangsu Lee (KOR); 2. Cheng-Ting Liao/Yun-Ju Lin (TPE); 3. Robert Gardos/Daniel Habesohn (AUT) and Nandor Ecseki/Adam Szudi (HUN). Final: Cho/Lee d. Liao/Lin, 3-1.

Women/Singles: 1. Xingtong Chen (CHN); 2. Miu Hirano (JPN); 3. Kasumi Ishikawa (JPN) and Yalan Feng (CHN). Final: Chen d. Hirano, 4-3.

Women/Doubles: 1. Yuting Gu/Zi Mu (CHN); 2. Miu Hirano/Saki Shibata (JPN); 3. Szu-Yu Chen/HsienTzu Cheng (TPE) and Hayeong Kim/Eunhye Lee (KOR). Final: Gu/Mu d. Hirano/Shibata, 3-1.

Mixed Doubles: 1. Daeseong Cho/Yubin Shin (KOR); 2. Jun Mizutani/Mima Ito (JPN); 3. Gustavo Tsuboi/Bruna Takahashi (BRA) and Stefan Fegerl/Sofia Polcanova (AUT). Final: Cho/Shin d. Mizutani/Ito, 3-2.

GYMNASTICS: Three wins for Ashram, 11 medals for Israel in Rhythmic World Challenge Cup

By
Rich Perelman
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Five-time Worlds medal winner Linoy Ashram (ISR)

Russia is the dominant power in Rhythmic Gymnastics, but Israel has been moving up smartly and had a dominant performance at the second Rhythmic World Challenge Cup in Cluj Napoca, Romania.

A silver and bronze medalist in the last two World Championships All-Around, Ashram won the All-Around, Hoop and Ribbon events and scored a silver in Clubs. Her teammate, Nicol Zelikman, 18, won four bronzes. The Israelis also scored a win in the Group All-Around and medals in the other two group events.

Russia’s Ekaterina Selezneva won the Ball event and was runner-up in the All-Around, and Ukraine’s Vlada Nicolchenko took the Clubs title. Summaries:

Rhythmic World Challenge Cup II
Cluj Napoca (ROU) ~ 23-25 August 2019
(Full results here)

All-Around: 1. Linoy Ashram (ISR), 88.850; 2. Ekaterina Selezneva (RUS), 88.400; 3. Nicol Zelikman (ISR), 85.100. Also in the top 10: 10. Laura Zeng (USA), 78.000.

Hoop: 1. Ashram (ISR), 23.400; 2. Selezneva (RUS), 23.050; 3. Zelikman (ISR), 22.350.

Ball: 1. Selezneva (RUS), 22.850; 2. Daria Trubnikova (RUS), 22.750; 3. Zelikman (ISR), 22.300. Also: 6. Camilla Feeley (USA), 19.960; … 8. Zeng (USA), 19.200.

Ribbon: 1. Ashram (ISR), 22.250; 2. Alexandra Agiurculese (ITA), 20.600; 3. Zelikman (ISR), 20.000. Also: 7. Zeng (USA), 17.100.

Clubs: 1. Vlada Nicolchenko (UKR), 22.450; 2. Ashram (ISR), 22.050; 3. Denisa Mailat (ROU), 21.600.

Group All-Around: 1. Israel, 26.650; 2. Ukraine, 24.950; 3. Azerbaijan, 24.450.

Group/5 Balls: 1. Ukraine, 28.400; 2. Azerbaijan, 26.100; 3. Israel, 25.250.

Group/3 Hoops+4 Clubs: 1. Ukraine, 27.800; 2. Israel, 26.350; 3. Azerbaijan, 24.650.

CYCLING: Quintana wins first La Vuelta climb; Vos dominates Norway and Viviani wins in Hamburg

By
Rich Perelman
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Nairo Quintana (COL) celebrates his stage 2 win in the 2019 La Vuelta a Espana

The route for the 2019 La Vuelta a Espana has been arranged for climbers. After a nice, easy, flat route for Saturday’s team time trial opener, the climbing started immediately on Sunday, but the decisive action came only in the final 10 km.

A breakaway group of six men – all fine climbers – including Nairo Quintana and Rigoberto Uran from Colombia, Nicholas Roche (IRL), Primoz Roglic (SLO), Fabio Aru (ITA) and Mikel Nieve (ESP) – broke away from the pack with about 10 km remaining, mostly on the decent into Calpe. But Quintana moved again with 3 km left and no one could keep up.

He won the stage – his third career in La Vuelta – with Roche and Roglic closest at the finish, but five seconds behind. Roche, based on his team’s better performance in the time trial, wears the red jersey for Monday’s hilly stage into Alicante. The next mountain stage comes Wednesday.

If you win three stages in a four-stage race, you’re in pretty good shape to win the overall title and that’s just what Dutch star Marianne Vos did at the Ladies Tour of Norway.

Embed from Getty Images

Three of the four races turned out to be mass sprints, but Vos was best on the crucial stage 3, which had a modest uphill finish. She took advantage and win decisively, five seconds ahead of American Coryn Rivera and 11 seconds in front of Canada’s Leah Kirchmann, who finished 2-3 in the overall standings.

Dutch riders have now won five of the six Ladies Tour of Norway editions, with Vos winning the last three. It was Vos’s third win of this season and first in a stage race. With the overall victory and wins in three stages, she vaults over countrywoman Annemiek van Vleuten into the overall Women’s World Tour lead with four races remaining in the season. Vos finished second last year to van Vleuten, but now has a chance to win the seasonal trophy.

At the Euroeyes Cyclassics in Hamburg (GER), Italy’s Elia Viviani won his third race of the World Tour season and his third straight Cyclassics Hamburg with a final sprint set up by his Deceuninck-Quick Step teammate Michael Morkov (DEN).

An early break away on the 216.0 km route was reeled in on the final climb up the Waseberg and the sprinters tried to maneuver for position close to the finish. Morkov sprinted out in the final 200 m and led Viviani to a clear path to the finish. Australia’s Caleb Ewan was second and Italy’s Giacomo Nizzolo third. Summaries:

UCI World Tour/La Vuelta a Espana
Spain ~ 24 August-15 September 2019
(Full results here)

Stage 1 (13.4 km Team Time Trial): 1. Astana (KAZ), 14:51; 2. Deceuninck-Quick Step (BEL), 14.53; 3. Team Sunweb (GER), 14:56; 4. EF Education First (USA), 14:58; 5. Bora-hansgrohe (GER), 15:04.

Stage 2 (199.6 km): 1. Nairo Quintana (COL), 5:11:17; 2. Nicholas Roche (IRL), 5:11:22; 3. Primoz Roglic (SLO), 5:11:22; 4. Rigoberto Uran (COL), 5:11:22; 5. Fabio Aru (ITA), 5:11:22.

UCI World Tour/EuroEyes Cyclassics Hamburg
Hamburg (GER) ~ 25 August 2019
(Full results here)

Final Standings (216.0 km): 1. Elia Viviani (ITA), 4:47:26; 2. Caleb Ewan (AUS), 4:27:26; 3. Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA), 4:47:26; 4. Alexander Kristoff (NOR), +4:47:26; 5. Mike Teinissen (NED), 4:47:26; 6. Peter Sagan (SVK), 4:47:26; 7. Matteo Trentin (ITA), 4:47:26; 8. Arnaud Demare (FRA), 4:47:26; 9. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA), 4:47:26; 10. Oliver Naesen (BEL), 4:47:26.

UCI Women’s World Tour/Ladies Tour of Norway
Norway ~ 22-25 August 2019
(Full results here)

Final Standings: 1. Marianne Vos (NED), 3:52:54; 2. Coryn Rivera (USA), +0:29; 3. Leah Kirchmann (CAN), +0:41; 4. Kasia Niewiadoma (POL), +0:41; 5. Lorena Wiebes (NED), +0:42; 6. Foortje Mackaij (NED), +0:45; 7. Marta Bastianelli (ITA), +0:52; 8. Christine Majerus (LUX), +0:55; 9. Riejanne Markus (NED), +1:00; 10. Hanna Nilsson (SWE), +1:00. Also in the top 25: 12. Ruth Winder (USA), +1:02.

Stage winners:
(1) 128.0 km ~ Lorena Wiebes (NED): 3:16.27
(2) 133.6 km ~ Marianne Vos (NED): 3:19.33
(3) 125.2 km ~ Marianne Vos (NED): 3:24:20
(4) 156.2 km ~ Marianne Vos (NED), 3:52:54.

BADMINTON: Japan wins two titles and leads the medal table in historic World Champs

By
Rich Perelman
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Back-to-back world titles for Japan's Kento Momota (Photo: BWF)

China has been the leading force in badminton for decades, but for the first time since 1995, it did not lead the medal table at the BWF World Championships.

Instead it was Japan which took the top honors at the Worlds in Basel (SUI), winning two titles and placing finalists in four of the five divisions, to earn six total medals to five for China.

The last time that China did not lead the medal count was back in 1995, when Denmark won the most medals. Japan’s effort ends a streak of 15 consecutive Worlds in which China had been on top.

In Basel, Kento Momota, Japan’s no. 1-ranked Singles star, showed his class by dispatching Dane Anders Antonsen, 21-9 and 21-3 to reaffirm his status. Japan also got a win in the all-Japan women’s Doubles final, as Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara edged Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota in a tense match by the thinnest of margins: 21-11, 20-22, 23-21.

India’s V. Sindhu Pursarla ended six years of frustration with her first Worlds gold medal after winning four prior medals – two silver, two bronze – in the World Championships. She defeated Japan’s 2017 World Champion, Nozomi Okuhara, 21-7, 21-7, to complete a brilliant tournament that included wins over Beiwen Zhang (USA), Tzu Ying-Tai (TPE) in the quarters and Yufei Chen of China in the semis.

“I’m so happy” Pusarla said afterwards. “I was expecting this for a long time. It’s definitely a proud moment for me and for India. A lot of people have been waiting. This is my answer to the people who have asked me questions over and over. I just wanted to answer with my racket and with this win – that’s all.

“I was dominating. It was important for me to be very alert and every point really mattered to me. I tried to get every point even though I was leading by a large margin. I was prepared for everything. At times, I was nervous but I was determined to finish it off.”

Momota, Matsumoto/Nagahara and Mixed Doubles winners Siwei Zheng/Yaqiong Huang (CHN) all defended their championships from 2018. Summaries:

BWF World Championships
Basel (SUI) ~ 19-25 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men/Singles: 1. Kento Momota (JPN); 2. Anders Antonsen (DEN); 3. Kantaphon Wangcharoen (THA) and Sai Praneeth (IND). Semis: Momota d. Praneeth, 21-13, 21-8; Antonsen d. Wangcharoen, 21-15, 21-10. Final: Momota d. Antonsen, 21-9, 21-3.

Men/Doubles: 1. Mohamamd Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan (INA); 2. Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi (JPN); 3. Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto (INA) and Junhui Li/Yuchen Liu (CHN). Semis: Ahsan/Setiawan d. Alfian/Ardianto, 21-16, 15-21, 21-10; Hoki/Kobayashi d. Li/Liu, 21-19, 21-13. Final: Ahsan/Setiawan d. Hoki/Kobayashi, 25-23, 9-21, 21-15.

Women/Singles: 1. V. Sindhu Pursarla (IND); 2. Nozomi Okuhara (JPN); 3. Ratchanok Intanon (THA) and Yufei Chen (CHN). Semis: Okuhara d. Intanon, 17-21, 21-18, 21-15; Pusarla d. Chen, 21-7; 21.14. Final: Pusarla d. Okuhara, 21-7, 21-7.

Women/Doubles: 1. Mayu Matsumoto/Wakana Nagahara (JPN); 2. Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota (JPN); 3. Yue Du/Yinhui Lu (CHN) and Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu (INA).
Semis: Fukushima/Hirota d. Du/Lu, 21-11, 21-17; Matsumoto/Nagahara d. Polii/Rahayu, 21-12, 21-19. Final: Matsumoto/Nagahara d. Fukushima/Hirota, 21-11, 20-22, 23-21.

Mixed Doubles: 1. Siwei Zheng/Yaqiong Huang (CHN); 2. Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai (THA); 3. Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino (JPN) and Yilyu Wang/Dongping Huang (CHN). Semis: Zheng/Huang d. Watanabe/Higashino, 21-11, 21-15; Puavaranukroh/Taerattanachai d. Wang/Huang, 21-19, 21-13. Final: Zheng/Huang d. Puavarannukroh/Taerattanachai, 21-8, 21-12.

ATHLETICS Panorama: Coleman doping hearing coming September 4; Duplantis clears 6.00 m vs. Finland

By
Rich Perelman
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Is Christian Coleman (USA) still the world's fastest man?

American sprinter Christian Coleman, the world leader in the 100 m and favorite in the upcoming IAAF World Championships, will have a hearing on September 4 on charges that he missed three “whereabouts” filings during a 12-month period and should be suspended.

During the NBC Olympic Channel broadcast of the IAAF Diamond League Meeting de Paris meet, analyst Ato Boldon said he spoke to Coleman and his comments were shown on the screen:

“I’m not a guy who takes any supplements at all, so I’m never concerned about taking drug tests, at any time. What has been widely reported concerning filing violations is simply not true. I am confident the upcoming hearing on September 4th will clear the matter and I will compete at World Championships in Doha this fall. Sometime after the hearing, I will be free to answer questions about the matter, but for now I must reserve and respect the process.”

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency later released its own statement:

“Under the World Anti-Doping Code three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period may be considered an anti-doping rule violation.

“Two of the three test attempts on Mr. Coleman were USADA directed and one of the attempts was initiated by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Given this, the case is proceeding under the USADA Protocol but we are working closely with the AIU on this matter. We have expedited the case under the USADA rules and Mr. Coleman has agreed to have the three-person independent American Arbitration Association/North American Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA/CAS) arbitration panel hear the case on September 4 and issue its decision by the end of the following day, well before the IAAF World Championships.”

So the matter will be decided quickly. In the meantime, Coleman is the co-leader in the Diamond League points race in the 100 m and – since he has not been suspended – he is eligible to run on Thursday in the Diamond League final in Zurich (SUI), with $50,000 to the winner.

Will he?

The Meeting de Paris wasn’t the only meet happening on Saturday, Elsewhere:

● In the annual Sweden vs. Finland dual meet, this year in Stockholm, Mondo Duplantis (SWE) cleared 6.00 m (19-8 1/4) to win the pole vault and Daniel Stahl (SWE) unleashed a 69.42 m (227-9) winner in the discus. Sweden won both the men’s (228-181) and women’s (217.5-192.5) meets.

● On the first day of the British Championships in Birmingham, Dina Asher-Smith won the 100 m in an impressive 10.96, into a headwind of 0.9 m/s. Cindy Ofili won the women’s 100 m hurdles in 13.09, again into a headwind, of 1.6 m/s.

The British Champs continue on Sunday.

More from Paris:

● Noah Lyles said his superb 19.65 in Paris was all a blur to him, but that even more might be coming:

“I’m coming off a loaded week in training so that gives me a lot of confidence. It felt fast. I blinked and all of a sudden the race was over. I’ve been putting in some great training sessions but it’s always different when you’re over here in Europe, it’s like a hiccup to overcome in itself with the travel.

“When I was coming off the turn it felt like such a fast track, the fastest I’ve ever felt coming off the turn.”

● Women’s 800 m winner Hanna Green was elated with her late charge to a victory in 1:58.39:

“It’s just my second Diamond League and my first win so it’s great. We went out quick which I was worried about but I tried not to freak out. Just be patient and work my way up. I felt really good and I still think I have a little more to work on to get ready for Worlds. I’d like to get into the final there and hopefully get on the podium.

“The big thing for me this year is just not being injured, I’ve been able to get through all the big workouts and because of that I’ve brought a lot more confidence into races.”

● The news about Duplantis spread quickly. Said Sam Kendricks after his 6.00 m (19-8 1/4) win:

“It was a very special evening and it’s good to put my name in the books with a meeting record. During the competition everyone kept telling me that Mondo Duplantis had jumped six meters in Sweden so tonight, I wasn’t just competing against everyone here but people all around the world. It’s a very special time in our event.

“Right now there’s such competition in the pole vault that there’s no guarantee in any race. It might take 6.05 m to win the Diamond League final. It will be a crazy night, to say the least.”

● Hurdler Daniel Roberts took his 13.08 in in the 110 m hurdles in stride:

“I hit a couple of hurdles but other than that it was a good, clean race. In Doha my aim will be the gold, that’s always the goal, no tying, nothing else, just go out and try get first place. I don’t want to go for any less.

“It hasn’t been too hard for me to stay at a high level this long after NCAAs, a lot of people tell me after long seasons they feel it a little bit more but my body feels great, everything feels good and I’m just thankful to be here.

“It’s all brand new and I’m not trying to put too much pressure on myself coming out of the college season. It’s an amazing crowd, an amazing stadium and it’s all great. I love the pro life, it’s all I ever dreamed about.”

At Friday’s news conference ahead of the Meeting de Paris, Grant Holloway spoke in advance of his first Diamond League meet. Of note:

● “Why did I give up American Football? Because I want to walk when I’m 30.”

● “I trust my coach. I trust my training. I was able to peak at NCAAs and I’ll be able to peak again in October.”

Holloway, running his first race since the USATF Nationals, led the race through the first seven hurdles, then faded and finished sixth in 13.25.

ATHLETICS: Lyles storms 19.65, Roberts smooth in 13.08, Claye over 59 in Meeting de Paris

By
Rich Perelman
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No one could catch Noah Lyles in Paris! (Photo: IAAF)

It’s still a month until the IAAF World Championships in Qatar, but some of the favorites became clearer at the Meeting de Paris on Saturday, with impressive performances all over. For U.S. fans, there was a lot to smile about:

● Noah Lyles/200 m:

Running in lane six, Lyles has learned to run the curve better and better and made up the stagger on France’s Christian Lemaitre outside him in lane seven and had the lead heading into the straight. But as reigning World Champion Ramil Guliyev (TUR) moved up on Lyles and away from the field, Lyles moved into overdrive and ran away to win in 19.65, his second-fastest race ever.

● Daniel Roberts/110 m hurdles:

The U.S. champion has had a long season, beginning way back in the collegiate indoor season for Kentucky. But he was smooth off the start, running close to fellow-SEC star Grant Holloway of the U.S. in the middle of the race, but kept his form and speed to the end as Holloway faded to win in 13.08. It was a superb win over an excellent field that included Spanish star Orlando Ortega (13.14) and rapidly-improving Freddie Crittenden of the U.S. (13.17 lifetime best). Holloway faded to sixth (13.25) over the last two hurdles.

● Will Claye/Triple Jump:

He has been the best triple jumper in the world this year, and the world leader at 18.14 m (59-6 1/4). He and former Florida teammate (and Olympic and World Champion) Christian Taylor battled for the lead, and in the fifth round, Taylor took the lead at 17,82 m (58-5 3/4), equaling his season’s best. Claye’s response was a thunderous 18.06 m (59-3) mark that wowed the Stade Charlety crowd and is the equal-seventh performance of all time! They’ll be battling in Doha, but this time Claye has to be the favorite.

● Hanna Green/800 m:

How about Hanna Green! Unheralded coming into 2019 with a best of just 2:00.09, she ran a brilliant tactical race to win in Paris in 1:58.39, showing her runner-up finish at the USATF Nationals was no fluke. She was seventh with 250 m to go, then started picking off runners ahead of her. She was fourth into the final straight, but then passed Winnie Nanyondo (UGA: 1:58.83), then Jamaica’s Natoya Goule (1:58.59) and finally a fading Raevyn Rogers (USA) to win in 1:58.39. Rogers ended up sixth in 1:59.50, after looking like a possible winner with 75 m to run.

Those were impressive American highlights, but there was a lot more on an interesting, warm evening in Paris:

● In the men’s 1,500 m, a lot of the attention went to Norway’s Ingebrigtsen brothers – Filip and Jakob – but in the absence of Kenya’s dominant Tim Cheruiyot, Uganda’s Ronald Musagala was strongest down the straightaway and won in the last 5 m in 3:30.58, equaling his lifetime best and national record. The underrated Ayanleh Souleiman (DJI) was just passed at the end and finished in second in 3:30.66; Filip Ingebrigtsen got third in 3:31.33.

● What would Kenyan World Champion Conseslus Kipruto do in the Steeple? At times he looked out of it, but he was in the race with 200 m to go! He ended up watching Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali sprint away to a tight win over Benjamin Kigen (KEN) by 8:06.64-8:07.09 with Ethiopia’s Lecmecha Girma, in his first Diamond League race, third in 8:08.63. Kipruto, in his first race back from injury, got fifth in a very good 8:13.75.

● Norway’s world leader Karsten Warholm (47.12) stormed to the front from the gun in the 400 m hurdles and made up the stagger on Commonwealth Games champ Kyron McMaster on the backstraight and never let up. He had a huge lead coming off the eighth hurdle and won in 47.26. As McMaster could not keep pace, France’s Ludvy Vaillant surged over the final hurdle and scored a lifetime best in 48.30. McMaster did get a seasonal best in 48.33. Warholm’s time was his second-fastest of the year; only American Rai Benjamin (47.16) has run faster than Warholm did in Paris on Saturday.

● Tom Walsh of New Zealand moved to no. 3 on the world list for 2019 with an impressive win in the men’s shot put at 22.44 m (73-7 1/2). He had a stupendous series, leading off with that 22.44 m, then throwing 22.10 m (72-6 1/4), 22.21 m (72-10 1/2) and 22.31 m (73-2 1/2) before ending with two fouls. American Joe Kovacs was second at 22.11 m (72-6 1/2), ahead of Pan American Games winner Darlan Romani (BRA: 21.56 m/70-9).

● Jamaica’s Olympic champ Elaine Thompson got a nice start in the women’s 100 m and was ahead of everyone by 40 m … and stayed there. She won by daylight in 10.97, with Marie-Josee Ta Lou (CIV) second, but well back at 11.13. U.S. champ Teahna Daniels was fourth in 11.16; that’s her fastest wind-legal race since the Pre Classic at the end of June.

● Jamaica got another win in the women’s 400 m, as Stephenie-Ann McPherson closed hard to pass Americans Shakima Wimbley, Phyllis Francis and Kendall Ellis in the final 30 m to win in a very slow 51.11. Ellis (51.21), Wimbley (51.50) and Francis (51.56) finished 2-3-4, but with these times, not a good sign for American fortunes at the World Championships.

● The women’s pole vault had the usual suspects, but suddenly Canada’s Alysha Newman is a contender for all honors. She was the only one to clear 4.82 m (15-9 3/4), another national record, and she was celebrating loudly on the way down to the pit! Greece’s Katerina Stefanidi and American Sandi Morris were 2-3, clearing 4.75 m (15-7).

● Venezuela’s Yulimar Rojas won the women’s triple jump as expected (15.05 m/49-4 1/2), with the no. 3 performance in the world in 2019. But American Keturah Orji continued her evolution as a professional, claiming a lifetime best by one centimeter, jumping 14.72 m (48-3 1/2) on her first attempt. It’s the no. 3 performance in U.S. history (only Tori Franklin has jumped further) and she now has seven of the top nine jumps in American history.

And in a non-Diamond League event, American Sam Kendricks cleared 6.00 m (19-8 1/4) once again to win easily. Wow.

The organizers also created a unique event involving decathletes, offering three events which ended up all being won by French world-record holder Kevin Mayer. He started off with s lifetime best in the shot at 17.08 m (56-0 1/2), then won the long jump with 7.50 m (24-7 1/4) and scored another personal best in the hurdles at 13.55. Naturally, he was the overall winner with 2,886 points.

Two Diamond League meets are left, the two finals events in Zurich (29 August) and Brussels (6 September), with significant prize money and possible World Championships places at stake. Summaries from Paris:

IAAF Diamond League/Meeting de Paris
Paris (FRA) ~ 24 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men

100 m (non-Diamond League; wind -0.3 m/s): 1. 11.03 (IRI); 2. Emre Barnes (TUR), 10.19; 3. Gavin Smellie (CAN), 10.25.

200 m (+0.2): 1. Noah Lyles (USA), 19.65; 2. Ramil Guliyev (TUR), 20.01; 3. Aaron Brown (CAN), 20.13.

800 m: 1. Brandon McBride (CAN), 1:43.78; 2. Wesley Vazquez (PUR), 1:43.83; 3. Michael Saruni (KEN), 1:44.41. Also: 5. Clayton Murphy (USA), 1:44.93.

1,500 m: 1. Ronald Musagala (UGA), 3:30.58; 2. Ayanleh Souleiman (DJI), 3:30.66; 3. Filip Ingebrigtsen (NOR), 3:31.06.

3,000 m Steeple: 1. Soufiane El Bakkali (MAR), 8:06.64; 2. Benjamin Kigen (KEN), 8:07.09; 3. Lemecha Girma (ETH), 8:08.63. Also: 7. Stanley Kebenei (USA), 8:14.20; … 12. Andrew Bayer (USA), 8:17.69.

110 m hurdles (+0.8): 1. Daniel Roberts (USA), 13.08; 2. Orlando Ortega (ESP), 13.14; 3. Freddie Crittenden (USA), 13.17. Also: 6. Grant Holloway (USA), 13.25.

400 m hurdles: 1. Karsten Warholm (NOR), 47.26; 2. Ludvy Vaillant (FRA), 48.30; 3. Kyron McMaster (IVB), 48.33. Also: 5. T.J. Holmes (USA), 49.04; 6. David Kendzeira (USA), 49.16.

High Jump: 1. Michael Mason (CAN), 2.28 m (7-5 3/4); 2. Andriy Protsenko (UKR), 2.28 m (7-5 3/4); 3. Ilya Ivanyuk (RUS), 2.28 m (7-5 3/4). Also: 5. Jeron Robinson (USA), 2.26 m (7-5).

Pole Vault (non-Diamond League): 1. Sam Kendricks (USA), 6.00 (19-8 1/4); 2. Augusto Dutra (BRA), 5.80 m (19-0 1/4); 3. Emmanouil Karalis (GRE), 5.70 m (18-8 1/4). Also: 5. Chris Nilsen (USA), 5.60 m (18-4 1/2); … 10. Cole Walsh (USA), 5.45 m (17-10 1/2).

Triple Jump: 1. Will Claye (USA), 18.06 m (59-3); 2. Christian Taylor (USA), 17.82 m (58-5 3/4); 3. Omar Craddock (USA), 17.28 m (56-8 1/2). Also: 10. Chris Benard (USA), 16.62 m (54-6 1/2).

Shot Put: 1. Tom Walsh (NZL), 22.44 m (73-7 1/2); 2. Joe Kovacs (USA), 22.11 m (72-6 1/2); 3. Darlan Romani (BRA), 21.56 m (70-9).

Triathlon: 1. Kevin Mayer (FRA), 2,886; 2. Pieter Braun (NED), 2,629; 3. Kai Kazmirek (GER), 2,606. Also: 4. Devon Williams (USA), 2,606. Event winners: SP: Mayer, 17.08 m (56-0 1/2); LJ: Mayer, 7.50 m (24-7 1/4); 110 mH: Mayer, 13.55.

Women

100 m (-0.2): 1. Elaine Thompson (JAM), 10.97; 2. Marie-Josee Ta Lou (CIV), 11.13; 3. Dafne Schippers (NED), 11.15. Also: 4. Teahna Daniels (USA), 11.16; 5. Aleia Hobbs (USA), 11.16.

100 m (non-Diamond League; 0.0): 1. Jonielle Smith (JAM), 11.31; 2. Diana Vaisman (ISR), 11.44; 3. Orphee Neola (FRA), 11.49.

400 m: 1. Stephenie-Ann McPherson (JAM), 51.11; 2. Kendall Ellis (USA), 51.21; 3. Shakima Wimbley (USA), 51.50. Also: 4. Phyllis Francis (USA), 51.56.

800 m: 1. Hanna Green (USA), 1:59.38; 2. Natoya Goule (JAM), 1:58.59; 3. Winnie Nanyondo (UGA), 1:58.83. Also: 5. Kate Grace (USA), 1:59.33; 6. Raevyn Rogers (USA), 1:59.50.

Pole Vault: 1. Alysha Newman (CAN), 4.82 m (15-9 3/4); 2. Ekaterina Stefanidi (GRE), 4.75 m (15-7); 3. Sandi Morris (USA), 4.75 m (15-7). Also: 6. Katie Nageotte (USA), 4.65 m (15-3).

Triple Jump: 1. Yulimar Rojas (VEN), 15.05 m (49-4 1/2); 2. Liadagmis Povea (CUB), 14.75 m (48-4 3/4); 3. Keturah Orji (USA), 14.72 m (48-3 1/2).

Discus: 1. Denia Caballero (CUB), 66.91m (219-6); 2. Sandra Perkovic (CRO), 65.01 m (213-3); 3. Bin Feng (CHN), 64.60 (211-11). Also: 5. Valarie Allman (USA), 63.69 m (208-11).

BASKETBALL: Australia beats U.S. in Melbourne on Patty Mills’ 30 points before 52,079

By
Rich Perelman
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Kemba Walker (ball in hand) led the U.S. with 22 points in the loss to Australia in Melbourne (Photo: USA Basketball)

Another record crowd of 52,079 filled the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday to see history and they got it: Australia defeated the U.S. men’s basketball team for the first time ever, 98-94, thanks to a strong rebounding effort and a 30-point outburst from guard Patty Mills.

The Boomers, as the Australian men’s team is known, had been 0-12 vs. the U.S. in international competitions, but got a rousing exhibition win ahead of the FINA World Cup after out-scoring the American squad by two, three and two points in the final three quarters.

The game had all the razzmatazz you would see in an NBA game and then some, but when the basketball actually started, the U.S. had its hands full. An early 11-5 U.S. lead disappeared, but when Kemba Walker entered midway through the period, the U.S. forged a 24-16 lead on seven straight points. The quarter ended with a 26-23 U.S. lead on 59% shooting from the floor (10-17). Harrison Barnes had eight for the U.S., as did Aron Baynes for Australia.

The hosts wowed the big crowd with a 7-2 run to start the second quarter and thanks to strong backcourt and on-ball pressure, took a 38-33 lead after three Mills free throws. But after starting the quarter just 2-8 from the field, the U.S. came back to take a 45-44 lead on a three-pointer from Walker with 1:44 to play in the half. The Americans shot only 6-15 in the quarter to 8-18 for Australia, but held a 49-48 lead at the half. Australia could have had a substantial lead if not for a miserable 2-14 from the three-point line. Walker’s 12 led all scorers.

The third quarter was another see-saw, with the U.S. moving out to a 68-58 lead after some strong defense, punctuated by a Jayson Tatum steal and stuff with 4:58 to go. But inspired play from Australian center Andrew Bogut and Mills and poor U.S. shooting contributed to a 20-8 run to end the quarter with Australia up, 78-76.

A rolling 5 ft. flip from Baynes gave Australia an 82-76 lead a minute and a half into the final quarter, but the U.S. scored eight in a row to grab short-lived 84-82 lead. But Australia played determined, coordinated offense and despite starting the quarter just 3-11 from the field, took the lead at 88-87 with 3:27 to go on a Joe Ingles three-pointer.

Than Mills took over. The Australian (and San Antonio Spurs) guard banked in a three from straightaway for a 91-87 lead, then hit a layin for a 95-89 edge with 1:50 to go and a 20-foot jumper from the right side for a 97-91 lead with just 1:18 to go. He added a free throw and with the U.S. unable to score in the final minute, the final was 98-94. The U.S. shot just 3-9 and scored only seven points in the final 4:58.

The crowd went crazy, especially for Mills, who led all scorers with 30 points, aided by 16 from Bogut and 15 from Ingles. Walker had 22 for the U.S., Barnes had 20 and Donovan Mitchell had 12.

Rebounding was the difference and Australia out-boarded the U.S., 41-35, after being out-rebounded by 18 in the first game. Australia’s offensive cohesion showed with 50% shooting (35-70) vs. 40% in the first game, and the U.S. was down to 44% shooting (vs. 53%) on 30-68 attempts. Complete statistics are available here.

The U.S. had one injury concern, as guard Derrick White – who had eight points – tripped and slammed his head into the floor with 5:21 to play in the fourth quarter. He walked to the dressing room with a towel against his right temple. Forward Kyle Kuzma did not play.

It’s a disappointment for the U.S., but hardly an indicator of things to come. The U.S. will play its final exhibition game before the FIBA World Cup against Canada in Sydney on Monday (26th).

For Australia, it’s a huge confidence builder, which it needed badly after two shaky performances and having to play in a difficult group in the FIBA World Cup in a few days.

SAILING: Double the fun as test event ends in Enoshima Bay and World Cup I begins Tuesday

By
Rich Perelman
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Brazil's Olympic 49er FX champs Grael and Kunze

Never accuse the folks at World Sailing for not taking advantage of an opportunity.

While almost all of the sports on the 2020 Tokyo program have one test event, by placing the opening event of the 2019-20 World Cup schedule just after this week’s test event closed, sailors will have two full weeks of racing on the Olympic courses for all 10 of the 2020 classes. Pretty smart!

The test event program was successful in that sailors got to experience varying conditions, including very light winds on the final day – never more than 8 knots – which led to the cancellation of all of the medal races except the women’s 470.

But the results were a showcase for sailing, with eight Rio 2016 medalists placing in the top three at the test event, including winners Mat Belcher and Will Ryan (NZL: men’s 470), Blair Tuke and Peter Burling (NZL: men’s 49er), and Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze (BRA) in the women’s 49erFX.

During the World Cup opener, 22 of the 30 test-event medal winners will be back, including all three medalists from the men’s Laser and 470 events, and the women’s RS:X and 49er FX, as well as the mixed-crew Nacra 17 class.

In fact, four of the five men’s gold medalists – Mengfan Gao/RS:X, Belcher and Ryan/470, Zsombor Berecz/Finn and Jesper Stalheim/Laser are entered, and three of the four women’s winners: Yunxiu Lu (RS:X), Grael and Kunze (49er FX) and Emma Plasschaert in the Laser Radial.

Racing is expected to begin on Tuesday (27th) and continue through Sunday, weather permitting:

● 12 races + medal race Saturday for RS:X ~ 49er/49er FX ~ Nacra 17
● 10 races + medal race Sunday for Laser/Laser Radial ~ Finn ~ 470

Look for results from the World Cup races here. Summaries from the test event:

Ready Steady Tokyo Sailing Test Event
Enoshima Bay (JPN) ~ 17-22 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men

RS:X: 1. Mengfan Gao (CHN), 50.00 net poins; 2. Mattia Camboni (ITA), 61; 3. Piotr Myszka (POL), 82.

470: 1. Mat Belcher/Will Ryan (NZL), 25.00; 2. Anton Dahlberg/Fredrik Bergstrom (SWE), 27.00; 3. Jordi Xammar Hernandez/Nicolas Rodriguez (ESP), 38. Also in the top 10: Stuart McNay/David Hughes (USA), 58.00.

49er: 1. Blair Tuke/Peter Burling (NZL), 53.00; 2. Dylan Flectcher-Scott/Stuart Bithell (GBR), 64.00; 3. Pawel Kolodzinski/Lukasz Przybytek (POL), 68.00.

Finn: 1. Zsombor Berecz (HUN), 24.00; 2. Nicholas Heiner (NED), 47.00; 3. Giles Scott (GBR), 48.00.

Laser: 1. Jesper Stalheim (SWE), 60.00; 2. Tom Burton (AUS), 63.00; 3. Hermann Tomasgaard (NOR), 65.00.

Women

RS:X: 1. Yunxiu Lu (CHN), 42.00; 2. Charline Picon (FRA), 46.00; 3. Katy Spychakov (ISR), 53.00.

470: 1. Aloise Retornaz/Camille Lecointre (FRA), 38.00; 2. Eilidh McIntyre/Hannah Mills (GBR), 47.00; 3. Agnieszka Skrzypulec/Jolanta Ogar (POL), 51.00.

49erFX: 1. Martine Grael/Kahena Kunze (BRA), 57.00; 2. Helene Naess/Marie Ronningen (NOR), 62.00; 3. Saskia Tidey/Charlotte Dobson (GBR), 62.00. Also in the top 10: 10. Stephanie Roble/Margaret Shea (USA), 125.00.

Laser Radial: 1. Emma Plasschaert (BEL), 79.00; 2. Marit Bouwmeester (NED), 82.00; 3. Maria Erdi (HUN), 88.00. Also in the top 10: 8. Erika Reineke (USA), 112.00.

Mixed

Nacra 17: 1. Ruggero Tita/Caterina Banti (ITA), 54.00; 2. John Gimson/Anna Burnet (GBR), 66.00; 3. Ben Saxton/Nicola Boniface (GBR), 68.00.

CYCLING Preview: Brutal route for the 2019 Vuelta a Espana, with Roglic a possible favorite

By
Rich Perelman
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Two-time Tour de Romandie winner Primoz Roglic (SLO) (Photo: Geof Sheppard via Wikimedia)

The final Grand Tour of 2019 is now upon us, with the 74th edition of La Vuelta Ciclista de Espana beginning in Salinas de Torrecieja on Saturday and continuing all the way to the 15th of September!

This is an especially difficult edition of La Vuelta, with nine mountain stages and eight uphill finishes, plus two time-trial stages, including Saturday’s first stage. The stages:

● 24 August ~ Stage 1 (13.4 km Team Time Trial): Salinas de Torrevieja to Torrevieja
● 25 August ~ Stage 2 (199.6 km): Benidorm to Calpe
● 26 August ~ Stage 3 (188.0 km): Ibi. Ciudad del Juguete to Alicante
● 27 August ~ Stage 4 (175.5 km): Cullera to El Puig
● 28 August ~ Stage 5 (170.7 km): L’Eliana to Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre
● 29 August ~ Stage 6 (198.9 km): Mora de Rubielos to Ares del Maestrat
● 30 August ~ Stage 7 (183.2 km): Onda to Mas de la Costa
● 31 August ~ Stage 8 (166.9 km): Valls to Igualada
● 1 September ~ Stage 9 (94.4 km): Andorra la Vella to Cortals d’Encamp
● 2 September ~ Rest day
● 3 September ~ Stage 10 (36.2 km (Time Trial) – Jurancon to Pau
● 4 September ~ Stage 11 (180.0 km): Saint-Palais to Urdax-Dantxarinea
● 5 September ~ Stage 12 (171.4 km): Circuito de Navarra to Bilbao
● 6 September ~ Stage 13 (166.4 km): Bilbao to Los Machucos. Monumento Vaca Pasiega
● 7 September ~ Stage 14 (188.0 km): San Vicente de la Barquer to Oviedo
● 8 September ~ Stage 15 (154.4 km): Tineo to Santuario del Acebo
● 9 September ~ Stage 16 (144.4 km): Pravia to Alto de La Cubilla. Lena
● 10 September ~ Rest day
● 11 September ~ Stage 17 (219.6 km): Aranda de Duero to Guadalajara
● 12 September ~ Stage 18 (177.5 km): Colmenar Viejo to Becerril de la Sierra
● 13 September ~ Stage 19 (165.2 km): Ávila to Toledo
● 14 September ~ Stage 20 (190.4 km): Arenas de San Pedro to Plataforma de Gredos
● 15 September ~ Stage 21 (106.6 km): Fuenlabrada to Madrid

The stages are grouped in difficulty, with many climbing stages this year:

● Flat (5): 4, 14, 17, 19, 21
● Hilly (5): 2, 3, 8, 11, 12
● Mountain (9): 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20
● Time Trial (2): 1, 10

The field includes just six former medal winners:

● Alejandro Valverde (ESP) ~ Winner in 2009
● Nairo Quintana (COL) ~ Winner in 2016
● Fabio Aru (ITA) ~ Winner in 2015
● Esteban Chaves (COL) ~ Third in 2016
● Miguel Angel Lopez (COL) ~ Third in 2018
● Rafal Majka (POL) ~ Third in 2015

There are two riders with 10 or more career stage wins in La Vuelta in the race: Valverde with 13 and sprinter John Degenkolb (GER) with 10.

So who’s the favorite?

The sharpies have their money on Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic, who looked so good going into the Giro d’Italia, but then ended up third; he’s a fearsome time trialer. The betting picks:

● 11/8 ~ Primoz Roglic (SLO)
● 2/1 ~ Miguel Angel Lopez (COL)
● 7/1 ~ Steven Kruijswijk (NED)
● 14/1 ~ Nairo Quintana (COL)
● 14/1 ~ Alejandro Valverde (ESP)
● 18/1 ~ Wout Poels (NED)

Everyone else is 20/1 or above. Valverde and Quintana are on the same Movistar team and Roglic and Kruijswijk are both on the Team Jumbo-Visma, so that will make for some interesting tactical decisions, especially in the early mountain stages.

Home fans will be looking for a Spanish rider to win; the last home winner was Alberto Contador back in 2014, so it’s been a while.

NBCSN and NBC’s Olympic Channel have coverage of La Vuelta with a combination of live and taped broadcasts; the schedule is here. Look for results here.

TSX DAILY: Track & field fans who want the sport to be more popular … can forget it ~ U.S. sprinter Christian Coleman may be sanctioned for Whereabouts failures ~ Tragic death of a para-rowers at Worlds

By
Rich Perelman
-

≡ TSX DAILY ~ 23 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  LANE ONE: If you think track & field could once again be a high-profile sport, forget it. It’s over.

There was a time when track & field was a high-profile sport in the U.S., not too surprising since  American athletes dominated the sport. But that’s not the situation today.

In its place as a headline sport has come promotional companies like Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which puts on 42 cards of fights a year in Mixed Martial Arts, and which is solely devoted to bringing in more fans, more broadcasting and more money; one estimate was it had about $600 million in revenue in 2018.

What UFC and other successful entities like Major League Baseball, the National Football League, National Basketball Association and National Hockey League have in common is that they are promoters first and foremost. Attracting attention (and dollars) are what they are all about.

That’s not what governing bodies are primarily organized for, so let’s not point the finger at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) or USA Track & Field. They are not the saviors of the professional side of the sport. That must come from a promoter or promotional group, which, at present, does not exist.

In the U.S., the independent meet promoter is almost extinct. The Prefontaine Classic, run by the talented Tom Jordan, is one meet. In times past, Al Franken used to put on – out of his own pocket – four meets a year from Berkeley to San Diego, two indoors and two outdoors.

Track & field actually did have a short period of high visibility, many years ago. The old Amateur Athletic Union, then the governing body for track in the U.S., forged an agreement with CBS in 1969 and 1970 to put on one-hour meet packages on Sunday afternoons for 17 weeks in a row (each year) at a time when there were three broadcast networks in the country.

That went away, but in the ‘70s, you could still see the sport’s big stars quite often. In 1975, mile world-record setter John Walker of New Zealand ran 17 races during the year. High jumper Dwight Stones competed in 20 outdoor meets and perhaps a dozen indoors! About the same for shot put superstar Al Feuerbach. Today, the big stars like the world leaders in the 100 m (Christian Coleman), 200 m (Noah Lyles) and 400 m (Michael Norman) have run in 6-8 meets from January until today.

There are plenty of reasons why the top sports in the Olympic Games – track, swimming and gymnastics – are flops compared to the big-time professional sports like basketball and soccer worldwide. And those scenarios aren’t about to change any time soon.

The athletes themselves could change the situation, but that would require a major revolution in their attention to anything except training, travel and competition for essentially two meets a year. So let’s appreciate track & field for what it is: exciting and fun, and thanks to the Olympic Games, more widely appreciated every four years.

I’m just glad I was around to see the sport at a higher peak.

| 2. | ATHLETICS: Possible sanctions coming to Christian Coleman on “Whereabouts” failure. What is that?

One of the unpublicized aspects of being an elite athlete at the international level is drug testing.

It’s not a sometimes thing, it’s an all-the-times thing, as American sprint star Christian Coleman is finding out.

Under the protocol set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency and implemented by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency:

“Athletes are subject to testing 365 days a year and do not have ‘off-seasons’ or cutoff periods in which testing does not occur. Whereabouts information, (dates, times, locations, etc.) is information submitted to USADA by an athlete that allows the athlete to be located for out-of-competition testing.”

Any athlete at Coleman’s level is required to submit a calendar of where he or she plans to be for three months at a time, with any changes to that schedule required to be sent to the national drug-testing organization immediately. Each athlete has this responsibility:

“Any athlete who is in the USADA RTP must provide a specific 60-minute time slot every day between 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. that anchors the athlete to a specific location. The athlete chooses the 60-minute time slot to fit their schedule and must be available and accessible for testing at a specific location during the entire 60-minute time slot. Please note that USADA can choose to, and does test athletes outside of the their 60-minute window.”

If an athlete misses providing Whereabouts information three times during a 12-month period is considered to have committed a doping violation and is subject to sanctions, just as if he or she had tested positive for a banned substance.

Testing of track & field athletes is constant and it doesn’t matter if you are in the U.S. or at a competition in a foreign country. Hotels, homes of friends, at the Pan American Games, the testers are there.

According to reports, Coleman has apparently missed three Whereabouts filings and could be sanctioned; even a one-year ban could cause him to miss both the upcoming World Championships in Qatar at the end of September and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

But it’s part of the job – an unpleasant part – of being a world-class athlete today. More details are here.

| 3. | ATHLETICS: Meeting de Paris on Saturday brings back stars Lyles, Kipruto and Holloway

The last “regular-season” meet in the IAAF Diamond League series comes Saturday at the Stade Charlety in Paris in the annual Meeting de Paris.

The focus of the meet for many of the athletes is to ensure their place in the Diamond League finals in either Zurich (SUI) or Brussels (BEL), which have significant paydays attached to them, including $50,000 to the winner and possible wild-card entries into the World Championships in Qatar.

The fields are pretty good, three athletes who haven’t been seen much could be the highlights:

● American sprint star Noah Lyles will compete for the first time since the U.S. Nationals in the 200 m. Already this season he’s run 19.50 and moved to no. 4 on the all-time list; he signaled on his Twitter feed last week that his training has been really special of late.

● Kenya’s Olympic and World Champion in the 3,000 m Steeplechase, Conseslus Kipruto, has been out all season with injuries, but is on the entry list this for Paris, along with world leader Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco. Is he ready?

● The world leaders in the 110 m hurdles are Grant Holloway (12.98) and Daniel Roberts (13.00) from way back in June at the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas. Roberts has run well in Europe so far, but Holloway hasn’t been seen since his 13.56-13.56-13.36 races at the U.S. Nationals, from which he barely made the U.S. Worlds team.

There are near-World Championships-caliber fields in the women’s pole vault, women’s discus and the men’s triple jump. The meet will be shown in the U.S. on NBC’s Olympic Channel on Saturday. Our preview is here.

| 4. | BASKETBALL: U.S. skips past Australia, 102-86, before 51,218 in Melbourne!

The U.S. men’s World Cup team won the first of its three exhibition games in Australia, exploding in the third quarter, turning a one-point deficit into a 12-point lead at 57-45 and then extending it from there.

The biggest lead was 20 points at 93-73 and the final margin was 16 points at 102-86. Kemba Walker led the U.S. with 23 points – 22 in the second half – and the U.S. had six men in double figures. Guards Patty Mills and Chris Goulding led Australia with 19 each.

The U.S. once again had a huge rebounding edge, 54-36 and shot 48% from the field to just 40% for the hosts. Even better, U.S. turnovers were down from 23 vs. Spain to just 13.

Marvel Stadium is normally used for Australian Rules Football, but a court was installed in the middle of the field and the game attracted the largest crowd for basketball in Australian history. The two teams will play again, in the same venue, on Saturday. More details here.

| 5. | JUDO: Tokyo hosts 2019 World Championships at the famed Nippon Budokan

The site where Olympic judo first took place during the 1964 Tokyo Games – the Nippon Budokan – will host the International Judo Federation’s World Championships this weekend, with the host team ready to post a dominating performance.

Japan has led the medal table in each and every one of the World Championships in which men and women have competed together, starting in 1987; that’s 19 in a row. Among the Japanese stars in action will be:

● Men/60 kg: Naohisa Takato, trying for his fourth World Championship

● Men/66 kg: Hifumi Abe (pictured), trying for his third straight World Championship

● Women/70 kg: Chizuru Arai, trying for her third straight World Championship

In the women’s -63 kg division, France’s Clarisse Agbegnenou will be trying for her third straight world title in this weight class. Our in-depth preview is here.

| 6. | SWIMMING: Best tickets for 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials sold out; smaller packages now available

Tickets in the entire lower bowl of the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska for the 2020 USA Swimming Olympic Trials have been sold out. These packages were priced at up to $575 for all 15 sessions of the Trials, from 21-28 June next year.

That’s ahead of the sales pace for the 2016 Trials, which eventually sold out completely. The Omaha Sports Commission said that 80% of the ticket buyers were from the Omaha area.

In order to advance the remaining sales, four-day ticket packages priced from $220-275 for the final seven sessions of the Trials are now being sold. All-session packages starting at $375, are still available.

| 7. | PARA-ROWING: Belarus rower drowns in tragic accident at rowing Worlds

Para rower Dzmitry Ryshkevich of Belarus, 33, drowned when his boat capsized during a training session at the site of the World Rowing Championships in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria on Wednesday (21st).

He was an experienced performer in the Single Sculls, but the pontoon stabilizer on his craft came apart and the boat turned over around 1:15 p.m. The local police statement explained:

“When the rescue boat with a lifesaver on board approached, the rower was still holding on to his boat but subsequently let go, sinking under water. Despite immediate rescue activities, the rower could not be found. The murky water at the location is approximately 2.40m [7-10 1/2] deep with almost no visibility.

“Rescue divers were called in and started an extended search. At about 4 p.m. the rower was found under water in close proximity to where the capsize happened. The doctor at the scene was only able to pronounce the rower dead.”

An investigation is continuing; our condolences to his family and especially his teammates.

| 8. | THE LAST WORD: Norway’s Faugstad calls news media a source of stress at World Youth Champs

The World Archery Youth Championships has reached the medal-match stage in Madrid, Spain, with 19-year-old Anders Faugstad of Norway safely into the finals in the men’s Junior Compound division against Canada’s Austin Taylor.

That’s not really a surprise, as Faugstad won the World Championships silver medal earlier this year, beating many more experienced shooters. But asked about his performance after his tight semi-final win over Cooper French of the U.S., 147-146, he said:

“I feel relieved. It’s been a lot of stress for me getting to the gold medal match after I was the runner-up at the World Championships in the Netherlands. People write articles about me. I don’t read them, but I know they’re written and it puts pressure on me.”

Faugstad’s stance on the media is interesting, since many athletes say that what makes massive events like the Olympic Games so special is the mass of news media and the increased attention that they receive. Then again, as a Compound shooter, his event isn’t in the Games!

LANE ONE: If you think track & field could once again be a high-profile sport, forget it. It’s over.

By
Rich Perelman
-

People who care deeply about track & field in the United States decry the low profile the sport has today. The symptoms are obvious: meets are poorly attended, there is too little promotion and only passing interest from television or even online services which every Olympic sport thinks will be their savior.

At the same time, we have seen the rise during the last few years of a brutal spectacle called the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is classified as a Mixed Martial Arts “promotion company” in the style of old-style boxing, or even more accurately, professional wrestling. This program of MMA fights has become a huge industry, with millions of fans and gross revenues of more than $600 million in 2018.

Why can’t track & field, the highest-profile sport in the highest-profile sporting event in the world – the Olympic Games – do something like that, or at least much better than it is doing now?

(The folks at the International Swimming League, trying to launch a city-based team vs. team concept, have asked the same question).

Fingers have been pointed at governing bodies, whether the IAAF at the international level, or USA Track & Field at the national level. Stop wasting your time; while both are well intentioned, neither has an answer, let alone the answer.

And that’s because neither the IAAF or USATF is what all of the other successful entities in this space require: a “promotion company.” Wikipedia defines such an entity as:

“An entertainment promoter works in entertainment industries, including music and sports, as an individual or organization in the business of marketing and promoting live, or pay-per-view and similar, events, such as concerts/gigs, sports events, festivals, raves, and nightclub performances.”

That’s not what a governing body is for. Track & field has no such organizations at work to promote the sport worldwide, or even nationally in the U.S. There are individual meet directors, many of whom are part of institutions, such as the highly-respected Dave Johnson for the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania. But the true independent meet promoter is a rare bird these days. The Nike Prefontaine Classic, headed by Tom Jordan, does one meet a year.

Long gone are serial promoters such as Al Franken, who put on two indoor meets and two outdoor meets a year in California, out of his own pocket. He recruited the sponsors – whose names became synonymous with the sport, such as Sunkist, Jack in the Box, Pepsi and Foot Locker – and then rented the venues, signed up the athletes and doggedly pursued newspapers and television stations in the local market for publicity. For more than 30 years he succeeded, but when the sponsorship market was more focused on national, rather than local, programs, his meets died.

Today’s media environment is now so saturated that it’s unlikely that many such local meets can survive, outside of legacy events like the Texas-Penn-Drake-Mt. SAC relays. In the U.S., and increasingly elsewhere, media exposure is now of national or global reach. And look what the promoters of successful programs do.

If you’re Major League Baseball, you’re playing games in as many other countries as you can book … plus a game at the home of the Little League World Series each year and now, at the famed “Field of Dreams” site in Iowa. The National Football League is playing – or trying to play – in Great Britain, Germany, Mexico and looking for more sites. The National Basketball Association and National Hockey League have entire departments looking at overseas opportunities; the NBA is helping to form a new league in Africa, featuring 12 club teams that will start play next year.

What all of these groups, as well as the organizations promoting professional golf and tennis, have embraced, is the year-round calendar. Let’s look at UFC again:

● Its 2019 fight calendar has a fight card on 42 weeks of the year, with one featured match above all others, but with significant undercards, usually 12-13 fights in all. (Hmmm, there are 14 Diamond League events in Saturday’s Meeting de Paris; interesting.)

● Once a month is a numbered UFC card – such as “UFC 241: Cormier vs. Miocic 2″ at the Honda Center in Anaheim last Saturday (17th) – which has a higher level of promotion and helps to draw interest that supports the other 40 cards held each year.

Because a single organization is behind this program, it has recurring expertise in promoting its fights and creates continuity from show to show. This is not a new concept to track & field; check out this excerpt from the 8 March 1970 edition of The New York Times about the Amateur Athletic Union of the U.S., in its original form:

“For the second consecutive year, a series of 17 A.A.U. outdoor international track and field meets, including the national championships at Bakersfield, Calif., and the United States- Soviet meet at Leningrad, will be presented in color on the C.B.S. Television Network beginning May 17.

“The program will be broadcast for an hour each Sunday afternoon through Sept. 6, except on June 28 and July 26 when it will be expanded to 90 minutes for coverage of the A.A.U. national championships and the U.S.-U.S.S.R. meet.

“Jack Whitaker will be the host.

“The Martin Luther King Games at Villanova, Pa., will start the series. On seven Sundays thereafter, meets in California and Oregon will be presented. The series will then move to Europe for nine broadcasts originating in Leningrad, Paris, Stuttgart, Cologne, Malmo (Sweden), Oslo, Warsaw, and a city yet to be selected.”

Continuity is the key and it’s what drives television rights sales and sponsorship. But to have something like this in track & field, it has to start with the athletes.

And what athletes are willing, today, to compete all-year round, or at least most of the year? Up until now, the world leaders in the men’s 100 m, 200 m and 400 m have competed in just 6-8 meets each: Christian Coleman (six), Noah Lyles (eight so far) and Michael Norman (six).

In 1975, the year before the Olympic Games in Montreal, no. 1-ranked Steve Williams of the U.S. ran in 14 meets in the 100 m and a couple more in the 200 m. Mile world-record setter John Walker of New Zealand ran 19 races in the 800 m, 1,500 m/mile and 2,000 m. No. 1-ranked high jumper Dwight Stones competed 20 times – outdoors! – in addition to a heavy indoor schedule. Shot putter Al Feuerbach similarly was in 18 outdoor meets alone, not to mention the indoor season. By the way, they all got paid, but at that time, under the table.

What athletes are willing to undertake that kind of show business today? An exciting young talent like Sydney McLaughlin has been in seven meets (indoors included) and world-record setter Dalilah Muhammad, in eight, so far this season.

Coaches, agents and managers won’t hear of 1970s workloads today, fearing especially that it will hurt performances in the only two meets anyone actually cares about each year: the national qualifier for the Olympic Games or World Championships, and then the World Championships or the Olympic Games.

Somehow, sports that are individually focused like golf, tennis and MMA have managed to thrive without the Olympic Games or a world championship. In fact, tennis and golf were invited back to the Games because they were so popular on their own. (Consider also road running, which took off without any management help from the International Olympic Committee or the IAAF.)

So let’s accept track & field (and swimming) as it is. An excellent, exciting sport for those who care, presented in a scattered format with a few meets across many weeks and months. There is more interest during Olympic years, but the sport does not have the structure, promoters or drive to organize itself – starting with the athletes as a group – to present itself as a cogent entertainment program as the UFC has managed over just this past 17 years.

UFC’s rise has hardly been without incident; if you will take an hour to read the Wikipedia entry about it, its growing pains and near-death experiences show the risks and difficulties involved.

But a cogent calendar, devoted promotional efforts and finding the right people to play has served every successful sports entity well on the way to becoming a success for the promoters, players, broadcasters and an expanding worldwide audience.

Track and field had it once, well before the UFC was ever heard of, and when the NFL, NBA and NHL were minor successes, fighting for attention behind the behemoth that was baseball. But that was then. I’m just glad I was around to enjoy it.

Rich Perelman
Editor

ATHLETICS Preview: Lyles, Kipruto, Holloway return to the track for Meeting de Paris Saturday

By
Rich Perelman
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Noah Lyles (USA) on the way to becoming no. 4 all-time in 19.50! (Photo: Athletissima Lausanne)

The final “regular-season” meet in the IAAF Diamond League series comes Saturday at the Stade de Charlety in Paris, France, with places in the two Diamond League final events at stake in most of the events.

The two final meets, in Zurich (SUI) on 29 August and Brussels (BEL) on 6 September, not only have significant paydays of up to $50,000 for the winners of each event, but can alter the entries at the IAAF World Championships in Doha at the end of September. A Diamond League winner, in most cases (but not all), will get a wild-card entry into the Worlds if not already qualified.

For the U.S., that could be significant as most events already have three Americans qualified (or four in the case of the eight U.S. winners in the 2017 Worlds).

With the news of a possible sanction against world leader Christian Coleman of the U.S. hanging in the air, there will be special attention paid to American sprint star Noah Lyles, who will run the 200 m.

The fields are good; the tastiest match-ups to watch for:

● Men/200 m: This is an excellent field, but can anyone catch Lyles? Reigning World Champion Ramil Guliyev (TUR: 19.99) will try, along with Texas Tech star Divine Oduduru (NGR), who ran 19.73 to win the NCAA title, but ran only 10.26 for eighth in the Monaco Diamond League since then. Lyles has been tweeting that his training has been exceptional, so what will he have to show us on Saturday?

● Men/800 m: Not a Diamond League event, but a good test for American Clayton Murphy (1:44.47 in 2019) to gauge his readiness against Kenya’s Michael Saruni (1:43.70) and Canada’s Brandon McBride (1:43.83). French fans want to see if Pierre-Ambroise Bosse can approach his 2017 World Champion form; battling back from injury, he has run 1:45.43 so far in 2019.

● Men/1,500 m: Very strong field with 13 men who have run sub-3:35 this season. The Norwegians Jakob (3:30.16) and Filip (3:30.82) Ingebrigtsen, Uganda’s Ronald Musagala (3:30.58) have the fastest times for 2019, but Sam Tefera (ETH: 3:31.39), Ayanleh Souleiman (DJI: 3:30.79) and Kenyans Bethwell Birgen (3:33.12) and Vincent Kibet (3:33.21) will have a lot to say on the final lap.

● Men/3,000 m Steeple: Eleven men have run under 8:10 this season and six are in this race, starting with world leader Soufiane El Bakkali (MAR: 8:04.82). Kenyans Benjamin Kigen (8:05.12) and Abraham Kibiwot (8:05.72) are close, as is Ethiopia’s Chaya Beyo (8:06.48), but most eyes will be on the return from injury of Olympic and World champ Conseslus Kipruto, who hasn’t anything other than a road race (in February) this season. Is he in shape?

● Men/110 m hurdles: Here is a near-World Championships final preview, finally including the two American collegiate stars Grant Holloway (12.98) and Daniel Roberts (13.00). They will have their hands full with 2016 Olympic silver winner Orlando Ortega (ESP), 2015 World Champion Sergey Shubenkov (13.12 this year), 2018 European champ Pascale Martinot-Lagarde (FRA: 13.34), China’s Wenjun Xie (13.17) and Jamaica’s Ronald Levy (13.23). Only Omar McLeod (JAM: 13.12) is missing; has the season been too long for the ex-SEC foes?

● Men/400 m hurdles: The amazing Karsten Warholm (NOR) has twice lowered his lifetime best this season, now down to 47.12, making him the world leader and no. 7 in the event all-time. He won’t face his expected challengers in Doha – Abderrahmane Samba (QAT) and Rai Benjamin of the U.S. – but will have to contend with T.J. Holmes (48.58) and David Kendziera (48.69) of the U.S., plus Kyron McMaster (IVB: 48.94) and Turkey’s 2017 Worlds silver medalist Yasmani Copello (48.93).

● Men/Pole Vault: This is not a Diamond League event, but does feature the top U.S. vaulters: Sam Kendricks (6.06 m/19-10 1/2). Chris Nilsen (5.95 m/19-6 1/4) and Cole Walsh (5.81 m/19-0 3/4). London Olympic champ Renaud Lavillenie will be competing in front of an adoring home crowd; he’s cleared 5.85 m (19-2 1/4) so far this year.

● Men/Triple Jump: The top three on the world list are Americans Will Claye (18.14 m/59-6 1/4), reigning World Champion Christian Taylor (17.82 m/58-5 3/4), and Omar Craddock (17.68 m/58-0 1/4). They’re all here and their performance – albeit without Portugal’s great Pedro Pablo Pichardo – will be a good indicator if a sweep is possible in Doha. The mystery man of the event is Fabrice Zango (BUR), who has jumped 17.50 m (57-5) at his nationals and has set four nationals records in 2019. Is he a challenger to the top Americans?

● Women/100 m: Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson has been the one to beat in 2019 and won the Jamaican nationals in 10.73. She won the Pan Am Games gold in 11.18 in cold conditions, but this will be a better test against Marie-Josee Ta Lou (CIV/10.93) and Dutch star Dafne Schippers (11.04). American champ Teahna Daniels (10.99) managed only 11.24 at the Birmingham Diamond League in her first race since the USATF Nationals.

● Women/400 m: The U.S. does not appear to have a medal contenders for the Worlds in this event, but that could change in Paris. Shakima Wimbley (50.20), Kendall Ellis (50.38) and reigning World Champion Phyllis Francis (50.76) are all in the world’s top 12, but medals will be won in the 49s. Can any of them break through here?

● Women/800 m: No Ajee Wilson, so Americans Raevyn Rogers (1:58.65), Hanna Green (1:58.19) and Kate Grace (1:59.58) get to test themselves vs. Jamaica’s Natoya Goule (1:57.90) and Nelly Jepkosgei (BRN: 1:59.00).

● Women/Pole Vault: A perfect preview of the World Championships: list leader Jenn Suhr of the U.S. (4.91 m/16-1 1/4) and all the contenders. Greece’s World Champion Katerina Stefanidi (4.83 m/15-10) is back in form and hard to beat, but will be tested by Americans Sandi Morris (4.85 m/15-11) and Katie Nageotte (4.82 m/15-9 3/4), New Zealand’s Eliza McCartney (4.85 m/15-11), Russian Anzhelika Sidorova (4.86 m/15-11 1/4) and more. Suhr is not yet qualified, but a good showing will ensure her place in the Diamond League final.

● Women/Triple Jump: Four of the top five on the 2019 world list are in, starting with world leader Yulimar Rojas, fresh from her 15.11 m (49-7) win at the Pan American Games. She will be chased by Liadagmis Povea of Cuba and Shanieka Rickets of Jamaica (both 14.77 m/48-5 1/2) and American Keturah Orji (14.66 m (48-1 1/4). All but Orji have already qualified for the Diamond League final.

● Women/Discus: The three likely medal winners at the World Championships will face off for the second straight week. Cuba’s Yaime Perez is the world leader at 69.39 m (227-8), followed by teammate Denia Caballero (69.20 m/227-0) and reigning World and Olympic champ Sandra Perkovic (CRO), at 68.58 m (225-0)) so far. American Valarie Allman (67.15 m./220-3) stands fourth in 2019, but has shown no ability – yet – to stay with the top three.

A triathlon of the shot, long jump and 110 m hurdles is being held to feature Decathlon world-record holder Kevin Mayer (FRA), plus Kai Kazmirek (GER: 8,444 this season), Pieter Braun (NED: 8,306), American Devon Williams (8,295). It’s a nice way to get some exposure for these folks vs. putting them in open competitions where they are over-matched.

There are some other events, including the high jump and shot put for men, with good fields, but not as compelling as those above.

NBC’s Olympic Channel will have coverage starting at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday from Paris. Look for results here.

JUDO Preview: World Championships in Tokyo presage Olympic competition one year ahead

By
Rich Perelman
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Two champions: Japan's Sarah Asahina (l) vs. Cuba's Idalys Ortiz (Photo: IJF)

One of the great shrines in judo is the Nippon Budokan, built to initially host the first-ever Olympic competition in the sport in 1964. It will again be the site for the sport in 2020, as well as for karate, but this week will host 860 judoka from 49 countries.

But there is no doubt that the host Japanese are out to make a statement. The country has led the medal count in every World Championships since men and women have been competing together back in 1987; that’s 19 in a row. The last time the IJF Worlds were held in Tokyo was in 2010 and the hosts won 23 medals (10-4-9) out of the 64 awarded; no other country has more than six (France: 2-1-3).

What about 2019? In terms of seeding, the top-ranked judoka are in every category, and looking at the top five seeds, the leaders are:

● Men: Japan, 6; Georgia, 5; Azerbaijan, 3.
● Women: Japan, 8; Brazil, 4; France, 3.

It’s important to note that this World Championships is not a direct qualifier to the 2020 Olympic Games. Invitations to the Games will be based on the IJF World Rankings next April, so stars like France’s Teddy Riner (10 World titles, two Olympic golds) do not need to participate now to be eligible for Tokyo 2020. The top seeds:

Men

● -60 kg:
1. Robert Mshvidobadze (RUS) ~ 2018 Worlds silver medalist
2. Naohisa Takato (JPN) ~ 2013-17-18 World Champion; 2016 Olympic bronze
3. Amiran Papinashvili (GEO) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
4. Ryuju Nagayama (JPN) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
5. Yeldos Smetov (KAZ) ~ 2016 Olympic silver medalist

● -66 kg:
1. Vazha Margvelashvili (GEO)
2. Joshiro Maruyama (JPN)
3. Hifumi Abe (JPN) ~ 2017-18 World Champion
4. Baruch Shmailov (ISR)
5. Denis Vieru (MDA)

● -73 kg:
1. Rustam Orujov (AZE) ~ 2017 Worlds silver medalist
2. Lasha Shavdatuashvili (GEO) ~ 2016 Olympic bronze
3. Tommy Macias (SWE)
4. Hidayat Heydarov (AZE) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
5. Akil Gjakova (KOS)

● -81 kg:
1. Saeid Mollaei (IRI) ~ 2018 World Champion; 2017 Worlds bronze
2. Sagi Muki (JPN)
3. Frank de Wit (NED)
4. Matthias Casse (BEL)
5. Dominic Ressel (GER)

● -90 kg:
1. Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (ESP) ~ 2018 World Champion
2. Krisztian Toth (HUN)
3. Ivan Felipe Silva (CUB) ~ 2018 Worlds silver medalist
4. Mammadali Mehdiyev (AZE)
5. Nemanja Majdov (SRB) ~ 2017 World Champion

● –100 kg:
1. Varlam Liparteliani (GEO) ~ 2017-18 Worlds silver medalist; 2016 Olympic -90 kg silver
2. Guman Cho (KOR) ~ 2018 World Champion
3. Peter Paltchik (ISR)
4. Michael Korrel (NED)
5. Otgonbaatar Lkhagvasuren (MGL) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist

● +100 kg:
1. Guram Tushishvili (GEO) ~ 2018 World Champion
2. Lukas Krpalek (CZE) ~ 2016 Olympic -100 kg Champion
3. David Moura (BRA) ~ 2017 Worlds silver medalist
4. Hisayoshi Harasawa (JPN) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist; 2016 Olympic silver
5. Rafael Silva (BRA) ~ 2017 Worlds bronze medalist; 2016 Olympic bronze

Women

● -48 kg:
1. Funa Tonaki (JPN) ~ 2017 World Champion; 2018 Worlds silver medalist
2. Daria Bilodid (UKR) ~ 2018 World Champion
3. Urantsetseg Munkhbat (MGL) ~ 2017 Worlds silver medalist
4. Paula Pareto (ARG) ~ 2016 Olympic Champion; 2018 Worlds bronze
5. Distria Kransiqi (KOS)

● -52 kg:
1. Amandine Buchard (FRA) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
2. Uta Abe (JPN) ~ 2018 World Champion
3. Ai Shishime (JPN) ~ 2017 World Champion; 2018 Worlds silver medalist
4. Charline van Snick (BEL)
5. Natalia Kuziutina (RUS)

● -57 kg:
1. Tsukasa Yoshida (JPN) ~ 2018 World Champion; 2017 Worlds silver medalist
2. Christa Deguchi (CAN) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
3. Nora Gjakova (KOS)
4. Rafaela Silva (BRA) ~ 2016 Olympic Champion
5. Jessica Klimkait (CAN)

● -63 kg:
1. Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA) ~ 2017-18 World Champion; 2016 Olympic silver
2. Tina Trstenjak (SLO) ~ 2017-18 Worlds bronze medalist; 2016 Olympic gold
3. Miku Tashiro (JPN) ~ 2018 Worlds silver medalist
4. Juul Franssen (NED) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
5. Martyna Trajdos (GER)

● -70 kg:
1. Chizuru Arai (JPN) ~ 2017-18 World Champion
2. Marie Eve Gahie (FRA) ~ 2018 Worlds silver medalist
3. Anna Bernholm (SWE)
4. Michaela Polleres (AUT)
5. Maria Portela (BRA)

● -78 kg:
1. Mayra Aguiar (BRA) ~ 2017 World Champion; 2016 Olympic bronze
2. Guusje Steenhuis (NED) ~ 2018 Worlds silver medalist
3. Shori Hamada (JPN) ~ 2018 World Champion
4. Madeleine Malonga (FRA)
5. Natalie Powell (GBR) ~ 2017 Worlds silver medalist

● +78 kg:
1. Idalys Ortiz (CUB) ~ 2018 Worlds silver medalist; 2016 Olympic silver
2. Sarah Asahina (JPN) ~ 2018 World Champion; 2017 Worlds silver medalist
3. Larisa Ceric (BIH) ~ 2018 Worlds bronze medalist
4. Maria Suelen Altheman (BRA)
5. Iryna Kindzerska (AZE) ~ 2017 Worlds bronze medalist

Prize money for the IJF Worlds is $26,000-15,000-8,000 for the top three places, with 20% reserved for the coaches. Look for results here.

ATHLETICS: There is excitement and glory in sport, but also a lot of drug testing

By
Rich Perelman
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The wild flash from Britain’s MailOnline that U.S. sprint star Christian Coleman may be subject to sanctions for missing three “whereabouts” reports is a reminder that being a professional athlete – especially in Olympic sports – is about a lot more than training, traveling and competing.

It is also about drug testing, and testing and more testing.

This is not an occasional thing, it’s an all-the-time thing. Take it from 2012 long jump Olympic champion and seven-time World Champion Brittney Reese, and the replies from others, including Olympic long jump champ Tianna Bartoletta and Pan American 100 m champ Mike Rodgers:

https://twitter.com/tibartoletta/status/1164234801089601543

So what is “Whereabouts”? The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency explains in detail:

“An important part of USADA’s testing program is the ability to test athletes without any advance notice in an out-of-competition setting. …

“Athletes are subject to testing 365 days a year and do not have “off-seasons” or cutoff periods in which testing does not occur. Whereabouts information, (dates, times, locations, etc.) is information submitted to USADA by an athlete that allows the athlete to be located for out-of-competition testing.”

Coleman, as an elite athlete at the international level, is part of the USADA Registered Testing Pool. His responsibilities include:

“Athletes included in the USADA RTP must submit two types of Whereabouts information to USADA. One type is the athlete’s quarterly Whereabouts filing, which includes: daily overnight location, training locations and times, competitions, other regularly scheduled activities, such as school and/or work locations, AND a daily 60-minute window.

“The second type of Whereabouts filing that must be submitted is Whereabouts UPDATES. If an athlete’s schedule changes during the quarter from what they originally submitted, they must file an update with USADA as soon as possible. For example, if an athlete will be in a location different from what they provided on their quarterly Whereabouts filing, such as traveling for a competition, they must submit an update. …

“Any athlete who is in the USADA RTP must provide a specific 60-minute time slot every day between 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. that anchors the athlete to a specific location. The athlete chooses the 60-minute time slot to fit their schedule and must be available and accessible for testing at a specific location during the entire 60-minute time slot. Please note that USADA can choose to, and does test athletes outside of the their 60-minute window.”

Failure to file required Whereabouts data, whether quarterly or in-between changes, can be catastrophic. Per the USADA, “any combination of three Whereabouts failures (filing failures and/or missed tests), declared by USADA, WADA or an IF, within an 12 month period = Anti-Doping Rule Violation.”

Annoying, unpleasant but necessary. That’s the impact of doping control that is part of the lives of athletes trying to compete in the Olympic Games and in individual-sport world championships.

As Baroletta noted in another tweet, reacting to the news of Coleman’s possible sanctions:

https://twitter.com/tibartoletta/status/1164494278632116226

BASKETBALL: Crowd of 51,218 sees U.S. beat Australia, 102-86, in Melbourne exhibition

By
Rich Perelman
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Kyle Kuzma of the U.S. scores over Aron Baynes of Australia in the 102-86 U.S. win in Melbourne (Photo: USA Basketball)

The U.S. men’s World Cup team took another step forward on Thursday with a convincing 102-86 win over Australia at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

Normally used for Australian Rules Football, a basketball court was installed in the middle of the field and the huge crowd of 51,218 – reportedly the largest to see a basketball game in the country – saw a tight game into the third quarter before the American squad took over.

“We have guys that are just starting to play with each other,” said U.S. guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 13 points. “We got off to a little bit of a rough start in the first half, but the third quarter, we really picked it up defensively.”

The U.S. had a 22-20 lead after a quarter and moved out to a 42-31 lead with 2:38 to play in the first half, but Australia roared back on three-pointers by reserve guard Chris Goulding and six points from Patty Mills to close the half down only 44-43.

The third quarter was another story. Australia took a 45-44 lead on an Aron Baynes layin, but then the U.S. scored 13 points in a row for a 57-45 lead and had control of the game from then on. Myles Turner scored five and Harrison Barnes and Donovan Mitchell both had three-pointers and the U.S. closed the period with a 76-61 lead.

The fourth-quarter lead reached 20 at 93-73 and the final was 102-86. Kemba Walker led the U.S. with 23 points (21 in the second half) and six players reached double figures: Turner had 15, Mitchell, 13; Kyle Kuzma, 12; Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both had 11.

The U.S. shot 48% from the floor and 43% from the three-point line, while holding the Boomers to 40% shooting. The U.S. again showed excellent rebounding strength, with a 54-36 edge and turnovers were way down, from 23 vs. Spain to just 13 this time. The full box score is here.

Said U.S. head coach Gregg Popovich, “We got used to the physicality, and changed up a couple things and we had some guys that did a good job. Myles Turner came in and gave us a big punch there, he was great.

“Obviously Kemba in pick-and-roll is pretty tough to guard, so we’re learning what we should be running offensively and what we should be doing based on our personnel. We’re obviously not an experienced team, these guys have never played together, so I think they’re doing a really good job of trying to come together quickly and learn about each other.”

The Associated Press reported that “The roof of Marvel Stadium was closed and the court was placed in the middle of the field surrounded by hundreds of white chairs, more than 20 rows deep, for fans who paid for floor seating.”

Mills and Goulding led Australia with 19 points each. The two teams will play again at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The game will start at 2:00 p.m. local time and will be shown on NBA TV at 12 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday morning in the U.S.

TSX DAILY: Ready for an international College Football Playoff? ~ Tokyo Sport Climbing faves confirmed ~ U.S. men face Aussies in Oz

By
Rich Perelman
-

≡ TSX DAILY ~ 22 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  UNIVERSITY SPORT: FISU slowly moving toward college vs. college championship matches

Fans of American collegiate sports already flock to see spectacles such as the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff championship games held in the U.S., but what if there was an even bigger game out there?

Like a world championship, open to universities around the world?

It could happen. Slowly but surely, the international governing body of university sports, the Federation Internationale de Sports Universitaire, or “FISU” – is moving toward this model, following informal consultations with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the U.S.

On Monday, the FISU announced that it was creating a new “University World Cup” series which would match collegiate teams, starting in two years:

“From 2022 onwards, the competitions in American Football, Floorball, Handball and Cheerleading will be held as University World Cups – a competition between university teams rather than national squads – instead of a Championship.” 

FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond (BEL) explained that “These events create an alternative set-up to regular competition between national teams. In fact, to maximise the potential of the university sports movement, we believe this format of university teams competing against each other is crucial. It will increase participation in these sports even further, not just at our events but in universities worldwide as the finalists come through continental qualifiers.”

The choice of sports is interesting, with American Football and Cheerleading obvious nods to the U.S., but Floorball and Handball are much more popular in Europe than in the U.S.

Nonetheless, it’s an interesting pilot program and could pave the way for more intense competitions in sports such as Beach Volleyball and Cross Country, which now have World University Championships, based on national teams.

It’s not too difficult to see into the future to sports with much larger commercial potential such as Basketball and Gymnastics, pitting – perhaps – North Carolina and the University of Sydney on the hardwood or Oklahoma or UCLA against Lomonosov Moscow State University in women’s gymnastics!

This is a long-term project, but an impressive show of progress for the FISU and its Russian President, Oleg Matytsin, himself a long-time professor and author about psychology and sport. There are many who have wondered what FISU could do to make itself actually relevant to the world of sport, beyond the minor role it has now. This could be it.

| 2. | SPORT CLIMBING: Tomoa Narasaki and Janja Garnbret confirmed as Tokyo favorites

The IFSC World Championships concluded in Hachioji, Japan on Wednesday with the finals of the Combined events, the ones that will be contested at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.

Comprised of a Speed race, a Bouldering trial and a Lead event, each athlete’s placements are multiplied against each other to calculate their point total. In Hachioji, Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret had already won the world titles in Bouldering and Lead, so she was a big favorite going into he Combined (in which she was already the defending World Champion).

She was sixth out of eight finalists in Speed – no surprise there – then was second in Bouldering and first in Lead, so she scored 12 points (6*2*1). Japan’s Akiyo Noguchi was seventh in Speed, but won the Bouldering event over Garnbret and had a chance to win in Lead, but missed a jump and ended up third. That gave her 21 points (7*1*3) and the silver medal.

The men’s event was a showcase for Japan’s World Bouldering Champion Tomoa Narasaki (pictured). He was good on the Speed test, making to the final match before falling (and therefore finished second). He won Bouldering easily – the only one to complete all three problems – and then managed a second–place finish in Lead to generate a score of just four points (2*1*2)!

Austria’s Jakob Schubert (7*5*1) scored 35 points for second and surprising Kazakh Rishat Khaibullin, a Speed star, was third with 40 (1*8*5).

There’s no doubt of Garnbret’s favorite status in the women’s Combined and Narasaki was impressive in Hachioji, but will be challenged by Schubert and possibly Czech Adam Ondra. The latter didn’t qualify for the finals after a low score in Lead, which he protested, but lost. He will have future opportunities to get into the Tokyo field. More coverage here.

| 3. | SNOWBOARD: Corning in New Zealand to defend 2018 title in Winter Games NZ Big Air

It’s hard to believe, but the 2019-2020 FIS Snowboard World Cup season really is starting in Cardrona (NZL) this weekend with a Big Air competition.

This is the third year that a World Cup program has been held in New Zealand, in conjunction with the Winter Games NZ. Last year, Snowboard Big Air was also held and the top two finishers ended up being at the top of the seasonal standings as well.

American Chris Corning (pictured) is in Cardrona to defend his 2018 title, where he finished ahead of eventual World Cup seasonal winner Takeru Otsuka (JPN). Corning is the reigning World Champion in Slopestyle from the 2019 Worlds held in Utah last February (Big Air was canceled due to bad weather). Also on the trip is American Red Gerard, who famously won the 2018 Olympic Slopestyle title in PyeongChang.

The women’s Snowboard Big Air in Cardrona last year was a 1-2 finish for Japan, with Reira Iwabuchi winning ahead of Miyabi Onitsuka, and they finished 1-2 in the seasonal standings as well.

The Snowboarders will lead off, to be followed next week by a Freestyle Skiing Big Air competition. Check out our preview here.

| 4. | BASKETBALL: U.S. men’s World Cup team plays first of three exhibitions in Oz

Fresh from the nerves-settling 90-81 win over no. 2-ranked Spain at the Honda Center in Anaheim last week, the U.S. men’s World Cup team is in Melbourne for the first two exhibition games against Australia.

Ranked 11th in the world, Australia has a veteran roster, which includes current or recent NBA veterans including Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Aron Baynes, Matthew Dellavedova and others. The first game is on Thursday (22nd) with a 5:30 a.m. start time in the Eastern time zone (7:30 p.m. in Australia). The game will be played at the Marvel Stadium, usually used for Australian Rules Football and a crowd of up to 45,000 is expected, with the basketball floor placed in the center of the field!

The U.S. will play Australia again on the 24th, also in Melbourne, then move on to Sydney to play Canada in a final exhibition on the 26th. The World Cup will start on 31 August in China, with the U.S. starting on 1 September in Shanghai against the Czech Republic. More coverage here.

| 5. | COMING ATTRACTIONS: Rhythmic Gymnastics in Romania; Cycling in Hamburg

Also on tap this week:

● The second FIG Rhythmic World Challenge Cup is on for Cluj Napoca in Romania. Israel’s Linoy Ashram is the likely star, but there will be interest in the newest Russian sensation, 16-year-old Daria Trubnikova, the 2018 Youth Olympic Games All-Around gold medalist. American champion Laura Zeng, the first to ever win a Rhythmic World Cup medal, will look to add a first World Challenge Cup medal. Preview here.

● The 24th EuroEyes Cyclassics Hamburg brings the top sprinters not in Spain for La Vuelta a Espana together on a flat course on Sunday. Italy’s Elia Viviani has won the last two in a row and no one has ever won more than that, so he will be looking for both a win and a new record. Preview here.

Look for an in-depth preview of 2019’s La Vuelta a Espana later this week.

| 6. | FIGURE SKATING: Noted coach Richard Callaghan banned by U.S. Center for SafeSport

On Wednesday, U.S. Figure Skating posted the declaration of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, including:

“On March 6, 2018, U.S. Figure Skating adopted the measure issued by the U.S. Center for SafeSport suspending the membership of Richard Callaghan. On August 21, 2019, the U.S. Center for SafeSport issued the following Sanction regarding Richard Callaghan which is subject to appeal:

“Sanction: Permanent Ineligibility

“Respondent Richard Callaghan is permanently prohibited from participating, in any capacity, in any activity or competition authorized by, organized by, or under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee, the national governing bodies recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, and/or a Local Affiliated Organization of a national governing body recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.”

Callaghan is a famed coach, who assisted 1996 World Champion Todd Eldredge and 1998 Olympic Champion Tara Lipinski to their career-defining performances. He was accused of misconduct back in 1999 by former student and coaching assistant Craig Maurizi, but the case did not result in any sanctions.

On 9 August of this year, former skater Adam Schmidt filed suit against Callaghan, alleging sexual assaults from 1999-2001, when Schmidt was still a minor.

There is no indication yet whether Callaghan will appeal his sanction.

| 7. | SKI JUMPING: Norwegian superstar Lundby injured in training, but not in a jump!

Norway’s Maren Lundby (pictured) has been the best women’s ski jumper in the world for the past two seasons, winning the 2018 Olympic gold and the 2019 World Championships. But she was injured during a training session last week in Lillehammer (NOR), but not during a jump.

“In order to move the starting bar, you have to climb over to the other side of the inrun. I was holding on to the bar, climbed over and then I lost my footing. It was raining a lot in the morning so it was very wet on the side of the inrun track. All of a sudden I was lying on my back and sliding down the inrun. I tried everything I could to slow down, with both arms and legs. I just could not stop and so I fell over the edge of the take-off table. I landed on one leg/knee and then my head hit the concrete. Fortunately, I was wearing a helmet.”

Lundby was fortunate, as subsequent imaging showed no broken bones, but she did suffer a concussion and a bruised knee. It’s estimated that the effects might last for more than a month, but as of now, her 2019-20 season is not threatened.

A FIS Ski Jumping World Cup is the U.S. once again is becoming a possibility. The State of Michigan has appropriated funds to create a year-round jumping facility on its Upper Peninsula as a training and tourism attraction that could be open as early as 2021.

The last FIS World Cup was held at Park City, Utah in February of 2004. Two World Cups have been held previously at Iron Mountain, Michigan, in 1996 and 2000, Said longtime FIS Race Director Walter Hofer, head of the Ski Jumping program for the federation, “Bringing an event back to North America has been a priority for us.”

| 8. | SWIMMING: Court hearing on doping allegations vs. Yang Sun will be public

The next act in the continuing circus over doping allegations against China’s superstar Freestyler Yang Sun will be played out in public, according to the announcement by the Court of Arbitration for Sport:

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is conducting an appeal arbitration procedure brought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the Chinese swimmer Sun Yang and the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) in relation to a decision issued by the FINA Doping Panel dated 3 January 2019 whereby Sun Yang was found not to have committed an anti-doping rule violation following an out-of-competition doping control.”

Originally scheduled for September, the date will be sometime in October, almost certainly in Switzerland. As the Court noted, “This will be the second time in the history of CAS that a hearing is held in public. The first public hearing, which took place in 1999, was also related to the sport of swimming, in the matter Michelle Smith De Bruin v. FINA.”

A triple Olympic gold medalist in the 200-400-1,500 m Freestyles, Sun has been highly scrutinized over doping since a 2014 incident in which he was banned for three months by the Chinese Swimming Association. The positive finding and subsequent penalty were not disclosed until after the penalty period was concluded, and there was an inference of a cover-up.

In 2018, Sun was reported to have acted improperly during an out-of-competition test at his home last September, including the smashing of blood sample vials. FINA investigated the matter and cleared Sun, but the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The question of Sun and doping became a cause celebre at the recent FINA World Championships in Korea, when Australian silver medalist Mack Horton refused to stand on the awards podium with Sun after his win in the 400 m Free, and Britain’s Duncan Scott refused to shake his hand after Sun won the 200 m Free, his 11th World Championships victory.

Now WADA’s appeal, and Sun’s defense, will seen publicly. Who holds the television rights to the Court of Arbitration for Sport?

SNOWBOARD Preview: World Cup season is here, with Big Air coming in Cardrona!

By
Rich Perelman
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Defending Big Air champ Chris Corning (USA) returns to Cardrona this weekend!

Believe it or not, the first FIS Snowboard World Cup competition of the 2019-20 season coming Saturday and Sunday in the New Zealand resort of Cardrona with a Big Air event for men and women.

This is the third year that a World Cup event has been held as part of the Winter Games NZ program, with Snowboard Halfpipe and Slopestyle in 2017 and Big Air for Snowboard and Freestyle in 2018.

The U.S. will be out in force, with defending Cardrona Big Air champ Chris Corning on the slopes, as well as 2018 Olympic Slopestyle gold medalist Red Gerard. They both competed in the 2018 PyeongChang Big Air event, with Corning fourth and Gerard fifth. Corning won the world title in Slopestyle last February in home snow in Utah.

“I am excited to be back in New Zealand,” said Corning. “I hope to bring home a win again. The jump is usually pretty great and if the weather holds out it should be a good contest. Being in a contest after the summer can always be more nerve-wracking than one in the middle of the season, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Corning won at Cardrona in 2018 over Japan’s Takeru Otsuka, who eventually won the World Cup Big Air title. The final leaders:

1. 2,600 Takeru Otsuka (JPN)
2. 2,090 Chris Corning (USA)
3. 1,400 Kalle Jarvilehto (FIN)
4. 1,340 Clemens Millauer (AUT)
5. 1,045 Ruki Tobita (JPN)

The women’s Big Air winners in Cardrona last year turned out to be the top three in the seasonal standings: Japan’s Reira Iwabuchi and Miyabi Onitsuka, followed by Slovakia’s Klaudia Medlova. The final seasonal leaders:

1. 2,400 Reira Iwabuchi (JPN)
2. 2,400 Miyabi Onitsuka (JPN)
3. 1,800 Klaudia Medlova (SVK)
4. 1,600 Anna Gasser (AUT)
5. 1,400 Laurie Blouin (CAN)

Sunday’s Cardrona finals will be shown on NBC’s Olympic Channel on Saturday evening (Eastern time) at 8 p.m. Look for results here.

BASKETBALL Preview: U.S. men in Australia for exhibition in Melbourne at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time Thursday

By
Rich Perelman
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U.S. head coach Gregg Popovich (Photo: USA Basketball)

The U.S. men’s World Cup team, fresh from a 90-81 victory over no. 2-ranked Spain at the Honda Center in Anaheim, is in Australia for three exhibition games before heading to China for the World Cup itself.

The opponent for Thursday and Saturday is Australia, ranked no. 11 and playing in the very difficult Group F, against Canada, Lithuania and Senegal. The 12-man roster includes four NBA players:

● Aron Baynes (6-10), center for the Phoenix Suns;
● Matthew Dellavedova (6-4), guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers;
● Joe Ingles (6-8) small forward for the Utah Jazz;
● Patty Mills (6-0), a guard for the San Antonio Spurs.

Also familiar to U.S. fans will be 7-0 center Andrew Bogut, who played for the Bucks, Warriors, Mavericks, Cavaliers, Lakers, and Warriors again in 2019 and currently plays for the Sydney Kings.

U.S. coach Gregg Popovich foresees two difficult games. “They are one of the teams that can win the whole thing, without a doubt. I’m not saying that because I’m here. It’s just a fact. They’ve been close for several years, and they are hungry. They are talented. Coach [Andrej] Lemanis does a good job, and they are a team. They are together. They know what they are doing. They execute really well, so that’s what it takes. They have the toughness and physicality to go with it. I think they are one of the top contenders without a doubt.”

The venue will be unique, with a basketball floor installed in the Marvel Stadium, normally used for Australian Rules Football, and 45,000 spectators are anticipated.

The U.S. had four players in double figures against Spain, led by Donovan Mitchell with 13 points. Khris Middleton had 12 and Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum had 11 each. The U.S. won the game thanks to a 42-20 rebounding edge, but also had 23 turnovers.

Thursday’s game will be shown on NBA TV starting at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time, with a replay immediately following at 8 a.m. Eastern. Look for statistics at the USA Basketball site here.

The U.S. will play Australia again on 24 August in Melbourne and finish its exhibition schedule in Sydney, against Canada on 26 August.

CYCLING Preview: Third straight win coming for Viviani in Cyclassics Hamburg?

By
Rich Perelman
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Two-time EuroEyes Cyclassics Hamburg winner Elia Viviani of Italy

Most of the cycling world will be transfixed by the start of the Vuelta a Espana on Saturday, but the 24th edition of the EuroEeyes Cyclassics Hamburg runs on Sunday in Germany, over a 224 km course designed for sprinters.

There will be a fraternal feeling to this race – at least as the start – as eight former medal winners are in the field, including the winners of six of the last seven editions and 13 of the 15 medals awarded over the past five years:

● Alexander Kristoff (NOR) ~ Winner in 2014; second in 2015; third in 2013-18
● Andre Greipel (GER) ~ Winner in 2015; second in 2012-13
● Arnaud Demare (FRA) ~ Winner in 2012; second in 2017-18
● Elia Viviani (ITA) ~ Winner in 2017-18
● Caleb Ewan (AUS) ~ Winner in 2016
● Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA) ~ Second in 2014, third in 2012-15-16
● Mark Renshaw (AUS) ~ Second in 2008
● Dylan Groenewegen (NED) ~ Third in 2017

With his wins over the past two years, Viviani tied American Tyler Farrar (2009-10) as the only person to win this race more than once. But there are plenty of candidates to tie them.

The course is quite flat, starting at 6 m up and never rising to more than 73 m during the final, five-loop finish into Hamburg’s center.

This is the first of four races that will take place while La Vuelta is ongoing. The Bretagne Classic Ouest-France comes on 1 September and then the two Canadian races in Quebec on 13-15 September, also the closing weekend of La Vuelta.

Look for the results from Hamburg here.

GYMNASTICS Preview: Ashram headlines second Rhythmic World Challenge Cup in Romania

By
Rich Perelman
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Israeli Rhythmic Gymnastics star Linoy Ashram

After dominating the first Rhythmic World Challenge Cup in Minsk (BLR) last week, Russia’s Averina sisters have the week off and Israel’s Linoy Ashram is the headliner for the second series event, this time in Cluj-Napoca (ROU) from Friday through Sunday.

The 6,930-seat BT Arena is the venue, with some quality entries expected:

● Linoy Ashram (ISR) ~ 2018 Worlds All-Around silver medalist
● Nicol Zelikman (ISR) ~ 2019 European Champs Hoop bronze medalist
● Daria Trubnikova (RUS) ~ 2018 Youth Olympic Games All-Around Champion
● Ekaterina Selezneva (RUS) ~ 2019 World University Games All-Around Champion
● Alexandra Agiurgiuculese (ITA) ~ 2018 Worlds Ball bronze medalist
● Laura Zeng (USA) ~Five-time U.S. All-Around champ (2015-19)
● Camilla Feeley (USA) ~ 2019 Pan Am Games All-Around silver medalist

While Ashram – a five-time World Championships medalist – is the most decorated entrant, don’t overlook Trubnikova, perhaps the next-generation Russian star. She’s just 16 and is coming off of a gold medal performance at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires last year.

Her Russian teammate Selezneva – now 24 – is also on a roll, having just won the Universiade All-Around title in Naples, Italy last month.

Zeng, the five-time U.S. All-Around champ, has won four career World Cup medals, but never a medal in a World Challenge Cup.

Prize money for the All-Around is CHF 750-550-450-300-250-200-150-100 and for the apparatus finals: 600-450-300-250-200-150-100. Look for results here.

SPORT CLIMBING: Narasaki and Garnbret dominate Combineds, set as Tokyo 2020 favorites

By
Rich Perelman
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Tomoa Narasaki (center) won the Combined title at the IFSC Worlds from Jakob Schubert (AUT; left) and Kazak Rishat Kahibullin (bronze; right) (Photo: IFSC/Eddie Fowke)

The much-anticipated IFSC World Championships Combined competitions qualified the first athletes for the sport’s debut in 2020, but also established – without any doubt – the favorites for the first Olympic medals: Tomoa Narasaki of Japan and Janja Garnbret of Slovenia.

Following the completion of the standard events – Bouldering, Lead and Speed – and a rest day, the women’s Combined final was on Tuesday and Garnbret was, as expected, on top of the podium in Hachioji (JPN):

● In Speed, Garnbret is hardly the best and finished sixth out of eight, timing 13.399. The event was won by World Champion Aleksandra Miroslaw (POL), in 7.750 ahead of Britain’s Shauna Coxsey.

● Garnbret finished second in the Bouldering event – in which she is also the World Champion – with one boulder cleared in two tries and two intermediate zones. Japan’s Akiyo Noguchi was the only to clear two problems among the finalists. Coxsey was third in this segment.

● Garnbret had to perform in Lead – in which she is World Champion – and she did, by climbing all the way to the top hold, one of only two finalists to fo so, along with Ai Mori of Japan. Noguchi had a shot at the overall win, but fell on the jump to the final hold and had to settle for the silver medal.

The top Bouldering performers did best, with Garnbret (12.00) winning, followed by Noguchi (21.00) and Britain’s Coxsey (42.00). Because the top eight qualified for the Tokyo 2020 competition and with a limit of two per country, American Brooke Raboutou (ninth) and Jessica Pilz (AUT: 10th) also punched their tickets to next year’s Olympic Games.

In the men’s Combined, Bouldering World Champion Narasaki was superb. He reached the final in Speed against Kazak Rishat Khaibullin, but fell and finished second. Narasaki was even stronger in his favorite event, Bouldering, and was the only one to complete all three problems; no one else could clear more than one.

In the Lead final, Narasaki had finished fourth in the Worlds and showed a good mastery of the course, scoring 30 and finishing second to Austria’s Jakob Schubert, who reached the top.

The quality of efforts in all three events gave Narasaki a total score of just 4.00, easily the winner ahead of Schubert (35.00) and Khaibullin (40.00).

Garnbret was fairly amazing, with three wins in four events during the Championships and she and Narasaki now wear the mantle of favorites for Sport Climbing’s first Olympic appearance. Summaries:

IFSC World Championships
Hachioji (JPN) ~ 11-21 August 2019
(Full results here)

Men

Bouldering: 1. Tomoa Narasaki (JPN), 2t4z ~ 12/20; 2. Jakob Schubert (AUT), 0t3z ~ 0/10; 3. Yannick Flohe (GER), 0t3z ~ 0/13; 4. Kokoro Fujii (JPN), 0t3z ~ 0/18; 5. Keita Dohi (JPN), ot2z ~ 0/9; 6. Adam Ondra (CZE), 0t0z ~ 0/0.

Lead: 1. Ondra (CZE), 34+; 2. Alexander Megos (GER), 33+; 3. Schubert (AUT), 33+; 4. Narasaki (JPN), 30; 5. Sean McColl (CAN), 30; 6. Stefano Ghisolfi (ITA), 29+; 7. Kai Harada (JPN), 28+; 8. Hannes Puman (SWE), 27+.

Speed ~ Final: 1. Ludovico Fossali (ITA), 6.871; 2. Jan Criz (CZE), fell. Third: Stanislav Kokorin (RUS), 5.835; 4. Danyil Boldyrev (UKR), 5.934.

Combined: 1. Tomoa Narasaki (JPN), 4.00 points; 2. Schubert (AUT), 35.00; 3. Rishat Khaibullin (KAZ), 40.00; 4. Kai Harada (JPN), 54.00; 5. Meichi Narasaki (JPN), 60,00; 6. Fujii (JPN), 72.00; 7. Mickael Mawem (FRA), 112.00; 8. Megos (GER), 448.00.

Women

Bouldering: 1. Janja Garnbret (SLO), 3t3z ~ 8/8; 2. Akiyo Noguchi (JPN), 2t2z ~ 4/2; 3. Shauna Coxsey (GBR), 2t2z ~ 6/6; 4. Ievgeniia Kazbekova (UKR), 1t2z ~ 3/4; 5. Miho Nonaka (JPN), 1t2z ~ 5.6; 6. Nanako Kura (JPN), 0t1z ~ 0/1.

Lead: 1. Garnbret (SLO), 43+; 2. Mia Krampl (AUT), 39+; 3. Ai Mori (JPN), 38+; 4. Chae-Hyun Seo (KOR), 38+; 5. Akiyo Noguchi (JPN0, 38+; 6. Jessica Pilz (AUT), 35+; 7. Vita Lukan (SLO), 30+; 8. Julia Chanourdie (FRA), 30+.

Speed ~ Final: 1. Aleksandra Miroslaw (POL), 7.129; 2. Di Niu (CHN), 8.363. Third: 3. Anouck Jaubert (FRA), 7.534; 4. YiLing Song (CHN), 9.768.

Combined: 1. Garnbret (SLO), 12.00 points; 2. Noguchi (JPN), 21.00; 3. Coxsey (GBR), 42.00; 4. Miroslaw (POL), 64.00; 5. Nonaka (JPN), 80.00; 6. Mori (JPN), 80.00; 7. Futaba Ito (JPN), 120.00; 8. Petra Klingler (SUI), 126.00.

TSX DAILY: USOPC self-vaccinates to ward off Congressional surgery ~ USOPC reprimands Pan Am protesters ~ Fab Georgia FB practical joke starring Matthew Boling!

By
Rich Perelman
-

≡ TSX DAILY ~ 21 August 2019 ≡

| 1. |  LANE ONE: USOPC tries self-vaccination to ward off possible Congressional surgery over governance 

After a devastating series of Congressional hearings in 2018, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the U.S. National Governing Bodies are in line for potentially severe changes to their charter from the U.S. Congress and a bill to do so has already been written by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut).

Knowing this, and having read the Senate sub-committee report, the bill and the report of its own Borders Commission, the USOPC announced on Monday a lengthy set of proposed amendments to its By-Laws that would make significant changes along the lines proposed in all three.

In the dull language of governing documents, the changes would include:

● Changes to the USOPC’s Board of Directors, following the suggestion of the Borders Commission and including five independent directors, three directors elected directly by the Athletics Advisory Council, three elected directly by the National Governing Bodies Council and two from former athletes who are part of the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association. Required additional directors would include U.S. members of the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee.

● Much stronger oversight and audits – on compliance to regulations and performance – of the National Governing Bodies, to be done annually by 2021. That’s a higher level than recommended in the Moran-Blumenthal bill and the requirements are significant and deep.

● Stronger athlete support from a dedicated “Office of the Athlete Ombudsman,” upgraded from a single person to a full-time group, paid for by the USOPC. Grievance procedures would be supported by a USOPC-provided fund for athletes who do not have the funds to challenge an NGB or the USOPC on compliance, selection procedures or other matters.

● The USOPC would make annual reports to the Congress, instead of one report every four years.

The proposed amendments are now in a public comment period. The critics are already shrieking, but the USOPC’s approach to integrating change before change is forced on it is worthwhile and in some areas, genuinely helpful. There will be more changes to come, as new By-Laws can’t solve everything, but this is a good start.

As with many vaccinations, while it may not completely prevent a change in status, it may cushion the impact. Time will tell.

| 2. | U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE: Reprimands sent to Imboden and Berry for Pan Am podium protests, but no sanctions

USA Today’s Christine Brennan reported that the USOPC sent letters of reprimand to both fencer Race Imboden and hammer thrower Gwen Berry for their protest actions on the medal stand at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Imboden (pictured) kneeled during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” during the medal ceremony for the men’s Team Foil fencing event and Berry raised her right fist during the victory ceremony for the women’s hammer throw.

Both had signed a pledge – as did all of the 643 athletes on the U.S. team – that they would refrain from political protests. They did not. But the letters sent by USOPC Chief Executive Sarah Hirshland indicated:

“This letter will serve as a formal reprimand from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Additionally, the USOPC considers you to be in a probationary period for the next 12 months. This means you could face more serious sanctions for any additional breach of our code of conduct than might otherwise be levied for an athlete in good standing.”

Hirshland further explained:

● “And while I respect your perspective – and that of every athlete for whom I’m lucky enough to serve – I disagree with the moment and manner in which you chose to express your views. …

● “The goal of a Games that are free from political speech is to focus our collective energy on the athletes’ performances, and the international unity and harmony each Games seek to advance. When an individual makes his or her grievances, however legitimate, more important than that of their competitors and the competition itself, that unity and harmony is diminished.”

Brennan noted that Hirshland plans to discuss the issue with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee to “more clearly define for Team USA athletes what a breach of these rules will mean in the future.” Next summer’s Tokyo Games will come in the midst of the 2020 U.S. Presidential cycle, between the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

The raised-fist salute of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Games after the men’s 200 m resulted in the pair being banned from the Games. Same for the casual stance on the victory stand of Vince Matthews and Wayne Collett in Munich in 1972 after the men’s 400 m.

Ahead of 2020, the issue must be discussed, since a repeat may not be as lightly treated by the IOC or IPC.

| 3. | CANOE-KAYAK: New Zealand’s Carrington goes for seventh straight gold in Worlds K-1 200 m as Vincent-Lapointe sits

The shocking suspension of Canada’s 11-time World Champion Laurence Vincent-Lapointe for doping on Monday cast a shadow over the 2019 ICF World Championships, now ready to start in Szeged, Hungary.

But there will still be stars on the water, including two mega-stars on the same level as Vincent-Lapointe:

● New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington (pictured) has dominated women’s kayaking for almost a decade and will be looking for her seventh straight title in the K-1 200 m and more in the K-1 500 m and the K-2 and K-4 events.

● Germany’s Sebastian Brendel has been equally successful in the men’s canoeing events, with 10 career golds in the C-1 1,000 m, C-1 5,000 m and C-4 events from 2013-18.

The program in Szeged runs through Sunday in 30 different events, of which just 12 are on the Olympic program for Tokyo. Our preview is here.

At a Montreal news conference, Vincent-Lapointe responded to the doping positive announced by the International Canoe Federation on Monday, accompanied by her attorney, Adam Klevinas.

Klevinas explained the next steps. “For the moment, what we know is that the concentration that was found in Laurence’s sample is compatible with contamination. That’s where we’re looking now

“We’re confident that it isn’t an intentional ingestion. Ligandrol is an illegal substance in Canada; it’s not something you would find in medication. It’s not something you could find in food, like you would with Clenbuterol in certain parts of the world, so contamination, for us, especially with the concentration that we found is the scenario that we have to investigate and we’re looking at every possibility.”

He went on to explain that the logical culprit would be supplements, which have been shown to create these kinds of positives before. “There is an explanation and we have to find it.”

Vincent-Lapointe expressed her dismay with clarity and emotion:

“As a person, my dream to go to the Olympics started when I was seven, right? I saw someone do synchronized swimming in the Olympics ad I was just, like, amazed.

“I have not gone to school since the fall because I decided to really focus and get ready for this Olympic selection this year, and I’ve been working so hard and – just every single day – putting all my heart and all my strength into everything I do, and last week, it just all fell down.

“My world fell apart literally. I received the news, and I was like, ‘How could I ever want to risk something like that?’ … I’ve been winning for almost 10 years now and I know I can beat all of these women with my own strength. I know I can win. I know I can be the best, and I don’t need anything to boost me or something.

“For me – doping – I’ve always seen people who do that as cheaters.”

For now, she is suspended and the investigation will continue. The normal penalty for doping violations is four years, which could not only wipe out her ambitions for Tokyo, but given the timing, potentially for Paris 2024 as well.

| 4. | FOOTBALL: Belgian federation NOT interested in hosting FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023

Not interested, just looking. The Royal Belgian Football Association said on Tuesday that it was not, in fact, going to bid on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but was interested in knowing more about the requirements in order to consider a future bid.

Belgian Football Union spokesman Stefan Van Loock told the Belga news agency, “What is correct is that we asked for information on the terms of reference, the criteria for application and the needs for such an organisation, but for information purposes only and certainly not for the 2023 edition. If we were to apply, it would be for a later edition, but it is much too early.”

FIFA had announced that Belgium was going to apply; there are nine countries now interested who must formally confirm their intention to bid by 2 September and then submit the documentation by 13 December.

The U.S. Soccer Federation is planning to bid on the 2027 Women’s World Cup, to be held a year after Canada, Mexico and the U.S. hold the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a year prior to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

| 5. | ATHLETICS: Croatia’s Perkovic targets Los Angeles 2028 as final destination in discus career

Although she is not having the season she would prefer in 2018, Croatia’s double Olympic discus champion Sandra Perkovic still has her goals ahead of her. Still just 29 in an event where competitors can approach 40, she already has Olympic golds in 2012 and 2016 and World Championship victories in 2013 and 2017.

Interviewed for the IAAF “Inside Athletics” series (available here), she has a good idea of what the next 10 years could look like:

“Becoming the first woman to win three Olympic discus titles is my wish for 2020. But I know that I need to go there and be prepared to give my best.

“My wish is to go to five Olympic Games – one for each of the Olympic rings. I’ve been to two now, in London and Rio, and my next one will be Tokyo. After that, I want to compete in Paris in 2024 and in Los Angeles in 2028. Maybe that will be my last Olympics and my last season.

“That’s 10 more years of competing, but during that time I’d like to become a mother and continue doing the sport. After that, there are lots of jobs I’d like to do but I’d like to stay involved in sport because I’ve learned a lot during my career. But who knows, maybe I’ll have five or six kids and be a housewife!”

She’s hardly the stay-at-home type. In addition to her discus life, she also served a shortened term in the Croatian Parliament from 2015-16. According to her Wikipedia profile, she didn’t attend any of the legislative sessions except the swearing-in ceremony – not a big surprise given the timing prior to Rio, a season with 13 competitions – and her term ended when the Parliament dissolved and new elections were called. Once a politician …

One more note on Perkovic. She ranks “only” 16th on the all-time list with her best of 71.41 m (234-3) from 2017, but all of the throws and throwers ahead of her are Eastern Europeans from the 1980s plus one throw from Yangling Xiao (CHN) in 1992. You can make the inference that Perkovic is the world-record holder in the event in the post-state doping era (although she served a six-month ban back in 2011).

| 6. | THE LAST WORD: Matthew Boling already becoming a legend at Georgia, even before his first race!

This is just absolutely a scream.

Matthew Boling has enrolled as a freshman at Georgia after a record-setting senior season at Strake Jesuit High School in Houston, Texas, where he won the state title in the 100 m and ran sensational times of 9.98w and 10.13. He also won the Pan American Junior titles in the 100 m and 200 m (10.11 and 20.31 at altitude) and in the 4×100 m.

But he’s already the talk in Athens for a stunt he collaborated on with Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart on Monday. According to Dawgs247:

“The fourth-year head coach had his players line up for sprints after the workout and before they started running, he offered them the option of sprints or a 4×100-meter relay race with the players vs. the coaches. It featured freshman offensive lineman Warren McClendon, redshirt sophomore cornerback Ameer Speed, freshman defensive lineman Tymon Mitchell, and junior safety Richard LeCounte III against three UGA staffers and, well, a guy who can be safely labeled as a ringer.”

The ringer was Boling, running anchor after the players established a healthy lead on the coaches. You can watch the mayhem here:

https://twitter.com/GeorgiaFootball/status/1163593991725690881

Great way to bring the football and track programs together; wow!

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