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Combine “Just Say No” with a zero-sum policy to stifle Olympic expansion

By
Rich Perelman
-

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TSX HEADLINES – for May 4, 2018: Somewhere deep inside the Tokyo government and the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, a staff member is shaking their head at why – with the Games costing so much – six sports, 18 events and 474 athletes were added at Tokyo’s suggestion to the Olympic program.

With the explosion of costs and complexity, how can organizing committees (and host cities) be expected to support a continuously-expanding Games?

At the same time, innovation is needed. So what can be done?

We explore the concept of “Just Say No” to the army of sports that want to be part of the Games, perhaps coupled with a zero-sum view that if any sports or events are added, something now in the Games should be subtracted.

And in looking at the sports added to the Olympic program since 1948, judge for yourself whether all or some of these are really making the Games better.

All the details are collected in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: IOC files an appeal with the Swiss Federal Tribunal from the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s reversal of the IOC’s disciplinary commission findings from Sochi 2014, plus boxing is still on the hot seat, and not assured to be in Tokyo 2020.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Kenyan Asbel Kiprop caught for doping, but he says it can’t be; IOC tells Tunisia that if it won’t allow Israeli athletes to compete there, its bid for the 2022 Youth Olympic Games in Tunis is dead.

(3) ICE HOCKEY: The International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Championships starts in Denmark with Canada-United States!

(4) SWIMMING: World champions Jordan Wilimovsky, Haley Anderson and Ashley Twichell headline the U.S. national championships in Tempe.

(5) WRESTLING: Three-time world champ Adeline Gray leads a powerhouse U.S. team at the Pan American Championships in Peru.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of Athletics ~ Diving ~ Fencing ~ Gymnastics ~ Ice Hockey ~ Sport Climbing ~ Swimming ~ Wrestling,, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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The problems of promoting Olympic sport: Water Polo needs to deal with Why

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for May 2, 2018: The international aquatics federation called a special conference to consider what to do about water polo.

Simply put, the sport is under threat of being pulled from the Olympic program because it’s essentially a European sport with competition from Australia and the U.S.

What should be done? How can water polo stay relevant? These are questions that go beyond water polo to all Olympic sports, and there were depressing suggestions, but also some truth spoken that identified the key question for any sport: why should anyone care?

The key comments and observations are collected in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Remembering the day the 1940 Olympic Games were canceled, and retirements by Olympic medalists Dawn Harper Nelson (track & field) and Andrew Weibrecht (skiing).

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Stunner: USA Track & Field removed the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials from Mt. San Antonio College and will re-allocate the meet in June. A lawsuit that was Mt. SAC was on the way to winning was given as the reason. Really?

(3) ATHLETICS: The 2018 Diamond League starts in Doha on Friday with a terrific showdown between American hurdlers Kendra Harrison and Brianna Rollins-McNeal!

(4) BEACH VOLLEYBALL: The sport comes back to its beginnings, with the Huntington Beach Open, and Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena are to-seeded!

(5) CYCLING: There are three really important races in cycling each year and one of them – the Giro d’Italia – starts Friday, but in Israel of all places, with the first stage in Jerusalem! We have a detailed preview.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of Athletics ~ Badminton ~ Beach Volleyball ~ Cycling ~ Modern Pentathlon ~ Table Tennis; SCOREBOARD reports on Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Swimming, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

The problems of promoting Olympic sport: Water Polo needs to deal with Why

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4359 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for May 2, 2018: The international aquatics federation called a special conference to consider what to do about water polo.

Simply put, the sport is under threat of being pulled from the Olympic program because it’s essentially a European sport with competition from Australia and the U.S.

What should be done? How can water polo stay relevant? These are questions that go beyond water polo to all Olympic sports, and there were depressing suggestions, but also some truth spoken that identified the key question for any sport: why should anyone care?

The key comments and observations are collected in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Remembering the day the 1940 Olympic Games were canceled, and retirements by Olympic medalists Dawn Harper Nelson (track & field) and Andrew Weibrecht (skiing).

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Stunner: USA Track & Field removed the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials from Mt. San Antonio College and will re-allocate the meet in June. A lawsuit that was Mt. SAC was on the way to winning was given as the reason. Really?

(3) ATHLETICS: The 2018 Diamond League starts in Doha on Friday with a terrific showdown between American hurdlers Kendra Harrison and Brianna Rollins-McNeal!

(4) BEACH VOLLEYBALL: The sport comes back to its beginnings, with the Huntington Beach Open, and Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena are to-seeded!

(5) CYCLING: There are three really important races in cycling each year and one of them – the Giro d’Italia – starts Friday, but in Israel of all places, with the first stage in Jerusalem! We have a detailed preview.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of Athletics ~ Badminton ~ Beach Volleyball ~ Cycling ~ Modern Pentathlon ~ Table Tennis; SCOREBOARD reports on Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Swimming, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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Still a lot of doping going on: 1,595 positives in 2016

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 30, 2018: The World Anti-Doping Agency published its report on doping violations for 2016, and there were more than a few. Try 1,595 across 112 sports.

Even so, the number of actual doping positives was still less than 1% of the samples processed. And for the Olympic sports – summer and winter – the percentage is even lower.

So, what’s the big deal and, which sports and countries are the biggest offenders?

The news is bad for track & field, good for weightlifting, bad for Italy and at least one sports in the U.S. and looking better (maybe) for Russia.

But more changes are coming and we have some ideas on what needs to be done next in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: The BBC is now championing a new sport for the Olympic Games, on target to be added to the program for Los Angeles 2028: cheerleading. They’re serious, but there is a clear reason why.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: A massive conference on the future of water polo was held in Hungary over the weekend, with some startling comments from IOC Deputy Director General Pere Miro, who was himself – some years ago – a Spanish water polo player.

(3) ATHLETICS: A compelling edition of the Drake Relays in Des Moines, with Jenny Simpson targeting – and getting – a new American Record in the two mile, plus a big win for American shot putter Ryan Crouser over his New Zealand rival, Tom Walsh!

(4) SHOOTING: Two big wins, and world-record performances, from American Olympic champions Kim Rhode and Vincent Hancock at the ISSF World Cup in Changwon, Korea.

(5) WRESTLING: The U.S. Open has been completed in Las Vegas, with outstanding performances from former World Champion Adeline Gray and six wrestlers who defended their 2017 titles.

This issue includes SCOREBOARD reports on Archery ~ Athletics ~ Badminton ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Diving ~ Fencing ~ Gymnastics ~ Ice Hockey ~ Rugby ~ Sailing ~ Shooting ~ Swimming ~ Triathlon ~ Wrestling, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

Still a lot of doping going on: 1,595 positives in 2016

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4352 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 30, 2018: The World Anti-Doping Agency published its report on doping violations for 2016, and there were more than a few. Try 1,595 across 112 sports.

Even so, the number of actual doping positives was still less than 1% of the samples processed. And for the Olympic sports – summer and winter – the percentage is even lower.

So, what’s the big deal and, which sports and countries are the biggest offenders?

The news is bad for track & field, good for weightlifting, bad for Italy and at least one sports in the U.S. and looking better (maybe) for Russia.

But more changes are coming and we have some ideas on what needs to be done next in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: The BBC is now championing a new sport for the Olympic Games, on target to be added to the program for Los Angeles 2028: cheerleading. They’re serious, but there is a clear reason why.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: A massive conference on the future of water polo was held in Hungary over the weekend, with some startling comments from IOC Deputy Director General Pere Miro, who was himself – some years ago – a Spanish water polo player.

(3) ATHLETICS: A compelling edition of the Drake Relays in Des Moines, with Jenny Simpson targeting – and getting – a new American Record in the two mile, plus a big win for American shot putter Ryan Crouser over his New Zealand rival, Tom Walsh!

(4) SHOOTING: Two big wins, and world-record performances, from American Olympic champions Kim Rhode and Vincent Hancock at the ISSF World Cup in Changwon, Korea.

(5) WRESTLING: The U.S. Open has been completed in Las Vegas, with outstanding performances from former World Champion Adeline Gray and six wrestlers who defended their 2017 titles.

This issue includes SCOREBOARD reports on Archery ~ Athletics ~ Badminton ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Diving ~ Fencing ~ Gymnastics ~ Ice Hockey ~ Rugby ~ Sailing ~ Shooting ~ Swimming ~ Triathlon ~ Wrestling, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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Finances of the International Federations, in dollars, Euro, francs and Pounds: Part II

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 27, 2018: The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations governance study said 21 of the 28 IFs had publicly-available financial information, so we checked it out for ourselves.

In our second of two parts, we actually found financial data – if not statements – for 23 of the 28 and we profile the last 14 today.

What did we learn? First, that one of the biggest sports in the Olympic Games – gymnastics – compiles these statements, but does not make them public. They did have a loss in 2017, however.

And that many of these federations are really small business. Out chart of last-reported revenues for the 23 we did find information for showed that six had less than $10 million in revenues and another eight had less than $25 million. FIFA, on the other hand, had $734.2 million …

All the details and the comparative revenue table is in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: The IAAF issued its long-awaited regulations on hyperandrogenism, which could have a significant effect on South Africa’s double Olympic 800 m champion Caster Semenya, among others. Plus what would have been the 100th birthday of Dutch track star Fanny Blankers-Koen, the quadruple gold medalist of the 1948 London Games.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: The International Olympic Committee encouraged the Tokyo 2020 organizers to be more forthright and to tell people what was being planned … even if not completely worked out …

(3) ATHLETICS: Fabulous match-ups at the Drake Relays: Ryan Crouser vs. Tomas Walsh in the men’s shot, Kendra Harrison vs. everyone in the women’s 100 m hurdles and the return of Canadian sprint star Andre De Grasse.

(4) WRESTLING: The U.S. Open is on in Las Vegas, the first step toward selecting the U.S. team for the 2018 World Championships, with Olympic champ Jake Varner and three-time World gold medalist Adeline Gray ready to go!

(5) FOOTBALL: Civil unrest in Nicaragua ended up cancelling the CONCACAF women’s U-17 Championship in Managua!

This issue includes ON DECK reports on Athletics ~ Badminton ~ Gymnastics ~ Swimming ~ Triathlon ~ Wrestling; SCOREBOARD reports on Curling ~ Cycling ~ Football ~ Ice Hockey ~ Shooting, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

Finances of the International Federations, in dollars, Euro, francs and Pounds: Part II

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4345 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 27, 2018: The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations governance study said 21 of the 28 IFs had publicly-available financial information, so we checked it out for ourselves.

In our second of two parts, we actually found financial data – if not statements – for 23 of the 28 and we profile the last 14 today.

What did we learn? First, that one of the biggest sports in the Olympic Games – gymnastics – compiles these statements, but does not make them public. They did have a loss in 2017, however.

And that many of these federations are really small business. Out chart of last-reported revenues for the 23 we did find information for showed that six had less than $10 million in revenues and another eight had less than $25 million. FIFA, on the other hand, had $734.2 million …

All the details and the comparative revenue table is in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: The IAAF issued its long-awaited regulations on hyperandrogenism, which could have a significant effect on South Africa’s double Olympic 800 m champion Caster Semenya, among others. Plus what would have been the 100th birthday of Dutch track star Fanny Blankers-Koen, the quadruple gold medalist of the 1948 London Games.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: The International Olympic Committee encouraged the Tokyo 2020 organizers to be more forthright and to tell people what was being planned … even if not completely worked out …

(3) ATHLETICS: Fabulous match-ups at the Drake Relays: Ryan Crouser vs. Tomas Walsh in the men’s shot, Kendra Harrison vs. everyone in the women’s 100 m hurdles and the return of Canadian sprint star Andre De Grasse.

(4) WRESTLING: The U.S. Open is on in Las Vegas, the first step toward selecting the U.S. team for the 2018 World Championships, with Olympic champ Jake Varner and three-time World gold medalist Adeline Gray ready to go!

(5) FOOTBALL: Civil unrest in Nicaragua ended up cancelling the CONCACAF women’s U-17 Championship in Managua!

This issue includes ON DECK reports on Athletics ~ Badminton ~ Gymnastics ~ Swimming ~ Triathlon ~ Wrestling; SCOREBOARD reports on Curling ~ Cycling ~ Football ~ Ice Hockey ~ Shooting, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

[wpdm_package id=4345 template=”link-template-button-popup.php”]

Finances of the International Federations, in dollars and francs: Part I

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 25, 2018: Last week’s governance report on the 28 International Sports Federations on the permanent program of the Olympic Games was generally dismal. However, it did note that 21 of the 28 federations had posted financial information, even some with audited financial statements.

Really? We had to see for ourselves.

Through the first 14 federations we looked into, 11 had financial information of some type and most had real financial statements issued by certified accountants.

The smallest income (for 2016) was posted by the International Boxing Federation at about $9.6 million. At the other end of the scale was FIFA, which showed 2017 revenue of more than $734 million and expenses above $923 million for a loss of $189 million before a loss on investments increased the deficit to $191 million! Wow!

We have the details on the first 14 federations in our Lane One commentary, with the remainder coming on Friday. Plus:

(1) POSTPONED: Very sorry to report that our panel on The Reality Behind the Rings: Finance, Law and Operations for the 1984 and 2028 Olympic Games, scheduled for tonight, has been postponed.

(2) THE TICKER: The first two full-length decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport on the 39 Russian doping cases from Sochi from 2014 were finally released: one upholding the finding of a doping violation and one exonerating the athlete.

(3) THE BIG PICTURE: Good news for Mt. San Antonio College, which saw a lawsuit against it to stop construction of its new football and track & field stadium ahead of the 2020 U.S. Track & Field Trials, dismissed!

This issue includes ON DECK reports on Archery ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Diving ~ Fencing ~ Gymnastics ~ Rugby ~ Sailing; SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Shooting, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

Finances of the International Federations, in dollars and francs: Part I

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4333 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 25, 2018: Last week’s governance report on the 28 International Sports Federations on the permanent program of the Olympic Games was generally dismal. However, it did note that 21 of the 28 federations had posted financial information, even some with audited financial statements.

Really? We had to see for ourselves.

Through the first 14 federations we looked into, 11 had financial information of some type and most had real financial statements issued by certified accountants.

The smallest income (for 2016) was posted by the International Boxing Federation at about $9.6 million. At the other end of the scale was FIFA, which showed 2017 revenue of more than $734 million and expenses above $923 million for a loss of $189 million before a loss on investments increased the deficit to $191 million! Wow!

We have the details on the first 14 federations in our Lane One commentary, with the remainder coming on Friday. Plus:

(1) POSTPONED: Very sorry to report that our panel on The Reality Behind the Rings: Finance, Law and Operations for the 1984 and 2028 Olympic Games, scheduled for tonight, has been postponed.

(2) THE TICKER: The first two full-length decisions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport on the 39 Russian doping cases from Sochi from 2014 were finally released: one upholding the finding of a doping violation and one exonerating the athlete.

(3) THE BIG PICTURE: Good news for Mt. San Antonio College, which saw a lawsuit against it to stop construction of its new football and track & field stadium ahead of the 2020 U.S. Track & Field Trials, dismissed!

This issue includes ON DECK reports on Archery ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Diving ~ Fencing ~ Gymnastics ~ Rugby ~ Sailing; SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Shooting, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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The new Games: on the beach, in town, maybe in combat?

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 23, 2018: The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sports. But it is not the beginning or the end.

Two important organizations, both led by current members of the International Olympic Committee, have joined the International Sports Federations and the National Olympic Committees together for new events, outside of and even beyond what the Olympics offer.

Two will debut next year: the World Beach Games in San Diego and the World Urban Games in a city to be selected.

What are these Games? Can they succeed? We gaze into the future in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) A SPECIAL EVENT: Coming on Wednesday is a fresh look at what made the 1984 Olympic Games so successful in Los Angeles and what the IOC expects for 2028. The program will be moderated by The Sports Examiner editor-in-chief Rich Perelman. Registration is free; details are on page 4.

(2) THE TICKER: A warning for the Tokyo 2020 organizers from the head of the IOC’s Coordination Commission: it’s time for specific answers to specific questions, or face the consequences, plus USA Wrestling now requires background checks for news media!

(3) THE BIG PICTURE: Second survey of the summer International Federations shows that most are still failing – and failing big – in governance.

(4) ATHLETICS: Brilliant running from the unbeatable Eliud Kipchoge – the best of all time? – and Vivian Cheruiyot in a Kenyan sweep of a very warm London Marathon.

(5) CYCLING: America’s reigning Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup champ Aaron Gwin opens the 2018 season with another win, and a 1-2 finish with Luca Shaw in Croatia.

This issue includes SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Basketball ~ Beach Volleyball ~ Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Judo ~ Rugby ~ Shooting ~ Sport Climbing ~ Swimming, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

The new Games: on the beach, in town, maybe in combat?

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4325 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 23, 2018: The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sports. But it is not the beginning or the end.

Two important organizations, both led by current members of the International Olympic Committee, have joined the International Sports Federations and the National Olympic Committees together for new events, outside of and even beyond what the Olympics offer.

Two will debut next year: the World Beach Games in San Diego and the World Urban Games in a city to be selected.

What are these Games? Can they succeed? We gaze into the future in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) A SPECIAL EVENT: Coming on Wednesday is a fresh look at what made the 1984 Olympic Games so successful in Los Angeles and what the IOC expects for 2028. The program will be moderated by The Sports Examiner editor-in-chief Rich Perelman. Registration is free; details are on page 4.

(2) THE TICKER: A warning for the Tokyo 2020 organizers from the head of the IOC’s Coordination Commission: it’s time for specific answers to specific questions, or face the consequences, plus USA Wrestling now requires background checks for news media!

(3) THE BIG PICTURE: Second survey of the summer International Federations shows that most are still failing – and failing big – in governance.

(4) ATHLETICS: Brilliant running from the unbeatable Eliud Kipchoge – the best of all time? – and Vivian Cheruiyot in a Kenyan sweep of a very warm London Marathon.

(5) CYCLING: America’s reigning Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup champ Aaron Gwin opens the 2018 season with another win, and a 1-2 finish with Luca Shaw in Croatia.

This issue includes SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Basketball ~ Beach Volleyball ~ Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Judo ~ Rugby ~ Shooting ~ Sport Climbing ~ Swimming, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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A perfect storm could lead the IOC to a new, worldwide relevance

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 20, 2018: Almost everything seems to be going wrong for the International Olympic Committee right now, but that may change in time.

The IOC is showing some new vigor, reportedly forming a task force to work on new rules that would ban countries not only from hosting Olympic Games, but being the site of international events in any Olympic sort.

This move, developed at the ongoing General Assembly of International Sports Federations (GAISF) meetings in Bangkok (THA), coupled with the approval of extra-stern measures against countries guilty of mass doping by the International Weightlifting Federation, show the IOC might be finding a path back not just to relevance, but appreciation.

There is still a long way to go, but we have details in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) A SPECIAL EVENT: A fresh look at what made the 1984 Olympic Games so successful in Los Angeles and what the IOC expects from Los Angeles for 2028 will be discussed this coming Wednesday in Los Angeles. The program will be moderated by The Sports Examiner editor-in-chief Rich Perelman. Registration is free; details are on page 4.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: New energy for possible mega-event bids from Jamaica and, of all places, India!

(3) ATHLETICS: The Boston Marathon was too cold, and Sunday’s London Marathon may be too hot! Once again, great fields are ready to challenge current Kenyan king Eliud Kipchoge and Mary Keitany says she is ready to try for a women’s world record! We have a full preview.

This issue includes an ON DECK reports on Athletics ~ Basketball ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Judo ~ Shooting ~ Sport Climbing ~ Swimming and a SCOREBOARD report on Cycling, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

A perfect storm could lead the IOC to a new, worldwide relevance

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4318 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 20, 2018: Almost everything seems to be going wrong for the International Olympic Committee right now, but that may change in time.

The IOC is showing some new vigor, reportedly forming a task force to work on new rules that would ban countries not only from hosting Olympic Games, but being the site of international events in any Olympic sort.

This move, developed at the ongoing General Assembly of International Sports Federations (GAISF) meetings in Bangkok (THA), coupled with the approval of extra-stern measures against countries guilty of mass doping by the International Weightlifting Federation, show the IOC might be finding a path back not just to relevance, but appreciation.

There is still a long way to go, but we have details in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) A SPECIAL EVENT: A fresh look at what made the 1984 Olympic Games so successful in Los Angeles and what the IOC expects from Los Angeles for 2028 will be discussed this coming Wednesday in Los Angeles. The program will be moderated by The Sports Examiner editor-in-chief Rich Perelman. Registration is free; details are on page 4.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: New energy for possible mega-event bids from Jamaica and, of all places, India!

(3) ATHLETICS: The Boston Marathon was too cold, and Sunday’s London Marathon may be too hot! Once again, great fields are ready to challenge current Kenyan king Eliud Kipchoge and Mary Keitany says she is ready to try for a women’s world record! We have a full preview.

This issue includes an ON DECK reports on Athletics ~ Basketball ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Judo ~ Shooting ~ Sport Climbing ~ Swimming and a SCOREBOARD report on Cycling, plus AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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Is the IOC now getting ready to tackle Anti-Semitism?

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 18, 2018: The ancient plague of anti-Semitism was visited on the Olympic Movement last week when the government of Tunisia barred four Israeli teenagers from competing in the World Junior Championships in Taekwondo.

This is hardly the first time; such situations have shown up in judo and wrestling, among other sports. But the International Olympic Committee may be taking notice … and names.

The head of United World Wrestling, Serbian Nenad Lalovic, also a member of the IOC’s Executive Board, has said that offending host countries simply shouldn’t be allowed to host events any more.

It’s a first step, perhaps; we have the details and proof it doesn’t have to be this way in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The Calgary City Council agreed to keep its bid alive for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games … at least until June.

(2) SCENE & HEARD: The new design for the renovation of Hayward Field in Eugene harkens back to the historic Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, right down to the tower. Is this good or bad?

(3) ATHLETICS: Stunning Boston Marathon wins for Des Linden and Yuki Kawauchi, but their back stories are even more amazing than the outcomes!

(4) FOOTBALL: American women ready for CONCACAF U-17 championships – and World Cup qualifier – in Nicaragua.

(5) ICE HOCKEY: Defending champion U.S. men’s U-18 team in Russia for IIHF U-18 Worlds!

This issue includes an ON DECK reports on Beach Volleyball ~ Cycling ~ Football ~ Ice Hockey ~ Rugby; SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Swimming ~ Taekwondo, and AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

Is the IOC now getting ready to tackle Anti-Semitism?

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4310 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 18, 2018: The ancient plague of anti-Semitism was visited on the Olympic Movement last week when the government of Tunisia barred four Israeli teenagers from competing in the World Junior Championships in Taekwondo.

This is hardly the first time; such situations have shown up in judo and wrestling, among other sports. But the International Olympic Committee may be taking notice … and names.

The head of United World Wrestling, Serbian Nenad Lalovic, also a member of the IOC’s Executive Board, has said that offending host countries simply shouldn’t be allowed to host events any more.

It’s a first step, perhaps; we have the details and proof it doesn’t have to be this way in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The Calgary City Council agreed to keep its bid alive for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games … at least until June.

(2) SCENE & HEARD: The new design for the renovation of Hayward Field in Eugene harkens back to the historic Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, right down to the tower. Is this good or bad?

(3) ATHLETICS: Stunning Boston Marathon wins for Des Linden and Yuki Kawauchi, but their back stories are even more amazing than the outcomes!

(4) FOOTBALL: American women ready for CONCACAF U-17 championships – and World Cup qualifier – in Nicaragua.

(5) ICE HOCKEY: Defending champion U.S. men’s U-18 team in Russia for IIHF U-18 Worlds!

This issue includes an ON DECK reports on Beach Volleyball ~ Cycling ~ Football ~ Ice Hockey ~ Rugby; SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Swimming ~ Taekwondo, and AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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Biathlon raid shows the Russian question is not going away

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 16, 2018: Austrian authorities raided the office of the International Biathlon Union in Salzburg last week and Norwegian police executed a search under warrant on the home of IBU President Anders Besseberg.

What they were looking for was evidence of bribes paid to the IBU and/or Besseberg to cover up Russian doping results, from as early as 2010 through the 2017 World Championships held in Austria. Besseberg has stepped down for the time being, as has IBU Secretary General Nicole Resch, until the investigation is completed.

As much as some folks in the Olympic Movement would like for the “Russian question” to go away, it isn’t. And this inquiry can’t be blamed on the U.S. Department of Justice or Canadian law professor Richard McLaren.

We have the details and note the impact this is going to have in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: Is Usain Bolt sorry he retired? He asks the question himself after the poor showing by Jamaica’s sprinters in the Commonwealth Games! Plus, the home announcers for the Games rip the Closing Ceremony as it is going on! Wow!

(2) ATHLETICS: Our preview of Monday’s Boston Marathon, with six prior champions entered, along with American hopes Galen Rupp, Jordan Hasay and Shalane Flanagan!

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Australia overwhelms the field with 198 medals in a great Games that had 21 world leaders in track & field and 17 in swimming. A total of 69 Games records were set and Canadian swimmer Taylor Ruck won the most medals with eight.

(4) EQUESTRIAN: A second World Cup Jumping Final championship for ageless Beezie Madden of the U.S. … at age 54! That wasn’t all: U.S. riders took silvers in both Jumping and Dressage, while Germany’s youthful Isabell Werth won her fourth World Cup Dressage title … at 48!

(5) SWIMMING: New American Record for Olivia Smoliga in the women’s 50 m Backstroke at the Tyr Pro Swim Series in Mesa, in the gimmicky 50 m elimination format, plus impressive triple wins for Smoliga, Leah Smith and Chase Kalisz!

This issue includes an ON DECK report on Athletics; SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Equestrian ~ Gymnastics ~ Sport Climbing and Swimming, and AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

Biathlon raid shows the Russian question is not going away

By
Rich Perelman
-

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TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 16, 2018: Austrian authorities raided the office of the International Biathlon Union in Salzburg last week and Norwegian police executed a search under warrant on the home of IBU President Anders Besseberg.

What they were looking for was evidence of bribes paid to the IBU and/or Besseberg to cover up Russian doping results, from as early as 2010 through the 2017 World Championships held in Austria. Besseberg has stepped down for the time being, as has IBU Secretary General Nicole Resch, until the investigation is completed.

As much as some folks in the Olympic Movement would like for the “Russian question” to go away, it isn’t. And this inquiry can’t be blamed on the U.S. Department of Justice or Canadian law professor Richard McLaren.

We have the details and note the impact this is going to have in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: Is Usain Bolt sorry he retired? He asks the question himself after the poor showing by Jamaica’s sprinters in the Commonwealth Games! Plus, the home announcers for the Games rip the Closing Ceremony as it is going on! Wow!

(2) ATHLETICS: Our preview of Monday’s Boston Marathon, with six prior champions entered, along with American hopes Galen Rupp, Jordan Hasay and Shalane Flanagan!

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Australia overwhelms the field with 198 medals in a great Games that had 21 world leaders in track & field and 17 in swimming. A total of 69 Games records were set and Canadian swimmer Taylor Ruck won the most medals with eight.

(4) EQUESTRIAN: A second World Cup Jumping Final championship for ageless Beezie Madden of the U.S. … at age 54! That wasn’t all: U.S. riders took silvers in both Jumping and Dressage, while Germany’s youthful Isabell Werth won her fourth World Cup Dressage title … at 48!

(5) SWIMMING: New American Record for Olivia Smoliga in the women’s 50 m Backstroke at the Tyr Pro Swim Series in Mesa, in the gimmicky 50 m elimination format, plus impressive triple wins for Smoliga, Leah Smith and Chase Kalisz!

This issue includes an ON DECK report on Athletics; SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Equestrian ~ Gymnastics ~ Sport Climbing and Swimming, and AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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As Calgary considers 2026, why should it bid for the Winter Games?

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 13, 2018: The Calgary City Council will re-consider the city’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Winter Games next week, and the question to be answered is why should it bid at all?

One of the most respected members of the Olympic Movement is Canadian gold medalist and former Canadian Olympic Association chief Dr. Roger Jackson. His guest column in the Calgary Herald explains the benefits of the Games, clearly and concisely.

But to move forward, Jackson and the bid’s supporters are going to have to do one thing to make it work with the public in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada.

What? The answer is in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The International Weightlifting Federation is throwing the book at the national federations – more than a dozen – that have done so much doping that the sport could be dropped from the Olympic Games. It’s not pretty …

(2) SWIMMING: Lots of big stars in the pool at the Tyr Pro Swim Series in Mesa, Arizona. Two swimmers have plans to do six events over the first three days … that’s prelims plus finals. The names, please …

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Australia is pulverizing the rest of the Commonwealth in front of their home fans, and while the swimming was great, there have been 12 new world leaders in track & field in the first five days of competition. See the full list, as well as a big moment for Rio 400 m champ Shaunae Miller-Uibo!

(4) CYCLING: BMX Freestyle Park is going to be a new event in Tokyo and American Hannah Roberts – at age 16 – is not only World Champion, but won the first event of the new 2018 World Cup season, in Hiroshima!

(5) FENCING: Russia won the most events, but the U.S. took seven medals in the Fencing World Junior Championships in Italy, including a Foil win for Nick Itkin.

This issue includes ON DECK reports on Curling ~ Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Sport Climbing and Swimming; SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Cycling ~ Fencing and Karate, and AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

As Calgary considers 2026, why should it bid for the Winter Games?

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4275 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 13, 2018: The Calgary City Council will re-consider the city’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Winter Games next week, and the question to be answered is why should it bid at all?

One of the most respected members of the Olympic Movement is Canadian gold medalist and former Canadian Olympic Association chief Dr. Roger Jackson. His guest column in the Calgary Herald explains the benefits of the Games, clearly and concisely.

But to move forward, Jackson and the bid’s supporters are going to have to do one thing to make it work with the public in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada.

What? The answer is in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The International Weightlifting Federation is throwing the book at the national federations – more than a dozen – that have done so much doping that the sport could be dropped from the Olympic Games. It’s not pretty …

(2) SWIMMING: Lots of big stars in the pool at the Tyr Pro Swim Series in Mesa, Arizona. Two swimmers have plans to do six events over the first three days … that’s prelims plus finals. The names, please …

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Australia is pulverizing the rest of the Commonwealth in front of their home fans, and while the swimming was great, there have been 12 new world leaders in track & field in the first five days of competition. See the full list, as well as a big moment for Rio 400 m champ Shaunae Miller-Uibo!

(4) CYCLING: BMX Freestyle Park is going to be a new event in Tokyo and American Hannah Roberts – at age 16 – is not only World Champion, but won the first event of the new 2018 World Cup season, in Hiroshima!

(5) FENCING: Russia won the most events, but the U.S. took seven medals in the Fencing World Junior Championships in Italy, including a Foil win for Nick Itkin.

This issue includes ON DECK reports on Curling ~ Cycling ~ Gymnastics ~ Sport Climbing and Swimming; SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Cycling ~ Fencing and Karate, and AGENDA, our exclusive calendar of upcoming international events!

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484 events you need to know about during the rest of 2018

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 11, 2018: Forget the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup and this is still a very busy year for Olympic sport.

Our updated calendar of top-tier international events, including Grand Prix, World Championship and World Cup events includes 484 events across the Olympic-sport landscape from now through the end of the year.

There will be more to add, of course, once the winter events are added later in the year, but check out our list of events, in chronological order, for your favorite sports.

The full list is in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The newest scandal is a report from a South Korean broadcaster that a vote-buying scheme to benefit the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games was engineered by former IAAF president Lamine Diack and his son, Papa Massata Diack and involving Olympic sponsor Samsung!

(2) EQUESTRIAN: Defending champions McLain Ward of the U.S. and Isabell Werth of Germany lead the field in the FEI World Cup Final in Jumping and Dressage, in Paris.

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: The Gold Coast Games produced 17 world-leading marks in swimming and seven more in just the first three days of track & field. One of those us by South Africa’s Caster Semenya in the women’s 1,500; is she ready to tackle the 800 m world record? Plus, a great performance by an Olympic champion rower turned cyclist … and now a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist!

This issue includes an ON DECK report on Equestrian and SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games and Athletics.

484 events you need to know about during the rest of 2018

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4269 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 11, 2018: Forget the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup and this is still a very busy year for Olympic sport.

Our updated calendar of top-tier international events, including Grand Prix, World Championship and World Cup events includes 484 events across the Olympic-sport landscape from now through the end of the year.

There will be more to add, of course, once the winter events are added later in the year, but check out our list of events, in chronological order, for your favorite sports.

The full list is in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The newest scandal is a report from a South Korean broadcaster that a vote-buying scheme to benefit the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games was engineered by former IAAF president Lamine Diack and his son, Papa Massata Diack and involving Olympic sponsor Samsung!

(2) EQUESTRIAN: Defending champions McLain Ward of the U.S. and Isabell Werth of Germany lead the field in the FEI World Cup Final in Jumping and Dressage, in Paris.

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: The Gold Coast Games produced 17 world-leading marks in swimming and seven more in just the first three days of track & field. One of those us by South Africa’s Caster Semenya in the women’s 1,500; is she ready to tackle the 800 m world record? Plus, a great performance by an Olympic champion rower turned cyclist … and now a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist!

This issue includes an ON DECK report on Equestrian and SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games and Athletics.

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Now this is fun: Gatlin, Coleman and friends running after a relay record

By
Rich Perelman
-
Christian Coleman and Justin Gatlin lead the U.S. relay attempt at the Tennessee Relays this weekend (University of Tennessee photo)

Christian Coleman and Justin Gatlin lead the U.S. relay attempt at the Tennessee Relays this weekend (University of Tennessee photo)

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 9, 2018: Keeping up with the Olympic Movement in 2018 means focusing on doping, finance, sexual abuse and a lot of other depressing issues.

This coming Saturday, the gold and silver medalists in the 2017 World Championships 100 meters are going to join with two other stars and try to break the American Record in the 4×100 m relay at the Tennessee Relays in Knoxville.

Now this is better.

Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman, both of whom ran collegiately at Tennessee, are driving this, but what are the chances?

Add up the times of the proposed U.S. quartet and a record does not seem likely. But that’s also true of the Jamaican foursomes – including Usain Bolt – who own the top seven times in history. But they ran a lot faster than their best times ever indicated; what does that say for the U.S.?

We get into the details – in detail – in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: USA Basketball nominated 35 players to its National Team Pool for 2018-20, including Steph Curry, James Harden, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and many more. Wow!

(2) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: South Africa’s Chad le Clos is getting close to the all-time Games record for medals, but he’ll be just short … this time. But the Games is a record-breaker and already one swimmer has six medals through the first four days of competition.

(3) FOOTBALL: Carli Lloyd scores her 100th goal for the U.S. and Megan Rapinoe scores once and assists on four more goals in a wild, 6-2 win over Mexico.

(4) WATER POLO: Both the U.S. men and U.S. women win the FINA Inter-Continental Cup in Auckland, New Zealand!

(5) WRESTLING: The United States wins its first UWW Freestyle World Cup since 2003, beating Azerbaijan in Iowa City, thanks to four men who all go 4-0 on the weekend!

This issue includes SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Athletics ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Football ~ Golf ~ Judo ~ Rugby ~ Water Polo ~ Wrestling and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

Now this is fun: Gatlin, Coleman and friends running after a relay record

By
Rich Perelman
-
Christian Coleman and Justin Gatlin lead the U.S. relay attempt at the Tennessee Relays this weekend (University of Tennessee photo)

[wpdm_package id=4262 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 9, 2018: Keeping up with the Olympic Movement in 2018 means focusing on doping, finance, sexual abuse and a lot of other depressing issues.

This coming Saturday, the gold and silver medalists in the 2017 World Championships 100 meters are going to join with two other stars and try to break the American Record in the 4×100 m relay at the Tennessee Relays in Knoxville.

Now this is better.

Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman, both of whom ran collegiately at Tennessee, are driving this, but what are the chances?

Add up the times of the proposed U.S. quartet and a record does not seem likely. But that’s also true of the Jamaican foursomes – including Usain Bolt – who own the top seven times in history. But they ran a lot faster than their best times ever indicated; what does that say for the U.S.?

We get into the details – in detail – in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: USA Basketball nominated 35 players to its National Team Pool for 2018-20, including Steph Curry, James Harden, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and many more. Wow!

(2) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: South Africa’s Chad le Clos is getting close to the all-time Games record for medals, but he’ll be just short … this time. But the Games is a record-breaker and already one swimmer has six medals through the first four days of competition.

(3) FOOTBALL: Carli Lloyd scores her 100th goal for the U.S. and Megan Rapinoe scores once and assists on four more goals in a wild, 6-2 win over Mexico.

(4) WATER POLO: Both the U.S. men and U.S. women win the FINA Inter-Continental Cup in Auckland, New Zealand!

(5) WRESTLING: The United States wins its first UWW Freestyle World Cup since 2003, beating Azerbaijan in Iowa City, thanks to four men who all go 4-0 on the weekend!

This issue includes SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Athletics ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Football ~ Golf ~ Judo ~ Rugby ~ Water Polo ~ Wrestling and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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Isn’t it time for some Olympic talking heads?

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 6, 2018: Do we really another sports talk show?

Yes, if it’s about Olympic sports.

So-called “ancillary” programming like ESPN’s “NFL Live” and the MLB Network’s “Intentional Talk” helps to bring in new fans and reinforces the appeal of these leagues and sports to the current fan.

During the PyeongChang Winter Games, NBC’s Olympic Channel carried a very well done half-hour program called “Winter Games Daily” with expert panels, features, and commentary by host Jimmy Roberts. We need a lot more of that!

We get into the details in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Sprint superstars Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman want to lower the American Record in the 4×100 m relay and are forming an all-star team to do just that at next week’s Tennessee Relays!

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Double Olympic judo champ Kayla Harrison and 1984 Olympian August Wolf penned an important Op-Ed in The Washington Post this week. The message: the sex abuse scandal is hardly limited to gymnastics.

(3) WRESTLING: The Freestyle World Cup is back in the U.S. and the American team is favored to win in Iowa City this weekend. All the details and the NBCSN/Olympic Channel television schedule.

(4) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Two world records and a wardrobe malfunction to start off the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia!

(5) FOOTBALL: The U.S. women hammered Mexico in Jacksonville, Florida with three goals in three minutes in the second half for a 4-1 win.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of Athletics and Wrestling, plus SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Biathlon ~ Cycling ~ Football and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

Isn’t it time for some Olympic talking heads?

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4254 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 6, 2018: Do we really another sports talk show?

Yes, if it’s about Olympic sports.

So-called “ancillary” programming like ESPN’s “NFL Live” and the MLB Network’s “Intentional Talk” helps to bring in new fans and reinforces the appeal of these leagues and sports to the current fan.

During the PyeongChang Winter Games, NBC’s Olympic Channel carried a very well done half-hour program called “Winter Games Daily” with expert panels, features, and commentary by host Jimmy Roberts. We need a lot more of that!

We get into the details in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Sprint superstars Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman want to lower the American Record in the 4×100 m relay and are forming an all-star team to do just that at next week’s Tennessee Relays!

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Double Olympic judo champ Kayla Harrison and 1984 Olympian August Wolf penned an important Op-Ed in The Washington Post this week. The message: the sex abuse scandal is hardly limited to gymnastics.

(3) WRESTLING: The Freestyle World Cup is back in the U.S. and the American team is favored to win in Iowa City this weekend. All the details and the NBCSN/Olympic Channel television schedule.

(4) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Two world records and a wardrobe malfunction to start off the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia!

(5) FOOTBALL: The U.S. women hammered Mexico in Jacksonville, Florida with three goals in three minutes in the second half for a 4-1 win.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of Athletics and Wrestling, plus SCOREBOARD reports on the Commonwealth Games ~ Biathlon ~ Cycling ~ Football and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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Should the IOC require bidding cities to have a referendum?

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 4, 2018: An April Fool’s post on the respected GamesBids.com Web site suggested that the International Olympic Committee will require cities bidding for future Games to have a vote as part of the submittal.

It may have been a prank, but the idea is worth considering seriously.

Referenda on hosting Olympic Games are hardly new. The only time a Games was returned to the IOC was via a vote in Denver that cut off funding for the 1976 Winter Games that was eventually celebrated in Innsbruck.

And the history-making 1984 Games in Los Angeles was shaped completely by the civic vote not to spend a penny of City money on the Games, unless reimbursed by the organizing committee.

Could the IOC require a vote? Should it? We get into the details and consider what may be ahead in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Calgary could be heading for a vote on its bid for the 2026 Winter Games; new polling suggests it will be a close call if public money is involved!

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: British cycling superstar Chris Froome headed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over his doping positive for an asthma medicine from last year’s Vuelta a Espana …

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: A quick preview of what to watch for from Gold Coast, Australia as the 21st Commonwealth Games get going on Wednesday! South African swimmer Chad le Clos is trying for the all-time CWG medal record and he will have to get busy to get there …

(4) ATHLETICS: The next big thing is Kentucky freshman – and 2016 Olympian in the 400 m hurdles –Sydney McLaughlin. She’s already running up the all-time World Junior lists in her first outdoor meets!

(5) GOLF: It took eight playoff holes to decide it, but Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg finally won her first LPGA tournament … after 250 tries!

This issue includes ON DECK previews of the Commonwealth Games ~ Cycling ~ Judo ~ Rugby ~ Water Polo, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Cycling ~ Golf and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

Should the IOC require bidding cities to have a referendum?

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4245 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 4, 2018: An April Fool’s post on the respected GamesBids.com Web site suggested that the International Olympic Committee will require cities bidding for future Games to have a vote as part of the submittal.

It may have been a prank, but the idea is worth considering seriously.

Referenda on hosting Olympic Games are hardly new. The only time a Games was returned to the IOC was via a vote in Denver that cut off funding for the 1976 Winter Games that was eventually celebrated in Innsbruck.

And the history-making 1984 Games in Los Angeles was shaped completely by the civic vote not to spend a penny of City money on the Games, unless reimbursed by the organizing committee.

Could the IOC require a vote? Should it? We get into the details and consider what may be ahead in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Calgary could be heading for a vote on its bid for the 2026 Winter Games; new polling suggests it will be a close call if public money is involved!

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: British cycling superstar Chris Froome headed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over his doping positive for an asthma medicine from last year’s Vuelta a Espana …

(3) COMMONWEALTH GAMES: A quick preview of what to watch for from Gold Coast, Australia as the 21st Commonwealth Games get going on Wednesday! South African swimmer Chad le Clos is trying for the all-time CWG medal record and he will have to get busy to get there …

(4) ATHLETICS: The next big thing is Kentucky freshman – and 2016 Olympian in the 400 m hurdles –Sydney McLaughlin. She’s already running up the all-time World Junior lists in her first outdoor meets!

(5) GOLF: It took eight playoff holes to decide it, but Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg finally won her first LPGA tournament … after 250 tries!

This issue includes ON DECK previews of the Commonwealth Games ~ Cycling ~ Judo ~ Rugby ~ Water Polo, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Cycling ~ Golf and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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New world record: 198 days for Paris 2024 budget projected to explode

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 2, 2018: It took the Tokyo government about two years to determine that the 2020 Olympic Games budget was out of control. The French government, looking into the Paris 2024 project, got to the same conclusion in a new, world-record time of just 198 days!

A report from a task force from the engineering, finance and sports ministries announced that unless changes were made to several of the programs currently projected, a cost overrun of as much as 500 million Euro could be expected. With their recommendations, the overrun would be only 200 million.

Sacre bleu! This is not just a problem for the French government, but for the organizing committee, the International Olympic Committee and even the LA2028 folks. We go into the details and consider what may be ahead in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Calgary is one of seven cities that submitted letters of interest to bid for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, but it may be heading for a vote to determine whether it can continue!

(2) GLOBETROTTING by Phil Hersh: A look back at a breathtaking season in Figure Skating, topped by the Olympic Games, but also by an interesting World Championships;

(3) ATHLETICS: Three men over 19-5 at the Texas Relays, including Mondo Duplantis for another World Junior Record! Two world leaders in women’s events at the Stanford Invitational, including the return of Brianna Rollins! And, in case you missed it, 74-4 1/2 for Tomas Walsh!

(4) MODERN PENTATHLON: A silver medal in the Pomona World Cup Mixed Relay for a U.S. husband-and-wife team allowed to compete together for the first time!

(5) SHOOTING: USA Shooting’s Spring Selection Match for pistols and rifles ends with four Americans qualifying for two events each for the 2018 World Championships.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of Cycling, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Golf ~ Judo ~ Modern Pentathlon ~ Rhythmic Gymnastics ~ Shooting and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

New world record: 198 days for Paris 2024 budget projected to explode

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4236 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Apr. 2, 2018: It took the Tokyo government about two years to determine that the 2020 Olympic Games budget was out of control. The French government, looking into the Paris 2024 project, got to the same conclusion in a new, world-record time of just 198 days!

A report from a task force from the engineering, finance and sports ministries announced that unless changes were made to several of the programs currently projected, a cost overrun of as much as 500 million Euro could be expected. With their recommendations, the overrun would be only 200 million.

Sacre bleu! This is not just a problem for the French government, but for the organizing committee, the International Olympic Committee and even the LA2028 folks. We go into the details and consider what may be ahead in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Calgary is one of seven cities that submitted letters of interest to bid for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, but it may be heading for a vote to determine whether it can continue!

(2) GLOBETROTTING by Phil Hersh: A look back at a breathtaking season in Figure Skating, topped by the Olympic Games, but also by an interesting World Championships;

(3) ATHLETICS: Three men over 19-5 at the Texas Relays, including Mondo Duplantis for another World Junior Record! Two world leaders in women’s events at the Stanford Invitational, including the return of Brianna Rollins! And, in case you missed it, 74-4 1/2 for Tomas Walsh!

(4) MODERN PENTATHLON: A silver medal in the Pomona World Cup Mixed Relay for a U.S. husband-and-wife team allowed to compete together for the first time!

(5) SHOOTING: USA Shooting’s Spring Selection Match for pistols and rifles ends with four Americans qualifying for two events each for the 2018 World Championships.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of Cycling, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Golf ~ Judo ~ Modern Pentathlon ~ Rhythmic Gymnastics ~ Shooting and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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Back to the Cold War: Russia trying not to come to the Wrestling World Cup

By
Rich Perelman
-

TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 30, 2018: While Great Britain, the U.S. and other European countries are throwing out Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a former Russian spy, the Russians are doing the same and … targeting wrestling for revenge.

The newest furor is whether a Russian team will come to the Freestyle World Cup to be held next week in Iowa City, Iowa. Iran has already bolted over a dispute with United World Wrestling, and now the Russians are back to the Cold War, accusing the U.S. of keeping them from competing.

The entire episode reminds us how wrong IOC president Avery Brundage was when he said that sport and politics don’t mix. Instead, it will be athletes who will be hurt.

We go into the details and consider what may be ahead in our Lane One commentary, plus:

  • The Ticker: Six cities file letters of interest with the IOC for the 2026 Winter Games;
  • The Big Picture: Australian sport in a tizzy over ball-tampering in cricket!
  • Curling: How far the sport has come … World Championships start in Las Vegas!
  • Cycling: Major road race – the Tour of Flanders – for men and women on Sunday!
  • Judo: Two Americans are high seeds in the Tbilisi Grand Prix this weekend!

This issue includes ON DECK previews of events in Curling ~ Cycling ~ Judo ~ Rhythmic Gymnastics, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Cycling, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

Back to the Cold War: Russia trying not to come to the Wrestling World Cup

By
Rich Perelman
-

[wpdm_package id=4228 template=”5a3caadf84efa”]

TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 30, 2018: While Great Britain, the U.S. and other European countries are throwing out Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a former Russian spy, the Russians are doing the same and … targeting wrestling for revenge.

The newest furor is whether a Russian team will come to the Freestyle World Cup to be held next week in Iowa City, Iowa. Iran has already bolted over a dispute with United World Wrestling, and now the Russians are back to the Cold War, accusing the U.S. of keeping them from competing.

The entire episode reminds us how wrong IOC president Avery Brundage was when he said that sport and politics don’t mix. Instead, it will be athletes who will be hurt.

We go into the details and consider what may be ahead in our Lane One commentary, plus:

  • The Ticker: Six cities file letters of interest with the IOC for the 2026 Winter Games;
  • The Big Picture: Australian sport in a tizzy over ball-tampering in cricket!
  • Curling: How far the sport has come … World Championships start in Las Vegas!
  • Cycling: Major road race – the Tour of Flanders – for men and women on Sunday!
  • Judo: Two Americans are high seeds in the Tbilisi Grand Prix this weekend!

This issue includes ON DECK previews of events in Curling ~ Cycling ~ Judo ~ Rhythmic Gymnastics, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Cycling, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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Are athletes moving past the Games and into a post-Olympic world?

By
Rich Perelman
-
The tug-of-war between USA Gymnastics, the sex-abuse survivors and the involved insurance companies continues ...

TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 28, 2018: There’s something going on in international sport, with competitions now reaching far beyond the usual team-sports leagues and even the Olympic Games.

Athletes and teams are competing in new sports of all types, many now showcased in the World Games, which is coming to the U.S. in 2021.The International Olympic Committee has taken notice and actively monitors what is happening at this event and others like it.

Are heading for a post-Olympic world? Maybe not, but the international sports world is expanding faster than anyone could have imagined, and it hasn’t stopped yet. Are some of the sports now in the Olympic Games doomed?

We check out the situation in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Cities wanting to bid of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games have to tell the IOC by Saturday, plus Katie Ledecky turns pro, but will keep taking classes at Stanford.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Is the Special Olympics and the Olympic Movement finally getting closer together? Two important developments make it seem more likely!

(3) FOOTBALL: A very young U.S. men’s national team wins a not-always-friendly match, 1-0, against Paraguay in front of a loud crowd in North Carolina.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of events in Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Modern Pentathlon ~ Shooting, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Alpine Skiing ~ Football ~ Freestyle Skiing ~ Shooting, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

Are athletes moving past the Games and into a post-Olympic world?

By
Rich Perelman
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The tug-of-war between USA Gymnastics, the sex-abuse survivors and the involved insurance companies continues ...

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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 28, 2018: There’s something going on in international sport, with competitions now reaching far beyond the usual team-sports leagues and even the Olympic Games.

Athletes and teams are competing in new sports of all types, many now showcased in the World Games, which is coming to the U.S. in 2021.The International Olympic Committee has taken notice and actively monitors what is happening at this event and others like it.

Are heading for a post-Olympic world? Maybe not, but the international sports world is expanding faster than anyone could have imagined, and it hasn’t stopped yet. Are some of the sports now in the Olympic Games doomed?

We check out the situation in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: Cities wanting to bid of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games have to tell the IOC by Saturday, plus Katie Ledecky turns pro, but will keep taking classes at Stanford.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Is the Special Olympics and the Olympic Movement finally getting closer together? Two important developments make it seem more likely!

(3) FOOTBALL: A very young U.S. men’s national team wins a not-always-friendly match, 1-0, against Paraguay in front of a loud crowd in North Carolina.

This issue includes ON DECK previews of events in Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Modern Pentathlon ~ Shooting, plus SCOREBOARD reports on Alpine Skiing ~ Football ~ Freestyle Skiing ~ Shooting, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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Show me the money: Skiing’s rewards are for just a few

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 26, 2018: The competitive skiing season has been completed and so it’s time to tote up the millions won by the brightest stars on the World Cup tour.

Except there weren’t any.

Sure, Alpine World Cup winners Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. and Marcel Hirscher of Austria made a lot of money, but more likely came from their sponsors than their actual winnings on the slopes.

Moreover, Shiffrin and Hirscher are part of a group of just 37 athletes out of 656 that won prize money who earned $100,000 or more this season. And just 12.3% of all skiers in Alpine, Cross Country, Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping won $50,000 or more.

That’s not a lot. Consider that one Olympic gold medalist you would recognize immediately made about 6,950 Swiss francs on her World Cup tour this season. That’s about what she will get as a new member of the International Olympic Committee … for office expenses!

We have all the numbers, exclusively in our Lane One commentary, plus coverage of 20 events across 15 sports in this 27-page issue:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: An important milestone for weightlifting in its campaign to remain in the Olympic Games. Their future fate could be decided next month!

(2) ATHLETICS: No doubt about Geoffrey Kamworer’s emphatic win in the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, but did Netsanet Gudeta really set a world record in the women’s division? She got a check for $50,000!

(3) FIGURE SKATING: True, there were absentees. But still a big win for Nathan Chen at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, plus a long-sought silver for ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue!

(4) SHOOTING: Vince Hancock and Kim Rhode – with eight Olympic medals between then – will lead the U.S. Skeet team at the World Championships;

(5) SWIMMING: Multiple World Champion – and Florida senior – Caeleb Dressel continues overhauling the U.S. record book at the men’s NCAA Championships. And he wasn’t alone …

This issue includes our SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Biathlon ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Figure Skating ~ Freestyle Skiing ~ Gymnastics ~ Judo ~ Nordic Combined ~ Shooting ~ Ski Jumping ~ Snowboard ~ Swimming ~ Table Tennis, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

Show me the money: Skiing’s rewards are for just a few

By
Rich Perelman
-

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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 26, 2018: The competitive skiing season has been completed and so it’s time to tote up the millions won by the brightest stars on the World Cup tour.

Except there weren’t any.

Sure, Alpine World Cup winners Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. and Marcel Hirscher of Austria made a lot of money, but more likely came from their sponsors than their actual winnings on the slopes.

Moreover, Shiffrin and Hirscher are part of a group of just 37 athletes out of 656 that won prize money who earned $100,000 or more this season. And just 12.3% of all skiers in Alpine, Cross Country, Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping won $50,000 or more.

That’s not a lot. Consider that one Olympic gold medalist you would recognize immediately made about 6,950 Swiss francs on her World Cup tour this season. That’s about what she will get as a new member of the International Olympic Committee … for office expenses!

We have all the numbers, exclusively in our Lane One commentary, plus coverage of 20 events across 15 sports in this 27-page issue:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: An important milestone for weightlifting in its campaign to remain in the Olympic Games. Their future fate could be decided next month!

(2) ATHLETICS: No doubt about Geoffrey Kamworer’s emphatic win in the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, but did Netsanet Gudeta really set a world record in the women’s division? She got a check for $50,000!

(3) FIGURE SKATING: True, there were absentees. But still a big win for Nathan Chen at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, plus a long-sought silver for ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue!

(4) SHOOTING: Vince Hancock and Kim Rhode – with eight Olympic medals between then – will lead the U.S. Skeet team at the World Championships;

(5) SWIMMING: Multiple World Champion – and Florida senior – Caeleb Dressel continues overhauling the U.S. record book at the men’s NCAA Championships. And he wasn’t alone …

This issue includes our SCOREBOARD reports on Athletics ~ Biathlon ~ Curling ~ Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Figure Skating ~ Freestyle Skiing ~ Gymnastics ~ Judo ~ Nordic Combined ~ Shooting ~ Ski Jumping ~ Snowboard ~ Swimming ~ Table Tennis, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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If the Russians don’t want to play, why should they have to stay?

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 23, 2018: The tug of war about sport and Russia is getting more complicated by the day.

In addition to an explosive update of the situation at the World Anti-Doping Agency Annual Symposium, the poisoning of two Russians in Britain created a call for a boycott by England at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in June.

So what should happen? The boycott idea hasn’t gotten any traction, but the war of words between the British Foreign Minister and Russian officials has gotten hot.

And then there was the idea, floated last December by a Russian politician, that the Goodwill Games should be revived as an “alternative” to the Olympic Games.

What happens next? We have some ideas and explore them in our Lane One commentary, plus preview and results in the Olympic world:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: Remembering Jimmy Carter’s words as he told U.S. athletes they would not be attending the 1980 Olympic Games, 38 years ago this week.

(2) ATHLETICS: The IAAF World Half Marathon Championships are on this weekend in Spain; will Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworer win his third in a row?

(3) FREESTYLE & SNOWBOARD: Another U.S. World Cup win? American Chris Corning leads the Snowboard Big Air World Cup going into the final competition in Quebec City … but not by much.

This issue includes THE TICKER on why the 2018 Winter Games were a success ~ bidding for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games ~ Golf and Surfing qualifying for Tokyo 2020; ON DECK previews of Athletics ~ Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Freestyle Skiing & Snowboard ~ Nordic Combined ~ Table Tennis; SCOREBOARD on Cycling, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

If the Russians don’t want to play, why should they have to stay?

By
Rich Perelman
-

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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 23, 2018: The tug of war about sport and Russia is getting more complicated by the day.

In addition to an explosive update of the situation at the World Anti-Doping Agency Annual Symposium, the poisoning of two Russians in Britain created a call for a boycott by England at the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in June.

So what should happen? The boycott idea hasn’t gotten any traction, but the war of words between the British Foreign Minister and Russian officials has gotten hot.

And then there was the idea, floated last December by a Russian politician, that the Goodwill Games should be revived as an “alternative” to the Olympic Games.

What happens next? We have some ideas and explore them in our Lane One commentary, plus preview and results in the Olympic world:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: Remembering Jimmy Carter’s words as he told U.S. athletes they would not be attending the 1980 Olympic Games, 38 years ago this week.

(2) ATHLETICS: The IAAF World Half Marathon Championships are on this weekend in Spain; will Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworer win his third in a row?

(3) FREESTYLE & SNOWBOARD: Another U.S. World Cup win? American Chris Corning leads the Snowboard Big Air World Cup going into the final competition in Quebec City … but not by much.

This issue includes THE TICKER on why the 2018 Winter Games were a success ~ bidding for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games ~ Golf and Surfing qualifying for Tokyo 2020; ON DECK previews of Athletics ~ Cycling ~ Fencing ~ Freestyle Skiing & Snowboard ~ Nordic Combined ~ Table Tennis; SCOREBOARD on Cycling, and AGENDA, our calendar of top-level international events.

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The second time the U.S. track team beat Hitler’s Germany

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 21, 2018: Everyone remembers the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and how Jesse Owens and other African-American stars made fools out of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

But did you know that two years later, the U.S. did it again?

We recount the story of the 1938 track & field dual meet between the United States and Nazi Germany, held over two days before packed houses in the Berlin Olympiastadion, with nine African-Americans on the U.S. squad. The Americans triumphed … and not by a little.

That meet still has meaning today, not only for the achievement of that U.S. team, but what it says about the future of the sport and how more attention can be brought back to it.

We details are in our Lane One commentary, plus preview and results in the Olympic world:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The Commonwealth Games are coming, plus 15 world indoor age-group records at the USA Track & Field Masters Indoor Nationals!

(2) FIGURE SKATING: World Championships set for Milan, with Americans Nathan Chen and Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue ready to go, along with Russia’s Alina Zagitova and multiple PyeongChang medalists!

(3) FREESTYLE SKIING: Americans Alex Ferreira and Brita Sigourney lead the World Cup Halfpipe with one last event in France on Thursday. Can they win the Crystal Globes?

(4) SHOOTING: The U.S. Shotgun Spring Selection Meeting will choose the U.S. team for the 2018 World Championships in Skeet and Trap. Who’s leading?

(5) SWIMMING: A new U.S. star in the making? Stanford’s Ella Eastin wins three individual events, beats Katie Ledecky, and sets two American records at the NCAA women’s championships!

The second time the U.S. track team beat Hitler’s Germany

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 21, 2018: Everyone remembers the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and how Jesse Owens and other African-American stars made fools out of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

But did you know that two years later, the U.S. did it again?

We recount the story of the 1938 track & field dual meet between the United States and Nazi Germany, held over two days before packed houses in the Berlin Olympiastadion, with nine African-Americans on the U.S. squad. The Americans triumphed … and not by a little.

That meet still has meaning today, not only for the achievement of that U.S. team, but what it says about the future of the sport and how more attention can be brought back to it.

We details are in our Lane One commentary, plus preview and results in the Olympic world:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The Commonwealth Games are coming, plus 15 world indoor age-group records at the USA Track & Field Masters Indoor Nationals!

(2) FIGURE SKATING: World Championships set for Milan, with Americans Nathan Chen and Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue ready to go, along with Russia’s Alina Zagitova and multiple PyeongChang medalists!

(3) FREESTYLE SKIING: Americans Alex Ferreira and Brita Sigourney lead the World Cup Halfpipe with one last event in France on Thursday. Can they win the Crystal Globes?

(4) SHOOTING: The U.S. Shotgun Spring Selection Meeting will choose the U.S. team for the 2018 World Championships in Skeet and Trap. Who’s leading?

(5) SWIMMING: A new U.S. star in the making? Stanford’s Ella Eastin wins three individual events, beats Katie Ledecky, and sets two American records at the NCAA women’s championships!

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Do they feel lucky? FIFA and Morocco 2026

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 19, 2018: One of Hollywood’s unforgettable lines was Clint Eastwood’s question to two criminals looking down the barrel of Inspector Harry Callahan’s .44 Magnum in “Dirty Harry”:

“You’ve gotta ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?”

The question might also apply to representatives of FIFA’s 211 national federations, who will be voting on the location of the 2026 World Cup in June. Do they go with the United 2026 bid that will place the event in Canada, Mexico and the United States?

Or do they take a chance and place it in Morocco, which needs to build or upgrade nine of its 14 proposed stadia. Does Morocco have the money to make this happen? The expertise? Will voters feel lucky after the difficulties for Brazil in 2014, Russia for 2018 and the continuing drama of Qatar’s preparations for 2022?

We explore the situation in our Lane One commentary, plus an enormous weekend of sport, with reports on 24 events in this 31-page issue:

(1) THE TICKER: The U.S. won the medal count at the just-completed Winter Paralympic Games in PyeongChang, plus two “world records” in New York in the indoor marathon!

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: It didn’t take long for suspended Olympic pistol shooter Keith Sanderson to have his attorney file a motion with the United States Olympic Committee to overturn it. But the clock is running …

(3) ALPINE SKIING: Mikaela Shiffrin wins her second overall World Cup in a row and scores her 43rd World Cup win … at age 23!

(4) CROSS COUNTRY: She did it again: Jessica Diggins scores a silver medal at the World Cup Final and vaults to where no American has been since 1982! Amazing end to the best season of women’s Cross Country skiing in history!

(5) FREESTYLE & SNOWBOARD: Five U.S. World Cup wins as the season winds down for Jaelin Kauf, Nick Goepper, Caroline Claire, Nate Holland and Chris Corning!

Do they feel lucky? FIFA and Morocco 2026

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 19, 2018: One of Hollywood’s unforgettable lines was Clint Eastwood’s question to two criminals looking down the barrel of Inspector Harry Callahan’s .44 Magnum in “Dirty Harry”:

“You’ve gotta ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?”

The question might also apply to representatives of FIFA’s 211 national federations, who will be voting on the location of the 2026 World Cup in June. Do they go with the United 2026 bid that will place the event in Canada, Mexico and the United States?

Or do they take a chance and place it in Morocco, which needs to build or upgrade nine of its 14 proposed stadia. Does Morocco have the money to make this happen? The expertise? Will voters feel lucky after the difficulties for Brazil in 2014, Russia for 2018 and the continuing drama of Qatar’s preparations for 2022?

We explore the situation in our Lane One commentary, plus an enormous weekend of sport, with reports on 24 events in this 31-page issue:

(1) THE TICKER: The U.S. won the medal count at the just-completed Winter Paralympic Games in PyeongChang, plus two “world records” in New York in the indoor marathon!

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: It didn’t take long for suspended Olympic pistol shooter Keith Sanderson to have his attorney file a motion with the United States Olympic Committee to overturn it. But the clock is running …

(3) ALPINE SKIING: Mikaela Shiffrin wins her second overall World Cup in a row and scores her 43rd World Cup win … at age 23!

(4) CROSS COUNTRY: She did it again: Jessica Diggins scores a silver medal at the World Cup Final and vaults to where no American has been since 1982! Amazing end to the best season of women’s Cross Country skiing in history!

(5) FREESTYLE & SNOWBOARD: Five U.S. World Cup wins as the season winds down for Jaelin Kauf, Nick Goepper, Caroline Claire, Nate Holland and Chris Corning!

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The IOC reinstated Russia; now the athletes will have their say

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 16, 2018: The quick reinstatement of the Russian National Olympic Committee by the International Olympic Committee, there were plenty of athletes who were not happy about it.

Now the athletes could get their say.

The World Anti-Doping Agency, also not a fan of the IOC’s quick reinstatement of Russia, announced its first Global Athlete Forum, to be held in Calgary in early June.

Could this be a pivotal moment for athletes to exert some control over doping in sports?

We consider the possibilities in our Lane One commentary, plus an enormous weekend of sport coming up in with reports on 17 sports in this 31-page issue:

(1) THE TICKER: Whatever happened to Mike Moran, the long-time spokesperson for the United States Olympic Committee? Quite a bit, it turns out; we have the update.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Something is going on at USA Shooting, as two-time Olympic pistol shooter Keith Sanderson was suspended for multiple violations of the Athlete’s Code of Conduct. What?

(3) ALPINE SKIING: Lindsey Vonn gets World Cup win no. 82 in the final Downhill of the season, but lost at the same time! How?

(4) FENCING: Second FIE Foil Grand Prix comes to Anaheim, with U.S. stars Alexander Massialas and Lee Kiefer among the favorites!

(5) WRESTLING: Two-time World Champion Adeline Gray leads U.S. women against Japan in the Freestyle World Cup in Takasaki!

The IOC reinstated Russia; now the athletes will have their say

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 16, 2018: The quick reinstatement of the Russian National Olympic Committee by the International Olympic Committee, there were plenty of athletes who were not happy about it.

Now the athletes could get their say.

The World Anti-Doping Agency, also not a fan of the IOC’s quick reinstatement of Russia, announced its first Global Athlete Forum, to be held in Calgary in early June.

Could this be a pivotal moment for athletes to exert some control over doping in sports?

We consider the possibilities in our Lane One commentary, plus an enormous weekend of sport coming up in with reports on 17 sports in this 31-page issue:

(1) THE TICKER: Whatever happened to Mike Moran, the long-time spokesperson for the United States Olympic Committee? Quite a bit, it turns out; we have the update.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Something is going on at USA Shooting, as two-time Olympic pistol shooter Keith Sanderson was suspended for multiple violations of the Athlete’s Code of Conduct. What?

(3) ALPINE SKIING: Lindsey Vonn gets World Cup win no. 82 in the final Downhill of the season, but lost at the same time! How?

(4) FENCING: Second FIE Foil Grand Prix comes to Anaheim, with U.S. stars Alexander Massialas and Lee Kiefer among the favorites!

(5) WRESTLING: Two-time World Champion Adeline Gray leads U.S. women against Japan in the Freestyle World Cup in Takasaki!

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Is it time to pay U.S. Olympians a salary?

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 14, 2018: What does it take for an athlete to win at the highest level, up to and including the Olympic Games?

For one, money. While the focus is on the actions – or lack thereof – of the United States Olympic Committee and the U.S. national governing bodies in each sport with regard to the sexual abuse scandal in gymnastics and possibly other sports, athletes are still training and trying to get ahead.

A long-ago blog post by 2004 Olympic shot put champion Adam Nelson suggested that a part of the puzzle could be athlete stipends or salaries. Is it time to look at this more closely?

We review the situation and how it might work in our Lane One commentary, plus your update on the worldwide carousel of sport:

(1) THE TICKER: Don’t look now, but Belgium’s Borlees might not be the only world-class brothers on a World Championship relay team. How about the American Kerley brothers?

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Fear the pink? One of the most interesting situations to follow will be whether U.S. cross-country gold medalist Kikkan Randall will change the IOC or vice versa as she begins her eight-year term, pink hair and all!

(3) ALPINE SKIING: The Alpine World Cup season concludes with the World Cup Final in Sweden, with four seasonal discipline titles still in play, including one for Lindsey Vonn!

Is it time to pay U.S. Olympians a salary?

By
Rich Perelman
-

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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 14, 2018: What does it take for an athlete to win at the highest level, up to and including the Olympic Games?

For one, money. While the focus is on the actions – or lack thereof – of the United States Olympic Committee and the U.S. national governing bodies in each sport with regard to the sexual abuse scandal in gymnastics and possibly other sports, athletes are still training and trying to get ahead.

A long-ago blog post by 2004 Olympic shot put champion Adam Nelson suggested that a part of the puzzle could be athlete stipends or salaries. Is it time to look at this more closely?

We review the situation and how it might work in our Lane One commentary, plus your update on the worldwide carousel of sport:

(1) THE TICKER: Don’t look now, but Belgium’s Borlees might not be the only world-class brothers on a World Championship relay team. How about the American Kerley brothers?

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: Fear the pink? One of the most interesting situations to follow will be whether U.S. cross-country gold medalist Kikkan Randall will change the IOC or vice versa as she begins her eight-year term, pink hair and all!

(3) ALPINE SKIING: The Alpine World Cup season concludes with the World Cup Final in Sweden, with four seasonal discipline titles still in play, including one for Lindsey Vonn!

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When will the Int’l Paralympic Committee give its athletes the spotlight?

By
Rich Perelman
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Andrew Parsons of the Int'l Paralympic Committee and Thomas Bach of the Int'l Olympic Committee (Photo credit: IOC)

TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 12, 2018: With considerable fanfare, the heads of the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee signed an agreement extending the IOC’s support for the IPC through 2032.

Thomas Bach and Andrew Parsons both hailed the agreement as a way to “enhance the Paralympic brand” and “give financial stability to the IPC for at least the next 14 years.”

What it didn’t do was remove the Paralympians from the shadow of the able-bodied Olympians who dominate the public’s attention so thoroughly during the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games that precious little is left over.

Why not give the Paralympians all of the spotlight be moving their Games to one year earlier? It can be done in a cost-effective way and will multiply the impact of the Paralympics on the public. It’s time.

We review the how and why are in our Lane One commentary, plus a big weekend in sport with coverage of 24 events in this 32-page issue:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The IOC is well aware of the IAAF’s continuing pushback against Russian doping and an Executive Board member says it’s time for “negotiations.” This is not good.

(2) ALPINE SKIING: An early birthday present for American ski star Mikaela Shiffrin, who turns 23 on Tuesday: a second World Cup overall title and a fifth Slalom discipline title!

(3) ATHLETICS: Stunning NCAA Indoor Championships: two world records and four American records, including a monstrous 44.52 in the 400 m by 20-year-old Michael Norman!

(4) CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: U.S. star Jessie Diggins makes more history by winning the first medal by an American in a Holmenkollen distance race!

(5) SHOOTING: Six-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode equals her own world record and leads a 1-2 U.S. finish in women’s Skeet at the ISSF World Cup season opener in Mexico!

When will the Int’l Paralympic Committee give its athletes the spotlight?

By
Rich Perelman
-
Andrew Parsons of the Int'l Paralympic Committee and Thomas Bach of the Int'l Olympic Committee (Photo credit: IOC)

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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 12, 2018: With considerable fanfare, the heads of the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee signed an agreement extending the IOC’s support for the IPC through 2032.

Thomas Bach and Andrew Parsons both hailed the agreement as a way to “enhance the Paralympic brand” and “give financial stability to the IPC for at least the next 14 years.”

What it didn’t do was remove the Paralympians from the shadow of the able-bodied Olympians who dominate the public’s attention so thoroughly during the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games that precious little is left over.

Why not give the Paralympians all of the spotlight be moving their Games to one year earlier? It can be done in a cost-effective way and will multiply the impact of the Paralympics on the public. It’s time.

We review the how and why are in our Lane One commentary, plus a big weekend in sport with coverage of 24 events in this 32-page issue:

(1) THE BIG PICTURE: The IOC is well aware of the IAAF’s continuing pushback against Russian doping and an Executive Board member says it’s time for “negotiations.” This is not good.

(2) ALPINE SKIING: An early birthday present for American ski star Mikaela Shiffrin, who turns 23 on Tuesday: a second World Cup overall title and a fifth Slalom discipline title!

(3) ATHLETICS: Stunning NCAA Indoor Championships: two world records and four American records, including a monstrous 44.52 in the 400 m by 20-year-old Michael Norman!

(4) CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: U.S. star Jessie Diggins makes more history by winning the first medal by an American in a Holmenkollen distance race!

(5) SHOOTING: Six-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode equals her own world record and leads a 1-2 U.S. finish in women’s Skeet at the ISSF World Cup season opener in Mexico!

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Is the IAAF suddenly the best hope to lead international sport?

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 9, 2018: Just a few days after the close of the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, leadership in international sport may have jumped from the International Olympic Committee to the worldwide governing body in track & field, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

In a single day this week, the IAAF Council adopted a report recommending complete expulsion of the Russian athletics federation if it does not become fully and quickly compliant with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the IAAF’s own requirements, which have not been met.

The Council continued its freeze on young athletes – mostly from Africa – essentially being bought by countries who want medals, or even just participation in the World Championships and similar events.

And it signaled that new regulations were on their way to control the cases of too-high testosterone in some female athletes, which – although natural – provides an unfair advantage at the highest levels of the sport.

Clear and decisive. Does this make the IAAF the real leader in sport?

The IAAF has its problems as well; its chief executive officer resigned over the federation’s commercial programming, but its actions were impressive. We review the details are in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: The NCAA indoor track & field championships are this weekend, with a host of world-leading or near-world-leading performers getting ready to compete for their schools, plus the boycott of the final Biathlon World Cup in Russia is growing.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: The Winter Paralympic Games will start tonight (Korean time) in PyeongChang, with a record number of athletes and countries competing. But North and South Korea will not march together this time.

(3) ALPINE SKIING: Mikaela Shiffrin gets ready to wrap up her second consecutive World Cup overall title this weekend in Germany, an early birthday present as she turns 23 next week!

(4) FOOTBALL: U.S. women take the SheBelieves Cup on an own goal from England’s keeper in the final game of the tournament. Who hit the shot that turned into a goal? Read on …

(5) SHORT TRACK: OK, media darling Maame Biney didn’t do too much at the Winter Games, but she shined at the World Junior Championships, winning three medals and one world title!

Is the IAAF suddenly the best hope to lead international sport?

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 9, 2018: Just a few days after the close of the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, leadership in international sport may have jumped from the International Olympic Committee to the worldwide governing body in track & field, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

In a single day this week, the IAAF Council adopted a report recommending complete expulsion of the Russian athletics federation if it does not become fully and quickly compliant with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the IAAF’s own requirements, which have not been met.

The Council continued its freeze on young athletes – mostly from Africa – essentially being bought by countries who want medals, or even just participation in the World Championships and similar events.

And it signaled that new regulations were on their way to control the cases of too-high testosterone in some female athletes, which – although natural – provides an unfair advantage at the highest levels of the sport.

Clear and decisive. Does this make the IAAF the real leader in sport?

The IAAF has its problems as well; its chief executive officer resigned over the federation’s commercial programming, but its actions were impressive. We review the details are in our Lane One commentary, plus:

(1) THE TICKER: The NCAA indoor track & field championships are this weekend, with a host of world-leading or near-world-leading performers getting ready to compete for their schools, plus the boycott of the final Biathlon World Cup in Russia is growing.

(2) THE BIG PICTURE: The Winter Paralympic Games will start tonight (Korean time) in PyeongChang, with a record number of athletes and countries competing. But North and South Korea will not march together this time.

(3) ALPINE SKIING: Mikaela Shiffrin gets ready to wrap up her second consecutive World Cup overall title this weekend in Germany, an early birthday present as she turns 23 next week!

(4) FOOTBALL: U.S. women take the SheBelieves Cup on an own goal from England’s keeper in the final game of the tournament. Who hit the shot that turned into a goal? Read on …

(5) SHORT TRACK: OK, media darling Maame Biney didn’t do too much at the Winter Games, but she shined at the World Junior Championships, winning three medals and one world title!

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IOC’s attempt to reduce Games costs is all about icing, not the cake

By
Rich Perelman
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TSX HEADLINES – for Mar. 7, 2018: The International Olympic Committee announced with great fanfare “The New Norm,” a collection of 118 recommendations to the process of bidding, planning and staging the Olympic Games and Winter Games moving forward.

The 58-page report claims its concepts could save as much as $959 million if all were appropriate and applied. All fine, but does this solve the IOC’s problems of countries not wanting to stage the Games because of costs?

No, because of the basic framework of the Games remains the same: it’s too big.

We review the situation and the details are in our Lane One commentary, plus:

  • How many media were actually in PyeongChang? Drum roll: the numbers please …
  • The U.S. and England women’s football teams meet to finish the SheBelieves Cup!
  • U.S. shooters Ashley Carroll and Aeriel Skinner go 1-3 in Guadalajara World Cup

 

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