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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡
● Olympic Games 2028: Los Angeles ● The International Olympic Committee confirmed the qualification “system” for cricket in late June and made a change in the distribution of quota places in surfing.
This means that, so far, 49 “systems” have been approved for sports and disciplines for the 2028 Games, with two sports remaining: athletics and football. These are expected soon.
The full list of approved qualifying programs is available here.
● Pan American Games ● Panam Sports confirmed that Guatemala City (GUA), Rosario (ARG) and Panama City (PAN) are the candidates for the III Junior Pan American Games in 2029. The vote will be taken during the 27-28 July General Assembly in Lima (PER).
● U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ● The USOPM Board confirmed a contract extension of five years for chief executive Marisa Wigglesworth, through 2031. Per the announcement:
“Since joining the Museum in July 2023, Wigglesworth has worked alongside the Board and staff to define and advance organizational priorities, strengthen operations and build a strong foundation for the Museum’s future.”
● Athletics ● Fascinating U.S. mirror of the World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal introduced in 2016, which provides special recognition to individuals who had run on all of the World Marathon Majors races.
The Professional Road Running Organization (PRRO) announced last month a new “PRRO-lific Finisher Program,” which will award a special medal for those who have finished in six well-known and high-profile American road races over time:
● Gate River Run 15K (Jacksonville, Fl.): finishers from 2017-26
● Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile (Washington, D.C.): 1973-2025
● Lilac Bloomsday 12K (Spokane, Wa.): 2010-25
● Steamboat Classic 4 Mile (Peoria, Il.): 2015-25
● Boilermaker 15K (Utica, N.Y.): 2014-25
● Quad-City Times Bix 7 (Davenport, Ia.): 1981-2025
A database of all finishers is being completed; also:
“Runners who have completed four or more of the PRRO races will receive guaranteed entry into any other PRRO race needed to complete their PRRO-lific series, provided their entry request is made at least six weeks before the date of the requested race; this includes events which may have lotteries or entry ceilings.”
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The USATF Tour concluded with the Sunset Tour meet in Los Angeles and the Ed Murphey Classic in Tennessee and rising hurdles star Jamal Britt not only won his event in a speedy 12.91w, he also finished on top of the USATF Tour men’s point standings and won $50,000.
Olympic and World Champion Valarie Sion was the winner of the women’s $50,000 prize, for her outstanding season in the discus.
● Football ● U.S. Soccer announced a two-match series between FIFA women’s no. 1 Spain and the no. 2 U.S. for 10 October in Washington, D.C. and 13 October in Chester, Pennsylvania. It will be the first meeting since 2022.
Said U.S. head coach Emma Hayes (GBR): “We’ve desperately wanted to get Spain on our schedule, but the difficulties of scheduling the top teams during the women’s international calendar are well known, so to be able to get these two games on the East Coast will be the perfect tests before we head into World Cup qualifying at the end of the year.”
● Luge ● The Federation Internationale de Luge (FIL) introduced a new logo, designed by longtime commercial marketing partner Infront – since 1998 – to update the sport’s visual look. From the announcement:
“At the heart of the identity is a simplified wordmark that incorporates several elements of the sport. The distinctive curve of the ‘f’ is inspired by the shape of a luge runner, while the sweeping forms of the logo also evoke the globe and the international nature of the federation. The green sled represents the ideal racing line and FIL’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, while the forward-leaning typography conveys the speed and dynamism at the heart of luge.”
The FIL also extended its agreement with Infront for marketing services to the 2029/30 season.
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