Others

Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred is poised to make history on Tuesday as she aims for an Olympic sprint double in the 200m, following her triumph in the 100m. The tiny Caribbean island nation has never had an Olympic medalist before Alfred's groundbreaking victory.Alfred's quest for a double mirrors that of Jamaica's Elaine Thompson-Herah, who achieved the feat at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Alfred faces stiff competition from US sprinter Gabrielle Thomas, who boasts the world's fastest time this year.Meanwhile, the men's 1500m promises a thrilling showdown between Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Great Britain's Josh Kerr. Ingebrigtsen has been critical of Kerr's absence from certain events, while Kerr has vowed to prove his worth on the track.In boxing, Algeria's Imane Khelif is at the center of a gender controversy after being disqualified from last year's world championships. However, the IOC has cleared her to compete in Paris, where she is guaranteed at least a bronze medal.The women's football competition is heating up, with World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medalists the United States on course for a potential final showdown. Spain faces Brazil in the semifinals, while the rejuvenated USA under new coach Emma Hayes takes on Germany.Track cycling powerhouse Great Britain has already secured gold in the women's team sprint and will seek to repeat their success in the men's event. China's divers are also aiming for a fifth gold in the women's 10m platform.In surfing, France's Kauli Vaast and the United States' Caroline Marks have already claimed gold medals in the men's and women's events, respectively. The USA now leads the overall medal table with 21 golds, ahead of China.

Pin Trading: A Thrilling Tradition at the OlympicsThe Olympic Games are not just about athletic prowess and medal counts. Alongside the fierce competition, there's a vibrant and engaging tradition that has become an integral part of the event: pin trading.Pin trading dates back to the inaugural Olympics in Athens in 1896. Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, revived the practice, which initially involved participants wearing cardboard badges for identification. Over the years, pins have evolved into intricate, metallic collectibles, and pin trading has become a beloved tradition among athletes, fans, and collectors alike.At the 2024 Paris Olympics, pin trading is in full swing. The Park of Nations features The Olympic Collectors' House, a dedicated space where traders can gather and exchange their pins. American pin collector Ed Schneider, a veteran of 14 Olympics, explains that there are various types of pins available for trade, including National Olympic Committees (NOCs), media pins, host city pins, sponsor pins, athlete pins, and mascot pins.Pin trading is a serious business, with collectors often spending years amassing their collections. Nicholas Wolaver, another avid American collector, advises beginners to be patient, avoid interrupting trades in progress, and consider trading two pins for one to maintain their collection while acquiring new pins.One notable newcomer to the pin trading scene is Snoop Dogg. The iconic rapper has made his mark at the Paris Olympics by offering his sleek, silver card design to American tennis player Coco Gauff. This gesture symbolizes the growing popularity of pin trading and its appeal to celebrities and fans alike.Pin trading is more than just a hobby; it's a way for people from all over the world to connect, share their passion for the Olympics, and create lasting memories. It's a tradition that adds a unique and vibrant dimension to the Olympic experience.

Justin Best, a 26-year-old investment analyst from Pennsylvania, has etched his name in history by becoming part of the first US team to win a rowing gold medal in the men's four class at the Paris Olympics 2024 since 1960. The team's victory over New Zealand and defending world champion Britain, with a time of 5:49.03, marked a significant milestone for US rowing.Best's LinkedIn profile swiftly reflected his Olympic triumph, with the addition of "Olympic Champion" to his bio alongside his role as Junior Analyst at Union Square Advisors. A graduate of Drexel University in business and engineering, Best has been employed at the San Francisco-based investment firm since November 2021.Best's dedication to both his investment banking career and competitive rowing is evident in his rigorous daily routine. He wakes at 5:30 am for training before commuting to his office via the Bay Area Rapid Transit train. After work, he returns to training at 5:30 pm, concluding his day by 8:30 pm.The Olympic gold medal represents the culmination of a teenage dream for Best. Inspired by the film "The Social Network," his parents enrolled him in a rowing summer camp, recognizing his potential in the sport. His first Olympic appearance was at the Tokyo Games in 2020.Best's success highlights the balance between athletic excellence and professional achievement. He credits his passion for the sectors covered in his investment banking role, finding excitement in the metrics and technology of the companies he analyzes.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Olympics. Her bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 have opened India's medal count and brought immense pride to the nation.The 22-year-old from Haryana's Jhajjar district has been on a remarkable journey, dedicating eight and a half years to her sport. Her unwavering commitment and hard work have paid off, culminating in this historic achievement. Bhaker's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and support of her team, including her coach, family, and countless others who have believed in her.Despite the sacrifices she has made, including being away from her family for extended periods, Bhaker remains grounded and grateful for the love and support she has received. Her social media following has skyrocketed to over 1 million on Instagram, and she has been lauded by legends like PV Sindhu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Bhaker's victory is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in oneself. She has faced challenges and setbacks along the way, but her determination has never wavered. Her success is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a source of pride for all Indians.As she sets her sights on the LA Olympics 2028, Bhaker remains focused on her goals. Her rigorous training routine and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly lead her to even greater heights. Her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes and the transformative power of sport.

The Olympic triathlon mixed relay is set to proceed as scheduled on Monday, despite concerns over water quality and a Belgian triathlete's illness. Organizers announced on Sunday that recent water quality tests indicate an improvement in the Seine River at the triathlon site, meeting the acceptable limits set by World Triathlon.The decision to proceed was made after consultation with triathlon teams, who requested an earlier announcement to allow for adequate preparation time. The men's triathlon was previously postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday due to pollution issues, with athletes notified only hours before the scheduled race.Belgian triathlete Claire Michel became ill after competing in the women's race on Wednesday. As a result, Belgium will not participate in the mixed relay. The Belgian National Olympic Committee (COIB) expressed hope that lessons would be learned for future Olympic triathlon competitions.The mixed relay event will feature teams of two men and two women competing in a relay format. The race will cover a total distance of 1.5 kilometers of swimming, 40 kilometers of cycling, and 10 kilometers of running.Organizers have implemented additional measures to ensure the safety of athletes, including increased water testing and the provision of bottled water for hydration. They have also emphasized the importance of athletes following hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of illness.The Olympic triathlon mixed relay is a highly anticipated event, and organizers are confident that it will be a success despite the challenges faced. The race will showcase the athleticism and determination of the world's top triathletes and provide a thrilling spectacle for fans around the globe.

Deepika Kumari, India's star archer, has vowed to continue her pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal despite enduring a disappointing performance at the Paris Games. Having competed in four consecutive Olympics without reaching the podium, Kumari remains determined to break the jinx in Los Angeles in 2028.Kumari's Olympic struggles have been attributed to her inability to handle pressure situations. However, she is confident that she can overcome this mental hurdle and perform to her full potential. "I want to play more in the future and will continue my game," she said. "I really want to win an Olympic medal, and I won't quit until I achieve that."To improve her chances of success, Kumari plans to focus on three key areas: maintaining composure, improving her shooting form and concentration, and enjoying the game. She also acknowledges the need to develop her "quick shooting" skills, which proved to be a weakness in Paris.Despite her Olympic setbacks, Kumari has enjoyed a successful career, winning numerous World Cup medals. She made a remarkable comeback after giving birth to her daughter in 2022, winning an individual gold at the Shanghai World Cup in April.At the Paris Olympics, Kumari faced a challenging ranking round, qualifying as the 23rd seed. She struggled in the team event but showed resilience in the individual category, reaching the quarterfinals. However, she was defeated by Korean archer Nam Suhyeon in a closely contested match.Kumari believes that the absence of India's sports psychologist, Gayatri Vartak, did not significantly impact their performance. She emphasized that they stayed in touch with Vartak throughout the Games.With her sights set on LA 2028, Kumari is determined to make amends for her past Olympic disappointments. She is confident that she can develop the mental strength and technical skills necessary to achieve her dream of an Olympic medal.

India's boxing campaign at the ongoing Olympics concluded without a medal after Lovlina Borgohain, the reigning world champion in the 75kg category, lost a hard-fought quarterfinal bout to China's Li Qian on Sunday.Borgohain, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, went down 1-4 in a messy contest marred by repeated cautions for clinching and holding. The 26-year-old's defeat marked the end of India's boxing campaign in the Games, following Nishant Dev's exit from the men's 71kg quarterfinals on Saturday night.The six-strong boxing contingent, comprising four women and two men, had a disappointing outing in Tokyo. Four of the six boxers crashed out in the preliminary stage itself.The quarterfinal bout between Borgohain and Qian started at a fast pace, but neither boxer was willing to take the initiative. The holding and clinching began early, forcing the referee to intervene repeatedly.Qian, the 34-year-old Tokyo Games silver medalist, seemed more determined and landed some clean combination punches and a left hook towards the end of the first round. She took a 3-2 lead in the contest.The second round followed a similar pattern, with Qian being more purposeful in her approach. Borgohain was cautioned twice for excessive holding, and Qian maintained her slender one-point lead.The holding and clinching continued in the third round, and both boxers appeared drained. However, Qian showed great presence of mind to keep Borgohain at a distance. Borgohain struggled to control the pace of the bout and repeatedly took hits on counter-attacks.Borgohain had previously faced Qian in the Asian Games final last year, losing 0-5. She later beat Qian in the semifinals of the world championship semifinal in 2023. However, Qian had the upper hand in a pre-Olympic tournament in Czechia in June.

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, soared to victory in the women's vault final at the Paris Games on Saturday, earning her seventh Olympic gold medal. The 27-year-old Biles, known for her gravity-defying skills, averaged 15.300 for her signature Yurchenko double pike and Cheng vaults, securing her second gold on the event since her triumph in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago.Biles' victory marks a historic milestone, making her only the second woman to win the vault twice, joining Vera Casalavska of Czechoslovakia as a two-time gold medalist on the apparatus. Casalavska achieved this feat in 1964 and 1968. With this latest triumph, Biles now boasts an impressive 10 Olympic medals, tying her for the third most by a female gymnast. Her medal count at major international competitions has also reached 40, the highest among all gymnasts.The crowd at the packed Bercy Arena erupted in thunderous applause as Biles was introduced. Clad in a sequined red leotard, she delivered a breathtaking performance that could potentially be her last vault competition. Her Yurchenko double pike was executed with precision, showcasing her explosive power and remarkable control. Despite a slight bounce upon landing, her score of 15.700 put her in a commanding position.Biles' second vault, the Cheng, was equally impressive. She nearly stuck the landing, earning a score of 14.900. This meant that the remaining competitors were effectively vying for second place. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, the vault champion in Tokyo, claimed the silver medal with an average score of 14.966. American Jade Carey, who had slipped during the vault final in Tokyo, secured the bronze with a score of 14.933.In the men's floor exercise finals, Carlos Yulo of the Philippines made history by winning his country's second Olympic gold medal. The 24-year-old Yulo edged out defending champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, scoring 15.000 to Dolgopyat's 14.966. Jake Jarman of Britain took the bronze with a score of 14.933. Yulo's victory marks a significant achievement for the Philippines, joining weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz as the only two Olympic gold medalists from the nation.

Israel Madaye, an archer from Chad, has become an unlikely hero in South Korea after his heartwarming performance at the Paris Olympics. Despite scoring just one point with one of his arrows in the men's individual against top South Korean archer Kim Woo-jin, Madaye's unwavering spirit has captured the hearts of Koreans.Madaye's journey to the Olympics was far from easy. With limited resources in Chad, he taught himself archery, giving up his career as an electrician and training at a cemetery. His determination and resilience resonated with South Koreans, who flooded his Instagram page with support after local media reported his story.Among Madaye's supporters was K-pop star Kwon Yuri, who praised his "true Olympic spirit." Others expressed their admiration for his unwavering spirit, saying, "What shines brighter than 10 points is that unwavering spirit of yours."Madaye's performance may not have been perfect, but it showcased the true essence of the Olympic spirit. Despite facing a formidable opponent and scoring just one point, he remained composed and finished the contest with dignity.South Korea, a powerhouse in archery, has dominated the sport for decades. However, Madaye's performance has shown that the Olympic spirit transcends national boundaries and unites athletes from all backgrounds.Madaye's story is a reminder that the Olympics are not just about winning medals but also about perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. His performance has inspired South Koreans and people around the world, proving that even in defeat, the true spirit of the Olympics can shine through.