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Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge's illustrious career came to an unexpected end at the Paris Olympics, as the 39-year-old Kenyan legend handed over his running shoes to a fan and retired from the race at the 30-kilometer mark.Kipchoge, the only athlete to run a marathon under two hours (albeit in an unofficial race), had hoped to cap off his career with a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal. However, he found himself struggling to keep pace with the leaders and was approximately eight minutes behind when he made the difficult decision to withdraw.As he approached the sidelines, Kipchoge turned to the cheering crowd and handed over his shoes, bib, and socks to a group of supporters. The gesture was met with a thunderous ovation, as fans recognized the significance of the moment. Kipchoge then climbed into a waiting van and was driven away, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievement.Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola emerged victorious in the race, setting a new Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds. Tola described the victory as the "greatest day" of his life, while Kipchoge acknowledged the disappointment of his retirement."This is my worst marathon," Kipchoge said. "I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That's life."Kipchoge revealed that he had experienced pain in his back after the 20-kilometer mark, which ultimately forced him to withdraw. Despite the setback, he remained uncertain about his future."I don't know what my future will hold," Kipchoge said. "I will think about it over the next three months. I still want to try to run some marathons."Kipchoge's retirement marks the end of an era in marathon running. His exceptional talent and unwavering determination have inspired countless athletes and fans around the world. While his Olympic dream may have ended prematurely, his legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of all time will endure.

Rachael Gunn, a 36-year-old cultural studies lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney, made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics with her unconventional performance in the women's breaking competition. Known as B-girl Raygun, Gunn stood out not only for her attire, which contrasted sharply with the typical hip-hop fashion of her competitors, but also for her unique, non-traditional moves.Gunn's routine included less typical elements like a crab walk and a chin-holding squirm, which she incorporated into her performance. She entered the competition aware that she might not be a favorite, and her expectations were met when she lost all three of her round-robin battles with 18-0 scores and failed to earn a single vote from the judges.Despite her lack of success in the competition, Gunn's performance sparked a lot of discussion and debate online. Some praised her for her originality and for challenging the norms of the sport, while others criticized her for her lack of technical skill and for not taking the competition seriously.Gunn responded to the online trolling by posting a quote on her Instagram: "Don't be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that's gonna take you." She also expressed her hope that her performance would inspire a new generation of people to get into breaking.Gunn's performance at the Olympics was a reminder that breaking is a diverse and inclusive sport that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It is a sport that celebrates creativity, individuality, and self-expression.

The Netherlands etched their name in Olympic history on Friday, becoming the first nation to achieve a remarkable double in hockey. Just 24 hours after their men's team triumphed over Germany, the Dutch women's team, the defending champions, secured their fifth Olympic gold medal with a thrilling 3-1 shootout victory over China.The Dutch women, appearing in their sixth consecutive final, faced a determined Chinese team that held them to a 1-1 draw in regulation time. China's Chen Yi stunned the Dutch with an early goal in the sixth minute, but the Dutch relentlessly pressured their opponents throughout the match.With nine minutes remaining, Dutch penalty corner specialist Yibbi Jansen leveled the scores with her ninth goal of the tournament. The match went into a shootout, where Dutch goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal emerged as the hero. She saved the first two Chinese attempts and denied Ma Ning's shot to spark wild celebrations among the Dutch supporters."It was fantastic," said Dutch coach Paul van Ass. "The Chinese did very well, but we attacked well and eventually got the goal we needed."The victory marked the first time a nation had doubled up in Olympic hockey. It also marked China's second silver medal, following their success at home in Beijing in 2008."This is just amazing," said Chinese coach Alyson Annan, who previously led the Dutch to Olympic success in Tokyo. "We did everything we could, but they were just better in the shootout today."The Dutch had dominated the tournament, winning all their pool matches and defeating Great Britain and Argentina in the knockout stages. However, the Chinese proved to be a formidable opponent, defending bravely and limiting the Dutch to just three shots on goal.Despite the disappointment of falling short of gold, Annan remained optimistic about China's future. "Gold in LA," she told reporters. "We have to keep pursuing a higher place on the podium."In the bronze medal match, Argentina claimed their third Olympic bronze medal with a 3-1 shootout win over Belgium after their third-place play-off ended in a 2-2 draw.

France, led by the towering Victor Wembanyama, are aiming to dethrone the mighty USA in the Olympic basketball final on Saturday as track and field wraps up in Paris. The women's golf tournament comes to a close, with two-time medallist Lydia Ko and Switzerland's Morgane Metraux in pole position, while the US take on Marta's Brazil in the women's football final.The star-studded US basketball team, led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, were made to sweat by Serbia in Thursday's semi-final before an exhilarating fourth-quarter comeback, with Curry scoring 36 points. The four-time defending champions will be favourites to beat France in a repeat of the gold medal match at the Tokyo Games in 2021.But James, going for his third Olympic gold, knows it is unlikely to get any easier against the host nation, who can boast NBA Rookie of the Year Wembanyama. "Super competitive. Obviously, this is Wemby's (Wembanyama's) first Olympics, but that team has been playing together for quite a while," he said. "They've been feeding off the crowd, so we look forward to that match-up."Eight golds are on offer on the final night of track and field action at the Stade de France, while the men's marathon winds its way through the streets of Paris. Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi shared high jump gold in one of the most memorable moments of the Tokyo Games. But this time both come into the competition with questions over their fitness.Tamberi was pictured in hospital this week having cited a high temperature and kidney pain, while Barshim appeared to injure his left calf during qualifying. Reigning world champion Tamberi, who has jumped a highest of 2.37 metres in 2024, wants his rival alongside him. "I hope he will be fine by Saturday," said the Italian. "I need him on the field. I have to be fit myself but I want him to be there in the competition."The Stade de France will also witness the men's 800m and 5,000m finals and the women's 100m hurdles and 1,500m finals, with the 4x400m relays closing the show. Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge is aiming to become the first athlete to win three back-to-back Olympic marathon titles but faces stiff competition, including from compatriot Benson Kipruto and Uganda's world champion Victor Kiplangat.The US football team won four of the first five Olympic women's titles after the competition was introduced in 1996 but have not taken gold since the London 2012 Games. The team are resurgent under new coach Emma Hayes, the English coach who won a stack of medals during her time as Chelsea boss. They have been inspired on their way to the final by the exciting attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman.The Brazilians will be attempting to make it third time lucky after losing to the same opponents in the Athens final in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008. Brazil great Marta, 38, appearing at her sixth and likely last Olympics, is hoping to sign off with gold to go with her two silver medals. "Marta has changed the game of soccer around the world," said US star Rodman of Marta, who has spent much of her club career in the United States. "She is such a talented soccer player but also a great human. I have always looked up to her. She has a legacy forever, but we want that gold."At Le Golf National, New Zealand's Ko is on nine under par with one round to go, level with 137th-ranked Metraux, who finished her round in dramatic fashion with an eagle at the 18th. China are chasing one more diving gold to complete a clean sweep of eight, with the men's 10m platform rounding off the competition.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's quest for a silver medal at the Paris Olympics took a significant step forward as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad-hoc division concluded its hearing on her appeal. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed optimism for a favorable outcome.Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle final after weighing in 100 grams over the permissible limit. The American wrestler, Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, subsequently won the gold medal. Phogat appealed for a joint silver medal, arguing that the weight discrepancy was unintentional and did not affect her performance.The CAS ad-hoc division, established specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Phogat's appeal. The hearing took place virtually on Friday, with Phogat represented by senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. United World Wrestling, the governing body for wrestling, also presented its case.The IOA released a statement expressing its confidence in a positive resolution. "IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter," said IOA president PT Usha.Initially, reports suggested an interim order would be issued on Friday, but no official communication has been made yet. The IOA stated that the Sole Arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC, indicated that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, followed by a detailed order with reasons.International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach acknowledged Phogat's plea but raised concerns about setting precedents. "Where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don't give it anymore?" he said.Phogat's appeal has garnered widespread attention and support in India. The wrestling community and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the CAS hearing, hoping for a just resolution that recognizes Phogat's hard work and dedication.

Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar made history at the Olympics on Friday, becoming the lightest man to lift 400 kilograms in competition. The 20-year-old shattered the men's 89kg weightlifting world record, setting a new benchmark for the sport.Nasar's journey to the record-breaking moment was not without its challenges. Tied for first after the snatch round, he delayed his entry into the clean and jerk until most of his rivals had exhausted their attempts. With his first lift, he effortlessly hoisted 213 kilograms over his head, securing the gold medal.Undeterred, Nasar set his sights on the world record. With two attempts remaining, he opted to aim high. Pausing briefly with the bar on his chest, he grinned before hoisting a record-breaking 224 kilograms over his head. The total of 404 kilograms was another world record.Nasar's victory was not just a physical triumph but also a testament to his mental fortitude. He has reportedly lifted even greater weights in training, demonstrating his exceptional strength and determination. "I have visualized the win many times and I succeeded each time," he said.Despite his success, Nasar remains humble. When asked if he was playing to the camera, he grinned, "Sometimes the emotions that I show, I cannot control. Sometimes I don't even remember what happened on the stage."Colombian Yeison Lopez took second place with a total of 390 kilograms, while Italian Antonino Pizzolato secured a dramatic bronze after a successful appeal following a video review.Beyond his athletic achievements, Nasar's personal life has also garnered attention. He plans to attend the rhythmic gymnastics competition on Saturday to support his girlfriend, Magdalina Minevska.Weightlifting has faced criticism for its association with doping, but Nasar's charismatic personality and exceptional talent could help change the sport's image. Despite a troubled past involving drug-related charges and an Achilles tendon injury, Nasar has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport.

Andre de Grasse led Canada to a thrilling victory in the Olympic men's 4x100m relay in Paris on Friday, marking a historic moment for the nation. The Canadian quartet, comprising Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, and Brendon Rodney, displayed exceptional teamwork and speed to secure the gold medal with a time of 37.50 seconds.South Africa claimed the silver medal with an African record time of 37.57 seconds, while Great Britain took the bronze in 37.61 seconds. Defending champions Italy, featuring 2021 100m champion Marcell Jacobs, finished fourth in 37.68 seconds.The United States, who were considered favorites, suffered a disappointing disqualification after a botched baton handover between Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek. The incident occurred during the first exchange, causing Bednarek to come to an almost complete standstill. Despite the efforts of Kyree King and Fred Kerley, the US quartet was unable to recover and finished seventh in 37.89 seconds.This disqualification continues the United States' dismal Olympic run in the men's 4x100m relay. The last time the US men medalled was with a silver at the 2004 Athens Games. In recent years, the team has faced setbacks, including a botched handoff in the heats of the 2021 Tokyo Games, a disqualification at the 2016 Rio Games, and a failure to medal in London in 2012 and Beijing in 2008.Canada's victory is a testament to their hard work and determination. Andre de Grasse, who anchored the team, has emerged as a world-class sprinter and played a crucial role in securing the gold medal. The Canadian quartet's success is a source of pride for the nation and a reminder of the power of teamwork and perseverance.

The Olympic Games are a testament to the power of human spirit and determination. For athletes from smaller nations, the road to the podium is often fraught with challenges and obstacles. Yet, against all odds, they have emerged as champions, inspiring their countries and proving that anything is possible.Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia, Adriana Ruano of Guatemala, Thea LaFond of Dominica, and Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan are just a few examples of these extraordinary athletes. Their journeys to Olympic glory are as diverse as their backgrounds.Tebogo, a former footballer, turned to athletics after an injury sidelined his dreams. Alfred, driven by her father's untimely death, moved to Jamaica as a teenager to pursue her sprinting ambitions. Ruano, a former gymnast, overcame a spinal injury to become a world-class shooter. LaFond, once a special education teacher, is now the world's top triple jumper. Nadeem, from a humble village in Pakistan, relied on donations from his community to fund his training and travel.Despite the challenges they faced, these athletes never lost sight of their goals. They trained tirelessly, pushed their limits, and refused to be defined by their circumstances. Their unwavering determination and belief in themselves propelled them to the pinnacle of their sports.Their victories have not only brought glory to their countries but have also ignited a spark of hope and inspiration. For smaller nations, their achievements serve as a reminder that success is not limited to the economic powerhouses. It is a testament to the power of grit, determination, and the belief that anything is possible.The impact of these athletes' victories extends far beyond the medals they have won. They have inspired countless young people in their countries to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. They have shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.Their stories are a reminder that the road less traveled is often the most rewarding. It is a path paved with challenges, but it is also a path that leads to greatness. For these athletes, the road less traveled has led them to the Olympic podium, where they have etched their names in history as champions.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed empathy for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's situation but emphasized the importance of adhering to rules. Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling gold medal match after being found overweight by 100 grams.Bach acknowledged the human element in Phogat's predicament, stating that he understands her perspective. However, he stressed that the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) has the responsibility to enforce its regulations. He questioned the extent to which concessions can be made without compromising the integrity of the sport.Bach raised concerns about the potential implications of allowing exceptions to weight limits. He pointed out that in track events, where results are often determined by fractions of a second, a 100-gram weight difference could have a significant impact. He emphasized the need for consistency and fairness in applying rules across all sports.The IOC President also addressed the possibility of awarding two silver medals in Phogat's case. He stated that such a decision would not be possible under the current regulations. He reiterated that the UWW's decision must be respected.Phogat has appealed her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Bach indicated that the IOC will abide by the CAS verdict. However, he emphasized that the UWW's interpretation of its rules must be taken into account.Bach's comments highlight the delicate balance between compassion and the need to maintain the integrity of sporting competitions. While he expressed sympathy for Phogat's situation, he also emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations.