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Ivan Litvinovich, a Belarusian athlete competing as a neutral at the Paris Olympics, has become the first to win gold in this capacity. However, his victory will not be reflected in the official medals table.Litvinovich, 23, successfully defended his title in the men's trampoline final, with China's Wang Zisai and Yan Langyu claiming silver and bronze respectively. The Belarusian's triumph marks a significant moment for neutral athletes, who are gradually returning to international competitions under strict conditions.Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus were banned from world sport. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has since overseen their return under a neutral banner, subject to rigorous screening.To qualify as "neutral individual athletes," competitors must demonstrate exceptional results and undergo a double check by international sports federations and the IOC. They must also prove that they do not actively support the war in Ukraine or have any ties to their countries' armies.Neutral athletes are prohibited from participating in the opening ceremony or competing under their national flags. Additionally, their achievements on the podium are not recognized in the medals table.Only 15 Russians and 17 Belarusians accepted the invitation to compete as neutrals at the Paris Games. Instead of hearing the Belarusian national anthem after receiving his medal, Litvinovich listened to a generic tune commissioned by the IOC."It's different," Litvinovich said. "Our anthem is better, and I hope we'll be able to participate in competitions listening to it."Litvinovich declined to comment on his presence at the Games, particularly in relation to his previous expressions of support for Belarus.Earlier in the day, Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya from Belarus won the first medal of any kind by a neutral athlete at the Paris Games, taking silver in the women's trampoline.

Kobe Bryant's Locker Sells for Record-Breaking $2.9 Million at Sotheby's AuctionThe legendary locker used by Kobe Bryant throughout his illustrious NBA career has been sold for an astonishing $2.9 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. The price tag for the Staples Center locker, where Bryant spent countless hours preparing for games, nearly doubled the estimated $1.5 million it was expected to fetch.Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time NBA champion, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2020 at the age of 41. He spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming one of the most iconic and beloved players in the league's history.The locker's remarkable journey began in 2018 when a maintenance worker at the Staples Center saved it from being discarded during renovations. The piece was later acquired by an American collector who recognized its historical significance."Today's price highlights not only Kobe's enduring legacy but also the exceptional nature of this unique item," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of modern collectables, commenting on the record-breaking sale price achieved after 19 bids.The Sotheby's auction also featured a wide range of memorabilia from other sporting icons, including Michael Jordan, Reggie Jackson, Rafael Nadal, and Stephen Curry. The sale showcased the enduring appeal of sports memorabilia and the reverence with which fans hold their heroes.Bryant's locker is a tangible reminder of his extraordinary career and the impact he had on the game of basketball. Its sale for such a staggering amount underscores his enduring legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court.

Leon Marchand's "perfect week" culminated in a historic triumph at the Paris Olympics, as he became the first male swimmer since Michael Phelps in 2008 to win four individual gold medals at a single Games. The 22-year-old Frenchman capped off his remarkable performance with an emphatic victory in the 200m individual medley, setting an Olympic record of 1min 54.06sec.Marchand's dominance was evident throughout the race. After trailing China's Wang Shun in the opening butterfly leg, he surged ahead during the backstroke and extended his lead with a powerful breaststroke 50. Despite a valiant effort from Britain's Duncan Scott, Marchand held on to his advantage in the final freestyle leg, eliciting thunderous applause from the ecstatic home crowd.The victory marked Marchand's fourth gold medal of the Games, following his triumphs in the 200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, and 400m individual medley. His success has been attributed to his meticulous training under Bob Bowman, Phelps' former coach."It was just a complete success in terms of the way I see things," Bowman said. "He's just 100% successful. I'm so very proud of him. It takes a lot to be perfect."Marchand's impact on the sport has been profound, according to Scott. "He's becoming a sort of global superstar now and he kind of runs France now," Scott said. "It's amazing, and the kid, he's loved it. You can see he's doing it with a smile on his face and the crowd's giving him so much energy, it's been amazing to witness it."Despite his remarkable achievements, Marchand remains focused on the future. "It's not over for me. It's only the beginning," he said. "I'm really excited.... my next goal is LA."

American gymnastics legend Simone Biles has once again etched her name in the annals of Olympic history, reclaiming the all-around title at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Friday. The 27-year-old, who previously won gold in the same event at the Rio Olympics in 2016, became the first woman to regain the Olympic all-around title.Biles' triumph was a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After withdrawing from most of her events in Tokyo three years ago due to a debilitating condition known as the "twisties," she returned to the Olympic stage with a renewed sense of purpose.Her performance in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. She opened with an electrifying floor routine to Taylor Swift's hit song "Ready for It?," captivating the crowd at the Bercy Arena. Her flawless execution and gravity-defying moves earned her a standing ovation.Biles' dominance continued throughout the competition. She displayed her exceptional skills on the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam, consistently scoring high marks. Her compatriot, Sunisa Lee, who won the title in Tokyo after Biles' withdrawal, could only claim a bronze medal this time around. Brazil's Rebeca Andrade took home the silver.This victory marks Biles' second gold medal of the Paris Games and her sixth Olympic gold overall. She has already led the United States to women's team gold this week, solidifying her status as the most decorated athlete in her sport.Biles' success is not only a testament to her athletic prowess but also to her mental fortitude. She has openly discussed her struggles with mental health and has become an advocate for athletes' well-being."Three years ago, I never thought I'd step on a gymnastics court again," Biles said after her victory. "But I worked hard, mentally and physically, even saw my therapist this morning, just making sure I'm mentally well."Biles' triumph is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. It demonstrates that even after setbacks and challenges, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

India's Medal Hopes Soar at Paris Olympics 2024India's contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 is poised to make history, with a packed schedule of events and medal prospects. The nation's hopes rest on the shoulders of its athletes, who will compete in archery, boxing, golf, sailing, and shooting.ArcheryDeepika Kumari and Bhajan Kaur will carry India's archery aspirations in the women's individual event. They will face stiff competition in the Round of 16, but their recent form suggests they have the potential to reach the medal rounds.BoxingNishant Dev will be India's lone representative in boxing, competing in the men's 71kg quarterfinal. A victory would secure him a place in the semifinals and put him within striking distance of a medal.GolfShubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar will represent India in the men's individual strokeplay event. They will be aiming to make the cut and challenge for a podium finish.SailingVishnu Sarvanan and Nethra Kumanan will compete in the men's and women's Dinghy events, respectively. They will be hoping to qualify for the medal races and secure a place on the podium.ShootingManu Bhaker, India's two-time medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, will be the star attraction in the women's 25m pistol final. She will be aiming to become the first Indian athlete to win three medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Anantjeet Singh Naruka will also compete in the skeet men's qualification, while Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon will participate in the skeet women's qualification.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's eligibility for the Paris Olympics has sparked a heated debate about gender in sports. The controversy erupted after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from their bout moments after it began.Khelif's eligibility has been questioned since she was disqualified from the 2023 world championships for failing unspecified eligibility tests for women's competition. The lack of transparency surrounding these tests has fueled further controversy.Despite the controversy, Khelif meets the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) threshold for eligibility in boxing, as she was assigned female at birth and her passport reflects this. However, the ongoing rift between the sport's governing body and the IOC has made this a point of contention.Carini initially expressed regret over her actions in the bout, stating that she "wants to apologize" to Khelif. However, she later told an Italian newspaper that she "had to preserve her life" in that moment.The IOC has stood by Khelif, stating that everyone must be allowed to play the sport "without discrimination." The IOC also condemned the abuse that Khelif and other athletes have received.The incident has highlighted the complex and sensitive issue of gender in sports. It has also raised questions about the fairness and transparency of eligibility tests. As the debate continues, it is crucial to ensure that all athletes are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender identity.

In the heart of Paris, the Lebrun brothers, Felix and Alexis, are making history in French table tennis. Their journey began at a tender age, with Felix's unwavering desire to join his father in the sport.Growing up in a family of paddlers, the brothers were exposed to the game from an early age. Their father, Stephane, and uncle, Christophe Legout, were both accomplished table tennis players. While they dabbled in other sports, ping pong remained their true calling.Felix, the younger brother, quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the world No.5 and the only non-Chinese player in the top five. Alexis, ranked 16th, has also made his mark, notably defeating the then world No.1 Fan Zhendong last year.Together, they led the French team to silver at the World Team Championships in Busan, losing only to China. Their rise to global stardom is attributed to their intense training with each other during the Covid pandemic and the guidance of their first coach, Nathanael Molin.Felix has captured the 2023 European Games gold and several WTT Contender titles, while Alexis has won three consecutive national titles. Their success has made them future challengers to the Chinese dominance in the sport.Despite their sibling rivalry, the Lebruns share a close bond. Alexis is proud of his brother's achievements, while Felix acknowledges his brother's superiority in official matches.Off the court, they spend time together traveling, playing games, and discussing table tennis. Their mother, Dominique, is overjoyed by their success and the strong bond they share.The Lebrun brothers are determined to continue their ascent in the rankings, win major tournaments, and break new ground in world table tennis. Their journey is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of their family.

Noah Lyles, the American sprinter, has emerged as a rising star in the world of athletics. His outspoken nature and unwavering belief in his abilities have made him a captivating figure.Lyles's rise to prominence began at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where he captured three gold medals. However, it was his comments about the NBA that truly propelled him into the spotlight. Lyles criticized the league for labeling its winners as "world champions," arguing that the title should be reserved for those who compete on a global stage.Lyles's mindset is a testament to his ambition and determination. He believes that he is destined to become the fastest man in history, surpassing even the legendary Usain Bolt. While Bolt's records remain formidable, Lyles is confident that he can find his own path to greatness.Lyles recognizes that Bolt's unique physical attributes gave him an advantage in sprinting. However, he is determined to find his own way to the top. He believes that his confidence and unwavering belief in himself will be his greatest assets.Lyles's focus is not solely on the 100-meter dash. He also excels in the 200-meter event, which he affectionately refers to as "his wife." Lyles believes that he has a better chance of achieving perfection in the 200 meters than in the 100 meters.As the Tokyo Olympics approach, Lyles is poised to make a statement on the world stage. His outspoken nature and unwavering belief in himself have made him a polarizing figure, but there is no denying his talent and potential. Whether he can live up to the hype and surpass Bolt's legacy remains to be seen, but Lyles is determined to prove that he is the fastest man in the world.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sparked controversy by allowing Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Chinese Taipei's Lin Yu-ting to compete in the Paris Olympics despite their disqualification from last year's World Championships due to unspecified gender tests.The decision has raised concerns about fairness and the integrity of the competition. Khelif's opponent, Italy's Angela Carini, forfeited her bout after two hard punches, claiming she feared her nose was broken.The IOC defended its decision, stating that the athletes' gender and age are based on their passports and that they comply with the eligibility regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). The IOC also criticized the IBA's sudden and arbitrary disqualification of the boxers.IBA, however, maintains that its decision was based on a separate and recognized test that indicated the athletes had competitive advantages over other female competitors. The test results remain confidential.The IOC emphasized that eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition and that any rule changes must follow appropriate processes and be based on scientific evidence. The IOC also expressed concern about the abuse the athletes are receiving.Khelif is set to face Hungary's Luca Anna Hamori in the 66kg quarter-finals on Saturday, while Yu-ting will meet Uzbekistan's Sitora Turdibekova in the Round of 16 on Friday.