Andrew Dampf

Record heat dried out much of London’s grass while Wimbledon’s courts remained green due to long-term research, specialized ryegrass, and constant monitoring by a dedicated groundskeeping team. Soil‑moisture probes, microclimate data, and tailored irrigation help maintain consistent playing conditions as temperatures rise. The tournament faces increasing climate‑related challenges, along with wear caused by player movement, and continues exploring water‑conservation measures despite relying on the public supply.

Serena Williams prepares for her Wimbledon return at age 44 with support from Lindsey Vonn, who relates to her comeback experience and praises her competitive ability. Vonn expects Williams to perform well without revealing her full potential early and encourages her to compete without external expectations. Williams’ return includes both singles and doubles play, starting with a match against Australian player Maya Joint.

Lindsey Vonn offers encouragement to Serena Williams as the tennis champion returns to competition at Wimbledon at age 44. Vonn, who has faced her own comeback challenges after severe injuries, stresses the expanding possibilities for women competing later in life and praises Williams’ joy in playing. Williams prepares for singles and doubles appearances as she resumes major competition for the first time since 2022. Both athletes underscore belief in perseverance and ambitious goals.

Serena Williams’ return to professional tennis at age 44 is driven largely by her desire for her young daughters to witness her discipline and training as she prepares for Wimbledon. Christopher Eubanks, who observed her closely during her comeback matches, praised her ball striking and serve while noting that movement and deceleration on grass may pose her biggest challenge. Williams’ family, including her daughters Olympia and Adira, has been present throughout her preparations, underscoring the personal significance of her return beyond records or legacy. Eubanks and other players also reflected on the broader influence of the Williams family on Black athletes in tennis.

Pope Leo XIV maintains a weekly tennis routine as part of an Augustinian approach emphasizing discipline, balance and spiritual interiority. His devotion to the sport aligns with St. Augustine’s teachings on good habits and supports the physical demands of the papacy. Clergy and athletes, including Jannik Sinner and Marin Cilic, praise his commitment, while supporters note that his visibility is renewing interest in Augustinian values. The Pope also promotes sport as a tool for peace, dialogue and personal development.

Serena Williams will return to professional tennis at age 44, accepting a wild-card entry to play doubles at the Queen’s Club tournament in London. Her comeback raises expectations that she may also compete at Wimbledon. Fellow players and former champions expressed strong excitement and support, noting her impact on the sport. Williams, who last competed at the 2022 U.S. Open, requalified earlier this year after re-entering the anti-doping program. Observers believe she aims to compete seriously, though her singles prospects remain uncertain.

Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend organized a dinner for Black tennis players ahead of the French Open, drawing mixed reactions on social media, including accusations of segregation. Townsend and Osaka emphasized the importance of community and shared experiences as minorities in tennis. The gathering included Coco Gauff, Gael Monfils, Asia Muhammad and Chris Eubanks. The event echoed past traditions of Black player gatherings at major tournaments, praised by former U.S. Tennis Association president Katrina Adams. The article also highlights the players’ ongoing performances at the French Open and the historical legacy of Althea Gibson, honored during the tournament.

Tributes from leading tennis players and sports figures honored Associated Press writer Howard Fendrich, who died at 55 after a recent cancer diagnosis. Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula praised his professionalism and presence at major tournaments, while organizations including the WTA and Washington sports teams highlighted his kindness and impact on journalism. Fendrich’s colleagues and prominent figures such as Roger Federer and Billie Jean King also expressed condolences as the tennis community marked the loss of a respected reporter.

Ukrainian tennis players Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk secured consecutive WTA 1000 titles, offering morale to their war‑affected nation. Svitolina’s Italian Open win and Kostyuk’s Madrid victory were framed as tributes to Ukrainians enduring ongoing Russian attacks. Their recent performances mark career milestones, with Svitolina returning to the top 10 and Kostyuk entering Roland Garros on an 11‑match streak. Both players continue refusing handshakes with Russian and Belarusian opponents, while Svitolina criticized the IOC for potentially allowing Belarusian athletes full national representation. The article also notes Gael Monfils’s upcoming retirement and the couple’s preparations for his final Roland Garros appearance.

Jannik Sinner advanced to the Italian Open semi-finals with a straight-sets win over Andrey Rublev, breaking Novak Djokovic’s record with his 32nd consecutive Masters 1000 victory. Positioned to become the first Italian man in 50 years to win the tournament, he continues a strong streak across events and has not dropped a set since the Madrid Open. Sinner aims to complete the full set of Masters titles, with his next opponent to be determined between Daniil Medvedev and Martina Landaluce. The article also notes key developments in the women’s semi-final matchups.

Naomi Osaka described the weight and dramatic design of her Met Gala ensemble, a Robert Wun sculptural dress with red feathers, a headpiece and a red beaded gown reveal. She attended the event between tennis tournaments in Madrid and Rome, calling the Gala the Grand Slam of fashion while balancing her return to competition and a win over Eva Lys in Rome.

Top women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka raised the possibility of boycotting grand slam events unless players receive a greater share of tournament revenues, following widespread frustration over French Open prize money despite an announced increase. Players contend their revenue share will decline over coming years and are pushing for better representation, health protections, and pensions across all major tournaments. Iga Swiatek urged dialogue with governing bodies instead of extreme actions such as a boycott.

Italian racing champion and Paralympic gold medalist Alex Zanardi has died at 59, decades after surviving two major accidents that shaped his career and public legacy. Messages of admiration and condolence from Italian leaders, international motorsport figures and the Vatican highlighted his resilience, athletic achievements and inspirational impact. Known for returning to racing with adapted controls and later excelling in hand cycling, he became one of the most respected figures in sport. Tributes emphasized his courage, determination and influence, while funeral arrangements remain pending.

Italian sports officials rejected a proposal reportedly raised by U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup, emphasizing that Italy did not qualify and should not participate by political maneuvering. Iran continues preparing to compete despite regional conflict, and FIFA maintains that its scheduled matches will proceed as planned. U.S. and Italian political figures criticized the replacement idea, while the Iranian embassy condemned the suggestion as politically motivated. Questions remain about replacement rules should Iran withdraw, but FIFA has not indicated any change to the tournament lineup.

Italy’s failure to qualify for a third straight World Cup is portrayed as a deepening crisis fueled by structural issues in Italian soccer, including inadequate national team preparation, scheduling conflicts in Serie A, and a lack of interest among top coaches in leading the Azzurri. Persistent struggles at both national and club levels are highlighted, alongside leadership pressure within the Italian soccer federation as calls grow for serious reassessment and potential changes.

Italy faces a decisive World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland amid mounting pressure after past qualification failures and recent losses to Norway. Coach Gennaro Gattuso stresses mental resilience and team unity while confirming Federico Chiesa has been sent back to Liverpool due to minor physical issues, prompting the call-up of Nicolò Cambiaghi. Several other players remain sidelined through injury for both sides. Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon have worked to build cohesion through informal team gatherings, and Italy aims to leverage a supportive atmosphere in Bergamo as they seek to advance toward a World Cup group featuring Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

Italy’s Olympic leadership is considering a bid for the 2040 Summer Games following the success of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which earned praise from the IOC. Key Italian sports officials highlighted Rome’s history, existing infrastructure and organizational capacity as advantages, while emphasizing the need for agreement with the national government before moving forward. Past failed bids and geopolitical uncertainties remain factors, yet several political and sports figures signaled openness to exploring a competitive candidacy.

Mikaela Shiffrin won Olympic gold in women’s slalom with a dominant performance, ending an eight‑year medal drought while navigating the emotional weight of her father’s death. Her third career Olympic gold came by a large margin, reaffirming her status as one of the greatest Alpine skiers in history. The victory followed years of pressure, setbacks, and recovery from crashes and post‑traumatic stress. Support from fellow competitors and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association accompanied the achievement, marking a powerful personal and athletic milestone for Shiffrin.

A severe crash suffered by Lindsey Vonn at the Milan Cortina Games renewed scrutiny of ski racing safety, particularly the inability of her bindings to release during the fall. Officials and experts highlighted longstanding challenges in developing automatic smart-release bindings, citing technological complexity, financial barriers, and the need for precise timing to avoid premature detachment. Efforts involve adapting airbag algorithms developed by Dainese for potential use in bindings, though implementation remains years away. Stakeholders also noted additional safety measures under discussion, including redesigned gate panels, refined equipment standards, and improved protective garments. Recent serious injuries and the death of Matteo Franzoso added urgency to calls for enhanced protections while athletes expressed mixed views on adopting more advanced technology.

Lindsey Vonn is returning to the United States for additional surgeries after suffering a severe tibia fracture during a crash in the Olympic downhill at the Milan Cortina Games. U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said the team’s medical staff has overseen Vonn’s treatment in Italy and will attempt to accompany her home. Vonn, who was competing with significant preexisting injuries, described the risks of the sport in a social media post, expressing no regrets. Goldschmidt said Vonn is stable and praised her impact on the sport and her resilience in the aftermath of the crash.

Two Washington Post sports writers, Barry Svrluga and Les Carpenter, continued covering the Milan Cortina Olympics despite being laid off as part of the newspaper’s elimination of its sports section. With travel already arranged, four Post journalists chose to attend the Games, emphasizing commitment to readers and the value of on‑site reporting. Svrluga, attending his 12th Olympics, reflected on career relationships and recent personal reporting on Mikaela Shiffrin’s family. The layoffs were described as painful and indicative of broader industry shifts. Svrluga plans to file his final column from the Games before leaving the Post.

Lindsey Vonn will undergo another surgery on her broken left leg in Italy following a severe crash in the Olympic downhill event. She has already had three operations for a complex tibia fracture and a ruptured ACL and hopes to return to the United States after the upcoming procedure, though further surgery will still be needed. Recently out of retirement for the Games, she shared appreciation for public support and continues to support Team USA from the hospital.

Lindsey Vonn is preparing for additional surgery on her broken left leg in an Italian hospital following a severe crash during the Olympic downhill event. She shared gratitude for widespread support in a video message from her hospital bed and noted that more procedures will be required after returning to the United States. The injury involves a complex tibia fracture that has already necessitated multiple surgeries, compounded by an earlier ACL rupture sustained days before the race. Despite ongoing challenges, she expressed appreciation for visiting friends and family and voiced support for Team USA.

Drone cameras at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics provide high-speed, immersive visuals that follow athletes closely while remaining safely behind them. Pilots operate lightweight drones capable of speeds over 100 mph using dual-camera systems and precise controls. Broadcasters highlight both scenic venues and athlete perspectives, though some viewers and athletes report mild motion sickness from the dynamic footage. The International Olympic Committee views the technology as a major enhancement to Olympic broadcasting.

Lindsey Vonn reported that her third surgery for a complex tibia fracture sustained in a downhill crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics was successful. She shared that her recovery is progressing slowly and remains surrounded by family while being treated in a hospital in Treviso. Vonn expressed gratitude for medical staff, supporters, and her Team USA teammates, who she said continue to motivate her.

Mikaela Shiffrin extended her Olympic medal drought with a fourth-place finish in the team combined event at the Milan Cortina Games after losing time throughout her slalom run. The American duo of Jaqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan secured bronze, while Austria’s Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber claimed gold. Breezy Johnson, who partnered with Shiffrin and had already won downhill gold, offered her support following the result. Shiffrin, still set to compete in giant slalom and slalom, is focusing on only three events at these Games after a difficult showing in Beijing, where she failed to finish three of six races.

Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber secured gold for Austria in the new Olympic team combined event, while Mikaela Shiffrin finished fourth despite a strong first run set up by teammate Breezy Johnson. Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann and Emma Aicher claimed silver, and the U.S. duo Paula Moltzan and Jacqueline Wiles earned bronze. Shiffrin extended her streak of seven Olympic races without a medal.

Lindsey Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, said her leg fracture at the Winter Olympics marks the end of her ski racing career. Vonn underwent surgery in Treviso and remains in stable condition with family members present. Kildow described both the emotional shock of witnessing the crash and confidence in the medical care provided by U.S. officials and Italian doctors.

Lindsey Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, stated that her severe leg injury sustained in a Winter Olympics crash will end her competitive skiing career. Vonn underwent surgery after being evacuated from the course in Cortina and remains in stable condition at a hospital in Treviso, where her family is staying with her. Kildow described her as strong and handling the situation well, noting that she is receiving high-level medical care from the USOC and U.S. Ski Team staff in Italy.

Lindsey Vonn competed in the Olympic downhill in Cortina despite a severely injured left knee, aiming for her first Olympic gold since 2010. Returning to elite competition after nearly six years away and a partial titanium knee replacement, she quickly reestablished herself as a top contender, leading the World Cup downhill standings before a crash in Switzerland caused multiple knee injuries. Her rapid return to the Tofana course, where she holds a record number of World Cup wins, marked a dramatic comeback as she tested the knee in training runs and positioned herself for another Olympic run.

Italian skier Sofia Goggia lit the cauldron in Cortina at the opening ceremony, reflecting her prominent role in Italy securing hosting rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Goggia’s past presentation to the International Olympic Committee, alongside snowboarder Michela Moioli, was credited with helping Italy defeat Sweden’s bid. The event also highlighted other Italian athletes, including Alberto Tomba, Deborah Compagnoni, Federica Brignone and Amos Mosaner, who took part in ceremonial roles as Italy celebrated the upcoming Games.

The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin amid questions about the functionality of a highly dispersed venue model adopted to align with IOC sustainability reforms. Events are spread across northern Italy, creating logistical complexities for athletes, spectators and organizers. Construction delays affect key venues, including the Cortina sliding center and Milan’s hockey arena, though competition areas are operational. Athletes express mixed feelings about the geographic separation, citing reduced interaction between teams. The opening ceremony will also be divided across multiple locations, reflecting the broader structural shift that will define future Winter Games.

Cortina d’Ampezzo’s signature pasta dish, casunziei, features beet-filled half‑moon ravioli topped with butter, Parmesan and poppy seeds, reflecting the region’s Ladin culinary tradition. Local chefs outline ingredients and steps for preparing the dish along with a suggested pairing of young pinot nero. The article also notes characteristic dishes from other northern Italian cities hosting events for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Lindsey Vonn plans to compete in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics despite suffering a ruptured ACL, bone bruising and meniscal damage during a downhill crash in Crans-Montana. After treatment and medical evaluations, she resumed skiing with a brace and reported stability in her injured knee. She is scheduled to race in the women’s downhill, drawing on a career that includes three Olympic medals and a record 12 World Cup wins in Cortina.

Mikaela Shiffrin enters the Olympic season undefeated in World Cup slalom after four straight wins and shows improving form in giant slalom and super-G following past crashes. She returns to Semmering, where she has earned multiple victories, aiming to extend her streak and possibly add super-G to her Olympic program. Consistent speed, resilience and improved handling of disruptions mark her current performance. Shiffrin may compete in four events at the upcoming Winter Olympics, with potential for strong results in both individual and team competitions.

Lindsey Vonn, at 41, returned to World Cup downhill racing with a dominant performance in St. Moritz, becoming the oldest World Cup winner in history. Strong results across the opening speed weekend have led her to postpone retirement and continue competing through the end of the season. She credits critics as motivation, while her team cites improved equipment, strength and recovery focus as key factors in her comeback.

Lindsey Vonn’s dominant return to World Cup downhill racing at age 41 has reversed earlier criticism and prompted her to extend her career beyond the Winter Olympics. Strong performances in St. Moritz, including a decisive downhill win and a weekend tally of 230 points, highlight her resurgence. Support from fellow athletes and her coaching team, along with improved fitness and equipment, has positioned her as a top contender for multiple events in the upcoming Cortina Games. Her current form also strengthens the possibility of a high-profile team pairing with Mikaela Shiffrin, reinforcing her comeback as a statement of resilience and longevity in elite skiing.

Lindsey Vonn enters the new racing season with increased strength and renewed confidence after adding 12 pounds of muscle during intensive summer training. Returning from retirement and knee surgery, she reports being in her best physical condition in years as she targets multiple events at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Early training runs in St. Moritz show strong form, and former champion Aksel Lund Svindal has joined her coaching team. Vonn will compete in several World Cup speed events in Europe as she builds toward February’s Games.

A temporary Olympic Village in Cortina d'Ampezzo will house around 1,400 athletes in 377 rented mobile homes for the 2026 Winter Games. Designed for minimal environmental impact and later reuse, the village features individual heating, accessible rooms for Paralympians and essential common facilities. Despite cold and windy conditions, organizers emphasize its practicality and temporary nature. Some teams, such as Norway, will stay in hotels while others including the U.S., Germany and Italy plan to use the village. Trees removed for construction drew some activist concerns, though organizers say replanting efforts are underway.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing for visits from heads of state and royalty during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, with officials planning security measures including a helipad. Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi said interest in Cortina has grown significantly, driven by major events such as women’s Alpine skiing, curling and sliding sports. The Italian government is accelerating reconstruction of the historic sliding center after the IOC suggested alternative venues. Lorenzi believes the Games offer an opportunity to elevate Cortina’s global profile and attract new tourism and international partnerships.

The death of Italian skier Matteo Franzoso during preseason training in Chile has intensified concerns over safety in alpine skiing ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. The incident, following multiple fatal training accidents in recent years, has prompted athletes and national federations to call for stricter oversight and standardized safety measures for training venues. Italy’s ski federation urged the International Ski and Snowboard Federation to create dedicated training courses with full safety netting. New mandatory protective equipment, including air bags and cut-resistant underwear, is being introduced this season. High-profile crashes in recent years at upcoming Olympic venues further underscore the risks as the World Cup season approaches.

Jannik Sinner rehired former fitness coach Umberto Ferrara nearly a year after dismissing him for involvement in a doping incident linked to accidental exposure to the banned steroid Clostebol. The decision follows recent staffing changes that removed Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio from Sinner’s team. Sinner previously served a three‑month ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed his initial exoneration. Fresh off his Wimbledon win, he is preparing for the Cincinnati Open and the defense of his U.S. Open title.

Pope Leo XIV signaled uncertainty over his Italian football allegiance during a meeting with newly crowned Serie A champion Napoli, dismissing assumptions that he supports Roma. Napoli’s president presented him with a personalized No. 10 shirt while the pope praised the team’s collective ethos and highlighted the social value of sport. He cautioned against excessive commercialization in athletics and urged parents and officials to safeguard the moral quality of youth sports. The audience followed shortly after his meeting with tennis champion Jannik Sinner.

Jannik Sinner reacted with good humor to Pope Leo XIV’s light‑hearted remark that he wouldn’t invite the world No. 1 to play tennis because of his surname, following a meeting between the new American pope and journalists. After winning his match at the Italian Open, Sinner welcomed having a pope who enjoys the sport and said a future practice session with Leo was possible. Nicole Winfield contributed reporting from Vatican City.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost, is noted for his enthusiasm for tennis, a sport he played regularly before becoming pope. His election coincided with the Italian Open in Rome, prompting reactions from professional players Stefanos Tsitsipas and Coco Gauff, who expressed interest in meeting him or having him attend matches. Images of the new pope appeared at the tournament as news of his election spread, and his brother noted he is also a Chicago White Sox fan.

The final stage of the Giro d’Italia will pass inside the Vatican walls as a tribute to the late Pope Francis, taking riders through the Vatican gardens and past Casa Santa Marta in a rare route approved after extensive negotiations with the Holy See. The symbolic passage will occur during the neutralized portion of the stage, with restricted support vehicles and Vatican-produced TV coverage due to security limits. A new pope is expected to be elected before the June event. The Giro will start in Albania before concluding in Rome after exiting the Vatican.

A transport strike during a Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic test event exposed vulnerabilities in Italy’s public transit network and underscored organizers’ efforts to negotiate with unions to avoid disruptions during the Games. Milan-Cortina CEO Andrea Varnier emphasized the critical role of transportation for the widely dispersed venues and described ongoing talks with unions and government officials. Leadership transitions within the IOC and Italian Olympic Committee add further uncertainty. Organizers reported strong early ticket sales and significant progress on the controversial Cortina sliding track, despite environmental objections. The track is expected to meet IOC certification deadlines and will also serve the 2028 Winter Youth Olympics.

Mikaela Shiffrin enters the slalom at the world championships seeking a record‑breaking 16th medal after recovering from a serious abdominal injury suffered in November. Despite limited racing since the accident, she won gold in the team combined event and remains one of the top contenders. Her consistency is highlighted by medals in every world championship slalom she has raced and multiple World Cup and Olympic achievements. Marcel Hirscher regards her as the greatest skier of all time. With Petra Vlhova sidelined, young competitors such as Zrinka Ljutic, Camille Rast and Lara Colturi may pose the strongest challenges as Shiffrin aims to match additional historical records.

American skiers Breezy Johnson and Lauren Macuga leave the world championships with standout performances and light‑hearted personal touches, from Johnson’s hand‑knitted Austrian‑colored headband to Macuga’s celebratory dances inspired by SpongeBob and inflatable car‑lot figures. Johnson secured two gold medals, while Macuga earned a bronze in super‑G and narrowly missed the podium in the combined event, contributing to a strong showing for the U.S. team.

Lindsey Vonn has returned to competitive skiing at age 40 after a partial knee replacement that restored her ability to race without pain. Despite criticism from some former European champions, she continues to compete at the world championships to test new equipment, improve rankings, and work toward qualifying for the Milan‑Cortina Olympics. Motivated by unfinished business following her injury‑forced 2019 retirement, she aims to break age‑related records in the sport while balancing ongoing business and philanthropic commitments.

American skiers competing at the Alpine world championships in Austria share their Super Bowl allegiances, with Lindsey Vonn noting she cannot attend the game due to her skiing comeback. Ryan Cochran-Siegle leans toward the Eagles because of his fantasy football ties, while others, including Lauren Macuga and Breezy Johnson, express varying team preferences influenced by personal fandom and family backgrounds. Some plan to watch highlights due to the late start time in the Alps, and a few focus more on the halftime show than the game itself.

Lindsey Vonn failed to finish her opening super-G race at the Alpine skiing world championships after hitting a gate that briefly caused loss of feeling in her right arm. Recently returning from retirement and skiing while ill, she avoided a fall and skied to the finish before celebrating teammate Lauren Macuga’s bronze medal. Vonn plans to continue with training ahead of the downhill and aims to compete in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Lindsey Vonn is ill with a cold or flu ahead of her return to ski racing at the world championships, where she is scheduled to compete in the super-G. Despite lacking energy during training, she hopes to recover in time for the race. Mirjam Puchner led the latest downhill training, with Breezy Johnson finishing second.

Preparations for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics face uncertainty as the sliding center in Cortina remains unfinished with one year to go. The International Olympic Committee has requested a backup plan that could shift sliding events to Lake Placid if construction misses certification deadlines. Local organizers remain confident despite delays, citing rapid progress and government support. Environmental concerns, logistical challenges across widely dispersed venues, and potential schedule conflicts for athletes add to the complexity of the Games’ planning.

Lindsey Vonn returned to the skiing circuit at age 40 with a titanium-enhanced knee and completed her first world championships downhill training run without pain, finishing 20th. Encouraged by her progress, she plans to race in the super-G, downhill and team combined events. Training results are not her focus as she continues testing equipment and preparing for a planned full comeback aimed at competing in next season’s Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Lindsey Vonn condemned harsh criticism in Europe over her return to competitive skiing at age 40, noting male athletes such as Tom Brady, Lewis Hamilton and Marcel Hirscher did not face similar scrutiny. Several former Austrian skiing champions questioned her psychological state, which Vonn deemed disrespectful. After showing competitive results in her comeback, she emphasized the supportive response she has received in the United States and the significance of her return for women pursuing ambitions at any age. Vonn aims to compete in a new team combined event at the world championships with Mikaela Shiffrin or alternatively Paula Moltzan.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen secured Brazil’s first-ever World Cup skiing podium with a second-place finish in the giant slalom at Beaver Creek, celebrating with a samba dance draped in the Brazilian flag. After previously racing for Norway, he returned to competition representing Brazil following a dispute with Norway’s ski federation. His success positions him as a strong contender for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, joining rising Brazilian winter sports athletes like Nicole Silveira. Braathen’s performance, personality, and message of individuality underline his growing impact on the sport as he prepares for upcoming races in Val d’Isere.

Taylor Fritz reflects on his rise to the U.S. Open final, his interest in League of Legends esports, and his steady career progression as he prepares to face Jannik Sinner at the ATP Finals. He describes how his childhood admiration for Pete Sampras influenced his serve, recalls disliking tennis as a kid before learning to enjoy competition, and shares personal anecdotes about his girlfriend and son. The article highlights his confidence in having several strong years ahead and his continued efforts to improve his game.

The appeal window is closing for the decision that cleared Jannik Sinner of doping after he twice tested positive for Clostebol in March, with WADA and Nado Italia having limited time to challenge the ruling before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted Sinner’s explanation that contamination occurred unintentionally through his physiotherapist, supported by extensive scientific evidence. Any appeal could jeopardize his U.S. Open title and potentially result in a ban of up to two years. Comparisons are drawn to Maria Sharapova’s expedited CAS case, while experts note that Sinner’s trainers may face separate inquiries in Italy.

An over‑the‑counter Italian spray, Trofodermin, which contains the banned steroid Clostebol, caused trace positives in tennis player Jannik Sinner’s March drug tests despite warnings printed on its packaging. Investigators determined the substance entered his system unintentionally through treatment by his physiotherapist, leading to no suspension. Sinner dismissed two team members involved in the incident, while legal experts note he could pursue damages. Italian anti‑doping authorities may still appeal the decision, and the case highlights recurring issues with Clostebol contamination in Italy.

Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh won her country’s first individual gold medal of the Paris Olympics, clearing 2.00 meters to defeat Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers. Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Ukraine’s Iryna Gerashchenko shared bronze. Mahuchikh, who fled the war in Ukraine and recently set the world record at 2.10 meters, secured her first Olympic title after previously winning bronze in Tokyo.

Biniam Girmay became the first Black African cyclist to win a Tour de France stage, marking a milestone ahead of Rwanda hosting the 2025 world championships. His victory follows earlier breakthroughs at the Giro d’Italia and builds on the legacy of Eritrean riders who previously entered the Tour. Teammates and cycling officials highlighted his achievement as a sign of Africa’s growing presence in the sport, while Girmay expressed its significance for himself and the continent.

Coco Gauff encourages young Americans to vote as she criticizes Florida’s political climate, particularly controversy over book bans signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Preparing for the French Open and her first presidential election, she urges her generation to use its political power. The article also highlights her tennis achievements, connection to Paris, Olympic goals, and interactions with figures like Zendaya, while noting her continued community presence in Delray Beach.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti’s push for greater focus has spurred Gianluca Scamacca’s resurgence, with nine goals in 11 matches for Atalanta positioning him as a potential starting center forward for Euro 2024. Despite limited scoring for Italy, Scamacca’s strong European form, including key goals against Liverpool, Fiorentina and Marseille, has revived hopes of solving Italy’s long‑standing striker shortage. Jurgen Klopp praised his qualities, noting his suitability for specific playing styles. Atalanta’s significant investment in bringing him back from West Ham appears validated as Italy prepares to face Spain, Croatia and Albania in the group stage.

Newly engineered purple Mondo track surfaces and technologically advanced Myrtha Pools systems are set to support strong performances at the Paris Olympics. Mondo introduced more elastic, energy-efficient materials and redesigned air-cell structures to boost speed and reactivity, while Myrtha is supplying 24 modular, reusable pools featuring enhanced water treatment and clarity systems suited for high‑definition broadcasting. Both Italian companies emphasize innovation, efficiency, and rapid installation ahead of the Games.

Marcell Jacobs has relocated to Florida to train with a new elite sprint group as he prepares to defend his Olympic 100‑meter title in Paris. The move has helped him regain motivation, reconnect with his American family, and focus away from the pressures he faced in Italy. Jacobs trains alongside several top sprinters under coach Rana Reider and aims to reestablish his dominance despite criticism and doubts about his past performances. He acknowledges Noah Lyles as the favorite for Paris but welcomes the challenge. His competition schedule includes U.S. meets, the World Relays, and the European Championships as key tests ahead of the Games.