Hidden Gems of the Olympics
Discover the secret world of athleticism and absurdity you never knew you needed
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By: Bri Talmadge
As the 2024 Olympics approach, anticipation builds not just for the traditional sports but also for some unexpected additions to the lineup. These sports offer fans and athletes a fresh perspective on the sports they didn’t know existed. Prepare to cheer for the unexpected and embrace the joy of sports you never knew you needed.
Skateboarding
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Skateboarding is all about riding and rocking sick tricks that'll blow your mind. Athletes will have an epic showcase of creativity and fearlessness on wheels. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for fantastic entertainment, tune in and witness the thrill of skateboarding at its finest. Get ready to be amazed and inspired by the raddest sport on the planet.
Canoe Slalom
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Canoe slalom takes canoeing to the next level with its high-speed action and precision navigation through gates on a challenging course. Athletes paddle fiercely, balancing speed and technique while maneuvering through rapids and around gates, making it a thrilling test of skill and agility. If you're a fan of intense water sports, canoe slalom delivers excitement and adrenaline.
Sport Climbing
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Enter the world of sport climbing, where rock climbing meets high-octane thrills. This sport amplifies the excitement of different competitions featuring intense routes that test climbers' agility and strength to the max. It's all about the rush of scaling challenging walls, cheered on by fans who love it when athletes reach new heights. Sport climbing promises nonstop excitement and unforgettable feats of skill.
Trampoline Gymnastics
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Have you ever wanted to fly? Trampoline gymnastics gets you as close as it gets. Picture athletes bouncing effortlessly from feet to back to front, spinning and twisting with dazzling grace and skill. It's like watching dreams come true in mid-air. Whether you're jumping or cheering from the sidelines, trampoline gymnastics is pure joy and exhilaration.
Dressage
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Dressage is a must-watch for anyone captivated by the graceful partnership between rider and horse. Witness these majestic animals execute intricate movements with finesse and harmony—a mesmerizing display of athleticism and artistry that promises to leave you in awe. Dressage offers a unique spectacle that's both elegant and exhilarating. Watch the beauty of this sport unfold before your eyes.
Steeplechase
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Steeplechase in the Olympics is a thrill ride you don't want to miss. Athletes sprinting, leaping over fixed barriers and splashing through seven water jumps like they're in a high-stakes game of hopscotch. It's fast, intense and packed with unpredictable moments that make every race a heart-pounding spectacle. It’s a race like no other.
Hidden gems like trampoline and skateboarding deliver pure, unexpected joy. It's like discovering a secret world where athletes defy gravity with every twist and turn. The best adventures are the ones you never saw coming!
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Monday Minute: Kelce Mix, WNBA All-Stars + Solving The T-Shirt Cannon Conundrum
New week, new news.
Good morning. It is Monday, July 22, the last week without the Olympics. Don't forget to join us on Wednesday for our Wednesday Wisdom Podcast, where we will give you an Olympics crash course. Now, onto today’s news.
WNBA All-Star Game
This weekend, we had the WNBA All-Star Game (Women’s National Association); the energy and competition were off the charts. Brittney Griner used this moment to reveal that she and her wife, Cherelle, welcomed a baby boy in July. Brittney is part of Team USA, which lost to Team WNBA. Team USA, made up of players heading to the Paris Olympics, faced off against the WNBA All-Stars, which were selected by fans. The motivational talk from Jason Sudeikis, known as Ted Lasso, may have inspired the Team WNBA to their big win. But don't fret, as the last time Team USA lost to Team WNBA, they went on to win gold at the Olympics.
Olympic Basketball
Speaking of basketball in the Olympics, Team USA's men's side had a rude awakening in an exhibition game against South Sudan. They were 43-point favorites and barely survived, winning by just one point, 101 to 100. South Sudan is a team built from scratch with no indoor courts. Hopefully, this is a warmup, and the team will move on to continue their journey toward gold.
NFL Updates: Kelce Mix and the Raiders
In the NFL (National Football League), Travis Kelce showed up to the Kansas City Chiefs training camp, rocking a mustache after promoting the Kelce mix, a collaboration with his brother, Jason, and General Mills. Their cereal combines their top three favorites in one box: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms and Reese's Puffs. This unique blend will be available in September.
The Las Vegas Raiders are returning to Southern California for training camp starting Tuesday. Due to NFL rules, they cannot promote the camp or have open practices for fans. They will be in Costa Mesa for 18 days, but no billboards or newspaper ads are allowed. Las Vegas media can cover the camp, but not Los Angeles or Orange County media. Why? The NFL protects each team’s territory for 75 miles, and the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers play 40 miles away in SoFi Stadium.
Clippers' solve the t-shirt cannon crisis
In the NBA (National Basketball Association), Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is solving all kinds of in-game issues with their new stadium. It includes an abundance of toilets—three times the average NBA arena—and chargers at every seat. They also have a new video board capable of firing t-shirts to any seat in the building, ensuring everyone has a chance to catch one.
Tour de France
Tadej Pogacar won the Tour de France for the third time, marking the most significant winning margin of his three Tour wins, beating the 5:20 gap three years ago. The Tour's finale was held outside of Paris for the first time since 1903 as the French capital prepares to host the Olympics.
Golf
Xander Schauffele won the British Open, his second major of the year. American golfers have swept all four majors this year.
That's it for this week. Remember to join us on Wednesday for our crash course on the Olympics, and check us out at lastnightsgame.com.
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Weekend Preview: WNBA All-Star Game, Beyonce's Shoutout + Olympic Nike Swag Bags
One week until the Olympics, but who’s counting?
Welcome to our weekend preview edition, where we have everything you need to know for sports small talk this weekend. Let's dive into the exciting events on the horizon.
WNBA All-Star Game
The weekend's biggest story is the WNBA All-Star Game (Women’s National Basketball Association), set for Saturday in Phoenix. The Phoenix Mercury is pulling out all the stops, highlighting the names of every all-star in WNBA history on their home court and showcasing previous games’ MVPs. Pitbull will perform at halftime, adding to the excitement.
The game features Team USA against the WNBA All-Stars, with rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese teaming up for the first time as members of the WNBA All-Stars. Clark will also be featured on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) track on Josh Berry's No. 4 racing Ford this weekend.
WNBA All-Star selections earn a $2,575 bonus, with the MVP taking home $5,150. Winners of the three-point contest and skills competition each win $2,575, and participants earn $1,000.
Countdown to the Olympics
We're just one week away from the Summer Olympics opening ceremonies. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles shared heartfelt messages from her heroes, Michael Jordan and Beyoncé. Jordan shared a plaque of Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" album art with a personal note and a text message from Michael Jordan, expressing his excitement to watch her win a gold medal.
Nike has unveiled their Nike athlete bag for Team USA, including 50 pieces of exclusive apparel, footwear and accessories for each athlete to stay comfortable and stylish in Paris, the world's fashion capital.
EA Sports NCAA Football Returns
Your video game-loving friends are definitely calling in sick today, with EA Sports releasing the revamped NCAA Football game today. Eleven years ago, the NCAA canceled its brand licensing contract, and EA Sports and Collegiate Licensing Company setted for $40M settlement for improper use of student athletes' names and likenesses. Now, NCAA Football is back, and fans, including Patrick Mahomes, are ecstatic. Mahomes is crediting the game's release and the Olympics for prompting him to bring a TV to training camp for the first time ever.
The British Open
Lastly, the final major of the golf season, the British Open (also known as the Open), is happening this weekend. The cut is today, so keep an eye on which players will make it through.
Have a fantastic weekend ahead! For more sports updates, check us out at lastnightsgame.com.
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