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At the fifth time of asking, Novak Djokovic is finally into an Olympic final.

The Olympic Games haven’t always been the happiest of hunting grounds for arguably the greatest male player of all time, with Djokovic on the wrong side of some big results throughout his Olympic career.

However, after claiming bronze at the Beijing 2008 Games, he is guaranteed at least a silver medal after beating Lorenzo Musetti in Friday’s semi-final.

READ MORE:US Track and Field athletes land $50K bonuses thanks to former NFL players and Serena Williams husband

Carlos Alcaraz stands between him and a gold medal but, by reaching the final, he has already matched two other legends.

He, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer are now the only players in the modern era to reach singles finals after their 30th birthdays.

 

Novak Djokovic y Serena Williams a la final del Abierto de Australia - CDN  - El Canal de Noticias de los Dominicanos

 

Serena Williams – London 2012

Having already claimed two doubles golds, Williams finally claimed Olympic singles gold at the age of 30, producing one of the most dominant runs in Games history.

Seeded fourth, the US star downed Jelena Jankovic for the loss of just four games in round one, before dropping five games to Urszula Radwanska in round two – the most games she dropped in any match.

Williams then stormed past Vera Zvonareva and Caroline Wozniacki to reach the last eight, before downing world No 1 Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-2 to reach the gold medal match.

She famously dropped just one game against Maria Sharapova to take the title, and also won a third doubles crown alongside sister Venus.

RELATED:Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Accused of Living Off of Tennis Icon’s Money By Internet Troll, Reddit Co-Founder Claps Back

Olympic Games News

Novak Djokovic fires warning to ‘best player in the world’ Carlos Alcaraz ahead of Olympic final

Novak Djokovic clashes with umpire and coaching box as he sets up Carlos Alcaraz gold medal clash

Roger Federer – London 2012

The London Games also saw a 30-year-old Federer reach the final, claiming his only Olympic singles medal.

On his beloved Centre Court, the Swiss star battled past Alejandro Falla in three sets to start his campaign, before easing past Julien Benneteau and Denis Istomin to reach the last eight.

There, he saw off the big-serving John Isner in straight sets, before scraping past Juan Martin del Potro in the last four, prevailing 19-17 in an extraordinary third set.

Perhaps fatigued by that epic, Federer was beaten comfortably by Andy Murray in the final, the Brit prevailing 6-2, 6-1, 7-5.

Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams Chase Tennis History in US Open Covid  Bubble - News18

Novak Djokovic – Paris 2024

What makes Djokovic’s run even more impressive is that, while Federer and Williams were 30 when they achieved this, the world No 2 has reached the final aged 37.

It has been an impressive run for the Serb, who is yet to drop a set.

UPDATE:Coco Gauff looks up to friend and mentor Serena Williams before Olympics debut

He started his campaign with a one-sided win over Matt Ebden, needing just 54 minutes and dropping one game, before easing past great rival Rafael Nadal in a memorable round two meeting.

Djokovic then saw off Dominik Koepfer in the third round, before rallying from a 0-4 deficit in the second set to continue his recent dominance over eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last eight.

The No 1 seed was tested at times against Musetti but was largely comfortable in a 6-4, 6-2 triumph, and all eyes are now on how he fares against Alcaraz on Sunday.

 

LOS ANGELES – Andy Ruiz started strong but faded late. Unfortunately, Jarrell Miller was not able to capitalize on it.

Ruiz and Miller fought to a majority decision draw Saturday night before a partisan crowd at the BMO Stadium. One judge scored the bout 116-112 for Miller, while the other two judges scored the bout 114-114.

Miller, who resides in Brooklyn, New York, goes to 26-1-2, 22 knockouts. Ruiz’s record now stands at 35-2-1, 22 KOs.

After a dull start, towards the end of Round 1, Ruiz landed a right-left combination to the head that stunned Miller. The bell sounded before Ruiz was able to follow up. In Round 2, Ruiz stuck out jabs to the body of Miller in an attempt to set up a cross to the head. With about a minute left in the round, Miller connected with a right cross of his own, snapping back the head of Ruiz.

Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller ends in draw

Miller continued stalking Ruiz early on, hoping to land one punch, but he was cognizant of Ruiz’s hand speed, particularly with left-right combinations to the head.

Miller finally let his hands go more in Round 4. Miller stalked Ruiz, dialing in to throw and land right hands to the head. Ruiz countered by connecting straight and counter right hands to the body of Miller.

About midway through Round 5, Miller landed a series of left hooks to the body of Ruiz. Miller followed up with a hard left hook to the head that momentarily stunned Ruiz. Miller continued his onslaught, even landing a barrage of punches that shook Ruiz as the bell sounded to end the round.

Miller continued to focus his attack to the body, following up with a hook or cross to the head of Ruiz, who looked gassed. Miller walked Ruiz down, letting his hands go in spurts. While he was winning rounds during the second half of the fight, Miller was not as active as he could have been, considering how exhausted Ruiz was.

Ruiz had a decent start to Round 9, but Miller dominated the last half of the fight, backing Ruiz in a corner and battering him to the head. Miller continued to focus his attack to the body during Rounds 10 and 11, but he also landed to Ruiz’s head.

Ruiz attempted to fight in spurts. The punches that did connect had little effect on Miller. Sensing he was down in the fight, Ruiz let his hands go. The second wind allowed him to throw and land looping right crosses to the head, but Miller dug to the body with left hooks to the body.

After the fight, Miller, who was stopped by Daniel Dubois in his previous fight on December 23, stated he thought he did enough to win.

“I know I did enough to win,” said Miller. “I threw more punches. I had him backing up the entire fight. It’s called effective aggression. I kept the pressure on and I hit him with the more effective punches. I had the fight in the bag.”

Ruiz admitted he hurt his right hand during the fight. Images of Ruiz’s right hand looked as though it looked fractured or dislocated.

“I haven’t fought in two years and I’d love to have a rematch here at the BMO Stadium,” said Ruiz. “I thought I did pretty good. My right hand started hurting me in the fifth round.”

ANDY RUIZ JR VS JARRELL MILLER FIGHT BREAKDOWN AND PREDICTION

Ruiz, who resides in Imperial, California, had not fought since September 2022 when he defeated Luis Ortiz by unanimous decision. The 34-year-old won the unified world heavyweight title in June 2019, stopping Anthony Joshua. Ironically, he took the Joshua fight on short notice after Miller had to withdraw from the fight after testing positive for banned substances.

Ruiz would lose the rematch against Joshua six months later.

Preliminary action

In a clash of unbeaten middleweights, Steven Nelson dropped Marcos Vazquez twice en route to a fifth round knockout victory. Nelson improved to 20-0, 16 KOs.

Nelson, who resides in Omaha, Nebraska and is a stablemate of Terence Crawford, focused his attack to the body of the southpaw Vazquez, who attempted to counter with hands and rights to the head.

Less than a minute left in round three, Nelson dropped Vazquez with a right hand to the head. Vazquez beat the count, but began to look worse for wear. His nose was bleeding, likely from a straight right to the head that connected earlier in the round. Vazquez’s punch output dropped with each passing minute. Late in the round, Vazquez was hurt by a combination thrown by Nelson that almost dropped him to the canvas.

In round five, Nelson backed Vazquez against the ropes and landed a left uppercut to the head, dropping Vazquez to one knee. Referee Ray Corona immediately waved the fight over at 50 seconds.

Vazquez, who resides in Tijuana, Mexico, falls to 20-1-1, 10 KOs

In the opening bout of the Riyadh Season card, welterweights Ziyad Almaayouf (5-0-1, 1 KOs) of Saudi Arabia and Poland’s Michal Bulik (6-7-1, 2 KOs) fought to a majority decision draw. One judge scored the bout 59-55 for Almaayouf, while the other two judges scored the bout 57-57.

 

TERENCE CRAWFORD makes his highly-anticipated return to the ring TONIGHT in a thrilling world title clash against Israil Madrimov.

Bud hasn’t laced up his gloves since an emphatic 9th-round TKO victory against bitter rival Errol Spence last summer.

owever, Crawford will be determined to keep his undefeated streak going by winning the world title even after moving up to 154lbs for tonight’s thrilling fight.

Before the main event, Andy Ruiz Jr’s eagerly anticipated bout with Jarrell Miller was controversially scored as a majority draw after 12 brutal rounds.

Main event ring-walk time: 11.30pm ET / 4.30am BST (approx)

TERENCE CRAWFORD VS ISRAIL MADRIMOV FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS | BOXING KNOCKOUT |  BOXING LATEST FIGHT 2024 - YouTube

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 12)

Cruz looks to try and land some big punches in the final round.

Valenzuela comes back towards the end of the round and lands some good punches himself.

There were a lot of tight rounds in this fight and it will all come down to how the judges read it.

This is proving a tiring fight to watch let alone box in.

It is like watching two cars going up a hill stuck in second gear.

There is nothing to get excited about at all.

Someone needs to do something big to spark some atmosphere in the arena.

This is proving a tiring fight to watch let alone box in.

It is like watching two cars going up a hill stuck in second gear.

There is nothing to get excited about at all.

Someone needs to do something big to spark some atmosphere in the arena.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 9)

Neither boxer is really stamping any authority on this fight.

Miller is landing points scoring punches but he is not loading them up at all and they do not have the power in them.

Ruiz needs to find a second wind from somewhere.

Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov

Terence Crawford makes his way to the ring, looking like he is brimming with confidence.

He said he is only taking on legacy fights now and this is certainly one.

Crawford has been world champion at three different weight classes and he is looking to make that four this evening.

Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov

Now it is the time for the main event of the evening.

Madrimov, the reigning champion makes his way out to the ring.

There is a real firework display as he makes his entrance, he is looking pumped and ready for this fight.

Entertainment before main event

Eminem is now on stage performing before our main event in the ring.

At Terence Crawford’s last fight it was the rapper who led him out into the ring.

Tonight he is the warm-up act for the boxer.

Valenzuela wins first world title

Jose Valenzuela became world champion this evening at the age of 25-years-old.

He dedicated his victory to his parents as his way of repaying them for all they sacrificed to get him to where he is.

The parties will go on long into the night for the Mexican fighter, who will be celebrating for the first time as a world champion.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

Interviewed after the fight, Isaac Cruz immediately asks for a rematch after his defeat and the loss of his belt.

No comments were made by Jose Valenzuela, he is more interested in enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

He outboxed his opponent tonight and fully deserved his win.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 11)

Before coming out for the penultimate round, Valenzuela’s corner tell him he has two rounds to become champion.

He continues to control the fight and is taming the ‘Pitbull’.

Valenzuela keeps his chin in the air which leaves him open to a big punch from Cruz.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 10)

The pundits have Valenzuela leading by a few rounds.

He has it a potential world title in the palm of his hands now.

All he has to do is find the energy to keep these tactics going for the final rounds.

Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller • Full Weigh In & Face Off Video - YouTube

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 9)

Valenzuela dominates another round here.

Cruz tries to lull him in playing possum but his fellow Mexican is not falling for it and continues to control the fight.

With only three rounds remaining, Cruz has a lot to do now.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 8)

Cruz catches Valenzuela with a big left hand to the head.

This is the danger ‘Pitbull’ poses as an opponent.

You could feel that you are winning the fight but he turn it in an instant.

Valenzuela has a good strong finish to the round.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 7)

Cruz is known for his explosive nature but when that is not working he doesn’t seem to have another gear.

Valenzuela keeps on landing good punches and each time Cruz tries to come back with big punches but too many are not landing.

Unless he can change this up, Valenzuela could take this fight.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 6)

It would be interesting to see the judges’ card right now.

Valenzuela catches Cruz with a great uppercut which definitely inflicts some pain on him.

However, ‘Pitbull’ comes back and lands some big punches himself.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 5)

Cruz just cannot seem to work out Valenzuela at all.

You wonder if ‘Pitbull’ has a plan B at all.

If he continues boxing as he is, this fight could go either way.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 4)

Cruz is not having this fight go the way he wanted.

Valenzuela is boxing well and chipping away at him.

When Cruz comes inside, he is throwing big punches but they are not landing.

That needs to change if he plans to win this within the distance.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 3)

Valenzuela is landing punches and then getting out of the way.

It is the tactic you need against a fighter like Cruz.

However, it is a very energy-sapping style and it remains to be seen how long her can keep this up for.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela (Round 2)

‘Pitbull’ Cruz starts to land some more punches and when they land, they seem to have Valenzuela rocked.

He cannot back it up and assert his dominance.

You have to wonder how long Valenzuela can keep this tactical masterclass up against his tenacious opponent.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

(Round 1)

As you would expect, Cruz comes out with all guns blazing.

You can see that Valenzuela has a tactical plan for him in this fight.

Trying to keep Cruz at bay and not let him get in close as he loves to do.

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela | Knockouts | Full Fight Highlights | BOXING  FIGHT |#CruzValenzuela

Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

Now we have the co-main event of the evening.

Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz against Jose Valenzuela.

It is a battle of Mexico in this one.

Valenzuela has a height advantage in this one and a seven inch reach advantage.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller

Miller seemed disappointed with the judges’ decision.

Ruiz said that he damaged his hand in fifth round and box through the pain and that he is happy to have a rematch with Miller.

One of the pundits summed it up when asked if he wanted to see another bout between the pair “no, that fight was not rematch-worthy”.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 12)

Andy Ruiz looks to offload a load of punches to win the round.

He shows those quick hands that he was showing earlier in the fight.

However, Miller has a big finish and lands a number of body and head shots.

It is over to the judges now to decide.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 11)

Both of these fighters are looking upon a victory as a springboard for their career in the heavyweight division.

The problem is, there aren’t many boxers at the top of the tree who would find dispatching either of these two difficult.

They would be like the unknown wrestler who comes in to fight the champ on WWE Raw.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 10)

This is proving a tiring fight to watch let alone box in.

It is like watching two cars going up a hill stuck in second gear.

There is nothing to get excited about at all.

Someone needs to do something big to spark some atmosphere in the arena.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 9)

Neither boxer is really stamping any authority on this fight.

Miller is landing points scoring punches but he is not loading them up at all and they do not have the power in them.

Ruiz needs to find a second wind from somewhere.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 8)

Andy Ruiz starts to land more punches than his opponent.

Jarrell Miller looks in control but waits too late in the round to start landing his punches.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 7)

Andy Ruiz seems to be tiring more and more.

The punches are not coming back as much as before.

Miller is not going in big and seems to be picking his shots with patient boxing.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 6)

Jarrell Miller has another good round.

He has started to let his hands go and is working the body of Andy Ruiz.

Just as the bell rings he catches him with an uppercut that seems to rock him.

As it stands, the pundits have Ruiz 4-2 up on the card.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 5)

Miller has his best round of the fight.

He catches Ruiz with a series of punches and seems to hurt him.

Just as the round is finishing, Ruiz seems like he is tiring and is there for Miller to dominate.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 4)

Both fighters are exchanging blows and it looks unlikely we are going to see a knockout in this fight from what we have seen.

Ruiz and Miller can take shots, that is for sure.

Miller looks like he is trying to keep something in the tank for the latter rounds.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 3)

Ruiz is starting to dominate the rounds.

Miller is getting some good shots in, particularly an uppercut that lands from within the clinch.

That said, Ruiz is getting the more points-scoring hits in.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 2)

The fast rounds of Andy Ruiz are winning him rounds.

Miller seems to be holding back and not throwing his fists enough.

He lands a good punch towards the end of the round but his conservative approach so far is losing him rounds.

Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller (Round 1)

It is a cagey start to the fight by both boxers.

Just exchanging jabs as Miller looks to keep Ruiz away with his height advantage and longer reach.

Towards the end of the round, Miller forgets to put his guard up and Ruiz hits him with some big shots to the head.

Terence Crawford is back in the ring tonight, looking to take over a new weight class.

Arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Crawford is a three-division world champion and has twice been undisputed. In his most recent fight, Crawford dominated former unified world champion Errol Spence to become undisputed at welterweight.

After a rematch failed to materialize, Crawford turned to the 154-pound division and its WBA champion, Israil Madrimov. Madrimov is undefeated and will be defending the title for the first time, after winning it in March with a fifth round TKO of undefeated contender Magomed Kurbanov.

Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov fight live updates: How to watch

“The challenge of moving to 154 and fighting Madrimov is a hill that you have to climb,” Brian McIntyre, Crawford’s trainer, said. “I know that the team and everybody around the team want(s) challenges like that so you can say we are the best out there. We have solidified that over the years.”

Check below for live updates throughout the Crawford vs. Madrimov fight card.

Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov undercard results

  • In progress: Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) vs. Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs)
  • David Morrell def. Radivoje Kalajdzic by unanimous decision
  • Andy Cruz def. Antonio Moran by KO in round 7
  • Steve Nelson def. Marcos Ramon Vazquez by KO in round 5
  • Ziyad Almaayouf draws Michael Bulik; majority decision draw

Riyadh Season has reached Los Angeles and on Saturday night (6 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV), Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) faces WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) in a highly anticipated bout at BMO Stadium. For most fighters, moving up in weight to capture another title is a career-defining feat. For Crawford, who has already held titles in three divisions, it has become almost routine.

Crawford, known for his exceptional fight IQ and technical ability, faces Madrimov, a naturally bigger and stronger opponent. While Crawford told Yahoo Sports he is confident in his body’s readiness to compete at 154 pounds, some believe he may be underestimating the risk. Madrimov’s trainer, Joel Diaz, suggested that Crawford, who began his pro career in 2009 at super lightweight, could face more danger than anticipated against a solid 154-pound fighter like Madrimov. At BetMGM, Crawford is a -600 favorite to defeat Madrimov, who is at +450.

Israil Madrimov Vs Terence Crawford - August 3rd! + STACKED UNDERCARD -  YouTube

Madrimov is eager for a breakthrough and sees the Crawford bout as a chance to transform his and his family’s lives. Crawford, however, insists he’s focused on fighting the best, not just setting up future paydays against stars like Canelo Alvarez.

A victory for Crawford would further solidify his legacy, potentially earning him a fourth world title in as many weight classes. As “Bud” continues to gain recognition beyond hardcore boxing fans, a win on this star-studded Riyadh Season card could elevate his profile even further.

Follow the entire pay-per-view card, including live results and highlights, with our live tracker below.

 

PARIS (AP) — In the early days after she was adopted by her grandparents, Simone Biles, a preschooler at the time, put herself in charge of younger sister Adria.

Part of it was Biles doing what big sisters do. Part of it was trying to give Adria something familiar to hold onto as they adjusted to life in Texas.

All of it hinted at an inherent toughness, the kind Biles has relied on time and again over the last quarter century. Through dozens of medals and bouts of crippling self-doubt. Through triumph and trauma. Through it all.

READ MORE:Brave Simone Biles reaffirms her status as ‘The GOAT-est of GOATS

So maybe it’s fitting that in the middle of the second Olympic all-around title the 27-year-old earned on Thursday night in a taut final against Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade, Biles turned inward and leaned on a resolve that often gets lost amid her unparalleled greatness.

Simone Biles signed sexy hot 8X10 inch photo poster picture autograph RP |  eBay

It had been a long time since Biles had found herself in second place, let alone third. So when she glanced at the scoreboard and found her name under Andrade and Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour through two rotations after a sloppy uneven bars routine, Biles kind of freaked.

That’s hardly true.

This is the same woman, after all, who came forward as one of the hundreds of sexual abuse victims of former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, then spent the next several years holding the organization’s feet to a very hot fire.

She wore a leotard while winning the 2018 U.S. Championships that honored fellow survivors and repeatedly called out the national governing body’s leadership as it struggled to find a way forward.

It’s hardly a coincidence that Kerry Perry and then Mary Bono exited as USA Gymnastics president — Bono after just four days — not long after Biles very publicly questioned their competence. Through tears in 2019 she admitted “it’s hard coming here for an organization having had them failed us so many times.”

Two days later, she won the sixth of her record nine national titles.

Then came Tokyo 2020, where trauma that she’s still struggling to properly define manifested itself in “the twisties.” After one wayward vault during the team final, she retreated to the back of the Ariake Gymnastics Centre and told mom Nellie Biles on the phone back in Texas “ I can’t do it.”

There was a lot on the line in the moment. She was the face of the U.S. Olympic movement heading into the Games and leaned heavily — if at times with a wink — into the “Greatest of All Time” moniker. She was well aware of the social media attacks that might come — to be honest, the attacks that still come — and she did her best to ignore them. To a point anyway.

RELATED:Simone Biles celebrates husband Jonathan Owens’ birthday from Olympic Village

Yet rather than hide from her decision, she exposed her vulnerability for all to see.

There is power in that level of realness. That’s the thing with Biles. For all of her unmatched talent, she doesn’t exist in a bubble. She has long been unafraid to be exactly who she is: “Simone Biles from Spring, Texas, who flips” as she put it late Thursday night after becoming just the third woman in Olympic history to win multiple all-around titles.

Only she has become much more than that. She made the mistake of halting therapy sessions ahead of Tokyo, a mistake she has not made this time around. She meets weekly with her counselor, sometimes more when she’s competing. They talked virtually before the team final on Tuesday. Then again before the all-around final 48 hours later.

She told The AP in February she felt she was better prepared to meet the moment and all the pressure that comes along with it.

And there she was halfway through the final, sitting in a chair with her legs crossed underneath her and her eyes closed trying to re-center herself, literally practicing what she has long preached in front of the U.S. men’s basketball team, Kendall Jenner, plus all the people she knows are only tuning in to see if she will fail.

Biles joked afterward she was “praying to every God out there,” her way of deflecting. Yet it’s telling that on Friday morning, after an adrenaline-filled night that featured little sleep, she shared a picture of herself in that position on social media with the caption “mental health matters.”

While Biles responded with a typically steely beam routine that put her back in the lead, she also stood just off the mat encouraging Andrade during her set with the final result still very much in doubt.

Across the floor, Luisa Blanco of Colombia — a Dallas native and Alabama graduate competing for her parent’s homeland — watched transfixed. The 22-year-old knows only too well what this sport can do to you. The mental toll it takes. The way it makes you question everything, maybe your self-worth most of all.

QINGJIE Simone Biles Sports Sexy Celebrity USA Gymnastics Athlete Poster  Print Photo Art Painting Canvas Poster Home Modern Decor Poster 30x45cm :  Amazon.de: Home & Kitchen

“I don’t give myself credit, I really don’t,” a tearful Blanco said after becoming the first gymnast representing Colombia to make the final. “I think that’s what gymnastics does to you.”

It’s only in recent years that Blanco made peace with all of it. It makes Blanco shake her head wondering how Biles has shouldered so much attention and the inherent scrutiny that comes along with it so authentically.

“She is a trailblazer and rewriting the script entirely and getting better as years come,” Blanco said. “And all these girls that I met just in these last two weeks, you know, show me that you can do it your own way.”

UPDATE:WHY SIMONE BILES JOURNEY TO PARIS 2024 HAS BEEN TOUGHEST TASK YET

The little girl who tried to create a protective cocoon for her sister has become a powerful Black woman and Olympic icon unafraid to be who she is at all times.

Sitting next to Lee and Andrade in a packed press conference with her ninth Olympic medal around her neck, Biles talked openly about “the fight that I’ve had for the last three years, mentally and physically” to get back to this point.

A fight that’s been there all along. You just needed to know where to look.

Charlie Woods and Eva Lye won their respective divisions at the 2024 South Florida PGA Junior Cup.

Contested at the BallenIsles Country Club’s newly renovated East Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the event is simply known as “The Cup” and is one of the eight junior majors on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour.

READ MORE:Charlie Woods struggles in U.S. Junior Amateur debut but still puts on show

Woods beat out 62 other junior boys golfers, while Lye bested a field of 25 girls. Woods was the only golfer in his division to finish under par after shooting scores of 73-68-73.

Charlie Woods shoots 81, fails to advance in U.S. Open qualifier - ESPN

“I feel like it was a compilation of a lot of hard work this summer,” Woods told the PGA of America. “I wanted to redeem myself, and I feel great about how I played.”

Two weeks ago, Woods came up short of advancing to the match-play portion of the U.S. Junior Amateur. Only the top 64 earned a spot in that bracket.

RELATED:Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, misses cut at US Junior Amateur after shooting 82-80 at Oakland Hills

“I wanted it so bad,” he said of his junior title. “I felt focused, and I knew what I had to do to get it done. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do better.”

Charlie Woods, Tiger's son, to compete in qualifier for PGA Tour's  Cognizant Classic - Yahoo Sport

As for Lye, she never led until the very end, posting a 1-under 71 to nudge past Abigail Sheldon.

“I didn’t want to give up even though I had a bad day yesterday,” said Lye of her second round 77.

UPDATE:Tiger Woods had controversial reason for sacking his ludicrously rich golf caddie

Lye is the daughter of former PGA Tour player Mark Lye, 71, who won one PGA Tour event.

BallenIsles hosted the 1971 PGA Championship.

 

Steve Williams became one of the most recognisable caddies in the history of golf during his time with Woods, before being sacked by the 15-time major winner.

Steve Williams, who was Tiger Woods’ caddie during the peak of his success, was famously dismissed for temporarily switching to another player. The Kiwi golfing caddie supported Woods on various challenging courses around the globe between 1999 and 2011, a pivotal aid to Woods’s remarkable collection of 15 major career victories and record 82 PGA Tour titles – nine more than golfing titan Jack Nicklaus.

READ MORE:Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, misses cut at US Junior Amateur after shooting 82-80 at Oakland Hills

Thanks to this unparalleled run of victories, Williams accumulated an estimated net worth of £15.7million ($20m), chiefly due to his wage packet and a fraction of Woods’ competition earnings. With Williams accompanying him, Woods clinched 64 of his tour triumphs, 13 of his 15 majors, bagged the Tour Player of the Year award nine times, and secured a lofty 281-week tenure as World No. 1 from June 2005 to October 2010.

Tiger Woods Parts Ways With Caddie Steve Williams

However, this prosperous period ended abruptly for Williams, who has previously divulged why Woods relieved him of his duties. In a 2021 documentary on Woods, Williams said: “After the Masters, Tiger took a little bit of a break away from the game just to get his mind fresh as well as to deal with some niggling injuries. As a caddie of Tiger Woods and a great friend of his, I wanted to deeply respect what he was going through but I still didn’t know when he would be playing again.”

He went on: “I was just expecting a phone call at any moment to say ‘I’m playing again next week, get your s*** together and get over here’. There was a lot of uncertainty. So when a friend I had caddied for before called me and asked me if I could caddie for him, I ran that by Tiger and he said absolutely no problem.”

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However, the circumstances soon changed with Woods taking a U-turn, allegedly having someone call Williams to announce that the caddie’s professional services would be terminated if he went ahead to serve another player. Recalling the event, Williams said: “But a couple of days before the tournament, Tiger changed his mind.

“He had his agent call and he said ‘If you go and caddie for your friend, that will be the end of your time caddying for Tiger’. I thought there was no way the guy is going to fire me. But a couple of days after the tournament I got the phone call to say our time had ended. I believe in my own heart I gave 100 per cent when I was caddying for Tiger the entire time I was with him and for him to fire me over that kind of thing. I found that pretty unusual.”

Steve Williams: 'Tiger's only acceptance of a good week was a win' | Golf |  The Guardian

It was Adam Scott that Williams was serving at the 2011 US Open as an interim during Woods’ absence, but the caddie believes he lost more than just a professional relationship in that tournament. He added: “When he fired me, I thought he was firing me as a golf caddie and not as a friend.

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“Tiger was the best man at my wedding, I didn’t think we’d have no communication for the rest of our lives. That just didn’t even enter my mind. To this day I find that a hard pill to swallow. Someone you spend 13 years with, with all your time and all your effort, and the guy can’t even speak to you.”

After the split, Williams worked with Scott until 2017 before briefly caddying for Jason Day in 2019. He joined forces with Scott again between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Woods hasn’t clinched a major title since his 2019 Master victory.

The Olympic Games have been underway for a week since their inauguration, and within the three disciplines with the most events – gymnastics, swimming, and track and field – we’ve seen the majority of gymnastics and swimming competitions, with a couple of gold medals for the sublime Simone Biles and four gold medals for Léon Marchand in swimming. With only two days of swimming activities left, the focus now shifts to track and field, with several US athletes emerging as favorites, especially on the track.

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In a notable display of support, prominent figures like Alexis Ohanian, husband of Serena Williams, and sports icons Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson have offered substantial financial incentives to US athletes.

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Ohanian has pledged $200,000 to Gabby Thomas if she secures a gold medal, underscoring his confidence in her potential. This commitment highlights the broader enthusiasm for supporting American athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Sharpe and Ochocinco have also stepped in with impressive offers. Sharpe has promised additional bonuses, including $50,000 for any athlete who breaks an Olympic record. Johnson has echoed this sentiment, demonstrating their belief in the potential of US athletes to excel on the world stage. This financial backing not only provides motivation but also recognizes the hard work and dedication these athletes put into their training for more tha four years. The Olympic Committee pays U.S. athletes $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze

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Noah Lyles is a standout name to watch in the track and field events, particularly in the 100 and 200 meters. Lyles, who has a personal best of 9.81 in the 100 meters and 19.50 seconds in the 200 meters, is considered a top contender for gold. His recent performances, including a dominant win at the US Trials, have positioned him as a favorite. Lyles will face formidable rivals such as Andre De Grasse of Canada, who won bronze in the 100 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has a personal best of 19.62 seconds in the 200 meters, and Fred Kerley, the silver medalist in the 100 meters at Tokyo 2020.

The competition will be intense, with sprinters from various nations aiming for the top spot. Lyles’ previous performances and current form suggest that he is more than capable of claiming victory. As the track and field events progress, all eyes will be on Lyles to see if he can live up to the high expectations and secure a place on the podium.

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Relationship Timeline, in Photos -  Business Insider

Sha’Carri Richardson Rivals and Preview

Sha’Carri Richardson has already made a significant impact in the semi-finals of the 100 meters, showcasing her dominance and setting the stage for an exciting final. Richardson, with a personal best of 10.72 seconds, is in peak form. Her main rivals was Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, the double Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 meters, but sadly won’t compete because of his Achilles heel. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who has a personal best of 10.60 seconds and multiple Olympic and World Championship titles is Richardson top rival

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Richardson’s journey to the finals has been marked by impressive speed and determination. Her ability to perform under pressure and deliver outstanding results has made her a favorite in the 100 meters. As the final approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Richardson can maintain her form and secure a victory for Team USA.

So Lyles, Richardson, McLaughlin and the many more remaining U.S. athletes will have a chance to get a “bonus” from the former NFL players, all in addition to the $37,500 for gold$22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze that the Olympic Committee pays to U.S. athletes if they win.

Hecklers be warned, Alexis Ohanian is making a sport out of clapping back at people trying to shade him on Twitter.

The Reddit co-founder and husband of Serena Williams is showing no signs of letting up on those who feel empowered enough to type messages insinuating that his success pales in comparison to his superstar wife or that he’s using her for financial gain.

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Ohanian, 41, is speculated to have a net worth of $150 million. Williams, 42, has reportedly amassed a worth of $300 million from her storied tennis career and business endeavors.

The couple has been married since November 2017 and are parents to two daughters, Olympia, 6, and Adira, 11 months. As the family has been in Paris in support of the Olympics; the seven-time Wimbledon title winner was also part of the July 26 Opening Ceremony.

How Serena Williams and husband Alexis Ohanian met AND the very unusual way  she broke pregnancy news - Irish Mirror Online

However, when the proud dad and husband took a break from spectating at the Games, his Twitter timeline turned into a bit of a mess.

While enjoying an outing at Disneyland Paris with his daughters, Ohanian took a moment to record a video to promote the upcoming Athlos track meet, which will host 36 of the sport’s fastest stars, such as Gabby Thomas, Faith Kipyegon, and Alexis Holmes, to name a few, on Sept. 26 in New York.

“It’s the largest prize ever in the history of track and field. The winners are going to get $60,000 each at that event,” he said. Speaking directly to the competitors, he then sweetened the deal, adding, “Ladies, if you win a medal here, in Paris, I’m gonna give you $60,000 as well,” bringing their takeaway to $120,000.

His love for the Olympics aside, the entrepreneur said that he is “just happy to play a role in supporting track and field and especially women athletes. So, this is just the start, but have an amazing Olympics.”

The purpose of the event, which was created by Ohanian and is named after his Athlos venture capital fund, is to push forward the continued widespread investments being made in track and field outside of the Olympics. One of his supporters praised his efforts, writing, “More people like u in the world, with a big heart and who encourage athletes.”

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But a troll instead used the opportunity to accuse Ohanian of bankrolling the jackpot by turning it into an expense for Williams. “Translation; ” I am going to use Serena’s money because me have no money to spend like that,’” the individual wrote.

Ohanian had already been in his comments replying to fans, so it came as no surprise that he also addressed the bold critic. He hit back with, “You created an entire Twitter account just to say something that stupid?”

Someone coming to Ohanian’s defense, made an attempt to slight the offensive poster when they said, “Umm…tell us you don’t know how to use Google without telling us you don’t know how to use Google. LMAO.”

Again, in elite clapback form, the multimillionaire took a swing at the heckler when he replied, “Dude can barely put together a sentence, that’s asking too much.”

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The miffed user, however, seemed to take the jabs in stride at Ohanian, declaring, “I ain’t mad at you player. Stick around to the ten year mark so you can get half of everything she earned.  ReRe needs to pay her Zaddy tax just like Halle Berry and Rachel Lindsay.  Then get you a fly Armenian chick to really rub it in. I respect your Hussle.”

The person would later dredge up Ohanian’s 2020 admission that Williams introduced him to the practice of using a washcloth. But by the time, the businessman was done giving the tit-for-tat exchange any attention.

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On more than one occasion, the tech mogul has shown that is generous when it comes to using his wealth to help others. When Olympic discus thrower Veronica Fraley tweeted that she was unable to pay her rent ahead of competing in the Games, rapper Flavor Flav and Ohanian came together to cover the expense for the year.

Ohanian shared a screenshot confirming that the Vanderbilt scholar was sent $7,760 so that she could keep her focus on competing.

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