REUTERS/Phil Noble

Ally Reid

Sunday, August 11th, 2024 9:18pm

As rumored, Tom Cruise was a major part of the Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony. Cruise jumped from the top of the Stade de France with a harness in order to retrieve the Olympic flag. In a pre-taped segment, Cruise then rode his motorcycle out of the stadium, through Paris to a plane, which then flew to Los Angeles. Cruise then jumped from the plane and landed safely at the Hollywood sign, which transformed the two O’s in “Hollywood” into the Olympic rings. Are you looking forward to the 2028 LA Olympics?

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Ally Reid

Saturday, August 10th, 2024 9:47pm

A Tennessee woman has managed to win the United States’ first weightlifting gold medal in 24 years. Hixson resident Olivia Reeves scored the feat Saturday at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she lifted 258 pounds in the snatch and 320 pounds in the clean and jerk, beating Colombia’s Mari Leivis Sanchez by 11 pounds. Ecuador’s Angie Dajomes finished in third place to take the bronze. The last time a U.S. weightlifter brought home a gold medal was in 2000, when Tara Nott won one in Sydney. Why hasn’t the U.S. excelled in this event in recent years?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Saturday, August 10th, 2024 9:41pm

 Saturday’s 100-meter hurdles competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics was so close that three competitors had to wait for the judges’ ruling to see which of them had won. In the end, it turned out American Masai Russell had crossed the finish line just 1/100th of a second before France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela for a total time of 12.33 seconds – less than a tenth of a second short of her personal best. Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn – who went into the competition as the reigning Olympic champion – captured bronze with a time of 12.36 seconds. The news of Russell’s victory prompted the U.S. runner to scream and pump her fists as she ran down the track in celebration. Meanwhile, Samba-Mayela broke down in tears while Camacho-Quinn tried to comfort her. So far, what’s been the most exciting event at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

Ally Reid

Saturday, August 10th, 2024 9:32pm

The U.S. women’s soccer team won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics on Saturday (August 10). They defeated Brazil in a hard-fought 1-0 game, with Mallory Swanson scoring the winning goal and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher coming up with a number of clutch saves. This is the fifth time the U.S. women’s soccer team has won Olympic gold, but it’s the first time winning the honor since 2012. Among the celebrities in the crowd for the game were Tom Cruise and U.S. soccer legend Megan Rapinoe. Did you tune into the women’s soccer gold medal game?

REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth

Ally Reid

Saturday, August 10th, 2024 12:05pm

Olympic Breakdancing has its first viral star - though probably not the one the sport would prefer. Australian Rachael Gunn - aka 'B-Girl Raygun' -  took the internet by storm with her cringeworthy moves in the women's breaking qualifiers on Friday. The 36-year-old Gunn was swept out of the group phase without earning a single vote - sometimes competing against women less than half her age. But there's more than meets the eye when it comes to Gunn - or should we say DOCTOR Rachael Gunn, a university professor who wrote her PhD thesis on breaking culture. What did you think of Olympic Breaking?  Should the sport return for the 2028 Olympics in L.A.?

Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Thursday, August 8th, 2024 8:19am

Here's something you don't expect to see during the Summer Olympics - figure skaters getting gold medals. It happened on Wednesday, as the U.S. figure skating team was finally presented with gold medals from the 2022 Beijing Games. Team USA originally won silver in the team competition, but were upgraded to gold after Russian skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance. The team had to wait more than 500 days before finally receiving their medals in a ceremony at Champions Park in Paris. Which do you enjoy more - the summer or winter games?

Pexels

Ally Reid

Thursday, August 8th, 2024 7:52am

Not only are the athletes getting a lot of attention during the Olympic games, but so are the chocolate muffins they have for the athletes.  They first got attention when Norwegian marathon swimmer Henrik Christiansen started posting TikTok videos about them.  Since then, they have taken a life of their own.  Now Pop Sugar has the recipe.  Ingredients needed to make the treat include flour, brown sugar, sugar, pudding mix, instant coffee powder, baking powder, salt, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, milk, water, butter, oil, eggs, vanilla, condensed milk, and chocolate chunks.  What is your favorite muffin flavor?

REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

Ally Reid

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 10:09pm

American weightlifter Hampton Morris made Olympic history on Wednesday. His bronze medal in the 61kg competition was the first medal by a U.S. weightlifter in 40 years - since the 1984 games in Los Angeles. Morris earned a score of 303 in the clean and jerk.   Chinese lifter Li Fabin took the gold with a score of 310, while Thailand's Theerapong Silachai won silver. What Olympic event do you think you could do the best in?

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Ally Reid

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 10:04pm

American gymnast Simone Biles has caused quite the stir with her gold goat necklace. The buzz around the necklace has gotten back to Janet Heller, the jeweler who made the necklace and the CEO and founder of Calabasas, California’s Janet Heller Fine Jewelry. Heller said, “It's been overwhelming. I mean, thousands of people reaching out to ask us if we would make them the goat.” However, Heller said she won’t be mass-producing the necklace and said, “The goat can't be replicated. Simone is one of a kind.” Do you think anyone will be able to surpass Simone Biles’ success in gymnastics?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 10:01pm

When U.S. runner Gabby Thomas was awarded a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, she set a goal for herself: To win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. And on Tuesday, that’s exactly what she did. Thomas won the 200-meter race with a time of 21.83 seconds, which was .04 seconds better than her time in Tokyo. As the athlete crossed the finish line on Tuesday, she burst into tears, put her hands behind her head and stopped to take in the moment. That’s not to say her Olympic journey is over, however. On Thursday, she’s scheduled to take part in the 4X100 women’s relay, which earned her team a silver medal in Tokyo. What’s the most ambitious goal you’ve set for yourself?

James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Friday, August 2nd, 2024 10:00pm

Sha'Carri Richardson blazed through the opening round in the 100 meters today, winning her first-ever race at the Olympics in 10.94 seconds to easily qualify for the semifinals. Richardson captured the first of eight first-round races on the opening day of track action at a jam-packed Stade de France. She'll race in the semifinals Saturday night, and if she advances there, she'll go for gold a few hours later. Which athlete are you rooting hardest for in this year's games? Why?

Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Friday, August 2nd, 2024 7:43pm

The U.S. mixed 4x400-meter relay team has broken a world record at the Paris Olympics. The American quartet won their heat on Friday with a time of 3:07.41 – beating the previous world record of 3:08.80, set by the U.S. team at the 2023 world championships in Budapest. “I didn’t think we was going to do that today,” says the team’s Bryce Deadmon. None of the other teams on Friday managed to finish under 3 minutes, 10 seconds. The record-breaking feat means the U.S. will enter Saturday’s mixed 4x400-meter competition as a heavy favorite to take the gold. Will we get to a point where athletic records can no longer be broken, or will athletes continue improving over time?

REUTERS/Ann Wang

Ally Reid

Friday, August 2nd, 2024 3:05pm

Chinese Olympians Huang Ya Qiong won gold in the mixed doubles badminton event on Friday (August 2) and then received another gold surprise. Li Yuchen, another member of China’s badminton team, popped the question on live TV, and Huang said yes. She told the press, “For me, the proposal is very surprising because I have been preparing for the game. Today I am an Olympic champion and I got proposed (to), so that’s something I didn’t expect.” What’s the best marriage proposal you’ve seen in person?

REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

Ally Reid

Friday, August 2nd, 2024 2:49pm

The U.S. Olympic men's soccer team is out of the tournament after a blowout loss to Morocco in the quarterfinals. Team USA got shut out 4-0 and will head home with a record of 2-2-0 in Paris. Morocco will face Spain in the semifinals on Monday. How would you rate Team USA's performance in the Olympics?  What changes should be made before the 2026 World Cup?

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY. Bercy Arena, Paris, France - July 30, 2024. Simone Biles of United States in action on the Floor Exercise.

Seth

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 8:54am

Simone Biles Is Now the Most Decorated U.S. Olympic Gymnast of All Time Simone Biles triumphantly returns at the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading her USA team to a gold medal win in the women's gymnastics team event.  With this victory, Simone becomes the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast ever, adding to her impressive collection of five gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.  After taking a break to focus on her mental health, Simone's return to the Olympics showcases her resilience and determination.  Simone’s upcoming Olympic events include: Women’s All-Around Final: Thursday, August 1, Event Finals Day 1 (Women’s Vault): Saturday, August 3, Event Finals Day 2 (Women’s Uneven Bars): Sunday, August 4, Event Finals Day 3 (Women’s Balances Beam and Floor Exercise): Monday, August 5 How do you feel when you watch Simone Biles at the Olympics? 

REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 9:43pm

For the first time in 24 years, the U.S. Olympic men's soccer team has made it to the knockout round. The USMNT secured their spot in the round of 8 with a 3-0 win over Guinea on Tuesday. It's the first time since 2000 that the men's team has reached the knockout round.  They'll face Morocco on Friday. Who will make it farther in the Olympics - the men's team or the women's team?

James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 9:21pm

While on their redemption tour in Paris, the U.S. women won gold with a score of 171.296, a full 5.802 ahead of second-place Italy. Brazil took bronze. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles competed in all four events, Suni Lee did bars, beam, and floor, and Jade Carey competed on vault. Olympic newcomer Hezly Rivera didn't compete but still earned a medal. This marks the fifth gold medal for Simone, Second for Suni and Jake, and First for Jordan and Hezly. USA previously won silver in the event at the Tokyo and Beijing Games and gold in Rio and London. What is your favorite Olympic sport? 

James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 11:05am

Eyes were on U.S. gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik at the Paris Olympics on Monday. Nedoroscik — who had become a fan-favorite on social media — had one task at the men’s gymnastics team final: the pommel horse. And he nailed the routine with a 14.866. “It was just the greatest moment of my life, I think,” he told reporters after the win. “[I’m] so happy to have been there.” He noted: “I have [coach] Sam Mikulak as just like, the greatest coach of all time. He’s up there, helping me keep the nerves in check. He knows exactly what to say to me. So when we got that chalk bucket, he kind of just settled me down and said, ‘You’re ready for this.’ I went up there, did my routine and during that dismount, I was just like, already smiling.” What are you enjoying most about this year's Olympics? What event are you most excited about?

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 10:44am

Simone Biles hopes to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and move on from her 2021 Tokyo Olympics withdrawal. She heads a stacked U.S. team in Paris after returning to form in the Olympic trials. When her calf strained, Olympic qualification appeared difficult, but she finished first in the all-around, vault, and floor and second on the beam. Set up for a dramatic finals conclusion, she has the right soundtrack to make her statement. Forbes says Biles "opens her routine with Swift’s “...Ready For It?” which transitions into “Delresto (Echoes)” by Travis Scott and Beyoncé." While Biles prepared for her floor exercise during the June Olympic trials, Swift tweeted her support. “Watched this so many times and still unready. She’s ready for it tho (clapping, gold medal, American flag, and red heart emojis)." Biles and Team USA will compete for gold in the team final on June 30 at 12:15 p.m. ET. She'll compete for gold in separate events throughout the week. What do you think of Simone Biles' performances so far? 

James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Monday, July 29th, 2024 10:50pm

Team USA’s men’s gymnastics team won bronze in the team competition on Monday (July 29). It’s the first time USA’s men’s gymnastics team has medaled at the Olympics since 2008. Specialist Stephen Nedoroscik helped secure the team’s medal victory with a crucial pommel horse routine. Nedoroscik told the press, “I had my coach by my side and he does a great job of taking the nerves out of (me) and he hypes me up. But these guys hit every routine before me and I have a statistic — when people hit before me, I also hit. So I went out there and did my job and I enjoyed the moment.” Which men’s gymnastics event do you think is the most difficult and why?

Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Monday, July 29th, 2024 10:47pm

The Paris Olympics witnessed extraordinary performances in men's street skateboarding, where legends and newcomers alike showcased their skills. Among the standout athletes were Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston, whose medal-winning performances captivated fans and solidified their status in the skateboarding world.

The competition began with top qualifiers demonstrating remarkable talent and determination. The level of skill displayed by these skateboarders set the stage for an exciting final, where precision and creativity were paramount.

Jagger Eaton's performance was a highlight of the men's street skateboarding event. Known for his technical prowess and fearless approach, Eaton executed a series of impressive tricks that earned him a well-deserved medal. His ability to perform under pressure showcased his growth as an athlete and his potential for future competitions.

Nyjah Huston, a household name in the skateboarding community, added another prestigious accolade to his career with his medal win in Paris. Huston's journey to the Olympics was marked by perseverance and dedication, overcoming numerous challenges to qualify and compete at the highest level. His technical excellence and consistency set him apart, earning admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.

Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Monday, July 29th, 2024 10:29pm

Ryan Murphy, one of the most decorated swimmers in recent history, has continually impressed the world with his Olympic achievements. His journey through the Olympics has been marked by remarkable successes, including his recent bronze medal win in the 100-meter backstroke race. As Murphy reflects on his illustrious career, a recent personal milestone has added a new dimension to his life and athletic experiences.

Ryan Murphy's Olympic career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his exceptional prowess in backstroke events, Murphy has amassed several medals across different Olympic Games. His recent bronze in the 100-meter backstroke at the Tokyo Olympics solidified his status as one of the premier backstroke swimmers in the world. With previous gold medals from the Rio 2016 Olympics in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke, Murphy's dedication and skill have made him a household name in the swimming community.

Amidst the intensity of the Olympic competition, Ryan Murphy and his wife shared the joyous news of expecting a baby girl. The gender reveal was a heartwarming surprise that resonated not only with the couple but also with fans and fellow athletes. Murphy expressed his excitement about becoming a father to a girl, noting how the news brought an additional layer of motivation and happiness during the Games.

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Ally Reid

Monday, July 29th, 2024 11:25am

Two all-time tennis greats met for what could be the final time on Monday at Roland Garros. Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-4 in the second round of the Olympic men's singles tournament. It was the 60th time Djokovic and Nadal have faced off.  Combined they have an incredible 46 Grand Slam wins in their careers. The 38-year-old Nadal has hinted at retirement as he continues to struggle with injuries. What's your prediction for Nadal?  Will he retire after the Olympics or continue on?

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Monday, July 29th, 2024 12:04am

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have been nothing short of spectacular, filled with stunning performances, celebrity appearances, and unforgettable moments. Among the standout stories is Simone Biles' incredible journey, marked by determination, resilience, and unmatched talent.

Despite facing a challenging injury, Simone Biles showcased her legendary tenacity and skill. Her performance captivated audiences worldwide, as she delivered routines that balanced precision with grace. Her resolve to compete, even while managing injury, epitomized the spirit of the Olympics and inspired countless fans.

The U.S. gymnastics team, with Biles leading the charge, pursued gold with unwavering focus. Their routines, marked by complex combinations and high-flying acrobatics, reflected hours of dedication and hard work. The team's unity and support for each other were evident, as they cheered each other on and celebrated each victory together.

The Olympics always draw a star-studded audience, and this year was no exception. Celebrities from various fields showed up in Paris to support Team USA. Notable among them was Tom Cruise, whose enthusiasm and reactions during events were widely covered. His presence added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings, as he passionately cheered for the athletes.

Social media influencers like Emma Chamberlain also made their mark, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and rallying support for Team USA. Their impact on the event underscored the evolving nature of fan engagement in the digital age

REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina

Ally Reid

Sunday, July 28th, 2024 9:56pm

Léon Marchand's journey to winning gold in the men's 400-meter individual medley is a story of dedication, talent, and historic achievement. From a young age, Marchand has demonstrated a unique prowess in swimming, one that has now culminated in his dominance in the 400-meter individual medley. His performance not only showcased his potential to break world records but also highlighted his position as one of the sport's brightest stars.

Marchand's connection to coach Bob Bowman, renowned for guiding Michael Phelps to Olympic glory, has been a significant factor in his development. Under Bowman's mentorship, Marchand has honed his skills and technique, drawing inevitable comparisons to Phelps. This partnership has fueled Marchand's meteoric rise, making him a formidable force in the pool.

The 2024 event held a surprising twist with the unexpected elimination of defending champion Chase Kalisz in the preliminaries. Kalisz's early exit shocked many, clearing the path for Marchand to seize the opportunity and dominate the final race. His victory not only brought personal glory but also uplifted the host nation's hopes and perception of their athletes' capabilities.

Marchand's family background in Olympic swimming added a rich layer to his triumph. Coming from a lineage of swimmers, his achievement in the pool is a continuation of his family's legacy, making his victory all the more poignant.

The atmosphere at La Défense Arena during the race was electric. Spectators were on the edge of their seats, witnessing a masterclass in swimming. The excitement was palpable as Marchand touched the wall, securing his place in history and thrilling the home crowd.

Comparisons of Marchand's performance to past world records and champions further underscore the significance of his achievement. His time in the 400-meter individual medley not only stands out in the current era but also resonates with the legacy of swimming legends. Marchand's golden triumph is a testament to his hard work, the expertise of his coach, and the support of a nation that watched in awe as he swam into the annals of Olympic history.

Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Ally Reid

Sunday, July 28th, 2024 8:03pm

The Summer Games have just begun, and while the world tunes in to watch top athletes compete for glory, an unexpected hero has emerged—not from the ranks of the competitors, but from the sidelines. 'Bob the Cap Catcher' has captured the hearts  of viewers around the globe after his 'heroic' act during a swimming event.

On July 28, after a preliminary race, Team USA's Emma Weber faced an unexpected challenge when her swim cap came loose. As the incident unfolded, it seemed like a minor issue, but it quickly turned into a viral moment. A quick-thinking lifeguard, now affectionately known as 'Bob the Cap Catcher,' sprang into action, diving into the pool to retrieve the wayward cap. His swift response and dedication to helping Emma Weber didn’t go unnoticed.

Who do you call when a swim cap falls in the pool?

"BOB THE CAP CATCHER." 😂#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/eN5ycGkKjw

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 28, 2024

The speedo-clad Summer Games superhero hasn't been identified, except for the fact that he was working as a lifeguard for the games. His anonymity has only added to the allure, making his story even more compelling.

In an event where athletes usually dominate the headlines, it's refreshing to see a moment of genuine kindness and support take center stage.

REUTERS:Andrew Kelly

Ally Reid

Friday, July 26th, 2024 9:10pm

For the first time since announcing she has stiff-person syndrome, Celine Dion returned to the stage.  She sang Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" to close the Olympic ceremony at the Eiffel Tower. The last time Celine performed was in December 2022.  Lady Gaga and Snoop Dogg were also a part of the Olympic ceremony.  What sport are you most excited to watch during the Olympics?

Celine Dion #Paris2024 #Olympics #Olympic2024 pic.twitter.com/3f8Pm0qqrE

— @FanCelineDionIcon (@celinedionlcon) July 26, 2024

REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel

Ally Reid

Friday, July 26th, 2024 2:22pm

The Paris Olympics have begun.   The Summer Games opening ceremony is taking place on the River Seine with participating teams kicking off the festivities on their own boats.   Lady Gaga performed earlier in the ceremony, if you missed it watch now:

Lady Gaga cantando em Francês na abertura dos jogos olímpicos de Paris. #Paris2024   #Olympics   #CerimôniaDeAbertura pic.twitter.com/c9t7lhkBXp

— Dani (@ddllffrr) July 26, 2024

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Ally Reid

Friday, July 26th, 2024 1:54pm

The 2024 Olympics are underway in Paris.  Here's how to watch all the action: Coverage will air exclusively on NBC and NBC-owned networks - which includes CNBC, USA Network, E!, Telemundo, NBC Universo, and The Golf Channel. Events will also stream on Peacock and on NBC Olympics social media accounts. There's a six-hour time difference between the U.S. and Paris, so events will air live from 3am ET to 6pm ET on most days. The Opening Ceremonies began at noon ET on Friday. Do you plan on watching events live, or just catching up on highlights?

Canva

Ally Reid

Friday, July 26th, 2024 12:48pm

Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson is making the ultimate sacrifice to play in the Olympics. Two weeks ago, Dawson badly injured his right ring finger when he was hit by a hockey stick during practice. The injury was so bad it would require reconstructive surgery and two months of recovery time.  So instead, Dawson chose to have the top part of his finger amputated. Dawson said he made the decision in part because this might be his final Olympics: "If taking the top of my finger was the price I had to pay, that’s what I would do.” Do you think Dawson will regret his decision someday?  What would give up a finger for?