Michael Phelps criticizes USA Swimming's leadership for organizational decline, poor athlete support, and unresolved safety issues, warning that these problems threaten the sport's performance and credibility ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which could be a pivotal moment for American swimming.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers emphasized the importance of NFL players utilizing the league's security resources to protect themselves and their homes. He highlighted that the NFL offers security experts who can assess and improve home security, but many players neglect these services due to time constraints or other distractions. Rodgers, who employs full-time security, urged fellow athletes to prioritize their safety, especially given recent criminal activities targeting high-profile individuals.
The upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics face potential challenges due to the city's susceptibility to heat waves, exacerbated by climate change. Concerns arise over the lack of air conditioning in the athletes' village and the potential health risks for athletes and spectators. Experts warn that extreme heat could significantly impact athletes' performance and pose health risks, as seen in previous events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. While measures are being taken to mitigate heat effects, questions remain about the wisdom of holding the games in the midst of summer in a city prone to heat waves.
Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark was shaken but uninjured after a fan collided with her while storming the court, prompting concerns about athlete safety. The incident has sparked debate about the need for stricter policies on court-storming, with some conferences already imposing fines for such behavior. Coaches and officials are calling for better preparation and security measures to protect athletes from potential harm during court-storming incidents.
Damar Hamlin's near-fatal collapse during a Monday Night Football game last January has brought attention to commotio cordis, a rare but often lethal heart disruption that is among the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in competitive sports. While commotio cordis is seen most often in baseball, lacrosse, and hockey, it can also be triggered by the impact of an elbow, fist, or helmet in other sports. The debate now is whether commotio cordis protective gear should be more prevalent or even required in certain sports.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon in Roanoke, Virginia has been cancelled due to severe weather, with emergency services evacuating all runners, volunteers, staff, and the crowd from the course and Elmwood Park. Runners are advised to shelter in place at available aid tents or other shelter, with shuttles deployed to pick up any extra runners. Organizers said the park is closed, but will reopen Saturday at 5:30 p.m. for the concert.