Volleyball Medals Are Up for Grabs

This year’s competitions see several legitimate contenders with China, the United States, Italy and Serbia viewed as top contenders on the women’s side, and Brazil, Poland, Russia, France and the U.S. for the men. TOP HEAVY POOLS The draw has presented an extremely challenging Group B ...

A New Generation Hits the Beach

London Olympics organizers erected a 25-foot statue of two-time defending champion Kerri Walsh Jennings in St. James’ Park, just a short stroll from the venue where she would win her third beach volleyball title. Four years later in Rio de Janeiro, Walsh Jennings again climbed onto the ...

Climbing Will Make Its Olympics Debut

Climbing’s standing as a niche sport has always been a part of its appeal. A rock wall can be a place of solitude or of camaraderie with a small group of fellow climbers. There are no crowds, just the peacefulness of the outdoors and the task of trying to find the best route to the ...

Fraser-Pryce the Sprinter to Beat in Tokyo

Every time Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce steps on the track, some sort of record is in jeopardy. At the top of that list, of course, is Florence Griffith Joyner’s 33-year-old mark in the 100 meters. At the upcoming Olympics, Fraser-Pryce, the 34-year-old mother from Jamaica, also could become ...

The Waiting Games: Olympians Navigate Strict COVID Rules

Sydney McLaughlin turns 22 three days after the final of the 400-meter hurdles, in which she might win Olympic gold and may even lower her current world record. Her big birthday plans? “Try and find a cupcake and then blow out the candles by myself,” McLaughlin said. Welcome to the ...

Boxing Seeks Calm After Years of Drama

After a half-decade of turmoil and drama at the highest levels of Olympic boxing, the sport’s trip to Tokyo looks as if it could be fairly smooth. The International Boxing Association was banned from this Olympic cycle, and a quiet task force is running the Tokyo tournament. The competition ...