Noah Lyles Claims Gold in Men's 100m Final at 2024 Paris Olympics
Noah Lyles wins his first Olympic gold in the men's 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting a personal best record of 9.784 seconds and securing his title as the world's fastest man. We discuss it here!
Noah Lyles of the USA wins and celebrates his victory in the 100m race at the Meeting de Paris Wanda Diamond League 2023 athletics event on June 9, 2023, at Charlety Stadium in Paris, France.
Credit: Victor Velter
By: Joshua Martin
Many may consider Team USA sprinter Noah Lyles a bit braggadocious but he certainly has the chops to back it up. On August 4th, Lyles won his career-first gold in the men’s 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The newly decorated gold medalist proved to be the “ world’s fastest man” with a personal best record of 9.784 seconds. Defeating Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, who previously held the world’s fastest time in 2024, by 0.005 of a second.
In post-race presser with ESPN, Lyles detailed how close the race was and openly admitted he thought he might lose to Thompson. Having to “lean” forward to secure the photo finish
“We were waiting for the names to pop up, and I’m going to be honest, I came over [Jamaica’s Thompson], and I was like: ‘I think you got that one, big dawg! Something said I need to lean, and I was like, ‘I’m going to lean,’ because it’s that type of race.”
I Told You America I Got This! #OlympicChampion pic.twitter.com/boBOZv3650
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 4, 2024
“What’s crazy is my [biomechanist] Ralph Mann, before I left for Paris, he’s like, ‘This is how close first and second is going to be away from each other. I can’t believe how right he was.”
His journey to his gold medal moment wasn’t full of first-place finishes. In June, Lyles suffered a close loss in the semi final qualifying race with a 9.83-second time, losing to Jamaica’s Oblique Seville by 0.02 seconds. Oblique stared him down towards the end of that the race, however Noah would get the last laugh with a first place finish this go around. Seville completed the competition in last place.
Two months ago, Oblique Seville stared down Noah Lyles at the Racers Grand Prix. Noah Lyles made it known he wouldn’t forget ✍️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 4, 2024
Today he just claimed the title of fastest man alive 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gOzdrWqxv0
Noah will have the opportunity to take home a second gold medal when he runs in the 200-meter final on Thursday, August 8th.
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Snoop Dogg Set to Provide Coverage for NBC at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Snoop Dogg set to bring his unique flair to the 2024 Paris Olympics as a reporter for NBC, with a behind-the-scenes look at iconic landmarks and interactions with athletes. We discuss it here!
Snoop Dogg was present at the 2022 MTV VMAs held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on August 28, 2022.
Photo Credit: Catherine Powell / Getty Images
By: Adonis Armstrong
This summer, Snoop Dogg will represent his country in a distinctive manner. The rapper is set to travel to Paris, France, to provide coverage for the 2024 Summer Olympics on NBC and Peacock.
On Monday, December 1st, the Hip-Hop legend informed his followers via social media, posting a video of himself dancing in front of a computer-generated background resembling France’s iconic Eiffel Tower. “New year mood,” the 52-year-old hitmaker wrote on Instagram. “Paris 2024 Olympics. C u this summer.”
Later, the official Olympics Instagram account confirmed Snoop's announcement in the comments section of the post. “Snoop Dogg at Paris 2024? It’s legit, you know it’s a hit,” the account wrote in reaction.
The 2024 Summer Olympics, set between July 26 and August 11 in France, feature Paris as the primary host city. Spanning across 16 other cities in the region, the games will also include an extra site located in Tahiti.
As reported by USA Today, Snoop plans to "explore iconic Parisian landmarks, attend Olympic competitions, and get a chance to talk with all the Olympics athletes."
Snoop has previously offered his perspective on the global sporting event. In 2021, alongside Kevin Hart, he collaborated with Peacock on a show titled Olympic Highlights. The duo offered commentary while viewing pivotal moments from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Best Moments from Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg
Ahead of his role as an Olympics reporter, Snoop held discussions with several athletes gearing up for the 2024 games, among them gymnast Suni Lee, Kelly Cheng, and Sarah Hughes from Beach Volleyball.
During the segment featured on TODAY with Carson Daly, the owner of Death Row Records, quizzed Lee about a maneuver she executed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Additionally, he accepted an invitation to join Cheng, Hughes, and the entire U.S. beach volleyball team in celebration if they secure the gold medal.
Snoop Dogg to join NBC’s coverage of 2024 Olympics in Paris
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Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale’s One Step Closer Gala: Build That Track
Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale's One Step Closer Gala in Harriman, Tennessee, raised funds for high school track renovations, uniting top athletes and artists, inspiring students, and receiving generous community contributions. We discuss it here.
Sharrieffa Barksdale poses outside of her One Step Closer Gala held in Harriman, Tennessee. (Photo by Gentel Sharrie)
By: Gentel Sharrie
The One Step Closer Gala was a success. Held in Harriman, Tennessee, this event was organized by Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale to raise funds for track renovations at her high school's track, which was named after her in 1984. Sharrieffa's Gala brought together top Olympic track athletes, coaches, Olympic staff, and artists from around the world. Before the Gala kicked off, Sharrieffa visited Roane County High School to deliver a motivational speech to the students, emphasizing the importance of pursuing their dreams and working hard to achieve their goals. Following her speech at Roane County High School, the City of Harriman, Tennessee, including the fire department, police department, and Mayor Wayne Best, presented Sharrieffa Barksdale with a $5,000 check to support her track renovation project.
Sharrieffa Barksdale Foundation
Photo Cred: Gentel Sharrie
This is Sharrieffa’s second year having her Gala, and the town of Harriman, Tennessee came out and supported. From the food to the music, everyone really enjoyed themselves. Sharrieffa’s Sorority was also in attendance, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and they were able to make a gracious contribution and donation to the cause. Right now Sharrieffa has raised over $60,000 to go towards the Sharrieffa Barksdale Track and is continuing to raise more money until she reaches the goal. The track right now is a concrete track and the renovation will consist of an asphalt bound surface. The track will be a great tool for Harriman High School. They can build a great track team or have the next Olympic athlete.
Sharrieffa Barksdale was born in Harriman, Tennessee. She went to college at University of Tennessee where she received her track scholarship and ended up turning into an Olympic athlete. Sharrieffa is a 12 X All American, 4 NCAA Titles, 11 SEC Titles, University of Tennessee NCCA Champion, 1981 Women’s AIAW Outdoor National Champion, Silver Medalist at the 1983 Pan American Games, American Record Holder in the 400 Meter Hurdles, 1984 Olympian, served as the staff multiple times for the United States Olympic Team, and is the USATF Alumni Association Manager.
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Sha’Carri Richardson Wins 100 Meter Race At The USATF Championships
Sha’Carri Richardson is now headed to the Track and Field World Championships in Budapest, Hungary after winning the 100 meter and placing 2nd in the 200 meter race at the United States Track & Field Championships. We discuss it here!
Sha’Carri Richardson looks at her gold medal at the U.S. Olympic Trials
Photo by Adam Eberhardt via Tracktown USA
By: Gentel Sharrie
Sha’Carri Richardson is now headed to the Track and Field World Championships in Budapest, Hungary after winning the 100 meter and placing 2nd in the 200 meter race at the United States Track & Field Championships.
As Richardson prepared for the start of her 100 meter race, she made a statement to all the viewers by taking off her orange wig and throwing it on the track. You could tell she meant business once she revealed her freshly hearted braid set underneath. Richardson crossed the finish line with a time of 10.82. In an interview with Lewis Johnson after the race, Richardson stated “I’m not back, I’m better.” Brittany Brown finished second (10.90) and Tamari Davis took third (10.99). Richardson, Brown, and Davis will be representing the United States in the 100 meters at The World Championships.
Sha'Carri Richardson clinches first NATIONAL TITLE with clutch rally in women's 100m | NBC Sports
Before her rise to prominence, Richardson competed in track and field at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she achieved great success. She became an NCAA champion in the 100-meter dash and earned multiple All-American honors during her collegiate career.
Richardson's unique style and vibrant hair colors have also made her a recognizable figure both on and off the track. She has expressed herself through her fashion choices and has become a role model for many young athletes.
In 2021 Richardson faced a setback in her Olympic journey. Following her impressive performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials, she tested positive for marijuana during a drug test. As a result, she was disqualified from participating in the Tokyo Olympics by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Despite this setback, Richardson has shown resilience and determination. She has acknowledged her mistake and has vowed to come back stronger. Many fans and supporters continue to rally behind her.
Sha'Carri Richardson is a talented sprinter who has captured the attention of the world with her speed, style, and personality.
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Usain Bolt's Advice To Sha'Carri Richardson Benefits Every Athlete
Track superstar Usain Bolt gave some sound words of advice for U.S. champion, Sha’Carri Richardson that every athlete could benefit from, “train harder and to be focused.”
By: Omar Cook
Sha’Carri Richardson has been making headlines for quite some time now as she has emerged as track and fields’ biggest stars but it has not come without controversy. After being disqualified from the 2021 Olympics this summer, Richardson was forced to set her attention to her next race at the Prefontaine Classic.
Sha’Carri was very vocal about her previous performances leading up to this highly anticipated race with Jamaican sensations Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, as of course any elite athlete should feel confident about winning. Unfortunately, her cockiness was not taken well publicly after she placed last place in the 100m race taking 9th place in her first race back since her U.S. Olympic trials race.
In early September, Sha’Carri once again hit the track in the Diamond League this time taking 4th place in the 200m. Much improved from 9th place as she begins to find her groove once again.
Track superstar Usain Bolt gave some sound words of advice for the U.S. champion.
I would tell Sha’Carri to train harder and to be focused and not say too much … If you talk that big talk you have to back it up,” Bolt said. “So just train hard and focus on that and try to come back do it and then talk about it.”
Bolt mentioned that the Jamaican women had added incentive to beat Sha’Carri due to her public comments.
“Jamaicans were vexed because she was talking a lot of s**t before the actual race, it is just one of those things,” he said. “Jamaicans don’t like when people talk s**t about us because we are a very proud people. So if you talk about us we are gonna want you to back it up. It definitely gave those women the extra push [to win.]”
Bolt has delt with athletes that have been outwardly vocal in the past as he went head to head with Justin Gatlin in the 2016 Olympics.
“That was my thing with Justin Gatlin — because he’s the one that was always talking — so that gives me that energy like, ‘All right you think you’re gonna win let’s go!’ So it does give you that extra boost to wanna beat that person,” he said of Gatlin. Gatlin finished second to Bolt in the 2016 Olympics.
Sha’Carri Richardson is definitely one of track’s hottest stars as she currently has run the 6th fastest time in history in the 100m in 10.72 seconds, but Richardson will have to deal with being humbled for the time being. Like the old saying goes, if you talk the talk you gotta walk the walk. Richardson will definitely be back on top but at this moment, her talking needs to be done with results.
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The Olympics’ Recent Rulings Reinforce The Historic Demonization Of Black Womanhood
Some of the recent rulings made by the Olympics, particularly against Black women, invoke double standards and reinforce the historic demonization of Black womanhood. We discuss it here!
Gwen Berry and Sha’Carri Richardson
By: Cory Utsey
The Tokyo Summer Olympics commence in a mere two weeks. Through the various Olympic Trials, spectators were able to witness the raw talent of a number of athletes across the world.
For Black women athletes especially, household names such as Simone Biles and Allyson Felix maintained their projected success, while newcomers such as Sha’Carri Richardson claimed the hearts of many. It seemed as though there would be many Black women that would dominate their respective sports.
But unfortunately, excelling within one’s sport is not good enough. Many Black women athletes have faced much scrutiny, at times complete disqualification, while the political and cultural agency of Black athletes as a whole has been limited. Black athletes are not allowed to wear regalia related to the Black Lives Matter movement, nor are any athletes permitted to express any form of political messaging, due to the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 50. And while the International Swimmer Federation (FINA) is currently in the process of reviewing the decision to disallow Black athletes from wearing swim caps made for Black natural hair, the rule’s initial existence is indicative of the way in which widely used standards are often centered around whiteness.
For many people, some of the recent rulings made by the Olympics, particularly against Black women, invoke double standards and reinforce the historic demonization of Black womanhood.
Sha’Carri Richardson Disqualified for Marijuana
Sha’Carri Richardson - Credit: Steph Chambers
Although marijuana is legal in many US cities, including Oregon--the city in which Sha’Carri Richardson consumed the substance--, she was placed on a 30-day suspension and left off of the USA Track and Field roster after testing positive for THC. In an interview with the Today Show, Richardson revealed that she was aware of the potential consequences from testing positive for marijuana, but still chose to ingest the substance. Reeling from the recent death of her mother, the drug almost served as a form of escapism from the pain she had been experiencing.
It is true that rules are rules, and it is also true that Richardson must take accountability for her actions; however, the validity of this rule remains widely questioned. Not only is marijuana legal in 19 states, but it is not a performance-enhancing drug and would therefore not increase her stamina or performance as a runner.
Richardson’s suspension is quite reminiscent of the way in which Black and Brown people are often met with demonization and legal punishment for their dealings with marijuana, while white people are able to open dispensaries. Where white people are labeled entrepreneurs, Black people are labeled offenders, and Richardson was given neither grace nor empathy in an emotionally-charged time of her life.
Christine Mboma, Beatrice Masilingi and Testosterone Testing
According to CNN, Namibian sprinters Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi were banned from competing because of their naturally high testosterone levels. The Namibia National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association (NNOC-CGA) states that their testosterone levels exceed the limit placed by a World Athletics’ Policy on Differences of Sex Development (DSD).
In 2018, World Athletics ruled that women with higher testosterone levels must take medication that would reduce their levels in order to compete in certain events, as it would make competition “fairer”; however, neither of the athletes were aware of this rule prior to their competitions. Although Mboma and Masilingi will still be able to compete in the 100 meter and 200 meter events, other Black women athletes have been barred from competing as a result of this ruling. CeCe Telfer, a transgender woman, was disallowed from competing in the Olympic trials for the 400 meter event last month, and Caster Semenya has been banned from competing in any event (from 400 meters to one mile) since 2018.
Not only does the rule police the bodies of Black women, but it reaffirms transphobic notions on what it means to be a “real” woman. Women, including those who are transgender, should not be forced to take medications that alter their natural body production. Once again, it becomes clear that whiteness and white womanhood are centered as the standard by which all women should be aligned with, and when non-white women (inevitably) fall outside of these confines, they are punished.
Gwen Berry Condemned for Activism
Gwen Berry (left), DeAnna Price, and Brooke Andersen during the national anthem at Saturday’s U.S. Olympic trials
Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
As stated previously, the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 50 states that athletes cannot sport politically-centered regalia, nor can they engage in any forms of political activism at the Tokyo Olympics. Gwen Berry, a hammer thrower, chose to turn her back on the flag while “The Star Spangled Banner” played at the Olympic trials and faced much criticism from American lawmakers.
Berry, who previously displayed her political outspokenness at the 2019 Pan American games, has not yet decided if she will observe Rule 50 in Tokyo. While the rule was likely enacted in order for the focus to remain on the sports alone, athletes should not have to compromise or abandon their political agency, as politics impact various sectors within one’s life.
Each of these rulings are presented as impartial to race and gender; however, the ramifications of these rulings undermine the nuances of Black women athletes, and ultimately reinforce the historic demonization of Black womanhood. With many potential spectators stating that they will not tune in if Black women continue to be scrutinized or barred from competing, there are hopes that Olympic committees will seek to review the rules and understand their historical implications.
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Tokyo Olympics: 4 Black Women Who Are Chasing Gold Medals
The Tokyo Summer Olympics are set to officially commence on Friday, July 23 and there will be a number of Black athletes competing for the gold-- especially Black women. Here are four Black women expected to dominate the Summer Olympics!
Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles look to dominate at the Tokyo Olympics
By: Cory Utsey
The once-postponed yet highly anticipated Tokyo Summer Olympics officially commence on Friday, July 23. This means that the Olympic trials are in full effect, and American athletes are competing to be a part of the anticipated 600 qualifiers being sent to Tokyo.
It is already clear that there will likely be a number of Black athletes competing for the gold-- especially Black women.
Here are four of the Black women athletes expected to dominate the Summer Olympics.
Sha’Carri Richardson - Track and Field
Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the first heat of the semifinals in the women's 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on Saturday in Eugene, Ore.
Associated Press photo by Ashley Landis
The 21-year-old Dallas native first came to prominence in 2019. A freshman at Louisiana State University at the time, she ran 10.75 seconds and broke the 100 meter record at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships, winning her the NCAA title.
Despite losing her mother just days before the U.S Olympic Track and Field trials, she secured her spot in Tokyo on Juneteenth by running 10.86 seconds for the women’s 100 meter event. Immediately running to embrace her grandmother following her success, the bright-haired beauty warmed the hearts of many.
Richardson continues to trend, not only for her immense success on the field, but for her confident candor off the field. Letting everyone know that she is “that girl”, many are excited to see her compete on Team USA Track and Field.
Simone Manuel - Swimming
Simone Manuel - Getty Images
At the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, Manuel became the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal, and she will now be competing in the 50 meter freestyle.
The trailblazer revealed that she was recently diagnosed with overtraining syndrome (OTS), a form of burnout which causes fatigue and temporarily declines the performance of athletes despite intense training. Experiencing symptoms such as anxiety and sore muscles, she was forced to take a three-week hiatus from training.
Fortunately, none of these tribulations stopped her from securing her spot on Team USA Swimming.
Allyson Felix - Track and Field
Allyson Felix at the Olympic Trials
Credit: Ashley Landis/Associated Press
Felix has nine Olympic medals-- enough said.
After qualifying for the 400 meter event, she will compete in her 5th olympics. Felix is currently the most decorated Olympic runner in U.S. history.
This three-time World Champion is expected to make great strides, regardless of which event she competes in.
Simone Biles - Gymnastics
Simone Biles competing in the floor exercise during the 2021 Olympic Trials
Credit: Carmen Mandato/ Getty Images
The five-time Olympic medalist is set to compete once again at the Olympics.
Known as one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world-- third to be exact-- USA Today reports that she already secured the all-around title at the U.S Gymnastics Championships.
There is very little doubt that she will be anything less than extraordinary.
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