Latest news with #Nike-backed
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fitness influencer blasts Nike-backed Smithsonian exhibit on Lia Thomas sparking debate over transgender athlete fairness
Fitness influencer blasts Nike-backed Smithsonian exhibit on Lia Thomas sparking debate over transgender athlete fairness (Image via Getty) Lia Thomas, the former University of Pennsylvania swimmer, is at the heart of a fight over fairness and science. In August 2025, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History opened an exhibit called 'Change Your Game'. The exhibit asks visitors if they think Lia Thomas competing on the women's team is fair or foul. It also explains how gender testing works in sports. This show got heat because sponsor Nike is involved, and fitness star Jillian Michaels called it out on CNN. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump asked for a full check of all Smithsonian exhibits ahead of the country's 250th birthday. Lia Thomas in Nike-funded Smithsonian exhibit sparks fairness debate Lia Thomas was on the University of Pennsylvania's women's swim team in early 2022. The 'Change Your Game' exhibit at the Smithsonian asks visitors to pick if her presence is 'fair or foul.' It also explains gender testing, like using cheek swabs to check for a Y chromosome, which World Athletics is starting to use to decide who can compete in women's events. Fitness influencer Jillian Michaels spoke about it on CNN and said, 'It's not complex. It's basic science. Is it fair to have biological men competing against biological women in sports? No, but why is this in the Smithsonian?' Outkick Sports and XX-XY Athletics also pointed out Nike's role. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If A Cat Bites Their Owner Heres What It Really Means Gloriousa Undo Dan Zaksheske from Outkick asked, 'Why does a company that claims to support and lift female athletes refuse to condemn males competing in women's sports?' He added, 'Unless, of course, Nike isn't really as interested in promoting women's sports as they are in promoting left-wing talking points.' Also Read: 'Bring Me A Cute Labubu': Ben Shelton's Girlfriend Trinity Rodman Joins Coco Gauff And Iga Swiatek In Viral Doll Craze Donald Trump orders Smithsonian review amid trans athlete controversy The exhibit is partly paid for by Nike. That drew sharp criticism from conservatives who said the company talks about women's sports but supports an exhibit they find unfair. This all comes as President Donald Trump launched a review of Smithsonian exhibits. On August 12, 2025, the White House sent a letter asking for a 'comprehensive internal review' to make sure exhibits match a strong, united view of America and steer clear of anything divisive. That review includes the 'Change Your Game' exhibit in the National Museum of American History. Trump's team said they want to look at tone, how history is framed, and whether exhibits celebrate American ideals. Some civil rights leaders said this review could erase important stories in American history but that's a whole different story. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Inside Nike's Breaking4 as Faith Kipyegon looks to go where no woman has before
Faith Kipyegon will look to become the first woman to break four minutes for a mile in Paris tonight, helped by her sponsor's full box of science and innovation tricks Faith Kipyegon will look to go where no woman has before by attempting to break four minutes for a mile tonight (June 26). And while the greatest female middle distance athlete of all time admits it is a 'moonshot', the full weight of Nike's innovation machine gives her a chance. Kipyegon's world record, set in July 2023, stands at 4:07.64 – meaning she will need to run two seconds quicker per lap at Paris' Stade Charlety, where she last year obliterated the 1500m record. 'This is the biggest challenge I've ever had in my life,' she says. But with three consecutive Olympic titles and four World Championship golds, plus records across multiple distances, the Kenyan great was left thinking: 'What else? Why not dream outside the box?' If she does achieve what has seemed impossible, World Athletics will not ratify it as an official record. That is because she will be assisted by a suite of tools not eligible for standard races – in a similar mould to Eliud Kipchoge's Breaking 2 project nine years ago. Nike have created unapproved spikes specifically for her feet and a speedsuit with nodes that they say will reduce wind resistance. She will then be supported by a team of interchangeable pacers – including rivals such as Britain's Georgia Hunter Bell – formed in the shape of number 7 to ensure there is no drag. It is all very similar to Kipchoge's initial Nike-backed marathon attempt in 2017 when he fell narrowly short of running sub-two hours but went quicker than the then world record. The smart money is on a similar result here and the 3 per cent improvement required compared to her current best is much higher than Kipchoge's target. Her current record is 4.67secs faster than the second best set by Dutch maverick Sifan Hassan – underlining both how far ahead of every other woman she is and how tomorrow's quest is really a moonshot. Still, Kipyegon is leaning into her mentor and great friend Kipchoge's motto of 'no human is limited.' Seven years ago she became a mother and roared back to win 1500m gold in Tokyo and Paris while lowering the record in that event, the Mile and 5000m (which has since been beaten). Throughout Kipyegon has become adored by her rivals, with those reduced to the minor placings saying that they have been inspired rather than demoralised by her dominance. And that, more than it being a marketing stunt for her biggest sponsor, is the real essence of this challenge. Almost 2,000 men have broken the sub-four barrier since Sir Roger Bannister managed what he was told could never be done 71 years ago. Kipyegon has already blazed the trail for women's sport, forcing her competition to run faster than they ever thought possible. But to smash one of the great remaining barriers, even in this manufactured setting, will again redefine the boundaries of physical limits.
Irish Independent
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Breaking 4: All you need to know about Faith Kipyegon's mile record attempt in Paris tonight
While more than 2,000 men have covered the distance inside four minutes since Roger Bannister's remarkable run in 1954, no female athlete has ever come particularly close to the mark. Indeed, it is three-time Olympic 1500m champion Kipyegon who currently holds the record over the slightly longer distance, with the 31-year-old needing to shave almost eight seconds off her best to do so. Her effort at Stade Charlety will not count as an official record given the assistance of 'super shoes' and male pacers yet will be eagerly watched - much like Eliud Kipchoge's sub-two hour marathon in Vienna in 2019, an effort that helped inspire this challenge. Here's everything you need to know. When is Faith Kipyegon's four-minute mile attempt? Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under 4 minutes on Thursday 26 June at a special event at Stade Charlety in Paris. The Nike-backed bid is expected to take place at about 7pm BST. How can I watch it? Fans around the world can tune in to on Nike's YouTube and Instagram, with coverage from 6.15pm. A documentary charting Kipyegon's efforts will also be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video after the event. What help will Kipyegon have? Much like compatriot Kipchoge had in setting his marathon mark, Kipyegon will enjoy some assistance as she bids to dip below four minutes. A new generation of 'super shoes' - incredibly light but springy spikes - are being tested on Nike athletes having already helped runners both recreational and elite smash their best times, while the Kenyan is also expected to have a number of male pacemakers at her disposal to help her draft, reducing wind resistance. The middle-distance runner has been training at altitude ahead of the attempt and will wear a special running suit and sports bra, both utilising new technology.
