Latest news with #SummerGames
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Greg Louganis' Olympic medals head back to auction
Greg Louganis won two golds in 1984 and two in 1988. (Credit: RR Auction) The most decorated American diver is selling three of his five Olympic medals. Greg Louganis, who won two golds in 1984 and two in 1988, along with a silver in 1976, is parting ways with the physical reminders of his greatness. Advertisement The medals were previously offered as part of a collection he sold in 2023 at Bonham's, but didn't sell when bidding failed to hit the reserve. Louganis says he is selling the medals because he could use the money. He is selling his house and would combine the proceeds and put it toward a new adventure. 'When people come over they ask where my medals are,' Louganis told cllct. 'And sometimes I wouldn't know because I didn't have it on display. I'm 65 now, and I've gotten to the point where I feel like so many of my possessions own me.' As of Tuesday morning, Louganis' most valuable medal — the 10-meter platform gold from 1988 — is at a high bid of $23,478, including buyer's premium. In those Summer Games in Seoul, Louganis famously hit his head against the diving board in the prelims. Advertisement Closely behind in the bidding is his gold from the 3-meter springboard in 1984, with a top total bid of $22,700. Louganis' first medal — a silver he won at 16 years old in 1976 — sits at $5,980, including buyer's premium. Bidding at RR Auction ends July 17. 'I want them to go someplace where they'll be appreciated,' Louganis said. Louganis gave his other 1984 gold medal (10-meter platform) to his coach Ron O'Brien in 2013. The medal was returned to Louganis when O'Brien died in November 2024. Darren Rovell is the founder of cllct and one of the country's leading reporters on the collectibles market. He previously worked for ESPN, CNBC and The Action Network.
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Australian govt confirms A$3.4 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues
Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year. – The Australian government has confirmed that it will contribute A$3.435 billion (S$2.88 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction. Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by the state and federal governments on July 3. 'The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,' Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said in a statement. 'We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 Games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland. 'The Australian government's commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.' Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021, but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March 2025. Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed the announcement as a 'significant shift in forward momentum'. 'I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government's recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get under way,' he said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business MAS records net profit of $19.7 billion, fuelled by investment gains Business Singapore financial sector growth doubles in 2024, assets managed cross $6 trillion in a first: MAS Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms and 1 lawyer over seized properties Singapore Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Kallang Wave Mall Singapore Ex-cleaner jailed over safety lapses linked to guard's death near 1-Altitude rooftop bar Singapore Real estate firm PropNex donates $6 million to Community Chest for 25th anniversary Singapore Sengkang-Punggol LRT gets 15.8 per cent capacity boost with new trains Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city's Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics, and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032. A new aquatics centre to host swimming will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million. 'Today's landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,' said Queensland's Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie. We've also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan. 'I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia's most exciting sporting precinct, which will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.' Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026. The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said. In other news, National Hockey League players will take part in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy for the first time in 12 years. In a meeting on July 2 at the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Switzerland, representatives from the NHL, the players' association, and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) executed an agreement confirming the players' participation next winter in Italy. The agreement also covers NHL players taking part in the 2030 Winter Games in France. 'This is a tremendous day for international ice hockey and for fans across the globe,' IIHF president Luc Tardif said. 'At the initiative of the IIHF, we have worked collaboratively with NHL and NHLPA in close collaboration with the IOC and Milano Cortina Organising Committee to make this a reality. Bringing the best players in the world back to the Olympic Games in 2026 is a major step forward for our sport.' NHL players last took part in the Olympics in Sochi, Russia in 2014. REUTERS
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
LA 2028 Olympic organizers release first look at the flag football schedule
The 2028 LA Olympics has announced its schedule, and flag football will be held from Saturday, July 15, through Saturday, July 22, at Exposition Park Stadium. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is now the face of the NFL's flag football initiative, having put the world on notice in an ad campaign featuring the NFL that debuted last summer. The campaign promoted the arrival of men's and women's flag football as an Olympic event in 2028. It's unclear if Hurts will be the quarterback for Team USA in four years. Still, the newly named global flag football ambassador could play in the Olympics and return to Philadelphia for training camp, thanks to the now-released eight-day schedule. If the game were held this summer, the finale would take place on the day Philadelphia was supposed to report to the NovaCare Complex for training camp. The first Eagles practice would take place the following day on July 23. Back in May, NFL owners unanimously voted to allow players to play flag football at the Olympics. The 2028 Summer Games will be held from July 14 to 30. 'There's more work to be done there,' NFL executive Jeff Miller said. 'It will certainly be an important topic of conversation. ... I would expect it to be an engaging and robust conversation on that topic.' With the news eliciting reactions from every corner of the NFL, we're looking at five Eagles who would flourish as members of Team USA. Flag Football Rules If passed, no more than one player from each team would be permitted to participate in the 2028 Olympics, plus each team's designated international player on his country's team, opening the door to a juggernaut roster. The framework would include 12-player rosters, a 50-yard field, and a 5-on-5 format, eliminating offensive and defensive lines. QB Jalen Hurts The Eagles' 2022 All-Pro is the face of the NFL and advocates for the sport. Last June, Hurts attended the Eagles Girls Flag Football League Championships at the NovaCare Complex to watch the title games and pose for pictures with the winning teams from Pennsylvania (Archbishop Wood) and New Jersey (Kingsway). RB Saquon Barkley A 2,005-yard rushing season, a reverse hurdle over an opponent, and one of the most electric athletes on the planet would flourish in open space. CB Cooper DeJean DeJean dominates in space. As a rookie in 2024, the cornerback was among the highest-rated players in the slot, holding opponents to 50 receptions. He had five pass breakups, and quarterbacks had an 82.2 passer rating against him. DeJean logged 51 tackles (38 solo) as a rookie, including 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries across 16 regular-season games in 2024. DeJean's biggest and best moment came in Super Bowl LIX against the Chiefs, when he picked off Patrick Mahomes for a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown on his birthday. WR DeVonta Smith Smith would be a star without the pads, a technician, and an elite pass catcher. Smith is known for his exceptional route-running abilities, particularly his ability to create separation from defensive backs. CB Kelee Ringo The former Georgia cornerback stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 207 pounds, possessing the length, physicality, and speed to dominate the competition. Ringo's 40-yard dash time at the 2023 NFL Combine was 4.36 seconds, which was the fifth-fastest among all players at the combine and the fifth-fastest among cornerbacks.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Star shuttler Saina Nehwal announces separation from Parupalli Kashyap after nearly seven years of marriage
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): India's seasoned badminton player and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal announced that she has parted ways with her husband, Parupalli Kashyap, who is also a shuttler. Saina took to Instagram to release a brief statement announcing her divorce from Kashyap, which came nearly seven years after their 2018 marriage. 'Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We're choosing peace, growth, and healing - for ourselves and each other. I'm grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time,' Saina wrote on Instagram. Hailing from Haryana, Saina caught everyone's attention after winning the BWF World Junior Championships in 2008, early in her career. In the same year, she went on to make her first Olympic appearance but had to wait for another four years to bag a medal in the Summer Games. In 2008, she became the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic quarter-finals. She defeated, then-world number five Wang Chen of Hong Kong but lost to Indonesia's Maria Kristin 2009, Saina became the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series event. Her remarkable efforts were recognised as she was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2009 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010. The shuttler has had a phenomenal career for India, transforming the sport in the country. Saina represented India in several premier badminton competitions, winning various trophies and medals. She is also the only female Indian player to hold the world No.1 ranking in the sport. Saina has played a significant role in inspiring thousands of athletes and youth in the country to strive for success. Kashyap is a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist. This was the first instance in 32 years of an Indian badminton player winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal. He trained under both former All-England champions Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand. He is also the first Indian male badminton player to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympics, a feat he achieved during the Summer Games in 2012. Kashyap stormed to his career-best world ranking of six in 2013, but struggled to maintain it due to constant injuries. (ANI)
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
The NFL has committed players to the L.A. Olympics. So why hasn't MLB?
In America, the NFL laps every other sport. Around the world, where its product is labeled 'American football,' the NFL has largely failed to export its massive domestic popularity. That hasn't stopped the NFL from trying. The global market has too much upside. The Rams will play in Australia next year. The San Francisco 49ers staged football clinics in the United Arab Emirates last month. When the Olympics called, the NFL said yes. In 2028, the L.A. Summer Games will include flag football — and a selection of NFL players. How better to sell your sport internationally than to attach it to the world's largest sporting event? Baseball is, uh, still thinking about it. Two years after we first started talking about whether major leaguers would play in the 2028 Olympics, Major League Baseball still has not said yes, and now the NFL and its publicity-gobbling machine is threatening to steal the spotlight. If MLB withholds its players, the NFL will steamroll whatever collection of minor leaguers and collegians appear on the Olympic diamond. So will the NBA All-Stars competing for basketball gold. If MLB agrees to let its players participate — and Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper have made clear they want to compete — hardly anyone will care about flag football. 'We have the best athletes in every sport,' LA28 chief Casey Wasserman told me. 'Wimbledon will end, they'll come here. The Tour de France will end, they'll come here and compete. Obviously, men's and women's basketball will have the greatest basketball players in the world. So we think that a sport like baseball ought to have the best players in the world playing.' Here is a statistic the NFL could never match: Of the rosters announced for Tuesday's All-Star Game, one in three players was born outside the United States. Those players represent eight different countries. MLB has leveraged that global marketing opportunity into the World Baseball Classic, which has grown over two decades from a curiosity into a must-see event. The WBC returns next spring. 'I think it's eventually going to get moved to the middle of the season,' Team USA manager Mark DeRosa told me at Saturday's Futures Game. 'I think it's going to be a monster event moving forward.' The only difference between a WBC in the middle of the season and the Olympics in the middle of the season: MLB controls the WBC. That is not a good enough reason for MLB to skip the Olympics. The best interests of baseball cannot always be measured in today's dollars. Should major leaguers participate in the Olympics? 'Oh, yeah,' DeRosa said. 'It's not that simple a question,' said Tony Clark, executive director of the players' union, onSaturday. Clark said the union has had 'encouraging informal conversations' with LA28 officials. What Clark would like to see from MLB is an actual plan — all the logistics for all the players, as the NBA and NHL provide when their players participate in the Olympics. MLB has its own logistics issues too. For instance, if MLB skips the 2028 All-Star Game to accommodate the Olympics, how does the league compensate Fox? The league's media contracts expire after the 2028 season, so the 2029 All-Star Game might not be available to Fox, and MLB would rather not refund the big bucks. This much is set, according to Wasserman: The Olympic baseball tournament would cover six days at Dodger Stadium, with a six-team field. The United States would automatically qualify as the host country. The 2026 WBC could serve as a qualifying tournament for other countries, although that is more concept than certainty at this point. What did Wasserman say in his pitch to major league owners? 'What an incredible opportunity to elevate the sport in a city where you have one of the great cathedrals of the sport,' he said. 'There is no better chance to tell the global story of baseball than from the Olympics in Los Angeles. 'They understand that. We could have another Dream Team, or two, depending on the countries. That is a vehicle to tell the story of baseball around the world, and that is really powerful.' To his credit, commissioner Rob Manfred gets that. 'We do see LA28 as a, you know, real opportunity from a marketing perspective,' Manfred told the Associated Press Sports Editors in April. Logistics aside, Manfred needs to convince the owners — his bosses — that interrupting the regular season is worth it. If the Games were held halfway around the world, shutting down the season for two weeks might be problematic. But in Los Angeles, for one week? Kill the All-Star Game for a year, and start the regular season three days early, or finish it three days late. Wasserman said he has had 'pretty consistent dialogue' with the league. 'We hope they get to the right answer, which is Major League Baseball players being eligible to play,' Wasserman said. 'We'll be as patient as we need to be to get to the right answer.' The wrong answer: The world is watching the Olympics, and MLB is giving us the Colorado Rockies.
