Coco Gauff selected as USA’s Olympics flag bearer alongside Lebron James.
Tennis star, Coco Gauff is set to join LeBron James as a flag bearer for the U.S. Olympic team at Friday’s opening ceremony, having been voted by Team USA athletes. Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion, will make her Olympic debut at the Paris Games, becoming the first tennis player to carry the U.S. flag. In the announcement video, the 20-year-old expressed her surprise and excitement, saying, “I was completely shocked. It never would have crossed my mind. I have no words, honestly.” Gauff was previously part of the American team for the Tokyo Games three years ago as a teenager but had to withdraw because she tested positive for COVID-19 just before her scheduled departure to Japan. She would be aiming to continue the legacy of her mentor, Serena Williams.
Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer @CocoGauff. 🇺🇸
The moment Coco got the news from her teammate @chris_eubanks96… 🫢#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/yjIWPjm6J1
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 24, 2024
Luol Deng comments on Gilbert Arenas’ South Sudan disrespectful remarks.
Days ago, South Sudan nearly pulled off a huge upset against Team USA in an exhibition match ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, narrowly losing 101-100. However, former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas made an offensive comment about the game on his podcast, sparking backlash from NBA fans and Social Media users. Luol Deng, the former Miami Heat forward and President of the South Sudanese Basketball Federation, addressed the situation on Instagram. Deng expressed disappointment, saying, “I’m not upset or angry at these ignorant remarks made by my former colleagues; I was more disappointed to see them coming from two individuals I’ve always respected.” As for Gilbert’s comments, they were certainly more disrespectful and cruel. He emphasized that such remarks can negatively impact young African and African American kids. Fans have praised Deng for his thoughtful and dignified response.
Luol Deng responds to Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas’ comments about South Sudan:
“I’m not upset or angry at these ignorant remarks made by my former colleagues; I was more disappointed to see them coming from two individuals I always respected.” pic.twitter.com/8PuuWm0K5W
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 24, 2024
Lionel Messi astounded by Argentina’s disallowed goal in the Olympics.
The opening day of the Paris Olympics football tournament saw a dramatic match between Argentina and Morocco. Argentine player Medina scored a last-minute equalizer, but it was disallowed two hours later. The teams had left the field, but the referee hadn’t blown for full-time, leaving the match’s outcome unclear. Eventually, the sides reappeared two hours later to play the final three minutes in an empty stadium, as all the spectators had already left. Medina expressed his frustration by writing “Insolito” on his Instagram story, which translates to “unbelievable” or “unusual” in English.
Messi vía Instagram. pic.twitter.com/5dg4iLe6g4
— Messismo (@Messismo10) July 24, 2024
Rasmus Højlund to wear #9 for Manchester United from next season.
Manchester United have announced that Rasmus Højlund will wear the No. 9 shirt next season. The Danish striker joined United last season in a £72 million transfer from Atalanta, where he was regarded as one of Europe’s most promising talents. Despite United’s failure to advance to the Champions League’s round of 16, the 21-year-old made an immediate impact by scoring five goals in the tournament. He also scored 10 goals in the Premier League, taking 15 games to net his first. Impressively, Højlund became the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games, finishing his debut season with 16 goals in all competitions. As he dons the iconic No. 9, he aims for better performances and stronger chemistry with teammates during United’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Rasmus Hojlund has been handed the number 9️⃣ shirt for @ManUtd!
Look back at when he scored 7️⃣ goals in 6️⃣ consecutive appearances last season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vM2ZDAqRak
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 24, 2024
Chelsea secures 2-2 draw against Wrexham in their opening friendly match.
Enzo Maresca’s debut as Chelsea’s manager ended in a 2-2 draw against League One side Wrexham. Chelsea initially took the lead thanks to Christopher Nkunku’s goal in the 35th minute, demonstrating his finishing skills. However, the second half saw defensive lapses that allowed Wrexham to capitalize on mistakes, with Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott scoring consecutively to put Wrexham ahead. Chelsea managed to avoid a loss when Lesley Ugochukwu equalized in the 82nd minute, securing a draw for the Blues. Maresca will likely focus on tightening Chelsea’s defence as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Our first match of pre-season ends all square. ⏹️@FICO_corp | #BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/YYgujYKDo9
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 25, 2024