The Clash of the Best of the Best is just barely a month away now. And to find these best of the best from America, the 2025 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships are live from Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, 2025. Richardson stood in her favorite discipline of 100m, where she was bested by Kayla White, clocking 10.89s while the 2023 World Champion finished second with 11.07s. Now, did she say anything after the race? Yes…

“So just going out and still having the time even after this weekend to have time to be physically prepared and knowing that this weekend I just had to come out and just run a complete race. So it feels really good to not have that pressure and still be able to go to Tokyo,” was her answer to the question if it feels nice to race without having the pressure to qualify, since being the 2023 World Champion, she is already going there. But she has been a little slow this year, that’s what the observation is. Turns out, it’s all part of a plan.

Do you feel like you’re flying under the radar a little bit heading into Tokyo? She was asked in an interview today. Richardson answered, “I think so. I like to be a secret weapon. So, right now, I’m kind of just cruising under the radar, but when it’s time to hit, it’s going to be a bang when y’all see my name. Y have a blessed one. Thank you so much.” What the defending world champion means is that all of her races leading up to the world championships in Tokyo are nothing but her warm-ups for the ultimate showdown. And when that happens?

imma just leave this here pic.twitter.com/dXCwjCXIzc

— THE RED MACHINE (@greenmachine2_0) July 31, 2025

She believes she is going to leave the jaws dropped on the track. She has shown significant improvement from before. As the commentator announced today, “Richardson tried to reel her in, gonna get second here,” she clocked her season best. So can she repeat what she did in 2023? Her comments do hint that there is a podium coming, but there is a hunger for the gold in those words, too. The source of her confidence?

Nothing stops Sha’Carri Richardson

After her last-place finish in the Préfontaine Classic, the Olympian sent the same message as above in an interview. She said that her main motivation was simply to run a healthy race. With her automatic bye to the World Championships as the reigning world champion, she emphasized that her focus now is on staying consistent, pushing forward, and honing her performance in practice. But she also dropped the secret to her confidence.

On being questioned about how she constantly believes in herself and has that confidence, despite fighting injuries and setbacks, she said, “Um, honestly, it’s about having a ground. I go back to my faith and having that faith. If you don’t believe in yourself first, you can’t expect anybody else to believe in you. So, I believe in the fact that no matter what I do, when I am 100%, there’s literally nothing that can stop me but me.” And she has proven this in the past.

Sha’Carri Richardson won gold in the women’s 100 m final at the 2023 World Championships, clocking 10.65 seconds to set a Championship Record and equal the world-leading time of the season. Starting in lane 9 after placing third in her semifinal, she surged past top contenders, including Shericka Jackson (silver, 10.72 s) and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (bronze, 10.77 s). If only she would do something like this in Tokyo, the fairytales would come true. What do you think, can she?

The post Sha’Carri Richardson Makes a Huge Promise to Track Community After Losing Their Faith on American Soil appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Instead, the whole moment turned controversial instead of being celebratory. Fans called out everything from the wardrobe to the photography. This was not a moment of basking in the glory of high fashion. Rather, Thomas found herself at the center of an unexpected backlash.

Gabby Thomas and Angel Reese’s fashion takeover hits a snag

The cover was one of those necessary moments for Gabby Thomas. It was about going the whole nine yards to prove that. And that just like a basketball or football star, a track and field sensation deserves their due respect in high fashion. After all, many former and current athletes have taken this path. And it includes names like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Sha’Carri Richardson.

They all have made statement after statement with raw sensuality on and off the tracks. For Thomas, this seemed like a natural progression. Already, she was dipping her feet into high-profile fashion events, presenting last year’s award for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. And with three Olympic gold medals secure in her kitty, she sought to make a mark off-track.

 

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Meanwhile, Angel Reese had already been a style icon in women’s basketball: “Bayou Barbie” was the brand she’d long since built off of flawless glam, flashy outfits, and unapologetic confidence. When Vogue announced that both Thomas and Reese would be featured on the Winter 2025 cover, it seemed like the perfect moment for sports and fashion.

Vogue has certainly had its share of controversies regarding placing athletes on its covers. From Serena Williams’ 2018 cover felt the image played into racial stereotypes—to Angel Reese’s own Vogue feature in the past, sparking debates about whether mainstream fashion platforms truly understand and represent Black women in sports. The magazine often finds itself squarely in the middle of criticism. But with Thomas and herself on the cover now, fans are way beyond critiquing photos. They’re second-guessing creative direction altogether.

Fans react, WTF is this?

One fan didn’t mince words, posting, “I’m so proud of her, but WTF at everything about this picture?” That seemed to be a prevailing sentiment on social media. And a lot of people just felt the styling and photography were a letdown for Thomas and Reese.

Another fan chimed in, “So much wrong with this photo.” But what did go wrong? The blame wasn’t on Thomas or Reese themselves; rather, it was the creative direction of the shoot.

“I bet it was one Anne Lubitz or whatever; she did crap with Simone, Zendaya, and plenty of others—well, made them look crazy.” This reaction moved the blame around to Vogue for its creative team. To some, even this was partly about a pattern of racist styling of black female athletes.

Another fan seconded the criticism, writing, “Credit to Gabby for making it onto the cover. No credit to the wardrobe or the photographer? WTF is this?.” The consensus? Viewers felt that the execution did not represent Thomas’s and Reese’s charisma and athleticism.
Still, with the negative came some who continued to clap for Thomas’ break into fashion. One fan, though grateful she at least tried, appeared to still be disgruntled by the outcome: “Not nearly justice for this lady, but well done.”

But more than that, it also speaks about how black female athletes are styled and presented in sports media. The greater question is who dictates and directs such style and presentation and how, when, or whether those being represented feel accurately reflected in what ultimately ends up in front of readers and viewers. Fans, mostly, thought Vogue had blown an opportunity to celebrate Thomas and Reese in a way that truly mirrored their power and personality.

But Gabby Thomas isn’t slowing down. On the track and in front of the camera, she proves she is more than just an athlete. She’s a brand. And Thomas is ready to carve out her space in fashion. Even if fans don’t receive it well. Sports stars are increasingly stepping into high fashion. And with this, the line between athlete and influencer is blurring. But for now, fans are just hoping that next time, the execution matches the talent.

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It turns out there is so much more to it than showmanship. In this week’s Beyond the Records, Lyles finally broke down the reason behind these antics: explaining that controlling the crowd equates to controlling the race, he claimed it was all part of his winning formula. According to him, a mental game aimed at getting energy shifted his way well before competing began.

How Noah Lyles turns the track into his stage

For most sprinters, the 100m is about speed. For Lyles, it’s a full-on production. Does he know most of the most significant battles are often won in the mind before they’re won on the track and his way of gaining that edge? Taking control of the moment. The 100m final that would transpire was setting up at the Olympics in Paris, likely to be one of the most hyped. 80,000 screaming fans were there to watch some of the biggest names in sprinting, the moment weighing heavily on each competitor. But then it was like all of that cranked into high gear the second Jamaican rival, Kishane Thompson, hit the track first, throwing his arms up in the air and unleashing a loud Dragon Ball Z-style roar.

But Lyles wasn’t about to let anyone steal his moment. He flipped the script on the hype and turned the attention of the crowd to him like he was headlining the biggest show on Earth. Before I head out, my coach is like, ‘Control the crowd, control the race.’ Nobody knows how to control a crowd like me, so if you want to go out and yell, that’s cool,” Lyles said.

The moment the camera landed on him, Lyles saw to it that all eyes were glued. If the cameraman wanted him to stay in one place, then that wasn’t happening. “I’m not here for you; I’m here for the crowd.”

It wasn’t just about hyping the fans; it was about psychological warfare. Every step he made, every ounce of confidence he showed, chipped away at his opponents’ composure. Before the race even started, they weren’t just racing his speed; they were racing his presence. And once the gun went off? He backed up every morsel of that confidence.

The science behind Lyles’ unshakeable confidence

Some might call Lyles’ energy cockiness. Others might say it’s just his personality. Fellow Olympian Rai Benjamin believes it’s something deeper. “I always say to people in track and field, you need to have an unhealthy amount of self-confidence and narcissism to be any good,” Benjamin said.

And he’s right. Sprinting isn’t only a physical test; it’s a mental battle. You’ve already lost the moment you step onto that track with a single shred of doubt in your mind. Lyles understands this better than anyone. His whole routine is about how to make sure when the gun goes off, he’s already won half the battle. Numbers do not lie, though. In Paris, Lyles ran a blistering 9.79 to win gold. And here is the wild part—he was actually dead last for the first 50 meters. But did that shake his confidence? Not even for a second. He knew he had it, and by the time he crossed the finish line, so did everyone else.

That is not only speed but also a master class in mental dominance.

People will say the theatrics ahead of Noah Lyles’ races are unnecessary. To those people: They just aren’t getting it. His hype is not pure entertainment; it’s a weapon. He’s in control of the moment, loose, taking his competitors out of their game and making the whole stadium think he’s going to win before the race is even run. And when he does start running? He makes them believe even more. Lyles is not just any sprinter; he’s an entertainer, he’s a showman, and he’s a champion who knows in his marrow that in the sport where races last less than ten seconds, controlling the moment means everything.

The post Noah Lyles Reveals Reason Behind Weird Antics as Track and Field Star Makes Surprising Claim appeared first on EssentiallySports.

HOKA just dropped its latest sneaker, the Bondi 9. And they didn’t want just any athlete to represent it. They wanted a household name. Enter Suni Lee, whose reputation for grit, determination, and star power made her fit like a glove. Let’s not overlook that this move comes days after Lee was announced as an official ambassador, proving that brands still view her as one of the biggest names in sports.

From Olympic glory to sneaker deals—Suni Lee’s latest money move.

When HOKA announced Suni Lee as their newest brand ambassador, it was a power move on both sides. For Lee, this is just another big NIL deal, consolidating the fact that her star power isn’t constrained by gymnastics. In the case of HOKA, all factors are directed at securing a young and dynamic athlete who exudes resilience and strength with a fresh crossover appeal in the realms of both gymnastics and lifestyle branding.

Lee’s Words on the Deal: “Behind the scenes of my shoot with @hoka ???? Exciting to be exploring my new city in the Bondi 9s #HOKAPartner.”.

 

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Suni Lee’s net worth is estimated at $5 million by Source. Lee has been building her financial empire, and this new deal with HOKA merely adds another lucrative contract to her already extensive endorsement portfolio. Among many others, she has worked with the biggest names in the game. This includes names like Nike, Amazon, L’Oréal, and Toyota. She also has a deal with SKIMS, a luxury brand by reality star Kim Kardashian. These multimillion-dollar deals are cementing her status as one of the most marketable athletes of this generation.

NIL’s Power—how different is Suni Lee?

With many college athletes cashing in on NIL deals, Suni Lee is leading the pack. For this young lady, the road to stardom began in Tokyo with a gold medal, but capitalizing on such fame has been nothing short of an elite business strategy. The perks and benefits that come with these include $75,000 as Olympic medal bonuses. Her status as one of the first elite gymnasts to sign a NIL deal has also surged her follower count. This includes 3.5 million on TikTok and another 3.4 million on Instagram.

With the signing of Lee, HOKA continued its bold statement of intent in sports marketing away from a policy of signing track athletes or traditional runners towards building an ambassador roster, including the greatest gymnastics icons of the sport with huge global appeal.

HOKA’s statement on Suni Lee follows: “Suni—when thinking of resilience, determination, and high flying—couldn’t be more synonymous with the values that drive HOKA and our community. We can’t wait to fly alongside!” With brands now investing in NCAA stars before they even turn pro, Suni Lee positioned herself at the forefront of this new era.

An era where gymnastics champions are just as valuable as traditional sports superstars. The conclusion of this deal can make Suni the newest entry on a long list of athlete-turned-business moguls. Who knows, she might even join the likes of Usain Bolt and Michael Jordan. But one thing is for sure: winning medals is not the end-all for Suni Lee now. She looks forward to having an even more lucrative future.

And with 2028 LA just three years away, we just might witness the birth of a new revolution.

The post Undecided Suni Lee Uses Gymnastics to Bag Another Money Deal appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Among them was 16-year-old Zara, a young rugby player who doesn’t just see Ilona as a star on the field but as a role model redefining what it means to be a female athlete. In a sport often dominated by traditional notions of strength, Ilona stands tall as a beacon of change, proving that power and femininity can coexist. Inspired by Ilona’s debut, Zara’s message is one of empowerment—a call to embrace individuality in a world filled with stereotypes. So, what exactly did Zara say that left such a lasting impression?

 Zara’s powerful message on breaking stereotypes

But to Zara, Ilona Maher’s impact is a long way from over. “Ilona’s changed the perception of body image by showing that you can be muscly and strong and powerful and wear a dress,” said Zara. Her sentiments ring a chord that echoed in many young female athletes and yet find a way to align that with the expectations placed upon them by society. As she mentioned, “I know a lot of young girls struggle with that.”.

Zara is from North Bristol Rugby Club, the same club as Millie, and talked of how athletic builds were stereotyped as masculine. “Just because you play a sport, it doesn’t define how you can be as a person—how you have to look, how you have to act,” she added.

This is an important message, particularly in rugby, a sport that worships strength and power. Having relocated cities themselves for the sport because there were no local girls’ sides, Zara and Millie said Ilona was a role model, redefining what a female athlete should be. To them, Ilona stands as proof that strength and femininity can both exist, and this is empowering for the two to be full athletes.

Ilona Maher’s debut and the ripple effect

It was not just a game for Ilona Maher’s debut for the Bristol Bears; it was to change women’s rugby. With a record crowd of 9,240, the previous attendance record was more than doubled. This means that this could be a new chapter for the sport. A big contingent of mostly those who have never watched a rugby game to view the star of TikTok and Instagram in action.

Although Ilona played only 20 minutes as a substitute, her presence had an undeniable impact. Young players like Zara and Millie shared how Ilona’s message of embracing strength and individuality changed their perspectives. “She’s had a massive effect,” Zara said. “People who might never have watched rugby are showing up because of her.”

Ilona wants to help young women be more positive about themselves. And it is not just about rugby. It goes both on and off the pitch. In a conversation with BBC, she says, “My message to [girls] would be to make sure you give yourself grace and are gentle with your body.” Ilona stays for 90 minutes after the match to meet with her fans. This helps to not limit herself to her sport when meeting people.

Ilona Maher isn’t just moving the needle; it’s in the record attendance numbers and the conversation. This changes perceptions and breaks stereotypes. And it shows girls like Zara and Millie that they can be strong but still be feminine. As Zara said, Ilona’s impact goes well beyond the pitch. “She’s showing girls like me that we can be whoever we want to be on and off the field, ” says Zara

With the imminent Women’s Rugby World Cup and the work to grow female participation in the sport, Ilona is here. And she is adding to what many refer to as a “Lionesses moment” for rugby. The game’s future is bright, and Ilona Maher is lighting the way.

The post Ilona Maher’s 16-Year-Old Teammate Sends Powerful Message After Bristol Bears Debut appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Kotb wasn’t just a broadcaster; she was the broadcaster—a mom, a motivator, and the kind of person who lights up whatever room she walks into. To Team USA, Hoda wasn’t just someone who covered their stories—she was part of their stories. She made the athletes feel seen, heard and celebrated. In fact, she was the one Jordan Chiles sat down with for her first live interview after losing the bronze at the Paris Olympics. “Honestly, it’s been really, really hard just to comprehend everything that’s been happening,” an emotional Chiles had told Kotb back then.

Perhaps that’s the reason the retired journalist’s co-host Savannah Guthrie had deemed her a special position. Appearing on The Jimmy Fallon Show in March last year, Guthrie had proclaimed, “Hoda is like the unofficial den mother of USA Gymnastics. She cheers for them so hard. Speaking of Tokyo, during the pandemic, where we weren’t allowed to really even look at each other, Hoda was like, ‘Well their families aren’t here and someone’s going to give them a hug’ and the Japanese government was like ‘Tell that woman to stop hugging the athletes.’ It was like an international incident.”

So, as expected, emotions were running high in the TODAY studio on her last day (lovingly tagged as ‘Hodaboration’)—intensified by the slew of celebrities who showed up to bid their favorite interviewer goodbye. First, it was Oprah Winfrey, paying a heartfelt tribute through a pre-recorded message. Then it was Dwyane Wade, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristin Chenoweth, and even Kermit the Frog. But the best surprise of all came from Team USA…

Simone Biles showed up in person, making Kotb visibly emotional. Tagging the broadcaster as their “Olympic mom”, Biles said, “I’ve been coming to the TODAY show for years, and sharing vulnerable stories which Hoda has given us such a great platform to be open and raw and to just feel like a safe space, so I appreciate all you’ve done for us to allow us to tell our stories. That’s how our relationship started… and now coming into adulthood we get to riff, we get to talk and chat, and it’s just been a beautiful thing that’s flourished.”

But that wasn’t even all: a heartwarming video tribute from US gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Stephen Nedoroscik sealed the deal, showing just how much this woman means to the athletes she’s championed for years.

Team USA’s official X account shared a video message for their biggest cheerleader on January 9. Captioned, “A thank you to Team USA’s mom Team USA celebrates @hodakotb’s final episode of the @TODAYshow,” the video started with the Pommel Horse medalist saying, “I just want to say thank you so much for being so kind to Team USA. Not only at Paris, but so may Olympics. In fact you were so kind to me that you even let me keep you glasses and that meant so so much to me. I want to tell on behalf of everyone on Team USA, you are so kind and we are going to miss you.”

Jordan Chiles also gave a message right from the heart: “You’ve been such an amazing supporter of Team USA gymnastics and such an amazing gym mom.” If anyone knows what it feels like to have Hoda cheering them on, it’s Jordan. She talked about how Hoda’s encouragement kept her motivated through highs and lows, making her feel like more than just an athlete. “I couldn’t be more honored to have known you. And I can’t wait to see what the future and chapter of who Hoda Kotb is. And I love you so much. And Team USA Gym Mom forever. Love you,” Jordan added, full of gratitude.

Apart from that, alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin also made an appearance on the video, where she thanked Kotb for all her “support and encouragement over the years,” and for “always spreading kindness and compassion on air.” Olympic medalist sprinter Gabby Thomas, on the other hand, said, “I wanted to say thank you so much for supporting Team USA over the years and cheering on us at the Games. You are awesome and we’ll miss you so much.”

Additionally, Lora Webster, Nathan Chen, Ali Truwit, Bobby Finke, and several others also shared their words of endearment with the 60-year-old.

A thank you to Team USA's mom

Team USA celebrates @hodakotb’s final episode of the @TODAYshow. pic.twitter.com/VaHREAXx8b

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) January 10, 2025

Their various tributes together painted a picture of one who wasn’t just reporting on the Olympics but living them with the athletes. Hoda wasn’t just a cheerleader; she was family.

Hoda Kotb’s legacy as team USA’s biggest cheerleader

If there is anything people agree on, it is that Hoda Kotb brought heart to every interaction. She was not just any other journalist reporting from the Olympics, but the biggest fan of Team USA. She cheered loudly while Simone Biles bounced back, winning an unexpected gold. And she celebrated unexpectedly with all the lesser-known gold medalists and made everybody a star. Jordan Chiles once said, “She’s more than a host. She’s someone who cares deeply about the people she talks to.” And that wasn’t just lip service. Hoda’s interviews didn’t feel like interviews—they felt like conversations with someone who got it. Someone who cared.

“She made me feel like my journey mattered,” says Stephen Nedoroscik. And isn’t that what every athlete wants—to feel like the world sees their hard work, their sacrifices, their triumphs? Hoda did that, and she did it with a smile that could light up an entire stadium. Her legacy is not about the years she spent on the Today Show, but about the memories she created and the lives she touched. From Jordan’s heartfelt thanks to Stephen’s playful humor, it’s obvious that the mark Hoda has left will be one that remains for a lifetime.

And with the curtain finally falling on Hota’s illustrious career, one thing’s clear; She has left her mark. And that too, both on and off the mat for all of Team USA. To Jordan Chiles and Stephen Nedoroscik, she is more than someone with a mic, she is a friend, a fan, and even a “Gym Mom”. And the tears in Simone Biles’s eyes when she surprised her just goes on to show how much Kotb means to all she has advocated for.

It’s not goodbye, just “see you later.” Wherever Hoda’s next adventure may take her, there is one thing that will always be true: she will always be Team USA’s biggest cheerleader—their brightest light and their forever “mom.”

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Following this shocking news about Bowman’s departure, the next biggest question in line was who would take over the vacant position of national champion Sun Devils. Interestingly, we don’t have to wait any longer for the answer to this question as the associate head coach of the team, Herbie Behm, has been found apt for fulfilling the purpose. 

Introducing the new head coach for ASU: Herbie Behm

To reveal this news among the spectators, the Arizona State University’s swimming team took it to their official Instagram account and penned, “New leader in Tempe #SunDevil4Life Herbie Behm is the new head coach of Sun Devil Swim! ” Joining ASU as an assistant coach in 2018, Herbie has always been known for offering valuable guidance to the students.

 

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Eventually, his unwavering determination enabled him to reach his recent position in just four years. “Herbie is the brightest young coach in America, and becoming the Head Coach at ASU is a perfect opportunity for him…He was my trusted partner in building our championship program,” said Bob Bowman.

“And he will lead the Sun Devils to many more milestones in the future. I couldn’t be happier for Herbie or for ASU!“, he added. As Herbie steps into the new role with the Arizona State Sun Devils Swimming Program, he brings a vision shaped by his years of experience. However, this is not as easy as it may seem to be. 

Will Herbie be able to prove himself?

The challenges awaiting Herbie can be estimated by the Arizona State Swimming team’s recent triumphant victory at the NCAA Swimming Championships last Saturday. The team led by the French phenom Leon Marchand, not only showcased skills in pool but also accomplished an impressive feat by holding the trophy as NCAA champions. Not only this but, the team recently became a combined program at the beginning of this season.

Navigating the transition from an assistant coach to head coach has its own set of challenges for Behm. While he has been pivotal in ASU’s achievements recently, stepping into the leadership role at the top required a broader scope of responsibilities. Now the question is, will he be able to keep up with the heavy weight of expectations for a higher rankings team like ASU?

 Also Read: USA Swimming Avails Final Chance to Witness Katie Ledecky on Home Turf Ahead of Paris Olympics

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The major reason for the popularity of the event is the number of elite swimmers who participate. Interestingly, the event will be spearheaded by Adam Peaty, one of the only six British swimmers boasting gold medals across four events: the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and European Championships.

Star Performer at 2024 AP Race London International

To share the ecstatic news of his arrival as a participant in the AP Race London International 2024, Adam Peaty took it to his official Instagram account and uploaded a couple of pictures of the league. Alongside the pictures, he penned, “AP Race is thrilled to announce that the Current Olympic Champion, 14x World record Holder, 8x World Champion, and 16x European Champion.”

 

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The swimming competition, welcoming swimmers from beginners to elite to international levels, will unfold from 25th May to 27th May this year at the London Aquatics Centre. Last year’s Ap Race London International was a big hit, and spectators are expecting this year’s event to be even better. 

Notably, Adam’s competition is officially recognized by the World Aquatics Organization, which simply means that the participants have a golden opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Apart from this, swimmers can also qualify for the World Aquatic Championships in Hungary (SC) and Singapore (LC). 

Estimated top five contenders against  Adam Peaty

At the 2023 AP Race International Meet by Adam, five athletes finished in the top five. While the top spot in the women’s 200-meter individual medley was secured by Sydney Pickrem in 2:8:89, the men’s 200-meter breaststroke was clinched by Arno Kamminga as he clocked a time of 2:09:34. 

Read More: Confessing to Post Olympic Depression, US Swimming Legend Missy Franklin Opens Up On Fear Of Disappointing Fans

The third place was a tie between Tes Schouten and Matt Richards, as both of them earned 920 points and a combined prize of £3500 ($4,300). The last or fifth position was claimed by Daniel Wiffen, competing in the Men’s 1500m freestyle to accumulate 914 points in just 14:57:30. As the 2024 AP Race International Meet is coming up, spectators are expecting all top performers competing against the star of the league Adam Peaty. Now the question is: Will any of the top five finishers be locking horns with Adam Peaty? Only time will tell.

Also Read: Weeks After Announcing Retirement, Gold Medalist Carissa Moore Teases Collab With a Dash of Controversy

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The TYR Pro started with exhilarating 800 Men’s and Women’s freestyle races, where Katie Grimes and Davis Johnson captivated audiences with their remarkable performances. Now Chase Kalisz added to that on his 30th birthday.

2024 TYR Pro Swim Series: Chase Kalisz’s golden triumph

To share ecstatic news among the spectators of Chase Kalisz, USA Swimming took it to their official Twitter account and posted a couple of pictures of him. Alongside the pictures, they penned, “On his 30th birthday, Chase Kalisz gets the W in the men’s 400m IM! #TYR ProSeries“ Notably, the day did not start on a high note for Kalisz.

On his 30th birthday, Chase Kalisz gets the W in the men's 400m IM! #TYRProSeries pic.twitter.com/wIVhmzOnmH

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) March 8, 2024

Chase Kalisz could manage a decent 8th place with a time of 4:27.75. His rival in the race David Johnston claimed the top spot with 4:24.37. Therefore, Johnston, who was placed 5th at last monthâ€s World Championships, entered the final with high spirits. There Kalisz showed his class as a reigning Olympic champion.

In a significant drop from his heats time, Kalisz finished the race atop the podium with a remarkable 4:13.52. Johnston managed the second place while trailing by more than a second (4:14.94). Jay Litherland, who is Kalisz’s training partner at ASU, grabbed the third spot (4:16.38). This will surely give Kalisz a boost as he eyes an exciting record in the upcoming big games.

Can Caeleb Dressel uphold the veterans’ flag in Paris?

Touching the age of 30 years, Chase Kalisz will look forward to winning a medal in 400m IM which no swimmer of that age has ever achieved. Swimmers like Vladimir Salnikov and Grant Hackett have achieved medals in the latter half of their careers but not in their 30s. And there is a solid ground for Kalisz to go for it, given his recent performances.

In December, Chase Kalisz put up a strong performance in the US Open Swimming Championships. He grabbed the gold with a time of 4:10.42. In that effort, he defeated his arch-rival, Carson Foster. His time came just shy of the meet record (4:10.09) he set in 2022. However, Kalisz will not be alone in the race.

Read More: US Swimmer Leah Hayes Inspires Self-Acceptance Amid Alopecia Journey

To challenge his superiority, there will be Daiya Seto. Their decade-long rivalry is the one for history. The podium has seen at least one of the two at every major meet since the 2013 World Championships. While Kalisz turned 30, Seto will enter that club in May. A challenge to both will surely be the rising star Leon Marchand who recently broke Michael Phelps’ world record in 400 IM with a time of 4:02.50. It remains to be seen if Kalisz, along with Seto, can uphold the flag of the veterans against the youngster in Paris.

Also Read: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of a Promising Future Paralympic Sensation in USA Swimming

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In a neck-to-neck competition with teammate Regan Smith, Torri Huske emerged victorious. On her way to grabbing the gold, she also smashed records, putting up the fastest 100m fly in the TYR Pro series. 

Torri Huske breaks 8-year-old record

To share the ecstatic triumph of Torri Huske at the 2024 TYR Pro Swim Series, USA Swimming took it to their official Twitter account and posted a couple of pictures of her. Along with the pictures, they penned, “NEW. MEET. RECORD. Torri Huske’s 56.13 is the fastest 100 fly in #TYRProSeries HISTORY.“

NEW. MEET. RECORD.

Torri Huske's 56.13 is the fastest 100 fly in #TYRProSeries HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/7Xk1NYJpgR

— USA Swimming (@USASwimming) March 8, 2024

In her run, Torri Huske, as she reached the wall, broke the record set by the legendary Sarah Sjostrom back in 2016. Sarah’s record was of 56.38s, which the NCAA redshirt broke. In this fifth-best time of her career, Torri also put up her best time since the 2022 World Championship with 55.64. Soon after the commencement of the race, Torri Huske said, “I feel really good about where I am right now…I think that I’m on a good path right now.” On that note, she also spared a thought for Regan Smith, who emerged as a tough competitor in the race. 

A thrilling race between two teammates

The race between Torri Huske and Regan Smith was one to remember. The major reason for Regan diving into the spotlight is her impressive closing split of 29.53. This was almost a second faster than Huske’s 30.10. Despite the formidable opening, Torri faced the challenge of maintaining her prowess in the back half of her races to overcome Smith. Regan Smith posed her personal best time of 56.36 in her second-place finish. And Torri Huske has all but praise for that.

Read More: “Disappointed With the Execution”: Despite Podium Finish at World Aquatics Championship, USA Swimming Star Left Stunned and Disheartened

“I knew Regan was going to swim a really fast race — she always does. I don’t really look at people during the race, but I knew she was right there,” Huske said after the race. Notably, the Legendary coach Bob Bowman has surely a role to play in this triumph of Smith. Last year in a conversation with Olympics.com Huske had said that Bowman was making her work hard, and she liked that.

“With swimming, I just haven’t felt true happiness like I have these past nine months since… pre-Covid…I just love showing up to practice every day,” Smith had told in the same conversation. It remains to be seen how the Huske-Smith rivalry spans out in the coming days, giving more such enthralling races.

Also Read: Unveiling the Inspiring Journey of a Promising Future Paralympic Sensation in USA Swimming

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