By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
In last week’s column while dissecting the very close preliminary games that foreign teams like Australia and South Sudan, among others, had played against the talented pros representing the USA, we theorized that the World , since the formation of the 1992 Dream Team, had simply closed the competitive gap. The basis for the assumption: numerous international teams also had NBA caliber players on the rosters and increased skill level. After witnessing the LeBron James-led national team destroy Japan in real Olympic competition, we just may have to withhold judgement until the Games’ conclusion. It appears, however, since the games began July 26, that the USA has drastically improved in sports/disciplines where medaling was not in the equation, only competing in the true Olympics spirit.
After failing to medal since 2008, the U.S. men’s gymnastics team of Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Brody Malone, Stephen Nedoroscik, and Frederick Richard won the bronze medal, finishing third behind Japan and China.
In skateboarding, the USA also stood on the podium thanks to sterling performances by Jagger Eaton, who after winning the bronze in 2020 in Tokyo, won the silver medal in Paris, finishing behind gold medal winner Yuto Horigome from Japan. California teammate Nyjah Huston, who failed to medal in Tokyo because of injury, finished third to win his first Olympic medal, bronze. And the US rugby team advanced to semifinals before falling to New Zealand. Led by the University of Vermont’s Ilona Maher, the squad will now compete for a bronze medal.
Coco Gauff lost in 2 sets to Croatian Donna Vekic following an argument with an official over a controversial, disputed call. Fighting through difficulties and preparing mentally for the next serve is part of the Olympic experience. She still has an opportunity for gold in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
The women’s gymnastics team, led by Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, won the all-around team gold medal on Tuesday with individual medals in each category including floor exercise, balance beam, pummel horse and uneven bars in sight.
Presently, the USA leads all countries in overall medals with 20 but trail Japan (7) and China (6) in gold medals with only 3. That will surely change as track & field, swimming, basketball and traditional events loom.
Other than the Olympics, I look with great anticipation to the forthcoming Orange Blossom Classic featuring the Alabama State University Hornets vs. the Eagles of North Carolina Central. Let’s support our HBCUS!!
