By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
I vividly recall the dread associated with 45’s devastating victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016 following the election of Barack Obama. The racial animus in our country is overtly palpable as he, 45, and his sycophants, have hijacked not only the Republican Party but also the very word “Patriotism” itself, reminding us all of democracy’s fragility and the consequential nature of this election locally, nationally and internationally.
The Paris Olympics should be a reminder of all that is good and decent about sports generally and democracy specifically. The sportsmanship, competitive spirit and nationalism displayed by the athletes worldwide is a testament to the norms and values that illuminate our similarities while making our differences appear insignificant. The organic rivalry manifesting itself between Simone Biles and Brazilian sensation Rebeca Andrade epitomizes the true essence of the Olympic experience. Though extremely competitive, they cheered each other’s successes while lamenting failures or sub-par performances. In the 100 meters Olympic finals, a classic photo finish revealed that American Noah Lyes won the gold medal by 0.005 seconds over Jamaican phenom Kishane Powell who earned the silver medal. Fred Kerley of the USA won the bronze medal, but all of the competitors were in striking distance of medaling, including Tokyo gold medalist Marcel Jacobs and Oblique Seville, who defeated Lyles in a semifinal heat. Thinking that Powell had actually won, he (Lyles) approached Powell in a congratulatory manner before the conclusion of the official review declared him the victor. American swimmers conceded many golds to Australian and Chinese athletes, but exemplified grace under fire. Caleb Dressel failed to qualify for finals in 2 events that he won gold in 2020. To see his wife endeavoring to console her despondent warrior was heartwarming. Our politicians could benefit from the examples set by these world class athletes.
While the USA leads in the overall medal count, the Chinese hold a slim margin in gold medals, 24-23; however, after the conclusion of track & field and other events, I am secure in believing that the USA will win the overall medal count including gold. As we complete this segment of NOTS, Cole Hooker unexpectedly won the 1500 meters in Paris. It can and will only get better!
The Dolphins decided to roll with Tua, signing him to $212,000,000 4-year contract. Go Dolphins The Marlins traded Jazz Chisholm to the New York Yankees, who made an immediate impact by hitting multiple home runs in 2 separate games. Trust that trade proves beneficial to team as they look to future. Go Marlins
