Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • After fall, Gaon Choi wondered ‘Is this how it ends?’ But Olympic champion is just getting started

    After fall, Gaon Choi wondered ‘Is this how it ends?’ But Olympic champion is just getting started

    LIVIGNO, Italy — In a dramatic turn of events at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, 17-year-old South Korean snowboarder Gaon Choi transformed a potentially career-ending accident into a golden triumph. During her initial halfpipe run, Choi experienced a terrifying fall that left her momentarily believing her Olympic dreams had shattered.

    “I genuinely thought my knee was broken,” Choi revealed to The Associated Press after returning to South Korea. “Having envisioned this moment since childhood, the thought of it ending so abruptly overwhelmed me with emotion.”

    Despite the psychological and physical trauma, the young athlete demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Choi not only completed the competition but dethroned defending champion Chloe Kim to claim the Olympic gold medal in snowboarding’s premier event. Her victory marks a historic achievement as South Korea’s first gold-medal snowboarder.

    The podium moment carried profound emotional complexity for Choi, who described Kim as both mentor and sister-like figure. “The experience evoked mixed feelings—some regret and apology, but overwhelming happiness that made the achievement particularly meaningful,” Choi reflected.

    Choi’s snowboarding journey began unexpectedly at age seven when her father initially purchased skis for her, contrary to the snowboards he bought for her older siblings. Her insistence on equal treatment launched a decade-long path to Olympic glory.

    Despite the significance of her accomplishment, the event wasn’t televised live in South Korea, where winter sports attention typically focuses on speedskating and curling. Nonetheless, Choi gained recognition unexpectedly when flight attendants identified her during her return journey.

    The new champion believes her performance didn’t fully showcase her prepared routine due to the early injury. “I aim to train more intensively, perfect my execution, and ultimately present the run I’ve envisioned,” she stated.

    Olympic observers also noted emerging talents who may dominate future competitions:

    – Japan’s Taiga Hasegawa, 20, earned silver in slopestyle and emphasizes fundamental riding skills alongside technical tricks
    – New Zealand’s Cam Melville Ives, 19, demonstrated exceptional triple cork maneuvers but encountered spatial limitations in the halfpipe
    – American Ollie Martin, 17, made history as the youngest athlete to land a 2160-degree rotation and impressed with his fourth-place big air finish

    These athletes represent snowboarding’s evolving landscape as the sport concludes its Livigno chapter and looks toward future competitions in Aspen and Laax.

  • US kids talk about chasing Olympic glory alongside elite figure skaters

    US kids talk about chasing Olympic glory alongside elite figure skaters

    In ice rinks across the United States, a new generation of figure skaters is emerging, training in the very same facilities as Olympic medalists like Ilia Malinin. These young athletes, some still in elementary school, are dedicating their lives to a singular dream: representing their country on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Their journey is one of immense discipline, balancing rigorous academic schedules with predawn practice sessions, all while drawing inspiration from the elite skaters they share the ice with daily. Coaches and parents report a significant surge in motivation and technical ambition among these youngsters, who see living proof that their Olympic aspirations are attainable. This phenomenon highlights the powerful trickle-down effect of elite athletic success, fostering a highly competitive and inspired training environment that promises to strengthen American figure skating for years to come. The narrative is not just about future medals, but about the cultivation of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence from a remarkably young age.

  • The sport of ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut on a snowy day in Bormio

    The sport of ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut on a snowy day in Bormio

    BORMIO, Italy — Amidst heavy snowfall in the Italian Alps, ski mountaineering achieved a monumental milestone on Thursday as it officially debuted at the Olympic Games with the men’s and women’s sprint events. The challenging Stelvio course provided a dramatic backdrop for this niche sport—commonly known as ‘skimo’—which combines uphill racing on skis with a high-speed downhill sprint to the finish.

    The historic significance of these inaugural gold medals was palpable, with athletes vying for the coveted title of first-ever Olympic champion in their discipline. Competitors faced three intense rounds, each lasting approximately three minutes of lung-searing effort, with favorites quickly establishing dominance in the preliminary heats.

    France’s Emily Harrop and Switzerland’s Marianne Fatton led the women’s field, while Spain’s Oriol Cardona Coll emerged as the frontrunner in the men’s division. The semifinal and final rounds were scheduled for later Thursday evening.

    For participants in a sport dating back to the late 19th century, the Olympic debut represented an especially poignant moment. American athlete Anna Gibson, who advanced to the semifinals, described the experience: ‘Standing at the start and seeing the Olympic rings on the hillside made it feel really real.’

    The course design provided spectacular viewing, resembling a snow park filled with diverse obstacles. Athletes navigated a diamond-shaped pattern before removing skis to climb steep steps in specialized boots, carrying equipment in backpacks. After reassembling their gear, competitors sprinted upward before reaching the summit where they performed a mid-air maneuver to remove ‘skins’—fabric strips that enable uphill movement—before descending at high velocity toward the finish line.

    Among the most inspiring stories was that of Spain’s Ana Alonso Rodriguez, who overcame a serious September training accident when she was struck by a car, sustaining multiple injuries including a damaged ACL. Her advancement past the initial round represented a personal victory. ‘There were times when I thought I was not going to make it,’ Rodriguez revealed. ‘I’ve focused on taking it step-by-step.’

    The ski mountaineering competition will conclude with a mixed team relay event on Saturday.

  • Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka to finish top of Group B

    Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka to finish top of Group B

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Zimbabwe delivered a stunning six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in Colombo, securing top position in Group B of the Men’s T20 World Cup. The match saw Zimbabwe successfully chase down a target of 179 runs with three balls remaining, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament.

    Opening batsman Brian Bennett emerged as the hero for Zimbabwe, remaining undefeated with 63 runs from 48 deliveries. This remarkable performance follows his previous unbeaten 64 runs against Australia last week. Bennett established a solid foundation with an opening partnership of 69 runs with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who contributed 34 runs. Captain Sikander Raza provided crucial acceleration with a explosive 45 runs from just 26 balls before falling in the penultimate over.

    The victory becomes particularly significant as Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup, now progress unbeaten to the Super 8s stage. Their campaign continues with a match against West Indies in Mumbai on Monday, having been placed in a group with co-hosts India, South Africa, and the Caribbean team.

    Sri Lanka, despite being already qualified for the next round, faced considerable challenges with dropped catches and fielding errors. The absence of injured bowler Matheesha Pathirana and rested seamer Dushmantha Chameera further weakened their bowling attack. Pathum Nissanka’s respectable 62 runs from 44 balls provided the highlight for Sri Lanka, who now face England in their Super 8s opener on Sunday.

    In related tournament news, West Indies maintained their perfect record with a 42-run victory over Italy in Kolkata. Shamar Joseph achieved a historic feat by becoming the first player to take four catches and four wickets in a single T20 international. Meanwhile, Afghanistan concluded their campaign with an emphatic 82-run win against Canada, featuring Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 95 runs and Mohammad Nabi’s exceptional bowling figures of 4-7.

  • Alysa Liu carries US medal hopes into concluding women’s free skate at the Milan Cortina Olympics

    Alysa Liu carries US medal hopes into concluding women’s free skate at the Milan Cortina Olympics

    The final chapter of women’s figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics unfolds Thursday night with an unprecedented potential podium sweep by Japanese athletes, while American champion Alysa Liu carries her nation’s golden aspirations against formidable competition.

    Japan’s formidable trio—Ami Nakai (17), Kaori Sakamoto (25), and Mone Chiba—stand positioned to achieve what no nation has accomplished in Olympic history: a complete women’s figure skating podium domination. Nakai, inspired by legendary skater Mao Asada, leads the competition after delivering one of only two successful triple axels during Tuesday’s short program. Sakamoto, the 2022 Beijing bronze medalist, trails by a mere point in what she暗示 might be her Olympic finale.

    Challenging the Japanese dominance is American skater Alysa Liu, who has positioned herself as the only non-Japanese contender within striking distance of the podium. The 20-year-old from California’s Bay Area has staged a remarkable comeback after a two-year retirement, during which she rediscovered her passion for skating. Her victory at last year’s World Championships—ending a 16-year American drought since Kimmie Meissner—preceded her current quest to become the first U.S. women’s Olympic champion since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

    The competition’s unpredictable variable arrives in the form of Russian skater Adeliia Petrosian (18), who competes as a neutral athlete amid Russia’s ongoing exclusion from international events due to geopolitical circumstances. As the latest prodigy from controversial coach Eteri Tutberidze’s stable, Petrosian represents the only contender capable of executing quadruple jumps—a technical element that could dramatically alter the competition’s outcome. Despite limited international exposure and concerns about inflated domestic scores, her Milan performances have demonstrated medal-winning potential.

    This showdown marks another chapter in Russia’s figure skating dominance, with no non-Russian athlete having claimed Olympic gold since South Korea’s Yuna Kim at the 2010 Vancouver Games. The evening promises not only technical excellence but compelling narratives of perseverance, national pride, and athletic legacy across generations of skaters.

  • Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Britain qualify for men’s curling semifinals at Olympics

    Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Britain qualify for men’s curling semifinals at Olympics

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO — The stage is set for thrilling men’s curling semifinals at the Milan Cortina Olympics following intense round-robin competitions. Canada will face Norway in a highly anticipated rematch after Norway’s decisive 8-6 victory earlier today, while undefeated Switzerland prepares to challenge Britain in Thursday evening’s critical matches.

    Canadian skip Brad Jacobs drew parallels to historical precedents, noting the situation evokes “deja vu from Sochi” referencing the 2014 Winter Games where Canada faced China consecutively in round-robin and semifinal matches before ultimately claiming gold. “We’re experienced with this, done this a lot,” Jacobs stated. “Hopefully, we can get off to a better start tonight.”

    The Swiss team enters the semifinals with an unblemished record, their confidence buoyed by strong team cohesion. Skip Yannick Schwaller emphasized the positive dynamics within his squad: “I would say it’s just a very good atmosphere in our group right now. Everybody is buying into what we’re doing.” Schwaller credited their success partly to the strategic guidance of renowned Canadian curler Glenn Howard, who joined as coach.

    Britain secured their semifinal position with a 5-4 record, advancing following Canada’s loss to Norway. Meanwhile, defending gold medalists Sweden have been eliminated from contention, and the United States team saw their semifinal hopes vanish with Canada’s defeat.

    On the women’s side, Sweden and Switzerland have already clinched semifinal berths. Sweden leads with seven wins against two losses (to Korea and Canada), while Switzerland follows closely with six victories and two defeats (to Japan and Sweden). Three nations—Canada, Korea, and the United States—remain tied for third place with identical 5-3 records, setting up a dramatic final round-robin session Thursday afternoon to determine the remaining two semifinal spots.

    The men’s semifinals commence at 7:05 PM local time Thursday, with medal matches scheduled throughout the weekend. The women’s semifinals will follow on Friday afternoon, culminating in gold medal contests on Sunday morning.

  • Two players are tied for the first-round lead at the LPGA Thailand tournament

    Two players are tied for the first-round lead at the LPGA Thailand tournament

    CHONBURI, Thailand – The LPGA Tour’s Asian swing commenced with impressive performances at the Siam Country Club Old Course, where Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and local favorite Chanettee Wannasaen seized a joint lead after Thursday’s opening round of the LPGA Thailand tournament.

    Hataoka, a five-time LPGA individual champion and 2021 U.S. Women’s Open runner-up, demonstrated exceptional precision throughout her bogey-free round. The 27-year-old golfer carded a 7-under 65, attributing her success to superior tee shots and iron play that created abundant birdie opportunities.

    Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen matched Hataoka’s score, delighting home crowds with an equally impressive performance that positioned her atop the leaderboard alongside the Japanese standout.

    Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh delivered the day’s most explosive start, opening her round with an eagle followed by three consecutive birdies. Dryburgh finished one stroke behind the leaders at 6-under 66, sharing third position with South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi and Somi Lee.

    The tournament features a tightly bunched leaderboard with world-class talent lurking close behind. Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand and former world number one Lydia Ko posted solid 67s, placing them among a ten-player group tied for sixth position just two strokes off the pace.

    Defending champion Angel Yin opened her title defense with a respectable 3-under 69, remaining within striking distance of the leaders.

    Notably absent from the Asian swing is world number two Nelly Korda, who won the season-opening Tournament of Champions in February under unusual circumstances when adverse weather conditions forced cancellation of the final round. Korda has opted to skip the three-tournament Asian segment for the third consecutive year, missing events in Thailand, Singapore, and China.

  • Italy wins the toss and elects to field against West Indies in its last T20 World Cup game

    Italy wins the toss and elects to field against West Indies in its last T20 World Cup game

    KOLKATA, India — In their concluding Group C match of the T20 World Cup on Thursday, the West Indies, having already secured their advancement to the Super 8s, faced an Italian squad seeking to conclude its inaugural ICC global tournament on a high note. Italy’s captain, Harry Manenti, won the toss and elected to field first, hoping his bowlers could exploit any early swing in the daytime conditions at the venue.

    Manenti continues to lead the Italian side after a tournament-ending shoulder injury to regular captain Wayne Madsen during their opening fixture. Despite losses to Scotland and England, the team garnered significant confidence from a stunning 10-wicket victory over Nepal. “We take some confidence from the England game and West Indies is another powerful team,” Manenti stated at the toss, expressing hope for early breakthroughs.

    The West Indies, entering the match with an unchanged lineup from their dominant nine-wicket win over Nepal, boast a formidable top order. Captain Shai Hope, along with Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford, have all recorded half-centuries throughout the group stage, demonstrating aggressive and powerful batting form. Hope expressed a philosophical view on losing the toss, noting, “it’s not in our hands.”

    In other tournament developments, Zimbabwe—the team responsible for eliminating Australia—was set to conclude its group stage against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, fresh from a narrow double tiebreaker defeat to South Africa, prepared to meet Canada in its final Group D match.

  • Verona prepares its ancient arena for the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday

    Verona prepares its ancient arena for the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday

    VERONA, Italy — The historic Roman Arena in Verona, a monument dating back to 1 A.D., served as the magnificent backdrop for the final celebration of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Sunday. Approximately 1,500 athletes gathered within the ancient amphitheater for a closing ceremony titled “Beauty in Motion,” which blended athletic achievement with Italian cultural artistry.

    Under the guidance of producer Alfredo Accatino, the production featured acclaimed ballet dancer Roberto Bolle and 350 volunteers who rehearsed secretly throughout the week. The conceptual framework explored beauty as a dynamic force, with Accatino explaining: “Beauty cannot be fixed in time. This ancient monument is beautiful if it is alive, if it continues to change. We want to narrate an Italy that is changing, and also the beauty of movement, sport, and nature.”

    The ceremony showcased prominent Italian performers including singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gabry Ponte, whose music echoed through the ancient structure during preparations. Elaborate costumes inspired by opera traditions were meticulously crafted by seamstresses in temporary dressing rooms.

    The production design incorporated a stage resembling a water droplet, symbolically connecting the mountain venues with the Po River Valley while acknowledging how climate change is transforming winter sports. The ceremony opened with athletes processing triumphantly through Piazza Bra into the Arena—a space that historically hosted gladiatorial combat and exotic animal hunts.

    Maria Laura Iascone, head of ceremonies for the local organizing committee, explained Verona’s selection over the smaller Cortina d’Ampezzo: “Only Italians can use such monuments to do special events. This is very unique, very rare.” The event maintained an intimate atmosphere with approximately 12,000 attendees, contrasting with the 60,000 spectators at Milan’s San Siro stadium opening.

    Logistical considerations included athletes traveling from six mountain venues, with some journeys lasting up to four hours. Environmental protections led to the replacement of traditional fireworks with a light show to prevent disturbing local wildlife.

    The Arena, recently upgraded with wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities, will host the Paralympic opening ceremony on March 6, with events continuing in Milan and Cortina until March 15.

  • Watch: Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala’s dream Dubai run continues

    Watch: Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala’s dream Dubai run continues

    In a stunning display of composure and skill, Philippine tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala extended her remarkable campaign at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a decisive victory over seasoned Romanian Sorana Cîrstea. The 20-year-old sensation secured her quarterfinal berth with a 7-5, 6-4 triumph before an enthusiastic crowd that included numerous Filipino supporters.

    Eala’s performance demonstrated both tactical maturity and offensive prowess as she navigated a tightly contested opening set before dominating the second with aggressive shot-making. This victory follows her impressive upset against world number eight Jasmine Paolini in the previous round, cementing her status as a rising force in women’s tennis.

    The win propels the history-making Filipina—currently ranked 40th globally and her nation’s highest-ranked player ever—into a highly anticipated quarterfinal confrontation with American star Coco Gauff. The two-time Grand Slam champion survived her own dramatic encounter, saving three match points against Belgium’s Elise Mertens in a three-set thriller.

    Eala acknowledged the significance of facing an established champion, stating: ‘I view this as an exceptional opportunity for growth. Regardless of Thursday’s outcome, the experience against a player of Coco’s caliber in a prestigious quarterfinal represents invaluable learning for my development.’

    Gauff, recognizing both Eala’s talent and the electric atmosphere expected for their match, commented: ‘Such vibrant crowd engagement ultimately benefits our sport. Alexandra has demonstrated her capabilities by defeating top-ten opponents convincingly, ensuring our match will present considerable challenges.’

    The marquee quarterfinal is scheduled for 7 PM Thursday on Centre Court, where Eala’s supporters are expected to create a passionate, football-like environment. Other quarterfinal matchups feature defending champion Mirra Andreeva against Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula versus Clara Tauson, and Elina Svitolina taking on Antonia Ruzic.