Sports Buzz

Tag: Gymnastics – English

  • Livvy Dunne's teammate, Aleah Finnegan, impressed everyone with her floor routine ahead of the SEC Championship

    Livvy Dunne's teammate, Aleah Finnegan, impressed everyone with her floor routine ahead of the SEC Championship

    Livvy Dunne and the LSU gymnastics team are set to keep shining this season; they are now on the SEC Championship along with Oklahoma, Florida, and Missouri; this is divided into two sessions inside the Alabama facilities.

    The Livvy’s teammate is just 23 years old. She stunned everyone during the practice with her spectacular and perfect floor routine, just a few hours before the gymnastics SEC Championship would begin.

    A new queen! Aleah Finnegan, Livvy Dunne’s teammate, impacted everyone with her floor routine

    Aleah Finnegan, one of the most talented athletes in the US gymnastics program, used to represent the US in international competencies. In 2021 prior to the Olympic games selection she ended fifth in the all-around behind Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Kayla DiCello, and Grace McCallum of the UK gymnastics classic.

    Finnegan, the current representative of the Philippines, decided to compete for the country in international competitions starting in 2022. The International Gymnastics Federation approved her nationality change in May of that year. At the 2021 Southeast Asian Games, which were postponed to 2022, she led the Filipino team to first place in the team competition. Individually, she finished second in the all-around category, behind Rifda Irfanaluthfi of Indonesia.

    The LSU gymnastics team is the reigning NCAA champion and is currently fighting to defend their title. This season is particularly significant for some team members, including Olivia Dunne, who is in her super senior year and has announced that she will be earning her diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies.

    Two weeks ago, in the final matchup of the SEC regular season, the standout performer was 18-year-old Kailin Chio, who achieved her first perfect score of 10 in her career. This remarkable feat helped secure a number 2 seed for LSU, along with a co-championship with Oklahoma.



    Source link

  • Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes celebrate Valentine's Day like Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost

    Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes celebrate Valentine's Day like Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost

    Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne continue to captivate fans with their high-profile relationship and they once again caught all the eyes with their Valentine’s Day celebration, reminiscent of the famous Ghost movie, featuring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.

    As Skenes prepares for a big season on the mound with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Dunne dazzles with her gymnastics performances, the couple managed to squeeze in a special celebration that stirred memories of the iconic pottery scene.

    Dunne took to Instagram to share glimpses of their unique date, where the duo attended a pottery class and the images immediately evoked comparisons to the famous scene from Ghost, where Moore and Swayze created pottery together in a moment of pure romance.

    The 22-year-old Dunne, who stars with the LSU Tigers, was dressed in a stunning red nightgown and posted a set of photos, tagging Skenes with three red hearts in a message simply reading, “@PAULSKENES.”

    Skenes also joined in on the festivities by sharing a heartfelt tribute to Dunne on his Instagram story. The Pirates‘ sensational pitcher posted a photo of Dunne proudly holding the 2024 NCAA Trophy.

    The 22-year-old, voted the National League Rookie of the Year, added the snap of his beau with the caption, “My Valentine.”

    Dunne x Skenes: America’s latest sports power couple?

    Skenes took the baseball world by storm with an impressive 1.96 earned run average and an 11-3 record and is being counted on as the ace for the Pirates‘ upcoming season, determined to build on his success and lead his team to postseason once again.

    The Pirates finished with a .459 record and 76 wins at the PNC Park but missed out on the playoffs in the National League Central, which proved to be highly competitive between the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, St Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.

    Meanwhile, Dunne continues to shine with LSU gymnastics as an integral part of the team for an additional year, demonstrating her commitment and passion for the sport. Her influence extends beyond the gym as well, as she remains one of the most followed college athletes on social media, inspiring young gymnasts nationwide.



    Source link

  • Simone Biles cements her legacy as her former coach honors the GOAT who's shaping the future of USA gymnastics

    Simone Biles cements her legacy as her former coach honors the GOAT who's shaping the future of USA gymnastics

    Simone Biles’ remarkable career reached another pinnacle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she added four more medals to her collection: three golds in the women’s all-around, vault and team competitions, and a silver in the floor exercise. At 27, she became the oldest U.S. gymnast to compete in the Olympics in more than seven decades, defying expectations and cementing her status as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. With 11 Olympic medals, she is now tied with Czech gymnast Vera Caslavska, trailing only Larisa Latynina’s record 18. Her dominance in Paris reignited debates about her place in history and whether she should have been named TIME’s Athlete of the Year instead ofCaitlin Clark. While Biles received the honor in 2021, many believe her recent accomplishments warranted a second title.

    Biles’ Legacy Continues

    Recently, Biles made headlines not for competition, but for a heartfelt reunion. Accompanied by her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, she visited Athens, Georgia, where she reconnected with her former coach, Cecile Canqueteau-Landi. The two shared an emotional moment at Stegeman Coliseum, where Landi, now Georgia’s co-head gymnastics coach, welcomed Biles with open arms. Landi coached Biles from 2017 through her historic Olympic run in 2024, before moving on to lead Georgia’s program. Despite parting ways professionally, their bond remains strong, a testament to the impact Landi had on Biles’ triumphant return to the world stage after the challenges she faced at Tokyo 2021.

    Beyond her own accomplishments, Biles continues to shape the sport for future generations. The Biles International Invitational, held annually at the World Champions Center-her family’s facility in Texas-has become a signature event for young gymnasts who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Since 2018, the competition has attracted more than 2,000 female gymnasts, providing a platform for rising stars. Biles recently expressed her gratitude for hosting the event, emphasizing her commitment to elevating gymnastics beyond her competitive years. While she has yet to fully unpack from her trip to the Paris Olympics, her continued presence in the sport suggests she’s not quite ready to leave it behind.

    Biles and Owens Future as a Couple

    Looking ahead, Biles’ competitive career with Team USA may be over, but her impact will likely continue. With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon, she could take on a mentorship role and help guide the next generation of American gymnasts. Just as the U.S. dominated gymnastics in Paris, her expertise could play a crucial role in keeping the nation atop the podium. Away from the mat, her presence in the NFL world has also been notable. As arguably the most famous WAG in the league after Taylor Swift, Biles has drawn attention to her husband’s team. But unlike Travis Kelce and the Chiefs, Jonathan Owens and the Chicago Bears have struggled, as they finished the season losing 10 of their last 11 games. Now, with new head coach Ben Johnson and sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams, Chicago is looking for a turnaround in 2025.



    Source link

  • Olivia Dunne splurges on luxury purchases thanks to her NIL deals no matter how pricey they can get

    Olivia Dunne splurges on luxury purchases thanks to her NIL deals no matter how pricey they can get

    Olivia Dunne is one of the highest-paid athletes in America thanks to her NIL deals, and she certainly knows how to spend her money in style. While some argue that her spending is all part of a strategy to make even more money, they can’t deny that her NIL deals definitely pay off-big time.

    Sure, some people question whether these lavish expenses are really necessary, but for many, it just proves that Olivia knows how to stay grounded. After all, she’s still a college student, yet she’s out there making luxury purchases like a pro.

    Olivia’s lavish spending

    It seems like Livvy makes these splurges because she genuinely loves sharing what she gets with the people she cares about-the ones who supported her before she became one of the highest-paid college athletes thanks to her name, image, and likeness. While some might see it as just heavy spending, she sees it as a way to give back to those who’ve been there for her.

    This isn’t the first time Liv’s treated her family to something special. Not long ago, she surprised her mom with a beach house for her birthday-a gift that feels extra personal. Olivia often gathers her family there, making it the perfect place to spend quality time together.

    This time, she made her sister’s day by gifting her a luxury car that’s got style written all over it. While some people might see the house as an investment and the Jeep as just a pricey splurge, Livvy’s only goal was to make her sister happy.

    Of course, there are always trolls online who claim that influencers use these “gifts” to rack up views or likes. They wonder if it’s a genuine gesture or just a way to hook followers.

    Olivia’s thoughtful way of giving back?

    It’s hard not to see the love behind it all. Based on one what her fans say, Olivia’s the type of person who clearly values her family, and if she’s able to share her success with them. It seems like for her, it’s about making memories and showing appreciation for the people who’ve been there from the start. She’s worked hard to get where she is, and it’s no surprise that she’s excited to share the perks with those she holds close.

    At the end of the day, whether people see it as a “hook” or just a way to get likes, it’s Olivia’s choice how she expresses her gratitude. And no matter what the critics say, it’s clear that she’s making a real impact in the lives of the people she loves-whether it’s with a house, a truck, or just quality time spent together.



    Source link

  • Simone Biles snubs 2024 Olympics team and names her favorite teammate

    Simone Biles snubs 2024 Olympics team and names her favorite teammate

    Simone Biles names Aly Raisman as her favorite Team USA colleague as the 27-year-old looks over Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles and the rest of her 2024 Olympic Games team, who she won a gold medal with in Paris over the summer.

    Biles and her girls claimed the prize in the team event at the Bercy Arena in France on July 30, whilst she went on to add two more golds in the all-around and the vault and a silver in the floor exercise. Yet despite the success, none of them made the top cut for her.

    Simone Biles picks her favorite rapper between Kendrick Lamar or Drake and says that she’s gonna get roasted

    However, it isn’t personal, it’s because she viewed Raisman as a mentor and praised her as someone she looked up to. Now at the miraculous age of 27 for an artistic gymnast, Biles is the person her teammates look up to.

    “Favorite teammate ever: Ali Raisman,” Biles told Sports Illustrated. “I looked up to her so much.

    “She was such a good role model. She always kept my nerves down. We were two peas in a pod, and we’re really close to this day.”

    When did Raisman and Biles compete together?

    Biles broke onto the Olympics scene in 2016 when she claimed four gold medals and a bronze in Rio de Janeiro, her debut at the Summer Games. That happened to be Raisman‘s last Olympics tournament at the age of 22, and as one of the seniors in the troop she helped guide the rookie Texan.

    Raisman was a success too with two gold medals and a bronze at London 2012, as well as two silvers (behind Biles) and a gold in Brazil.

    She also won two golds at the World Championships (2011, 2015), as well as one silver (2010) and one bronze (2011).

    The 30-year-old was on the USA national team from 2009-2012 and then 2014-2017, meaning she was there when Biles joined in 2012.



    Source link

  • WNBA fans defend Caitlin Clark after losing AP votes to controversial Olympic boxer

    WNBA fans defend Caitlin Clark after losing AP votes to controversial Olympic boxer

    Caitlin Clark’s stellar debut WNBA season earned her the Associated Press (AP) Rookie of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year honors in 2024. While the latter accolade was expected after Clark’s meteoric rise, it wasn’t without controversy, as a few votes went to other athletes, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif, whose Paris Olympics performance stirred public debate.

    Clark secured 35 of the 74 votes from AP journalists, while Biles received 25. Khelif placed third with four votes, despite widespread criticism surrounding her inclusion in the voting due to controversies related to gender debates during her Olympic run. The voting sparked a passionate response from WNBA fans, many of whom took to social media to defend Clark’s win and criticize the panel’s decisions.

    Caitlin Clark has a joyful response when she signs autographs for her youngest fans ever

    “Khelif getting any votes is absurd,” one fan wrote, referencing the backlash surrounding Khelif’s participation in women’s boxing. Others expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the votes, with one quipping, “Must’ve been Caitlin Clark’s ‘privilege’ that got her named Female Athlete of the Year-because dominating the court and redefining women’s basketball isn’t enough anymore.”

    Clark, who addressed issues of race and privilege in her TIME Athlete of the Year profile, has faced polarized reactions from fans. While many praised her for using her platform to support Black athletes, others criticized her comments as unnecessary or performative. “CC disappointed me with her white privilege crap, but she is very talented. Glad to see an actual woman win this award,” one social media user posted.

    Caitlin Clark’s historic impact on Women’s Basketball

    Despite the drama, Clark’s impact on women’s basketball is undeniable. ESPN analyst and former AP Female Athlete of the Year Rebecca Lobo praised Clark for bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA. “She’s elevated the sport in a way we’ve never seen before,” Lobo told AP, adding that Clark’s composure under scrutiny has been remarkable.

    Clark’s Indiana Fever team shattered attendance records, averaging over 17,000 fans per game, while the WNBA saw a 48% overall increase in attendance compared to the previous season. Her Rookie of the Year campaign was capped by game-changing performances that drew millions of viewers, bolstering the league’s profile.

    The uproar over the voting also highlights ongoing cultural debates in sports, with some fans expressing frustration at the inclusion of athletes like Khelif in categories traditionally reserved for women (even if she is one).

    As Clark continues to shine, the controversy underscores her dual role as an athlete and cultural figure navigating the complexities of modern sports.



    Source link

  • Simone Biles is left hanging during her handshake with Jonathan Owens nearly getting him in trouble

    Simone Biles is left hanging during her handshake with Jonathan Owens nearly getting him in trouble

    Known for being a dedicated wife despite her hectic schedule, Simone Biles has always prioritized family and made it a tradition to cheer on her husband, Jonathan Owens, at Chicago Bears games.

    Simone has often been compared to Brittany Mahomes, who shares plenty of NFL moments, and Biles clearly isn’t aiming to be left behind. With her energetic presence, unforgettable celebrations, and stunning outfits, she’s always the center of attention. However, a recent video revealed that even she isn’t immune to a little awkwardness, as she shared an uncomfortable moment with her husband on the field.

    Related:

    Simone Biles isn’t immune to awkward moments

    Owens nearly found himself in hot water with Biles after almost forgetting their secret handshake, and to make matters worse, it happened while they were being filmed. Biles stood there, hand outstretched, waiting for the Bears’ safety to catch on to what they had clearly rehearsed. When Owens finally reacted, the handshake turned out pretty smooth, but it was almost a complete flop-turning what could’ve been an even more awkward moment than it already was.

    Another moment that turned heads was Biles patiently waiting for her husband to give her a playful good luck spank. The gesture was so intimate that some onlookers couldn’t help but look away, feeling like they were witnessing a private moment. The video quickly became even more entertaining, as it packed a surprising amount of action into just a few short seconds.

    A near-miss handshake keep fans entertained

    Simone Biles’ presence at Chicago Bears games always stirs up excitement, as her star power draws attention, and fans love seeing her cheer on her husband. Even though she almost got overlooked, their handshake became an undeniably cute moment between the two. Many fans called it “couple goals,” bringing a burst of positive energy to the game.

    The brief hiccup highlighted the playful, down-to-earth side of their relationship, reminding everyone that even star athletes have their awkward moments. Social media buzzed with reactions, as fans celebrated the couple’s charm and humor, turning what could have been a flop into yet another viral “couple goals” moment that brought smiles both on and off the field.



    Source link

  • Simone Biles sports new hairstyle after ditching 'Prada Bob'

    Simone Biles sports new hairstyle after ditching 'Prada Bob'

    Simone Biles recently wowed fans with a stunning new look-a sleek, edgy bob that’s already being called the “Prada Bob.”

    Known for her fearless approach to style, Simone traded in her signature long, middle-parted hair for this bold transformation, proving once again that she can pull off any look with confidence.

    Her new bob is a dramatic change, and as she proudly owns it, she continues to live by her mantra.

    “Don’t come for me about my hair,” Biles has stated previously.

    Pilates are becoming a key part of Biles’ own profession

    But it’s not just her hair that’s making waves-Simone has also been making Pilates a major part of her routine. Although she’s admitted that Pilates can be challenging for her, Simone is pushing through and embracing the workout.

    Recently, she shared an Instagram story of herself sporting a sleek black leather jacket, showing off her “Pilates hair”-a sleek and polished style that highlights her dedication to the practice.

    The hairstyle is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is also very practical, especially for an athlete who needs to practice on a daily basis.

    She needs to be able to work at a moment’s notice and not worry about her hair being in the way, or even posing a danger to her during a routine.

    As Simone prepares for future competitions, Pilates seems to be playing a more significant role in her training, especially after her phenomenal success at the Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals.

    It appears Pilates is becoming a secret weapon for Simone as she works on her strength, flexibility, and overall fitness in preparation for 2025. With her commitment to pushing her limits, it looks like Simone is already gearing up to dominate once again.



    Source link

  • Simone Biles addresses retirement speculation after Paris Olympics

    Simone Biles addresses retirement speculation after Paris Olympics

    Simone Biles has once again taken the gymnastics world by storm, winning four medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But as soon as the games ended, the focus quickly shifted to one pressing question: Is Simone Biles retiring? Despite being only 27, speculation around Biles‘ retirement has intensified, largely due to the sport’s history of short athletic careers.

    Biles, however, isn’t ready to hang up her leotard just yet. “In gymnastics, the longevity has never been there,” she explained in a recent interview, adding, “This isn’t normal what we’re doing.” Indeed, Biles‘ incredible comeback after stepping away from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health struggles was nothing short of extraordinary.

    Simone Biles: “Nunca pens que volvera a pisar una pista de gimnasia despus de lo que pas”VDEO AP

    A historic comeback and an uncertain future

    Biles is no stranger to the pressure of performing on the world’s biggest stage. After Tokyo, where she made the tough decision to withdraw from multiple events, many believed she would retire. But her remarkable return at Paris, where she claimed three gold medals, solidified her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

    In an interview, Biles expressed her frustration with the constant retirement talk. “As soon as you finish the Olympics, they’re like, ‘What’s next?’ and I’m like, ‘Damn, I can’t even relish in this moment.’” For Biles, the focus now is on her mental and physical health, and she has no immediate plans to make any decisions about her gymnastics career.

    However, when asked directly about retirement, Biles left the door wide open: “You never say never… The next Olympics is on home turf.” While she hasn’t committed to competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, her recent post on X (formerly Twitter) gave fans hope, stating, “I haven’t retired though.”

    Life beyond the gym

    Despite the ongoing retirement rumors, Biles is anything but idle. After the Olympics, she launched her Gold Over America tour, which celebrates gymnastics and takes her across 30 cities. For Biles, the tour is about more than just performing. “It’s sharing the love and passion we have for the sport with our audience,” she said.

    With a busy schedule that includes her tour and even starting a new restaurant, Biles has shown no signs of slowing down. As for whether she’ll compete in 2028, only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Simone Biles is far from done making history.



    Source link

  • Michael Phelps has become Simone Biles's inspiration with a special career achievement she looks to carry on

    Michael Phelps has become Simone Biles's inspiration with a special career achievement she looks to carry on

    There is absolutely no question that Simone Biles is one of the most important athletes in American history and her name is written in gold alongside Michael Phelps. This two will be linked forever as two of the top gold medal winners in the Olympic Games.

    Interestingly enough, Biles has taken what she saw in Phelps as inspiration because of his peak performance during the Beijing Olympics and after 2008 with him reaching the 23 golden-medal mark. Simone looks to carry the torch in gymnastics.

    From child prodigy to Olympic icon: Simone Biles’ emotional journey resurfaces in viral video

    And it will be carried with a great significance as she has also been named one of the most influential sports personalities in the world by Sports Illustrated taking now a position that has been occupied by in 16 years.

    Matching Michael Phelps

    Simone Biles’ work ethic has put her in this very spot, as this is the first time that an American Olympian has been considered to be in first place of this prestigious list since Michael Phelps did it more than 15 years ago.

    She took her time after Rio and then started to work harder to accomplish her achieving double digit medals in the past Olympic Games and the list from Sports Illustrated proves that she is one of a kind.

    Biles won back-to-back four Olympic medals and all this has to be compared to what Phelps did throughout his incredible career. Now Simone will look to continue the legacy of the Olympian winner as she is one of her own.



    Source link