• Slug: Sports–Olympics High Performance Center, 1,000 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Walker Smith
Cronkite News

PARIS – Twelve miles north of central Paris sits the small, quiet suburb of Eaubonne. Despite its close proximity to the chaos of the French capital, the area is only filled with the sound of wind blowing through the trees and homes fit for quiet living. It may not seem like the 2024 Summer Olympics have touched this place, but just a 10-minute walk from the train station sits one of the most advanced training facilities the Games have to offer: Team USA’s high performance center.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee partnered with ATHLETICA to create a home base for Team USA in the small suburb. Disconnected but easily accessible to the Olympic Village, the Team USA HPC has state-of-the-art facilities that allow U.S. athletes feel more connected with each other. Continue reading “In quiet Paris suburb, Team USA elite athletes work out together at high performance training center”

• Slug: Sports–Olympics Mercury Big Three, 1,000 words.
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By Devon Henderson
Cronkite News

PARIS – The Phoenix Mercury have made a large donation of services to this year’s Summer Olympics. Despite sitting in the middle of the pack in the WNBA standings halfway through the season, the Mercury boast three players selected to the Team USA women’s basketball roster for Paris. They have the second largest contingent, only behind reigning back-to-back champions the Las Vegas Aces, who sent four.

The team has initiated its hunt for an eighth straight Olympics gold medal. It opened its campaign with a 102-76 win against Japan Monday and takes the court again Thursday against Belgium for its second group stage game.

Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, forward Kahleah Copper and center Brittney Griner will be aiding the country’s effort for gold. Although the team hasn’t exploded out of the gates in its 2024 campaign, it won five of its last seven before the Olympics break and is delivering three high profile and highly competitive players to Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve’s squad.

Continue reading “Taurasi, Griner, Copper: Mercury trio determined to help Team USA women’s basketball win gold”

• Slug: Sports–Social Media Olympics Woes, 1,000 words
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By David Bernauer
Cronkite News

PARIS – From fans attacking rugby standout Ilona Maher for her BMI to others questioning gymnast Simone Biles about her “just rolled out of bed” hair, social media has surfaced as a significant storyline at the Paris Games. It is the dark side of a tool that also serves as a powerful marketing agent for many Olympians.

Ilona Maher, the star of the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team, just became the most followed rugby player in the world following the team’s breakout performance at the Olympics. This week the bronze medalist became the first women’s rugby player to surpass one million Instagram followers and now boasts two million followers. With this meteoric rise in following came the hateful messages athletes, especially women athletes, receive in regards to their bodies. Continue reading “‘A 30% BMI’: Olympians’ love-hate relationship with social media on full display at Paris Games”

• Slug: Sports–Brandon McNulty Olympics, 1,700 words
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By Devon Henderson
Cronkite News

PARIS – The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic competition for spectators and hold a near spiritual meaning for its participants, especially those in individual sports. To earn the world’s most coveted gold neckwear, the games demand the athletes dig deep. They must abandon care for pain or fatigue and find a mind space filled exclusively with determination and fervor to reach their ultimate goal.

Few know this as well as Valley native Brandon McNulty, who is living the experience at the Paris Olympics. On Saturday, he just missed the podium in the men’s individual time trial for road cycling, finishing fifth – the best finish for a U.S. competitor – despite steady rain and 90% humidity. He has another opportunity to medal this Saturday in the 169.4-mile road race that will take him past memorable spots including the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles.

As usual, he will give it everything. Continue reading “After 5th place finish in time trials, Phoenix’s Brandon McNulty has another shot for Olympic gold in cycling road race”

• Slug: Sports–Native American Basketball Scholarships. 691 words.
• Photos available.

By Jorden Hampton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Amid the fierce competition and colorful pageantry of the largest all-Native American basketball tournament in North America, some numbers stood out.

There were 196 teams representing 180 tribal communities playing in the 21st annual Native American Basketball Invitational over five days last week, the tournament beginning on the 13 courts of Grand Canyon University and ending with Saturday’s girls and boys championships at the Footprint Center.

But the games were also the backdrop to some life-changing moments.

Keon Talgo, a 19-year-old Native American basketball player, always dreamed of going to college, but needed assistance to turn his dream into reality. Everything came together during an unforgettable and eye-popping moment at the NABI.

Talgo, dressed in a black dress shirt and gray slacks, received a $10,000 scholarship during halftime of the boys’ championship game in downtown Phoenix. Talgo belongs to the San Carlos Apache tribe and will attend Cornell College, a private liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in the fall to study engineering.

“I’m feeling great right now,” said Talgo, who helped lead Gilbert Christian High School’s boy’s basketball team to the 3A State Championship in February. “It really helps my family a lot financially to have this scholarship and I’m really grateful for NABI for selecting me.”

Continue reading “Hoops and scholarships: Native American Basketball Invitational provides intense competition, life-altering moments”

• Slug: Sports–Kirsten Kasper, 930 words
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By Scott Sandulli
Cronkite News

PARIS – The Valley remains a prime destination for snowbirds in winter months, providing comfortable, extended holiday seasons for anyone who doesn’t feel like shoveling snow and seeing their breath in freezing conditions.

Kirsten Kasper, a native New Englander, could be classified as such, but her purpose for welcoming winter weather is different. Once the snow start falling in her hometown of North Andover, Massachusetts, Kasper hightails it for the saguaros of Scottsdale to take in the sunshine, but also to let it light the clear roads and flowing waters to pursue her life’s passion: competing in the Summer Olympics.

Her decision has paid off. Kasper, 32 competes Wednesday in the Paris Olympics’ Women’s Triathlon. She is ranked 11th in World Triathlon rankings and among those favored to win a medal. Continue reading “From Scottsdale to Paris: ‘Snowbird’ triathlete Kirsten Kasper takes roads and waters less traveled to Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports–River Seine Triathlon Postponed, 780 words
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By Scott Sandulli
Cronkite News

PARIS – As many expected in the lead up to the Olympic Games, the River Seine has been a major headache for the International Olympic Committee. Its most recent migraine regarding the iconic waterway’s cleanliness has been its biggest, with dangerous levels of contaminants in the water causing the postponement of Tuesday’s Men’s Triathlon Final.

“The conditions weren’t right to put the athletes in the Seine today,” IOC sports director Kit McConnell said. “Of course we try and run everything on schedule, but you’ve heard the reasons why.”

Continue reading “Men’s triathlon postponed as Seine River fails to meet safety requirements for Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports–Keaton Jones Swimming Olympics, 1,200 words.
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By Zach Bradshaw
Cronkite News

PARIS – Keaton Jones is making waves and breaking ground. He is believed to be the first swimmer in 16 years to come through Arizona age-group competition and reach the Olympic Games.

The Highley High School graduate, 19, will represent the United States in the men’s 200-meter backstroke Wednesday after finishing second to two-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy at the Olymic Trials in June.

He swims at the University of California, Berkeley, but his skills are rooted in Arizona. In addition to dominating the local scene, he’s broken Guinness World Records in ice swimming, helped raise over $24,000 for first responders and shattered numerous records at his high school. Continue reading “Former Higley High swimmer Keaton Jones ready to showcase backstroke skills in Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports–Khalia Lanier Olympics Volleyball. 650 words.
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By Abigail Scott
Cronkite News

PARIS – It can be hard growing up in the shadow of greatness. Even though that was the case for Khalia Lanier, she managed to forge her own path.

She recently was selected as an alternate for the Team USA women’s volleyball team and will come to the Paris Olympics if needed.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” the Scottsdale native said. “Always take a step back and get perspective, enjoy your journey, and be willing to make changes if needed.” Continue reading “Scottsdale volleyball standout and daughter of NBA great Bob Lanier forges own path as Paris Olympics alternate”

• Slug: Sports–Bec Allen Olympics. 1014 words.
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By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – A young Rebecca Allen was the first to wake, wipe her eyes and rise out of bed in her Australian household on Christmas mornings. Her mission: wake up her parents and brother. The Phoenix Mercury guard cherishes the December holiday and, even more so, family, but her consistent Christmas morning routine reflects her commitment to applying herself to whatever she loves.

At roughly 12, she found a new love: basketball. This love has provided Allen with a resume that includes a 2018 FIBA World Cup silver medal and an eight-year WNBA career, but also difficult setbacks.

Allen withdrew from the Paris Olympics after she suffered a high-grade hamstring injury in the Opals’ final exhibition match against Canada last Tuesday. Without its star, the medal contenders, thanks to 26 turnovers, suffered an upsetting 75-62 defeat to Nigeria in its first group phase match Monday.

Allen responded to the news of her injury on X, formerly Twitter, saying that she was “Shattered.”

“I feel terrible for Bec,” Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said. “These are opportunities you dream of as a kid – an opportunity to represent your country against the best in the world – and it’s taken away from you right before the Olympics. It’s devastating.”

Continue reading “Mercury forward Rebecca Allen’s past trials offer hope after Olympics injury”

• Slug: Sports–Alliance Francaise Phoenix, 940 words.
• Photo available.

By Doyal D’angelo
Cronkite News

PARIS – As much as providing cultural workshops helps to encourage positive exchange and understanding between French and U.S. citizens, breaking the language barrier can be a challenge for both the teacher and the student.

It makes for a 360-degree learning experience for everyone involved. Enter the Alliance Francaise of Greater Phoenix, whose goal is to encourage the study of French language and to promote the appreciation of the country’s culture.

With the Paris Olympics underway, interest in French culture is greater than ever. Americans have long been fascinated by the country’s history, fashion and food. The late French general and politician Charles de Gaulle once said, “How can anyone govern a nation that has 246 different kinds of cheese?” Continue reading “Bonjour! With backdrop of Paris Olympics, Valley’s Alliance Francaise aims to improve understanding of French culture”

• Slug: Sports–Khjarun ASU Team Canada, 570 words.
• Photo available.

By Zach Bradshaw
Cronkite News

PARIS – Athleticism is clearly in the bloodlines.

Arizona State swimmer Ilya Kharun, who will compete for Team Canada Tuesday in the Paris Olympics, comes from a family who understands the demands of physicality. His parents, Valeriy and Oksama Kharoun, were longtime acrobats with Cirque du Soleil. His sister, Dasha, is also a Cirque performer.

All eyes will be on the son this week, however, as he competes in the 200-meter butterfly Tuesday and the 100-meter butterfly Friday in the Paris Olympics. Continue reading “Cirque du Hooray: ASU celebrates swimmer Ilya Khjarun’s participation with Team Canada in Paris”

• Slug: Sports–Taurasi Age Olympics, 700 words.
• Photo available.

By Doyal D’angelo
Cronkite News

PARIS – Diana Taurasi is clearly tired of questions about her age.

“It’s something that I’ve been doing since I was 5,” Taurasi, 42, said Monday. “It is something that I’ve dedicated my whole life to, and it’s just so easy for a question to be brought up in a manner where it’s not meant to be disrespectful, but if you’re the person being asked, it is a bit disrespectful.”

The Mercury veteran and the U.S. women’s basketball team start their quest for yet another gold medal Monday. Continue reading “‘Bit disrespectful’: Diana Taurasi pushes back on questions about age, female stereotypes at Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports–One For All Olympics Campaign, 800 words.
• Photo available.

By Scott Sandulli
Cronkite News

PARIS – In front of the Team USA House at Palais Brongniart, red white and blue clad visitors make their way in and out of the historic site at the 16th Arrondissement with no shortage of enthusiasm. The overcast skies with waiting rain had little effect on the excitement and anticipation of the night’s opening ceremony, as fans prepared to brave the elements and greet their nation’s top athletes at the Seine River and watch parties across Paris.

While one can combat some raindrops with an umbrella, staying dry beneath the political downpour stateside isn’t so achievable. In an age of turmoil and division from the White House to the grassroots, the ever-growing rifts and divisions seen in the U.S. today have arguably reached an all-time high. Even in an election year, for the next two weeks, the drama of U.S. politics at least has a headline competitor with the Olympics, where whom you’re voting for takes a backseat to simply being an American, whether competing for or cheering on the Stars and Stripes. Continue reading “‘One For All’ campaign hopes to unite U.S. athletes, fans during unprecedented time of division”

• Slug: Sports–Jade Carey Gymnastics Olympics, 970 words.
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• Video available.

By Tyler Bednar
Cronkite News

PARIS – Jade Carey, a Mountain Ridge High School alumnus and former competitor at Arizona Sunrays, is back in the Summer Olympics. This is her second trip to the Summer Games after she competed for Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won the gold medal in the floor exercise.

“I would say it’s really rewarding and special,” Carey said. “I never thought that I would even get there once, so to get there twice means that much more to me.

Carey, 24, has pushed through a difficult first few days at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Continue reading “Phoenix native Jade Carey overcomes illness at Paris Olympics, moves to 2nd in vault”

• Slug: Sports–Gary Hall Olympics, 2,800 words.
• Photos available.

By Zach Bradshaw
Cronkite News

PARIS – Team USA swimming will have a target on its back. After dominating the medal count in eight straight Olympic Games, the U.S. has become the hunted, and the greatest predator is Australia.

The Australia-U.S. swimming rivalry is a major storyline In Paris. In a video promotion for the Games, NBC used videos of former U.S. swimmers and newspaper headlines to hype up the rivalry. The video credited 10-time Olympic medalist and longtime Valley resident Gary Hall Jr. for having “started” the rivalry.

“I got off the airplane in Sydney for the Olympic Games and it was like ‘balky American, brash asshole Gary Hall Jr. is now off once again,’ and said that the Americans are going to smash the Australians,” Hall said. Continue reading “‘Ugly American’ Gary Hall Jr. finds peace after Olympics media scrutiny, diabetes struggle”

• Slug: Sports–Olympics Opening Ceremony. 780 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Devon Henderson
Cronkite News

PARIS – Filmmakers use it to enhance a cinematic scene with emotion, drama and urgency. On Friday night, Paris put on one of the world’s grandest productions, broadcast worldwide to over a billion people across the globe, and Mother Nature decided to intervene with that same element.

Rain.

As the heavens above the City of Light opened up for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony, dumping rain on the spectacle below, the drama was heightened. While most of the just under 7,000 athletes that cruised down the river Seine – in various boats with their fellow countrymen – adorned clear ponchos so as not to ruin their perfectly tailored suits underneath, many of the thousands of fans at viewing parties in local parks across Paris weren’t so lucky. They hardly noticed. Continue reading “Rain can’t dampen mood as fans celebrate inclusive vibe of Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony”

• Slug: Sports–ASU women’s golf Olympics. 641 words.
• Photo available.

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

TEMPE – As the Paris Olympics begin, Arizona State’s Missy Farr-Kaye’s fingerprints are all over the golf competition as the Sun Devils women’s coach. Five of her former Sun Devils will represent Tempe on the world stage in a show of the program’s longstanding success.

“Well I just think it’s such a great reflection of what we do, why we do it and why I do it,” Farr-Kaye said Wednesday. “And it’s great to see all the details, the things that we do every day in the grind and trying to help our athletes be successful on and off the golf course. It is wonderful to see them be so externally successful.

ASU’s Linn Grant, the Swede who became the first woman to become a two-time winner of the DP World Tour, and Alexandra Forsterling, a four-time Ladies European Tour champion, will join Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz and Italy’s Alessandra Fanali.

Continue reading “ASU women’s golf program showcases strength with five Olympians in Paris”

• Slug: Sports–Gay Paris Olympics, 1,400 words. 
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• Video available

By Abigail Scott
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE – In the heart of Scottsdale, La Belle Vie Bakery is creating more than pastries; it’s creating a cultural connection as the world focuses on the Paris Olympics. At the Uptown Farmers Market, this vendor stands out, drawing in Arizona locals with the promise of authentic French cuisine.

The bakery’s commitment to French culinary tradition is evident in every product on the counter. From the flaky brioche croissants to traditionally crafted baguettes, each item is made to transport customers back to France. It is one of approximately a dozen French-influenced bakeries in the Phoenix area.

“Food is the living soul of a culture. It passes from generation to generation,” the La Belle Vie website says. Continue reading “5,000 miles away from Paris Olympics, Valley’s French bakeries find connection with community”

• Slug: Sports–WNBA International Appeal. 1490 words.
• Photos available.

By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The basketball world converged on the Valley for this year’s historic WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing not only the sport’s elite talent but also its international reach. The weekend underscored how deeply interconnected the game remains between fans and players across the globe.

International interest, which involves fans and players from multiple countries, has significantly impacted the growth of the WNBA. From the league’s early years, international stars like Lauren Jackson, Michele Timms and Jennifer Azzi have attracted global attention. Over the years, many players have spent WNBA offseasons overseas, in countries like Turkey and Russia, to make more money and play at high levels.

For example, longtime Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi played overseas for 12 seasons in Russia and Turkey, where she won numerous titles worldwide. She retired from international play in 2017 (excluding the Olympics) but not before sitting out a WNBA season at the request of her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, sparking discussions about the WNBA’s salary cap.

Throughout her career with the Mercury, Taurasi played with international teammates such as Australian Penny Taylor (her spouse of seven years), Russian Maria Stepanova, and under Australian coach Sandy Brondello.

“The international players have always been an integral part of this league, especially here in Phoenix,” Taurasi said last Friday. “We talked about our Australian contingency with Penny (Taylor), (Michele Timms), and then you have it on the coaching side, too, with Sandy (Brondello) and bringing that international experience.

“So it’s a huge part of our league. The game grows internationally every single year and after 20 years, it’s in a really good place.”

Continue reading “WNBA’s international appeal lures players and fans as the women’s game explodes in popularity”