Theresa Bostick Competes At Jan Tana Classic (1999)

The Status of Sports Illustrated

 

Sports Illustrated has laid off staff. The sports magazine is in serious financial consternation. A combination of corporate avarice, mismanagement, and faults in the capitalist business model might be the demise of the magazine. Sports Illustrated was purchased by the Authentic Brands Group in 2019. This corporation has owned a number of brands, which has essential reduced business competition. The Arena Group which has the license to publish Sport Illustrated  made serious error. The realization that some articles written with AI generated controversy. The failure to expand in terms of online publication and social media pushed the magazine behind. Consumers of a certain age are not going to read newspapers or magazines. The platforms and consumption of entertainment has changed. The corporate practice of terminating staff to increase profits is more prevalent. Authentic Brands Group's executive leadership is making more and will not accept cuts in pay to save the magazine. Unionized workers were given a notice in advance and those not part of a labor union were terminated immediately. Just being part of a labor union does not ensure job security. Print journalism is slowly becoming a relic of the past. The nature of sports reporting is also undergoing transformation. Arena Group is attempting to reach an agreement with Authentic Brands Group. Without some licensing publication Sports Illustrated could cease. The magazine started in 1954 and has become an icon of sports journalism. While the status of Sports Illustrated remains unknown, it amassed a major following in its 69 years of circulation. 

American Gladiators Documentary Muscles And Mayhem Is Coming To Netflix

 

Muscles and Mayhem : An Unauthorized Story of The American Gladiators will be streaming on Netflix. The show ran from 1989 to 1996 and was a popular game show that featured a number of bodybuilders facing off against various contestants. The show was the essence of 1990s American  culture. Sports, prevalent commercialization, and the image of action hero are the best way to describe the American Gladiators craze .   The documentary will look at the rise of popularity, the lives of the gladiators, and the challenges that came with producing such a unique show. There have been attempts to revive the series. The 2008 version only lasted two seasons. The original American Gladiators ran for 208 episodes and seven seasons. The Netflix documentary will cover some of the controversial elements surrounding the show. Performance enhancing drug use, conflict during competition, and injury rates were concerns. Granted the Netflix production will have a good amount of sensationalism to gain viewership. While their documentaries are fascinating they sometimes feel too much like a tabloid. ESPN also has produced a documentary about the show. The fact these two documentaries are being produced indicates there could be interest in having the franchise revived. At its height the show had products like shirts, lunchboxes, video games, and action figures. A cartoon was rumored to be in development, but nothing came of this. Although it seems that American Gladiators remains in pop-culture dormancy, it hold a special place in nostalgic memory. Muscles and Mayhem : An Unauthorized Story of The American Gladiators  should  be a must watch for any devoted fan.  

Dana Shemesh Is Coming Out Of Retirement

 

Dana Shemesh is coming out of retirement. The most notable Israeli bodybuilder will step on stage again, which she confirmed on her Twitter page. Dana will be heading to Romania to compete in the Olympia Masters. The contest will be held August 26th. Dana announced that she was retired from competition in 2020. Two years she was away, but did not stop training. Dana Shemesh will be the first Israeli woman to compete in the Olympia Masters. The reason she returned was due to her love of the sport. Dana has been active in bodybuilding and fitness since 2010. To her this is an pure enjoyment. Maybe the retirement in 2020 was not an actual one. It was more of a brief hiatus. Competitors going into retirement and then reappearing is not a rare occurrence. Lenda Murray returned to competition in 2002 and won another Ms. Olympia in 2003. Another incentive to return is the prize money. Winners can get up to $229,000. Dana Shemesh did not say that was a major motivator to return. The possibility of getting that reward could be athletes that push to get back on stage. So far, Dana Shemesh has not revealed much about her strategy for competition. Seeing as her experience is vast getting back on stage should be easy. Dana Shemesh has competed in fitness, physique, and bodybuilding. She never really retired in a sense, rather took a two year break.   

World Athletics Bans Transwomen From Competition

 

World Athletics has officially banned transwomen from competition. No category is provided for them and transwomen would not be allowed to compete in the men's category. Another ban has been issued to women with differences in sexual development. Women with SDS are not transwomen, so it is puzzling why they were included in the new policy. The argument is that both transwomen and women with SDS have an unfair athletic advantage. There are few transwomen active in sports and there is not enough data on their performance to say it is impossible for cisgender women to compete with them. Sexual reassignment surgery and hormone replacement does reduce testosterone levels. World Athletics intends to within a year address the issue of transwomen's inclusion. Sebastian Coe President of World Athletics admitted that there are no transwomen currently active in elite international competition. The assertion of protection of female athletes is dubious. Scientific data has shown that transwomen do not remain the same athletic performance, prior to transition. The question remains whether or not all physical advantages can be reduced. If bans can be applied to one group and can be done to others. Russia and Belarus are being excluded based on politics. Policing this new policy could revive sex testing. The argument of ensuring fairness is covering obvious discrimination. World Athletics could have avoided human rights violations and criticism by creating an open category. The formation of an open category would allow transwomen to compete and prevent discrimination against  LGBTQ athletes. The controversy will not go away with a ban. More protests and objections will be directed at World Athletics due to this decision. 

Andrea Shaw Wants To Win 11 Ms. Olympia Contests

 

Andrea Shaw has some big goals in mind. Back in March of 2022, she stated in a Generation Iron interview her intent to win 11 Ms. Olympia contests. What Andrea intends to do is replicate a feat done by Iris Kyle. Iris Kyle won the contest ten times and if Andrea does this that would break the record. Andrea Shaw is a very capable athlete. Her physique is definitely the same quality of Iris Kyle and Lenda Murray. The question about if this is possible is reliant on several factors. Competitors like Margie Martin and Helle Trevino  are formidable. More competitors could be coming to the open class bodybuilding division. Then it is uncertain if Iris Kyle would comeback to the stage one last time. Then Andrea Shaw explained that if she did not have the drive to continue, she would retire. What Andrea mentioned is that being a promoter would be her interest after her competitive years are over. Andrea expressed that she also wanted to expand the sport for women. Andrea Shaw might continue to dominate the Ms. Olympia stage in the 2020s. Andrea would have to win every Ms. Olympia from now up until 2031. Hopefully, there will not be an absence of the contest or disruption. If all goes according to plan, Andrea would go down as the best bodybuilder of the 21st century. Andrea Shaw is already making her impact. The next Ms. Olympia will be coming up and it will be no surprise if  repeats her victory like in 2021.  

Kelsie Whitmore's Advance In Professional Baseball

 

Kelsie Whitmore became the first woman to sign on to a professional baseball team affiliated with Major League Baseball. She was also the first woman to be in the starting lineup for an Atlantic Club. Whitmore has been playing the game since she was a child. Her professional baseball career started when she was 18. Kelsie Whitmore has played for independent teams such as the Sonoma Stompers and the Portland Pickles. She was also played for the USA Women's National Baseball Team. Kelsie Whitmore has the desire to compete at the highest levels. She revealed this in her statements to the press. However, so far there have not been any women who have competed in Major League Baseball. Baseball is not a contact sport, which means women might have a better shot at getting into MLB compared to the NFL. Whitmore stated she wants to make baseball her career. MLB could be her goal if that is her true intention. The future cannot be predicted, but Kelsie Whitmore is gradually making her mark on the sport. 

Brittney Griner Remains Detained In Russia

 

WNBA  athlete Brittney Griner remains under arrest in Russia. Allegedly she was arrested for having cannabis oil in her luggage. It is unclear if there is an attempt to charge Griner with drug trafficking. This has occurred at a critical time.  The Russia-Ukraine conflict is still active and US-Russia relations are at their lowest point. If convicted the prison term could be up to ten years. The WNBA has voiced support for Brittney Griner's release. This was also followed by more support from the athlete's association WNBPA.  The growing concern is about Griner's conditions and health in confinement. The general lack of action from the Biden administration shows that there is little concern. Even Secretary of State  Anthony Blinken did not make a specific statement about Griner. He only mentioned while in Moldova that the US is ready to assist any of its citizens around the world. Apparently, some have more priority over others. Russia could release her as a good will gesture. That might help get diplomatic relations to a state of normalcy. Griner's teammates, friends, and family wish for her safe return. 

Ula Siekacz Competed In A Intergender MMA Match

 

Ula Siekacz who is a personal trainer and arm wrestler competed in an intergender MMA match. The match occurred in Poland and generated controversy. Ula lost the match and some expressed outrage that the event took place. She was defeated in the second round. Ula did express disappointment in the result. She felt that she could have lasted longer, if the referee did not intervene. Ula Siekacz stated that she would probably not fight a man again.  Ula Siekacz to her own admission realized what she was doing. Athletes do like to challenge themselves. The concern seemed to have come mostly from  social media. However, it  some cannot always be out of worry about an athletes safety. There were sexist overtones in some commentary. This is not the first time an intergender match has happened. This event probably would not gotten as much media attention if Ula had won. The framing of it makes it seem as if she was a helpless female victim. Ula Siekacz basically reacted  like any athlete, being frustrated she lost a match. Hopefully this does not discourage her MMA endeavors. 

Details of The Anges Tirop Murder

 

Anges Tirop a successful Olympic runner was murdered. She was found stabbed. Anges was discovered unresponsive in her home . Tirop's  body was in her bed and a wound on her neck. This did not appear to be a burglary or a random act of home invasion.   Kenyan police have named a suspect. The culprit they believe was her husband. Emmanuel Rotich is wanted by authorities. This exposes a real problem women face globally. Domestic violence has become a part of women's daily lives. This is more than just physical or verbal abuse. This can escalate into murder. Emmanuel Rotich called her parents saying he had done something wrong. That gave the police a clue that he might have committed this crime. The case has yet to be solved, but evidence points to Anges Tirop's husband or a person she knew. Only 25 years old, Anges had a bright future ahead of her. Anges Tirop's death is a huge loss to the sport. 

Women Cyclists Are Competing in The Paris Roubaix

 

New opportunities have open to competitive female cyclists. A sports milestone has been made with women being competitors for the first time. The cycling race has been around 1896. That is a total of 125 years with no women's division in existence. The race track is know for its treacherous terrain. The race held on the French town of Roubaix is known for being muddy and having cobbled farm tracks. The race can be very physically demanding. The cyclists will be going on 160 km course. Strength is not the only factor to success, however. Skill is required to handle changes in conditions. Seeing as this is the first women's competition, who could win remains a mystery. The addition of the women's Paris Roubaix demonstrates there is a rise in women's sports competition. The next few decades will most likely see more women competing in various sports. Progress may be slow, but there is not shortage of sports talent among women. The Paris Roubaix will take place on Sunday. Previously, there were plans to have the race take place in 2020, but was postponed due to Covid-19 concerns. 

The Afghan Women's Soccer Team Has Been Evacuated

 

After 20 years, the Taliban has returned to power. The invasion was justified by the US-NATO force as a mission to stop terrorism and dismantle Al-Qaeda. The myth was that the US and its allies were winning. The fall of the government is no shock to observers who monitored the conditions of the country. Women's sports did get a boost without the Taliban's restrictive laws . The Afghan women's soccer team was at least one of the few positive developments in Afghanistan. The athletes have been evacuated to Italy and Australia. Afghan women will have to seek sports opportunities elsewhere. This only harms the country seeing as its sports talent will flee. The return of the theocratic regime means more restrictions on basic rights of citizens. Women will be effected the worst, seeing as the more religious a society there is less concern about women's rights. While the escape was successful, the life of a refugee is not easy. The 9/11 attacks induced a wave of anti-Muslim sentiment. The war in Afghanistan and Iraq made exacerbated it further. Women's sports in Afghanistan are about to be non-existent under a new Taliban regime.  

Michelle Wie Returns To Golf

 

Wrist injuries and starting a family made Michelle Wie consider retiring. The truth is no one really can retire from a sport they love. Wie has returned to golf. Sometimes a period of rest to recharge is the best for some athletes. The demands of competition become intense and injuries can be debilitating. Her wrist had to be surgically repaired. The wonderful news is that the surgery did not effect her golf swing. Wie has been away from golf since 2018. More good news has come with Wie joining the LPGA board. Her goals are to get more Asian, African, and Latino women involved in golf. Her intent also is to promote women's sport more through media. Michelle Wie's win at the US Women's Open shows that she still is a formidable athlete in the sport. Being absent for a certain period time does make it difficult to acclimate to a sports competition environment. 

Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce Runs The Fastest 100 m

 

Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce has made a major mark in track and field. She is on her way to possibly breaking the Florence Griffith Joyner's record. Pryce clocked a time of 10.63. Joyner's times were 10.49, 10.61, and 10.62. She has been improving drastically and there is no doubt that Pryce will win gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Shelly-Ann Fraser could possibly reach 10.49 if her improvements continue. Currently, she is one of the fastest women in the world. Pryce does have competition from other athletes. Elaine Thompson Herah and Sha' Carri Richardson are formidable opponents. Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce demonstrates that women's athletic performance will continue to improve. The time 10.63 and the upcoming Olympics may be similar to 1988. There are a number of talented athletes about to change the records and  the 2020 Tokyo Olympics could be where it happens.   

Naomi Osaka Withdraws From The French Open

 

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open. This comes after the dispute with her avoiding press conferences. The young athlete stated that she was experiencing anxiety and depression. Faced with a fine and possible suspension, this brings into question why there are media obligations for athletes. Osaka has made a statement that she will be taking some time away from tennis. Being a competitive athlete can cause intense pressure on an individual. Naomi Osaka also expressed doing press conferences made her nervous. The WTA claims they are investing in mental health resources for athletes. Apparently, it falls short. Osaka also faces a $15,000 fine for appearing in a post game press conference. Maybe the fine  could be challenged  in court. A very talented athlete is facing some mental health challenges. It is not certain when she will return to professional tennis. Her struggle reveals that even when a person is  successful, depression can still happen. Osaka expressed that she wanted to have a conversation with WTA officials about how best to improve the conditions for athletes. 

The Women's Tour de France Has Been Confirmed For 2022

 

Women will have another opportunity for sports competition. Women can compete in their own Tour de France in 2022. The announcement was made by Christian Prudhomme. As director of the Tour de France he stated that it will follow the men's race, but exact dates have not been confirmed. The official name of the competition for women will be called Tour de France Femmes. There are other cycling competitions for women. La Course by Le Tour de France is an Amaury Sport Organization event. Women have been working to get an equal platform in professional cycling. This is not the first time an female division came into existence. Between 1984 to 1989 the Tour de France Feminin   was held. The contest was held at various times and under different names, but was sporadic. Now there will be a cycling competition for women held on a consistent and regular schedule . Assuming that complications from the pandemic do not cause problems, the competition is happening. This is positive news for women's sports. The challenge now is investment and  promotion. Previous races failed, because they were not given the financial backing and advertisement required to survive. There is no shortage of  athletes with talent. La Course by Le Tour de France will still be held so athletes have options in which race they want to compete in. Despite Prudhomme's questionable comments about women's  cycling, he made the right decision. Female cyclists now have a stage to show their skills. 

Flexing Females #5

 

Sarah Fuller Is Retiring From Football

 

Sarah Fuller made sports news as the first woman to score in a Power 5 college football game. It has been reported that she is now retiring from football. Fuller is going back to her main sport of soccer. She will enroll in North Texas to play. The unfortunate part about this news is that the Vanderbilt-Georgia game was cancelled due to concerns about COVID-19. Fuller's football career was playing as a kicker for the Commodores. There is no indication that she will return to football, because soccer is her passion. Fuller's football first generated much conversation in the sports world. The more conservative leaning commentators called this a social justice warrior stunt. The liberal faction praised it as being heroic. This was just a woman playing football, not another front in American culture wars. As for it being monumentally historic, it should not be forgotten other women were pioneers in football. Katie Hnida and April Goss were playing on football teams longer than Fuller. Maybe the media just need a feel good story in light of constant crisis and political corruption. Before these 21st century pioneers in football there was Patricia Palinkas. Hopefully society can advance enough to a point whenever a woman accomplishes something it is not a historic feat, rather just normal business. The positive aspect is that some girls have a role model in a sport largely male dominated. 

The Washington Redskins May Change Their Name

The Washington Redskins may be changing their name. For years a number of Native American organizations have been protesting the name. With racial tensions getting worse in America, it seems that renaming the football team could happen. It will take some time to change signs and merchandise. The fans will most likely be divided over the name change. The term has racist connotations. Redskin was a word used to dehumanize the American Indian. The United States has a long history of Indian removal, genocide, and confinement to reservations. When the Indian Wars drew to a close, there was an effort to eliminate Native American history and culture. This involved sending children to boarding schools as a means of "civilizing" them. Injustices still continue with high levels of poverty on reservations and discrimination. The Redskins have a history of being resistant to integrating African American players into their team. George Preston Marshall the founder of the Redskins refused to have the football team accept African American players. Only when pressured in 1962 by the federal government did he sign on an African American athlete. The football team was founded in 1932 and originally called the Boston Braves. This would not be the first time the name has changed. The name should be changed to overcome the legacy of racism, however that should not be the only reform. 

Track and Field Athletes Gallery #1