Tobi Amusan Sets A Sports Record

 

Tobi Amusan has set a new world record in the 100m hurdles . Her rise has been gradual with improvements being seen over the years. Kendra Harrison's record was broken by Tobi. Her time clocked was 12,12 seconds. This is an impressive feat. Some have suggested that the timing system was off. Other have implied that the shoes she was wearing for the race gave her an advantage. It appears some do not want to believe an athlete can break records without assistance. Tobi Amusan's footwear was Adidas Adizero shoes. The shoes are not considered illegal in races, nor can it be stated they provide unfair advantage. The Adidas shoe appears to provide more comfort and injury prevention. Tobi Amusan revealed that using the Adizero shoes helped her with patella fasciitis. If wind speed is too powerful  certain times are not allowed for record purposes. This explains why her time of 12.06 in the final will not be added to athletics records. Shoes did not make this happen. Talent and training made it possible. If she keeps improving, then Amusan's appearance at the Olympics will happen. Nigeria has the chance to win many gold medals with an impressive group of athletes. 

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. 

Denise Masino (2002)

 

Laura Creavalle (1995)

 

Yolanda Hughes (1992)

 

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.