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. 

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. 

Andrea Shaw Is Competing To Retain Her Ms. Olympia Crown

 

Andrea Shaw is coming back to the Ms.  Olympia stage. Her performance in the 2020 Ms. Olympia  dazzled fans. Andrea started off as a physique competitor, but outgrew that class. The switch paid off with an incredible rise that started in 2008. Winning the Ms. Olympia is a challenge with so much formidable competition. Margie Martin, Helle Trevino, and Mona Poursaleh are some athletes to look out for. Iris Kyle appears like she will not be competing. The unfortunate part is that fans will not be able to see a pose down between Iris and Andrea. Iris appears to be doing a Cory Everson. Win multiple Olympia contests and then retire. A new era of athletes are emerging. Andrea Shaw seems to be following in the tradition of athletes with a long reign. She has the potential to either reach either Lenda Murray's or Iris Kyle's record. Although the Ms. Olympia was gone, it has made a stunning comeback. the revival demonstrates that the women can be marketable and there is a fan base out there. Like the athletes before her, Andrea Shaw is a great representation of the sport. It would not be a surprise to see the 2020s be the era of Andrea Shaw.