Laura Creavalle 1992 Ms. Olympia

 

The Rise of The Green Falcons

 

Women's soccer in Saudi Arabia is taking the spotlight. The Green Falcons are the women's national soccer team of the KSA. The team was launched in October of 2021 and demonstrates a major cultural shift. Women are now taking part in more activities that were not available to them before. Women's participation in sports was low and part of the Vision 2030 program was to get women more active. The goal also wants to seeing more international sports competition. The Green Falcons have played against Seychelles, Maldives, and Bhutan. With enough effort, the Green Falcons could at some point reach the Women's World Cup. Their progress in such a short time demonstrates the importance of investment and government programs. According to the Khaleej Times women's sports participation rose to 150% in the last four years. The data also claims 195,000 girls are playing sports. The demographic was between 5 to 15 and showed they were doing this on a weekly basis. Construction of training facilities are underway and plans for developing more talent. Women are gaining more freedom, but it should not be limited to one section of society. Other occupations should be given as much attention for women's advancement. Women need to have more administrative positions in the Saudi Arabian  Football Federation. As long as the Green Falcons maintain quality coaching and win more games their future is bright. Saudi women might begin to compete in other sports besides soccer. 

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.  

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)