Sky Brown wins bronze in women’s skateboarding; Dina Asher-Smith narrowly misses medal in 200m

In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Imane Khelif secured her place in the women’s welterweight boxing final after a dominant performance against Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand. The atmosphere at Roland Garros was electric, with Algerian supporters cheering Khelif to victory. She now aims to emulate her compatriot Hocine Soltani, who won lightweight gold in 1996. Khelif’s participation, alongside Chinese Taipei featherweight Lin Yu-ting, has been at the centre of a gender eligibility debate, adding another layer of intensity to her Olympic journey.

In track and field, American Cole Hocker delivered a stunning upset in the men’s 1500m final, overtaking world champion Josh Kerr and reigning Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Hocker’s remarkable kick on the final stretch secured him gold with a new Olympic record time of 3:27.65. Kerr, who had been leading and battling fiercely with Ingebrigtsen, finished with a silver medal, while Yared Nuguse of the USA took bronze. Ingebrigtsen, surprisingly, was pushed off the podium into fourth place.

The women’s 200m final saw heartbreak for Team GB’s Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita. Gabby Thomas of the USA claimed gold, denying St Lucia’s Julien Alfred a sprint double. Brittany Brown secured bronze by the slimmest of margins, finishing just 0.02 seconds ahead of Asher-Smith, who placed fourth. Neita was a mere 0.01 seconds behind in fifth, illustrating the razor-thin competition.

In other news, Sky Brown, the youngest athlete on Team GB, won bronze in the women’s skateboarding final despite competing with a shoulder injury. Brown’s tenacity and skill earned her a second successive Olympic bronze, following her success in Tokyo.

Team GB’s men’s sprint team settled for silver as the Netherlands broke the world record to win gold. The Dutch trio of Harrie Lavreysen, Jeffrey Hoogland, and Roy van den Berg dominated the event, showcasing their unmatched speed and coordination.

Meanwhile, in boxing, Lewis Richardson took bronze after a contentious split decision loss to Mexico’s Marco Verde in the men’s 71kg semi-final. Richardson’s performance, though commendable, fell just short of securing a place in the final.

Adding to the day’s controversies, Team GB swimmer Adam Peaty criticized the food quality at the Olympic Village, reporting that athletes found worms in their meals. Peaty, who tested positive for Covid after securing a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke, described his experience as the worst week of his life, further highlighting the challenges faced by athletes beyond the competition.

Analysis:

Political:

The Paris 2024 Olympics have become a stage for political discourse, particularly around the participation of athletes like Imane Khelif. Her involvement in the gender eligibility row underscores the ongoing debate about inclusivity and fairness in sports. The lack of support from notable celebrities for Meghan Markle’s business ventures, as seen with American Riviera Orchard, also mirrors the political caution exercised by public figures in maintaining their image and affiliations.

Social:

The social dynamics of the Olympics and Meghan Markle’s entrepreneurial challenges reflect broader societal issues. The fierce competition and narrow margins in events like the women’s 200m final highlight the relentless pressure athletes face. Similarly, the lack of endorsements from Meghan’s high-profile friends raises questions about the nature of public support and the impact of social media on business success. The scrutiny faced by Adam Peaty regarding the food quality at the Olympic Village further emphasizes the social expectations placed on institutions to provide adequate support for their members.

Racial:

Racial dynamics play a crucial role in both sports and business. Meghan Markle’s experiences as a biracial woman entrepreneur highlight the additional hurdles faced by minorities in establishing successful ventures. In sports, the diverse backgrounds of athletes like Imane Khelif and Gabby Thomas showcase the global nature of competition and the importance of representation. The achievements and struggles of these athletes underscore the need for continued support and recognition of minority groups in all fields.

Gender:

Gender issues are at the forefront of both the Olympic Games and Meghan Markle’s business ventures. Khelif’s participation in the boxing finals amidst a gender eligibility debate highlights the complexities of gender in sports. The narrow misses by Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita in the 200m final reflect the competitive nature of women’s sports and the need for equal opportunities. Meghan Markle’s entrepreneurial journey further illustrates the gendered challenges women face in business, from securing endorsements to overcoming market entry barriers.

Economical:

Economically, the challenges faced by athletes and entrepreneurs are interconnected. The Olympic Games serve as a significant economic platform, with athletes like Josh Kerr and Sky Brown competing for not just medals but also future sponsorships and endorsements. Meghan Markle’s struggle to establish her brand, American Riviera Orchard, amidst a lack of celebrity support and a copyright scandal, highlights the economic realities of brand building and market competition. The food quality controversy at the Olympic Village, as reported by Adam Peaty, also reflects the economic pressures and logistical challenges of hosting a large-scale international event.