https://www.scmp.com/rss/518888/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Former Chinese gymnast Wu Liufang has been slammed by compatriot and Olympic champion Guan Chenchen for posting viral “thirst trap” videos on social media that led to her account being partially banned on Sunday. Wu uploaded videos of her dancing in short shorts, mini skirts and stockings that racked up tens of thousands of likes on Douyin – China’s TikTok – and which were later taken down. Guan said that Wu’s “sexy” dancing videos were disrespectful. Wu’s account was later banned from accepting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3287986/ex-chinese-gymnast-wu-blasted-olympic-champion-guan-posting-sexy-videos-online?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3287986/ex-chinese-gymnast-wu-blasted-olympic-champion-guan-posting-sexy-videos-online?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:00:31 +0000 Li Xiaopeng, China’s most decorated gymnast, has praised Hong Kong’s Shek Wai-hung for his “brilliant career” and suggested the 33-year-old take up coaching once he retires from the sport. Shek won Asian Games gold in the men’s vault in 2014 and 2018 and qualified for this year’s Olympics in Paris, his third Games after also taking part in London 2012 and Tokyo in 2021. But as he reaches the twilight of his career, Li said Shek should look back on his achievements with pride and begin thinking... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3285687/chinas-most-decorated-gymnast-hails-hong-kong-olympic-star-shek-wais-brilliant-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3285687/chinas-most-decorated-gymnast-hails-hong-kong-olympic-star-shek-wais-brilliant-career?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Nov 2024 04:00:18 +0000 Like many people, Singaporean Enchen Quek faced mental health challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. She was getting professional help at the time, but when she came across a programme called Re:Story on Instagram, she signed up for a workshop out of curiosity. Re:Story uses expressive writing and narrative therapy – a way of empowering people to explore and reshape their life stories, particularly those overwhelmed by challenges and emotional distress. This helps participants who are dealing... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3278944/how-journaling-helps-gigi-hadid-and-simone-biles-manage-anxiety-and-how-it-could-help-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3278944/how-journaling-helps-gigi-hadid-and-simone-biles-manage-anxiety-and-how-it-could-help-you?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Sep 2024 20:15:08 +0000 United States gymnast Jordan Chiles on Monday filed an appeal in the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland to overturn a decision that stripped her of her Olympic bronze medal in the women’s floor event at the Paris Games. Chiles was forced to give up the medal when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last month ruled in favour of an appeal by Romanian gymnast Ana Maria Barbosu, who was subsequently awarded the bronze. Barbosu and her team had appealed to the CAS that an inquiry filed by the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3278893/us-gymnast-jordan-chiles-appeals-against-decision-stripped-her-olympic-bronze-medal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3278893/us-gymnast-jordan-chiles-appeals-against-decision-stripped-her-olympic-bronze-medal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:30:09 +0000 The Paris Olympics drew 30.6 million viewers daily. And under the glow of the City of Light, athletes were launched further into the social media stratosphere. So here’s 15 athletes who gained the most followers through the Games, with Brazilian athletes in particular benefiting. Rebeca Andrade View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rebeca Andrade🤍🦋 (@rebecarandrade) Gymnast Andrade, Brazil’s most decorated Olympian, collected four medals in Paris... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274438/olympic-stars-biggest-instagram-follower-boom-simone-biles-stephen-curry-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274438/olympic-stars-biggest-instagram-follower-boom-simone-biles-stephen-curry-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:16 +0000 Thousands of shrieking fans jammed the streets of Manila, the Philippines capital, on Wednesday in a celebratory homecoming parade for Paris Olympics double gold medallist Carlos Yulo. The 24-year-old gymnast rode a float with other Filipino Olympians through major Manila streets, having given his country its grandest Games result in 100 years. By winning the men’s floor exercises and vault, the diminutive Yulo tripled the country’s overall Olympic gold medal haul to three. With his medals... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3274492/carlos-yulo-thousands-jam-streets-philippines-holds-parade-two-gold-olympics-gymnast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3274492/carlos-yulo-thousands-jam-streets-philippines-holds-parade-two-gold-olympics-gymnast?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:00:21 +0000 The Olympic Games offer a platform for some of the world’s most fierce competition, but amid the scraps and the tussles, Paris also made us cheer for humanity itself. There were moments that transcended the results on score sheets and the shattered records. Whether it was patriotic gestures or acts of sportsmanship, these five heartwarming moments in Paris will leave you with a smile on your face. Respect your rival A gut-wrenching twist of fate transpired in the women’s badminton singles... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3274103/paris-olympics-top-5-heartwarming-moments-pan-zhanle-biles-and-rappers-paying-rent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3274103/paris-olympics-top-5-heartwarming-moments-pan-zhanle-biles-and-rappers-paying-rent?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:00:55 +0000 An Olympic gold holds the weight of, well an Olympic gold, but adding a touch of flair and suspense to them does no harm. In a city revered for its arts and theatre, plenty of athletes created masterpieces of their own on the canvas of an Olympic arena. Whether they caused you to squint or shout at your screens, here are five of those edge-of-your-seat finishes that turned Olympic dreams to reality in the most dramatic fashion. Pandemonium on the piste How do you top a fencing final decided by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274102/cheung-ka-longs-gold-pans-record-time-and-chinas-bad-maths-5-dramatic-olympic-moments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274102/cheung-ka-longs-gold-pans-record-time-and-chinas-bad-maths-5-dramatic-olympic-moments?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:00:20 +0000 You only get one Olympics debut, and from preteens and veterans to global sporting superstars, Paris had it all over the course of two-and-a-bit weeks. Some newcomers left with new-found fame, others simply added another page to their storied career, while there were those who even became memes. But whatever else happens in the rest of their lives, they’ll always have Paris. Here’s a look back at five who stood out in the French capital. Letsile Tebogo First time proved to be a charm for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274099/nba-stars-world-record-breakers-and-main-character-energy-top-5-debuts-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274099/nba-stars-world-record-breakers-and-main-character-energy-top-5-debuts-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 03:00:12 +0000 American gymnast Jordan Chiles will have to return her bronze medal from the women’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise final at the Paris Games, the International Olympic Committee announced on Sunday. The decision comes less than 24 hours after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled the IOC should strip Chiles of her Olympic bronze, following appeals submitted by the Romanian Gymnastics Federation. Chiles’ score on the floor exercise put her in fifth place, after which Team USA coach... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3274075/paris-olympics-ioc-says-us-gymnast-chiles-must-hand-back-bronze-after-court-ruling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3274075/paris-olympics-ioc-says-us-gymnast-chiles-must-hand-back-bronze-after-court-ruling?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 09:54:37 +0000 United States gymnast Jordan Chiles has removed herself from social media to protect her mental health after a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could see her lose her bronze medal. Chiles initially finished fifth in the women’s floor exercise with a score of 13.666 and Romania’s Ana Barbosu in the bronze medal position with 13.7000. But an appeal from Team USA coach Cecile Landi saw Chiles’ score bumped up by one, meaning she overtook Barbosu. At the time, Romanian prime... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3274049/simone-biles-us-teammate-jordan-chiles-could-lose-paris-olympics-bronze-over-4-second-gaffe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3274049/simone-biles-us-teammate-jordan-chiles-could-lose-paris-olympics-bronze-over-4-second-gaffe?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 04:01:47 +0000 China pulled off a stunner in rhythmic gymnastics on Saturday, becoming the first non-European country to win Olympic gold in the group event by finishing just ahead of Israel and Italy. The five-woman Chinese team of Ding Xinyi, Guo Qiqi, Hao Ting, Huang Zhangjiayang and Wang Lanjing posted a total of 69.800 points in the final, which was divided into two routines: one using hoops, the other with the athletes using ribbons and balls. China topped the eight-team final in hoops and ranked third... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3274045/paris-olympics-china-become-first-non-european-country-win-rhythmic-gymnastics-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3274045/paris-olympics-china-become-first-non-european-country-win-rhythmic-gymnastics-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 03:21:56 +0000 Chinese gymnast Su Weide issued a further apology following criticism for his blunders during the Paris Olympics. Su, a 24-year-old Games debutant, was ranked fifth in the men’s horizontal bar final on Monday when he went to his hands and knees after landing. It was is his second critical error at the Games. The previous Monday, he lost his grip twice and came crashing down on the mat during his bar routine in the men’s gymnastics final, effectively handing the gold medal to Japan. “Taking part... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273353/paris-olympics-su-weide-offers-more-apologies-after-blunders-cost-china-gymnastics-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273353/paris-olympics-su-weide-offers-more-apologies-after-blunders-cost-china-gymnastics-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:00:12 +0000 Zhou Yaqin became a social media darling after a video of her heart-melting antics on the podium went viral. The 18-year-old gymnast, who took silver on the balance beam on her Olympic debut on Monday, was posing for photographs with gold and bronze medallists, Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito, after collecting their medals. Watching the Italian duo engage in the podium tradition of posing for a photo while biting their medals, Zhou’s eyes widened and she appeared puzzled. Then, moments later,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273337/cute-moment-chinese-gymnast-mimics-italian-duo-podium-paris-olympics-social-reacts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273337/cute-moment-chinese-gymnast-mimics-italian-duo-podium-paris-olympics-social-reacts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:45:03 +0000 Simone Biles’s balance beam woes put a broad smile on the face of Zhou Yaqin in Paris on Monday, with Chinese athlete knowing it all but confirmed her first Olympic medal. Zhou scored 14.100 on the beam to win silver, the country’s second medal of three in artistic gymnastics in the space of two hours. Italy’s Alice D’Amato hit 14.366 for her first Olympic gold, while her compatriot Manila Esposito took bronze with 14.000 from the judges. D’Amato’s routine was practically flawless as she emerged... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3273313/paris-olympics-biles-bombs-out-balance-beam-chinas-gymnasts-pick-trio-medals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3273313/paris-olympics-biles-bombs-out-balance-beam-chinas-gymnasts-pick-trio-medals?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:51:29 +0000 Carlos Yulo triumphed in the men’s floor exercise of the gymnastics in Paris on Saturday, for only the second Olympic gold in the history of the Philippines. The 24-year-old broke down in tears after matching the achievement of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who won gold at the Covid-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games. “I just went for it, I didn’t hesitate,” Yulo said. The former world champion perfectly executed his routine, ending with a sure-footed landing to score 15.000 points. It sealed the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273132/overwhelmed-yulo-wins-historic-gymnastics-olympic-gold-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3273132/overwhelmed-yulo-wins-historic-gymnastics-olympic-gold-philippines?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 06:00:15 +0000 A highlight of day eight was always going to be Zheng Qinwen’s attempt to win China’s first Olympic gold in singles tennis. She managed it, beating Donna Vekic of Croatia 6-2, 6-3 in Saturday’s final in Paris around the time many people in her homeland’s time zone were hitting the hay. But what those back in China probably did not see or hear was her message later as she reflected on the achievement, which is where we shall start in recapping events overnight. Around the time Zheng spoke, there... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273117/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-zheng-gold-ledecky-history-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273117/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-zheng-gold-ledecky-history-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 23:32:54 +0000 I think interesting might be the best way to describe day six at the Paris Olympics. If you were Chinese, then much of it was spent defending Pan Zhanle from attacks on several fronts, or watching the badminton start to reach the exciting stage of proceedings. During normal waking hours, which aren’t exactly conducive to following an Olympics several time zones away, tennis star Zheng Qinwen made history by reaching the final of the women’s singles, and there were gold medals in shooting and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272865/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-drama-zhang-and-fan-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272865/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-drama-zhang-and-fan-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 23:30:10 +0000 After basking in the flow of her Olympic gold, Simone Biles’ celebratory Instagram post featured a cryptic retort at former American teammate MyKayla Skinner, hinting at lingering tensions. Biles, now crowned as the world’s most decorated gymnast, spearheaded her illustrious team to top of the women’s team podium on Wednesday early morning. Team USA’s near-flawless execution catapulted them to victory, routing Italy and Brazil by nearly six and seven points, respectively. But the “gymternet”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272751/simone-biles-beef-ex-teammate-mykayla-skinner-leads-block-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272751/simone-biles-beef-ex-teammate-mykayla-skinner-leads-block-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:30:12 +0000 Vivian Kong Man-wai may be home already, but there is plenty to come on day six in what is becoming a riveting Games. As Hongkongers absorb the news of Siobhan Haughey’s second bronze, they will also be asking what’s coming next. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Unless you’ve been off the grid, Simone Biles became the world’s most decorated gymnast after Tuesday and she is back in search of more gold – with golf also entering the fray. There’s something for everyone, though, so let’s take a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272723/paris-olympics-biles-quest-more-gold-zhengs-semi-final-5-things-know-day-6?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272723/paris-olympics-biles-quest-more-gold-zhengs-semi-final-5-things-know-day-6?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:30:11 +0000 China gymnastics legend Li Xiaoshuang has accused the country’s Olympic gymnastic coaches of leaving their young athletes underprepared and performing routines from the 1990s, after another miserable night in Paris. The women’s team came in sixth on Tuesday and left the venue in tears, while a star-studded US team, consisting of Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera, clinched gold, followed by Italy and Brazil. Li, who won six Olympic medals including golds on the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272594/olympic-hero-li-xiaoshuang-blasts-chinas-gymnastics-coaches-over-paris-failure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272594/olympic-hero-li-xiaoshuang-blasts-chinas-gymnastics-coaches-over-paris-failure?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:01:04 +0000 For Hongkongers, the fourth full day of competition at the Paris Olympics ended much as the previous one had, with Siobhan Haughey doing as Siobhan Haughey often does. She had to set aside the euphoria of the night before, when she swam to bronze in the 200 metres freestyle, and set up another shot at gold, in the 100m. Anyone in Haughey’s hometown who went to bed doubting she had enough in the tank can wake to the news that she had plenty. So, too, did gymnast Simone Biles and the New... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272553/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-haughey-flies-biles-soars-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272553/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-haughey-flies-biles-soars-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:58:56 +0000 Netizens have voiced their disappointment at Chinese male gymnast Su Weide while some have speculated that he has been ostracised by his teammates, after his two falls during his horizontal bar routine cost the team their gold medal. Su, a 24-year-old Olympic Games debutant, lost his grip twice and came crashing down on the mat during his bar routine at the men’s gymnastics finals on Monday, effectively handing the gold medal to Japan. China were in the lead at the midway point with stellar... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272429/chinese-social-media-mixture-fury-sympathy-gymnast-su-weides-olympics-gaffe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272429/chinese-social-media-mixture-fury-sympathy-gymnast-su-weides-olympics-gaffe?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:45:09 +0000 How to follow Hong Kong’s magic Monday? Repeat 50 per cent of the formula and add a confirmed table tennis medal match. The extraordinary half-hour that brought fencing gold for Cheung Ka-long and swimming bronze for Siobhan Haughey at the end of day three will be difficult to top, let alone on the next day. But Haughey dives straight back into the pool on Tuesday, and her second event could end with her on top of the podium rather than on its lowest step. Table tennis player Doo Hoi-kem has the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3272422/paris-olympics-5-watch-day-4-include-haughey-part-2-and-triathlon-dirty-seine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3272422/paris-olympics-5-watch-day-4-include-haughey-part-2-and-triathlon-dirty-seine?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:32:41 +0000 Rising Chinese gymnastics star Zhang Yihan tugged at social media users’ heartstrings after she insisted on getting a photo with US legend Simone Biles after their set. A video of Zhang refusing to get dressed following the Paris Olympics women’s gymnastics qualifier on Sunday has drawn endearing comments from netizens for her adorable “fangirl” behaviour. Teammate Qiu Qiyuan could be seen telling Zhang she could put her coat back on after the competition ended, but Zhang declined. “I can’t, I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272292/i-need-photo-simone-biles-chinese-stars-adorable-fangirl-moment-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3272292/i-need-photo-simone-biles-chinese-stars-adorable-fangirl-moment-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:00:12 +0000 Simone Biles did not let some leg discomfort slow her down at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. The American gymnastics superstar posted an all-around total of 59.566 during qualifying inside a packed and star-studded Bercy Arena despite complaining of a left calf injury that had her limping. US gymnastics coach Cecile Landi said the issue popped up a couple of weeks ago and described it as minor. Landi said there was no discussion of pulling Biles’ from the event. “I can’t express it,” she said.... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3272216/paris-olympics-us-gymnast-simone-biles-shakes-leg-injury-dominate-qualifying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3272216/paris-olympics-us-gymnast-simone-biles-shakes-leg-injury-dominate-qualifying?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 12:11:27 +0000 For Olympic gold medallist Sunisa “Suni” Lee, style is threaded into all aspects of her self-expression. Whether the 21-year-old gymnast is flawlessly executing a move on the asymmetric bars or landing a near-perfect vault routine, her beauty and fashion routine is a common denominator. After all, she made history for Southeast Asia after becoming the first Hmong-American not only to make the 2020 Olympics United States gymnastics team, but also win gold – all with her signature acrylic nails... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3271972/olympic-athlete-suni-lee-fashion-inspiring-others-and-staying-true-her-asian-roots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3271972/olympic-athlete-suni-lee-fashion-inspiring-others-and-staying-true-her-asian-roots?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:15:10 +0000 The 2024 Olympics will take place in the City of Love. So it’s only natural to take time to appreciate the athletes fans are most likely to fall for. The Games are the height of athletic competition, which means everyone taking part is a monster in their field. But some are gods and goddesses off it and will draw as much attention for their looks as their sporting talent. So, as the Paris Games get under way, here are 10 hotties to keep your eyes on … Daria Bilodid Ukraine View this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272003/paris-olympic-games-10-hottest-athletes-men-and-women-who-are-good-they-look?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272003/paris-olympic-games-10-hottest-athletes-men-and-women-who-are-good-they-look?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:00:11 +0000 While the Olympics are celebrated for their spirit of camaraderie and fair competition, they have also played host to some of the most contentious and dramatic incidents in sports history. From doping scandals to controversial rulings, these moments have left indelible marks on the legacy of the Olympics, revealing the complex web of human drama beneath the glittering facade of gold medals. As Paris gears up for the next thrilling chapter of this global spectacle, let’s revisit five of the most... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3270752/olympic-games-controversies-drugs-cheats-match-fixing-and-questionable-gymnasts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/gymnastics/article/3270752/olympic-games-controversies-drugs-cheats-match-fixing-and-questionable-gymnasts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jul 2024 03:00:10 +0000 A fresh wave of global talent will shine under the City of Lights over the next two weeks. Athletes from across the world, and at different ends of their careers, will be making their Olympic debuts in Paris. Among those reaching a place inhabited by just 0.0001 per cent of the world’s population are NBA stars, a 58-year-old, children not yet old enough to watch a PG-13 film and more. The new faces cover a broad scope of experience, with seasoned professionals parading in the opening ceremony... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3271657/nba-superstar-steph-curry-chinese-auntie-preteen-among-olympic-debutants-paris-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3271657/nba-superstar-steph-curry-chinese-auntie-preteen-among-olympic-debutants-paris-games?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:15:10 +0000 The United States and China have finished in the top two spots in the medal table in four of the past five Olympics, but it was only in Beijing in 2008 where the hosts came out ahead. While that trend is expected to continue in Paris, China are projected to win as many as 34 golds, which could see them challenge the US’ position of dominance. The Nielsen’s Gracenote forecast, updated on Monday, has the US winning 39 golds. Should the predictions be accurate, the Americans would match their tally... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3271488/us-china-battle-olympic-gold-medal-dominance-pools-are-key-battlegrounds-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3271488/us-china-battle-olympic-gold-medal-dominance-pools-are-key-battlegrounds-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:15:08 +0000 The Olympics is where sporting miracles happen, and athletes break records once believed to be beyond reach. But those milestones not only rely on athletes’ talents and hard work, improving technology continues to bring new possibilities to modern sport world, pushing athletes ever greater feats. Visible at almost all elite training and sports events, wearable technology and high-speed motion analysis enables coaches to identify areas for improvement in real time. Here are some of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3271008/paris-olympics-tech-advances-helping-athletes-go-faster-higher-and-stronger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3271008/paris-olympics-tech-advances-helping-athletes-go-faster-higher-and-stronger?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:30:10 +0000 Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of the Japan women’s artistic gymnastics team, has withdrawn from the squad for the Paris Games after violating the team’s code of conduct by smoking, the Japanese Gymnastics Association said on Friday. JGA officials said Miyata arrived in Japan on Thursday after leaving the team’s training camp in Monaco for investigation, which confirmed the violation including drinking alcohol. The women’s squad would compete with four athletes instead of five, the JGA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271025/paris-olympics-japan-gymnastics-captain-could-miss-games-over-smoking-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/asia/article/3271025/paris-olympics-japan-gymnastics-captain-could-miss-games-over-smoking-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:45:03 +0000 Always a keenly contested affair, the men’s and women’s gymnastics are a highlight of the first week of the Summer Olympics. With plenty of storylines, including the return of Simone Biles, here is our guide to what’s coming up in Paris. Athletes to watch Simone Biles (United States): The 2016 all-around Olympic champion will return for her third Olympics at age 27. She won two medals in Tokyo – team silver and a bronze in balance beam – despite removing herself from multiple competitions to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269750/paris-olympics-what-know-and-who-watch-during-gymnastics-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269750/paris-olympics-what-know-and-who-watch-during-gymnastics-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:00:09 +0000 Simone Biles is headed to Paris poised to cement her legacy as gymnastics’ Greatest of All Time, an Olympic icon who transcends her sport in both triumph and defeat. The diminutive dynamo dazzled at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, winning gold in all-around, vault, floor exercise and team events. She arrived at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics with superstar billing and history in her sights, but withdrew from most her events as she struggled with the disorienting and “petrifying” mental block... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3270674/paris-olympics-simone-biles-eyes-gymnastics-goat-tag-she-targets-more-history-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3270674/paris-olympics-simone-biles-eyes-gymnastics-goat-tag-she-targets-more-history-games?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:00:10 +0000 Having missed the men’s gymnastics team title by a hair at Tokyo 2020, Japan are determined to beat their biggest rivals China to take gold in Paris, setting that as their top priority with one month left to go until the Games begin. Three years ago, the Russians beat Japan by 0.103 points – a sliver of a number that etched itself into the minds of the three Japanese gymnasts and their head coach who will be returning to the Olympics looking to erase those painful memories. “We had the bitter... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268154/paris-olympics-2024-japan-gymnastics-mens-top-goal-beating-rivals-china-team-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3268154/paris-olympics-2024-japan-gymnastics-mens-top-goal-beating-rivals-china-team-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:00:15 +0000 Japan’s Olympic all-around gymnastics champion Daiki Hashimoto said on Friday that he believes he will be in top shape to defend his title in Paris after injuring a finger last month. Hashimoto, also the two-time defending world champion, damaged a ligament in the middle finger of his right hand while practising for his final competition before next month’s Games. He said at Japan’s national training base that he was feeling at 60 per cent fitness after resuming practice two weeks ago. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3267587/paris-olympics-2024-defending-gymnastics-champ-daiki-hashimoto-confident-full-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3267587/paris-olympics-2024-defending-gymnastics-champ-daiki-hashimoto-confident-full-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:30:14 +0000 It was hours after being admitted to a hospital in Belgium following a sharp landing from the uneven bars that Rifda Irfanaluthfi learned she had become the first Indonesian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics. In the back of an ambulance, the 24-year-old had been furiously firing off messages. “I kept asking my manager, my coach and my friends. I texted them one by one to ask: Did I qualify?” she recalled. The morning after sustaining the injury, Rifda received the news that she needed knee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3266664/rifda-irfanaluthfi-indonesias-first-olympic-gymnast-hopes-inspire-nation-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3266664/rifda-irfanaluthfi-indonesias-first-olympic-gymnast-hopes-inspire-nation-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:30:10 +0000