Algerian boxer Imane Khelif continued her impressive run at the Paris Olympics, securing a unanimous decision victory over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the 66kg category semi-final on Tuesday. This win propels Khelif into the final, guaranteeing her at least a silver medal. The bout, held at Roland Garros, saw enthusiastic support from the crowd for the Algerian athlete.
Khelif’s Olympic journey has been under scrutiny due to eligibility issues. Both she and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting were disqualified from the previous year’s world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after failing gender eligibility tests. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which took over the boxing competition due to concerns about the IBA’s management, cleared both athletes to compete in Paris. Lin Yu-ting is also assured of a medal in these Games.
American sprinter Gabby Thomas expressed her astonishment after winning the women’s 200 meters at the Stade de France. Thomas edged out St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred, the newly crowned 100m champion, who secured the silver medal. Brittany Brown, also from the USA, took the bronze. Thomas’ victory marks the first time an American woman has won an Olympic short sprint title since Allyson Felix’s 200m triumph in the 2012 London Games.
In a dramatic finish, American runner Cole Hocker clinched the gold medal in the men’s 1,500m. Hocker’s remarkable late surge in the home straight saw him surpass pre-race favorites Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr, earning him a surprise victory and Olympic glory.
Cuban wrestler Mijain Lopez achieved a historic milestone by winning his fifth consecutive gold medal in the same event. Lopez, who will turn 42 in two weeks, defeated Chile’s Yasmani Acosta in the 130kg Greco-Roman final. This victory breaks the record of four successive individual Olympic golds, a feat previously shared by legends such as Carl Lewis and Michael Phelps.
The United States men’s basketball team, led by LeBron James, comfortably defeated Brazil 122-87 in the quarter-finals. Devin Booker top-scored with 18 points, while Anthony Edwards added 17. The USA will face Serbia next, who overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat Australia 95-90 in overtime, thanks largely to Nikola Jokic’s crucial contributions. France and Germany will compete in the other semi-final.
Kellie Harrington of Ireland retained her 60kg boxing title, claiming the first boxing gold of the Games. Following her victory, Harrington celebrated wildly with her supporters, marking a joyous moment for the Irish fans.
The United States women’s football team is set to compete for the gold medal after defeating Germany 1-0 in extra time in Lyon. Sophia Smith scored the decisive goal, keeping the USA on track to win their first Olympic title since 2012. Brazil, making their first final appearance since 2008, stunned World Cup holders Spain with a 4-2 victory in Marseille to set up the showdown with the USA.
The Paris Olympics organizers faced scrutiny after canceling a familiarization session for marathon swimmers due to water quality concerns, despite allowing triathletes to swim in the Seine the previous day. However, they remain confident that the women’s and men’s 10-kilometer swimming events will proceed as scheduled later this week.
The United States currently leads the medals table with 24 golds, followed closely by China with 22. Australia ranks third with 13 golds, showcasing a competitive Olympic Games in Paris.
