Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, rappelling from the roof of the Stade de France carrying the Olympic flag, exiting on a motorcycle, and simulating a journey to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics with Red Hot Chili Peppers' music playing.

The ceremony featured performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and H.E.R., who sang the U.S. national anthem. After the anthem, Cruise took the Olympic flag destined for Los Angeles, the 2028 host city.

Paris handed over the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, with American Olympians joining the ceremony before the flag was transferred to Venice Beach.

Cruise continues to blur the lines between himself and his characters, performing stunts without a stunt double, maintaining remarkable fitness over the years.

The ceremony paid tribute to Ancient Greece with a dystopian acrobatic display featuring a "Golden Voyager" from outer space, rediscovering the origins of the Olympics in a world where they no longer exist.

Team USA led the medal count with 40 gold medals and 126 overall medals.

The ceremony concluded with a rendition of "My Way" by French singer Yseult.

Sources: Reuters, New York Times, Sky News, BBC, CNN, USA Today, El País, South China Morning Post, Zócalo, Terra, La Voz, Veja, El Economista.

Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, rappelling from the roof of the Stade de France carrying the Olympic flag, exiting on a motorcycle, and simulating a journey to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics with Red Hot Chili Peppers' music playing.

The ceremony featured performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and H.E.R., who sang the U.S. national anthem. After the anthem, Cruise took the Olympic flag destined for Los Angeles, the 2028 host city.

Paris handed over the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, with American Olympians joining the ceremony before the flag was transferred to Venice Beach.

Cruise continues to blur the lines between himself and his characters, performing stunts without a stunt double, maintaining remarkable fitness over the years.

The ceremony paid tribute to Ancient Greece with a dystopian acrobatic display featuring a "Golden Voyager" from outer space, rediscovering the origins of the Olympics in a world where they no longer exist.

Team USA led the medal count with 40 gold medals and 126 overall medals.

The ceremony concluded with a rendition of "My Way" by French singer Yseult.

Sources: Reuters, New York Times, Sky News, BBC, CNN, USA Today, El País, South China Morning Post, Zócalo, Terra, La Voz, Veja, El Economista.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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In honor of Letsile Tebogo's historic win, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi declared a half-day public holiday on August 9th, praising Tebogo for inspiring Botswana and Africa, and placing him among the world's greatest athletes. The President believed the country deserved to celebrate Tebogo's success, who dedicated his victory to his late mother by wearing spikes with her birthdate.

Tebogo, a 21-year-old Botswanan athlete, won the gold medal in the men's 200 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of 19.46 seconds, becoming Botswana's first-ever Olympic gold medalist, the first African to win gold in this event, and the fifth-fastest man in history.

He defeated U.S. sprinters Kenny Bednarek (silver, 19.62 seconds) and Noah Lyles (third), who attributed his loss to COVID-19.

With Tebogo's gold medal, Botswana's Olympic history now includes one gold, one silver (Nijel Amos' 800m in 2012), and one bronze (men's 4x400m relay in 2020). Botswana's team at the Paris 2024 Olympics consisted of 11 athletes in track and field and swimming.

Tebogo wore spikes bearing his late mother's date of birth as a tribute to her after she passed away in May, and dedicated his historic victory to her memory.

Sources: ABC News, Sportstar, The Straits Times, Scrolla Africa, Opinion Nigeria, Modernghana, Sportsworldghana, Sportskeeda, ICIR Nigeria, Pulse Sports, Tuko, Mpasho, Pindula, Graphic Online, 3news, Nigerian Bulletin, Koha, Sloboden Pecat, Per Second News.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Breaking, an acrobatic street dance form originating from the Bronx in the 1980s, made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, featuring power moves.

The breaking competition featured 1v1 improvised rounds to DJ music, with b-boys and b-girls showcasing moves like Windmills, The 6-step, and Freezes. Judging evaluated technique, execution, musicality, originality, and vocabulary.

Ami Yuasa, a Japanese b-girl and three-time world championships medalist, won the inaugural Olympic gold medal in the women's breaking event, defeating Lithuania's Dominika Banevič (Nicka) in the final with impressive air flairs, halos, spins, flips, and toprocking moves. China's Liu Qingyi (b-girl "671") took the bronze medal.

B-girl Manizha Talash, a former member of the 'Superiors Crew' in Kabul, Afghanistan, fled her country in 2021 due to the Taliban's restrictions on women in sports. Her participation in the Olympics, representing the IOC Refugee team, served as a statement against the ban.

American rapper Snoop Dogg made a grand entrance as the battles began, adding to the excitement.

Sources: AP News, NBC News, Le Monde, USA Today, Reuters, Axios, Washington Times, Independent, Forbes, CBC, Al Jazeera, Washington Examiner, Japan Times, Yomiuri, Sportstar.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Watching the Olympics inspires me time and time again. Not merely because of the magical acrobatic routines, the strategic Judo maneuvers to outsmart the opponent, or the never-ending achievements of women athletes, but most of all – the true champion's mindset. The impeccable ability to perform, and even score a win, under immense pressure as the eyes of the world are upon you. 

Hundreds of athletes worldwide have trained for years for this opportunity to represent their countries, suffering defeats, hardships, injuries, and a constant mental battle to keep on going. 

Now, the world's finest have this one sole chance to both reach the peak of their careers and fulfill their lifelong dream of becoming an Olympic champion, as well as granting their countries the ultimate honor and pride. 

Have you ever desired something with your entire being? Ironically, once that happens, your body and mind will present you with every inner obstacle possible. Intrusive thoughts, low self-esteem, and the widely discussed "Imposter Syndrom" are just the tip of the iceberg. 

The body's physical reactions are no less challenging. Ever got "cold feet"? It is not only a figure of speech, with your body "freezing", leaving you unable to perform even the easiest of tasks – like taking a step.  

Apparently, this phenomenon has a name: "Mental Hijack." It is the perfect title to describe this incredibly frustrating situation in which you feel completely helpless. We are taught so much throughout our childhood, and yet many fail to master this valuable skill later in life. Thankfully, Olympic champions do. I've drafted the great Israeli Judoka Ori Sasson to let us in on a true Olympian mindset. 

Ori, a seven-time Israeli champion, silver medalist at the European Games, and two-time Olympic bronze medalist in 2016 and 2020, has quit Judo and now supports the Israeli Olympic team all the way from Tel Aviv. 

I found myself trying to imagine what it must have been like for him, time and time again – just 4 minutes on the clock to defeat an opponent, with a medal and national pride hanging in the balance. The very thought made my heart race. How does someone function under such intense pressure? There's something almost superhuman about this ability. 

"Now that I'm a fan rather than an athlete, I watch the Olympics and think, 'Wow, did I really do that? Look at what these athletes are doing!'" Sasson joked, adding that Olympic champions don't have innate "superpowers": "It's not easy for anyone. Some people's personalities might fit their sport better, due to their upbringing or inherent traits. But that doesn't mean others can't adapt. It'll be harder – it was for me. There'll be struggles, lots of suffering, but when you win, it'll be even sweeter than for those who had it easier." The good news is – performing under pressure just like an Olympian does, is a highly attainable goal.

A void to fill

Looking back at his personal growth, he vividly remembers his first competition at merely 9: "I was incredibly anxious," Ori recalled. "I wanted there to be a traffic jam, so we wouldn't reach the community center where the competition took place."

Despite projecting a tough exterior at 6'3" (1.90m), he shared a significant factor that made things difficult for him, and for many others in handling pressure: "I have a lot of emotion. The way I reacted to difficulty, pain, and even success was always very emotional and extreme. I simply didn't know how to manage my emotions effectively and properly," he said.

"To be able to handle all that, I believe you need to have something... missing inside. It's what pushes you to fight." Intrigued, I asked him to elaborate. "This applies to any field you wish to succeed in. Often, there's some void to fill – maybe it's love or recognition. It can't all be perfect. Without that need, where would your drive come from? The intense desire to win? The motivation to put in years of effort? The key is figuring out what it is for you. Once you find that trigger, that's what you work with and focus on."

"Pressure is a privilege"

Reflecting on his own experiences with pressure, he chuckled, "It's gotten the better of me many times. Probably more than people might think. Each time it happened, it was crushing. A mental defeat is the worst. But losing when you've given your all – that's the closest thing to winning. It hurts, but you can live with it, because you didn't give in to those negative voices saying 'Give up, it's too much.' That's what truly matters, even more than winning. Once I understood this, it became my focus."

His advice for those of us who are paralyzed by fear and pressure: "Remember, pressure is a privilege. It can help if you use it right. Embrace it. If you're feeling pressure, you're probably pushing your boundaries. That's where growth happens."

This point of view has made feeling pressure somewhat enjoyable for Ori, making it a leverage rather than an obstacle. "You need that edge. It's good before public appearances, exams, and even a job interview. Otherwise, you're too complacent."

I told him that especially in these turbulent times worldwide, one would prefer complacency over living on the edge. "Those who avoid risks are standing still. There's no easy way out, we can only find more effective ways to cope. Life is full of challenges – breakups, losses, the Oct. 7 attack, failures. Should we stop living? Stop trying? Never leave our comfort zone? Of course not."

Video: Making history: The Israeli team wins silver in rhythmic gymnastics in the Paris Olympics. Credit: Oren Aharoni

What makes a champion? 

I asked Ori what he thinks makes a champion. "Becoming a champion is about putting in the effort. We've all seen talented people who didn't work hard and never reached their potential. It's about refusing to settle for less. A champion is someone who's always looking to grow, constantly pushing their limits, never giving up, not even for a single moment. Being a champion doesn't necessarily mean winning a gold medal. Everyone has their own potential to fulfill. If you reach that potential, you're a champion in your own right."

"Do the psychological work," he added. "Understand why you react the way you do. Accept that feeling pressure is okay. Self-compassion goes a long way in preventing anxiety." He raised an interesting point – most of the time, it's about the story we tell ourselves, the negative image we plant in our minds – that makes us stressed or anxious, rather than the situation itself.

"It's all about perspective. There will always be more opportunities. Value yourself for trying and understand that life doesn't always go as planned. We need to see losses or failures as things to embrace. They're not pleasant, they're frustrating, but accept that it's part of the process. When you internalize this, coping becomes easier. We're not perfect, not the smartest, most beautiful, or strongest, but we're always striving to grow."

Imagine my surprise, when an Olympic champion who competed against the best in the world, told me the way to success is paved by realizing we're flawed. There's something deeply relieving about understanding that true strength comes from consistently lifting ourselves up.

"If there's something you want to achieve, remember: It'll be hard, but you can handle it. Avoiding is easy, but it's much worse than trying and failing. I wish I'd understood this earlier; it would have saved me a lot of suffering. You asked what makes a champion? That's it. Someone who tries. Even if it means facing embarrassment, humiliation, or insult – they still go for it."

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The Paris 2024 Olympics drew to a close with a dazzling ceremony at the Stade de France, packed to the rafters as it had been throughout the 16-day sporting extravaganza featuring 32 disciplines.

With the Games concluded, the Olympic countdown clock reset, this time ticking towards Los Angeles. Sports enthusiasts can now circle July 21, 2028, on their calendars – a date 1,439 days in the future.

Israel has every reason to celebrate these Games, having amassed an unprecedented seven medals – a new national record. The country's impressive haul includes a gold medal from windsurfer Tom Reuveni, silver medals from judokas Raz Hershko and Inbar Lanir, another silver from gymnast Artem Dolgopyat and the rhythmic gymnastics team, a silver from windsurfer Sharon Kantor, and a bronze from Peter Paltchik.

Video: Tom Reuveni speaks after winning gold / Credit: AFP

The honor of bearing Israel's flag at the closing ceremony fell to Reuveni , who remained in France and made the journey from Marseille to Paris in recent days, alongside Romi Paritzki, captain of the gymnastics team.

The ceremony commenced with the Olympic flame, which had been dramatically lit atop a hot air balloon during the opening festivities. The privilege of carrying the flame into the stadium was bestowed upon swimmer Leon Marchand, who dominated the pool with four gold medals.

Following a stirring rendition of the French national anthem, flag bearers from all participating nations entered the Stade de France. They were followed by the remaining athletes who had stayed in Paris for the grand finale.

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The Olympic marathon swim test event and open-water swimming training sessions have been canceled due to high levels of bacteria like E. coli and Enterococci, indicating the presence of fecal matter in the historically polluted Seine River.

Despite a €1.4 billion investment to upgrade Paris's sewerage and water treatment systems, the Seine consistently fails water quality tests, leading to the cancellation of four previous triathlon events.

The triathlon mixed relay event held in the Seine River the day before the latest cancellation had acceptable levels of fecal bacteria according to World Triathlon data.

The women's marathon swim competition is set for Thursday, while the men's race is scheduled for Friday at Pont Alexandre III. Organizers are confident the marathon swimming events will proceed as planned based on positive weather forecasts and analysis, with decisions on water quality made in consultation with various organizations.

The events may be moved to Vaires-sur-Marne if the Seine remains unsuitable.

Sources: Newsweek, BBC, Al Jazeera, Nine, WDRB, SuperSport, Brobible, WebWire, Lithgow Mercury, Sports Al Dente, The Will News, The Bharat Express News, Swimming World Magazine, Express and Star, Express, NY Sun, 9News, The Intelligencer.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to their first Olympic men's basketball win since 2008, defeating Australia 77-71 and finishing third in their group to advance to the quarterfinals. He scored 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, expressing pride in representing his country and having his children witness his Olympic journey.

Antetokounmpo was initially hesitant but ultimately felt honored to be chosen as the flag bearer for Greece at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

The 2024 Paris Olympics men's basketball championship bracket has been set, with the United States, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece led by Antetokounmpo, Serbia led by Nikola Jokic, and Australia advancing to the quarterfinals.

The United States finished 3-0 in the group stage with a +64 scoring margin, defeating Puerto Rico 104-83 in their final group game, locking up the No. 1 overall seed. They will face Brazil in the quarterfinals, with a potential semifinal matchup against Serbia or Australia.

Germany defeated France 85-71, with both teams booking quarterfinal places. Canada also advanced with a 3-0 record, defeating Spain with late-game heroics, while Brazil secured third place in Group B by beating Japan 102-84.

The quarterfinal losers will be eliminated, while the winners play in the semifinals on Thursday. The gold and bronze medal games in Paris are scheduled for next Saturday.

Antetokounmpo leads the men's basketball tournament at 27 points per game. Greece's coach complained about unsportsmanlike treatment and lack of respect for Antetokounmpo during the tournament.

Sources: Washington Post, Jumper Brasil, Greek Reporter, HotNewHipHop, Sports Illustrated, Last Word On Sports, BVM Sports, Seattle PI, The Score, Pinkvilla, Ekathimerini, Cyprus Mail, CBS Sports, Post and Courier, Las Vegas Sun, Outkick.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Israel's Olympic judo team returned home to a hero's welcome on Sunday evening, following their historic medal haul at the Paris Games. Inbar Lanir and Raz Hershko, who clinched silver medals, and Peter Paltchik, who secured bronze, were met by hundreds of cheering fans at Ben-Gurion International Airport. The judokas' success was part of a record-breaking weekend for Israel, which saw the nation's athletes win six medals overall, igniting nationwide celebrations.

Video: Judo medalists receive warm welcome upon arrival in Israel / Credit: Shmuel Buchris

A crowd of hundreds awaited them at Ben-Gurion Airport, eager to offer a warm embrace in recognition of their achievements. The welcoming party included the judokas' families, numerous young athletes from the clubs where the medalists train, and many other supportive citizens.

Moshe Ponte, Chairman of the Israel Judo Association, said: "First and foremost, I particularly want to acknowledge those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make these achievements possible – they often go unmentioned. Every Olympics, our Judo Association strives to do its utmost. For these Games, we had only three years to prepare, yet they were our most successful. In Rio, we won 3 medals, in Tokyo one, and now in Paris, three. It's extraordinary, all thanks to our dedicated coaches and staff."

Ponte spoke emotionally about coach Oren Smadja: "It's difficult for me to talk about him. He was my student; I've known him since he was 4. From age 17, I trained him as an athlete and believed wholeheartedly that he would bring home a medal. At 22, he won a medal in Barcelona. That was just one athlete, and now we have a total of six medals in this Olympics, bringing our total to 9. Oren experienced a tragedy that no parent should face – burying a child [killed in the war in Gaza]... I sincerely hope he'll recover and return to coaching the men's team. As for Shani, I could say so much about his accomplishments. He was also my student, and remarkably, he has coached two athletes to the Olympic finals. For me, that's an incredible success."

Peter Paltchik shared: "I honestly didn't know what to expect upon disembarking. We spent a long time in the Olympic Village, isolated in our own bubble, each focused on preparing for our big day. Nothing else mattered because we arrived with a sense of purpose. We knew these Games held special significance, coming in the wake of the greatest tragedy our country has ever known. We felt an immense responsibility, aware that every match carried implications. Our goal was to raise our flag as high as possible, despite those who sought to boycott us."

Raz Hershko added: "I'm overjoyed to have fulfilled my dream. I do feel a twinge of regret about the final, knowing I was so close to gold. It was a bit disappointing, but I'm focusing on the positives. I've dreamed of this for years, and it hasn't always been easy or pleasant. Every day, I pushed myself to work hard. I owe so much to Shani Hershko, my coach, who believed in me and guided me even when I was unsure of my path. Wearing this uniform, raising our flag to its highest point, and showing the world that the people of Israel endure – that's what truly matters."

Inbar Lanir also shared: "The reception was incredibly moving. I want to thank everyone who came – our families and close friends. Representing our country during these times is an enormous responsibility, something I never imagined when I started judo at six years old. Now, 18 years later, to be sitting here with an Olympic medal around my neck – it's surreal. I want to take this moment to send my warmest support to all our citizens, especially those who have suffered physically and emotionally, and to the families of the hostages. While we're the ones returning with medals, we represent countless individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often choosing to forgo recognition despite their invaluable contributions."

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The Swiss news outlet Le Matin reported that the World Judo Federation is examining alleged political misconduct by Israeli judo bronze medalist Peter Paltchik, who claimed victories in Paris and Tokyo.

According to the Swiss website, "The flag bearer of the Israeli delegation finds himself at the epicenter of a dispute. The Ukrainian-born athlete lauded Israeli soldiers involved in the Gaza conflict during an interview. Additionally, the son of the judoka's coach [Oren Smadja], an army sergeant, lost his life in the fighting."

The report continued to mention that allegedly, "Prior to the games, Paltchik shared an image on social media, since removed, depicting signed explosives bound for Palestine. They reportedly bore the inscription: 'To you from me, with pleasure.'"

"This isn't aimed at any nation. It's not directed against a people, but against the Hamas terror cells," argued Yael Arad, Chair of the Olympic Committee and former judo champion. The World Judo Federation has now confirmed that it is liaising with Arad and the Olympic Committee regarding this "sensitive matter."

In response, the Israeli Judo Association said: "This is a rehashed fake news that Palestinians attempted to circulate even before the Olympics, aiming to discredit an Israeli athlete."

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It's amazing what one Olympic Games can do. Until Tokyo, our constant question every Olympic day was: Will we get a medal? Now, in Paris, almost every day since the opening, we've been wondering – how come we don't have a medal yet?! We've grown accustomed to success. And rightfully so, it turns out.

How fortunate we are to have judo to fulfill our hopes. Since 1992, judo has been our true national sport. Israel was never considered a world power in any sport. In recent years, that has changed: There isn't a judo enthusiast in the world who doesn't know Israel.

Video: Judo medalists receive warm welcome upon arrival in Israel / Credit: Shmuel Buchris

Every few weeks, our judokas hop between competitions around the world, collecting titles and bringing much honor to Israel.

Once every four years, they arrive at the Olympics and deliver the goods – goods that fill us with pride, and this time, also provide us with a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Indeed, those who follow closely – and in recent years, several Facebook and WhatsApp groups have been doing just that (including dedicated Olympic groups) – knew that barring any mishaps and given a reasonable draw, Israel would return from Paris with one or two judo medals. Sure enough, Inbar Lanir and Raz Hershko lived up to expectations, and Peter Paltchik managed to outdo himself when it mattered most. In what other sports do we have such certainty?

Sometimes, it's hard not to think about what would happen if we concentrated most of our Israeli sports resources on productive disciplines like judo rather than on sports that have brought us so many disappointments and so few titles.

Almost everything has probably been said and written about an Israeli medal in the shadow of the year we've had. The thing is, words cannot describe the intensity of emotion, the release, the love, and the energy that flowed through the Champ-de-Mars Arena. It turns out that money can't buy such a powerful experience – only a silver medal can (and a bronze, too).

Even given the security constraints we had to adopt in Paris, even more than at any previous Olympics, the level of Israeli support on the first day felt like being at Bloomfield Stadium, from chants to personalized cheers.

So what's next? Israeli judo has one stone left to turn. This is, of course, an excellent reason to secure tickets for Los Angeles 2028. And this time, we're not coming back without hearing the national anthem on the mat.

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