• Slug: Sports–Sunkist Wrestling Olympics Finale, 700 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Walker Smith
Cronkite News

PARIS – Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club, a powerhouse in the wrestling world, has produced talent that has won more than 120 world and Olympic medals. In February, the program’s owner announced he would close the organization’s doors following the 2024 Paris Olympics, ending a dominant USA wrestling run.

It’s particularly poignant during the final week of the Paris Games as wrestling competition begins Monday.

Five competitors for Team USA are representing Sunkist for the last time on the Olympic mat as the club’s last dance before founder Art Martori discontinues the team after the games. Continue reading “Five Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club competitors take mat in Paris Olympics before organization shuts down”

• Slug: Sports–Paris Bicycling Infrastructure, 1,350 words.
• Photo available.

By Zach Bradshaw
Cronkite News

PARIS – The City of Light has become a “gold medal” example of modern bicycle infrastructure, making transportation during the Summer Olympics more accessible than ever.

Improvements to existing infrastructure has allowed the French capital city to also be widely known as the capital city of biking.

“It’s pretty great,” said Hannah Warmerdam, a Paris-based bike tour guide who works at Holland Bikes Tours & Rentals in Paris. “I mean, the biking infrastructure in France restarted in Paris.” Continue reading “Paris’ bicycling infrastructure a model that Phoenix, Los Angeles should copy, officials say”

• Slug: Sports–Paris Olympics to Normandy, 823 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Scott Sandull
Cronkite News

NORMANDY – “American?”

My attention on the calm, crashing waves and steep cliffs in front of me was halted by a distinct yet clear French accent. Looking back, I found a middle-aged male, decked out in “Team France” gear at the height of the Summer Olympics. His hand shot out of a cannon to meet mine, finishing the unexpected exchange with overwhelming gratitude.

“Thank you for what you did for our country,” he said.

He may have looked me, a 21-year-old journalism student, in the eye when expressing his compassion, but his sentiments would have been far more appropriate for the man who once wore the dog tag that now dangles around my neck.  Continue reading “A young journalist leaves the comfort of the Paris Games for an emotional journey to Normandy”

• Slug: Sports–Paris Housing Crisis, 823 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Abigail Scott
Cronkite News

PARIS – Under the spotlight of the Olympic Games, Paris’ attempt to keep middle- and lower-income residents in the heart of the city has taken center stage as concerns about gentrification grow.

One of the densest cities in the world, Paris has spent the past 20 years working to increase housing for those in need through public housing and protect residents from rising rental prices.

Parisian homeowners leaving their properties empty for much of the year or turning them into short-term rentals for tourists have complicated the issue. The government is focused on tighter regulations, including city approval requirements for Airbnb-type rentals, which are now restricted to short periods. Continue reading “The cost of living in Paris: Olympics put spotlight on city working to find affordable living solutions”

• Slug: Sports–Griner Reacts Prisoners Swap, 500 words.
• Photo available.

By Lux Butler
Cronkite News

PARIS – Twenty months after her own release, Brittany Griner called a historic prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia “a huge win.”

The swap included former marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich in a multi-country deal that freed 24 people.

“Great day,” Phoenix Mercury center Griner said Thursday after Team USA’s victory over Belgium in Lille. “I’m sure it will be even more emotional a little later on. Yeah, I’m just happy. This was a big win. … I know they have an amazing group of people that are going to help them out, them and their families.”

Continue reading “Emotional Mercury center Brittney Griner calls U.S.-Russia prisoner swamp a ‘huge win’”

• Slug: Sports–Olympics Golf Valley Ties, 1,100 words.
• Photo available.
• Video available.

By Doyal D’angelo
Cronkite News

PARIS – Cierra Burdick has a long and successful history with Team USA, yet she is in the middle of her debut at the Paris Olympics and is serving as the veteran for a 3×3 team on its quest for a repeat title.

Burdick, 30, says her preparation for a different version of the sport does not change. The former Phoenix Mercury forward fell in love with basketball at an early age and still loves it.

Her international footprint started all the way back when she appeared on the 2009 USA U16 national team, winning a FIBA gold medal in the process. Since then, she has appeared on many international 5×5 and 3×3 teams throughout her career, winning six gold medals in total and capturing other tournament titles.

Continue reading “Former Mercury forward Cierra Burdick find success with Team USA women’s 3×3 basketball”

• Slug: Sports–Suns Players Team USA, 1,000 words.
• Photo  available.

By Devon Henderson
Cronkite News

PARIS – Team USA men’s basketball has assembled what some call one of the country’s best ever for the Paris Olympics, and they needed a heavy contribution from the Phoenix Suns to do it. On a team filled with transcendent NBA All-Stars on a 12-deep roster, having standout contributions can be nearly impossible.

In its first three Olympic group stage games, all wins, Suns guard Devin Booker was featured in the starting lineup. On Wednesday in a 103-86 win against South Sudan, Suns forward Kevin Durant led the team in scoring with 23 points and logged the second-most minutes played with just under 22. The only player with more game time was Booker with just over 22 minutes. On Saturday during a 104-73 win over Puerto Rico, the pair combined for 20 points.

A team featuring headline last names such as James, Curry, Tatum and Edwards has deferred to relying on the influence of the stars from the Valley of the Sun. The Team USA women’s basketball team also pulls strength from the Desert as three Phoenix Mercury players – Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Kahleah Copper – represent a fourth of that 12-person team. These Olympics have showcased the growing influence the 48th state has had on the basketball landscape. Continue reading “‘We got Phoenix all over’: Suns’ Booker, Durant lead charge of strong Valley representation in Olympics basketball”

• Slug: Sports–Olympics Golf Valley Ties, 1,100 words.
• Photo  available.

By Scott Sandulli
Cronkite News

PARIS – When the summer sun beats down on the desert, saguaro shadows extend further and further in a way that transcends the backdrop of nature. Over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic, at the world’s most extraordinary gathering of competition, the Arizona aroma holds firm on the stage of Olympic golf. With the sports world focused on the Paris Games, the Arizona fairways serve as the approach to the greens of Le Golf National as several Valley stalwarts cross the pond in pursuit of gold.

“Everyone that competes in the Olympics talks about what a special experience it is,” Arizona State men’s golf coach Matt Thurmond said. “Playing for their country, being around the very best athletes in all these different sports in the same place. What an incredible experience.”

Returning to the slate of Olympic sports for the third time since a century-long hiatus ended in 2016, the golf event boasts some of the world’s top swingers in a star-studded field. Rather than a selection committee, players are awarded a tee time based on the International Golf Federation’s world rankings published on June 17. Continue reading “Known names on Valley golf scene, including Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, in mix at Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports–Olympics High Performance Center, 1,000 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Walker Smith
Cronkite News

PARIS – Twelve miles north of central Paris sits the small, quiet suburb of Eaubonne. Despite its close proximity to the chaos of the French capital, the area is only filled with the sound of wind blowing through the trees and homes fit for quiet living. It may not seem like the 2024 Summer Olympics have touched this place, but just a 10-minute walk from the train station sits one of the most advanced training facilities the Games have to offer: Team USA’s high performance center.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee partnered with ATHLETICA to create a home base for Team USA in the small suburb. Disconnected but easily accessible to the Olympic Village, the Team USA HPC has state-of-the-art facilities that allow U.S. athletes feel more connected with each other. Continue reading “In quiet Paris suburb, Team USA elite athletes work out together at high performance training center”

• Slug: Sports–Olympics Mercury Big Three, 1,000 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Devon Henderson
Cronkite News

PARIS – The Phoenix Mercury have made a large donation of services to this year’s Summer Olympics. Despite sitting in the middle of the pack in the WNBA standings halfway through the season, the Mercury boast three players selected to the Team USA women’s basketball roster for Paris. They have the second largest contingent, only behind reigning back-to-back champions the Las Vegas Aces, who sent four.

The team has initiated its hunt for an eighth straight Olympics gold medal. It opened its campaign with a 102-76 win against Japan Monday and takes the court again Thursday against Belgium for its second group stage game.

Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, forward Kahleah Copper and center Brittney Griner will be aiding the country’s effort for gold. Although the team hasn’t exploded out of the gates in its 2024 campaign, it won five of its last seven before the Olympics break and is delivering three high profile and highly competitive players to Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve’s squad.

Continue reading “Taurasi, Griner, Copper: Mercury trio determined to help Team USA women’s basketball win gold”

• Slug: Sports–Social Media Olympics Woes, 1,000 words
• Photo available.

By David Bernauer
Cronkite News

PARIS – From fans attacking rugby standout Ilona Maher for her BMI to others questioning gymnast Simone Biles about her “just rolled out of bed” hair, social media has surfaced as a significant storyline at the Paris Games. It is the dark side of a tool that also serves as a powerful marketing agent for many Olympians.

Ilona Maher, the star of the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team, just became the most followed rugby player in the world following the team’s breakout performance at the Olympics. This week the bronze medalist became the first women’s rugby player to surpass one million Instagram followers and now boasts two million followers. With this meteoric rise in following came the hateful messages athletes, especially women athletes, receive in regards to their bodies. Continue reading “‘A 30% BMI’: Olympians’ love-hate relationship with social media on full display at Paris Games”

• Slug: Sports–Brandon McNulty Olympics, 1,700 words
• Photo available.

By Devon Henderson
Cronkite News

PARIS – The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic competition for spectators and hold a near spiritual meaning for its participants, especially those in individual sports. To earn the world’s most coveted gold neckwear, the games demand the athletes dig deep. They must abandon care for pain or fatigue and find a mind space filled exclusively with determination and fervor to reach their ultimate goal.

Few know this as well as Valley native Brandon McNulty, who is living the experience at the Paris Olympics. On Saturday, he just missed the podium in the men’s individual time trial for road cycling, finishing fifth – the best finish for a U.S. competitor – despite steady rain and 90% humidity. He has another opportunity to medal this Saturday in the 169.4-mile road race that will take him past memorable spots including the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles.

As usual, he will give it everything. Continue reading “After 5th place finish in time trials, Phoenix’s Brandon McNulty has another shot for Olympic gold in cycling road race”

• Slug: Sports–Native American Basketball Scholarships. 691 words.
• Photos available.

By Jorden Hampton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Amid the fierce competition and colorful pageantry of the largest all-Native American basketball tournament in North America, some numbers stood out.

There were 196 teams representing 180 tribal communities playing in the 21st annual Native American Basketball Invitational over five days last week, the tournament beginning on the 13 courts of Grand Canyon University and ending with Saturday’s girls and boys championships at the Footprint Center.

But the games were also the backdrop to some life-changing moments.

Keon Talgo, a 19-year-old Native American basketball player, always dreamed of going to college, but needed assistance to turn his dream into reality. Everything came together during an unforgettable and eye-popping moment at the NABI.

Talgo, dressed in a black dress shirt and gray slacks, received a $10,000 scholarship during halftime of the boys’ championship game in downtown Phoenix. Talgo belongs to the San Carlos Apache tribe and will attend Cornell College, a private liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in the fall to study engineering.

“I’m feeling great right now,” said Talgo, who helped lead Gilbert Christian High School’s boy’s basketball team to the 3A State Championship in February. “It really helps my family a lot financially to have this scholarship and I’m really grateful for NABI for selecting me.”

Continue reading “Hoops and scholarships: Native American Basketball Invitational provides intense competition, life-altering moments”

• Slug: Sports–Kirsten Kasper, 930 words
• Photo available.

By Scott Sandulli
Cronkite News

PARIS – The Valley remains a prime destination for snowbirds in winter months, providing comfortable, extended holiday seasons for anyone who doesn’t feel like shoveling snow and seeing their breath in freezing conditions.

Kirsten Kasper, a native New Englander, could be classified as such, but her purpose for welcoming winter weather is different. Once the snow start falling in her hometown of North Andover, Massachusetts, Kasper hightails it for the saguaros of Scottsdale to take in the sunshine, but also to let it light the clear roads and flowing waters to pursue her life’s passion: competing in the Summer Olympics.

Her decision has paid off. Kasper, 32 competes Wednesday in the Paris Olympics’ Women’s Triathlon. She is ranked 11th in World Triathlon rankings and among those favored to win a medal. Continue reading “From Scottsdale to Paris: ‘Snowbird’ triathlete Kirsten Kasper takes roads and waters less traveled to Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports–River Seine Triathlon Postponed, 780 words
• Photo available.

By Scott Sandulli
Cronkite News

PARIS – As many expected in the lead up to the Olympic Games, the River Seine has been a major headache for the International Olympic Committee. Its most recent migraine regarding the iconic waterway’s cleanliness has been its biggest, with dangerous levels of contaminants in the water causing the postponement of Tuesday’s Men’s Triathlon Final.

“The conditions weren’t right to put the athletes in the Seine today,” IOC sports director Kit McConnell said. “Of course we try and run everything on schedule, but you’ve heard the reasons why.”

Continue reading “Men’s triathlon postponed as Seine River fails to meet safety requirements for Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports–Keaton Jones Swimming Olympics, 1,200 words.
• Photo available.

By Zach Bradshaw
Cronkite News

PARIS – Keaton Jones is making waves and breaking ground. He is believed to be the first swimmer in 16 years to come through Arizona age-group competition and reach the Olympic Games.

The Highley High School graduate, 19, will represent the United States in the men’s 200-meter backstroke Wednesday after finishing second to two-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy at the Olymic Trials in June.

He swims at the University of California, Berkeley, but his skills are rooted in Arizona. In addition to dominating the local scene, he’s broken Guinness World Records in ice swimming, helped raise over $24,000 for first responders and shattered numerous records at his high school. Continue reading “Former Higley High swimmer Keaton Jones ready to showcase backstroke skills in Paris Olympics”