It was a giant leap: Chantel Malone on Tuesday won the women’s long jump and the first-ever Pan American Games medal for the British Virgin Islands.
“And it’s a gold medal, not just any medal,” Malone said. “Winning gold is like me putting my name up there, putting my country up there, just to let them know that we’re here. We’re small, but we’re powerful.”
The British Virgin Islands is a top sailing destination, home to a thriving financial and tourism sector, and its blue waters and ocean breezes draw tourists from across the world, but the Caribbean island is still recovering from hurricanes Irma and Maria, which caused widespread devastation in 2017.
Photo: AP
“We’ve gone through a lot recently with the hurricanes and everything, so to come out and win gold is extremely awesome,” said Malone, who won with her first jump in the Peruvian capital of Lima, leaping out to 6.68m, an unrivaled mark.
“I’m happy that I was able to secure it on my first jump,” she said. “I was like: ‘Let’s go — one mission and that’s it: to get gold.’”
Not only did she get gold, but she beat some of the strongest jumpers in the world. They included Colombia’s Olympic triple jump champion Caterine Ibarguen, who was favored to win the title in Lima after she took the triple jump gold in Toronto 2015 and long jump bronze in Guadalajara 2011.
Ibarguen, who had a swollen foot, placed fifth. Keturah Orji of the US won silver and Jamaica’s Tissanna Hickling earned bronze.
“I knew there were girls out there jumping really well,” Malone said. “But I just went out and focused on myself and did what I had to do.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and