Sports
Kawhi Leonard Expected to Re-Sign With Los Angeles Clippers
As free agency is around the corner, many rumors have ignited regarding whether or not Kawhi Leonard will stay with or leave the Los Angeles Clippers. If Leonard decides to decline his player option, then there is a large potential for him to hit free agency in the NBA. ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that Leonard is currently in talks with the franchise to decide on a new deal as he recovers from his ACL injury. Leonard is likely re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers if the terms of the deal are up to standards. The Clippers have an advantage as the most likely contender, however, other franchises may also look to sign Leonard as he is no doubt one of the best players in the NBA. Leonard’s chemistry with Paul George as the Clippers’ dynamic duo is still heavily weighted and...
Naomi Osaka Eliminated From Tokyo Olympics
Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, who also lit the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony’s torch, has officially been eliminated in the third round of the women’s singles tennis tournament. Osaka lost in straight sets of 6-1, 6-4, to Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova. The stunning upset was a blow to the host country, as Osaka is arguably Japan’s biggest global sports celebrity. She faced her first two matches with ease, showing that she was ready to return to the courts since dropping out of the French Open in June. In the third round, Osaka appeared to struggle from the beginning to keep the ball in play. The athlete committed a total of 20 errors in the set, 14 of which were unforced. Osaka, who is currently the No. 2 player in the world, stunned many of those watching the game as her loss felt...
An Oral History of Skateboarding in the U.K.: Part 1, 1970-2000
When the history of skateboarding is told, the influence of the U.S. is everywhere. From the early days documented in Dogtown and Z-Boys — and the much-told story of California’s long, hot summers — to how Supreme conquered the world from Lafayette Street, skateboarding is predominantly documented as an American activity. Away from the States, however, skateboarding has formed subcultures and communities in countries worldwide — and arguably nowhere more so than across the Atlantic in the U.K. After skating became more widespread in Britain in the late ‘70s, the scene has gone through peaks and troughs, as it rose and fell in popularity and cultural capital. But British skating has become a foundational part of the culture, from Liverpool-born Geoff Rowley winning Thrasher’s Skater of the ...
Simone Biles Withdraws From Olympic Individual All-Around Final
Simone Biles will not compete in her next 2021 Tokyo Olympics event, the individual all-around final, set to take place on Thursday, USA Gymnastics confirmed. Biles on Tuesday withdrew from the team final to prioritize her mental health, and she will not participate in the all-around competition for the same reason. “After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health,” the USA Gymnastics statement read. “Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week’s event finals.” After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s deci...
Simone Biles Withdraws From Olympics Team Gymnastics Final
Simone Biles has withdrawn from the women’s team gymnastics final at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to a medical issue. Biles pulled out of the event on Tuesday after exiting the arena for trainer evaluation. In a statement, USA Gymnastics wrote, “Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medial issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.” Following Biles’ departure, Team USA claimed the silver medal, with a score of 166.096, finishing behind the Russia Olympic Committee, who won the gold medal with 169.528 points. After the event, Biles briefly spoke with Hoda Kotb on NBC’s TODAY show regarding her current condition. “Physically, I feel good. I’m in shape,” Biles told Kotb. “Emotionally, it varies on the time and moment....
Obama Joins NBA Africa As Strategic Advisor
Former U.S. president Barack Obama joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner, the NBA announced on Monday. In this role, Obama “will help advance the league’s social responsibility efforts across the continent, including programs and partnerships that support greater gender equality and economic inclusion.” In addition, the role gives Obama a minority equity stake in the new venture, which he plans to eventually use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across the continent. NBA Africa has several roles, including hosting the Basketball Africa League (BAL) with teams from 12 African countries. The venture is also focused on expanding the NBA’s presence in Africa, deepening engagement with players and fans across the region and growing programs like Jr. NBA, Basketball Witho...
John Cena Speaks On The Rock’s Potential Return to WWE
John Cena, who recently made a return to the WWE ring, recently spoke about the possibility of The Rock‘s return to the sport. WWE superstar turned Hollywood actor, John Cena recently shared with Ash Crossan that he would be excited to see The Rock return to the ring. He said, “Dwayne Johnson is a star in his own universe. There is no one like him. There will never be anyone like him. For him to be gracious enough to return to WWE, its own global entertainment phenomenon, that’s great for WWE and it is great for The Rock.” Cena made it clear that he did not want to speak for the Rock but he did add, “As a fan of WWE, I really hope he returns. I think it would be special for everyone.” With the return of John Cena to WWE, other rumors surrounding Johnson’s return have also been ignited. Thi...
Chris Hemsworth’s Personal Trainer Luke Zocchi Tells Us How We Can Train Like Thor
Between effortlessly wielding Mjölnir and single-handedly overpowering Thanos, it’s befitting that Thor, aka Chris Hemsworth, possesses the physique that is equal to his worthiness as the Asgardian God of Thunder. Many Marvel fans who also enjoy working out and lifting heavy at the gym have looked up to the Australian actor and his build as an ultimate goal, but for most of us, looking like a Hollywood star seems almost impossible to achieve. Hemsworth’s childhood friend and personal trainer Luke Zocchi — pictured above on the right of Hemsworth, while on his left is his stunt double — is a fitness expert with roots in boxing, and has joined us at HYPEBEAST to speak about his experience with Thor himself, the training program the two came up with together, and why one should never skip car...
English Football Introduces New Heading Limit Amidst Long-Term Head Injury Concerns
English football has introduced a new heading rule for the upcoming 2021/22 season that will see players limited to 10 “higher-force” headers in training per week. The announcement — that will be implemented across all professional levels of football in the U.K. — comes after a series of studies found that repeated heading could lead to dementia and other long-term diseases, while a 2018 study by the University of British Columbia found that blood levels of proteins associated with damage to nerve cells increase after heading the ball. The new rules, delivered in a joint statement from the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association and League Managers’ Association, advises that “a maximum of 10 higher-force headers are carried out i...
An Oral History of Skateboarding in the U.K.: Part 2, 2000-Today
After charting British skateboarding’s journey from the late ‘70s to the turn of the millennium in Part One, the second installment of our oral history of U.K. skateboarding looks at its modern era. Beginning with the cultural impact of Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater, this was the period when the Southbank was saved and that Palace was born, placing the U.K. on the skateboarding map in a way that had never happened before. Alongside that, skateboarding crossed into the mainstream to an unparalleled degree. On one hand, luxury houses from Lanvin to Louis Vuitton began looking to skateboarding for inspiration, while on the other skateparks were built up and down the country, and a new — more diverse — generation became involved in the sport. This is how British skateboarding moved from the rough wor...
Philippines Wins Its First-Ever Olympic Gold Medal
The Philippines has won an Olympic gold medal for the first time in history at the Tokyo Summer Games. Awarded to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the 55-kilogram category of women’s weightlifting, Diaz simultaneously set an Olympic record with a combined total of 224 kilograms (493 lbs.) across her two lifts. The event saw Diaz go head-to-head with world record-holder, China’s Liao Qiuyun. Both competitors lifted 97 kilograms (214 lbs.) each in the first round’s snatch lift, but for the following clean and jerk, in which competitors lift the bar to their shoulders before raising it above their heads, Liao lifted 126 kilograms (278 lbs.), while Diaz exceeded with a 127-kilogram lift. In addition to serving in her country’s air force, Diaz is a four-time Olympic competitor who first made waves ...
Kyle Lowry Rumored To Seek $90 Million USD Three-Year Contract in Free Agency
Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry is set to become an upcoming free agent. As an NBA league veteran, many teams are likely interested in the point guard despite entering the latter stages of his career. Lowry is currently a six-time All-Star on a champion-winning team and has been seen as one of the best playmakers in the game. Based on his many years in the league, his upcoming free agency might be the last chance Lowry gets to earn a significant payday. Five Reasons Sports‘ Adam Borai reported that the Miami Heat are still very much interested in a deal with Lowry and are looking into his range of $90 million USD over the course of three years. Lowry’s shooting and ability to read the court would make him a great addition to the Heat roster as a seasoned player in the league. HYPEBEAST als...
