Well Played: We Are the Champions, Jordan Chiles Summons an Army, Raygun’s Breaking Conspiracies, and Sha’Carri’s Bombastic Side Eye
Aug 13, 2024
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Jordan Chiles, a rising star in gymnastics, discusses the controversy surrounding her stripped bronze medal due to a timing issue, highlighting concerns about fairness in scoring. The conversation shifts to memorable moments from the Paris 2024 Olympics, including the viral side-eye of Sha’Carri Richardson and celebrity appearances like Tom Cruise at the closing ceremony. The hosts also delve into the challenges faced by Team USA in track and field, as well as the triumphs of the women's soccer team, setting the stage for the upcoming Los Angeles Games.
The United States' success in the 2024 Paris Olympics was highlighted by a dramatic victory in women's basketball, showcasing resilience against fierce competition.
Jordan Chiles' stripped bronze medal controversy raised significant debates about inconsistent rule enforcement in sports judging, igniting outrage across the athletics community.
Deep dives
Final Medal Count at the Paris Olympics
The United States topped the medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing a total of 126 medals, followed closely by China with 91. Both countries tied for the most gold medals, each bringing home 40. A key moment contributing to the U.S. success was the victory of the women's national basketball team, which leveled the gold medal count after a hard-fought match. This thrilling competition highlighted the strength and resilience of the U.S. athletes, particularly as they faced stiff competition and impressive performances from other nations.
Controversy Surrounding Jordan Chiles' Medal
Jordan Chiles faced a significant controversy when the Court of Arbitration for Sport stripped her of her bronze medal in the floor exercise due to a timing issue regarding her coach's inquiry. Despite USA Gymnastics presenting video evidence to support their claim that the inquiry was filed within the allowed time frame, the CAS denied the appeal, stating their rules do not permit reconsideration. The entire situation sparked outrage, especially as it seemed the rules were inconsistently applied, and many felt that the judges made a grievous error in assessing the circumstances. The debate continues over the ruling, with USA Gymnastics vowing to pursue the matter further.
The Viral Rise of Reagan, the Australian B-Girl
Australian B-Girl Reagan, also known as Dr. Rachel Gunn, became a sensation during the Paris Olympics with her unique dance moves that captured the internet's attention and garnered her extensive social media fame. Her performance in the breaking competition, particularly her signature kangaroo and sprinkler moves, showcased not only her skill but also her vibrant personality, making her an instant favorite among viewers. Despite not winning gold, she achieved 'social media gold,' showcasing how athletes can transcend traditional competition and become cultural moments. Interestingly, Reagan's academic background adds depth to her performance, as she holds a PhD and has conducted research on the intersection of gender and breaking culture.
Tom Cruise's Grand Gesture at the Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics featured an unexpected grand gesture from Tom Cruise, who made a dramatic descent from the roof of the Stade de France, picking up the Olympic flag. His jaw-dropping stunt included skydiving with the flag and transitioning it to a concert celebration that marked the transition to the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This spectacle generated buzz and excitement, highlighting the blend of entertainment and sports that characterizes the Olympics. The ceremony, though often understated, was elevated by this memorable moment, encapsulating the continued anticipation for future Games.
We’re pouring one out for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the last episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. From the most heartwarming moments to the most memeable ones, Amanda and Blake settle the score on the most iconic outcomes of the Games, plus what’s to come in the Los Angeles Games in 2028 (yes, we’re already talking about them).
In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover:
An update on USA Gymnastics’ appeal against the CAS stripping Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal
The moment Tom Cruise did the absolute most at the closing ceremony
The buckets Team USA had to pull off to defend its Olympic winning streak in basketball
Reactions to the Sha’Carri Richardson’s side-eye that dominated our feeds this weekend
Track & field legend Carl Lewis’s response when the men’s team botched the 4x100m final for the 5th straight time
A comprehensive list of Amanda’s award-winning Olympics moments