The United States is going to win the overall medal count and the Chinese are probably going to be a close second. The U.S. is doing very well in the track and field events, especially on the women’s side. I wish track and field and swimming events were on TV more throughout the year. Then you would know more about these amazing athletes before the Olympics happen, and the athletes would have more than one moment to shine. With all the streaming for TV these days, this should be doable and would be great for the sports to be more mainstreamed and enjoyed by a larger audience. Just a thought.
The U.S. Women’s Olympic soccer team was the big favorite going into the Olympics. The U.S. team had many veterans from prior World Cup and Olympic events, so this will probably be the last hurrah for half of the current team. The games were tough with the heat and injuries, and after it was said and done, they come back home with the bronze medal. Outstanding! And now it's time to reload and prepare for the future. Women's soccer has definitely become a sports favorite to watch.
The Olympics golf competition is going well for the U.S. as well. Xander Schauffele won a gold medal with a score of 18-under par. There was a seven-way tie for the bronze medal position. Ultimately, it came down to C.T. Pan from Chinese Taipei and Collin Morikawa of the U.S. Pan won on the fourth playoff hole. The golf course is in great shape because nobody was allowed to play on it for two months before the Olympics started. Nelly Korda of the United States is winning the tournament for the women. This is no surprise since she is the No. 1 golfer in the world right now. I hope she can maintain the lead and win the gold medal.
And then we come stateside and I have to mention the ever-frustrating Phillies. Surprisingly but thankfully, they continue gaining ground on the New York Mets. They are missing their best pitcher Jacob deGrom. So far no one knows if he is going to pitch again this year because of shoulder issues. If he would’ve been able to stay healthy, he would have easily won the Cy Young award as best pitcher for the National League.
If the Phillies were in almost any other division in baseball, they would be out of the playoffs already. But the National League East Division is so mediocre this year that the Phils have a 33 percent or so chance to make the playoffs. The Mets and the Atlanta Braves are very close to them as well. Nothing to brag about, but I'll take it and really hope that the Phillies continue to surprise me.
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
