Sports

Katie Ledecky set a new world record Friday in the women's 800-meter freestyle. In the pool, she celebrated with Team USA teammate Leah Smith.

Sports

Ledecky, DiRado, And Ervin Win Gold In Rio As Michael Phelps Misses Shot At 5th Gold

10:49pm August 12, 2016

by Bill Chappell

In his last individual event at the Rio Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps came up short. His teammate Katie Ledecky broke her own world record — and then Anthony Ervin, 35, won gold in the freestyle.

Marta Karolyi, the national team coordinator for USA Gymnastics, looks at the scoreboard along with (from right) Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas during the women's qualification on Sunday. Karolyi, 73, is widely credited with helping make the

Pushing U.S. Gymnasts To The Summit, Marta Karolyi Leaves On Top

7:55pm August 12, 2016

Marta Karolyi and her husband, Bela, have helped develop the top women gymnasts in the world since the '70s, first in Romania and now the U.S. At 73, she's now ready to join her husband in retirement.

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Step Aside, Leonidas: Michael Phelps Breaks 2,000-Year-Old Olympic Record

6:25pm August 12, 2016

Leonidas of Rhodes, please step aside for Michael of Baltimore. Swimmer Michael Phelps broke a 2168-year-old record with his 13th individual Olympic title Thursday night.

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Among Exciting Events, Shooting Emerges As A Boring Olympic Sport

5:06pm August 12, 2016

by Tom Goldman

There's no shortage of excitement in Olympic sport. Everywhere, it seems, there's adrenaline and athleticism on full display. So is there such a thing as a boring Olympic sport?

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U.S. Swimmer Simone Manuel Wins Olympic Gold In Historic Race

5:06pm August 12, 2016

NPR's Audie Cornish talks to David Steele, senior writer at Sporting News, about U.S. swimmer Simone Manuel's historic gold medal win in Thursday's 100-meter freestyle.

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Alex Rodriguez Retires After 13 Years With The Yankees

4:35pm August 12, 2016

by Jim O'Grady

Alex Rodriguez is retiring from the Yankees after 13 years with the team. At his last game on Friday, A-Rod will hardly get the same farewell as former Yankee and all-around good guy Derek Jeter. Rodriguez was a prodigy and a power hitter, but left fans disgusted by the way he handled a much publicized steroids scandal.

The Swedish soccer team celebrates after beating the U.S. in the quarterfinals match on Friday.

U.S. Women's Soccer Team Eliminated From Olympics After Losing To Sweden

3:37pm August 12, 2016

by Bill Chappell

It came down to penalty kicks — and two of the U.S. women's soccer team players missed theirs against Sweden Friday, ending their run in Rio's Summer Games.

Simone Manuel is one of the best swimmers in the world. But even in 2016, there are very few professional swimmers who look like her.

Simone Manuel Wins Olympic Gold. That's A Really Big Deal

3:21pm August 12, 2016

by Leah Donnella

When the 20-year-old won gold Thursday night, she wasn't just an athlete excelling at her sport. She was a symbol for what should have been self-evident all along: Swimming is for everyone.

Maoulida Daroueche of the Comoros will compete Monday in the 400-meter hurdles. Daroueche, 25, had a tough life as a kid in the Comoros, but now resides in France and is competing in his second Olympics.

From Comoros Islands, An Olympian Clears Hurdles On And Off The Track

1:55pm August 12, 2016

by Melissa Block

A competitor in Rio grew up poor in the islands, leaving home to live on the streets when he was 8. There's not even a running track there. Now he's competing in the 400-meter hurdles.

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Sports

It Was A Gold Day For The USA In Rio Summer Olympics

5:48am August 12, 2016

by Tom Goldman

Swimming sensation Michael Phelps added to his gold medal tally and, for the first time, an African-American female swimmer won gold. And, the U.S. women continued their dominance in gymnastics.