Nordic combined, the only Winter Games sport without gender equity, faces shaky future at Olympics
Nordic combined has a rich history in the Olympics and potentially, a bleak future. Since the first Winter Games in 1924, the unique sport has tested the bravery and endurance of athletes in ski jumping and cross-country skiing. A year from now, it might be a former Olympic sport. “That’s a big concern — or a big issue — that we talk about,” four-time Olympic champion Joergen Graabak of Norway said in an interview with The Associated Press. Nordic combined is scheduled to wrap up competition at the Milan-Cortina Olympics on Feb. 19, 2026, and that may be its finale on the world stage.
Anna Nordqvist to captain Europeans at next year’s Solheim Cup in bid to reclaim trophy from US
Swedish golfer Anna Nordqvist was appointed Monday as the captain of the European team for next year’s Solheim Cup being staged in the Netherlands. Europe will look to reclaim the cup after losing 15½-12½ on U.S. soil last year. That was the Americans’ first win since 2017. The 37-year-old Nordqvist, who is still active on the Ladies European Tour, was a playing vice-captain in the 2023 and 2024 matches and has represented Europe nine times in the biggest team event in women’s golf.
New Zealand wins the toss and elects to field against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the coin toss and elected to field against Bangladesh in their Group A game of the Champions Trophy on Monday. A New Zealand win would send both India and the Black Caps to the semifinals and end Pakistan’s tournament. Pakistan lost to archrival India by six wickets at Dubai on Sunday with Virat Kohli scoring a match-winning unbeaten century. The Black Caps are in strong form since arriving in Pakistan earlier this month. It won the tri-nation series, which also featured South Africa, and also went on to beat Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening game of Champions Trophy at Karachi.
Fiorentina forward Moise Kean discharged from hospital after collapsing during Serie A match
Fiorentina forward Moise Kean has been released from the hospital after collapsing on the field during a Serie A match on Sunday following a head injury. Kean was carried off on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital after the incident in the second half of Fiorentina’s match at Hellas Verona. “Fiorentina can confirm that Moise Kean was discharged from hospital in Verona overnight and has returned to Florence. Medical and diagnostic tests all produced negative results,” his club said in a brief statement on Monday.
Indiana coach Mike Woodson adds new twist to an old story on anniversary of Knight’s thrown chair
Mike Woodson arrived Sunday at Assembly Hall ready to honor his mentor, the late Bob Knight, once more. So the outgoing Indiana coach brought his own red plastic chair, placed it on the floor between the Hoosiers’ metal folding chairs that are still tethered together and used it during the rivalry game against No. 13 Purdue. Then Woodson added yet another twist to a question that has mystified Indiana fans for 40 years — where is the chair Knight tossed across the court in anger on Feb. 23, 1985?
No. 13 NC State’s 2OT win over No. 1 Notre Dame gives women’s basketball a showcase thriller
Sonia Citron was down to the final frantic seconds, her top-ranked Notre Dame team down three and on the verge of its first loss since November. There was just enough time to launch a contested 3-pointer over N.C. State’s Aziaha James. The ball dropped cleanly through, sending Citron’s jubilant teammates to mob her while leaving James walking in fists-clenched disbelief. Yet James later had her own highlight-reel response, a transition layup in which she smoothly took the ball around her back to change hands and avoid a strip attempt by Olivia Miles during the 13th-ranked Wolfpack’s clinching run in the second overtime.
Mets infielder Nick Madrigal dislocates non-throwing shoulder in spring game against Nationals
New York Mets infielder Nick Madrigal dislocated his non-throwing shoulder Sunday in a spring training game against the Washington Nationals. Madrigal is fighting for a roster spot with the Mets, and it’s unclear how much time he’ll miss after the injury to his left shoulder. The 27-year-old was playing shortstop and charged a grounder up the middle, firing to first base before falling to the grass. He’ll undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury, according to MLB.com.
Timberwolves add another injury to the list when Jaylen Clark hurts neck against Thunder
The short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves had their rotation thinned further when guard Jaylen Clark left their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of neck pain from an awkward fall on the court in the third quarter Sunday night. Clark got a steal and attacked the basket for an off-balance layup attempt against Oklahoma City 7-footer Isaiah Hartenstein, before he landed on his back and banged his head on the floor while his neck jerked backward. Clark was down for awhile before being slowly helped up and guided to the locker room, and the Timberwolves eventually ruled him out for the remainder of Minnesota’s 130-123 loss.
Hat trick puts Alex Ovechkin 13 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record
Alex Ovechkin fired a perfect wrist shot past Calvin Pickard for his first goal of the game, scored from his office on the power play for his second and sailed a shot into an empty net from his own zone to complete the hat trick. “I have pretty good chances to score more,” Ovechkin said, “but I’ll take three.” Scoring three goals in the Washington Capitals’ 7-3 rout of the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday put Ovechkin 13 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career record of 894 that long seemed unapproachable. Even after missing 16 games earlier this season because of a broken leg, the 39-year-old is on pace to pass Gretzky this spring.
Bell takes only lead in OT to edge Hocevar, Larson in another thrilling NASCAR finish in Atlanta
Christopher Bell celebrated a drought-ending victory for himself and Joe Gibbs Racing after a dramatic comeback in Atlanta. Bell edged Carson Hocevar and Kyle Larson in overtime Sunday in another close NASCAR Cup Series finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bell led only the final lap in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and had a slight edge on the outside when the caution light came on in overtime following a wreck by Josh Berry. “That last lap of the race we were at our best,” Bell said.