Formula 1 Racing Kicks off 2024 Season in Kingdom of Bahrain

This past Saturday, current Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen won the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening race of the 2024 F1 season. He was followed by Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez of Mexico, making it a Red Bull one-two. Fan-favorites Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes both encountered technical challenges during the race and came in fourth and seventh place, respectively. 

The Grand Prix was a close one, with several different drivers holding the lead throughout the turns. Leclerc and his teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. drew attention in particular, battling it out in the final turns for the podium, with Sainz ultimately clinching third place, nearly 15 seconds ahead of Leclerc.

LeBron James Marks 40,000 Career Points in Historic Game

This past Saturday, LeBron James and the LA Lakers faced off against the Denver Nuggets. Closing in on the 10-minute mark of the second period, fans took to their feet and began recording James, hoping to catch a video of the historic moment. After a drive and a spin against Michael Porter Jr., James got inside and made the layup, becoming the first NBA player in history to score a 40,000th career point. He immediately received a standing ovation upon taking to the bench with fans, teammates, and family marveling as the legend of LeBron continued to grow right before their eyes.

Sports commentators expressed enthusiasm for James reaching his 40,000th career point. After the game, James acknowledged the basketball greats before him, especially previous record-holder Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who played for the Lakers from 1975–1989. James also expressed his gratitude for the Lakers community “showing the love” when he reached the milestone, but made it clear that when he was out there playing, his mind was on the team’s game, not his individual career opportunities, and was disappointed that the historic match resulted in a loss for the Lakers.

U.S. vs. Canada Women’s Soccer Match Played in Downpour

This past Wednesday, the U.S. Women’s National Team found themselves in a soccer match on a slip-and-slide grade pitch against Canada’s women’s national soccer team, fighting for a position in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup Final. Puddles were everywhere, with the opening goal by the U.S.’s Jaedyn Shaw essentially being assisted by one. At some points the ball was literally stuck in the mud, and players could be seen wringing out their waterlogged jerseys. 

Coaches of both teams said that the match should have been called off due to the weather. Concerns were raised that the conditions were simply too dangerous to play through. Despite these complaints, the game went on into penalty shots, with the USWNT ultimately victorious. They will face Brazil this Sunday in the championship.

Nikki Hiltz Wins Silver at World Athletics Indoor Championships

Nonbinary track superstar Nikki Hiltz has become the first American to podium in the women’s 1,500-meter since 2003, marking their personal best 1,500 run at 4:02.32 while they were at it. Teammate Emily Mackay took home bronze, and Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu took home the gold. Mackay and Hiltz celebrated together afterwards, taking to Instagram to congratulate one another. Both Americans reportedly have their eyes on the 2024 Paris Olympics.

After their victory, Hiltz proudly thanked their teammates and the greater queer community for their encouragement in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.  

“Wore my ‘them’ necklace yesterday at the US championships for all the they/thems out there,” they wrote. “I’m so thankful for the nonbinary and trans community for believing in me and encouraging me to continue to chase my silly little dreams. Keep showing up and taking up space.” The achievement comes as a massive step forward for transgender athletes in the U.S. and around the world.