olympics 2024

Manika Batra – Table tennis India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024

by
Manika Batra World Rank- 24

Manika Batra -Table Tennis

Manika Batra in action at 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, Odisha, India
Manika Batra in action at 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, Odisha, India

“Champions Unveiled: India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024”-Part 5

Manika Batra, an Indian table tennis player, has established herself with a shakehand grip style. She achieved her highest ranking of 24 and currently holds the 26th position as of May 2024.

Personal Information

Full Name: Manika Batra
Nationality: Indian
Born: 15 June 1995 (age 29)
Birthplace: Delhi, India
Height: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) (2018)
Weight: 67 kg (148 lb) (2018)

Table Tennis Career

Playing Style: Shakehand grip
Highest Ranking: 24
Current Ranking: 26 (27 May 2024)

Manika Batra -Born on 15 June 1995 in Delhi, India, stands as a prominent figure in Indian women’s table tennis, currently ranked 28th globally in the women’s singles category and the second-highest ranked female paddler from India. Her breakthrough came during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she secured an impressive haul of two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. That same year, she also earned a bronze medal at the Asian Games, further cementing her reputation on the international stage.

As she prepares for her third Olympic appearance at Paris 2024, her ability to challenge and defeat top-ranked players, such as her notable victory over World No. 2 Wang Manyu of China, underscores her potential. In Paris, she will compete in both the women’s singles and women’s team events, aiming to showcase her skills and contribute to India’s TT aspirations on the global platform.

Prior to this feat, Batra had already stamped her mark by winning three gold medals at the 2016 South Asian Games and making her Olympic debut at Rio 2016. Despite early offers in modelling during her teenage years, she remained steadfast in her dedication to TT, a sport she began playing with her siblings from a young age in Delhi.

Batra’s ambitions extend beyond personal accolades; she aims to elevate the profile of TT in India, drawing inspiration from the achievements of PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in badminton. Reflecting on her goals, Batra envisions a future where table tennis gains the same level of recognition and admiration nationwide as badminton has achieved. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of aspiring athletes in India and beyond. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indias-champions-at-paris-olympics-2024/

Career Highlights

Manika Batra has carved a remarkable career in TT, showcasing her prowess on both national and international stages:

  • Early Successes: In 2011, She clinched the silver medal in the under-21 category at the Chile Open, marking an early milestone in her career.
  • Commonwealth and Asian Games: She represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2014 Asian Games, solidifying her presence in international tournaments. At the 2015 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, Batra won three medals, including silver in women’s team and doubles events, and bronze in singles.
  • South Asian Games Dominance (2016): She made history at the 2016 South Asian Games by securing three gold medals in women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s team events. She also claimed a silver in women’s singles, demonstrating her versatility and competitive spirit.
  • Olympic Journey (2016 and 2020): Qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she represented India in the women’s singles event. Despite early challenges, her participation marked a significant achievement in Indian table tennis. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she reached the third round of the women’s singles, becoming the first Indian paddler to achieve this feat in an Olympic singles event.
  • Commonwealth Games Triumph (2018): She played a pivotal role in India’s gold medal victory against Singapore at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, defeating top-ranked players and becoming the first Indian woman to secure a Commonwealth table tennis individual gold medal. She also won silver in women’s doubles at the same event.
  • Continued Success: In 2021, she partnered with Sathiyan Gnanasekaran to win the WTT Contender Budapest mixed doubles and the WTT Contender Lasko women’s doubles titles, showcasing her consistency and skill in doubles competitions.
  • Recent Achievements: Batra reached the quarter-finals in women’s doubles at the 2022 WTT Grand Smash Singapore event and secured silver in mixed doubles at the WTT Contender Doha 2022.

Rankings and Recognition

  • World Rankings: On 5 April 2022, Batra and Archana Girish Kamath achieved a world ranking of No. 4 in women’s doubles, marking the highest-ever ranking by Indian table tennis players across all categories.

Manika Batra’s journey continues to inspire, highlighting her resilience, dedication, and ongoing contributions to Indian table tennis on the global stage.

https://olympics.com/en/original-series/episode/manika-batra-table-tennis-at-olympics-highlights

Priyanka Goswami – 20 km race walk, India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024

by

“Champions Unveiled: India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024”-Part 3

Priyanka Goswami – 20 km race walk

Early Beginnings and Athletic Journey

Priyanka Goswami, born on March 10, 1996, embarked on her athletic journey from humble beginnings. Initially drawn to gymnastics during her school days, it was the competitive allure of running that ultimately captured her interest. The promise of prize incentives for successful competitors motivated her transition into the world of race walking, where her natural talent and determination soon became evident.

Balancing Sports and Professional Life

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Goswami serves as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Indian Railways. Balancing rigorous training regimens with professional responsibilities, she exemplifies dedication and discipline both on and off the track. Her ability to manage dual roles underscores her commitment to excellence and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes nationwide

Olympic Debut and International Recognition

Priyanka Goswami revealed her plan for her second Olympics, sharing her strategies and words of wisdom and aspiration with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the audience. She also congratulated PM Modi on becoming the Prime Minister for the third term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Indian contingent heading for the upcoming Paris Olympic

Goswami made her mark on the international stage with her debut at the Tokyo Olympics. Representing India in the fiercely competitive 20-kilometer race walk, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication, finishing in an impressive 17th place. Her performance not only showcased her athletic prowess but also solidified her position as a rising star in Indian athletics.

She is first Indian woman to win a medal in race walk with a silver in 10,000m event. She will be participating in her second Olympics this year.

Priyanka Goswami competes in the 20km race walk and the race walk mixed marathon, showcasing endurance and determination in long-distance events. She is ready to give her best at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Historic Achievement at the Commonwealth Games

The pinnacle of Goswami’s career thus far came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she etched her name in history by clinching the silver medal in the 10,000 meters race walk. This milestone was monumental as she became the first Indian woman to achieve a medal in race walking at a major international event, inspiring a new generation of athletes across the country.

Record-setting Feats and Olympic Qualification

In February 2021, Goswami set a new Indian record in the 20-kilometer race walk at the Indian Racewalking Championship, achieving an impressive time of 1:28:45. This remarkable feat not only highlighted her technical finesse and endurance but also secured her qualification for the 2020 Summer Olympics, postponed due to the global pandemic. Her ability to consistently push boundaries and surpass expectations underscores her status as a trailblazer in Indian race walking.

In summary, Priyanka Goswami’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in achieving athletic greatness. Her story not only highlights her individual achievements but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for athletes worldwide.

World Ranking
Personal Best
Honours https://worldathletics.org/athletes/india/.-priyanka-14477764

https://x.com/Priyanka_Goswam/status/1802654319403004219

https://www.facebook.com/walkerpari999

https://www.instagram.com/priyanka___goswami/?hl=en.

Doordarshan Sports

Future Goals and Legacy

Looking ahead, Goswami continues to aim for greater heights in her athletic career. Her recent qualification for the Paris Olympics through stellar performances at national competitions signifies her ongoing pursuit of excellence. As she continues to set new benchmarks and inspire future generations of athletes, Priyanka Goswami remains a symbol of resilience, skill, and a pioneering spirit in Indian race walking

https://globalbuzznetwork.com/track-and-field-athlete-paris-olympics-2024/

BIOGRAPHY of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone-broke the 400-meter hurdles world record

by

Biography of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: A Track and Field Phenom

Early Life and Background

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (née McLaughlin) was born on August 7, 1999, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Willie and Mary McLaughlin. Her father, Willie, was an accomplished athlete, part of a lineage of track stars from East Orange High School. He was a three-time All-American at Manhattan College and a semi-finalist in the 400 meters at the 1984 Olympic Trials. Her mother, Mary, was a talented half-miler who ran on the boys’ team at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, New York.

Sydney grew up in Dunellen, New Jersey, and started running at an early age, inspired by her older siblings. Her brother Taylor and sister Morgan were both accomplished runners, with Taylor winning silver in the 400 meter hurdles at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships. Sydney attended Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, where she was an academic standout and a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Track & Field.

Rise to Prominence

At 15, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone became the 2015 World Youth champion. In 2016, she made headlines as the youngest athlete since 1980 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic track team, placing third at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a world under-18 best of 54.15 seconds. Although she did not advance to the finals at the Rio Olympics, her performance established her as a rising star in track and field.

In 2017, McLaughlin continued to break records. She was part of an American record-setting team that broke the indoor distance medley relay world record. She also set a national high school record in the 300-meter hurdles at the Arcadia Invitational, and her performances in relays and individual events earned her widespread recognition.

Collegiate Career at the University of Kentucky

In November 2016, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Kentucky. During her time there, she set the world junior 400-meter record of 50.36 seconds at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships. She also broke the collegiate record in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 52.75 seconds at the SEC championships.

Professional Career and Record-Breaking Performances

In June 2018, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone turned professional after one year at Kentucky, signing a sponsorship deal with New Balance. Coached by Bob Kersee, she quickly established herself as a dominant force in the 400-meter hurdles. At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, she finished second behind Dalilah Muhammad. However, she claimed Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games with a world record time of 51.46 seconds.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s performances in 2022 further cemented her legacy. She broke her own world record twice: first with a time of 51.41 seconds at the USATF Championships, and then with 50.68 seconds at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Her achievements earned her the title of World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year.

In June 2024, she set another world record at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a time of 50.65 seconds. McLaughlin-Levrone is the first woman to break both the 52-second (June 2021) and 51-second (July 2022) barriers in the 400-meter hurdles, holding six of the nine fastest times on the world all-time list.

Personal Life

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone married Andre Levrone Jr., a former NFL wide receiver, on May 5, 2022. The couple is deeply rooted in their Christian faith and are members of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles. Andre is also enrolled at The Master’s Seminary, affiliated with their church.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievements have been recognized in her hometown, where the track at Columbia Park in Dunellen, New Jersey, was named in her honour on August 28, 2021. On January 30, 2024, she released an autobiographical book titled “Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith,” recounting her life and experiences from the 2016 U.S. Olympic trials through the 2023 outdoor season.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s career is marked by unprecedented achievements and relentless pursuit of excellence. She holds the current world U20 record of 53.60 seconds and has set multiple world records in the 400-meter hurdles. Her dominance in the sport is unparalleled, with nearly a one-second advantage on the world all-time list, the largest current difference between the world record and the next best performer in the event.

As she continues to train and compete, McLaughlin-Levrone’s focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in track and field. Her dedication to her craft and her faith-driven approach to life make her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide. The track world eagerly anticipates her future performances, with the possibility of even greater records on the horizon.

https://globalbuzznetwork.com/sydney-mclaughlin-levrone-set-a-new-world-record-in-the-400-meter-hurdles/

Personal Information

  • Birth Name: Sydney Michelle McLaughlin
  • Full Name: Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone
  • Born: August 7, 1999 (age 24)
  • Birthplace: New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
  • Employer: New Balance
  • Spouse: Andre Levrone Jr.

Athletic Career

  • Country: United States
  • Sport: Track and Field
  • Events:
  • 400 m hurdles
  • 400 m
  • College Team: Kentucky Wildcats (2017–2018)
  • Coaches:
  • Bob Kersee (2020–Present)
  • Joanna Hayes (2018–2020)
  • Edrick Floréal (2017–2018)
  • Mike McCabe (2013–2017)

Achievements and Titles

  • Highest World Ranking: 1 (75 weeks in 400 m hurdles)

Personal Bests

  • 100 m: 11.07 w (2018)
  • 200 m: 22.07 (2024)
  • 400 m: 48.74 (2023)
  • 100 m Hurdles: 12.65 (2021)
  • 400 m Hurdles: 50.65 (2024, World Record)
  • Short Track:
  • 200 m: 22.68 i (2018)
  • 400 m: 50.36 i (2018, American Junior Record)

Medal Record

Olympic Games

  • Gold Medal: 2020 Tokyo, 400 m hurdles
  • Gold Medal: 2020 Tokyo, 4×400 m relay

World Championships

  • Gold Medal: 2019 Doha, 4×400 m relay
  • Gold Medal: 2022 Eugene, 400 m hurdles
  • Gold Medal: 2022 Eugene, 4×400 m relay
  • Silver Medal: 2019 Doha, 400 m hurdles

Diamond League

  • First Place: 2019, 400 m hurdles

World Youth Championships

  • Gold Medal: 2015 Cali, 400 m hurdles

https://olympics.com/en/news/sydney-mclaughlin-levrone-on-writing-her-new-book-exclusive

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: From Athlete to Author

New Book and Personal Reflections

At just 24, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone adds “author” to her titles of Olympic gold medalist and world record holder. Her book, “Far Beyond Gold: Running From Fear to Faith,” releases on January 30, 2024. The book details her journey in athletics, her rapid rise, and the challenges she faced, including anxiety at the Rio 2016 Olympics and high school mistreatment.

Authenticity and Connection

McLaughlin-Levrone emphasizes authenticity in her writing, aiming to connect with readers through vulnerability. She hopes her story will resonate with young people facing similar struggles. “We all have issues and battles,” she said, aiming to show that athletes and entertainers also face everyday challenges.

Growth Through Writing

Revisiting her past, both good and bad, proved healing for McLaughlin-Levrone. Writing allowed her to reflect on her growth and understand the significance of tough times. “It was a full-circle process of seeing how I started and where I am now,” she shared.

Future Plans

While her focus for 2024 is the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone envisions a future in writing. She enjoys writing poetry and sees potential for more literary endeavors. “There could be more writing,” she hinted, expressing her love for sharing thoughts and emotions through words

World’s Fastest Woman-Sha’Carri Richardson, Paris Olympics 2024

by

Biography and Achievements of the World’s Fastest Woman

Sha’Carri Richardson: Biography and Achievements

Sha’Carri Richardson, the epitome of speed and determination, has etched her name in track and field history with unparalleled feats of athleticism and resilience. From her roots in Dallas, Texas, Richardson’s journey to greatness has been marked by record-breaking performances and unwavering perseverance.

Key Achievements:

  1. World Record Holder: Richardson stunned the world with her lightning-fast 10.65 seconds in the 100 meters at the 2023 World Championships, claiming gold and setting a new championship record.
  2. Olympic Trailblazer: Overcoming adversity, including a controversial suspension, Richardson secured her place in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, embodying courage and dedication.
  3. Medal Magnificence: She captured gold in the 4 × 100 meters relay and bronze in the 200 meters at the Budapest Championships in 2023, showcasing her versatility and prowess.
  4. Personal Bests: Known for her explosive starts, Richardson boasts impressive personal bests of 10.65 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.92 seconds in the 200 meters, solidifying her status as a sprinting sensation.

Early Life and Personal Information

  • Full Name: Sha’Carri Richardson (/ʃəˈkɛri/ shə-KERR-ee)
  • Date of Birth: March 25, 2000
  • Age: 24
  • Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
  • Height: 5 ft 1 in (155 cm)
  • Agent: Renaldo Nehemiah
  • College Team: LSU Lady Tigers (2018–2019)
  • Turned Pro: June 2019
  • Coached By: Dennis Mitchell

Athletic Career

Rise to Fame

Sha’Carri Richardson gained national attention in 2019 as a freshman at Louisiana State University. She ran a remarkable 10.75 seconds in the 100 meters at the NCAA Division I Championships, breaking the collegiate record and making her one of the ten fastest women in history at the age of 19.

Professional Milestones
  • April 2021: Ran a personal best of 10.72 seconds in the 100 meters, becoming the sixth-fastest woman of all time and the fourth-fastest American woman.
  • 2020 Summer Olympics: Qualified after winning the women’s 100-meter dash with a time of 10.86 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials. However, her win was invalidated due to a positive cannabis test, resulting in a one-month suspension.
  • July 2023: Became the US national champion in the women’s 100 meters with a time of 10.82 seconds at the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
  • August 2023: Won gold in the 100 meters at the World Championships in Budapest with a championship record time of 10.65 seconds. Also won gold in the women’s 4 × 100 meters relay and bronze in the 200 meters.
  • June 2024: Defended her title as the US national champion in the 100-meter sprint at the 2024 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Achievements and Titles

  • Personal Bests:
  • 100 meters: 10.65 seconds (Budapest 2023)
  • 200 meters: 21.92 seconds (Budapest 2023)
  • 60 meters (indoors): 7.20 seconds (Fayetteville 2019)
  • 200 meters (indoors): 23.08 seconds (Fayetteville 2019)
  • Medal Record:
  • World Championships:
    • Gold: 100 meters (2023)
    • Gold: 4 × 100 meters relay (2023)
    • Bronze: 200 meters (2023)
  • Pan American U20 Championships:
    • Gold: 4 × 100 meters relay (2017)

Early Career

  • AAU Junior Olympics: Won the 100 meters title in 2016.
  • USATF Junior Olympics: Won the 100 meters title in 2017.
  • Pan American U20 Championships: Won gold in the 4 × 100 meters relay in 2017.

Louisiana State University

  • Competed for the LSU Lady Tigers track and field team.
  • Finalist in the 60-meter dash at the 2019 NCAA Division I Indoor Championships.
  • Set a collegiate record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.75 seconds and a world U20 best in the 200 meters with a time of 22.17 seconds at the 2019 NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships.
Professional Career Highlights
  • 2021: Qualified for the Tokyo Olympics but was suspended due to a positive cannabis test.
  • 2023: Won multiple medals at the World Championships in Budapest.
  • 2024: Qualified for the Paris Olympics after defending her US national champion title in the 100 meters.

Personal Life

Sha’Carri Richardson was raised by her grandmother, Betty Harp, and an aunt. She lost her biological mother a week before her qualifying race for the 2020 Summer Olympics. She is known for her long nails and colorful hair, inspired by Florence Griffith Joyner.

Richardson identifies as bisexual and has publicly supported the LGBTQ community. She has a girlfriend and has expressed her identity proudly on social media.

Raised by her grandmother and aunt, Richardson’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Her unique style and unbreakable spirit have made her a role model for athletes globally, inspiring a new generation of track stars,capturing the hearts of fans around the world.

Sha’Carri Richardson’s rise to athletic greatness is not just about speed but also about strength of character and unwavering commitment to excellence, setting her apart as a true champion on and off the track.

https://www.npr.org/2024/06/28/nx-s1-5022936/shacarri-richardson-will-make-her-olympics-debut-as-the-fastest-woman-on-earth