Ben Oppenheimer Olympics Update 7/31/2024

Andrew - And now it’s time for sports!

Emma - WFUV Sports Reporter Ben Oppenheimer joins us now. Ben, thanks for coming on today.

Ben - Thanks for having me on.

Andrew - So Ben, the Paris Summer Olympics are in full swing, and Simone Biles and the rest of the U.S. gymnastics team just took home the gold.

Ben - That’s right Drew. Team USA came in heavily favored to win gold this time, and they delivered. Biles closed out this year’s finals with a floor routine that received a full standing ovation. Some notable figures applauding her in the crowd included Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, and iconic film director Spike Lee. Her final routine included several of her signature gymnastics moves, such as a double-layout with a half twist, and a triple-double. This win for Biles and Team USA makes Biles the most decorated American Olympic Gymnast, as she picks up her eighth olympic medal.

Emma - It's definitely amazing to watch what Biles can do on the floor. That was a great win for her and Team USA! I also heard USA Basketball is off to a great start.

Ben - You could say that, Emma, as Team USA blew out Serbia 110-84 this past weekend, with LeBron James and Kevin Durant taking the spotlight. Both players finished the game with over 20 points, with some flashy plays included as well. They look to continue the momentum today versus South Sudan, which will be on at 3pm Eastern time on USA tv. South Sudan is regarded as one of the top basketball teams in the Olympics not named the United States, and they gave the U.S. a run for their money in an exhibition game earlier this month. In that game, the stars and stripes just barely held on, 100-99. Well see if South Sudan can answer back today. 

It’s great to see Lebron James and company having fun in Paris. 

Andrew -Time will tell if this year's team can live up to historic U.S. teams from past olympics.

Emma - And before you go, Ben, it looks like breakdancing is about to make its debut in the Olympics. Can you tell us a little more about that?

Ben - Yes! The dance style originated right here in the Bronx in the 1980s, and is associated with the rise of hip hop as well. Breakdancing, or otherwise known as “breaking”, debuted in the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. Its positive reception prompted this year's organizers to add it to this year’s schedule. According to a statement released on the official Olympics website, the organizers selected breakdancing because it's “clearly associated with young people and rewards creativity and athletic performance”. They also added that they want the Olympics to set a standard of being “inclusive, gender balanced, and youth-centered”, with sports that are “easy to take up” and follow. Participants in this year's breakdancing events will be graded on 5 factors. This will include their technique, originality, musicality, vocabulary, and execution. 

Andrew - It will be nice to watch an olympic competition that started right here in new york.

Emma- Ben Oppenheimer is a reporter with WFUV Sports. Ben, thanks for coming on today! 

Ben - Thank you.