Hi there! I’m Holly Galvan Posey, your guide to all things Olympics at KPRC 2.

Get ready for today’s top headlines, including Simone Biles reflecting on her Paris journey and Houston’s influence, and the latest updates on Israeli athletes amid rising tensions. Plus, catch highlights of incredible moments like a whale’s surprise appearance in Tahiti and Team USA’s volleyball victory.

Top Olympic headlines

‘It was a good run’: Simone Biles talks about how Houston has made her a better gymnast following Paris Olympics

Simone Biles reflected on her journey at the Paris Olympics and how Houston has shaped her as a gymnast. Proud of her achievements, including three gold medals, she emphasized the supportive culture of Houston, noting how its vibrant community has been instrumental in her success. Biles expressed gratitude for the city’s influence, saying it made her a better gymnast and brought a sense of unity and encouragement from fellow Houstonians.

Israeli athletes receive threats in Paris as tensions simmer over Gaza

Israeli athletes have received threats at the Paris Olympics amid heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict. Yael Arad, president of the Israeli National Olympic Committee, stated that these threats are intended to create psychological terror. Paris prosecutors have opened investigations into death threats and the online leak of Israeli athletes’ personal data. Despite the political backdrop, Israeli gold medalist windsurfer Tom Reuveny emphasized that politics should not interfere with the Olympics

Watch the thrills 🎥

What’s better than reading about the Olympics? Watching the highlights! Check out these videos showcasing the top moments and news from the Games.

• A whale made a surprising appearance during the Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti, while Team USA celebrated with the traditional ‘chair honor.’
• Australian Arisa Trew clinched the gold medal in women’s skateboard park with a stellar final run score of 93.18, while Japan’s Cocona Hiraki took bronze and Great Britain’s Sky Brown secured silver.
• Caroline Marks caught the perfect wave to win gold in women’s surfing for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
• Team USA dominated Poland in straight sets, advancing to their fifth consecutive semifinal in Olympic women’s volleyball.
• American Cole Hocker staged an epic comeback in the men’s 1500m final, moving from fourth place entering the last lap to claim his first Olympic gold medal with a blazing finish.

What you need 2 know 💡

Your mid-week Olympic livestreams: Go Team USA!

The American coach of Olympic champions De Grasse and Jacobs is kicked out of the Paris Games

Team USA

US rolls into semifinals of Paris Olympic basketball tournament, eases past Brazil 122-87

The U.S. men’s basketball team cruised into the semifinals of the Paris Olympics with a commanding 122-87 victory over Brazil. Devin Booker led the way with 18 points, while LeBron James, despite needing stitches after a collision, added 12 points and nine assists. The win sets up a semifinal clash with Serbia, as the U.S. aims to continue its dominant run towards another gold medal.

Zero US men in the Olympic long jump final is a rare absence for the nation of Lewis and Owens

For the first time since 2008, the U.S. men’s long jump team failed to have any finalists at the Olympics, marking a rare absence in a historically dominant event for the nation. Despite a rich legacy from legends like Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis, none of the three U.S. entrants advanced past the qualification round.

Today’s events to watch

• 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Table Tennis: Men’s & Women’s Team: Quarterfinals
• 10:30 a.m. - Noon Skateboarding: Men’s Park: Final
• 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Track & Field: Main: M 400m Final, M 200m SF & more
• Noon - 7:00 p.m. Best of Paris
• 12:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Artistic Swimming: Team: Acrobatic Routine (Final)
• 1:20 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. Track & Field: Men’s Discus Throw: Final
• 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Basketball: Women’s Quarterfinal: Nigeria vs. United States

In case you missed it 👀

The final image of Simone Biles at the Olympics was a symbol of joy — and where the sport is going

Simone Biles’ final image at the 2024 Paris Olympics was one of joy and inspiration. Despite missing out on a medal in the balance beam event, her grace and sportsmanship shone through. This moment encapsulates not only her incredible journey but also symbolizes the bright future and evolving spirit of gymnastics.

Olympic marathon swim test run is canceled over water quality concerns for Seine River

Due to fluctuating bacteria levels, the Olympic marathon swim test run in the Seine River was canceled, raising concerns about water quality. Despite efforts to improve the Seine’s cleanliness for the Games, heavy rains caused runoff and elevated bacteria levels. Organizers remain optimistic about holding the marathon swims as planned, based on improving conditions and favorable weather forecasts. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed confidence in the city’s efforts to de-pollute the river, anticipating the scheduled events will proceed.

Boxer Imane Khelif fights to get closer to Olympic gold amid outcry over gender misconceptions

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is fighting for Olympic gold amid scrutiny over gender misconceptions. She faces Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand in the semifinals at the Paris Olympics. Khelif, who has already secured Algeria’s first women’s boxing medal, aims to win her country’s second boxing gold, following Hocine Soltani’s victory in 1996.