The Olympics Hot List
THE GYMNASTICS DOC:
Simone Biles Rising
This new Netflix doc goes behind the scenes of the life of the world’s best gymnast. Team USA’s Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest names heading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions don’t always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front-row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on the international stage, forcing her to withdraw from the competition. Since then, Simone has put in the hard work: facing the traumas of her past, learning to manage her mental health, embracing her journey, and in the process rebuilding her gymnastics from the ground up.
Visit Netflix.com
THE NEW SPORTS:
Breaking & Formula Kite
The International Olympics Committee (IOC) approves new sports for each Games, and there are a few additions this year. Breakdancing, known as breaking, will debut next week alongside kayak cross, in which four athletes compete against each other on a white-water course with gates and a kayak roll. Then there’s ‘formula kite’, otherwise known as kitesurfing – look out for Team GB’s Eleanor Aldridge who won gold at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships. Though the main action will take place in and around the French capital, some of the water sports are being hosted elsewhere, including surfing, which will take place at Teahupo'o reef pass in Tahiti, French Polynesia. It will set a new record for a medal competition held farthest from the host city.
THE COLLAB:
Nike x Jacquemus
Nike and Jacquemus have teamed up once again. In a meeting of style and sport, the third collection from the brands takes its inspiration from Paris itself, and Nike’s international portfolio of athletes. A red, white and blue colour palette runs throughout the ready-to-wear collection – a nod to the French flag. The limited-edition launch includes the Nike Air Max 1 with a few Jacquemus twists – the all-silver pair have already sold out – and the iconic ‘Le Swoosh’ bag is available in three new colourways, alongside reimagined tracksuits, t-shirts and bras.
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THE KIT:
Mongolia
Sports aside, fashion will be high on the agenda during the Games, with numerous countries already showcasing some seriously cool kits. Mongolia’s stands out among the best, featuring a striking combination of traditional design with modern athleticwear tech. The pops of blue and red nod to the country’s flag, while the intricate patterns showcase Mongolia’s embroidery artistry. Other kits to look out for include Italy’s, designed by Giorgio Armani, Jamaica’s by Puma, and South Korea’s by Musinsa Standard.
MICHEL AMAZONKA
THE RUNNING DOCUMENTARY:
Sprint, Netflix
Ahead of this year’s Olympics, Netflix’s new documentary follows athletes from all over the world to find out what sets them apart. Through behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, it documents the journey and psyches of those who devote their lives to being the first across the finish line – where a split second separates them from glory and failure. This season looks at the top sprinters in the world including Noah Lyles, Shericka Jackson and Sha’Carri Richardson.
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THE OLYMPIANS TO WATCH:
Billy May & Nikhat Zareen
This Olympics is a year of firsts and, besides the British team, there are plenty of athletes to root for. For the first time ever, men will be allowed to compete in the artistic swimming competition, finally fulfilling a lifelong dream for American athlete Bill May. The 45-year-old is a six-time world medallist, but this is the first time he’ll compete on the Olympic stage – and against people half his age. He’s part of the eight-person US team which have qualified for the first time since 2008.
Another one to watch is Indian boxing poster-girl, Nikhat Zareen – a Vogue India digital cover star. She is the two-time reigning World Champion, a Commonwealth Games winner and the Asian Games bronze medallist, but she has her heart set on bringing home India’s first boxing gold. Competing in the 50kg category, she stands a solid chance but is up against tough competition.
THE LG STAR:
Sky Brown
More than 320 athletes will represent Team GB, but one of the youngest who might bring home some gold is 16-year-old Sky Brown. Sky has been making waves in the skateboarding world with her impressive tricks and fearless approach since she was a young child. Having won multiple international competitions, she’s a strong contender in both the street and park skateboarding disciplines – and already considered to be one of the best skateboarders of all time. Outside of the arena, Sky will be documenting her second Olympics (she debuted in Tokyo aged just 13) on Instagram, so be sure to check in for updates.
Follow @SkyBrown
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