The Sports Moment

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A U.S. coach's conflict in Paris Aug 01, 2024

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There are 223 former NCAA swimmers who trained in the United States at the 2024 Olympics. But only 46 represent the United States. It’s caused some awkward situations in Paris. Host Ava Wallace talks with Post sports columnist Barry Svrluga about the drama swirling around France’s star swimmer, Léon Marchand.

Plus: What it’s like for the parents of athletes to be back at the Olympics to support their children, after being barred from attending the pandemic-era Tokyo games.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Joe Tone.

The TikTok Games Jul 31, 2024

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The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace recaps a big day for American gymnasts and women’s rugby, and what to watch out for yet today. Plus: How social-media stars like Ilona Maher, the US women's rugby player, are creating viral moments online.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Joe Tone.

The race for swimming supremacy Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

For years, the United States and Australia have duked it out for dominance in the Olympic swimming pool. Now, with U.S. legend Michael Phelps retired and Katie Ledecky slipping in some races, it might be Australia’s turn at the top of the podium.

The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace speaks with Post reporters Dave Sheinin and Rick Maese about the newest stars in the pool this year and which races not to miss. Plus, a first-time U.S. Olympian on the men's 3x3 team, Kareem Maddox, tells his story about what it took to get to Paris.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Joe Tone.

It's gold or bust for U.S. men's basketball Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

The U.S. men’s basketball team has won 16 of the 20 Olympics tournaments in history. They are one of greatest team dynasties at the Summer Games. But the rest of the world might be catching up.

The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace speaks with Post NBA reporter Ben Golliver about the team’s quest for redemption after their embarrassing defeat at the FIBA World Cup last year.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Allison Michaels and Joe Tone. Thanks to Jerry Brewer.

Are world records becoming unbreakable? Jul 28, 2024

Show notes

As the Paris Olympics get underway, everyone's watching to see what world records get broken this cycle. But what happens if some records are actually unbreakable?

The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace talks with sports reporters Adam Kilgore and Emily Giambalvo about what their months-long analysis of world records says about the limits of human potential, and what that might mean for the future of sports.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Joe Tone.

Let the Games begin Jul 27, 2024

Show notes

Paris’s audacious plan for the Opening Ceremonies had the city and organizers on edge. But despite the rain, the show went on.

From Céline Dion on the Eiffel Tower to Flavor Flav at Team USA House, The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace gives you the rundown of the biggest moments from yesterday’s performances, and what events to follow today.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Joe Tone.

The Paris Olympics' high-wire act Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

Today is the culmination of years of planning and billions of dollars in investments for Olympics organizers and officials. It hasn’t come without controversy, though, and its impact on the lives of everyday Parisians is profound.

The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace speaks with Post foreign correspondents Claire Parker and Rick Noack, who are covering these Games, about the price and stakes of pulling off a successful Summer Olympics in Paris.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Allison Michaels and Joe Tone. Thanks to Marisa Bellack.

A new beginning for US women’s soccer Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

U.S. women’s soccer is in a moment of transition at these Olympics. There’s a brand new coach, and star players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan are not on the roster in Paris.

The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace speaks with Post soccer reporter Steven Goff about how a new generation of players have a chance to remake U.S. women’s soccer – and perhaps bring home another medal in the process.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Allison Michaels and Joe Tone.

Your passport to the Paris Olympics Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

There are a lot of questions heading into the Summer Olympics: Is Paris prepared to host the Games? Who are the star athletes this year? What exactly is a “horsey passport”?

The Washington Post’s Ava Wallace speaks with Post sports columnist Jerry Brewer and sports feature writer Rick Maese about those questions and more in the first episode of The Sports Moment.

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Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Joe Tone, Allison Michaels and Renita Jablonski.

Introducing “The Sports Moment” Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

Ava Wallace, sports reporter at The Washington Post, is heading to France to report on the Summer Games — and eat a lot of croissants. Join her starting July 24, continuing through the entire run of the games, for several episodes a week as she captures the highs, the lows and the Paris of it all, along with other Post colleagues.

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