Let the rumor mill swirl

The GIST: Pass the tissues, because a whole host of Olympic dreams were realized at this weekend’s USA Gymnastics and Track & Field Trials. Here are the biggest names to know with just 25 days to go until the Games begin.

Simone Biles flips to all-around title: As expected, the most decorated gymnast of all time soared to new heights this weekend, easily securing her third Games appearance with a standing ovation–worthy trials showing. So ready for it.

• Joining the GOAT in Paris? Reigning all-around champ Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, Jade Carey, and Jordan Chiles for the women along with three-time U.S. all-around champ Brody Malone and four first-time Olympians for the men.

Records fall in the final weekend at TrackTown, USA: “Records are meant to be broken,” the competitors in Eugene, Oregon, apparently. Reigning Olympic champ Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone things last night, closing out the trials by running the 400m hurdles in a mind-numbingly fast 50.65 seconds, breaking her own world record in the process.

• As for the men, three-time world champion Noah Lyles — Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and all — raced to a 200m trials record on Saturday to qualify for his second Games. Now it’s time to Duel.

The GIST: It was a weekend of literal highs and devastating blows in the first Euro 2024 knockout games. With half the quarter-final (QF) spots already secured and the remaining four to be awarded in the next 48 hours, the summer of soccer never stops.

No. 8 Spain and No. 16 Germany set for epic QF showdown: After taking down No. 74 Georgia 4–1 and No. 21 Denmark 2–0, respectively, the two powerhouse squads will battle it out on Friday — an early tourney clash of titans. Can’t wait.

No. 5 England’s extra-time escape: Trailing No. 45 Slovakia 1–0 with time about to expire, English midfielder Jude Bellingham scored with this incredible bicycle kick, pushing the match to extra time, where forward Harry Kane almost immediately scored the game-winner in the thrilling 2–1 dub.

• The Three Lions’ next opponent? No. 19 Switzerland, who stunned the field and knocked out defending champion No. 10 Italy 2–0 on Saturday. No biggie.

Looking ahead: The action continues today at 12 p.m ET when heavy favorite No. 2 France plays No. 3 Belgium, a highly anticipated showdown between broken-nosed Frenchman Kylian Mbappé and Belgian legend Kevin De Bruyne. Then at 3 p.m. ET, Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 6 Portugal is expected to top No. 57 Slovenia, who haven’t won a game this tourney.

• Tomorrow, No. 47 Romania faces an uphill battle against the No. 7 Netherlands at 12 p.m. ET, followed by No. 25 Austria vs. No. 40 Türkiye duking it out for the last QF berth at 3 p.m. ET.

They say the U.S. Olympic track & field team is the toughest team in the world to make. Unlike other countries who have a selection process inclusive of season-long performance, only the top three athletes in each event at last week’s USATF Trials in Eugene, Oregon booked their ticket to Paris.

And Nike helped many of them achieve their dreams, including:

• Sha’Carri Richardson, whose 10.71s finish in the women’s 100m is the fastest recorded time in the event this year.

• Michael Norman, who’s already an Olympic gold medalist in the 4x400m relay and qualified for his second Games by finishing second in the men’s 400m final.

• Cole Hocker, who smashed the U.S. Olympic Trials men’s 1500m record with a dominant 3:30.59 finish, towing seven fellow runners under the record with him. You get a personal best, you get a personal best.

Want to run like these Olympians? Mark your cal for this Wednesday’s release of Nike’s Blueprint Pack, which features the new and improved Pegasus 41 — tested and approved by The GIST’s very own.

The GIST: With both the NBA and NHL Drafts done and dusted, it’s time for the chaos of free agency to take center stage. The wildest stretch of the offseason began yesterday at 6 p.m. ET for the hoopers (and pens are already being put to paper) while the puck drops on NHL free agency today at 12 p.m. ET.

How it works: Free agency has become a crucial part of the sports calendar, empowering athletes to decide where they play. A player is referred to as a free agent when they’re either not under contract with a specific team or are allowed to solicit offers from other squads.

• There are two types of free agents: restricted (RFAs) and unrestricted (UFAs). If an RFA receives an offer, their current team has the right to match it. As the name suggests, UFAs have complete freedom and can sign with any team they want.

NBA names to know: While LeBron James opting out of his contract with the LA Lakers was expected to be the biggest news on the free agency market, the King will almost certainly re-sign in Tinseltown, giving way to other big names on the block, like Clippers star Paul George and four-time champ Klay Thompson.

• George has been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers, where Sixers superstar Joel Embiid has already approved PG13’s potential arrival, while Thompson’s been connected to James’ Lakers, the Clippers, and the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks. Let the rumor mill swirl.

NHL names to know: The biggest target on the free agent ice is center Steven Stamkos, who’s played all 16 seasons of his stellar career with the Tampa Bay Lightning. After failing to reach a contract agreement with Tampa, the two-time Stanley Cup champ will be a hotter commodity this summer than your friend with a boat.

• Notably, the defending champ Florida Panthers have some serious offseason work to do: 11 players could become UFAs today, including Game 7 hero Sam Reinhart. Turn on your notifs and watch this space.

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• In collaboration with Pack Up + Go, Heineken’s giving away a completely curated vacay. The thrilling catch? The winner won’t know where they’re headed until the day they depart. A wanderlust woman’s wildest dream.