Biles shared photos from her trip to the Dominican Republic, where she soaked up the sun in a tiny bikini and spent time aboard a yacht. But it was one particularly athletic moment on the water that quickly caught the attention of her followers.

Biles Takes Her Talents to the Water

Even while vacationing, Biles apparently couldn’t resist showing off the extraordinary athleticism that has helped make her one of the most decorated gymnasts in history.

While aboard a yacht, Biles launched herself into a backflip before landing in the water below.

It was a much different setting from the balance beam, uneven bars or floor exercise, but the effortless-looking maneuver still showcased the remarkable body control that has defined Biles’ career.

The vacation comes as Biles continues to enjoy time away from the intense demands of elite gymnastics.

Her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, is also preparing for another football season after beginning a new chapter with the Indianapolis Colts following his previous stint with the Chicago Bears.

RELATED: Simone Biles Shares Sweet Sideline Moment With Jonathan Owens as NFL Journey Takes Couple to Third Team

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Fans Want to See Biles Try Another Olympic Sport

Biles’ yacht backflip didn’t go unnoticed by fans, with some quickly joking that the gymnastics superstar might have another Olympic event waiting for her.

“Next up, Olympic Gold for diving,” one fan wrote.

The suggestion may have been playful, but it’s easy to understand why fans made the connection.

Biles’ combination of explosive power, aerial awareness, coordination and ability to control her body while flipping through the air are among the qualities that have made her a generational gymnastics talent.

Those skills naturally made her yacht stunt look considerably easier than it would for most people.

No Sign of a Switch to Diving

Despite the speculation from fans, there is no indication Biles is actually considering becoming a competitive diver.

She hasn’t announced plans to change sports or suggested that her vacation activities are anything more than a chance to relax and have some fun away from gymnastics.

For now, the diving talk appears to be entirely fan-driven.

Still, seeing Biles casually perform a backflip from a yacht was enough to remind followers of the athletic ability that helped her become an Olympic icon in the first place.

Biles Enjoys Life Away From Competition

The getaway offered another look at Biles enjoying life outside the gym after spending much of her career under enormous competitive pressure.

Rather than preparing for a meet or chasing another medal, she was able to spend her time swimming, relaxing on the water and enjoying the Dominican Republic.

Whether Biles eventually returns to pursue another major gymnastics goal remains a separate question. Her latest adventure, however, showed that even on vacation she can find a way to turn an ordinary day on the water into an impressive athletic display.

TMSPN Take

Simone Biles doesn’t appear to be launching a surprise diving career, but fans can be forgiven for letting their imaginations run wild. When one of the greatest gymnasts ever casually throws a backflip off a yacht, comparisons to Olympic diving practically write themselves. For now, Biles seems perfectly content enjoying her time away from competition — even if her version of relaxing remains considerably more athletic than everyone else’s.

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The legendary Jamaican sprinter turned his milestone 40th birthday celebration into an even bigger occasion when he surprised Bennett by getting down on one knee and asking her to marry him.

Bolt, an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most recognizable athletes in history, reportedly proposed in front of family and friends during his birthday celebration at One Belmont in Kingston, Jamaica.

And he came prepared with some serious hardware.

Bolt Celebrates 40th Birthday With a Proposal

According to the Jamaica Observer and The Gleaner, Bolt popped the question during his birthday festivities after turning 40 on Aug. 21.

Photos from the celebration captured the moment the former sprinter dropped to one knee while holding a microphone and presenting Bennett with the ring.

Bolt dressed for the occasion in a beige checkered suit, while Bennett wore a fitted gold dress featuring sparkling silver detailing.

Another image captured the emotional aftermath of the proposal, with Bennett embracing Bolt as the newly engaged couple celebrated together.

Rather than proposing privately, Bolt chose to make the moment part of a milestone birthday surrounded by the people closest to them.

RELATED: Usain Bolt Claims He’s Winded Just Climbing Stairs After Retiring from Sprinting

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Bennett Shows Off Massive Diamond Ring

The engagement ring quickly became another major talking point.

A photo shared by the Jamaica Observer showed Bennett displaying what was reported to be a 5-carat diamond ring.

The centerpiece appeared to be a large pear-shaped diamond surrounded by additional diamonds extending along the band.

For a man whose career was defined by Olympic gold, Bolt certainly didn’t hold back when it came to choosing some new jewelry for his future wife.

But the proposal carried considerably more meaning than the ring itself.

Bolt and Bennett have been together for more than a decade, building a relationship and family long after they first began dating.

Bennett Shared Emotional Birthday Tribute Before Proposal

Hours before becoming engaged, Bennett had already shared a heartfelt message celebrating Bolt’s 40th birthday.

She posted a collection of photos and videos documenting their life together, including pictures from different stages of their relationship and footage of the couple kissing, enjoying time on a boat and traveling through an airport with their children.

“Happy 40th birthday to my person,” Bennett wrote.

She described Bolt as her “love,” “home” and “forever” while praising the role he plays within their family.

“You are an incredible dad and truly the centre of our little world,” she added.

Bennett also acknowledged the extraordinary athletic career that made Bolt a global superstar while making it clear that his accomplishments on the track aren’t what matter most to her.

“Your legacy is extraordinary, but the man behind it will always be what makes me proudest,” she wrote.

She concluded by saying she was grateful for the life they had created together.

Little did she know that the birthday celebration would soon give the couple another major reason to celebrate.

Bolt and Bennett Have Been Together Since 2013

Bolt and Bennett’s engagement has been a long time coming.

The couple reportedly began dating in 2013 but initially kept their relationship largely away from the public eye.

That changed around the 2016 Rio Olympics, when Bennett became more publicly associated with the sprinting superstar.

They made their relationship Instagram official later that year when Bennett shared a photo of the two vacationing together in Bora Bora.

By that point, Bolt was already one of the biggest names in sports.

His dominance at the Olympics had turned him into a global phenomenon, but he had made it clear that he wasn’t interested in rushing his personal life simply because his career moved at record-breaking speed.

Bolt Wanted to Follow His Parents’ Example

Interestingly, Bolt spoke about his approach to marriage all the way back in 2016.

During an interview with PEOPLE, the Jamaican superstar explained that his parents, Wellesley and Jennifer Bolt, had provided the relationship example he hoped to follow.

They were reportedly together for approximately a decade before getting married.

Bolt said at the time that he wanted to be patient and make sure his own relationship was built to last.

“She’s happy, I’m happy!” Bolt said of Bennett.

“I want to have what my parents have,” he added. “I want to take my time to make sure everything is perfect.”

A decade later, those comments look particularly significant.

Rather than rushing toward marriage, Bolt and Bennett continued building their life together before eventually deciding to take the next step.

Couple Has Built a Family Together

During their years together, Bolt and Bennett have welcomed three children.

Their daughter, Olympia Lightning Bolt, is now 6, while twin sons Thunder Bolt and Saint Leo Bolt are 5.

The children’s names also carry plenty of the personality fans have come to expect from Bolt, particularly Olympia Lightning and Thunder.

Family life has become a major part of Bolt’s post-competition years.

While millions remember him for celebrating victories on the world’s biggest stages, Bennett’s birthday message highlighted a different side of the Olympic legend — the father and partner behind the superstar athlete.

Bolt’s Life Has Changed Since Leaving Track

Bolt’s competitive accomplishments remain almost impossible to match.

The Jamaican icon won eight Olympic gold medals and established himself as the defining sprinter of his generation.

His performances in the 100 meters and 200 meters made him one of the most famous Olympians ever, while his trademark “Lightning Bolt” celebration became recognizable around the world.

Retirement, however, has allowed Bolt to focus on a different set of priorities.

Instead of preparing for another Olympics or chasing another record, he has spent recent years building businesses, making appearances and raising his family alongside Bennett.

Now marriage is officially next on the agenda.

No wedding date has been publicly announced, but after more than a decade together and three children, Bolt and Bennett are finally preparing to become husband and wife.

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TMSPN Take

Usain Bolt once made a career out of being the fastest man on the planet, but he clearly wasn’t interested in rushing when it came to marriage.

More than a decade together, three children and now a 5-carat diamond later, Bolt and Bennett are finally headed down the aisle.

At 40, the Olympic legend appears to be doing just fine in life after racing — and his milestone birthday turned into one neither of them will ever forget.

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Parker Wynk, a senior quarterback at Celina High School, was hospitalized following a frightening collision during Friday night’s season opener on Aug. 21.

According to reports from Dayton 24/7 Now and The Spun, Wynk was attempting to recover a fumble when he collided with another player. His family later said the impact forced his neck backward and left him initially unable to move or feel his body.

What followed was a terrifying stretch for Wynk, his family, teammates and the Celina community.

Wynk Couldn’t Move Following Collision

The Celina Bulldogs shared a statement from Wynk’s family detailing what happened immediately following the play.

“You never want your kids to be one,” the family wrote. “The one your community has to pray fervently for. The one everyone is worried about.”

According to the family, Wynk’s neck was violently forced backward during the collision.

“He immediately could not move or feel touch on his body,” the statement continued.

Wynk remained unable to move while on the field and during his transportation to the hospital, according to his family. That condition continued for a period after he arrived for treatment.

As doctors evaluated him, however, there were eventually some encouraging developments.

Wynk began experiencing tingling and burning sensations in his arms and hands. Similar sensations gradually appeared throughout much of his body.

Although it wasn’t normal sensation or movement, the changes provided the family with signs that his condition was evolving.

RELATED: Teen Reveals Why She Stormed Football Field and Tackled 13-Year-Old Player in Viral Incident

Doctors Discover Pre-Existing Spinal Condition

After meeting with a neurosurgeon, Wynk’s family said they received additional information about why the collision caused such a significant injury.

Doctors determined that Wynk was born with a congenitally narrow spinal canal.

The condition meant there was less room than normal surrounding his spinal cord, leaving him more vulnerable when his neck was forced backward during the play.

“When he collided with the other player and his neck was forced backward, his spinal cord was injured,” the family explained.

There was also some important positive news from his medical evaluation.

Wynk did not suffer any broken bones or fractured vertebrae, according to his family, and doctors determined that his brain was not injured.

“We are incredibly thankful that there are no broken bones or vertebrae and Parker’s brain is 100% okay,” the family said.

But the spinal cord injury remains serious, and doctors have not yet been able to determine exactly what it could mean for Wynk’s long-term recovery.

“Right now we simply do not know what that will mean for his future,” his family added.

Family Shares Encouraging Update

Two days after the injury, Wynk’s family provided a promising update.

In a statement shared through the Celina football team’s Facebook page on Sunday, Aug. 23, the family revealed that Wynk had regained some movement in his legs.

He was also experiencing increased sensation throughout several areas of his body.

“Parker has been able to move his legs today and has more feeling in many parts of his body,” the family said.

The sensation was still described as tingling rather than normal feeling when touched, but his family said he was continuing to make progress.

For everyone who had spent the previous two days waiting for any positive development, the improvement represented welcome news.

There is still considerable uncertainty surrounding his recovery, and spinal cord injuries can be extremely complicated. But the return of some movement and sensation gave Wynk’s family and community something encouraging to hold onto.

Community Rallies Around Wynk

Support for the Celina quarterback has quickly spread throughout the community.

Hundreds of people reportedly gathered at the Celina Church of God on Saturday night for a prayer service dedicated to Wynk and his family.

The gathering also provided his teammates and other young people in the community with an opportunity to process what they had witnessed.

Craig Flack, a teaching pastor at Celina Church of God who helped lead the service, told Dayton 24/7 Now that organizers wanted to create a place where the players could simply be together.

“They wanted to give them a space and a place to be [with each other],” Flack said.

Wynk’s family has also leaned heavily on its faith while navigating the uncertainty surrounding his condition.

Flack said the family hoped something positive could emerge from an otherwise devastating situation.

Fundraiser Created to Help With Recovery

Financial support has also poured in.

A GoFundMe created on behalf of Wynk and his family has raised more than $26,000 to help cover expenses related to his medical care and rehabilitation.

The fundraiser was established to assist with treatment costs, travel, missed work and other unexpected expenses associated with what could potentially be a lengthy recovery.

Organizers also encouraged those unable to contribute financially to continue supporting Wynk and his family in other ways.

“If donating is not possible, prayers for healing, strength, peace, and continued progress would mean so much,” the fundraiser organizer wrote.

For now, Wynk’s recovery remains the focus.

The fact that he has regained some movement and sensation is an encouraging development after the frightening moments immediately following the collision, but his family has acknowledged that there are still many unanswered questions.

TMSPN Take

Football is a dangerous sport at every level, and incidents like this are a sobering reminder of just how quickly an ordinary play can become life-changing.

The most important thing right now isn’t football or when Parker Wynk might play again. It’s his health and giving him every opportunity to recover.

Hearing that he’s already regained some movement in his legs and additional sensation is encouraging. Hopefully those improvements continue as he begins what could be a long road ahead.

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The Japanese pairs figure skating stars, affectionately known to fans as “RikuRyu,” announced that they are engaged after Kihara proposed in perhaps the most appropriate location imaginable — right on the ice.

Miura, 24, and Kihara shared the news on Instagram on Saturday, Aug. 22, posting a collection of photos capturing the emotional proposal and celebrating the next chapter of a relationship that has already taken them to the highest levels of their sport.

Kihara Gets Down on One Knee

One of the photos shows Kihara kneeling on the ice while holding an open ring box in front of Miura.

Other images capture the newly engaged couple smiling together and taking a closer look at Miura’s engagement ring.

The pair even showed off their playful personalities in another photo, with Miura pointing toward her fiancé as Kihara jokingly modeled the ring on his own finger.

But behind the lighthearted photos was an emotional announcement reflecting on everything they have experienced together.

“We’re engaged,” Miura wrote in a message shared in both Japanese and English.

Miura explained that their bond had developed through years of experiencing both triumphs and difficult periods side by side.

“Through both the happy times and the difficult ones, we’ve shared so many moments together, supporting each other every step of the way,” she wrote.

Eventually, their relationship became something much deeper than simply being skating partners.

“Over time, we became irreplaceable parts of each other’s lives — someone neither of us could imagine life without,” Miura continued.

RELATED: Team USA Olympic Medalist Banned Six Months Over Anti-Doping Violation

Miura and Kihara Ready for Their Next Chapter

After keeping the news private, Miura said the couple was excited to finally share their engagement with the public.

“We’re truly happy to finally be able to share this news with all of you,” she wrote.

The Olympic champion added that the same support and teamwork that defined their skating career would remain central to their future together.

“As we begin this new chapter, we’ll continue to support each other and move forward together, one step at a time, while always staying true to who we are,” Miura said.

The announcement quickly drew congratulations from across the figure skating world.

Olympic ice dancer Madison Chock celebrated the news in the comments, writing, “Congratulations friends!!!”

Piper Gilles was similarly thrilled for the couple, commenting, “Congratulations you two!! So happy for you.”

For fans who have followed Miura and Kihara throughout their careers, the engagement adds another chapter to a partnership that has already produced historic results.

Their Partnership Began in 2019

Miura and Kihara first teamed up as a pairs skating duo in 2019.

Their international competitive debut came later that year at the NHK Trophy, beginning a partnership that would eventually transform them into one of the most successful pairs in Japanese figure skating history.

The chemistry between the two steadily developed as they climbed through the international ranks.

Their first Olympic experience together came at the 2022 Beijing Games, where they helped Japan earn a silver medal in the team competition.

But their biggest Olympic achievement was still ahead.

Miura and Kihara Make Japanese Olympic History

At the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Miura and Kihara added another team silver medal before delivering a historic performance in the pairs competition.

They became the first Japanese pair to capture Olympic gold in figure skating.

Their championship performance also produced a world-record score of 158.13 points in the free skate, providing a remarkable climax to their competitive journey.

It was an achievement years in the making.

Their success didn’t come without significant physical obstacles, either.

Kihara dealt with recurring back problems during their partnership, while Miura continued competing despite issues involving a chronically dislocated shoulder.

Those injuries repeatedly tested their ability to remain among the world’s best.

But they continued pushing forward together.

That shared experience makes Miura’s engagement message about supporting each other through difficult moments particularly meaningful.

Their relationship wasn’t built only through medals and celebrations. It developed through rehabilitation, setbacks, exhausting training sessions and the pressure that accompanies competing on the biggest stages in figure skating.

Olympic Glory Became Their Final Competitive Chapter

Just months after reaching the pinnacle of their sport, Miura and Kihara announced in April that they were retiring from competitive figure skating.

The duo expressed gratitude to everyone who helped them throughout their journey while acknowledging that their accomplishments would not have been possible without a tremendous support system.

“We feel deeply grateful to all of you who have supported us from the beginning of our partnership,” they wrote at the time.

“‘RikuRyu’ could not have competed for as long as we have without the help of people around us.”

Rather than expressing sadness about walking away, Miura and Kihara made it clear that they were leaving competition satisfied with what they had accomplished.

“While our competitive careers are coming to an end, we truly feel that we gave it our all, and have no regrets,” they said.

They added that they were proud of everything they had endured together and hoped to continue helping grow pairs skating in Japan through whatever came next.

At the time, that statement was about beginning a new professional chapter.

Now there is a major personal chapter beginning as well.

From Skating Partners to Future Spouses

Miura and Kihara’s story has always revolved around partnership.

They learned how to trust each other through difficult lifts and throws, how to recover from mistakes, how to manage injuries and how to perform under enormous pressure.

Together, they progressed from a newly formed skating team in 2019 to Olympic champions and world-record holders.

Now they’ll take that partnership into marriage.

And for two people whose lives became intertwined because of figure skating, there couldn’t have been a more fitting setting for the proposal.

The competitive portion of “RikuRyu” may be over, but Miura and Kihara’s journey together is clearly just entering another phase.

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TMSPN Take

Going from skating partners to Olympic champions to husband and wife is a pretty incredible story.

Miura and Kihara already know what it’s like to depend on each other through injuries, pressure, victories and disappointments. Now they’ll get to continue that partnership long after their competitive skating careers have ended.

And considering how much of their lives they’ve shared on the ice, an on-ice proposal couldn’t have been more perfect.

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Trump was joined by First Lady Melania Trump for the historic event, which transformed some of the capital’s most recognizable streets into a high-speed racing circuit. Before the green flag dropped, Trump personally greeted drivers and then climbed into his presidential limousine for a ceremonial lap around the course.

Trump takes a lap in ‘The Beast’

The 1.7-mile street circuit took IndyCar drivers through the heart of Washington, passing landmarks including the National Mall, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol.

Trump arrived at the starting area in his armored presidential limousine, commonly known as “The Beast,” before making his way through the lineup of drivers and race officials.

The president shook hands with competitors and wished them luck ahead of the 147-lap race. He also greeted Roger Penske, whose Penske Corporation owns IndyCar, with the two appearing to share a lighthearted exchange.

Trump then returned to his limousine and was driven around the circuit as part of a ceremonial lap, accompanied by his Secret Service motorcade.

Air Force One and military aircraft flew overhead during the spectacle, adding to the elaborate pre-race festivities.

After completing the lap, Trump returned to the starting area and waved the green flag to officially begin the race shortly after 1 p.m. ET.

RELATED: UFC Suffers Multi-Million Dollar Loss on White House Freedom 250

Trump praises historic Washington circuit

Trump spoke enthusiastically about the unusual location of the race before the action began.

“The track is wonderful,” Trump told Fox Sports. “We’re going around the Capitol. This turned out to be a better track, and so now we see the Capitol. You see it right behind you. I want everyone to be safe, and I want the people to have a good time.”

The president later watched from a viewing area near the starting line as IndyCar drivers raced through Washington at speeds approaching 185 mph.

The event also featured a significant military presence. U.S. Army Chinooks, Black Hawks and Apache helicopters participated in an opening flyover, while additional aircraft appeared above the circuit during the national anthem and Trump’s ceremonial lap.

Trump family joins star-studded crowd

Trump wasn’t the only member of the family in attendance.

Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson were also spotted arriving for the race, joining a large crowd that packed areas surrounding the temporary circuit.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the event and its connection to America’s anniversary celebrations.

“The Freedom 250 INDYCAR race pairs 250 years of American achievement with a sport that embodies speed, ingenuity and the freedom of the open road,” Ben Sulayem said.

“This is a landmark event, and it is an honour for the FIA to be a part of it. Congratulations to President Trump, the U.S. Government, INDYCAR, our Member Club ACCUS, and all involved on making this vision a reality.”

How the Freedom 250 came together

The Trump administration had been promoting the Washington race for months.

A showcase outside the White House in July featured IndyCar drivers Alex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist and David Malukas, along with a live pit-stop demonstration near the West Wing.

Trump previously signed an executive order establishing the event after meeting with Penske in the Oval Office.

“Roger Penske told me they’ve been trying to do it for 20 years,” Trump told Fox Sports. “I think he said he was down 211 times to try and get it done. And when he came to see Trump, it got done in about 15 minutes.”

Trump claimed interest in the event exceeded expectations.

“It’s turned out to be much bigger than we ever even thought possible,” he said. “They actually closed the bridges because so many people wanted to come – I think 350,000 – and they close the bridges. So it’s turned out to be I think bigger and better.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Trump had encouraged officials to pursue something unusual for the country’s anniversary.

“But to think, 190 miles per hour down Pennsylvania Avenue, this is going to be wild,” Duffy said.

Alex Palou leads drivers into historic race

Spanish star Alex Palou started from pole position after entering the weekend atop the IndyCar standings following six victories during the 2026 season.

Palou had previously visited the White House as officials unveiled plans for the Washington circuit.

“Incredible,” Palou said of visiting the Oval Office and meeting Trump. “Honestly, that’s the only word that comes to mind.”

Palou also reflected on the opportunities he has received since building his racing career in the United States.

“I know I’m not from this country, but this country has given me so much,” he said. “Just the opportunity to be here as an IndyCar driver, a winner, a champion, and to create a family and build a family here in the US. It’s been incredible.”

Sports remain central to America’s 250th celebration

The Freedom 250 continued Trump’s push to incorporate major sporting spectacles into celebrations surrounding the country’s 250th anniversary.

The UFC previously staged an event on the White House South Lawn on June 14, with Trump making an elaborate entrance from the Oval Office before watching the fights cageside.

Trump also attended the final day of the Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio, a competition featuring 120 teenage athletes from across the United States, territories and tribal nations competing for scholarship money.

Sunday’s IndyCar race provided another unprecedented backdrop, with some of America’s most recognizable landmarks towering over the circuit while cars raced through the nation’s capital.

TMSPN Take

Whether it was Trump’s ceremonial lap in “The Beast,” the military flyovers or IndyCar machines roaring past the Capitol, the Freedom 250 was designed to be far more than a conventional race. The Washington street circuit blended motorsports with the pageantry surrounding America’s 250th anniversary, while giving Trump another prominent role in one of the celebration’s biggest sporting events.

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Patrick will be part of an expanded 90-minute pre-race show ahead of the event, joining four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves and host Chris Myers.

The special broadcast is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. ET and will lead into a unique racing event tied to celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary.

Patrick Lands Major Role in FOX Coverage

FOX announced that Patrick and Castroneves will help provide analysis and perspective during its extended pre-race coverage.

Patrick remains one of the most recognizable figures in American motorsports years after stepping away from full-time competition. She became the first woman to win an IndyCar race with her victory at the 2008 Indy Japan 300 and recorded the highest finish by a woman in Indianapolis 500 history when she placed third in 2009.

Her racing career later took her to NASCAR, where she became a regular at the Cup Series level before retiring from competition.

Patrick has remained visible since leaving the driver’s seat through broadcasting appearances, business ventures, podcasts and other media work.

RELATED: Danica Patrick Responds To Body-Shaming Comments Following Bikini Post

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Some Fans Push Back on Patrick’s Appearance

News of Patrick’s involvement generated criticism from some racing fans on social media, with several making it clear they weren’t thrilled about seeing her on the broadcast.

“Danica is going to be a tough watch on Sunday,” one critic wrote.

“If Danica is part of the broadcast, I won’t be watching,” another added.

Another fan joked that attending the race in person meant they wouldn’t have to listen to the pre-race coverage featuring Patrick and Myers.

“Bad enough Chris Myers and Danica Patrick will be on the pre race. I’m fortunate that I’ll be there and not have to suffer through this,” the fan wrote.

“Yeah, I’m not watching this,” another critic added.

Despite the negative reaction, Patrick appeared completely unfazed by the complaints as she prepared for her role.

Patrick Sends Message Before Race

Patrick instead focused on her excitement surrounding the event, sharing a message with her followers ahead of Sunday’s coverage.

“BRB. America’s 250th is going full throttle ?,” Patrick wrote in a social media post from the White House.

She also highlighted the unusual setting for the race and appeared impressed by what viewers will see during the broadcast.

“How about that backdrop,” Patrick wrote.

The event gives Patrick another opportunity to return to the sport that made her one of the most famous female athletes in the United States.

Patrick Remains a Polarizing Racing Personality

Patrick’s presence in motorsports media has continued to generate strong reactions long after her final professional race.

Supporters point to her groundbreaking IndyCar accomplishments and the enormous attention she helped bring to women competing at the highest levels of American motorsports.

Critics, meanwhile, have frequently debated her racing record and her role as a television analyst.

That divide was evident again after FOX revealed its plans for the Freedom 250 coverage, with Patrick becoming a major talking point before the cars even hit the track.

TMSPN Take

Danica Patrick hasn’t raced professionally in years, but she still has an undeniable ability to get motorsports fans talking. The reaction to her FOX assignment proves that hasn’t changed. While some viewers are threatening to tune out, Patrick doesn’t appear interested in engaging with the backlash. Instead, she’s embracing the spectacle of a unique Washington, D.C. race and another high-profile opportunity to be part of the sport that made her famous.

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Gillihan, a kindergarten teacher who became engaged to Lochte in June, rejected the idea that she was ever close friends with Reid and insisted Lochte’s seven-year marriage was already over by the time their relationship began.

Gillihan Denies Being a ‘Home-Wrecker’

Gillihan directly addressed Reid’s allegations during an interview with TMZ, saying she had only crossed paths with Lochte’s ex-wife a handful of times.

‘No [I wasn’t Kayla’s friend] and I’ll take that to my grave,’ Gillihan said. ‘I would never consider Kayla a friend of mine, ever. I would never date a friend’s husband.

‘I did not break up your marriage. I’m not a home-wrecker. Your home was broken when I met Ryan. He was not living in the home. [Reid] filed for divorce. … Reid had kicked him out.

‘I understand her being mad and upset, but to lie and make things up about me, I don’t get. I really don’t understand.’

Gillihan said she and Lochte went on their first date on April 10, 2025, after Reid had already filed for divorce the previous month.

RELATED: Ryan Lochte Reveals He Sold His Olympic Medals As Divorce Takes Dramatic New Turn

Relationship Became Complicated After Divorce Filing

Although Gillihan denied beginning a relationship with Lochte while he was still living as a married man, she acknowledged that the situation quickly became complicated.

‘It got so messy because she kept coming around she kept being places I was at and she kept talking [negatively] to me about him,’ Gillihan said.

‘It was messy on my part if I could do it again I would’ve just removed myself from the situation completely.’

Lochte has also publicly defended Gillihan, previously insisting that she was not responsible for the breakup of his marriage.

He has said ‘there was no infidelity’ involving Gillihan and maintained that ‘Molly didn’t do anything wrong.’

Reid Made Serious Allegations Against Lochte

Reid has offered a dramatically different account of the final stages of the marriage.

After their divorce was finalized, she described the relationship as a ‘ticking time bomb’ and accused Lochte of infidelity and substance abuse during their marriage.

Among Reid’s most serious claims was an allegation that she discovered evidence of cocaine use in their daughter Liv’s bedroom. She also alleged Lochte used nitrous oxide around their children.

Lochte has previously acknowledged struggling with drug use, but he has denied using substances in front of his children.

Reid currently has primary custody of the former couple’s three children: Caiden, 9, Liv, 7, and Georgia, 3.

Reid Says Rehab Dispute Led to Divorce Filing

According to Reid, the breaking point came in January 2025 when she and a therapist confronted Lochte and asked him to enter a 30-day inpatient rehabilitation program while also continuing marriage counseling.

‘He screamed, said he wasn’t going to rehab, he didn’t have a problem,’ Reid said. ‘I called the attorney and filed for divorce.’

Lochte has since acknowledged making major mistakes during the marriage while declining to publicly fight Reid over every accusation.

‘Over the past several years, I’ve taken responsibility for the mistakes I’ve made and have spoken openly about some of the lowest moments in my life. Looking back, I wasn’t ready to be a husband or the man my family deserved at that point in my life.

‘That’s on me. I’m incredibly grateful for my children, and they are the greatest gift to come from that chapter of my life.

‘I’m not going to engage in a back-and-forth about my divorce or respond to every allegation or characterization.’

Lochte Begins a New Chapter With Gillihan

Lochte and Gillihan have since moved forward with their relationship and announced their engagement in June.

The couple also relocated from Gainesville to Missouri after Lochte accepted a job in college swimming.

Speaking about the engagement, Lochte said he was ‘moving on with my life to bigger and better things, especially marrying Molly.’

The relationship represents another major change for the 12-time Olympic medalist following a turbulent period involving his divorce, personal struggles and attempts to rebuild his life away from competitive swimming.

TMSPN Take

The competing accounts surrounding Ryan Lochte’s divorce have turned an already difficult family situation into a very public dispute.

Gillihan is adamant that she did not enter the picture until Lochte and Reid’s marriage had already fallen apart, while Reid has painted a much more complicated picture of what happened behind closed doors.

Lochte, meanwhile, has acknowledged serious mistakes without accepting every allegation made against him. With the divorce finalized and his engagement to Gillihan now official, he appears determined to move forward rather than continue publicly litigating the end of his marriage.

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The 30-year-old, who earned a silver medal with Team USA in the 4×100-meter relay at the Tokyo Olympics, disclosed the IV treatment herself during an out-of-competition drug test on February 5, 2026.

According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency, Hobbs received the saline infusion at her home while attempting to recover from illness. The amount administered exceeded the maximum volume allowed under anti-doping regulations.

Hobbs Violated Rules Despite No Banned Substance

USADA emphasized that Hobbs did not test positive for a performance-enhancing drug and no prohibited substance was administered through the IV.

Instead, the violation centered entirely on the method of treatment.

Anti-doping rules generally prohibit intravenous infusions or injections exceeding 100 milliliters during a 12-hour period unless the treatment is administered as part of hospital care, surgery or another qualifying medical procedure.

Hobbs’ at-home infusion exceeded that threshold and she did not have an approved Therapeutic Use Exemption covering the treatment.

USADA confirmed the circumstances while announcing the sanction, explaining that the volume of the infusion itself was enough to constitute a violation.

RELATED: Rory McIlroy Blasts YouTube Golf, Prefers ‘Real Golfers’ Over Online Content

Six-Month Suspension Applied Retroactively

Hobbs accepted a six-month period of ineligibility that began retroactively on May 19, 2026.

As part of the ruling, any competitive results she recorded on or after January 29 are also subject to disqualification, including the forfeiture of corresponding medals, points and prize money.

However, the practical impact of that portion of the penalty appears limited. Hobbs has not competed since the summer of 2025, meaning the ruling will not wipe away any recent major championship performances.

The suspension is considerably different from cases involving athletes who knowingly use prohibited performance-enhancing substances, but it still serves as another reminder of the strict medical-treatment rules elite athletes must follow.

Olympic Medalist Built Decorated Sprinting Career

Hobbs emerged as one of the country’s premier sprinters following a dominant collegiate career at LSU.

During her senior season, she won the NCAA indoor championship in the 60 meters before capturing SEC and NCAA outdoor titles in the 100 meters. She also helped LSU win a national championship in the 4×100-meter relay.

Her success quickly carried over to international competition.

Hobbs helped Team USA win gold at the 2019 World Relays before becoming an Olympic medalist in Tokyo as part of the United States women’s 4×100-meter relay squad.

She later produced one of the fastest indoor sprint performances ever recorded.

In February 2023, Hobbs ran 6.94 seconds in the 60 meters, setting a North American record and becoming the second-fastest woman in history over the distance at the time.

TMSPN Take

Hobbs’ case is an unusual anti-doping violation because there was no banned drug involved. Instead, she ran afoul of regulations governing how athletes can receive medical treatment.

The six-month punishment is still significant, but the retroactive start date and her extended absence from competition should limit the damage to her career. For Hobbs, the biggest question now is what comes next once she is eligible to return to the track.

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The teenager, identified as 16-year-old Addison Hunnicutt, says the viral incident wasn’t a random attack. According to Hunnicutt, she believed her younger brother was being targeted by opposing players and decided to intervene when she felt nobody else was stopping it.

The confrontation unfolded Tuesday night during a middle school football game between South Middle School and Cornersville Middle School at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee.

What began as an ordinary football game quickly escalated into a chaotic scene that ended with Hunnicutt on the field, a young player on the ground and authorities getting involved.

Tensions Boil Over After Touchdown

The trouble reportedly began after South Middle School scored a touchdown and converted the extra point.

Players from the two teams became involved in a brief confrontation, and tensions quickly increased.

Video from the game then captured Hunnicutt entering the field from the spectator area and sprinting toward a 13-year-old South Middle School player.

She charged into the player and knocked him to the ground.

When the boy attempted to stand back up, footage appeared to show Hunnicutt making additional contact and sending him back toward the turf.

The video quickly circulated online, sparking outrage and questions about why a spectator had been able to enter the playing field and physically confront a middle school athlete.

Hunnicutt has now provided her explanation.

RELATED: High School Soccer Player Sparks Outrage After Kicking and Punching Rival in Head During Shocking Attack

Hunnicutt Says She Was Protecting Her Brother

The 16-year-old told NewsChannel 5 that she had become increasingly frustrated with what she believed was happening to her younger brother during the game.

According to Hunnicutt, she saw an opposing player grab her brother’s facemask and turn him around.

She also claimed her brother later took a hit to the ribs.

For Hunnicutt, that was apparently the breaking point.

“That’s when I started to be like, no, I’m done watching this,” she said.

Hunnicutt insists she didn’t enter the field simply because she wanted to attack another player.

“I wasn’t going after this kid just to go after him,” she said.

Instead, she claims she believed somebody needed to step in because officials and others weren’t adequately protecting her brother.

“That wasn’t my intention at all,” Hunnicutt said. “Seeing what they were doing to him and no one stopping it, that kind of made me the last choice. Somebody has to stop this.”

Whatever her motivation, authorities determined that running onto the field and tackling another player crossed the line.

Her Mother Says Daughter’s Actions Were Inappropriate

Hunnicutt’s mother, Elizabeth Chumbley, acknowledged that her daughter shouldn’t have entered the field.

Chumbley said she immediately made that clear to the teenager.

“I made sure she understood quickly that her behavior, that was inappropriate, and you should not have jumped over the fence,” Chumbley told WTVF.

At the same time, Chumbley said she understood why her daughter became emotional.

Like Hunnicutt, she believes her son was being targeted and that what happened went beyond the normal physicality associated with football.

“I’m seeing my son on the ground being attacked,” Chumbley said. “This wasn’t just a football play. This is him on the ground being physically attacked by this other player.”

That left the family attempting to make two arguments simultaneously: Hunnicutt shouldn’t have entered the field, but they believe something should have been done about the treatment of her brother before she intervened.

Teen Now Faces Criminal Charges

The consequences for Hunnicutt extend well beyond the reaction on social media.

According to reports, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office charged the 16-year-old with assault and disorderly conduct.

She was also issued a lifetime trespass ban from Franklin County Schools properties.

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association imposed additional restrictions, barring Hunnicutt from attending Cornersville Middle School athletic events.

Those punishments mean a decision made during a few emotional seconds could have consequences lasting far beyond one football game.

The situation also raises questions about security at youth sporting events and how quickly adults or spectators should be removed when they attempt to enter the playing area.

Tackled Player’s Father Speaks Out

A man identifying himself as the father of the 13-year-old player tackled by Hunnicutt has also publicly addressed the incident.

Brandon Taylor praised his son’s reaction, emphasizing that the boy didn’t retaliate despite being knocked down by someone who wasn’t participating in the game.

“He had every reason to be angry, yet he still showed restraint,” Taylor wrote on Facebook.

Taylor argued that regardless of what had happened between players before Hunnicutt entered the field, his son didn’t deserve what followed.

“He did not deserve to be tackled, pushed, or humiliated on the field,” Taylor wrote.

He also stressed that his son is still a child.

“He is a 13-year-old child, and I will always stand up for him and protect him.”

Youth Football Game Turns Into Much Bigger Controversy

Physical confrontations between players occasionally happen in football, particularly when emotions are running high.

But those situations are supposed to be handled by coaches, referees and other authorized adults.

A spectator entering the field creates an entirely different safety issue.

In this case, the age difference also contributed to the backlash. Hunnicutt is 16, while the player she tackled is reportedly 13.

Hunnicutt maintains that she was acting out of concern for her brother rather than looking to start a confrontation.

But intent and action are two separate issues.

Her decision to take matters into her own hands turned a dispute between middle school football players into an incident involving criminal charges, school bans and national attention.

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TMSPN Take

No matter how angry you are about what’s happening to a family member during a game, you simply cannot rush onto the field and tackle a player — especially a 13-year-old kid.

If Hunnicutt believed her brother was being targeted or officials weren’t protecting him, there were other ways to address it through coaches, referees, school administrators or security.

Her instinct to protect her younger brother may explain why emotions took over, but it doesn’t justify what happened next.

Once a spectator jumps the barrier and physically engages a player, an already tense situation becomes much more dangerous.

There has to be a line, and running onto a middle school football field to tackle a child clearly crosses it.

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Samantha shared a deeply personal series of Instagram Stories on Friday, Aug. 21, reflecting on the memories she created with late NASCAR star Kyle Busch and all of the seemingly ordinary moments she now misses the most.

Kyle died on May 21 at age 41 after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.

For Samantha, the three-month anniversary brought another wave of memories as she looked back at their marriage, their adventures together and, most importantly, the family life they shared with their two children, 11-year-old son Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix.

“I still can’t believe it’s been three months without you,” Samantha wrote alongside a photo of herself with Kyle.

What followed was an emotional collection of family photographs, each highlighting a different part of the life she wishes they could still share.

RELATED: Kurt Busch Breaks Down Recalling Final Words to Brother Kyle Busch at His Hospital Bed

Samantha Misses Simply Being a Family

One of Samantha’s most emotional posts featured the couple together with Brexton and Lennix at Champion Ranch in Texas.

“I miss doing life as a family,” she wrote.

The simple message captured a theme that ran throughout the entire tribute.

Samantha wasn’t only remembering major milestones, NASCAR victories or glamorous moments from their years together. She focused on the everyday experiences that made up their marriage and family.

Another photograph showed Samantha and Kyle kissing during a hike.

“I miss our adventures,” she wrote.

Other pictures showed the couple laughing, traveling and simply enjoying each other’s company away from the demands of NASCAR.

“I miss being silly with you,” Samantha wrote alongside another memory.

She later shared a vacation photo with the caption, “I miss carefree vacation Kyle.”

Another image carried an even simpler message: “I miss laughing with you.”

Remembering Kyle as a Father

Some of Samantha’s most touching memories focused on Kyle’s relationship with their children.

She shared a photograph of Kyle sitting with Lennix at a restaurant and reflected on the special connection between father and daughter.

“I miss the way Lennix made you so soft,” Samantha wrote.

She then turned her attention to Brexton, whose own racing journey created a special bond with his father.

“I miss you coaching Brexton and the way each of you were so proud of each other,” Samantha wrote alongside a photograph of Kyle embracing her and their son at the track.

Kyle’s involvement in Brexton’s racing had become an important part of the family’s life, with the NASCAR star able to pass along his knowledge and experience while watching his son develop behind the wheel.

For Samantha, those memories now carry an entirely different weight.

They are reminders not only of the husband she lost, but also of the father her children lost.

‘I Miss Every Single Thing About My Love’

Samantha also reflected on the way Kyle treated his family throughout their years together.

“I miss the way you always made us your priority,” she wrote in another post.

The series concluded with perhaps her most painful message.

Samantha shared an intimate photograph showing her kissing Kyle on the forehead.

“I miss every single thing about my love,” she wrote.

Rather than trying to summarize their relationship through one major memory, Samantha’s tribute showed how grief can attach itself to everything.

The vacations.

The jokes.

The adventures.

Watching Kyle parent their children.

Laughing together.

Simply having another person beside you while going through everyday life.

Three months later, those are the moments Samantha continues to find herself missing.

Samantha Has Been Open About Her Grief

Since Kyle’s death, Samantha has repeatedly used social media to speak candidly about what life has been like without her husband.

Her posts have offered followers an intensely personal look at the reality of losing a spouse and attempting to adjust to a home that suddenly feels completely different.

In a lengthy Instagram post on July 26, Samantha described evenings as particularly difficult once Brexton and Lennix went to sleep.

“In the evenings when the kids go to bed the silence and loneliness is almost unbearable,” she wrote. “I pace the house thinking of all our memories.”

She also revealed the heartbreaking way she had attempted to preserve the feeling of Kyle still being beside her at night.

“I sleep tucked on my side of the bed with a body pillow and his shirt pretending he’s still next to me,” Samantha wrote.

She accompanied the message with a photograph showing one of Kyle’s red long-sleeve shirts draped over a pillow.

Even that source of comfort had begun to fade with time.

“I hate it so much that his shirt doesn’t smell like him anymore,” she added.

Three Months Later, The Memories Remain Everywhere

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and Samantha’s latest posts make clear that three months hasn’t diminished the significance of the life she and Kyle built together.

The couple’s relationship stretched far beyond NASCAR.

There were children to raise, trips to take, jokes shared between them and countless routines that probably felt completely ordinary when Kyle was still alive.

Now those ordinary moments have become some of the memories Samantha treasures most.

Her latest tribute wasn’t centered around Kyle Busch the NASCAR star.

It was about Kyle the husband, Kyle the father and Kyle the person she expected to continue sharing her life with.

TMSPN Take

This story continues to be absolutely heartbreaking.

Samantha’s posts show something that often gets lost when a famous athlete dies. Fans remember the races, victories and career accomplishments, but a family loses the person who was there for all of the ordinary moments nobody else saw.

It’s those little things Samantha seems to miss the most.

Laughing together. Traveling together. Watching Kyle with their children. Simply going through life as a family.

Three months may have passed, but for Samantha and her children, they’re still learning how to live with an absence that touches almost every part of their lives.

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The NASCAR Hall of Famer became emotional while discussing Kyle’s death during his first network television interview since his brother passed away at 41.

Speaking with Craig Melvin in a taped interview that aired Friday, Aug. 21 on Today — exactly three months after Kyle’s death — Kurt described spending an entire day at the hospital hoping his brother’s condition would somehow improve.

“I was there at the hospital; I was there all day, hoping, praying, hoping for a turnaround,” Kurt recalled.

Unfortunately, that turnaround never came.

Kurt Reveals His Final Words to Kyle

Kurt explained that members of the Busch family handled the devastating situation differently.

Their father, former racer and mechanic Tom Busch, decided against seeing Kyle in the hospital because he wanted his final memories of his son to be from happier times.

According to Kurt, his father “wanted to remember him in the way he wanted to remember him.”

Kurt made a different decision.

He went to his younger brother’s bedside and tried to encourage him to continue fighting.

“I said, ‘I got you man, Come on. I got you. I got you, Come on. Be strong,’ ” Kurt recalled as he wiped away tears.

Then came the painful reality he is still attempting to process.

“It just wasn’t fair,” he said.

Kyle died on May 21, one day after being hospitalized following a severe illness.

His family later revealed that severe pneumonia had progressed to sepsis, leading to what they described as “rapid and overwhelming associated complications.”

RELATED: Samantha Busch Reveals Emotional Promise She Made to Kyle Busch Before His Death at 41

Kyle Had Been Racing While Sick

Kyle’s death was particularly shocking because he had continued competing while dealing with illness in the weeks before his hospitalization.

On May 10, after completing a race at Watkins Glen International, Kyle requested medical attention.

Radio communication from the event captured him asking his team to have a doctor waiting for him at his bus because he was going to “need a shot.”

During the broadcast, Kyle’s condition was described as a sinus cold that had apparently been worsened by the demanding conditions at Watkins Glen, including the elevation changes and physical forces drivers experience around the circuit.

Despite feeling poorly, Kyle continued racing.

He even returned the following weekend and won a Truck Series race at Dover.

That victory gave little indication of how serious his condition would soon become.

Kyle was still expected to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event in Concord, North Carolina, on May 22 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway two days later.

He never got the opportunity.

Kyle’s Condition Rapidly Deteriorated

On May 20, Kyle was working in a racing simulator when his health suddenly took a frightening turn.

Kurt said Kyle’s crew chief later described hearing him coughing severely after he went into a restroom.

“The crew chief said that he went into the restroom and that he could hear him coughing very, very abruptly,” Kurt recalled.

When the crew chief asked whether he was alright, Kyle reportedly gave a simple answer.

“No.”

Emergency services were called as Kyle struggled to breathe.

Audio from a 911 call previously obtained by PEOPLE described an alarming scene in which Kyle was reportedly on the bathroom floor suffering from shortness of breath and feeling as though he could pass out.

He was transported to the hospital, where Kurt eventually joined him.

Within approximately a day, Kyle was gone.

Kurt Discusses Pressure NASCAR Drivers Face

Looking back, Kurt acknowledged that his brother’s decision to continue competing while sick reflected a mentality that has long existed in motorsports.

Drivers frequently push through pain and illness because missing a race can potentially mean giving someone else an opportunity behind the wheel.

Unlike athletes in many major team sports, Kurt noted, NASCAR drivers operate under a different employment structure.

“We’re independent contractors,” he said. “We don’t have a union.”

That environment can create enormous pressure to remain in the car whenever physically possible.

For Kyle, that meant continuing to race even while his illness was clearly affecting him.

There is no way to change what happened now, and Kurt is instead left trying to understand how to move forward without the younger brother who shared virtually his entire racing journey.

“There is no book; there is no outline on what we’re supposed to do right now,” Kurt said.

Brothers Shared Their Lives Through Racing

Kurt and Kyle’s relationship was unique even by the standards of siblings who compete in professional sports.

They weren’t simply brothers.

They were competitors who spent decades racing against each other at the highest level of American motorsports.

Their personalities occasionally clashed, and their competitive nature created memorable moments throughout their careers, but racing also gave them a connection few people could understand.

Kurt said the two became so familiar with one another behind the wheel that communication wasn’t always necessary.

“On track, him and I were carbon copies of each other,” Kurt explained. “We could speak on track without saying a word.”

Years of competing together allowed them to understand when the other wanted to make a move, when to draft and what was happening with their cars.

Those unspoken moments are now among the things Kurt misses most.

“I miss the words that we never spoke to each other and the vibe that we had on track,” he said.

Kyle Helped Celebrate Kurt’s Hall of Fame Moment

One of the brothers’ final major public appearances together came only months before Kyle’s death.

In January, Kyle was there as Kurt was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

It was a fitting moment considering how closely their careers had been connected.

“He earned every bit of this,” Kyle said while celebrating his older brother. “I’m so proud to call him my brother.”

Those words carry considerably more weight for Kurt now.

Since Kyle’s death, he has also heard from countless NASCAR fans who have shared stories about what Kyle meant to them.

Some have even opened up to Kurt about losses in their own lives.

“There’s usually going to be a discussion when I see someone,” Kurt said. “But it’s alright. We’re going to get through it. Time heals.”

Kurt Previously Paid Tribute to His ‘Little Brother’

Kurt first publicly addressed Kyle’s death in June, thanking fans for the enormous amount of support shown to the Busch family.

He reflected on their childhood together and how racing had been part of their relationship long before either became a NASCAR star.

“Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on,” Kurt wrote.

Their competition started with childhood toys and eventually took them to the biggest stages in motorsports.

Kurt emphasized that while they were fierce rivals at times, their relationship was much deeper.

“We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other,” he wrote.

He ended the tribute with a message that captured the enormity of his loss.

“My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me. Rest easy, little brother.”

Kurt Turns His Attention to Kyle’s Son Brexton

Part of Kyle’s racing legacy may now continue through his son.

Kurt said he intends to spend more time helping mentor his 11-year-old nephew Brexton, who has already shown significant potential behind the wheel.

Kyle shared Brexton and 4-year-old daughter Lennix with his wife, Samantha Busch.

Brexton has been racing from a young age, following the same path that eventually took his father and uncle to NASCAR.

Kurt believes his nephew has enormous potential.

“He’s a prodigy,” Kurt told Melvin. “He was on gas even before all of this, right? He can be a big star in the world of motorsports.”

Kurt believes Brexton is already competing at a level well beyond his age.

“He’s 11 but he’s already racing like an 18-year-old,” he added. “So, it’s time to be around a bit more.”

For Kurt, mentoring Brexton provides an opportunity to remain connected to his brother while helping guide the next generation of the Busch racing family.

Kyle’s Legacy Goes Beyond NASCAR Victories

Kyle’s accomplishments on the racetrack ensure his name will remain part of NASCAR history.

But Kurt believes his brother should ultimately be remembered for more than trophies, victories and statistics.

He pointed to Kyle’s relentless competitive drive, his willingness to help others later in his career and, most importantly, the father he became.

“The tenacity that he had, it was every day, 24-7, to help people in the latter part of his career, to be a great father like he was,” Kurt said.

For now, Kurt is still learning how to navigate a world without the brother who had been beside him for nearly their entire lives.

Racing brought them together, occasionally put them against one another and ultimately created a bond that went far beyond anything fans saw on Sundays.

Three months later, the grief remains raw.

But through his memories, Kyle’s children and the countless people sharing stories about what his brother meant to them, Kurt is finding ways to keep Kyle’s presence alive.

TMSPN Take

Losing a sibling is an unimaginable kind of pain, and you could see just how raw everything still is for Kurt when he recalled sitting beside Kyle in that hospital room.

Their relationship wasn’t manufactured for television. They grew up together, raced against each other, fought through the highs and lows of NASCAR together and eventually watched each other become legends of the sport.

The most heartbreaking part might be Kurt saying he misses the words they never had to speak. After decades of racing together, they understood each other in a way very few siblings ever could.

Now Kurt gets the opportunity to carry some of that connection forward through Brexton.

Kyle’s racing career created an incredible legacy, but the relationship he had with his brother and the family he left behind will clearly mean far more than anything he accomplished behind the wheel.

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Calkins announced his resignation publicly, explaining that the rejected column was not an isolated disagreement. According to the longtime sports columnist, several of his pieces had previously been killed, eventually leaving him convinced that he could no longer perform the job the way he believed a columnist should.

“After 11 years as a sports columnist at the Seattle Times, I have decided to resign. It was entirely my choice, and it was not an easy one,” Calkins wrote.

Calkins Explains What Led to Resignation

Calkins said the immediate source of the dispute was a column he wrote after interviewing two female student-athletes about the debate surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports.

He described the premise of the unpublished piece as an argument that people who support separating athletes on the basis of biological sex should not automatically be labeled transphobic.

“Supporting the separation of biological females and males doesn’t automatically make you transphobic, so let’s stop throwing those labels around,” Calkins wrote while explaining the thesis of the column.

According to Calkins, he submitted a draft after speaking with his editor on Friday, July 31. He said he made clear there was no urgency to publish it and was subsequently told multiple editors were reviewing the piece.

Calkins claimed several days passed without him receiving substantive feedback before his editor ultimately informed him the newspaper would not run it.

RELATED: Journalist Stands by Controversial Caitlin Clark Story Despite Mounting Criticism

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Dispute Ove Why The Column Was Rejected

Calkins said he was told the column would not be published because he had not informed his editor ahead of time that he intended to pursue the story.

He disputed that explanation, arguing that if the lack of advance notice had truly been the deciding factor, the column likely would have been rejected immediately rather than circulating among editors for several days.

“I didn’t buy this reasoning,” Calkins wrote. “If that were the case, the piece would have been killed on the spot, not passed through the hands of multiple editors over several days.”

Calkins said his response was immediate.

“My response? To resign on the spot.”

Despite the disagreement, Calkins stressed that he was not leaving with personal animosity toward his former colleagues.

“I enjoyed my time with the paper, find the talent there to be immense, and have no animosity toward anyone who works there,” he wrote. “It was just time for a change.”

Former Seattle Times Columnist Receives Support

Calkins’ announcement quickly generated reaction online, with several people praising his decision to leave rather than continue working under circumstances he believed restricted his ability to express his perspective.

One of the athletes Calkins said he interviewed, Frances Staudt, publicly thanked him for giving her an opportunity to explain her position.

“Thank you, Matt. I was one of the female athletes you interviewed, and I truly appreciate the way you treated me,” Staudt wrote. “You were fair, listened to my story without judgment, and wanted to share my experience—even when The Seattle Times refused to let it be heard.”

Others applauded Calkins for standing behind his work, while some critics used the controversy to accuse the newspaper of being unwilling to publish viewpoints with which its leadership disagreed.

Calkins, however, stopped short of making similarly sweeping accusations against his former employer and emphasized that his departure was ultimately his own decision.

Debate Over Women’s Sports Continues

The dispute arrives as transgender participation in women’s sports remains one of the most contentious issues in American athletics.

The subject has generated debate involving athletes, coaches, governing bodies, lawmakers and media personalities, with disagreements extending beyond competition rules to questions surrounding fairness, inclusion and how the issue itself is discussed publicly.

For Calkins, the disagreement with The Seattle Times ultimately became a question of whether he still had enough editorial freedom to do his job effectively.

After 11 years at the newspaper, he decided the answer was no.

TMSPN Take

Calkins’ resignation turns what began as an unpublished sports column into a much larger debate about editorial discretion and the freedom afforded to opinion writers. Newspapers have always had the authority to decide what they publish, but columnists are also hired specifically to offer perspectives and provoke discussion. When a veteran writer concludes that repeated editorial decisions prevent him from doing that job, a split can become inevitable.

The controversy surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, and neither is the debate over how media organizations cover it. Calkins’ abrupt departure ensures that conversation now includes another issue: where publications should draw the line between exercising editorial judgment and allowing columnists the freedom to make arguments on divisive subjects.

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