The Summer Olympics are here

The Summer Olympic Games kick off later today with the opening ceremony in Paris. And while the Games have yet to officially begin, they’re already off to a wild start (breaking news aside).

On Wednesday, the men’s soccer match between Copa América-winning Argentina and Morocco – one of several Olympic events held prior to the opening ceremony – experienced quite the chaotic ending.

• Argentina appeared to secure a 2-2 draw after a last-second goal, with some Morocco fans storming the field as the teams left the pitch. However, nearly two hours after the game “ended,” both teams returned to the field and restarted play.
• The reason? Argentina’s equalizing goal had been disallowed for offside by the video assistant referee. Morocco ultimately held on for an official 2-1 victory.

Some other top storylines heading into the Olympics:

The US is favored to win the most medals, but China could compete for golds. According to Nielsen’s Gracenote Sports, the US is projected to win 112 medals overall, including 39 golds, while China is forecast to place second with 86 overall medals and 34 golds. America has won the most medals and golds at each Summer Games since 2008.

A new sport is ‘breaking’ onto the scene. Paris will be the first Olympics to feature the competitive dance sport of breaking (aka breakdancing – but don’t call it that). In this brand-new event, competitors will face off in a series of one-on-one dance contests set to an undisclosed music routine, with their moves judged for creativity, personality, technique, variety, musicality, and performativity.

Russia is technically banned for a second straight Games. Russia was banned from the 2022 Winter Games due to a doping scandal – but its 2024 ban stems from Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian athletes who meet the qualifications for participation this year – which include zero ties to or public support of Russia’s military – will be allowed to compete as "Individual Neutral Athletes" (IANs).

There are some changes – and returning features – to the Olympic village. Cardboard beds are making a comeback for environmental reasons – though some athletes are dubbing them “anti-sex” beds. In other news: gay dating site Grindr disabled location-based features within the Olympic village to prevent athletes from being unintentionally outed, while athletes will have AC following a battle with organizers.

Looking ahead… The three-plus-hour opening ceremony begins at 1:30 pm ET. See the full Olympic schedule here.

📊 Flash poll: Do you plan on watching the Olympics at some point over the next two-plus weeks?

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