Olympics

The USA came into the Games as firm favourites for the gold medal, but Sweden offered a rude awakening for the reigning world champions. They had previously not been defeated since back in 2019 before that run was ended by their emphatic setback in the Group G opener.

Goals either side of half-time from Stina Blackstenius and another from Lina Hurtig did the damage, and while the USA were denied twice by the woodwork, Sweden were deserved winners to repeat their quarter-final shoot-out victory over the same opposition at Rio 2016.

In fact, Sweden's three-goal win was the first time since 2008 that the USA have lost in a major tournament by multiple goals and only the sixth time in their history that they have lost a game by three or more goals.

While the USA struggled, Brazil gave an early signal of their intent. Marta's opener made her the first player, male or female, to score at five consecutive Games, while the 35-year-old also moved to second in the all-time top scorer list at the Olympics.

The Brazil forward's record-breaking outing in Group F stole the headlines, but 43-year-old Formiga made history herself. She became the first women's footballer to appear in seven editions of the Games, and is hoping to become the oldest female representing Brazil to claim an Olympic medal, a record previously held by 38-year-old volleyball star Fofao. 

In more routine fashion, Great Britain got off to a strong Group E start as they cruised past Chile 2-0, with Ellen White netting both goals. 

White spoke of her pride after the win and credited her team-mates who provided the chances for her brace.

"I'm obviously delighted to contribute to the team winning, to score two goals. I feel really proud to open the Olympics with Team GB," the forward said.

"It was a great header down from Lauren Hemp for the first one and an amazing cross from Lucy Bronze for the second.

"We've been working really hard to get to this point. I feel really delighted with where I'm at the moment, but I feel there's still more to come. Collectively as a squad we [can] grow and get better as the tournament goes on."

Team GB and Chile both took the knee, as did the USA and Sweden in their fixture, as athletes across the globe continue to make a stand against racism.

Meanwhile, Barbra Banda announced herself on the world stage with a hat-trick, despite Zambia going down 10-3 to the Netherlands. 

The Netherlands led 6-1 at half-time following Vivianne Miedema's hat-trick and a brace from Lieke Martens. 

Sarina Wiegman’s side then added four more goals in the second half, with Miedema getting a fourth, before Banda hit back twice in the final 10 minutes. 

USA Basketball announced LaVine had been placed under health and safety protocols and would not travel with the team, but said it hoped he would be able to join them later this week. 

Winners of the last three Olympic gold medals, the USA made two roster changes late last week, adding JaVale McGee and Keldon Johnson to replace Kevin Love and Bradley Beal. 

Love withdrew because he has not fully recovered from a calf injury, while Beal had to drop out due to health and safety protocols. 

Head coach Gregg Popovich will hold out hope that LaVine is indeed able to rejoin the team before the July 25 Group A opener against France in Saitama. 

The 26-year-old is coming off his best season, establishing career highs with 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game and making the All-Star team for the first time.

He figures to play a key role for Team USA, if only because fellow backcourt mates Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday are still playing in the NBA Finals and may not be at full strength from the beginning of the Olympic tournament. 

LaVine started Sunday's exhibition win against Spain in Las Vegas and scored 13 points. 

Restrictions will be imposed from April 25 through to May 11 in a bid to curb rising coronavirus infections in Japan.

Bars, restaurants and karaoke parlours serving alcohol will be asked to close, while sporting events are set to be held behind closed doors.

Additionally, department stores and cinemas will close, while people will be encouraged to work from home. Schools, however, will remain open.

Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said: "We absolutely have to limit the movement of people, and we have to do it decisively.

"We need powerful, short and focused measures."

Kyoto and Hyogo are the other two areas to come under the new restrictions.

It marks the third time Japan will enter a state of emergency. The decision comes as the country's medical system struggles to contend with a rise in COVID-19 infections caused by new variants.

The Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee has not swayed from its stance that the Games – postponed last year as a result of the pandemic – will go ahead despite a strong swell of public support for a cancellation.

Last week, Toshihiro Nikai – the secretary general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party – said cancellation remains a possibility, although Olympics Minister Tamayo Maruyama said that was not being considered.

International spectators have already been banned from attending the Games, which are due to begin on July 23, while a decision over domestic spectators going to events is reportedly set to be delayed.

Competing alongside Noah Williams, Daley claimed silver in the men's synchronised 10m platform event in the French capital, having previously won one gold and three bronze medals across his first four trips to the Games. 

Daley effectively retired from the sport after winning gold in the synchronised 10m platform event at the delayed Tokyo Games three years ago, but he opted to return for a fifth Olympics this year, citing a desire to compete in front of his two children.

As Team GB returned to London on Monday, Daley confirmed his decision to the BBC, saying: "I'm really happy with how everything's gone.

"It's always hard when you say goodbye to your sport. Lots of things to process, but I think it's the right time. 

"This year felt like such a bonus and I got to compete in front of my family, my kids. I got to be Team GB's flagbearer. So yeah, bucket list ticked off on every occasion.

"I want to be with my family. I'm really excited to be able to spend some time with them and just be able to feel a bit normal for a couple of days."

Daley is the most decorated diver in Team GB's Olympic history. He won bronze in the 10m event at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, as well as the synchronised 10m at Rio 2016, before taking gold in the latter event in Japan three years ago.

She was 32.

A source close to the development said it is believed she committed suicide.

Her management team released a statement saying, “We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away,” read a post from Icon Management.

“We’ve lost a client, dear friend and sister. Tori was a champion, a beacon of light that shined so bright. We are truly heartbroken and our prayers are with her family and friends.”

A talented track and field athlete, Bowie excelled at the 100m, 200m and long jump. She won a silver medal in the 100m at the 2016 Rio Olympics behind Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah and took bronze in the 200m. However, she won gold in the 4x100m relay.

  Bowie had personal best times of 10.78 in the 100m, 21.77 in the 200m and 6.91m in the long jump.

* In a previous representation of this story, we inadvertently misrepresented a quote from Miss Bowie in an interview in 2017. We apologize for the error and express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the athlete.

McLeod is far and away one of the best athletes in the world at the event and would be a solid contender to reclaim his title.  The fact of the matter, however, is that he came last at the trials and that's just the way it is.

The last time we found ourselves in a similar situation was in 2008 when John Public wanted to replace a certain Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with Veronica Campbell-Brown, because of the latter’s proven ability to win medals.  How did that turn out?

In case you have forgotten let me remind you, Fraser-Pryce has gone on to win 9 World Champions and two Olympic gold medals.  Who knows what would have happened, had she been replaced.  It’s always difficult when a champion or favourite crashes out, but fair is fair.

In any case, even though Grant Holloway is the clear favourite, he narrowly missed out on breaking the world record recently, I believe Ronald Levy, Damion Thomas, and Hansle Parchment are definite medal contenders for Tokyo.  With an event like the men’s 110m hurdles you just never know.

With a record five 100m world titles and two Olympic blue-ribbon titles to her name, Fraser-Pryce is part of a golden era of Jamaican sprinters that includes illustrious figures like Usain Bolt, Melaine Walker, Veronica Campbell Brown and many more.

Her journey from a young girl in Waterhouse to a global athletics icon is a testament to the power of determination and talent.

"It definitely feels good, I think for me, especially coming from, you know, Waterhouse, a young girl who didn't, you know, know where she would end up in the future," Fraser-Pryce shared in an interview with Black Enterprise.

"But to be able to be one of the icons of our country is really phenomenal. And being able to give inspiration to other young girls who are coming from similar situations as I was, or even now, being able to relate to where I'm at on my journey, whether it's on motherhood, age, or a lot of things. So being able to drive that, you know, here in my hometown, being able to say that I'm homegrown, being able to say that."

Fraser-Pryce's success has not only made her a sporting legend but also a hometown hero. She acknowledges the support of the people of Jamaica, saying, "A lot of who I am is because of the people of Jamaica and how much they have poured into me, and their support has always been so constant."

Representing her country and community fills her with immense pride, knowing that she carries their hopes and dreams with her on the world stage.

Being part of Jamaica's golden era of track and field athletes has driven Fraser-Pryce to continuously raise the bar.

"I think that helps us to elevate who we are as a country and as women when we step on the line to know that we have such a rich history when it comes to track and field," she stated. It motivates her to give her all, showcasing the strength and prowess of Jamaican athletes to the world.

Despite being a small island nation, Fraser-Pryce firmly believes that Jamaica's athletes have made a significant impact. "You always want to make sure that we, you know, we show up, and I show up, and being able to put our country first because we understand what limited resources mean," she said. Fraser-Pryce wants to inspire young athletes in Jamaica that greatness can be achieved even on their home turf with the right mindset and determination.

"We're little, but we tallawah," Fraser-Pryce emphasized. "It's not about the size but the punch. So we're able to really make a statement globally, and we're really appreciative of all that we've been able to accomplish."

Reflecting on his current form, Smikle acknowledged the significance of consistent training and conditioning during the offseason. "I wouldn't say this is the most consistent I have been because I have had seasons where I have thrown over 67m twice," he remarked. "My mission for this season, however, is to go to every meet and be as competitive as I was for the last two meets."

His focus on maintaining competitiveness throughout the season stems from the groundwork laid during the offseason. Smikle emphasized the importance of embracing changes to improve technique and conditioning during the preparatory period. "One of the keys to being competitive and being over a certain mark during the season is embracing the changes you have to make to improve your technique," he explained. "The offseason is very important. Most times what you do in the offseason can set the tone for what you’re going to do in the season."

Smikle's commitment to offseason work with his coach Julian Robinson, has positioned him well for success this year. He expressed confidence in his ability to consistently surpass the 67m mark, attributing it to the meticulous planning and preparation undertaken during the offseason. "I am more confident this year that I can be a regular 67m and over thrower," Smikle declared.

As the season progresses, Smikle remains focused on refining his technique and conditioning. Aware that the season is still young, he emphasized the need to approach each competition strategically. "Right now I am still working on my technique and certain aspects of my conditioning," he said. "The season is very young, and I just have to take everything in stride and ensure that I plan properly so that when the target meets come around, I will be able to do what I did on the weekend."

It all started with Vincentian Shane Cadogan winning heat 4 of the Men’s 50m Freestyle in a time of 24.71 seconds. He finished ahead of Nigeria’s Alassane Seydou Lancina (24.75) and Bangladesh’s Ariful Islam (24.81).

Trinidad’s Dylan Carter and Cayman’s Brett Fraser tied for second in heat 6 of the same event. Their times were faster than Cadogan’s, finishing in 22.46 seconds. Renzo Tjon-a-joe of Suriname was also in that heat. He finished 6th in a time of 22.56 seconds. Serbia’s Andrej Barna won the heat in 22.29 seconds.  

Meanwhile, Aleka Persaud finished second in heat 4 in the women’s equivalent. The Guyanese swam a time of 27.76 seconds. St.Vincent’s Mya de Freitas also swam in heat 4, finishing 4th in a time of 28.57 seconds. The heat was won by Papau New Guinea’s Judith Meauri in a time of 27.56 seconds. More Caribbean swimmers turned out in the following heat. St. Lucian Mikali Charlamagne (26.99) and Antigua’s Samantha Roberts (27.63) finished 2nd and 6th respectively. Cameroon’s Norah Milanesi finished 1st in a time of 26.41 seconds. Elinah Phillip from the British Virgin Islands swam well for second place in heat 6. She finished behind Ecuador’s Anicka Delgado (25.36) in a time of 25.74 seconds.

None of these competitors were able to advance to the semifinals of their event. The semifinals of the men’s and women’s 50m Freestyle will take place tomorrow.

The reigning two-time Olympic 400 metres champion has a personal best of 48.36 which makes her the sixth fastest woman of all time. She achieved the time in a dominant display in the 400 final on her way to defending her title in Tokyo.

Speaking with Sportsmax.TV's Leighton Levy in an On Point to air on Sportsmax.TV’s YouTube Channel and app this Friday, (November 19) Miller-Uibo expressed that even the thought of challenging the world record is new territory for women’s 400 metres sprinters. Marita Koch's world record of 47.60 has been standing since 1985.

“Yeah definitely, I think there was a time where it was almost like people weren’t looking at the record but just seeing how far you can go in the 400,” the statuesque Bahamian said

The multiple world championship medallist credits her years of experience competing at the highest level as being among the reasons she now has her sights set on Koch’s 36-year-old mark while also noting there’s still more work to be done.

“I’ve put in a lot of work over these past seasons and I’ve learned a lot about the event and as my times continue to drop, I think we still have a long way to go,” she said.

Miller-Uibo also takes confidence from the fact that she was able to produce 48.36 during a season that was interrupted by injuries.

“Just being able to run 48.36 off of the season that I had. I think there’s so much more in store,” she said.

Even if she does not achieve the world record, the Bahamian says her main goal is to dip below the 48 second barrier for the first time.

“The main goal is definitely going to be to try and drop below the 48-second barrier. The world record is in sight and we’re definitely going to go out and try to go after it very hard and see where we fall with it,” she said.

If she does manage to break 48 seconds, Miller-Uibo would become only the third woman in history to do so after the 47.99 done in 1983 by Jarmila Kratochvilova and Marita Koch’s world record of 47.60.

The full interview with Shaunae Miller-Uibo can be seen on the Sportsmax YouTube channel and app this Friday.

The 22-year-old Trinidadian multi-event athlete harbours aspirations of competing at the Olympics this summer whether it is in the heptathlon or another discipline and during a season when she has set personal bests this year in the pentathlon (4,612 points), high jump (1.91m) and long jump (6.62m), Gittens believes her indoor form sets her up well to achieve just that.

“I will definitely try to get the Olympic standard for the heptathlon as soon as possible. At our outdoor regionals we do not have a heptathlon because it’s a week before nationals but my plans are to qualify at my first heptathlon,” she said.

As stated earlier, Gittens has had a good indoor season for far notwithstanding a disappointing sixth-place finish at the SEC Regionals just over a week ago, but with an indoor best in the pentathlon as well as the high and long jumps, she feels she is in a good position to achieve the 6400 points she needs to book her spot on Trinidad’s team to Tokyo in July.

“Indoors is normally a good indicator of how your heptathlon is going to go, and so my pentathlon has definitely shown that it is very possible that my first heptathlon will be around the qualifying standard.

I would hope I won’t have to leave it to the last meet, although I have nationals to qualify, I definitely believe I can get to qualification at my first heptathlon, which will probably be in April or March.”

However, Gittens is not hanging her hopes in the heptathlon alone. So, in the unlikely event that she falls short of the Olympic pentathlon standard, she knows other opportunities abound.

 “Obviously, my goal is to make it into the Olympics in the heptathlon but because of how this season has been going so far there is a big possibility of making it to the Olympics in the high jump and the long jump, and so that is the new goal that I am going for,” she said.

“I won’t be devastated if I don’t (qualify for the pentathlon) because I see there is a chance for me to do that then I am going to run with it. I am going to train hard for that, it’s very exciting,” she said with the caveat that she would only attempt all three events if the schedule allows for it.

“I am sure other ‘multis’ like Nafee (Harris) and Kathleen Johnson-Thompson has done that before but I have never competed at such a level as the Olympics so I don’t know the schedule, I don’t know if it’s just too much.

“I don’t know if its different (from SECs or Nationals) so I am going trust my coach’s judgement and if I do qualify and the schedule allows me at the Olympics then I will definitely try to compete in all three, if possible.”

The 22-year-old Trinidadian, the 2021 NCAA pentathlon champion competing in her first heptathlon is more than two years scored an NCAA-leading 6274 points after completing the seven events at the Texas A&M Invitational held at Bryan-College Station in Texas on Friday and Saturday.

She won all four disciplines in windy conditions on Friday. She opened up with a time of 13.14 in the 100m hurdles for 1103 points, cleared 1.82m in the high jump, scoring 1003 points and won the shot put with a throw of 12.85m that earned her 717 points. In the final event of the day, she won the 200m sprint in 23.33, scoring 1046 points.

She returned on Saturday morning winning the long jump with a leap of 6.67m that earned her 1062 points. She only managed 631 points for the javelin and then rounded out the competition with a 2:28.52 run in the 800m for 712 points.

“Mood for a huge personal best, new school record, and an NCAA leading 6274 points in my first heptathlon in forever! Still so much to work on and I can’t wait to recover and get back into training” she posted on Instagram afterwards, very much aware of the work that she needs to get done if she is to book a ticket to Tokyo.

The 6247 points she scored is still 173 shy of the Olympic qualifying standard of 6420 points.

However, Gittens' path has not been without its challenges. Following her successful collegiate career, which culminated in gold in the heptathlon despite an ankle injury, Gittens faced a setback in 2023 with a retroactive drug suspension due to an expired Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) certificate. This suspension not only affected her competitive results but also tested her resolve and commitment to the sport she loves.

In an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV, Gittens opened up about the hurdles she faced in recent years and her journey towards redemption as she prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

“It has been a process, I will tell you,” Gittens shared when asked about her preparation. “I feel like this year has been a year of rebuilding. I’m in a new body and a new mindset. I’ve never been in this mindset, never been in this body, so I am excited to see what my limits are. I think something big is going to happen this year.”

Transitioning from the demanding heptathlon to specializing in the long jump has required adjustments in Gittens' training regimen. "My training has been different because I am no longer doing the heptathlon," she explained. "I've been learning different techniques in the long jump and also on the track, finally learning how to sprint. I feel like I’ve fallen into a very professional body, not just college."

Gittens’ post-collegiate journey was not without bumps in the road. The year 2023 began well enough with the USA-based Trinidadian signing a professional contract with Puma but barely a month later, things took a downward turn.

World Athletics’ Athletics Integrity United (AIU) ruled that she was ineligible to compete for six months after a sample she provided in June 2022 was found to contain methylphenidate/ritalinic acid, a prohibited substance that is an ingredient of the medication she takes for ADHD. At the time the sample was taken, Gittens’ TUE had expired.

 However, the AIU said it accepted that she had not realized that her previous TUE had expired by the time that the first sample was taken at the national Trinidad and Tobago championships on June 26, 2022.

“She was not advised that the TTO Sample was positive for methylphenidate, or that her TUE had expired for this purpose, until November 2022, after the sample collected from her at the World Championships on July 23, 2022,” the AIU said adding that they also accepted that Gittens had no information at the time of her second World Athletics sample that her TUE application was incomplete.

“The AIU also accepts that the medication was used for legitimate medical reasons and the athlete did not intend to cheat. Accordingly, the AIU accepts that the violation was not ‘intentional’.”

It was a blot on her resume that she could have done without and one that was hard for her to take.

Reflecting on the challenges of her suspension and the mental toll it took, Gittens likened it to one of the toughest periods of her life. "It was probably the hardest thing I ever had to deal with," she admitted. "I always compare it to the year I lost my brother. This period of my life, these last two years, that was definitely second."

"After college, I was burnt out physically and mentally. I don’t know how I went on to Tokyo (Olympics) because my body was completely done. Tokyo was sheer will," Gittens continued. "But after that, I crashed. I didn’t have the motivation for track anymore because I gave it my all that year. It was challenging, but in that challenge, I found some serious guidance. I found my system for success and have been using it religiously to push myself to new heights."

As she soars towards those new heights, 2024 has largely been good to her so far. With leaps of 6.56, 6.68 and a windy 6.72m, Gittens’ progress has been trending along an upward trajectory as she nears competing at her national championships next month.

She attributed her renewed focus and resilience to adopting a growth mindset. "The growth mindset is just a theory that all things can be achieved with hard work and effort," she explained. "It’s about how you handle failure, how you view fear. Instead of seeing failure as the end, I view it as a new opportunity to try a new way. With a growth mindset, I believe that everything I put my mind to and apply effort towards, I can improve."

Looking ahead to the Olympic Games, Tyra Gittens is determined to exceed her expectations and make her mark in the world of track and field. With a newfound perspective and a relentless work ethic, she is poised to inspire both on and off the track as she chases Olympic glory.

The 27-year-old Francis, who is the only Jamaican gymnast to qualify for the 2021 Olympics to date, is a beneficiary of the Athletes Assistance and Welfare Fund orchestrated by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, the Honourable Olivia Grange.

“I have received funding from the Institute of Sports and I am so, so grateful for this,” said Francis, who is based in London.

“With gymnastics being a fairly new sport in Jamaica I never expected to receive much support financially and so, I do work alongside my training,” she revealed.

Francis continued: “But receiving this funding from the Institute of Sports allowed me to work less hours and focus more on my training and I think this will be a great factor in delivering the result I want when we get to Tokyo”.

Francis is just one of a number of athletes across various sporting disciplines that have received funding designed to provide financial assistance to national sportsmen and women preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Government through the Institute of Sports is providing support to approximately 124 athletes to the tune of $45m. The program was implemented for the first time in March 2020.

Francis, who is expected to be joined by Jamaica’s first gymnast to the Olympic Games in 2016 -- Toni-Ann Williams – said training has been going well.

“My preparations for the Olympics are going well, I feel like it is right on track. Just building fitness and trying to put those finishing touches on my routines,” Francis pointed out.

“I am competing in a few weeks and I am really excited to get back out there on the competition floor in that mindset, dust off the cobwebs and I think this will give me a nice confidence boost before going to Tokyo,” she added.

“This is my second Olympic Games. In 2012, I was a reserve so I didn’t actually get to compete. So this time, out there on the competition floor Jamaican fans can expect to see the same charisma that Jamaican athletes are known for. I will be out there with a great big smile, I will be wearing the Jamaican flag and I will do my best to make everybody proud,” said Francis.

Argentina were among the pre-tournament favourites to win a third gold medal, and their individual quality in the final third ultimately shone through in Lyon. 

In a first half that saw just two shots on target, Argentina struck just two minutes after the break as Almada sent a curling effort beyond the grasp of Kiril Fesiun. 

Ukraine threatened to snatch a point in the closing stages, but Echeverri secured the win in the first minute of injury time as he was quickest to react to Kevin Zenon's spilled effort. 

But in the other game in Group B, Morocco swept aside Iraq as they emerged 3-0 victors, notching six points from their three games to top the group ahead of Javier Mascherano's side. 

Argentina will face the winners of Group A in the last 16, which will be one of France, New Zealand or the United States. 

Data Debrief: Argentina's individual quality the difference

Almada's stunning strike came with an expected goals (xG) of 0.03, once again showcasing his quality that has seen him shine for Atlanta United in the MLS this season. 

Despite being the tournament's oldest player, Nicolas Otamendi showcased his experience at the back to help Argentina secure the victory. 

The 36-year-old had the most touches (96), more accurate passes (85) and highest pass accuracy (97.7%) than anyone on the pitch. 

Mallory Swanson was denied a winner in normal time, and though Germany pushed for a late equaliser, Emma Hayes will take charge of a final in her first tournament as the USA's head coach. 

Unlike in the group-stage meeting between these sides, which finished 4-1 to the dominant Stars and Stripes, it was Germany who almost took a first-half lead, with Alyssa Naeher reacting quickly to get down and push Jule Brand's low shot wide.

In the 86th minute, Mallory Swanson thought she had snatched a late winner – she latched onto Trinity Rodman's throughball and drilled her low shot across goal into the bottom corner, but the offside flag denied her.

Swanson turned provider five minutes into extra time, as Smith timed her run to perfection, darting in behind to beat Berger for power with a wonderful effort.

There was late drama though, as Naeher brilliantly smothered Laura Freigang's close-range header before Smith was denied a second goal at the other end by Berger's quick thinking.

Data Debrief: Smith's touch of gold

Smith has been in top form during the Olympics and netted her third goal in the competition as she carried her team into their 11th major tournament final.

She is also the second USA player to score in at least three consecutive appearances against Germany, after Abby Wambach - five straight from 2009-12.

Meanwhile, it was familiar heartache for Germany as they were eliminated in the knockout rounds of a major tournament (Olympics and World Cup) for the 10th time, with half of those coming at the USA's hands. 

There had been pressure on the USA going into the game after two poor warm-up displays, including a 0-0 draw to Costa Rica, but Emma Hayes' team ran out comfortable winners in the former Chelsea boss' first competitive match in charge.

All of the damage was done in the first half, with the Americans three goals up after just 25 minutes in Nice - Trinity Rodman opening the scoring before a quickfire double from Mallory Swanson.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist started as they meant to go on, hitting the crossbar early on through Rodman and Swanson before the former opened her account for the tournament with a drilled finish past Zambia goalkeeper Ng'ambo Musole.

They doubled their advantage thanks to Chicago Red Stars forward Swanson, and she was on hand again to virtually end the contest just a minute later after good work down the left from Sophia Smith.

Zambia's woes were compounded by a red card dished out to Pauline Zulu, which was initially given as a yellow but was upgraded following a VAR review.

Zulu was adjudged to have been the last player when she brought down 18-year-old Smith, and her dismissal all but ended Zambia's slender comeback hopes.

Data Debrief: History made in Hayes' competitive debut

Though the USA had gone into the contest lacking rhythm and form, which raised hopes of a Zambian upset, it was not to be found, with Hayes' side enjoying complete domination from the start. The USA created chances worth an xG of 4.96 to Zambia's meagre 0.37, while they also had 27 shots to Zambia's eight, with 25 of those coming from inside the box. 

Hayes became the first coach to win their first major tournament match in charge of the USA by a margin of three or more goals. Meanwhile, with assists in the 17th and 24th minute, Horan is the first player in USWMT history to record two assists in the opening 30 minutes of a major tournament. 

Swanson's goals came 66 seconds apart, making them the fastest two goals by a single player in a major tournament in the team's history.

Sophia Smith netted a first-half double on either side of Mallory Swanson's goal before Lynn Williams wrapped up the points late on.

Giulia Gwinn had given Germany hope by equalising, but the USA were too strong as they ruthlessly booked a place in the knockout rounds.

The USA made a quick start, with Smith darting in front of her marker to slot a close-range tap-in past Ann-Katrin Berger, only for Gwinn to cancel it out 11 minutes later with a pinpoint shot into the bottom-left corner.

Emma Hayes' side soon asserted their dominance though – Swanson reacted quickest to latch onto Smith's saved shot, firing in from an acute angle on the left.

Smith then got her second just before the break, helped by a huge deflection, as her effort looped over Berger before bouncing over the line off the inside of the far post.

Jule Brand struck the woodwork just after the hour mark before further misery was piled on the Germans as captain Alexandra Popp was forced off late in the second half with a knee injury that they will be hoping is not too serious. 

Williams rounded things off by making a quick impact off the bench, finishing off a lightning-quick counter-attack just under four minutes after coming on. 

Data Debrief: Smith and Swanson on song

The USA got the job done in the first half, ensuring Hayes became just the second coach to win each of their first two major tournament matches in charge, after Anson Dorrance in the 1991 World Cup.

Swanson added to her double against Zambia with another goal in Marseille and is just the second player in USA's history to net three times in the group stage of a single Olympics, after Abby Wambach in 2012.

Before today, the winner of each of the five previous major tournament meetings between the USA and Germany has gone on to win the entire tournament, and Hayes will be hoping that is a good sign of what is to come.

The 27-year-old US Open champion pinned his decision on the belief he would struggle to find his best form, having endured a tough 2021 season so far.

Thiem has lost his last three matches, including a first-round defeat to Pablo Andujar at the French Open, and has an overall 9-8 win-loss record for the year.

World number five Thiem confirmed, however, that he intends to play Wimbledon, which begins on June 28, and will then focus on getting in the best possible shape for his grand slam title defence at Flushing Meadows.

Nadal said earlier on Thursday that he would play neither Wimbledon nor the Olympics, where the tennis tournament starts on July 24, because he wished to recover from his clay-court season efforts.

Women's tour superstar Naomi Osaka has elected to miss Wimbledon but said on Thursday she would represent Japan at her home Olympics.

Thiem revealed his Olympics decision in a statement posted on his Twitter page, saying: "After talking with my team and analysing the situation I have taken the very difficult decision to withdraw from competing in the Tokyo Olympics.

"For me, like all athletes, taking part in the Olympics and representing my country is a huge honour and that makes this decision even tougher. However, 2021 did not start as expected and I don't feel ready to play my best in Tokyo.

"These last two weeks I have been training hard – and I’m starting to improve my conditioning and concentration little by little. My goal is to work hard the coming weeks, give my best at Wimbledon and keep training and hopefully defend my US Open title.

"I wish the entire Austrian team traveling to Tokyo all the best. I am young and I hope to be able to play for Austria at the Olympics in Paris 2024."

In a ruling described by US anti-doping chief Travis Tygart as "heartbreaking on many levels", it was confirmed that Richardson failed a test at the US Olympic trials on June 19.

Richardson's ban has been given a start date of June 28, when she was provisionally suspended, meaning she is ineligible to enter the Tokyo Games, which officially begin on July 23.

In a statement, the United States Anti-Doping Agency said: "USADA announced today that Sha'Carri Richardson, of Clermont, Fla., an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a one-month suspension – as permitted under the applicable international rules – for an anti-doping rule violation for testing positive for a substance of abuse."

USADA chief executive Tygart said: "The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels; hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her."

Richardson's ban means the second-fastest woman in the world over 100 metres this season will be absent from the Olympics.

She has run under 10.80 seconds three times in 2021, with a career personal best of 10.72secs set in Florida in April.

Only Jamaican veteran Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has gone quicker this season, with a best of 10.63secs.

 Richardson was found to have THC, described by USADA as "the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, marijuana, and hashish", above the urinary decision limit when she provided a test sample at the trials.

Given Richardson derived no sporting advantage and used the drug recreationally, she was given just a month-long ban. That was reduced from a possible three months because Richardson has "successfully completed a counselling programme regarding her use of cannabis", USADA said.

USA Track and Field (USATF) responded to news of the ban by describing the situation as a "devastating" blow.

In a statement, USATF said: "Sha'Carri Richardson's situation is incredibly unfortunate and devastating for everyone involved. Athlete health and well-being continue to be one of USATF's most critical priorities and we will work with Sha'Carri to ensure she has ample resources to overcome any mental health challenges now and in the future."