Most people who have followed me through the years as I’ve been writing this article know that I was a torch bearer for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. It was an experience I will remember forever as a 12-year-old kid! It was actually the last Olympics games contested in the United States. The next will be in Los Angeles in 2028.
The Paris games opening ceremony is Friday. I’m looking forward to watching the swimming and gymnastics competitions, because they’re hard to find on TV outside the Olympics. The USA is supposed to do very well in women's gymnastics. It will be interesting to see how the men do as well. The coverage will be on NBC and Peacock for the next two weeks. Go USA!
Xander Schauffele had a great final round at the British Open, shooting 65 to pull away from the field by two shots over Billy Horschel and Justin Rose. This is his second major of the season. For the first three days, there was typical Scottish weather, which means almost constant rain and wind at different intensity levels. Because of this bad weather, the winning score was only nine-under par.
Since Xander has won his second major, it will be a close race between him and Scottie Scheffler for PGA Player of the Year. It should be determined by who plays better in the FedEx Cup playoffs, which start early next month and finish before football season starts in August. Xander is also the defending Olympic gold medalist. The golf will be played next week in Paris at the Golf National course where the 2018 Ryder Cup was contested.
The Phillies are limping out of the all-star break. Their only saving grace is the fact that they have a nine-and-a-half game lead in the NL East over the Atlanta Braves. They definitely need to get over their hitting problems with the dog days of summer. I know baseball has an incredibly long season, but the bullpen is really struggling. Maybe some home cooking will help for the next six games. They play three with the Cleveland Guardians, who are in first place in the AL Central, and then the Yankees for three. Hopefully they can get their act together and win three or four of the six.
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
