Five Athletes Who Shone This Weekend
Ruth Chepngetich from Kenya clocked an impressive 2:09:56, obliterating the prior record by nearly two minutes as she surged to triumph in the Chicago Marathon. The former record of 2:11:53 was established by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa during last year’s Berlin Marathon. Chepngetich’s achievement was nearly five minutes faster than Paula Radcliffe’s 2003 mark of 2:15:25, which had remained unbeaten for nearly 16 years. In the Windy City, history could not hinder the Kenyan as she showcased her supremacy in the race. Chepngetich celebrated her latest victory at the Chicago Marathon, finishing eight minutes ahead of Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who secured second place, and she improved her personal best by nearly five minutes. The Kenyan crossed the finish line to raucous applause and promptly dedicated her win to a fellow countrywoman. This victory marked Chepngetich’s third success at the Chicago Marathon.
Breanna Stewart demonstrated precisely why she is a two-time WNBA MVP, guiding the New York Liberty to a victory over the Lynx in the WNBA Finals. Stewart topped the scoring charts with 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded seven steals – a new record for a WNBA Finals game. The Liberty triumphed over the Lynx 80-66, bouncing back from an unexpected defeat in Game 1 as they strive for the franchise’s first-ever championship. New York established a sturdy lead in the opening half, but reminiscent of Game 1, Minnesota gradually closed the gap, narrowing the deficit to just four points at one stage. Stewart intervened at that critical moment, contributing four points and executing a significant block at the end of the third quarter to thwart the Lynx’s comeback aspirations. In front of a sold-out audience of 18,040 – the largest a Liberty game at Barclays – Stewart was the most influential player on the court. She scored from both inside the paint and from long range, and her exceptional defensive skills limited the Lynx to under 70 points for the first time in this postseason.
Jack Flaherty, a lifelong Dodgers supporter raised in nearby Burbank, California, had an exceptional performance in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Mets. He retired the first nine batters, retiring 28 consecutive batters, and only conceded three hits, the first occurring in the fifth inning. His exceptional performance, in conjunction with the other Dodgers pitchers, equaled all-time postseason record 33 consecutive scoreless innings. The Dodgers’ streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings dates back to the inning of 3 in the NLDS against the San Diego Padres. This achievement broke the record by the 1966 Orioles, who had shut out the Dodgers in the first three games of that year.
Derrick Henry scored from short for his ninth touchdown of the season, accumulating 132 rushing yards on 24 carries, leading the Ravens past standout Jayden and the Commanders 30-23. With this performance, he became the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to rush for a touchdown in six consecutive games. The running back currently leads the league with 704 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, boasting the second-highest yards per carry in the NFL. Notably, he is so dominant that the next leading rusher, Jordan Mason, trails him by a substantial 95 yards. Derrick Henry is the NFL’s rushing leader this season with 704 yards. The former Tennessee Titan continues to bolster the AFC North team’s Super Bowl aspirations alongside MVP Lamar and wide Zay Flowers – who also achieved a career-high 132 receiving yards in the victory over Washington – the Ravens possess one of the most formidable offenses in football.
Khadija Shaw netted two goals for Manchester City as they rallied to defeat Liverpool at Anfield, reclaiming the top spot in England’s Women’s Super League. The Jamaican forward was a persistent threat, equalizing with a header in the second half following Olivia Smith’s opener before halftime. With mere minutes remaining, Shaw struck the post, and it seemed that City might miss out on the three points. However, she was determined not to be denied; in the second minute of added time, she was played through on goal and skillfully held her defender firing emphatically into the corner. Shaw’s goal ensured that Manchester City remains unbeaten, adding to their victory over Femen in the Women’s Champions League last Wednesday.
