Olympics: US Women's Swimming

The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing are less than a month away and everybody seems to be ready to go. Throughout the month, we will preview all the women taking part in this year's summer games. Today, we start with USA swimming.

For the U.S., all eyes will be on 41-year-old Dara Torres. She'll be competing in her fifth summer games. Torres has won nine medals in her Olympic career, including four gold medals. Torres will compete in the 50 meter-freestyle and the 4x100 freestyle relay.

While Torres might be the oldest swimming Olympian, the youngest is Elizabeth Beisel. At 15, this will be Beisel's first Olympics. She will be competing in the 200-meter backstroke and the 400-meter individual medley.

Chloe Sutton is another teenage swimmer who will be making her Olympics debut in Beijing. The 16-year-old will compete in the 10K marathon swim.

Natalie Coughlin made her debut at the Athens games in 2004. She had a strong showing, winning two gold medals, as well as winning two silver medals and a bronze medal. Coughlin has a chance to win even more medals when she competes in Beijing next month.

Coughlin will compete in several events, including the 100-meter backstroke, 100-meter freestyle and the 200-meter individual medley.

Finally, Amanda Beard has also made it to the Olympics. The two-time gold medalist will be competing in the 200-meter breaststroke.

Keep it tuned here. I'll have plenty of previews for you guys over the course of the next month.


Photo courtesy: Women's Sports Foundation

WTA Update: Ivanovic stays #1

Despite a third round knockout at Wimbledon, Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic remains at the top of the WTA singles rankings. Ivanovic holds a 143 point lead over second ranked Jelena Jankovic.

The only newcomer in the top five is Serena Williams, who lost in the Wimbledon final to older sister Venus. Despite her win on Saturday, Venus remains ranked in the seventh spot.

Wimbledon semifinalist Jie Zheng made one of the biggest moves in this week's rankings. Zheng was ranked no.-133 and is now no.-40 ranked.

Ivanovic continues to lead in the Race to the Sony Ericsson Championships. Jankovic is in second place and Serena Williams is in third.

Weekend Report: Venus wins, Dream finally win a game

Another exciting weekend has come and gone in the world. I hope everybody enjoyed their Independence Day weekend. Mine went okay!

Venus Williams defeats Serena Williams to win Wimbledon final

Another sibling showdown has come and gone. This time, older Venus came out on top over younger Serena. Venus won the match in straight sets, 7-5 and 6-4. Serena did all she could to hang in there with Venus, she even had nine aces in the match. Venus converted more break point opportunities and that did Serena in.

Seon Hwa Lee wins LPGA event in Arkansas

Seon Hwa Lee won by one shot today over Jane Park at the NW Arkansas championship. Hwa Lee shot a 4-under in the final round to win the tournament, she shot 15-under for the tournament. It was just enough to hold off Park, who shot a 10-under 62 in the final round, one shot behind Hwa Lee. Meena Lee also finished the tournament in second. Lee shot 2-under for the final round.

Dream win first WNBA game

Congratulations goes out to the Atlanta Dream, who after 18 games, have finally won their first game. The expansion team defeated the Chicago Sky on Saturday night. The Dream won 91-84. Now the Dream need to take it step by step. Now, it's time for a second win. They have a six game road trip coming up, so anything is possible.

Wimbledon Update: An All Williams Final

The Williams sisters will once again go head-to-head in a Wimbledon final, for the third time ever at the famous grand slam event.

Venus was the first to advance. The defending champion defeated Elena Dementieva in straight sets, 6-1 and 7-6 (7-3). Venus is looking to go for her fifth title at Wimbledon and eighth career grand slam overall.

Serena also won her match in straight sets. Serena defeated Jie Zheng 6-2 and 7-6 (7-5). Serena will be going for her third title at Wimbledon and her ninth career grand slam.

Serena has defeated Venus both times in their showdowns at Wimbledon. In fact, in grand slam finals, Serena has lost only once to her older sister and winning five of those matches. In fact, Serena has lost only twice in a grand slam final.

The odds are in favor of Serena, but don't count Venus out just yet.

If I don't see you guys this weekend, enjoy your 4th of July.

Nos

WNBA Recap: Sky streak snapped

There was only one game played last night. Never worry though, there are games planned for tomorrow night.

Indiana Fever 74 - Chicago Sky 67- Both teams ended their streaks last night. The Fever's win ended a two-game losing streak and the Sky's loss ended a two-game winning streak. The Fever now move to .500 on the season and are four games back in the Eastern Conference. Tamika Catchings came off the bench for the Fever, scoring 18 points. Candice Dupree of the Sky led all scorers with 20 points.

I'll have a Wimbledon update before the end of the day.

Later

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WNBA Recap: The Mercury keep rising

You're probably wondering when I'll be stopping all of these Mercury-related jokes. I don't have too many, so work with me.

Phoenix Mercury 97 - Atlanta Dream 79- I bet the Dream wished those numbers could be switched around. A 33-9 second quarter score made the ultimate difference in the game. Diana Taurasi scored 28 points for the Mercury. Taurasi had a big night from three-point-land, making 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. The Dream meanwhile, remain winless. They'll win! Fear not Atlanta!

Chicago Sky 73 - Minnesota Lynx 71- The Sky held off the Lynx to win their second straight game. Candice Dupree had a big night for the Sky, scoring 26 points. Candice Wiggins led the Lynx by scoring 17 points off the bench.

New York Liberty 89 - Los Angeles Sparks 78- Shameka Christon scored 28 points for the Liberty, as they moved back to .500 for the season and continue to hold down third place in the Eastern Conference. Candace Parker led the Sparks in scoring with 18 points in the loss. She also added 10 rebounds. The Sparks hold a one game lead over the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Have a great Wednesday

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Wimbledon Update: The Final Four

After over a week of battles, victories and defeats, we're now down to four women at Wimbledon. With the semi finals on Tuesday, these four have time to get ready to go.

The biggest story at Wimbledon right now is Jie Zheng. The soon to be 25-year-old has gone through player after player, making it to her first ever semi final at Wimbledon, as well as her first semi final in a grand slam. Zheng upset 18-seed Nicole Vaidisova in three sets. Zheng won the first set 6-2, lost the second set 7-5 and won the third set 6-1.

Zheng will now face Serena Williams, who defeated Agnieska Radwanksa in straight sets 6-4 and 6-0.

Elena Dementieva survived a second set tiebreaker loss, to advance to her first semi final at Wimbledon. Dementieva defeated 21-seed Nadia Petrova.

Venus Williams defeated Tamarine Tanasugarn in straight sets to advance to the semi finals. Williams will face Dementieva.