NearPup

They could also just not have baseball and include men’s softball instead :P

Flag football, Lacrosse and Baseball / Softball are all additions I have serious issues with. For Flag football and Lacrosse there is a serious lack of depth Internationally, and I don’t think either sport is ready for the Olympics. On a personal note I am happy Lacrosse got added (both because I enjoy watching it and because it is a great medal chance for Canada) while I really dislike Flag football. I do not like the inclusion of Baseball and Softball because of the lack of gender equality and because the best players don’t take part in Baseball. That being said I did really enjoy watching the Softball tournament in Tokyo. I am, without any reservation, happy about the addition of Cricket and Squash.

I’m surprised breaking got its first chance too. But it seems like the sport has performed well since being added to Paris, and it is also likely among the cheapest sports to host. So I figured it would be added again just from a cost benefit analysis standpoint.

I'm pretty surprised Breaking isn't getting a second chance.

Ya, it does feel like Cricket and Squash are getting an audition for potentially being included permanently.

The main issue I have with flag football, *especially* the version played Internationally, is that it is the absolute most boring form of gridiron football that exists xD

No I hate it too. The Olympic program having relative consistency is really important to making the event prestigious imo. Of course it has to evolve, but when an event is added it should be a long term decision imo.

Squash getting a long overdue shot at establishing itself as an Olympic sport.

Yup, really heartbreaking way for them to miss out.

For the record I still think that this is a terrible qualification system and that Canada got extremely lucky to be drawn into the group hosted by (which was *by far* the worst "top seed").

I was really not expecting that after the loss against Belgium.

Sure bud, start deleting some posts

qualifying is a really pleasant surprise, both in the broader context but especially after the terrible performance against yesterday. Third Olympics in a row for the team is quite special.

One more set and is in Paris

What a ducking rollercoaster this tournament is.

really doesn’t deserve to be bailed out by a team that was playing for pride (and ranking points). …still obviously really happy about it. But the team really doesn’t deserve to be in a position where it controls its own destiny vs .

Honestly I think the IOC should ban the kind of selection policies have entirely. Sure if those NOCs want the athletes to self fund the trip that’s fine, but the IOC should insist that the best qualified athletes attend.

The first and fourth set were humiliating.

I really don’t mind that Canada lost, but the way they lost… no fight. It’s frustrating.

Not every year, didn’t watch much sports in 2021, 2022 and the first half of 2023 for “NearPup’s personal life wasn’t going well” reasons, but I did watch VNL (and World League) before that.

Canada's 18th point in the second set was quite the rally.

is picking an interesting time to play their worst game of the tournament.

Thinking more positively - if Canada wins in 3 or 4 sets against I believe they are qualified regardless of any other results. Is that accurate?

It’s not *that* hard to beat Biles on UB, you sort of have to in order to content for a medal :P

is a very nice podium. Lots of great stories here.