#the same three or four teams have been on the podium for the last two years

[rickybaby]

everyone: the sport would be better if more teams were able to regularly compete for podiums/wins

them: but not AT/VCARB tho

Oh they didn’t have any problem with it when it was the toro rosso or the alpha tauri winning, but somehow it’s an issue if vcarb does.

It’s very galling of them to call any potential future podiums illegitimate when they proceed, in the same article, to admit that any collaboration between the two teams is legal.

This article has no other purpose but to set the tone for a very particular agenda

[dilemmaontwolegs]

The Best Kept Secret on the Grid || Part Two

GR, CL, MV, LH x fem!reader Warnings: angsty drivers, more filth (masturbation, smut) WC: 3k F1 Masterlist || Part One || Part Two || Part Three

“Oh my word, what is going on?” David Croft, the official F1 commentator, was aghast at what he was seeing on the track in front of him and his voice echoed across the paddock from the loudspeakers. “This is looking like a repeat of Australia and nobody wants to see that again.”

You slunk down in your seat and pulled your hat further down your head. Maybe sending those nudes hadn’t been the best idea. It had been four weeks since the last race and to say you were feeling needy was a massive understatement. You hadn’t been able to stop yourself from sending your men some enticing pictures before the race.

“And there goes Gasly, into the gravel. We’ll have to see the replay on that but I think it was his own teammate that made contact with him. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it was Alpine on Alpine going into the corner and now Gasly will have a lot of time to make up for it. Ocon will be lucky if he doesn’t get a penalty for that aggressive move.”

You looked at the place board and saw the seven drivers who had already retired from the turbulent race. Max was one of them, and he was pissed.

You shoved the phone back in your purse and cheered with the rest of the grandstand as Lewis passed by, holding first position with 12 laps to go. Right on his tail was Charles but the real battle was taking place behind him for the third step on the podium. 

It was a dog fight between Fernando, Esteban and Lando with less than a second separating each car. You screamed louder than anyone else as they shot past the lap line and a few heads turned your way but you ignored them. You weren’t even in bed and these guys were making you scream. 

Another lap passed without incident but then the fight for third took a dangerous turn when Lando pushed Fernando wide and Esteban tried to take advantage by slipping past on the inside. Fernando ended up grazing his car along the wall while Lando thought he was in the clear only to clip the front wing of Esteban’s car and the two of them careened off the track. 

Shock rippled through the crowd as another three cars were retired and their drivers were pulled apart by the marshalls that were trying to clear the track under a red flag. It was messy and you could almost taste the testosterone in the charged atmosphere.

“I don’t even have words to describe this race,” David commented. “That will be the third restart and what a change that makes to the standings. We have Hamilton in P1, Leclerc P2, Stroll P3, followed by Sainz, Russell, Gasly, then miraculously both Williams’ and AlphaTauri’s drivers are almost guaranteed those much needed but elusive points - if they can just stay on the track and cross the finish line in one piece.”

You couldn’t sit and listen to the spectators around you any longer. They all asked variations of the same question - what the hell had happened to the drivers? Blue balls was the answer. That’s what had happened after four weeks with no racing: all those explosive male hormones were building and building, and your nudes had struck the match.

You had been messaging most of the guys over the mid-season break, exchanging scandalous messages and promises of what they could do the next time they were on the podium, but you had stopped short of meeting up with any of them - no matter how much they begged. Your pussy hated you for denying it the pleasure but the waiting only increased the anticipation and made the climax all the better. 

Plus the teasing was fun.

You slipped out of the grandstand and made your way to the motorhomes behind another fence for security. Ever since that first wild night you had received a Paddock Pass for every race and become a familiar face to the teams, though they never knew the extent of your ‘friendships’ with the drivers. 

“Max isn’t here,” Tommy said just as you reached the door to the luxurious motorhome. 

You winked at the Red Bull assistant and pressed a finger to your lips. “I’m just leaving him a commiseration gift. It’s a surprise, so no blabbering.”

The busy man left with a shake of his head and you closed the door behind you, sliding the bolt into place so no unexpected visitors could interrupt you. 

Max’s bed was made with the precision you would expect from someone trained in the military, not a racer, and there wasn’t a single crease in the duvet cover. 

“You’re such a perfectionist,” you muttered before jumping onto the bed and messing it up. His scent still clung to the pillow and you grabbed it as you rolled onto your knees, shoving it between your legs before hiking your dress up to your waist. 

You grabbed your phone and set it up against the headboard as you hit record. “I’m going to miss you tonight, Maxy.” You sucked on your fingers before trailing them down your body and pushing your panties aside. “It could’ve been you I was riding.” 

You moaned as you ground yourself shamelessly over your fingers and his pillow. Your head fell back and you grabbed your throat, gently squeezing it as your eyes fluttered shut. 

“Oh, Max,” you cried out, rolling your hips faster until the wet sounds of your pussy filled the air and were definitely picked up by the microphone. “You’re going to dream of me tonight when you lay your head on this pillow. It’s going to make you so hard, you’re going to fuck your hand and imagine it’s my cunt squeezing you tight until you explode.”

Your words ignited the orgasm that had been building and you cried out as you came all over his pillow. Your body shuddered from the aftershocks and you tasted the release on your fingers, knowing it would drive him wild when he saw it. “Sweet dreams, Maxy.”

You made it back to the grandstand in time to see the final lap and you were on your feet screaming with the rest of the crowd as Lewis crossed the finish line first, soon followed by Charles and Carlos. You were giddy at the thought of sharing the three of them later and joined the mass of people as they began to make their way down to the track that was opening to the public.

You were well versed at having to push your way through the crowd and you knew you had time to get to the front since the winners were still on the big screen having their post-race interviews. You were only half listening to them as you inched your way closer to the stage. 

“There was a very competitive atmosphere out there today, why do you think that was?”

Carlos and Charles looked at each other before looking down to hide the knowing grin they shared but it was Lewis that answered the interviewer.

“I mean first and foremost it is a race, so it will always be competitive. But, I think, for me at least, it’s been a long four weeks off the track and we were all eager to get back behind the wheel and more importantly back on the podium.” 

“Speaking of podiums, it looks like our time is up.” He shook hands with Lewis, then Charles and Carlos. “Congratulations once again. Well deserved.”

You reached the front barricade as the guys climbed the stairs to the stage up above and their eyes scanned the crowd knowing you were somewhere among the throngs. Carlos spotted you first and slapped Charles’ chest before pointing your way. You blew them a kiss and gave them a wink, their smiles growing as they stepped closer to the glass balustrade. You crossed your arms and to anyone else it would have been an innocent gesture but from their vantage point it pushed your breasts to the very edge of your low cut dress. 

Your phone vibrated in your purse and since you weren’t all that interested in the national anthems playing you pulled it out. Your scoff was swallowed by the sound of the crowd and you searched the shadows around the cordoned off areas to find Max staring back. Even with the distance you could see the harsh cut of his jaw as he clenched his teeth and his arms were crossed defensively over his chest. 

You didn’t even bother to address the message he had sent, instead you replied with the video you had taken in his bed. You watched with a keen interest as he reached into his jeans and pulled out his phone. 

Blue eyes turned to black as his pupils dilated and he ran a hand through his hair, tugging the dirty blond strands while he fisted his phone on the other. His thumbs flew across the keyboard as he typed his response before turning his back and leaving the celebration while you started at the reply.

You're going to pay for that.

Mummy don't know daddy's getting hot At the body shop, doing something unholy

The heat on the dance floor was quickly soaring as hands roamed your body. Charles’ entire front was pressed against your back and controlled the sway of your hips to the music as his lips grazed your neck and he whispered filthy words for only you to hear. 

He wasn’t alone.

Lewis and Carlos’ bodies encircled you, obscuring your obscene display of affection from the dense crowd dancing to the music too. They were taking advantage of the disorienting strobe lights and the fact everyone else was in a drunken world of their own, it was daring even for them.

Charles pinned your hands behind your back, trapping them between your bodies, as Lewis stepped closer and used his thigh to push your legs apart. Cool air rushed in and kissed the heat of your pussy as your skirt rode up higher the more Lewis nudged your thighs apart.

“Hermosa,” Carlos groaned as he noticed the lack of lace panties beneath. “You forgot something when you were getting ready.”

You licked your lips and leaned back against Charles so your dress pulled up even higher and Lewis cursed lowly. 

“I didn’t forget anything.”

And when you want it, baby, I know I got you covered And when you need it, baby, just jump under the covers

Your cry was swallowed by the chorus as they descended on you. 

Carlos’ fingers were at your entrance, gathering the evidence of your need and using it to glide over your clit while Lewis and Charles left burn marks on your neck from the short beards they sported. Their hands cupped and squeezed and probed until you were lost to the overwhelming sensations and ready to float away like the clouds of dry ice around the room. 

“Unless you’re planning to fuck me on the dance floor, we need to go.”

“The idea has crossed my mind,” Charles admitted between sucking at the sensitive skin below your ear. 

“Time to go,” Lewis ordered before you could reach for his belt buckle, the only one out of the three men capable of using his head to think with and not his dick.

Carlos pouted as he pulled your dress back into place but he knew it would be coming off in a matter of minutes when he got you upstairs. 

The music drifted away as the elevator doors closed in the lobby and Charles pushed you back into Lewis’ arms. “Don’t let her move,” he warned as he dropped to his knees.

Carlos’ hand slapped over your mouth in time to smother the moan that was ready to fill the small elevator when Charles’ tongue teased over your clit. You squirmed as you tried to roll your hips, silently begging for more, but Lewis curled a strong arm around your waist and pinned you to his body. 

The floor levels ticked by and the higher they rose the closer you got to heaven. 

Everywhere you looked you were blessed with the sight of the men around you and their infinite reflections in the mirrored walls. Even when your head fell back in ecstasy you swayed under the image on the ceiling, spying Charles’ eyes that rolled up to look at you coming undone over his tongue.

Ding!

Charles rose swiftly to his feet, pulling your dress back into place before the doors opened and a body filled the doorway. He already knew what had happened from the dazed look in your eyes and the way Lewis had to support your unsteady legs by holding you against him.

“What the fuck, Max?” Carlos asked as he stepped in front of you, Charles too busy wiping his lips to speak.

You wouldn’t say you were shocked to see him somehow get your room number from the receptionist - he was a world champion - no one would say no to him, even if it was a breach of privacy. You actually found his tenacity extremely hot, that and the way he stood blocking the exit with fire in his eyes. 

“Mate, move out of the way,” Lewis said as he shifted you into Charles’ arms, though your legs were no longer trembling.

Max ignored them all and held your stare. “What’s my number, babygirl?”

You shook your head to try and clear the haze that your orgasm and the champagne had brought upon you but it didn’t work and you asked him confused, “What?”

“What. Is. My. Race. Number?” he asked, taking a step closer with each enunciation.

“One?”

“Good girl, that’s correct.” Max smirked as he came to a stop in front of Lewis and looked at you over his shoulder. “I think that means I won.”

“That’s bullshit, you DNF’d get over it,” Charles stated, knowing well enough the pain of missing out on a night with you because he crashed out earlier in the season. 

“Wait,” you said, stepping between the four of them. “What if he’s right? What if the reigning champ can have me whenever they choose, off-track too?” You circled around the group seeing them contemplating it. “After today's race standings you all have a shot at winning the championship.”

“Hang on,” Max interrupted but you held up a finger to your lips to silence him.

“My body, my rules. So, what d’ya say boys?”

Lewis, Carlos and Charles looked at each other for a moment before Lewis’ lips parted in a grin. “I’m up for the challenge.”

“Did you not see how fucking messy it was out there today?” Max asked, stunned by the turn of events.

“Fuck it, I’m in,” Carlos chuckled before looking at his team mate. 

“Max is right, it’s going to be an expensive season for repairs,” Charles said with a shake of his head before locking eyes with you and starting to smile, “but it’s not my money. I’m in.”

You walked out of the elevator, patting Max’s hard chest as you passed by. “This is what you wanted, big guy. Now, are you coming, or do you want to brood in the hallway all night?”

It was no surprise that he came, and came, and came again. 

All of the men were athletes and the stamina showed when they were ready to go round after round. You were an overstimulated mess when you collapsed on the sofa, a sheen of sweat coating your skin. You could barely think with your head on cloud nine and their cum leaking down your legs.

“Our little cum slut is cock drunk,” Max teased as he took a seat beside you and pulled your head onto his lap. “You have another round in you, don’t you, babygirl?”

The sofa shifted as Carlos sat down at the other end, his strong hands starting to massage your feet. “Let her rest for a minute.”

“Just because you have nothing left,” Max scoffed and turned your head to him. His thumb traced your swollen lips with a smirk before parting your mouth. “Some of us can go all night. Right, Hamilton?”

Lewis barely lifted his head up from where he lay sprawled across the carpet, his chest rising and falling fast as he caught his breath. He had absolutely ruined you with the fast pace he had set while he knelt behind you and fucked you until you couldn’t hold yourself up any longer. Charles had been there to keep you up on your hands and knees with a fist full of your hair, right before he filled your mouth with his cock to silence the screams of pleasure.

All Lewis could do was raise his thumb in response as Charles returned to the living room with an armful of water bottles from the minibar. He tossed one to each of the guys before kneeling beside your head and cracking the lid of another and raising it to your lips. The cool liquid quickly soothed your dry throat and chased away some of the exhaustion that had settled into your relaxed muscles. 

“Better, hermosa?” Carlos asked as his massage crept higher up your legs.

“Mhmm,” you sighed contentedly, letting your knees part for him. The temperature in the room rose rapidly and even Lewis found the strength to rise from the ground to drink in the sight. You might as well have just hung an open for business sign out and you chuckled at the hungry looks they shared. “Much better.”

Click here for part three.

Tagging: @slytherheign @alwaysclassyeagle

[umgeorge]

"Spa Counts As A Victory For Me"

In an interview with auto motor und sport, George Russell reveals why Spa counts as a victory for him, why the Mercedes has become a winning car again, and how he sees his new teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Was the denied victory at Spa your greatest race? Russell: Absolutely, for a number of reasons. I trusted my gut feeling that I could get through the second set of tires. I protected the tires where I had to and attacked where the tires didn't mind. Four corners still had the old aggressive asphalt. I had to be careful, more so in left-hand bends than in right-hand bends. It felt like I was sitting in the simulator. I didn't see any cars in the rearview mirror or in front of me. That happens very rarely. There weren't even lapped cars there.

When were you sure that you would no longer be caught up? Russell: On the two large video walls on the track I could see my lead over Lewis, Leclerc and Piastri lap after lap. I counted every round. With ten laps to go I had 13 seconds to spare and they were gaining seven tenths per lap. I knew then: If they caught up with me, it would only be at the very end. And overtaking was harder this time than usual. That gave me confidence. When I saw the checkered flag it was an indescribable feeling. Let's be honest: For me, this race counts as a victory, even if it was taken away from me. I was first across the finish line. I stood on the podium and celebrated with my team. Everything you do when you really win.

How big was the disappointment after the disqualification? Russell: She was limited. I'm not fighting for the title this year. The 25 points I lost might end up costing me third or fourth place in the World Championship, but I'm not racing to be third or fourth. If it had still been about the World Cup, this disqualification would have haunted me longer. Together with the defect at Silverstone, I've already lost 40 points.

When was the frustration digested? Russell: Pretty quickly. It helped that the very next day I went on vacation with my girlfriend, my sister, my brother-in-law and their newly born child. I'm an uncle now. It was easy for me to leave the Formula 1 world.

When did you hand the trophy to Lewis? Russell: I didn't. I don't even know where it is now. I found out just 25 minutes after the end of the race that there was a problem with the car. That's why I didn't take the trophy with me.

Would a full victory lap to pick up tire shreds have saved you? Russell: I think so. This is a procedure that you already do in the kart. My set of tires weighed over a kilogram less than Lewis's. We've never had such a big difference. I was 500 grams lighter than my usual fighting weight. And the plank under my car had worn more, which also added up to a few hundred grams. These three factors led to the underweight. A tire with a pickup truck easily weighs 400 grams more. With four tires that would have been enough.

We have already seen a few times that one-stop strategies led to success even though they were not actually thought to be feasible. Is this a lesson for the future? Russell: I think that during the race you have to examine the circumstances even more and react to them if necessary. In Spa on race day there was suddenly a strong tailwind on the long straight. That made overtaking very difficult. You have to adapt your strategy. The route itself also plays a role. With the little grand pianos in Spa, the DRS gave you two and a half tenths. In Barcelona it would have been six tenths. My tactics from Spa would never have worked in Barcelona.

Four cars can win a Grand Prix. A mistake on Friday can cost you victory on Sunday. Is that in the back of your mind? Russell: The smallest detail can make a huge difference. Saturday and Sunday. In the last two years it wouldn't have mattered whether we qualified two tenths faster or slower. The starting position would have been the same. Today there is a difference of five starting places. In Zandvoort we made a mistake with the setup. We only realized that afterwards. That's why we ended up in the middle of nowhere. But that's how racing should be. That's how it was in karting, in Formula 3 and Formula 2.

Can the Mercedes win on every track? Russell: We surprised ourselves in Spa, but we showed less than we can do in Zandvoort. In Monza we were strong on one lap, but we lacked the speed in the race. We still struggle to understand why we are fast or not. But the big swings are no longer there. But the others aren't doing any better either. But I think McLaren is still slightly ahead.

What still needs to be improved on the car? Russell: We struggle more when the rear tires are under a lot of pressure. This increases the hotter it is. Then the traction suffers. The problem is not easy to understand. Our predictions are true in reality. We know what we gain or lose depending on the temperature. But it doesn't do us any good to compare ourselves with ourselves. We lose more relative to the competition when it's hot. The question is: Are our opponents particularly good in the heat or are we not good enough? The same applies to cooler conditions. Either we are particularly strong or the others are bad compared to us. And these are exactly the little things that can have huge effects.

Hamilton and you praised the current car from the start, even though Red Bull dominated at the start of the season like last year. What gave you the confidence that the W15 could be made into a winning car? Russell: For the last two years we've had a car that's been extremely moody. When we pushed to the limit in the corners, the rear started to slip at the entrance to the corner. No matter what vehicle setup, we simply couldn't get rid of this problem. When we tested the current car for the first time in Bahrain, we were confronted with the opposite handling. But we knew we could solve this problem much easier and faster. That was the turning point for us. That's why the upgrades worked. Each change put the car in a better window. The old problem was essentially in the DNA of the chassis and therefore could not be eliminated.

From your perspective, the last two years have probably been disappointing. In the end, did you learn more from the difficulties? Russell: The last two years have flown by, and I feel like I still have 15 to 20 years ahead of me. That's why I don't see it as wasted time. As a racing driver, you always want a perfect car. You learn that this is not possible. When you have success over a long period of time, people think it lasts forever. This is a fallacy. When Vettel became world champion four times in a row, you couldn't imagine that someone else would win. The same with Lewis and now maybe with Max too. If the season had started after the summer break, nobody could say who would be world champion. These wave movements are the nature of this sport.

This is the third year now that you have been racing on an equal footing with Lewis Hamilton. Did it surprise you that you can consistently keep up with one of the best drivers of all time? Russell: I never had any doubt that I could compete with the best. And I have been working towards this opportunity. I became champion in all junior categories. The results spoke for themselves. When I entered Formula 1 with Williams, over three years I always beat my teammates in qualifying, with two exceptions. That was confirmation, but not headline news. That's why I wanted the opportunity to assert myself against Lewis because that was the only way I could show what I can do. Toto Wolff and Mercedes knew it beforehand. They didn't need that confirmation. Lewis is a complete racer and I learned a lot alongside him. But I knew that I could keep up with him in terms of sheer speed.

The qualification duel, which ends 12:4 clearly in their favor, also speaks for this. Russell: I'm really happy with my performance in qualifying this year. Mentally I have never been as strong as I am now. Qualification is purely a matter of your head. Every driver on the grid knows how to drive fast. But it is important to show this at the crucial moment. You sit in your car for 45 minutes on Saturday afternoon and everything revolves around a lap in Q3. You have exactly one round in which it's all or nothing. In which your weekend is decided. Then no one cares anymore how fast you were in FP1, FP2, FP3, Q1 or Q2. I have worked for a long time to ensure that I can perform optimally at the right moment. But it's always extremely close between Lewis and me. There is only one driver pairing that is even closer together in terms of lap time.

You will be the veteran and team captain at Mercedes in 2025. Are you ready for this? Russell: This is the next step in my journey. I'll be in the team for four years and part of the Mercedes family for eight or nine years. I feel ready in every way to fight for the World Championship in 2025. I also feel ready to be a little better together with the team every race and to help develop the car further. Next year we will build on what Lewis and I have sown over the last three years.

Your new teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli is joining a top team straight away. Is it easier or harder for him than you, who was able to study with Williams for three years? Russell: When you're thrown in at the deep end, you learn faster. From my experience I can say that I learned more in my first year alongside Lewis than in my three years at Williams. Every driver who has won championships in their career is fast. You can put him in a top team in his first year, like Lewis once did at McLaren. I'm sure that Charles at Ferrari or Max at Red Bull would have done a good job in a smaller team even without the pre-season preparation. Maybe at the expense of one or two mistakes, but that's part of it. Kimi will learn from this. You either have the speed or you don't. Kimi has it.

[aprilias]

During the last race weekend, I posted about making a stats post about three particular riders if it received a certain benchmark (one like). Since we reached that marker with ease, and I have nothing better to do with my time, I am presenting you the findings of this research.

The Context: Jack Miller’s "princess" rant was post-race at the Sachsenring on 18th June 2023, so it’s almost been a full year since then. In this rant he targeted Fabio Quartararo and Marc Marquez who were complaining about their Yamaha and Honda bikes not working last year and told them to shut the fuck up and stop complaining, a quote that seems to have aged poorly when looking at their results.

So let's see if this is the case...

Qualifying results:

(Also for reference, each of these will show 2023 and 2024 results separately because there will ofc be a spike for a certain someone who went from a Honda to a Ducati lmao)

For 2023, Miller did the best out of the three in terms of his average qualifying position, narrowly ahead of Marquez, and he also had the highest qualifying position of them all (his P2 at Silverstone in wet conditions).

Quartararo did the best in his inter-team battle with Franco Morbidelli last season, being the top Yamaha in nearly 85% of the races. Marquez was the top Honda in 9 out of the 13 races (with Joan Mir x3 and Taka Nakagami being the two riders to beat Marc to top Honda in qualifying last year).

However, when it comes to the three of them, it was Marquez that was able to qualify the highest on the grid, with him beating Quartararo and Miller in 6 out of the 13 races post-Sachsenring in 2023. Jack was top 4 times, with Fabio taking the remaining three (as you can hopefully see by the colour-coordinated gold, silver and bronze).

For 2024, it's clear to see that Marc has been the best out of these guys, with the highest average position, as well as being the only one out of the three to take pole position which he earned in Jerez. However, he has only been the top Ducati twice, in Jerez and COTA, but as well all know he has a year old bike to contend with the Pramacs and factory Ducati riders.

The rest of the data shows that both KTM and Yamaha have gotten worse, with Fabio and Yamaha failing to qualify in the top 5 so far this season, but despite this, he still leads the head-to-head against his teammate. Jack, on the other hand, has a respectable qualifying average so far in 2024, but has only been the top KTM once (in Portimao).

So far this year, Marc has been the best of the three 4 times, with Jack taking two and Fabio taking his one win over the three in Le Mans.

Sprint race results:

For 2023, none of the three riders had particularly good sprint record, with the highest average finisher (Miller) not having a good enough average to even score points.

Marc earned the most points in the sprint races last year with 23, though he only finished in the points three times. Fabio scored the lowest number of points and had the lowest average position, however he was still able to earn a podium.

Marc and Fabio share the exact same record in sprints when it comes to beating their teammates, with the two of them being the top Honda/Yamaha over 50% of the time.

In the 2023 H2H, Marc was the best of the three across the 12 weekends (due to no sprint in Phillip Island), winning 5 of these battles; Miller took four sprint weekends and Fabio took 3.

Marquez clearly has the better record in sprints this year, with his average position of third leaving him on the podium. Fabio's average has improved since last year but he has only finished in the points once, and Miller's has also improved - with his average position ninth and meaning he would more often than not be in the points.

Marc, Jack and Fabio all currently have the better record against their teammates in the sprint races in 2024. Marc has a 100% record against his brother Alex, while Fabio has beaten Alex Rins in six of the seven sprints so far this year (which could've been 7/7 if he had completed the Mugello sprint). Jack has beaten Brad in 5 races out of the seven, however is still struggling when it comes to beating the rookie Pedro Acosta, as he has only been the top KTM bike once.

In the H2H between the three of them, Marquez takes it on the sprints winning 6/7 races. Fabio takes the other with his fifth place in Jerez.

Race results:

In the main races in 2023, it was Fabio who led the statistics between the three riders. Despite having the worst average qualifying, he won six of the 13 weekends against Marc and Jack. Marc took 4 while Jack took 2; although Assen is colour coded here, they all DNFd so it doesn't count, and it is coded in order of race completion (so because Fabio DNfed the latest he's gold if this makes sense).

Marc and Fabio once again had the better of their teammates in 2023, while Miller was only able to beat Binder in 23% of the races. This is even more damning for Miller when comparing the teammates' 2023 averages - with Binder averaging a finishing position of 4.8, while Miller's was 10.6. This is compared to Marquez vs Mir (9 vs 10.75 in Marquez's favour) and Quartararo vs Morbidelli (8.42 vs 12.23 in Quartararo's favour) where the battles are closer, and the riders are winning their team and factory head-to-heads despite being considered to have a worse bike than the KTM.

In 2024, it's clear that Marquez has the better race statistics, with three podiums and an average position of 5th. However, he has not finished as the top Ducati in any race so far this year, but he does have the better record against his teammate.

Quartararo and Miller have similar records with their average finishes this year, however Quartararo is the more consistent rider with more points and more races completed. He is also currently winning his head to head against teammate Alex Rins by finishing ahead in 57% of the races in 2024.

In terms of KTM, it has been a disaster year for Miller, who is yet to finish ahead of his teammate in any race this year and, consequently, has not finished as the top KTM. His average is significantly less than that of both Binder (6.71) and Acosta, the rider that will replace him next year, who has an average race position of 7th.

From this, Marquez has won the 2024 comparison in 6 of the 7 races, with Quartararo taking the remaining one.

In summary: Although he has done well in qualifying and sprints since these comments, Jack Miller has been outperformed by both Fabio Quartararo and Marc Marquez on inferior machinery (for Marc's stats from 2023). Marc has of course had the better of 2024 after switching to Ducati, but also has won out against the other two in qualifying and sprint races while on a Honda for 2023. Fabio does well in the races despite his relatively low qualifying positions, but is limited from achieving top 5s due to the Yamaha's capabilities. Jack does well in qualifying and sprints, but when it comes to the main events on Sundays, he lacks a bit in comparison to his rivals.

From what this data is showing, it seems as if Marc has comprehensively beaten Jack Miller despite his complaints about Honda in 2023, and Fabio has also narrowly done it due to his race pace. In short: those comments aged not-very-well to say the least.

If there's anything anyone wants to know or ask about then my asks are always open but I kinda had fun doing this!

[alwaysonf1]

i'm sorry?

Pairing: Charles LeClerc x Hamilton!OC

Genre: Slice of Life; Fluff

Word Count: 2.8k

Warning: Language

Rating: PG-13

Author's Note: N/A

Anxiety isn’t a big enough word for what Iman feels as she watches the various monitors focused on Alex and Logan. Their races are going well individually and as a team, but there have been some moments that were nail biters. There were a few drivers currently on her shit list for some things that happened in certain turns. George in particular had returned to being a menace and blaming others. 

If she was a fair person, she would admit that some of those things are the fault of the Williams men, but in the middle of a grand prix she was the last person to come to for fairness. Even her brother sometimes took a backseat because she would root for her boys to no end.

Thankfully, Lewis was leading the pack and his sole focus when it came to fucking someone else over was on Max and Charles. She felt for Charlie, because whatever orders he was getting were also fucking him over. He’d get in front of one or the other and then something would change so much that there was no way that the choice was his own. It didn’t help that Carlos was in P4. In fact, Iman thinks that’s why it’s a bit of a shit show.

But hey, you expect that from Ferrari.

There is a shout in the garage, and she snaps out of her little empathy session for Charles to see Alex finish a pass on Checo. And before she can voice her own excitement, he does the same for Lando. He’s in P6 in an instant and the excitement is off the wall. There are still ten laps left, but everyone is hugging each other.

Iman is in the middle of hugging Ben when Logan passes Checo. Pride bubbles into her chest as he does a maneuver that stops Checo from retaking the lead and closes the gap between himself and Lando. Alex is doing the same with Oscar and she feels like her heart is going to jump out of her chest.

This kind of positioning makes the planned pitstop in the next lap perfect if both of them can maintain their leads. She’s jittery as she keeps track of the time, and the moment Alex is seconds from turning in she screams for everyone to get where they need to be. Something that isn’t her job per se, but they let her do it because her nerves keep them in line enough that it’s shaved off milliseconds.

Alex pulls in and is out in two point three seconds. Logan gets another lap in and his happens in two point four. When he’s gone a sense of relief fills Iman. Those are the last of the race, strategist saw both drivers doing well so they pushed them back as far as they could. A strategy that is paying off because both men are securely in points.

As they do the last few laps going on it’s a fight between those on pace for podium. And though that is the focus, it’s clear there’s a fight between the Ferraris as well. Neither is doing anything too crazy, definitely enough to upset eithers fanbase, but nothing outside of the resting rate of their chaos. 

“Oh my god!” someone shouts.

Again, Iman removes herself from the focus on things happening out front and she watches Alex and Logan make passes at the same time. Alex makes a quick move to get around Oscar and Lando over-corrects when he gets too close to his teammate, leaving room for Logan to take over. 

Both men have been in the points in multiple races this season, but this is about to be their best. P5 and P7 would be the best thing ever, but she can see the fight. She can hear the fight in both of them. Logan lets go of some of those nerves and he’s pushing it. Seconds fall off with his distance from Oscar and then at a turn he makes her heart drop to her stomach as he makes a tight pass on Oscar and forces his friend to fall back. 

If she didn’t still hold a shred of her professionalism, she would be screaming her head off and in tears. She’s so fucking proud of him. Kicking ass and continuing to show why he deserved that second year even if she believes he’s done well enough to be clear of his worthiness in the years sense.

In the corner of her eye, she sees the front of the pack again and notices Max close to overtaking Lewis. He gets about halfway there on the straight, but they hit a turn, and her brother quickly pulls a maneuver that she reads as “I think the fuck not.” He maintains his lead and there are two laps left.

For Iman all her people are where she needs them to be for this to be a great race. They could wave the checkered flag and she’d have someone in P1, P3, P5, and P6. She questions herself a little as she thinks over the P3 part, but she refuses to focus on that for too long. 

Carlos passes Charles. 

It’s so fast it barely registers, and the first thought is that Charles was asked to fall back, but the way he stays on Carlos’ ass says something different. He is fighting to get back into position and with less than a lap left it doesn’t seem like it'll happen, but then he pulls almost next to Carlos. It gives him an edge, but a turn puts Carlos further ahead. Iman watches as Charles does something she would punch her brother or either of her drivers for doing because of the danger to themselves and the person behind them. 

And as it almost sends Alex off track, leaving room for Logan and Oscar to pass him, she knows she’s going to do the same to Charles. Alex rights himself fast enough that he doesn’t lose out to Lando, but as they cross the line and she sees that he regained P3, but cost Alex two places she finds less wind in her sails.

Everyone is celebrating and also a bit upset by the outcome. But everyone acknowledges there was nothing that either of their drivers could do to stop that and it’s one of their best to date. Hell, it’s the third time Logan has reached P5, which has been his max for a while. Shows he’s capable of pushing it and gets closer to podium.

Though pissed Iman sticks to that and once the boys are at the garage, she hugs them both tight.

“I’m so proud of y’all. You kicked ass out there.”

When she pulls away, she finds them both beaming, though Alex is a little dimmer than it should be.

Iman reaches out to squeeze his shoulder and gives him her brightest smile.

“You did the damn thing. That recovery was next level, and I don’t know anyone who could have done it faster. If you’d had more time, I know you would have gotten a better result, but this one is still great.”

It’s clear he believes her, but he can’t help but being a bit down. He walks away to be hugged by Lily and everyone else, which leaves her with Logan.

“Look at you!” she shouts.

“Look at me!”

They go in for another hug and she places a kiss on his cheek since there are no cameras on them. She keeps the physical affection to a low while at work, but more so when the cameras are on them because people get unhinged.

When they pull away his smile is even wider. It has to hurt.

“I didn’t even think that could happen again. Definitely not today. It was wild. I barely thought it through, just kept seeing openings and instead of overthinking them I just took them. James was a little worried about that Oscar one, but I was sure I could pull it off and if I couldn’t I knew I could outpace Lando. It was… It was wow.”

Iman laughs. “Save all those soundbites for the post-race interview. Go cool down and get some fluids in you.”

He just nods and like he’s on a cloud walks away.

The cars need to cool before anyone is comfortable inspecting them, so Iman goes to grab a drink and talk to the others. Everyone is on a high of excitement that isn’t slowing down just yet. After a while they all scatter to have their meetings and they all go through what they need to do when inspection starts and the prep to get the car out of there. It’s all the usual stuff thankfully without any major issues. The drivers will be asked after they’ve had a bit about anything they noticed was off about their car too.

Everyone disperses after that, and Iman finds a quiet place to sit before texting her brother her congratulations and a reminder of their dinner. He responds moments later and with thanks and confirmation.

Then she puts on her headphones and takes a moment to sit in peace. She set a timer, so it goes off thirty plus minutes later. There’s still time before they need to get to work, so she grabs food at craft and scarfs that down before taking a moment outside in front of the garage. The air is crisp and chills her to the bone, but it feels nice on her skin and does good for her head. Her mind is still racing, and she needs a calm mindset when she gets back to work.

For a few minutes she’s zoned out, but when she comes back into the moment, she turns her head to the left and frowns.

With the Ferrari garage right next door Iman sees Charles when he finally returns and he smiles wide when he sees her. It deepens her frown and glare. He appears startled at this reaction, but she doesn’t soften even a little. She understands trying to regain a position and this is a fight with no friends, but he fucked over her driver and that means that the whole thing about friendship being left once on the gird applies to her to.

The urge to flip him off presents itself, but it feels too childish for how she’s feeling right now. Plus, the professionalism thing, though it takes a backseat in this case. 

Charles takes a step toward her, and she walks back into her garage. He has very little time before the next round of interviews happens, so he won’t dare to follow her. And if he’s thought it through enough, he knows that no one in the Williams garage would be as welcoming as usual right now. No one would be mean or rude, but the vibes would be off in a noticeable way. 

Since they haven’t been chosen to do post-race “random” checks she finally dives into them with her team. They make sure that the floor is fine and that everything else is in tip top shape. Alex had a complaint about something about the steering feeling off, so they tackle that and notice that while not detrimental or unsafe it is pulling a little to the left, which isn’t good when you already have to fight enough with your body while going as fast as they do. No need to add to the energy exerted with adjusting for something like that. 

Stuff like that would usually be cataloged and not fixed on race day, but it’s easy so after informing her supervisor she gets to work on it. Because she wants to be gone when everyone else is and even if it’s not hard it’ll take her at least an hour since she has to take apart other things to get to the problem area.

Once done their chief goes over everything and gives them all clear. Which means they all grab their stuff and begin to head out. Everyone has plans and after her dinner with Lewis she plans to meet up with some of them for dessert at this place that they all swear by, but she missed out on the last time they were there.

They all part ways once outside and she bumps into Logan who is also coming to dinner.

“Hungry?” she asks.

“Starving. You’d think the body would adjust after all this time.”

“This is an insane thing to try to adjust to.”

“Fair.”

They continue their walk in silence and as they reach the parking area she hears her name being called.

“Iman!”

She says nothing and doesn’t slow or speed up. Logan’s eyes on her can be felt, but she doesn’t look at him or say a word.

“Iman!”

“Immy…”

“He fucked over Alex.”

“And Alex has probably forgiven him.”

Iman gives him a pointed look.

“Okay, maybe not yet, but he will. And he’s not nearly as mad as you are at him, so maybe cut the man a little slack. I saw him at the post-race interview, and he asked if you were mad at him. Seemed upset.”

“Good.”

“Iman Marie Hamilton.”

“Okay. Damn.”

She stops walking, but Logan keeps forward. He turns to look at her and fires off finger guns as he walks backwards.

“I’ll be waiting in the car. Don’t be too mean too mean, you might have the power to make him cry.”

That earns an eye roll. Then she takes a deep breath and turns just in time for Charles to reach her. He stops about three feet in front of her. His expression does show that he’s upset, but there also seems to be a war of emotions going on with him. Not all of them are clear, but she can see him being conflicted and a little bit irritated. The latter spikes her own.

So as to actually give this a try, because Iman knows she’ll forgive him eventually anyway, she remains silent. Charles opens and closes his mouth as if he thinks better of every potential option on what he can say. It would be a little cute to see him frazzled if she wasn’t in the mood, she was in.

“It was an accident,” he finally says.

“Terrible opening.”

The irritation presents itself strong then, but it’s gone as quick as it came.

“I didn’t mean to. It was indeed an accident. I would never do that intentionally or in a reckless way that would hurt others.”

“But you would do it knowing it could fuck up his race in order to save your own.”

“So would he!”

“Sure would.”

“Then why are you upset with me?”

“Because you did it to him. This was a great race for both my drivers and your little battle with your teammate almost fucking cost one. Maybe both.”

“It is what we do.”

“I’m aware.”

Frustration is the best descriptor for Charles’ body language. Iman knows she’s saying everything that would lead to someone being frustrated, but in this case it isn’t intentional. She’s answering honestly and Charles is trying to evade the truth of why she’s upset with him. He would be upset if the shoe was on the other foot.

“And if it was done to me? Would you be upset?”

Iman purses her lips and shrugs. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” he shouts incredulously.

“Yeah, maybe.”

“How… why, maybe?”

“Depends on if I like you at the moment.”

Charles looks beyond offended by this, but he sighs and shakes his head. His eyes take on a softer, more genuine quality to them as he takes another step closer to Iman. All the conflict is missing from his face and though it’s clear he still feels justified, he also looks a lot more understanding.

“I’m sorry for messing up Alex’s race. I apologized to him after watching the replay.”

Iman says nothing. 

“I did not do it on purpose, but I wanted podium. I am not sorry for that, but I am for upsetting you and messing with your hard work.”

Still nothing. Charles gets more anxious as the seconds pass by, and he steps a little closer. She tilts her head to the side, rolls her eyes, and sighs.

“Fine.”

“Fine?”

“Yeah, fine.”

“I am forgiven?”

“No.”

“Then what does fine mean?”

“That I’ll forgive you tomorrow.”

“But we have dinner tonight?”

“I said what I said.”

With that Iman turns on her heel. She hears Charles mumble under his breath in French. Though her understanding of it was far from fluent, he uttered one combination of words from the first lessons he’d given her. If she wasn’t committed to being upset, she would have laughed at him whining while saying she was lucky, she’s cute.

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Flying High…On The Bars🤸🏽‍♂️ | Top Gun Maverick Imagine (Bob Floyd) Part 1

Takes place after the events of TGM

TGM Masterlist

PART 2 HERE

Characters & Pairings: Lt. Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd x Olympic gymnast!reader (romantic), Dagger squad x reader (platonic)

Content Warnings: fluff, mentions of sporting injuries, slight profanity, recounts details of 2012, 2016, & 2020 Olympic Games. | Female!reader (she/her) | wc: 9.4k—I decided to split this into 2 parts because it was almost at 20k words.

Premise: When one sets their eyes on the Olympic dream, it becomes their life. When one falls in love with a person committed to achieving that dream, it becomes theirs as well. One year after a global pandemic shut down the world and two years after the high-risk uranium mission of the Top Gun special detachment, the dagger squad gather in Bob’s home base of Lemoore, California to witness the love of his life compete for a final shot at All-Around gold in the worlds greatest gymnastics competition. Prepping for her final Olympic Games, gold medalist Y/n L/n thinks back on her decade long career, and the moment she met the man of her dreams.

Note: Y’all I am loving these sport imagines for TGM I’ve been doing. I think imma do a soccer or tennis next 👀 now disclaimer this imagine does recount details that took place in the Olympics mentioned, but there were changes to the narrative to fit the story. Basically you’re imagining it was you on the teams instead, so don’t come at me saying, ‘that didn’t happen.’ I kept the outcomes for certain scenarios the same, but then changed others to fit Y/n’s place. Hope you enjoy and let me know your thoughts. Also like my ‘For The Gold’ imagine, I’m going off the basis that the events of TGM took place in 2019, not 2022.

I also wanna disclaim that I am very aware of scandal that took place with USA gymnastics. I have decided to not mention it in this miniseries for the sake of not triggering anyone and because I do not want to spread misinformation in case I were to miss things. Of course we know it happened, and it just makes me angry and disgusted to even think about that doctor and I do not want to trigger anyone at all. I do mention Nadia Comaneci in this (she was my idol when I did gymnastics) but do know I do not mention her coaches who were involved in the scandal. I loved Nadia, not her coaches and I’m just as disgusted with them as I am with that doctor. My heart is with all the gymnasts who were affected.

—————————-

“It’s 6:30 am Eastern time back home in the US, however it is 8:30 pm here in Tokyo on Thursday, July 29th, as we get set up to watch the final of the Women’s All-Around in artistic gymnastics. The men competed last night, and it was an unfortunate loss for both Americans after failing to medal in the Team. It was silver for the women’s two nights ago in the team final, losing to the ROC by about four points in the overall score—the first time the American’s have lost the gold in the Team since reclaiming the title after The Magnificent Seven in 1996.”

“It was a shocker to many people, John. Team USA have dominated the international level of gymnastics for over a decade now. They have been the Olympic champions in the Women’s All-Around since Carly Patterson won the title in Athens, they were the two-time gold medalists in the Team and have had someone on the podium in almost every event for the past few Games—Simone Biles dominated Rio four years ago. They were the favorite to win on the team final, but fell short and I know it must’ve been a sad loss for Y/n L/n on Tuesday after being part of both the London and Rio winning teams.” The tv screen was split with the coverage showing the commentators and footage from the 2012 London Olympics. It focused on the gymnast standing on the podium with her teammates, gold medals around their necks and waving to the crowd.

“I agree, Andrea. You know she is the first American gymnast since Dominique Dawes to make it on the team for three consecutive Olympics. After last night she became the second American, after Dawes, to medal in three consecutive Olympics—silver medal in the team final. She’s the veteran, having been in the elite stage since 2011 where she won her first World title on the bars. In London she walked away with three gold medals, the team, the uneven bars, and the balance beam. It was history for the USA gymnastics that Olympics with Gabby Douglas becoming the first African-American to win the All-Around and Y/n L/n as the first American to win gold on the bars in its individual final. L/n then repeated her victories in Rio—making Olympic history for Team USA again with back-to-back gold in the team, bars, and beam.”

“You know it was a big surprise when she appeared at the trials in June. After winning her seventh World’s title on bars in 2019 Y/n was hoping to get the gold on beam after reclaiming it in 2018, but a bad fall on the apparatus tore her ACL. It would have put her out of the trials had it taken place in 2020, but Covid canceled the entire 2020 season and the Olympics were postponed a whole year. Y/n didn’t say anything about coming back to the sport after recovering until after the VISA championships when it was revealed she petitioned for a spot in the trials. Both Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas, who were her teammates the last two Games have since retired. I really thought it would be the same for Y/n L/n, but she surprised everyone.”

“She already, Allen, has made history in her own way by becoming the first American to win the gold back-to-back on two individual events—her signature event the uneven bars that she’s got multiple world titles to as you mentioned, and the balance beam. Many predicted Simone, the favorite to win on beam, would come out on top since it’s one of her strong factors, but an unfortunate mistake cost her the gold. Then in bars Y/n unveiled a massive dismount, becoming her fifth eponymous skill rated a J-Value. The gold medal was already hers at that point. ”

Now the split screen had a reply of the stunning routine on the uneven bars. The second her feet hit the floor and her arms raised over her head, the then two-time Olympian already knew she had secured the gold.

“That was an amazing moment to witness. The entire stadium was holding their breath. Y/n had already established herself as one of the best gymnasts on the uneven bars since her debut on the national team in 2010. Her routine in London was flawless, both in the team and event finals. After the Trials her teammates selected her as the captain of this squad and has really shown true leadership in these Games—we’ve seen it during qualifications and the team finals, comforting the team when the results came in. Her and Simone shared a moment together after the vault when Simone decided to pull out for the remainder of the competition. The veteran gymnast making a statement on Twitter in defense of Simone when she was receiving criticisms for her decision. Y/n’s definitely taken the role of big sister—the oldest at aged 25– and I know the girls are likely having some difficulty without family and friends to support with the regulations set for these Games. There’s no spectators in this arena save for the media and volunteers. Each nation was only allowed to bring one coach if I’m not mistaken so all the gymnasts are having to adjust. Definitely a different feel these Games no doubt—especially for Y/n who has got to experience the energy one sees in an Olympics with a full house. She’s the fan favorite for this All-Around in Tokyo and it’s going to be interesting to see if Y/n can deliver on Sunday as well and pull a three-peat on the uneven bars—the first for Team USA.”

“It’s definitely going to be an interesting Games no doubt now that it’s been confirmed Simone Biles will not be competing in the All-Around final citing concerns with her mental health. After pulling out of the Team finals it was unknown if she would continue in the All-Around and event finals. She and Y/n were the top two Americans to qualify—the first time for Y/n in her now third Olympics after having not been selected to compete for it in the preliminaries in London and lost to teammate Aly Raisman in Rio. Sunisa Lee has replaced Simone in this final and now the two Americans will go head to head for the title of Olympic Champion.” More replays showed of not only past Olympics but also the preliminaries from Saturday showcasing the contenders for the All-Around; Suni Lee in her Olympic debut and the now three-time Olympic gymnast Y/n L/n.

Thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean where the sun is not even out as it reaches 3:30 in the morning, members of the 2019 Top Gun special detachment, Navy servicemen & women, and residents of Lemoore, California gathered in the gym of Taylor’s Elite Gymnastics Y/n spent 20 years training in.

“You excited, Bobby Boy?” Jake clapped his friends back, shaking his shoulders lightly in a playful manner. “Ready to cheer on the missus?”

Bob scoffs, but blushes nonetheless, “of course I am, Bagman. This is everything she’s trained for. If I could be there I would be the loudest in the stands” Jake makes a sound, muttering, ‘simp,’ causing Bob to brush him off. Phoenix comes over two cups of coffee, handing one over to her backseater.

“Leave him alone, Seresin,” she scolds, “if that was your wife you’d be doing the same thing.” Jake falls silent making Payback chuckle from his spot on the beanbag in front of the four, “he’s not saying anything ‘cause he knows it’s true.”

Fanboy pitches in, munching on some mini donuts, “he’s probably just still salty Y/n wouldn’t hook him up with one of her old teammates. Or that one swimmer he used to gush about.” From the side Rooster explodes in a loud laugh, causing Jake to glare at him. Coyote has to bite back a grin, not wanting to show amusement at his best friend's bad luck.

The pilot wipes a fake tear, still giggling, “Sorry, that was just really funny.” While the others began to tease Jake, Bob focused on the screen. Softness in his eyes as he watched the NBC live coverage, showing footage of Y/n warming up while in the corner of the screen had replays of her 2016 Games in Rio. His heart was hurting he couldn’t be in the stands due to Covid, but regardless Bob was over the moon with love and happiness for his wife.

Since the age of 5 the gym was her second home after her mother put her in a mommy & me gymnastics class. Bouncing on the trampoline was really what made the child fall in love. She could be there all day if they’d let her. Then after a few more classes that were meant for just some bonding time between mother and daughter, Y/n begged to be placed in the regular lessons after seeing the older girls swinging on the bars and balancing on the beam.

It was the start of a career that would span over a decade when Y/n began competing, claiming multiple national titles, world championships, and three Olympic Games.

In 2004 Y/n sat glued to the TV watching Team USA compete in the Athens Olympic Games. Carly Patterson was crowned Olympic Champion of the All-Around and Y/n knew at that moment she wanted to become an Olympian.

Her parents were hesitant, especially after talking to other parents during Y/n’s lessons, to pull her from school and dedicate all her time to training. There was also the topic of moving to find a coach. Many gymnasts they read up on had traveled to different gyms and had lifelong coaches. For Y/n, her family wanted to stay in Lemoore. Her father had done time in the Navy and was stationed there when he met Y/n’s mother. They fell in love and her father decided to end his contract with the Navy to be with her mother. Not long after he ended up getting a good civilian job on base with Y/n being born in 1996.

What made her parents decide to go through with full-time training were the owners of the gym. Mike and Mary Taylor. Husband and wife who together ran and coached the gymnasts. It was a fairly new gym—having only opened in 2000 so they never had one of their students go to the international level. “There is a fire in her, we both see it. She’s got the dedication, the spirit, and we would love to be the ones to help her achieve the dream of the Olympics. And we would do everything in our souls to make it happen. When we look at her, we see a future Olympic champion.”

So the deal was set. Y/n would become homeschooled and spend nearly 10 hours in the gym everyday. After waking up she would have breakfast with a smoothie before starting one of two 5-hour practices. Mornings were dedicated to bars and beam with Mike and afternoons with Mary on floor and vault. Lunch would be in between and then after dinner Y/n would condition with a personal trainer. Within a couple years she had worked up to level 5 and began competing in meets.

It was learned very quickly that Y/n had a talent for the uneven bars. She was strong on the beam and good on floor and vault, but bars is where she shined. An All-Around gymnast, Y/n put more focus in perfecting her bar routine than anything else. It was where she felt like she had a better chance at becoming an Olympic champion. Flying high in the air on releases brought joy and hitting a perfect handstand made Y/n feel like she was on top of the world.

Nadia Comaneci of Romania, the first gymnast in Olympic history to receive a perfect 10 in competition, was her idol and who Y/n strived to be like. She was the definition of perfection. Every moment of free time Y/n was watching reruns of the 1976 Games in Montreal where Nadia claimed the All-Around, Uneven Bars, and Balance Beam gold. Sometimes Y/n wished she could attempt to do the flawless routine, but the uneven bars were placed differently than they were in the 70s.

There was also the American Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win the All-Around at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. Y/n admired many gymnasts from the former USSR in the 60s & 70s & 90s including Olga Korbut, Ludmilla Tourischeva, Nellie Kim, Larisa Latynina. Russia’s Svetlana Khorkina, Belarus’s Svetlana Boginskaya, and Vera Caslavska of the former Czechoslovakia were amongst Y/n’s idols in the sport.

And of course, the 1996 Magnificent Seven: Shannon Miller, Jaycie Phelps, Amanda Borden, Dominique Dawes, Dominique Moceanu, Amy Chow, and Kerri Strug. The team of women Y/n cited as her biggest inspirations. Y/n was born the year they won the US their first gold in the Women’s Team All-Around on home turf in Atlanta. Chills always appeared when watching replays of Kerri Strug landing the vault on practically one foot to secure the gold against Russia.

In 2010 at age 14 Y/n made her debut on the junior national team. She appeared in several championships, claiming titles to the uneven bars and balance beam. She never listened to commentators when watching replays of meets to see what she needed to improve, but there was always a heaviness to her heart when they would say she was unlikely to be an All-Around contender. “We’ve seen her these last competitions and there’s no doubt she will be a threat to other gymnasts when it comes to the uneven bars—her routine even here on the junior level is insane—and possibly balance beam, but there is a lot to be done for Y/n on the floor. She’s powerful on vault—as we saw in her Yurchenko 1 ½ twist, but fails to stick the landing and is always taking a large step with big deductions. She needs to control that power so she’s not catapulting forward on the landing.”

Her family and coaches reminded her to not listen to commentators or opinions of the media. It was hard first coming into the national stage, but by the 2012 U.S Olympic Team Trials Y/n was a pro at handling the them. She was 16, the reigning World Champion on the uneven bars, and looking to earn her place on the London team. The trials lasted two days with Y/n qualifying after finishing in the top 8 of the VISA Championships. 15 total girls including the Beijing All-Around Olympic Champion Nastia Liukin and member of the 2008 silver winning team Alicia Sacramone, all competed for one of the five spots on the team.

Like all the gymnasts in attendance, Y/n competed on every apparatus but it was her bars and beam routines that secured her spot for London. After a small mistake on the floor Y/n feared it would be the make or break in deciding if she would make the team since she did not rank in the top two places by the end of the trials. Her vaults were good form wise, though she needed to really work on sticking the landing better. When her name was called out in the back room Y/n burst into tears. Her coaches pulled into an embrace, crying with her, before she and the other four girls were hauled to the floor. The crowd of spectators were on their feet. Cheers from every corner.

Vision blurry, Y/n turned her gaze to the section her parents were seated in. When she found them the tears fell more rapidly at the sight of her father practically jumping up and down whistling while her mother was in her own emotional state. They blew kisses to her, Y/n returning them before waving to the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, your women’s 2012 London Olympic team!!!”

London was a dream come true.

The moment Y/n stepped into the arena she had to hold back her tears, pitching herself as though to say, ‘is this really happening?’ The smell of the chalk brought comfort. Y/n was itching to get on the bars and show the world what she was made of. Her teammates were some of the best gymnasts to exist with several World titles to their name. The pressure was on for these young women. The media and fans back home were hoping they would be the first team since the Magnificent Seven to win the gold in the team final. It was their goal, but they had tough competition against Russia and China.

The qualifications were intense, but the team as a whole managed to get the top rank to guarantee a spot in the final. After discussions with the appointed team coach, Y/n only competed on the bars and beam. Uneven bars was her strongest apparatus where she would no doubt deliver. The beam was her second strongest, with a difficult routine that when executed would bring a high score. It saddened the gymnast she would not get the chance at All-Around gold, but Y/n pushed her emotions aside to focus on the big picture. Rio was four years away, she could easily try for a spot on that team. For now, she needed to focus on getting the gold in her events.

Qualifying in the top spot on bars and beam, the next step was the Team final.

And it was one to remember.

The team kicked off on the vault where Gabby, Jordyn, and Aly gave a beautiful start to the competition. Russia was next before the second rotation: bars. Y/n was the last of the three Americans to perform after Russia went first. She kept her back to the bars when the Russian athletes were up, the golden rule of gymnastics that was learned very early on: never watch your competitors or pay attention to the standings. Very often will it jinx the performance of the gymnast who does. And Y/n was not about to let that happen.

When Kyla and Gabby were on, Y/n clapped and cheered them on alongside Aly and Jordyn. “C’mon Gabby, you got this!” Yes! Beautiful—one more big one!” “Stick it, Kyla—stick it! YEAH!!”

Then she was up.

A quick pep talk from Mike and Y/n stepped onto the platform and waited for the green light. When it appeared, she saluted the judge and faced the bars, taking a deep breath before running to punch her feet on the springboard, hitting her hands onto the low bar in a straddle position before catching the high bar. The entire routine Y/n didn’t think, she just let muscle memory take her away. Cheers from her teammates and the crowd fueled her. Release after release, handstand after handstand, kip up to the high bar from the low bar. The routine felt like forever but in reality it was only less than two minutes.

“Beautiful start off the springboard and onto the high bar—from here are a series of handstands which have become a staple in Y/n’s routines since the junior U.S Championships in 2010. Here we go on the first….hit it right on the mark, now the second…oh gorgeous form—legs are squeezed together. She will hit two more before going straight into a big release. Here it comes-over the high bar—-wow look at the height! Then straight to the low bar and back to the high into another big release. Unstoppable, this routine is jam packed with difficulty. Y/n has shown little mistakes since unveiling this routine at the beginning of the season—despite one error during the American Cup where she missed a handstand that resulted in shaky release. One more big transition from high bar to low bar and back again before falling straight into a release. Wow, that was amazing! Now she’s gearing up for the dismount—very difficult here—she’ll be doing a double twisting double layout, the same Shawn Johnson did in 2008 rated a G-Value skill. Here we go, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—and she sticks it!! Unbelievable! The crowd loved that and so did her teammates, they’re jumping for joy down below.”

Y/n finally breathes as the crowd goes wild around her. Briefly closing her eyes, she exhales before facing the judges to salute. A wide grin on her lips, Y/n claps her chalky hands covered by the grips and runs to the stairs to be embraced by her coach. Her teammates surround her, hugs and high-fives all around. “That was amazing!” “You were perfect! Absolutely perfect!”

“This is why Y/n was picked for these Games—it is that routine that secured her spot on team USA. It’s untouchable. She is the World Champion in this event, completely dominating the junior level—no one else could touch Y/n on the bars. She’s looking to become the first American to win the uneven bars on Sunday night for event finals and she is exceptional. Those handstands are perfection, the form is impeccable and the landing was perfectly executed—she would get a ten if it were the old system. Now we’re just waiting for the score, which is going to be big. Her start value is 7.1, huge for an uneven bars routine but it’s those transitions combined with the releases and of course that G dismount that really make this routine such high valued—not to mention the series of handstands at the beginning. I believe she has the highest start value in this event these Olympics—no doubt the fan favorite for Sunday night.”

Y/n downs a bottle of water, ignoring the snaps of the cameras from the press directly in front of her. She waves to a few people in the audience, a little girl shrieks when they see the gymnast noticed them. Quickly Y/n packed her bag because they were about to make the rotation to beam. They were just waiting on her score.

“For those of you at home watching for the first time who are confused on how the scoring works, the gymnasts routines used to be scored out of a 10–that’s how it was for the Magnificent Seven and Carly Patterson. But after the 2004 Olympics the Code of Points changed and now they are given a difficulty and execution score. The difficulty is set in stone by the routine, so in Y/n’s case her start value is 7.1–that is the difficulty of her routine based on all the elements put together. The execution score is out of 10–similar to the old system where the judges deduct when they catch errors, imperfect form, or the gymnast falls. After the execution score is decided it is added to the start value, and that is the score the gymnast receives. The highest score Y/n can receive is a 17.100 if she were to receive a perfect execution score of 10. On the screen now is the deduction zone and green is what these athletes want—they want little deductions as possible. Yellow is basically the caution area and red is the danger zone where the gymnast made a really bad mistake—possibly a fall off the apparatus or had too many visible errors.”

“You know, Y/n does her best to not leave room for deductions but there’s always something the judges will catch. Scoreboard is coming around and it looks….it’s a 16.541 for Y/n L/n! Holy moly that is a massive score for the Americans—it’s put them well ahead over Russia going into rotation three. She scored higher than in the qualifications which was a 16.3! I know she’s happy now—we can see her smiling from this angle as the Americans get ready to move to the balance beam. Y/n will compete on the beam along with Kyla Ross and Aly Raisman before sitting out of the floor.”

Warming up on the beam, Y/n did her spins, a couple jumps, her Arabian, and dismount. She was set to go second, giving a slight break after coming off of the high from bars since the US was set to go first in the rotation. Then in the final rotation on floor they would compete after Russia. Y/n was confident in her beam routing, having perfected it for over a year. It had lower difficulty than her bar routine but was still highly valued at 6.4. The highest Y/n had received on it was a 15.628 at the trials, usually ranging between 15.100 and 15.533 in other competitions. In the qualification round Y/n got a 15.478 and secured her place in the individual event final.

“Welcome back to our coverage of the women’s artistic all-around team final in London. We’re onto rotation three of four and it’s the balance beam for Team USA. All three Russians have competed with great performances and very little deductions. The margin between Russian and the US looks like it may be neck and neck going into the floor. Up first for the Americans is Kyla Ross—she and Y/n L/n will finish their team finals on this event. They both were chosen to compete on just the bars and beams—Jordyn Wieber will join Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman on floor after sitting out for two rotations following the vault. Up first for team USA, Kyla Ross.”

“Let’s go, Kyla!!” Y/n clapped her hands around her mouth. “You got this girl!” When the gymnast finished Y/n was immediately hauled up the stairs, high-fiving her teammate before waiting for the green light on the far right end of the beam. Once Kyla’s score was finalized and on the board, the green appeared and Y/n saluted the judge. The springboard was placed beside the middle of the apparatus, and Y/n once again took a deep breath.

“Y/n’s got the green light from the judge, and is now setting up for her mount. This is quite the skill she is about to do—Dominique Moceanu of the 1996 team performed this mount on the beam in Atlanta. Here she goes….beautiful. It’s a tricky mount but when executed right it can be stunning. Now onto this interesting spin that many gymnasts have started to use in their routines, it’s called a ‘wolf spin.’ She’ll do three full turns right here before setting up for her first big combo—Arabian into a pike jump then right to a back handspring—a little shaky right there on the landing. There will be a slight deduction for not having her chest up in time. Gorgeous spins as she walks to the opposite beam. Here is her tumbling pass, back handspring to a layout—repeating it—and she’s got it! A spin to jump combination and straight into a back tuck. Y/n has made it a habit in her beam routines to display her strength. From this handstand she will turn and split her legs down the middle before holding it at an angle so she’s not level with the apparatus. Very hard to do that could easily end in disaster, but she makes it look effortless. The crowd loves it too. Now all there’s left is the dismount—the time buzzer has sounded. An F-valued skill she’s gonna do a stretched back salto with a triple twist. And she sticks the landing once again!! Beautiful end on the beam for Y/n L/n! That is gonna be a good score I feel.”

“Great job, that was awesome!” “Well done, Yn.” “You did amazing!” Her teammates swarmed her again, followed by her coach who pressed a fatherly kiss to her forehead, “well done, well done, my little powerhouse.” Catching her breath, Y/n wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Together they looked out to the audience to try and find his wife, her other coach, and Y/n’s parents. When they found them they were on their feet clapping, waving frantically at the two. Then the score came in and Y/n visibly saw them get more excited. Rotation 3: BB—Y/n L/N (USA) 15.840

“Wow, a huge score for Y/n L/n of Team USA—15.840! That is the highest score she’s ever received now—her 15.6 at the Olympic Trials was the highest she had gotten on this routine and now it’s been replaced.”

“Well deserved too. This routine was the best she’s ever performed, John. There were those two slight errors where her chest was low on the landings, but her form is just outstanding.”

After cheering on Aly it was time for the last rotation. Y/n packed up her backpack before pulling on her Team USA sweats to cover her bear legs. Over by the floor Y/n was filled with nerves, but confidence for her teammates. After the beam there was a tight lead over Russia, but not by a large margin where anything could happen. It was gonna come down to what happens on the floor.

When the results came in and USA appeared on the #1 spot Y/n jumped for joy, interlaced hands with her teammates in the air. The entire arena was on their feet—especially those who came all the way from America to support. Y/n’s parents and coach were whistling and screaming, it was a truly golden moment for the 16-year-old from Lemmore, California. And for the girls sharing it with her.

They pulled off what they set out to do since being named at the trials. The Olympic Gold in the Women’s Team Final, making them the first team since the 1996 Magnificent Seven to win the title. It was an honor Y/n would carry for the rest of her life and got to share with her spectacular teammates. Standing on top of the podium, with a gold medal around her neck as the national anthem played, Y/n let the tears fall freely. Overwhelmed with emotion, her lips trembled as she mouthed the lyrics. The arena was quiet save for the melody, but when it ended it erupted in cheers. Together with her team Y/n raised the bouquet of flowers to the sea of spectators. Cameras flashed as they posed with the silver and bronze winning teams Russia and Romania.

Post interviews took place and Y/n was still unable to let go of the grin on their face when answering questions. “Y/n, congratulations on this amazing win. You and the team have won the gold—America’s first Team gold since 1996. Can you put into words how you’re feeling right now?”

“Honestly I can’t—I-I’m just so overcome with emotion, it still feels unreal. I want to take this moment to thank my parents who are in the crowd, they have been my strongest support system during this journey and of course my amazing coaches that are with me in London. And of course Aly, Jordyn, Gabby, and Kyla. They were spectacular tonight—I’m so proud of this team, everyone gave it their all and pulled off the best routines we could to get here. After the first rotation the energy just kept bouncing off each of us—it was a great start that flowed into every rotation.”

“I have to bring up that bars routine, Y/n, everyone is talking about it. Absolutely phenomenal. That was the best we’ve seen you do in the event—scoring higher than you did in qualifications. You’re the reigning World champion and the favorite for Sunday night’s event finals. Do you think you’ll do better than you did tonight ?”

Y/n bit her lip, offering a shrug to the reporter, “The thing about this sport is you never know if you’re gonna hit the routine each meet. The goal is to every time but you just have to go in there and give it your best. And that’s what I plan to do Sunday. My coach and I are going to work on where improvements are needed, and I hope to deliver the same way I did tonight.”

The volunteer signaled for the reporter to hurry it up. “Well we’ll be cheering you on both Sunday and Tuesday night as well for the beam finals. Congratulations again on behalf of everyone watching at home. You and the team did amazing and we hope you all have fun celebrating tonight. We’ll see you back here Sunday for the uneven bars.”

Y/n shook the reporter's hand with a grin, “Thank you so much! Have a great night,” blowing a kiss to the camera, Y/n waved to the fans shouting out to her and moved to follow the team out of the arena. The next time she was in the dome was to cheer on Aly and Gabby from the stands during the All-Around final. Kyla and Jordyn were with her, as were the coaches and parents. A wave of red, white, and blue was around them, supporters of Team USA which competed for the loudest section against others when it came to cheering on the Americans. Y/n was on her feet each time Aly or Gabby finished a routine, “Way to go, Gabby!!” “I see you, Aly, let’s go!!”

By the end of the competition Y/n was frantic with joy. Gabby’s name was at the top spot making her the All-Around Olympic champion. The entire arena was on their feet in an explosion of cheers. Unfortunately Aly missed out on the bronze, landing fourth place. Y/n shed tears for both Gabby and Aly, filled with joy for the former at winning the gold, but heartbroken for the latter.

The rest of the week flew by in a blur until it was Sunday night and Y/n was back on the mat for the women’s uneven bars final. She along with seven others would compete for the honor of Olympic champion. The last to compete, the athlete kept her back to the bars and mentally prepared—doing some handstands to pass time. When her coach came up saying it was time, Y/n shook the nerves off and blocked out the crowd.

This was the moment of her life.

“Representing the United States of America,” the crowd cheered, “Y/n L/n!” Taking her place on the mat, Y/n saluted the judges at the green light before licking the tips of her thumbs and clapping once—a ritual since she started competing. With a nod to her coach, who was set up to move the springboard upon her punch onto the bar, Y/n sprinted up and started the routine.

All throughout the routine Y/n thought of her idol Nadia, striving to have the perfect form she did when she took the gold 34 years prior in Montreal. She let her body do the work, letting it carry Y/n through the air upon releases and putting it in the right position with each move. Before long it was time to dismount. The arena was on edge, waiting for the show-stopping move that Y/n had stuck in the team final. With a deep inhale, the gymnast released her hands and twisted before opening her arms at the nick of time.

When her feet hit the mat, arms out and upright, Y/n had to hold back the tears for she knew she just pulled off the best bars routine of her life.

The audience knew it too, they were in an uproar. It continued even after Y/n saluted the judge and walked off the stairs. Her coach practically hauled her off the last step, embracing her while she cried. Of course it was bad luck to celebrate when the score hasn't come in yet, but Y/n had the highest start value of all the finalists and there was no doubt she just overtook the #1 spot. “I’m truly speechless folks, that was without question the best routine of the night. Y/n L/n promised to deliver and she did—from start to finish the routine was non-stop. Hit after hit—that landing will go down in history books. Y/n knows it too, she’s already celebrating it looks like with her coach, Mike Taylor, who’s been with her since she began her gymnastics career. The crowd is celebrating too—I can see her teammates on their feet. We’re just waiting on the score and it should be coming in at any second—-16.825! THAT’S THE GOLD MEDAL FOR Y/N L/N OF THE UNITED STATES!!! She’s the new Olympic champion on the uneven bars—the first for Team USA!!!”

Being on top of the podium felt like cloud 9. Y/n couldn't believe that after years of hard work and dedication she was the Olympic gold medalist in their favorite event. It meant more to her than when she won the World title the year before. All she pictured when the national anthem played was her at nine years old, sitting in front of the tv to watch the Athens Games. That little girl was now an Olympic champion. The best in the world on the uneven bars.

A dream that came true.

Speaking of another dream, Y/n felt all the wind leave her body when after the podium ceremony she was called over by the team’s head coach….and next to her was Nadia Comaneci. Beaming at the gymnast when they locked eyes. If the cameras were not on them her knees would’ve buckled right there. There was no stopping the tears at that point. Her idol was congratulating her, hugging her, completing her routine….it was the best moment of Y/n’s life. More so than actually winning the damn gold medal.

When Y/n repeated the glory on the beam two nights later with a 15.866, there weren't as many tears but the emotion was all the same. It had been the final night of completion for gymnastics with Aly Raisman securing the gold on the floor exercise. Team USA on top of the podium in 5 of 6 events. Y/n was over the moon.

But one question remained.

“Hello again, Y/n, wow has it been a run for you in your Olympic debut. Along with Aly Raisman you’re the most decorated American to come out of this competition. Three gold medals. The Olympic champion on the uneven bars and balance beam as well as the #1 team in the world. Unbelievable, you’ve been amazing to watch this week and everyone at home must be over the moon for you.”

“I really am—It’s so unreal to think that this time last year I was making my debut with the senior national team. I’m so filled with gratitude, my parents and coaches—this wouldn’t have been possible without them. To be called a three-time gold medalist is the biggest honor in the world and to share one of them with my team is….I’ll never be more proud than I am of them. They’ve done amazing at these Olympics—Gabby winning the All-Around, Aly with the floor and the bronze on beam. I’m just so overcome with happiness for not just myself but for them as well.”

“I gotta ask because it’s been buzzing after your win on the bars, but are you looking for a shot at the Rio team in 2016? You’re now the Olympic champion in two events—are you hoping to defend it in four years? Not to mention hopefully get the chance at competing in the All-Around since you weren't selected in the qualifications?”

This was the question that had Y/n up nearly all night thinking about. It was unspoken between her and her coaches, having wanted to focus on the current competition than set sights on the future. Now that the Olympics were technically over for her, Y/n was ready to get back in the gym for another chance at glory.

This time, her goal was the All-Around title.

“I pretty much knew regardless of the outcome of this competition that I would train for Rio. Now the motivation is tenfold really and I do hope I get the chance at the All-Around if I do make the team. For now I’m gonna celebrate with my family, coaches, and my team before getting back in the gym for next year’s Worlds.”

The 2013 to 2015 World Championships were some of the best years in Y/n’s career. Not only did she take the silver in the 2014 & 2015 All-Around next to gold medalist Simone Biles, but claimed the 2013 gold on the balance beam followed by silver in 2014 & 2015, shocked the globe by becoming the 2015 World Champion on vault, and went three for three gold on the uneven bars. By the time the 2016 Olympic trials came around, Y/n was the second ranked gymnast in the world.

The Olympic Rings were tattooed on her forearm, a reminder that she accomplished her childhood dream. Making the team for the second time that summer was beyond what Y/n could put into words. And she would not be the only returning olympian to the US team, Gabby and Aly were coming with her.

There was a lot of talk of what Y/n would bring to the Rio Games. Not only was she the defending champion on bars and beam—hoping to bring a first for the US by repeating her success in London, but she was aiming for a spot in the All-Around competition. Commentators couldn’t get enough of the impending qualifications. Simone was the top contender—the #1 gymnast in the world—and would no doubt qualify, which only left one spot. One spot that three gymnasts wanted.

Gabby, looking to defend her All-Around title.

Aly, to claim the medal she missed when placing fourth in London.

And Y/n, the reigning two-time World silver medalist.

All three members of the gold winning team in London. All three individual Olympic champions.

It would be a heated competition between athletes and friends.

When the trials concluded Y/n had a lot to think about. A lot to mentally prepare for. In the Olympics anything can happen. She witnessed that in London when Jordyn, the reigning World champion, did not qualify for the All-Around. Romania claiming the bronze in the team final over China. Then Y/n beat the leading contender for the gold on beam. Nothing was guaranteed.

As Y/n packed up her bag following interviews after the 2016 team was announced, she headed to leave for the parking lot to meet with her parents and coaches. Phone in hand, Y/n sent a message to her parents when they asked if she wanted to go out to eat to celebrate. As she came around the corner, having waited until most of the spectators had already left, the gymnast gasped when something crashed into her legs causing the phone to drop from her hands, “Oh!”

“Daisy!” A male voice shouted against the sound of feet approaching. “I told you to watch before turning—I’m so sorry ma’am. I—.” His voice stopped suddenly when Y/n lifted her head to connect with a stunning pair of blue eyes. They belonged to a young man with a baby face, roughly around her age but possibly older by a few years, who had blonde hair—stood at about 6 ft and wore a pair of glasses. “O-oh God, you’re Y/n L/n. I-I’m so sorry about my sister—she wasn’t looking.”

The little girl in question—who looked to be about 11 years old— was now in front of Y/n, mouth agape as she stood starstruck. In one hand was a handheld American flag with the event program in the other and she had team USA painted on her cheek. She looked very similar to the man behind her as she had matching hair and eyes. Daisy, as her name was shouted by her brother, looked like she could cry. “I’m so sorry, Miss. Y/n.”

“Oh it’s alright,” the woman softly smiled. Daisy had the same look of awe and emotion Y/n had when she met Nadia Comaneci in 2012 after winning the uneven bars. “Really, it’s okay. I should’ve watched where I was going.” She bent down to grab her phone, silently thankful it didn’t crack any more than it already was. The guy, however, saw the cracks and went pale.

“I’m so so sorry. O-oh gosh, I’ll pay the full amount to replace it—.” Y/n immediately cut him off.

“No, no, no, it was already like that,” Y/n lightly laughed, a little embarrassed to reveal the truth, “I promise you, I just haven’t had the time to get a new one. But it wasn’t her fault I can assure you. It was actually the locker room floor that’s responsible.” Daisy looked embarrassed and guilty at the thought she broke the Olympian’s phone, but upon Y/n’s words she visibly relaxed.

Her brother on the other hand still wasn’t sure. Internally he was freaking out. The now two-time olympian and gold medalist was right in front of him. And she was so beautiful in person it was making his brain scatter…..And his sister knocked her phone from her hands. “Are you sure? I can really write you a check right now Ms. L/n.” The woman waved a hand with a shake of the head, “You have my word. You don’t me anything, Mr……” she waited for him to say his name. A light tint of red appeared on his cheeks, “U-uh Robert, but you can call me Bob, everyone does.”

Y/n extended her hand, making Bob blush more when he went to shake it and a spark ignited causing them both to flinch. “Sorry!”

Y/n only laughed, finding him adorable, “It’s okay. It’s nice to meet you, Bob, and please call my Y/n. And it’s nice to meet you too, Miss. Daisy.” The little girl smiled wide, in a state of visible joy that she was in the presence of her idol.

“You were amazing today, Y/n,” Daisy complimented, making the woman smile.

“Thank you. Did you have fun watching the competition?”

Daisy nodded, “I had a lot of fun. My favorite was you on bars—I had my brother get seats near them so we could watch you.” Y/n couldn’t help but feel warmth in her body. Anytime she had fan interactions it reminded her how she fell in love with gymnastics. Watching the Games and competitions on tv, attending them in person to watch athletes she admired growing up. One could never get used to it. Y/n could see herself in Daisy, for she had begged her parents to always get seats by the bars when they went to watch the 2008 Team trials.

“You’re her favorite gymnast,” Bob casually said with a smile. Y/n thought at that moment, ‘wow he’s got a beautiful smile.’ Her heart picked up at the realization she was attracted to the man. There was just something about him that had her wanting to stay and talk with him.

Y/n smiled at the compliment, turning to Daisy, “I’m extremely honored to have that title, Miss. Daisy. Thank you so much for your support and coming out today. I’m happy I did not let you down,” Y/n then asked, “Are you a gymnast too?”

“Yup!” She said proudly, “I’m level five. I watched you win in London and wanted to be like you,” Y/n placed a hand on her chest, an ‘awe’ escaping her mouth as she tried to hold back the emotion. This little girl was about to capture her heart.

Her brother surly was about to.

Bob nodded his head to his sister, “Her birthday was recent and this is what she asked for. To come watch the trials—to hopefully see you make the team. C-congratulations by the way! You were incredible out there.”

“Thank you,” Y/n said to him, “It’s a privilege to get to compete for a second time. Thank you both for coming out and supporting,” she turns back to Daisy, “And happy belated birthday!”

“Thank you!” She beamed, before hesitating to hold out her hand with the program. “Could—could you please sign this?” Y/n quickly pocketed her phone, removing a sharpie from her bag, “of course. Anything for the birthday girl.” Taking the program, Y/n flipped to the page with her picture and information, scribbling a message saying, ‘Daisy, Shoot for the stars and go for the gold. Thank you for all your support. All the love, Y/n,’ with a little heart at the end. Closing it, Y/n handed it over to her just as Bob was pulling out his own phone.

“Do you mind? I know you must be on your way.”

“Oh not at all,” she said, motioning for Daisy to come closer, who politely asked, “Can I give you a hug?”

“Oh course!” Y/n opened her arms and Daisy fell into her embrace. They faced Bob, smiling at the camera and he took several photos before nodding, “perfect.” Daisy then requested a selfie, and Y/n was all too happy to say yes. Bob handed Daisy the phone who then handed it to Y/n who went, “oh you want me to take it? I’m not the best selfie taker but for you I shall.” Y/n flipped to the front camera and took several photos with Daisy. One nice one of them smiling and a few goofy faces, ending with a kissy face.

Y/n handed the phone over to Bob, but Daisy stopped them, “now you two!” Bob flushed, looking at Y/n to see she was just as suprised. He was silently embarrassed to say he too would have liked a photo, but it was getting late, the gymnast was obviously tired, and they had an early drive back home the next morning. He was due back to report on base on Monday after taking the last Thursday and Friday to take his sister to the trials. “Oh Daiz, it’s getting late. We don’t wanna hold Y/n up—.”

“C’mon, Bob,” she whined, “this way you can brag to your Navy buddies you met an Olympian. And not just any Olympian, you met Y/n L/n!” The insinuation had Bob slightly glare at his sister, finding it to be rude to say such a thing in front of the person they were referring to. He didn’t want Y/n to think it was for clout.

“Daisy—.”

“I don’t mind,” Y/n offered with a kind smile, butterflies erupting in when they made eye contact. Despite the aviator’s fears, Y/n wasn’t offended. In fact she found it amusing, wanting to do it for him. She could tell Bob was still unsure so she said, “If we do a selfie then it’s best for you to take it.” Bob gave a nervous laugh, but nodded and moved closer to Y/n. He was taller than her so Bob held the phone up higher than usual and at an angle.

After the photo Daisy insisted on taking one of them despite her brothers protest. Y/n chuckled at the banter, before pulling Bob to her and placing a hand on his back. Blushing, he put his arm around her shoulder. Daisy didn’t say how many photos she had taken, but judging by her thumb rapidly hitting the screen it was safe to say it was a lot. Feeling bold, Y/n looked up to Bob, “You know if you let me, I’d be happy to help you with the ultimate bragging rights?”

The man’s eyebrows raised, “what did you have in mind.” He wasn’t sure if he should be excited or scared by the look on Y/n’s face.

“It requires you to crouch down,” upon his wide eyes she quickly added, “I’m not gonna kiss you, but I will kiss your cheek if you let me.”

“Oh,” Bob couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but Y/n didn’t appear to be lying. “Oh—um.”

“If you’re not comfortable I totally understand.”

“No, no, no, i’m fine with that. It just threw me off for a second. But y-yeah, sure that’d be cool.” Y/n giggled, and motioned for him to bend to her level.

“Get that camera ready, Daisy.” The girl gave a thumbs up, and Y/n stood on her tippy toes while Bob hunched over so her lips were level with his cheek. She gently pressed a kiss to the skin, holding it there for a few seconds to make sure Daisy got the picture. Bob’s face was hot, obviously flustered by the contact but he managed to keep it together. Y/n was in the same boat, heart pumping at tad faster than usual. She pulled away, falling back onto her heels as Bob stood back straight.

“U-uh well thank you,” he laughed, adjusting the collar of his shirt with loopy grin. “That’s definitely the highlight of my year.”

Y/n giggled, stepping away and picking her backpack up. “Be sure to tag me if you post it,” her wink had Bob’s heart skip. His attraction to the Olympian was growing by the second, but Bob knew deep down nothing would come out of it. They were on two opposite spectrums. Y/n was a world class athlete about to compete on the worlds greatest sporting stage for the second time in just two months, while Bob was about to attend the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapon’s school. The thought of them possibly ever getting together, let alone a date, was a fantasy.

Bob snapped out of his thoughts, giving Y/n a nod, “I’ll make sure to.” He then looks to his sister briefly before back at Y/n. “Sorry for holding you up, but thank you so much for the photos and signing her program.”

“It’s a pleasure, really,” Y/n told him and Daisy when the girl thanked her after Bob, “Thank you both for coming out today again. I hope you have safe travels back home wherever you’re going. I’m so happy, Daisy, you had a wonderful time—good luck with your gymnastics. Maybe the roles will one day reverse, and I’ll be the one cheering you on from the stands,” It was evident Y/n’s words meant a lot to Daisy. The girl’s expression read a fire was beginning to ignite in her eyes. “ Oh and on that note…” Y/n removed one of the two armbands wrapped around each wrist. She’d had them since joining the Junior national team and wore them before and every meet. Almost like a good luck charm.

“This is for you, consider it my birthday gift to you. These armbands have served as a good luck charm for me, I’d like you to have one.” Daisy gasped, eyes wide as she took the band in her hand.

“But…if this is your good luck charm, shouldn’t you have it for the Olympics?”

Y/n raised her wrist with the matching band, “I still have this one to do the job.”

“What do you say, Daiz?” Bob said to his sister, who still appeared awestruck. He mouthed to the Olympian, ‘Thank you.’ Y/n gave a smile with a sly wink.

“Thank you,” Daisy finally breathed. “Thank you so so much. I’ll cherish it forever.” Y/n gave one last hug to Daisy before shaking Bob’s hand and waving goodbye to them as they went separate ways. “Good luck in Rio!” Daisy shouted after her, “Win the gold again for us!” Y/n gave the girl her word, feeling a slight sadness when she got to the parking lot where her parents were waiting for her.

“What took you so long, honey?”

“Oh I was talking with some supporters. They were really sweet and we just got carried away,” she explained before switching the conversation.

Though Y/n pushed aside her thoughts of the cute blue-eyed Bob as the days to Rio got closer, she sometimes thought of him and his sister. Y/n never wanted to let her supporters down. Some had been with her since her debut on the national team. Others were residents of her hometown, who’d known Y/n as a baby. Lots came after the London Games. Making the team for Rio was not just her dream, but the dream of the people who admired her. Wanting her to accomplish the impossible when it almost seems too good to be true. Letting them down would be something Y/n couldn’t forgive herself for. Y/n vowed to never let that happen.

And after the night of the trials, she felt that more than ever.

Read Part 2!

………………

TGM tag list: @avaleineandafryingpan

[laeana]

“It seemed to us that their results weren't good enough to get them into Group A,” Stéphan Bouthiaux, Director of the French teams, tells Nordic Magazine.

To explain the Vosgien's relegation, the French biathlon boss points to a "sporting trajectory that stagnated at an insufficient level". "Emilien [Claude] is already twenty-five years old, and he's been in A for two years now [during the summer], then had almost similar seasons, with a good month of November, a decent start to the season, then disappeared for the rest of the winter," laments the Pontissalien native.

As for Antonin Guigonnat, the oldest French biathlete at thirty-three, Simon Fourcade reveals that the decision "was more complicated to accept, given his extensive World Cup experience and the training group he occupied". “His age played a big part in the decision," admits Stéphane Bouthiaux. He's on a downward trajectory in terms of results. For the first time [in a long time], he didn't go to the Worlds [last winter], and the few bright spots in his season simply don't merit selection in an A group at his age."

“This could be an opportunity for him to take a fresh look at himself, try to raise his level and get back into the group," confirms Simon Fourcade. The doors aren't closed, as they were for Emilien Claude, because there will be two places available at the start of the season, which will allow many athletes to aspire to the World Cup."

Excuse me, biathlon fandom, I need to vent and to rant for a bit. I know this is a bit biased because I obviously hold a lot of affection for Antonin, but I have to talk in front of such bullshit.

So recently French selection took Antonin and Emilien out of the A group. And this article then appeared as the explanations. Now, as to why I’m wildly unhappy with it;

The French team reduced their group from 7 to 5. We could argue that taking Emilien out could be justified as he had time where he didn’t race, but I feel like if you take that in account it’s even worse. He had to take a break in his season, he even thanked the trusts of his coaches, and then he’s evaluated as “he’s been stagnant for two season, he needs to be out”. When he couldn’t even compete.

Now onto the biggest case that makes me annoyed the most, Antonin. Antonin has experience, and maybe his performances aren’t stellar but he’s mostly capable and he’s a good relay (a thing France has clearly been lacking during last season - they had literally four people to do every relay).

For me Bouthiaux’s words are those of an hypocrite. Antonin did amazing results in the European championships, and yet he wasn’t selected. It’s not his fault he wasn’t at the worlds, yet it’s displayed as if it was. The French team didn’t even take six people to the worlds and Oscar didn’t do a single race.

They expect him to rival the Norwegians in the IBU cup, but let me tell you one thing. I’ve spent my year watching the IBU Cup and those Norwegians are freaking talented. Some of them have World Cup level, and what I mean by that is top ranks on the World Cup. Johan-Olav Botn is one example. And yet, Antonin still manages to get a win, podium and good positions.

When I look at Antonin and Oscar’s seasons, I find them pretty similar. But it’s not to say one is better than the others, but that both of them should be on the World Cup.

What I really mean is that the French team is playing dangerous game now. They’re not realistic. They want to pretend they can do the same thing as Norway, they want to prioritize only five people as they’re the “best”, but not everyone is Eric. They should use the people they already have in the team, instead of doing this. We saw the results of using only four people for a relay the entire season.

They keep using the arguments that “this will help them to get motivated again and bring results again”, but even when there are results, they are not rewarded.

At this rate if they want to push Antonin to retire, they wouldn’t need to do anything else.

They pushed people out of the A group, to replace them … with nobody. Honestly at some point the French team could encounter a bigger crisis and I wouldn’t even be surprised, I would say I know what caused it :/

I can’t bring myself to like those decisions and I feel like they deserve better.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

*mic drop*

[smaptain-smerica]

Female Reader x Rooster

Time: Post-Top gun: Maverick

Y/n Blackwood - L/n, daughter of Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood. Y/n took a strong interest in planes from a young age. Knowing her father was an esteemed pilot drew her even further into the navy. Quickly, she became one of the best solo pilots and graduating at the top of her class at Top Gun.

Her next mission? Return to Top Gun, Face certain death, romantic interests, and finally, her thought-to-be-dead, father.

This book contains strong language and sexual content that may be sensitive readers under the age of 18

This story was originally posted on Wattpad, follow me on there for faster updates. I have published a non-binary version of this story published there for those who do not identify as female or use she/her pronouns. It will follow the exact same story line. Link to Wattpad Account Link to the Non-Binary version

Master list

Overcoming

Current timeline, 3 months later.

Warlock took the stand, addressing all the fresh faced pilots ready for their chance to be a Top Gun Graduate. "Top Gun was created to teach ACM. Air Combat Maneuvering. Better known as Dogfighting. You're here because you're the top one percent of all naval aviators. You're the elite, the best of the best. We're gonna make you better. You will be put through a series of tests, each pilot or team to come out on top will receive points. The pilot or team with the most points at the end will get their name on that plaque. However, there are no points for second place. Every moment counts."

Warlock paused a moment, looking towards the back of the room and making eye contact with me. He nodded gently, giving me the signal. I pushed off the wall, slowly making my way down the aisle.

"Your instructor is a very accomplished pilot. Graduated top of her Top Gun class in 2015, four confirmed combat kills, a legacy in the history of Top Gun graduates, and personally, one of my favorite people to work with. Please welcome Y/n Blackwood-L/N. Call-sign? Wolf."

I approached the podium and looked around at all the pilots. There was a mix of reactions. A group of three boys whispered to each other, smirks on their faces. The two women smiled and seemed to engage themselves more in my presence. The rest of them looked either uninterested or exhausted.

"Good morning aviators. I am excited to be welcomed in as an instructor this year. As previously mentioned by Warlock, you will be put through a series of tests, instructed and evaluated by me. Assisting me for the first week, an equally as accomplished pilot, Jake Seresin. Call-sign? Hangman."

I smiled as the familiar smirking man walked up to the podium and stood next to me. "Good morning." He spoke, the largest and most mischievous smirk on his face.

"You are all dismissed, we will reconvene at 0900 for briefing."

The chatter between the pilots rose as they gathered their things and left the room. I saw them forming their little cliques even as they walked out the door.

Once they all left, I turned to face Hangman, who also turned to me with a smile. We embraced each other in a happy hug. He picked me up and shook me around roughly, causing me to laugh.

"It's so good to see you." Hangman sighed, putting me down on the ground.

"I know. I'm very happy to have some company." I hummed as we headed for the designated instructors cafeteria. Hangman held every door open for me on the way.

"That's right. When did Bradshaw leave?" He asked.

"About 3 weeks ago." Rooster had gotten deployed out on a stealth mission about two months after the previous mission ended. He had been my crutch the last couple months while I was recovering physically. He did everything I asked of him. If I even looked cold he jumped up to get a blanket just in case I need it.

Being around so much I found myself visiting Maverick very often. Spending time together outside of flying was beneficial to our relationship. We got to know so much more about each other. Maverick, Rooster and I had a sit down talk about our relationships and how everyone was feeling. It seemed like nobody could come to an agreement until Rooster pulled Maverick aside to talk to him privately. I still don't know what he said, but it seemed to do the trick.

Living with someone is a big jump for any relationship. We definitely had our fits, but rooster and I made it work. I had become closer to him, closer than I had thought because now that he was gone, I was struggling with maneuvering around his empty house.

"Are you still living with him?" The questions Hangman asked were short and he didn't seem that interested in knowing. It seemed to me like he was just trying to make conversation.

"Yes. But now that I'm healed I can start looking for a house. I already contacted a couple of agents."

"And the settlement?" Hangman asked.

I nodded. "Signed it. There was no lawsuit." Hangman scoffed and rolled his eyes. "I would have sued the ass off of those idiots. They wouldn't have a company left to produce from."

I laughed and shook my head. "Oh trust me, they're thanking a higher power that it was me instead of you."

"How's your back? Can I see?" Hangman asked as we sat down at a table together after getting our food.

I pulled out my phone and pulled up a picture that was taken and showed it to him. "The doctor said there will be minimal scaring, if any. But I'm practically good as new."

Hangman smiled at the picture then back up at me. "It looks fantastic. I assume you're doing well?"

I poked at my food a little bit, taking a deep breath. "Physically, yes I'm fine. But mentally, I'm having some blockage." I admitted sheepishly.

Hangman waved his hand dismissively. "You're the toughest woman I know, you'll over come it. What's going on?" He asked, shoveling a spoon full of eggs into his mouth.

I hesitated to say it, the words wouldn't choke out of my mouth. It was too embarrassing. "Hey," Hangman seemed to notice because he reached a hand over to me and touched my shoulder. He took his hand and moved it to my face, gently encouraging me to look at him. His face now showed genuine concern. "What's going on?" He asked more seriously this time.

"I haven't gotten back in a plane yet." Every time I heard a plane go by or saw one take off from the base my heartbeat would quicken. I could feel the singe on my back and my body go cold. I couldn't look at a plane without hearing the explosion echoing in my ears.

Hangman's face fell to shock. "Y/n."

"I've been seeing a therapist for it but it's not helping. And Rooster has been nothing less than perfect helping me but with this, but I think I need someone to push me. Rooster and Maverick won't do it, I know them."

"If you're not ready then you shouldn't do it. You need time to heal." Hangman grabbed my hand comfortingly.

"I'm out of time. How am I supposed to be an instructor here if I can't fly a plane?" I was frustrated with myself, burying my head in my hands I let out a exaggerated sigh.

Hangman took his hand and rubbed my shoulder in a comforting way as I tried to overcome my own mental blockage. "So you want me to help you get back in the air?" Hangman asked.

"Yes. I know you won't baby me. You'll tell me to suck it up and just do it. Which honestly, I think is what I need."

I appreciated the comforting shoulder rub. The stress of starting the next Top Gun class and not flying a plane was really getting to me.

"Okay. I've got an idea." He finally said.

"Really?" I asked looking over at him.

He nodded. "I do actually. We can start today or tomorrow."

I smiled and started to bite at the insides of my cheeks, a nervous tick I had. I bounced my leg up and down. "Today. I'm not ready right now, but maybe after our session?"

Hangman smiled and me and heaved himself out of his chair. "Come on, it's almost 9."

I began to gather my things as I stood up from my seat. I was walking to throw my trash away when I suddenly remembered a question I had been meaning to ask. "Oh! What are you doing tomorrow night?"

Hangman closed the door behind us as we entered the hallway. "Well, considering you asked me to come here, I'm available at your expense. Why do you ask?"

"Well Mav is giving this speech at an event tomorrow night and he was gifted two extra tickets. Since Rooster isn't here I thought you might like to come."

Hangman looked down at me with a large smile. "Will there be alcohol?"

I rolled my eyes. "Free dinner and a cash bar."

"Well, I'm sold then. Thank you for the invite."

"You're welcome. But it is a black tie event, so a suit or your formal uniform would be expected." I added.

Hangman winced at the mentioning of the attire. "Sounds like I might need to do some shopping."

~~~

Our training session for the day went well for everybody who wasn't one of the students. I knew hangman would give them the best challenge, but I didn't think he would have this much fun.

One after another I watched as the pilots came back looking defeated. I chuckled at my small victory of bringing in the right man for the job.

Hangman and I met in the screening room to go over the notes that he made about each of the students while he was flying with them.

"Of course, you'll get a better feel for them tomorrow when we're up in the air." Hangman winked at me. I suddenly felt my heart sink, remembering I agreed to flying tonight. The feeling must have reflected on my face based on Hangman's reaction.

"Hey, don't worry. You won't even have to lift a finger. I'll do all the work. Now come on, let's get your ass in the sky." Hangman patted my shoulder encouragingly and we made our way towards the door. When we entered the hangar and moved onto the runway, I saw a Tandem plane loaded up and ready for takeoff.

"Why is there a two seater on the runway?" I asked. Hangman looked at me and raised his eyebrow. He took his pointer finger and pointed to himself and said "one," then he took his finger and poked me in the chest. "Two! Come on Wolf. Told you you wouldn't have to lift a finger."

I felt my heartbeat quicken in my chest the closer we got to the plane. My breathing quickened and I felt the need to shake my hands, like physically shaking them would shake away the nervousness.

"Hangman."

"Come on wolf, you got it." He encouraged, putting on his helmet and then putting mine on top of my head for me.

My head was spinning out of control, I couldn't focus on anything other than my pounding heartbeat in my ears.

"Hey, y/n." Hangman's voice pulled me out of my trance. "You can do this. I will be there the whole time. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."

His words were reassuring to me. I finally let go of the breath that was trapped in my chest and nodded my head. Hangman helped me into the backseat of the plane and made sure I was comfortable before climbing into the plane himself.

"Ground control this is hangman, requesting clearance for takeoff."

"Hangman, you are cleared for takeoff."

The plane drove out onto the runway and the engines began to warm up with that familiar whine. I squeezed my eyes shut tightly and tried to focus on my breathing. I thought my heart was going to explode as we began our ascent into the sky. I was too focused on what I was feeling and trying to calm myself down that I hadn't realized that we leveled out.

"I hope you brought a camera with you because this sunset is beautiful." Hangman's voice spoke in my ear.

I slowly opened my eyes and saw the most beautiful array of orange and pink colors cascading over the cloudless sky. The sun was a vibrant orange color that reflected off the surface of the ocean in the distance.

In that moment there was silence. Comforting silence that brought peace. The peace you feel being in a familiar environment, an environment that you love. Suddenly, in that moment, I remember every reason why I did this. I remembered the feeling of my first flight all over again. This was what I was meant to do. This was my life, my passion.

"You okay back there?" Hangman asked through the intercom.

"I am. Thank you Jake." I replied sincerely.

The first person I wanted to tell was Rooster. The weird thing was, I haven't gotten a text back from him in three days. I understand how busy these things can get but it still had me worried. I sent him the picture anyway, proud of my accomplishment.

Next Chapter

[f1]

I have a lot of respect for him Stroll opens up on what its been like to work with two-time champ Alonso so far

Lance Stroll has enjoyed working alongside his new Aston Martin team mate Fernando Alonso so far this season, as he praised the two-time world champion's commitment to getting the best out of himself and the team each weekend. Alonso joined the Silverstone-based squad at the start of the season, and has gone on to finish in third place in four of the opening five races this season – with he and Stroll helping Aston Martin sit second in the constructors’ standings on 102 points. BARRETTO: Aston Martin look on course to become winners – but can they get there before time runs out for Alonso? While their performances behind the wheel of the AMR23 have received plenty of plaudits this year, the great relationship between the two drivers has also been a hot topic in the paddock so far. Alonso especially has been heard on the team radio telling his engineer to inform Stroll of which brake balance to use in Baku, before praising the Canadian’s overtaking in Miami, as he watched along on the big screens. Speaking in Miami about his relationship with Alonso, who he has known since he was 12-years old, Stroll said: “I wouldn't say we had a relationship back when I was 12. I was just a fanboy. But yeah, there's a great dynamic in the team at the moment. Alonso has finished on the podium in four of the opening five races so far this season “I definitely enjoy working alongside him. He's incredibly talented, knowledgeable, experienced, and hungry to get the most out of himself every day. I have a huge amount of respect for him, because he's been doing that for a long time. TREMAYNE: Alonso’s re-emergence is the feel-good story of 2023 – and his best chance of a win is coming soon “He's been at the top of his game for… how many years has he been in F1 now? Like, I don't know, more than 20 years? So, I think just to see that determination and focus and motivation every day, I have a lot of respect for that.” He added: “And, yeah, we have a great synergy in the team and the car’s been really nice to drive. I think we've been having a great relationship, and the sense that we're both trying to get more out of the car, every weekend. Stroll last finished on the podium at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix “As a team, collectively, just trying to come up with more ideas, and just better ideas and how to improve the setup, make it even better. I think that dynamic has been really good.” BEYOND THE GRID: Dan Fallows on directing Aston Martin's rise from midfield battlers to podium finishers While Alonso has made it in to the top three on four occasions so far this year, Stroll has yet to make his way onto the rostrum in 2023. But the three-time podium sitter – who last finished on the podium at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix – admitted it is a target. “Yeah, it is a long time ago,” said Stroll. “I mean, you know, I definitely want to be on the podium. But I’m just going to keep driving my car as fast as I can and, if it happens, then it happens and great. My job behind the wheel stays the same.” via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com

[dilemmaontwolegs]

Not A Verstappen: A New World {2}

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x fem!driver!reader x Lando Norris Summary: Unexpected allies and strange changes are happening both on and off the track. Warnings: 18+ only, mature content, we got another period WC: 2.4k F1 Masterlist NAV: Sibling Rivalry One || Two || Three NAV: Gridlocked One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six || Seven || Eight || Nine NAV: A New World One || Two || Three

Round One - Bahrain 2023 “Nice work out there,” Lance said as he clapped you on the back as you began your return to the motorhome smelling like champagne. 

“You too, not a bad start at all,” you said with a grin. It was the first race and already you had scored a podium for Aston Martin, albeit behind both Red Bulls. 

“Not sure your boyfriends would agree. Have you seen them yet?”

You sighed and shook your head. Charles had out-qualified you, both Ferrari’s starting a row ahead, but in the end he hadn’t been able to finish the race. Lando wasn’t much better, coming in last with who remained in the race. 

“I’ll hunt them down after I find my mum. She’s probably lost and confused by now.” 

“She’ll get used to the paddock soon enough. It must be good to have her finally come to your races.”

“I’m not sure she would say the same thing,” you chuckled. “Did you see how nervous she was at testing last week? Thought she was going to have an aneurysm when she heard my top speed.”

“Dad was like that when I started too.” Lance opened the door for you to the Aston Martin motorhome and grinned at the cheer that erupted. The race had only finished an hour ago and already the motorhome was being dismantled to move on to the next destination.

“One more race like that and we’ll already have more points than we had all of last year,” Lawrence said as he threw his arms around both you and his son. “Sensational! That’ll show the bastards at Red Bull they have a competition on their hands this year.”

“Can’t wait,” you smirked at the idea.

Lawrence squeezed your shoulder. “Show them what a mistake they made, alright?”

“With pleasure. Thank you for giving me the chance.”

Lawrence sighed and took a seat at an empty table, pointing you to the one opposite and he sent Lance off to get changed. “You’re a great driver, there’s no disputing that, so I’m happy to have you on the team - especially if you keep performing like you did out there. You could have an entire harem for all I care.”

“I’m happy with two, thanks,” you said with a laugh. “It does suck not being able to go out and celebrate though.” 

You had received a warning letter before the season began with an outline on which countries you would be arrested in for showing any PDA, same with Lando and Charles. Bahrain was one and the next stop in Saudi Arabia was another. Lewis had tried to speak up but his influence couldn't change the laws that were going to be upheld and there would be no leniency. 

“I’d rather not have to bail you out of jail so early in the season.”

“I can cover bail, just don’t rip up my contract,” you joked. “Please.”

“That wasn’t right. I have a daughter so I know full well the different treatment you ladies get no matter what you do.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice as he jutted a thumb over his shoulder, “They don’t even seem to remember Checo’s scandal in Monaco last year. It just goes to show that it wasn't because their ‘core values’ were breached. Red Bull is led by misogynists. End of.”

“Well don’t hold back, Mr Stroll.” You grinned at your boss and sat back in your seat feeling even more comfortable with your choice in employer. You had offers from Williams and Alfa Romeo, as well as a reserve driver for Mercedes, but you were glad you took the Aston Martin seat, even if green wasn’t your best colour. “I feel like I should set you up on a soap box outside their garage.”

“I’ve found they don’t pay much attention to words, we’ll just have to beat them instead,” he said as he rose from the table and wrapped his knuckles on the wooden top. “Have yourself a good evening.”

“You too, boss.”

After showering and searching the motorhome and failing to find your mum, you went in search through the paddock, finally locating her in McLaren’s hospitality. 

“One race and you ditched me already,” you said to her as you stole one of their bottles of water from the fridge. 

“I knew you were fine, so I thought I would check in on sweet Lando,” she said with a sad smile. “He’s not too happy with his result.”

You snorted a laugh and she slapped your arm as she shhh’d you. “What? No one jumps for joy at last place. It’s kind of obvious.”

“Just go and check on him okay? I’ll see you all for dinner later.”

You watched her navigate her way out and trusted that she could find her way back to Astin Martin. Kristian was staying in the same hotel so she was going to get a ride back with him while you rode with Lando and Charles after finishing the debrief and interviews. She had the endless patience of a saint, except when it came to the media.

You rapped your knuckles on the door before opening it and found Lando pacing the narrow space, his phone to his ear. “-least yours was a mechanical failure, my car is just shit. Oh, she just got here. We’ll see you soon. Love you.”

He tossed his phone onto the table and opened his arms, welcoming a warm embrace after the terrible performance he had endured. His chest was still damp from the shower and he smelt edible like a key lime pie when you kissed his collar bone. 

“Proud of you,” he murmured into your neck where he buried his face and inhaled your body wash too. 

“Proud of you too.” 

He pulled back and shook his head like he didn’t believe you and you caught his face in your hands, forcing him to face you. “I am proud of you, baby. What you did today was much harder than me…the fact you still finished the race and held your head high shows how resilient you are. I probably would have done a Kimi and just fucked off mid-race.”

His chest bounced with a small laugh because you both knew it was true. 

“You are going to be a world champion one day, I know it,” you swore as you pressed your forehead to his and felt him shake his head. “You don’t have to believe me, Lando. I believe in you. You deserve it, you have the raw talent - and one day you will have the car to match. Then you will be unstoppable.”

The door swung open as Charles let himself in and you delighted in the way his face lit up upon seeing you both opening your arms for him to join. “Mmmm,” he sighed as he closed his eyes and tipped his head onto Lando’s shoulder. “What a fucking day…Can we go home yet?”

Round Four - Baku 2023 You were a shoo-in for a podium place. It was in reach for the fourth race in a row, until the pain began. Sudden and strong, you nearly missed the corner as the ache in your abdomen grew to a point you couldn’t ignore it. You felt even bump in the road, every force of the turns, the pressure from your harness.

“Fuck,” you growled through gritted teeth. “How many laps left?”

“Five, why? Woah, your heart rate is through the roof,” Chris exclaimed, not nearly as calm as Nicholas would have been.

“Yeah, kind of happens when I’m in pain,” you retorted as you thought you could probably handle five more laps. There wasn’t another option anyway. 

By the penultimate lap Charles had overtaken you and you saw his helmet turn your way ever so slightly, like time slowed as he passed. There was no way to see under his visor but you knew there would have been a look of concern on his face.

“Try to at least maintain your pace, Sainz is currently gaining.”

“I’m fucking trying alright.”

You managed to remain in fourth position as you crossed the finish line and then returned to the pits to see Charles’ Ferrari taking the last podium parking spot. You would have liked to have parked there but if it had to go to someone else you were glad it was him. 

“Where’s Lando?”

“Ninth.”

You laughed happily at the news that he had also made it to the points again and turned off your engine to start unstrapping yourself. You reached between your legs for the buckle and swore under your breath as you felt the sticky residue on your race suit that was definitely not sweat.

Charles had been celebrating with his team before the final weigh in but when he returned to take a drink of water he noticed you still hadn’t climbed out of yours. He could see Lando’s car a few behind as he arrived but even he was touching down on the tarmac and pushing his steering console back into place.

“Charles, you’re up,” Max interrupted the step he took towards you. “What’s she doing? She’s not crying because she lost, right?”

“I don’t know,” he muttered half distracted before realising what Max had said and rolled his eyes. “She’s not crying.”

He seemed proven wrong when you pulled your helmet off your head and he saw tears streaming down your face. Max turned to Sergio and pointed to the interviewer waiting by the Sky News cameras. “Mate, can you go first?” They didn’t wait for an answer as your face contorted with pain and your head fell forward. 

“Baby, you alright?” Lando asked as he reached you first, reaching in and taking your steering wheel out for you as you shook your head. “Here, let me help you out.”

“I can’t get out of the car,” you admitted as tears of embarrassment wet your hot cheeks. 

“That's okay, I can carry you,” he murmured as he reached for you but you slapped his hands away. 

“I can’t get out of the fucking car!” you snapped, immediately getting the attention of Charles and Max who had arrived too, only increasing the anxiety that you were feeling. “Please, just get my pit crew to jack up the car and wheel me to the garage.”

“Why?” Max asked as he crossed his arms, but then they dropped as he barked a laugh. “Did you pee in the car?”

“Fuck off, twat,” you grunted as Charles hit him on the shoulder with a, “Mate, it happens, leave her alone.”

You hunched over and clutched your abdomen as a cramp wracked your body and a pained groan slipped out. “Oh, oh shit,” Lando reacted first, knowing exactly what was happening after surviving three of your menstrual cycles over the winter break. 

“Charles, Max, interview time.” 

They both glared at the FIA official but Lando nodded his head. “Go, I’ll take care of her.”

Three Days Later Your knee nervously bounced as you sat in the doctor's room. “I never get periods during the racing season, something must be wrong.”

“Well, your test results were all normal.” She pushed her glasses back up her nose as she changed the folders she was looking at. “Are you feeling stressed?”

You pondered the question for a moment, not really having realised how different life was in Aston Martin and not having to hide your relationship. “Not really, no.”

“But you used to be,” she noted as she read through her past comments on your file. “Stress, as you know, can upset your hormonal balance quite significantly.”

“So I’m getting my period again because I’m not as stressed? That’s inconvenient.”

“It’s how your body should function.”

“I need it to stop.”

Reaching into her drawer, she grabbed a few pamphlets and laid them across her desk. “There’s certainly options, but they could have other side effects.”

You left the office with a prescription in hand but you weren’t sure how your boyfriends were going to take the news. They were always concerned about your health and wellbeing that it could go one of two ways.

“I thought the hormones would mess with you,” Lando said as he shook the box and heard the rattle of the foil trays inside.

“They are messing with me now.” You dropped down onto the couch as he passed the box over to Charles to read. “Who knew Red Bull could be so stressful?” you mused.

“Pierre, Albono, Kvyat,” Lando listed with a smirk. 

“I think you should take them, if you think it will help,” Charles decided as he placed the box back in your hand.

“There’s only one way to find out,” you shrugged, cracking the foil seal on the first tablet. “Plus, we’ll save a fortune not having to buy condoms.”

“Wait, what?” Lando’s face lit up like a kid at Christmas. “I thought this was to stop your period.”

“I mean, it stops them, as well as having babies, like a two-for-one deal.”

“I could get on board that.” His lips curled up into a sexy smirk as he dropped into the space beside you and draped his arm across your shoulders. His body was already stirring at the idea and he looked up at Charles who had gone to get a glass of water for you. “Tell me you haven’t dreamt of this day.”

Charles rolled his eyes but didn’t refute him as he handed the glass over and watched you swallow the little pill. “Of course I have, mon cher.”

“Sorry, boys, it takes seven days to work. You’ll still have to wrap it if you want to tap it.”

It was mean but you took some pleasure in the collective groan they made.

“Block out your calendar,” Charles chuckled as he bent down and kissed you. “Seven days and we plan to absolutely ruin you.”

You squirmed at the thought, imagining the feel of their cum dripping from you after they filled you and it drove you feral. You grabbed Charles and pulled him onto the couch as he laughed at the sudden urge you had to feel his body on yours. 

“Tell us what you need, chérie,” he teased while Lando’s lips found your racing pulse.

Your core clenched and reminded you of the emptiness within. “You,” you begged as your hands disappeared up their shirts and felt the hard muscles beneath your palms. “I need you to ruin me.”

Click here for part three.

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[umgeorge]

"We're In A Battle of Fine Margins" - George and Lewis Preview China

With the first Chinese Grand Prix in five years set to take place in Shanghai this weekend, George and Lewis discuss the team's fortunes after the first four rounds of 2024.

Despite a challenging start to the season, both drivers can see the progress being made with W15, and the difference that could make in a tightly packed F1 grid. "We understand the car a little more after Suzuka. We definitely made improvements," said Lewis. George added: "Small things make a big difference to the overall. A tenth or two in qualifying and we are four places higher up the grid. "Formula One is extremely competitive. It has been a long time since we have had four teams fighting for that second position. We're in a battle of fine margins right now." A close fight indeed, but one we have been on the wrong side of in the past few races.

The Shanghai International circuit will offer a different test to the high-speed layouts of Jeddah, Melbourne and Suzuka, something the drivers also hope can also lead to an upturn in fortunes. "This weekend will be a good test of where we are," said George. "There is a lot more potential, and we have not optimised the car yet. We have things we need to improve, but it has only been four races. The previous few circuits have not suited the characteristics of our car. In Bahrain we qualified third and should have finished on the podium. If the season had started at three different tracks we would be in a different position." For Lewis, the weekend is a welcome return to one of his most successful venues. No one has won more around Shanghai (six) than the seven-time world champion. "The track is amazing. They made a great circuit and nothing has changed since I first came here in 2007," he said. "We'll try and bring what we learned from last time out and hopefully that finds us some performance."

Not only will this be the first visit to China since the new regulations at the start of 2022, it will also be the first sprint weekend at the circuit, and the first of the season. New rules for this year will see the addition of a second parc fermé period between the end of the sprint race on Saturday morning and grand prix qualifying in the afternoon, allowing teams to change their set-ups. Some sprint challenges remain though, notably the fact that teams will have just one hour of FP1 to get the set-up locked in for the two sprint sessions to follow. "With the nature of these tyres and how complex these cars are, there may be some surprises, but that is part of the sport now," said George. "It's the same for everybody and we will have to adapt. I trust the team will work their socks off to achieve that. I'm excited to see what that brings."

[dailyrugbytoday]

2024 World Rugby Sevens, Cape Town: NZ, AUS and Blitzboks aim to go back-to-back win.

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/2024-world-rugby-sevens-cape-town-nz-aus-blitzboks/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/2024-world-rugby-sevens-cape-town-nz-aus-blitzboks/

2024 World Rugby Sevens, Cape Town: NZ, AUS and Blitzboks aim to go back-to-back win.

On December 9 and 10, the World Rugby Sevens, Cape Town 2024 is scheduled to excite spectators, delivering a spectacle unmatched in the home of the Rugby 15 World Champions. The Springboks’ home ground, where rugby is possibly the most breathed in the world, will host the second round of the HSBC SVNS 2024.

The top 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams in the globe compete in the second round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens 2024 in Cape Town.

Those hosting Australia’s women and South Africa’s men top the standings after winning the Dubai inaugural round last weekend.

Samoa men and New Zealand women are defending their Cape Town championships, while New Zealand is the current champion in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Before the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, the redesigned HSBC SVNS will have seven regular season events in addition to a Grand Final with promotion and relegation up for grabs.

The men’s and women’s finals are scheduled for Sunday at 19:23 and 18:43, respectively, after the action gets underway on Saturday at 09:00 local time (GMT+2).

HSBC SVNS Live Streaming (Free Link)

2024 World Rugby Sevens, Cape Town: Blitzboks aim to go back-to-back on home soil

The HSBC SVNS CPT action kicks off at 09:00 local time (GMT+2) on Saturday with the pool matches. Day two begins at 09:00 on Sunday with the quarter-finals and culminates with the women’s gold medal final at 18:43, followed by the men’s final at 19:23 local time. Tickets are available from R150 at Ticketmaster.

As the Blitzboks look to win their first series tournament in Cape Town since 2015, forward Zain Davids feels his team owes its supporters “a performance they can be proud of.”

After a dismal 2023 season, South Africa’s men’s Emirates Dubai 7s squad began their HSBC SVNS 2024 campaign with a spectacular victory last weekend, thanks in large part to Davids.

The team will next compete in their home tournament at DHL Stadium. It was there, eight years ago, that they last stood on the podium against Argentina, defeating a side that included current squad members Justin Geduld and Rosko Specman in addition to Seabelo Senatla, Cheslin Kolbe, and Kwagga Smith.

Australia determined to maintain momentum in Cape Town

2024 World Rugby Sevens in Cape Town. In an attempt to capture a tournament title for the first time in Cape Town this coming weekend, Australia’s head coach Tim Walsh has pushed his team to continue where they left off in Dubai.

Australia won gold in the Emirates Dubai 7s, their fourth straight victory at The Sevens Stadium, led by Maddison Levi, who tallied a tournament-high 12 tries.

The winning campaign featured elimination victories over the USA, France, and Black Ferns Sevens, who stopped New Zealand’s 41-match winning streak in the championship match. These three teams were among the top four finishers in the 2023 series standings.

New Zealand teams progress in Cape Town

When New Zealand plays Great Britain in Cape Town on Saturday (kick-off at 09:00 local time) in hopes of winning the event three times in a row, they will be without their captain, Sarah Hirini.

In the Black Ferns Sevens’ second pool game at The Sevens Stadium against the same opponents, Hirini sustained a knee injury. She will therefore not be competing at the HSBC SVNS 2024 Cape Town; Tysha Ikenasio will represent the team in her place.

In the HSBC World Rugby Sevens SVNS Series season opener in Cape Town on Saturday, both New Zealand Sevens teams experienced some close calls before making it to the quarterfinals.

The defending Dubai Sevens winners South Africa defeated the All Blacks Sevens 21-19, while the undefeated Black Ferns Sevens skipper Sarah Hirini seemed to sustain a serious injury during their 43-7 thrashing of Britain.

The All Blacks Sevens secured second place in the group with the win and a loser’s bonus point. They will take against the United States in the quarterfinal on Sunday at 8:42 p.m.

NEW ZEALAND DEFEND CAPE TOWN TITLE

[weshipyourride]

Meet Bikeflights Ambassador Maria Doering

We caught up with Bikeflights Ambassador Maria Doering as she moved from North Carolina to Georgia, transitioning from undergraduate student-athlete to graduate student-athlete, a path that would have been unlikely had she stayed in her home country of Germany.

When Maria was growing up, she was eager to do whatever her older brother did. By age 10, despite not knowing other girls who mountain biked, Maria, like her brother, was traveling around Germany competing in mountain bike races.

“I just gradually got more and more competitive every year and wanted to do more races and take it more seriously,” she says, as she focused primarily on cross country and marathon-style mountain bike races.

After high school in Germany, athletes are typically faced with an either-or decision: Either continue to pursue sport, or continue with education. Fortunately she had some insight into a way to do both.

“I never wanted to just do one, and I had a friend who did the same with cross country skiing. He went to the US and was part of a college team. I thought that's a pretty cool opportunity to be part of a collegiate team and get your education but also get the support from the university to keep racing. So that made me want to come [to the US] and just pursue that path.”

Maria enrolled at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, fulfilling her desire to both obtain a degree in Business Administration and compete at a high level as a cyclist. It also allowed her to widen her scope of cycling disciplines beyond cross country to a variety of mountain bike disciplines like downhill, dual slalom, enduro and even road and cyclocross.

In 2022, Maria proved her off-road versatility and won a collegiate national championship in the individual omnium in which athletes compete in four disciplines: cross country, dual slalom, short track cross country and downhill.

It’s worth mentioning she’s already making a mark on her new collegiate team at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She won events in three mountain bike disciplines in the first weekend of racing.

But while pursuing a master’s degree in business and competing for the collegiate cycling team seems like a full plate, Maria has found time for the past two years to throw on a kit for the Bissell ABG Cycling Team out of Michigan, a primarily gravel-focused team.

“When I tried it out, I really loved it, because I really do love the adventure component of gravel racing. And the long distance thing fits me pretty well,” she says of jumping into the gravel world.

And despite spending most of her competitive cycling life on a mountain bike, Maria has once again shown her ability to adapt and excel in a new discipline, appearing on podiums at gravel’s premier races like Unbound Gravel, Barry-Roubaix and Rule of Three.

Not to be confined to competing off-road on wheels, Maria has shown further versatility competing in the off-road triathlon series XTERRA, taking fifth in the US championship in Colorado in August.

Between graduate business classes and racing with her SCAD teammates, Maria looks to continue her gravel success at Big Sugar in October and to hit the Michigan trails for Iceman Cometh in November.

As many Bikeflights customers know, sometimes it’s emotionally difficult to part with a beloved bike, reluctantly place it in a box, attach the Bikeflights label and say final goodbyes with no hope of ever seeing it again.

Last spring Maria found a new owner for her cyclocross bike, boxed it up and Bikeflights’ed it off into the sunset.

A week later, on the streets of Stillwater, Oklahoma, as thousands of anxious cyclists milled around waiting for the start of MidSouth, Maria and her bike were briefly reunited. It looked a little different, having lost all its gears but one and a new cyclist by its side, but it was still the bike she remembered.

“I thought it was kind of cool to see my bike there, only a week later.”

[dpinoycosmonaut]

THE BEST OF FIBA WORLD CUP 2023: A TRADITION UPHELD

by Bert A. Ramirez / September 18, 2023

Photo from FIBA.com

Basketball’s premier test, the FIBA World Cup, has been decided, but a look at its best individual performers is worth taking for dyed-in-the-wool roundball aficionados.  After all, this is the same event where the country, no matter how early in the sport’s history it was, and its greatest player ever, Carlos Loyzaga, first gained recognition.  Remember 1954?  That’s almost 70 years ago now but it was when the Philippines, led by King Caloy, achieved a podium finish in basketball’s World Cup (still called World Championship then), a feat that, to this day, no country in Asia has matched.

And Loyzaga, The Great Difference to fans and historians alike, was then among the five best players in the world, having been named to the event’s All-Tournament Team.

Fast forward to 2023, and for the first time in its history, the FIBA has come up not only with its traditional All-Star Five but also an All-Second Team to honor this year’s best individual performers.  People now know, of course, that Dennis Schroder, by virtue of his having led Germany to its first-ever world championship, won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, following Ricky Rubio of 2019 champion Spain who didn’t make it to this year’s competition, in winning the honors.

Schroder leads four other players on the tournament’s All-Star Five, which also includes Bogdan Bogdanovic of losing finalist Serbia, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of bronze-medal winner Canada, Anthony Edwards of fourth-placer USA, and Luka Doncic of seventh-placer Slovenia.

Photo from FIBA.com

Making it to the inaugural All-Second Team, meanwhile, are Arturs Zagars of surprise fifth-placer Latvia, Simone Fontecchio of No. 8 Italy, Jonas Valanciunas of sixth-placed Lithuania, Nikola Milutinov of Serbia, and Franz Wagner of the champion Germans.

If one would be more discerning, he would notice that all members of both teams, with the exception of All-NBA First Teamers Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic, belong to just the second tier of players in the NBA.  For that matter, Schroder and Rubio, the last two MVPs in the FIBA World Cup, are not even NBA All-Stars, and three of the players on the World Cup All-Stars – Zagars, Fontecchio and Milutinov – are not even in the NBA – yet.

But this doesn’t mean the quality of players in the FIBA World Cup is not at par with that of the acknowledged top pro league in the world.  If anything, the latest denouement of the world competition just proves two things – efficient teamwork and commitment to a system will always be an advantage in basketball wherever it is played, and, second, if one is to go with the concept of winning with the best individual players, it better be with an overpowering cast similar to the original Dream Team where the US won by an average of 45 points, the biggest average winning margin in Olympic history next only to the Bill Russell-led 1956 US team’s 53.5-point winning edge.

One, however, has to qualify that that one and only Dream Team was not only made up of great individual players – despite the fact that one, Larry Bird, was already hobbled and was in his last tournament, it turned out, before retiring – but also of players whose instincts for team play were unmatched and whose passing skills seemed to have been with them since birth.  Try Magic Johnson, Bird, John Stockton, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, who averaged no less than five assists in their careers, both in the regular season and the playoffs.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that this year’s FIBA World Cup standouts should be dismissed.  They deserve recognition as much as their more heralded predecessors in world competitions, whether it be the World Cup or the Olympics, and should thus be extolled.

Schroder, for one, proved that perseverance pays off in the end.  Having tied a dubious tournament record for most missed shots in a game when he shot just 4-of-26 from the floor in Germany’s 81-79 quarterfinal victory over Latvia, the 6-foot-1 point guard that has played for seven NBA teams delivered when it counted most.  He helped his team beat the US 113-111 in that fateful semifinal matchup with 17 points and a game-best nine assists, and then followed it up by scoring a game-high 28 points in the finals against Serbia, including a deft driving layup that iced the contest and the championship with 21.4 seconds left. 

Schroder averaged 19.1 points, 6.1 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals for the tournament as he deservedly won the MVP trophy.

Bogdanovic, meanwhile, was the most consistent player on the Serbia side, topping his team in scoring with 19.1 points while also norming 4.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals, sixth in the tournament.  He led the Serbians to their decisive 95-86 triumph over Canada with 23 points in the semifinals and had 17 points and a game-high five assists in the final.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who until he hit a rough patch against Serbia in the semifinals, battled for the tournament’s scoring championship, was one of the FIBA Worlds’ top all-around players, averaging 24.5 points, 6.4 boards, 6.4 feeds and 1.6 steals.  Gilgeous-Alexander asserted himself in that third-place game against his NBA counterparts on the US squad, putting up a big double-double with 31 points and 12 assists as he combined with Dillon Brooks to give the Canadians that historic first-ever podium finish.

Edwards, who assumed the role of primary scorer for the Americans with the absence of such guys as Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, led the US with 18.9 points while also averaging 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals.  He had a personal high of 35 points in a meaningless 110-104 loss to Lithuania in the second round.

Doncic was the tournament’s top scorer with an average of 27.0 points per game as he became the only player to score 200 points in this year’s games with 216.  This is besides averaging 7.1 caroms and 6.1 assists and finishing third in the games in steals with 2.5 per contest.  The Dallas Mavericks’ franchise star had 29 points, 10 rebounds, eight handoffs and three steals as the Slovenians salvaged seventh place with an 89-85 victory over Italy.

The All-Second Team, on the other hand, may not be that star-studded but it’s made up of players who were no less impactful in determining their team’s fortunes.

Zagars, for example, must have made a lot of heads turn by leading Latvia to a surprising fifth-place finish despite missing top player Kristaps Porzingis.  Zagars, a 6-foot-3 guard, averaged 12.4 scores and a team-leading 7.4 assists, orchestrating the Latvians’ team-oriented style that saw five of them average double figures in scoring and, most importantly, coming up big in the clutches.  In Latvia’s surprising 98-63 blowout of Lithuania for fifth place, for example, the 23-year-old Zagars set a World Cup record with 17 assists without a single turnover.  But Zagars’ coming-out party came during that heartbreaking 81-79 quarterfinal loss to Germany, during which he was red-hot with 24 points on 9-of-17 floor shooting while passing for eight assists, both game highs.

Fontecchio, meanwhile, normed 18.0 points and 5.6 rebounds as he continued to be one of Italy’s premier players.  In that 78-76 comeback win over Serbia, for example, which dealt the Serbians their only loss in the tournament before the finals and clinched for Italy a quarterfinal slot, the 6-7 Fontecchio had a game-best 30 points, seven caroms and three assists, hitting what turned out to be the marginal basket with 33 seconds left.

Valanciunas led Lithuania in both scoring and rebounding, finishing with norms of 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, which ranked sixth in the tournament, while also averaging 1.3 blocks.  The 6-foot-11 center, now with the New Orleans Pelicans, became only the second player after Jose Ortiz of Puerto Rico to have recorded multiple double-doubles in three World Cup tournaments since 1994.

Milutinov, meanwhile, was the second-best player on the Serbian team as he averaged 12.1 points and a team-best 8.4 boards.  The seven-foot center, who plays for the Greek League squad Olympiacos, provided Serbia its primary option inside in these games with his 66.1 percent shooting from the field.

Wagner, who injured his ankle right in Germany’s first game against Japan and subsequently missed the next four games, earned his slot for having been instrumental in the Germans’ historic championship triumph.  He averaged 16.8 points, a team-best 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the four games he played for the Germans, and it may be safe to say that his team wouldn’t have finished on top had he not recovered.   The 6-foot-10 forward, a two-year veteran with the Orlando Magic, played a crucial role in Germany’s 81-79 quarterfinal victory against Latvia, taking over when Schroder struggled with just nine points as he led his team with 16 points and eight caroms.  He also scored 22 in his team’s semifinal triumph over the US and, finally, capped his memorable campaign with 19 points in the championship match.

For the first time in the World Cup, the tournament has also come up with awards for the Best Defensive Player and Best Coach, and winning these seminal honors are Dillon Brooks of Canada and Latvia headman Luca Banchi.

Brooks, the feisty former Memphis swingman in the NBA now with Houston, was the primary defensive force for Canada, helping the Canadians to a crucial 100-89 victory over Doncic and Slovenia in the quarters with his physical one-on-one defense and holding down the US’ potent wing scorers in their 127-118 overtime victory over the Americans to clinch a historic bronze medal even while burning the hoops in this one with a tournament-high 39 points, including 7-of-8 from three-point range.  

Banchi, of course, might have done the most with the least by leading an undermanned but gallant Latvian squad to fifth place in its first-ever World Cup.  With Banchi orchestrating the Latvians, the latter showcased a beautiful brand of team basketball that saw them average 24.4 assists throughout the tournament, the most among the eight quarterfinalists and third among all teams, as they bucked the absence of Porzingis while overcoming a lot of other talented, more loaded teams.

This year’s FIBA World Cup might not have seen the best players right now with the missing NBA superstars from the game’s cradle, the US, along with what arguably may be the best big men in the world today, Nikola Jokic of reigning NBA champion Denver, who could have made a huge difference in Serbia’s campaign, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, who could have provided Greece an irresistible force on the floor, as well as such other stars as Jokic’s Nuggets teammate Jamal Murray of Canada, Domantas Sabonis of Lithuania, Al Horford of the Dominican Republic and this year’s top NBA draft pick Victor Wembanyama of France.

But, as Schroder, Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic have shown, the game wouldn’t be short of talent and elite brand of basketball as long as its practitioners will continue to move on with unbridled passion for the sport regardless of the circumstances and the continuum.  Loyzaga and company, among the game’s pioneers, had paved the way for today’s generation of players with what then was the best brand of basketball, and the best performers in this year’s World Cup have certainly upheld that tradition.