Sports

Marathon world record-holder Chepngetich suspended for positive doping test

MONACO (AP) — Women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended for a positive doping test. Track and field’s Athletics Integrity Unit announced the case. Chepngetich tested positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent in March. She opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU investigation continues. The Kenyan runner set the world record by almost two minutes at the Chicago Marathon last October in 2 hours, 9 minutes, 56 seconds.

Why the US might finally start calling soccer ‘football’

It is the world’s most popular sport and yet there is still debate over what it should actually be called. Is it football or soccer? U.S. President Donald Trump waded into the topic while at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey last Sunday. He joked that he could pass an executive order to bring the United States in line with much of the rest of the world and ensure that from now on Americans refer to it as football. Despite “soccer” being widely associated with the U.S., it is commonly accepted that the word was actually coined in Britain, perhaps as far back as the 1880s.

Von Miller signing 1-year deal with the Washington Commanders, AP source says

Von Miller is joining the Washington Commanders. Miller is signing a one-year contract with Washington, a person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press. The NFL’s active sacks leader posted to social media, “DC… What’s good?” with an automated image of him in a No. 24 Commanders uniform. The 36-year-old edge rusher’s deal comes a week before the start of training camp. Miller was cut by Buffalo in a salary cap-saving move in March after injuries derailed his time with the Bills.

British Open at Portrush starts with an Irish cheer. That’s how the last one ended

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — The 153rd edition of the British Open is underway at Royal Portrush. Padraig Harrington of Ireland had the honor of the opening tee shot. That was a fitting choice. He’s a two-time Open champion. And it meant the Open at Royal Portrush would start the way the last one ended with big cheers for an Irish golf shot. The last time here was 2019 when Shane Lowry ended it with a tap-in par to win the claret jug. Rory McIlroy is the favorite son of Northern Ireland and played in the afternoon. Scottie Scheffler was part of the morning wave.

Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood lead surprising days of the ‘older gentlemen’ at British Open

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) — Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are offering reminders that the British Open doesn’t discriminate against older players. Mickelson already won the PGA Championship at age 50 to set the major record. Now at 55, he shot 70 in the opening round at Royal Portrush. Lee Westwood is 52 and hasn’t played a major since he joined Saudi-funded LIV Golf in 2022. He went through qualifying this year and was atop the leaderboard for much of Thursday morning. He shot 69. Links golf is not always about distance so that helps. Westwood referred to his age group as older gentlemen.

Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte’s home burglarized during All-Star break

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Police are investigating a burglary at a home reportedly owned by Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte. The incident occurred Tuesday night while Marte was playing in the MLB All-Star game in Atlanta. Authorities describe it as a “high-dollar residential burglary” involving stolen personal items and jewelry. No one was home during the break-in. Records from the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office confirm Marte owns a property on the block. Marte contributed to the National League’s victory with a two-run double in the first inning. The investigation remains active, and no further details have been released.

12-year-old Yu Zidi of China takes stunning times to the world swimming championships

Yu Zidi of China is only 12 years old and has qualified for the world swimming championships in Singapore. Her performances have stunned the swimming world. Yu’s times in the 200- and 400-meter individual medley and the 200 butterfly rank among the best in the world this year. At the national championships in May, her times in the 200 butterfly and 400 IM would have placed her fourth in last year’s Paris Olympics. She’s also swimming faster at 12 than teenage Canadian star Summer McIntosh did at the same age. McIntosh has won three Olympic gold medals and holds the world record in both medley races.

The grueling 135-mile journey of a 66-year-old runner through one of the hottest places on Earth

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — For 37 years in a searing California desert, runners from across the globe have embarked on a 135-mile race through one of the hottest places on Earth. But few have completed what’s billed the world’s toughest foot race more times than Danny Westergaard. At 66 years old, Westergaard ran to the finish line of Badwater 135 through Death Valley for the 18th time this year during the park’s hottest season. The race takes place in July, when temperatures last year hit a record 129 F. But even as one of the most extreme places on the planet, Death Valley is not immune to climate change. Seven of its hottest summers have occurred in the past 10 years, and if climate change continues at its current pace, more places will end up like it.

Canada’s Olivia Smith signed by Arsenal for world record women’s soccer fee

Canada forward Olivia Smith has become the most expensive player in women’s soccer history at a reported one million pounds ($1.34 million) after Arsenal signed her from Liverpool. The new benchmark in women’s soccer would surpass the 900,000 pounds ($1.1 million) Chelsea paid when signing Naomi Girma from the San Diego Wave in January. Smith’s four-year deal on Thursday highlights the increase in spending in women’s soccer with transfer records regularly broken.

NHL schedule release: What to watch for next season, from Matthew Schaefer to more Ovechkin

The 2025-26 NHL schedule released Wednesday came with plenty of potentially intriguing matchups if they materialize. Top draft pick Matthew Schaefer could make his New York Islanders debut against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in October. Career goal-record holder Alex Ovechkin could also play his final game in the league against Crosby in April. In between, there are games in football and baseball stadiums in Florida, two in Sweden and a couple of days when all 32 teams are playing.