sports

When it comes to sports in Texas, football is king, but the state is also home to athletes in an increasingly popular contact sport: mixed martial arts.

As we enter the final days of the Tokyo Olympics, the Americans lead all countries with 96 total medals. China has the highest number of gold medals, 34. But the U.S. women's basketball and volleyball teams both won semifinal games that allow them to play for gold. Plus, the U.S. men's baseball and basketball teams are also playing for gold.

There is a rich history, culture and legacy of Black cowboys in Texas and the nation that’s been underrepresented in history and popular culture.

Star gymnast Simone Biles is set to return for the balance beam event. Over the weekend, some athletes had a chance to reach the podium but fell short. Still, the U.S. leads the medal count at 64. China is hard on its heels with 62 medals, 29 of which are gold.

Cyclist Phil Gaimon was competing in a race that could have won him a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. Instead, a crash landed him in two hospitals where his out-of-network surgeries garnered huge bills.

A couple of Texans had shots at medaling on Thursday evening and Friday morning, but both missed the mark. Still, the U.S. leads all nations with 41 total medals. China is close behind with 38 medals, 18 of which are gold.

The U.S. continues to lead all countries with 30 medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. But the country's most decorated gymnast has exited competition due to stress and concerns over her own well-being.

Among the recent positive cases is U.S. basketball player Bradley Beal, who won't play at the Tokyo Games. Across the U.S., games are on and fans are filling stadiums as coronavirus infections rise.

A new attack ad targeting Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock blames a "radical left woke crowd" for moving the game out of Atlanta. It will air during the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game.

The torch relay shows the organizers' determination to proceed with the Games, despite public skepticism. It is set to crisscross the country and arrive at the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23.

"I am honored to be selected as an NFL official," said Maia Chaka, a teacher in the Virginia Beach area. "It is an accomplishment for all women, my community, and my culture."

Running organizations have scrambled to set up "virtual" races in place of huge marathons.