After an amazing start to The World Games on Friday, with speed skater Geiny Pajaro winning the first gold medal of the games for Colombia and veteran athletes Antonio Diaz (6 editions) Yukako Fukishima (6 editions) and Larysa Soloviova all competing, the action continues apace on day 2 in Birmingham. Fukishima stunned the spectators by taking her maiden gold at The World Games at the age of 52!
The History Makers
Trent Sabo has the chance to make history in the Sumo Wrestling. No American has ever won a gold medal in this powerful discipline. In Wroclaw, he came close, appearing in the final. His Russian opponent then is ineligible to compete in Birmingham, so Trent could well be the first home athlete to hear The Star Spangled Banner on the medal podium.
Fans favourite
In archery, the very popular Colombian Sara Lopez will be looking to hang onto her Compound title that she won in Wroclaw 2017. She will face stiff competition from her opponent in the Final last time round Toja Ellison, Slovenia and Tanja Gellenthein of Denmark.
Like Lopez, canopy pilot Curt Barholomew has a gold and silver medal from the editions in Wroclaw and Cali. The leading American parachutist will be swooping into the landing pool, with wife Jeannie again competing against Curt. The couple are known for their action videos, in Wroclaw they recorded themselves jumping out a plane in wedding costumes, as they found a novel way to celebrate their anniversary.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.