While everyone’s still talking about the NFL Wild Card Weekend (more on that below), I’d like to give a shout-out to college football. Specifically, my alma mater, because the Indiana Hoosiers are headed to the national championship to face off against the Miami Hurricanes next week. But with prices that rival the Eras Tour, I’ll be cheering loudly from my couch. Meanwhile, in women’s sports, Aryna Sabalenka is amping up the pressure — not only on the court, but on her boyfriend. Honestly, I’m on her side. And if you’re at all curious about what’s happening in youth sports, this fake brawl has really set off parents’ group chats. Thankfully, this moment on the slopes reminded us what really matters. Now, let’s get to the rest of it…
Our take: US women’s figure skating once set the tone for the Winter Games, carrying expectations that came with automatic podium talk. Then that certainty faded. The US women haven’t medaled in Olympic singles since 2006 — or won gold since 2002. This trio could be gliding into a new era. They represent the strongest American singles field since the Michelle Kwan era — not because of one breakout star, but because of their collective talent. Heading into Milan, the team finally looks less like a long shot and more like a real factor again.
