Axios

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif defeated China's Yang Liu in a unanimous decision to win the gold medal in women's welterweight boxing (under 66kg) at the Paris Olympics.

Why it matters: Khelif has found herself at the center of gender controversy that has included a barrage of online hate fueled by mis- and disinformation.

Japan's Ami Yuasa, who competed simply as Ami, wowed the judges to win gold in the first-ever Olympic breaking (aka breakdancing) competition in Paris on Friday.

Why it matters: The sport, along with recently added events like speed climbing, skateboarding and BMX, is part of an effort to make the Olympics younger and more urban.

Sha'Carri Richardson, the sprinter whose star began shining when she was an Louisiana State University athlete, raced her way to Olympic gold in Paris on Friday as part of the 4x100m relay team.

Why it matters: She stared down her opponents on the way to her team victory.

Former President Trump expressed dismay at Joe Rogan on Friday after he expressed favor for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — which the podcaster later said was not an endorsement.

The big picture: Rogan had the most popular podcast in America last year and could be largely influential with his 14.5 million followers ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The U.S. women's basketball team defeated Australia 85-64 at Bercy Arena on Friday to advance to Sunday's gold medal game in Paris.

Why it matters: The U.S. women's hoops team, which features Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, A'ja Wilson and a host of WNBA All-Stars, has dominated throughout the tournament as it seeks an eighth consecutive gold medal.

U.S. track and field Olympian Noah Lyles tested positive for COVID-19, he said in a post-race interview on Thursday with NBC News.

The big picture: His health status was revealed after he ran and placed bronze in the 200-meter final.

Warriors guard Stephen Curry put Team USA on his back Thursday in a comeback win against Serbia in the semifinals of the Paris Olympic Games.

Driving the news: Team USA won 95-91 with Curry shooting 9/14 from three-point range, finishing the game with a team-high 36 points.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke her own world record, winning the 400-meter hurdles at the Paris Olympics in 50.37 seconds, with teammate Anna Cockrell taking the silver in 51.87 seconds.

Why it matters: It's the latest in a slew of impressive track performances by Team USA at the Paris Games.

Nonbinary Team USA runner Nikki Hiltz finished third on Thursday in their semifinal heat of the women's 1500-meter race to qualify for Saturday's final.

Why it matters: Hiltz, who also identifies as transgender, became the first openly transgender and nonbinary athlete to advance to an individual finals.