By TALES AZZONI, AP Sports WriterPARIS (AP) — Simone Biles reached the top of the podium yet again, cementing her legacy as the greatest American gymnast and one of the best athletes in the history of the Olympics.Biles helped the United States win t…
PARIS (AP) — Simone Biles reached the top of the podium yet again, cementing her legacy as the greatest American gymnast and one of the best athletes in the history of the Olympics.
Biles helped the United States win the women's team event Tuesday to secure her fifth Olympic gold medal and put the U.S. back on top of the sport after a second-place finish three years ago in Tokyo.
Biles became the most decorated American gymnast in front of a crowd that included Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, Spike Lee, Michael Phelps and Nadia Comaneci at a raucous Bercy Arena.
US' Simone Biles (R) and teammates celebrate after team USA won the artistic gymnastics women's team final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP) (Photo by LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 30: (L-R) Jade Carey, Sunisa Lee, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and Hezly Rivera of Team United States celebrate during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final on day four of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 30: Sunisa Lee (L) and Jordan Chiles (R) of Team United States celebrate with the national flag after winning the gold medals during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final on day four of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 30: Members of Team United States celebrate after Simone Biles' routine in the floor exercise during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final on day four of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
It was the eighth Olympic medal for the 27-year-old Biles, who was previously tied with Shannon Miller at seven.
Italy won the silver medal, and Brazil got the bronze.
There were no such triumphs in swimming for the Americans, who couldn't manage more than silver and bronze medals. In tennis, it was Coco Gauff left fuming over an officiating decision in a loss to Donna Vekic of Croatia.
There were no winners or losers in men's triathlon, which was as postponed because of concerns about the water quality in the Seine River amid a heat wave that made life difficult on some athletes and fans in Paris.
US swimming woes
Australian Kaylee McKeown knocked off world record holder Regan Smith of the United States in the 100 backstroke to defend her the title from the Tokyo Games.
Gold medalist Kaylee McKeown, of Australia, center, poses with silver medalist Regan Smith, of the United States, left, as bronze medalist Katharine Berkoff, of the United States, takes a group selfie, on the podium following the women's 100-meter backstroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Smith couldn't hold off the hard-charging Aussie, who touched the wall in 57.33 seconds to win by a relatively comfortable margin over Smith's 57.66. The U.S. also grabbed the bronze with Katharine Berkoff.
In the men's 800 freestyle, Daniel Wiffen won Ireland's first gold medal in swimming since scandal-plagued Michelle Smith won three events in 1996. Defending champion Bobby Finke of the U.S. got the silver.
The night's other gold medal went to Britain, which defended its title in the men's 4×200 freestyle relay, with the U.S. earning yet another silver.
Gauff upset
The scene felt all too familiar to Gauff. An officiating decision she was sure was wrong. A chair umpire who wouldn't listen. Tears streaming down her cheeks. And, most disappointing of all, a loss, this time at the Paris Games.
Even the site was the same: Court Philippe Chatrier was where the reigning U.S. Open champion was eliminated in the third round at the Summer Games by Donna Vekic of Croatia 7-6 (7), 6-2.
Coco Gauff of United States cries as she argues with umpire during her women's singles third round match against Donna Vekic of Croatia, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
That's also the main stadium used annually for the French Open, where Gauff found herself in a nearly identical dispute over a call while being defeated by eventual champion Iga Swiatek in the semifinals last month.
"There's been multiple times this year where that's happened to me — where I felt like I always have to be an advocate for myself on the court," Gauff said afterward, renewing a call for video review to be used in tennis, as it is in many other professional sports.
Also in tennis, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz advanced into the doubles quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-7 (2), 10-2 match tiebreaker victory over Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands.
No. 1-ranked Iga Swiatek defeated No. 52 Wang Xiyu of China 6-2, 6-4.
Triathlon postponed
The men's triathlon scheduled for Tuesday was postponed because of concerns about the water quality in the Seine River.
It was rescheduled for Wednesday, when the women's competition is also slated to be held. But both will happen only if water tests show acceptable levels of E. coli and other bacteria. Friday is also planned as a backup date.
There is rain forecast Tuesday night through Thursday, which could complicate rescheduling because rain generally causes an increase in bacteria levels in the Seine, the long-polluted waterway that has gone through an expensive cleanup effort.
"It's disappointing that there's this negative aspect now with the delay," American triathlete Seth Rider said. "But I hope we can have a triathlon and I can accomplish this dream that I've had since I was a little kid."
Heat wave
After enduring the rain in the opening ceremony, athletes now are having to deal with the heat.
Most of France is under heat warnings, with temperatures in Paris hitting 36 degrees Celsius (97 Fahrenheit), the national weather agency said. Air conditioning is far less common in French homes, shops and restaurants than in places like the United States.
The heat was even worse in the south, including the region around the Mediterranean cities of Marseille and Nice that are hosting Olympic competitions like soccer and sailing. It was as hot as 41 C (105 F) in parts of southern France.
Before winning the gold Tuesday, Biles posted a video on Instagram while struggling with the lack of air conditioning.
"Don't come for me about my hair," Biles wrote on Instagram before the gymnastics team final. "IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC and it's like 9,000 degrees. Oh & a 45 minutes ride."
Which travel mug is best?When it's go-time, many of us reach for liquid motivation in the form of hot, caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, making a good travel mug a necessity. At its best, a good travel mug can insulate hot and cold beverag…
When it's go-time, many of us reach for liquid motivation in the form of hot, caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea, making a good travel mug a necessity. At its best, a good travel mug can insulate hot and cold beverages alike, maintaining heat or preserving ice for hours. Whether you commute by car, public transit or on foot, a quality travel mug can be indispensable — and there are plenty out there to choose from. Our top pick, the THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug strikes a great balance of quality and value.
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Before hastily reaching for a truck stop travel mug, there are some considerations that will make the most out of your mobile beverage experience. Understanding what sets a quality travel mug apart from its second-rate competition is important.
Material
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Insulation
Aside from portability, a travel mug needs reliable insulation to keep your drink at the right temperature. A first-rate travel mug should be insulated, which is why it's a good idea to avoid cheap plastic models that trade convenience for quality. Many manufacturers note the estimated time of temperature retention in the product's details, making it easy to spot the right fit for your personal time frame. Some models claim to hold hot beverages at temp for up to five hours and cold drinks as long as ninr hours.
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What to look for in a quality travel mug
Leakproof lid
Nobody likes a leaky mug, so thankfully, more travel mugs are manufactured with leakproof and auto-sealing lids. Nobody wants their drinks dripping on them while on the go, so with a leakproof lid, you can carry your travel mug in your bag without worry.
Visual appeal
There are a few standard designs for travel mugs, which means there's bound to be a shape and size that fits your needs. Traditional travel mugs have either a tapered or tiered build with a bottom that fits universal cup holders. Modern mugs are skinny, sleek and easy to carry around. Stainless steel mugs are often silver and glossy, but there are also plenty of colors and designs to satisfy every taste.
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Most modern travel mugs have mouthpieces that are easy to access, but some still require twisting off a lid. We recommend choosing a travel mug that's simple to open and doesn't make it difficult to sip as you please. While traditional coffee mugs come equipped with a handle, many popular, modern mugs are slender enough to hold easily with one hand. If your mug is easy to handle, it will help make traveling simpler.
How much you can expect to spend on a travel mug
Most travel mugs range in price between $10 and $30, but there are newer "smart" temperature control mugs that cost from $100 to $200. Although there are some mugs under $10, they are usually not insulated or cheaply made, so avoid discount mugs.
Travel mug FAQ
Are travel mugs microwave-safe?
A. No. Unless a travel mug is made from 100% ceramic, you should avoid the microwave. Stainless steel, like all other metals, isn't safe to put in the microwave and could cause some serious damage. Plastic, on the other hand, could contain toxins that are released in a microwave. Check the bottom for a "microwave-safe" label, but you'll be better off keeping travel mugs away from your microwave.
Are travel mugs dishwasher-safe?
A. Most modern travel mugs are not recommended for the dishwasher because of the seams between the inner and outer insulation. Hand-washing with dish soap is the best way to keep your mug clean and mold-free. However, some are dishwasher-safe, according to their manufacturers.
What you need to know: The brand that has become synonymous with "travel mug" delivers an all-around winner with the King. The exterior stays cool to the touch while keeping your liquids hot for up to seven hours.
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What you should consider: This travel mug costs a bit more than other models, and the handle may feel awkward to some users.
What you need to know: This slender tumbler hides 18 ounces of liquid within a stainless steel, double-wall body that comes in a number of attractive visual designs.
What you'll love: It's a leakproof and shatter-resistant option with an easy-access flip-top lid.
What you should consider: It doesn't keep drinks hot or cold as long as more expensive mugs.
What you need to know: Another sleek and slim model, this mug keeps drinks at the right temperature for a long time — up to 7 hours for hot drinks and up to 18 hours for cold.
What you'll love: The West Loop is available in a variety of colors. Its auto-seal technology keeps it leakproof, which also means no spilling.
What you should consider: It can be difficult to clean, and some users complain of lingering smells and tastes.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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