Ledecky stunned in 400 free at worlds; Sun wins record title
GWANGJU, South Korea (AP) — Katie Ledecky is usually there in the end, her endurance powering her to the wall well ahead of the competition.
Someone else got there first at the world championships on Sunday night.
Ariarne Titmus of Australia chased down Ledecky over the last lap to win the 400-meter freestyle and deny the American star a record fourth straight title. It was Ledecky’s first defeat in the event at a major international meet since 2013.
“This stings a little,” Ledecky said. “It’s not what I’m used to.”
China’s Sun Yang was able to do what Ledecky could not: win his record fourth consecutive title in the men’s 400 free.
As expected, it didn’t come without controversy.
Sun’s rival, Mack Horton of Australia, ignored Sun on the medals podium. They didn’t shake hands and Horton didn’t even step onto the podium; instead he stood behind it when given his silver medal.
Titmus overcame a 0.62-second deficit going into the last lap and won by 1.21 seconds over Ledecky. The 18-year-old Aussie touched in 3 minutes, 58.76 seconds.
“I knew that I probably had that in me,” Titmus said, “but, yeah, it’s pretty surreal at the moment.”
Ledecky finished in 3:59.97 — well off her world record of 3:56.46 set at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
“She ran me right down,” the American said.
American Leah Smith took bronze in 4:01.29.
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The Latest: Harold Baines inducted into Baseball HOF
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Harold Baines has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The soft -spoken Baines never displayed much emotion in his 22-year career, but his voice cracked throughout his speech.
“Somehow I acquired a reputation for not saying much. I’m not sure why,” he deadpanned at the start. “From teachers to coaches who showed me kindness and discipline, I thank you all for what you’ve done for me. If I can leave you with one message, it’s to give back to your community. I stand here very humbled. It has taken time to sink in.”
Baines, the first overall pick in the 1977 draft by the White Sox, played 22 seasons for the White Sox, Rangers, Athletics, Orioles and Indians, was a six-time All-Star, and twice won the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award. An eight-time .300 hitter who reached the 20-homer mark in 11 seasons,
Baines drove in at least 90 runs eight times and ranks 34th on the all-time list with 1,628 RBIs. He retired with 2,866 hits and 1,628 RBIs, one of only 17 players in MLB history to have reached both 2,800 hits and 1,600 RBIs.
Baines saved his last moments to pay tribute to the White Sox and to his family, thanking his mom and dad and wife Marla, who also had to hold back tears.
“You are the true Hall of Famer of our family,” Baines said as he looked out at his wife. “The game has given us a lot of shared moments, memories like today. Your presence here today makes my journey complete.”
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Simone Biles takes gold medal at US Classic gymnastics
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Simone Biles had a lot to feel good about, even with some rare missteps that were quickly forgotten in her latest climb atop another podium.
What mattered most to the world’s top gymnast was keeping things moving forward, which Biles did.
Biles won the U.S. Classic on Saturday night to maintain her six-year winning streak.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion had an all-around score of 60.000, 2.100 points ahead of runner-up Riley McCusker. Grace McCallum was third at 57.700.
Biles won her 19th consecutive all-around title beginning with the 2013 U.S. Championships. She surged from fifth following the first rotation on the uneven bars into first on the next. She had the highest score in the vault (15.650), though Jade Carey won the event with a two-vault average score of 14.800.
Pinot strikes again in Pyrenees, Alaphilippe stalls
FOIX, France (AP) — When one French rider starts to fade, another comes to the fore. One way or the other, France may still be on course for its first Tour de France winner since 1985.
Dancing over his saddle, his mouth wide open and gasping for air, Thibaut Pinot launched a ferocious attack Sunday and profited from the first signs of weakness in the high mountains from French race leader Julian Alaphilippe to edge closer to the yellow jersey in the overall standings.
Ascending the last uphill finish in the Pyrenees with a display of power and fluidity that signaled that he’ll also be a major contender to win the Tour, Pinot gained time on all his rivals for the second consecutive day following his triumph at the famed Tourmalet mountain in the previous stage.
Heading to the second and final rest day Monday ahead of what promises to be a climactic final week in the Alps, the race is exquisitely poised. Six riders are all within 2 minutes, 14 seconds of each other at the top of the standings.
The six terrible ascents above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in the Alps, peppered over three mountain stages, will likely decide who will stand on top of the podium on the Champs-Elysees next Sunday.