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Tom Goldman Tom Goldman is NPR's sports correspondent. His reports can be heard throughout NPR's news programming, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and on NPR.org.
Tom Goldman at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., September 27, 2018. (photo by Allison Shelley)
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Tom Goldman

Sports

Nearly 7 Decades Later, Vin Scully's Long Broadcast Will Soon Come To A Close

On Sunday, a legendary voice in baseball will be retiring. And when he does, Vin Scully, who has done the play-by-play for Dodgers games for 67 years, will leave behind several generations of fans.

Nearly 7 Decades Later, Vin Scully's Long Broadcast Will Soon Come To A Close

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Golfer Arnold Palmer, Who Gave New Life To A Staid Game, Dies At 87

Arnold Palmer acknowledges the crowd after hitting the ceremonial first tee shot at the 2007 Masters tournament. David J. Phillip/AP hide caption

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David J. Phillip/AP

The Two-Way

Golfer Arnold Palmer, Who Gave New Life To A Staid Game, Dies At 87

In the 1960s, Palmer became golf's first TV star. His good looks and charm were as important to promoting the sport as his 62 PGA victories. His competition with Jack Nicklaus also excited the fans.

Golfer Arnold Palmer, Who Gave New Life To A Staid Game, Dies At 87

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Sports

Hackers Release Data On 25 More Athletes From 8 Countries

Hackers who this week published confidential medical records of top U.S. Olympic athletes are at it again. The World Anti Doping agency confirmed the hackers released data on 25 more athletes.

Hackers Release Data On 25 More Athletes From 8 Countries

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For Blind Long Jumper At Paralympics, Success Depends On Teamwork

Guide Wesley Williams (left) lines up blind long jumper and sprinter Lex Gillette on the track before making a long jump during practice at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in San Diego. Gillette started losing his sight when he was 8 years old. Bill Wechter for NPR hide caption

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Bill Wechter for NPR

The Torch

For Blind Long Jumper At Paralympics, Success Depends On Teamwork

Lex Gillette, blind since childhood, competes with help from guide Wesley Williams. "Jumping into the air, it's like someone opens up this cage door and I'm able to go out and be free," Gillette says.

For Blind Long Jumper At Paralympics, Success Depends On Teamwork

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Decades After An Iconic Protest, Tommie Smith Has Something Else On His Mind

Tommie Smith (center) and John Carlos performed a Black Power salute at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Universal Images Group/Getty Images hide caption

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Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Sports

Decades After An Iconic Protest, Tommie Smith Has Something Else On His Mind

After winning gold at the 1968 Olympics, Smith raised his fist in protest and made history. But ask him about the race, and he'll ask you a question in turn: Why did his winning time seem to change?

Decades After An Iconic Protest, Tommie Smith Has Something Else On His Mind

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Sports

Athlete Activists Aren't New. Kaepernick Is Just The Latest

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is sitting through the national anthem to protest oppression of minorities. That prompted a debate about patriotism and contentious social issues.

Athlete Activists Aren't New. Kaepernick Is Just The Latest

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Sports

2016 Summer Olympics Close. How Did Rio Do?

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro ended Sunday night with closing ceremonies. American athletes did well in the games, though the ban of many Russian athletes hung over competition.

2016 Summer Olympics Close. How Did Rio Do?

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Sports

Bolt Wins 8th Gold Medal; Eaton Repeats As Olympic Decathlon Winner

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won gold again at Rio's Summer Olympics in the 200-meter race. And, Ashton Eaton became one of the few men in Olympic history to repeat as a decathlon champion.

Bolt Wins 8th Gold Medal; Eaton Repeats As Olympic Decathlon Winner

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When Swimmers Get Out Of Sync, The Result Can Be A Kick In The Head

Anita Alvarez and Mariya Koroleva compete in the women's duets synchronized swimming technical routine preliminary on Monday in Rio de Janeiro. Koroleva has suffered several concussions over the years. Al Bello/Getty Images hide caption

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The Torch

When Swimmers Get Out Of Sync, The Result Can Be A Kick In The Head

Synchronized swimming is known for its demanding precision. Less known are the injuries, like concussions, that can occur in athletes perfecting and performing the moves requiring that precision.

When Swimmers Get Out Of Sync, The Result Can Be A Kick In The Head

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Sports

Doping Returns To Spotlight As Olympics Shift To Track And Field

Olympics attention shifts to track and field this week. And while fans may be tired of hearing about doping, it's unavoidable seeing that more than a hundred Russian athletes are unable to compete in the Rio Olympics for using banned drugs.

Doping Returns To Spotlight As Olympics Shift To Track And Field

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Sports

Jamaica's Usain Bolt Retains Title: World's Fastest Man

Bolt passed all challengers to win the men's 100 meters in Rio for an unprecedented third time. He's attempting to do exactly what he did in 2008 and 2012 — win the 100, the 200 and the 4x100 relay.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt Retains Title: World's Fastest Man

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Sports

Among Exciting Events, Shooting Emerges As A Boring Olympic Sport

There's no shortage of excitement in Olympic sport. Everywhere, it seems, there's adrenaline and athleticism on full display. So is there such a thing as a boring Olympic sport?

Among Exciting Events, Shooting Emerges As A Boring Olympic Sport

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Sports

It Was A Gold Day For The USA In Rio Summer Olympics

Swimming sensation Michael Phelps added to his gold medal tally and, for the first time, an African-American female swimmer won gold. And, the U.S. women continued their dominance in gymnastics.

It Was A Gold Day For The USA In Rio Summer Olympics

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U.S. Swimmers Dominate Rio Olympics In Exceptional Showing

Gold medalists, left to right, Katie Ledecky, Allison Schmitt, Leah Smith and Maya DiRado of the United States pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 4 x 200 meter freestyle relay final Wednesday. Clive Rose/Getty Images hide caption

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Clive Rose/Getty Images

The Torch

U.S. Swimmers Dominate Rio Olympics In Exceptional Showing

Wins by Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps have helped American swimmers dominate the competition in what is proving to be an exceptional Olympic showing.

U.S. Swimmers Dominate Rio Olympics In Exceptional Showing

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Sports

Crowd Boos Russian Swimmer Caught Up In Doping Scandal

The Russian athletes competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics have made strong showings in men's gymnastics and women's swimming. But fallout from an earlier doping scandal taints any accomplishments.

Crowd Boos Russian Swimmer Caught Up In Doping Scandal

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