Better too early than too late: Because of the uncertainties caused by climate change, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has postponed the awarding of the 2030 Winter Games. The selection commission responsible will now be given more time to examine all factors. The topic of sustainability is suddenly on the agenda - the commission must now clarify how sustainable winter sports are possible despite global warming. We think so: That sounds like a good plan!
It's the return of a classic: Starting next year, the Hopman Cup will once again be played on the tennis tour. However, the mixed nations competition, which originally started in Australia in 1989, will be held at a new venue. Starting in mid-July, it will be held in Nice. Incidentally, 30 years ago - in 1993 - Steffi Graf and Michael Stich won the tournament for Germany for the first time. In this anniversary year, it could be something for Germany again, couldn't it?
It is the Cuban boxing revolution. Cuba, one of the leading nations in men's boxing, allows women to enter the ring again after more than 60 years. After Fidel Castro's revolution, this had been banned because it was too dangerous. The Cuban sports authority now justified the change of course with the equality of men and women, which has been anchored in the constitution since 2019. It is possible that we will soon see Cuban boxers at the Olympics - because women's boxing has been an Olympic sport since 2012.
He is the fastest debutant in marathon history: Kelvin Kiptum from Kenya won the marathon in Valencia with an outstanding time of two hours, one minute and 53 seconds. In his first marathon, the 23-year-old was just 44 seconds off the world record set by Eliud Kipchoge, also from Kenya, in Berlin in September. Kiptum, who thus ran the third-fastest marathon of all time, will now chase Kipchoge - the world record is already wobbling again.
The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) has written noble words on its banners. In its preamble, the federation now commits to "fundamental respect for all nationally and internationally recognized human rights." DOSB President Thomas Weikert says that after the debate about the controversial soccer World Cup in Qatar, "sustainable approaches" are needed. German Olympic officials will have to be judged on this in the future. We are curious - and hope that the DOSB has more staying power than the DFB.
Snow gives wings: Katharina Althaus was able to win the women's ski jumping World Cup in Lillehammer. It was the 26-year-old's first victory this season - and it was the first jumping event that could take place on snow. Due to lack of snow, the previous jumps were on mats. We now hope for a snowy winter, because snow apparently gives wings.
Now it's 30, but soon it will be 29, 28, 27 for sure: Francesco Friedrich's countdown in the bobsleigh World Cup is on. The 32-year-old wants to reach 100 World Cup victories and thus become the most successful winter sportsman of all time. Friedrich claimed his 70th victory with his team in Park City. The next stop is Lake Placid - where the countdown continues.