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Gold, Glory, and Still Fighting for Respect

What's going on: If you want something done right, send a woman. For the third consecutive Winter Games, the women on Team USA won more medals than their male counterparts — and they took home as many golds as entire countries. It’s thanks to athletes like Alysa Liu, who ended a 24-year drought for US women’s figure skating. And Mikaela Shiffrin, who overcame setback after setback to win gold. Plus, we can’t forget the US women’s hockey team’s revenge over Canada. Or moms like Elana Meyers Taylor, who kept it real when she won. The first person she hugged? Her nanny. We could go on and on about the women who reached the podium, but the point is clear: Women make up America’s winning formula.

Our take: Their success isn’t an accident. It’s the result of hard work, resilience, and policies like Title IX, which further opened the door for girls to play sports — and paved the way for leagues like the PWHL to exist. This was the most gender-equitable Winter Olympics yet, proof that women’s sports are making progress. And still, there’s a long way to go before these athletes receive the proper respect and recognition they deserve. From WNBA CBA negotiations to advocating for basic resources, and even a viral presidential phone call, women athletes have to fight to be seen and celebrated. Women are done settling — for the joke invite, the smaller contract, the afterthought. And since Milan? It’s hard to argue they haven’t earned more. 

Related: These Photos From the Olympics Are Unlike Anything You’ve Seen Before (NYT Gift Link)

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Timeout...

Caroline Hendershot, reporter for the New York Jets and Well Played co-host, tackles listener Qs.

Why is the NFL combine such a big deal?

For NFL prospects, the combine can help decide their future: Will they be drafted or not? The annual showcase brings together top college football prospects, who perform physical and mental tests for coaches, general managers, and scouts. Think of it like that PE fitness test in high school…but on steroids. Athletes have to complete the 40-yard dash, bench press, and vertical jump, as well as undergo interviews and medical exams. While most NFL teams have a good idea of who they’d like to draft, the results can play a big role as coaches try to narrow their selections down to just one per round.

Related: Why the Steelers Hope Aaron Rodgers Doesn’t Need To Go to Egypt This Time (Sports Illustrated)

In Our Rotation

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

If you’re in the market for a new water bottle, we rec this one. The soft silicone rolls up, so you can easily take it with you on the go. 

Hollister is running a buy-one-get-one-50% off sale on its clearance items. These baggy sweats are perfect for heading to and from the gym.

These polarized sunglasses keep out the glare while you’re walking, driving, or running errands around town. We like the designer look, without the designer price tag.

No Notes

Skimm'd by Mallory Simon and Maria del Carmen Corpus. Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone.