EDITOR’S NOTE
While everyone’s still talking about the NFL Wild Card Weekend (more on that below), I’d like to give a shout-out to college football. Specifically, my alma mater, because the Indiana Hoosiers are headed to the national championship to face off against the Miami Hurricanes next week. But with prices that rival the Eras Tour, I’ll be cheering loudly from my couch. Meanwhile, in women’s sports, Aryna Sabalenka is amping up the pressure — not only on the court, but on her boyfriend. Honestly, I’m on her side. And if you’re at all curious about what’s happening in youth sports, this fake brawl has really set off parents’ group chats. Thankfully, this moment on the slopes reminded us what really matters. Now, let’s get to the rest of it…
— Mallory Simon / Writer / NYC
Let's Discuss
Blades of Glory, Milan Edition
What’s going on: If figure skating fell off your radar sometime after Ice Princess, it’s time to tune back in: Team USA’s Olympic roster for Milan is locked, and it’s loud. World champs Ilia Malinin (aka the Quad God) and ice dance stars Madison Chock and Evan Bates headline the team — but women’s singles own the moment. Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito delivered statement skates at nationals, with Glenn and Liu posting historic scores. Glenn nailed a triple axel to “Like a Prayer.” Liu went full Gaga, debuting a new routine and hairstyle with its own long-term plan. Levito glided through her program like gravity signed a noncompete. And off the ice, the trio feels like an actual squad — funny and fully hyped for each other — something you rarely see in singles skating, especially among the women (you know what we mean). If there’s a group chat, consider this our application.
Our take: US women’s figure skating once set the tone for the Winter Games, carrying expectations that came with automatic podium talk. Then that certainty faded. The US women haven’t medaled in Olympic singles since 2006 — or won gold since 2002. This trio could be gliding into a new era. They represent the strongest American singles field since the Michelle Kwan era — not because of one breakout star, but because of their collective talent. Heading into Milan, the team finally looks less like a long shot and more like a real factor again.
Related: Oscar de la Renta’s First-Ever Skating Costume Is Gold-Medal Worthy (Instagram)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
📸 Julia Roberts hit the Golden Globes red carpet — and accidentally revealed her true football colors. Hope she didn’t run into Bradley Cooper.
🏒 Pro hockey players aren’t pucking around with these fashionable game-day fits. We credit Heated Rivalry.
👏 Ilona Maher responded to a body-shaming troll with facts, confidence, and zero mercy.
💸 Ben Affleck’s teenage son asked for what? Sports interests really have changed since we were young.
👀 Simone Biles made her Bears playoff coat impossible to ignore. See why it has us wondering if DIY was involved...
😍 Josh Allen’s reaction to Hailee Steinfeld’s red carpet look did not miss. So much was said with two emojis.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
The NFL Wild Card Weekend was, well, wild. Is it really anyone's game?
The road to Super Bowl LX is nothing short of unpredictable. The 49ers clipped the Eagles’ wings, ending their chances of defending their title. The Bears are still on a high after an incredible fourth-quarter comeback over the Packers. Meanwhile, the Rams — who scored a game-winning touchdown with about 35 seconds left last weekend — and the Bills are still in the running. QB Matt Stafford leads his team with Super Bowl experience that could point to a Bills vs. Rams matchup in February. But first, they’ll have to make it past the divisional round, which starts Saturday. Only four teams will advance, and we can only imagine it will be just as wild as last weekend.
Related: This Is the NFL’s Top-Selling Jersey of the Regular Season (NFL)
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for the New York Jets and co-host of Well Played.
The Press Box
This week on Well Played, Paralympic medalist Ali Truwit stopped by to talk about walking in the Sports Illustrated fashion show after losing her foot and part of her leg in a shark attack, and the mindset shift that helped her train for the Paralympics (it’s a good one). Plus, she shared how her work with the “Love, Your Mind” campaign helps support her mental health. Watch the full conversation here.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
PSA: The Winter Olympics start in three weeks. We’ll be living in this Abercrombie sweatshirt to get into the spirit.
Finally, a chic tennis look that was built for playing in cold winter weather.
These cozy merino wool leggings are the only thing getting us through morning workouts. Plus, they’re on sale.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
No Notes
Photos: David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire, Jamie Squire, Kevin Mazur, Matthew Stockman, Mitchell Leff and Rudisill via Getty Images | Design: theSkimm
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