A Raleigh high school student is now among the elite swimmers who have successfully crossed the English Channel.Lorelei Schmidt, a 17-year-old student who swims for the Marlins of Raleigh swim team, completed the feat Friday morning.Schmidt recently posted a video on Instagram showing part of her swim.She completed the 21-mile journey between England and France in 12 hours and 32 minutes.ABC11 spoke with Schmidt while she was training for the crossing. She said her passion for open-water swimming began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when pool closures pushed her to train in open water.SEE ALSO | Hoops Night gives Raleigh teens chance to connect with officersDownload the ABC 11 news app |ABC11 North Carolina Apps for Connected TV, Mobile News, Echo

Lane Johnson has been one of the constants for the Philadelphia Eagles for more than a decade. The veteran right tackle returned for his 14th NFL season this summer after spending the offseason considering whether he wanted to continue his career.The Eagles have already seen how different their offense can look without Johnson. He missed eight games in 2025, including Philadelphias playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, after suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury. The Eagles went 3-5 after he left the lineup.Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, Johnson offered another glimpse into what could come next in his career.MORE:4 NFL quarterbacks facing most pressure to deliver in 2026Lane Johnson provides major update on Eagles futurePhiladelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson (65). Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesSpeaking to reporters Saturday, Johnson acknowledged that his time in Philadelphia could be nearing its end.Its looking this will potentially be my last year, Johnson said, via Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane.The comment does not make his retirement a certainty, but it adds another layer to a decision Johnson has been weighing for some time. He previously confirmed in February that he would return for the 2026 season after uncertainty surrounding his future.At 36, Johnson is entering his 14th NFL season and remains a central piece of Philadelphias offensive line. He also has a contract that runs through 2027, giving him flexibility beyond this season.Lane Johnson has built a decorated NFL careerJohnson arrived in Philadelphia as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and has spent his entire career with the Eagles. He has made six Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors five times, according to the Eagles.He has also been part of both of Philadelphias Super Bowl championship teams, winning Super Bowl LII during the 2017 season and Super Bowl LIX during the 2024 season. Johnson is the only offensive lineman in Eagles history with multiple Super Bowl titles.Johnsons future will remain a storyline throughout the 2026 season. In the meantime, he is focused on another season protecting Jalen Hurts and helping Philadelphia chase another championship. Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

Irish PremiershipCarrick Rangers 1 - 0 Portadown FTPaul Heatley scored the only goal of the game as David Jeffrey's return to Irish Premiership management with Portadown ended in a 1-0 defeat by Carrick Rangers at Taylors AvenueThere was controversy inside the opening two minutes Heatley, who had broken through, went down following a tangle with Jack Scott, but referee Steven Gregg waved play on.However, the Ballyclare official was forced to reach for his red card on 26 minutes to dismiss Portadown's Liam Jessop for a high challenge on Michael Place.Soon after, Carrick's Danny Gibson smashed a shot against the post and then, in a rare Portadown attack, Eamon Fyfe fired over in a crowded goalmouth.Carrick came close on the hour mark when Jordan Forsythe's firm header from Benjamin Buchanan-Rolleston cross was superbly turned away by Aaron McCarey.But just two minutes later Carrick were in front when Gibson's cross from the left was only half-cleared by Rhys Breen and Heatley was on hand to smash a shot past McCarey.

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There is always baseball happening almost too much baseball for one person to follow themselves. Don't worry, we're here to help you by figuring out what you missed but shouldn't have. Here are all the best moments from last night in Major League Baseball: There's being on a run. Then, there's what the Boston Red Sox are doing. By demolishing the Athletics at Fenway Park on Friday night, 13-1, the Red Sox (64-51) have now won 27 of their last 30 games and are just a half-game back of the New York Yankees for the first American League wild-card seed. As for the offensive onslaught, Boston plated five runs in the bottom of the second inning, four runs in the fourth and had back-to-back two-run innings in the sixth and seventh. Every starting position player recorded a hit for the Red Sox, who collectively had six doubles, 15 hits and got a two-run home run from left fielder Jarren Duran in the second. On that note, seven Boston starters drove in a run, with right fielder Wilyer Abreu driving in a game-high three runs. Meanwhile, left-hander Payton Tolle was dominant over six innings for the Red Sox, surrendering just one run and two baserunners (two hits) and racking up 14 strikeouts. Raymond Burgos pitched three scoreless innings of relief for Boston. On the season, Tolle, who's in the midst of his first full MLB season, boasts a 3.20 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and a 128 ERA+, while having totaled 124 strikeouts over 107.0 innings pitched. The Red Sox can't stop winning. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers haven't won a game since acquiring two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and have lost seven consecutive games dating back to July 31 and the latest loss was arguably the most painful of all for Los Angeles. The Dodgers took a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth against the Arizona Diamondbacks and sent their star closer, Edwin Daz, to the mound, which is when disaster struck. Max Kepler walked to lead off the inning for Arizona, with Tim Tawa later going down out on strikes. Then, Ryan Waldschmidt happened, as the center fielder lined a walk-off home run to center field for a 4-3 D-backs win. The 2026 season has been rough sledding for Daz, who missed roughly three months due to elbow surgery and has an 11.00 ERA and a 2.44 WHIP. Arizona got its other two runs in the dramatic win on a Nolan Arenado solo home run in the bottom of the second and an RBI triple from shortstop Geraldo Perdomo in the fifth. The Dodgers got their three runs on a sixth-inning force-out, a seventh-inning RBI single from second baseman Tommy Edman and an eighth-inning solo homer from center fielder Andy Pages. While Los Angeles (69-47) still holds a 7.5-game lead on Arizona (62-55) for first place in the National League West, it has slipped to the No. 3 seed in the NL playoffs. The Dodgers' seven losses have come in the form of being swept at home by the surging Red Sox, being swept on the road by the Chicago Cubs and the Friday night loss to the D-backs, who swept the Dodgers in Los Angeles in the final series before the MLB All-Star break. The play of the night in the sport goes to Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll. With Edman at the plate in the top of the third, Carroll was playing in shallow right field. Edman proceeded to hit a long fly ball to right field, forcing Carroll to have to make up extensive ground to chase the ball down at the wall, but he did just that, getting to the spot before the would-be homer, jumping up and robbing Edman of a solo home run. The three-time All-Star boasts eight defensive runs saved in right field this season. Sticking with being on a run, the New York Mets, who traded a quarter of their big-league roster at the MLB trade deadline, have caught fire on their Midwestern road trip this week. Beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-4, the Mets have now won four consecutive games. The scoring started in the opening frame for New York with an RBI single from left fielder Carson Benge, who singled home another run in the third. As for the rest of the third inning, second baseman Marcus Semien gave the Mets separation with a three-run home run to left field. The Mets' sixth run came on an RBI single from shortstop Francisco Lindor in the fourth, and they got five scoreless innings from starter Zac Thornton, who sports a 2.52 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and a 165 ERA+ over his first seven MLB starts. Benge, who's in his first season at the MLB level, is 5 for his last 8 and has recorded a hit in four straight games. Elsewhere, fellow rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing tallied a game-high three hits against the Pirates. The Mets previously swept the Cleveland Guardians. Speaking of the Guardians, they had their way with the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox in their home park. Outfielder ngel Martnez commenced the scoring for Cleveland with a two-run single in the top of the first, with the Guardians later having a five-run fifth inning. In said inning, Martnez unloaded on a grand slam to right field, giving him six RBIs on the night, and catcher Austin Hedges brought home a run on an RBI single. The Guardians got an eighth run on a sixth-inning solo homer from outfielder Steven Kwan. On the hill, the Guardians got another stellar outing from Parker Messick, who was an AL All-Star. Over seven innings, the left-hander, who's in his first full season in an MLB rotation, gave up just two runs and five baserunners (four hits and one walk) while logging eight strikeouts in an 8-2 Cleveland win; Franco Aleman pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Messick, who sports a 2.57 ERA and 4.3 wins above replacement over 23 starts. The Guardians (58-59), who previously lost five of their last six games, are a half-game behind the Texas Rangers for the third AL wild-card seed and two games behind the White Sox for first place in the AL Central. The New York Yankees looked to be toast, but they play nine innings or, in this case, 10 innings for a reason. The Atlanta Braves took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning after solo home runs from third baseman Austin Riley in the top of the eighth and first baseman Matt Olson in the top of the ninth, and had Raisel Iglesias on the mound to get the save. But the 2026 NL All-Star couldn't shut the door for the Braves. New York was down to its last out, but catcher Austin Wells kept the Yankees alive with an RBI double. Two batters later, designated hitter Ben Rice tied the game with an RBI single, which ultimately forced extra innings. Then, after the Braves failed to score a run in the top of the 10th, the Yankees walked it off in the bottom half of the inning on a sacrifice fly to right field by third baseman Ryan McMahon, sealing off a come-from-behind, 3-2 New York victory. Prior to the late-inning fireworks in a game that started two hours late due to a weather delay this matchup between Yankees left-hander Max Fried, who was pitching against his former team, and Braves right-hander Tyler Mahle, who was acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, was a pitchers' duel; Fried pitched 6 shutout innings, with Mahle throwing six scoreless innings. The Cubs made two moves to address their starting rotation at the trade deadline and one in June, acquiring southpaw David Peterson adding Braxton Garrett and Kevin Gausman. On Friday, Gausman made his Cubs debut and was spectacular. The veteran right-hander gave Chicago seven innings of work, surrendering just two runs and five baserunners (four hits and one walk) in a 6-4 road win against the Kansas City Royals. This marked just the second time this season Gausman, a two-time All-Star, pitched through the seventh inning. As for the run support, the Cubs got a pair of two-run singles from outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki in the top of the second, a seventh-inning RBI single from third baseman Alex Bregman and an eighth-inning solo home run from infielder Pedro Ramirez. Chicago, which has a six-game lead on Arizona for the first NL wild-card seed (68-49), has won five consecutive games. Sticking with stellar pitching performances, Drew Rasmussen was electric in Seattle. The Tampa Bay Rays star right-hander pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up just four baserunners (two hits and two walks) and logging eight strikeouts. Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodrguez made the Rays sweat the outcome with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth, but Rasmussen's seven scoreless innings were enough for Tampa Bay to get a narrow, 2-1 victory. As for the bats, the Rays, who have the best record in the AL at 69-46, got solo home runs from center fielder Jonny DeLuca in the top of the second and first baseman Jonathan Aranda, which was his 15th long ball of the year, in the top of the third. Back to Rasmussen, the right-hander is on a heater. He hasn't surrendered a run in each of his last three starts (a combined 20.0 innings pitched), giving up a combined 11 baserunners and posting 27 strikeouts over that span. On the season, Rasmussen, an All-Star in each of the last two years, has a 2.75 ERA, an AL-best 0.91 WHIP and a 153 ERA+, while totaling 130 strikeouts and three wins above replacement over 124 innings pitched (22 starts). The Minnesota Twins are in the thick of the playoff mix, and they put together a standout road win over the Milwaukee Brewers, who have the best record in MLB (72-44). Minnesota struck for eight runs, which came in four consecutive two-run innings from the third-to-sixth innings and after going down 4-0. The star of the night was Josh Bell who leads the Twins with 104 hits and 68 RBIs this season as the veteran first baseman/designated hitter had a game-high four hits and a two-run home run. Sticking with the long ball, shortstop Kaelen Culpepper (the Twins' No. 2 ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline) hit a solo home run for his first MLB hit in what was his first MLB game. Eight of nine Minnesota starters recorded a hit, and they got through nine innings by using six pitchers and five relievers in the final four innings to secure an 8-6 victory. The Twins (58-59), who are a half-game out of the third AL wild-card seed and two games out of first place in the AL Central, are eighth in MLB with 547 runs scored. That was all it took literally. With the Texas Rangers trailing the Baltimore Orioles 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth, designated hitter Joc Pederson uncorked a go-ahead, two-run home run behind the right field foul pole, and that was all Texas would need, as it went on to win 2-1. Heck, the Rangers only had three hits and Orioles starter Shane Baz pitched eight innings. With that said, Texas got 3 scoreless innings from its bullpen after starter Nathan Eovaldi went 5 innings. As for the difference-maker, Pederson leads the Rangers in home runs (21), slugging percentage (.507) and OPS (.846) this year. Despite being just 58-58, Texas, which has won three in a row, is in possession of the third AL wild-card seed and is 1.5 games back of the Houston Astros (60-57) for first place in the AL West. And on the Texas baseball front, the Astros leaned on Cam Smith for a West Coast victory. The Houston right fielder had three hits in a 6-3 win over the San Diego Padres, highlighted by a pair of solo home runs in the top of the second and sixth; Smith has totaled 15 home runs and 42 RBIs and posted six defensive runs saved in right field on the year. As for the rest of Houston's run production, first baseman Christian Walker had a two-run single in the third, designated hitter Yordan lvarez had an RBI single in the fourth and shortstop Jeremy Pea brought home a run in the eighth on an RBI ground out. While he didn't drive in a run, third baseman Isaac Paredes, like Smith, had a three-hit night, while the Astros used six pitchers to get the win. The Astros have won 13 of their last 16 games.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has denied allegations of preying on women for sex (Glyn KIRK)West Ham co-owner David Sullivan attended the club's League Cup tie against Portsmouth on Saturday despite being advised to stay away by the London Stadium's landlord following allegations of sexual misconduct.Sullivan was accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour by seven women during a joint investigation by the BBC and Britain's The Times newspaper.The 77-year-old businessman quit as joint chair of London football club West Ham before the investigation was broadcast in June to fight what he said were "false allegations" about his private life.But Sullivan, who built a business empire from owning pornographic magazines, remains West Ham's largest shareholder.London Stadium issued a statement on Tuesday saying safeguarding issues were behind their advice, but Sullivan opted to attend the first-round match against Portsmouth, with the Hammers, relegated from the Premier League last season, beating their second-tier rivals 3-1.London Stadium said: "Following media reports at the end of the season regarding a safeguarding matter being managed by the club, London Stadium sought further information to ensure it could fulfil its own safeguarding responsibilities."Based on the information provided by the club, we understand the matter was investigated and that the club does not consider there to be an ongoing safeguarding risk associated with Mr Sullivan attending the stadium."However, given the potential for demonstrations and anti-social behaviour by some spectators, we have recommended to the club that he does not attend."We have also requested advance notice of any planned attendance so that appropriate safety and operational measures can be put in place."There were no reports of any unrest among fans before or after the game kicked off.jdg/nf

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has sent a memo to teams that addresses ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women's basketball.I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in womens basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention, Engelbert wrote in the memo, which was sent Friday and obtained by The Associated Press. I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.The memo said the topic will be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting next week.In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls and womens sports. Cunningham's comments sparked small rallies and protests in Seattle and Portland when the Fever were on the road last week.There was a lone protester at the Fever's home game against Las Vegas on Thursday night. Indiana visits Chicago on Saturday. Members of two conservative groups are planning a rally in support of Cunningham ahead of that game.The league hasnt made any public comments on the issue.Engelbert wrote that the league will always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the leagues highest priorities.The league's collective bargaining agreement states that only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA, but it does not include any more specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth. On Friday, two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women.We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead, Engelbert said in the memo. We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.The WNBA players' association released a statement on social media Friday that emphasized diversity and inclusion while saying the group will not be used as political pawns.We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion, the statement read. Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect womens sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.Some WNBA players and coaches have come out in support of transgender athletes, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve.We need to protect trans kids, Reeve said on Aug. 1. To me, its a human rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) finishes a press conference before a game against the Portland Fire at Moda Center. Jaime Valdez-Imagn ImagesTheres a loophole sitting right in the middle of the WNBAs rulebook, and its currently being kicked wide open.Nowhere in writing does the league explicitly state that a transgender person cannot suit up and play. Former NBA players have caught on, and one by one, they are lining up to test it.Royce White Has Declared for the WNBA DraftRoyce White announced on X that he would be declaring for the WNBA Draft, after claiming that he identifies himself as a woman.I identify as sometimes-identifying as a woman for the purposes of professional basketball, so Ill be declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2027 as well.I mean, I think Id be unstoppable. But Im a team-first guy, a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five stat categories at Iowa State University. So I do whatever the coach needs me to do; I do whatever the girls need me to do, White said in the video.When asked what would actually make him reconsider, White said that a clear, public statement from the WNBA saying men cannot play in the league would stop him.I think the WNBA needs to make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the womens association. But hey, that would probably be too much, right? White added.It didnt take long for the clip to go viral, and once it did, the WNBA community didnt hold back.The WNBA Community Wasnt Happy With What White SaidBack in July, Sophie Cunningham told ESPN she allegedly didnt want transgender athletes in the WNBA, framing her stance as an effort to protect young girls in a locker room.Since that interview, a string of former NBA players have suddenly discovered theyre declaring for the WNBA draft, and plenty in the community think thats no coincidence and are pinning the whole saga squarely on her.This is 100% Sophie Cunninghams fault, an influencer wrote.First, it was Enes Kanter Freedom. Now its White. A large chunk of the WNBA community isnt buying these revelations at all. To them, this is exactly the kind of stunt a guy pulls when he wants attention, not a roster spot.These losers can declare for the draft all they want; it literally doesnt mean shit, go ask Sedona Prince, wrote one user, whereas a content marketer wrote, This is embarrassing, disrespectful, and loser behavior.Former sports columnist Jason Whitlock offered a different perspective, suggesting that the conversation could change dramatically if WNBA salaries reached a significantly higher level.Once the WNBA starts paying $3 million a year this gag is going to turn into the real thing. Royce and Enes are having fun. The jokes going to stop at $3 mil per. Blame the WNBA for making a joke of itself, Whitlock commented.With the 2027 WNBA Draft still some time away, it remains to be seen whether White will ultimately follow through with the declaration.This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

COLUMBIA South Carolina footballheld its second preseason practice on Aug. 8 at the Long Family Football Operations Center.Weekend practices tend to bring some visitors. CoachShane Beamerwas joined by his son, Hunter. Starting quarterbackLaNorris Sellers and wide receiver Jayden Sellers' dad, Norris, was watching practice from the sideline as well.Reporters were able to observe the first five periods of practice, which consisted of warmups and position drills. The players will not be in full pads until Aug. 14.South Carolina'sseason opener is Sept. 5 (12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) against Kent State inWilliams-Brice Stadium.Here's what we saw at practice No. 2. South Carolina football injury report: Day 2 of 2026 preseason practiceJacarrius Peak was not visible at practice for the second straight day, but Dylan Stewartwas. Like Day 1, Stewart was wearing a jersey and shorts, off to the side and wasn't participating in any drills.Peak was projected as a key part of South Carolina's new offensive line when he transferred from NC State, but a month after he got to Columbia, he hurt his knee in a team-related basketball game in February.He missed the entire spring. Stewart used the spring to recover from a nagging back injury that started midway through last season. South Carolina kicking competition wide openThe last two years, Beamer has had a position battle for his starting kicker but in both those seasons, a fifth-year player who hadn't played before won the job.That could change this year, with players like Texas Tech transfer Upton Bellenfant in the mix. Bellenfant, Malik Orsan and Max Kelley were all splitting reps. Orsan is a Southeast Missouri State transfer but did not play during his freshman season. Kelley handled South Carolina kickoffs as a freshman 2025 but is now focusing on place-kicking.Based on practice so far, there's no clear indication of a front-runner. LaNorris Sellers building chemistry with many wide receiversSellers has plenty of options in the receiving room this year, led by Nyck Harbor. But when going through drills, it didn't look like there was a dropoff when Sellers was throwing to other options.Sellers had a nice pass to freshman Sequel Patterson, who could very well jump high in the depth chart if he has a good August.Oklahoma transfer Jayden Gibson has not played since the end of the 2023 season because of a knee injury but didn't look slow or behind during drills. He was moving well. Christian Clark looks like a leader in the running back room Texas transfer running back Christian Clark looked good going through drills. The junior caught passes from all four quarterbacks and showed his strength and speed. He hasn't been named the No. 1 option as that position battle is open, but he seemed like he was dialed in during the drills media watched.New running backs coach Stan Drayton said his players have two jobs, protect the football and protect the quarterback. Pro Football Focus graded Clark the fourth-highest on Texas for run blocking last year (71.7).Julian Walker grew. Could he start with or without Dylan Stewart?Freshman Julian Walker towers over many teammates in practice. Though he's listed as 6-foot-6 on the roster, he told reporters that he grew a half-an-inch over the summer.Walker has a chance to prove himself and potentially win that second edge rusher spot. He looked strong and focused when running through drills, and didn't appear to have any rookie jitters or lack of execution. Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her atLKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesinand Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.socialThis article originally appeared on Greenville News: What we saw at South Carolina football practice from LaNorris Sellers to potential RB1