The Year in Sports

Good morning.

Before we get to our 2024 sports recap, we want to acknowledge the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. Carter was the country’s longest-living president and served a single term in office. As the 39th US president, the Georgia Democrat brokered a historic peace deal between Israel and Egypt, signed the Panama Canal Treaties, and normalized diplomatic relations with China. However, he was unable to win a second term due to rising inflation, soaring energy costs, and his administration’s handling of the Iranian hostage crisis. After leaving office, Carter spent years advocating for public health, conflict resolution, and democracy abroad. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter died nearly two years after entering hospice care for multiple health issues and just a year after losing his wife, Rosalynn, who was 96. In a statement, Chip Carter said his father was “a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” You can read more about Carter’s life, work, and legacy here.

In the rest of today’s newsletter, we’re recapping a standout year in sports. From the Olympics to Caitlin Clark’s electrifying performances, WNBA fever, and a record 15 female coaches in the NFL, 2024 was a slam dunk for women’s sports, athletes, and coaches alike. Let’s get into it. 

— The Editors

Women Took Over the Paris Olympics, and We Loved It

Team USA’s powerhouse women stole the show, earning more than half of the team’s medals in an Olympic Games that captivated us from start (Coco Gauff carrying the flag) to finish (shout out to the wild closing ceremony and handoff to LA.) Simone Biles made a triumphant return, silencing doubters with three golds and a silver to become the most decorated US gymnast in history. (Meanwhile, her husband proved he understood Biles was “the catch,” all along.) Teammate Suni Lee battled two incurable kidney diseases before delivering medal-worthy performances. In the pool, Katie Ledecky added four more medals to her stash, solidifying her status as the most decorated US female Olympian. Rugby star Ilona Maher became the big sister we all wished we had, inspiring fans with her content and confidence while helping the US win its first-ever bronze in rugby sevens. On the pitch, Coach Emma Hayes led the US Women’s soccer team to a surprising gold medal just two months into her role. (We'll never get over that Triple Espresso lineup). On the track, the US women’s 4x400m relay team blazed past the competition, and Gabby Thomas made history by becoming the first American female runner since Allyson Felix to snag 200m gold. We'd also like to award medals to the team’s statement manicures. This time around, Felix broke records off the track by establishing the first-ever Olympic Village nursery. And how could we forget the three athletes who revealed they competed in the Olympics or Paralympics while pregnant.

WNBA Players Balled Out Hard and Broke Major Records

The WNBA had sky-high expectations this season, and the players didn’t just meet the moment, they dribbled past it, slam-dunked, and shattered records. The New York Liberty clinched its first-ever championship in a thrilling Game 5 over the Minnesota Lynx. Rookie sensations like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese brought star power this season, alongside legends like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. Clark, the No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year, broke assist records, while Reese set a record for consecutive double-doubles. On-court dramatic moments? Check. (Looking at you, Sabrina Ionescu’s clutch Finals three.) Off-court? Players turned pregame tunnel walks into viral fashion moments. Speaking of viral, it seems no one had a better season than Ellie the Elephant, who stomped, danced, and dressed her way into our hearts. Of course, the season wasn’t without its challenges — players raised concerns about the treatment of pregnant athletes, and the league’s growing popularity coincided with an alarming rise in racism and homophobia on social media. So what's next for the WNBA? More games, more players, more fans... Oh, and all eyes will be on a new standout rookie this season.

But the Gender Gap Persists…

Salaries are still inadequate, with many athletes struggling to make a decent living despite performing at the highest levels. WNBA players are still fighting for equitable pay and benefits, better pensions, and improved childcare (at least they finally got charter flights). In the National Women's Soccer League, players recently signed a new collective bargaining agreement offering higher pay and more autonomy, though the changes will roll out gradually. Still, challenges remain — like a childcare dispute between Angel City Football Club and the league, which led to the largest fine in NWSL history. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, no women made Forbes’s highest-paid athletes list this year. One glimmer of hope? Many female athletes claimed spots on Forbes’s 2025 “30 Under 30: Sports” list, signaling their rising influence. And hopefully, rising bank balances.

The Ultimate "Scorecard"

Your favorite culture and sports stories from the year.

Put him in, coach: We couldn’t get enough of Snoop Dogg’s incredible Olympic sidequests. His commentary on badminton might top the list.

Most chaotic: What's it like to have your rumored secret relationship hard-launched on C-SPAN? A pair of basketball superstars found out the hard way. While you’re at it, don’t make a weird music video when you’re divorcing one of the WNBA’s biggest stars.

’Fit of the year: Naomi Osaka’s postpartum return with this “Lolita goth” outfit, complete with the perfect shoes. She served looks immediately.

Halftime show: Rachel Dratch’s impression of Olympic breakdancer Raygun is so spot-on it hurts.

Offside: Jason Kelce nailed his Monday Night Football debut, and you won’t believe where he got his outfit. Tom Brady, take notes.

Hang it in the Louvre: Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowed to Rebeca Andrade, giving her the ultimate flowers in this iconic Olympic photo. The boys could never.

Next Year’s Playbook

🏀 WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart are launching Unrivaled, a three-on-three basketball league debuting in January, in an effort to pay women athletes higher salaries.

📺 ESPN is expanding coverage of women’s college sports, focusing on gymnastics and volleyball.

🏐 Women’s volleyball, baseball, and lacrosse are getting new professional leagues this year and next.

📣 A new NWSL team is coming to this city.

Together with Noom

Thing to Know

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TOGETHER WITH VUORI

Cozy Vibes Only

In many cultures, what you wear on NYE can help set the mood for the next 12 months. In China, it’s common to wear red for good luck. In Brazil, wearing white is said to ward off evil spirits. At Skimm HQ, we like to think the comfier your outfit, the comfier your year will be (or something like that). Lucky for us, Vuori’s Dreamknit^™ Collection has everything we need for our big nights out…or in. Like ultra-soft joggers you’ll never want to take off, or wide-leg sweatpants you can dress up or down depending on your plans. Cheers to the coziest 2025.

Game Time

Wake your brain up this Monday with a game of Flipart. Just rotate the pieces to fit within the frame and get ready to feel the rush when they all fall into place. Get into it.