Is Tennis Champ Naomi Osaka A 'Baby-Faced Assasin'? Allure August 2019 Skims the Surface

Is Tennis Champ Naomi Osaka A 'Baby-Faced Assasin'? Allure August 2019 Skims the Surface

Abdul Sillah is hardly a household name in the sports world. At a time when Donald Trump is telling people of color to go back where they came from, it’s noteworthy that Sillah arrived in the United States from Sierra Leone.

AOC discovered Sillah reading Allure Magazine’s August 2019 cover story featuring rising tennis star Naomi Osaka. Lensed for Allure by Wai Lin Tse, Naomi Osaka didn’t know that she would be eliminated at July 2019 Wimbledon in her first round, losing to Yulia Putlintseva.

Unlike Serena Williams, whose powerful muscles dominate the pages of fashion shoots, Osaka’s do not. Sillah has trained both women, giving him a comparative lens into the superb two athletes.

Megan Rapinoe Says US Women's Soccer Team Accepts AOC's Invite To The People's House

Megan Rapinoe Says US Women's Soccer Team Accepts AOC's Invite To The People's House

Megan Rapinoe, the captain of the US Soccer Women’s National Team, has said the team will not attend any White House celebrations honoring the women if the US wins the 2019 World Cup, as they are currently positioned to do.

Rapinoe responded to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, however, saying the team would be pleased to visit the people’s House of Representatives following the tournament — world champs or not.

The purple-haired, gay captain of the women’s team responded to Trump’s tweet about the team coming to the White House — if they are champs, of course, only if they are champs because Trump doesn’t like losers. Rapinoe set the ego-maniac Prez back on his haunches, saying "she’s “not going to the F…ing White House if we win.”

Trump quoted her for the whole world, with his series of presidential admonishments:

Caster Semenya: How Much Testosterone Is Too Much For A Female Athlete?

Caster Semenya: How Much Testosterone Is Too Much For A Female Athlete?

By Daniel Kelly, Lecturer in Biochemistry, Sheffield Hallam University. First published on The Conversation.

The South African athlete, Caster Semenya, has lost her case against the athletic governing body, IAAF, which means that she will have to take medication to lower her testosterone levels if she wishes to continue competing internationally in running events.

Last year, the IAAF introduced new regulation for female athletes with “difference of sexual development” (DSD). Athletes with circulating testosterone of five nanomoles per litre of blood (5nmol/L) or above and who are androgen-sensitive, have to meet certain criteria if they wish to compete internationally. One criterion is that DSD athlete must use medication to reduce their blood testosterone level to below 5nmol/L for a continuous period of at least six months.

Semenya felt that the IAAF was targeting her, specifically. She took her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the court rejected the 28-year-old athlete’s challenge against the IAAF’s new rules. Although CAS found the rules to be discriminatory, it also said that they were “necessary, reasonable and proportionate”.

NIKE SS2019 Women's Campaign By Hart Leshkina Promotes NIKE FE/NOM Sports Bra

NIKE SS2019 Women's Campaign By Hart Leshkina Promotes NIKE FE/NOM Sports Bra

"I think right now there is just incredible momentum in women's sports and we are excited to support and inspire this next generation of female athletes heading into this World Cup," Amy Montagne, Nike's vice president of global categories said about NIKE’s decision to focus heavily on women in sports during the entire year of 2019.

NIKE’S decision to promote and invest in women comes after high-level resignations/firings in 2018, including that of NIKE brand president Trevor Edwards and NIKE vice president Jayme Martin.

March 2018 reports in The Wall Street Journal said both executives “protected male subordinates who engaged in behavior that was demeaning to female colleagues,” and bullied “women and individuals from foreign countries.”

A through investigation into NIKE’s frat-boy corporate culture came after a series of anonymous but damning public Glassdoor reviews.

Serena Williams Narrates NIKE 'Dream Crazier' Commercial Debut At 2019 Academy Awards

Serena Williams Narrates NIKE 'Dream Crazier' Commercial Debut At 2019 Academy Awards

Following in the footsteps of Colin Kaepernick’s compelling commercial to debut the 30th anniversary of NIKE’s ‘Just Do It’ Campaign, Serena Williams is the narrator in the brand’s new ‘Dream Crazier’ commercial, which aired Sunday night during the 91st Academy Awards. The newest ‘Just Do It’ ad features prominent trailblazing female athletes including including Williams herself, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon, Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad and other women sports figures expressing emotions including frustration, exhiliaraiton, anger, joy and more during their sporting events.

Serena Williams Challenges Women To Make The First Move in Superbowl Ad | Dedicates Winning Australian Open Game 1 To Moms

Serena Williams Challenges Women To Make The First Move in Superbowl Ad | Dedicates Winning Australian Open Game 1 To Moms

The GOAT won the first round of the Australian Open on Monday, besting Germany’s Tatjana Maria in a 49-minute match. Serena competed in a green Nike Jumpsuit, which she calls a ‘Serena-tard’. The stories of black fishnets are erroneous, as her tights were flesh-tone fishnets with all the circulation-boosting support that Williams needs to keep her safe from bloodclots.

In a piece of old news, the Women’s Tennis Association in December 2018 issued a ruling that makes Serena’s controversial black catsuit from the French Open appropriate attire.

Serena Williams Launches Miami Popup While Joining Forbes 2018 Most Powerful Women List

Serena Williams Launches Miami Popup While Joining Forbes 2018 Most Powerful Women List

Serena Williams is an ultimate icon of the strong, sophisticated, sexy woman. In the last decade of AOC, I’ve called her the Smart Sensuality woman. Serena didn’t add “with heart” to her list of descriptors, but based on her own social activism, I know “with heart” is on the list of traits of women seeking their own voices by shopping at the champ’s new pop-up shop at the luxe Faena hotel during Miami's Art Basel. Guests at Wednesday night’s opening party for her Serena Collection included fellow tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.

"I want everyone to be able to do that and to step into their power," she said Wednesday night at the launch of her first pop-up shop, open until December 29th.

Everything in the Serena line, from a black sequined top with the word "Unbothered" to a crisp, white button-down that says "Slay" in red letters, is under $200.

French Open Bans Serena Williams From Wearing Life-Saving, Anti-Blood Clot Catsuit

French Open Bans Serena Williams From Wearing Life-Saving, Anti-Blood Clot Catsuit

Serena Williams wasn't trying to be some slutty woman of color when she wore her black Nike catsuit before dropping out of the 2018 French Open with an injury. Williams dealt with a life-threatening, post-pregnancy blot clot scare in 2017.  The G.O.A.T. dedicated her ultimate power suit to "all the moms out there who had a tough recovery from pregnancy" on Instagram. 

Serena agreed that the design was a partial nod to 'Black Panther'. "I call it, like, my Wakanda-inspired catsuit." The French Tennis Federation will have no more Wakanda-inspired dress on its professional tennis courts, banning Serena -- or any of her wannabes -- from wearing similar sartorial outfits in the future.

Bernard Giudicelli, the president of the French Tennis Federation, told Tennis magazine her catsuit was specifically a problem. “It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place,” he said. “I think that sometimes we’ve gone too far.”

Just to be clear, Williams' suit had a potentially live-saving functionality. As a full-body compression garment, it was designed to help with blood clots, a life-threatening health issue Serena's dealt with frequently. Williams was sidelined for a year, with several blod clots in both lungs in 2011. And when she was giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia, last year, she had a pulmonary embolism that could have killed her. It was only her own knowledge of these life-threatening problems that demanded medical action when doctors and nurses were oblivious to what was happening.

“I had a lot of problems with my blood clots, and, God, I don’t know how many I have had in the past 12 months. So it is definitely a little functionality to it,” Williams said of the suit. “I have been wearing pants in general a lot when I play, so I can keep the blood circulation going. It’s a fun suit but it’s also functional, so I can be able to play without any problems.”

Giudicelli said the rules won’t be as strict as Wimbledon, which makes everyone wear white, but they will be asking designers to give them an advance look at designs for players and will “impose certain limits.”

Serena Williams Will Wear Virgil Abloah Collab For Nike At US Open 2018

Serena Williams Will Wear Virgil Abloah Collab For Nike At US Open 2018

Serena Williams will wear a new Nike Collection, designed for her by Louis Vuitton's menswear designer Virgil Abloh, in the US Open tennis championship. The one-shoulder dress was inspired by Serena's love of ballet and dance. includes a ruffled, tulle skirt with “logo” printed above the Nike swoosh and “Serena” printed alongside the sleeve.

“What I love about tennis is the gracefulness. It’s an aggressive and powerful game, but it takes touch and finesse,” Abloh said in a statement. “So the dress is feminine, but combines her aggression. It’s partially revealing. It’s asymmetrical. It has a sort of ballerina-esque silhouette to symbolize her grace. It’s not about bells and whistles and tricks. It’s just about it living on the body, and expressing Serena’s spirit with each swing of the racket.”

Raakhee & Satya Tell Serena & Olympia That It's Ok The GOAT Momma Missed The First Wobbly Walk

Raakhee & Satya Tell Serena & Olympia That It's Ok The GOAT Momma Missed The First Wobbly Walk

In response to Serena Williams sharing news that she cried upon learning that her daughter had taken her first wobbly steps while Serena was practicing at Wimbledon, there has been a deluge of support for her and the impossible conflicts that working women with kids share.

ELLE US published a smile-worthy essay by Raakhee Mirchandani -- and I know up front that not all people will find her commentary amusing. Still, this is one family unit and this is their life. And if it works for them, who should judge?

I think Serena will probably have a life more like this one. And just imagine the wonderful story -- now that Serena is in the quarterfinals -- if she wins. (Update: On July 11, Serena advanced to semi-finals.) Even if she loses now, Serena has come miles in the last month.

She can weave a story that will bind the two humans for life, saying "Oh Olympia, I had been to hell and back trying to find my old GOAT self. I kept worrying about you and wanting to be with you every moment. But then I saw how glued you are to tennis on TV, (she IS) watching every serve, every volley, watching my practice videos and I just had to do this for us. . . . I was distraught when I missed your first steps . . . but then I felt such energy and power coming from my little girl, cheering me on, saying "go momma . . . you can win again . . . you are the GOAT . . . and I am the GOAT's little girl. We are a team. . . . so dry your tears and go out there and win."

I daresay that we might not be in such a political pickle if we had more moms like both these women -- radicals by American standards. European kids are raised much more within this perspective than that of the US supermoms. There is no one right way. But I believe Serena and Olympia will be fine. After all, it's not like Olympia isn't already carrying a star load of possibility with that name. Her momma will be cheering her on, just like Satya's mom is focused on her daughter's future.

Serena Williams Misses Baby Girl's First Steps, But Perhaps Olympia's Wimbledon Message Was GO MOMMA!

Serena Williams Misses Baby Girl's First Steps, But Perhaps Alexis' Winbledon Message Was GO MOMMA!

Serena Williams missed her baby girl's first steps yesterday. Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr, 10 mos, was close by at Wimbledon but not in Serena's presence, when she decided to take off in her first wobbly walk. Serena says she cried with frustration, but I think Alexis Olympia was sending her powerful energy and a "go momma" message.

Obviously healed from her French Open injury where she couldn't even raise her arm to serve, Serena is playing really well at Wimbledon, and anything is possible, writes the Boston Globe.

The GOAT has seven Wimbledon titles to her credit. Whatever happens, Serena is a winner, but we can't help hoping that she causes a major upset. GO MOMMA!!

'Queen Serena' Covers Harper's Bazaar US June 2018 With Dynamic, Powerhouse Beauty

'Queen Serena' Covers Harper's Bazaar US June 2018 With Dynamic, Powerhouse Beauty

Top American woman and the world's top athlete according to many experts, Serena Williams covers the June 2018 issue of Harper's Bazaar US. Miranda Almond styles Serena in sexy bodies with a classic twist, lensed by Richard Phibbs for 'Queen Serena'. 

The interview begins: "As one of the greatest athletes of all time, Serena Williams has overcome misogyny and racism with inspirational fortitude and grace. Now that she is combining her return to Wimbledon with life as a new mother, after a traumatic birth that nearly killed her, she talks to Lydia Slater about sisterhood, self-acceptance and staying strong."

We hope that Serena is headed to Wimbledon, after dropping out of the French Open on Monday. After a week of surprising all with her 'old Serena' tennis megastar self, Serena withdrew from her scheduled match with Maria Sharapova, with an injury to her right pectoral muscle. via New York Times

Serena Williams Shares Details Of Health Scares In Childbirth & History Of Blood Clots

Serena Williams Shares Details Of Health Scares In Childbirth & History Of Blood Clots

When Serena Williams withdrew from the Australian Open last week, after her loss in Abu Dhabi, some fans were concerned. Williams won the Australian Open last year, playing seven-months pregnant with her daughter Olympia. The Guardianreported:

“After competing in Abu Dhabi I realised that, although I am super close, I’m not where I personally want to be,” Williams said.

“My coach and team always said, ‘only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’. I can compete – but I don’t want to just compete, I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time. Even though I am disappointed about it, I’ve decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year.

Williams covers the February 2018 issue of Vogue, introducing us to daughter Olympia and an explanation of significant health issues associated with the birth of her daughter. It's totally clear now why healing time is a critical priority for this superstar athlete. 

Serena Williams & Daughter Alexis Olympia Cover Vogue US February 2018, Lensed By Mario Testino

Serena Williams & Daughter Alexis Olympia Cover Vogue US February 2018, Lensed By Mario Testino

Super talent and athlete Serena Williams covers the February 2018 issue of Vogue US. Baby daughter Alexis Olympia -- called Junior by dad, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, -- debuts as the youngest Vogue cover girl ever. 

Determined to win 25 Grand Slam victories (she now has 23), Serena was forced to withdraw from the Australian open, due to a host of medical complications associated with her daughter's birth. Vogue covers those events in detail, and they were formidable. The Williams comeback is now scheduled for March, with Serena determined to best Margaret Court's all-time record.

The tennis superstar is instilling her well-documented determination in her four-month-old baby. “Women are sometimes taught not to dream as big as men. I’m so glad I had a daughter. I want to teach her that there are no limits.”

Mario Testino captures the entire Williams gang -- mother, sisters and new husband -- in a giant pajama party.

Eye: Karlie Kloss Works Fearless Wonders For Adidas & Stella McCartney Adidas Collection

Eye: Karlie Kloss Works Fearless Wonders For Adidas & Stella McCartney Adidas Collection

Kloss is known for not faking anything she does, including her recent run in the New York City Marathon. Karlie ran the New York City marathon for the first time ever, and was sponsored by Addidas by Stella McCartney. Kloss fronted the brand's Ultraboost eco-friendly sneakers  made from recycled plastic from the ocean.

Karlie appears in the powerful new adidas Running film Fearless AF, one of six female athletes defying stereotypical arguments about women in sports. 

Tennis Pro Maria Sharapova Is Lensed By Jan Welters For The Edit Aug. 31, 2017

Tennis Pro Maria Sharapova Is Lensed By Jan Welters For The Edit Aug. 31, 2017

Top Russian-born tennis player Maria Sharapova advanced yesterday to the third round at the US Open, playing now in Queens New York. Maria appears here in 'Driven', styled by Tracy Taylor and interviewed by Jennifer Dickinson in Jan Welters images for The Edit August 31, 2017./ Hair by Adir Abergel; makeup by Kara Yoshimoto Bua

Wonder Woman Serena Williams Aims To Stay On Top In Self September 2016

Wonder Woman Serena Williams Aims To Stay On Top In Self September 2016

Serena Williams: Powerhouse Physique, Big Money Dominance, Humble Heart

Serena Williams: Powerhouse Physique, Big Money Dominance, Humble Heart

Serena Williams Is SI Sportsperson of the Year, Tapped For Athletic Dominance, Cultural Importance & Personal Growth

Serena Williams Is SI Sportsperson of the Year, Tapped For Athletic Dominance, Cultural Importance & Personal Growth

Always mistress of her own ship, tennis superstar Serena Williams chose to sit on a throne, wearing high heels for her Sports Illustrated cover story honor of 'Sportsperson of the Year'. SI managing editor Christian Stone wrote on SI.com that Serena wanted to express her own ideal of femininity, strength and power."