“I wrote this because I can’t speak about it.
I wrote this because I want you to know that I will make sure that you live on.”
@RBLeipzig and @equipenatciv winger Yan Diomande on the life of his sister, Roxane. https://t.co/6wQmpdWTSi
I kept this story in my pocket for a long time....
In Pittsburgh, September 15th is Roberto Clemente Day.
Every year the whole organization fans out across the city. It's like Christmas. Roberto's family is there, Vera and the boys.
My first year as manager was 2011. We celebrated. We shook hands and moved on.
We didn't win.
19 consecutive losing seasons.
2012 rolls around. Same day, same celebration. We had another losing season, our 20th consecutive.
After the ceremony, Roberto Jr. walked over.
"My mom wants to talk to you."
We went into the dugout. Me, Vera, and her three sons.
She spoke in Spanish. I played four years of winter ball so I understood enough. She wasn't angry, but she was passionate. And I kept hearing Roberto's number come up.
Roberto Jr. translated.
"My mother wants you to know that there cannot be a 21st losing season. That was Roberto's number. It would be a disgrace to his legacy."
She was staring right at me.
Before I could even think about what to say, words came out of my mouth:
"I promise you, Vera. That won't happen."
Roberto Jr. looked at me and said, "You made my mom a promise. I hope you can keep it."
I said, "I hope I can keep it too."
I didn't tell my coaches. I didn't tell the players. I told my wife. That was it.
The next year, 2013, we broke the consecutive seasons losing streak. Ended it at 20.
On Roberto Clemente Day that September, Vera came walking across that field.
And I probably got one of the most meaningful hugs I've ever received in my life.
The players did all the heavy lifting. I just got the hug.
Some promises are worth making before you know if you can keep them.
@Pirates
Exclusive: The Survivor in the Nikolaj Sørensen Case is speaking publicly for the first time.
She is revealing her identity and telling her story.
Full interview at https://t.co/vG7ZA8JESn
On this date last year, my water unexpectedly broke. Around this time of night, I was learning first hand exactly how uncomfortable a Foley balloon was since despite my water breaking, I was barely dilated, so I needed an induction anyway.
ALYSA! Having a healthy attitude towards everything is really serving her. Especially after what she and her dad went through at the last Olympics. #Olympics2026
Poor Amber. Manifesting a Mao Asada and Nathan Chen like comeback in the free! There’s less pressure now, so best time to just throw down. #Olympics2026
Alysa Liu 🇺🇸 76.59
On performing for the audience:
“Tonight I performed for the people. I performed for them specifically.”
On how this Olympics feels different from her first:
“Genuinely I could not even describe how different it is. Just the fact that my family and friends are here, the fact that there isn’t COVID, the fact that I’m here with programs that I love and I’m proud of to show the people and wear dresses that I love. I’m super confident in myself and everything. It goes beyond my skating. I’m really glad that I got this stage that I am on right now.”
On her siblings being here:
“I didn’t see my siblings really much last time when I was a skater, and they never came to a competition. So the fact that this is the first time they are seeing this program as well, it was actually very special.
On if they are also coming to Worlds?
“No, they have school; they are skipping school for this. Worlds is not big enough for them. And no, my family is not a distraction. My family and my friends, they’re the only reason why I’m here and they support me. I would never call them a distraction.”
On placement and scores:
“Well, you know, it wouldn’t change a thing, right? I hope it wouldn’t. I’m still performing for all the people, and I hope the score or the placement doesn’t affect how people see me.”
On her excitement for the free skate and the Olympic gala:
“I’m excited for my new dress for the free skate. I’m excited to present it, and I really want to be invited to the Olympic gala. I’m just proud to be here. I really want to be in the gala because I have a really cool gala program that I’ve been working on, and it’s basically done.”
On medals:
“I don’t need a medal. I just need to be here. I just need to be present and need people to see what I do next.”
On Amber and her skate:
“Oh gosh, she’s gone through so much, and she actually worked freaking hard — genuinely such a hard worker — and she’s overcome a lot. I just want her to be happy. That’s all I want. I’ll be seeing her later.”
#FigureSkating #MilanoCortina2026 #Olympics #WinterOlympics
Poor Amber. Manifesting a Mao Asada and Nathan Chen like comeback in the free! There’s less pressure now, so best time to just throw down. #Olympics2026