Sports
Lilly King talks confidence, comebacks, and closing out career on her own terms
King, a native of Evansville, Indiana, and a standout swimmer for the Indiana Hoosiers, competed at the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games, winning six medals across her career. Her retirement announcement came just days before the start of the USA Swimming Toyota National Championships on June 3—held at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis, […]
King, a native of Evansville, Indiana, and a standout swimmer for the Indiana Hoosiers, competed at the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games, winning six medals across her career. Her retirement announcement came just days before the start of the USA Swimming Toyota National Championships on June 3—held at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis, the pool where she first began racing as a 10-year-old.
“It has always been important to me that my last meet in the (United States) be at the pool that started it all,” King said. “I have been racing in the Indiana University Natatorium since I was 10 years old. From state meets, to the NCAA Championships, USA Swimming Nationals, and anything in between, this pool has been my home… I look forward to racing in front of a home crowd one last time. See you in Indy!”
Image Source: Lilly King waves to the crowd prior to the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Final at the 2025 US National Swimming Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
An 18-time world champion and 27-time world medallist, King arrived in Indianapolis for what she had planned to be her final U.S. meet. The Nationals also served as the selection trials for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, with only the top two swimmers in each event qualifying for Team USA.
Predictably confident in familiar surroundings, King said: “We are here a lot for big meets. It’s exciting to always be able to swim here. I think everyone has a routine when they are here—perhaps not everyone’s routine is as down pat as mine, because I have been swimming here my whole life.”
King opted out of the 200m breaststroke and opened her competition in the 50m breaststroke—an event recently added to the Olympic program, though she has said another Olympic medal chase isn’t in her future. On June 5, she led her heat in 30.15 and went on to win the final in a field of 51 swimmers with the only sub-30-second time: 29.88. Her farewell tour was officially extended, with a spot secured for Singapore.
A day later, King finished second in the 100m breaststroke final—just 0.23 seconds behind Kate Douglass—securing her second World Championship berth. It was a fitting performance for the 28-year-old, who still holds the world record in the 100m breaststroke, set at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest.
In a post-race interview on NBC, King was her usual candid self: “Honestly, I just took a little bit too much caffeine before my race, so I was about to jump out of my skin anyway. I am super grateful to be here. I appreciate you all being here and coming out and supporting me, forever! It’s been such a great ride and I can’t wait to represent Team USA again this summer.”
Image Source: Lilly King racing on the 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Illinois, USA (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
How did you feel about your swim in the 50m breaststroke?
It was good—any time I can go under 30, it’s a good race. I like to win, and any time I get to do that is special. Doing it in front of a crowd makes it even more fun. It’s still exciting to be able to do this at my age. Coming off the blocks, I can hear Ray (Looze, my coach) in my head saying, “Don’t look around!”—but I don’t always listen to Ray. Every season gets a little harder as I get older, and that’s something I’ve had to work through. It’s tough to keep your confidence when you’re not hitting the in-season times you were hitting three, four, five years ago. But I take pride in overcoming that mental block.
What was your take on your 100m breaststroke performance?
The first 50 felt good—I think I was 30.6 going out. The front half looked strong; the back end is always a little messy. At a trials meet, you just have to get up and go for it. Of course, I’d love to be under 1:06, but we’ve got a solid training block ahead, and I’m excited to sharpen up before Worlds.
What’s been the secret to your longevity in the sport?
I’ve been really fortunate not to have had any major injuries. A lot of that comes down to taking care of myself. I take pride in that and try to set an example for the younger athletes—especially when it comes to stretching and recovery. And, honestly, I think I’ve just been lucky too.
Did the announcement about 50m stroke events being added to the LA Olympics make you reconsider retirement?
No! Well… yes, for about six hours. I called my mom and we talked it through. I had maybe a day of thinking it over. But I was already sure I was going to take next year off. I woke up the next morning and said to myself, “We’re good. Let the young ones have it.”
So when will you officially retire?
Now that I’ve qualified for the World Championships, I’ll retire after my last event in Singapore. After that, I’ll be cheering everyone on—so, good luck, everyone! Honestly, this has been my plan for at least five years. I’ve always known Paris would be my last Olympics. Would I love to swim in LA? Sure. But I’m also really excited to watch swimming in LA. I’m ready to move on and just be a normal human being.
What are your goals for the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore?
To swim fast! It’s nice going to Singapore without having to swim the 200. I didn’t do it at Short Course Worlds either. That gives me a few days to rest and get some training in between events. When I was doing my full schedule, I was swimming from Day 2 through Day 8—that’s a lot. I think the 200’s been affecting my 50 a bit, so I’m excited to be able to go all-in with a little more recovery.
What’s it meant to you to race the last few years at trials events in Indianapolis?
It’s been great. I love racing here. It just happened that the last few years worked out for me to swim at this pool and then at Lucas Oil Stadium last year. It’s been a cool way to close out this chapter of my career.
Were you able to take in the crowd’s support this week?
Yeah, I think I soak it in a little more when I’m here. I get a lot of love from the crowd, and I really appreciate it. I’m not sad—actually, I’m really excited. I’m feeling a lot of gratitude. I’m not super nostalgic just yet, and I don’t know if I will be. I’m not a very emotional person, but I’ll try to keep it together. I’m doing okay—it’s all good!
Looking back on your journey, what stands out the most?
I’m really happy with how everything turned out. I’ve been fortunate to swim with—and learn from—so many amazing people. I got to hear their stories, pick up their tips and tricks, and be part of something special with the national team. I’m grateful for that, and I hope I’ve passed some of that along.
Sports
Who is Kristopher London aka LSK?
Blog Who’s Who on Social Media Who’s Who on Social Media 5 min to read Kristopher London, also known as LSK, is a British-American creator celebrated for combining sports, humor, and heartfelt fatherhood moments. With over 6 million YouTube subscribers and a wide network of creator collaborations, he has built a powerful presence in the […]

Who’s Who on Social Media
Who’s Who on Social Media
5 min to read
Kristopher London, also known as LSK, is a British-American creator celebrated for combining sports, humor, and heartfelt fatherhood moments. With over 6 million YouTube subscribers and a wide network of creator collaborations, he has built a powerful presence in the basketball content space.
July 10, 2025
Justine Castany
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Sports
6 hidden plant proteins that fuel elite athletes (not tofu)
I was scrolling through my feed last week when I saw something that made me do a double-take. Katya Gorbacheva, a powerlifter who deadlifts 182.5 kg (that’s 400+ pounds), was talking about her protein sources. No whey powder. No chicken breast. Just plants. But here’s the kicker—she wasn’t just living on tofu either. The reality? […]

I was scrolling through my feed last week when I saw something that made me do a double-take. Katya Gorbacheva, a powerlifter who deadlifts 182.5 kg (that’s 400+ pounds), was talking about her protein sources. No whey powder. No chicken breast. Just plants.
But here’s the kicker—she wasn’t just living on tofu either.
The reality? Elite athletes are quietly revolutionizing their protein game with sources most of us walk right past at the store. We’re talking Olympic athletes, ultra-runners, and professional fighters who’ve discovered that some of the most powerful proteins on the planet have been hiding in plain sight.
These six proteins are fueling athletes at the highest levels—and they’re probably already at your local store. You just didn’t know what you were looking at.
Let’s get into it.
1. Hemp seeds: Complete protein with built-in recovery
The tiny seeds that pack a massive punch. We’re talking about a complete protein—all nine essential amino acids—with a bonus round of omega-3s that fight inflammation like a natural ice bath.
The numbers: Three tablespoons = 10g complete protein + omega-3 fatty acids
I first discovered hemp seeds at a health food store in Portland (of course). The shop owner, an ultra-marathoner, told me he adds them to everything—smoothies, oatmeal, even his post-run pasta. “It’s like upgrading your recovery protocol without changing anything else,” he said.
Science backs this up—hemp seed protein showed protective effects against muscle breakdown and improved recovery markers. Plus, hemp seeds are loaded with arginine (for better blood flow) and GLA—both linked to reduced inflammation.
Translation? Less soreness, faster recovery between sessions.
How to use: Add 2-3 tablespoons to post-workout meals. Don’t cook them—heat damages the omega-3s.The taste is mild and nutty, nothing like what you might expect from the cannabis family.
2. Tempeh: Fermented soy that speeds muscle repair
Forget everything you think you know about soy. Tempeh is fermented soybeans bound together in a firm, nutty cake—and it’s changing how athletes approach recovery. Unlike tofu’s sometimes mushy texture, tempeh has a satisfying bite and earthy flavor that even meat-eaters appreciate.
The numbers: 100g serving = 19g protein + probiotics
Indonesian athletes have been using this for centuries. Now Western sports scientists are catching up. Research shows that tempeh’s fermented probiotics help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and speed recovery.
The fermentation process is key—it breaks down proteins, making them easier to absorb. Plus, you get the gut health benefits of probiotics, which correlates to improved athletic performance and immune function.
How to use: Pan-fry with tamari and ginger. Start with 100g servings to assess digestive tolerance.
3. Spirulina: Concentrated protein with antioxidant powers
This blue-green algae packs 60-70% protein by weight. To put that in perspective, beef contains about 26% protein, and even chicken breast tops out around 31%. We’re talking about one of the most concentrated protein sources on the planet.
The numbers: 1 teaspoon = 2g protein + C-phycocyanin (potent antioxidant)
Aztec warriors used to harvest it from lakes and eat it before battle. Modern elite rugby players are doing basically the same thing—studies revealed spirulina supplementation prevented exercise-induced damage and helped maintain training intensity.
Double Olympic gold medalist Lee Evans shared his experience: “Spirulina improved my performance, gave me speed and increased my endurance.”
How to use: Start with 1 teaspoon in strongly flavored smoothies. The taste is intense—like concentrated seaweed. Mix it with berries and citrus to mask the ocean flavor.
4. Amaranth: The endurance grain
Ancient grain, modern performance enhancer. This one’s been flying under the radar while quinoa gets all the press.
The numbers: 1 cup cooked = 9g complete protein + iron + magnesium
Here’s why athletes should care: research found that amaranth naturally boosts nitric oxide production through its nitrate content. That means better blood flow, improved oxygen delivery to muscles, and enhanced aerobic capacity. One pilot study with trained cyclists found those drinking an amaranth-based beverage completed their time trials faster than those using a commercial sports drink.
This performance boost isn’t surprising when you consider that the Tarahumara runners of Mexico—famous for their ultra-distance running abilities—have been eating amaranth for generations. Christopher McDougall documented this in “Born to Run,” observing that they called it their “running food” and consumed it before their legendary long-distance runs.
Unlike other grains, amaranth maintains its nutritional integrity even when popped, making it incredibly versatile.
How to use: Cook like rice (1:3 ratio with water) or buy pre-popped. Try 2 tablespoons of popped amaranth mixed with dried fruit before endurance activities.
5. Nutritional yeast: B-vitamin powerhouse for sustained energy
This deactivated yeast is a complete protein loaded with B-vitamins that directly impact energy metabolism. It’s not the same as baker’s or brewer’s yeast—it’s specifically grown for nutrition and has a surprising cheesy, nutty flavor.
The numbers: 2 tablespoons = 8g protein + full spectrum B-vitamins
Research shows athletes consuming yeast products with beta-glucan experienced less post-workout fatigue and better mood compared to control groups. The B-vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy—something athletes need optimized.
How to use: Sprinkle on salads, pasta, or popcorn. Begin with 1 tablespoon daily, working up to 2-3. Look for brands fortified with B12—crucial for plant-based athletes.
6. Pumpkin seeds: The mineral matrix athletes overlook
While everyone’s focused on almonds and peanuts, pumpkin seeds deliver one of the best mineral profiles in the game.
The numbers: 1 ounce = 7g protein + 50% DV magnesium + 25% DV zinc
For athletes, that magnesium means better muscle function, reduced cramping, and improved sleep quality. The zinc supports testosterone production and immune function—both crucial for those pushing their limits.
The result? The kind of deep, restorative sleep that turns today’s workout into tomorrow’s strength.
How to use: Raw or roasted, aim for 1 ounce (a palmful) daily. They’re calorie-dense, so portion control matters.
The bottom line
These six proteins aren’t just alternatives—they’re upgrades. Each brings something unique to the table beyond just protein content. Anti-inflammatory compounds. Performance-enhancing minerals. Recovery-accelerating nutrients.
You don’t need to go all-in immediately. Pick two or three that sound interesting. Experiment.
The old model of “protein = meat” is dead. Elite athletes have already moved on. They’re not choosing these foods because they’re plant-based. They’re choosing them because they work.
Next time you’re at the store, head to the bulk bins. Look for the seeds, the algae, the fermented foods. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.
Sports
Alec Perez – UTSA Athletics
On July 9, 2025, head UTSA volleyball coach Carol Price-Torok announced that Alec Perez will join the staff as a Graduate Assistant following three seasons as the Technical Coordinator at Texas. While overseeing the day-to-day technological aspects of scouting, games, and practices, Perez helped the Longhorns to back-to-back Big 12 and NCAA National Championships in […]
Sports
Nebraska volleyball’s Harper Murray meets with fans to promote grief support nonprofit
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The folks over at Mourning Hope hosted a special event on Wednesday, welcoming Nebraska volleyball’s Harper Murray to the nonprofit for an ice cream social. Mourning Hope works with children, adults and families to develop healthy coping skills when it comes to death, offering grief support groups and other programming to […]

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The folks over at Mourning Hope hosted a special event on Wednesday, welcoming Nebraska volleyball’s Harper Murray to the nonprofit for an ice cream social.
Mourning Hope works with children, adults and families to develop healthy coping skills when it comes to death, offering grief support groups and other programming to help them heal.
“Sometimes when you’re a younger kid, you don’t know how grief is going to affect you,” Murray said. “Going to a place like this, it’s able to help you work through that before you even realize it’s happening.”
Murray, who lost her dad at the age of six, met with about 100 of the nonprofit’s participants, volunteers and supporters, sharing her story and signing autographs.
She said she found Mourning Hope because she went to a similar place when she was young, and was able to get help moving forward.
“Nothing’s linear when it comes to grief,” Murray said. “I was able to overcome it, but after a lot of work with a lot of different therapists and doctors and support from my family. So, definitely been a rollercoaster and still affects me to this day, but it’s different for everyone.”
Murray said despite the stigma, anyone needing help should ask for it and try seeing a therapist.
She’s hoping to continue using her platform on the volleyball team to give back and help others.
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Sports
Five British stars to watch at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships
Dive into a month of underwater action as the 2025 World Aquatics Championships kick off in Singapore. Running from 11 July to 3 August, with six sports in action, it is an aquatic extravaganza set to thrill. With 2024 champion high diver Aidan Heslop not competing due to injury, GB will have representation in five […]

Dive into a month of underwater action as the 2025 World Aquatics Championships kick off in Singapore.
Running from 11 July to 3 August, with six sports in action, it is an aquatic extravaganza set to thrill.
With 2024 champion high diver Aidan Heslop not competing due to injury, GB will have representation in five out of the six sports in Singapore: swimming, open water, artistic swimming, water polo and diving.
From history-making Olympic champions to senior debutants, the British squads are bursting at the seams with talent and here are just five of the names you should keep an eye on throughout the competition.
Swimming – Jacob Mills
Young gun on the block Jacob Mills will make his senior world championships debut in Singapore.
The 17-year-old, who trains at Repton, exploded onto the scene earlier this year after a series of speedy performances in the pool that catapulted him to the fifth fastest British man ever over 100m freestyle.
In fact, 2025 has been quite the year for the sprinter, who set a personal best of 49.33 at the Edinburgh International Meet before stopping the clock at a stunning 48.03s during the Aquatics GB Championships final for second place behind two-time Olympic champion Matt Richards.
Another silver, this time behind Paris 2025 silver medallist Ben Proud came over 50m for Mills at the champs.
Mills will take to the water in the individual 100m freestyle in Singapore as well as making up a strong-look team in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay.
And whether or not another personal best comes his way, Mills is sure to impress on debut.
Open water – Hector Pardoe
Hardly a new name when it comes to British open water hopes, Hector Pardoe will head to Singapore looking to emulate his 2024 feat.
The 10km marathon swimmer clinched a maiden international title with bronze in the men’s event at last year’s world championships.
The two-time Olympian and AFC Wimbledon supporter has become a consistent contender at the top of the international circuit and will head to the 2025 world championships with a top 10 finish at the Open Water World Cup in Egypt to his name.
Just weeks after his competition in Singapore, Pardoe will return to the UK to tackle a world record as he attempts to swim 34.5 miles across Scotland, England and Wales’ biggest lakes – Loch Lomond (21 miles), Lake Windermere (10.5 miles) and Lake Bala (3 miles) in 24 hours.
Pardoe already holds the world record for the fastest time to swim Windermere in an incredible three hours 40minutes and 28 seconds.
Diving – Maisie Bond
Maisie Bond has been on the international diving scene for most of her teenage years but will make her senior world championship this summer.
Already a three-time world junior medallist, the Sheffield diver has seen incredible success on the junior stage.
Her 2025 opened with a storm, winning women’s synchronised 10m platform bronze alongside Lois Toulson at the Diving World Cup in Canada before backing it up with another bronze in the Super Final and individual 10m platform gold at the Aquatics GB Diving Championships.
The youngest of four, Bond took up diving after watching her siblings from the stands and has overcome two bone stress injuries in her back to reach the top ranks.
Now in a new partnership with three-time Olympian and Paris 2024 medallist Toulson, Bond will be leaning on her synchro partner’s experience to build her confidence going into Singapore.
Artistic swimming – Ranjuo Tomblin
Ranjuo Tomblin’s event may not be in the Olympics, but the British artistic swimmer has become an international star with his history-making success.
The 19-year-old became GB’s first male artistic swimming European champion in 2024, and added the title of the first male World Cup medal winner with Paris World Cup gold in March 2025.
Tomblin will once again team up with Olympic silver medallist Izzy Thorpe in the mixed duet, with the pair having joined forces this season.
Their partnership saw the duo win mixed duet technical silver at the recent European championships, with Tomblin also winning the men’s solo technical and mixed duet free bronze with Holly Hughes.
With the possibility of a maiden world medal on the cards, Tomblin will be looking forward to every possibility in Singapore.
Water Polo – Amélie Perkins
Amelie Perkins had just turned 16 when she became the youngest British female player to play at an official world aquatics Water Polo tournament in 2024.
The teenager stepped out at the European championships last year and scored two goals as GB clinched their best-ever finish in the event to qualify for the world championships stage for the first time in a decade.
She will now make her world debut in Singapore with a whirlwind of experience behind her.
Perkins scored 30 goals in five games, including seven in the final, to help England win Under-18s European Union Nations Cup gold in the Czech Republic last year, as well as helping her side to a fourth-place finish at the Water Polo World Cup in December.
You can watch all the live action from the 2025 World Aquatics Championships for free on the Aquatics GB YouTube channel.
Sportsbeat 2025
Sports
Anna Carbone Named Baruch Head Women’s Volleyball Coach
Story Links Release Courtesy Baruch Athletic Communications NEW YORK – Anna Carbone has been named Head Coach of the Baruch College Women’s Volleyball Team. The announcement was made by Baruch College Director of Athletics and Recreation, Heather MacCulloch on Wednesday. Carbone has reputable leadership experience. She is the Head Coach of Queens […]

Release Courtesy Baruch Athletic Communications
NEW YORK – Anna Carbone has been named Head Coach of the Baruch College Women’s Volleyball Team.
The announcement was made by Baruch College Director of Athletics and Recreation, Heather MacCulloch on Wednesday.
Carbone has reputable leadership experience. She is the Head Coach of Queens Apex Volleyball, a GEVA club based in Elmhurst, New York, and a Nike retail leader, where she has developed a reputation for empowering teams, fostering growth, and leading with purpose both on the court and in the field.
Carbone attended Saint Joseph’s University of Brooklyn where she played on their women’s volleyball team for four seasons. She also played on the soccer team as well as the swimming team.
She was named to the All-Association of Division III Independent Awards Second Team and the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, both in 2013. She also earned the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) All-Academic Team honor twice, once on their soccer team (2013) and a second time on their volleyball team (2014).
“We are excited to welcome Anna Carbone as the new Head Coach of Baruch College Women’s Volleyball,” said Heather MacCulloch, Director of Athletics. “Her passion for the game, strong leadership, and commitment to academic and athletic excellence make her a perfect fir for our program. As we build on the proud tradition of Bearcat volleyball, we’re confident that Coach Carbone will inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights on and off the court.”
She achieved first-place on St. Joseph’s University of Brooklyn’s career all-time rankings for digs (1,134) and digs per set (3.83) as well as fourth in assists (682). Additionally, Carbone finished in fifth place for total sets played (296) as she appeared in all matches and played in every set during her freshman and sophomore years.
For her single-match highs, Carbone accumulated 35 digs in a match on October 20, 2013 against the Culinary Institute of America. She also dished out 43 assists against Brooklyn College on October 20, 2015.
“I’m so excited to step in as the new women’s volleyball head coach at Baruch College.” Carbone mentions, “Volleyball has always been such an important part of my life, so it’s an amazing opportunity to share that passion, and to lead this group of athletes, build a strong team culture, and compete at a high level. I’m ready to get to work and develop confident leaders both on and off the court.
She graduated from Saint Joseph’s of Brooklyn with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (2016) and a Master’s in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a concentration in Human Performance from the University of Florida (2022).
For the latest news on the CUNY Athletic Conference, log on to cunyathletics.com – the official site of the CUNY Athletic Conference. Also, become a follower of the CUNYAC on Instagram (@CUNYAC), Twitter (@CUNYAC) and YouTube (@CUNY Athletic Conference), and “LIKE” Us on Facebook (CUNY Athletic Conference).
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