Carl Nassib
FILE - Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron hits his 715th career home run in Atlanta Stadium, April 8, 1974, to break the all-time record set by the late Babe Ruth. The ball is a blur as it leaves the bat. Aaron made history with one swing of his bat. A year later and on the other side of Georgia, Lee Elder made history with one swing of his driver. Their deaths in 2021 were mourned beyond the sports world and were reminders of the hate, hardships and obstacles they endured with dignity on their way to breaking records and barriers. (AP Photo/Joe Holloway, Jr., File)
Column: Another socially distanced Newby Awards for 2021

By Paul Newberry Dec. 31, 2021 02:55 AM EST

FILE - In this July 26, 2021, file photo, Alexis Sablone of the United States smiles during the women's street skateboarding finals at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. The Tokyo Games are shaping up as a watershed for LGBTQ Olympians. Openly gay Sablone says “it’s about time.” (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
'About time': LGBTQ Olympic athletes unleash a rainbow wave

By John Leicester Jul. 27, 2021 05:42 AM EDT

FILE - In this Aug.26, 2019 file photo, Natalia Kuziutina of Russia, left, competes against Amandine Buchard of France during a women's -52 kilogram semi-final of the World Judo Championships in Tokyo, Monday. Six French athletes have spoken about being gay and shared difficult experiences they had during their formative years, among them Amandine Buchard. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)
Six French athletes talk about being gay, share experiences

Jun. 22, 2021 09:29 AM EDT