Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

As a former Summer House fan (and extremely online person), I have never been more exhausted by people I've never met. And this weekend, there was even more of that, particularly by women’s athletes. First, it was the runner who broke her own women’s-only world record. Then there’s Cynthia Erivo, who set a personal best thanks in part to these shoes (with the cutest pet charms). Oh, and then went on to play 23 characters on a West End stage the next day. And while we’re here: Coco Gauff rallying for a win at the Madrid Open after a stomach bug? That’s the kind of comeback that deserves its own category. Finally, consider this your reminder of what women supporting women (no, I’m not talking about this viral deadlift challenge) actually looks like: Sophia Wilson scored a stunning goal in her return from maternity leave, while bestie Trinity Rodman livestreamed the sweetest reaction. Now, let's get to the rest of the headlines…

— Mallory Simon / Writer / New York, New York

Let's Discuss

One More Run

What’s going on: Allyson Felix is coming out of retirement — with her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Already the most-decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history, Felix says the chance to race in her hometown is too good to pass up. But this isn’t just a comeback. It's also a high-stakes experiment she calls "Project Six." Her plan is clear: restart elite training in late 2026, race in 2027, and qualify for the national team. She’ll race selectively, training around her life as a mother of two. And Felix is also evolving how she approaches performance, which includes using recovery tools and supplements she once avoided. She admits she's not at her peak, and making the team is a long shot — she’d likely have to finish top three at the US trials in June 2028. So, why dust off her cleats?

Our take: This isn’t just about Felix. It’s further proof that the old model — peak early, decline, retire — no longer fits. Fellow elder millennial athletes like Lindsey Vonn, LeBron James, and Aaron Rodgers have extended their careers due in large part to better recovery, performance science, and a booming wellness industry. What makes "Project Six" different is the framing. Felix isn’t trying to rewind the clock. She’s testing what's still possible. Making the US Olympic sprint team at 42 would be unprecedented. But even if she doesn’t, we're still rooting for her.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

❣️ See the very swoon-worthy way this NFL star supported his Olympic gold medalist girlfriend Chloe Kim. Way to take one for the dress.

👀 Tina Fey says working with Tom Brady confirmed something she’s always believed about athletes. Look who’s playing favorites.

🏀 Sophie Cunningham is annoyed with her new Fever contract, but not for the reason the media reported.

😳 QB Russell Wilson made his Savannah Bananas debut over the weekend. We have to believe his wife Ciara had two words for him: “Level up.”

👏 Caitlin Clark wrote a book (spoiler: It’s not a memoir) that pulls inspiration from one particular spot in her childhood bedroom.

💔 The Meg Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson fallout has claimed its first casualty. It proves the show doesn’t always have to go on.

Timeout...

Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

Why is everyone roasting the New York Mets?

The New York Mets are having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad season. Despite one of the highest payrolls in the league, they’ve lost 15 of their last 18 games. And the internet won’t let them forget it… no matter how much they wish it would. But the toughest hits may be coming from other teams around the league. The Minnesota Twins crunched the numbers on the Mets’ record and then put them in truly humbling company. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies mascot tried to steal Mr. Met's girl like a runner breaking for home with nothing to lose. Then the team swept the Mets and took a victory lap that felt especially personal. One silver lining? A glass-half-full fan found a way to turn a comically bad season into a public service announcement.

Related: The Most Embarrassing Rejection in Baseball Right Now (Sports Illustrated)

In Her Court

theSkimm caught up with Sarah Gorden about leading Angel City FC, motherhood, and building a life that extends well beyond the pitch.

“I wanted to be a professional soccer player like Mia Hamm. And someone told me to be realistic. It’s funny now.”

Read more in our Q&A with the defender and mom, including how she balances life as a captain, parent, and creative.

In Our Rotation

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

When it's too nice outside to spend hours at the dentist, we turn to this 30-minute whitening kit instead.

Spring cleaning is always a great excuse to refresh your capsule wardrobe. To help, here are our favorite spring shoes under $125.

PSA: Mother’s Day is May 10. If you still need a few last-minute gifts, check out these recs.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

No Notes

Tell Us

Three of these are real Derby horses this Saturday…which one isn’t?

Tina Fey’s face says it all