ATHLETES

The ban does not affect Russian or Belarusian athletes registered for the events who are not residents of the countries.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Hundreds of athletes are training in Osceola County with the hopes of nabbing a gold medal at this year’s Special Olympics in Orlando this summer. The athletes train year-round leading up to the Special Olympics, but Channel 9 got to a look at the hard work they’re putting in. READ: Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games in Central FloridaMore than 600 athletes from Team Florida are spending three days in Osceola County preparing for events such as basketball, volleyball, soccer and bocce. Photos: Thousands of athletes to attend Special Olympics USA Games in Central FloridaSee more in the video above. The Special Olympics are still looking for hundreds of volunteers.

In a stunning reversal, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been banned from the Winter Paralympic Games for their countries’ roles in the war in Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee said Thursday in Beijing. The about-face comes less than 24 hours after the IPC on Wednesday announced it would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete when the Games open on Friday, but only as neutral athletes with colors, flags and other national symbols removed. The IPC received immediate criticism for its initial decision.

Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."

The Winter Games begin amid tight Covid-19 restrictions and allegations of human rights abuses.

Pandemic restrictions and government warnings about human rights protests are serious issues. But fans can still celebrate the athletes.

Over the last decade, athletes have stepped up their social activism — building on more than a century of athletes taking a stand.

Over the last decade, athletes have stepped up their social activism — building on more than a century of athletes taking a stand.

Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli won his shot put event but had his title revoked because he was three minutes late.

The Life Time Chicago Triathlon is back after a year hiatus, on Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, 2021.

Korean Central Television airs a women's football match that was actually played last month.

The mayor of softball athlete Miu Goto's hometown prompted outrage after chomping on her medal.

The ceremony organizers will try to use artistic elements to show the athletes a taste of ordinary life in Japan, something they haven't been exposed to due to pandemic restrictions.

88 national Olympic committees medaled this year in Tokyo — three more than in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and London in 2012

Beach Volleyball is one of the most popular events at the summer Olympics, and part of that reason is because of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings.

There is one word that comes to mind when you hear Lisa Leslie’s name: baller.

The U.S. women’s soccer team is undoubtedly one of the best soccer teams on the planet, but long before there was Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd -- there was Mia Hamm.

The Tokyo Olympics' opening event, anticipated so eagerly 18 months ago, went off in an empty stadium and with a mix of protesters and interested residents gathered outside.

Ultimately, after grappling with the implications of taking her family along, the athlete announced that she planned to travel to Tokyo on her own.

Eleven-thousand athletes will sleep on the cardboard frames, which are meant to be recycled.

​Over 11,000 athletes will compete in Tokyo. Roughly 85% of them are vaccinated and they will be tested daily.

​Over 11,000 athletes will compete in Tokyo. Roughly 85% of them are vaccinated and they will be tested daily.

"Athletes are not politicians," said the Kremlin spokesman.

On Thursday, athletes at colleges across Florida can start cashing in on their names and likeness.

With transgender athletes set to go to the Tokyo Olympics, a majority of people now stand against letting them compete in women's sports.

If you are a sentient human being, you are aware of the stunningly insipid nature of sports interviews.

A tragedy forced Savannah Cummins to come to terms with the fact that doing what she loves means putting lives in danger

A tragedy forced Savannah Cummins to come to terms with the fact that doing what she loves means putting lives in danger

FILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks to media on Capitol Hill in Washington. Ron DeSantis signed into a law a bill that would open up that market for college athletes in the state. The bill gives the NCAA until June 2021 to have new rules in place that will supersede states laws. These kids deserve to make a little bit of money while they're in college, Rubio said. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) examining names, image and likeness compensation for college athletes, though Rubio's bill was separate from that group.

Tom Hanks and Rita WilsonThe couple were in Australia when they tested positive. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.”Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19. Last night, on the advice of my doctor, I went into hospital for some routine tests as I’m still experiencing coronavirus symptoms. Idris ElbaThe actor and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre, have coronavirus, according to social media along with published news articles. I tested positive for COVID19.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Many athletes represented their schools and communities on the softball diamond or the baseball field or the track for years. They didn’t expect their final seasons to be put on hold. However, this is what every high school senior springtime athlete in Central Florida is dealing with right now. Despite all their accomplishments and dedication, they might not get to experience a Senior Night, so News 6 wanted to pay a small tribute to these senior athletes. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the month of April, News 6 Sports will feature a high school senior with a new segment called “Senior Salute.” Check it out at News 6 at 6 & 11 and on ClickOrlando.com and celebrate our Central Florida seniors with us!