The GIST: While we sadly didn’t see the “Shirtless Tongan,” this morning’s Opening Ceremony was well worth the early wake-up call.

MATTHEW STOCKMAN/GETTY IMAGES

The GIST: Sports won't be the only focus at these Olympics, as they’ll be taking place at the nexus of a global pandemic and global politics. Here are the hot button issues surrounding the Winter Games.

The GIST: Two days out from the official start of the 2022 Winter Olympics, and COVID-19 is once again the main character. It is Groundhog Day after all…

The GIST: Yes, it’s 2022, but COVID-19 is still the main character. And while the NFL’s reduced quarantine guidelines have players returning to action more quickly (for better or worse), let’s take stock of what’s happening elsewhere in sports.

The GIST: Unfortunately, you’ll probably be seeing this section for the foreseeable future. March 2020, is that you?

The GIST: On Monday, President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. would conduct a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics due to China’s ongoing human rights abuses.