Sports
The unexpected path that led Morgan and Frankie Price to Arkansas gymnastics
MORGAN PRICE STANDS at the kitchen table next to older sister Frankie, trailing her fingertips over the front panel of a well-worn leather vest. The faded, black material is dotted with colorful patches that offer a glimpse at the life of its owner: their father, Chris.
“I mean, shoot, this was the real him,” Morgan said after spotting a particularly playful patch, which read Bad Ass Brother. Seconds later, Frankie swallows a laugh as she finds another.
Chris Price played for the Kansas City Royals in the late 1990s. But when the sisters reach for memories of their dad, he’s often driving off on one of his custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Morgan remembers watching from the laundry room. Frankie is closer, in the garage.
“He would always look back and wave and have the biggest smile on his face,” she said.
But both agree the roaring rumble of the exhaust is a sound they’ll never forget. It punctuates one of the few memories the Prices have of their dad, who died after a 2009 motorcycle accident at age 36. Frankie was 6 years old, Morgan was 4, and their sister Kristin, 2.
Frankie and Morgan say it took several years before they truly understood the impact of the loss. By then, gymnastics had become the outlet through which they honored their father’s memory.
“Chris was very much behind that,” Marsha Price said of the girls’ interest in the sport, “making sure that every day it was, ‘What are you going to do to be better tomorrow?'”
The mantra is a lodestar, left by Chris for his daughters.
“My ‘why’ is representing my last name,” said Frankie, who spent the last four years overcoming injuries and honing her resilience as an Arkansas Razorback. Morgan, meanwhile, repeatedly made history in her three years with Fisk University, which launched the first HBCU gymnastics team in 2023.
But at the end of last season, the sisters came to a crossroads. With a final year of college eligibility left, they each questioned whether or where to spend it.
Individual reflection ultimately led them to the same place: Frankie and Morgan would finish their careers together in Fayetteville.
“We hold it with a lot of pride to be a Price Girl,” Morgan said.
IT’S NINE HOURS before Arkansas’ home meet against fellow SEC foe Kentucky. The Gymbacks warm up on the floor of an empty Bud Walton Arena, sliding over foam rollers as a group before breaking off to perform their own pre-meet rituals.
Frankie heads to a corner of the floor where she will later begin her routine for thousands of Arkansas faithful. For now, she only marks the moves. But her eyes hold an intensity that helps bring to mind the iconic notes of Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode,” featuring Snoop Dogg — a song that has been part of Frankie’s floor routines her entire Razorbacks career.
“I am Frank Dogg,” she said. “Like, I got that dog in me, you know what I mean?”
Frankie Price’s @SnoopDogg floor routine never disappoints 🤩 @RazorbackGym pic.twitter.com/LEyDt00pLh
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 25, 2025
Frankie verbally committed to Arkansas at age 14. She spent high school dreaming of her collegiate debut. But in 2021, just before arriving on campus, she tore her ACL. The 18-month-long recovery process meant she would have to redshirt her freshman season, putting off competition for yet another year.
When she finally entered the Razorbacks vault and floor lineups — with a brace on her right knee, worn ever since — she brought big skills, and an even bigger personality.
“Frankie has this way of just captivating fans and captivating people, even her teammates,” said head coach Jordyn Wieber, who has spent the past seven seasons building Arkansas into a top-10 program. And Frankie has helped make it happen.
In 2023, during her redshirt freshman season, Frankie became the fourth Razorbacks gymnast to tally a 9.975 on floor, good for Arkansas’ highest score since 2014. The following year, she helped Arkansas earn its first 198-plus team score in program history, as well as a spot in the NCAA championship.
Last season, the Gymbacks were in pursuit of a repeat championship appearance. They had already qualified for the regional final when Frankie took the floor in the last routine of the last rotation. But at the end of her first pass, she landed her double layout short and immediately collapsed.
“It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life,” she said.
Frankie was carried off the floor, later learning she had ruptured her Achilles tendon. Two days later, she cheered from the sideline as Arkansas competed in the regional final — “for Frankie,” Wieber said after the injury. But the Razorbacks finished in the fourth spot, failing to progress to the national championship.
A few weeks later, Frankie, then a senior, found herself in Wieber’s office. “What do you think about one more year?” her coach asked.
“After my injuries that I’ve been through, I had to just kind of take a step back and focus on my ‘why,'” Frankie said. “My ‘why’ is representing my last name. And that goes back to my dad, because I know that he would want me to push through the hard times and do what I can to represent being a Price Girl.”
The answer to Wieber’s question was simple. She would return to Arkansas to spend her fifth and final season as a Gymback.
IT’S THREE HOURS before the meet begins, and the Razorbacks have returned to the arena floor.
This time, however, the subdued mood of the morning has given way to a lighter energy, as teammates pose for photos and recruit each other to record TikToks.
Amid the activity, Morgan pulls Frankie aside for pictures. For a few moments, they stand hip to hip, an arm around the other’s waist, before breaking off once again.
“If you walked in the gym, you wouldn’t be able to tell they’re sisters,” Wieber said, “because in the gym, they’re teammates.”
The separation is subtle. Yet the Price Girls know each has been destined to chart their own path.
In 2021, shortly after Frankie began her freshman year, Morgan also committed to Arkansas. She says her sister did not factor into her decision, citing instead an excitement to be part of a growing program. The following year, however, Fisk announced it was launching a gymnastics team. Morgan saw this as an even greater opportunity to contribute. She decommitted to Arkansas in favor of Fisk.
“I knew that the decision that I was making was bigger than just gymnastics,” she said.
By becoming a Bulldog, Morgan was making history. In 2024, as a sophomore, she won the all-around title at the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitation Championship (then known as the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships), an end-of-season tournament for limited-scholarship teams. And in 2025, she became the first HBCU gymnast to score a perfect 10.0, before taking home a second WCGNIC all-around title.
After climbing to such heights, she couldn’t help but hear the echoes of her father’s ethos.
“I know my dad would want me to strive to be the best,” she said. “I set and reached all my goals that I wanted to at Fisk, and so I was like, ‘You know what? For my last year, I really want to challenge myself.'”
Several weeks after Wieber asked Frankie about another season in Fayetteville, the head coach received a similar question from her sister.
Morgan says she never forgot how supportive Wieber was of her decision to attend Fisk.
“She cares about us as a person first, and then an athlete,” Morgan said. So Morgan decided to reach out and see how the Razorbacks staff would receive a second commitment. “They were just super excited, fully open arms, and so I knew it was the right decision.”
Morgan would transfer to Arkansas to spend her fourth and final season as a Gymback. In May, the sisters shared the news on social media with a photo in which they stood back-to-back, arms crossed and faces focused. It would be the first of many they’d take in matching cardinal leotards. The following month, Fisk announced it was discontinuing its gymnastics program after the 2026 season, a move that shocked members of the inaugural team.
“I think the fact that we’re able to be together, train together, live together, go through our last year of college together,” Frankie said, “is just a great chance for us to bond even more and just stay connected through life.”
IN THE MINUTES before the meet begins, many of the Gymbacks have already taken the floor, their silhouettes outlined by roving spotlights and the jumbotron’s gentle glow. The voice of the PA announcer fills the darkened arena as he begins to name Arkansas’ upperclassmen.
When Morgan, then Frankie, is introduced, they each take a turn atop the podium in the center of the floor, waving back at the swell of cheers.
“They just carry this swagger about them.” Wieber said. “When we walk into an arena with Frankie and Morgan on our team, that gives the whole program, the whole team, just an extra level of confidence.”
This couldn’t have been more evident in Arkansas’ performance against Kentucky. The Razorbacks began on vault, Morgan in the anchor position. With Frankie, Marsha and Kristin cheering her on, Morgan executed a flawless Yurchenko 1.5, scoring the first perfect 10.0 in Arkansas history. Seconds after the score was announced, Frankie wrapped Morgan in an embrace.
THE FIRST PERFECT 10 IN ARKANSAS HISTORY ON VAULT GOES TO MORGAN PRICE‼️🔥#NCAAGYM x 🎥 SECN+ / @RazorbackGym
— NCAA Women’s Gymnastics (@NCAA_Gymnastics) February 21, 2026
Several Gymback sticks followed on the uneven bars, balance beam and floor, where Frankie scored a 9.925, tying her season high. Morgan was the first to congratulate her, bounding onto the floor to share an enthusiastic double high-five.
Though the regular season meet ended in a tie, Arkansas finished ahead of Kentucky at the SEC championship, placing seventh. The performance helped the Razorbacks secure the No. 9 seed in the postseason, automatically qualifying them for the second round of the NCAA tournament.
The Price Girls have spent their entire gymnastics careers in pursuit of “being better tomorrow.” As they reach the close of their final collegiate season, both say they hope it culminates with Arkansas at the NCAA championship.
“The end of it all is that we’re a family,” Frankie said of the team. “No one’s doing it alone — we’re doing it together.”
Sports
US waives visa bonds for eligible Fifa World Cup fans from 50 countries
The Trump administration will temporarily waive visa bond requirements for eligible World Cup ticket-holders from countries subject to a controversial US travel deposit scheme, a State Department official said on Wednesday.
Citizens from 50 countries have been required since last year to pay deposits ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to obtain tourist visas for the United States, with the money refunded upon departure. Washington said the measure was introduced to prevent visa overstays.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said the bond requirement would now be lifted for qualifying football fans attending this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
“(The United States is) waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets and opted in to FIFA PASS as of April 15, 2026,” Namdar told Al Jazeera.
The waiver also applies to eligible players, coaches and team staff from the affected countries.
Five nations subject to the visa bond rules qualified for the World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia.
However, separate Trump administration restrictions remain in place for some countries, including Haiti and Iran, whose citizens face broader entry bans under US immigration directives.
“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” Namdar said in a statement.
The FIFA World Cup will take place in June and July across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament opens on June 11 in Mexico, while the first match in the United States is scheduled for June 12 in Inglewood, California. The final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The US launched the FIFA PASS system in January to speed up visa processing for ticket-holders. To qualify for the waiver, fans from affected countries had to register through the programme by April 15.
The administration’s immigration crackdown has drawn scrutiny ahead of the tournament, including concerns over the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at venues.
Human Rights Watch last month urged FIFA to seek an “ICE Truce” during the tournament, including guarantees against immigration enforcement operations at stadiums and related sites.
The Department of Homeland Security said international visitors attending the games “have nothing to worry about” if they hold legal immigration status.
Sports
Cricket legend Shahid Afridi conferred Hilal-e-Imtiaz
Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been conferred Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the country’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition his outstanding services in the field of sports.
The award was conferred by President Asif Ali Zardari during a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Afridi was recognised for guiding Pakistan to their historic 2009 T20 World Cup triumph.
The honour also acknowledged Afridi’s contributions to England’s county cricket and his leadership role in the World Championship of Legends.
After receiving the award, Afridi wrote on X that receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz from the president is an honour for him, adding that it represents not only his achievement but that of the entire Pakistani nation.
The former Pakistan captain said the award reflected the love, prayers and support he had received from the public throughout his career.
Afridi dedicated the honour to Pakistan’s martyrs, saying it was also in recognition of those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
He concluded by praying for Pakistan’s continued safety and prosperity.
The 46-year-old made exceptional contributions to Pakistan cricket across all formats, having played 398 ODIs and scored 8,064 runs, including 39 half-centuries and six centuries, while also claiming 395 wickets with nine five-wicket hauls.
In the T20I format, the right-handed batter featured in 99 matches, scoring 1,416 runs and taking 98 wickets.
Afridi also enjoyed vast experience in franchise cricket, representing teams in the Pakistan Super League, Lanka Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Champions League Twenty20, Big Bash League and Indian Premier League.
He was a key member of Pakistan’s squad that won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, where they defeated Sri Lanka national cricket team in the final courtesy of Afridi’s all-round performance.
He scored an unbeaten 54 off 40 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes, and also claimed one wicket.
Sports
Cherie DeVaux reflects on making Kentucky Derby history as first female trainer to win the race
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Cherie DeVaux made history when Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby at the beginning of May, becoming the first female trainer to win the first leg of the Triple Crown.
DeVaux, 44, said that while she never made her gender part of her identity as a horse trainer, it was the one thing she wanted to do as a female.
“It was the one thing as a female I wanted to do just cause I thought it would be – it’s a neat benchmark. There are 151 runnings with all men, and then it’s me,” DeVaux told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.
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Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Golden Tempo, celebrates with the trophy in the winner’s circle after the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 2, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“I have never made a stand that my gender was part of my identity as a trainer. I am a horse trainer. We all work really hard, male, female. So it wasn’t on the heels of being a female.”
For DeVaux, she was happy that the conversation about a female winning the Kentucky Derby could finally move on.
“I actually was getting a bit – I don’t want to say tired in a bad way, but that question kept coming up, and it’s like it’s time for the conversation to move on from it is how I felt. I quipped in the post-Derby interview, ‘Thank God I don’t have to answer that question anymore,’” DeVaux said.
The Saratoga Springs, New York, native, said that it’s an honor to be someone that people look up to.
“It’s an honor. And I hold great respect with the fact that I am somebody now that people, women, men, people look up to. That’s something that I don’t lose sight of, and I’m just out doing my thing, and if that can inspire somebody else, it’s a bonus on top,” DeVaux said.
“I’ve always felt like we need to be doing – we train horses, but we can reach the community, or others, just by doing what we’re doing and conducting yourself, holding yourself accountable and to a higher standard.”
GOLDEN TEMPO TO SKIP PREAKNESS STAKES, ENDING TRIPLE CROWN BID AS TRAINER CITES LONG-TERM HEALTH

Trainer Cherie DeVaux kisses the trophy after Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 2, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)
DeVaux, about a week and a half removed from the Kentucky Derby win, said that things are finally starting to settle down.
“It’s been overwhelming in a really amazing way,” DeVaux said. “Been busy, doing a lot more extracurriculars other than running our stable, which I keep joking that when a league wins a championship, they go to Disney World, and we continue to have a lot of horses to train. So, things are starting to quiet down a little bit and getting back to the enjoyment of working with our horses and training the rest of the stable.”
Going into the race, Golden Tempo was 23-1 to win the Kentucky Derby. DeVaux said she felt good about Golden Tempo but was tempering her expectations.
“I felt that Golden Tempo was going to run a really good race. We targeted the race. We had a plan with him. He checked all the boxes. He got to the race in great order, but realistically, it’s the derby. And it’s our first trip to the derby, and there’s a lot of horses in it. It’s not a very good chance you’re going to win, right?” DeVaux said.
“So, just realistic expectations that I put on the whole situation was let’s have fun. Hopefully, Golden Tempo runs a really good race. He comes with a run and we’re going to be happy with that.”
JORDON HUDSON, BILL BELICHICK TAKE IN CHURCHILL DOWNS DURING KENTUCKY DERBY WEEKEND

Trainer Cherie DeVaux stands outside a barn after a workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. (Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)
Golden Tempo’s running style is described as a deep closer, which means that he comes up to the pack from way out of it. DeVaux said they have tried to use blinkers to get him more engaged in the beginning of the race, but it’s just not his style.
Golden Tempo stayed true to form during the Kentucky Derby, as he surged from the back and into the lead late. DeVaux was making sure he didn’t dig himself too deep of a hole with a slow start.
“Most of the race, I was just keeping an eye on him, seeing how the race is unfolding in front of him. And there was a fast pace and a lot of those horses have not shown the propensity to want to go a mile and a quarter. Golden Tempo came closing at a mile and 3/16 in the Louisiana Derby. So, we were very confident in his ability to handle that distance,” DeVaux said.
“When I picked him up, I had a feeling that he was going to make a really good run and have a good showing of himself, but had given himself so much to do. So, as he’s picking them off, and he’s coming, and he’s coming and then when he got to Renegade is when it was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this might be happening’ to he got his head in front, and you know, the rest is history as they say.”
“I blacked out the last part of it when he won because I just couldn’t believe that he won the race. Like it was just disbelief of I can’t believe that really just happened.”
THE SURPRISING COST OF RENTING A HORSE STALL AT CHURCHILL DOWNS DURING THE KENTUCKY DERBY

Jockey Jose L. Ortiz celebrates after riding Golden Tempo to victory in the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 2, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP Photo)
Amid the chaos after winning, DeVaux said she hasn’t sat down and truly reflected on it all but has spent some time thinking about her journey into history.
“In brief moments, I find myself thinking about things that have happened in my life where I questioned my path, and it’s not just the path to me being a trainer. I was talking about something that happened in my late 20s with a relationship that went really badly, and I was telling my assistant actually about it. I thought if I could survive that, I can survive anything,” DeVaux said.
“I’ve had these moments along the way that I could have been discouraged, I could have left, and instead I just had the fortitude to push forward.”
The fortitude to push forward has indirectly led to her Instagram messages being flooded with congratulations.
“There have been a lot and still muddling through the inbox,” DeVaux said. “I didn’t realize how many messages you can really get on Instagram. Flavor Flav is the one that was jarring to me a little bit when he saw I was in New York, like ‘hey we have an event’ which my little ’90s child in me was thinking that was pretty cool.”
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Cherie DeVaux celebrates after becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby during the 152nd running at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 2, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
For DeVaux, she never thought she would be here.
“I’ve been overwhelmed really with like the reaction videos of just Golden Tempo running, my reaction being a woman and you know that’s just something I never would have thought would have touched anybody,” DeVaux said.
“I’m just doing my thing, cheering my horse on.”
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