Handcyclist David Berling, an Air Force veteran, earns surprise trip to World Championships with Team USA

Retired Air Force capt. David Berling, a handcyclist, earns a spot on U.S. national team for road racing World Championships in South Africa. http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2017/August/29/Berling-Rides-Comeback-Trail-All-The-Way-To-South-Africa

Despite some flops, Del Rio believes in defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fans are concerned by what they've seen of Raiders defense this summer, but Jack Del Rio has faith the "D" is headed up. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Despite-Performances-Del-Rio-Believes-in-Raiders-Defense-442246233.html

Rookie tight end Kittle earns starting role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the trade of veteran Vance McDonald, rookie tight end George Kittle has secured a starting spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Rookie-Tight-End-Kittle-Has-Been-Impressive-442250173.html

Conley will be activated this week

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Gareon Conley, the Raiders' No. 1 draft choice, should be activated this week and be ready to play in the regular season opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gareon-Conley-May-Be-Ready-for-Action-Soon-442130903.html

Mostert making push to make 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: How could the 49ers not keep running back Raheem Mostert after the summer he's had? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Mostert-Making-a-Strong-Bid-to-Make-49ers-Roster-442125343.html

Foster giving 49ers foes something to ponder

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his third exhibition, vs. the Vikings, 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster looks like a sure-fire star. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Foster-Looks-Like-a-Star-in-the-Making-442009843.html

Penn gets into game, says he'll be ready

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After a long holdout, tackle Donald Penn sees his first game action of the summer and says he'll be good to go for Game 1 of the regular season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Making-Game-Debut-Penn-Says-Hell-be-Ready-442005793.html

Surprise! Niners passing game looks strong

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers woeful passing attack of 2016 may be gone for good if San Francisco's Brian Hoyer-led assault on the Vikings is any indication. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Passing-Game-Looks-Promising-vs-Vikings-441947063.html

Carr and Co. look sharp vs. Cowboys

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr looks ready for the regular season in exhibition vs. Dallas. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Shows-Hes-Ready-for-Regular-Season-441828683.html

Third game of summer is big for backup QB battle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: E.J. Manuel and Connor Cook are in a dead heat in the race for the primary backup QB job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cook-Manuel-Duel-is-Going-Down-to-the-Wire-441739803.html

Jimmie Ward ready to get started

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After getting a slow start because of injuries, new free safety Jimmie Ward says he's ready to roll. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Jimmie-Ward-Has-Been-Cleared-for-Takeoff-441736503.html

Eli's coming for Brooks' linebacker spot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Third-year linebacker Eli Harold is giving Ahmad Brooks a strong challenge for the starting strong-side linebacker job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Elis-Coming-for-Brooks-Starting-Linebacker-Spot-441520423.html

Ward is activated and ready to go for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackle Jihad Ward is finally ready to start year 2 of his NFL career. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Ward-Getting-a-Late-Start-to-Second-Season-441527213.html

What evils lurk in that kitchen sponge? How dirty is that dish rag? What germs are hiding on the counter? Take precautions for cleanliness. It's not hard to do.

The common sponge or dishcloth in your household kitchen could hold enough tiny organisms to bring you to your knees. But don't worry. You can keep yourself safe with some easy steps. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-kitchen-germs-20170821-story.html

One year later, Olympians D'Agostino and Hamblin know their lives have been changed by their acts of sportsmanship

American Abbey D'Agostino and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin stopped to help each other on the track in a 5,000-meter semifinal at the Rio Olympics. Their actions inspired others and gained worldwide attention. A year later, they say their lives are much different now. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/20278032/catch-inspiring-olympians-nikki-hamblin-abbey-dagostino-one-year-collision-rio

Beathard showing 49ers his fine skill set

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback C.J. Beathard is showing why 49ers used a third-round pick on him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Beathard-Showing-Why-49ers-Took-Him-in-Third-Round-441407433.html

Reports say Penn ready to come back to play

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Put aside those fears, Raiders fans. Donald Penn is ending his holdout. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Indicate-Penn-Will-End-Holdout-441401953.html

49ers may have found lightning return man in former Beaver

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website:Victor Bolden Jr. may have a hard time making the 49ers roster as a wideout, but his skills as a kick returner may be special. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-Oregon-State-Standout-Making-an-Impression--441299813.html

Penn's absence could be painful

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The holdout of Donald Penn could be a blow to Raiders' hopes in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Penns-Absence-is-Looming-Large-for-Raiders-441303913.html

Top pick Thomas is gaining momentum for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Solomon Thomas is gaining momentum after slow start. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Thomas-Building-Momentum-Toward-49ers-Debut-439705593.html

Injuries took tool on Roberts in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seth Roberts is healthy again, and that could mean a big season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Now-Fully-Fit-Roberts-Eager-to-Earn-Role-in-Offense-439700793.html

49ers quickly release center Jeremy Zuttah

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran center Jeremy Zuttah is released less than two weeks into training camp, a surprising turnaround. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Zuttah-Doesnt-Survive-Week-2-of-49ers-Training-Camp-439652313.html

Carrie making strong bid to start at corner

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fourth-year defensive back TJ Carrie so far is the best cornerback in Raiders camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrie-Making-Strong-Bid-to-Start-at-Cornerback-439659003.html

So far, Kilgore is fighting off Zuttah's challenge

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Incumbent center Daniel Kilgore is holding off the challenge by former Ravens Pro Bowler Jeremy Zuttah ... so far. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Daniel-Kilgore-is-Fighting-off-Challenge-439437213.html

Raiders excited by sight of exciting Lynch

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marshawn Lynch is an energized, excited running back in Raiders training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Lynch-Showing-Hes-Ready-to-Play-439447823.html

After soccer, basketball, field hockey, tackle football and rugby 7s, Jessica Javelet is now on U.S. 15s World Cup rugby team

Jessica Javelet is a multi-sport standout and Olympian. Now she's taking on a new challenge, moving up from rugby sevens to the national rugby 15s team now in the World Cup. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/August/08/Do-It-All-Star-Jessica-Javelet-Already-A-Rugby-Sevens-Olympian-Takes-On-New-Challenge-At-15s

Rookie safety Jerome making plays in camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie safety Lorenzo Jerome is getting playing time in training camp thanks to injuries to veterans, and he's opening some eyes. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Injuries-Have-Opened-Door-for-49ers-Jerome-439226223.html

Vanderdoes giving Raiders some muscle inside

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-UCLA defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes has earned a spot on the first-unit defense for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rookie-Vanderdoes-Earning-Great-Reviews-439218873.html

49ers lose Malcolm Smith for season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners invested heavily in former Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith, but now an injury has knocked him out for 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Expected-to-Lose-Malcolm-Smith-For-Entire-Season-439007543.html

Is Sean Smith about to lose his job?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: High-priced cornerback Sean Smith has lost his job on the first defensive unit and could be in jeopardy. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Sean-Smith-off-to-Bad-Start-in-Camp-439002693.html

Thirty sacks in a season? Mack says it's a goal

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack and Von Miller of the Broncos both say they are aiming for 30 sacks in a season, which would blow away the NFL record. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Could-Khalil-Mack-Break-the-Sack-Record-in-2017-438552133.html

49ers cut ties with Bruce Ellington

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Once, receiver-returner Bruce Ellington looked like a possible star. But after three injury-shortened seasons, the team has waived him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Move-on-From-Ellington-After-Three-Seasons-438542623.html

As Usain Bolt gets ready to step into retirement, a closer look at the amazing sprinter's 10 greatest races

Was it his record-setting 100 meters at Berlin in the World Championships? Was it breaking Michael Johnson's "unbreakable" 200-meter mark? Was it his feat of winning a third straight Olympic 100 meters race in Rio? As Usain Bolt gets ready to run in his final World Championships before retiring, we rank his 10 greatest feats. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/athletics/story/_/id/20244888/iaaf-world-athletics-championships-2017-best-performances-usain-bolt-career

49ers see Mitchell as a defensive disruptor

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area: Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell's ability to be quick off the ball should be a boost to the interior of the defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Earl-Mitchell-is-Making-His-Presence-Felt-438344243.html?85985

The Raiders are happy to have Lee Smith back

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Lee Smith is healthy again, which should be good for Oakland's running game in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bruising-Blocker-Lee-Smith-Happy-to-be-Back-438335043.html

At World Track and Field Championships, look out for a new rising star from South Africa ... and nine other compelling stories

Usain Bolt's farewell to big-time track at the World Track and Field Championships this month in London won't be the only compelling story at the event. A look at 10 personalities to watch in London. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.co.uk/athletics/story/_/id/20230415/iaaf-world-athletics-championships-2017-athletes-our-radar-london

Marquel Lee already working with first unit

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie middle linebacker Marquel Lee has suddenly been moved up to the first-team unit. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Rookie-Lee-Moves-Into-Middle-Linebacker-Spot-438112083.html

Slimmer Aaron Lynch embracing new role with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Aaron Lynch is competing for playing time at the LEO defensive end spot, a role that could suit his talents. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Slimmed-Down-Aaron-Lynch-Excited-for-New-Role-438105253.html

The Rocky Mountain Slam challenges ultrarunners with a lineup of five of the country's toughest mountain races

Running 100 miles through the Rocky Mountains is challenging enough. Doing it four times, in race conditions, over a span of 3.5 months is a huge accomplishment. Doing it earns runners the Rocky Mountain Slam. My story on the Slam for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2017/07/trail-running/rocky-mountain-slam-ultrarunning_166675

Water polo a big part of San Diegan's fitness regimen

John Martin, 46, has incorporated water polo into his fitness regimen, a sport that gives him more than just exercise. My story on Martin as part of the "Active San Diego" series for the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-martin-20170731-story.html

Penn holding out for better deal from Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders want left tackle Donald Penn to report, but they're proceeding with out him for the time being. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Proceeding-in-Camp-Without-Donald-Penn-437878543.html

Solomon Thomas impressing in first drills

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: No. 1 49ers pick Solomon Thomas has shown the quickness and fast feet scouts saw in college. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Solomon-Thomas-is-Looking-Strong-in-Early-Drills-437883173.html