Three decades ago, Becky Smith wanted to become jai alai’s first woman pro. Now the sport can’t make a comeback without her.
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Longreads Best of 2017: Sports Writing
We asked writers and editors to choose some of their favorite stories of the year. Here is the best in sports writing.
The Gymnast’s Position
Aimee Trepanier was proud to showcase the pose that started her 1993 gymnastics floor routine in a billboard ad off I-15 in Salt Lake City. But when Utahns looked up, that’s not what they saw.
Every Mission is a Suicide Mission
Accompanying a contestant to a pro-level Galaga tournament to discover how many digital space bugs you have to destroy to find renown, community, and a modicum of inner peace.
The Need for Distance: Jaclyn Gilbert on Writing and Running
For author Jaclyn Gilbert, revising her writing is much like doing the same running loops over and over, to the point where she doesn’t have to think about where she’s going anymore.
Seasonal Associate
No longer able to live on her freelance writing income, German novelist Heike Geissler takes a holiday seasonal job at an Amazon fulfillment center.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Mark Arax, David Grann, Stephanie Nolen, Eleanor Cummins, and David Marchese.
Caught Between Borders
Closed borders and closed minds are trapping African LGBTI asylum seekers in hostile countries.
End the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
It’s an embarrassment to journalism.
The Organ Transplant Story You Don’t Hear
Ten years ago, James “Bo” Calvert received a transplant to replace his only kidney. Now that kidney is failing.

