When more than two dozen elite American triathletes competed in La Habana Triathlon last month, it marked the first time U.S. athletes had represented their country in Cuba in decades - and certainly since renewed diplomatic relations with the country were announced in 2014. Is Cuba - known as the 'pearl of the Antilles' - positioning itself as the next go-to sports destination?

For more than a hundred years, Kansas City, Missouri, has been known as the City of Fountains, and it is widely known for serving up some of the world's best barbecue. But in the last few decades, Kansas City has added a new nickname to its list: City of Fanatics—sports fanatics, that is. To the long list of Kansas City accolades, Travel + Leisure Magazine recently added a new title: one of America's Top 10 Cities for Sports-Crazed Fans. After hosting a homerun World Series, Kansas City became widely known as a championship sports host. But if baseball and barbecue are all you know about Kansas City, prepare to have your sports mind blown.

In this issue, take an inside look at USA Judo, As the National Governing Body (NGB) and member of the US Olympic Committee, the organization promotes judo and enables all United States athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence. And with America's first gold medal in judo in the most recent summer Olympics, USA Judo sees no reason to slow down.

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships."

~ Michael Jordan