Candace Buckner

Washington, D.C.

Sports columnist focusing on how sports shape and illuminate our understanding of culture and society.

Education: University of Missouri

Candace Buckner joined The Post in 2016. She has written sports columns and criticism since late 2021. Over her first three years in the role, she has twice earned Top 10 honors in column writing from the Associated Press Sports Editors. Since 2002, Buckner has covered sports at various newspapers, with stops in Macon, Ga.; Kansas City, Mo.; Gary, Ind.; and Vancouver, Wash. and at the Indianapolis Star. Buckner is originally from St. Louis and attended the University of Missouri.
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Latest from Candace Buckner

Trump is praising Brittany Mahomes? Must be football season.

A new NFL season is here, and it’s Harrison Butker vs. the libs, Swifties vs. Brittany Mahomes, the Eagles vs. fake ads and Aaron Rodgers vs. the world.

September 4, 2024
A U.S. flag was displayed in a locker containing Chiefs helmets during a preseason game last month. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

On the medal stand, Brittney Griner’s tears said everything

This is Griner’s country, too. Her reaction after winning another Olympic gold medal showed that.

August 11, 2024
Brittney Griner is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, but that's not what brought tears Sunday.

Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola wins Olympic marathon gold, and it was a climb

A late substitute for an injured countryman, Tola withstood a hilly course that defeated even two-time defending champion Eliud Kipchoge.

August 10, 2024
Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola celebrates as he crosses the finish line.

At a career moment, Noah Lyles thought only of himself. Been there.

The sprinter’s decision to run with covid Thursday night was pretty selfish -- and, for me, very relatable.

August 9, 2024

A U.S. long jumper points to her spot — and then leaps toward gold

For long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall, ‘manifestation turned into a reality’: A gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

August 8, 2024

For U.S. wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, Olympic gold is worth the weight

American wins gold in 50-kilogram freestyle after waking up thinking she was wrestling one opponent before meeting a different foe once she got on the mat.

August 7, 2024
Sarah Hildebrandt had a hard time absorbing her gold medal. “I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long, and I feel like my mind and my body are just not computing everything,” she said.

    This could be the biggest upset of the Olympics

    No one could have predicted U.S. cyclist Kristen Faulkner would win gold in the women’s road race.

    August 7, 2024

    Ashleigh Johnson, U.S. water polo force of nature, has nearly all the saves

    Johnson’s 17 saves — including a deft left-handed stop in the closing moments — keep the Americans’ bid for a fourth straight gold alive.

    August 6, 2024
    Ashleigh Johnson makes one of her 17 saves during the 5-4 win over Hungary in the Olympic quarterfinals.

    The Sports Moment: The U.S. women’s basketball team didn’t need Caitlin Clark

    The U.S. women’s basketball team is a dynasty – and it didn’t need Caitlin Clark. Host Ava Wallace talks with columnists Candace Buckner and Jerry Brewer about that and drama on the track. Plus: How NBC brings the sounds of the Games to your living room.

    August 6, 2024

    The U.S. women’s basketball team didn’t need Caitlin Clark

    The U.S. women’s basketball team is a dynasty – and it didn’t need Caitlin Clark. Host Ava Wallace talks with columnists Candace Buckner and Jerry Brewer about that and drama on the track. Plus: How NBC brings the sounds of the Games to your living room.

    August 6, 2024