■ Speedskating
Klassen wins 1,500m title
Cindy Klassen of Canada snapped Anni Friesinger's streak of three straight titles in the women's 1,500m race Thursday at the speedskating world championships in Inzell, Germany. Klassen soared around the track in 1 minute, 58.49 seconds to take gold at the individual distances worlds. The German finished second in 1:58.73 and Jennifer Rodriguez of the US was third in 1:59.44. "I'm satisfied with silver. I expected Cindy to be my hardest competition right from the start," said Friesinger, the Olympic champion in the 1,500m. Klassen was a bronze medalist in the 3,000m at the Salt Lake City Olympics and was World Cup champion in the 1,500m in 2003. She beat the German in her home town. All over Inzell, storefronts were plastered with pictures of Friesinger, wishing her luck. "That's definitely a disadvantage -- everyone is expecting medals and titles from me," said Friesinger, who has captured 10 world championship golds.
■ Boxing
Reformers face Congress
Boxing needs the US government to step in and protect the sport, reformers told Congress on Thursday. A key Republican said he was wary of making bureaucrats act as referees.
A stalled bill to create a US Boxing Commission brought a hearing in a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, where lawmakers are trying to forge a compromise with a Senate effort championed by Senator John McCain. House lawmakers grappled on Thursday with a host of boxing issues -- fighters risking their health, lack of financial support for run-down boxers, the confusing contractual battles involving promoters, TV networks, and big-name boxers. "The problem that we have is we don't have any enforcement mechanism," said Ron Scott Stevens, chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely