The top names in golf, led by Tiger Woods, got together to lobby the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include the sport in the 2016 Summer Games.
Eighteen of the game’s biggest stars are sending a brochure detailing golf’s bid for inclusion along with personal letters reflecting their support to IOC members from their respective countries. In addition, Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam have sent the 32-page pamphlet to IOC representatives from 75 other countries.
“As we have consistently stated from the outset of the bid process, it is imperative that the best players in the world support golf’s Olympic effort,” said Peter Dawson, joint secretary of the International Golf Federation.
“It also is important for us to demonstrate the international nature of golf, underscoring the fact that 60 million people play the sport in nearly 120 countries,” he said. “This personal outreach by international players is a continuation of that effort.”
Golfers sending material to their respective IOC representatives include the US’ Woods, Fiji’s Vijay Singh, Ai Miyazato of Japan, South African Ernie Els, Australia’s Karrie Webb and Sergio Garcia of Spain.
Golf is one of seven sports being considered for inclusion at the 2016 Games. The others are baseball, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens, softball and squash. The IOC will vote on the matter in October.
“We certainly appreciate the effort and support of these great players on behalf of golf’s Olympic bid,” Ty Votaw, executive director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee, said in a statement. “We obviously believe there is a very compelling case as to why golf should be reinstated as an Olympic sport, and a large reason for that is the support from top players.”
Golf was last an Olympic sport in 1904 in St Louis when only the US and Canada competed.
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