ATHLETICS
Official hit by javelin dies
A 74-year-old athletics official has died after being speared through the throat by a javelin at a junior meet in Germany, officials said on Monday. The official, Dieter Strack, went to measure a throw, but was hit as the javelin landed. He was rushed to hospital for an emergency operation, but died overnight, police said. The local athletic association paid tribute to a “popular and experienced” official who was the victim of a “tragic accident.” “We are deeply saddened by this shocking accident and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time,” the association said. The Rheinische Post newspaper reported that the 15-year-old competitor who threw the javelin was being treated for shock.
RUGBY
Wallabies’ Vickerman retires
Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman has retired from all rugby after struggling to come back from a stress fracture in his right leg. The South Africa-born Vickerman played 63 Tests for Australia, starting in 2002 and culminating with the World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand in October last year. Vickerman played Super rugby for the ACT Brumbies and New South Wales Waratahs and spent three years out of international rugby while he studied at Cambridge University in England, but returned to Australia last year and forced his way back into the Wallabies squad, earning eight Test caps in the season.
SOCCER
Panionios beat Aris 1-0
Panionios held on to beat Aris 1-0 in the opening round of the Greek league on Monday in Athens, despite having two players sent off in the second half. Panionios’ Vassilis Lambropoulos scored after getting a foot to the rebound when goalkeeper Markos Vellidis cleared a header from Leonidas Kapandais in the 14th minute. While Panionios was the better team in the first half, Aris dominated in the second period without really threatening after Lambropoulos and Kapandais were red-carded. On Sunday, defending champion Olympiakos struggled to beat newcomer Veria 2-1.
SOCCER
Sporting lose 1-0 to Rio Ave
Sporting Lisbon is still without a win after two rounds of the Portuguese league, losing 1-0 at home on Monday to Rio Ave from Edimar’s first-half goal. Edimar started the counterattack for the 40th-minute goal with Yonathan Del Valle, who dribbled the ball into the area before cutting it back for the Brazilian defender to bury a shot past goalkeeper Rui Patricio at Jose Alvalade Stadium. Sporting drew their opening match last week. Defending champion FC Porto, Benfica and Braga all earned their first wins of the season in the second round.
SOCCER
Oman board resigns
The board of the Oman Football Association (OFA) has quit in an effort appease FIFA after being threatened with suspension from playing 2014 World Cup qualifiers for breaching rules on taking disputes to court. The resignation on Monday comes after three Oman clubs successfully challenged last year’s board elections in court in June. FIFA reminded OFA last month that it faces “immediate and indefinite suspension” if the court’s ruling award is upheld. Rather than honor the court ruling, the board said in a statement that new elections are now scheduled for Sept. 27. The board says it hoped the new elections would “end the current crisis” and satisfy FIFA ahead of Oman’s next World Cup qualifier, against Jordan on Oct. 16.
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