ATHLETICS
Coleman sets college record
As the athletics world begins to ponder life without Usain Bolt, US sprinter Christian Coleman offered hope of a bright future when the 21-year-old University of Tennessee runner on Wednesday became the ninth-fastest man over 100m, posting 9.82 seconds at the NCAA championships in Oregon. Coleman, whose time equaled Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago’s mark, broke the previous collegiate 100m record of 9.89 seconds to advance to today’s final and is expected to make the US world championships team. He also has the year’s fastest 200m time of 19.85 seconds, posted into a headwind at a college meet in Lexington, Kentucky, late last month.
BOXING
Klitschko mulling rematch
Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko said he would decide whether to have a rematch with Anthony Joshua “within the next two weeks.” Klitschko, who lost by an 11th-round technical knockout in a pulsating bout with the Briton on April 29, was quoted by Deutsche Presse-Agentur as saying: “My life isn’t only sport and boxing,” and that he is planning “the career after the career.” Klitschko, who reigned over the heavyweight division for a decade, is also fighting Father Time at the age of 41. His fight in London’s Wembley Stadium against 2012 Olympic champion Joshua, 14 years his junior, was one of the best heavyweight bouts in recent times. Klitschko fell to 64-5 in a career that began in 1996 after he won the gold at the Atlanta Olympics.
CRICKET
Southern Stars drop name
Australia’s women’s cricket team have dropped the “Southern Stars” as their official name in the pursuit of gender equality. The world’s top-ranked side is to now be known simply as the Australian women’s team in official communications, matching the men’s team. “This move may appear symbolic, but it does carry considerable weight,” Cricket Australia chairman David Peever said. “Cricket cannot hope to be a sport for all Australians if it does not recognize the power of words, and the respect for women that sits behind such decisions.” Social media accounts that use the Southern Stars name are to remain because of their strong following, but the official name and logo are to be changed.
TENNIS
Kellogg sues over Special K
Kellogg Co yesterday faced off with Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis in court, with the cereal giant accusing the sportsman nicknamed “Special K” of using its intellectual property for commercial purposes. The US-listed firm wants to stop the 21-year-old from using its trademarked product name as a moniker in advertisements for tennis clothing, a spokeswoman told reporters. Court filings showed that the matter yesterday had its first hearing at a federal court in Adelaide, Australia, Kokkinakis’ hometown. Kellogg’s lawyer declined to comment, while Kokkinakis’ lawyer did not respond to two calls requesting comment. The tennis player’s official Twitter account yesterday published a crying laughter image with no words. Kellogg, which dominates the Australian cereal market, promotes Special K as a healthy, low-fat, low-sugar breakfast, often featuring physical activity in its advertisements.
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