HIKING
Remains found in canyon
US’ Grand Canyon National Park rangers on Thursday said that remains have been found that are believed to be those of a California hiker who went missing in June. The National Park Service said that people on a private river rafting trip discovered remains while on a day hike. Rangers found items indicating the remains are those of 72-year-old Raafat “Ralph” Amin Nasser-Eddin of Los Angeles. Nasser-Eddin was reported overdue on June 12 and matched the description of a person reported to park rangers as being disoriented at a canyon camping area the day before. A days-long search was fruitless. The remains were found on Wednesday nearly 5km from his last known location near Hermit Camp. The Coconino County medical examiner is to confirm the identity.
UNITED STATES
Commentator Enberg dies
Broadcaster Dick Enberg, who charmed sports fans with his “Oh my,” declaration as he called some of the most memorable sporting events in the past five decades, died on Thursday, ESPN reported. He was 82. Enberg was found dead at his home in San Diego of an apparent heart attack, ESPN reported, citing his family. Enberg worked for NBC, CBS and ESPN, calling some of the biggest sporting events, including 10 Super Bowls, 28 Wimbledons and eight NCAA men’s basketball title games, ESPN said. Enberg was honored with awards from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He also won 13 Sports Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Emmy.
SOCCER
Wanyama nears Spurs return
Tottenham Hotspur have missed Victor Wanyama’s presence in midfield, but the 26-year-old is nearing a first-team return after recovering from a serious knee injury, manager Mauricio Pochettino has said. The Kenya international, who missed just two Premier League games last season, has been sidelined for four months after aggravating a knee injury ahead of Tottenham’s home match against Burnley in August. “We will see when he can be involved again. Last season, he was such an important player for us,” Pochettino said. “And this season, it’s true. In a position that you need to be strong, we have missed a player like him.” Wanyama is to miss today’s trip to Burnley, but could return during Spurs’ packed festive season schedule.
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