Reuters Sports News Summary

08/03/2016 19:50

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Torch alights on Rio shore ahead of Games' opening

Brazilian sailors delivered the Olympic torch to Rio de Janeiro's mayor on Wednesday, two days before South America's first Olympic Games open under tight security. After a 20,000-km (12,400-mile) journey through one of the world's largest and most diverse nations, the torch crossed Guanabara Bay in a boat piloted by former medalists, in a nod to a competition where the host country has claimed Olympic glory.

Baseball, surfing among sports approved for Tokyo 2020 : IOC

Five sports, including baseball, skateboarding and surfing, will feature at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after the IOC voted them in on Wednesday in an attempt to revamp the Games program to attract a younger audience. The International Olympic Committee unanimously rubber-stamped the decision taken by its executive board in June, approving the inclusion of skateboarding, surfing, sports climbing, karate and a joint baseball/softball bid, which is expected to significantly boost local support for the Olympics.

Rio water as safe as Vancouver, says Canada doctor

The health risks of competing in the polluted waters of Guanabara Bay at the Rio Olympics are no greater than if swimming in Vancouver, the chief medical officer for the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said on Wednesday. Asked if concerns over pollution levels in the bay and sea, where sailing, wind surfing and long-distance swimming events are being held, were over-hyped, Canada's Chief Medical Officer for the Olympics Bob McCormack was quick to say they were.

Weightlifting : CAS upholds ban on Russians

There will be no Russian weightlifters at the Rio Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday rejected the country's appeal against a ban imposed by the sport's governing body, the IWF. The Russian team were banned last week after the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) said "the integrity of weightlifting has been seriously damaged on multiple times and levels by the Russians."

Phelps thrilled to be U.S. flag bearer

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 18 gold medals among his career haul of 22, said it was a dream come true to be chosen to carry the U.S. flag in Friday's opening ceremony at the Rio Games. "To lead our country into this Olympics is something I honestly never thought I would have the opportunity to do," the 31-year-old told reporters on Wednesday.

Archery : London let-down still vivid for U.S. men's team

Explaining the difference between Olympic gold and silver can be a tough ask for a disappointed runner-up, but for American archer Jake Kaminski, heartbreak can be distilled down to three-eighths of an inch. That tiny distance separated the United States from the men's team title in London, where Michele Frangilli sealed a one-point victory for Italy at the Lord's cricket ground with the last arrow of a nerve-shredding final.

Golf : Busy Bubba eyes Travelers title defense, then Rio

A hectic PGA Tour schedule has just become even busier for Bubba Watson but he would not have it any other way as he prepares for his title defense at this week's Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut. Fresh from a tie for 60th at the PGA Championship on Sunday in the season's final major, the American left-hander will bid to clinch a 10th career victory on the PGA Tour before he heads off to Rio de Janeiro to compete in the Summer Olympics.

Swimming : No more top dog for underdog Lochte

Ryan Lochte was a top dog in the U.S. Olympic swimming team in London four years ago, but he felt more like an aging underdog as he celebrated his 32nd birthday at the Rio Games on Wednesday. As 31-year-old room mate Michael Phelps told a million followers on Instagram in a message accompanying a photograph of the pair of them, the friends and rivals are "the old dudes on the team now."

NFL Network, Dish reach new carriage deal, ending fee dispute

Satellite TV operator Dish Network Corp said on Wednesday that it has struck a new carriage agreement with the National Football League's NFL Network and NFL Redzone channels, ending a disagreement over distribution fees. Dish has restored NFL Network and NFL Redzone on its satellite-TV service, it said in a statement. Both channels will be added to its online video service Sling TV in time for NFL season, it said.

Swimming : Rio a relief after U.S. trials, says Franklin

The U.S. trials proved a trial indeed for Missy Franklin but swimming's golden girl of London 2012 believes she can be back to her best at the Rio Olympics. Franklin set records on her way to four golds and a bronze medal at her first Games, but the 21-year-old qualified in just two individual events -- the 200 meters freestyle and 200 backstroke -- at the trials in Omaha.

08/03/2016 19:50