Reuters Sports News Summary

08/04/2016 3:59

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Riot police open way for torch through Rio protest

Police used stun grenades and tear gas to clear protesters in the path of the Olympic torch in a poor suburb of Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, two days before South America's first Olympic Games open under tight security. Olympic Brazilian sailors earlier delivered the torch to the host city's mayor after crossing Guanabara Bay near the end of a 20,000-km (12,400-mile) journey through one of the world's largest and most diverse countries.

American rivals to feel 'full wrath' of lightning quick Bolt

Usain Bolt is promising to let American sprinter Justin Gatlin "feel his full wrath" as he zones in on an unprecedented treble-treble of gold medals at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Bolt was given a medical exemption by Jamaican officials to compete at the Rio Games after he pulled a hamstring during the Olympic trials and Gatlin wasted little opportunity in trying to get under the 29-year-old's skin.

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.

Pacquiao to make ring return against Vargas - report

Manny Pacquiao will take on American World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas when he returns to the ring on Nov. 5, according to the Filipino boxer's manager Michael Koncz. "Retirement doesn't suit Manny right now," Koncz told the Los Angeles Times of the former eight-division world champion.

Fans target U.S. keeper Solo with teasing Zika chant

United States goalkeeper Hope Solo was the target of some teasing at the hands of Brazilian soccer fans on Wednesday as her team beat New Zealand 2-0 in their opening match of their quest for a fourth successive Olympic gold. Solo, playing her 199th international match in the game in Belo Horizonte, was greeted by thousands of fans shouting "Zika!", in reference to a Twitter photo she published last month, every time she cleared the ball or took a goal kick.

Basketball : Winning not always good as gold for U.S

For every athlete who wins a gold medal at the Rio Olympics it will be a big deal. For the United States women's basketball team the big deal will be if they do not. The U.S. women's team are one of the great Olympic dynasties, going for a sixth consecutive gold medal and riding a 41-0 unbeaten run that stretches back to the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

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.

08/04/2016 3:59