XINHUA reports 18-year-old Olympic swimmer Chen Xinyi became the first athlete at Rio to fail a drug test. The Chinese Swimming Association announced Chen tested positive for "hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, on Aug. 7 after she finished fourth in the 100m butterfly final." The CSA said that Chen has applied to the IOC "for testing of sample B and a hearing to look into the matter" (XINHUA, 8/12).
OMINOUS SIGN? Belgian sailor Evi Van Acker, who won a Bronze Medal at the '12 London Games, has become the first sailor to have reported "illness-related problems" after competing in Rio. Van Acker began feeling sick "after racing in the laser radial class and had extensive evaluations from both Olympic and Belgian team medical staff." Coach Wil Van Bladel said that Van Acker "had suffered from an intestinal infection while training in Rio during July and became sick again Wednesday" (USA TODAY, 8/12).
SHOW ME A HERO: In N.Y., Jonathan Soble reports Japanese newspapers "printed special editions, and television news programs replayed highlights nonstop" to commemorate Kohei Uchimura winning the men’s all-around gymnastics title "for the second straight Olympic Games." Japanese TV "has been focused on" Uchimura, while U.S. gymnast Simone Biles, the women's all-around champ, "has been barely a blip" on their coverage. Uchimura "gets the gauzy profiles," and he "has appeared in advertisements for Toyota, frozen noodles and gyms" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/12).
GET UP, STAND UP: Former U.S. sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross,who was born in Jamaica, described the importance of Usain Bolt to the nation and said, "He's the Bob Marley of his time of Jamaica." Richard-Ross said, "The country has so much pride. When you're able to see someone do what he has done -- I think about the kids who look up to him and think that is possible. It means a lot to a small country to have such a great star, and he’s so gracious in doing it and a great champion for all islanders” (“Rio Olympics,” NBC, 8/11).
ON A MISSION: Thailand's Sports Authority sent fans to Rio to support the team's contingent, and the "wildly enthusiastic supporters ... ensure that Thailand’s Olympic athletes receive a lusty ovation every time they enter an arena." The Sports Authority "pays for their airfare, gives them a place to stay and offers a small stipend." In return, the fans -- who number roughly a dozen -- "promise to scream their lungs out" (WSJ.com, 8/11).
