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9 Days until Opening Ceremonies
UPWARD SPIKE
Could the United States be the team to beat in men's indoor volleyball? That might be a stretch, but the U.S. men suddenly look like medal contenders. They swept Brazil -- which has won every major world title since 2002 -- in the semifinals of the prestigious FIVB World League in Rio de Janeiro, then defeated Serbia in the final this past weekend. The men's indoor team had not won a World League title in the tournament's 18-year history, and Brazil had claimed five in a row. The U.S. team is seeking its first Olympic medal since a bronze in 1992 in Barcelona.
RITZENHEIN TAKES HEAT
U.S. marathon runner Dathan Ritzenhein served notice that he is ready for Beijing's heat when he finished third Sunday in his Olympic tuneup, the New York City Half-Marathon, in hot and humid conditions. Ritzenhein finished in 1 hour 1 minute 38 seconds, behind Tadesse Tola of Ethiopia (1:00.58) and Patrick Makau of Kenya (1:00.59). Ritzenhein, who finished behind Ryan Hall at last November's Olympic trials in Central Park, declared the 13.1-mile race that ended in Battery Park a good indicator for the Aug. 24 race.
"This was a great last test for Beijing," he told Running USA. "I learned what weather I can tolerate. It really confirmed for me that I'm in the kind of shape I thought I was in."
CALENDAR
| Date | Event (Site) |
| Tomorrow | Basketball exhibition -- U.S. men vs. Turkey, Macau |
| Aug. 1 | Baseball exhibition -- U.S. vs. Canada, Cary, N.C. |
| Aug. 2-4 | Baseball exhibition -- U.S. vs. Canada, Durham, N.C. |
| Aug. 3 | Basketball exhibition -- U.S. men vs. Russia, Shanghai |
-- From News Services and Staff Reports
