Dwyane Wade changes tune on pay for play Olympics
AHN Sports Staff Miami, FL, United States (AHN Sports) – Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade believes NBA athletes should be compensated for playing in the Olympics but also said his main motivation for participating in the Games is not money. Wade was answering a question on Wednesday about whether or not Olympians should be paid when he said he believes ”guys should be compensated.” Wade pointed to the demands of playing in the summer and the schedule as well a having less rest entering the following NBA season. He didn’t say he needed to be paid to play and on Thursday Wade said, ”I do not want to be paid to go to the Olympics.” Wade also tweeted Wednesday that pride for his country ”motivates me more than any $$$ amount.” Wade has played for the U.S. at Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008. He has stated that the 2012 London Games would be his last. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Olympic diving gold medalist Mark Lenzi dead at 43
AHN Sports Staff Greenville, NC, United States (AHN Sports) – Olympic diving gold medalist Mark Lenzi died Monday at the age of 43. The gold medal winner at Barcelona and bronze honoree in Atlanta was hospitalized two weeks ago while suffering fainting spells. He was the last American to medal at the Olympics. Lenzi first started diving at 16, and was inspired by the great Greg Louganis. “USA Diving is truly saddened by the passing of Olympic champion Mark Lenzi. As an Olympic gold and bronze medalist, Mark was one of our country’s greatest divers, and he will be missed tremendously. On behalf of USA Diving and the entire diving community, I extend my deepest condolences to Mark’s family and friends,” said USA Diving Chairman Bob Rydze. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
U.S. U-23 men’s soccer fails in Olympic qualifying bid
AHN Sports Staff Nashville, TN, United States (AHN Sports) – The U-23 Men’s National Team was eliminated from CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying after a 3-3 tie with El Salvador Monday night. The draw means the U.S. will miss out on the 2012 London Olympics. The U.S. finished in third place in Group A with four points and failed to move on to the semifinals. Two CONCACAF teams will qualify for the Olympics. The tie means the U.S. will miss out on the Olympics for the second time since 1976. The Americans failed to qualify for the 2004 Games in Athens. The U.S. qualified in 1980, but did not compete due to a boycott of the Moscow games. The U.S. got two goals from forward Terrence Boyd and one from midfielder Joe Corona, but a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time gave El Salvador the draw. Substitute goalkeeper Sean Johnson misplayed what looked like a routine shot by Jaime Alas. The ball bounced in front of Johnson but he went down on his side and the ball slipped through his hands and into the net. “It’s a painful moment. The players are devastated,” U.S. coach Caleb Porter said. “To put in as much as they put in that game, the amount of heart they put in, to play the way they played in that second half to come from behind and score two goals, to be seconds away from getting the No. 1 seed, it’s unimaginable. “I told them in the locker room is that this won’t define their careers. As low as this moment is for them and as painful as it is, they’ve got big days ahead – a lot of those guys that were out on that field. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Canadian uprising: U.S. soccer hits snag in Olympic qualifying
Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor Nashville, TN, United States (AHN Sports) – The United States Soccer squad’s Olympic hopes now hang in the balance after its Under-23 men’s squad suffered a shocking 2-0 loss to Canada Saturday night. Doneil Henry and Lucas Cavallini each scored goals as Canada notched its first triumph over the Americans since 1992 in the CONCACAF men’s Olympic qualifying tournament. It was a huge setback for the American side, which was coming off a 6-0 demolition of Cuba Thursday. The U.S. squad was hoping to carry the momentum of Thursday’s victory, along with its mastery over Canada, in its second game of this four-team round-robin tournament, but instead was overwhelmed by a well-oiled, hardworking Canadian squad. The Canadians, who played a scoreless tie against El Salvador to open this tournament, retained their strong play against the American side, which had a 10-9 edge on goal attempts. Canadians, however, had a 5-4 difference in shots on target. They finally found their rhythm in the second half, with Henry getting through U.S. goalkeeper Bill Hamid in the 57th off a corner kick from Phillippe Davies, who also had a hand in Canada’s second goal in the 83rd. The United States entered Saturday’s tilt with a 4-1-2 record all-time against Canada in this tournament. A win over Canada would have clinched a semis berth of the Americans, who had qualified for six of the last seven Olympics. The United States now faces a must-win match against El Salvador Monday night to advance. A loss or a tie with El Salvador, which trounced Cuba 4-0 earlier Saturday, would knock out the American squad, marking the first time since 2004 that the U.S. will miss out an Olympic qualifying berth and only the second since 1976. Canada, which has not made the 16-team Olympic tournament since 1984, will clash with winless Cuba also Monday. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
New Zealand women’s match-racing crew on course for London Olympics
Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor Wellington, New Zealand (AHN Sports) – Though considered young compared to their key competitors, New Zealand’s Jenna Hansen, Stephanie Hazard and Susannah Pyatt have remained undaunted in their bid for a sailing medal at the upcoming 2012 London Olympics. The three young sailors comprise New Zealand’s women’s match-racing crew. Hansen, 25, who is on the mainsheet, is considered the elder stateswoman among the trio of sailors who are all in their early 20′s. Her sailing background is in the splash class and 420s. Hansen spent two years in the Lion Foundation youth training programme. Hansen is from Whangarei and moved to Auckland in 2004 to pursue her university studies. She graduated with a bachelor of commerce in accounting and commercial law. On the bow is Pyatt, who is a psychology student with dreams of joining the police force. The 21-year-old Pyatt has put her aspirations to be a part of law enforcement on hold in order to chase her Olympic dream. Pyatt, who grew up in Wellington and Waiuku, has sailing background in the optimist and 420s classes. Hazard, 22, a future engineer, is the team’s helm. Hazard, who is halfway through an engineering degree, has more of a team’s racing background. Like Pyatt, Hazard also came through the 420 class. Hazard was part of the youth training programme at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. The trio formed the country’s match-racing team 18 months ago, and they have been climbing their way up the International women’s match racing circuit. They clinched an Olympic berth after a ninth-place finish at the world championships in Perth last December. They are set to compete in a series of events throughout Europe in the first five months of this year before setting course for Weymouth in mid-July, two weeks before the Olympic regatta. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Warriors retire Chris Mullin’s number
AHN Sports Staff Oakland, CA, United States (AHN Sports) – The Golden State Warriors honored Chris Mullin during a halftime ceremony Monday night, hanging for former Warriors star’s number from the rafters. Mullin’s No. 17 Golden State jersey is now retired along with those of Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain, Al Attles, Tom Meschery and Nate Thurmond. A star at St. John’s in college, Mullin was selected in the first round of the 1985 draft after leading the Redmen to the Final Four. He went on to become a five-time All-Star and played on Gold Medal winning Olympic teams in 1984 and USA’s Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics. His NBA career will be defined by his time as a Warrior. Along with Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond, Mullin helped form “Run-TMC” which thrived under coach Don Nelson in the late 1980s and early `90s. Richmond and Hardaway joined Nelson and several other former Golden State players on hand for the ceremony. “It was the most fun I had playing basketball in my whole life,” Mullin said during a 20-minute pregame interview with reporters. “What Tim had, I didn’t have. What Mitch could do, I couldn’t do. Together, Nellie figured out how to mix and match that thing. I loved that style of play.” Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
T’Wolves guard Ricky Rubio out for season; torn ACL
AHN Sports Staff Minneapolis, MN, United States (AHN Sports) – Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Friday. Rubio, who electrified the league with his wizard-like passes in his rookie season, reportedly suffered anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Doctors confirmed the injury after Saturday’s MRI examination. The 21-year-old guard from Spain has been one of the vital cogs in the Timberwolves’ rise, putting the franchise in a position to book their first playoff appearance since the Kevin Garnett era. Timberwolves president of basketball operation David Kahn admitted Rubio’s injury is a big blow to the team but remains confident the Spanish whirlwind will come out stronger next season. “Obviously, Ricky’s injury is an unfortunate turn of events for him and our team,” Kahn told ESPN. “I feel bad for Ricky having to miss the rest of this season. But Ricky is a competitor, and I am confident that he will work hard to get back on the court next year and continue his progression as one of the top point guards in our league.” According to reports, Rubio is set to undergo surgery immediately and will take six to nine months to reach full recovery. Rubio’s unexpected injury also comes as a setback for Spain’s national basketball team, which is looking to rival team USA again in the upcoming London Olympics. “All my support to my big friend and teammate (at)rickyrubio9,” tweeted Toronto Raptors guard and fellow Spainiard Jose Calderon, according to USA Today.. “Hard news about his knee. He’ll be back stronger.” Averaging 10.6 points and a team-high 8.2 assists this season, Rubio quickly developed strong bond with fellow rookie Derrick Williams and Kevin Love, who considered Rubio his close friend. “Love my teammate and friend (at)rickyrubio9,” Love tweeted Saturday. “Here’s to a quick recovery. We will miss you.” Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Teen Table Tennis star Ariel Hsing balancing school, Olympic dream
Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor Washington, D.C., United States (AHN Sports) – Though she was impressive at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Table Tennis trials, Ariel Hsing needs another solid finish at the qualifying tournament as she strikes balance with school work and her Olympic dream. Hsing is trying to balance studying for the SATs, schoolwork and table tennis. The sixteen-year-old junior in high school has managed to excel both at school and at table tennis. Hsing, the 2010 and 2011 national champion, finished second at the 2012 U.S. table tennis Olympic trials. The table tennis teen sensation, on the other hand, has managed so far to keep a perfect GPA. According to Hsing, her parents inculcated the value of education when she was young. “I know at least for me, school is still No. 1,” Hsing, said via Yahoo Sports. “It’s the most important thing and I definitely am trying to get a good education.” Hsing, who had indicated that she has “to live a double life”, knows that she’s not going to play pro table tennis forever. The young table tennis star aspires to go to Stanford after high school and study business. Competing in the Olympic Games is another dream for Hsing, who often starts her days with early morning practice sessions to address her serves. She then heads to school, where she’s currently taking five classes. Hsing allots certain hours for training and hours for doing homework. In order to compete for the upcoming London Olympics, Hsing needs to finish among the top two women in the North American Qualifying tournament. Olympic hopefuls from the United States and Canada will compete in the said event slated in April. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Paterno still revered as fans begin to embrace O’Brien era
AHN Sports Staff State College, PA, United States (AHN Sports) – Joe Paterno will always be a legendary figure in State College but Penn State football fans there are starting to accept that Bill O’Brien is now their coach. There is still an outpouring of support for Paterno, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. He will remain synonymous with the school, the town and especially for football program for a long, long time. But O’Brien is now in charge of the Nittany Lions and fans are being asked to “BILLIEVE”. The slogan is on shirts being sold in State College right alongside Paterno memorabilia, sales of which are starting to pick up. Paterno is also being supported by fans by way of donations to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. The organization has received approximately $80,000 in donations in memory of Paterno. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asked for people to donate to the Special Olympics or the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Paterno’s wife, Sue, is one of the lead organizers for the Special Olympics Summer Games. Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
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