Olympics highlights

By Compiled by Times staff writer

Stamp of approval

Ian Thorpe has something to go along with two gold medals: his very own postage stamp. Australia Post, the postal service, had stamps commemorating Australia's first gold medals of the Games available Saturday night, just hours after after Thorpe's world record-setting performances in the 400-meter freestyle and 400 free relay. The postal service has promised to produce a stamp bearing images of every Australian athlete who wins gold.

Stressed, out

Chamique Holdsclaw will miss at least five games with a stress fracture in her right foot. Her absence is a concern for the U.S. women's basketball team, which struggled to an 89-75 victory over South Korea.

No hits, no worries

Lori Harrigan pitched the first solo no-hitter in Olympic softball history in the United States' 6-0 victory over Canada.

Atlanta no more

The U.S. women's gymnastics team struggled in its opening session, although Elise Ray ranks third in the early all-around standings.

Off-beat

Golden Arches

McDonald's could hang a sign outside Sydney Olympic Park: "More Than 2-Million Served." That's how many hamburger patties they expect to use to feed athletes and fans during the Games. Athletes alone are consuming more than 6,000 burgers a day at the village.

What time is it?

Sydney is 15 hours ahead of Tampa Bay, so as most people read their morning paper, today's events are wrapping up in Australia. We have converted schedules and other references to Tampa Bay time. For the latest results, check the Times Web site at http://www.sptimes.com/olympics.

While you were sleeping

Some of the events completed after deadline for today's paper: Brooke Bennett's 400-meter freestyle final, the U.S. women's soccer match against China, more women's gymnastics, U.S. men's basketball against China.