Olympics highlights

By Compiled by Times staff writer

Big U.S. splash

Americans dominated the second night of swimming finals. Valrico's Brooke Bennett won the 400-meter freestyle, and Diana Munz took the silver. Tom Dolan broke his world record in winning the 400 individual medley, and Erik Vendt was second. Ed Moses got the silver medal in the 100 breaststroke, and Dara Torres took bronze in the 100 butterfly.

Technically a tie

In a rematch of last year's Women's World Cup final, the United States tied China 1-1. The Americans, which outshot China 18-6, felt a bit like they had lost. The Chinese, still a bit bitter over losing the Cup title match, celebrated like winners.

Out is 'Pocket'

The Turkish weightlifter known as the "Pocket Hercules" ended his streak of three consecutive gold medals when he could not lift his initial weight in the snatch. Naim Suleymanoglu came out of a three-year retirement to make the Games. "Goodbye, it's over," he said as he left the arena.

Off-beat

Fly Bo

Torres and Inge de Bruijn, the 100 butterfly winner, each credit at least part of their success to the Tae Bo fitness program. De Bruijn asked Torres, a spokeswoman for the program, for a Tae Bo videotape at a meet in November and credits her revitalized career to a cross training program that includes the workout. No word on whether Jenny Thompson, who finished fifth in the 100 fly, is searching Sydney for a VCR.

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: men's gymnastics team final; U.S.-Cuba women's basketball; several swimming finals, including Lenny Krayzelburg's bid for the 100-meter backstroke title; and finals in fencing, women's weightlifting and judo.