Olympics highlights

By Compiled by Times staff writer

Drug plague

First it was weightlifters, then news of American C.J. Hunter's positive drug test, and now Romanian gymnast Andreea Raducan is stripped of her all-around gold medal. Raducan's positive drug test came after she took Nurofen, a common over-the-counter medicine. "She is not directly responsible," said Prince Alexandre de Merode, IOC drug chief. "But we have rules, and we have to apply the rules."

Crowd pleasers

In a busy day at the track, Cathy Freeman thrilled the home crowd and American Michael Johnson became the first man to repeat in the 400 meters. "He goes down as one of the most prolific (track stars) of all time," silver medalist Alvin Harrison said. "He deserves it. He's earned it." Also, Stacy Dragila won the first women's pole vault gold.

Rating a reply

NBC's Dick Ebersol singled out Blaine Wilson in telling Newsweek that the poor U.S. gymnastics performance -- no medals for the first time since 1972 -- hurt TV ratings. After finishing sixth on the vault Monday, Wilson replied that he didn't know who Ebersol was: "I really don't care what that guy has to say. He's probably never competed in any sport, anyway."

Shot of adrenalin

The battered and bruised U.S. softball got a shot from Dot Richardson, its second baseman and a medical doctor. She drilled a single to centerfield in the bottom of the fifth inning to drive in the only run in a victory over Australia, advancing the Americans to today's title game against Japan.

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: the U.S. baseball team's semifinal, the softball gold-medal game, men's soccer semifinals and Greco-Roman wrestling finals.