Drubbing
The Great Britain men’s hockey team, medal contenders in Athens, was beaten 2-0 and 3-1 by India and Germany in quick succession during the four nations tournament in Dusseldorf last week. But coach Jason Lee is far from down-hearted. The team had just returned from an exhausting stay in Argentina and played cagily, not wishing to give too much away before the teams meet again in Olympic pool matches.
Fuel injection
Galp Energia is the principal sponsor of the Portuguese Paralympic Team in Athens. The petrol company has contributed 225,000 euros to the travelling expenses of the eighty athletes.
Safe performance
British condom manufacturer Durex is supplying the Olympic Village with 130,000 units of its most famous product. Condoms are offered free of charge to the approximate 10,500 competitors attending the Games.
Golden age
At 37 years of age, veteran Gail Devers has won the US 100m hurdles trial in 12.55 seconds and will take part in her fifth Olympic Games. Edwin Moses has shown in the past that age is no barrier in hurdles races, technique often compensating for diminishing speed.
Under sail
President Jorge Sampaio will arrive at the opening ceremony on August 13 aboard the schooling ship Sagres, which will also serve as his residence during the four-day stay. She will set sail from Portimão on July 29.
