Olympics Briefs: Media Rules Expire in China, Phelps at the Big Board, Usain Goes Home

Foreign media film the Beijing Games emblem in Tiananmen Square on Aug. 3, 2008. China's relaxed media policy is set to expire in October. (Getty Images)Olympic Rules for Journalists to Fade Away

Media rules put into place to make it easier for foreign journalists to cover the Olympics expire in October.

There’s no definite word on what will replace the Olympic guidelines, in effect since 2007.

"I think when the time comes, we will tell everyone what the arrangement will be," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said. "But I want to reiterate to everyone that the spirit of opening up will continue."

Among the rules relaxed allowed foreign journalists to interview residents without approval and travel freely. Still, complaints surfaced that the media was still being harassed by the government.

The Beijing-based Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China stated it received more than 180 reports of incidents such as beatings and intimidation in 2007. Many of these reports continued during the Games despite the change in guidelines.

There had been hints in the past by Chinese officials that the media guidelines could be extended. However, Jiang’s statement is the strongest indication that the relaxed rule will indeed expire.

Throngs of Jamaicans Gather to Welcome Bolt Home

Jamaicans crowded Norman Manley International Airport Monday to welcome the return of Olympic champion Usain Bolt. Usain Bolt after winning the Men's 100 meter at the IAAF Weltklasse Golden League meeting in Zurich. (Getty Images)

In his first visit to the island since his impressive victory at the Beijing Games, Bolt was met by several dignitaries including Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

"I'm glad to see so many people out here to see me. I'm just glad to be home," the 22-year-old sprinter said as he waded through a sea of well-wishers waving the green, gold and black flag of Jamaica.

Bolt earned world records in the 100 and 200 meters as well as the 4x100 relay.

Team Speedo opens New York Stock Exchange

Olympians Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin and Ryan Lochte rang the opening bell on Monday to celebrate their achievements in swimming. They were joined by The Warnaco Group, Inc. President and CEO Joe Gromek and Speedo Group President of Intimate Apparel and Swimwear, Helen McCluskey.

"It was an honor to be here at the New York Stock Exchange this morning on behalf of Speedo and Warnaco," said Phelps. "It was a very exciting experience."

This was a familiar experience for Coughlin and Phelps. The swimming phenoms also opened the NASDAQ in 2004.

Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps with Katie Hoff at a Speedo event in Beijing. (Getty Images)

McDonald’s Posts Games Gains

Worldwide Olympic sponsor McDonald’s says its U.S. in-store sales increased 4.5 percent in August topped by an 8.5 percent sales increase globally.

Written by

Trista McGlamery

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