On the Scene in Beijing -- No Protest Permits Issued, Greek Doping Case

Most Applications Withdrawn

Not one of the 77 applications submitted by people wanting to stage protests during the Beijing Olympics received the approval of Beijing authorities. Ritan Park is one of three designated protest zones. (Getty Images)

The municipal public security bureau said the applications involved 149 people, including three from overseas, since Aug.1. In state media reports, it was not clear if any of them were pro-Tibet or anti-China activists.

The planned protests apparently concerned labor, medical and welfare issues. But 74 applications were withdrawn after amicable settlements between the groups and authorities.

Two other applications were suspended because of incomplete procedures. One was rejected as the applicant wanted to involve children in the demonstration, which is against Chinese law.

News of the applications comes after BOCOG officials claimed they knew nothing about the number approved or rejected by city chiefs.

In news conferences last week and Monday, Games organizers have vigorously defended the protest permit plan and repeatedly referred questions about the issue to police and city authorities.

Beijing set up three specially designated protest zones - Zizhuyuan Park in the city’s northwest, Ritan Park in the east and World Park in the southwest – but the parks far from Games venues have been free of demonstrations.

Isolated protests elsewhere – including the unfurling "Free Tibet" banners - have been swiftly halted by city police.

Asked if BOCOG was pleased that protests were not disrupting the Olympic action, spokesman Sun Weide remained as guarded as ever over what has become a very touchy subject for organizers.

“I think we have made it very clear. This is not a matter for BOCOG, we are a sports organization,” he told ATR.

State media also reveal that 22 inquiries about application procedures, including 13 from city residents and nine from overseas, were submitted to the public security bureau.

IOC Sanctions Greek Athlete

The IOC has expelled Greek athlete Fani Chalkia for a doping offence and asked the relevant law enforcement authorities to investigate her coach.

Chalkia provided samples on Aug. 10 in Fukui, Japan during a pre-competition doping control test, which both returned positive to banned steroid Methyltrienolone, also known as M3.

“The Greek NOC consequently suspended Ms Chalkia and she left the Olympic Village,” the IOC said in a statement. “The IOC Disciplinary Commission praised the Greek NOC for its decisive action and cooperation.”

The disciplinary commission has referred the case to the world athletics governing body, the IAAF. Notably, the IOC has also broadened its decision in the case to include the athlete’s coach George Panagiotopoulos, recommending the Greek authorities investigate possible violations of Greek law by him.

Fiery Baseball Clash between China and U.S.

The U.S. defeated China 9-1 in a baseball match marred by controversial incidents at Wukesong Baseball Field Monday. A volunteer attempts to restrain team China manager Jim Lefebvre. (Getty Images)

A pitch struck the head of a U.S. player during the match, raising tensions between the teams which ultimately sparked a brawl. Matt LaPorta was taken to hospital for a precautionary CT scan after suffering mild concussion.

China's top player, catcher Wang Wei, was also knocked out of the game with a left knee injury following a collision at the plate with LaPorta in the fifth. And China manager Jim Lefebvre was ejected for arguing about the rough play.

Ghanaian Athlete Pulls Out Over Lack of Support

Leading Ghanaian athlete Vida Anim failed to enter a heat in the women’s 200-meter event Tuesday, reportedly in protest over the lack of support from her national Olympic committee. Vida Anim (center) failed to qualify in the 100m race. (Getty Images)

Anim was on the start list for heat one of the first round of the sprint event but did not compete. World athletics' governing body, the IAAF, said the Ghanaian NOC has not referred the matter and its role generally is to facilitate competition taking place during the Olympics.

“It really appears to be a disciplinary issue between the NOC and the athlete at this stage,” an IAAF spokesman tells Around the Rings.

Anim said she was “really angry” over her treatment, understood to involve failure by the NOC to reimburse insurance and physiotherapy expenses, according to a BBC report. Anim failed to qualify for the women's 100-meters final Sunday.

Phelps Lifts NBC Audiences

Michael Phelps, the U.S. swimming star with eight gold medals to his name at the Beijing Olympics, has given U.S. broadcaster NBC its biggest prime-time audience in 18 years, the network reported.

Day nine’s telecast of the Baltimore Bullet’s record-clinching eighth gold – eclipsing the seven won by Mark Spitz in 1972 – averaged 31.1 million U.S. viewers.

Phelps is heading to London this weekend to play a starring role in the London celebrations for the official handover of the Olympic Games Aug. 24. He is due to take to the stage during the Visa 2012 party in The Mall.

A live concert for 40,000 people in London will coincide with the handing over of the Olympic flag at the closing ceremony in Beijing. British football star David Beckham is expected to make an appearance at the handover ceremony.

Triathlon Transport Hitch

A media transport bus broke down several times on the way back from the Ming Tombs Reservoir, setting for the men’s triathlon Tuesday, before the driver decided to seek a replacement vehicle.

Several reporters from international outlets arrived at the Main Press Center 30 minutes late. International Triathlon Union executive director Loreen Barnett is due to announce details of the ITU’s new Super Series at a news conference Wednesday.

Beijing by the Numbers

With more than 42 per cent female athletes, Beijing sets a new record for women's participation in the Olympics. Of 11,196 athletes, there are 4,746 women taking part in 137 events. The Games opened with 63 female flag bearers leading their delegations into the Bird’s Nest stadium Aug. 8.

Where’s Jacques?

IOC president Jacques Rogge visited the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center on Tuesday to take in some of the action from his sport. Rogge competed in the yachting competitions at the Olympics in Mexico in 1968, Munich in 1972 and Montreal in 1976.

Quote of the Day

“One year ago we needed one or two eyes to play against China. Now you need three eyes to play against them.”

Mauro Maugeri, head coach of the Italian women’s water polo team, after losing 10-7 to China in their Women’s Water Polo 5th-6th Classification match.

Written by Mark Bisson and Anthony Stavrinos in Beijing

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