Rio 2016 Plans -- Media Watch

Writer for the Next City non-profit organization, Elena Hodges, says the2016 Olympic golf course will "trample a protected ecological gem" in Rio. "On its way to becoming reality," Hodges writes, "the project has handily steamrolled all potential roadblocks, from land-use regulations to environmental protection laws to legislative checks-and-balances."*

David Wilson, a former running back for the National Football League's New York Giants, outlines his plan to try and make it to the 2016 Rio Olympics in the triple jump.Wilson told USA Today’sChris Strauss that first, he plans to goback to school to get his degree and train for the Olympics.

The Telegraphof London'sBen Riley-Smith discussesfears that Team Scotland could miss the Rio 2016 Olympics if a vote for independence from Great Britain passed.

Reporter for SportsMole.co.uk,Christopher Dodd,saysinjured Indiana Pacers star Paul George "plans to represent the United States at the Rio Olympics in 2016."Dodd says George told reporters on Monday he looks forward to a comeback.

"I look forward to have an opportunity again to participate in Team USA in 2016," George told reporters. "This injury has nothing to do with my take on playing for my country at all."

Asia in the News

Japan Times columnist Jack Gallagher calls critics of venues planned for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics "misguided."Gallagher says Tokyo 2020 organizers are "going to have to stand firm against this bevy of architects, politicians and others who are trying to change plans that have already been set."

The Korea Heraldsays Samsung vice chairman Jay Lee seems to be the heir apparent to Samsung. His father, Kun Hee Lee, is the current chairman of Samsung and an IOC member.The younger Lee was chief negotiator for Samsung's successful negotiations to extend its TOP Sponsorship with the IOC on Sunday.

With 30 days to go before the Incheon Asian Games,The Korea Timestells readerswhat to look for during Asia's biggest sporting event.Highlights will include the opening ceremony, rivalries, South Korean sharpshooters and fencers, and a "cheering squad from the North."

Web editor for Ecns.cn,Wang Fan, sayspeople in Nanjing should "not be surprised" if they see former IOC president Jaques Rogge practicing tai chi in local neighborhoods during the Youth Olympic Games, "as he has started to study regularly with a Chinese teacher."

Women in Sport

New York Timeswriter Karen Crouse discusses USA Swimming’s "dynamic duo," Missy Franklin and Katie Ledecky, and how the two areadjusting to life as "swimming royalty."

The Courier Journal’sTim Sullivanhonors an "Olympian without an Olympics." Ann Hardinwas a "world-class athlete who reached her peak with the world at war," Sullivan writes. The 1940 Olympics were canceled due to World War II before she could qualify for the Games.

In Other News

The Wall Street Journal'sJim Chairusmi, Ben Cohen, and Jason Gay discuss the possibility of Olympic horse racing, the 2004 Athens Olympics, and ideas for the "ultimate" Olympic time zone in a podcast.

"I am in full support of this dream of an East African World Cup in 2030,"The Star of Nairobi'sPeter Kenneth writes. Kenneth discusses the benefits of hosting the world’s biggest sporting event which he says range from increases in tourism to infrastructural development.

NBC Universal Sports is airing anin-depth interview with former professional cyclist and five-time Olympian George Hincapieon August 22 at 8 p.m. EST. Hincapie offers an "insightful account of his esteemed career through an era plagued by performance-enhancing drug use," NBC Universal said promoting the interview.

Compiled byNicole Bennett

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