Torch Relay Update; Gymnastics Retirement; Olympics Mini-Game

Torch Relay Update

The Olympic Flame travels 45 miles Monday from Portrush to Derry-Londonderry.

The Torch will be carried by 60 Torchbearers throughout Day 17 of its journey.

An eight-man rowing boat will carry the Flame along the River Bann.

The Torch will also visit the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle before arriving in time for the evening's celebrations at St.Columb’s Park.

Gymnastics Champ Retires

Reigning balance beam Olympic champion Shawn Johnson is ending her bid to compete at 2012.

On Sunday, the gymnast announced her retirement.

"I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics," she said. "Unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey."

The 20-year-old says she will head to London on behalf of various sponsors and "cheer for Team USA."

Johnson started a long-shot Olympic comeback bid last year. She won gold in the balance beam at Beijing 2008 as well as silver in the all-around, floor and team competitions.

72 Pentathletes for London

The International Modern Pentathlon Union announced 72 athletes have qualified for the Olympic pentathlon competition.

"UIPM is very proud of the high level performances that all athletes chasing Olympic qualification have produced over the past 12 months," UIPM secretary general Joël Bouzou said in a statement.

"Nations from every continent will line up in London, proving just how globally diverse modern pentathlon is."

Two athletes from each country will be selected by their NOCs to compete at the Games.

The second round of allocation is scheduled to be announced June 16.

U.S. Archery Qualification

Six athletes are nominated to the U.S. archery team.

Following a 10-month trial period, Miranda Leek, Khatuna Lorig, Jennifer Nichols, Brady Ellison, Jake Kaminski and Jacob Wukie will head to the London 2012 Games if approved.

The US has already qualified three men’s and one women’s slot.

Three women will attempt to qualify a full team. If they are unsuccessful, only Leek will represent the U.S. in London.

Complete results are available here.

Aussie Additions

The Australian Olympic Committee announced 10 additions to its Olympic team.

The 13-member Australian Olympic Sailing Team is finalized with the additions of Elise Rechichi, Belinda Stowell, Brendan Casey, Krystal Weir, Olivia Price, Nina Curtis and Lucinda Whitty.

Olympic gold medalists Rechichi and Stowell are coming out of retirement to compete at London 2012.

"Defending gold for anyone is a huge task and a real challenge, there are no guarantees at an Olympics, second, third, fourth time around," Rechichi said.

Also on Monday, Australia announced the men’s triathlon team members.

Courtney Atkinson, Brad Kahlefeldt and Brendan Sexton will compete this summer.

"It is a great feeling to be selected on my second Olympic Team for London," Kahlefeldt said in a statement.

The announcement of the women’s triathlon team has been delayed due to a possible appeal by Emma Snowsill over selection criteria.

Australia has four medals in triathlon, the most of any country.

Russian Basketball

Russia's men’s basketball coach says his team has a good shot at qualifying for the Olympics.

"I think we have a good team," David Blatt was quoted Monday by RT. "We’ve proven it over the years. Three teams out of 12 make it, so I’m not a mathematician, but it’s a 25 percent chance. Hopefully we’ll make those chances a little bit better than that."

The team will participate in basketball's final Olympic qualifier in Venezuela on July 2. Russia will need to finish as one of the top three teams to make the Games.

French Team Additions

The French National Olympic and Sport Committee named more than 40 athletes to its Olympic team.

The nominated athletes will represent the country in badminton, fencing, judo, table tennis and weightlifting.

For a complete listing, click here.

Olympics Mini Game

Around the Rings is hosting an Olympics Mini Game.

The game was developed by ISM Ltd.

To play the game, click here.

Written by Hannah Reid.

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