Schools Olympics pledge from Tories

Pupils should compete in yearly schools Olympics and parents should have access to sports day league tables as part of the 2012 legacy, the Conservatives have said.

Shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt told the Tory conference his party was backing proposals put forward by Dame Kelly Holmes.

The schools Olympics would be a national sports competition involving schools across the UK, culminating in a finals session at the Olympic Stadium in London. The Tories said reforms to the National Lottery funding system would pay for the new competitions.

Mr Hunt said publishing league tables of not just sporting facilities but also results, through a system of local, city, regional and national heats, would foster a spirit of competitive sport to preserve the legacy of London 2012 and also help combat childhood obesity.

He told delegates in Manchester the plans would create a 'genuine legacy' long after the Games finished.

'We agree that the values of competitive sport are crucial in creating a society that brings out the best in young people. This initiative will allow us to use 2012 to bring competitive sport – and sporting values – within the grasp of all young people,' he said.

'Labour claims to support school sport but their obsession with political correctness, their continual raids on National Lottery sports funding and their suffocating health and safety regulations mean there are millions of children not taking part in any competitive sport.'

Brazil's "heart and soul" won Olympic bid

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has claimed a spirited effort and the courage of the bid coordinators' convictions helped Rio de Janiero win the 2016 Olympic Games.

The South American city will host the Games in seven years' time after beating off competition from Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago yesterday.

And Mr Lula da Silva told reporters afterwards that the 'heart and soul' of Rio's bid had given them the advantage over their rivals for the Games.

'Other countries made proposals while we presented our heart and our soul,' he said.

'If I die right now, I tell you my life would have been worth it.'

Brazil's bid to host the Games was put in doubt recently over fears surrounding the fragility of the national economy.

But after pledging his complete support for the bid, and making assertions that finances would not be a problem, Mr Lula da Silva added: 'We are not a second rate country, we are a first rate country, and that is what this victory means.

'All those people who thought we had no ability to govern this country will now know we can host the Olympics.'

Rio winning the vote at the IOC meeting in Copenhagen means it will be the first city in South America to host an Olympic Games.

And Mr Lula da Silva praised the governing body and its members for choosing Brazil over Japan, Spain and the United States as a host nation.

'The opportunity now is to expand the Games to new continents,' he said.

'We will send a powerful message to the world that the Olympic Games belong to all people, all continents, and to all humanity.'

Sex offender checks 'threaten Olympic legacy'

Forcing parents who ferry groups of children to sports clubs to undergo criminal record checks could have disastrous implications for Britain's Olympic legacy, it has been claimed.

A panel of senior figures at the London 2012: Three years to go fringe meeting at the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth expressed discontent with the proposals from the government.

The vetting and barring scheme is aimed at stopping paedophiles from getting access to children, and parents who refuse to comply could find themselves with a criminal prosecution and a court fine.

Lib Dem culture, media and sport spokesman Don Foster said the proposals could only hurt the chances of a next generation of UK athletes emerging.

Lord Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) said he 'wanted to clap' the statement but was prevented from doing so by his wish to remain neutral politically.

Lord Coe was also asked about the impact of a potential change of government next May, which he insisted would have a minimal impact on the Games' delivery.

'We've had a change in government in London and Scotland and we go on exactly as before,' he said.

Mr Foster went on to say that the country was lagging behind on some of its legacy commitments, while Lord Coe accepted that the team was 'not always good' at talent-spotting.

'We are not anywhere close to our legacy commitments on sport participation,' Mr Foster said.

On the London 2012 opening ceremony Lord Coe was tight-lipped, promising only a 'wonderfully-British' effort that would not try to emulate Beijing. He did add, however, that a volunteer-led event featuring charity athletes was being considered.

At the fringe meeting it emerged that no free tickets would be available for the Games, with even sponsors, dignitaries and officials being forced to shell out.

But although a commitment has been made to London 2012 the public transport Games – there are no parking spaces at venues apart from for blue badge holders – the panel accepted that International Olympic Committee officials had ordered several hundred limousines to ferry officials around.

Lord Coe added that although McDonalds retained key marketing rights to the Games they would not have a monopoly on food at venues.

'If you want to have a McDonalds and a Coke, as I probably will, you can, but if you don't there will be other options available to you,' he added.

Bolt fires Jamaica to relay glory for third gold

Usain Bolt won his third gold medal of an outstanding World Championships as Jamaica lived up to their favourites tag in the 4x100m relay.

The 23-year-old, who had already broken world records to win the 100m and 200m titles in Berlin, ran the third leg as Jamaica came through in 37.31 seconds.

Steve Mullings, Michael Frater and Asafa Powell made up the rest of the Jamaican team a year to the day when they won Olympic gold in the same discipline.

The only minor disappointment for Bolt was missing out on an unprecedented third world record, which stands at 37.20.

But the athlete, who ran the 100m and 200m in 9.58secs and 19.19secs earlier in the week, said: 'Am I getting used to winning? You cannot get used to winning. But winning three gold medals in Berlin is wonderful and I am proud of myself.'

Trinidad and Tobago claimed silver last night, ahead of Great Britain, made up of Simeon Williamson, Tyrone Edgar, Marlon Devonish and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

800m champion Semenya required to take gender test

South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya has been asked to take a gender test to ascertain whether she is allowed to race as a woman, it has been revealed.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has demanded the test, which will involve a complex series of investigations from a group of doctors including an endocrinologist, a gynaecologist, an internal medicine expert, an expert on gender and a psychologist.

According to IAAF secretary general Pierre Weiss, the test – which has already begun - was requested three weeks ago, although the news was only confirmed by the governing body late yesterday just hours before 18-year-old Semenya ran in the 800m final at the World Championships in Berlin.

Weiss defended the timing of the announcement, however, claiming 'no one could have anticipated' the teenager's rise to international fame over the past month.

'She was unknown three weeks ago,' he said.

'We are fast but we are not a lion.'

Semenya cruised to gold in Berlin yesterday, more than two seconds clear of defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei with Great Britain's Jenny Meadows taking bronze.

Her time of one minutes 55.45 seconds was a new personal best - a full second better than the time she set last month as she broke Zola Budd's long-standing South African record over the distance.

Weiss admitted the standings would have to be amended if the tests showed Semenya is technically a man, however.

He added: 'If it is proved that she is not a female, she will be withdrawn and the medals revised.

'At the moment, the athlete must be given the benefit of the doubt.'

800m champion Semenya required to take gender test

South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya has been asked to take a gender test to ascertain whether she is allowed to race as a woman, it has been revealed.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has demanded the test, which will involve a complex series of investigations from a group of doctors including an endocrinologist, a gynaecologist, an internal medicine expert, an expert on gender and a psychologist.

According to IAAF secretary general Pierre Weiss, the test – which has already begun - was requested three weeks ago, although the news was only confirmed by the governing body late yesterday just hours before 18-year-old Semenya ran in the 800m final at the World Championships in Berlin.

Weiss defended the timing of the announcement, however, claiming 'no one could have anticipated' the teenager's rise to international fame over the past month.

'She was unknown three weeks ago,' he said.

'We are fast but we are not a lion.'

Semenya cruised to gold in Berlin yesterday, more than two seconds clear of defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei with Great Britain's Jenny Meadows taking bronze.

Her time of one minutes 55.45 seconds was a new personal best - a full second better than the time she set last month as she broke Zola Budd's long-standing South African record over the distance.

Weiss admitted the standings would have to be amended if the tests showed Semenya is technically a man, however.

He added: 'If it is proved that she is not a female, she will be withdrawn and the medals revised.

'At the moment, the athlete must be given the benefit of the doubt.'

800m champion Semenya required to take gender test

South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya has been asked to take a gender test to ascertain whether she is allowed to race as a woman, it has been revealed.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has demanded the test, which will involve a complex series of investigations from a group of doctors including an endocrinologist, a gynaecologist, an internal medicine expert, an expert on gender and a psychologist.

According to IAAF secretary general Pierre Weiss, the test – which has already begun - was requested three weeks ago, although the news was only confirmed by the governing body late yesterday just hours before 18-year-old Semenya ran in the 800m final at the World Championships in Berlin.

Weiss defended the timing of the announcement, however, claiming 'no one could have anticipated' the teenager's rise to international fame over the past month.

'She was unknown three weeks ago,' he said.

'We are fast but we are not a lion.'

Semenya cruised to gold in Berlin yesterday, more than two seconds clear of defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei with Great Britain's Jenny Meadows taking bronze.

Her time of one minutes 55.45 seconds was a new personal best - a full second better than the time she set last month as she broke Zola Budd's long-standing South African record over the distance.

Weiss admitted the standings would have to be amended if the tests showed Semenya is technically a man, however.

He added: 'If it is proved that she is not a female, she will be withdrawn and the medals revised.

'At the moment, the athlete must be given the benefit of the doubt.'

800m champion Semenya required to take gender test

South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya has been asked to take a gender test to ascertain whether she is allowed to race as a woman, it has been revealed.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has demanded the test, which will involve a complex series of investigations from a group of doctors including an endocrinologist, a gynaecologist, an internal medicine expert, an expert on gender and a psychologist.

According to IAAF secretary general Pierre Weiss, the test – which has already begun - was requested three weeks ago, although the news was only confirmed by the governing body late yesterday just hours before 18-year-old Semenya ran in the 800m final at the World Championships in Berlin.

Weiss defended the timing of the announcement, however, claiming 'no one could have anticipated' the teenager's rise to international fame over the past month.

'She was unknown three weeks ago,' he said.

'We are fast but we are not a lion.'

Semenya cruised to gold in Berlin yesterday, more than two seconds clear of defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei with Great Britain's Jenny Meadows taking bronze.

Her time of one minutes 55.45 seconds was a new personal best - a full second better than the time she set last month as she broke Zola Budd's long-standing South African record over the distance.

Weiss admitted the standings would have to be amended if the tests showed Semenya is technically a man, however.

He added: 'If it is proved that she is not a female, she will be withdrawn and the medals revised.

'At the moment, the athlete must be given the benefit of the doubt.'

Gay eyes relay after forced withdrawal from 200m

Defending champion Tyson Gay has pulled out of the men's 200m at the athletics World Championships in Berlin because of a groin injury.

The American star, who was expected to push world record holder Usain Bolt close in the final of the individual sprint event, will now miss out completely because of the niggling injury.

Gay has been struggling for several weeks with the strain and admitted his decision had been made with a view to his long-term fitness and his hopes of competing for the USA in the 4x100m relay event.

'Rather than risk further injury, I've decided that I will not compete in the first round of the 200m,' Gay said.

'I would like to be a part of Team USA's 4x100m and believe this decision will give me the best chance to be ready for the relay.

'I want to help our relay as best I can.'

Gay ran a national record 9.71 seconds in Sunday night's final of the men's 100m as he finished a distant second to Bolt, who set a new world record of 9.58s as he cruised to victory.

Bolt, who eased through the first heat in his 200m campaign this morning, is expected to lead Jamaica's star-studded relay team against the USA later this week.

Gay eyes relay after forced withdrawal from 200m

Defending champion Tyson Gay has pulled out of the men's 200m at the athletics World Championships in Berlin because of a groin injury.

The American star, who was expected to push world record holder Usain Bolt close in the final of the individual sprint event, will now miss out completely because of the niggling injury.

Gay has been struggling for several weeks with the strain and admitted his decision had been made with a view to his long-term fitness and his hopes of competing for the USA in the 4x100m relay event.

'Rather than risk further injury, I've decided that I will not compete in the first round of the 200m,' Gay said.

'I would like to be a part of Team USA's 4x100m and believe this decision will give me the best chance to be ready for the relay.

'I want to help our relay as best I can.'

Gay ran a national record 9.71 seconds in Sunday night's final of the men's 100m as he finished a distant second to Bolt, who set a new world record of 9.58s as he cruised to victory.

Bolt, who eased through the first heat in his 200m campaign this morning, is expected to lead Jamaica's star-studded relay team against the USA later this week.

Chambers withdraws from World Championships 200m

Dwain Chambers has announced his withdrawal from the 200m at the World Championships in Berlin due to injury.

The British sprinter finished in sixth place in Sunday's 100m final, with a season's best of 10.00.

The heats for the 200m begin tomorrow, but Chambers will not be taking part due to a calf injury.

Usain Bolt, however, will be present and looking for his second gold medal of the championships after stunning the athletics world in the 100m final last night.

The Jamaican smashed his own world record, running in a time of 9.58 seconds to take the gold.

Britain's Ennis claims gold in heptathlon

Britain's Jessica Ennis has described winning the heptathlon at the World Championships in Berlin as 'the best feeling in the world'.

The 23-year-old dominated the competition from the start, winning three of the first four events, and was almost assured of victory by simply completing the final event – the 800 metres.

Ennis instead won her heat outright, to finish on 6,731 points, and claim the gold medal.

Germany's Jennifer Oeser finished 238 points back and had to make do with the silver, while Kamila Chudzik took the bronze.

Ennis' victory is the first ever heptathlon gold at the World Championship for Britain, and afterwards she said the last two days had been the longest, but best, of her life.

'I've dreamt so many times about winning medals and becoming world champion, doing a lap of honour,' she told the BBC.

'It's the best feeling in the world. I can't even put into words how I feel right now, it's such an adrenaline rush and such an amazing feeling.'

Ennis had started the final day 307 clear at the top of the leaderboard, having recorded 4,124 points - the third-highest ever score for the first day of a heptathlon.

Bolt smashes world record to claim gold

Usain Bolt set a blistering new world record as he claimed gold in the 100m at the World Championships in Berlin.

The triple Olympic champion recorded a time of 9.58 seconds, taking a remarkable 0.11 off the time he set when winning at the Beijing Olympics last year.

America's Tyson Gay set a national record to claim the silver in a time of 9.71, with Bolt's compatriot Asafa Powell claiming the bronze medal.

The only Briton in the field, Dwain Chambers, ran the 100m in a time of 10.00 to finish in sixth.

Bolt looked in supreme form the whole race, surging into the lead in the first 20 metres before pulling away from Gay in the second half.

The 22-year-old even had time to look around for his rivals and check the clock before crossing the finish line.

Speaking to the BBC after the race, Bolt said: 'I knew it was going to be a great race and I came out and executed it. It's a great time. I did well and I feel good in myself.'