New suits under FINA scrutiny
Top swimming officials are to have talks with manufacturers next month after a cascade of world records have been set using bodysuits.

From the United States to Australia via Eindhoven, 11 world records have been set since Feb 16 in Speedo's new LZR Racer bodysuit.

With the Beijing Olympics looming in August, coaches and officials are worried the swimming world could be split into those who have access to the $550 suit and those who do not.

Swimming's world governing body FINA approved the suit last year but has called for the meeting with manufacturers during next month's world short-course championships in Manchester to discuss the thickness of the suit and its availability.

Hamilton no Tiger, says Mansell
Former champion Nigel Mansell has hailed Lewis Hamilton as the Formula One driver to beat while rejecting comparisons between the 23-year-old Briton and golfer Tiger Woods.

"I don't think he is like Tiger Woods at all," the 1992 champion, also a keen golfer, told Britain's Daily Telegraph on Friday.

"Tiger Woods is the most incredible individual sportsman, just like Roger Federer.

“With motorsport, you could put maybe five or six different drivers in the best car and they would win the championship," Mansell said.

Troubled Ronaldinho needs a hug!

Ronaldinho needs a bit of affection from the rest of the squad if he is to return to top form at Barcelona, according to team mate Silvinho.

"Ronnie needs our support and affection," the Brazilian fullback was quoted as saying in Spanish media on Tuesday.

"He needs us to feel that we are with him and for us to give him a hug. We need him to come back as soon as possible as he is a very important player for us."

Ronaldinho, Barcelona’s Brazilian ace, has been plagued by injury and fitness problems this season and has only been in the starting line-up for 13 of the club's 29 league matches this season.

Malaysian minister demands success
Malaysia's new sports minister has demanded success at this year's Olympics, saying athletes and coaches were running out of excuses.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysia have the talent and resources to break their 12-year medal drought, with badminton being their best hope.

"No one should be offering any excuses if we cannot win at least one medal," he told The Star newspaper on Wednesday.

"That is key performance index we have set for the contingent. If we failed to come back with at least a medal, we have to accept the fact that we failed in our mission."

Kluft second behind me, says Kersee
Whether Swedish double Olympic champion Carolina Kluft competes again in the heptathlon, she has secured a lofty all-time ranking in the event, according to world record holder Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

"I would put her second to me," the retired Joyner-Kersee said. "I truly enjoy watching her," said Joyner-Kersee, who set the heptathlon world record of 7,291 points in 1988.

"She is a very fierce competitor and very determined. Mentally she reminds me of myself. I also like her attitude and her energy toward each event."

The pressure of never having lost a heptathlon since 2001 has no doubt taken some of the fun out of the event, Joyner-Kersee said. However, she expected Kluft to return to the seven-event competition one day.

Kluft has said she would compete in long jump and triple jump at Beijing.