Oly: Swim star Phelps takes first step to magnificent seven

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2004
Oly: Swim star Phelps takes first step to magnificent seven

Swimming phenomenon MICHAEL PHELPS has made a spectacular start to his bid for a record-equalling
seven gold medals at the Athens Olympics, winning the 400 metre individual medley in a
world record.

His Australian rival IAN THORPE has also collected his first title of the Games on
the first full day of competition in which China won four of the 13 golds on offer.

Controversial Greek sprinters COSTAS KENTERIS and EKATERINI THANOU have been suspended
from the host nation's team pending the outcome of a drugs probe.

Reigning Olympic 200 metres champion KENTERIS and THANOU, a women's 100 metre silver
medallist, failed to turn up for a doping test on the eve of the Games and were then involved
in a mysterious motorcycle accident.

The International Olympic Committee will hear the athletes' explanations on Monday.

AAP RTV mo/lma

KEYWORD: OLY (ATHENS)

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