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Bush Gives U.S. Athletes A Rousing Sendoff

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The Associated Press

Published: July 22, 2008

WASHINGTON - President Bush gave U.S. Olympians a rousing White House send-off to next month's games in Beijing, urging them Monday to "compete swifter, higher and stronger" but also be mindful they will be "ambassadors of liberty" to the people of China and elsewhere.

Bush is attending the opening ceremonies and the first few days of the Aug. 8-24 games. Standing in the Rose Garden with about two dozen athletes who will compete in the Beijing Olympics and the corresponding Paralympics there in September, Bush said he is "fired up" to watch some of the competition.

"I can't wait to salute our athletes, and I can't wait to share in the joy of your triumphs," he said.
Human rights groups had urged Bush to boycott the opening ceremonies to oppose China's crackdown on protesters in Tibet. The Bush administration argues that the Olympics are a sporting event not to be politicized, and that the president will raise human and religious rights with Chinese officials in the appropriate context.

But while talking to the athletes about their responsibilities in Beijing, Bush had a subtle message for China itself.

"You will convey our nation's most cherished values," the president said. "As ambassadors of liberty, you will represent America's love for freedom and our regard for human rights and human dignity ... to other athletes and to the people of China."

Bush beamed with pride at Team USA.

"We send you off with congratulations on the success you have already achieved, and on the accomplishments we know will be yours in Beijing," he said. "We're looking forward to rooting for you in Beijing."

Injury Forces Pierce To Withdraw From France's Tennis Squad
LONDON - Two-time Grand Slam champion Mary Pierce withdrew from France's Olympic tennis team because of a knee injury and was replaced by Pauline Parmentier.

The 33-year-old Pierce has not played since undergoing knee surgery in 2006 and was a surprise selection over Amelie Mauresmo in the singles.

Mauresmo was initially selected as Pierce's replacement in Beijing, but the International Tennis Federation said Monday that she would not participate.

Robin Haase and Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands also withdrew because of injuries, and will be replaced by Jurgen Melzer of Austria and Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine, respectively.

Security Tightening In Shanghai

China's largest city and the host of a dozen Olympic football matches started tightening security over the weekend at airports and train stations.

Surveillance systems also are being installed on Shanghai's subway trains, a report said.

The measures go along with increased security in Beijing, where the Olympic Games will begin Aug. 8. The Chinese government is worried about foreign terrorist plots as well as political protests from domestic critics such as Uighurs in the restive western province of Xinjiang and Tibetans.

Real Madrid Asks Brazil To Drop Robinho From Soccer Team

Real Madrid has asked the Brazilian football federation to drop Robinho from its Olympic squad after a medical examination discovered a groin injury.

The Spanish soccer powerhouse said the injury was discovered when the player arrived for a medical examination.

The Associated Press

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