Free Republic

HONG KONG (AFP) - US swim legend Mark Spitz won't be on hand in Beijing if Michael Phelps breaks his record of seven gold medals at a single Olympics—because, he says, no one bothered to invite him. Spitz said the International Olympic Committee, a US television network or FINA—the international body that governs world swimming—should have brought him to the Games this year, with Phelps making a go at his record.

Olympic legend Mark Spitz believes security concerns may see the United States withdraw from the Athens Games. Spitz, who won seven swimming golds in 1972, says heightened terrorist fears may prompt drastic action from the US. "I would say that about six months ago it was highly unlikely," Spitz told BBC Five Live. "But each day it becomes more probable than not that ongoing conversations will take place as to how important it is to put athletes in harm's way." A spokesman for the US Olympic Committee said: "Today there is absolutely no consideration given to the notion our team...