International Capsules: Oprah Winfrey joins Chicago 2016 delegation

CHICAGO — Oprah’s trying to land another big get.

The talk show queen will travel to Denmark next week to lobby International Olympic Committee members to award the 2016 Games to her beloved city.

The IOC will choose a host city Oct. 2, and Chicago is in a tight contest with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

"I love and believe in Chicago, and I think it would be the perfect host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games," Winfrey said Wednesday.

Winfrey’s addition adds some serious star power to what was already an impressive delegation. First lady Michelle Obama will lead the group and be joined by 14 Olympic and two Paralympic gold medalists, including Michael Johnson, Nadia Comaneci, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Nastia Liukin. Ten other Olympians and Paralympians also are going.

And then there’s President Barack Obama. He is still trying to decide whether to appear personally on behalf of his adopted hometown, but he did end an advance team to Copenhagen this week.

That Winfrey would be part of the delegation is hardly a surprise. She’s been an ardent supporter of the bid, and said earlier this month that she’d do whatever organizers needed. When she threw a party on Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue to celebrate the start of her 24th season, she said she hoped it would impress IOC members.

She also had members of the 2008 Olympic team on her show after Beijing.

"As a member of our community and as someone who understands and demonstrates the value of helping others, she embodies the spirit of so many Chicagoans and is truly an emissary for our bid and for the city of Chicago," Chicago 2016 chairman Patrick Ryan said.

Johnson had the defining performance the last time the Summer Games were in the United States. Wearing bright gold shoes, he became the first — and so far, only — man to win the 200 and 400 meters at the same Olympics.

Comaneci’s string of seven perfect 10s at the Montreal Games captivated the world, and the Romanian teenager appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated, Newsweek and Time.

Liukin is the reigning Olympic champion, joining Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson as the only American women to win the all-around title. Joyner-Kersee, an Illinois native, is among the greatest track and field athletes ever, winning three golds in the heptathlon and long jump.

Joining them are fellow gold medalists Michael Conley, the 1992 triple jump champion who grew up near the planned Olympic stadium in Washington Park; Bart Conner (gymnastics); Bryan Clay (decathlon); Brandi Chastain (soccer); Bob Ctvrtlik (volleyball); Donna de Varona and Gary Hall Jr. (swimming); Ron Freeman (track and field); Edwin Moses (hurdles); Kerri Walsh (beach volleyball); and April Holmes and Linda Mastandrea (Paralympic track and field).

Olympians Willie Banks and Connie Moore (track and field); Bob Berland (judo); Dragomir Cioroslan (weightlifting); Anita De Frantz (rowing); David Diaz (boxing); Mike Plant (speedskating); Bill Scherr (wrestling); and Diane Simpson (rhythmic gymnastics); and Paralympian Paul Moran (wheelchair tennis and sitting volleyball) also will be part of the delegation.

"It’s hard for me to be unbiased about this," said Conner, a Chicago native and double gold medalist at the 1984 Olympics. "When you look at the plan and the spectacular city and the legacy plan and the convenience for the athletes against the backdrop of the city, on lots of levels, Chicago gets it and understands what the Olympics is about."

Noticeably absent is Michael Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls and has appeared in videos supporting Chicago’s bid.

Obama adviser gets high-profile Olympics advice

WASHINGTON — A senior adviser to the president is getting advice on Chicago’s 2016 Olympics bid from a high-profile source.

An administration official says Valerie Jarrett met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in New York Tuesday. Blair helped secure the 2012 Olympics for London when he met with International Olympics Committee members in 2005.

Jarrett will join first lady Michelle Obama in Denmark next week to lobby the IOC on Chicago’s behalf. The official says Blair gave Jarrett tips for navigating the IOC voting process.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting.

President Barack Obama says the health care debate is keeping him from committing to attend the meeting. An advance team traveled to Denmark to make preparations in case he does travel.

-- Julie Pace

Rio carrying Olympic hopes of entire continent

RIO DE JANEIRO — South America has never hosted a Summer Olympics. If Rio de Janeiro breaks that streak and gets the 2016 games, the setting could hardly be more spectacular.

Brazilians are promising to transform the region and captivate the world with a well-organized Olympics played out near the city’s stunning beaches and famous landmarks.

Rio anxiously awaits the Oct. 2 host-city vote in Copenhagen, especially after gaining front-runner status following a positive evaluation by the International Olympic Committee in its final report on the four finalists for 2016.

Thousands of Cariocas, as Rio citizens are known, are expected to make it to Copacabana beach to watch the IOC announcement, hoping for a big celebration by the Sugar Loaf mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Competing against Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo, the city gained IOC praise for having strong public support, financial guarantees from all levels of government and experience from successfully hosting the Olympic-style Pan American Games in 2007. Brazil also will host the 2014 World Cup.

In addition, Rio is boosted by Brazil’s stable economy and the full support of charismatic President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is expected to be in Copenhagen along with soccer great Pele, former FIFA president Joao Havelange, world-record holding swimmer Cesar Cielo and dynamic bid president Carlos Arthur Nuzman.

"Rio is ready and Brazil is ready," Silva said recently. "For Brazil, hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games would be not only an honor, but also a wonderful way to catalyze social transformation in our country and in South America."

Speaking in New York on Tuesday, Silva was even more blunt.

"No other city needs to host an Olympics," he said. "Brazil needs it."

Never has a South American nation hosted the Olympics, and the only time Latin America got it was in 1968 with Mexico City.

"This is one element that might play a role," IOC president Jacques Rogge said. "Is it a big role, is it a lesser role? This is up to each IOC member to decide."

The IOC report complimented Rio for seeing the games as an opportunity to use sport as a "catalyst for social integration" and for embracing the idea that they can transform the region and leave "a lasting and affordable legacy."

Rio also is hoping to gain points with its unrivaled natural beauty and fun-loving people. Officials point to a recent Forbes magazine survey that shows that Rio is the happiest city in the world. The city’s Olympic vision is developed around the "Live your passion" theme, based on celebration and transformation.

But even though Rio has a lot in its favor and received the least direct criticism in the IOC’s report, there is one major issue that puts the city behind its three competitors — security.

The IOC noted that Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo are "capable of providing the level of security and safety required for the games," but made no such mention about Rio.

The report said violence is a concern and recognized the city faces safety challenges. And even though it said Brazilian officials have been successful reducing crime in Rio recently, violence in the country’s second-biggest city continues to make local headlines almost on a daily basis.

Rio officials, however, are quick to point out that violent crime is worst in the slums, where they’re trying to get control of the problem.

In addition, bid supporters say the city is used to successfully hosting major events, including international conferences, a New Year’s celebration that attracts about 2 million people and its famous Carnival party.

The 2007 Pan Am Games is always mentioned as a success story, when no significant incidents were reported among participants and the 700,000 visitors. And the fact FIFA has chosen Brazil to host the World Cup is seen as a vote of confidence.

"The Pan American Games are a reference for us," said Brazil’s sports minister, Orlando Silva. "Rio showed technically that it can host the (Olympic) games. We showed that it is possible."

The World Cup is seen by the IOC as both positive and negative for Rio’s bid. It will help Brazil’s preparation, but at the same time it will create marketing challenges.

Other concerns surrounding Rio’s bid include a shortage of hotel rooms and challenges to guarantee effective transportation to visitors and participants, although officials say all that has to be solved ahead of the World Cup.

In addition, some local critics say funds from Rio’s Olympic budget of more than $14 billion — the largest among the four finalists — would be better spent on the city’s pressing social, education and security needs.

Yet Brazil might be in best position economically among all four bidders, having been judged by some as the least affected by the global crisis.

Most of the venues are already in place, and the majority of the competitions would take place by some of the city’s upscale beaches. The opening and closing ceremonies would be held at Maracana stadium, while the athletics events would be at the Engenhao stadium, which was built for the Pan Am Games and would have its capacity temporarily increased from 45,000 to 60,000.

Rio officials remain extremely confident, saying the positives by far outweigh the negatives. Bid leader Nuzman — who is an IOC member — has been instrumental, and his lively presentations promoting the city have gained popularity among IOC members, which could be decisive.

Put it all together — the natural beauty, the facilities, the personalities, the chance to make history — and it’s indisputable that Rio is a top contender, with a better chance of hosting the games than the first three times it tried, in 1936, 2004 and 2012.

"The Olympic Games in Rio is not just another event. It will be ‘the event.’ It will be a transforming occasion for a city, for a country and to engage a continent," said Carlos Osorio, secretary general for Rio’s bid. "There’s no doubt about it. The historic decision is Rio and Brazil. The others were historic at their time. Now, we believe it’s our time."

-- Tales Azzoni

Japan’s new PM writes IOC backing Tokyo 2016 bid

LONDON — Japan’s new prime minister has sent a letter to IOC members assuring them that government support for Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics "remains as strong as ever."

Yukio Hatoyama took office on Sept. 16 after his Democratic Party defeated the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party in elections at the end of August.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Hatoyama reassures International Olympic Committee members of his personal support and his government’s backing for the Tokyo bid.

"Japan has undergone a change of national government," he said in the letter dated Sept. 20. "However, I would like to offer you my fullest assurance that Japan’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and to Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games remains as strong as ever."

Tokyo, which hosted the Olympics in 1964, is competing against Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. The IOC will vote on the host city in Copenhagen on Oct. 2.

Japanese organizers have urged Hatoyama to travel to Copenhagen for the vote. However, in his letter, he made no commitment to attend.

"I strongly hope that I will have the opportunity of meeting with you at some point in the future," he said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Spanish King Juan Carlos have said they will be in Copenhagen for the vote. President Barack Obama has left open the possibility of going, but is sending first lady Michelle Obama in any case. Obama, Silva and Juan Carlos have also sent letters to IOC members.

Hatoyama took over as prime minister from Taro Aso, who competed in shooting at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and addressed an IOC evaluation panel that visited the city in April.

"Please allow me to take this opportunity to express my own personal enthusiasm and support for Tokyo’s bid," Hatoyama said. "Japan has a long, established tradition of successfully hosting major global sporting events, and an enduring commitment to the Olympic movement."

He promised that Tokyo would provide "optimal conditions" for athletes and said Japan would "take all the necessary measures to ensure an environmentally responsible and sustainable" games.

The AP also obtained letters to the IOC from both Juan Carlos and Obama.

Obama’s letter promised that the United States would "welcome the world with open arms" if Chicago is selected.

"The City of Chicago is designed to host global celebrations and it will deliver a spectacular Olympic experience for one and all," Obama said in the letter.

The 338-word typed form letter, dated Sept. 10, is addressed to individual members and bears the signature of the president.

"I deeply appreciate the tremendous work of the Olympic Movement and wish to convey my strong support for Chicago 2016," Obama said, citing the "transformative power" of the Olympics to unite people.

Juan Carlos said he was going to Copenhagen to head Madrid’s delegation at a time "that will, I am sure, become part of my country’s history."

He noted that he competed, in sailing, at the 1972 Munich Games and that several other members of the royal family have also been Olympians.

Juan Carlos said Spain was behind the bid "now more than ever" after the city’s failed candidacy for the 2012 Olympics, which went to London.

"In 2016 Madrid aspires to organize Olympic and Paralympic Games that will leave an enduring legacy for the Olympic Movement," the king said in the letter dated Aug. 11. "We all strongly believe that Madrid represents the best option at this time.

"Madrid is a great capital, which has multicultural traditions and a long, rich history. The city, thanks to the Games, will show itself to the world as an example for future generations of peaceful coexistence and integration."

-- Stephen Wilson

Cycling

Kristin Armstrong wins time trial world title

MENDRISIO, Switzerland — Kristin Armstrong won the women’s time trial at the road cycling world championships Wednesday, then confirmed she will retire after competing in this weekend’s road race.

The reigning Olympic champion timed 35 minutes, 26.09 seconds over two laps of the 16.7-mile course, beating Noemi Cantele of Italy by 55 seconds. Linda Villumsen of Denmark trailed by 58 seconds to take the bronze medal.

"I can’t think of any better way of saying goodbye to the sport," Armstrong said, cradling her gold medal with both hands as she spoke. "I had a little bit of motivation today. Now I hope another American can come out on top on Saturday."

The 36-year-old Armstrong dominated the 41-rider field to win her second time trial world title. The first came in 2006.

"It doesn’t matter how many times you become world champion, it’s always the best feeling in the world," Armstrong said. "I just wanted to focus on going as hard as I could possibly go."

Armstrong led at every time check and extended her lead the farther she went, recording an average speed of 28 mph. The effort on a hot day in the Swiss Alps left her slumped over her handlebars after crossing the finish line.

One year after a disappointing fifth at the worlds in nearby Varese, Italy, Armstrong said she’d had trouble motivating herself so soon after her gold medal triumph in Beijing.

"I wanted to support the sport and come back for the worlds," Armstrong said. "I had one year to prepare and I had a perfect day."

Cantele, who started three riders before Armstrong, said her coach told her with 3.11 miles left that she was setting the fastest time splits.

"I gave everything," the 28-year-old Cantele said through a translator. "The gold medal was pretty far away from me."

Defending champion Amber Neben of the United States finished sixth, trailing her teammate by almost 90 seconds. French veteran Jeannie Longo-Ciprelli finished 10th, one minute 48 seconds behind. The 50-year-old Longo-Ciprelli is a four-time champion.

Armstrong said she will return to the U.S. to help young riders develop their careers. She recently launched a cycling academy in her home city of Boise, Idaho, and will work with a professional team based in California.

"I will be helping young riders come over to Europe," she said. "I want to give back to the sport and spend some time at home."

-- Graham Dunbar

UCI: Valverde can race for world title

MENDRISIO, Switzerland — Alejandro Valverde can race for a road world title on Sunday, despite Italian moves to have the Spaniard thrown out because of doping allegations.

International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid said Wednesday that the governing body couldn’t prevent the Spanish Vuelta winner from lining up at the world championships before the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules on his appeal against a suspension.

"The rules say Valverde can start and we have to follow the rules," McQuaid told The Associated Press.

He said the UCI had no procedure to act on reports that Italian officials would ask him to remove Valverde.

"CAS will decide eventually and I accept that," McQuaid said. "If he wins (on Sunday), he wins. We wait for CAS."

Sport’s highest court soon will hear Valverde’s appeal against a two-year ban on racing in Italy, imposed by the Italian Olympic committee in May.

If CAS rules against the 29-year-old rider, the UCI is expected to extend the ban worldwide and strip him of victories gained since the Italian sanction.

Valverde has been fighting to protect his reputation since 2006 when Spanish authorities launched the Operation Puerto investigation into an alleged blood-doping ring involving dozens of cyclists.

Italian authorities took up the cause last year, saying they matched a blood sample from Valverde to DNA evidence seized in Puerto raids on a Madrid clinic.

Valverde claims that Italy’s Olympic body has no jurisdiction to rule on his case, or use evidence from Spain.

In a separate CAS appeal, the UCI has teamed up with the World Anti-Doping Agency to try to access evidence they said is needed to persuade the Spanish cycling federation it must act against Valverde.

It is not the first time Valverde, a three-time road world medalist, has been surrounded by drama before the championships. In 2007, he won a CAS case after the UCI tried to stop him from racing in Stuttgart, Germany.

-- Graham Dunbar

Netherlands to host bigger cycling worlds in 2012

MENDRISIO, Switzerland — The Netherlands region of Limburg will host an expanded road world championships in 2012.

The International Cycling Union said Wednesday that the nine-day event, centered on the town of Valkenburg, will add junior races and broaden the national teams structure to include men’s and women’s time trials for trade teams that compete year-round at races like the Tour de France.

UCI president Pat McQuaid called it a gift to sponsors. The Limburg bid defeated proposals from Genoa, Italy, and Hooglede, Belgium.

Valkenburg has hosted four previous world championships, most recently in 1998.

The existing format has six medal races — individual time trials and road races for men, women, and under-23 men — spread over five days.

The 2010 road worlds will be held in Melbourne and Geelong, Australia, and in Copenhagen, Denmark, the year after.

Australia’s Bobridge takes gold in U23 time trial

MENDRISIO, Switzerland — Jack Bobridge of Australia has won the gold medal in the men’s under-23 time trial at the road cycling world championships.

Bobridge timed 40 minutes 44.79 seconds on the 20.6-mile course, more than 18 seconds faster than Portugal’s Nelson Oliveira.

Patrick Gretsch of Germany, last year’s silver medalist, was more than 27 seconds back in third.

Defending champion Adriano Malori of Italy was fifth.

The women’s time trial medal race starts later Wednesday, and the elite men’s time trial is scheduled for Thursday.

Cavendish pulls out of road race due to illness

MENDRISIO, Switzerland — Britain’s Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the road cycling world championships because of an illness.

The winner of six stages at this year’s Tour de France had been selected to ride in the road race on Sunday, but the British cycling federation said on Wednesday that he would not take part.

The 24-year-old sprinter had withdrawn from the Tour of Missouri earlier this month because of a lung infection.

Cavendish also won three stages at the Giro d’Italia this season.

Skiing

Skier Jitloff participates in Race for the Cure

Tim Jitloff was scheduled to jet over to Europe in the next few days for some training ahead of the World Cup ski season.

However, the technical specialist will arrive a little later in Soelden, Austria, than his teammates.

Worthy causes can buy extra time at home.

Jitloff will substitute his skis for sneakers as he participates in the Susan G. Komen Northern Nevada Race for the Cure on Oct. 4, raising money for the organization.

So far, his regiment of runners have rounded up nearly $3,000 in support, not to mention a local sponsor — Grand Sierra Resort and Casino — kicking in another $5,000.

The cause became near to Jitloff after his mom, Pam, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2007. She’s now cancer free after going through radiation treatments.

Still, Tim Jitloff will never forget the day he found out.

"Talk about getting punched in the gut," said the 24-year-old, who’s hoping to earn a spot on the U.S. squad for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. "Your mom has cancer? Whoa. It totally changes your frame of mind."

That’s why he got involved. He’ll be joined in the race by his mom, dad and other family members.

"My goal is enjoy myself and spend time with my mom," he said.

And swap stories — a lot of them involving ski racing.

Jitloff grew up in the Reno/Tahoe area as the youngest of three brothers. They were all skiers, so naturally he followed in their tracks.

His mom never grew weary of chauffeuring him around to different races. They would travel 10 hours to a mountain venue just for a weekend race. The conversations always made up for the miles.

"She’s the rock in our family," Jitloff said. "If my brothers or myself have a problem, she’s usually the first one we go to."

Like when he took a spill in Valloire, France, in 2006. He crashed while skiing on chunky ice and landed awkwardly, tearing his left ACL.

There went a season that looked so promising.

"I was emotionally beat up," he said.

That’s where Pam Jitloff stepped in. She comforted him on the phone and got everything lined up back home for his rehab. She also enrolled him at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he took an English class and an upper level history course.

"When anybody has an injury, the more involved you can be and the more normal your life can be, the better you do," Pam Jitloff said. "You have to move through life."

She’s been following her own advice since being diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I always felt, ‘Give me the plan and I can do it,"’ she said. "We all need goals."

These days, Jitloff’s goals center on securing a trip to Vancouver.

He was solid all last season, finishing 19th in the giant slalom right out of the chute at the World Cup opener in Soelden.

Jitloff followed that by taking 15th in the slalom at Alta Badia, Italy, and rounded out his season with a career-best fifth-place finish in the giant slalom in Sestriere, Italy.

He remains a relative unknown outside of skiing circles, living in the shadows of Americans like Bode Miller, Ted Ligety and Lindsey Vonn.

Being a dark horse, though, suits him just fine.

"I’m under the radar," said Jitloff, a former junior world champion. "I can cruise right in under there."

Jitloff attended a training session in New Zealand last month, quickly recapturing his form. But he had to leave early after aggravating a sports hernia.

Now fully healed, he is anxious to return to the slopes — after the run with his family.

"It’s a moment I’m going to treasure," Jitloff said.

-- Pat Graham

Track & Field

Tyson Gay runs a slow 10.13 in 100 at Japan meet

KAWASAKI, Japan — Tyson Gay ran a slow 10.13 seconds Wednesday to win the men’s 100 meters at the Super Track and Field meet.

"I didn’t get the time I wanted," Gay said. "They said it was a positive wind but it felt more like a headwind because I felt the wind blowing in my face. I don’t know if it was a swirl or crosswind."

The American had equaled the second-fastest time for the 100 on Sunday in Shanghai, posting a time of 9.69 seconds to match Usain Bolt’s then-world record at last year’s Beijing Olympics.

Bolt has since beaten that mark, running 9.58 at last month’s world championships in Berlin. Gay was second in 9.71.

On Wednesday, Allyson Felix of the United States won the women’s 100 with a time of 11.22.

"I didn’t know what to expect because it’s been about two months since I ran the 100," Felix said. "I was a bit rusty and was going through the motions a bit."

Reese Hoffa won the men’s shot put with a top throw of 20.21 meters, edging American teammate Dan Taylor, whose best was 19.87 meters.

Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic, the 2004 Olympic champion, won the men’s 400 hurdles in 48.91. Sanchez is coming off a left foot injury and Wednesday’s win was his first since 2007.

"This year has been difficult because my rhythm has been off, but I’m starting to find my form," Sanchez said. "I’m getting my confidence back and, hopefully, I can build on this."

Former Olympic champ faces DWI charge in NY

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — A former Olympic track star has been arraigned on drunk driving charges on New York’s Long Island.

Derrick Adkins of West Hempstead — who lives on a street named in his honor — was arrested on the Meadowbrook Parkway on Aug. 29. A Nassau County District Attorney spokesman says Adkins was released on his own recognizance after Wednesday’s arraignment.

State police say Adkins was seen drifting in and out of lanes at almost 2 a.m. A trooper also said he smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath.

Adkins won a gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the Olympic games in Atlanta in 1996.

He’s due back in court Oct. 23.

His attorney did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.

International Hockey

Forsberg ready for another comeback in Sweden

STOCKHOLM — Peter Forsberg is set to play for his hometown team Modo in a Swedish Elite League home opener against Frolunda on Thursday in yet another comeback attempt following a lingering foot injury.

The former NHL MVP has practiced with the team since early August and also played two games during a preseason tournament in Switzerland a month ago.

"I really played awfully and I was ready to quit," Forsberg said on the team’s Web site. "But I’ve felt good recently and I’m ready to go. If I have made six or seven comebacks before, I suppose I can make another one."

Modo gave the 36-year-old Forsberg a one-week tryout contract, which means he’ll play at least three games. He can play with Modo until the NHL season begins Oct. 2 without jeopardizing a possible comeback in the NHL.

"If you love hockey, you love Peter Forsberg," Modo coach Miroslav Horava said.

The veteran center, who won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche and was the NHL’s MVP in 2003, has only played sporadically over the last two seasons because of an ailing right foot after surgery.

The forward made a late-season return to the Avalanche in 2008, but injuries kept him out of nine of 18 regular-season games and three of four games in the second round of the playoffs.

He tried playing for Modo last season, but only managed two games before calling off that comeback attempt. Last month, Forsberg was picked to Sweden’s preliminary Olympic roster for the Vancouver Games.

"This is great," said Sweden coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson. "Let’s hope that it works."

-- Stephan Nasstrom