Games tidbits

ATHLETICS

Runners tumble into 5,000m final

Two athletes who helped each other across the finish line after an accidental midrace collision in the women's 5,000m have been granted places in the final, organizers confirmed.

Nikki Hamblin and Abbey D'Agostino were praised for their sporting behavior after they clashed during Tuesday's heat.

The drama unfolded when US runner D'Agostino clipped New Zealander Hamblin with about 2,000 meters to go, sending both women sprawling.

As a distraught Hamblin lay on the track, her hopes of an Olympic medal seemingly ended, D'Agostino helped her to her feet and encouraged her to finish the race.

New champ no star of the show

New 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon sat at the podium not long after winning her first major title - when she beat the world-record holder - only to watch reporters ask the woman to her right questions about doping.

It was perhaps a difficult introduction for the 22-year-old Kenyan and former junior champion, but this is athletics in 2016.

Sitting to her right, Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia, the reigning world champion and record holder, said she was "crystal clean," a commitment she was asked to make after her coach was arrested in Spain and held for three days in June on suspicion of supplying banned substances.

BASKETBALL

Battle scar a reminder of Kyrie's journey

When he wakes up in the morning, Kyrie Irving looks at the scar stretching across his left knee, an enduring symbol of his journey over the past year.

It's been quite a climb.

"It's crazy to see how it's worked out," he said.

This time last summer, Irving, Team USA's ankle-breaking point guard - and kid brother to his doting teammates - was at a personal low point.

Playing in his first NBA Finals, he shattered his kneecap while banging into Golden State's Klay Thompson in Game 1. The freakish injury not only cost the Cleveland Cavaliers a possible championship, but heaped more criticism on Irving, who played in just 11 games in college because of a foot injury and has battled assorted maladies during his career.

OLYMPIC SPIRIT

Unsporting Egyptian sent home in disgrace

An Egyptian judo competitor has been sent home after he refused to shake hands with his Israeli opponent after their bout on Friday, the International Olympic Committee said.

Islam El Shehaby, 34, came under fire for leaving the bout without a required handshake or a bow after losing to Or Sasson of Israel. He was called back by the referee to make the customary gesture but only gave a grudging nod before leaving.

The action was roundly booed by spectators angered by his unsporting behavior.

The IOC said El Shehaby went "against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympics". The Egyptian Olympic Committee also condemned El Shehaby's actions and sent him home.