The United States Olympic Committee said Wednesday that if it makes a bid for the 2024 Summer Games, Los Angeles will carry the flag.

In the next few weeks, you’ll be hearing a lot more about him, the European Olympics and Baku.

IRFU chief Philip Browne believes Ireland’s willingness to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in two years’ time - confirmation of which emerged yesterday – will boost the island’s chances of being the chosen venue for the equivalent men’s event in 2023.

Ah, Rio.

Every time a minister visits a country that offends Western sensibilities, they are encouraged to challenge their hosts and suggest that they mend their ways.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge could face tricky questions about Russia’s anti-gay laws when he makes an appearance on the eve of the World Athletics Championships in Moscow today.

The parents of Olympic gold medallist Tianna Madison have sued her, saying she spread stories they had been selfish and bullying and cheated her financially.

It just keeps getting worse for US Olympic broadcaster NBC.

The eight tons of gold, silver and copper unearthed from mines in Mongolia and Utah and now under guard at the Tower of London is the largest ever haul used to make Olympic medals.

THE Irish Rugby Football Union has attacked plans by Communications Minister, Éamon Ryan which would require Six Nations and Heineken Cup matches involving Irish teams to be shown on free-to-air TV channels.

China launched a major crackdown on internet pornography today, targeting popular search engines such as Google.

AN IRISH composer who penned one of the bestselling tracks around the globe has been honoured in an exclusive list of international lyricists.

Irish composer Brendan Graham who penned one of the best selling tracks around the globe has been honoured on an exclusive list of international lyricists, it emerged today.

President George Bush arrived in Beijing today amid an atmosphere of tension with China's leaders over his high-profile criticism of the country's human rights record.

The Chinese capital is blanketed in thick air pollution, but a city environmental official has pledged that air quality would be “good” by the time the Summer Olympics start in 12 days.

China moved swiftly today to place the blame for violence in Tibet on the province’s exiled former leader the Dalai Lama.

Elvis is still the King of stamps, the US Postal Service said today.

Katie Fry, Paris

Crown Prince Felipe wrapped up a sun-soaked relay through the streets of Madrid today, touching the torch to light an Olympic cauldron in one of the capital’s most symbolic squares.

Tennis ace Serena Williams may stay away from the summer Olympics in Greece over fears she could be targeted by terrorists.

THREE women protesters lay naked on a home-made Stars and Stripes flag in front of the US Consulate in Sydney yesterday while others burned two American flags, hours before representatives of 25 nations were to discuss how to liberalise world trade.

THE FAI last night insisted that it must honour its broadcast contract with Sky Sports as the Government cleared measures to make international soccer games available on non-subscription channels.

SPORTING bodies are to be invited to a public forum in Dublin Castle later this month to discuss Government plans to keep sports events on free-to-air television.