Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

The reports and vibes emanating from Brazil have, to be kind about it, not been reassuring

But for a mix-up, Sycerika McMahon could be in line to make a final at the swimming world championships in Barcelona next week.

Lance Armstrong has been stopped from competing at a masters swimming event in Texas in what would have been the banned cyclist’s first return to competitive sport.

Irish boxing is punching above its weight

Nathan Adrian destroyed Australian star James Magnussen’s ambition of adding the Olympic title to his world crown when the American out-touched him by one 100th of a second in the 100 metres freestyle.

Sycerika McMahon, Irish swimming’s newest sensation, produced a brilliant performance to take a silver medal in the women’s 50 metres Breastroke at the European Senior Championships in Debrecen in Hungary yesterday.

The men’s and women’s 25 kilometre open water races at the World Championships ended with fingers being pointed as high water temperatures forced 14 swimmers to quit during the competition at Jinshan City Beach.

EVEN before his toes touch the water at the World Swimming Championships in Shanghai, Chris Bryan will have made history.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed the hearing into the punishments handed to four Brazilian swimmers for failing drugs tests will take place before the World Championships later this month.

RETURNING superstar Ian Thorpe admits he risks tarnishing his legacy after deciding to resume his swimming career following a four-year lay-off.

Olympic multi-medallist Michael Phelps swam a short-course personal best in the 100metres butterfly this morning but again failed to make the final at the FINA World Cup in Stockholm.

FINA have announced today the return to textile suits will be implemented on January 1 next year.

Water sports governing body FINA have revealed proposals to change their rules over swimwear approval requirements.

USA Swimming have announced they have suspended Michael Phelps for three months after the publication of a picture apparently showing him using illegal drugs.

Michael Phelps is not sure if he will participate in the London Olympics after he was caught in a wave of controversy this week.

REVOLUTIONARY starting blocks are expected to send world swimming records tumbling again in 2009, after an Olympic year when hi-tech suits helped competitors go faster than ever.

Michael Phelps' bid to win eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics came within a fingertip of failure in the 100metres butterfly, his penultimate event at the Water Cube.

Confusion reigned again today over exactly why Ireland's three Olympic swimmers have been wearing black Speedo caps in the Beijing pool rather than their shamrock-logoed Irish caps.

SWIMMER Andrew Bree yesterday insisted he “would never cheat” after testing positive to a banned substance last year.

OLYMPIC swimmer Andrew Bree has claimed an ‘over-the-counter decongestant’ caused his positive test for a banned substance last year.

THE World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have criticised the handling of doping allegations against Australian star Ian Thorpe, claiming confidentiality was breached by revealing his name prematurely.

Swimming Australia have defended Ian Thorpe following allegations a 2006 dope test showed abnormally high levels of banned substances.

Cristina Teuscher has vehemently protested her innocence after her 'mistake' led to the US team's disqualification from the 800metres relay and resulted in Great Britain claiming the gold.