RORY McILROY is one of the most recognisable and popular sportsmen on this island but his declaration of intent to represent Britain in the 2016 Olympics, should golf be accepted at next week’s vote of the IOC, is likely to lose him friends on the southern side of the border.

A bitterly disappointed Paddy Barnes dismissed his achievement of reaching an Olympic boxing semi-final today.

GREECE’S defending Olympic 400m hurdles champion Fania Halkia has tested positive for banned drugs.

Rebecca Romero won her second gold medal of the track cycling World Championships with victory in the team pursuit.