Sports News

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Rogers disagrees with Ramsey

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers does not believe Aaron Ramsey should expect to be consulted over the recruitment of the next Wales manager.

Wales captain Ramsey, 21, said earlier this week he was disappointed that he and other senior players had not been contacted by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) over their search for a successor to Gary Speed, who died in November.

"I do not think they (the players) need to be asked, it's the job of the FAW," said Rodgers.

"Aaron is entitled to have an opinion, he is the captain of his country, but the FAW will make their appointment. My point is I did not know you had to ask a player about an appointment.

"Aaron is a wonderful talent so I am not being derogatory. He gave an opinion and that's credit to him, but I did not know a player had to be asked about an appointment."

Arsenal midfielder Ramsey, who will face Rodgers's Swansea side in Barclays Premier League action on Sunday, had earlier posted on his official Twitter account: "Firstly I would like to clarify my point.

"I used the word disappointed for a reason. We have just lost our manager and leader through a tragedy and not footballing reasons.

"For that reason I would have thought they would have contacted the players to hear what we thought would be the best way forward to continue our recent success on the pitch, in which we have been building for the World Cup qualifiers for the last 11 months with a clear view.

"With regards to being badly advised in my comments, I am a grown man and captain of my country, to which I care deeply about the future of Welsh football. I wasn't advised by anyone and nor would I need to be.

"I gave an honest answer to a specific question and everything I said was done with my best intentions, hence the fact I am willing to stand behind my beliefs and not leave my comments nameless."

Tevez future remains up in the air

The future of Carlos Tevez has been thrown into more confusion after talks between AC Milan and Manchester City officials broke up without reaching agreement just hours after Inter Milan withdrew from the race to sign the South American.

Tevez is still in Argentina, having effectively concluded he has no future at City since the furore over his non-appearance during that infamous Champions League game against Bayern Munich in September. Inter and Paris St Germain had both expressed an interest in signing Tevez but AC Milan have been front-runners for some considerable time.

It seemed a matter of when rather than if a deal would eventually be done, although hopes of a speedy resolution were dashed when City refused to yield from their present position of being unwilling to entertain any kind of loan for the 27-year-old.

However, with further negotiations planned for Thursday afternoon in London, when asked if Tevez will join AC Milan, Inter president Massimo Moratti said on the club's official website, www.inter.it: "I believe so. That's football."

But within hours, the London talks had ended amid reports that a deal between Milan and City was off.

As Blues officials have strongly countered, it was impossible for a deal to be off because there was never actually one in place to start with. Indeed, City have been left bewildered by the whole process which, as far as they can see, is fairly straightforward.

With no loan moves being entertained, a stance unlikely to change at present, the club will happily talk to any suitor willing to offer what they view as a fair market value for one of the world's best forwards.

Evidently, Tevez's present status has not done much for his valuation. However, as he is tied to a contract that does not expire until 2014, City believe they have plenty of power, even if efforts to get Tevez back to Manchester will not be increased until the transfer window has closed.

Despite Thursday's developments, it would be a major surprise if Tevez was still a City player at that point.

As City found out during their failed attempts to sign Brazilian superstar Kaka from the Serie A giants three years ago, Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is an astute footballing politician. Having placed such store by trying to attract Tevez to the club, Galliani is unlikely to just give up when there is so much time left to do a deal.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Danny Care is dropped by England for Six Nations campaign

Care made his England debut in 2008

England have dropped Danny Care from their forthcoming Six Nations campaign following his arrest for drink-driving on New Year's Eve.

"I made a very bad decision on the evening and need to take the punishment the courts hand out," said the scrum-half, 25, who has won 32 England caps.

Three weeks ago he was reprimanded by England coach Stuart Lancaster after an arrest for being drunk and disorderly .

And Lancaster described the latest incident as "completely unacceptable".

The England boss added: "When we feel he can be trusted to behave appropriately on and off the field then he will be reconsidered for selection."

DANNY CARE IN BRIEF

Care, who is is due to appear in court on 16 January, missed last year's World Cup because of a toe injury.

He scored a try for Harlequins in their 11-9 victory against Exeter on 31 December, but was arrested in the early hours of the following morning and found to have approximately twice the legal amount of alcohol in his system.

The scrum-half added: "I have decided not to contest the charge as I want to bring this to a close swiftly rather than have it hanging over my head for a year or more.

"I would stress that at no time did I think I had drunk enough to be over the legal limit. However, I should not have got into the car and have to accept the consequences of that action.

"I am devastated not to be selected for the Elite Player Squad for the Six Nations as I felt I had been playing near the top of my game with Quins.

"Quins and Stuart [Lancaster] have been very supportive and I totally accept their sanctions. I do understand the need for England players to be role models in the game and have tried to live up to that at all times.

Hard work ahead - Lancaster

"I have made a couple of stupid decisions in the past weeks. I can only hope for the chance in the future to prove those decisions were the exception not the rule. I am devastated because my actions have let so many people down."

Last month, Lancaster, who nurtured Care's development when in charge of the Leeds academy, was named interim England coach for the Six Nations, which begins on 4 February.

He replaced Martin Johnson, who stepped down following a disappointing World Cup.

England were eliminated at the quarter-final stage and were beset by a number of off-field controversies.

After being appointed head coach, Lancaster said: "From my point of view, my focus is getting the team together and planning the January camp. It is absolutely crucial in terms of turning [our performances] around and improving the culture."

Asked if he was a disciplinarian, he added: "I am. I do believe that behaviour shapes performance and the environment. From our point of view, we want to make sure there are clear ground rules and clear non-negotiables. We'll work with the senior players on that."

Serena Williams pulls out of Brisbane with ankle injury

Williams was one game from victory when she rolled her ankle

Serena Williams suffered an injury scare ahead of the Australian Open as an ankle injury forced her to withdraw from the Brisbane International.

The American, 30, fell heavily during a rally when serving for the match against Serbia's Bojana Jovanovski.
She recovered to close out the match 6-2 6-4 but hobbled from the court, and later confirmed she will not play Daniela Hantuchova on Thursday.
Williams had initially been optimistic of being fit for the quarter-final.
"I'm anticipating it'll be OK," said the 13-time Grand Slam champion after her match.
"My initial thoughts [are that] I'm thinking I can play on. But at the same time I don't want to stress it out right now.
"I'm just going to play it by ear and see how I feel when I wake up in the morning."
Williams beat Chanelle Scheepers in round one on Tuesday - her first match since she was fined for an outburst in September's US Open final defeat against Sam Stosur.
Australian Stosur, the top seed in Brisbane, disappointed home fans with a surprise 6-4 6-2 loss to Czech Iveta Benesova.

Kenny Dalglish defends Liverpool conduct over Luis Suarez

Dalglish not looking for Suarez replacement

Kenny Dalglish has defended Liverpool's conduct during the Luis Suarez affair and insists the full facts have not been made public.

Liverpool will not appeal against the Uruguayan's eight-match suspension for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

But the player and club maintained a defiant stance with strong statements.

"I don't think we are digging a bigger hole - it is unfortunate we cannot be more forthcoming," Dalglish said.

Fixtures Suarez will miss

3 Jan: Man City (Premier League)
6 Jan: Oldham (FA Cup R3)
11 Jan: Man City (League Cup)
14 Jan: Stoke (Premier League)
21 Jan: Bolton (Premier League)
25 Jan: Man City (League Cup)
28 Jan: FA Cup R4 (if Liverpool beat Oldham)
31 Jan: Wolves (Premier League)
6 Feb: Tottenham (Premier League, if Liverpool lose to Oldham)

An independent Football Association commission ruled that Suarez, 24, had racially abused Evra during a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United in October.

The commission's report stated that Suarez, 24, had used the term "negro" seven times in around two minutes and claimed he had damaged the reputation of English football around the world with his conduct.

It also criticised the striker for providing "unreliable" and "inconsistent" evidence at the hearing.

Liverpool announced they would not be appealing against Suarez's ban, yet both player and club subsequently issued statements in which they refused to accept responsibility and criticised the way the affair had been handled.

In his statement, Suarez said: "I will carry out the suspension with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong and who feels extremely upset by the events."

After Liverpool's 3-0 defeat by Manchester City, which Suarez missed because he was starting his ban, Dalglish said: "Luis has made a brilliant statement and we stand by him.

"There are a lot of things we'd like to say and a lot of things we could say but we don't want to get ourselves into trouble. We know what has gone on. We know what is not in the report and that is important for us.

Mr Suarez said that he pinched Mr Evra's skin in an attempt to defuse the situation. He also said that his use of the word 'negro' to address Mr Evra was conciliatory and friendly. We rejected that evidence

Independent Regulatory Commission report

"It is unfortunate that you don't actually know the whole content of what went on at the hearing. I cannot go any further."

Suarez admitted saying the word "negro" to Evra, yet Dalglish argued the Uruguayan's background and nationality should have been taken into account by the independent commission.

"I would have thought that if you pronounced the word properly, you maybe understand it better," he said.

"If you get into asking a linguistic expert, which certainly I am not, they will tell you that the part of the country in Uruguay where he [Suarez] comes from, it is perfectly acceptable.

"His wife calls him that and I don't think he is offended by her."

And Dalglish defended the much-criticised decision by himself and his players to wear T-shirts in support of Suarez at the Wigan match before Christmas.

"If one of your guys was in trouble would you help and support him if you knew it was the truth and you knew it was right?" he asked.

"If they want to show their support for their team-mate, what is wrong with that? I think it is a fabulous statement to make visually of your support for a guy who is endeared in the dressing room.

India's 'Swami Army' brings Bollywood colour to cricket

India's fans keep their spirits up despite a tough start in Sydney

India's "Swami Army" has massed in Sydney for the second cricket Test in support of Mahendra Dhoni's side in its clash with Australia.

Swami is a Sanskrit word that means teacher or guru, and the members of the army say they are committed to bringing a bit of Bollywood glamour to the often staid world of international cricket.

The supporters' group was founded about eight years ago by Australian-born Indians, who have mixed their love of sport with a boisterous appreciation of Bollywood theatrics.

They have commandeered a section of the Sydney Cricket Ground, festooning it with banners and with saffron, white and green colours of the Indian flag.

The noise of hundreds of Indian fans in customised blue jerseys reverberates around this famous old stadium, which is celebrating its 100th Test match.

'Different beast'

To the tune of Waltzing Matilda, Australia's most memorable folk ballad, they sing themselves hoarse celebrating their cricketing idols.

Sumit Grover is a key lieutenant of the Swami Army

"Sachin Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar he is our god," they bellow as a lone drummer rallies the troops.

"And he bats, and he bats and he scores another century, Sachin Tendulkar he is our god!"

While they may lack the numbers and cutting banter of their celebrated English counterparts, the Indian contingent is no less passionate.

"We are a different beast to England's Barmy Army," says Amit Grover, a 30-year-old lawyer from Sydney and one of the founders of the Swami Army.

"We are very much more family-friendly. It is more about bringing Bollywood to the cricket.

"The Barmy Army is fantastic in the way they devise their chants. I don't know if I'm as witty as them."

Amit says the Swami Army is "going global".

"We have regiments set up in the UK, US, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, so this isn't just an Australian phenomenon. It is going to be worldwide and global."

Amit's brother, Sumit, is one of the organisation's key lieutenants, who has worked with Australia's cricket authorities to enable its members to sit together. They have created a small but unmissable sea of light blue at the beloved venue in Sydney.

"We tend to switch into Bollywood mode when we're not doing that well," Sumit admits, as India creaks under the weight of another Australia onslaught.

"Normal supporters tend to be fickle when they are doing well and jump on the bandwagon but when they're not doing that well they tend to go home.

"That is what the Swami Army is all about. Let's create that culture of supporting the team no matter what they are going through," explains Sumit.

'Religion'

Sitting beside Sumit is his wife, Shweta, whose family came to Australia from Delhi via South Africa.

"Most of us who have formed the Swami Army are Australian-born Indians, so we do value our Australian culture but it is always good fun when the Indians come down here to support the team," she says as the massed ranks again burst into song.

Shweta Grover says the Australian-born Indians do

value their Australian culture

Australian fans do mostly appreciate the colour and verve the Indian contingent brings to matches. So do Kelly and Bryn, British tourists from Surrey, who are soaking up the Sydney sun and enjoying the Swami Army's histrionics.

"They are good fun. It is a nice atmosphere to have but I don't think they can really compete with the Barmy Army," says Kelly.

"They got a lot of original songs too, so it's great to hear them," adds Bryn.

The Sydney Cricket Ground would shake to its ancient foundations if batting legend Tendulkar could notch up his 100th international century during this second Test.

So far, though, his team has struggled, losing the first Test in Melbourne and being skittled out for just 191 in its first innings here. But the fans are keeping the faith.

"Cricket is a religion in India," says fan Anil Kumar.

"You don't stop supporting your religion when things get tough. You know, things get tough on the field and we just get louder and prouder. So we absolutely love our cricket and we'll never stop loving it."

Jeremy Guscott Q&A

Saracens' Brad Barritt would be Jerry's pick as England inside-centre

Former England and Lions centre Jeremy Guscott answers your questions for the first time in 2012.

Among the topics Jerry discusses this week are:

- England's Elite Player Squad

- 2012 predictions

- Harlequins' recent form

- The fastest players Jerry has played with

If you have any questions for Jeremy, please use the post form on this page. He will answer as many as possible but not every question submitted can be used. This week's answers appear below.

Hi Jerry. Everyone's talking about an expected overhaul of the England team for the forthcoming Six Nations. Which uncapped players would you expect to see in the squad next month?
Tom Reynolds,UK

Hi Tom. I would like to think players like Jamie George, Andy Saull, Brad Barritt and Alex Goode would be in. Also, Joe Marler, George Robson, Luke Wallace, Jordan Turner-Hall, Billy Twelvetrees, Nick Wood, Henry Trinder, Freddie Burns and Scarlets number eight Ben Morgan.

Should Mike Tindall announce his retirement from international rugby before Stuart Lancaster names the Elite Player Squad on 11 January, as a parting gift to England? This would give Lancaster the chance to change an extra player in the squad which I'm sure he'd find more than useful.
Leon James, Philippines

Hi Leon, the word is that Tindall will be left out anyway.

Harlequins full-back Mike Brown has been outstanding this year but so has Northampton's England incumbent Ben Foden. Surely they both deserve to start for England? Can they both fit in the same team or does one miss out? On form Brown has been better but Foden has the international record.
Rob, UK

Hi Rob. I agree Brown has been the stand-out full-back but Foden hasn't played badly enough to warrant being dropped by England. I don't believe there is room for both of them starting in the same team and Brown is unlikely to make the bench because he can only cover full-back.

Leicester's Billy Twelvetrees is on the fringes of England selection

Do you think Lancaster is the man to realise that one of England's main problems is the lack of creativity in the centres? New Zealand have the pleasure of picking from Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and even Richard Kahui.

These players have the ability to create chances, whereas England of late seem to use both centres as battering rams. We have some outstanding wingers and two full-backs in awesome form (Foden and Brown), who would you pick in the centres to create chances for these players?
Adam, England

Hi Adam. There isn't a stand out creative centre. However, the most consistent performer has been Brad Barritt and he should be selected alongside Tuilagi. Barritt and Tuilagi can break the gainline, it's then up to support players to give them an option of off-loading/passing.

With all of the young English talent being mentioned in the run up to the Six Nations, I find it difficult to believe that I haven't heard Billy Twelvetrees' name mentioned too much. Whilst he may only be in due to injuries, he has played a key part in Leicester's revival and could be the answer to England's problems at 12. Your thoughts?
Scott, Ireland

Hi Scott. He hasn't really had enough exposure but I agree he has played his part in helping Tigers move up the table. He's certainly got the height and isn't light, he's got reasonable pace, but he very quickly needs one of those games where he makes three or four breaks that lead to tries and scores one himself.

Hi Jerry, why does Gloucester's Nick Wood keep getting ignored by England? He was outstanding against Saracens on Sunday in both the tight and loose, as he has been all season. He must now be considered as first-choice loose-head prop for the Six Nations.
James, England

I've read Nick Wood's name a lot recently in papers saying the same thing as you are. He must be in with a good shout of starting against Scotland. Given that Graham Rowntree would have had a big say in selecting England's props at the World Cup - Matt Stevens, Dan Cole and Alex Corbisiero - it would be a change of thinking for him.

The England team seem to have been without a bone fide open-side flanker for what seems like a long time. Who do you see as contenders for that position in the 2012 Six Nations? Where do you see Matt Kvesic (who Worcester seem to predominantly use at seven) and David Seymour from Sale in the pecking order?
John, Canada

Sale full-back Rob Miller has impressed for the Sharks this season

Hi John. To be honest I've not seen enough of Matt Kvesic to give an informed opinion. If Lancaster wants to go down the route of an out-and-out seven, then the likes of Seymour and Saull and, on the very outside, Quins' Luke Wallace stand a chance. I would go for a left and right combination of Tom Croft and Tom Wood for England.

Jerry, who is your youngster to watch in 2012? For me it is hard to look beyond London Irish's Jonathan Joseph.
Brendan, Ireland

Hi Brendan. Irish are blessed with amazing young three-quarter talent, including your man Joseph but also Marland Yarde and Anthony Watson. Jamie George at Saracens would be another youngster to look out for.

Jeremy, as we enter 2012 can I tempt you into predicting the winners of the Six Nations, Heineken Cup, Aviva Premiership and Pro 12?
Stephen McGovern, Ireland

Hi Stephen, at time of writing this I would go for: France, Leinster, Saracens and Leinster.

Hi Jeremy, prior to the Christmas period you stated that you would assess Harlequins' chances of finishing top of the Premiership after the Christmas/New Year fixtures.

With two losses and two wins from those games what are your thoughts now? This period seems to have given them a chance to regroup and reintroduce a number of injured players, too. The sight of Tom Guest on the field, with Nick Easter likely to go to the Six Nations, is especially pleasing.
Nick Foord, UK

Jeremy, you finally predicted a win for Quins against Saracens over Christmas and we lost. Ouch! But with that loss and a stuttering performance against Exeter are Quins running out of steam?
Ben, England

Hi Nick and Ben. The Saracens defeat should serve Quins well, I think they will have learnt that you don't have to run the ball from everywhere, especially against a very good defence and in sticky conditions. A lot will depend on how many Quins are involved in international rugby that might unbalance the team. I believe they will make the play-offs with a home tie and make the final. Playing conditions will suit Quins in May.

Hi Jeremy, as a Tigers fan I went to the Leicester-Sale game on Sunday and was mightily impressed with the Sharks. Despite appalling conditions, their insistence of keeping ball in hand and trusting their handling skills was hugely impressive and contributed to a great game.

The one Sale player that stood out for me was Rob Miller at full-back. Do you think his performances deserve inclusion in the upcoming EPS or Saxons squad?
Jack, Leamington Spa, UK

Hi Jack, despite his good performances there's a lot of competition with Foden and Brown playing well. It will depend if Lancaster picks Armitage - if he doesn't then Miller stands a very good chance.

Jeremy, as a Wasps fan I can't but help but scratch my head at our recent performances and I am struggling to see why we have lost the confidence that we had at the start of the season. Any ideas why?
Max Durnford, England

Hi Jerry, what is going on Wasps at the moment? I know we have had lots of injuries and off the field issues - do you see the glory days returning to Wasps in the next few years?
Nile Weir, England

Hi Max and Nile. There's too much uncertainty surrounding Wasps and it must be incredibly difficult for players to block out. Some players will be looking for other clubs to join but they must contribute to their team playing well for other teams to think about signing them. Nicky Robinson hasn't played to the level he's capable of and that isn't helping.

What current centre would you most like to play with?
Chris Purchase, Wales

Hi Chris, I would like to play with Jamie Roberts. His ability to get past the first defender would make life easy. He would have to look more out than in, like he does at present, but if you can get on his shoulder you should be away. Sonny Bill Williams would be another.

Hi Jeremy, who would you say was the fastest player you played with or against? Was it either of the Underwoods? Also, who was the quicker of the brothers? Cheers.
Adam Stringer, England

Hi Adam, the fastest players I've played with or against would be my former Bath team-mate David Trick and cross-code legend Martin Offiah. I'd say Rory was the quickest - but only just.

BDO World Championships: Martin Adams role running the game

BDO World Championships

Venue: Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green
Date: 7-15 January
Coverage: Live on BBC and ESPN, reports and scores on BBC Sport website

Adams is bidding for a third

successive Lakeside title

Politics in darts is confusing at the best of times but Martin Adams's views are gloriously clear.

There may not be a battle as such between the Professional Darts Corporation and the British Darts Organisation - but three-time Lakeside world champion Adams is a BDO man and always will be.

Arguably the biggest name in the BDO, Adams's loyalty and desire for the organisation to succeed has seen him gravitate to the running of the game.

DOUBLE DARTS

The BDO was formed in 1973 and held its first world championship in 1978
A dissatisfied group of 16 of the world's top players formed the World Darts Council (WDC) in 1992, but continued to play in the BDO
The 1993 BDO tournament was the last time all players competed in a unified world championship
The WDC, later the PDC, held its own version of the world championship in 1994

If the 55-year-old is to defend the title he retained by beating Dean Winstanley 7-5 in the final last year, he will do it as a member of the BDO board, having been voted on last summer.

"Everybody thought it would affect my game but I like to think it hasn't. I still believe I'm playing great darts," Adams told BBC Sport.

"I just have to make sure that, when I'm at a tournament, if any decisions need making then I have to step back from them. I can't be making decisions that might affect me in a particular event. It wouldn't be right to do that."

Adams's election to the board, along with four other new members, came at the expense of Olly Croft, the 82-year-old who had spent 38 years running the game.

Croft's tenure included a dispute in the early 1990s between administrators and some of the world's top players.

The result was the formation of the World Darts Council in 1992. It first held its own version of the world championship in 1994 and later became the PDC.

It's always disappointing when you lose a player to the other side, but I dare say it would be disappointing for Barcelona if Lionel Messi suddenly decided he wanted to leave

Martin Adams

Prior to the vote that saw him elected, Adams put his name to a letter sent to local darts authorities that said "a failure to act at this point in time will only act as putting a further nail in the coffin of the BDO".

Covering all aspects of the governing body, from the youth system to how it treats the PDC, the letter was a vision for the future shared by Adams, Barry Gilbey, Sue Getty, Derek Weston and Wayne Williams, all of whom were elected to run the game.

"Some of the other new board members came to me and asked if I would stand," Adams added.

"I gave it long thought and then decided to go for it. I didn't expect to get voted in, so it was a bit of a shock when I did. But, after standing and getting voted in, you have to do what you need to do.

"One of the biggest criticisms that came from the players and officials was that we were standing still, going around in circles every year. Lots and lots of players thought that. Hopefully now they can see we're pushing forward."

PDC order of merit

1. Phil Taylor*
2. Adrian Lewis
3. James Wade*
4. Gary Anderson*
5. Simon Whitlock*
6. Mark Webster*
7. Wes Newton
8. Raymond van Barneveld*
9. Kevin Painter*
10. Terry Jenkins*
* Former BDO players, correct at 11 December 2011

That "pushing forward" seems to centre around improving conditions at existing tournaments, increasing the prize money available and getting more BDO events on television.

In Adams's words, the BDO has to be "attractive for players" so they are not tempted to jump ship and play for "the other side".

To put that task into context, Adrian Lewis picked up a £200,000 cheque for winning the PDC title on Monday, double that on offer for the Lakeside champion. At the beginning of the PDC showpiece at Alexandra Palace, eight of the top 10 in that version of the world rankings were former BDO players.

But Adams, who thinks any repeat of PDC chairman Barry Hearn's takeover offer of 2010 would be "rejected by a massive majority", is bullish about the job on his hands.

"We hope there's new tournaments coming up after the World Championships; that is our intention. We can't just sit back and hope it happens. We've got to get up and make sure it happens," he said.

"I want to see the BDO as a successful organisation that is driving forward, providing new events for our players and better playing conditions at some of the events.

"It's always disappointing when you lose a player to the other side, but I dare say it would be disappointing for Barcelona if Lionel Messi suddenly decided he wanted to leave.

"You wouldn't stand in anyone's way because, if you did, you wouldn't get the performance out of him anyway. That's the situation we don't want to be in.

"The new board recognises that we need to make sure our system is attractive to these players, that they haven't got a desire to go elsewhere, that they're happy to stay with the BDO system."

If he succeeds, Adams's legacy to the BDO could be much greater than that of a three-time world champion.

London 2012: Derek Redmond on his iconic Olympic moment in 1992

Redmond's father Jim helped him finish his 400m semi-final in Barcelona

Barcelona 1992 was my second Olympic games and, after the injury disappointment I faced in Seoul in 1988, I was determined to get it right.

In Seoul I was never settled in the hotel or the country and it totally affected my preparations. Every athlete is different but the time difference, the food, the noise, it all played its part to unsettle me.

Then I had to withdraw with an Achilles injury.

I remember when the closing ceremony was taking place I stayed in my hotel room on my own; I didn't even watch. I never felt part of it or like I deserved to be there.

It wasn't meant as a grand gesture or to prove the point that it is the taking part that counts. I never believed in that and I don't think any athletes do

Derek Redmond

So I was determined to be a part of it in Barcelona four years later. I flew out to our base a week before everyone else, got settled into the hotel and felt good from day one.

As an athlete you have to get the little things right. Before anyone else had arrived I organised the rooms so all the noisy people were down at one end and I was right at the other.

If it makes you feel better, it will help, and the whole British team will have that benefit in 2012. The whole Games have been organised with them in mind.

I strongly believe that having the Olympics in their home country will be a huge advantage for our athletes. To be in London will be a massive boost - our athletes will feel at home instantly.

I felt good in Barcelona and I was running really well. I remember clocking 45 seconds dead in the heats without even trying and it had never felt so easy. So I was running for a medal, no doubt about that.

REDMOND ON DOPING

The BOA stance is absolutely correct, but I believe that any athlete found guilty of taking performance enhancing drugs should be banned from the sport altogether. At the moment if you are a young athlete the risk is worth taking. If you get caught and are given a two- or three-year ban, you can still come back and run in another Olympics. If the penalty was a mandatory life ban it would put anyone considering cheating off

My hamstrings felt a little bit tight but nothing out of the ordinary. As a sprinter you get used to it after a few races in the space of a few days.

In the semi-final I got out of the blocks well but after 150m or so it felt like I'd been shot in the back of the leg.

The physical pain was intense and that was all that was in my mind for the first few seconds or so.

I got up and I honestly thought I could catch the rest of the runners and still make the final. Even when they were going round the final bend I thought if I started running I had a chance.

But I could barely walk.

There were some medical staff running over to me with a stretcher and ushering me to get on to it - but I just wanted to finish the race by that point.

It wasn't meant as a grand gesture or to prove the point that it is the taking part that counts. I never believed that and I don't think any athletes do. If I didn't think I had a chance of winning then I wouldn't have put myself through it.

It was then that I became aware of my dad running over to me.

Derek Redmond's career

1985: Breaks the British 400m record, running 44.82 seconds
1986: Wins gold in 4x400m relay at European and Commonwealth championships
1987: Breaks British record again in a time of 44.50. Wins silver in 4x400m at World Championships
1988: Achilles injury scuppers Olympics in Seoul
1991: Wins 4x400m gold at Tokyo World Championships
1992: Suffers hamstring injury in 400m semi-final at Barcelona Olympics. Dad Jim climbs on to the track to help him finish

He tried to talk me out of it at first. He was telling me that I had nothing to prove and that I didn't need to do this, but I told him I was going to finish. Then he said that we would do it together.

So we did, and I limped over the line in tears.

I wasn't aware of the crowd's reaction at that time; I wasn't really aware of anything at that point.

It was only after I had had some treatment on the injury and left the stadium that I saw all the press waiting for me. I didn't want to talk but agreed to hold a press conference the next day.

I was expecting a handful of reporters but the whole room was packed out.

It obviously captured people's attention and I have been very lucky from that day on. It could have gone one of two ways: people could have taken it as they have or they could have thought I was an idiot.

That was me done after that. I had about eight or nine operations but I was never fit enough to compete again.

Of course I wish things had turned out differently, but I had the chance to run at two Olympics and I'll never forget it.

Derek Redmond was talking to BBC Sport's Tom Rostance

Australia v India: Michael Clarke hits double century

Ponting and Clarke added 288 for the fourth wicket at the SCG

Captain Michael Clarke batted through day two to score an unbeaten 251 as Australia took complete control of the second Test against India in Sydney.

The hosts began the day on 116-3 and only lost one wicket all day as Clarke added 288 with Ricky Ponting (134).

Dropped by Ishant Sharma on 182, the skipper reached the highest Sydney Cricket Ground score by an Australian.

After Ponting fell, Mike Hussey (55 not out) helped Clarke take Australia to 482-4 by the close, a lead of 291.

HIGHEST SCG TEST SCORES

287 - RE "Tip" Foster, England, December 1903
277 - Brian Lara, West Indies, January 1993
251* - Michael Clarke, Australia (v India), Jan 2012
251 - Wally Hammond, England, December 1928
242 - Doug Walters, Australia (v W Iindies), Feb 1969
241* - Sachin Tendulkar, India, January 2004

Ponting's place in the side had been increasingly questioned in the lead-up to the series, but he reached his first Test century for 34 innings, having last passed three figures in making 209 against Pakistan in Hobart in January 2010.

He was so nearly run out for 99 after pushing Sharma for a quick single as Zaheer Khan's throw from mid-on narrowly missed the stumps.

Ponting had to dive full-length to make his ground and, his shirt covered in dirt, acknowledged a warm reception for his first Test ton in nearly two years before eventually holing out to Sachin Tendulkar at point.

But it was local New South Wales hero Clarke who will take the biggest plaudits after hitting 31 fours and a six to easily pass his previous highest Test score, 168, on his home ground.

"I don't really know how I'm still out there, but Punter [Ponting] and Huss were outstanding and kept me going," said Clarke.

"It's nice to make my highest Test score at the SCG, but it's important to get as many runs as we can in the first innings - if we can get a 350 lead we'll be in good shape."

The chance he gave to Sharma was a difficult return catch off the right-arm paceman's own bowling, but one that will be rued by India as they already face a difficult task to save the game and avoid Australia taking a 2-0 lead in the four-Test series.