The IOC will allow a marathon runner born in what is now South Sudan to compete under the Olympic flag at the London Games.

The IOC executive board agreed Saturday to allow U.S.-based Guor Marial to take part as an independent athlete.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United have made a bid for unsettled Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Ferguson made his move after the Netherlands international, whose current contract expires at the end of the forthcoming campaign, announced earlier this month that he would refuse to sign a new deal with the Gunners.

For Bradley Wiggins, it's time to start handing out the gifts at the Tour de France.

With victory looking locked up, Wiggins was thinking all about payback for unusually unsung teammate Mark Cavendish on Friday, helping to lead him out to a 22nd career Tour stage victory.

Italy's Argentine-born World Cup-winner Mauro Camoranesi, 35, has signed for Argentine side Racing Club from Lanus, who announced his departure on Friday.

A member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad, Camoranesi has been playing in the Argentine first division since February 2011, following a brief stint in the German Bundesliga with Stuttgart.

Former Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci and ex-basketball star John Amaechi will carry the Olympic flame as it begins a seven-day tour of London on Saturday.

The pair will take the torch relay to the roof of the North Greenwich Arena, the venue on the banks of the River Thames that will host gymnastics events and basketball finals during the Games.

Ain't no mountain high enough to keep Bradley Wiggins from winning the Tour de France.

The three-time Olympic champion — known more for speed than scaling ascents — closed in on Tour victory by finishing close behind Stage 17 winner Alejandro Valverde on Thursday in the race's Pyrenees finale.

Australian basketball officials on Friday said they would review travel policies after stinging criticism that the men's team travelled to the London Olympics in business class but the women in economy.

Sports Minister Kate Lundy called for more equitable arrangements after learning that the Australian Opals, captained by global star Lauren Jackson, a WNBA three-time Most Valuable Player, flew premium economy.

Lewis Hamilton dropped a heavy hint on Thursday that he is ready to re-sign with McLaren and stay with the team that has been his second home nearly all his motor racing career.

Hamilton said he would feel "abnormal" to race for any other team in Formula One.

The London Olympics pop up on teapots, bunting and a one-eyed mascot -- but strict branding laws are in place to ensure that official products are the only ones in the race.

Union Jack umbrellas bearing the 2012 logo are sure to be a hit if the British weather doesn't brighten up and would contribute to the £1 billion (1.24 billion euros, $1.57 billion) of merchandise which Olympics organizers hope to sell.

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the London Olympics, saying he is “not in condition” to compete.

Nadal said in a statement Thursday it is one of the saddest moments of his career and that he will not travel with the Spanish delegation to London.