Runner Who Died Had Enlarged Heart

Ryan Shay collapsed 5 miles into the race

(NEWSER) - Four-time US long-distance champion Ryan Shay died today during Olympic marathon trials in New York City, the AP reports. Shay, 28, collapsed about 5 miles into the 26.2-mile race and could not be revived. The cause of death remains unclear. “It cuts a knife through everybody's hearts,” said one NYC racing official. More»

Eritrean-born Meb Keflezighi's victory sparks dispute

(NEWSER) - On Sunday Meb Keflezighi became the first American since 1982 to win the New York City Marathon...according to some. Keflezighi, an American citizen who arrived from the East African country of Eritrea at age 12, had barely crossed the finish line before a debate erupted on how American he really is. He's "like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league," argued one CNBC columnist, echoing the theme of many online comments. More»

Autopsies today will probe deaths of three men

(NEWSER) - Michigan authorities will conduct autopsies today on three men who died within a 16-minute span during yesterday's Detroit marathon. Just after 9am, a 36-year-old collapsed on the course after 11 miles, and a few minutes later a 65-year-old longtime runner dropped to the ground near the same spot. At the same time, a younger runner collapsed after completing the half-marathon. Despite resuscitation efforts, all three competitors died. More»

Phelps, Bolt, Xiang take sport's center stage

(NEWSER) - Competing in 20 Olympic events and going for a record eight gold medals, American swimming phenom Michael Phelps is first off the block in the BBC's list of 10 to watch in Beijing. Here are some of the others:

• Natalie du Toit: This South African swimmer and Paralympic gold-medalist will make a splash as the first female amputee to compete at the Summer Games.

Tim Montgomery, former 100m record holder, jailed

(NEWSER) - Disgraced Olympic gold medalist Tim Montgomery was sentenced to 46 months yesterday for his part in a check-fraud scam, the Washington Post reports. Montgomery, who still faces heroin-dealing charges, once held the 100m world record but was stripped of it for doping. He has a son with Marion Jones, who is in prison for lying about doping and about her part in the scam. More»