Games tidbits

SWIMMING

Hero's homecoming for Schooling

Singapore swimmer Joseph Schooling returned home to a rousing welcome on Monday after winning the city-state's first Olympic gold medal with a stunning victory over the legendary Michael Phelps in the 100m butterfly final.

The 21-year-old Asian champion set an Olympic record of 50.39 sec in Rio on Friday as he edged out his US idol Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history.

"Joseph, I love you!" a fan screamed as others chanted "Schooling" and "Singapore" as he emerged in the arrivals hall at Changi Airport wearing his gold medal and a red jacket.

Schooling hugged his father, Colin, 68, who was unable to make the long journey to Rio after falling ill. They posed for a family picture with his mother, May, 61, who was his biggest cheerleader in Brazil.

"Thank you everyone for being here so early in the morning. This is not just for me, but for all of you," Schooling said in a brief speech before wading into the crowd of about 500 people that included an international media contingent.

SECURITY

Adrian unfazed by armed robbers

US swimmer Nathan Adrian said he is not concerned about his safety after four of his teammates were robbed at gunpoint in Rio.

The US Olympic Committee said Ryan Lochte, Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and Jimmy Feigen were robbed early on Sunday by thieves posing as police officers who stopped their taxi and took their money and belongings.

Committee spokesman Patrick Sandusky said the four swimmers were safe.

Adrian said at a media conference on Sunday "there will be problems anywhere you go," and that the swimmers have been briefed on how to reduce those risks.

He said that now the swimming competition in Rio is over, athletes want to see more of the city.

ATHLETICS

False start blamed on chopper

Andrew Fisher saw his chances of making the men's 100m final dashed when he false started in the semifinals.

The sprinter, representing Bahrain, blamed a hovering helicopter.

Fisher said the helicopter approached the stadium as he was on the starting blocks and it distracted him. He knew instantly he was disqualified.

He said it was the first false start of his international career.

Fisher said "it was the chopper" and "that should never happen at a meet this big".

BOXING

Medalist misses his mobile

Did anyone send US boxer Nico Hernandez a congratulatory text for winning an Olympic bronze medal?

He might not have read the message.

Hernandez, the first US citizen to win a boxing medal since 2008, appeared to have some trouble with his mobile on his way to the medal stand.

He tweeted to T-Mobile: "Lost my phone in Rio before receiving my medal, can you help me find it?"

The company tweeted back that it would "do all we can to help" if Hernandez sent it a direct message.

So, you can call Hernandez an Olympic bronze medalist - but not on his phone.

GYMNASTICS

Lucky toy and nap do the trick

With the help of a toy monkey and an afternoon nap, Russia's Aliya Mustafina finally ended the US stranglehold on women's gymnastics by winning the asymmetric bars for a second successive Games, with a routine full of grace and power.

It was a triumphant comeback by the 21-year-old, who has struggled with knee problems and missed last year's world championships with chronic back pain.

"The main thing is I managed to pull myself together after my injury, after the break, and deliver," Mustafina said. "It was painful and difficult ... but I made myself work."

She said she carries a toy monkey for luck - a present from her boyfriend - and arrived four hours early for Sunday's competition to allow time for a quick sleep before performing.

Agencies