Rio Olympic Dreams -- Media Watch

(ATR)Yusuf Alli, a former Commonwealth long jump champion, says Nigeria has "needful steps" to take before the country's athletes can excel at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Most importantly, Alli claims Nigerian authorities need to nurture and inspire the country's younger athletes.In speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, Alli says, "If we are serious about winning a medal, [there are] probably a few athletes that could be contacted and given training that could spur them to stardom since they are professionals."

Daily Trust, another Nigeria-based newspaper, features an interview with Lawal Mallam--a golf official in Kano, Nigeria who thinks the country's golfers could make a strong impression at the Rio Games.

In 2016, golf is returning to the Summer Olympic Program for the first time since 1904.

"I have gone around the country on many occasions and I can tell you that we are really blessed with gifted players," Daily Trust quotes Mallam as saying. "The only problem we are having is lack of sponsorship."

Kevin Ferrie, senior sports writer for The Herald in Glasgow, Scotland, says badminton star Imogen Bankier has given up on her Rio Olympic dreams.

"After proving that she remains at the peak of her powers, Scotland's outstanding racquet sportswoman has admitted that she has no realistic hope of competing in another Olympics."

Cycling New Zealand is actively pursuing aspirations for the Rio Games, according to The Southland Times. The online publication, based in New Zealand, quotes cycling officials as saying, "Given the current form of some young riders, the 2015 Track Cycling World Championships present the ideal opportunity to transition them with a clear focus on Rio."

Bach at the Super Bowl

Prior to Super Bowl XLIX, IOC president Thomas Bach has offered his comical take on "deflategate"--a controversy in the National Football League stemming from claims that the New England Patriots deliberately or accidentally underinflated footballs used in a championship game on Jan. 18.

"I had a ball in my hands, and I was checking,"Associated Press reporter Eddie Pells quotes Bach as saying on his way to attend the championship match between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.

Boston 2024

Boston officials deny the city's Olympic bid is controlling a new long-term transportation plan--Go Boston 2030.

"I think the Olympic effort is being shaped by the city's plan for 2030," John Fish, the construction mogul behind Boston 2024, tells The Boston Herald. "The important discussion is where does the city want to be in 2030 and how does the Olympic program fit into that."

Bob Ryan, a correspondent for The Boston Globe, does not have faith in Boston's leadership.

"If only we could believe that the Boston 2024 leaders, the governor, the mayor and all the assorted eager beavers who are committed to bringing the 2024 Olympics to the Commonwealth knew exactly what they were doing when they took on this project, then I would give this venture my full endorsement.

"But when they start by saying they can get away with a $4.5 billion budget, we know they do not."

The AP discusses how a 2024 Boston Olympics could benefit Rhode Island.

"If Boston successfully lands the 2024 Summer Games, some of its New England neighbors hope all that gold, silver and bronze adds up to green.

"Officials in Rhode Island say a winning Boston bid could mean a huge economic boon to their states, each near enough to attract visitors, foreign competitors and maybe even some Olympic events."

Compiled byNicole Bennett

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