1.   A THREE-WAY battle has developed between Liverpool athletics star Steve Smith, his rival Dalton Grant, and the British selectors.

2.   Athletics stars Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell are back to defend their titles.

3.   Athletics top stars Michael Johnson and Marion Jones are competing at the Penn Relays, the best-attended meet in the United States.

4.   Jamaicans reacted with disbelief Wednesday to reports that athletics star Merlene Ottey tested positive for steroid use, and government officials came to her defense.

5.   On Sunday, the athletics star looks to continue the progression.

6.   Since then, he has come under attack from other German athletics stars for fighting his ban in court.

7.   The agent of disgraced athletics star Ben Johnson had some tough words for sprinter Ato Boldon and others who have criticized his client.

8.   Former Chinese athletics star Ni Zhiqing has been sentenced to eight years in prison for accepting bribes, a newspaper reported Monday.