51.   But the German, an Albertville Olympics double gold medallist, did not say she broke the world record because of the new shoes.

52.   Chinese weightlifting gold medallist Tang Ninsheng almost missed his chance at glory because his singlet split at the crotch shortly before competition on Sunday.

53.   Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien was effusive in his praise of the new gold medallists.

54.   Christie is not the only Barcelona gold medallist struggling to recapture his glitter.

55.   Defending champion and Olympic gold medallist Bart Brentjens, of the Netherlands, finished sixth.

56.   Despite the semi-final victory, three-time Olympic gold medallist Redgrave said he expects the Germans to provide stiff competition in the final.

57.   Cuban high jump defending champion Ioamnet Quintero and Olympic gold medallist Heike Henkel became the latest high-profile casualties of the world championships here on Friday.

58.   European champion Claudio Zwiers of the Netherlands immobilised Barcelona Olympic gold medallist Odalis Reve of Cuba to win the other bronze.

59.   Even with double gold medallist Hermann Maier sidelined with injuries from a motorcycle wreck, the mighty Austrian team were poised to dominate.

60.   The remaining member of the gold medallist Auckland team was joined by three newcomers -- Kristian Burley, Richard Ideka and Travis Romagnoli.