A novelist captures all the glamour, and terror, of the sea

Known as "MP" among the surfing fraternity, Michael Peterson dominated Australian surfing in the early 1970s. But although he was regarded as the best in the world by his peers, his domination never spread beyond his native country. With his aviator sunglasses, leather jacket and brooding aura, Peterson was nothing short of intimidating. Resented by some but adored by the majority, he was supremely talented, but his career hit the buffers before it had had chance to blossom.

The landscape for active family holidays is a truly adventurous and wild place, a far cry from the fly-and-flop options that once characterised the average family fortnight abroad. Exploring the countryside, learning a new skill, bonding over an exciting new activity: whatever your goal, today's family trips are all about engaging your tribe.

Every member of Britain's 550-strong Olympic team and 300 Paralympians will be drug-tested at least once between now and this summer's London Games. UK Anti-Doping yesterday announced what it claims will be the most comprehensive pre-Games programme.

The town may be overrun by mankini-clad Borats, but this coast still offers scenic solitude and rolling surf, says Emily Dugan

Robin Scott-Elliot took the plunge to test the London 2012 canoeing venue that's already open to the public. But did he sink or swim?

If ever there was a sportsman from the money-mad professional era who was guaranteed to put a smile on the face of the fans – or even the opposition – then it was Freddie Flintoff. Ebullient big-hitting, big-hearted fast bowling, smacking sixes for his father to catch in the crowd, even consoling Australia's Brett Lee at the moment of victory: this was how he will be remembered, playing as if he was still an amateur, even like the fans themselves would dream of performing.

Eighty swimmers taking part in a race to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution had to be rescued after they were swept out to sea.

American endurance swimmer Diana Nyad has begun her attempt to become the first person to swim the shark-filled Florida Straits without the aid of a safety cage.

A man died while taking part in the Great North Swim, the organisers confirmed.

A surfer has died after getting into difficulties off the coast of Suffolk.

Andrew Triggs Hodge and Pete Reed immediately set their sights on the world championships and overhauling arch rivals New Zealand after winning the Team GB rowing trials.

Ryan Lochte yesterday set the first individual swimming world record since high-tech bodysuits were outlawed.

Singapore has rebuked its national water polo team for wearing swim trunks that feature an "inappropriate" likeness of the city-state's flag.