The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 25 July 2012

Idowu fumes over demand for medical records

Alongside his battle to gain fitness in time for the Games and his long-running spat with Charles van Commenee, the troubled triple jumper Phillips Idowu now finds himself at odds with the British Olympics Association. As the saga of the 33-year-old's fitness rumbled on yesterday, his agent, Jonathan Marks, said that Idowu was "incredibly disappointed" after the BOA made public a request to see his medical records.

The demand was made after it was announced on Monday that Idowu would stay in London to have private treatment for a hip problem rather than go to Portugal to attend the British track and field team's holding camp. "He's incredibly disappointed and surprised as to why the BOA has chosen to do this," Marks said. "I can't understand the benefit to the athlete. We are more than happy to send the BOA the medical records." MORE

Powell hopeful of podium finish

The Olympics begin today with the British women's football team taking on New Zealand. It will be the first time a GB women's side has taken the field for a competitive game. "Obviously we want to go as far as we can, a podium finish if possible," coach Hope Powell said. MORE

Richards-Ross awaits Ohuruogu

The US women's 400m prospect Sanya Richards-Ross, 27, has spoken ahead of a potential race against the defending champion Christine Ohuruogu at the Games. "Christine is the Olympic champion and she's also a former world champion, so all of us know her pedigree." MORE

Goddard dreams of winning bronze

Having the tough task of taking on American greats Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte in the pool, GB swimmer James Goddard says it "would be a dream" to stand on the podium with the two. "Michael Phelps is the best athlete ever to walk this planet," Goddard said. MORE

Life resumes at 40 for rower Searle

Twenty years after winning gold in Barcelona in the coxed pairs, British rower Greg Searle, 40, is aiming to repeat the success in the men's eight. "I'm here purely based on merit," Searle said yesterday. "If I didn't perform, he [coach Jürgen Grobler] wouldn't select me." MORE

Pearce's side ready for tough Senegal

Ahead of the Great Britain men's football team playing their opening match of the Games against Senegal tomorrow, coach Stuart Pearce described the opposition as a "tough nut to crack in the group". Just seven journalists attended the briefing. MORE

League to issue social media rules

The Premier League yesterday revealed new guidelines for players using social media, hours after the Football Association charged Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong with improper conduct relating to recent comments on Twitter. MORE

Pompey could close in two weeks

Portsmouth will have "no alternative" but to close on 10 August unless senior players move or take wage cuts. "The facts are straightforward: the players have to leave and conclude compromise settlements," joint administrator Trevor Birch said.

Beaten England set to keep same team

The early guess is that the XI who took the field in London will also play in the second Test in Leeds next Thursday. There will be no tinkering with personnel, although Steve Finn and his supporters are champing at the bit. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Michael Phelps may be one of the ultimate Olympians, an iconic figure for the most passionate followers of his sport, but Ryan Lochte, left, could find a new level of celebrity stardom. MORE