Solo says "you can feel the tension start to rise."
Serena's back
Serena Williams said her back is just fine and won't hamper her attempt at another title at Wimbledon.
But whether she'll go for three Olympic golds or just two is still up in the air.
Williams pulled out of a WorldTeam Tennis match last week to rest her back ahead of the London Olympics, but said she's fit and ready for a quick return to the All England Club. She won her fifth Wimbledon title there this month, and also teamed with sister Venus to win the doubles tournament.
Venus and Serena will try to defend their doubles gold medal as well, though the team has yet to announce which players will feature in mixed doubles.
Brazil goalie out
The Brazilian football federation said starting goalkeeper Rafael was dropped from the men's Olympic squad after injuring his right elbow in practice. Brazilian doctors said exams showed the injury will keep Rafael sidelined for up to three weeks. Brazil will make its Olympic debut against Egypt on Thursday at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
U.S. beats Spain
In Barcelona, Spain, Carmelo Anthony came off the bench to score 23 of his 27 points in the first half, and the Americans beat Spain, 100-78, in a rematch of the gold-medal game - and possible preview of the next one.
Keeping an eye out
It's never too early to get a look at the competition. At gymnastics training, Russian coach Alexander Alexandrov stood in the doorway watching the U.S. women vault. He got quite a show, too, as the Americans landed one Amanar - one of the toughest vaults you'll see in the women's competition and the Americans' biggest advantage - after another.
No coaches
Don't expect to see Geno Auriemma or Mike Krzyzewski marching with the U.S. delegation Friday night at the opening ceremony. They aren't allowed because Olympic organizers decided to cut down the number of people marching to shorten the ceremony. "No one remembers who coached Jesse Owens," Auriemma said.
Place your bets
What are the odds of a UFO sighting during the London Olympics opening ceremony? Or of the final torch bearer tripping as they ascend to light the flame? Or would you prefer a more traditional wager on the battle for gold between Russia and Spain in synchronized swimming duos?
London betting houses will offer odds on almost anything, including all 26 sports at the games, from the 100-meter dash to fencing, from diving to soccer. They expect to handle a record $155 million in wagers.
