(AP) " The Latest on Olympic events ahead of the Rio Games (all times local):____8:15 a.m.Sally Pearson will not defend her Olympic hurdles title in Rio de Janeiro after tearing a tendon in her hamstring, yet another setback in a year beset by injuries. Nearly halfway through the eight-day trials, the team bound for Rio next month has as many as 17 first-timers. The 29-year-old Pearson missed 12 months of competition because of surgery and recovery after breaking her wrist in a racing accident. Four years ago, Franklin was a bubbly teenager who became a star at the London Games, winning five medals, including four golds. The United States is assembling an Olympic swimming team that Michael Phelps hardly recognizes.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 29, 2016 12:22 UTC