It's not actually an official event yet, but scuba divers are taking part in the rowing events out at the Shunyi Stadium.

That's because a recent outbreak of algae has created a weed problem, so divers hop in before the start of every race and check that the bottom of each boat is clear.

The weed eventually became a big news story yesterday when a Swiss female sculler put in an objection, arguing that she failed to make the final because of the algae.

But her boat base was weed-free when examined by officials who threw out her appeal to rowing's version of the GAA's CCCC. Come to think of it, isn't it hard to believe someone hasn't tried that excuse with the CCCC yet?

"No, seriously lads, a bunch of nettles got caught in my cogs and I slipped and simply couldn't stop myself scything down their centre-forward from behind!"

Birth certs controversy rumbles on

OFFICIALS may soon have to introduce some kind of genetic testing to incontrovertibly establish birth-dates.

Even before China beat the Americans in the women's 'team' event, there were rumblings that two of their gymnasts -- He Kexin and Jiang Yuywang -- are not of legal age. The minimum competition age limit is currently 16, but some months ago the 'New York Times' alleged that He, who is only 4'8" high is actually only 13.

And perhaps it's just a coincidence but we couldn't help noticing her official birth-date: January 1, 1992!

degrees Celsius. If the temperature of the water at the Olympic Triathlon goes below that, competitors must wear wet suits. Emma Davis will be dipping her toe in as our first ever competitor in the event on Monday.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I got 80 text messages today. One of my friends said to me 'Dude, how many more times do I have to see your ugly face!'" -- Swimming's Sir Winalot Phelps proves he has a sense of humour too.

DON'T MISS TODAY

ETHIOPIAN distance princess Tirunesh Dibaba actually faces her older sister Elegayehu in the women's 10,000m final at 3.45pm ... or could they have a 'Sonia' moment and see some unknown Chinese try to spoil the family party?

IRISH IN ACTION TODAY

(All Irish times)

ATHLETICS -- Alistair Cragg (1500m Rd 1), Heat 2, 12.19pm. Fionnuala Britton and Roisin McGettigan (3000m steeplechase Heats), 1.25pm and 1.37pm respectively.

BOXING -- John Joe Nevin (Bantam, last 16) v Badar-Uugan Enkhbat (MGL), from 2pm.

CYCLING -- David O'Loughlin (Individual Pursuit Qualifying), 9.55am -- 10.45.

EQUESTRIAN -- Denis Lynch (Individual Showjumping), Qualifying from 12.15pm to 3.45pm.

ROWING -- Lightweight Men's Four, *rescheduled Semi-final, 9.20am.

Heavyweight Men's Four, *rescheduled B Final, 10.50am.

SAILING -- Gerald Owens and Phil Lawton (470 class), Race 7 (6am) and Race 8 (7am). Tim Goodbody (Finn Class), Race 8 (5am), Race 9 (6am) and Race 10 (7am). Ciara Peelo (Laser Radial), Race 4 (5am), Race 5 (6am) and Race 6 (7am). Peter O'Leary and Stephen Milne (Star class), Race 1 (6am) and Race 2 (7am).

IRISH IN ACTION TOMORROW

AHTLETICS -- Robert Heffernan (20km Walk), 2am; Joanne Cuddidy (400m), Heats from 5.10am.

BOXING -- Darren Sutherland (Middle) v Nabil Kassel (ALG), approx 9am. Paddy Barnes (Light Fly) v Jose Luis Meza (ECU), 12 noon.

CYCLING -- David O'Loughlin (Individual Pursuit if qualified), First Round, 9.30am and Final 11.50am.

SAILING -- Gerald Owens and Phil Lawton (470), Race 9 (6am) and Race 10 (7am). Ciara Peelo (Laser Radial), Race 7 (6am) and Race 8 (7am). Peter O'Leary and Stephen Milne (Star), Race 3 (6am) and Race 4 (7am).

HOW THE IRISH FARED YESTERDAY

BOXING -- Kenny Egan (Light Heavy) beat Bahram Mazaffer (Tur) 10-2 to reach quarter-finals. John Joe Joyce (Light Welter) lost to Felix Diaz (Dom Rep), 11-11 on count-back.

SWIMMING --Melanie Nocher (200m Backstroke), won Heat 2 in Irish record (2:12.29) but failed to make top 16 semi-final place. 20th overall.

ROWING -- Cancelled and rescheduled to today.

SAILING -- Cancelled and rescheduled to today.