Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The US wrestler Jordan Burroughs, who won gold in the 74kg freestyle after beating Iran's Sadegh Goudarzi, didn't just leave with a medal, he also walked away from the Games $250,000 (£160,000) richer.
As part of a commitment by USA Wrestling, any wrestler who tops the podium will be rewarded with the huge sum. "I'm happy to have the money but I'm more happy to have the medal," the 24-year-old said. "My mum will probably want me to take her shopping, though".
But with the Twitter handle of @alliseeisgold, Burroughs took his victory in his stride. "I have to be confident," he said. "I will wrestle anyone. If I was wrestling the Queen of England I would double-leg her!"
Reade back on track for Rio
After her disappointing performance in the BMX event at the Games, Shanaze Reade has said she is considering switching back to track cycling for the Olympics in 2016. "I'll definitely be in Rio, whether track or BMX or both," said Reade, who competed in the World Track Championships in 2007 and 2008 alongside Victoria Pendleton. "In the team sprint, times have moved on from when I did it."
Syrian hurdler fails drug test
The Syrian 400m hurdler Ghfran Almouhamad has been disqualified from the Olympics after testing positive for a banned substance. The Interntional Olympic Committee said Almouhamad, who finished eighth in her heat, tested positive for methylhexaneamine. She is the seventh positive case reported by the IOC since the Olympic body started their Games testing programme in July, but is only the second athlete who has been sanctioned after competing.
British swimmers in hot water
Michael Scott, the performance director of British Swimming, has promised to make his team "leaner and meaner" following their failure in the London Games, writes Robin Scott-Elliot.
The swimmers won just three medals – a silver and two bronze – and face a certain cut in funding for the next Olympic cycle. Scott has set up a review of the sport in Britain, which will include input from two independent advisors.
Scott's hands shook as he read out a statement yesterday. "I'm gutted with the performances," the Australian said. "We came here to be successful and success is measured by podium performances. We didn't achieve that. On a personal level, I've never experienced a low like this. We most likely will have to be leaner and meaner. That means that things will change." Only Australia and the US had more finalists than Britain but the failure to turn that into medals will see UK Sport reduce their £25m funding after December's review.
Twitter treats
And I'd like to congratulate my competitors @Saul_Craviotto & @markadejonge on their races, it was a pleasure to share the podium.
Ed McKeever, GB canoe sprint
Packing all this stuff away is a tough job. So much kit and the suit bags on top #notlongleft.
Alex Smith, GB hammer throw
Finally going to be able to go on the double decker bus and get a tour of London. So excited.
Ryan Lochte, US swimmer
Zara and I will be taking some time off, no more competitions this year!
Shauna Mullin, GB beach volleyball
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments