Adrian wins freestyle by a whisker
LONDON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Nathan Adrian and Allison Schmitt brought the United States two Olympic swimming wins Wednesday.
Schmitt finished the evening by anchoring America's 800-meter freestyle relay team. She entered the water trailing Australia's Alicia Coutts by about half a body length. Coutts needed a far bigger lead than that.
Schmitt quickly motored past Coutts and won the race by 1.49 seconds. Missy Franklin, Dana Vollmer and Shannon Vreeland swam the first three legs for the United States, helping bring the Americans their fourth win in this race in the last five Olympics.
Adrian's furious finish in the 100-meter freestyle gave him a win over Australia's James Magnussen by one-hundredth of a second.
Rebecca Soni, instead of conserving her energy in the semifinals of the 200-meter breaststroke, set a world record.
Olympic Medal Standings
LONDON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- China holds a slim lead over the United States in the total medal count at the London Olympics through Wednesday's events.
The Chinese have garnered 17 gold medals, nine silvers and four bronze for 30 total. The Americans have grabbed a doze gold medals, eight silver and nine bronze for 29 total.
South Korea has a total of 12 medals -- six gold, two silver and four bronze.
France is fourth in the medal count with five gold, three silver and five bronze.
UW star Ball kicked, beaten in assault
MADISON, Wis., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- University of Wisconsin running back Montee Ball sustained head injuries in a street attack near the Madison campus, authorities said Wednesday.
Ball, who will be a senior in the upcoming season, is considered a Heisman Trophy contender.
Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said Ball, who had been out with friends early Wednesday, appeared to have been the victim of an "unprovoked attack" by five men, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.
The running back sustained a series of kicks to the head and torso after he was jumped from behind as he walking home through a crime-plagued area near campus behind two companions, police said.
Ball was treated and released from a local hospital.
DeSpain said robbery didn't appear to be the motive in the attack and police were investigating whether he was targeted because of who he is.
"We will continue to evaluate him as we approach the start of fall camp this weekend," Badgers Coach Bret Bielema said. "I do expect Montee to make a full recovery."
Penske cuts ties with Allmendinger
MOORESVILLE, N.C., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Penske Racing said Wednesday it has cut loose driver A.J. Allmendinger, who has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for substance abuse.
NASCAR suspended Allmendinger until further notice last week after two samples he provided tested positive. The racing organization gave the 30-year-old driver a letter outlining what he needs to do to gain reinstatement.
NASCAR doesn't disclose what type of drugs its testing program finds, but Allmendinger's business manager, Tara Ragan, said the driver tested positive for an amphetamine.
"I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment, and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided," Allmendinger said in a statement.
He said he is in NASCAR's "Road to Recovery" program and wants to return to NASCAR racing "in the near future."
Sam Hornish Jr. will drive Allmendinger's No. 22 car for the time being.
