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Gabby Douglas: 'I apologize if I offended anyone" during national anthem RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Keyboard warriors washed over Twitter Tuesday after noticing American gymnast Gabby Douglas not holding her hand over her heart during the national anthem.
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Douglas, 20, was part of the 'Final Five,' who took home the gold medal in dominant fashion during the team final in Rio de Janeiro.
After the event, she stood with Aly Raisman, Maddie Kocian, Laurie Hernandez, and Simone Biles as the national anthem was played. Douglas was the only gymnast who wasn't placing her hand over her heart.
On Tuesday night, Douglas responded to the rampant criticism with a Twitter post.
"First I want to say thank you everyone for your support! It's a huge honor for me to be able to represent #TeamUSA," Douglas wrote. "In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played. I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I'm so overwhelmed at what out team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!"
Belgian Olympian gets black eye hours after winning judo bronze medal
Van Tichelt, 32, won bronze in the Olympic 73kg judo competition Monday. He celebrated at the iconic Copacabana Beach but appeared at a media event on Tuesday sporting a black eye.
The Belgian Olympic Committee said his training partner's phone was stolen and Van Tichelt ran after the thief. He was punched in the face by someone else.
Luc Rampaer, the Belgian Olympic Committee's communications director, denied Brazilian media reports the assault was committed by a prostitute.
"It's false information. It was definitely a man who punched him; that's what the police report says," Rampaer said. "The police were nearby so he made a formal complaint and then was seen by a doctor at the hospital as a precaution, although there was nothing serious."
Golf returns to the Olympics, Thursday: 10 Picks to win Gold
Golf is returning to the Olympic schedule for the first time since 1904. Can Two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson lead a U.S. team of seven to gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro?
Since Watson has all the shots, his game should play well on any course out there, but sometimes he seems to talk himself into being negative about what he sees in front of him. However, if he can take an instant liking to the Olympic Golf Course designed by Gil Hanse, he could we wearing the gold medal on Sunday.
Watson, ranked No. 6 in the world and also No. 6 in the FedEx Cup standings, needs to play back to his form of early this season, when he claimed his ninth PGA Tour victory by winning the Northern Trust Open for the second time in three years and followed that up in his next start by finishing second, one stroke behind Adam Scott of Australia in the WGC-Cadillac Championship.
Prior to the women's synchronised 10m platform event on Tuesday, United States men's diver David Boudia, who competed in the pool on Monday, shared a photo of the green water.
"Wait is someone playing a joke or are we celebrating St Patty's Day early here in Rio?" Boudia wrote.
The event continued as planned and Olympic officials shared an update stating that the athletes were not at risk and the cause was being investigated.
"The water quality at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre was tested and there were no risks for the athletes. We are investigating the cause," they wrote.
Rio de Janeiro Olympic organizing committee spokesman Mario Andrada said that some visitors have been allowed to leave venues in order to find food and drink elsewhere. He said additional food and water is being delivered, promising "new food trucks, more efficient water supply, and free water supplies for the public standing in line."
People have been allowed to leave venues during events in the search for food and water "because this eases the pressure" within the venues, Andrada said.
Andrada confirmed the International Olympic Committee had complained about the lack of provisions.
"Harsh words are how partners sometimes work," Andrada said of the IOC's complaint. "Even teammates on the field of play shout at each other sometimes -- it's a heads-up moment and part of life. The issue is how fast you fix these problems and no event of this size will be trouble-free."
Fans have also complained about the long lines to buy food as people have to stand in one line to order a meal and stand in another line to pay for it. Andrada said more workers have been dispatched to ease long lines.
