A GREEK BABY
US canoeist Matt Taylor's wife Kieran, eight months pregnant, arrived here from the United States with a back-up plan ready in case she goes into labour with their third child while at the Olympics.

"Then we've got a little Greek baby," Taylor said.

A hospital near Olympic Stadium would be the delivery site for the baby, whose sex is unknown to the parents. A special cool tent will be provided for Kieran to watch her husband compete.

"It's pretty monumental for her to be here," he said.

"I told her that she's the real Odysseus for making this journey."

PSALM GIRL HAS ALL THE LUCK
United States archer Jennifer Nichols believes she had a little extra help in her second round win against Tetyana Berezhna of Ukraine.

"Before I shoot the arrow, I always pray to God because I believe that without his help I could never reach this level. In my quiver, I always have pages of the Bible."

PEDRO ALL SMILES
America's Jason Pedro was all smiles after winning bronze in the judo 73kg class after deciding to come out of retirement after watching the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

"I remember that I was sitting that night telling my wife that I needed to go to the Olympics again," said the 33-year-old. My medal isn't gold but it still means a lot and when I get off the plane in Boston, I'll still be wearing it along with a huge smile."

FEARLESS ABBAS
Iraqi swimmer Mohammad Abbas realized a dream by competing in the Olympic Games on Tuesday, now he dreams of seeing US-led occupation forces leave his country.

"Yes of course, they must leave," said former soldier Abbas, 26, who competed in the Olympic 100m freestyle heats on Tuesday.

Abbas won his heat in 56.81sec, 63rd out of 69 finishers.

"It doesn't matter first or last," he said.

Now, says Abbas, his goal is to break the Iraqi record in the event.

Abbas, who swam at the World Championships in Barcelona in July of last year, is competing in his first Olympic Games.