Offtrack

When security plays spoilsport
Security restrictions put in place to guard against terror seem to be playing spoilsport with events at the Commonwealth Games. Athletics officials have been banned by security forces from using the ultramodern “recall” gun to signal false starts at races. Instead,they have to use old-fashioned guns that just aren’t loud enough. The result? Athletes participating in a few races failed to hear the recall gun and went on to finish the race anyway,only to be told that they would have to run again.

Snakes at the games
Two cobras were rescued from the Commonwealth Games Village late on Friday night. Wildlife SOS,the agency that was involved in the operation,rescued the snakes from Gate 1 and Gate 2,through which the players enter the Village. Wildlife SOS is still working on the release of the snakes. The agency had rescued another cobra from the Village about a week ago.

Sob story
A baby brought Somdev Devvarman match with a Australian tennis player to a halt,giving both the players a break. As the match was in progress,a baby in the spectator stands started to cry. With the shrill noise distracting the players and the other visitors,the game came to a brief halt while the mother of the child took the baby away. Somdev also apologised to the mother for being forced to leave with her child.

Popularity counts
Jocks love popularity contests,and athletes at the Games Village are jocks to the hilt. The Village News,a newsletter published by the Organising Committee,which is distributed for free at the Village and various venues has been advertising a contest that asks athletes to vote for “the most popular athlete in the Games Village”. Athletes need to vote online by Saturday,so the results can be announced on Sunday.