Sports Digest/ Formula One: The director of the Barcelona circuit where Lewis Hamilton was racially abused by fans at the weekend has vowed to take steps to prevent similar scenes marring the Spanish Grand Prix in April.
Hamilton was jeered and insulted when he moved between the McLaren trailer and the team's garage during testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Montmelo, near Barcelona, on Saturday.
The 23-year-old said he had been left "somewhat sad" by events, with one group of spectators wearing wigs, dark make-up and t-shirts with the slogan "Hamilton's Family" - apparently because of his public falling-out with former McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso last season. "I am in love with this country, and especially the city of Barcelona and this circuit, which is one of my three favourites," said Hamilton.
Circuit de Catalunya director Ramon Pradera claimed coverage of the incident had been "taken out of context" but steps would be taken to ensure no repeat on April 27th.
The sport's governing body, the FIA, warned that Spain could even be stripped of its races as a result of such incidents.
Greene quits
Athletics: Former Olympic 100 metres champion Maurice Greene has announced his retirement because of injuries. The 33-year-old, who took gold in the 100 metres and 4x100 metres relay at the 2000 Games, has not been competitive for some time - his last major medal was a silver at the 2004 Olympics - and has decided to hang up his spikes.
Kansas City-born Greene set a world record for the 100 metres of 9.79 seconds in 1999, beating the previous best of 9.84 seconds. He also won five World Championship golds.
Flynn retires to take up coaching role in Turkey
Equestrian:Leading show jumper Commandant Gerry Flynn is retiring from the Defence Forces and the Army Equitation School to take up the position of chief coach at the S International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) in Istanbul, writes Margie McLoone.
"I'd been thinking about leaving for about a year," revealed Flynn yesterday evening. "I wanted to get out at the top and, after the great year I had with Mo Chroi during 2007, and for various personal reasons, I've decided that the time is right.
"I take up my new position on March 1st and will be training the SIEC owner and founder Sevil Sabanci and her 15-year-old daughter, Melisa Tapan. I will also be coaching some of their clients at the centre as well as Turkish junior riders who hope to make the European championships team.
"I've visited the centre just once . . . The facilities are excellent"
At SIEC, Flynn will be working alongside the former Army Equitation School second-in-command, PJ McCartan and also Gerry Mullins who is team leader and advisor. Flynn's contract runs until June 2011.
