Russian weightlifting team gets full Olympic ban

All of Russia's weightlifters were banned from the Rio Olympics on Friday for a case of doping that the international federation called "extremely shocking."

The eight competition spots have been offered to other countries but might not be filled.

The International Weightlifting Federation said the "integrity of the weightlifting sport has been seriously damaged on multiple times and levels by the Russians." It said the punishment was an "appropriate sanction" to "preserve the status of the sport."

Weightlifting became the second sport after track and field to issue blanket bans on Russian athletes. Other sports have banned one or more Russians from competing in Rio de Janeiro but not all of the country's eligible athletes. Russian officials said Friday that 272 athletes have been approved but that 100 remain banned.

Two-time Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva verified Friday that her appeal to compete had been rejected. "They didn't make an exception for me," she said. "The miracle didn't happen."

So the plumbing and electricity in the athletes' village took several days to fix. Who cares?

But no "Pokemon Go"? That's an outrage.

Since debuting to wild adulation in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand this month, the game from Google spinoff Niantic Inc. has launched in more than 30 countries or territories — but not Brazil. For athletes and other visitors caught up in the wave, not having access is just one more knock against an Olympics that officials are racing to get ready.

"I wish I could run around in the village catching Pokemon," New Zealand soccer player Anna Green said Friday. "It would have been something fun to do."

What will she do instead? "Train," she replied.

Niantic seems ready to respond. Company officials wouldn't say when the game might be released in Brazil, but social media rumors point to Sunday.

The U.S. added long jumper Michael Hartfield to its track team after Marquis Dendy withdrew because of a leg injury.

As next week's Opening Ceremony approaches, doctors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said those traveling to Rio will be at low risk of contracting the Zika virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Marty Cetron said Brazil has seen a significant reduction of Zika since the occurrences peaked in February and March. Car accidents and influenza pose a greater threat to travelers in Rio than Zika, Cetron said.

The United States women's basketball team routed Canada 83-43 in an exhibition game in Bridgeport, Conn., relying on defense that led to Canada missing 13 of its first 14 shots.