SIDNEY. Sept 8 (API: As competition manager for the first Olympic triathlon. David Hansen has a simple goal, make sure the athletes are not worried about sharks.
To that end. Hansen and other organizers on Friday showed off the electronic safety net that will surround the triathletes when they jump into the harbor at the foot of the city's famed Opera House next week, the first competition of the Sydney Games.
Known’ as a "shark pod deterrent device." it uses electrical currents that surround accompanying divers to keep sharks
"We're not concerned about sharks." Hansen said. "International competitors may have reservations, but we want all athletes going into the competition at the same level, not concerned about sharks."
Sharks swim in Australian waters, including the harbor. But the chances of a shark attacking an Olympic swimmer. Hansen said, arc less than those of getting struck bv lightning.
TEE TIMES, ANYONE ?
The Australian Olympic softball team is doing what most other people do over the weekend - taking a break and resting up.
Coach Bob Crudgington finished practice Friday by giving his players four days off declining offers from Cuba. Canada and New Zealand for practice games over the weekend.
“We've played around 45 games since April. 1 don't think it's a priority to be playing more games right before the Olyin-
pics." Crudgington said. Australia. given the best chance of beating the defending champions from the United States, opens play New Zealand Sept.
“I couldn't have asked for a better preparation for the team over the past four years," the coach said, “but I think it's important not to get too caught up in the buildup to the games, and Just give the team some time to get away, relax, play golf and go fishing."
PILOTS TUNED IN ON
BOGUS MESSAGES
Bogus transmissions have been reported on radio frequencies used by the Sydney airport control tower, and pilots have been warned to be careful.
/Mrservices Australia urged pilots to report any false transmissions during September so they could be traced. The agency said such transmissions had been reported within 45 nautical miles of Sydney's international airport.
About 680.000 Olympic passengers are expected to pass through the airport between now and November.
There is a notice in force at Sydney airport advising people to be aware of bogus transmissions." said Laurie Cox. the industrial officer for the Australian Federation of Air Pilots. There seems to have been an increase In the last month or so as far as I can gather - the message I get Is they might get four a month and they might have got six In the last month."
An Australian Federal Police spokesman confirmed the matter had been referred to police but declined further comment.
NUMBERS CRUNCH
The latest projection for the total number of athletes who will stay in the Olympic Village is 10,700 - 500 above the ceiling set by the IOC and Sydney organizers a few years ago.
Jacques Rogge, the IOC official who oversees the Sydney Games, said the number could swell to a maximum of 11,000 but 10,700 was the "reasonable estimate." About 5.000 officials also will stay in the village, bringing the total population to nearly 16.000.
The difference lies in the fact that in developing countries more athletes coidd meet qualifying standards than before.' Rogge said.
in some cases, athletes and officials will have to live three to a room, instead of two.
FIELD INSPECTION
The field where the US men's soccer team opens against the Czech Republic on Sept. 13 will undergo a final check Saturday by soccer's world governing body.
Sydney organizers threatened last week to switch 1 1 matches from Bruce Stadium In Canberra to alternative venues because of the poor state of the field after the rugby season.
Grass imported from northern Australia to re-sod the playing surface died in freezing conditions. Venue officials reportedly dyed the grass green before an inspection last week to cover up the problem, but they have since agreed to put in new turf.
IOC sports director Gilbert Fell! was confident FIFA would give Its OK. He refused to say what would happen If FIFA ruled it unplayable.