Stephanie Rice, Queensland Cricket, Brisbane Lions Helps 5-year-old Zachary Archer

Australian Olympian swimmer Stephanie Rice is leading from the front for a noble cause. She is leading to help 5-year-old Zachary Archer who becomes the first Australian to receive cutting-edge cord-blood therapy in a US trial.

Five-year-old schoolboy Zachary Archer, who had suffered a stroke aged four months will travel to North Carolina’s Duke University in September for the ground-breaking treatment.

If successful, the cord-blood therapy will reduce muscle spasticity in Zachary’s right side caused by cerebral palsy and ease epileptic seizures.

Rice has donated a signed Australian tracksuit as the Archer family muster items to be pitched at a fundraiser for Zachary. Organisations such as Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions, along with a variety of local businesses, including Stefan Hair and Westfield, have contributed to the school disco fundraiser at StDympna’s Primary School in Aspley on September 3.

But the medical treatment is expensive, with the Archer family not expecting to see any change from $40,000.
To donate, phone Mr Archer on 0403698866.

Image Courtesy: Northside-chronicle.whereilive.com.au

Stephanie Rice Dating Nick D'Arcy?

Stephanie Rice has been dating fellow swimmer Nick D'Arcy for six months, it has been claimed.

The 21-year-old Australian Olympic gold medallist, who has previously dated swimmer Eamon Sullivan and been romantically linked to sports stars Michael Phelps and David Williams, was rumoured to be seeing D'Arcy after they were seen attending a friend's 21st birthday party together.

A friend of Rice told The Sunday Telegraph: "Steph and Nick have been spending a lot of time together. It's been going on for at least six months."

News Courtesy: Digitalspy.co.uk

Aimee Watkins, Stephanie Rice Rated World's Sexiest Sportswoman

Lindsay Vonn (Skier), Stephanie Rice (Swimmer), Nicole Vaidisova (Tennis), Aimee Watkins (Cricketer)
New Zealand women's cricket captain Aimee Watkins has been rated among the world's 64 hottest female athletes alongside American skier Lindsay Vonn, Aussie swimmer Stephanie Rice and Czech tennis player Nicole Vaidisova.


27-year-old Watkins admitted the ratings by Yahoo!Xtra came as surprise, as she does not consider herself as one of the world's sexiest sportswomen.

"I didn't know anything about it," Watkins said. "I've seen it now. Mum gave me a call and she was pretty excited and told me to go on and have a look. Since then I've had a bit of stick but, oh well. It's all a bit foreign to me."


Sports editor of Yahoo!Xtra, Mike Kilpatrick, the main driving force behind the idea of finding the sexiest sportswoman, said he had been following Aimee Watkins' career since he was at university and she seemed like a natural choice for the top 64.

"We equally appreciate field talent as much as their looks," he said. "I consider Aimee one of the foremost talents in women's cricket.


News Courtesy: Stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket

Olympic Champion Daniel Kowalski: "I'm Gay."

Former Olympian Daniel Kowalski has joined the small number of elite Australian sportsmen who have publicly announced that they are gay.

Kowalski, who has won four Olympic swimming medals, told The Sunday Age that he was "tired of living a lie" and that he wanted young gay people to know that others have had their experience.

The few elite male Australian athletes who have announced publicly that they are gay include the retired NSW rugby league player Ian Roberts and, more recently, Olympic gold-medal winning diver Matthew Mitcham.

Kowalski said he was inspired to make today's announcement after reading about the Welsh rugby player Garth Thomas, who announced last December that he was gay.

News Courtesy: http://www.smh.com.au

14-Year Old Yolane Kukla Books Spot in Delhi Commonwealth Games

Yolane Kukla became the youngest female to make a senior Australian swim team in a generation after trouncing reigning world champion Marieke Guehrer in the 50m butterfly at the Commonwealth Games trials. The Queensland pocket rocket blitzed the field in the non-Olympic event on Wednesday night to win in a time of 25.92 seconds ahead of Guehrer (26.28) at Sydney Olympic Park. Kukla is the youngest female swimmer to make a major Australian team since a 13-year-old Jodie Clatworthy earned a spot at the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games. After producing the upset, the baby-faced Queenslander nicknamed "Yo Yo" bobbed up and down the water with excitement.

Kukla, who trains alongside Stephanie Rice in Brisbane, only left gymnastics after blowing out her knee.

Stephanie Rice Strips for WHO Magazine

Swim sensation Australia's Stephanie Rice stripped off for Who Magazine's body issue. Rice has been featured alongside pregnant Toni Pearen and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

Image Courtesy: News.com.au

Michael Phelps "Sorry" For His Marijuana Pipe Photo

Career Ending Picture : Michael Phelps inhales from bong

Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps has apologized for his "regrettable" behavior after photographs surfaced of the athlete using a glass pipe associated with cannabis use.


British newspaper the News of the World published a shot of the gold medal-winning athlete holding the pipe - more commonly referred to as a bong - to his lips at a party in South Carolina that took place in November.

The publication alleges that Phelps was at a house visiting his secret girlfriend, student Jordan Matthews - and left partygoers shocked with his behavior.

In a statement released on Sunday, Phelps says, "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment.

"I'm 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me.

"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public, it will not happen again."

News Courtesy: http://www.kjrh.com/
Image Courtesys: http://wcco.com/ and "News of the World"

Stephanie Rice Training at Kawana Aquatic Centre

Swimming golden girl Australia's Stephanie Rice says she'll use a week long training camp on the Sunshine Coast as a springboard for her World Titles campaign.

speaking to the media briefly at Kawana Aquatic Centre – where she's training under coach Michael Bohl as part of a 16 strong squad – the World Swimmer of the Year said she was confident of being fit for the Australian titles in Sydney in March.

"I'm definitely picking up fitness and really enjoying being back," Stephanie said.

News Source: http://www.thedaily.com.au
Image Courtesy: Nicholas Falconer of Thedaily.com.au

Stephanie Rice Still Partying On At Kenrick Monk's 21st Birthday Party

Stephanie Rice At Kenrick Monk's 21st Birthday Party - Pictures

Stephanie Rice and Nick D'Arcy were reportedly out of control at fellow swimmer Kenrick Monk's 21st birthday party at The Eastern in Bondi Junction.

A guest at the invite-only do at the birthday bash, who did not wish to be named, said the merry mermaid was the life of the party and had to be carried out of the venue.

"She was intoxicated, but really nice and she looked amazing," says our source, who chatted at length to Rice.

News and Image Courtesy: http://www.news.com.au

Stephanie Rice and Paris Hilton At New Year's Eve

Stephanie Rice and Paris Hilton at Sydney's Kings Cross

Stephanie Rice and Paris Hilton wore frocks that looked almost the same at New Years Party Eve in Sydney's Kings Cross. Stephanie Rice wore a silver frock that looked quite similar to vintage Versace dress worn by Paris Hilton.

Hilton arriaved at 11 pm and left the party just after 1am.

You are looking georgeous Stephanie!..Happy New Year to you.

Image Courtesy: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24863581-5012974,00.html

Stephanie Rice- The Pool Queen

My Fav - Stephanie Rice - Australian Swimming Sensation

Name : Stephanie Lora Rice

Parents: Warren Rice and Raelene Clark

D.O.B.: June 17, 1988

Hometown: Brisbane, Australia

Height: 5'9"

High School: Clayfield College in Brisbane, Queensland

Profession: Swimming

Trainer: Michael Bohl from the St Peters Western Swimming Club

Achievements: World Record holder in the 200 m and 400 m individual medley. Three gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Swimming World Magazine named her as Female World Swimmer of the Year.


Stephanie Rice in 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics :

Gold Medal in 200m individual medley.
Gold Medal in 400m individual medley.
Gold Medal in 4x200m freestyle relay.

Stephanie Rice in 2007 Melbourne World Championships :

Bronze Medal in 200m individual medley.
Bronze Medal in 400m individual medley.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Stephanie Rice and to All my Blog Readers!

Have a Gala Time!


The above flash work is courtesy of Mr. Indrajit Sarkar

Where will Stephanie Rice be Partying This New Year's Eve?

Where will Stephanie Rice Partying This News Year's Eve?

Guess where and with whom my fav and pool queen Stephanie Rice will partying this New Years Eve?

Hmmm..guessed wrong...no no..not with me... :)

Stephanie Rice has plans to welcome in the new year partying with heiress Paris Hilton.

It is understood that Rice, who this month stripped down to shoot her latest campaign for Davenport underwear, has taken up an invitation to attend the celebrity party where Hilton will appear at Trademark in Sydney's Kings Cross.

The Olympic swimming sensation is to take in the celebrity heavy party with two girlfriends, fellow swimmers Meagan Nay and Bronte Barrett.


Please Stephanie ....please invite me too!


Image Courtesy: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures

Stephanie Rice's Used Napkin At eBay.com

At The Age Sports Performer of the Year awards, Stephanie Rice handed over her napkin and signed it for authenticity.

Log on to http://www.ebay.com.au, type: "Stephanie Rice's napkin" into the search window and bid like there's no tomorrow.

The auction will end at 4pm sharp this Thursday, all proceeds to the Catherine Freeman Foundation.

Image Courtesy: http://www.theage.com.au

Stephanie Rice - Google's Gold Medalist

The pool Queen in Beijing Olympics, star of naughty Facebook photos and gossip fodder over her split from a fellow swimmer, Stephanie Rice set the Australian online community on fire this year.

The glamazon gold medallist was the most sought-after Olympian on Google's annual list of most popular search terms in Australia, in a year when "games" was the country's overall most-searched topic.

WHAT AUSTRALIANS GOOGLED THIS YEAR

Top 10 Olympians

Stephanie Rice
Usain Bolt
Grant Hackett
Michael Phelps
Eamon Sullivan
Leisel Jones
Melissa Wu
Libby Trickett
Lauren Jackson
Cadel Evans

Stephanie Rice Frustrated Being Photographed At A Thailand Nightclub : Pictures

Australian Swimstar Stephanie Rice In A Thailand Night Club : Pictures

Swim star Stephanie Rice of Australia has lashed her frustration at being photographed while having fun at a Thailand nightclub during a holiday following her Olympic hat-trick in Beijing.

Appearing relaxed the pictures show the 20-year-old pool queen, kicking up her heels on the dance floor before tumbling in a heap on the floor with a group of friends.

"Some of those photos from Thailand were kind of frustrating," Rice told The Daily Telegraph.

"I remember that night and I know who it was. This guy had asked for a photo with me and I said 'Sure, no problem' but then he kept taking photos of me having a good time with my friends, I just thought it was really out of line. I just find it really strange that people care."

The Australian queen says it's disappointing she's been scrutinized for having "one night off in a year" to party with her friends like a "normal" person of her age.

"The whole point of going to Thailand was to unwind and relax, to be with my friends because I've come out of probably the most intense year of my life and haven't had any down time because I knew it would calm down after Beijing," she says.

"I wanted to be able to have a good time because that opportunity only comes around once a year, so I make the most of them when I can."

Image and News courtesy: News.com.au

Stephanie Rice and Eamon Sullivan Appear In Myer department store

After long hours of wait, fans at the Myer department store in Melbourne were disappointed as Stephanie Rice and Eamon Sullivan told that they would only sign Davenport branded underwear. Some angry and upset fans then left quickly, while others rushed to grab pairs of the Davenport underwear to be signed by the two.

The pair admitted to being exhausted after the Beijing Olympics but are committed to a national tour selling underwear together - a deal made before the Olympics and before they broke up as a couple.

No Medals For Pieter van den Hoogenband : Quits Swimming

Two-time 100 metres freestyle Olympic champion Pieter van den Hoogenband retired from international swimming on Thursday after failing in his quest to win a third straight 100 freestyle gold medal.

The 30-year-old Dutchman said it was time to hang up his goggles after he finished a credible fifth in the final behind Frenchman Alain Bernard, conceding defeat to a younger generation of sprinters vying.

"That was my last race," he said. "It's a new generation and now it's time to step aside."

Australian Quartet Sets New World Record In Women's 4x200 Metres Freestyle Relay

Stephanie Rice won her third gold medal of the Beijing Olympics by leading the Australian women's 4x200 metres freestyle relay team on Thursday (14th August).

The Australian quartet of Stephanie Rice, Bronte Barratt, Kylie Palmer and Linda Mackenzie set a new world record of 7 minutes 44.31 seconds, 5.78 seconds faster than the previous record set by the United States at the world championships in Melbourne last year.

China won silver and the US team won bronze.

Rice has also won gold in the 200 and 400 metres individual medley and has set the world record with all three of her victories.

Beijing Olympics : US Swimmer Amanda Beard Poses Nude To Protest Against Fur Trade

US swimmer Amanda Beard became the first athlete to cross the boundary between sport and politics at the Beijing Olympics today when she took part in a naked protest against the international fur trade.

Ms Beard, a double Olympic Champion, posed for a nude picture as part of a publicity campaign run by the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The swimmer, posed naked for a centerfold in Playboy Magazine last year - said she was determined to use the Olympic platform as a stage for her views.

"What happens with animals when their skin is ripped from their bodies when they are still alive, it's heartbreaking for me," she told reporters.

The Chinese authorities did their best to limit the impact of her protest, shutting down a press conference which PETA had planned on the terrace of a hotel overlooking the 'Water Cube' Olympic swimming venue.

After police turned organisers away from the hotel citing 'safety concerns', Ms Beard was forced to present her message from the side of the main road outside the Athlete's Village.

"It was very disappointing," said Jason Baker, PETA's Asia-Pacific director, "We weren't making a political attack on the Chinese government and had sent our press release in advance to the Beijing Committee, but apparently that was not enough."

Ms Beard, 26, said she had no intention of upsetting the Chinese authorities, but wanted to convey her anti-fur message in China which is the world's leading fur exporter.

"I'm not trying to be in everybody's face and be harsh or negative. I want to be calm and yet get my voice out there. I'm doing it for all those animals who don't have a voice," she said.

Although the Olympic rules prevent athletes from making political statements, Swimming USA said that Ms Beard would not be censured for her actions.

News Courtsey: Telegraph.co.uk

Beijing Olympics : Australian Swimming Squad

Australia is sending a 43-member swimming team to Beijing Olympics. In addition 9 women will represent Australia in synchronised swimming.

Australia's Swimming Team for Beijing Olympics 2008.

WOMEN

Angie Bainbridge (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Bronte Barratt (200m freestyle, 400m freestyle)

Cate Campbell (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle)

Alicia Coutts (200m individual medley)

Lara Davenport (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Sophie Edington (100m backstroke)

Sally Foster (200m breaststroke)

Felicity Galvez (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Melissa Gorman (800m freestyle, 10km open water)

Samantha Hamill (200m butterfly, 400m individual medley)

Belinda Hocking (200m backstroke)

Leisel Jones (100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke)

Linda Mackenzie (200m freestyle, 400m freestyle)

Alice Mills (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Meagen Nay (200m backstroke)

Kylie Palmer (800m freestyle)

Shayne Reese (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Stephanie Rice (200m individual medley, 400m individual medley)

Jessicah Schipper (100m butterfly, 200m butterfly)

Melanie Schlanger (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Emily Seebohm (100m backstroke)

Lisbeth Trickett (100m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle)

Tarnee White (100m breaststroke)

MEN

Grant Brits (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle )

Leith Brodie (200m individual medley)

Ashley Callus (50m freestyle)

Ashley Delaney (100m backstroke, 200m backstroke)

Nick Frost (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Grant Hackett (400m freestyle, 1500m freestyle)

Ky Hurst (10km open water)

Andrew Lauterstein (100m butterfly)

Kenrick Monk (200m freestyle)

Patrick Murphy (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Travis Nederpelt (200m butterfly, 400m individual medley)

Kirk Palmer (4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)

Adam Pine (100m butterfly)

Brenton Rickard (100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke)

Christian Sprenger (100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke)

Nicholas Sprenger (200m freestyle)

Craig Stevens (400m freestyle, 1500m freestyle)

Hayden Stoeckel (100m backstroke, 200m backstroke)

Eamon Sullivan (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle)

Matt Targett (100m freestyle)

OFFICIALS

Alan Thompson (head coach)
Michael Bohl (coach)
Matthew Brown (coach)
Ian Pope (coach)
Vince Raleigh (coach)
Shannon Rollason (coach)
Gregory Salter (coach)
Grant Stoelwinder (coach)
Rohan Taylor (coach)
Stephan Widmer (coach)
Ken Wood (coach)
Greg Towle (coach)
Paul Clinch (massage therapist)
Jo-Anne Hare (massage therapist)
Paul Penna (psychologist)
David Pyne (sport scientist)
Bernard Savage (sport scientist)
David Morarty (physiotherapist)
Brett Slocombe (physiotherapist)
Peter Wells (physiotherapist)
Susan White (doctor)
David Wilson (section manager)
Bruce Steed (assistant section manager)
Lymn Fowlie (asistant setion mnager)

Australia's SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING TEAM

Eloise Amberger
Coral Bentley
Sarah Bombell
Tamika Domrow
Myriam Glez
Erika Leal-Ramirez
Tarren Otte
Samantha Reid
Bethany Walsh