Nike will allow its swimmers to wear Speedo's sleek LZR Racer instead of its own suit at the Beijing Olympics.

Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said yesterday the company felt it was fair to extend the offer it made in June allowing its swimmers to wear Speedo's suit at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

"It is about putting their performance and their focus first," Stoyer said. "This is what they have trained for. It is the biggest moment of their lives."

Four swimmers who signed with Nike, which has some of the industry's tightest controls on athlete contract agreements, are heading to the Olympics.

Speedo's sleek LZR Racer has caused major waves this year. Since its launch in February, swimmers have broken dozens of world records and athletes not sponsored by Speedo have clamored to wear it.

It also caused some backlash. One Italian coach accused Speedo of technological doping. And Tyr Sport Inc. sued Speedo in May, alleging that the company conspired with the U.S. swimming federation to stifle competition and lure top athletes away from other sponsors.

British-owned Speedo says the lawsuit is baseless.

MORE SWIMMING

U.S. SELECTS CAPTAINS

Five-time Olympian Dara Torres, four-time Olympian Amanda Beard and Natalie Coughlin, who won five medals four years ago in Athens, were chosen as captains of the U.S. Olympic women's swimming team.

Three-time Olympians Erik Vendt and Jason Lezak, along with two-time Olympian Brendan Hansen, were named captains of the men's team in Beijing.

The captains announced yesterday were decided in a team vote at the U.S. training camp in California last week.

The U.S. team is currently training in Singapore before leaving Monday for Beijing.

The Olympic swimming competition begins Aug. 9.

CYCLING

EVANS TO SKIP TIME TRIAL

Tour de France runner-up Cadel Evans withdrew from the Aug. 13 Olympic Games road time trial yesterday due to a knee injury.

Evans told reporters he will undergo treatment this week before deciding whether he will travel to Beijing to contest the road race, which will be held Aug. 9. He will be replaced in the time trial by three-time world champion Michael Rogers.

Evans, who finished second in the Tour de France for the second straight year, earlier played down suggestions he had suffered an injury that threatened his Olympic campaign. After flying home to Switzerland this week, he said his knee became swollen and he visited an orthopedic specialist for precautionary scans.

"I slipped on a wet floor on Sunday night and my team doctor immediately had a look at it and said not to worry," Evans said.

SOCCER

U.S. MEN IN 0-0 TIE

The United States was held to a 0-0 draw by Ivory Coast yesterday at a four-nation tournament in Hong Kong.

The Ivory Coast dominated the first half, with Kafoumba Coulibaly sending two late shots on goal that were saved by U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

The Americans briefly took control in the second half before their opponents carved out later chances. Sekou Cisse's shot from near the edge of the area produced another save by Guzan.

"When we have our first two games, we can work on some things — not only defensively, but also offensively," said U.S. coach Peter Nowak, who is blending Europe-based players and MLS players.

The United States will play Cameroon on Saturday, while Ivory Coast plays the Netherlands. The Dutch beat Cameroon, 2-0, yesterday.

YOUNGSTER CAN PLAY

FIFA ruled yesterday that professional clubs must release players age 23 or younger for the Beijing Olympics, clearing the way for Lionel Messi to play for Argentina despite opposition from FC Barcelona.

Slim Aloulou, a Tunisian judge on FIFA's player status committee, said the release was "mandatory for all clubs."

"Taking part in the Olympic Games is a unique opportunity for all athletes of any sporting discipline," FIFA said in a statement. "It would not be justifiable to prevent any player younger than 23 from participating in such an event if his representative team had qualified."

Barcelona said in a statement it would appeal the decision.

Apart from the 21-year-old Messi, the decision means that Schalke and Werder Bremen must release Rafinha and Diego for Brazil.