They called it the "Four-day reign of King Richard Pound" in Olympic circles in Sydney.
 Indeed, Canada's Dick Pound, first vice-president of the International Olympic Committee, was in full charge of the IOC during the absence of president Juan Antonio Samaranch, who left Sydney just after the Games' opening ceremonies to go to the bedside of his dying wife, Maria Teresa, in Spain.

Oct. 1: Full column

 SYDNEY -- The Regent Hotel in this beautiful Australian city of three million is guarded like a mini Fort Knox.
 At least, so it seems to the casual visitor. Getting into this hotel on Darling Harbour during the Olympic Games without proper accreditation is almost impossible. Security guards with guns are stationed at every entrance, stopping every living creature without credentials from entering.

Sep. 30: Full column

 The flag-decorated 110,000-seat Olympic Stadium in Sydney is being coiffured like a bride on her wedding day.
 The four Olympic pools are being tested for percentage of chlorine, rather than for e-coli.

Sep. 10: Full column

Sep. 9: Blame not all Juan's
Sep. 3: IOC horses at the post
Sep. 2: Impressive medal haul August 27: Dream team provided kicks

Aug, 13: Drug problems dominating