LPS BOUND FOR LONDON

Michael Phelps says he's definitely swimming in the 2012 Games, and thinking about adding some new events. He said he may try a backstroke event or the 100-meter freestyle. “No breaststroke, no distance swimming, no open water swimming,” Phelps said. “At least those guys will still be my friends.” Phelps, 23, also said 2012 will be his last Olympics.

GOOD AS GOLD

How much is an Olympic medal worth? If you're a U.S. gold medal winner, the answer is $25,000 courtesy of the U.S. Olympic Committee plus millions more in potential endorsement deals. A silver medal comes with a $15,000 prize, and a bronze medal brings in $10,000. If you're Chinese, your gold medal is worth least $150,000 in national government prize money, plus endorsements. If you're Afghan taekwondo bronze medal winner Rohullah Nikpai, you'll get a new house in Kabul, courtesy of President Hamid Karzai, a new Toyota sedan and $20,000 in cash.

'PAPERWORK ERROR'

One of China's top sports officials says a simple paperwork error is to blame for an age controversy involving a Chinese women's gymnastics star. Cui Dalin, the vice minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, said He Kexin, the uneven bars Olympic champion, had moved from one team to another last year, and a wrong birth date was written on the registration forms for the new team. He is listed as 16, but the registration forms would make her 14. He is one of three gymnasts whose age has been questioned. Cui did not address the ages of the other two.