About 20 minutes before the start of the 100-yard backstroke A-Final at last weekend’s boys state swimming and diving meet at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, West Chicago co-op senior Brady Johnson fist.
Pope Francis paid tribute Wednesday to Paralympians and refugee athletes, offering his best wishes for a successful Beijing Olympics and calling for sports to “make a more fraternal world.” Francis told his weekly general audience ahead of the Winter Games that sports can create “bridges of friendship and solidarity” and that the “true gold medal” is one of solidarity among people of different nations, cultures and faiths. Francis gave special recognition to Paralympians.