Briefs | 7 countries interested in hosting 2026 Winter Olympics

Seven countries are interested in hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics. Cities in Austria, Canada, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey have submitted formal expressions of interest to the International Olympic Committee. The vote is scheduled for September 2019. The IOC has tried to attract more bidders after only two candidates reached the vote for the 2022 Games. Voters in and around Sion, Switzerland, will vote in June whether to continue with their bid, while Erzurum in eastern Turkey faces questions over security. Four former host cities are also bidding, including 1972 host Sapporo, 1988 host Calgary and 1956 host Cortina d’Ampezzo. Turin, which hosted the 2006 Games, is part of a joint bid with Milan.

Bjoerndalen, most decorated male Winter Olympian, retires

Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, the most decorated male Winter Olympian in history with 13 medals, has retired from the sport. Nicknamed “The King of Biathlon,” the 44-year-old Bjoerndalen competed at six Olympics. Of his 13 medals, eight were gold. He also won 45 world championship medals. “My motivation is unstoppable,” Bjoerndalen was quoted as saying by the International Biathlon Union. “I would like to take a few more years, but this is the last season.” Bjoerndalen failed to qualify for the Pyeongchang Games and revealed yesterday he struggled with heart murmurs during the season. “It is not dangerous, but it is a discomfort,” he said.

Defender Joel Matip set to miss rest of season

Liverpool defender Joel Matip is set to miss the rest of the season because of a thigh injury that requires an operation. The center back was hurt in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on Saturday, although he was able to play the full game. Liverpool said yesterday “surgery is expected to be required to correct the problem” and that is likely to bring an early end to Matip’s season. Liverpool plays the first leg of its Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Manchester City on Wednesday, with the return leg next week. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp is likely to partner Dejan Lovren with Virgil van Dijk at center back for the rest of the season.