Briefs | U.S. swimmer Eric Shanteau recovering from cancer surgery

Swimming

Olympian plans to return to pool: U.S. Olympian Eric Shanteau said he is recovering quickly from last week's cancer surgery and is planning his return to the pool.

"I'll always be an Olympian, and I'll always be a cancer survivor," said the 24-year-old Shanteau, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in June, shortly before the Olympic trials. "I'll be those two things for the rest of my life. I'm very happy and willing to assume that role."

Shanteau had a cancerous testicle removed. Doctors normally recommend at least four weeks before a patient resumes even minimal physical activity, but Shanteau said he is "going to be way, way ahead of that."

He hopes to resume training around Sept. 15 and his long-range goal is to compete in the 2009 world championships in Rome.

Phelps to launch foundation: Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals at the Olympics last month, announced he will use his $1 million bonus from sponsor Speedo to start a foundation promoting water safety and youth swimming.

"This is a way for me to really help to grow the sport," he said on NBC's "Today" show.

Sailing

Kostecki terms 90-foot trimaran a success: BMW Oracle Racing, owned by Oracle software boss Larry Ellison, intends to sail a 90-foot trimaran against Alinghi, the two-time defending America's Cup champion, sometime next year.

"Oh no, there isn't anything like this, a multihull like this," BMW Oracle tactician John Kostecki said by phone from Anacortes. "We're testing the limits, you know?"

The trimaran, with a space-age look and a mast, boom and mainsail that dwarf its crew, was launched last week and tested to make sure the three carbon-fiber hulls can handle the enormous loads the rigging will put on it under full sail. The boat reportedly cost $10 million.

On Monday, 14 sailors — including three-time America's Cup winner Russell Coutts, the syndicate's chief executive officer and skipper — and eight designers and builders were aboard for its shakedown cruise on Puget Sound.

"I'd rate it as a huge success," Kostecki said. "We didn't break anything, everything more or less worked and the boat went quite fast."

NBA

76ers sign ex-Sonic Marshall: Forward Donyell Marshall, 35, who played for the Sonics last season and was waived by Oklahoma City last month, signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Heat adds Magloire: Center Jamaal Magloire, 30, a former All-Star, signed with the Miami Heat.

College basketball

Missouri guard Lawrence transfers to Seton Hall: Guard Keon Lawrence, who averaged 11 points for Missouri last season, has transferred to Seton Hall.

Lawrence can practice with the Pirates this season and play in games starting with the 2009-10 season.

NHL

Canucks acquire defenseman in trade: The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Ryan Shannon, 25, to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat, 29.

Auto racing

Franchitti to leave NASCAR, return to IndyCar Series: Dario Franchitti will leave NASCAR and return to the IndyCar Series next year as the replacement driver for Dan Wheldon at Chip Ganassi Racing.

Ganassi also signed a multiyear extension with Target for his open-wheel and NASCAR programs.

Last year, Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series title.

Track and field

Bolt, Powell post fast times: Usain Bolt of Jamaica, competing at the Athletissima Grand Prix in Lausanne, Switzerland, clocked 19.63 seconds after easing up before the finish in his first 200-meter race since the Olympics. It was the second-fastest time in the world this year — topped by Bolt's world record of 19.30 while earning gold in Beijing.

Countryman Asafa Powell won the 100 in 9.72. The only person to run the distance faster is Bolt, who set a world record of 9.69 in Beijing.

Cycling

Bennati excels: Liquigas rider Daniele Bennati of Italy won the fourth stage of the Spanish Vuelta and kept the overall lead in the event that ends Sept. 21 in Madrid.

Bennati covered 105.8 miles from Cordoba to Puertollano in 4 hours, 27 minutes, 52 seconds.

Ultimate fighting

Dispute settled: Ultimate Fighting Championship officials and heavyweight champion Randy Couture have settled a public dispute and scheduled his return to the octagon.

Couture will fight Brock Lesnar on Nov. 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Seattle Times news services