season, a career-high for the senior Razorback goalkeeper

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Neither ranking points nor Zika, nor politics, nor an arduous ATP season could have kept Andy Murray from Rio.Although pro athletes withdrew from these Olympic Games over the past few months for a wide variety of reasons, the two-time Wimbledon champ and defending Olympic gold medalist held firm to his commitment. He took a week and a half off after Wimbledon to rest and begin preparation for Rio and beyond at the expense of missing tournaments like the Rogers Cup in Toronto last week, where 1,000 rankings points were forfeited for the 2015 champion.The Olympics means a lot to me, Murray said Thursday, two days after being named the flag-bearer for Great Britain at Fridays opening ceremonies. Thats why this is my priority. And yeah, I lost a few ranking points, but thats fine. I was willing to sacrifice that to give myself the best chance to do well here.The native Scot was also questioned about whether his political leanings factored into his decision after he spoke out in favor of Scottish independence more than a year ago, a referendum that was denied.Ive been competing for Great Britain since I was 10 years old, Murray said. It was the first time I traveled abroad. ... My record when I compete for my country speaks for itself. I love the feeling of competing for my country.Murray cited his Davis Cup victories for Britain and called the day he won his gold medal in singles and silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson at the 2012 London Games one of the best days in my professional life.And Im going to try my best to make the country proud again after another good run, he added.Being named the flag-bearer makes Rio that much sweeter for Murray, a three-time Olympian who said he was humbled and speechless when told the news as he was getting into bed Tuesday night.By far its the proudest moment in my professional career, he said. I never, ever thought Id get the opportunity to do this. ... Ill remember it the rest of my life.The message was carried by Mark England, Great Britains chef de mission, who spoke of Murrays perseverance throughout his career.I was thinking so many things when he told me, Murray said. I couldnt absorb everything he said. I just kept saying, Thank you so much.Murray, 29, was equally flustered when the team gathered for photographs Wednesday night, when he had to carry the flag for the first time.Im going to blame the photographers for what happened last night because I was given directions and then I ended up putting the flag in front of Princess Annes face, Murray said to chuckles from the media. I didnt know what to do, to be honest. They were telling me put the flag here, but the flag is huge, so as soon as I moved it, it was covering someones face, and last night didnt go so well.Asked how the princess reacted, Murray quipped, I think she said, Make sure you dont poke my eye out. Something along those lines. I hope she was OK. I didnt mean to do that. I was just following directions.Murray was chosen ahead of such favorites as boxer Nicola Adams and rower Katherine Grainger.Its fully deserved, and its great for British tennis as well to have someone like him representing all of the athletes [on Friday], said teammate Johanna Konta.Murrays first appearance on the tennis court will be Sunday, when he will play both singles and doubles with younger brother Jamie. Ranked No. 2 in the world, Andy Murray said he will be ready after Friday nights festivities, which he said will be inspiring.With stars such as Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka opting out of Rio because of injuries, Murray and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic are the favorites to win gold.Roger and Stan, if they were both here, everyone who has won a Grand Slam in the last 10 years or so would be playing here, Murray said. So thats unfortunate they both got injured, and some people obviously had different concerns about coming here.Maybe everyone thinks differently. For me, the Olympics is the biggest sporting event by far, and Im proud to be here to represent my country. Robert Covington Jersey . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. Charles Barkley Jersey . -- The plastic that was taped across the lockers in Oaklands clubhouse came down and the champagne that was on ice went back into the cooler. http://www.official76ersproshop.com/customized/ . Mitch Holmberg added a goal and three assists. Connor Chartier also scored for the Chiefs (3-0-0). Luke Harrison spoiled Garrett Hughsons shutout bid with a power-play goal at 13:17 of the third period. The Spokane goaltender finished with 28 saves, including a Brandon Fushimi penalty shot in the second period that would have tied the game 1-1. Philadelphia 76ers Jerseys .Y. - New Orleans forward Anthony Davis was chosen Friday to replace the injured Kobe Bryant in the NBA All-Star game that will be played in his home city. Jerryd Bayless Jersey . Dusautoir, the former World Player of the Year, sustained a torn bicep playing for Toulouse in the Heineken Cup on Saturday. The flanker, who has played 65 times for France, is expected to be out for up to four months. BATON ROUGE, La. - No. 23 Arkansas defeated LSU 2-0 Thursday night to cap its 2016 regular season at 15-4-0 and 8-3-0 in the Southeastern Conference.As the Razorbacks head into the SEC Tournament for the fourth time in five years under head coach Colby Hale, the shutout victory - their fifth of the year - equaled Arkansas highest season win total in program history (15) set in 2013.Arkansas school-record eight conference wins and 24 points were enough to guarantee a third-seed placement and a first-round bye in the single-elimination tournament at Orange Beach, Alabama, set from Monday, Oct. 31 to Sunday, Nov. 6.Senior Claire Kelley and freshman Kayla McKeon generated the Razorbacks one-two punch in the first half, scoring their seventh and eighth goals of the season, respectively, in the first half to give Arkansas a 2-0 lead at halftime.The first half was a tremendous performance. We challenged ourselves in some areas and I thought we played welll in some areas we had been working on.dddddddddddd It was a team effort, Hale said. We had some huge performances in the second half from some players off the bench. We scored two great goals and got the deserved shutout. We will enjoy this, close the regular season chapter and get ready for the postseason.The Razorbacks held a decisive 16-7 advantage in shots and a 7-0 edge in corners.With the loss, LSU dropped to 7-11-1 overall and 2-8-1 in conference play. Cameron Carter also improved to 15 wins on the season, a career-high for the senior Razorback goalkeeper from Waco, Texas, who posted a 14-win season during her freshman year in 2013.Cameron Carter also improved to 15 wins on the season, a career-high for the senior Razorback goalkeeper from Waco, Texas, who posted a 14-win season during her freshman year in 2013. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '