The nation's oldest person is a 112-year-old woman _ Yone Minagawa of Fukuoka, also in southern Japan, born in January, 1893. Experts say a traditional fish-based, lowfat diet may be Japan's secret to long life.

Ian Thorpe will skip this year's world swimming championships in an attempt to peak for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Six Japanese died of carbon monoxide poisoning by burning charcoal stoves in their cars.

Dr Koshy Eapen, 29, was chosen from 246 nominations from 107 countries for his "exemplary service to medical care and education".

The American is aiming to achieve his dream of beating Mark Spitz' record of seven gold medals at a single Olympic Games.

The 21-year-old is hoping to provide Japan with their first male Olympic champion since Daichi Suzuki won the 100m backstroke in 1988.

Ian Thorpe could still emulate the 1972 Munich Olympics seven Gold medal haul of Mark Spitz, former Australia head swimming coach Don Talbot said.

Hoogenband twice outpaced defending world champion Ian Thorpe to add spice to their clash in the 200 metres freestyle final.

The Australian is bidding to become the first swimmer to win the same event at three successive world championships.

The Aussie ace is chasing a third successive world title in the 400 metres freestyle at the World swimming championships.

The big Australian has a new coach, a new programme and a fierce new rival trying to take over his mantle as the world's best swimmer.