Navratilova stricken on Kilimanjaro climb
Tennis star Martina Navratilova was hospitalized in Kenya because of fluid accumulation in her lungs after attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. She is expected to recover.
Tennis star
Martina Navratilova
was hospitalized in Kenya because of fluid accumulation in her lungs after attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. She is expected to recover.
Navratilova, 54, was diagnosed with high-altitude pulmonary edema, Dr. David Silverstein, a consultant in cardiology and internal medicine at Nairobi Hospital, said yesterday. She is expected to spend 2 to 3 days in the hospital.
Navratilova was assisted down Africa's highest peak by porters and driven to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. She had reached nearly 14,800 feet when forced to give up, according to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. She was flown to the Nairobi Hospital for more tests.
She was making the climb to raise money and awareness for the sports foundation. The 27-member team faced heavy snows and mist since beginning the trek Monday up the 19,340-foot mountain.
Silverstein said there should be no effect on her long-term health. Navratilova was diagnosed with a noninvasive form of breast cancer in April.
Baseball
* The Los Angeles Angels and reliever Scott Downs agreed to a $15 million, 3-year deal.
* The Baltimore Orioles reached agreement on a $1.5 million, 1-year contract with shortstop Cesar Izturis.
* Catcher Wil Nieves agreed to a $775,000, 1-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
* Friends and colleagues paid tribute at the funeral in Chicago for former Cubs player and broadcaster Ron Santo, who died Dec. 2 of complications from bladder cancer at age 70.
* Lefthander George Sherrill, who saved 51 games in two seasons with Baltimore before struggling last season with the Dodgers, finalized a $1.2 million, 1-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.
* The Boston Red Sox finished up their 1-year deal with catcher Jason Varitek worth $2 million, plus incentives.
* The Houston Astros signed lefthander Aaron Rowland-Smith to a 1-year, $725,000 deal.
Golf
* Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly combined for a 9-under-par 63 and Dustin Johnson and Ian Poulter matched them to share the first-round lead at the Shark Shootout at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla.
* South African newcomer Anthony Michael shot a 3-under 69 at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Malelane, South Africa, extending his lead to two shots in the European Tour's 2011 season opener. British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen missed the cut.
* Denmark's Iben Tinning, playing in her final Ladies European Tour tournament, was tied for the lead with England's Melissa Reid after the third round of the Dubai Ladies Masters.
* Bobby Gates shot a 3-under 69 to take the second-round lead in the Australian PGA in Coolum, while fellow American John Daly had an 83 to miss the cut.
Philly File
* Germantown Academy quarterback Keith Braccia is bound for Penn, and will play for the sprint football team.
* Katie O'Donnell, a Wissahickon High product who plays field hockey at Maryland, won the Honda Sports Award as the top female player, She led the nation in points (99) and assists (34).
Sport Stops
* The U.S. national soccer team is likely to play an exhibition at Egypt on Feb. 9.
* American figure skater Alissa Czisny led in the women's short program in the Grand Prix final in Beijing, and Meryl Davis and Charlie White led in ice dancing. Japan's Nobunari Oda led the men's short program, and Germany's Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy took the lead after the pairs short program. *