COUNTDOWN TO OLYMPICS

* Days until opening ceremony: 15.

* Olympic update: U.S. Olympic officials have asked a federal appeals court to overturn a judge’s order that they put Greco-Roman wrestler Matt Lindland on the U.S. team for the Sydney Games.

* March to the medals: Canadian Bruny Surin, the silver medalist in the 100 meters at last year’s world championships, withdrew from the last two major track and field meets before the Sydney Olympics to rest his injured left hamstring.

* Carrying the torch: Headed away from the Pacific Coast and back to inland New South Wales on a route from Muswellbrook to Tamworth, a town famous for its annual country music festival.

* Olympic footnote: Some Sydney restaurants plan to charge people up to $50 for failing to show up after making dinner reservations during the Olympics.