Daily Shorts: Stunning faceplant

From faceplanting athletes to sport movie ideas, Daily Shorts takes a look at the lighthearted side of sport.

Spanish athlete Victor García had to be carried away on a stretcher after knocking himself out during the men's 3,000m steeplechase on the opening day of the European Championships in Zurich yesterday.

García, who was expected to get a medal having gone into the event with the third fastest time by a European this year, appeared handily placed to qualify for Wednesday's final with 100m remaining, but then his knee clattered into the last hurdle, he tripped, and fell head-first into the track.

Surprisingly, Garcia was eventually well enough to climb back to his feet. Unsurprisingly, he didn't make the final.

The Fringe?

NZ on Air may be on the lookout for more telemovie ideas following the small screen success of The Kick last weekend. Here are four projects Daily Shorts thinks could work.

The Fringe - A horrifying look at what inspired Jonah Lomu's haircuts through the years.
The Crooked Finger - The world of cricket umpiring used to be a straight-laced game. Then Billy Bowden came along.
The Joint - Three promising Kiwi cricketers toured South Africa in 1995, and came home in a blaze of controversy.
The Bag - On debut against France, All Blacks No.8 Buck Shelford was caught at the bottom of an aggressive ruck. What happened next will shock you.

Did you know Spiderman plays for Borrussia Dortmund? You do now.

Sydney FC to retire Del Piero's shirt number

Yes, you read that right. Sydney FC have decided to retire the No 10 shirt worn by Alessandro Del Piero during his two seasons at the club, in which they won nothing. Meanwhile, Manchester United have not retired Ryan Giggs' No 11 shirt, despite the winger winning 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three Football League Cups, nine FA Community Shields, two UEFA Champions Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup during his 24 years at the club.