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. Air Max 270 Aanbieding . Miller finished in two minutes, 6.09 seconds, one day before the first medal race on the Alpine schedule. The 36-year-old American also turned in the top time in Thursdays opening training session. Nike Air Max 270 Online Bestellen . The defence is doing its part, too. Drew Brees threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and the guys on the other side made sure that was enough, sending the Saints to a 17-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. http://www.airmax270nederland.com/ .Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has drawn on his Syracuse connections once again by hiring Rob Moore to take over as receivers coach. Nike Air Max 270 Dames Sale . -- James Young couldnt wait to apply those tweaks to his jump shot, and the first one he made against UT Arlington told him it could be a good night. Air Max 270 Goedkoop .ca NFL Power Rankings, overtaking the Denver Broncos and remaining ahead of NFC competition San Francisco, Carolina and New Orleans. WASHINGTON -- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Wood underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow that will keep him out for about eight weeks.Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday afternoon that Wood had the operation to clean out some loose bodies in his elbow..Dr. David Altchek performed the operation in New York. The Dodgers said Wood will begin his rehab in the next few days.Roberts said Wood could return in the bullpen in Septembeer.dddddddddddd.Wood hasnt pitched since May 30 because of the elbow problem. Hes on the 60-day disabled list after an initial MRI found an elbow impingement.The 25-year-old is 1-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 10 starts this season. Hes 27-30 with a 3.38 ERA in 108 major league games with the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. ' ' '