COUNTDOWN TO OLYMPICS

* Days until opening ceremony: 19.

* OLYMPIC UPDATE: Australian officials sought to reassure the world that the Sydney Olympics were safe from terrorist attack after a possible plot against the country’s only nuclear reactor was exposed.

* MARCH TO THE MEDALS: Russian sprint ace Alex Popov edged Australian Michael Klim in the 100-meter freestyle Saturday at the Melbourne Grand Prix, the final Olympic tuneup for the Australian swimming team.

* CARRYING THE TORCH: Moved closer to Sydney, following a route from Forster to Newcastle. It passed through the Hunter Valley, a region known for its wines.

* OLYMPIC FOOTNOTE: Clocks in Sydney were moved ahead by an hour Sunday morning. The switch occurred two months earlier than usual this year to allow for more sunshine during the Olympics.