COUNTDOWN TO OLYMPICS

* Days until opening ceremony: 11.

* Olympic update: Organizers said they hope to reduce a $60-million shortfall in ticket sales, but that Sydney’s rail system remains their biggest concern less than two weeks before the start of the Games.

* March to the medals: In his final race before the Olympics, Michael Johnson cruised to a victory in 44.46 seconds in the 400 meters at a grand prix meet in Rieti, Italy.

* Carrying the torch: After coming within a half-hour’s drive of the Olympic Stadium on Sunday night, the torch continued its circle around Sydney by moving south of the city on a route from Penrith to Bowral.

* Olympic footnote: Journalists at three of Australia’s biggest newspapers, including the Sydney Morning Herald, returned to work after a dispute revolving around pay issues.