News In Brief

East Germany joining boycott of Olympics

East Germany said Thursday it would join the Soviet Union and Bulgaria in boycotting the Los Angeles Olympics. East Germany's decision is particularly damaging to the prestige of most of the 21 sports represented at the Olympics, because the country is one of the world's most formidible sports powers.

The worst-hit events will be in track and field, the premier Olympic sport, in which the East Germans won the bulk of the medals in the 1983 Helsinki world championships.