IN BRIEF : Romanian Swimmer Asks Asylum

RENNES, France —  A 16-year-old Romanian swimmer who disappeared Monday just before her team returned to Bucharest after a weekend competition has asked for political asylum in France, police sources said today.

Livia Copariu, who set short pool world’s best times in the 50 and 100 meters freestyle in Romania earlier this month, disappeared after competing at an international event in Rennes. The sources said Copariu, who has been placed under police protection, indicated she wanted to rejoin her former trainer, Micha Micklaus, who now lives in West Germany.