Olympics

[chuck]

In the spirit of getting ready for the big games happening up there in China - time to get a thread going.

Talk of politics and economics and environment - leave over in world.

Here it's about performances - of which there's bound to be quite a few top ones. Assisted and/or unassisted remains to be seen.

Here's a superb athlete for starters.

Those of you with questions about your hetrosexuality might want to look away. ;)

Alexei Nemov Montage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGA-DWOhLmA)

Add your own top sport clips.

[cured]

I'll add clips after the gold medal game in basketball ;)

I'm really looking forward to this...haven't read up on how the TV coverage will be out here and I'll get in trouble at work if I have it streaming all day but I'm excited for just about every event.

[big screen satellite]

I'll add clips after the gold medal game in basketball ;)

I'm really looking forward to this...haven't read up on how the TV coverage will be out here and I'll get in trouble at work if I have it streaming all day but I'm excited for just about every event.

the BBC here are showing over 2700hrs of events, so we should be ok in the UK

i love the fact they scheduled the games to start at 8:08 on 08/08/08

8 is the luckiest number in China - its a good year to have the games...

[chuck]

Ahh - the old Le Bron and Dwayne Wade "We guarantee gold" routine. Fuck yeah!! ;)

Of course - ignoring the Team USA's recent performances in international FIBA rules basketball is always useful.

It's been a long time since the Dream Team.

In NZ's corner - once again we'll be relying our rowers and people sitting down (horses mainly, but a few yachts) to win us some medals. Sitting down and/or going backwards is how we usually win some.

Valerie Vili is in a good position to take the gold in female shotput. I think we've got a few other good hopes in the triathalon.

2700 hours? That's bonkers.

I'm not real excited about it all yet - this one - more than more recent ones - really reeks of trying extra hard to be what it's not. We all know China's got major issues - and all the efforts to put together the perfect games - seem to serve only to enhance those issues. Which is ironic considering all the effort.

But this thread is not for that - it's for the sports. Apologies for the off topic

[cured]

Yeah, Chuck, take that garbage over to World/2, will ya? ;)

The basketball gold is a three-horse race; the Spanish, the Greeks, and the Americans. Now that the team has been together for three years, for the most part, I think they'll have built the synergy needed to get past the tougher teams. Playing together for a long time is a benefit the other countries around the world have had against us until now. The only issue for team USA appears to be the lack of big men...we only have Howard.

I think, other than basketball, I'm most looking forward to everything track and field, especially the long distance running.

[Dirty0900]

The only medals team GB will win are the ones made chocolate.

[//\/\/]

not so; we've high hopes in sailing, arching, punching and track cycling!

[chuck]

Yeah, Chuck, take that garbage over to World/2, will ya? ;)



sorry. won't happen again. not in this thread anyways.

The only issue for team USA appears to be the lack of big men...we only have Howard.
Not so - I think the FIBA rules reward quick hands, solid passing and quality team defense. It's not always necessary to have a big inside guy - ala Shaq.

Admittedly China have a really big guy in the form of Yao Ming - but the other teams you've mentioned don't have any monsters who dominate the paint.

I think Argentina will also be a strong team to watch for in the mens competition.

In the womens basketball tournament - I'm looking forward to seeing how the NZ team go - but I can't see anyone getting past the US or Australian sides for the final. The NZ team, the Tall Ferns, have two former Stanford players (http://tvnz.co.nz/content/1950951) in their squad - so we'll be hoping for some "Fuck Yeah!" in our side as well. :D

[chuck]

Speaking of favourite Olympians - up there with Eddie the Eagle, and then Eric the Eel (http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=A0zGrtOKtZc), how about this guy

Reese Hoffa. (http://tvnz.co.nz/content/1948913)

Turkey leg chowing, mask wearing, shot-putting fool.

But a contender - so you got to have some respect.

I also like the way TVNZ - our national broadcaster allows their reporters to write "shit" in their newsposts.

Quality.

[big screen satellite]

not so; we've high hopes in sailing, arching, punching and track cycling!

i agree - we ae the only team entered in ALL track cycling events, and at the world champs we won 8 out of 10 gold medals - so cycling will bring us golds for sure... i predict at least 6

[//\/\/]

blimey; maybe mr murray'll stay on form and bag a tennis medal as well...

[Dirty0900]

blimey; maybe mr murray'll stay on form and bag a tennis medal as well...

Thats when commentators will switch from an "English" win to a "British" win. Tin Henman was always going to win it from "England" now Murray is winning it for "Great Britain".

:p

[Sean]

I'm all about the volleyball. Misty May and Kerry Walsh should be something to see given that they've actually gotten a whole lot better since they won gold last time. They've been playing incredibly on the AVP tour this year, even with Walsh's shoulder at much less than 100% for most of it....and for the Olympics, she should be pretty much completely healed.

Just talking about it makes me feel bummed that I haven't been able to play for a couple weeks myself. But this weekend, I'll be out there illustrating why I'll never be qualified to play beach volleyball in the Olympics...:rolleyes:

[//\/\/]

oh yeah; we might get a shuttlebonococking medal as well...

[chuck]

Here are NZ's chances - written by someone who knows far more than me.

Olympic hopefuls for NZ (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/4/story.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10525370&pnum=0)

Rowing
If all unfolds as scripted, August 16 will be New Zealand's greatest day in a century of Olympic Games, with the Beijing rowing course bedecked in golden Kiwis. Triple world champion single sculler Mahe Drysdale is the best hope for gold, and he has plenty of backup. Double scullers Nathan Cohen and 2000 Olympic gold medallist Rob Waddell look good together, though their lack of time as a combination could be exposed. Athens victors Georgina and Caroline Evers-Swindell are struggling to recapture their golden glow. After world silver last year, they failed to reach a World Cup final in their last pre-Games regatta. Men's pair Nathan Twaddle and George Bridgewater have won at the highest level, as have coxless four Carl Meyer, James Dallinger, Eric Murray and Hamish Bond, though their recent form has been less impressive.
Prediction: gold, silver, bronze
Yachting
A squad that is a mix of battle-hardened experience and youthful exuberance is touted as one of the strongest ever to attend a Games - though that's what was said about Athens, and that squad came home with their sails deflated. Stunned by two disqualifications in Athens, former Olympic boardsailing champion Barbara Kendall scrambled back to fifth, and is always in the medal mix. Boardsailor Tom Ashley, Dan Slater in the Finn, Andrew Murdoch in the Laser, or Radial sailor Jo Aleh have all finished in the top two in international events over the past year.
Prediction: gold, silver, three bronze
Athletics
Imposing thrower Valerie Vili won the world title last year, capping a career in which she has made a habit of hitting her rivals with her best shot at the right time. Nothing is certain though, Vili is ranked only third in 2008 - two Belarus shot putters have thrown further. Gutsy distance runner Kimberley Smith has broken the national 5000m and 10,000m records this year. While she is ranked No 2 over 10,000m in 2008, she is to focus on the 5000m at Beijing. Canny 1500m runner Nick Willis should make the final, where he will need the race to unfold perfectly to threaten the podium.
Prediction: gold
BMX
Sarah Walker is the ride-away leader at the top of the women's world list, while Marc Willers is fourth, though he is a former No 1. While one crash could unsaddle their dreams, conversely both could emerge as folk heroes to young and old.
Prediction: gold, bronze
Triathlon
Lycra-coated quality abounds. Athens silver medallist Bevan Docherty and Kris Gemmell are real prospects in the men's race, while Sam Warriner, Debbie Tanner and Andrea Hewitt are proven class in the women's. Problem is, dominant world No 1s Spaniard Javier Gomez and Emma Snowsill of Australia could prove as hard to get past as the Great Wall.
Prediction: silver, bronze
Equestrian
An empty-handed Athens was a heap of horse droppings to a team that had won medals at every Olympics since Los Angeles, 20 years earlier. With all-time great Mark Todd galloping out of retirement on the inexperienced Gandalf, hopes in the three-day event have soared. If veteran Andrew Nicholson and proven-performer Heelan Tompkins turn in their best, anything is possible. Showjumper Daniel Meech threatened the medals in Athens.
Prediction: bronze


BUBBLING UNDER
Cycling
Forget the road, look to the track. Points rider Greg Henderson has shown time and again he has what it takes, while individual pursuiters Hayden Roulston and Alison Shanks are on the up. Disappointing at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, the team pursuit squad have a shot if they produce their best. Catherine Cheatley was third in the world points race last year, though has been troubled by a leg ailment since.
Prediction: no medals.
Hockey
New Zealand have over-achieved at past Olympics, with the men winning gold in 1976, and the women going close to a medal in Sydney in 2000. Similar overachievement will be required in Beijing.
Prediction: no medals
Kayaking
A driven man, Ben Fouhy took a sullen silver at Athens, after winning the world crown in 2003. He should feature in the K1 1000m final. Steven Ferguson, curtailed by a back injury in Athens, is back for his third Olympics, with a final slot in the men's K2 1000m with Michael Walker the likely outcome.
Prediction: no medals
Mountainbike
Two months ago Commonwealth Games silver medallist Rosara Joseph was 30th at the women's world championships, and Kashi Leuchs 47th in the men's. But Joseph has been in the world top five, so could improve rapidly from a recent ankle injury.
Prediction: no medals
Swimming
Fearless Melbourne Commonwealth Games champion Moss Burmester is a medal prospect in the men's 200m butterfly, an event dominated by brilliant American Michael Phelps. Medley swimmer Dean Kent, and the versatile Helen Norfolk could make their presence felt.
Prediction: no medals
Tennis
Smashing efforts at the French Open and Wimbledon have volleyed Marina Erakovic into the world top 50. She won a late call up to Beijing, where a kind draw would help.
Prediction: no medals

PLUCKY BATTLERS
Badminton
Singles player John Moody will do well to reach the third round, as will Craig Cooper and Renee Flavell to get to the mixed doubles quarterfinals.
Prediction: no medals
Basketball
On world rankings, the Tall Ferns can expect to win only one of their pool games. A top 10 finish would be an achievement.
Prediction: no medals
Football
Two sides picked with one eye on London 2012.
Prediction: no medals
Shooting
Trap shooter Nadine Stanton briefly looked a medal hope in Athens. Commonwealth Games trap gold medallist Graeme Eade has good credentials.
Prediction: no medals.
Slalom, kayaking
A medal to Luuka Jones, the first New Zealand woman to take on the sport at an Olympics, would be a pleasant surprise.
Prediction: no medals
Synchronised swimming
Sisters Lisa and Nina Daniels won bronze at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. This is lightyears harder.
Prediction: no medals
Taekwondo
Olympic rookies Matthew Beach, Logan Campbell and Robin Cheong will do well to notch a win. Kind draw crucial.
Prediction: no medals
WeightliftingA starter's chance only for Richard Patterson and Mark Spooner.
Prediction: no medals
MEDAL TOTAL: four gold, three silver, seven bronze

[cured]

A prediction of medalists in all events here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/writers/brian_cazeneuve/07/29/medal.picks0804/index.html

What events are you lot looking forward to the most?

Track: 100m, 200m, and especially the 1500m
Basketball
Swimming: pretty much all events
Diving: not the italian brand of soccer
Marathon: Just to see how many runners have to stop and hack

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

All water related events.
Track & Field Events.
Gymnastic Events.
Pretty much everything.

[cured]

And we're officially underway!

http://blinkthinks.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/welcome-for-coming.jpg

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

I so want the Iraqi girl to win her running events.

They've given her such a hard time just to compete.

[gambit]

Okay, Brits, top THAT opening ceremonies!!

Sweet jebus, that was a good show.

[IsiliRunite]

I'm looking forward to Basketball and women's beach volleyball. I'm a red-blooded American!

Let the olympics Beijing stand as a demonstration for what great exhibitions you can put on if you choose to sweep human rights under the rug for 60 years!

[Troy McClure]

Okay, Brits, top THAT opening ceremonies!!

Sweet jebus, that was a good show.

Yeah, that was pretty freaking sweet way to light the torch.

Jason

[Sean]

Yeah, that was pretty freaking sweet way to light the torch.

JasonHell yeah it was. But I almost crapped my pants when they kind of harshly dropped the cable supporting him to put him at the angle he needed to be to "run" around the stadium. Did anyone else notice that? I thought he was gonna fall. :eek:

[dubman]

i always like watching the march of nations.
they're all really happy to be there. it's hard to get political when every country there is just so nervous/psyched to be participating.

[big screen satellite]

so 1 cycling gold down - 5 to go - my prediction will be beaten now i think ;)

and two medals in the pool, the first gold since 1960... we're doing well already - i know three medals isn't loads but this early on and two golds and a bronze, its a great start for team GB

i'm enjoying the olympics already and we're only three days in...

[IsiliRunite]

I hope I'm not the only one how saw the fingertip finish in the mens 400 meter relay...

[cured]

That 4x100 relay was awesome. Can't believe the french guy got run down at the end (looked like what happened to Hoff in her race, too).

[Sean]

That was an incredible last leg. The kind of drama that makes the Olympics what it is.

I'm still stunned by the upset of Dalhauser and Rogers in the first round of men's beach volleyball, too. I know they're still capable of pulling it out overall, but what a surprise...

[//\/\/]

i'm not sure i want to see people 'pull it out' in men's beach volleyball! :)

(i actually wasn't aware that such a sport existed)

[Sean]

i'm not sure i want to see people 'pull it out' in men's beach volleyball! :)I had a feeling that would get some kind of comment. :D

(i actually wasn't aware that such a sport existed) Yep. Two on two beach volleyball (I know...."two on two"....ha ha ha). It's been popular here in the States for years, and has been growing in popularity recently:

http://web.avp.com/index.jsp

It's a very exciting sport. And it's called "beach" volleyball because it's basically designed to be played in the sand. I don't think two person teams could be anywhere near as effective if they were playing on a solid floor since a huge percentage of plays involve diving headlong to the ground. The injuries would be out of control.

[gambit]

Beach volleyball is particularly popular when the women play. In tiny tiny tiny bikinis. Mmmmmmm. No wonder it quickly became one of the most popular events at the Olympics! :D

(Interestingly, the men's beach volleyball teams get to wear shirts and shorts. My mom said they should at least be topless.)

Loved the 4x100 final, especially by beating out the French who trash talked beforehand, saying they'd "smash" the Americans. Oh, the look on their faces was priceless!

[Sean]

(Interestingly, the men's beach volleyball teams get to wear shirts and shorts. My mom said they should at least be topless.)
For the ladies who may be interested, during regular AVP tournament play, the men tend to be shirtless.

When I play though, the shirt stays on. I don't want to compromise the crisp farmer's tan I've spent the summer refining....

[cured]

This may be the next best thing to the 4x100 relay from last night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woYG6Uq6OVU

[den]

This may be the next best thing to the 4x100 relay from last night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woYG6Uq6OVU

Look out, Phelps!

Everyone I talked to who saw that relay stood up cheering at the end, including my mom. That was fantastic.

One of the best thing about the Olympics is that there's always something to watch on tv. So far there's always something on NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, or USA, at all hours of the day. I do think that gymnastics sometimes is a little boring, mainly the floor exercise. I hate how it doesn't match up at all to the music. I foolishly switched to an NFL preseason game and missed Phelps winning a medal (but what else is new?) But this China-U.S.-Japan gymnastics competition going on right now is pretty exciting.

[chuck]

What I don't get is how you can have two versions of the same sport in the Olympics.

Volleyball - fine.

Beach volleyball as well??

I really enjoy both versions of the game - but they're pretty much the same game are they not? From a sport perspective - not just a leery, have a dribble at the talent perspective.

I don't even know why football/soccer is in the Olympics.

You go George!!! :D

http://dropkicks.co.nz/modules/htmlarea/Xinha/plugins/ImageManager/image_uploads/2008_08/bush_olympics.JPG

[chuck]

This may be the next best thing to the 4x100 relay from last night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woYG6Uq6OVU

You do know that Roy and HG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_and_HG) - the commentators - are comedians right?

[cured]

You do know that Roy and HG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_and_HG) - the commentators - are comedians right?

I gathered that. But...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Moussambani

[cured]

http://www.faniq.com/images/blog/bush_trainor.jpg

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

Do you think Laura kicked his ass when they got back to the hotel?

Can't wait for the DVD documenting these Olympics. Hope the sound quality is ace for the opening ceremony.

[cured]

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Some-Opening-Ceremony-fireworks-were-faked?urn=oly,99745

Sunday, Aug 10, 2008 9:29 pm EDT
Some Opening Ceremony fireworks were faked

By Chris Chase

If you watched the Opening Ceremony on Friday night, chances are you said something like, "no way that's possible" at least once. It turns out you were right.

London's Telegraph newspaper reports that some of the fireworks which appeared over Beijing during the television broadcast of the Olympic Opening Ceremony were actually computer generated. But -- hold on -- it's not necessarily as bad as you think.

The faked fireworks were actually set-off at the stadium, but because of potential dangers in filming the display live from a helicopter, viewers at home were shown a pre-recorded, computer-generated shot. It sounds dishonest, but I'm not sure it's such a terrible thing.

The Opening Ceremony is, at its core, just one big performance. And isn't it accepted that some things might not be legit at a performance? The final torch bearer wasn't actually running around the top of the stadium, does the fact that everyone could figure that out make it any less impressive? It might have been unnecessarily deceptive, but the firework-faking isn't really that big of a deal. But, if I found out that the lighted-drum thing wasn't on the up and up, then we'll have problems, China.

[chuck]

I gathered that. But...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Moussambani

Oh yeah - I get the bit about Eric - I think I linked to it earlier in the thread - but with some random other commentary.

I hadn't realised there were actually 2 other swimmers who were disqualified - and they were wearing skin-suits - which take ages to get into! What a mare.

[//\/\/]

I had a feeling that would get some kind of comment. :D

yeah; somebody had to do it, nontheless!

Yep. Two on two beach volleyball (I know...."two on two"....ha ha ha). It's been popular here in the States for years, and has been growing in popularity recently:

http://web.avp.com/index.jsp

It's a very exciting sport. And it's called "beach" volleyball because it's basically designed to be played in the sand. I don't think two person teams could be anywhere near as effective if they were playing on a solid floor since a huge percentage of plays involve diving headlong to the ground. The injuries would be out of control.

...yeah; i knew about beach volleyball; i just didn't realise that men played too ;):D

[//\/\/]

Do you think Laura kicked his ass when they got back to the hotel?

no; but putin invaded georgia :rolleyes:

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

[QUOTE=cured;100422]http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Some-Opening-Ceremony-fireworks-were-faked?urn=oly,99745

Sunday, Aug 10, 2008 9:29 pm EDT
Some Opening Ceremony fireworks were faked

it's not necessarily as bad as you think.


When it comes to fireworks, I agree.

Now, our current news media outlets doing the same kind of stunt is a whole, new(?) matter.

[BrotherLovesDub]

and they faked the singing little girl too! china rocks.

[Sean]

...yeah; i knew about beach volleyball; i just didn't realise that men played too ;):DReally? It's actually one of the toughest sports I've ever played....assuming you play it by the rules, and actually try to use proper technique. A couple buddies of mine and I took lessons for a couple years with Jen Meredith (http://www.bvbinfo.com/player.asp?ID=1241), an AVP Tour player for about 10 years, and man, you wouldn't believe what it takes to really play top-notch beach volleyball. Or maybe you would, but what I'm trying to say is that it's a challenging, addictive sport.

[Sean]

and they faked the singing little girl too! china rocks.Sure, but only because the girl who actually sang was too ugly, so it's okay....
:rolleyes:

[Troy McClure]

This story about the Opening Ceremonies made me laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh:

'Blue Screen of Death' Appears at Bird's Nest During Ceremony (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/12/blue-screen-of-death-appe_n_118424.html)


http://gizmodo.com/5035456/blue-screen-of-death-strikes-birds-nest-during-opening-ceremonies-torch-lighting


http://gizmodo.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/08/bsod_nest_main2.jpg



Enjoy...Jason

--ps--If I remember correctly, NBC mentioned that the feet fireworks flyover video was simulated, but they didn't really explain why.

[gambit]

Well, apart from the Opening Ceremonies stuff, anyone paying attention to Michael Phelps? 5 gold medals, all world records.

Wow.

[gambit]

--ps--If I remember correctly, NBC mentioned that the feet fireworks flyover video was simulated, but they didn't really explain why.I remember watching that and thinking that looks incredibly fake. The rest at the end looked real to me.

[//\/\/]

--ps--If I remember correctly, NBC mentioned that the feet fireworks flyover video was simulated, but they didn't really explain why.

I heard that it was a safety thing - flying helicopters so close to firework barrages over built-up areas...

[big screen satellite]

we're just bitching about this because we know how shit its gonna be in comparisson to 2012....

altogether now "knee's up muvva braahn..."

i hope they computer generate the whole lot in 2012

[Sean]

Well, apart from the Opening Ceremonies stuff, anyone paying attention to Michael Phelps? 5 gold medals, all world records.

Wow.No kidding, huh? That guy is an animal.

[Rog]

he's an amazing athlete for sure!......he'll probably win more golds than most small countries........

.....and at the other end of the body size scale, big ups to Emma Pooley for winning a silver in the cycling time trial at only 7stone 9 pounds and 5ft 1inch tall:eek::D

[Sean]

This is exactly what I fear seeing every time the weightlifting events are aired. Janos Baranyai, the Hungarian Olympian, had his elbow dislocate and bend back the wrong way (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1044258/Pictured-The-horrific-moment-Olympic-weightlifter-turns-elbow-front.html) during his lift. Absolutely horrible. :(

[Rog]

AAArrrgghh!:(:(

[chuck]

And the multi-culturally sensitive Spanish hockey team beat NZ with 4 seconds left on the clock. 1-0. After NZ had 3 goals ruled out.

bastard.

rubbish day for NZ really.

Burmester - our one big hope in the swimming - led the 200m butterfly, only to fade and have Phelps take it - finished 4th. Smashed the NZ record tho. our 4x200 relay women's squad were disqualified - one of them left the blocks 0.1 of a second early.

our rowers/scullers faltering - but a few into the finals.

and most of my students are coming to class looking utterly exhausted.

Me: "What's wrong? Are you OK?"

Student: "uhh, just tired."

Me: "Watching the Olympics?"

Student: "uh-huh"

[BeautifulBurnout]

No kidding, huh? That guy is an animal.

Awesome. And no steroids in there either - it's all natural fuel. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/14/michaelphelps.swimming1)

That looks like enough food for a week for me. :eek:

[Tiger]

Awesome. And no steroids in there either - it's all natural fuel. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/14/michaelphelps.swimming1)

That looks like enough food for a week for me. :eek:

i joked to my wife i'd like to try the phelps *diet* and she said unless whales were being permitted entry to the 2012 swimming events i shouldn't bother:mad::D

[Sean]

Phelp's ties Spitz with 7 gold in one Olympics. Crazy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/sports/olympics/16swim.html?hp

The video of it:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/player.html?assetid=0816_hd_swb_hl_l0673

[cured]

Jesus walked on water. Phelps swims on land.

[chuck]

woohoo - super saturday indeed for NZ.

3 medals in the rowing.

Bronze for Mahe Drysdale - who apparently can't remember the last 15 strokes and had to be carried from the boat. He lost 4 kilos this last week, after fighting with a stomach bug. Talk about how not to prepare! Awesome performance from the 3 time world champion.

Bronze for Twaddle and Bridgewater in the coxless pairs.

Gold for the Ever-Swindell sisters. Defending Olympic champions. Written off by most as they had a terrible season in Europe - consistently beaten by the Chinese. Working off injury. Qualified directly from the heats - so a week off to prepare. Behind from the gun - slow start - won it on the line - but a whisker. .01 of a second, photo-finish - just pipping the Germans.

Cracker. Top race (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1502572&objectid=10527475). Top chicks (http://www.beeflambnz.co.nz/gallery/gallery-twice.html). And they might be back in 2012. Ripper.

Hayden Roulston takes silver in the individual pursuit. Superb from him - well beaten by the British rider, Biggins - current world champion.

Valerie Vili takes the shotput. Heaves 4kg steel ball over 20m. Makes a 8 other men cry. Does not have to take last throw. Runs across racetrack to hug coach and get flag. Eats small official who tries to stop her. First NZ gold in track and field events since 1952.

Sweet as!

And in other news - the Blackness dealt to the current world cup holders South Africa - in a serious butt whipping - to the tune of 19 points to nil. Captain Tackles McAWE led the way, and the beer-swilling, biltong-munching afrikanner hordes had no reply. Smashed 'em bro!

Fucking A!!!

:D

[chuck]

And for all of you getting sick and tired of stupid questions from inane TV presenters trying to turn every event into a momentous Rocky-esque moment.

The Answers we all really want to hear. (http://sportreview.net.nz/2008/08/12/unexpected-answers-in-olympic-interviews/)

How do you feel?
Well, one of my nuts popped out at the 500 metre mark - I had to do the last K and a half with lefty chaffing the seat. The skin in that area’s pretty raw and I’m fairly sure it’s sunburnt, too. I’m in a great deal of pain and I can’t walk in a straight line. I’ll probably vomit if I see another oar.

....

Have you got anything to say to the family back home? I’m sure they’re watching.
I just wanna say to my partner Sarah, I love you. Mmmmm-mmmm. But baby, I’m a man. A man needs to relax sometimes, living in that village, with all those… athletes. I’m just saying. Nothing to worry about. Just think of my gold medal dreams. Our gold medal dreams.

hehehe

[//\/\/]

good weekend for the brits - dominating the cycling, golds from the water (swimming, sailing, rowing) - shame that murray fucked up so badly, and that we've barely a hope in the athletics stadium - enjoying the giddy heights of 3rd place in the medal table, as it won't last too long...

[Troy McClure]

And then Usain Bolt of Jamaica happened. I hadn't been that awe struck by a gold medal sprint since Michael Johnson's 200m WR at Atlanta 1996. Just fascinating. --Jason



http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6201614,00.jpg

[chuck]

Holy shit. Yes. That was an amazing run by Bolt. And the fact that he just kind of strolled the last 10. "Strolled" being a relative term of course. Superb. Last time I remember being that blown away by sheer speed was 1988 - when Ben Johnson did his thing.

Here's hoping whatever Caribbean juice Bolt is drinking - is all natural. :)

And just in case you're getting bored of trampolining, and swimming - I feel we need more sports involving weapons. Shotput, arrows, javelins are all good - but big fuck off guns added to regular events would be ace too.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2764679847_4cc4b324e6_o.jpg

[//\/\/]

good weekend for the brits - dominating the cycling, golds from the water (swimming, sailing, rowing) - shame that murray fucked up so badly, and that we've barely a hope in the athletics stadium - enjoying the giddy heights of 3rd place in the medal table, as it won't last too long...


...happy to eat my words about the athletics after gold and silver today; and happy to still see gb 3rd in the table, with more to come tomorrow.

but best of all, is that i'm still feeling like i always have once the olympics get going - happy to see people doing it for sport - acheiving things they've planned for years - i feel no differently about china; it's just a backdrop - the spirit of the event is way more important :)

[cured]

The Redeem Team is certainly doing well...now that they've had a bunch of games under their belt, they can start to work their magic on Argentina and maybe the winner of Lithuania/Spain. Their shots seem to be falling with greater frequency now, also. Good things. We need our gold medals back!

[chuck]

sweet as. unknown nz guy wins gold in board-sailing. brilliant!

unknown nz bmx rider in with chance at winning medal. vaguely well known nz kayakers also in with chance to win medals.

[cured]

I'm pretty stoked the Afghan guy won his medal. In some events, athletes are disappointed with anything but gold. For some, though, any medal will give them the greatest sporting moment of their lives. It's always fun to see the underdogs win (unless it's in basketball).

Hey Miguel, what do you think the chances are of Spain vs. USA in the gold medal basketball game?

[dubman]

In some events, athletes are disappointed with anything but gold.
haha how about that swedish guy who threw down his bronze in disgust...

boy there was a lot of talk about "the honor and ideals of the sport" on that one.

[big screen satellite]

i agree - we ae the only team entered in ALL track cycling events, and at the world champs we won 8 out of 10 gold medals - so cycling will bring us golds for sure... i predict at least 6

*cough*

anyways

more to come i think in boxing and another canoeing one tomorrow if todays gold is anytihng to go by....

[//\/\/]

better still is seeing that the aussies are taking it all with their usual good grace and sportsmanship!

[dubman]

almost made a seperate thread for this, but, well, it's all part of the olympics innit

INNIT

look at this (http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/08/22/how_does_nike_feel_about_consp.html) because it's fun and exciting and we might forget one day that Nike are a bunch of shits.

[cured]

I have a sneaking suspicion the crowd at the gold medal basketball game will be squarely behind the americans. One more game against a very good spaniard team but I don't think this game will be closer than 30 points when the final sore is posted. Kobe will probably use the stage to increase his reputation as one of the best players on the planet, which I don't think will actually help the team very much. This tournament has been a real re-coming out for Dwayne Wade. LeBron is goig to use this experience as a tool to get the most outrageous contract in basketball because of the attention he's been giving to the idea of playing in Europe.

[Troy McClure]

I just get a bad feeling that Spain will win a close one. The US clearly has every advantage, and has played way beyond that I thought they would. But in a close game, Kobe Bryant and LeBronze James and the rest of them will start chucking up bad shots, like they always do in a NBA game. Spain will probably try and beat up the US unlike anything they seen this tournament. It's Spain's best shot, to me.

Jason

[IsiliRunite]

Look for LeBron to take over. He has looked more and more... focused and annoyed as the tournament has gone on. Spain has about a 10% chance of winning, but I think USA might be getting more cohesive; maybe too cohesive to beat.

[Troy McClure]

Look for LeBron to take over. He has looked more and more... focused and annoyed as the tournament has gone on. Spain has about a 10% chance of winning, but I think USA might be getting more cohesive; maybe too cohesive to beat.

You're right, it's probably only 10%, but the US has all of the pressure to win.


J

[cured]

Spain played out of their minds but, in the end, they found out why Kobe Bryant is the best clutch player on the planet.

We got our medals back!

W0000000000000000000000000000000T!!!!!11!!11!!1

[IsiliRunite]

he's not the BEST, but he's a pretty good clutch player; don't forget D. Wade keeping us in the game in the first half. That's not the first time D. Wade has dominated in a crucial situation (2006 NBA finals), and he would have had more points if he hadn't been slipping in the "paint" as much as he had.

[cured]

Sorry but there is no better 4th quarter player than Kobe.

[IsiliRunite]

Ever ever or right now?

Just remember that 4th quarter would have never happened if it had not been for D. Wade being the first half. I said "crucial" situations, not 4th quarter. I think clutch is defined by the pivotal aspect of the event and not the chronology of it. Both performances were equally important.

Besides... Kobe choked in the finals, remember, and Wade has never done that. Nor did Jordan, Lakers fan :)

[cured]

Right now he is. Ever is MJ, obviously.

You never know how that game would have played out. Wade's first half was awesome but he disappeared in the second half. Then again, who wasn't in foul trouble in this game? The officiating was terrible.

Spain was down 2 with 7 or 8 to go and Kobe drove all the nails in the coffin, scoring, what, 13 in the 4th and dishing out several assists to make a 2 point game and 11 point game.

[dubman]

laker fans afoot... ;)

so who caught the massive disappointment that were the closing ceremonies? lame lame lame....

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

(.), (..), (...), (....).


Please refer to PG's Growing Up. I think, maybe. No one can tell what anyone is really saying now-a-daze, but I think I'm right here.

[cured]

huh?

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

Wha?

[IsiliRunite]

come again?

[jOHN rODRIGUEZ]

Twice. I mean, I don't get it either.