|
Olympics
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 Add your own top sport clips. |
Re: Olympics
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. |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
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... |
Re: Olympics
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 |
Re: Olympics
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. |
Re: Olympics
The only medals team GB will win are the ones made chocolate.
|
Re: Olympics
not so; we've high hopes in sailing, arching, punching and track cycling!
|
Re: Olympics
Quote:
Quote:
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 in their squad - so we'll be hoping for some "Fuck Yeah!" in our side as well. :D |
Re: Olympics
Speaking of favourite Olympians - up there with Eddie the Eagle, and then Eric the Eel, how about this guy
Reese Hoffa. 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. |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
|
Re: Olympics
blimey; maybe mr murray'll stay on form and bag a tennis medal as well...
|
Re: Olympics
Quote:
:p |
Re: Olympics
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: |
Re: Olympics
oh yeah; we might get a shuttlebonococking medal as well...
|
Re: Olympics
Here are NZ's chances - written by someone who knows far more than me.
Olympic hopefuls for NZ 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 |
Re: Olympics
A prediction of medalists in all events here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...804/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 |
Re: Olympics
All water related events.
Track & Field Events. Gymnastic Events. Pretty much everything. |
Re: Olympics
|
Re: Olympics
I so want the Iraqi girl to win her running events.
They've given her such a hard time just to compete. |
Re: Olympics
Okay, Brits, top THAT opening ceremonies!!
Sweet jebus, that was a good show. |
Re: Olympics
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! |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
Jason |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
|
Re: Olympics
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. |
Re: Olympics
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... |
Re: Olympics
I hope I'm not the only one how saw the fingertip finish in the mens 400 meter relay...
|
Re: Olympics
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).
|
Re: Olympics
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... |
Re: Olympics
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) |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
Quote:
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. |
Re: Olympics
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! |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
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.... |
Re: Olympics
This may be the next best thing to the 4x100 relay from last night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woYG6Uq6OVU |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
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. |
Re: Olympics
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/htmla...h_olympics.JPG |
Re: Olympics
Quote:
|
Re: Olympics
Quote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Moussambani |
Re: Olympics
|
Re: Olympics
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. |
Re: Olympics
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/bei...?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. |
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:56 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.