Summer Olympics 2008: Beijing [Archive]

strandediniowa

07-07-08, 12:01 AM

I always look forward to the Olympics! This should be great fun, and I hope they can keep the political BS out of it. Swimming and track and field trials are on tv right now.

One of the best stories so far is 41 year-old Dara Torres, who has qualified for her fifth Olympics swimming the 100 meter free. She will try to qualify for the 50 meter tonight as well. She is my hero!! Another nice story for me is Shawn Johnston, a young girl from my hometown who is one of the favorites for gold in gymnastics.

ETA: Dara just qualified first in the 50 meter - setting a new US record! Her daughter was in the stands watching.

Tater

07-07-08, 01:27 AM

There are a lot of swimming records being set this year... something about an alien super swimsuit from Area 51 I hear...

russ561

07-14-08, 09:55 AM

I love the Olympics too. Wonder if there gonna be more scandals in China during the Olympics. So far they've gotten heaps of bad press!

Tater

07-14-08, 10:03 AM

Olympics + scandal = bound to happen

BTW: :welcome: to the board Russ!!! :Cheers:

King of Snake

07-14-08, 10:07 AM

Its always fun to watch the British athletes get embarrased in the athletics. We've got 1 or 2 very good medal hopes, but other than that, there's not a lot to shout about

Tater

07-14-08, 10:12 AM

I've never been any more than a casual fan of the Olympics... but I do enjoy watching.

King of Snake

07-14-08, 10:21 AM

It will be interesting to see how the smog affects the competitors. The long distance runners will probably have to run with gas masks on

Tater

07-14-08, 10:23 AM

You won't catch ME in China watching the Olympics...

ILoveEko

07-14-08, 11:27 AM

I'm not a sports fan. But over the past few years, I've been terribly addicted to the Olympics. Everything but baseball... boring.

Vitriol

07-14-08, 02:39 PM

People actually watch the Olympics? Not many apparently.

strandediniowa

07-14-08, 03:20 PM

Or perhaps not many who post on this board. I will watch almost all of the coverage that I am able. I will most likely skip synchronized swimming and the newer addition of sychronized diving.

TheBigCat

07-14-08, 08:23 PM

For me the summer olympics is track and field plus whole bunch of window dressing.

strandediniowa

07-14-08, 09:21 PM

I like almost all of it! The synchronized stuff just escapes me, I'll admit. Oh and rhythmic gymnastics also is just silly as hell. Swimming, gymnastics, track and field, tennis - it's all fun and compelling for me to watch. I respect those of you who don't choose to watch - I'll enjoy it regardless. :)

Frecklestoo

07-14-08, 11:52 PM

I love watching the olympics, especially swimming, diving and gymnastics.

Tater

07-19-08, 05:44 PM

I saw where Oscar Pistorius didn't get into the Olympics. That's too bad... I was really hoping the runner with no legs was going to make it in. Even with him not getting in, it's still a great story that he was able to try.

ozchick

08-07-08, 01:32 PM

:bump:

Opening Ceremonies tomorrow.

I love the Olympics, I'm a total junkie for it. However, I'm not remotely interested in the athlete profiles and all that other junk. Show me the sport! I generally tape it, and fast forward through all the extraneous stuff, and only watch the actual competition.

brdmom

08-08-08, 01:55 AM

I love the Olympics too, although they've never been the same for me since they left ABC and Jim McKay. (I know, I'm dating myself...)

strandediniowa

08-08-08, 02:22 AM

I'm right there with you BMom - I loved McKay too!

I'll skip the opening ceremonies, but will be watching everything that I can after that. I'm glad there's some others here who enjoy the games!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-08-08, 03:49 AM

<- Free To Good Home

Ya know sumone had to post it. ETA - fixed it good!! ;)

DHARMA815

08-08-08, 03:58 AM

I'm right there with ya'll. I'm a total Olympic junkie. I love all of it! summer or winter. Any of the sports, doesn't matter, I'm a total dweeb about it. And I'll be watching the opening ceremonies tomorrow night, as soon as I get home from work I'll be glued to the TV.

strandediniowa

08-08-08, 04:17 AM

<snip>

Ya know sumone had to post it.

And I'm glad it was you! :wolf:

strandediniowa

08-08-08, 04:18 AM

DHARMA815

08-08-08, 04:36 AM

YAY for us! :Cheers:

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-08-08, 07:51 AM

<- Free To Good Home

Ya know sumone had to post it. ETA - fixed it good!! ;)
Free Kittens!!

Dogs rule & cats drool!! :nanabobo:

Oh yeah & good luck athletes
PS: bring back lotsa Panda Bears

TheBigCat

08-08-08, 11:30 AM

:rotfl:

strandediniowa

08-08-08, 01:34 PM

:rofl1: @ both of you - for Free Kittehs and for the edit message

Tater

08-08-08, 04:03 PM

I am disappointed the dude with no legs didn't get the chance to compete in the Olympics after all he had to go through just to be eligible.

He didn't qualify for any single events but I thought they should have selected him to the relay team at least. You talk about media coverage and attention to your event... the relay team would've had huge coverage with that guy on thier team.

I'm not really sure why he didn't make the team. I heard his times were about the same as some of the other guys who got selected. Whoever picked the team should have taken into consideration the amount of fan support and attention that would have gone into having Pistorius on your team.

awesome_cupcake

08-08-08, 05:23 PM

YAY OLYMPICS!!!!!

http://www.smilies.our-local.co.uk/index_files/canadacountry.gif
GO CANADA!! http://www.smilies.our-local.co.uk/index_files/canadian.gif

Master Xander

08-08-08, 05:43 PM

I saw a good chunk of the opening ceremonies, and wow, they were teh awesomez.

awesome_cupcake

08-08-08, 05:59 PM

im watching them now! They are fabulous so far!

ozchick

08-08-08, 06:06 PM

Lucie_Goosy

08-08-08, 06:43 PM

How amazing was the Opening Ceremony!!!

Only prob is now we [London/UK] Have to attempt to top it in 2012!!

ozanna

08-09-08, 12:47 AM

Can I join the "Olympic Junkie Club" ! My TV is on at the moment (10.40 a.m.) and will stay on until the closing ceremony ! When the Sydney Games were on I barely slept ! The Opening Ceremony was brilliant - London will be great too ! I spent the first part of my life as a "Pom" and now I'm an Aussie so I find it very hard to divide my loyalties !

Does anybody remember the Little African guy in the pool who finished about half an hour after anybody else - I can't remember which Games it was, but thats what makes the Olympics great !

strandediniowa

08-09-08, 12:56 AM

Welcome to the club!! :)

There have been many moments like the guy in the pool. It is very compelling for me to see athletes who are trying their hearts out even when they really have no chance of winning a medal, or even a top ten. They truly do appreciate the fact that they are in the Olympics, and it is important for them to be there to represent their countries and to try their best. I am so silly that things like that can make me shed a tear . . .

I gave in and am watching the Opening Ceremonies right now - it is spectacular! I hope the rest of games can proceed with a minimum of controversy.

~G~

08-09-08, 01:04 AM

I am DUMBSTRUCK! This is AWESOME!

ozanna

08-09-08, 01:27 AM

strandediniowa - my sentiments exactly - and there always seems to be a lot of good will. It really is a question of "may the best man win", doesn't matter where they come from !

Maestra

08-09-08, 03:44 AM

Add me to the list of Olympics fans. :) Huge bummer that they coincide with the start of the school year for me, but I'll watch all I can!

strandediniowa

08-09-08, 03:51 AM

Add me to the list of Olympics fans. :) Huge bummer that they coincide with the start of the school year for me, but I'll watch all I can!

It looks as if NBC will have extensive internet coverage - they are indicating that you'll be able to watch many things on line. I know that's not as much fun, but at least you will be able to see the highlights if you miss anything big!

The swimmers start tomorrow - including Michael Phelps' first chance at a gold medal. He has a legitimate chance to beat Mark Spitz' record for golds at a single games. I am old enough to remember watching Spitz! I don't really care if he breaks that record, but I hope he does well. Lots of pressure on the athletes that the pundits have listed as medal hopefuls - I hope they handle it - especially the little gymnast from my town. Go Shawn Johnston!!

Master Xander

08-09-08, 06:42 AM

I am cheering for our 15 athletes, 12 of whom probably don't have a realistic chance of taking home a medal, but still, I'm rooting for an underdog upset win. ;) Pity our shooter is currently 30th out of 35, with only the Top Six advancing to the final.

ILoveEko

08-09-08, 01:24 PM

As soon as I got home yesterday morning at 8am, I planted myself in front of the tv to watch the opening ceremony. Absolutely stunning. I'm not sure it'll be topped any time soon. Amazing.

ILoveEko

08-09-08, 01:26 PM

Current medal standings:

http://i35.tinypic.com/21jnbi9.jpg

strandediniowa

08-09-08, 01:35 PM

Thanks for posting the medal counts Becky! I'm going to be glued to the tv as much as possible . . .

Xander - I'll cheer for your guys too. :)

ILoveEko

08-09-08, 01:37 PM

CBC, for my fellow Canadians, has live feeds on their website. Gives you a chance to kinda have some option if you don't like what's being showed on tv right now.

Frecklestoo

08-09-08, 02:01 PM

I didn't watch the opening ceremonies, but I can't wait for the games!:D

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-09-08, 03:47 PM

Tragedy (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26104003) at Summer Games. :(

strandediniowa

08-09-08, 03:51 PM

Tragedy (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26104003) at Summer Games. :(

There are crazy people everywhere. *sigh* I hope this is the only incident during the games. The US Womens' Volleyball team put together a good win against the Japanese afterwards . . .

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-09-08, 03:52 PM

I really haven't paid much attention to this years Olympics. I just looked up schedule. I may have to catch a couple events.

BTW - GO Walsh/May-Treanor!!

strandediniowa

08-09-08, 03:59 PM

LOL Vince - that's womens' beach volleyball right?? The Olympics in bikinis!!

I don't understand the niceties of fencing, but the US Women have swept the fencing competition.

NeillT006

08-09-08, 04:11 PM

Was I the only one pulling for Angola in Women's Handball?

N.

strandediniowa

08-09-08, 04:13 PM

Was I the only one pulling for Angola in Women's Handball?

N.

I'm sure the full force of the Angolan television viewing audience was right there with you. :)

merry slug

08-09-08, 04:37 PM

They're not on until tonight here in the US, but I was looking at pics online and they looked amazing!

My company is an "exclusive supplier" to the Games, which is not quite the same as "Official Sponsor" but it's enough that we own 3 of the torches used in the worldwide relay. They're taking pics with the torch today, I just got mine taken, and should have it Monday. Alas, no actual flame, but still it was pretty cool. :D

Very cool!

Tragedy (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26104003) at Summer Games. :(

Okay, I came into this thread to ask two questions, thanks for answering one of them already - I was watching the fencing gold/silver final and they kept talking about a tragedy, without elaborating.

Question #2;

I watched a chunk of the parade of nations and gave up before the end. How did they light the olympic torch?

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-09-08, 04:49 PM

LOL Vince - that's womens' beach volleyball right?? The Olympics in bikinis!!

I don't understand the niceties of fencing, but the US Women have swept the fencing competition.
Hey, I like vollyball. Always liked to play it before. I occasionally watched the indoor variety (awhile back). I had heard (2004) of May/Walsh's run & watched a couple of their matches at those games. They never lost a set at the Athens' games!! They RAWK!!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-09-08, 04:52 PM

Question #2;

I watched a chunk of the parade of nations and gave up before the end. How did they light the olympic torch?
Very carefully. :p

merry slug

08-09-08, 04:57 PM

Smartass.

:rotfl:

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-09-08, 04:58 PM

Couldn't resist. I heard it was spectacular. bet you could find it online (youtube/olympic site?!).

Maestra

08-09-08, 05:06 PM

awesome_cupcake

08-09-08, 05:29 PM

Here's the torch-lighting, Merry. It was pretty spectacular, imo!

JNRmbYr5N6I

ETA - After watching this clip, he actually "ran" around the top for a longer period of time than shown in the clip - all the way around.

Thank you so much Maestra! That was the only part of the ceremony that I missed!! Im happy I got to see it, it was spectacular.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-09-08, 05:41 PM

Maestra

08-09-08, 10:22 PM

Wow! Dalhauss/Rogers (the American beach volleyball team, considered a favorite for gold) lost to a low-ranked, unknown team from Latvia. :eek: How's that for an underdog?!

Vitriol

08-09-08, 10:27 PM

TrtV2hDdOTQ

awesome_cupcake

08-10-08, 12:55 AM

:rotfl:

OMG>..that was hilarious...the cycling was the best one...haha

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-10-08, 01:19 AM

Walsh/May-Treanor are dominating again.
OMG whomever did the online schedule for Summer Games needs a smack upside the head. It says 8/10. So I'm thinking I'll watch my girls play tomorrow. Luckily I decided to take a quik look after my video game & there they are. :Cowdance: :Cowdance: Go Kerri & Misty!!

strandediniowa

08-10-08, 01:22 AM

Wow! Dalhauss/Rogers (the American beach volleyball team, considered a favorite for gold) lost to a low-ranked, unknown team from Latvia. :eek: How's that for an underdog?!

It was on a couple of hours ago so I think it's safe to replay - man that sucked! Hopefully it will shake them up and make them play better for their next match. May-Treanor and Walsh are looking as tough as ever in the womens' bracket.

I'm looking forward to more swimming tonight!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-10-08, 01:48 AM

<-Gold Medal in Doggy Paddling :wink:

strandediniowa

08-10-08, 01:59 AM

Of course my friend! :wolf:

awesome_cupcake

08-10-08, 02:11 AM

phelps takes gold.

the announcer just said they call him superfish lol...

strandediniowa

08-10-08, 02:15 AM

His mom and sisters made me cry a little! A new world record in the 400 IM, and it's his weakest event. YAY!!

I'm going to assume that I won't be spoiling anybody if I post and talk about results after they've been shown on tv. If that is going to spoil it for some folks I'll put things in spoiler tags from now on.

YAY for more swimming!

Maestra

08-10-08, 03:57 AM

I'll ust be sure not to check the thread until after prime time on the west coast, then. ;) Not a problem for me at all. :)

Master Xander

08-11-08, 03:31 AM

Our shooter finished last in his event. :( Sad, but he is one of the more inexperienced ones out there, and he never recovered from his first round of 19/25. (He missed as many birds in his first round as the finalists did in all five preliminary rounds, pretty much.)

Meanwhile, our archer placed 36th or 37th in a field of 64 during the ranking rounds, so it's a pretty good place to be in; at least he won't be facing the top seed right away. Plus, he set a new Philippine record, so that's good news. Here's hoping he pulls through and makes it past at least the first round!

We have a woman weightlifter and a swimmer competing today. They have modest goals (to beat the Philippine records, mainly), but here's hoping they pull off something spectacular. :D

LostEmissary

08-11-08, 07:22 AM

How awesome was the 4x100 freestyle relay USA men's victory? WOW.

This animated gif video of Phelp's reaction is awesome. (warning for dial-up users, file is 2.7 MB)

http://i35.tinypic.com/2a5b4lf.gif

TheBigCat

08-11-08, 10:08 AM

Oh man, it just doesn't get any more exciting than that. The anchor swimmer from the US catching the French swimmer and just nicking him at the end after trailing by half a body length at the turn and an arm's length at the middle of the pool.

strandediniowa

08-11-08, 11:29 AM

The finish of the 4 x 100 last night was really one of the most awesome things ever! The US anchor swimmer had been accused of being a bit of a slacker in the past so this certainly was his redemption. I was in there yelling with everyone else. Silly French swimmer should have kept his mouth shut . . .

I wish they would stop bugging Phelps about beating the record for Gold medals, but I guess that's unavoidable.

The US women (girls?) gymnasts had a nervous start, but still ended up qualifying second in the team competition. The men are up again tonight.

Work is going to interfere with watching today :rolleyez:. Currently, Rafa Nadal is playing a tennis match against an Italian and they are tied at one set each! Nadal may be a little nervous. Wish I could watch the end, but will have to check on it from the computer at work.

ozchick

08-11-08, 12:36 PM

That swim relay was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen!!! And while I love Michael Phelps (LOVE!) I'm already worried about overkill. NBC needs to realize there are tons of other swimmers on the team.

Echo

08-11-08, 03:46 PM

SUCK IT, FRANCE! USA! USA! USA!!!!

Warthawg1

08-11-08, 09:18 PM

On Fox sports radio this morning, someone asked the host of the show: "Who was the small child being carried in the opening cermonies by Yao Ming?"

The host, Steve Czaban replied:

"Bob Costas"

strandediniowa

08-12-08, 12:06 AM

:rotfl:

I have not seen any results today except for tennis and womens' water polo - just now settling in to watch for the evening. I can't hope for the drama of last night's 4x100 but am still happy to watch.

Ugh, they're starting with synchronized diving . . .

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-12-08, 01:02 AM

I haven't had much luck this week, but for the 2nd time in a couple of days. I finish playing a football game flip on the tele & what do I see:
May-Treanor & Walsh about to play!! :Cowdance: :Cowdance:

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-12-08, 01:48 AM

May-Treanor/Walsh just finished off the Cubans in straight sets.
That makes 103 matches won in a row!! Wow, just wow.

strandediniowa

08-12-08, 03:20 AM

May-Treanor and Walsh continue to be amazing. Did you see that Walsh lost her wedding ring in the sand, and they finally found it? She had it taped today!

Things aren't over yet tonight so I won't comment - but it has been a fun night to watch again.

Master Xander

08-12-08, 05:58 AM

So the Filipino athletes didn't earn a medal again yesterday, but they set more Philippine records, which is always good.

We had a female weightlifter, Hidilyn Diaz, who competed in the Women's 53-58kg category, who placed 11th out of 12 but set a new Philippines record. She's a wild card entry, and she's only 17, so they're really priming her for a chance to medal in 2012. Here's hoping our government continues funding her...

Meanwhile, we also had a Filipino in the 200m Men's Butterfly event. JB Walsh (Fil-Am, natch) actually won his heat and became the first Filipino (and Southeast Asian) to break the 2-minute barrier in the event with a time of 1:59.39. I actually got to watch his heat, and it was a spectacular come-from-behind win. Unfortunately, his time was only good for 29th out of 44 (so he didn't qualify for the semis), but he did amazingly already, and like Diaz, is targeting an even better swim for 2012. :)

So 3 athletes are going home empty-handed, and 12 more are seeing action in the coming weeks. Three have already set Philippine records, and I'm proud that they're holding their own even if they aren't winning medals. :)

strandediniowa

08-12-08, 02:10 PM

I'm happy for your athletes Xander - your thoughts on the Filipino participation is a good illustration of how important the games are to the athletes involved, and to the folks at home watching.

Swimming was amazing again last night, Phelps was not a big surprise but the others were great too. The short-handed US mens' gymnasts started off great, and choked a bit at the end, but still won the bronze medal in the team competition.

Tonight is more swimming and the girls doing the gymnastics thing. . .

ozchick

08-12-08, 02:16 PM

Ugh, they're starting with synchronized diving . . .
Ugh?!? :p I love diving!!! Synchro not as much as solo, but I'll take all the diving I can get. That 14 year old from Great Britain should not be quite so buff!

Master Xander

08-12-08, 02:38 PM

I'm happy for your athletes Xander - your thoughts on the Filipino participation is a good illustration of how important the games are to the athletes involved, and to the folks at home watching.

Yeah, we pretty much take what we can get. ;) There was a recent survey that showed that more that 90% of Filipinos feel more national pride when a Filipino does well in international sporting events, so it's important to look at all the little positives that our athletes do in the Olympics.

It's funny, because for twelve of our fifteen athletes, there really isn't as much pressure to win our country's first gold medal. Most of their goals aren't quite so lofty: Breaking a personal best, making it past the first round, and maybe the most pressure they get is breaking the Philippine record. But our two taekwondo jins and one boxer are getting a ton of pressure, because they apparently have the "best chances" to win a gold medal (or any medal, for that matter). I so don't envy their position, really...

Meanwhile, our 200m Men's Breaststroke swimmer, Miguel Molina, placed 6th out of 7 in his heat. I'll find out tomorrow if he broke a personal or Philippine record... I hope he did.

ILoveEko

08-12-08, 04:36 PM

Ugh?!? :p I love diving!!! Synchro not as much as solo, but I'll take all the diving I can get. That 14 year old from Great Britain should not be quite so buff!Me too!

sittinpretty

08-12-08, 07:44 PM

That's part of what's so cool about the olympics. There are so many sports out there that I'm not exposed to except for every 4 years. I like seeing non-traditional events on the tube.

Warthawg1

08-12-08, 09:10 PM

That's part of what's so cool about the olympics. There are so many sports out there that I'm not exposed to except for every 4 years. I like seeing non-traditional events on the tube.

If not for the Olympics, I would be completely unawares of the awesomosity of the sport known as Curling.

strandediniowa

08-12-08, 10:27 PM

Ugh?!? :p I love diving!!! Synchro not as much as solo, but I'll take all the diving I can get. That 14 year old from Great Britain should not be quite so buff!

I love diving too - it's awesome and kinda scary sometimes. I just don't get the synchronized part, even though I know it must be very difficult.

Yeah, we pretty much take what we can get. ;) There was a recent survey that showed that more that 90% of Filipinos feel more national pride when a Filipino does well in international sporting events, so it's important to look at all the little positives that our athletes do in the Olympics.

It's funny, because for twelve of our fifteen athletes, there really isn't as much pressure to win our country's first gold medal. Most of their goals aren't quite so lofty: Breaking a personal best, making it past the first round, and maybe the most pressure they get is breaking the Philippine record. But our two taekwondo jins and one boxer are getting a ton of pressure, because they apparently have the "best chances" to win a gold medal (or any medal, for that matter). I so don't envy their position, really...

Meanwhile, our 200m Men's Breaststroke swimmer, Miguel Molina, placed 6th out of 7 in his heat. I'll find out tomorrow if he broke a personal or Philippine record... I hope he did.

This attitude is one of the things that makes me enjoy the Olympics!

If not for the Olympics, I would be completely unawares of the awesomosity of the sport known as Curling.

Curling is fascinating to me - I love the sweepers.

Damn I'm enthusiastic today . . . :p

Vitriol

08-12-08, 10:30 PM

S4ZO2FD4pNA

TheBigCat

08-12-08, 10:30 PM

I hope you are being facetious, Pumbaa. Shuffleboard on an ice rink with a bunch of teammates who have a slight ability to affect the path of the rock by scuffing the ice with scouring brooms sounds to me about as awesome as erosion. I have watched it on TV a couple of times (that wonderful CBC station in Vancouver the my cable system carries as part of their basic package) and I would rather watch crows raiding a garbage dumpster.

ozanna

08-13-08, 12:25 AM

OMG - I have just had the absolute privilege of viewing a portion of the Roman Greco Wrestling. The only time I have ever seen anything remotely resembling this was on a pornograpic movie I once started watching by mistake. Hmm, have to check the guide .....

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 12:32 AM

:rotfl: It is just a tad strange, eh??

ozanna

08-13-08, 12:48 AM

:rotfl: It is just a tad strange, eh??
Actually my daughter pointed out that it resembled a couple of praying mantises (mantii ?) doing what comes naturally ! :D

I love the Olympics !

~G~

08-13-08, 01:09 AM

I LOVED the Men's Gymnastics last night! It kept me up late lol And the synchronized diving tonight...WOW!!!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 01:14 AM

Hi G! I know I'm gonna be up late watching tonight too . . .

~G~

08-13-08, 01:16 AM

Me, too, Mary...I just made some coffee :D They timed this PERFECTLY with break from school. I am PSYCHED to see Phelps again tonight...that kid is something else!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 01:22 AM

If I didn't have to get up for work in the morning I think I'd stay up all night watching the coverage. I'm a huge tennis fan but I haven't been able to catch any of the Olympic matches . . .

I'll check back in after swimming!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 01:54 AM

Okay so the story on the Panda Preserve was just about the cutest thing. Ever.

Porno for pandas!!

~G~

08-13-08, 01:56 AM

:rotfl:Wasn't that a band?

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 01:58 AM

Severe cuteness. OMG.

We're getting closer to swimming . . .

~G~

08-13-08, 01:59 AM

YES! That relay the other day was AWESOME!!!

~G~

08-13-08, 02:23 AM

PHELPS!!!!!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 02:27 AM

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 03:01 AM

I would be enjoying the gymnastics much much more if I didn't have to listen to Al Trautwig commenting and trying to generate drama.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 03:02 AM

Is it just me or is he tall with ape like arms?

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 03:04 AM

Is it just me or is he tall with ape like arms?

LOL that is an apt description. He has never really bothered me before but I don't care for his commentary during gymnastics. The other commentators keep correcting him and clarifying . . .

~G~

08-13-08, 03:10 AM

He is just awesome - more gold medals than any other athlete now I think. I love his mom and his sisters . . . they are all so concerned and cute.

I can't imagine how tired he must be after doing the butterfly for 200M, and he still has another race to go!

His mom was so cute last night :D

I would be enjoying the gymnastics much much more if I didn't have to listen to Al Trautwig commenting and trying to generate drama.

Amen. He was bugging me last night.

:rotfl: @ ape with arms! 6'7" wingspan!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 03:11 AM

And I absolutely adore Bela Karoli. Just adore him.

~G~

08-13-08, 03:18 AM

I know! He is like a grandpa teddy bear :D

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 03:19 AM

Anyone else see Mary Lou Retton land her perfect 10 in '84?

~G~

08-13-08, 03:20 AM

Yep :D

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 03:21 AM

Sum peeps were talking about the age of the Chinese gymnasts. When did they make an age limit?

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 03:22 AM

Yes Vinnie - in fact I remember watching Olga Korbut jump backwards off of the high bar much to shock and amazement of everyone. Heavens, wonder what year that was? Ages ago, for sure.

US girls doing well and China's team is right in there with them. . . this makes me so nervous.

Back to more swimming for the 4x200 freestyle relay. More nervousness!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 03:27 AM

*waits for synchronized freestyle speed diving to start* :wink:

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 03:28 AM

Ok USA is now beating the virtual green line on screen. :D

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 03:32 AM

Phelps is now five for five with gold medals - all with world records. Too cool.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 03:38 AM

This beam event scares the bejeesus outta me. EEKS
Always feel like I'm a second away from watching a bad youtube blooper.

~G~

08-13-08, 03:40 AM

Did y'all here how Trautwig was going on about the Japanese men's team not feeling bad enough last night? That guy is a bit of a jackass lol

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 03:42 AM

Yes and yes.

(I still don't enjoy Trautwig and beam is very, very scary)

Master Xander

08-13-08, 03:48 AM

Just read the newspaper, and no, Miguel Molina didn't break any Philippine records. :( Oh well, at least he has a second chance in a second event today.

We have two swimmers, an archer, and our boxer (Harry Tanamor) seeing action today. Let's hope we get good results!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 03:54 AM

:wave2: Xan!!
Goodluck to all of them
Rite now - Go USA gymnastic team!!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 03:56 AM

I'm thinking good thoughts for you Xander :Cheers:

The gymnasts continue to scare me to death - but wasn't Shawn Johnson wonderful? I love it whenever they say she's from Iowa. Looks like it will come down to the floor competition . . .

After the broadcast is over I can finally go to the NBC website to look at all of the other results.

~G~

08-13-08, 03:58 AM

Shawn ROCKS!!!

The uneven bars scar me...every time they let go...

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 04:01 AM

Team USA needs to pick it up this final round.

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 04:02 AM

Poor Alicia Sacramano (or whatever her name is). She fell on beam and fell on the floor routine - that's just unheard of. She may have single handedly lost the team gold for US. Poor thing - I think I feel worse for her than for the team as a whole. I think she qualified for a couple of event finals so maybe she'll have a chance to redeem herself there.

*sigh*

~G~

08-13-08, 04:02 AM

I know...our girls are unraveling....

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 04:06 AM

Ok why are half the teams wearing red?!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 04:08 AM

Dammit even my gal Shawn went out of bounds. I don't think we're gonna get the gold tonight. I'll hold out hope for the individual and all-around events.

It has even taken the wind out of Bela's sails. . .

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 04:10 AM

Maybe the Chinese will all fall down. ;)

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 04:12 AM

Maybe the Chinese will all fall down. ;)

I was thinking that too but didn't want to say it out loud! Don't think it's gonna happen.

~G~

08-13-08, 04:13 AM

I was hoping we would make a comeback like China did last night...they are too rattled, I think.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-13-08, 04:18 AM

Judging by their ages these chinese gals gotta couple more chances to win golds in 2012 & 2016.;)

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 04:19 AM

Judging by their ages these chinese gals gotta couple more chances to win golds in 2012 & 2016.;)

No kidding . . . even Bela commented on it.

Well that was too darn bad. Oh well, still a good day overall.

I'm gonna go check all the more obscure results now.

~G~

08-13-08, 04:20 AM

I know! No way they are older than 10. Seriously.

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 04:23 AM

I must turn off the tv and go to bed!

~G~

08-13-08, 04:25 AM

Night!

ozanna

08-13-08, 04:52 AM

Can I just pop in and give a little cheer for Stephanie Rice !! She is such a sweetheart ! She always just manages to get that little bit extra out of herself. At first I didn't think she'd made it - but she did !

And Michael Phelps is awesome ! We need another Thorpedo ! :Cheers:

LostEmissary

08-13-08, 07:24 AM

Phelps is out of control. That guy is a machine. He could probably outswim a jet ski.

TheBigCat

08-13-08, 12:12 PM

Know why Phelps is so fast in the water? Check out the set of dogs on him. Lord, what size shoe does he wear when he is wearing shoes? If you took him scuba diving he wouldn't need swim fins. That is, if you could find any that fit in the first place. And out there in the pool he's like an old Mississippi River sternwheeler. He ought to have "Mark" tattoed on the sole of one foot and "Twain" on the other.

When the show the underwater shots and he's doing the dolphin kick after turning he looks like Patrick Duffy before he was in Dallas, a show called The Man From Atlantis if anyone remembers it, only he's going about 3 times as fast.

ILoveEko

08-13-08, 12:15 PM

Canada is so sucking ass this year. Ugh.

LPU

08-13-08, 12:26 PM

There's always 2010.

King of Snake

08-13-08, 02:03 PM

How can The Yanks get beaten by South Korea at baseball? It's your bloody national sport!

Master Xander

08-13-08, 02:06 PM

D'OH!!!!!

Today wasn't a good day for Philippine sports.

Our archer lost in the first round, but at least Mark Javier managed to set a new Philippine record.

Our two swimmers didn't qualify for the semis in their respective events. Miguel Molina placed 2nd in his heat for the Men's 200m Individual Medley, finishing a respectable 27th out of 47 swimmers. Our other swimmer, Christel Simms, finished 4th in her heat for the Women's 100m Freestyle, placing 41st out of 49.

But the biggest tragedy (and I'm sure will be front-page news tomorrow): Our boxer, Harry Tanamor, our great hope for our country's first Olympic gold medal (or any medal at all, for that matter), was defeated in the first round of competition. :( It'll be all over the papers tomorrow.

Which means all the pressure to medal will be on our taekwondo jins, who fly in to Beijing next week.

~G~

08-13-08, 02:24 PM

TBC, I heard them say he wears a size 14 shoe. And he has a 6'7" wingspan...sheesh.

:Hugglepounce: That sucks, Xan!

strandediniowa

08-13-08, 04:43 PM

TBC, I heard them say he wears a size 14 shoe. And he has a 6'7" wingspan...sheesh.

:Hugglepounce: That sucks, Xan!

That does suck Xander, guess my positive thoughts haven't helped much.

Poor Becky - I hope you're still watching anyway.

Re: Phelps - size 14 shoe, double-jointed knees and "extremely flexible" ankles. :)

Has anyone seen Mark Spitz being pissy about Michael Phelps? He is indignant that he was not invited to be a VIP and he's "not going to sit in the stands like every one else". He also said that he would have won more medals too had there been more events. I am hoping that his remarks were taken out of context - but it doesn't sound as if he's handling this very gracefully. He still looks damn good though!

jamiept

08-13-08, 05:01 PM

I heard on the Radio this morning, that during the 200M Fly, Phelps' goggles filled up with water. HE SET A WR AND COULDN"T SEE!!!!

ILoveEko

08-13-08, 05:21 PM

Poor Becky - I hope you're still watching anyway. Sure am! I'm hopelessly addicted and hopeful for my team. :p

ozanna

08-13-08, 10:28 PM

Ian Thorpe had huge feet, too ! Not sure what size they were but he would never have needed flippers either !

strandediniowa

08-14-08, 12:33 AM

Ian Thorpe had huge feet, too ! Not sure what size they were but he would never have needed flippers either !

The Aussie swimmers have had good success so far! :Cheers:

ozanna

08-14-08, 01:17 AM

strandediniowa

08-14-08, 01:54 AM

strandediniowa - what I love about the swimming in particular is how competitive they are, but how much respect there is for each other. And the graciousness and humbleness of the top swimmers, Phelps, of course ! He always looks slightly bemused, like, what's the big deal !

The swimmers do seem to be a good community for the most part, although they were telling a very confusing story about two women swimmers who used to be friends but now one is living with the other's former coach, lover, etc. Current bad blood. It was pretty confusing and fairly amusing.

Michael Phelps is really incredibly self-effacing. I continue to adore his mom and sisters - they are just so cute and seemingly "normal".

Swimming and gymnastics again tonight! I'm not gonna get enough sleep again . . .

~G~

08-14-08, 03:00 AM

YAY!! For Men's Individual!

~G~

08-14-08, 03:13 AM

Ya-yawn-y! Phelps win again.

strandediniowa

08-14-08, 03:25 AM

Ya-yawn-y! Phelps win again.

LOL - he does make it look very very easy. I'm looking forward to gymnastics but not looking forward to having to listen to Al T. again tonight.

~G~

08-14-08, 03:26 AM

Amen. "Not gonna be BIG numbers..."

strandediniowa

08-14-08, 03:41 AM

Congratulations Ozanna for the Aussie win in the women's 4x200 relay! That's three golds for you gal Stephanie Rice.

:Cheers:

ozanna

08-14-08, 04:56 AM

Thanks strandediniowa - it was great ! And her boyfriend Eamon Sullivan got silver, too ! But I don't think anyone could have begrudged the French guy the gold medal ! What a guy ! I hate it when the swimming finishes - some of the excitement goes out of the Games for me.

Totally random, and of absolutely no interest to anybody except me, my son's ex high school sports teacher is commentating for the weight lifting. He himself is an Olympian, and won a medal for weight-lifting in Atlanta, I think ! We're such a small population here, nearly everyone has some sort of connection with the Olympics !

King of Snake

08-14-08, 10:13 AM

TheBigCat

08-14-08, 12:26 PM

I think golf should be an olympic sport. 72 holes over 4 days just like an ordinary tournament.

King of Snake

08-14-08, 12:54 PM

I agree.

There's absolutely no reason why it shouldn't be in the Olympics

strandediniowa

08-14-08, 12:59 PM

If synchronized diving is an Olympic sport (it's my pet peeve) then golf should definitely be in as well. Is there any rhyme or reason to why one sport is included and another is not? I guess this is the last year for baseball . . . but don't have any idea why.

US is currently playing Greece in men's basketball and have the situation well in hand - 51-32 in the third quarter.

ozchick

08-14-08, 01:27 PM

So I was home sick yesterday, and watched TONS of events I wouldn't have otherwise. I saw baseball, tennis, ping pong, weightlifting, volleyball(beach and team), water polo, and more swimming.

ILE, Canada might not be doing well, but you have one of the hottest divers ever in Alexandre Despatie (sp?). As soon as I saw him on the screen last night I remembered him from Athens. :swoon:

ILoveEko

08-14-08, 01:27 PM

http://z.about.com/d/diving/1/0/s/0/-/-/51230249.jpg

;)

ozchick

08-14-08, 01:37 PM

:swoon: Thank you! ;)

Mattie

08-14-08, 01:40 PM

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff58/ToWhateverEnd/Main%20Album/210258d4097be4bceefaf77f2584a207669.gif

ILoveEko

08-14-08, 01:58 PM

:swoon: Thank you! ;)http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/03/25/despatie_wideweb__470x443,0.jpg
:D

Master Xander

08-14-08, 02:31 PM

We had another swimmer, Daniel Coakley, who swam in the Men's 50m Freestyle. He finished 39th out of 97 swimmers, which isn't bad. Again, I'll find out tomorrow if he set any sort of Philippine record. :)

ozanna

08-14-08, 11:14 PM

strandediniowa, I was watching the men's basketball U.S. v Greece, which was commentated by our Andrew Gaze - who spent a fair bit of time playing in the U.S. College basketball at Seton Hall and NBA with Washington Bullets and San Antonio Spurs. When Kobe Bryant got called for an unsportsmanlike foul Drewy went ballistic ! He is usually so mild mannered and laid back. I met him a few times back when my son played - he is so nice ! He looked after my son's lunch money at a clinic once !

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 12:10 AM

Thanks for all the fun pics of the hot guys!! :) Mattie nice to see you in the mix here. My thought last night was that if the women beach volleyball players wear those bikini that the men should at least go shirtless.

Ozanna - how funny that you have connections to the games. And you (and everyone else) please feel free to call me Mary.

Xander- good news on your guy!

An interesting day today - the US men won their basketball game and beach volleyball match. James Blake beat Roger Federer to move on in tennis, and both of the Williams sisters were beat - but they are still in for doubles. The US women fencers took team bronze which was a bit of a disappointment because they had swept the medals in the individual competition. I love how the gold medal winner screams whenever she gets a point.

I'm afraid my weekend is going to be spent glued to the tv. . .

More swimming and gymnastics tonight - YAY! Once again, I'm not going to get enough sleep.

ozanna

08-15-08, 12:57 AM

Hi Mary, I'm Anna btw - bet you didn't guess that ! Like I said its hard to not be connected to someone here in the land of Oz - there's not that many of us !

So glad James Blake has advanced in the tennis - he is my hero ! He has had to struggle to get where he is, which he has done with dignity - our own "hero" Leyton Hewett could take a leaf from Blake's book, and from Andy Roddick my other hero (I know he's not playing, but he's sill my hero !) Its sad really because he has a lot of potential, but a really bad attitude. Hewett I mean.

I was watching the beach volleyball the other day, and later one of our female commentators mentioned about the sand getting into nooks and crannies and how uncomfortable it must be ! And being unable to do anything about it ! And yes, the men should definitely go shirtless ! The women have the best physiques of any sports people - I'd love to have a bod like that !

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 01:37 AM

Yeah, Hewitt was never really my favorite. Seemed to have such a negative (albeit very intense) vibe. I could never picture him and Kim Clijsters together because she appeared to be the opposite - I figured he must have some redeeming qualities if she liked him so much.

James Blake is great especially considering, as you said, all that he has overcome to still be playing. He and his brother are also very easy on the eyes! :)

Speaking of eye candy, Walsh and May-Treanor are playing the Belgiums in beach volleyball. The US gals came very close to losing the first set. . . facing five set points. They are up by 11 points in the second set as I post this.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-15-08, 01:43 AM

NOW!?

*grabs remote*

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-15-08, 01:49 AM

*missed it* -saw interviews after-do they replay games at all?!
Whomever made the NBC/Olympic website needs smacked.
I can never find out when something's gonna be actually on TV. :mad:

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 01:54 AM

*missed it* -saw interviews after-do they replay games at all?!
Whomever made the NBC/Olympic website needs smacked.
I can never find out when something's gonna be actually on TV. :mad:

I know Vin - I have been having a hard time with that as well. Next time they're on I'll give you a holler the minute I see them . . .

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-15-08, 02:02 AM

Thanx Mary :awwhug:

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 02:04 AM

Thanx Mary :awwhug:

Of course :wolf:

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 02:16 AM

Wow. Soni just beat Jones in the 200 breastroke - marvelous race. Sorry Anna!!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-15-08, 02:18 AM

US gold & world record! :Cowdance:

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 02:24 AM

US wins gold and silver in the 200M backstroke. I love seeing the athletes' parents getting choked up over their kids. Woot! I will be sad when they are finally done with the swimming events.

200 IM is next for Phelps . . .

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-15-08, 02:29 AM

Beisel wins gold! Go USA!

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 02:31 AM

Here's another Iowa connection - swimmer Kirsti Coventry from Zimbabwe is engaged to a young man from Ames, Iowa.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-15-08, 02:52 AM

Anutha Gold for Phelps - USA gets Gold & bronze!

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 02:54 AM

Anutha Gold for Phelps - USA gets Gold & bronze!

Awesomeness - and I just love his ma!

LostEmissary

08-15-08, 03:13 AM

Rebecca Soni had a great race, winning the gold in the 200m breaststroke.

Of the four finals raced, today, the US took some serious metals:

Men's 200m Backstroke: Lochte - Gold, Piersol - Silver
Women's 200m breaststroke: Soni - Gold
Men's 200m IM: Phelps - Gold, Lochte - Bronze
Women's 100m freestyle: Coughlin - Bronze

3 Golds, 1 sliver, 2 bronze

Beisel wins gold! Go USA!That was just the semi-final ;) Final of the Woman's 200m backstroke is tomorrow.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-15-08, 03:22 AM

I dunno - I don't follow swimming closely

LostEmissary

08-15-08, 04:21 AM

I dunno - I don't follow swimming closelyI don't either really, but for the Olympics I keep track online. The way it works is that there are heats, semi-finals, and finals. The finals are for medals, the heats and semi-finals are the qualification races. They show which of those three it is on the screen before the race, and afterwards when they show the results/times.

ozanna

08-15-08, 04:55 AM

Wow. Soni just beat Jones in the 200 breastroke - marvelous race. Sorry Anna!!
Thanks Mary :Cheers: but Soni looked like she really deserved it. :) Not making excuses but Liesal is an asthmatic and she could barely draw a breath in her after swim interview, poor kid. They put so much pressure on them. But she said she was happy with her performance and had done her best. Then she went out and collapsed, but she's fine now.

To cap it off her fiance is a professional footballer and he "abandoned" his team to go to China and support her, so they copped a bit of flack for that, too. Shock, horror ! But then football is our religion. One girl was known to have delayed the birth of her child so that her husband could play a game of football. Nice to see people get their priorities straight !

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 04:59 AM

LOL @ delaying birth for football. . .

Your gal did look very winded after her race - it's impressive that she can perform like that with asthma. I'm glad she's okay.

US gymnasts win gold and silver in the all-around competition - I'm a little disappointed that my home town girl got silver, but it's still great.

I'm exhausted - going to bed! Nite!

LostEmissary

08-15-08, 05:23 AM

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff58/ToWhateverEnd/Main%20Album/210258d4097be4bceefaf77f2584a207669.gifHere's the bigger (original?) version of that little animation:

http://i33.tinypic.com/2ccug4j.gif

(warning to dial up users - file is 2.7 MB)

ozanna

08-15-08, 05:24 AM

Nite, Mary, sleep tite - its still 3.30 pm here, heaps to go !

TheBigCat

08-15-08, 10:41 AM

TBC, I heard them say he wears a size 14 shoe. And he has a 6'7" wingspan...sheesh.

I'm 6'4", just like Phelps, and my wingspan is 6'6", but my shoe size is only 10.

King of Snake

08-15-08, 10:47 AM

It's gonna be a big day for the British team. Our cyclists are gonna do a clean sweep, and there's guarenteed medals in the sailing. The rowers look good, we've got 10 teams in finals

strandediniowa

08-15-08, 06:04 PM

It's gonna be a big day for the British team. Our cyclists are gonna do a clean sweep, and there's guarenteed medals in the sailing. The rowers look good, we've got 10 teams in finals

Good luck to your team KOS :Cheers:

strandediniowa

08-16-08, 02:18 AM

I continue to be distressed with Blake's loss to Gonzo in tennis today - some poor sportsmanship on Gonzo's part. I hope Nadal kicks his butt for the gold medal . . .

OMG

Phelps just won the 100M by the tiniest fraction ever. He was behind the whole race and won by 22/100 of a second. Just about the amazing thing ever. Very disappointing for Ian Crocker who finished out of the medals in fourth.

The top US men's beach volleyball team had a rough go with a very pissy Swiss team but ended up pulling out a victory.

ozanna

08-16-08, 04:27 AM

I continue to be distressed with Blake's loss to Gonzo in tennis today - some poor sportsmanship on Gonzo's part.

How sad Mary, specially with Blake being such a gentleman, too.

Michael Phelps is now the new pinup boy of the Aussies, too ! One of our commentators got to have an interview with him, and he was really excited! And everyone loves his Mum !

Grant Hackett did amazingly well in the 1500 - he's had a few set backs, so I hope he wins tomorrow !

LostEmissary

08-16-08, 04:34 AM

Phelps just won the 100M by the tiniest fraction ever. He was behind the whole race and won by 22/100 of a second. Just about the amazing thing ever.It was only 1/100 of a second :D

Master Xander

08-16-08, 05:48 AM

We only have five athletes remaining: Two Track and Field athletes, a Diver, and two Taekwondo jins. :)

ozanna

08-16-08, 06:20 AM

Master Xander - this is why I always prefer the first week ! I think we only have a couple of athletes in track & field. Where's another Kathy Freeman when you need her !

Anyway good luck to everyone else - I am going to be so lost when this is all over ! I'd forgotten how sucked in to it all I get !

ILoveEko

08-16-08, 11:54 AM

OMG! We finally have some medals! LOL. w00t!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-16-08, 12:08 PM

*gets hyped with new sig!*
BTW - I was thinking today. That due to the creative judging of the Chinese gymnast routines. Ksenia Semenova was robbed of a Bronze Medal. :no-no:

strandediniowa

08-16-08, 01:15 PM

Love the siggy Vin!

I'm going to miss everything today because I'm headed back to the State Fair for the day. I'll have to catch up tonight. Hopefully I don't miss anything too dramatic.

ozchick

08-16-08, 03:38 PM

That latest Phelps victory was UNBELIEVABLE!! Now I feel like we're in the 8th inning of a no-hitter waiting for this historic 8th gold. Did anyone else see the interview with Costas, Phelps and Spitz via satellite?

And it's nice to finally see some track and field.

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-16-08, 03:57 PM

Love the siggy Vin!

I'm going to miss everything today because I'm headed back to the State Fair for the day. I'll have to catch up tonight. Hopefully I don't miss anything too dramatic.
Just make sure yer home for May-Treanor/Walsh in the Quarterfinal game on tonite at 10pm (Eastern)!!

John

08-16-08, 10:19 PM

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 12:43 AM

If the first post has an image no larger than 400w x 200h, I can add it to the Featured Media module on the main page. In that module, the thread can potentially take the top spot on the main page, so the application of a little polish would be appreciated. Thanks! :)

TPTP - please see inbound PM.

Okay, so I just got home. Anything eventful today? Women's marathon is on prime time NBC here. Looking forward to more swimming - Phelp's last push for gold, and maybe more track and field? I think the US women play beach volleyball tonight too . . .

I've got to go check the NBC website to see what happened today!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-17-08, 01:55 AM

Couple of things. Looking at replays of Phelps last race. Did he really win?!
Anyway rite now there's the most insane 'sport' (even considering synchronized anything) of all on: the Marathon. Sorry but if I'm running 26 miles. Something really scary had better be chasing me. ;) Seriously though. They look really unhealthy. If they weren't running a marathon. Their families would've sent them to a hospital by now.

LostEmissary

08-17-08, 02:19 AM

Couple of things. Looking at replays of Phelps last race. Did he really win?! Definitely. The computer sensors basically can't be "wrong" - but they even reviewed the video after a protest and confirmed that he hit the wall first. It was really close, but he got it :D

Phelps swims tonight at 11:00pm in the relay - last event, going for 8th gold!

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 02:30 AM

Vin - I agree with you about the marathon runners. . . .

Dara Torres and Grant Hackett both took silver medals - still great results but it would have been nice to see them take golds.

Fingers crossed for Phelps!

ozanna

08-17-08, 03:07 AM

I'm really quite sad for Hackett - he's worked so hard, swam with a collapsed lung at one stage, he's been in the "wake" of Ian Thorpe most of his professional life. He swam brilliantly in the heats, but just couldn't make it - 1 second - but what an achievement. 2 golds and now a silver in the 1500. Nice guy - huge heart.

And Dara Torres is great - one of the 16 y/o Aussie swimmers (can't remember her name - me bad !) said she loved Dara, she's like a "mother hen" to the younger girls ! Doesn't matter which country. A true Olympian !

Just saw Phelps and Sullivan giving each other a big hug after the relay - good to see !

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 03:14 AM

Aussie and US split the medley relays - Aussie win the women's event - another silver for Torres.

but . . .

US MEN WIN - PHELPS TAKES HIS 8th GOLD!!!!!! :celebrate

wow . . just amazing.

LostEmissary

08-17-08, 03:17 AM

!!!SPOILERS for you West Coasters!!!

Amazing. Team USA swimming does it again, gold in the 4x100m medley. 8 Golds for Phelps. Unbelievable!

foxxie

08-17-08, 03:17 AM

:yahoo: Who ever thought that swimming would have me jumping up and down on the couch!? :p

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 03:17 AM

:yahoo: Who ever thought that swimming would have me jumping up and down on the couch!? :p

LOL - isn't it great????

LOST lunatic

08-17-08, 03:17 AM

He just beat Spitz's record!

LPU

08-17-08, 03:19 AM

Spitz would've won more if he didn't have the stache slowing him down.

foxxie

08-17-08, 03:20 AM

LOL - isn't it great????

It is! And his mom is just the cutest thing! They had her mic'd up and everything. :D

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 03:20 AM

Spitz would've won more if he didn't have the stache slowing him down.

Well of course.

LOST lunatic

08-17-08, 03:25 AM

:rotfl: @ stache !!!

LPU

08-17-08, 03:26 AM

Hey, sharks are faster than walruses.

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 03:32 AM

It is! And his mom is just the cutest thing! They had her mic'd up and everything. :D

They have shown his mom and sisters every race and they are all just cute as pie. His mom just kind of disappeared after the 1/100 of a second victory last night. She is priceless!

Hey, sharks are faster than walruses.

And I'm sure it has everything to do with the facial hair, or lack thereof!

LPU

08-17-08, 03:35 AM

Of course it does. Why do you think Prefontaine didn't swim?

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 03:38 AM

Of course it does. Why do you think Prefontaine didn't swim?

:rotfl: Nice.

He and his buddy Shorter would have been a beautiful relay team I'm sure.

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 03:39 AM

Okay - another world record. Usain Bolt, a very tall Jamaiican man, has just won the gold medal in the men's 100M dash in world record time.

LostEmissary

08-17-08, 03:46 AM

Okay - another world record. Usain Bolt, a very tall Jamaiican man, has just won the gold medal in the men's 100M dash in world record time.Dude that guy is fast.

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 03:51 AM

Dude that guy is fast.

He slowed up at the end too . . . could have been faster. Hurray for Jamaica's first gold medal! (I think :))

King of Snake

08-17-08, 08:29 AM

GB 3rd place in the medal table. Woo

John

08-17-08, 09:09 AM

Of course it does. Why do you think Prefontaine didn't swim?

Sure he did. He was from Coos Bay, Oregon. You can't go for a run without a fair share of swimming.

ILoveEko

08-17-08, 11:44 AM

From a blog I read:

Phelps Photo Finish (http://sleepstodream.blogspot.com/2008/08/phelps-photo-finish.html)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSjcogXjI/AAAAAAAAEys/kpDWpIfMMMQ/s400/phelps1.bmp (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSjcogXjI/AAAAAAAAEys/kpDWpIfMMMQ/s1600-h/phelps1.bmp)
Wow, I could have sworn that Michael Phelps lost out on the 100 meter butterfly but these photos prove that he did indeed win by 0.01 seconds over trash talking Cavic. Check out the exciting photo finish after the jump.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSjr0oOiI/AAAAAAAAEy0/uauOIjg_weo/s400/phelps2.bmp (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSjr0oOiI/AAAAAAAAEy0/uauOIjg_weo/s1600-h/phelps2.bmp)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSjsM_lwI/AAAAAAAAEy8/cehk5DwMpIM/s400/phelps3.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSjsM_lwI/AAAAAAAAEy8/cehk5DwMpIM/s1600-h/phelps3.jpg)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSj8IWtII/AAAAAAAAEzE/usGVTM9PLqs/s400/phelps4.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSj8IWtII/AAAAAAAAEzE/usGVTM9PLqs/s1600-h/phelps4.jpg)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSj06OhRI/AAAAAAAAEzM/mNh8clLPUE0/s400/phelps5.bmp (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdSj06OhRI/AAAAAAAAEzM/mNh8clLPUE0/s1600-h/phelps5.bmp)

Closeup of Cavic's hands when Phelps touches wall.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdTH_G4d0I/AAAAAAAAEzU/PMv0zqA_pdw/s400/phelps+7.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ghVyCewHDbM/SKdTH_G4d0I/AAAAAAAAEzU/PMv0zqA_pdw/s1600-h/phelps+7.jpg)

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 01:46 PM

Great pics Becky - thanks for posting. I see that Canada won some medals yesterday :).

Venus and Serena Williams won the women's doubles in tennis. Nadal took the gold for spain in men's singles tennis.

Hey Becky - you posted a medal count image at beginning of the games - if you could give me the link to that image I'll post it periodically. Thanks!

Maestra

08-17-08, 03:49 PM

Those are great pics of Phelps's close call!

I had to watch it dozens of times to believe it.

ILoveEko

08-17-08, 04:18 PM

strandediniowa

08-17-08, 06:06 PM

Yes, we've finally got some! Yay!

That pic I posted before was a screen cap, unfortunately the list is too long to make a cap now, lol.

I must figure out how to do screencaps . . .

Lots of rowing on right now - I like watching the bikers following them. Sound like Great Britain has ruled many of the cycling events. (Way to go KOS)
I don't really know what's on the slate for today - I'll be in and out.

Some of the individual events for the women's gymnastics are tonight - I know that Shawn Johnson will be going, but I'm not sure if it's for the beam or floor exercise.

US men's waterpolo team upset #1 ranked Croatia yesterday . . .

strandediniowa

08-18-08, 02:24 AM

Fantastic interview of Michael Phelps, his mother, and his coach tonight on NBC primetime show. He is really an impressive guy.

Bela Karoli was just almost in tears over scoring in the women's vault tonight - so of course I was too.

I love gymnastics, but the subjectivity of the judging is wearing, and makes me appreciate the beauty of the clock in many of the other events. It's been great to see track and field start.

US women took the 8's in rowing - it's pretty unusual for US to take any medal at all in rowing, much less gold.

Lolo Jones is one of the favorites in the women's 100M hurdles. Another Iowa connection there - she grew up in Des Moines and lived here until she went to LSU. She is back a lot visiting family. Her likeness was carved in ice today at the Iowa State Fair - to go along with the butter Shawn Johnson. :D

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-18-08, 05:39 AM

Finally got to see May/Walsh beat that Brazille team in quarterfinals (fell asleep on couch - since NBC didn't play it here live :(). I've already scoped out the semis & finals. NBC Monday nite 9pm start. Then Wednesday nite Bronze match at 9pm. Then Gold match at 11 pm! (All times are Eastern). Gonna be sure to record those matches!
:Cowdance:

merry slug

08-18-08, 02:24 PM

strandediniowa

08-19-08, 04:23 AM

You're not alone, SII ;)

LOL thanks Merry!

More scoring controversy in women's gymnastics. Nastia L. took silver in the uneven bars even though her score was tied with another, arguably less well executed routine. At least we'll be done with that tomorrow night after Nastia and Shawn compete on the balance beam. That event always scares me to death.

US men sweep the longer hurdles event, US woman wins discus, another wins silver in the pole vault. US men's basketball team makes it out of the prelims without any losses, and May-Treanor and Walsh make it to the gold medal match in beach volleyball. Lolo Jones qualifed for the women's 100M hurdles. US baseball not impressive, US softball completely dominant.

One of the US target shooter loses a medal with a flinch, firing before he had aimed. Last Olympics he lost a medal by shooting at the wrong target - I think it happened that way and not the reverse.

I'm still loving the games and still not getting enough sleep! :)

ILoveEko

08-19-08, 04:41 AM

Yay, we're up to 10!

vincentstuntdbl#23

08-19-08, 05:25 AM

May-Treanor/Walsh advance to the Gold match by sweeping the Brazilians. Misty & Kerri have not lost a set this Olympics. If they sweep the Gold match. That'll mean that they haven't lost a set for the 2nd straight Olympiad! That's roughly akin to throwing a perfect game in 2 consecutive World Series! :)

GO May-Treanor/Walsh!! :Cowdance:

strandediniowa

08-20-08, 04:29 AM

I just caught the high points today - still need to go look at the NBC site - did not want to get spoiled for tonight's stuff . . .

YAY for Becky and Canada - Despatie takes a surprise silver in men's springboard diving.

US men looked good in the 400M semifinals.

Sonya Richards took a disappointing bronze in the women's 400M final. She handled it well, and took the US flag and waved it, saying this was not about her, it was about her country, and that she was happy to have participated for the USA.

My hometown girl Lolo Jones, who grew up in adversity, poverty and foster care had a major disaster. She looked so tough in the 100M hurdles, and was ahead, then hit the last hurdle and finished out of the medals. She was very graceful about it, but it was sad for me. Dawn Harper from the US was a surprise gold medal in that race.

My other hometown girl, Shawn Johnson, finally got her gold medal in the balance beam. YAY!!! Nastia L. did great too and took the silver. A happy ending for all.

Finally, Horton took a very surprising silver for the US in the men's highbar with an awesome routine.

Gotta go look at what else happened today . . .

Anyone else still watching?

LostEmissary

08-20-08, 05:51 AM

My other hometown girl, Shawn Johnson, finally got her gold medal in the balance beam. YAY!!! Nastia L. did great too and took the silver. A happy ending for all.I was so glad that Shawn got a gold. I feel so bad for those girls. They're so young I can't imagine the pressure they must feel. She looked so happy.

Finally, Horton took a very surprising silver for the US in the men's highbar with an awesome routine.That guy has been stepping it up the whole olympics.

XxMayhemxX

08-20-08, 08:58 AM

hows the basketball team doin? they start medal rounds yet? or still in preliminaries?

LostEmissary

08-20-08, 09:22 AM

hows the basketball team doin? they start medal rounds yet? or still in preliminaries?Both USA men and women went 5-0 in the prelims.

The Women defeated South Korea in the quarterfinals yesterday, and face Russia in the semi-finals on Thursday (8:00 am Eastern) to determine who goes to the gold medal match.

The Men will play Australia today (Wednesday) at 8:00 am Eastern (less than 3 hours from now) in the quarterfinals. The winner goes on to the semi-finals.

Women's bracket: http://www.nbcolympics.com/basketball/standings/womenfinals.html
Men's bracket: http://www.nbcolympics.com/basketball/standings/menfinals.html

strandediniowa

08-20-08, 02:27 PM

The men's basketball team beat Australia and has made it into the semifinals. It's looking like they may indeed be the "Redeem Team".

King of Snake

08-20-08, 02:30 PM

Bolt got the record in the 200m. Greatest sprinter ever, much?

strandediniowa

08-20-08, 02:35 PM

Bolt got the record in the 200m. Greatest sprinter ever, much?

Usain has insane speed! The Jamaicans have dominated the sprints this year.

King of Snake

08-20-08, 02:38 PM

They love to speed and they love their weed

strandediniowa

08-20-08, 02:42 PM

Yah mon.

Your track cyclists were very impressive KOS. And who knew that Lithuania was a dominant power in BMX? Who knew BMX is now an Olympic sport??

King of Snake

08-20-08, 02:52 PM

The cyclists totally pwned it. I think there was only 3 events that they didn't medal in.

I suppose it makes sense that we're good at cycling because our roads are so bad fro driving on

strandediniowa

08-20-08, 02:59 PM

The cyclists totally pwned it. I think there was only 3 events that they didn't medal in.

I suppose it makes sense that we're good at cycling because our roads are so bad fro driving on

Threadjack re: British roads. I lived in London for about a year and traveled around some - my favorite road sign: CHANGED PRIORITIES AHEAD