Sunday, 24 August 2008
the attack of the minuscule celebrities - News & Gossip, Entertainment - Independent.ie
Read More Here: "And people just can't get enough of this Z-list speculation. If they're not reading about minor celebrities, they are emulating their lifestyle on the Dublin social scene, which has become a best-in-show parade of expensive blow-dries, cheap tans and designer labels. Socialising for the in-crew is now about image, exclusivity and the pursuit of VIP treatment. They all want to skip queues, enjoy table service, be invited to private parties, attend exclusive launches and feel like they are important. They have started to dress, drink, eat and behave like wannabe celebrities, whether they can afford to or not. The lure of a celebrity lifestyle means drinking champagne cocktails at the Shelbourne Bar or the Ice Bar, perhaps buying exclusive membership for private clubs such as the 'chic' Residence, or dancing the night away at a 'glitzy bash' in Krystle Nightclub, the Harcourt Street hangout for every Z-list 'love-rat' and 'top sexy legs' in the city."
Tom Daley books place in 10m platform diving final - Beijing Olympics 2008 - Telegraph
Read More Here: "Daley, 14, booked a place in his first individual Olympic final as he finished within the last 12 at the Water Cube.
The Plymouth teenager pulled off an impressive fourth-round jump - an armstand back triple somersault with tuck - to earn 86.4 points and put himself back into the reckoning.
He followed that up with an excellent backwards three-and-a-half somersault which brought 89.1 points, allowing him to eventually finish eighth on 458.6.
However, team-mate Waterfield, from Southampton, just missed out by one place having been in the top 10 until his third dive dropped him to 12th.
He redeemed himself with a reverse three-and-a-half somersault with tuck to gain 90.75 points from his fourth effort only to finish badly on his next attempt.
His poor entry on his reverse three-and-a-half somersault tuck cost him and just 40.8 meant he fell back to 13th. He could not retrieve things from there and finished one place short of the final."
The Plymouth teenager pulled off an impressive fourth-round jump - an armstand back triple somersault with tuck - to earn 86.4 points and put himself back into the reckoning.
He followed that up with an excellent backwards three-and-a-half somersault which brought 89.1 points, allowing him to eventually finish eighth on 458.6.
However, team-mate Waterfield, from Southampton, just missed out by one place having been in the top 10 until his third dive dropped him to 12th.
He redeemed himself with a reverse three-and-a-half somersault with tuck to gain 90.75 points from his fourth effort only to finish badly on his next attempt.
His poor entry on his reverse three-and-a-half somersault tuck cost him and just 40.8 meant he fell back to 13th. He could not retrieve things from there and finished one place short of the final."
The Sports Network - Olympics
Read More Here: "Beijing, China (Sports Network) - They're golden girls again.
Kara Lawson scored 15 points, making all five of her shots from the field, and the U.S. women's basketball team won its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal by thrashing Australia, 92-65.
Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker each scored 14 for the Americans, who beat the Aussies in the final for a third straight time. Sylvia Fowles tallied 13 points.
The U.S. used a 24-4 run, bridging the end of the first quarter and into the second. Lawson had the first six points of the spurt. Two free throws from Seimone Augustus capped the quarter for a 22-15 advantage.
Cappie Pondexter's bucket ended the big push for a 34-17 lead with six minutes left in the half."
Kara Lawson scored 15 points, making all five of her shots from the field, and the U.S. women's basketball team won its fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal by thrashing Australia, 92-65.
Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker each scored 14 for the Americans, who beat the Aussies in the final for a third straight time. Sylvia Fowles tallied 13 points.
The U.S. used a 24-4 run, bridging the end of the first quarter and into the second. Lawson had the first six points of the spurt. Two free throws from Seimone Augustus capped the quarter for a 22-15 advantage.
Cappie Pondexter's bucket ended the big push for a 34-17 lead with six minutes left in the half."
Jankovic has eyes on first slam - Breaking News - Fox Sports
Read More Here: "The knock on the world No.2 Jankovic continues to be her failure to breakthrough at a grand slam.
The 23-year-old Serbian has yet to reach a final in the 20 grand slam appearances and despite going deep into just about every tournament this year she has just one win on her resume.
She blames that in part on injuries.
'I am working very hard and some of the things don't happen overnight,'' she said. 'You can't get your endurance and your strength back in a few days. I will keep working hard and we will see what happens.''
In the semi-finals of the French Open, Jankovic appeared to be headed to victory when she was up 2-0 in the third set before losing to countrywoman Ana Ivanovic."
The 23-year-old Serbian has yet to reach a final in the 20 grand slam appearances and despite going deep into just about every tournament this year she has just one win on her resume.
She blames that in part on injuries.
'I am working very hard and some of the things don't happen overnight,'' she said. 'You can't get your endurance and your strength back in a few days. I will keep working hard and we will see what happens.''
In the semi-finals of the French Open, Jankovic appeared to be headed to victory when she was up 2-0 in the third set before losing to countrywoman Ana Ivanovic."
Catherine Bennett: After Olympic euphoria, normal service will be resumed | Comment is free | The Observer
Read More Here: "After two weeks which abounded with unforgettable moments of surpassing joy, one event still stands out. How long has it been since any of us witnessed a reversal of British mediocrity on this inspirational scale? To hear John Major introduced on the Today programme as 'the father of the lottery' (presumably because anyone under 12 refuses to believe he could ever, really, have been allowed into Downing Street), and thus the author of our Olympic triumphs, was yet another golden moment when you appreciated how much this country has changed since benighted, medal-starved 1996.
All credit, too, to the BBC for reminding us, with this otherwise mystifying tribute to the father of the cones hotline, that the money which goes to create Britain's new sporting elite is largely generated by the gallant members of Team Lottery, most of whom are unlikely, given their doomed attachment to luck, ever to develop the kind of willpower that is acclaimed in successful athletes."
All credit, too, to the BBC for reminding us, with this otherwise mystifying tribute to the father of the cones hotline, that the money which goes to create Britain's new sporting elite is largely generated by the gallant members of Team Lottery, most of whom are unlikely, given their doomed attachment to luck, ever to develop the kind of willpower that is acclaimed in successful athletes."
Jamaica Gleaner News - IAAF boss praises Jamaica's performance - Sunday | August 24, 2008
Read More Here: "Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer
BEIJING: LAMINE DIACK, president of the IAAF, has described Jamaica's performance at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad as 'wonderful'.
Diack also said he was not surprised by the island's fantastic form on the track.
'It did not surprise me, because I was a 15-year-old in 1948 when Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley beat the Americans in the 400m,' Diack said.
McKenley, who was favoured to win the event, finished second behind Wint.
Diack also made reference of the 1952 mile relay quartet, which included Wint and McKenley, Les Laing and George Rhoden, which beat the Americans.
Diack also spoke of Jamaica's high standard at the school level."
BEIJING: LAMINE DIACK, president of the IAAF, has described Jamaica's performance at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad as 'wonderful'.
Diack also said he was not surprised by the island's fantastic form on the track.
'It did not surprise me, because I was a 15-year-old in 1948 when Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley beat the Americans in the 400m,' Diack said.
McKenley, who was favoured to win the event, finished second behind Wint.
Diack also made reference of the 1952 mile relay quartet, which included Wint and McKenley, Les Laing and George Rhoden, which beat the Americans.
Diack also spoke of Jamaica's high standard at the school level."
News - IOL Sport: Face it, we're not a great sporting nation
Read More Here: "Beijing - If, as seems likely, Team SA returns from the Beijing Olympics with only one solitary medal, the country will have to face up to one inconvenient and painful truth: South Africa no longer has the right to call itself a great sporting nation.
For as much as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) might have praised Team SA during the past two weeks for breaking African records and setting personal bests, it is only too aware that it's medals that are the mark of Olympic success.
As Sifiso Nhlapo - one of the few South African podium contenders - hit the ground and crashed out of the medals in the final of the BMX competition on Friday, the wailing and gnashing of teeth by the assembled Team SA officials rent the morning air: 'That was our medal,' keened Hajera Kajee, who leads the team at the games."
For as much as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) might have praised Team SA during the past two weeks for breaking African records and setting personal bests, it is only too aware that it's medals that are the mark of Olympic success.
As Sifiso Nhlapo - one of the few South African podium contenders - hit the ground and crashed out of the medals in the final of the BMX competition on Friday, the wailing and gnashing of teeth by the assembled Team SA officials rent the morning air: 'That was our medal,' keened Hajera Kajee, who leads the team at the games."
Thursday, 21 August 2008
The Electric New Paper, Singapore - The Electric New Paper News
Read More Here: "SWIMMER Michael Phelps was worth about $3 million ($4.25 million) in sponsorship deals before he won a record-breaking eight gold medals in Beijing.
Click to see larger image
HOT: Phelps leads his heat in the men's 100m butterfly at the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Nebraska last month. PICTURE: REUTERS
He now could eventually be worth US$100m ($141m), his agent, Mr Peter Carlisle, 40, told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.
'What is the value of eight golds in Beijing before a prime-time audience in the US?' asked Carlisle.
'I'd say US$100 million dollars over the course of his lifetime.'
Marketing experts agreed and said the 23-year-old American, who is now the most successful Olympian with a total of 11 gold medals over the years, will become the richest professional swimmer ever, far surpassing the money earned by the former most decorated US swimmer, Mark Spitz.
'He's the greatest Olympian in the world and he'll be able to earn money everywhere as he's an international brand,' Australia-based celebrity agent Max Markson told Reuters.
'He's a billion-dollar man. He won't have to get a job ever.
'He can live off this for 50 years.'"
Click to see larger image
HOT: Phelps leads his heat in the men's 100m butterfly at the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Nebraska last month. PICTURE: REUTERS
He now could eventually be worth US$100m ($141m), his agent, Mr Peter Carlisle, 40, told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.
'What is the value of eight golds in Beijing before a prime-time audience in the US?' asked Carlisle.
'I'd say US$100 million dollars over the course of his lifetime.'
Marketing experts agreed and said the 23-year-old American, who is now the most successful Olympian with a total of 11 gold medals over the years, will become the richest professional swimmer ever, far surpassing the money earned by the former most decorated US swimmer, Mark Spitz.
'He's the greatest Olympian in the world and he'll be able to earn money everywhere as he's an international brand,' Australia-based celebrity agent Max Markson told Reuters.
'He's a billion-dollar man. He won't have to get a job ever.
'He can live off this for 50 years.'"
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Cheerleading's Risky Lack of Rules - TIME
Read More Here: "Cheerleading is by far the most perilous sport for female athletes in high school and college, accounting for as much as two-thirds of severe school-sports injuries over the past 25 years, according to a new report. Yet cheerleading remains one of the least-regulated sports, despite more than 95,000 high school girls and 2,000 boys signing up for spirit squads nationwide each year."
Olympic team name is a telling sign of ‘GB’ political dynamics - Kevin Myers, Columnists - Independent.ie
Read More Here: "BY SKILFUL manipulation of the remote control, aided by Peking being on the far side of the world, and with most of the events occurring when I am asleep, I am largely unaware of what has been happening in the Olympic Games.
To be sure, I catch an odd glimpse, as one might when one passes a slit in the wall of the circus big-top. Over the airwaves, I hear the occasional British voice quivering with ecstasy that a plucky pair from Stenhuisebeath or Cowdenmuir have won silver in the Mixed Colonic Irrigation, or that BRITAIN HAS GOT GOLD IN THE FOUR BY FOUR CHEESEGRATING! But otherwise my submarine contemplations of this sodden summer have been untroubled by matters Pekingese."
To be sure, I catch an odd glimpse, as one might when one passes a slit in the wall of the circus big-top. Over the airwaves, I hear the occasional British voice quivering with ecstasy that a plucky pair from Stenhuisebeath or Cowdenmuir have won silver in the Mixed Colonic Irrigation, or that BRITAIN HAS GOT GOLD IN THE FOUR BY FOUR CHEESEGRATING! But otherwise my submarine contemplations of this sodden summer have been untroubled by matters Pekingese."
Monday, 18 August 2008
FOXNews.com - Bush Calls Phelps to Congratulate Record-Breaking Olympic Medalist - Politics | Republican Party | Democratic Party | Political Spectrum
Read More Here: "WASHINGTON — President Bush called U.S. Olympic champion Michael Phelps on Sunday morning to offer the nation's congratulations to the record-breaking Olympian.
Phelps earned eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing, eclipsing Mark Spitz's seven-gold performance at the 1972 Munich Games. That's 14 gold medals total in Phelps' career, five more than any Olympian ever.
Bush called the 23-year-old Baltimore, Md., resident hours after his final relay race with three teammates, National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said."
Phelps earned eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing, eclipsing Mark Spitz's seven-gold performance at the 1972 Munich Games. That's 14 gold medals total in Phelps' career, five more than any Olympian ever.
Bush called the 23-year-old Baltimore, Md., resident hours after his final relay race with three teammates, National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said."
Saturday, 16 August 2008
Welsh swimming star David Davies this afternoon qualified for the men's 1,500 metres freestyle final in the Beijing Olympics - but his time took every
Read More Here: "Welsh swimming star David Davies this afternoon qualified for the men's 1,500 metres freestyle final in the Beijing Olympics - but his time took everyone by surprise.
Davies was only seventh fastest time for Sunday's final after finishing third in his heat.
Team mate Richard Charlesworth missed out after finishing seventh in Davies's heat."
Davies was only seventh fastest time for Sunday's final after finishing third in his heat.
Team mate Richard Charlesworth missed out after finishing seventh in Davies's heat."
Evansville hires arena consultants : Local News : Evansville Courier Press
Read More Here: "Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel announced today the selection of a construction consultant, architect and financial adviser to follow up on the recommendations made by the Roberts Stadium Advisory Board.
According to a news release sent Friday afternoon by the city: 'They will assist the city in evaluating the feasibility of a new multi-purpose arena, and provide input and analysis on five key questions: what should be built, what are the advantages and challenges of potential building sites, when could an arena be completed, what the cost would be and how would we pay for it. The advisors also will review the availability of parking and traffic flow.'"
According to a news release sent Friday afternoon by the city: 'They will assist the city in evaluating the feasibility of a new multi-purpose arena, and provide input and analysis on five key questions: what should be built, what are the advantages and challenges of potential building sites, when could an arena be completed, what the cost would be and how would we pay for it. The advisors also will review the availability of parking and traffic flow.'"
Olympian Helen bows out despite British record-breaking performance (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)
Read More Here: "Penwortham’s Helen Clitheroe failed to qualify for the Olympic final of the 3000 metres this afternoon despite a heroic performance in Beijing.
Helen, who is a member of the Preston Harriers club after starting her career there as a junior, produced a career best time, and smashed the British record, but finished only sixth in her heat.
Speaking to BBC Sport straight after the race, Helen refused to be too downbeat: ”I was so excited before the race and I saw my husband waving his flag in the crowd at the start which I thought was a good omen.
“You can't ask for any more than a personal best at the Olympics can you?'"
Helen, who is a member of the Preston Harriers club after starting her career there as a junior, produced a career best time, and smashed the British record, but finished only sixth in her heat.
Speaking to BBC Sport straight after the race, Helen refused to be too downbeat: ”I was so excited before the race and I saw my husband waving his flag in the crowd at the start which I thought was a good omen.
“You can't ask for any more than a personal best at the Olympics can you?'"
Phelps: "I want to change the sport of swimming" (Feature)
Read More Here: "Beijing - After becoming the greatest Olympian of all time with 13 gold medals and tying Mark Spitz's record of winning seven gold medals at one Olympic Games and still having the chance of breaking that record, Michael Phelps could be excused for running out of goals.
On Saturday, the 23-year-old managed to win the 100m butterfly event by the smallest of margins, beating Serbian Milorad Cavic by one hundredth of a second with a time of 50.58."
On Saturday, the 23-year-old managed to win the 100m butterfly event by the smallest of margins, beating Serbian Milorad Cavic by one hundredth of a second with a time of 50.58."
Steve Kelley | Margaret Hoelzer wins silver in backstroke | Seattle Times Newspaper
Read More Here:"BEIJING — She lost the race to her longtime friend and former teammate. Lost her world record as well.
Margaret Hoelzer dramatically pulled herself through the last 50 meters like she has in so many big races for so many years, but she wasn't fast enough to catch Kirsty Coventry in the 200-meter backstroke final.
Hoelzer won silver Saturday morning and, unlike so many scenes we've already witnessed at these Olympics, she didn't break down in tears at the thought of second place. She didn't walk through the mixed zone with a towel over her head, a sign to reporters to stay away.
She smiled and celebrated and understood the immensity of her accomplishment."
Margaret Hoelzer dramatically pulled herself through the last 50 meters like she has in so many big races for so many years, but she wasn't fast enough to catch Kirsty Coventry in the 200-meter backstroke final.
Hoelzer won silver Saturday morning and, unlike so many scenes we've already witnessed at these Olympics, she didn't break down in tears at the thought of second place. She didn't walk through the mixed zone with a towel over her head, a sign to reporters to stay away.
She smiled and celebrated and understood the immensity of her accomplishment."
Friday, 15 August 2008
Sporting News - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball and Fantasy Sports score
Read More Here: "Outside of basketball, I've never really watched much of the Olympics.
In fact, a trip out of town this past weekend to the house of Olympics-crazed relatives of mine led me to watch more non-basketball Olympics in a two-day span than I had previously accumulated over the course of my entire life.
I'm not sure I'll watch too much more of the competition (aside from basketball and maybe a little baseball and/or softball), but I did sorta enjoy some of what I saw. Mike Phelps' domination has been like some type of cross between that of the original Dream Team and Tiger Woods. I've also watched some sports I've found semi-entertaining, like team handball (Why aren't there pro leagues for this? Are there? Anyone?). Some of the water sports have had their moments, too."
In fact, a trip out of town this past weekend to the house of Olympics-crazed relatives of mine led me to watch more non-basketball Olympics in a two-day span than I had previously accumulated over the course of my entire life.
I'm not sure I'll watch too much more of the competition (aside from basketball and maybe a little baseball and/or softball), but I did sorta enjoy some of what I saw. Mike Phelps' domination has been like some type of cross between that of the original Dream Team and Tiger Woods. I've also watched some sports I've found semi-entertaining, like team handball (Why aren't there pro leagues for this? Are there? Anyone?). Some of the water sports have had their moments, too."
BBC NEWS | Business | Speedo makes waves at Olympics
Read More Here: "Speedo has been making waves at the Beijing Olympics but the swimwear brand is not just causing ripples in the Water Cube, it is also creating a stir in the world of sponsorship.
Rival brands have accused the firm of psychologically pressurising athletes to wear its latest swimsuit suit while coaches have attacked Speedo for sapping morale.
Meanwhile a rival company, California's TYR Sport, has even mounted legal action - taking Speedo to the US courts accusing it of conducting a monopoly and false advertising."
Rival brands have accused the firm of psychologically pressurising athletes to wear its latest swimsuit suit while coaches have attacked Speedo for sapping morale.
Meanwhile a rival company, California's TYR Sport, has even mounted legal action - taking Speedo to the US courts accusing it of conducting a monopoly and false advertising."
Bloomberg.com: Muse Arts
Read More Here: "David Beckham poses in Armani underwear, flexing his perfect abs. Bare-chested Thierry Henry models for Tommy Hilfiger. French rugby players lounge naked. And body odor wafts through the rooms.
Literally: A bio-engineered smell of sweat is regularly pumped through the exhibition's final section to give a sense of the human body among the mannequins. Until I found out, I assumed my fellow visitors were a particularly stinky bunch.
Welcome to ``Fashion V Sport'' at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, a look at the interaction between fashion and sport, and how they feed off each other in clothing design.
With sections named ``Desire,'' ``Dare,'' ``Display,'' and ``Play,'' this is fundamentally a standard mannequin show, and the curating is by no means breathtaking. It has many small, ill-lit and awkwardly placed labels. Some read more like gushing public-relations blurbs than critical appraisals."
Literally: A bio-engineered smell of sweat is regularly pumped through the exhibition's final section to give a sense of the human body among the mannequins. Until I found out, I assumed my fellow visitors were a particularly stinky bunch.
Welcome to ``Fashion V Sport'' at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, a look at the interaction between fashion and sport, and how they feed off each other in clothing design.
With sections named ``Desire,'' ``Dare,'' ``Display,'' and ``Play,'' this is fundamentally a standard mannequin show, and the curating is by no means breathtaking. It has many small, ill-lit and awkwardly placed labels. Some read more like gushing public-relations blurbs than critical appraisals."
Michael Phelps wins gold despite goggles fiasco - Times Online
Read More Here: "A schoolboy error came close to costing the phenomenon that is Michael Phelps a fortune yesterday as his goggles filled with water and left him effectively to swim blind to win his fourth gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.
The United States swimmer is on course for the so-called 'great eight' at the Water Cube, but failure in the 200 metres butterfly could have cost him the $1 million (about �530,000) bonus pledged to him by Speedo if his gold-medal haul tallies with the seven won by Mark Spitz, a compatriot, in 1972.
Phelps, who still set a world record, finishing in 1min 52.03sec, blamed no one but himself for an error seen at the local pool on a daily basis but rarely, if ever, in an Olympic final. Tackled by The Times yesterday, Phelps said: “I don't know what happened. It just kept getting worse and worse through the race and I was having trouble seeing the walls. I wanted to go 1:51 or better, but for the circumstances I guess it's not too bad.”"
The United States swimmer is on course for the so-called 'great eight' at the Water Cube, but failure in the 200 metres butterfly could have cost him the $1 million (about �530,000) bonus pledged to him by Speedo if his gold-medal haul tallies with the seven won by Mark Spitz, a compatriot, in 1972.
Phelps, who still set a world record, finishing in 1min 52.03sec, blamed no one but himself for an error seen at the local pool on a daily basis but rarely, if ever, in an Olympic final. Tackled by The Times yesterday, Phelps said: “I don't know what happened. It just kept getting worse and worse through the race and I was having trouble seeing the walls. I wanted to go 1:51 or better, but for the circumstances I guess it's not too bad.”"
Olympic-sized sex records / The Olympics may never recognize sex as sport, but Violet Blue offers up records that 'go for the gold'
Read More Here: "Athletic agony, competitive madness and hoping for the gold when all you got was a bronze — sounds like a typical night at the Power Exchange to me. It's clear that sex is in and of itself sporting, but while men's magazines abound with sports and gamesmanship euphemisms, and some of us girls brag about our conquests' endurance records, there will never be an official global sexual Olympics. Not for lack of trying, of course."
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
NBC fails to show Michael Phelps record-breaking swim | FoxSports - Fox Sports
NBC fails to show Michael Phelps record-breaking swim | FoxSports - Fox Sports: "The juggeranut network haggled with Olympic authorities and other networks around the world for several years to have the swimming finals moved to the mornings to cater for the US prime time television audience.
At one stage, NBC threatened to withdraw their nine figure rights deal if the finals were not switched to mornings."
At one stage, NBC threatened to withdraw their nine figure rights deal if the finals were not switched to mornings."
Sunday, 10 August 2008
TheMat.com - The Official Website of USA Wrestling
Read More Here: "BEIJING, China - We;ve flown halfway around the world, gotten signed in and credentialed at all of the places we�re supposed to, the Olympians have done the media obligation thing, and Opening Ceremonies kicked off the competitions.
For many people, all of the excitement has just begun. For us, the distractions will be falling to the side and stop getting in the way of our practice routine. We finally get to come together at the same place at the same time twice a day like we're used to doing. It�s amazing the difference one day can make for our bodies and the effects of jet lag.
The Olympians got their timing and power back for our second mat practice yesterday morning. Next week the Greco guys compete, with us to follow. All that's left is for us to do our thing. We'll keep the Olympians sharp, cheer on our Greco team, make weight, and compete.
The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has created an American oasis here in the middle of Beijing and the hustle and bustle of the Olympics. It's as if they've picked up the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and transplanted it here in China."
For many people, all of the excitement has just begun. For us, the distractions will be falling to the side and stop getting in the way of our practice routine. We finally get to come together at the same place at the same time twice a day like we're used to doing. It�s amazing the difference one day can make for our bodies and the effects of jet lag.
The Olympians got their timing and power back for our second mat practice yesterday morning. Next week the Greco guys compete, with us to follow. All that's left is for us to do our thing. We'll keep the Olympians sharp, cheer on our Greco team, make weight, and compete.
The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has created an American oasis here in the middle of Beijing and the hustle and bustle of the Olympics. It's as if they've picked up the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and transplanted it here in China."
Record-breaking Rice claims first Aussie gold - New Zealand's source for sport, rugby, cricket & league news on Stuff.co.nz
Read More Here: "Stephanie Rice has broken the world record in the 400m individual medley to win Australia's first gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
Rice slashed 1.67 seconds off American Katie Hoff's world mark in stopping the clock at 4 minutes 29.45 seconds.
She celebrated by lifting her arm in the air as she won Australia's 400th summer Olympic medal.
Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe also swam under the previous record to win silver in 4:29.89, while Hoff had to settle for bronze in 4:31.71."
Rice slashed 1.67 seconds off American Katie Hoff's world mark in stopping the clock at 4 minutes 29.45 seconds.
She celebrated by lifting her arm in the air as she won Australia's 400th summer Olympic medal.
Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe also swam under the previous record to win silver in 4:29.89, while Hoff had to settle for bronze in 4:31.71."
Breaking News: U.S. field hockey squad ties Argentina | Sports | citizensvoice.com | The Citizens' Voice
Read More Here: "Making its first Olympic appearance in 12 years, the United States field hockey team rallied for a 2-2 tie with a powerful Argentina squad in the opener of pool play Sunday in Beijing.
Harrisburg native Angie Loy scored the tying goal with 6:07 left in the game. A long shot by defender Kelly Doton from the left side of the field was redirected by Carrie Lingo just inside the circle and pushed into the cage by Loy at the far post.
Selinsgrove graduate Keli Smith also scored for the United States. Carla Rebecchi scored two first-half goals for Argentina."
Harrisburg native Angie Loy scored the tying goal with 6:07 left in the game. A long shot by defender Kelly Doton from the left side of the field was redirected by Carrie Lingo just inside the circle and pushed into the cage by Loy at the far post.
Selinsgrove graduate Keli Smith also scored for the United States. Carla Rebecchi scored two first-half goals for Argentina."
TheMat.com - The Official Website of USA Wrestling
Read More Here: "BEIJING, CHINA - Daniel Cormier (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC), who competes at 96 kg/211.5 lbs., has been voted by his teammates as the captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team.
Cormier is competing in his second Olympic Games, after placing fourth at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. He is the only member of the freestyle team who has previously competed in an Olympic Games.
'Any time you are chosen by your teammates, who are your peers, it is a big honor,' said Cormier. 'I consider this an honor and a privilege to be the captain of an Olympic team. It means so much to me. I respect what they think. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. This is so special.'
Cormier has represented the United States at 96 kg at every World Championships and Olympic Games since 2003. Last year, Cormier won his first World-level medal when he captured a bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The honor bestowed upon Cormier by his peers has helped give him an extra edge in his training, according to his coaches."
Cormier is competing in his second Olympic Games, after placing fourth at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. He is the only member of the freestyle team who has previously competed in an Olympic Games.
'Any time you are chosen by your teammates, who are your peers, it is a big honor,' said Cormier. 'I consider this an honor and a privilege to be the captain of an Olympic team. It means so much to me. I respect what they think. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. This is so special.'
Cormier has represented the United States at 96 kg at every World Championships and Olympic Games since 2003. Last year, Cormier won his first World-level medal when he captured a bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The honor bestowed upon Cormier by his peers has helped give him an extra edge in his training, according to his coaches."
AFP: Canadian champion back after breaking both legs
Read More Here: "BEIJING (AFP) — After returning from a horrific training injury that broke both his legs last year, Canadian Kyle Shewfelt could be forgiven for thinking that his very presence in Beijing is an achievement in itself.
Instead the defending floor exercise champion was promising to improve his performance after scoring a relatively modest 15.525 points on his chosen apparatus.
'I looked at the score and I thought it was a little bit low,' said the 26-year-old, who spent three months in a wheelchair last year after his accident in the lead-up to the world championships in Stuttgart.
'I think the judges need to recognise and reward someone who pays attention to the smallest of details, that's what makes gymnastics such a popular sport and so beautiful.'
Shewfelt credited his teammates with his remarkable comeback and said he would not let his disappointing opening score prey on his mind.
'You guys talk about my comeback, it was these guys who made it happen,' he told reporters."
Instead the defending floor exercise champion was promising to improve his performance after scoring a relatively modest 15.525 points on his chosen apparatus.
'I looked at the score and I thought it was a little bit low,' said the 26-year-old, who spent three months in a wheelchair last year after his accident in the lead-up to the world championships in Stuttgart.
'I think the judges need to recognise and reward someone who pays attention to the smallest of details, that's what makes gymnastics such a popular sport and so beautiful.'
Shewfelt credited his teammates with his remarkable comeback and said he would not let his disappointing opening score prey on his mind.
'You guys talk about my comeback, it was these guys who made it happen,' he told reporters."
ESPN - Breaking down Phelps, stroke by stroke - Olympics
Read More Here: "BEIJING -- Michael Phelps isn't just the best swimmer in the world, he's the most versatile. He's the world-record holder in the two events that include all four strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. And he's world class in three of the four strokes individually.
What makes Phelps so good? ESPN.com asked his coach, Bob Bowman, to break him down by each discipline.
Butterfly
Phelps owns the five fastest times in history in the 200 fly and five of the top 10 in the 100. Yet he's done it by breaking one of the long-standing butterfly tenets: He breathes every stroke, barely lifting his chin above surface level. For years, coaches drilled their butterfliers to breathe every two or three strokes."
What makes Phelps so good? ESPN.com asked his coach, Bob Bowman, to break him down by each discipline.
Butterfly
Phelps owns the five fastest times in history in the 200 fly and five of the top 10 in the 100. Yet he's done it by breaking one of the long-standing butterfly tenets: He breathes every stroke, barely lifting his chin above surface level. For years, coaches drilled their butterfliers to breathe every two or three strokes."
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Spain expects Olympic glory after Euro win_English_Xinhua
Read More Here: "After the jinx-breaking Euro 2008 victory and some fantastic win at some of the top sports events, now it's time for the Iberians to achieve more at the 2008 Beijing Olympics to enhance their status as a strong sporting nation.
The Spanish delegation marched into the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Friday night, with heads held high.
One month before the Olympics, Spain broke all the jinxes to clinch the Euro 2008 crown. Its convincing attacking football was hailed by most of the global media and expectations have risen for the their Olympic tour."
The Spanish delegation marched into the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Friday night, with heads held high.
One month before the Olympics, Spain broke all the jinxes to clinch the Euro 2008 crown. Its convincing attacking football was hailed by most of the global media and expectations have risen for the their Olympic tour."
SPECTACULAR START TO BEIJING GAMES | Sporting Life - Sports News | Olympics, Football Transfer News, Live Football Scores, Racing News and Results
Read More Here: "It began and ended in a blaze of fire and at times it seemed to go on longer than the Great Wall itself.
Yet even those not into the tradition and pageantry of Olympic opening ceremonies could not help but be impressed by China's four-hour marathon.
From the cool of 2,008 Fou drummers to the culture of Confucius to the control of kung-fu fighters, to a jaw-dropping lighting of the Olympic flame it was undeniably spectacular, containing all the choreographed dance routines we have come to expect from such events.
And, with 90 world leaders looking on, including American president George Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, but not Britain's Gordon Brown who will attend the closing ceremony, the spotlight picked out a small figure in a sober suit."
Yet even those not into the tradition and pageantry of Olympic opening ceremonies could not help but be impressed by China's four-hour marathon.
From the cool of 2,008 Fou drummers to the culture of Confucius to the control of kung-fu fighters, to a jaw-dropping lighting of the Olympic flame it was undeniably spectacular, containing all the choreographed dance routines we have come to expect from such events.
And, with 90 world leaders looking on, including American president George Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, but not Britain's Gordon Brown who will attend the closing ceremony, the spotlight picked out a small figure in a sober suit."
Why watching the Olympics is torture for me - Salon Olympics Daily - Salon
Read More Here: "Everyone's excited about the Olympics. Marketing and endless hype have all good Americans whipped up into a frenzy of competition gluttony and 'Go USA' zeal. And of course it isn't all hype: There's a lot to get excited about. Will 41-year-old Dara Torres strike gold in her record-breaking fifth Olympics, making 40 the new 20 once and for all? Will Michael Phelps become the winningest swimmer in history? Will the U.S. women's gymnastics team beat the Chinese, a repeat of the last World Championships? Or will the Chinese topple America's darlings, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, proving their country's mettle and worthiness? How will the U.S. men's gymnastics team perform without their leader, Paul Hamm, the 2004 Olympic champion? Who will be crowned the World's Fastest Human after the most anticipated 100-meter race in years? And lest we forget, who will test positive for steroids?"
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