London 2012 Olympics

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Well we don't really have anywhere to talk about the Olympics yet (good or bad) - though we've had a thread about the infrastructure, nothing really yet about the actual games

So here it is! A place to talk about anything Olympic related

I see Team GB Football has a final warm up match tonight against Brazil (pre-tournament favourites) - who thought that up? If we have ANY thoughts of progressing in the tournament, is it really wise to play the pre-tourney favourites less than a week before the start?

Smacks of promo material only, and not a wise sporting decision - I understand we are 1-0 down already - is it being shown anywhere?

I went to the Eventing cross-country in Greenwich Park yesterday and it was brilliant - with one or two hiccups. Firstly the gates were supposed to open at 8.30am and so we were there about 8.20 with around 200 people waiting in front of us. We waited and waited - and then a policeman (from Manchester force) came and told us there was a computer glitch and the gates would open at 9. He was the only one to have the initiative to tell us what was going on (all the Olympic staff in their uniforms were just standing around looking lost).

Once inside (the security checks by the Marines were excellent - I would have preferred to be body checked by a young man rather than a woman but you can't have everything ) there were no programmes specific to the event - no horse and rider profiles, no course plan with details of the various jumps and their alternative routes, just a photocopied sheet with the order the riders were to go in and then, much later, a simple course plan with the jump numbers on but no details. The course, as I expected (I know the park well as I live nearby) was VERY hilly and played havoc with my hips and knees but we managed to walk virtually all the way round. Then we found a couple of seats in one of the public stands (well marshalled by some of the staff who made sure there were no empty ones and that people moved up to make way for other people) for about half an hour which helped. We eventually managed to find a space on the ground opposite one of the big screens and near to one of the combination fences and stayed there for the rest of the day, cheering all the British riders as they went past.

The food (fish & chips for us) was good and not too expensive, the drinks were very pricey and long queues, the ladies loos started to block up by 10.30 but apart from that it was a great day, the rain stayed away and I got wind burn on my face!

Great news that we won team silver today (I knew those pesky Germans would beat us) and now for the individual medals.

I'll go with that Diggers because I remember Sharon Davies as a kid and the times she was doing. She then grew up a bit and discovered boys (Lots) and has since turned into a bit of male swimmers groupie, after she got through the athletics community first. She also looks like she's not only had her teets done, but her face is looking a bit tighty angly too

Speaking of which .. I reckon Sue Barker has been under the knife again...

Doc, we were saying that as well, a very natuarlly pretty girl who sadly cant handle getting old. Clearly she was correct to have the boob job though.....

Makes me wish I could swim as i must be the only swimmer never to have had her I did start jogging a few years back but Derek Redmond got into her before me, and since then she's been around the block a bit .... I'm so unfit now I'd have trouble catching Paula Radcliffe

Sharon Davies has recently moved into a house just down the road from our golf club. Haven't seen her on the premises yet, although she has been out and about supporting some of the local charities. Shame that she's gone for the frozen face look though.

Doc - the lad who was arrested has posted numerous insulting and threatening tweets to various people in the past. Unfortunately for him, the publicity over the Daly tweet brought his account to the attention of the Police. Although I think his street cred may have diminished by being arrested at a Guest House in Weymouth - not exactly cutting edge!

Well folks Doc is predicting a gold rush today I'm hoping Wiggins and Froome take gold and silver, plus expect gold with the rowers at Eton. We also have a chance in the pool tonight too, especially with the 2 lads who made the final and broke british and english records getting there, and qualifying in 1st and 3rd. I also see we have a chance in the relays tonight as well. Hopefully the media will then leave team GB alone Ainsley might also get another gold today too.

Gold for the girls at Eton Dorney

LP - sounds like you had a great day out at the eventing. Good to be part of history!

Pleased to hear that the 8 lady badminton players, who all tried to lose their match so that they were in the easier part of the draw, have been thrown out of the games.

Fingers crossed that the first Gold will now start an avalanche!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19050139

Just for fun but made me a bit angry. BBC sports compare your body type to see which Olympics athlete you resemble. Apparently there's some Estonian munter called Anzela Vorinova who has the same build as me - gutted I was at least hoping to resemble a fella

I tried this Doc. I'm Casanova, knew that all along

My bubble was burst when I found out SHE was an Italian Water Polo player who probably is the horse in water polo.

Luckily there's a Romanian judo competitor called Daniel Brata for me to pretend to be like instead.

Can someone please tell me why team GB are putting up with the petulant Phillips Idowu. He's not even contacted his own coach for 2-weeks, never mind Van Conomi and the team GB coaches. He never arrived in Portugal for the team programme, and I find his behaviour should warrent a kick up the arse and off the team. I don't care that he's a medal candidate, He's a discgrace as he thinks himself bigger than the team..
Van Conomi says he doesn't know if he'll turn up, or if he's fit as he's not sent any medical documentation as requested, they don't even know where he will be sleeping if he turns up. If this behaviour is allowed without sanction, then what message does it send out to the rest of team GB

Doc - I'd drop him like a ton of bricks and let someone else into the team. Time to show him that this arrogant behaviour is not to be tolerated. He should be stripped of all funding and any other financial support (and any other honours he might have been awarded) and left to rot in the gutter where he belongs.

LadyPutt wrote:Doc - I'd drop him like a ton of bricks and let someone else into the team. Time to show him that this arrogant behaviour is not to be tolerated. He should be stripped of all funding and any other financial support (and any other honours he might have been awarded) and left to rot in the gutter where he belongs.

Maybe the headband covers a zip, where his coach can remove his small brain - coach forgot to put it back in, so may not be his fault after all I do agree about his lottery funding, as this was put in place to ensure elite athletes are encouraged to train/strive and win medals instead of struggling. He's ripped off the country, just like the banks and should be sanctioned.(Or Sectioned)

Thats a bit strong LP. Whilst I find his actions bizarre there is nobody else that made the qualifying so no one can take his place, he isn't affecting anyone else at all with his actions other than himself.
CVC is just as bad, he has conducted a lot of this spat in the public domain when he didnt need to and indeed shouldnt have done so, its certainly made the breakdown in communication even worse.
Im pretty gutted about his injury as my ticket for the Games includes the triple jump final so I was looking forward to seeing a Brit win gold but that looks increasingly unlikely now.

diggers I accept that CVC and PI have history, but at a time like this PI should be thinking of the team and not personal retribution, whoever's at fault. He does the team no good, and whichever way you view this, there will be some unhappy members of team GB. PI should turn up and if fit do the event and win gold, because if he fails he will look stupid. The time for recriminations is after its all over, and I fear PI will not win against the head of performance for team GB, and so he shouldn't

Im not really sure what difference it makes to the team Doc. Its not a team event he is in, he trains away from the team most of the time anyway so its not liek they see each other all the time. He's always been an individual, and to be fair he usually gets the results.
Like I say if he turns up great but it really doesnt affect any other athletes if he doesnt show as if he didnt compete nobody else from GB would.

Go Wiggo !!!!

diggers wrote:Go Wiggo !!!!

Wiggins now becomes GB's most acomplished Olympian with the most medals ever. He should be knighted at some stage, because of his achievements this year alone, never mind the previous Olympics he's graced. he absoltley smashed everyone else again today to prove himself the supreme cyclist.

Good bronze from Froome too, but Team Sky take all 3 medals - brilliant. Only wish Cav could have won something as he's without doubt the fastest man on the planet.

Great swim last night for the breaststoker, who smashed the GB record yet again and was only beaten by a narrow margin, and to a new world record, to pick up silver.

Sir Chris Hoye and Vikky Pendleton get the ball rolling in the velodrome today, so we should start to see more medals as the cyclists take to the track. Dave Brailsford has tried to quash the high expectations a bit though this time, as some of the events have been lost, and the competition is going to be tougher this time. Everyone is gunning for the Brits as we saw in the road race.

More medal chances in the rowing as well today.

Two more gold medals - in "unfashionable" canoe slalom and trap shooting! How that lad held his nerve to win the shooting I'll never know. It was fantastic.

The media also have not caught on to the fact we are first and second individually and first in the team dressage competition with one more rider to go tomorrow. I love it when people win who are not expected to

Fantastic day yesterday, so hoping for more of the same today.

Dave Brailsford's cycling team is smashing the world still, and what a fantastic performance from Hoye, Kenny and Hinds to break the world record every time they rode. Fantastic boys, well done. Feel sorry for sticky Vicky as she was a banker for gold or silver, before being disqualified.

Doc...anyone would think you were really enjoying these games....
Have to say none of the transport issues you were worried about have happened, the whole thing is going remarkably smoothly and the sport is fantastic.
Would love to have got tickets for the velodrome as its absoloutly rocking in there. Now come on Jess !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Athletics stadium packed to the rafters for the first session , unreal its normally empty , cannot wait to get there.

diggers wrote:Doc...anyone would think you were really enjoying these games....
Have to say none of the transport issues you were worried about have happened, the whole thing is going remarkably smoothly and the sport is fantastic.
Would love to have got tickets for the velodrome as its absoloutly rocking in there. Now come on Jess !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diggs the transport system may buckle today and this weekend, but so far so good. I'm also admitting to being glued to the box every night this week, especially for the swimming. Wasn't really bothered about it until it started, now addicted. I thought I'd only be looking at the cycling, but have to say the fever has got to me, and would have loved to be in the 'pringle' for this.

I'm hoping these games showcase us in a better light around the world. So far so bloody good

Anyone any idea if we're on plan for medals, so far. I know we've won some we didn't plan on like judo, mens gymnastics etc, but lost out on some 'bankers' like Vicky Pendleton, Cavendish, plus maybe badminton etc.

I believe we were planning on 47 to beat the bejing total, 18 so far

Just creeped ahead of the predicted Doc, and better colours than were expected. So all on course, though whether we finish 3rd, 4rth or 6th Im not really that fussed. As long as the sport is great. Though ill be gutted if we dont have some decent athletics performances.

Excellent performance by the dressage team - 1st, 5th and 7th individually which puts us in 1st place in the team event at the moment. It all concludes next Tuesday.

Dressage (or indeed anything to do with horses) isn't my scene LP - but it's heartwarming to know they are doing well.

Great evening in the velodrome tonight too!

I've been surprised at how much stuff I've been watching, as I was not overly excited before the games started.

There was some discussion on the radio last night as to whether they should bring back a "Grandstand" type programme, so that people get to see some of these "minority" sports more regularly.

I'd be interested to hear how you London folks are finding things out and about. Have heard a few people saying that there is a definite change in the general mood, with everybody being more friendly than usual.

Let's be honest, it is not going to take a lot for everybody to be more friendly than usual...

I've tended to keep out of the way for the past week - working from home - but I've noticed things are much quieter in central London when I have taken the train into the office. I work in Covent Garden which is usually rammed with visitors and they were all there a couple of weeks ago but now it is pretty dead. I think everyone who lives and works in London has heeded the advice to keep away - and so have the normal tourists. And face it, if you've got tickets to any of the Olympic venues, you're not going to go into the West End for the theatre or shopping afterwards - you might go for a meal but that's it. Sadly I think LOCOG, and ghastly Boris and his train station announcements, went over the top with their warnings about millions of extra visitors and put people off.

As for the TV coverage, I've loved the cycling and rowing (as well as my favourite equestrian stuff) but am already feeling a sense of disappointment at the athletics. We seem to be failing at semi-final level. But good for Andy Murray in the tennis - two finals so guaranteed at least two more silver medals.

You can't be disappointed with the Athletics any more LP!

Jess was awesome, and we are currently leading in the long jump (that's a bit of a surprise I think) - and Mo Farrah about to start.

We could have 3 golds by the end of the evening (or at least two anyway)

What a sensational evening of athletics - totally amazing! So much pressure on Jessica Ennis as "the face of Games", and she certainly delivered. Had goosebumps when she was presented with her medal. Lovely to see Greg Rutherford spring a surprise in the long jump, and Mo was superb.

I got so carried away that I even thought Team GB might win the penalty shoot-out!

Mary_S wrote:I got so carried away that I even thought Team GB might win the penalty shoot-out!

I went down the same route Mary, but then............

True to form we carried on the tradition of losing in a penalty shoot out.

Least Sturridge will be able to learn first hand about how to turn that high profile miss into an advertising gain.

The football squad should be hanging their heads in shame. Roy would have been ridiculed if his team had been beaten by Korea. On a day when British athletes of all creeds excelled, we see a whimper from the most high paid non-athletes who only care about their Ferrari's. Our swimmers will be looking at themselves post games, but surely they did way better than these footballers.

100m final tonight. One to watch out for. I have a feeling we will witness something VERY special tonight

I think you may well be right on that one Davie! Looked like Bolt was barely breaking out of a jog in the semi-final.

Bolt ran something like 9.87, into a headwind in the semis - and he seemed to walk the last 25m. Yes he only qualified 3rd fastest, but easing up that much I think we could see an already incredible WR smashed. I just hope he doesn't destroy them after 60m and walk in the gold - I want to see him go FAST

Well it wasn't quite a WR but what an amazing performance from Bolt! It really was pretty special

A little Olympic-related story I thought was rather nice - this past weekend there has been a middle-aged Danish couple checked into the Bed and Breakfast attached to my local watering hole. It turns out they are the parents of a Danish athlete who won Gold in the double sculls (I think) at the weekend. A thoroughly lovely couple and the pride in their son's achievement was plain to see. I always thought it must be an amazing moment for the parents of any olympic athlete but to see it with my own eyes and to talk to these proud parents really brought it home to me

I'll admit to being a sceptic about this whole thing, but I have to say that the whole event has been amazing. I think that it's probably been the most enjoyable games since the ozz freindly games. Still problems with ticketing etc, but the thousands of people who have given up their time as 'gamesmakers' is a credit and deserve a massive thanks from us all. The crowds have been fantastic and friendly, the organisation so far has been a credit, and belive everyone taking part has had a great time. Well done all.

BBC Sports Personality of the year should have a seperate section for the games, as theres too many people to choose between for top honours. How can you choose the team award when theres Sky Pro Cyclist team who smashed the Tour De France. Team GB Cyclists again smashing world records and winning medals. The Rowers who have had their best ever medal haul. The gymnastics team who have won medals for the first time ever ........ The list is endless and thats before you include the individual people

Davie - great for you to be able to see close up what this means to the families, who provide so much support in the background.

Re. the volunteers, I read of one who is a Doctor, and he volunteered because he felt it would bring him full circle, as he had been one of those who tended to the injured after the London terrorist attack the day after we were awarded the games.

Latest news:

Sailing results are in, Brits take gold, usa take silver and somalia have taken a middle aged couple from weymouth

BlueCoverman wrote:Latest news:

Sailing results are in, Brits take gold, usa take silver and somalia have taken a middle aged couple from weymouth

Very good Blue, made me chuckle.

Anyone see the Algerian guy get thrown out for not trying in the 800m. He missed the deadline to withdraw and so had to start. He gave up after 200m and has now been ejected from all competition despite winning one of the 1500m semi finals. Bit harsh, especially as he was wanting to withdraw.

Ha ha - that's a good one Blue!

GG - hadn't heard about that, does seem rather harsh.

Gold for the show jumpers today.

I think the Algerian guy has been reinstated for the 1500m - quite rightly I think

If he has Davie that's good news for him. It's not as if he was trying to manipulate a result; he just didn't want to run it.

Was watching the girls, don't think they're old enough to be called women, gymnastics last night and saw the most wonderful piece of commentator's curse during the vault finals.

The US sweetheart of NBC, Mckayla Maroney, was a clear favourite for the gold medal. She had taken part in the team competition and only took part in the vault. She had performed this amazing skill and had beaten the other competitors by a mile. She was going in the penultimate position. The commentators were being bitchy and snidey about the other girls especially the ones that fell over on landing and there were a few. One even face planted. The commentators continue in that vein saying the rest are going for second place and they know it. No one is as good as her etc.

Her first vault is okay by her standards, not the best but puts her in the lead. Here's the vault that will seal it for her say the commentators and she promptly fell on her arse as she landed. Cue gobsmacked utterances and I can't believe that just happened from them.

One girl to go and they're almost willing her to fail but she does a great first attempt to take the lead. The second seals it. The stony faced reception she got from the commentators, because she had the audacity to beat the golden girl, was amazing. There was definitely a stunned disbelief that the unthinkable had happened. Very funny

What is the matter with our athletes? We seem to be doing fine on two wheels, four legs and on water, but when it comes to competing on two legs - apart from Jess Ennis, Mo Farrah and the lad in the long jump (sorry, can't remember his name) and of course Andy Murray (which wasn't an athletics event anyway) - we are pretty dire ... and there were such high hopes for medals.

1GG - the US commentators must be a joy to listen to!

LadyPutt wrote:What is the matter with our athletes? We seem to be doing fine on two wheels, four legs and on water, but when it comes to competing on two legs - apart from Jess Ennis, Mo Farrah and the lad in the long jump (sorry, can't remember his name) and of course Andy Murray (which wasn't an athletics event anyway) - we are pretty dire ... and there were such high hopes for medals.

1GG - the US commentators must be a joy to listen to!

LP read my comments in the 'off topic' section, because like you I'm bemused and a little annoyed.