Watching the Olympics

[Greji]

It's good to see someone else win once in a while, but are the softball players going to become the new Arakawa Shizukas of these games, and their victory will be replayed over and over again.
Where is the Canadian horse jumper, haven't seen hide nor hair of him. He was a gold medalist!

And a helluva show it was! It is hard to beat the Brits and Germans in that event, but he left no doubts!

******NAME- HORSE*****************PENALTY POINTS***TIME
1 Eric LAMAZE on HICKSTEAD*******0 (1) 0 0 0 0 0*******38.39
[color="SandyBrown"]GOLD MEDAL[/color] [color="Red"]KANUK[/color]

2 Rolf-Goran BENGTSSON on NINJA**0 (1) 0 0 0 0 4*******38.39
[color="SlateGray"]SILVER MEDAL [/color] [color="Blue"]SWEDE-A[/color][color="Yellow"]-HUVIAN[/color]

3 Beezie MADDEN on AUTHENTIC****0 (1) 4 0 4 4 0*******35.25
[color="Sienna"]BRONZE MEDAL[/color] [color="Red"] YA[/color][color="Blue"]NK[/color]

[IkemenTommy]

USA beat Brazil in men's beach VB for gold.
USA beat Russia in men's VB semi-final.

[Charles]

Water polo is a legit team sport, just like soccer or basketball. I wouldn't go to the extremes to get rid of that.

Synchronized diving, synchronized circle jerk masturbation (team and double), I would also add walking to the list. That's got to be the stupidest event ever invented. Sailing is borderline but I will let that one slide for now.

Yeah right, it's a real sport, that's why people across the world line up for days to get tickets to water polo matches.

Walking isn't so bad, not nearly as bad as synchronized crap. I have done some racewalking for exercise and I assure you it requires just as much energy as running, maybe even more. Yeah, it looks silly.
Actually, I would like to see some of those discontinued events return to the Olympics, maybe dueling pistols (but only if they actually use them in duels). It would be an economical sport, only one gold medal would need to be awarded to the sole survivor.

[Gilligan]

Water polo is a legit team sport, just like soccer or basketball. I wouldn't go to the extremes to get rid of that.

Synchronized diving, synchronized circle jerk masturbation (team and double), I would also add walking to the list. That's got to be the stupidest event ever invented. Sailing is borderline but I will let that one slide for now.

You're absolutely right about water polo; it's probably one of the most brutal sports in the Olympics. And, at least in Europe, there are professional water polo leagues.

Of course if you're squeamish I can understand why you'd want to get rid of it.

And in general, I think any sport where judges decide who the winner is should be under serious consideration for elimination--if you watch the whole competition and still need to ask someone who won, how much of a sport can it be?

[IkemenTommy]

Yeah right, it's a real sport, that's why people across the world line up for days to get tickets to water polo matches.

Walking isn't so bad, not nearly as bad as synchronized crap. I have done some racewalking for exercise and I assure you it requires just as much energy as running, maybe even more. Yeah, it looks silly.
Actually, I would like to see some of those discontinued events return to the Olympics, maybe dueling pistols (but only if they actually use them in duels). It would be an economical sport, only one gold medal would need to be awarded to the sole survivor.

Sure water polo isn't the most popular sports compared to baseball or basketball, but I can guarantee that it requires a helluva lot more strength and endurance just to stay floating. There is a lot going on underwater -- kicking and pulling -- that you'll never see above water. Broken noses and black eyes are not uncommon.

Charles, I bet you won't even last a single period of a water polo game.

[Greji]

Sure water polo isn't the most popular sports compared to baseball or basketball, but I can guarantee that it requires a Helluva lot more strength and endurance just to stay floating. There is a lot going on underwater -- kicking and pulling -- that you'll never see above water. Broken noses and black eyes are not uncommon.

You are talking about popularity in the States. It's got a pretty legitimate following in Europe as Gil mentioned.

Charles, I bet you won't even last a single period of a water polo game.

Charles plays most of his water polo in the Loo.

[IkemenTommy]

That could be tough because most of the Asian female athletes look like dudes.

Sex and the Olympic city
I guess the Olympics is just a huge orgy of fuckfest.
[quote]Matthew Syed

I am often asked if the Olympic village - the vast restaurant and housing conglomeration that hosts the world's top athletes for the duration of the Games - is the sex-fest it is cracked up to be. My answer is always the same: too right it is. I played my first Games in Barcelona in 1992 and got laid more often in those two and a half weeks than in the rest of my life up to that point. That is to say twice, which may not sound a lot, but for a 21-year-old undergraduate with crooked teeth, it was a minor miracle.
...
Ah yes, the swimmers. For some reason the International Olympic Committee insists on bunching the swimming events towards the beginning of the Games with the inevitable consequence that the aquatics folk get going earlier - sexually I mean - than everyone else. So much so that, at the outset of the Sydney Olympics, Jonathan Edwards, a Christian and triple jumper extraordinaire, caused a ripple by telling them publicly to keep a lid on it
...
Before we get to that, however, it is worth noting an intriguing dichotomy between the sexes in respect of all this coupling. The chaps who win gold medals - even those as geeky as Michael Phelps - are the principal objects of desire for many female athletes. There is something about sporting success that makes a certain type of woman go crazy - smiling, flirting and sometimes even grabbing at the chaps who have done the business in the pool or on the track. An Olympic gold medal is not merely a route to fame and fortune]
Yeah, I'd be intimidated by a gold medal female athlete too.

[Greji]

Sex and the Olympic city
I guess the Olympics is just a huge orgy of fuckfest.

Yeah, I'd be intimidated by a gold medal female athlete too.

But, you'd still do her....

[Mulboyne]

British cyclist Chris Hoy has added to his Dad's comments about competing in Keirin:

I've got three golds but Japanese punters will still give me pelters, says Chris Hoy

...He also insists he will be fully focused again in October when he heads to Japan to take part in its keirin circuit, worth 4 billion pounds a year to their betting industry. Hoy has raced there before and revealed the punters howl with frustration if their star men don't come through. Asked about corruption with so much at stake, he said: "You don't even see the punters. The organisers are very careful when you arrive and take you straight to the training school and you race behind fences. "You really get dog's abuse if you lose. They know a few fruity English words and phrases and they'll tell you to go home in no uncertain terms. "They'll put a lot of money on me as world and Olympic champion and that will add to the pressure. "Other riders treat you with curiosity and respect but also some amusement. Mostly they're respectful and come to your room with gifts of fruit and talk to you about your own experiences. "If it was a straight-line race I'd probably beat their best guys more often than not but it's all very tactical. There are up to eight riders a race and they think nothing of working in two-man teams and ganging up on you to prevent you winning through"...

[Gilligan]

With the Jamaican and British women's 400 meter relay teams both being DQ'd during the finals, a combined total of 13 men's and women's 400 meter relay teams (out of 32 who started) have been disqualified in either the heats or finals. And that's before the men's finals have been run.

And the Jamaican women, British women, American women, and American men all may have medaled if they'd been able to finish.

[I had made an error in that earlier and have since corrected it]

[Greji]

With the Jamaican and British women's 400 meter relay teams both being DQ'd during the finals, a combined total of 13 men's and women's 400 meter relay teams (out of 32 who started) have been disqualified in either the heats or finals. And that's before the men's finals have been run.

And the Jamaican women, British women, American women, and American men all may have medaled if they'd been able to finish.

[I had made an error in that earlier and have since corrected it]

I had to laugh tonight. I got home just in time to see the men's 400 meter final which was won as expected. Bolt and Powell ran the last 200 meters in about 3 seconds. But, the Japan team got the bronze.

During the build up, one of the Japanese commentators made a statement to the effect that they now had a good chance with the US and other teams DQ'd and started to say more about that and apparently the other announcer stepped on his foot. He quickly shut up and that topic was never even hinted at again during the rest of the broadcast.

[blackcat]

"Haven't they been humbling them continuously since 1788?"

Not in sport...the auusies have mostly pumped the pomms arses in all sports for decades, even the shitty ones the pomms think up like Rugby and Cricket....and ones they think they thought up like soccer.

The main reason this year is the pomms are doing so well is they have sunk huge dollars into "bankable" sports that compete for more medals than other sports 9Cycling/Rowing etc) as they have the olympics in 2012, Oz was like that building the talent prior to the home games with good results the following olympics....dying off after that.

[Charles]

"Haven't they been humbling them continuously since 1788?"

Not in sport....

I wasn't particularly referring to sports.

[Behan]

I had to laugh tonight. I got home just in time to see the men's 400 meter final which was won as expected. Bolt and Powell ran the last 200 meters in about 3 seconds. But, the Japan team got the bronze.

During the build up, one of the Japanese commentators made a statement to the effect that they now had a good chance with the US and other teams DQ'd and started to say more about that and apparently the other announcer stepped on his foot. He quickly shut up and that topic was never even hinted at again during the rest of the broadcast.

I have noticed, too,that they haven't been talking about that. The bronze medal sounds so much more impressive if it's not mentioned.

[Gilligan]

I have noticed, too,that they haven't been talking about that. The bronze medal sounds so much more impressive if it's not mentioned.

You know, on the one hand, one of the biggest reasons I have for rooting against the Japanese teams (at least in certain events) is the media coverage.

But on the other hand, I don't think the Japanese should have to apologize for winning the bronze simply because the Americans weren't capable or careful enough to pass the baton. The Japanese did everything within their power to earn their bronze, let them enjoy it while they can.

Although, I could do without the tears.

[Greji]

I have noticed, too,that they haven't been talking about that. The bronze medal sounds so much more impressive if it's not mentioned.

But having said all that, it was still a helluva show for the J-4. Asahara ran a tremendous anchor leg. Thompson passed him for the silver, but he held off the other two who I don't remember now. I believe Asahara is 36 years old (maybe 34 at the best)! That is beyond ancient for a sprinter in world competition. I think you gotta give them their due in this case. They were never going to threaten Jamaica, but they still had a great race.

[samuraiwig]

Yep, you can only beat who's in the race with you, and I was happy for Asahara - he's been plugging away in a gaman kinda way for years with little to show for it. They ran well, but I too could have done without the histrionic interview from the guy who ran the first leg.

It bugged me more that there was almost no mention of Jamaica destroying the field and the world record, and Bolt getting another gold.

I notice the baseball has fallen off the media radar after that second loss to Korea. Hoshino said something along the lines of "It won't be worth going back to Japan if we don't get the bronze." I guess we're in for more over-emotional scenes, whether they win or lose against the US. Greji - fancy meeting him off the plane and hurling some abuse...?!

[Greji]

Yep, you can only beat who's in the race with you, and I was happy for Asahara - he's been plugging away in a gaman kinda way for years with little to show for it. They ran well, but I too could have done without the histrionic interview from the guy who ran the first leg.

I'm with you on both counts. Asahara deserves a medal. He's always kept plugging and has always been a gentleman like tonight on the interview. Also, agreed on the slug that ran leadoff. They even cut his interview in the later recaps.

It bugged me more that there was almost no mention of Jamaica destroying the field and the world record, and Bolt getting another gold.

Right on. The Jamaican team almost walked over the top of them during the TV interview and it was if they didn't exist. Somebody should starting doing the math on 37.01 divided four ways and maybe they'll figure it out just how fast that is.

Greji - fancy meeting him off the plane and hurling some abuse...?!

I could handle hurling some empty beer bottles Wrigley Field style!

[Iraira]

Save at least one of those beer bottles for Tsukahara (400X4). That "interview" after the race was the worst uzai..."please, let at least one tear drop come, so I look overcome with emotion....I gotta milk this somehow." God, I want to beat him with a crowbar.

[IkemenTommy]

Wow, everyone must've dropped the baton and Team Nippon won by DQ.

Only in Japan will they ever jump up and down in joy over a Bronze. Third place winner is a second place loser.

Nah, congrats to them. I bet the Japan Masugomi will be jacking off to this all this week plus to the softball win.

[IkemenTommy]

Greji, any prediction on the bronze medal yakyuu game?

[Greji]

Greji, any prediction on the bronze medal yakyuu game?

It's still tied. The US looks pretty strong, but it's going to depend on whether their pitching can hold up. The minor leagues are not known for control pitchers.

Japan will probably go with Darvish next inning. If the US gets to him, Japan doesn't really have any fresh relievers to go with after him. Should still be a good game.

[IkemenTommy]

It's still tied. The US looks pretty strong, but it's going to depend on whether their pitching can hold up. The minor leagues are not known for control pitchers.

Japan will probably go with Darvish next inning. If the US gets to him, Japan doesn't really have any fresh relievers to go with after him. Should still be a good game.

Not really Olympic baseball related, but Hoshino is already being discussed as the likely manager candidate for the next WBC. I highly doubt he will succeed if they end up losing this Bronze game.

[Gilligan]

After 5, 8-4 US.

Hoshino looks like a deer in the headlights.

[Greji]

Not really Olympic baseball related, but Hoshino is already being discussed as the likely manager candidate for the next WBC. I highly doubt he will succeed if they end up losing this Bronze game.

The US just rang up Kenshin-chan for four runs with a drive off the right field then off the left wall, both just missed being a home runs. 8-4 US.

Hoshino might be able to get a part time gig slinging ramen when this is over.

[Greji]

They just did a pep talk interview of three announcers outside the stadium and they said the US pitcher was "taishita koto wa nai", so Japan still had a great chance. The inning started and the pitcher struck out the first two batters and grounded out the next to end the inning. Hmmmm.....

Japan just changed pitchers and brought Naruse instead of Darvish. The fans are going to give Hoshino more grief for that.

[canman]

Why do they keep running GG Sato out into left field. The guy is a liability and hasn't hit for shit. He must be a great clubhouse type of guy.
I just love watching these minor leaguers of the US tee off on some of the best pitching the Japanese have to offer. What did Darvish do to be so hated by the fans and the managers? I was reading on another site that it was all Darvishes fault. If he had pitched better and they beat Cuba in the first game everything would have been different. What a crock of shit that is.

[canman]

Bobby Valentine is at the game, and the NHK announcer asks who he is cheering for. Who do you think, the US. It's natural isn't it. Mind you I would like to see Bobby V coach the WBC next time around, for Japan that is, he would do a much better job.

[GuyJean]

Why do they keep running GG Sato out into left field. The guy is a liability and hasn't hit for shit..

Yeah, he's looked lost out there every game. What's 'G.G.' stand for?

GJ

[Greji]

Why do they keep running GG Sato out into left field. The guy is a liability and hasn't hit for shit. He must be a great clubhouse type of guy.
I just love watching these minor leaguers of the US tee off on some of the best pitching the Japanese have to offer. What did Darvish do to be so hated by the fans and the managers? I was reading on another site that it was all Darvishes fault. If he had pitched better and they beat Cuba in the first game everything would have been different. What a crock of shit that is.

He's the only gaijin, albeit half, that they've got, so it has to be his fault. GG Sato swinging at the ball when the catcher throws it back to the pitcher and dropping everything hit in his direction cannot have anything to do with the outcome of the game.