Please don’t thread-jack other posts with comments like “Why aren’t you covering ~~~?!?” and “I can’t believe you haven’t talked about ~~~!!” And for the love of God, don’t threadjack with “~~~ just won!!!” If we aren’t covering something, we have a reason, and if it’s about the Olympics, the reason is probably “we don’t have the photos” (in the case of the gymnastics events) or “none of us are really that into the event” or “We haven’t seen that event yet.” So… with that in mind, here’s your Olympic post of the day, and you can talk about whatever you want as far as the Olympics go. I’ll admit it – I’m not super-interested in most track & field events. Swimming, beach volleyball, gymnastics… those are my favorite events. Hurdling and some of the higher-risk, potentially injurious sports make me break out in a cold sweat because I’m so scared people are going to wipe out. My stomach was in knots watching the trampoline competition. No joke. I was so scared someone was going to break their neck. So, some highlights:
Jamaica’s Usain Bolt came close to breaking his own world record yesterday in the 100 meter, and he became the second man in history (after Carl Lewis) to win back-to-back gold medals in the event. Bolt’s teammate, friend and training partner Yohan Blake won silver.
Oscar Pistorius of South Africa (the dude with the artificial legs) failed to qualify in the second semifinal round, but he continues to be an inspiration to many, many people. Plus, he’s absolutely adorable.
American Sanya Richards-Ross won gold in the 400-meter.
Team GB’s Somali-born Mohamed Farah won gold in the 10,000 meter.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica won gold in the 100-meter.
Serena Williams won gold in singles (beating Maria Sharapova), and in doubles too.
I don’t even know WTF happened with yesterday’s gold medal match between Andy Murray and Roger Federer. Has Federer EVER gone down that quickly? It was like he barely put up a fight. Anyway, congrats to Andy Murray. He won gold for Team GB, and he seems like a sweet guy.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Yay for Andy he played so well yesterday
For Oscar I wouldn’t only use the word “adorable”. I would more likely call him “hot” and a sweetheart (seriously, have you seen the interview after the completion of his heat? He was moved because his grandmother was there!)
Oscar is hot as hell! I totally would!
And Federer too!
Happy for Murray
Angry at the insinuations Federer threw the game
I was thinking the same thing about Roger Federer. He is so much better than that and I was screaming at my tv: Are they paying you to lose??? Something was off.
Ferderer played the longest three set match in history against del Porto. With the humidity that we’re having in London right now, as well as the sun and the time, he was just wiped out.
I got my grubby mitts on tickets to the match and when I wandered over the the practice courts you could see how exhausted Federer was. After an entire tournament of playing best of 3, being thrown back into a nearly 5 hour match must have been a shock to the system.
Althought, that’s not to take anything away from Andy – even on a bad day, Federer could still happily obliterate a lot of the competition and he threw a lot of firepower at Murray. Ivan Lendel’s done wonders with him.
Go Team GB!!! Mo Farrah was incredible too, and Jess Ennis.
I got my grubby mitts on tickets to the match and when I wandered over the the practice courts you could see how exhausted Federer was. After an entire tournament of playing best of 3, being thrown back into a nearly 5 hour match must have been a shock to the system.
Althought, that’s not to take anything away from Andy – even on a bad day, Federer could still happily obliterate a lot of the competition and he threw a lot of firepower at Murray. Ivan Lendel’s done wonders with him.
Go Team GB!!! Mo Farrah was incredible too, and Jess Ennis.
Amelia, so I was looking for you on Murray Mound and you weren’t there!
Federer is to classy to throw a game. He just kind of fell apart.
And thanks NBC for not showing the medal ceremony for the men’s tennis (oh you did on MSNBC after the match? Great-I’m supposed to know that how?) 3 hours of tennis and I would have enjoyed seeing that ceremony.
Not to mention the total lack of gymnastics last night on prime time-only 4 routines between 3 events (and no pommel horse at all) Thank goodness for the online coverage, but Way to keep failing.
I think NBC’s coverage really sucks. I’m home all day and have been watching it, and it still sucks. I liked the Olga Korbut clip they showed a day or two ago but otherwise, during the evening news they announce the winners before they even show the actual footage, even though they announce spoilers. And I’m team USA but they’re only showing events with US teams. There’s other sh*t going on besides that.
Even my 9 yo dd dislikes NBC’s coverage.
Their online coverage is actually spot on and the commentators there are so much better.
They are just lazy for the tv coverage-it makes no sense.
Oh no they showed pommel horse. They showed one guy! The Hungarian guy that won gold. Then the British guy Louis Smith. And talked about Kate Middleton INCESSANTLY throughout! Cut away to her at least four times and just before switching to another event cut away ONE MORE TIME to her talking the Team USA girls. I could not believe it!
Chuffed to bits about Andy winning, he played amazing tennis. Sad to see Roger so despondent, I think the tournament had drained him, he’s not a young man any more.
Mo Farah was incredble, 10,000 metres is such a tough race. Lovely to see his daughter and very pregnant wife join in the celebrations.
And respect to Jessica Ennis, who won the gold in the heptathlon for GB, she’s an inspiration.
Go Team GB.
I just happened to turn on the tv about 15 seconds before he won – I thought Roger was very gracious at the net. Camera was on him when he was leaving the court with his bag and he looked sad there. I was surprised that he missed that last shot. It was nice to watch Andy enjoy his moment and go into the stands.
I love that pic of them clutching their little bouquets.
Federer is a real gent. look how happy and sports he is hugging Andy Murray who just beat him!
the US kicked a*s & took names, what! it was such a thrill to what!!! loved it. 😉
Mohamed Farah win’s was so emotional. Beautiful.
Also, I really enjoyed reading about the women who fought their countries to come to London like Saudi judo competitor and a few other women.
Im probably in the minority here, and I know U. Bolt is a great runner, but his interview after he won the gold totally hit me the wrong way… “It’s all about winning” and “prove to everyone that I’ll always be the best” … those may not be his exact words but that was the jist of his comments…. In contrast, Oscar Pistorius gave an interview after his race, and he was all ” I’m just so happy to be able to compete” and “this is the most wonderful experience” and talking about how great the other runners are..
to me, Oscar is the real Olympic Champion
Jamaica puts a lot of pressure on the athletes – especially Usain. He can act a little cocky at times but I really think it’s his way of coping with all the pressure. Asafa was our “golden boy” but Usain came along and a lot of people are treating Asafa as if he did nothing for the country. I don’t know how I would feel knowing that my country is just looking to move on to the “newer model” if I mess up. That’s JMO though. I could be wrong.
Sorry, double post. Didn’t realize it was posted the first time around.
Cockiness tends to come with the territory as far as the 100m champions are concerned. See: Carl Lewis; Donovan Bailey; Michael Johnson….
Oscar Pistorius moved me to tears. And I don’t cry easily! I was so angry when he was initially denied access to regular racing events because his blades were seen as an “unfair advantage” over able-bodied athletes. So thrilled that the powers-that-be realized what a boneheaded decision that was! Although my 9 yo dd’s disability affects her vision and not her limbs, she is absolutely enthralled with Oscar and considers him to be her biggest hero.
Don’t be fooled by Usain’s cockiness. He’s a caring and considerate young man. He gives back a lot to his community: athletic equipment, medical supplies, etc. And last night, when he became aware that a medal ceremony was taking place near where he was being interviewed, he diplomatically stopped the interview, faced the podium and waited until the American anthem was over before taking the interviewer’s question.
i agree, usain has a kind heart. behind all his acting up is always the fear of losing, not just a race but also respect and the admiration of his fans/country.
any 100m runner would be lying if they said it was about taking part, not about winning! to them the 2nd person to come in is the first loser! there is no point running if your aim is not winning! the “taking part” comments usually come from people who KNOW theyre not gonna win because theyre not good enough. what else are they supposed to say lol they dont wanna sound like whiny bitches lol
last night in one interview usain specifically thanked the german doc who cured his back pain before the olympics and all the people who worked at that clinic for being so nice and taking such good care of him. i dont think an arrogant prick wouldve said such a thing lol
i think his acting up thingy is a trademark and as long as he can back it up with results fair play to him. he has done a lot for the sport and i really hope hes clean lol
I think cocky goes with the athletic territory in general. Look at the swimmers. Sprinters tend to be more up their own ass than distancers. If you’re running for 10 secs or a minute then you still have energy, you’re jumping up and down but by the time you hit mile 10 ego goes out the window.
Bolt gives GOBS of money back to children and organizations in Jamaica.
He was later doing an interview when the US anthem played for Richards-Ross and he quietly stopped the interview and watched the ceremony and continued the interview when her moment was over. He might have a lot of bark but there’s no bite; he’s a class act.
Feel the exact same way about Serena Williams’ attitude when she won…quite tacky! Very embarrassing for USA.
Team USA all the way, but I would have much rather seen Sharapova win that one.
BTW Kaiser
I know what you mean about the trampoline events
that looks totally crazy to me, and when the Russian girl flipped off the trampoline and landed on her tailbone on the floor, oh man I was hurting for her!
Debra…I am with you. I start to watch because I love sports in general. I stay with it because of the Oscar Pistorius type athletes/stories. There are so many athletes to celebrate, the medalists and non medalists and that is what keeps me watching.
HOWEVER
Lack of humility certainly tarnishes the “metal” for me (i.e. Bolt, Lochte, Mustafina and sadly Maroney)
I don’t know I like Bolt, I can’t help it. There is something endearing about him. But, on the others I agree. And now just as I was starting to like Phelps again he goes and actually compares himself to Micheal Jordan and says he is the greatest in his sport just as Jordan was the greatest in basketball. Such arrogance is so off-putting. I mean isn’t it up to others to say he is the greatest? Coming out of his mouth is so sickening. Why are they giving this guy interviews. Let him go swim with great whites and leave us alone.
Please stop banging on about Federer. He lost. Meh.
It’s all about Usain! Lightening did strike twice…so much swag man. Too much swag.
Andy played incredibly well glad to see him win. BUT Roger had the more grueling schedule his game against Del Potro was insane. THATS why Federer couldn’t put up a fight.
Fed did not have the more grueling schedule. Murray’s side of the draw was more difficult. Fed had the more grueling match, but its not Murray’s fault that Fed couldn’t put away Delpo. He also had a day of rest. Fed has played his share of guys whose previous matches were grueling too. This might be one of the few times that Fed has had an extremely difficult semi.
Fed put up enough of a fight to have multiple break point chances. The difference is that for once, Murray refused to be broken. Murray won that game. He finally played with consistent offense.
And don’t forget Andy had to get past Djoker (7-5, 7-5) and played mixed doubles! Woo Hoo ~ Come on Andy!
So proud of our Jamaican athletes right now (Shelly, Veronica, Bolt and Yohan in particular). I’m proud of Asafa too even though he got hurt during the race.
Me too, I am very proud (always proud) but especially today with all the successes and Independence Day! Love my country. Love my people. I was so happy for Usain. The pressure to live up to what he has accomplished is unfathomable. He not only has to win but he has to break records. Or people will deem it a failure, a flash (no pun intended lol) in the pan. He had to come out and really show people that ’08 wasn’t a fluke. He may seem cocky but like others have noticed it’s all showmanship, he is actually very humble and down to earth. Yohan Blake is adorable and his time will definitely come. Jamaica was going crazy last night my phone was exploding and my cousins and family there were so excited. Love the Olympics for moments like these! Currently watching the medal ceremony online live right now. Chills. Our national anthem!
Can I just say..Richards-Ross is BALLING lmao. My mom was like, “check out her Chanel earrings.” I was like, “check out her wedding ring! And that gorgeous weave lolll.” Go head girl, I ain’t mad.
In contrast Fraser-Pryce is putting herself through college with Beijings winning, and is the first woman, I thought, to win back to back medals in her event (or maybe just her country). Good for her. So many inspirational stories this year. Go Jamaica!
The only thing that disappointed me (besides Federer) was Maroney’s unfortunate loss to Romania. Poor girl! But at the same time she definitely showed her age by not bothering to congratulate the gold medalist, who was standing right next to her. It must be terrible to be the best in the world an just have a really terrible night, but I believe sportsmanship is a huge part of the Oylmpics.
anywhoo…
GO USA VOLLEYBALL!
I agree with you maroney looked mad as heck whenn that Romanian forced a hug out of her, but then again the romanians and russians are usually the ones crying their eyes out over silver. It was unfortunate that she didn’t stick her landing. That is why gymnastics and ice skating are so hard though. And I agree also that good sportsmanship can’t be beat.
Heh – your post made me chuckle.
Both Richards-Ross and Fraser-Pryce are drop dead beauties, though. I should like half as good when I’m running.
Yes, Maroney was not a good sport. Hey, it’s terrible but it just wasn’t your day. Try to show good sportsmanship.
@ Suzy aren’t they though??! Shelly Ann is beyond gorgeous. I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than the female body in mid-run like that. So beautiful. Did you see the story NBC had on her about growing up in a bad part of Jamaica? So touching.
Maroney definitely looked like she wanted to cut a bitch. I mean, I get it, she’s pissed at herself, and she’s just 16, but give the Romanian girl a hug!
I was disgusted by maroney’s reaction. In other sports people are thrilled with silver. To be so cold towards the winner was ridiculous. A poor sport indeed. Made me feel not the slightest bit sympathetic.
The russian girls during the all around were even worse. Scowls on both of their faces and both had to be encouraged up for the group picture.
Way to much pressure for any 16 year old girl-they all need to learn to be gracious in defeat.
The Russians were lambasted by a lot of people for their tears and frustrated faces, though, while the Western press coo, sigh, gush, and express commiseration for Maroney acting wretchedly on the medal podium.
Viktorya Komova received a lot of criticisms for being a “spoiled diva”, being ungrateful that she got the silver in the All-Around, how dare she cry when the other gymnasts would have loved to have been in her place, she should get over it, she’s a drama queen, so annoying, etc.
They’re all teenagers dealing with enormous pressure, but the Western press (esp. NBC, from what I’ve read) commiserates with the Americans while the Russians are seen as “spoiled” and ridiculous for expressing the same devastation and sadness.
Hahaha! Her wedding was on the Platinum Weddings show, youtube it. She definitely likes the finer things. She’s married to an NFL player and they are adorable together. I have a soft spot for her she is a native Jamaican but she competes for the US. When she won they camera panned to her mom and dad and they were like FINALLY! lol. Love it. So happy for her.
Not Federer’s day, I guess. He got exhausted with that 4 hour epic match against DelPotro.
And Gabby Douglas, still doesn’t have a post here.
Neither does Michael Phelps.
Now they both do. They are the collective definition of AWESOMENESS.
Agreed Gabby rocks, Phelps is a legend. I think it’s because people are talking about what happened last night and neither of them were on in prime time last night. It was earlier in the week/weekend. Hey Kaiser, can we have a Olympics open thread more often. This is basically the only place I comment for fear of the trolls all over the internet. Things are much more civil here. Lol, promise no spoilers.
The long distance runners are so scary skinny to me. I know they incredibly fit, but I worry a strong breeze will blow them away!
I remember reading an interview with Paula Radcliffe (World Record Holder in the marathon and British citizen) and they described her body being covered in peach fuzz which is the body’s response to lack of body fat. I admire those marathoners but wouldn’t never want to train to be that good. That takes total and complete sacrifice and discipline.
On this subject, Mo Farrah [10k winner] may have been somali born, but he moved to england at age 8; he is quoted as saying he’d never have run if he had not moved to the UK, b/c somalia [his words] ‘is not like kenya or ethiopia where everyone runs; noone runs in somalia….’ Also, he spent the last year or so in portland oregon, the only non american training with former marathoner salazar; he and the silver medal guy Rupp, trained together…..
So, h e’s not one of those who got recruited to represent GB at the olympics or anything-it’s his home country.
my 11 year old has been running 5k’s for over a year and we did not even know it was an olympic event-so we are interested….lol
Also, the US used to do very well in distance running but for several decades, have not….I think we may see a resurgence in the future, however….
@lrm – I was not insinuating that Farah was not really British. I was super proud of him and even though I am American and love the US I was so happy for his win and for Galen to get the silver is HUGE for our country. And the fact that they are both trained by Salazar is beyond amazing. I made my comment about Radcliffe being a British citizen in reference to the super skinny comment and only added that in there since many people don’t have a clue about distance running and since the Olympics are in London it seemed fitting. I know all about Mo Farah and Galen Rupp as I have been following distance running for years and was reading and following Salazar’s running career back in the day. I am still trying to figure out why Shalane Flanagan moved up to the marathon when she was having a stellar track career. What a waste of 4 years for Flanagan and Goucher.
I am showing my age, but why is an athlete of Federer’s caliber even allowed in the Olympics? I miss the old days when the athletes were not professionals.
Got to agree with this. I really used to enjoy watching the college all-stars representing the USA in basketball….. Even the professional teams’ owners (Mark Ruban) aren’t happy about risking their multi-millionaire players for the Olympics.
I’m so happy Andy won. Been a fan of his for a few years and it seems he’s finally maturing a little and getting his anger and emotion under control which I think has been his problem in the past. Hope he get’s far in the U.S Open.
I love it when the runners get those big flags and run with them.
Team all their countries.
These Olympics have been the best for me. So glad to see Bolt win gold again. Can’t stand Gatlin, former drug cheat (even if he claims he was a victim, just too many drug cheats out there) Though that Blake guy is giving off super sexy vibes. I was crying my eyes out over Oscar. What an inspiration! Very happy for Murray to win Gold in the tennis match and as someone said above Federer was coming off of a 4 1/2 or so hour match from earlier so I think he was dead and they kept saying he doesn’t do well in windy conditions. But, Federer is such a gentleman whether he wins or loses so it was hard to be for Murray, but since he was the underdog I chose him.
I was so nervous watching the men’s 10K race. So glad for Mo Farah to win gold on his home turf and for our own Galen Rupp to take the silver. That was a major accomplishment. Distance running is my favorite. And the US doesn’t always do well in those events, though have high hopes for Jenny Simpson in the women’s 1500 meters. Love her. Also love Misty and Keri!
Was Blake the tall light-skinned USA guy? Cuz he was totally lickin his lips right at me lmao. I told my mom and she looked at me crazy. But i think i saw a tattoo of a pair of lips on his neck, which screams man-whore.
No, Blake as in Yohan Blake Bolt’s training partner. He was throwing out all kinds “I’m sexy” vibes in the piece they did on him before the race and even at the race. I was for Bolt because I just think he is awesome but Blake seem’s like a nice guy too. The American beside Bolt was kind of cute too, but Gatlin, he can go jump in a lake. He is so gross. He is the type of American sprinter I can’t stand and unfortunately, there is always one of him at every Olympics.
hahahaha that was Ryan Bailey and he is FINE! My friends were making fun of me cause I kept saying, wait are you guys seeing this guy? Why is is he so freaking cute and why is he looking at ME! I may have to fight you for him, man-whore or not!
That was a really close finish in the 10k wasn’t it? And I’m certanly no expert, but right until the end it looked to me like the East Africans were ganging up on Mo preventing him from making a move. And out came Rupp to the rescue!
One of my favorite spots-Kirani James exchanging bibs with Oscar Pistorius after the race as a sign of respect. So fucking classy-it made me tear up. And my other favorite is a clip that someone posted on LiveJournal of some of the BBC reporters absolutely losing their shit over Mo Farah winning his race. It was wonderful and hilarious to see how excited they were.
That was beyond beautiful. I am not a crier but damn. There were all these little moments yesterday that had me tearing up.
I still love the Olympics, crappy US coverage and all. Mo Farrah, Oscar Pistorius and Kirani James all made me tear up. Still sniffling!
I pretty much have just been watching the gymnastics, and I felt so bad for all the girls vaulting. It seemed almost all of them had a fall or a bad landing or something, it was sort of a mess. Maroney clearly is the best vaulter out there, but I couldn’t see how she’d win after that second one (which I’d been spoiled on by a photo on comcast’s main page, thanks comcast jerks).
Looking forward to watching Gabby compete again.
Well, in these Olimpic Games Italians sleep drowned in the pool and lost on the athletics track, but won in rifle shooting and pistol, archery,in judo, boxing and as usual dominated the fencing(did you see the three “azzurre” girls of the foil on the podium?): are we preparing the third world war?
http://www.lettera43.it/upload/images/08_2012/l43-arianna-errigo-elisa-120802154647_big.jpg
I didn’t see the girls win, but I did watch Baldini and co. take the gold 😀
It didn’t occur to me before that fencing is one of Italy’s greatest strengths.
Fencing is an italian secular tradition especially the foil (I have heard that some real duel is still happening).
Baldini wasn’t in great shape, but in the last fight he showed the best of his repertoire.
McKayla Maroney’s bitch face was out to WORK yesterday. Lol. On the one hand I guess it is bad sportsmanship. She should have given the German girl a hug and a congrats. On the other hand how would you feel if the gold was yours to lose and then you lost it? I’d be pissed too. I think she was also trying not to cry because Jordyn Weiber got such grief when she cried. I read that McKayla held it together until after the press and then just broke down.
Those Russian’s especially Mustafina were pissed when they lost the all around too. I haven’t seen that chick crack even the slightest of smiles at all since the competition started!
I think their ages, how fierce the competition is and the pressure accounts for the reactions. There are all human and also very young! McKayla Maroney’s vault during the team finals, literally gave me goosebumps I kept re watching it over and over again. I’m now a huge fan. Besides Gabby she is my fav of the fab 5. I was so upset when she lost. Sigh. See you in Rio babe.
Ha, I told my bf while we were watching that even being as young as she is Maroney gives one of the best bitch faces I’ve ever seen. Sad to see she was such a poor sport, can’t win them all..I’m with you though, Gabby is my absolute favorite, so cute and smiley..
whoops, double post. not sure how that happened..
while I respect Pistorius’ determination. He is running with man made legs and I think allowing him to compete in the regular olympics is a slippery slope. Those swim suits based on shark skin were banned because of unfair advantage and I don’t see how this is any different.
The man has no legs but an unfair advantage?
He has different legs when he’s not racing, those legs are engineered for running. Tests have shown that pistorius can move his legs 20% faster than other runners because his blades are so light.What if they upgrade them next year to have slightly more flex? It setting a precedent that could open make things very difficult in the future. What if someone with legs wanted to competed in the long jump and their legs were designed to absorb and transfer energy better? His very determined and that’s inspiring, but in terms of fairness I don’t think he should compete in the regular Olympics
LOL Roger looking all smiley. 😀
Congrats on the Silver, though! He’s never had a medal in the Olympics Singles tennis (got a Gold in Doubles), so he’s probably very happy with what he achieved yesterday although he’s always said he wanted the Gold.
It doesn’t compare to winning the Gold medal, but then he already has won everything else there is to be won in tennis, so I doubt he’s very bitter. He seems to be enjoying his time on the court and with his accomplishments, he looks like he’s more and more “relaxing” and settling down.
Which makes me think about the time when he announces his retirement, and I hope he won’t do it until he’s 40 or until he can’t play any more tennis. 😉
I wish for Andy to his momentum from here on, he was brilliant yesterday! He was hungrier for the victory and the Gold, and he succeeded.
WTF is up with that ugly grey sweatsuit the US team is wearing? Didn’t the designer have a mirror? HORRIBLE color. Why stay away froma combination of, you know, the colors in the US flag? Or was the designer colorblind?