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Post by Mark on Jul 27, 2021 12:38:24 GMT
Simone Biles going out of the group gymnastics has opened this wide up!
Edit:
Well done Team GB Ladies for winning the Bronze!!! Fantastic achievement.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 12:58:10 GMT
Simone Biles going out of the group gymnastics has opened this wide up! Edit: Well done Team GB Ladies for winning the Bronze!!! Fantastic achievement. Gutted for Simone, come on the horse dancers |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2021 13:05:30 GMT
I was thrilled for the Russian Olympic Committee team, winning the gold in the team event for the first time as a country in their own right. I like the Russian artistic gymnasts; they've kept the tradition of routines that are beautiful to watch instead of being demonstrations of strength. They're the sort of gymnasts I grew up with.
As for Simone Biles dropping out, I was unbothered. I've never been one for the sort of this-is-the-one-to-watch adulation that overshadows the rest of the event. Grace McCallum and Sunisa Lee turned in excellent performances that deserved recognition in their own right rather than the "and they turned up too" treatment that they seemed to be getting beforehand.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 13:16:56 GMT
I was thrilled for the Russian Olympic Committee team, winning the gold in the team event for the first time as a country in their own right. I like the Russian artistic gymnasts; they've kept the tradition of routines that are beautiful to watch instead of being demonstrations of strength. They're the sort of gymnasts I grew up with. As for Simone Biles dropping out, I was unbothered. I've never been one for the sort of this-is-the-one-to-watch adulation that overshadows the rest of the event. Grace McCallum and Sunisa Lee turned in excellent performances that deserved recognition in their own right rather than the "and they turned up too" treatment that they seemed to be getting beforehand. Biles is the best ever though, I don't think the adulation she gets is over the top. Generally love great athletes being great myself. Had to go checking, the Russians have had Nellie Kim and Olga Korbut in the same team. That would have been a hell of a team to beat them. But you fooled me with Soviet Union/Russia split. |
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Post by Jan on Jul 27, 2021 14:09:28 GMT
Tom Pidcock almost made a mockery of his competitors, just seemed to be in another race especially when considering it is not his usual discipline and had to do a couple of races earlier in the year just to qualify as hadn’t raced mountain bikes for a number of years. Suppose 40K is not much when you came top ten in some of the 250K classics earlier in the year and his endurance fitness seemed a step above the others, only thing that could diminish the win was van doer Poel crashing out his nemesis from cyclo cross and the road. He now has his sights on the Road Race and Time Trial in Paris and will likely win a Grand Tour in the interim as he is just a phenomenal cyclist, this year he has won a Spring Classic on the road, a Cyclo Cross race where he beat the World Champion and now an Olympic Gold in mountain biking and wouldn’t be surprised if he was top 3 in the Vuelta (Spanish equivalent to the Tour de France) in a couple of weeks time. He won’t be top three in the Vuelta because in an Ineos team probably containing Yates, Bernal and maybe even Carapaz they won’t let him. Going for stage wins only. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2021 14:36:24 GMT
As for Simone Biles dropping out, I was unbothered. I've never been one for the sort of this-is-the-one-to-watch adulation that overshadows the rest of the event. Grace McCallum and Sunisa Lee turned in excellent performances that deserved recognition in their own right rather than the "and they turned up too" treatment that they seemed to be getting beforehand. Biles is the best ever though, I don't think the adulation she gets is over the top. Generally love great athletes being great myself. It's not that Simone Biles isn't one of the greats and doesn't deserve all the praise she gets, but that everyone was treating the result as a foregone conclusion. I think this is the reason why I loved Sunday's cycling road race so much: before the race it was generally accepted that the gold would go to a Dutch rider and the silver and bronze would be a race between a few of the favourites, but then the entire race was dominated by three outsiders. I love a good underdog story, and even though two of those three ended up in the middle of the pack in the last few minutes it had the effect of spreading the attention round.
In the artistic team event it was a terrible shame for Simone Biles to have to pull out, but it also meant that Grace McCallum stepped up as the first USA gymnast in the next rotation and absolutely nailed her performance to shore up their confidence. If Biles had stayed in nobody would have cared about McCallum et al, but with Biles out any mistake from McCallum on the bars would have obliterated the team's confidence and probably ruined their chance of a medal. But they pulled together, and even with a serious penalty they ended up with a comfortable silver. That's a great story, and I think it's a far better story than the one we would have had: here's Simone Biles and here are the others whose job is to not screw up.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 14:49:22 GMT
Biles is the best ever though, I don't think the adulation she gets is over the top. Generally love great athletes being great myself. It's not that Simone Biles isn't one of the greats and doesn't deserve all the praise she gets, but that everyone was treating the result as a foregone conclusion. I think this is the reason why I loved Sunday's cycling road race so much: before the race it was generally accepted that the gold would go to a Dutch rider and the silver and bronze would be a race between a few of the favourites, but then the entire race was dominated by three outsiders. I love a good underdog story, and even though two of those three ended up in the middle of the pack in the last few minutes it had the effect of spreading the attention round.
In the artistic team event it was a terrible shame for Simone Biles to have to pull out, but it also meant that Grace McCallum stepped up as the first USA gymnast in the next rotation and absolutely nailed her performance to shore up their confidence. If Biles had stayed in nobody would have cared about McCallum et al, but with Biles out any mistake from McCallum on the bars would have obliterated the team's confidence and probably ruined their chance of a medal. But they pulled together, and even with a serious penalty they ended up with a comfortable silver. That's a great story, and I think it's a far better story than the one we would have had: here's Simone Biles and here are the others whose job is to not screw up.
Cycling is wide open, if the race was to go one way a Belgian had a great chance. But you can't control the race with four riders. I had an attack as the likely winner outcome, with the course suggesting it may come at the last climb. Though didn't see Carapaz as that man at all. Yep shame for Jordan Chiles, don't think it would have made any difference but Russia had just shown a chink of an entry. Pressure of an Olympic final eh? Without your superstar. |
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Post by Jan on Jul 27, 2021 15:11:53 GMT
It's not that Simone Biles isn't one of the greats and doesn't deserve all the praise she gets, but that everyone was treating the result as a foregone conclusion. I think this is the reason why I loved Sunday's cycling road race so much: before the race it was generally accepted that the gold would go to a Dutch rider and the silver and bronze would be a race between a few of the favourites, but then the entire race was dominated by three outsiders. I love a good underdog story, and even though two of those three ended up in the middle of the pack in the last few minutes it had the effect of spreading the attention round.
In the artistic team event it was a terrible shame for Simone Biles to have to pull out, but it also meant that Grace McCallum stepped up as the first USA gymnast in the next rotation and absolutely nailed her performance to shore up their confidence. If Biles had stayed in nobody would have cared about McCallum et al, but with Biles out any mistake from McCallum on the bars would have obliterated the team's confidence and probably ruined their chance of a medal. But they pulled together, and even with a serious penalty they ended up with a comfortable silver. That's a great story, and I think it's a far better story than the one we would have had: here's Simone Biles and here are the others whose job is to not screw up.
Cycling is wide open, if the race was to go one way a Belgian had a great chance. But you can't control the race with four riders. I had an attack as the likely winner outcome, with the course suggesting it may come at the last climb. Though didn't see Carapaz as that man at all. Yep shame for Jordan Chiles, don't think it would have made any difference but Russia had just shown a chink of an entry. Pressure of an Olympic final eh? Without your superstar. One of you is discussing the women’s cycling road race and the other the men’s. I’m afraid the comical mix-up in the women’s race where two of them celebrated winning gold when they crossed the line (a minute apart) plus the rather graceless comments of the GB rider in 11th place didn’t reflect well on the former. Who do you reckon for the men’s TT ? Hard to see past Ganna but the course isn’t ideal for him. |
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Post by peggs on Jul 27, 2021 16:50:46 GMT
What about the triathlon start where half of them couldn't dive because there was a boat in the way?! I still regret not going to London 2012 Olympics, I was worried when you had to ballot for tickets that I'd suddenly have loads and get billed and had no one to go with. I went to the Paralympics when I fully understood what I was missing and it was amazing. I'd be much more inclined to go to a large sporting event over here now if we hosted something even if it was to see other countries play if it was rugby, football or something. Just that big crowd experience. Well if we ever get back to that. As far as I'm concerned, you missed nothing by going to the Paralympics rather than the Olympics ... both supreme demonstrations of the talent, passion and sheer dedication needed to reach the top in any sport. I've just applied for a shed load of tickets for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year (as locals, we get priority access) - if I get everything I've applied for, I may have to skip a show or several to cover the cost, but I can't pass up the opportunity to see (some of!) the world's best athletes so close to home. Oh I agree I'd just have liked to have done both! If I lived nearer to Birmingham I'd try, I wouldn't not go to something as it was me on my own but I'm not great on staying away on my own, mainly cos I get lost and worry a lot rather than I need someone to talk to. I particularly liked the video of Tom Dean's family watching and going mad, I'm a sucker for crying/celebrating family and friends. |
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 27, 2021 17:52:54 GMT
Cycling is wide open, if the race was to go one way a Belgian had a great chance. But you can't control the race with four riders. I had an attack as the likely winner outcome, with the course suggesting it may come at the last climb. Though didn't see Carapaz as that man at all. Yep shame for Jordan Chiles, don't think it would have made any difference but Russia had just shown a chink of an entry. Pressure of an Olympic final eh? Without your superstar. One of you is discussing the women’s cycling road race and the other the men’s. I’m afraid the comical mix-up in the women’s race where two of them celebrated winning gold when they crossed the line (a minute apart) plus the rather graceless comments of the GB rider in 11th place didn’t reflect well on the former. Who do you reckon for the men’s TT ? Hard to see past Ganna but the course isn’t ideal for him. As you say course not set up for him. Can I sit on the fence and say WVA or Roglic. Or Dumoulin as a bit more of an outsider |
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Post by Jan on Jul 27, 2021 20:19:06 GMT
Sure, say who you like ! For me it’s a third gold of the games for Ineos - Ganna or Dennis. Thomas to crash obviously.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2021 20:34:10 GMT
I hate whenever the outcome is framed as a preordained conclusion for any sport or athlete. No athlete or team is infallible and on any given day injury or a lapse in concentration can occur.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 27, 2021 20:41:37 GMT
As you say course not set up for him. Can I sit on the fence and say WVA or Roglic. Or Dumoulin as a bit more of an outsider Much as I would like it to be Ganna, having looked up the parcours Van Aert or Roglic do seem the more likely. Does anyone know why Pogacar's not doing it? Does Slovenia only have one slot?
Not looking forward to getting before 6am tomorrow but I feel it's just about not-impossibly-early enough that I feel obliged to do so, especially having been spoilered for the road race.
Today I watched the dressage team final. Fortunately this time there was the correct accompanying sound. I felt Britain were lucky to get the bronze, after visible mistakes from two of the three riders. I very much doubt there's any chance of an individual medal tomorrow. For anyone who compains certain sports are "hideously white": while all the riders were white all but one of the horses were various shades of brown (bay, chestnut, etc.) so that's pretty much 50% of competitors non-white!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2021 3:39:53 GMT
"Quadruple sculls" sounds metal as f— until you realise it's just people in boats.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 28, 2021 7:59:28 GMT
Sure, say who you like ! For me it’s a third gold of the games for Ineos - Ganna or Dennis. Thomas to crash obviously. Great use of the word obviously |
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Post by Jan on Jul 28, 2021 8:38:42 GMT
As you say course not set up for him. Can I sit on the fence and say WVA or Roglic. Or Dumoulin as a bit more of an outsider Much as I would like it to be Ganna, having looked up the parcours Van Aert or Roglic do seem the more likely. Does anyone know why Pogacar's not doing it? Does Slovenia only have one slot?
Yes Slovenia only had one slot. Well done theglenbucklaird for calling Roglic and Dumolin. I get bronze for mentioning Dennis. Ganna was fastest at the first checkpoint but the hilly nature of the course after that scuppered his chances. WvA looked out of gas on the second circuit. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 28, 2021 8:48:16 GMT
I'm not surprised that Roglic won but I'm shocked by how much. To beat 3 world champions & 1 European champion, all of whom were with a few seconds of each other, by over a minute is almost unbelievable. Jumbo Visma 1, 2 & soon-to-be-3 doesn't bode well for team competition for the next couple of seasons. Thomas didn't crash, indeed no-one crashed, but given how far behind both he & Geoghan Hart were it hardly seemed worth them turning up.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 28, 2021 8:56:09 GMT
Timings must have been wrong. One of the things following le tour that has been slightly disappointing at the Olympics is the information given. Was that a contributing factor that surprised Boardman? That was a great ride by Roglic, thought commentary really underplayed this.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 28, 2021 9:07:46 GMT
Talking of commentary, after the Eurosport commentators spent the whole of Evanepoel's radie saying how marvellous he is, I punched the air when Uran beat him only a couple of minutes later! Between commentators constantly going on about how special he is & him coming over as a cocky so-and-so in the first week of the Giro, I have rapidly grown to almost dislike Evanepoel.
ETA Now watching the dressage freestyle. One of the Spanish riders has just done a routine to an appaling mash-up of Verdi. I hardly noticed what the horse was doing as my ears were too busy boggling at the music jumping around between various operas every few seconds, plus the constant loud beat on top that certainly wasn't by Verdi.
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Post by Jan on Jul 28, 2021 9:27:30 GMT
I'm not surprised that Roglic won but I'm shocked by how much. To beat 3 world champions & 1 European champion, all of whom were with a few seconds of each other, by over a minute is almost unbelievable. Jumbo Visma 1, 2 & soon-to-be-3 doesn't bode well for team competition for the next couple of seasons. Thomas didn't crash, indeed no-one crashed, but given how far behind both he & Geoghan Hart were it hardly seemed worth them turning up. Geoghan Hart was embarrassingly ineffective in the TdF - he was no use as a co-leader or as a domestique (reports kept saying he'd crashed when Thomas did but in fact he hadn't). Then he crashed in the road race here and Thomas rather surprisingly directly blamed him for his own traditional Olympic crash, which was true but an odd thing for a teammate to say in a press interview. Can't see either of those two have a future at Ineos. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 28, 2021 9:38:40 GMT
Geoghan Hart was embarrassingly ineffective in the TdF - he was no use as a co-leader or as a domestique (reports kept saying he'd crashed when Thomas did but in fact he hadn't). Then he crashed in the road race here and Thomas rather surprisingly directly blamed him for his own traditional Olympic crash, which was true but an odd thing for a teammate to say in a press interview. Can't see either of those two have a future at Ineos. At least Thomas is old enough that he can decently retire in a year or two. The more I see of Geoghan Hart this season the more I think he was incredibly lucky to win the Giro last season. He's not looking like he's got much, if any, chance of repeating it. |
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Post by Jan on Jul 28, 2021 9:49:10 GMT
Geoghan Hart was embarrassingly ineffective in the TdF - he was no use as a co-leader or as a domestique (reports kept saying he'd crashed when Thomas did but in fact he hadn't). Then he crashed in the road race here and Thomas rather surprisingly directly blamed him for his own traditional Olympic crash, which was true but an odd thing for a teammate to say in a press interview. Can't see either of those two have a future at Ineos. At least Thomas is old enough that he can decently retire in a year or two. The more I see of Geoghan Hart this season the more I think he was incredibly lucky to win the Giro last season. He's not looking like he's got much, if any, chance of repeating it. That Giro was a once-in-a-lifetime event for him where the stars aligned in his favour. Weak opposition and Thomas departing early and then Dennis hauling him round the entire course. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 28, 2021 9:55:34 GMT
I imagine Thomas's TdF win is likewise a one-off. Actually I'm amazed he managed to stay upright long enough to win even one grand tour! This season he's crashed, I think, 5 times already: Tour de Romandie, Criterium de Dauphine, TdF x2 & Olympics. I know all cyclists crash sometimes but 5 times in under 4 months seems excessive.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 28, 2021 11:18:34 GMT
One of the Danish dressage riders has just done a routine to Les Mis music. Most of the music was orchestra-only but there were a few sections with singing and, while the lyrics weren't competely clear, some of them sounded different to the ones I know. Wondering if they were translated into Danish then back into English & got changed en route!
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Post by karloscar on Jul 28, 2021 17:50:24 GMT
The Fijian rugby 7s team singing in harmony when they got their gold medals is the artistic highlight of the games so far. Just beautiful.
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