London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics - General discussion

[TheCracker]

Gold in the dressage, beyond me how that qualifies as a sport but a gold is a gold.

I feel the same way about synchronized swimming, most gymnastics and even diving, as well as plenty of winter olympic 'sports'. Anything which is scored on someone's opinion is always subjective.

 

[Tired Tyres]

I'd agree with that. Subjective scoring is a hell of a way to win/lose four years of hard work over.

Hoy, Pendalton and Trott in with Gold chances in cycling. The first two we all know about, but Trott is two points behind Hammer of the US in the Omnium.

Hammer, brilliant name for a competitor.

 

[BJBEOSmitty]

Gold in the dressage, beyond me how that qualifies as a sport but a gold is a gold.

You don't like Horse Prom? What!?!?!


As for the USA v Canada match, probably the best Women's football match I've seen. The ref made some poor calls for both sides, but the Penalty call was correct in my opinion. Turn your body 45+ degrees on a shot and raise your entire arm/elbow like that and it gets struck, PK 90% of the referees. Should be 100% probably. Stay square and get it off the shoulder or upper arm while facing it in the same position you were when the shot was struck and you're fine, play on.

Very physical match, played at pace. Big stage. Hat trick from one of the top women goals orders ever. Regional rivals, etc.

As for the "American" announcers.... One was British and the other is a former player who provided color commentary (as well as shrieks when a few stunning goals went flying in). She was ok, he was fine. If she spoke in a voice like Andy Gray when she shrieked after goals the football establishment would probably love her.

Definitely going to watch the final match, albeit on the DVR hours after it happens. Oh well.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

I cant believe that dressage is a sport either! its like ballet on horses!!!

Still at least we got a gold in it so, well done to them! 👍

 

[Pupik]

I cant believe that dressage is a sport either! its like ballet on horses!!!

It needs to be performed on a gold-played yacht in Monte Carlo's harbor for it to really be an Olympic sport.

 

[Omnis]

I can see how equestrian would fit into the old world where horses were more common than automobiles. The training that goes into dressage and all that is unbelievable.

 

[TheCracker]

I can see how equestrian would fit into the old world where horses were more common than automobiles. The training that goes into dressage and all that is unbelievable.

Doesn't stop it from still just being competitive horse dancing.

 

[BJBEOSmitty]

Just read that USA striker Abby Wambach was counting out loud (one... Two... Three... Four...) when the Canadian keeper had the ball and her team had the lead. On a couple of occasions Abby got all the way to TEN within earshot of the referee.

On the last one, whistle, free kick to the USA. What's the ref going to do? The only blame is on the Canadian keeper regardless if it's a commonly whistles infraction or not (and it's quite rare).

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

Laura Trott, wow. Just wow. Another gold medal.

 

[SuperDiscoDaz]

At least we didn't have to cheat to win one our medals like in 1900 when cricket was played for the 1st and only time at the Olympics between GB and France( most of the French team were British expats)

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Doesn't stop it from still just being competitive horse dancing.

This

Im not questioning the amount of effort, scarifice and hours that ALL of the athletes put in to be comptetitive at these games..im just saying that the dressage looks like a little pathetic compared to other olympic sports..like the 100m and the cycling..for example!

Speaking of cycling, another gold in the velodrome!! well done to Laura Trott!!

 

[SilverArrow]

This sprint final is going to give me a heart attack.

 

[Omnis]

Doesn't stop it from still just being competitive horse dancing.

Yeah, I know. Sucks that the riders don't even shoot stuff.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

This sprint final is going to give me a heart attack.

Yup, wish the judges were more consistent with their decisions. Only negative I can find so far.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Bad luck to Vicky Pendleton!! not the way she wanted to end her career!

Still a silver medal though!

 

[ExigeEvan]

Pendleton only has her self to blame for not getting those gold medals, the 1% errors cost her so much.

I feel the same way about synchronized swimming, most gymnastics and even diving, as well as plenty of winter olympic 'sports'. Anything which is scored on someone's opinion is always subjective.

But you could argue every football game won by a "controversial" penalty or dubious refereeing is the final result of opinion.

There are few sports I'd judge to be free from opinion.

[EDIT]

Does anyone else think Keirin is an odd concept for a race?

It's just a pacing bike for a rolling start

[EDIT2]

Yes Hoy!

 

[Ardius]

By the way, it's the BRITISH anthem, not the english anthem. I don't think there is an English anthem.

True, but its not exactly an anthem that resounds with some Scottish and Welsh people. It feels like an anthem imposed on people, rather than an anthem that represents.

As for a reliance on national pride, shame on us for being so small minded as to take pride in those competing for our nations.

Shame of you for even saying that in the Olympic thread. Your anti-Nation sentiments don't belong here.

Why not? This is a "general discussion" on the Olympics.

Don't put words in my mouth either, I didn't pass any comment on people who like supporting their country.

 

[daan]

You shall not pass!

 

[Furinkazen]

Hoy!!!

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

Nvm.

 

[Touring Mars]

I know posts that contain nothing but a solitary smilie are frowned upon, hence why this line of text is here... and if you are reading it, you're pretty much wasting your time. Sorry. Anyway, what I meant to say was...

 

[Cano]

Finally Mexico is ahead. Sad that Japan will have to go home by our hands (feet), but oh well.

 

[MagpieRacer]

Joint bronze medal, haven't seen that before.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

MS Paint goodness.

 

[Touring Mars]

My TV almost exploded with too much awesomeness.

Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Steve Redgrave.... the former saying that winning 5 consecutive gold medals is a different achievement to winning multiple golds was bang on - both are incredible though, and Sir Chris Hoy deserves to be hailed as the champion that he is. Great stuff! And as for Laura Trott

 

[D3ATHS1NBUNCH3S]

My TV almost exploded with too much awesomeness.

I would've LOVED to see the race here in the states, but nope, NBC decides to play the mens diving prelims instead. >=(

 

[ECGadget]

Sir Chris Hoy, absolute legend!
It's really a shame to say goodbye to Sir Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Ben Ainsley...
But I am really quite annoyed about Viccy losing! Anna Mears should have been penalised, not her! But still... this is a heck of a haul for Team GB, and we should all be proud of every olympian that is out there, trying to gather medals for us.

 

[Cano]

I'm happy. Mexico truly has the chance of nagging gold in soccer.

I'm sad, we left Japan out. But I'm more happy than sad.

 

[MUSC4EVER]

Does'nt look like theres a lot going on for teamGB in the athletics tonight!

 

[Nessy]

Sir Chris Hoy, true champ!!! infact, all the GB cycle team.

(It's wierd, Hoy actually looks a bit like my older brother )

Also, was wondering if we will see an evolution of the veladrome in the Olympics of the future?... i think a figure 8 with bridge crossover would be pretty cool.