Och, but Angus, ye ken full well that Scots folk dinna know how to play the tennis to save their lives!
so much for that
OT - Olympics Day 9 (Live/Spoilers)
August 5th, 2012 at 10:00 AM
#1
OT - Olympics Day 9 (Live/Spoilers)
August 5th, 2012 at 10:16 AM | 
This Murray - Federer match
This Murray - Federer match
August 5th, 2012 at 10:40 AM |
This is unreal considering
This is unreal considering
This is unreal considering last month RF dismantled him on the same court.
August 5th, 2012 at 11:40 AM |
Exactly. This match is night
Exactly. This match is night
Exactly. This match is night and day compared to a few weeks ago at Wimbeldon.
August 5th, 2012 at 12:12 PM |
I think the tight schedule
I think the tight schedule
I think the tight schedule (playing this tournament so soon after Wimbledon) finally caught up to Federer. He didn't seem to have the legs today. I was hoping he could win and get the career golden slam. Oh well. He's still the best ever.
August 5th, 2012 at 1:21 PM |
Go Federer
Go Federer
Go Federer
If someone ever invented a low fat vitamin - filled vegetable that tasted like fudge covered Rice Krispies treats - I'd probably eat better
August 5th, 2012 at 10:57 AM |
Except The Blancmanges...
Except The Blancmanges...
Upvote for the reference to "The Science Fiction Sketch".
The only problem is that the blancmanges have apparently failed to leave England empty during Wimbledon fortnight, or indeed, the Olympics. Which medal finalist is from Skyron, I wonder....
ADDENDUM: Murray-Federer is becoming more unreal with each serve.
"Funny isn't it, how naughty dentists always make that one fatal mistake."
Follow the random tweets of a Michigan alum - http://twitter.com/#!/LorneEC3
August 5th, 2012 at 10:55 AM |
Gymnastics
Gymnastics
McKayla Maroney gets silver in the vault final.
"I have three kids and no money. Why can't I have no kids and three money?"
August 5th, 2012 at 12:39 PM |
That's an upset
That's an upset
McKayla is expected to win gold by a comfortable margin.
August 5th, 2012 at 1:49 PM |
.
.
She slipped on her second attempt.
"I have three kids and no money. Why can't I have no kids and three money?"
August 5th, 2012 at 6:24 PM |
Still
Still
an upset nonethless. She was by far the biggest favorite to win the individual event.
August 5th, 2012 at 11:00 AM |
The women's marathon was
The women's marathon was
The women's marathon was quite the race, considering the difficultly of the course and the weather. I'm kind of surprised that this thread hasn't touched on this event, considering that NBC devoted almost three and half hours of live coverage to it.
August 5th, 2012 at 2:07 PM |
"The marathon is a very
"The marathon is a very
"The marathon is a very boring race."
--Emil Zatopek, after winning the first marathon he ever ran (at the Helsinki olympics) and for which he hadn't trained (he decided to enter at the last minute)
August 5th, 2012 at 2:55 PM |
I've run three. None were
I've run three. None were
I've run three. None were boring.
August 6th, 2012 at 12:38 AM |
I agree. I just don't get
I agree. I just don't get
I agree. I just don't get why people make comments like this. The tactical skill that goes into the long distance running races is just amazing to watch (of course, you also have to know what you're watching for, though). I suspect virtually anyone could say the same thing about one sport or another. For example, I'd far rather watch any of the long distance running events than basketball or beach volleyball (which is a sentiment that I bet a substantial number of people here agree with and a substantial number of people here disagree with, but isn't exactly popular to say).
August 6th, 2012 at 1:18 AM |
One of the agree-ers about beach volleyball.
One of the agree-ers about beach volleyball.
All the prime time focus on that and I accidentally see high jump qualifying at 1:00 am.
August 6th, 2012 at 10:29 AM |
Zatopek
Zatopek
The comment was really about Zatopek, not the marathon. I think he was bored because he liked chatting up his competitors during races and he got so far ahead in the marathon he didn't have anyone to talk to for the last hour or so.
For what it's worth, I love watching Olympic distance races, especially the 5k and 10k. It's about the only set of events post-college where they haven't hired rabbits and it's left to the runners themselves to sort things out tactically.
August 5th, 2012 at 4:11 PM |
I run ultras and I find them
I run ultras and I find them
I run ultras and I find them fun. Let me quote the late great Colonel Sanders, " I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
August 5th, 2012 at 4:51 PM |
I believe Zatopek also said,
I believe Zatopek also said,
I believe Zatopek also said, "if all you want to do is win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."
August 5th, 2012 at 5:09 PM |
It was a great race to watch.
It was a great race to watch.
It was a great race to watch. Full of drama, and as someone who has run a handful myself, it was impressive to see those kicks at the end. The Russian woman in particular showed quite a bit to catch back up to the pack after letting them get away earlier on in the race.
August 6th, 2012 at 12:28 AM |
I agree. It was an excellent
I agree. It was an excellent
I agree. It was an excellent race. I'm actually not sure whether I'm more surprised at how well Petrova Arkhipova did (as you mentioned, that charge she put forth was awesome to watch) or how much Kiplagat fell off at the end (going from the lead pack of five to finishing 20th and over five minutes back, all in the course of a couple of miles). I fully anticipate that the men's race will be just as good.
August 5th, 2012 at 12:40 PM |
Water polo
Water polo
This water polo game between China and Australia is pretty intense. In the 2nd overtime tied at 16 with 20 seconds remaining.
Walmart Wolverines are OK in my book!
August 5th, 2012 at 12:54 PM |
Game over
Game over
Australia wings in a shootout. I believe they will play either USA or Italy in the next round.
Walmart Wolverines are OK in my book!
August 5th, 2012 at 1:35 PM |
Malfunction
Malfunction
And if you were watching this great game, you got to see a little extra courtesy of nbc: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4GgawcsBTE
August 5th, 2012 at 2:23 PM |
Whoa
Whoa
I did not see that, but it happened so fast and I probably wasn't paying that close attention. You have to imagine that it happens a lot though. Those ladies are rough.
Walmart Wolverines are OK in my book!
August 5th, 2012 at 1:59 PM |
Handball is an underrated
Handball is an underrated
Handball is an underrated sport. It's like water polo on land.
August 5th, 2012 at 2:59 PM |
Whoa...
Flipped to NBCSN
Whoa...
Flipped to NBCSN
Whoa...
Flipped to NBCSN (Sports Network) and came across this athlete...
http://www.dispatch.com/content/graphics/2012/07/14/arace-mangold-art-gq...
I mean, not to judge, but I was just shocked. Kinda awesome, kinda embodies America all too well..
CoE Class of 2007
August 5th, 2012 at 3:37 PM |
Holly Mangold, Nick Mangold's
Holly Mangold, Nick Mangold's
Holly Mangold, Nick Mangold's little (I guess?) sister.
"Welllllllll..."
August 5th, 2012 at 5:20 PM |
Under their video highlights in the NBC App
Under their video highlights in the NBC App
They have "Highlights: Holley Mangold's snatch."
That's just wrong.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
August 5th, 2012 at 4:57 PM |
Bolt. 1st ever back o back
Bolt. 1st ever back o back
Bolt. 1st ever back o back 100m winner. Wow.
"Welllllllll..."
August 5th, 2012 at 4:59 PM |
Second ever.
Second ever.
Carl Lewis, 1984 & 1988.
August 5th, 2012 at 5:06 PM |
Shit. How can I forget bout
Shit. How can I forget bout
Shit. How can I forget bout Lewis....
edit: Forgot 88 was the Ben Johnson race, where Lewis was awarded the gold after Johnson tested for steroids. A gold nonetheless!
"Welllllllll..."
August 5th, 2012 at 5:10 PM |
Have a hard time getting excited about it
Have a hard time getting excited about it
When this era is like the home run era of baseball. We're just awarding the best cheater.
(Though it is an interesting comparison to gymnastics that 6 of the final 8 are from Jamaica or the US)
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
August 5th, 2012 at 5:31 PM |
I agree that the top runners
I agree that the top runners
I agree that the top runners are all almost certainly juiced. Last Olympic cycle I read an article (don't remember where, maybe ESPN Mag?) talking about decreasing 100 times and records. Tellingly, the article breezed over the doping issue by explaining that to track insiders, "it doesn't matter" whether the runners are doping or not. They're just excited to see what human limits they can break.
So I think it's all juiced. Still a blast to watch, though, and that slight benefit of the doubt is enough to keep me from being disgusted by it. Of course, I enjoy cycling, too.
One counterpoint to this: improved training techniques and whatever else have lowered 100 times, but the 200 record has been much harder to beat, even by someone as naturally gifted for it as Bolt.
Servant. Pastor. Husband. Michigan fan in Duluth.
August 5th, 2012 at 6:13 PM |
Don't forget the evolutions
Don't forget the evolutions
Don't forget the evolutions in technology. Much better track surfaces, evolution of track spikes, deeper understanding of training techniques, etc. Times will always decrease as technology increases. I'd be curious to see what a Michael Johnson or Carl Lewis could have done in today's environment.
August 5th, 2012 at 9:29 PM |
Are they allowed to change
Are they allowed to change
Are they allowed to change the track surface that much? I assumed they wanted it to be as constant from year to year as possible to keep the integrity of the records.
August 5th, 2012 at 11:26 PM |
Hogwash
Hogwash
With all due respect, that's exactly the same argument cycling made in the 90s as wattage outputs and climbing performances improved markedly. "It's the new, ultra-light ultra-stiff bikes" they said (and they are!). "It's the improved aerodynamics in the uniforms and frames." "It's the improved pedaling systems." "It's harder work and better training methods."
All of those improvements were true... But when cycling moved to a better, aggressive bio-passport program, climbing performances dropped right back to the old "mortal" levels.
There has been a lot of development since the days of Owens, but as technology improves the rate of gain should flatten out as peak efficiency is approached; there just hasn't been that much change since 1996, but the record has been steadily cut away at an astounding rate.
Again, I still enjoy the event and don't hate the participants, but in today's high-tech doping age with such amazing sprint times being produced, it's hard to believe that juice isn't involved.
Servant. Pastor. Husband. Michigan fan in Duluth.
August 6th, 2012 at 1:02 AM |
Agree
Agree
Somehow, it seems like the pace of improvement is growing, which doesn't make sense at all. Instead of shaving off the occasional .01 second off the record, which was the case for awhile, we're seeing guys periodically rip off .04 or .05 at a time. It's eyebrow-raising.
August 5th, 2012 at 6:35 PM |
Looking at the points apparently we have a pro cheater person
Looking at the points apparently we have a pro cheater person
It all equals out because almost all countries do it. But it sucks for the athletes that are doing it straight (I have pretty good faith Porter isn't juicing). But it's worse that even when they catch them they don't do anything, really. The women's 100 winner was suspended for doping in 2010. And here she's winning. Make it a lifetime ban and you'll cut down on it big time.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
August 5th, 2012 at 6:44 PM |
A lot of sports are
A lot of sports are
A lot of sports are disproportionately dominated by a couple of nationalities. The British were all over the rowing and track cycling events, for instance. Korea and Italy dominated fencing. Swimming was pretty much U.S./China/France.
August 5th, 2012 at 8:17 PM |
Yes, and if they were like gymnastics
Yes, and if they were like gymnastics
Only two of those athletes could have competed from each country. Track does it right; 8 best, regardless of country of origin.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
August 6th, 2012 at 12:54 AM |
Ah, OK. I get what you were
Ah, OK. I get what you were
Ah, OK. I get what you were saying.
August 5th, 2012 at 5:03 PM |
Steeplechase...
Steeplechase...
Jager finished sixth in his sixth ever steeplechase. He'll win it all in Rio, for sure.
Go Blue!
August 5th, 2012 at 5:06 PM |
You've got to be fucking kidding me
You've got to be fucking kidding me
Instead of covering the men's 100m final live—one of the signature events of any Olympics—NBC instead gives us horse jumping and beach volleyball. What a colossal cock-up.
August 5th, 2012 at 5:10 PM |
I thought the same thing.
I thought the same thing.
I thought the same thing. It's Sunday at 5 PM - people will watch a race that takes under 10 seconds to run. What a waste!
August 5th, 2012 at 5:16 PM |
Yeah, but
Yeah, but
Have you seen that Czech volleyball team?
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
August 5th, 2012 at 11:07 PM |
No, but I've seen the
No, but I've seen the
No, but I've seen the Slovenian Triple Jumper. WOW!:
Who is Jon Falk?
August 5th, 2012 at 11:13 PM |
I was kinda liking the crying volleyball player, Marta Menegatti
I was kinda liking the crying volleyball player, Marta Menegatti
The US is slowly eliminating all the cutest beach volleyball players.
"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk
August 5th, 2012 at 5:18 PM |
and now that I know the outcome of the race
and now that I know the outcome of the race
I have absolutely no interest in making a point of tuning into NBC this evening to watch the stale re-run. I can watch it any time in the future since there will be plenty of youtubes available before too long. In other words, I'm not watching anything on NBC. What a bunch of nitwits.
August 5th, 2012 at 5:22 PM |
Have you seen that Czech volleyball team?
Have you seen that Czech volleyball team?
I don't give a crap about volleyball, and if I want to look at attractive women, I can do that anytime at a billion websites.
I do care about track & field, but if NBC doesn't care about broadcasting it live I'm doing something else with my time, like finishing the kitchen paint job I'm in the middle of.
August 5th, 2012 at 5:28 PM |
You could always watch it live on the NBC website
You could always watch it live on the NBC website
And the great thing about the 100m is that it happens so quickly their media player won't have time to crash.
This Murray - Federer match is pretty good. Go Murray