Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 16

Day 16 - August 8, 2024

Not a large controversy, but American sprinter - and 100 meter gold medalists - Noah Lyles admitted to testing positive for Covid on Tuesday, at 5:30 in the morning.  With all of the vasccines taken by people and the immunities developed, it isn't as deadly now, but for the Olympians it could mean the difference between a medal and not even participating.  You would think that the IOC would have had some type of quarantine protocol and procedures to keep the virus from spreading around the village.  Seems like that would be important.

Lots of fantastic team events today, starting the women's volleyball semi-finals match between the United States and Brazil.  The US women defeated Brazil in 5 sets, but that 5th set had some absolutely amazing volleys and rallies, and if you have not seen it, you should go watch it!  US to the finals to try to defend their gold medal!

At the beach, Germany defeated Norway in a third set in an ending that had I not seen it, I would not have believed it.  Germany was up 14-13, when Norway seemingly tied up the match with a spike at the net around the German block.  Germany challenges the play for a net violation, and on the replay it is clear that the Norwegian athlete did indeed hit the net - the bottom of the net - with his leg on the play, not only nullifying Norway's point, but giving the point - and the victory to Germany.  This was not a situation in which the call was petty as it was absolutely correct; it was just unbelievable.

The  basketball was amazing.  In the first game, host country France defeated Germany to advance to the gold medal game, giving us all a chance to not only see Victor Wembanyama in action, but also to see Evan Fournier at his best - in FIBA.  No word if France gets to keep possession of Alsace-Lorraine.  

In the gold medal match France will play the United States, which just barely survived Serbia.  The US was down 17 at one point, and down 11 at one point in the 4th quarter, and would not have been victorious if not for Steph Curry's 36 points (9-14 from three point range), and LeBron's triple double.  This was LeBron's second career Olympic triple-double, the only athlete to achieve that feat.

In men's soccer, Morocco defeated Egypt 6-0 to capture bronze, but to set the stage for a barn-burning gold medal match between host country France and Spain tomorrow.

In men's field hockey, the Netherlands defeated Germany in a shootout to capture gold, with the Germans earning bronze.

In the pool, the United States succombed to Australia in the semi-finals of water polo, losing in a shootout, on the last shot of the game.  They will return to action in the bronze medal game.

On the wrestling mat, American Aaron Brooks seemed on his way to the gold medal match when he was turned by Bulgarian Magomed Ramazanov with 4 second left in the match, giving the Bulgarian a 4-3 win.  Brooks will wrestle for the bronze tomorrow, while Ramazanov goes for the gold.

In sport climbing, American Sam Watson could not equal his world record performance from the preliminaries, but still earned the bronze medal in the speed climb, behding gold medalist Leonardo Veddriq of Indonesia and the silver medalist China's Wu Peng.

The focus of yesterday's action - as well as most of the stars - were on the track, where the USA shined.  In most years, Grant Holloway would be one of the shining stars as the prohibitive favorite in the 100 meter hurdles, and defending silver medalist from Tokyo, coasting to his first Olympic gold, with compatriot Daniel Roberts winning silver, just ahead of bronze medalist Rasheed Broadbell from Jamaica.

  

In the pit, the USA's Tara Davis-Woodhall had secured the gold medal just prior to making her sixth and last jump, but jumped anyone, landing in the pit, standing up, and then falling back down and doing a sand angel in the pit celebrating her victory.  Her interaction with her husband in the stands made news the world over after the win.  Milaika Mihambo of Germany - the defending gold medalist - won silver, while the USA's Jasmine Moore earned bronze.

The women's 400 meter was supposed to be one of the highlights of these Olympics, with American world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone being challenged by Femke Bol of the Netherlands, and although that challenge never really materialized, the race was spectacular nonetheless as McLaughline -Levrone easily won defended her Tokyo gold medal by setting another world record.  Fellow American Anna Cockrelly joined McLaughlin-Levrone on the medal stand winning silver.  Femke Bol earned bronze.

But, as dominating as McLaughline-Levrone's performance was, the news was all about the men's 200 meter dash, where Noah Lyles was attempting to win the sprint double after capturing the gold in the men's 100 meters.  Lyles, who was diagnosed with Covid on Tuesday, and he just didn't have the closing burst we are used to seeing from him.  Lyles, settled for bronze, just behind fellow American Kenny Bednarek who won silver.  Both Americans were defeated by Letsile Tobogo, of Botswana, who earned a deserving gold.

Athlete of the Day - Letsile Tobogo, Botswana, Athletics

Won gold in the 200 meters over American favorites Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek and Erryion Knighton.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, USA, Athletics

She is probably the athlete of the day with her gold medal and world record in the 400 meter hurdles, but I had to give credit to Tobogo AND McLaughlin-Lecrone.

Team of the Day - Netherlands Men, NED, Field Hockey,

Defeated Germany in a shootout to capture the gold medal.

U.S. Team of the Day - Men's Basketball, USA, Basketball

Coming back from down 17 to advance to the gold medal game.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Split Decision - In boxes, it is a scoring determination in which two judges agree that one boxer was the winning boxer while the third judge decides that the other boxer should have been victorious.  This differs from a majority decision where two judges agree on a winning boxer and the third judge believes the match to be a draw.

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Volleyball, Water Polo

Note on the United States Flag-Bearers for the Closing Ceremonies:  The United States team captains have selected swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead.  Ledecky needs no introduction, as she has been successful not only in this Olympics but also in her Olympic career (most decorated American female athlete).  Nick Mead led the US men's rowing team to a gold in the men's four-boat.  Mead rowed bow for the United States' first gold in the men's four-boat in 64 years, since Rome 1960.  Although he specifically wasn't on my radar as a potential flag-bearer for these games, I do think he was an excellent choice.  Ledecky - should go without saying.

USA Potential Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically): Simone Biles, Ryan Crouser, Caleb Dressel, Brady Ellison, Kristen Faulkner, Cole Hocker, Vincent Hancock,Torri Huske, Lee Kiefer, Katie Ledecky, Ilona Maher, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Tom Murphy. Sophia Smith, Gabby Thomas 

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 14

Day 14 - August 6, 2024

Since I have been able to find something controversial that has occurred everyday, let's see what today brings ...  Well, US 3x3 athlete Hailey van Lith stated that the referees in 3x3 had it out for the Americans, not wanting them to win in 3x3 like the do indoors.  Nah - that is just complaining, especially since the US women won bronze medal after starting 0-3.

Given all the uproar about the "transgender" [Ed. Note - she is not transgender] Algerian boxer, and to a lesser extent the Taiwanese boxer, you would think an uproar would be caused by the fact that Henry Fieldman from Great Britain, a man who previously won a bronze medal in rowing in Tokyo, just won bronze for Great Britain in the women's eights in rowing.  Then, we find out he was the coxswain, and rowing allows the coxswain in the men's or women's eights to be of any gender.  No news there.

Then, I found out that trainers have been noticiing that horses in the equestrian events have been developing blue tongues, which is a key sign of oxygen deprivation.  This should be news, except that it is in equestrian!!!  These Paris games have been HOT, HOT, HOT, and still a lot of Americans do not believe in climate change.  Being in Florida, I might not even be allowed to say "Climate Change" (not quite true, but almost.)  All kidding aside, this is a serious issue, and animals used in competition should be taken care of as good, if not better, than the human athletes.  I hope that none of the horses suffer serious long-term effects from this.

With regard to the action, today was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!  Yes, I meant to capitalize that and add three exclamation points.  It was simply, GREAT!

And the greatest, perhaps of all time, was/is Mijain Lopez, the Cuban heavyweight wrestler, who won gold when he defeated his former training partner Yasmani Acosta Fernandez 6-0 in the gold medal match.  In winning gold, Lopez became the only athlete in any sport to win the gold medal in a single event 5 separate times (meaning 5 separate Olympics).  Entering Paris, 4 athletes had won 4 golds in one event, which I have written about previously (Al Oerter, Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps and Lopez himself).  That number was reached by two other athletes, including Katie Ledecky, which I have written about previously, also.  But today, Lopez rises above the rest by winning his fifth; (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024).  Lopez, now 41, had planned on retiring after Tokyo, but despite not competing in events since then, was convinced to return by the Cuban wrestling federation.  It was a glorious return to gold, after which Lopez definitively announced his retirement by removing his shoes and leaving them on the mat - a tradition of retirement in the sport.  Congrats Mijain, your retirement is well-earned.

 

Staying on the mat, American Amit Elor - just 20 - won her first gold medal in the 68 kilogram weight class by easily defeating Kyrgystan's Meerim Zhumanazarova 3-0.  Elor, who was never seriously challenged the entire meet, including three wins by technical fall, announced her presence as potentially the next great wrestling Olympian, especially given the fact she has not lost a match since 2019.

Hoping to join Elor as a gold medalist is Sarah Hildebrandt, whose victories in the meet so far have advanced her into the gold-medal match.  Hoping I will get to write about her again!

Staying in combat sports, Omari Jones lost his semi-final fight via split decision, meaning he earns bronze for the tournament, becoming the only American to win a medal in Paris.  Boxing, as of right now, will not be contested in Los Angeles in 2028, but the LA organizing officials are hoping that they will be able to include the sport in the games.

Kellie Harrington of Ireland won the gold medal of China's Yang Wenly in the 60kg weight class.

The United States women's volleyball team advances to the semi-finals by defeating Poland, and looking the best they have all tournament in doing so.

In women's soccer, the United States defeating Germany 1-0 in extra time thanks to a magnificent goal from Sophia Smith.  The shoutout guarantees the USA a medal, and they will face Brazil, a 4-2 victor in its semi-finals matchup - in the gold medal game.

The USA mens basketball team dominated Brazil to advance to the semi-finals in what was a phenomenal day of basketball for superfans and casual fans alike.  Serbia won its quarterfinal duel to advance to play the Americans, matching up the last two NBA MVPs in Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.  In other action, FIBA Denis Schroeder led Germany into the semi-finals defeating Greece, and the team most felt was best-situated to challenge the Americans, Canada, fell to host France, despite what seemed like a million points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.  I have to give credit to my friend JWeiss for coming up with both FIBA Denis Schroeder and FIBA Patty Mills - Akin to "Playoff Rondo."  

In the US game, Kevin Durant became the leading all-time Olympic scorer passing the immortal Lisa Leslie.

In perhaps the most dominating performance yesterday, the Netherlands' men's team sprint in cycling set a new world record in its semi-final race, only to eclipse it again to win gold.  Nobody else was even close!  And if you haven't watched Olympic cycling in a velodrome - DO IT!

At the skate park, Australia's Arisa Trew, just 14, led a collection of teenagers to the podium winning gold just ahead of Hiraki Cocona of Japan (15 - silver), and Great Britain's Sky Brown (16 - bronze).

Sam Watson of the USA broke his own world record in the sport climbing speed event, traversing the 15 meter wall in 4.75 seconds during qualifying.  Watson broke the record just moments after his previous record of 4.79 was tied by Indonesia's Veddriq Leonardo.

Approximately the world away, in Tahiti, the surfing medals were decided.  For the women, Caroline Marks of the USA defeated Tatiana Weston-Webb of Brazil for gold, with Johanna DeFay earning bronze.

In men's action, Kauli Vaust of France won gold by defeating Jack Robinson of Australia, who earned bronze.  Brazil's Gabriel Medina captured bronze by winning the bronze-medal match, and the hearts of all Olympians with this qualifying round photograph!

Athletics is always one of the most anticipated sports in the Olympics, but rarely is the anticipation matched by the deliver on the field as it was today.  For starters, in the women's 3000 meters steeplechase, Bahrain's Winfred Yavi overtook Peruth Chemutai of Uganda - the reigning Olympic champion - to not only win gold but to also set an Olympic record.  Chemutai looked in absolute shock at the finish line as she claimed silver, and Kenya's Faith Cherotic earned bronze.

Camryn Rogers of Canada, the reigning world champion in the women's hammer throw, uncorked a gold-medal winning throw on her last attempt to capture first place, defeating the USA's Annette Echikunwoke, who slipped to silver.  Zhao Jie of China earned the bronze.  Echikunwoke won the first ever medal in the women's hammer for the United States while Rogers added the women's gold medal to Canada's men's hammer gold medal.

In the men's 1500 meters, Norway's Ingebrigtsen - the defending Olympic champion - and Josh Kerr of Great Britain - the defending World Champion - had engaged in one of the best pre-Olympic trash talking episodes that we have ever seen.  And they were bot ready to prove it on the track, at least until the back stretch where America's Cole Hocker passed them both to set an Olympic record and win gold for the USA.  Running with Hocker, fellow American Yared Nuguse also passed Ingebrigtsen to win the bronze medal.  Kerr settled for silver, but it is unlikely that the fact he beat Ingebrigtsen means anything to him at this point.  The Hocker-Nuguse finish was the first time the US has won two medals in the 1500 meters since Stockholm in 1912.

And as great as the Hocker victory was, it was simply the appetizer to the women's 200 meter dash final.  With no Jamaican women qualified for the finals, it appeared to be Gabby Thomas's gold medal for the taking, and take it she did, running the turn like nobody else in the world to outdistance 100 meter gold medalist Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, who won silver.  American Brittany Brown came from behind at the finish line to win silver.  Thoms has secured the 4th gold medal, and 6th overall, for athletes from Harvard, and she is expected to participate in the 4x100  meter relay for a chance at another.

Athlete of the Day - Mijain Lopez, Cuba, Wrestling

He stands alone with 5 gold medals in 5 separate Olympics.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Cole Hocker, USA, Athletics

Unexpeted gold medal and Olympic record in the 1500 meters.

Co-U.S. Athlete of the Day - Gabby Thomas, USA, Athletics

Gold medal performance in the 200 meter dash.

Team of the Day - Netherlands Men, Netherlands, Cycling team sprint

Set a world record in the semi-finals, and then re-set it in the gold medal sprint!

U.S. Team of the Day - Women's Soccer, USA, Soccer

Heading to the gold medal match after a Sophia Smith 95th minute gold in extra time.

Co-U.S. Teams of the Day - Women's Volleyball, USA, Volleyball

Dominating performance - their best of these Olympics - over Poland to advance to the semi-finals.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Velodrome - An arena for track cycling.  It features steeply-banked oval tracks, consisting of two 180-degree circular bends connected by two straights.  The straights transition to the circular turn through a moderate easement curve.

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Cycling, Handball, Soccer, Sport Climbing, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling 

USA Potential Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically):  Simone Biles, Ryan Crouser, Caleb Dressel, Brady Ellison, Kristen Faulkner, Cole Hocker, Vincent Hancock, Torri Huske, Lee Kiefer, Katie Ledecky, Ilona Maher, Tom Murphy. Sophia Smith, Gabby Thomas