Picks of the Week

Well, not a great start to the NFL season, but finished in the black in Week 1, and I will take that every week.  Plus, I got a good start to week 2 by ignoring the standard betting rules, who knew?  I didn't think that Tua would be conucssed, but I did think Buffalo would roam all over the Dolphins.  Let's see if I can keep that momentum up!!!

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas, losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Buffalo Bills +2 1/2 at Miami Dolphins

Yes, we are supposed to take the home team on a short week, but Buffalo had beated Miami 13 out of 15 times, and with Dolphins' running backs Raheem Mostert (out) and Devan Achane (questionable) injured, who is going to run the ball for the Dolpins?

New Orleans Saints +6 at Dallas Cowboys

Caution - this is likely an overreaction to Week 1, where New Orleans had the best peformance of any team.  But, maybe they are better than we thought and they can keep this one close?  Dallas is going to have problems running the ball this year, so I think the Saints could cover.

Baltimore Ravens - 8 1/2 v. Las Vegas Raiders

The way the Ravens played in week 1, they beat alomost everyone not named Kansas City.  That and with thh Raiders being in the Pacific time zone and travelling east for the 1:00 game, I'll take Baltimore, even though I would have liked this spread to be 6 1/2 points.

Washington Commanders -1 1/2 v. New York Giants

Jayden Daniels' potential makes this game tolerable.

Carolina Panthers +5 v. Los Angeles Chargers

I HATE this bet.  HATE IT, HATE IT, HATE IT!  But, I already violated the betting rule on Thursday by taking the visiting team on a short week, no way I can do it twice.  This rule is always take the east coast team in the 1:00 time slot when playing a Pacific coast team traveling east.

Indianapolis Coltes -2 1/2 at Green Bay Packers

My first road favorite, UGH!  But, we know what we are getting with Anthony Richardson.  Some mediocre throws, a low completion percentage, but some WOW plays.  We also know what we are getting with the Packers - Malik Willis!

San Francisco 49ers -4 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings

The 49ers placed Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, but as we saw last week, Jordan Mason is more than capable of stepping into the lead back roll.  Minnesota played really well last week, and Sam Darnold looked GREAT!  But, that San Francisco defense is something else.  Look ma, a second straight road favorite.  It's a good thing Minnesota is only in the central time zone.

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 v. Cleveland Browns

Both teams looked rather inept offensively last week.  The difference is that Jacksonville has players that are more likely to show last week was a fluke.

New England Patriots +3 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks

Taking an east coast home underdog playing a Pacific time zone team, YES PLEASE!  But, that makes three this week, so odds are I lose one of them - probably Carolina.

Tennessee Titans +4 v. New York Jets

Jordan Mason and the San Francisco 49ers just ran through the supposedly vaunted Jets defensive front 7.  I bet Tennessee wishes they still had Derrick Henry!  That being said, the Jets offense did not look so great, either, and the Titans defense looked strong.  Granted, it was against the Bears inept offense, but part of their ineptness was the defense played by Tennessee.  I don't know if they will win outright, but this game should be close.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +8 at Detroit Lions

The Lions are REALLY, REALLY good.  But, don't underestimate Tampa Bay.  I feel like Baker Mayfield has been underestimated his whole career and always rises to the challenge.  Eight points is way too high of a line for this game.

Los Angeles Rams pick 'em at Arizona Cardinals

Vegas has this one right in that this game could go either way.  Both defenses were bad last week, but the Rams offense seems smoother, as Arizona still is trying to incorporate rookie Marvin Harrison, Jr.  For that reason, I'll take Arizona.

Denver Broncos +2 1/2 v. Pittsburgh Steelers

Denver cannot play as bad as they did last week, right?  I do believe, however, that Pittsburgh can.  Steelers 21-20.

Kansas City Chiefs -6 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals

Kansas City already looks in mid-season form.  J'Marr Chase has called off contract extension talks, meaning it is likely he hits free agency.

Houston Texans -6 v. Chicago Bears

The Bears offense looked atrocious.  At least their defense looked amazing.  But, Houston is much better than Tennessee offensively, so I don't think this is going to be close.

Philadelphia Eagles -6 v. Atlanta Falcons

Kirk Cousins is notoriously bad in prime time games, and he was already bad last week.  When do the "Michael Penix, Jr." chants start?  Philly looked good last week.

Big Bet:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +8 at Detroit Lions

The Lions are REALLY, REALLY good.  But, don't underestimate Tampa Bay.  I feel like Baker Mayfield has been underestimated his whole career and always rises to the challenge.  Eight points is way too high of a line for this game.

The bet here should be Houston, but I cannot do that to myself.  I will take 8 points, and take them happily.

Record

Last Week's Record:  8-7-1

Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0

Year-to-Date Record:  8-7-1

Big Bet Year-to-Date:  1-0

Last Week's Winnings (Losses): $180

Year to Date's Winnings (Losses): $180

Picks of the Week

HOORAY!!!  THE NFL is back.  And for what it's worth, it starts with what is expected to be a humdinger of a game as the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, host the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last year's AFC title game.  So, not only is this game important for bragging rights among the NFL's elite, but could also be important for home-field advantage in the playoffs.  Love the NFL, and I am so happyit is back!  Let's get to the games ...

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas, losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Baltimore Ravens +3 at Kansas City Chiefs

No short week, since this is week 1, so the home team rule doesn't apply.  Plus, there is usually a bit of  a Super Bowl hangover, especially when the quarterback doesn't really yet know his new receivers, plus a rookie left tackle.  And, the best way to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs is to control the ball and win the time of possession.  Enter Derrick Henry.

Philadelphia Eagles - 2 1/2 v. Green Bay Packers (in Sao Paulo, Brazil)

The NFL's first game in Brazil, and it's on a Friday.  Excitement, excitement.  Plus, the soccer team that generally plays its home games in the stadium in which this game will be played has a rival which primarily wears green.  Yeah, this is going to be great.  Adding Saquon Barkley - if truly healthy - to this Eagles offense makes them super scary.  They win big.

Chicago Bears -3 1/2 v. Tennessee Titans

New quarterback in Caleb Williams, along with a revamped offense which sees DeAndre Swift, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze joining D.J. Moore as offensive weapons makes this team incredibly hopeful for a playoff run, similar to the Texans of last season.  To do that, they have to win at home against a Titans team that lost Derrick Henry, and might just be drifting listlessly in mediocrity.

Atlanta Falcons -3 1/2 v. Pittsburgh Steelers

A new head coach that might actually use Bijan Robinson against a defense that despite T.J. Watt's numbers was actually pretty poor last year?  Yes, please.  Sprinkle in a little "Noon Nightmare" now starting at quarterback for Atlanta in Kirk Cousins.

Minnesota Vikings -1 1/2 at New York Giants

I hate road favorites, but this line is too small too worry about that.  I might be the only one that thinks Sam Darnold showed that he is an actual NFL quarterback in Carolina for a bit (not a star mind you, but serviceable), and sometimes all you need to be is serviceable with Justin Jefferson on the end of your passes.  I think the Giants could be one of the worst teams in the league this year, and this game could show whether that is true or no.

Jacksonville Jaguars + 3 1/2 at Miami Dolphins

I think this game could be really close, so I am taking the points.  Both teams have a lot of offensive firepower, and some studs on defense.  The Dolphins secondary with Jalen Ramsey, Kendell Fuller, Jordan Poyer and Jevon Holland are among the best, if not the best, in the NFL.  The newly glossed Josh Hines-Allen IS one of the best defenders in the NFL for Jacksonville.

Cincinnati Bengals -8 1/2 v. New England Patriots

There is absolutely no reason to watch this game unless you have money on it or play fantasy.  Cincinnati should roll.  Do not let J'Marr Chase's practice holdout worry you.  He can go!

Buffalo Bills -6 1/2 v. Arizona Cardinals

West coast team traveling east and playing in the 1:00 time zones fail to cover 2/3rds of the time.  And yes, Arizona is only in the Mountain Time Zone, except they do not use Daylight Savings Time, so they are 3 hours behind.  I am interested in watching both rookie wide receivers:  Marvin Harrison, Jr. for Arizona and Keon Coleman for Buffalo.

Houston Texans -3 at Indianapolis Colts

Week 1 and I am already breaking a traditional NFL gambling rule - don't bet a road favorite in an intradivisional game.  However, I am doing this BECAUSE it is week 1, and that is where we can most take advantage of undervalue (or overvalued lines).  Houston added Danielle Hunter to an already potent defensive line, which could make Anthony Richardson rush throws - and we already know from college he can be incredibly inaccurate.  Plus, it is week 1, which makes it waaaaay too early for Stefon Diggs to start ruining a team's season.  That usually starts around week 11.

Carolina Panthers +4 at New Orleans Saints

This bet is not so much aboute Carolina improving - although they should (I mean, they HAVE to, right?) - as much as I do not think New Orleans is going to be good at all.  I mean, they have like only 6 or 7 players that any other team might want.  I feel I would take the points in this game, no matter which team was receiving them.

Los Angeles Chargers -3 v. Las Vegas Raiders

I really have no idea what this year has in store for either of these teams.  Just taking the home team, really, because Justin Herbert has to be better than Gardner Minshew, right?

Seattle Seahawks -6 v. Denver Broncos

There are a lot of people high on the Denver Broncos, especially given Bo Nix's preseason.  Most of those people are intrigued by his fantasy numbers, and not necessarily the actual football games.  I will wait for a few games unitl I consider myself impressed yet.  For now, I'll just say that Patrick Surtain II cannot cover DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, AND Jaxson Smith-Njigba.  Denver is going to have to improve a defense that gave up a million yards and 1,300 points to the Bears and Dolphins last year (please not hyperbole).

Washington Commanders +3 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Another hyped rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, takes the helm for the Commanders.  Washington played a ton of close games last year, while throwing more pass attempts than any team in the league.  Daniels can make things happen with his legs should a pass attempt break down, and he is incredibly accurate.  Like all rookie quarterbacks, he will have some setbacks, but I think he keeps this game close, at least.

Dallas Cowboys + 3 1/2 at Cleveland Browns

Forget playoff failures, this Cowboys team does have talent; and certainly enough talent to win this game outright, so I'll take points.

Detroit Lions -4 1/2 v. Los Angeles Rams

This Detroit Lions team seems poised to make a jump to Super Bowl contender this year, and has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball.  The Rams have some star skill position players in Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua, and the venerable Matthew Stafford throwing to them, and they are going to need to score as many points as they can given their (lack of) defensive makeup.  Aaron Donald, in the conversation as the greatest DT ever, retired, and it is going to be hard to find a replacement for that push up the middle.

San Francisco 49ers -4 1/2 v. New York Jets

Until we see otherwise, San Francisco is a definitive pick most weeks.  The Jets defense can be outstanding, and Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson are potential stars on the offensive side of the ball.  Can Aaron Rodgers stay on the field for more than a quarter AND keep his mouth shut?  We shall see.

Big Bet:

Chicago Bears -3 1/2 v. Tennessee Titans

New quarterback in Caleb Williams, along with a revamped offense which sees DeAndre Swift, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze joining D.J. Moore as offensive weapons makes this team incredibly hopeful for a playoff run, similar to the Texans of last season.  To do that, they have to win at home against a Titans team that lost Derrick Henry, and might just be drifting listlessly in mediocrity.

I am all in on this team for this game:  Home game hype, #1 overall draft pick QB hype, tons of offensive weapons, and a team defense that was the best in the NFL once Head Coach Matt Eberflus took over play-calling in the middle of the season and Montez Sweat came over from the Commanders in a mid-season trade.  If Sweat can get any modicum of pressure from the other side of the line via DeMarcus Walker or rookie fifth-round pick Austin Booker, opposing offenses will have to look out all season.

As this is week 1, I present to you last season's final tally.

Last Year's Recap

Year-to-Date Record:  169-128-14

Big Bet Year-to-Date:  11-13
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): $200.50

Playoffs' Winnings (Losses):  $1,355.50

Year to Date's Winnings (Losses): $2,450.50

Record

Last Week's Record:  0-0

Last Week's Big Bet:  0-0

Year-to-Date Record:  0-0

Big Bet Year-to-Date:  0-0

Last Week's Winnings (Losses): 

Year to Date's Winnings (Losses): 

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 19

Day 19 - August 10, 2024

For these entire Olympics I have been able to mention a type of controversy that was brewing from that day, whether it be political, event-related, or imagined - but something each day became a story that people disscussed that wasn't about the competition.  I have refrained from mentioning the biggest one because it is disgusting and I did not want to even mention the man's name.  But, since I have made it to the end without doing so, I am going to mention the story so that you - my readers - know that I am not ignoring it to ignore it, but rather was purposefully trying not to add to the publicity of Steven van de Velde.  Van de Velde is a beach volleyball player from the Netherlands that was convicted of child rape in 2016 in England.  The incidents occurred when he was 19 and the child was 12.  He was transferred from prison in England to the Netherlands and was after serving only 13 months of a 4-year sentence.  He qualified for the Netherlands beach volleyball team, and participated in the Olympics, where he was booed more than cheered, the latter part to which I say - way to go Olympic attendees and fans.

Today was the last day of the Olympics, with only a few medal events being played and I will begin with the most exciting event of the day, the women's basketball gold medal match between the United States and host France.  The United States, led by A'ja Wilson, narrowly defeated France 67-66, to keep their 61 game winning streak in the Olympics in tact, as well as their 8th straight gold medal.  This games was very sloppy, and physical, and the scored showed it, but Wilson had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum each had 12 points coming off the bench.  Kelsey Plum follows-up her gold medal in 3x3 from Tokyo with this year's basketball gold medal.  Australia defeated Belgium for the bronze medal.

In women's volleyball, Italy defeated the United States 3-0, cementing itself as the best volleyball team in the world by unseating the defending gold medalists.

In the water, the United States men salvaged the bronze medal over Hungary by winning the shootout 3-0.  Serbia won the gold over Croatia 13-11.

In the men's team handball gold medal game, Denmark absolutely dominated Germany, winning 39-26.  Spain beat Slovenia for the bronze.

At the velodrome, American Jennifer Valente won the omnium, which is a points conglomeration of 4 different cycling events; the scratch race, tempo race, elimination race and points race.  The women's scratch race is a 7.5 kilometer race, with points being awarded to cycleists based upon their finish.  The tempo race is a complicated race where riders earn points by winning sprints during each lap and by lapping the field whereas riders who are lapped are deducted points.  The winning rider is the one that accumulates the most points, not the one that finishes first.  The elimination race is a race in which the field participates in a sprint race every other lap, and the last place finisher is dropped - or eliminated - from the competition.  The rider that lasts the longets wins this race.  The points race is exactly that, a points race.  This is an 80 lap race with a spring every 10 laps.  The winners of laps accumulate points (5,3,2,1) or a rider gains 20 points for lapping the field.  The winner is the rider that accumulates the most points in all four races, and that was Jennifer Valente!  Poland's Daria Pikulik won silver and Ally Wollaston of Australia earned bronze.

On the wrestling mat, American Kennedy Blades lost to Japan's Kagami Yuka 3-1 in the gold medal match, to win the silver medal.

The best performance yesterday belonged to Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, who won the marathon gold medal ahead of Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa (silver) and Hellen Obiro of Kenya (bronze).  This came on the heels of already winning bronze in both the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters earlier in the week.  This is the first time a female has won medals in all three distance races, and the only runner since Emil Zatopek of then-Czechoslovakia to achieve this feat in Helsinki 1952.

I may end up doing a wrap-up post, or perhaps a post on the Closing Ceremonies, with the former more likely than the latter, but for now, it's on the Los Angeles in 2028.

Athlete of the Day - Sifan Hassan, Netherlands, Athletics

She won the gold medal in the marathon after already competing in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters earlier this week, and won the bronze medal in all of them.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Jennifer Valente, USA, Cycling

Won her second gold of these Olympics in the Omnium, a series of races combining speed, endurance, and recovery.

Team of the Day - Denmark Men, DEN, Handball

Just absolutely dominated the gold medal match.

U.S. Team of the Day - USA Women, USA, Basketball

Despite all the pressure of a 60-game winning streak and a 7 consecutive gold medal streak, along with playing in front of a raucous crowd dying for a upset of the US juggernaut by France, the U.S. women managed to pull-out the gold medal 67-66.

Olympic Term of the Day:  clean-and-jerk; snatch - Both are weightlifting terms.  The former is a two-movement lift in which the weight is raised to shoulder level, and then raised above the head in a second movement.  The latter is a one motion lift in which the competitor takes the barbell from the ground overhead in one continuous motion.

Olympic Events Watched:  Basketball, Closing Ceremonies, Cycling, Handball, Water Polo

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 18

Day 18 - August 10, 2024

So the International Olympic Committee, by virture of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, has stripped Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal an awarded it to the Romanian Ana Barbosu.  In case you don't know, when the floor exercises was finished in the individual apparatus finals, Jordan Chiles was officially listed in fifth, behding gold medal winner Rebecca Andrade of Brazil, silver medalist Simone Biles of the USA, Barbosu and a fourth-place Romanian.  But, the US officials noticed that the scores, which are based upon a starting difficulty rating for the perforamnce, had been underscored for Chiles by .1.  They appealed to the judges who corrected their error.  That extra .1 point raised Chiles from 5th to 3rd, earning her the bronze medal, which was awarded at the podium.  Romania then appealed that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which concluded that the US coaches did not appeal in time, doing so four seconds after the one-minute deadline has expired.  So, Barbosu was announced as the bronze medalist and Chiles dropped to fifth.  The IOC has demanded the bronze medal awarded to Chiles be returned.  The United States gymnastic officals state they have time-stamped video evidence of them appealing the decision at 40 seconds and 55 seconds after the conclusion of the meet, thus within the time frame.  Who knows where this is going to end up?!

In the first ever Breaking events in the Olympics, the b-boy battle was decided with Canada's Phil Wizard winning gold in his battle over Frenchman Danny Dan, with American b-boy Victor (Montalvo) winning bronze.  This is likely the only time Breaking will be contested in the Olympics, as it will not return in Los Angeles in 2028.  Phil Wizard joins b-girl Ami from Japan as the Breaking gold medalists.

In ladies golf, New Zealand's Lydia Ko won gold, her third consecutive medal in the Olympics, and, with this win has now qualified for the Golf Hall of Fame, 

In sport climbing, in the ladies boulder and lead, Janja Garnbret of Slovenia won the gold medal just ahead of thh USA's Brooke Raboutou (silver) and Jessica Pilz of Austria (bronze).

The USA also won silver thanks to Nevin Harrison's performance in the women's canoe singles 200 meters, just behind Katie Vincent of Canada, who won gold, and just behind Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys of Cuba, who won the bronze.

Today a lot of emphasis fell to the team events, as the gold medal games happened to end the two weeks of game play.  And none was as hyped as men's basketball where host France played the previously dominant United States close, and then Steph Curry scored 12 points in the last three minutes of the gold medal game to secure victory over the France and secure gold.  LeBron James was named MVP of the tournament by FIBA, with Curry also making the first team along with Germany's Denis Schroeder, France's Victor Wembanyama, and Serbia's Nikola Jokic.

 

Nikola Jokic had only the fifth triple-double in Olympics history, as hed led Serbia to the bronze medal.

Despite falling short in basketball, France did win gold in men's volleyball, sweeping Poland 3-0.  Poland settled for silver.

In women's soccer, a late goal by Mallory Swanson put the USA women up 1-0 against Brazil, and some great goalkeeping by Alyssa Naeher preserved the shutout, her third straight in the knockout rounds.

In women's handball, which was one of the most exciting tournaments during thes games, Norway was able to defeat the home crowd and France, bringing gold to the Scandinavians and silver to France.  Seriously, if you haven't watched team handball, men or women, WATCH IT!

Women's water polo was also exciting in these games, and they wrapped up today with Spain defeating Australia 11-9 in the gold medal match.

But, as like most final weekends in the Olympics, the action on the track dominated.  In a fantastic race, Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya won the gold medal in the men's 800 meters, closely followed by Canada's Marco Arop (silver) and Djamel Sedjati of Algeria earned bronze.  American Bryce Hoppel wa right on the heals of the medalists, finsihing in fourth as the top four runners all finished within .48 seconds of each other, with first and second separated by only .01 seconds.

And, as close as the men's 800 meter finish was, the women's 120 meter hurdles race waws even closer.  American Masai Russell and France's Cyrena Samba-Myela both defeated the favorite Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico.  Masai edged Samba-Myela of .01 of a second for gold.

At the 5,000 meter distance, Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen won gold ahead of Ronald Kwemoi of Kenya (silver) and the American Grant Fisher (bronze).  Fisher is the first American ever to medal in the 5,000 and the 10,000 meter races at the same Olympics.

An even much farther distance, the marathon, was held today as well, with Ethiopia's Tamrit Tola winning gold ahead of Belgian Bashir Abdi and Benson Kipruto of Kenya.

The men's high jump was hotly contested, but New Zealand's Hamish Kerr came away with the gold, American Shelby McEwen earned silver, and defending gold medalist Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar winning bronze.

And then we get to the final races of the Olympics on the track (women's marathon still remains tomorrow), teh 4x400 meter relays, men and women, and we had some doozies.  In the men's race, anchor leg Rai Benjamin held off 200 meter gold medalists Letsile Tobogo, setting an Olympic record and earning gold for the Americans.  Tobogo, of Botswana, finished second for his country.  By virtue of his running a leg in the qualifying rounds, Quincy Wilson, 16, becomes the youngest track gold medalist in US History.

Another gold for the US women, who absolutely dominated their race running the second fastest time every in the event, behind only the Soviet Union in Seoul in 1988.  The American coaches pulled two runners from the relay inserting 400 meter hurdle gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and 200 meter gold medalist Gabby Thomas into the 2 and 3 slots, between leadoof Shamier Little and anchor Alexis Holmes.  The gold medal is Harvard's 13th medal at these games!

Athlete of the Day - Mallory Swanson, United States, Soccer

As deflated as the women's soccer team was after the last Olympics and World Cup, a new coach and a new outlook led to a gold medal, and a bright future for the entire team, but also its forwards, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Masai Russell, USA, Athletics

Her first victory in a major tournament was in the U.S. Olympic trials, and her second in these games.

Team of the Day - France Men, FRA, Volleyball

The host country dominated a Polan team that has the best player in the world, Wilfredo Leon.

U.S. Team of the Day - Women's 4x400 meter relay, USA, Athletics

Domination.

Olympic Term of the Day:  b-boy; b-girl - Athletes that compete in breaking are called b-boys (males) and b-girls (females).

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Breaking, Canoe, Golf

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically): KATIE LEDECKY, NICK MEAD

Olympics - Paris 2024 - Day 17

Day 17 - August 9, 2024

Today's controversy was political, but it occurred on the field of play.  Refugee B-girl, b-girl Talash, Manizha Talash, breaking for the Refugee team, was in action today along with the rest of the b-girls.  Manash, originally from Afghanistan but now living as a refugee in Spain, removed an outer article of clothing to reveal a cape that said, "Free Afghan Women!"  She was disqualified as the Olympics forbig any type of political statement or slogans.  Seeing that she lost her pre-qualifying match anyway, the disqualification did not keep her from participating any further than she already did.  So, I say, good on you Talash!

And, in the first ever gold medal in breaking, b-girl Ami from Japan takes it, and etches her name in history.

There was some absolutely amazing team games/matches/etc today.  For the host country, some disappointment among their excitemend as Les Bleus fell behind Spain in men's soccer 3-1 early.  But, some second-half persistence and aggressiveness led to a 3-3 draw at full time.  Spain broke that draw and added another in extra time to take gold, while the French earned bronze.  A great summer for Spain as they win Euros and capture gold in the Olympics.

In women's field hockey, the Netherlands won gold over China - who takes silver - in a shootout, making it a sweep for both Dutch teams in field hockey.

In women's basketball, the United States dominated Australia in the semi-finals, in search of their 8th consecutive gold medal in basketball.  A'ja Wilson leads the team, and shows that she is absolutely and by far the best women's basketball on the planet.

On the volleyball court, the US men captured the bronze medal over Italy, in a match that - althgouh a 3-set sweep, was amaingly close and exciting.

China's men swept the Swedes 3-0 in the team event, but 2 of the matches went a full five sets, as Sweden gave the defending champions all they could handle.

The Brazilian team of Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa defeated Team Canada to win the gold medal in beach volleyball.

Imane Khelif, the newsmaking athlete of these games - not of her own accord - defeated China's Yang Liu to win the gold medal in her boxing weight class.  I will refrain from commenting anymore on this so as not to give her lying critics any credence.  Well earned Imane. 

In another combat sport, the United States had a stellar day on the wrestling mat.  And nobody's day was more stellar than Helen Maroulis, who although she "only" earned a bronze medal, she became the only female wrestler from the US to win three medals.  This year's bronze will accompany her bronze from Tokyo and her gold from Rio!

Also earning a bronze was Aaron Brooks, who came back fired up after a literal last second loss in the-semifinals that you can read about in yesterday's post.

Spencer Lee won silver for the United States, after losing his gold medal match to Rei Higuchi of Japan, 4-2.

In what was likely the most exciting match in wrestling, Kyle Dake of the USA was defeated by Japan's Daichi Takatani 20-12, in a match that saw several stoppages so the video official could review to make sure enough points were being awarded.  Dake will wrestley for the bronze medal tomorrow.

In weightlifting, American Olivia Reeves won gold, the first such gold for the US since basically forever.

But, the track is where most of the action took place yesterday.  We should start with the heptathlon, where Belgium's Nafissatou Thiam won her second consecutive gold medal, making her the overall best women's athlete.

Another amazing female athlete is Yemisi Ogunleye of Germany, who won the shot put on the very last throw.  Ogunleye, who led the event after 5 puts, was relegated to second place on the penultimate throw of the event taken by Maddison-Lee Wesche of New Zealand.  Ogunleye stepped up on her last throw - the last of the event - and uncorked a 20 meter throw for gold.

The men's triple jump was interesting, as Cuban-born athletes swept the podium, with Jordan Alejandro Diaz Fortun winning gold, Pedro Pichardo earning silver, and Andy Diaz Hernandez taking bronze.  What makes this interesting is that none of the athletes represented Cuba, as they competed for Spain, Portugal, and Italy, respectively.

The biggest disappointment for the United States occurred in the - surprise, surprise, not - men's 4x100 meter relay, in which they failed to get the baton around the track.  Noah Lyles had to be replaced due to Covid, so instead of just inserting a runner - likely Kenny Bednarek, into the anchor leg, the team switched all of the spots/runners except for starter Christian Coleman, who could not catch Bednarek after what looked like an early start.  Canada took advantage of the sloppiness to win gold, as America has to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to get some continuity and practice out of its relay teams.

The women, however, did get the baton around the track, although a bit of sloppiness in the hand-off the Gabby Thomas in the third leg did slow the team down, but then Sha'Carri Richardson, caught the 4 athletes ahead of her for gold!  Gabby Thomas's gold was the 12th medal for Harvard alumni/students!

A much anticipated race was the men's 400 meter hurdles, pitting Rai Benjamin of the USA, who has the world's best time this year, Norway's Karsten Warholm, the world record holder and defending Olympic champion, and Brazil's Alison dos Santos, silver medalist in the world championships, but to quote Ato Bolden, the NBC track announcer, "Rai said never mind the big 3, THERE'S JUST BIG ME!"  (Thanks Kendrick Lamar!)  Benjamin cruised ahead of his rivals, with Warholm winning silver and dos Santos earning bronze.

The men's 400 meter hurdles may have been more anticipated, but thh women' 10,000 meter race turned out to be the most exciting of the day.  In an exhausting sprint finish that included several athletes, Kenya's Beatrice Chebet won gold, becoming the first ever Kenyan to win the women's 10,000 meter, and in so doing won the 5,000 meter/10,000 meter combination.  Finishing in second was Nadia Battocletti of Italy, and in the bronze position was the defending gold medalist in this event from the Netherlands, Sifan Hassan.  Hassan also medaled in the 5,000 meter, and will try to equal Czech great Emil Zatopek by adding a medal in the marathon to her collection.

Athlete of the Day - Nafissatou Thiam, Belgium, Athletics

Defended her gold medal in the heptathlon!

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Rai Benjamin, USA, Athletics

Ran away with what was supposed to be a three-way race in the 400 meter hurdles.

Team of the Day - Spain Men, SPA, Soccer

Won an exciting gold medal game in soccer, against the host country.

U.S. Team of the Day - Women's 4x100 meter relay, USA, Athletics

Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, Gabby Douglas, Sha'Carri Richardson brought home gold.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Exposure - When a wrestler turns an opponent shoulders to the mat.  Awarded two points.

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Golf, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling,

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer (listed alphabetically): KATIE LEDECKY, NICK MEAD

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 15

Day 15 - August 7, 2024

Well, the biggest problem today isn't an actual controversy, for once, but is a black eye for Australia's field hockey team.  Tom Craig, a FeeHocker (shoutout to Blackish), wa arrested for purchasing cocaine.  I don't know if he did or didn't, but I do know that he was arrested for it.  That being said, good to see the controversies had nothing to do with anything that occurred in our around the actual events.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has definitely had an up-and-down memorable Olympics.  Qualifying in a weight class lower than the one in which she participated in Tokyo 2020, Phogat went on to upset Japanese star Yiu Sasaki in teh quarterfinals.  Sasaki won the gold medal in Tokyo without even surrendering a single point to any point during the entire tournament.  She then won her quarterfinal and semifinal matches to advance to the finals.  However, before the finals began, Phogat failed to make weight by about two-tenths of a pound.  This despite a lot of time in the sauna, and even cutting her hair.  Phogat then fainted later in the day and went to the hospital, suffering from dehydration.  She then announced her retirement from wrestling on X (Twitter).

In that weight class, Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA, who was supposed to wrestle Phogat, instead defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez for the gold medal in wrestling.

Showing off his own strength, USA weightlifter Hampton Morris won third place in his weight class, earning not only the bronze, but the first medal in weightlifting of any kind for the United States since 1984, games it should be noted that the Eastern Bloc countries boycotted.  Congratulations Hampton!

Another American flourishing at these Olympics is Kristen Faulkner, a cyclist that only took up cylcing six years ago.  She followed-up her gold medal performance in the road race by leading her team to the gold medal - her second of these games - in the women's team pursuit.  Faulkner, Chloe Dygert - a bronze medalist in the cycling time trial - Jennifer Valente, and Lilly Williams, defeated a New Zealand team that had beaten them in a preliminary round for gold.  Faulkner's gold medal is the 11th medal at these games for Harvard alumni and/or students.  ELEVEN!

On a different track, US track athletes had a great day today as well.  In the 3000 meter steeplechase, American Kenneth Rooks took off in a sprint in front of a lead pack of about 7 (some were spread out a little bit - but they were all in touch with each other), later saying "what did I have to lose".  Although he was caught and passed by defending Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco, Rooks won the silver.  Rooks, who is only in his second international race at this distance, seemed to be an unknown quantity to the rest of the finishers as they didn't even appraoch him to congratulate him like they did El Bakkali, but it didn't look like anger or jealousy, but more like, "Who is this guy?"  Abraham Kibiwot of Kenya finished with the bronze.

Steeplechase world record holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia fell over a hurdle on the penultimate lap and hit his head hard on the track.  He was transported on a stretcher, and later a gurney, to the hospital where he is recovering well.

And then there was the men's 400 meter dash.  Quincy Hall of the US dug down deep within himself, and passed 3 other runners in the last 30-40 meters in order to capture gold for the US!  Hall's finish was spectacular, as he was looking like he was putting so much into his final sprint that he might fall down.  You can tell from his facial expressions that he literally had nothing else to give as he was picking off runners.  Hall passed Zambia's Muzala Samukonga who held on for bronze, and at the line, nipped Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain, earning the Brit the silver.  This was Zambia's third medal ever, and the first since the great Samuel Matete.

Nina Kennedy of Australia wins gold in the women's pole vault, followed by the USA's Katie Moon (silver) and Alysha Newman of Canada (bronze).  Newman will be the one remembered, though, for her twerking celebration.

In team sports, there was no better place to be than in the water polo pool.  In the first semifinal matchup, Greece scored against Serbia with 11 seconds left on the clock to tie the match.  In a rush Serbia speeds up their transition, where Greece fouled with 3 seconds left; stopping the clock.  The Serbia player picks up the ball, fires it toward the net, and in for a victory and a date in the finals.  But this was just the appetizer.  

The entree match pitted the United States versus Australia, where the United States scored a second goal early to tie it up 2-2.  But wait, there's more.  On the play, the American's Johnny Hopper was issued a red card on a brutality call - he threw a punch - pulling the goal off the board, ejected Hopper, gave Australia a penalty shot - which they hit, and a 4:00 power play.  The score was 5-1 Australia at the end of the first period, but then it was 5-5 at the end of the third period.  At the end of regulation, the score was 7-7 and went to a shootout, where US goalie Adrian Weinberg made two saves for the US to win the match 4-3 on penalty shots.Weinberg had 11 total saves in the match - as the US adance to play Serbia in the gold medal match.

In the other pool, China won the team artistic swimming event capturing gold, leaving the silver for the United States and the bronze medal for Spain.

In other team sports, the United States fell to Poland in the men's volleyball semi-finals, as they just didn't have an answer for the best player in the world, Wilfredo Leon.  The Americans will be battling for the bronze medal later this weekend.

In kid's sports, just kidding, Keegan Palmer of Australia won gold in skateboarding, American Tom Scharr secured silver, and the bronze medal was awarded to Brazil's Augusto Akio.

Athlete of the Day - Quincy Hall, USA, Athletics

Not only did he comeback down the final backstretch to pass 3 athletes to win gold, he did it in the fourth fastest time ever.

Team of the Day - Poland Men's Volleyball Team, Volleyball

That team is good, but it is mostly because Wilfredo Leon is a bad, bad boy.

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

Gold medalists in the team pursuit.  Second gold for Kristen Faulkner, second medal for Chloe Dygert.

Olympic Term of the Day:  Brutality Call - A water polo call in which the offending player is "demonstrate obvious intent to injure another player."

Olympic Events Watched:  Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Kayak, Skateboarding, Volleyball, Water Polo

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