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I for one am vry excited to be at this age and be lucky enough to be in UK when London 2012 is on and slightly annoyed at those who are fed up of hearing about it, apparently. But why are people fed up of hearing about it? This country has done a lot to get here and we should be very proud.

All I here is "I'll be glad when it's over" or "I'm sick of hearing about it" etc.

I am excited.

But the question is, will it be one of the best? Every single event that goes by according to the commentary is an improvement on the previous event, etc. So will London 2012 be amazing? Will London look like the best city on earth? I for one am not a big fan of London, but genuinely looking foward to see what we can offer as a country.

Come on London!!!

The main thing we did was pay twelve billion pounds.

I'm sure it'll be fun though, as sports days go.

I'm excited and am looking forward to it. Did cost a lot and I wouldn't choose to spend it on the Olympics if it was my money but what's done is done.

Forget the money, stop listening to the popular press and their shite stirring.

Enjoy it giving us some good cred around the world and be proud we can do stuff like it - most nations can't.

This +12,000,000,000

I have to admit to not caring one jot about the Olympics but it struck me today that it is probably because I don't view it as something I will have a bet on.

Which is a sorry state of affairs really so I am going to do my best to watch as much as I can and hopefully become converted.

It's a good point and well made.

For £12bn we could probably have built a lolly stick skyscraper to the Moon.

How cool would that have been?

Can't wait

All sorts of coverage of sports that never normally get it, plenty to learn whilst watching

Chance to be patriotic, chance for the UK to shine

Will be fantastic

Could have improved the NHS no end.


Just sayin....

This, apart from the patriotism I just don´t understand patriotism. Citizen of the World ftw.

Annoys when people go "could have spent the money in a more productive manner" esp. when we're all a bunch of degen poker players who waste money everyday.

Sometimes money is there to be spent on things that we can enjoy- like sports. Even stars have changed avatars to Country's flags which has got me excited!

This

Lol. Annoys when people go "All"

you're probably not going to get the likes of McDonalds and Coca Cola (and the other sponsors) spending £3bn on a hospital.

and part of the reason why the London games is so expensive is because of the infrastructure upgrade required - so a couple of billion or so aren't exactly 'wasted'.

a couple of billion came from the National Lottery - so that couldn't be spent on something like hospitals.

and a couple of billion from tv rights and sports bodies couldn't be used for hospitals.

that still leaves plenty left to build a dozen or so hospitals - but then we'd have to go back to the above argument about sometimes a country should do things for the history and culture of it rather than the bare necessities of day to day survival.

Fixed your post Phil. Some great betting opportunities on Olympic sports. I'm not much of a sports bettor, but I was clicking buttons on Betfair on all sorts in the middle of the night four years ago. Particular highlights being the open water swimming, where watching the women's race showed the weird camera angle they had coming up to the end (quite hard to see how far to go in open water, then all of a sudden the camera pans and you see the guy in first cannot be caught etc) and the women's BMX, where opposing the Brit at stupidly low odds in an event with numerous crashes in the early heats was happy days. There's plenty of edge there if u watch enough imo!

Never wasted money before Tom?

Isn't that the amount of tax Vodafone is avoiding paying every two years in the UK?

Also the £12 billion isn't just spunked up against the wall - a large amount of it goes back into the UK economy.  Some of it doesn't of course, but there are plenty of jobs created and businesses making money because of the Olympics. It's not all bad.

Of course, and I totally get the Olympic thing. I'm looking forward to them immensely.

I was just sayin....

I adore the Olympic concept but in the run up I felt Locog had done it's best to ruin it for me. I have had to look at all the new laws enacted to "protect" the brand, it was all about money. The G4S debacle etc didn't make it any better.

However, I have tried to put that aside and can only say I am really rather excited it's here. I haven't got any tickets because I felt it was a rip off in many cases and now I want to join in the ones that are left are incredibly expensive. I will see some of the free stuff, such as the cycling time trials etc then throw myself into the ParaOlympics as they deserve support. I will also be able to see many of the new buildings that way.

Bring it on

Go Team GB

Those mascots though. I mean, WTF?


Wenlock and Mandeville

(http://images.fastcompany.com/upload/london-mascots.jpg)

I picked up a Beach Volleyball ticket for £65 yesterday - I think I just got lucky on the timing, the next cheapest ticket for any sport I might actually want to watch was about £200

So for those saying that the money could be spent elsewhere, you would rather UK not see massive events and spend it elsewhere and be a nothing country?

I think the best way to see how we have done here is to see what the media abroad have said about us.

It's the greatest show on earth and I for one am looking forward to seeing us do well.

Watching the Football at the minute, but I'm not really interested at all, nor do I feel any pride at us hosting.

Also the noise made everytime the Olympic symbol goes across the screen is already very annoying.

Personally, I don't think football or tennis should be Olympic events.

Agree, money innit.

Could all the moaners fook off and start their own whinging thread about the Olympics and leave this for the positive stuff about it. Sick to the back teeth about people in this country moaning about fucking everything and we get the best event in the world and they still moan about that.

Rant over  >:(

Are you moaning about what people post?

Yes now fook off  :D

Immensely looking forward to it despite not getting any tickets for the events I really wanted to see. I've even rearranged my summer holidays. I'll be glued to the Beeb all 18 days.

Looking forward to loads of it, going to a whole host of events but the football is a load of old rubbish and have zero interest in watching it

On that note I have 4 Cat A Football Final tickets, not asking for a heap for them but they are obviously expensive seats anyway. If anyone wants them pm me as cant go

If anyone is bored and fancies going to any random events the next day etc, post on here as me and Flushy are gonna just go to any random stuff and il try and get tickets

I've been enjoying the footy so far, been some good games.

I have a semi final basketball ticket, not sure I can go. Not selling, just wanted a thin brag.

Like all major sporting events I am looking forward to seeing as much of this Olympics as possible.

Of all the events, I am really looking forward to the cycling most. Not my favourite sport to watch but can appreciate just how hard it is to be one of the top competitors in this event ( no offence meant to any other athletes of other sports)

Really want to see Wiggins take gold to top off a superb TDF performance.

Even more excited that today i collected the final mug to complete the series that my workplace has had made for staff only.

A set of 5 bone china mugs in presentation boxes which we have received 1 each year from 2007. Really nice they are too.



Having multiple family members working there I now own 4 complete sets.

(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/geo_album/001-3.jpg)

Geo

Went to Mexico v South Korea and Switzerland v Gabon today.

Best atmosphere I've ever experienced at a football match.

People were completely respectful of the anthems, cheered all the teams enthusiastically and gave standing ovations at the end of both matches.

Highlights were the Korean fans band playing the Hallelujah Chorus, the three 20something Mexican girls sitting down thee way from me and the Swiss and Gabon fans doing the conga round St James's Park.

Fantastic day, I'm more sure than ever these games are going to be a huge success.


PS I still hate Seb Coe and LOCOG though. Apparently some fans who chose to pick up tickets at the stadium rather than get them sent were waiting over 3 hours. The ticketing has been a disgrace all the way through. :(

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18960004

The story of the making of Elbow's Olympic theme.

Even Red Ken thinks the money on the Olympics is well spent  :)

I was pretty cynical to begin with, but as it's getting closer I'm getting more and more enthusiastic.  The torch relay really seems to have been a success and has whipped up an air of excitement and pride throughout the UK (it seems).  Don't really care too much about the opening ceremony myself, but hope its a success as I think it will be a big metric of success for others. 

Managed to get tickets for decent men's athletics (400m final, amongst others) so really looking forward to that. 

Apparently AndrewT is carrying the flag for the Greeks...

Listen out for "And now, SSSSSNORTH KOREA!"

!

Not sure if no one is watching or appreciating this opening ceremony, but this is class. Yeah there's been a few areas that are not red hot, but IMO compared to the previous opening ceremonies I am loving it. Any thoughts, or am I too biased?

Chat has started on this:

http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=58564.0

Amazing show. Loved the ring being made and Mr Bean.
Need to work on a way of getting 104 nations into a stadium quicker though but nothing they could do about that really.
Great start - pressure on Cav to get the Golds rolling

It was over 200; more than the UN!

Nicole Cooke did it for us 4 years ago, so every faith in Cav.

#goteamgb

Anyone know what time the cycling starts and what time the climax is likely to be?

Think it starts at 10am but not sure how long it is....couple of hours at a guess.

6 hours

Laura Robson and Heather Watson are comfortably beating the number 7 seeds in the Womens Doubles (they just won the first set 6-1) - not quite sure what's going on as there's no video coverage, but would be nice if they kept it up  :)

never mind  :(

They broke in the second and got broken back, then broke again - but then lost it all. They didn't collapse but after losing the second break they were never in it. Pretty close.

Went to the BT London Live event in Hyde Park - I can highly recommend it - 5 big screens of sport, a music stage and a few sporting activities all supported by places selling burgers, fish and chips, noodles, chocolate etc. etc. - including a number of bars for the alcohol inclined.

All done with a ridiculously pleasant atmosphere amongst the crowd (which seemed to extend over the whole of Hyde Park)  :)up


Not many Olympics comments apart from the whinge thread and the opening ceremony thread - have people given up already?

Olympic Handball today, well over half the VIP seats empty

Similar at other events, corporate and "Olympic family" no shows

this is a scandal isn't it?

Loads of families would go if they could turn up and take returns for <£10 per head

(https://p.twimg.com/Ay_c3FkCQAA09SP.jpg)

I'm really enjoying the Olympics so far but we've not really had much to sing home about yet, we'll kick more off next week and have a few more medal chances.   Was there cheering on Rebecca tonight and the others in the pool.   

Do they sell cancellation tickets on the door?  I've the day off tomorrow with my daughter and was half thinking of turning up and seeing if we can get to see anything.  I'm not sure I cba really but if tickets are an option I may get tempted depending on what time she wakes up.  The only ones on sale on the website don't really appeal.  Looking at Tighty's picture above I'm guessing no resales on the door.

I think there's a scheme to re-sell returned tickets - but obviously Olympic Family tickets don't get returned, they just get thrown away.

Apparently the sponsors have been good at returning the (few) tickets they've ended up not using.

It's a bit risky - I would probably only think it was worth trying to get one of those tickets if I was there for one event and it would be a way of trying to get another one for the other half of the day to the one I already had

Would like a high % chance of getting in if I turned up but I'm going on the 10th anyway so will wait until then.   

Unless they announce something i would say you have a pretty low chance tbh.

One explanation I've seen is that since the Bribery Act came into force, corporate sponsors are actually finding it difficult to give tickets away to clients, who won't accept them for fear of breaking the law. If they'd realised this earlier they would have bitten the bullet and just given them away to their own employees instead.

Also, what exactly are the sponsors paying all that money for - there's no advertising at the venues. At least when companies sponsor the Champions League you can't get away from all the logos round the pitch or behind players getting interviewed. Surely the people attending aren't going to drink that much Coke.

When you go to the Olympic Park the signs say

"We are proud you can only use Visa on the Olympic Park"

that's one example of advertising round the place

The corporate sponsors are giving some of them to employees, plus competition prize winners. The corporate sponsors are all saying they're not to blame for empty seats and their is verisimilitude about their claims, including I think at least one who have said they didn't use all their tickets so they've already returned them for re-selling.

It's true there is a weird lack of advertising, walking around London I saw lots of sponsor mentions near anywhere Olympic-y but it hasn't come across on TV - which is surely the aim?

Was the Thorpedo a bit emotional there on the tele?  Seemed to have a tear in his eye when I flicked it over and he was talking about Becca.

Yeah, but I would have thought the point of paying the money was to get your logos in front of hundreds of millions of people, not hundreds of thousands.

verisimilitude might just be the best word ever.

Olympics marketing

(http://c0014409.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_daeb373)

More Olympic tickets released after LOCOG reduce size of accredited areas. 600 for gymnastics, about same for beach volleyball.

Other Olympic tickets are available for water polo, swimming, handball and equestrian events.

A lot of empty seats on Centre Court at Wimbledon today.

Was at Wimbledon on Saturday.

Completely different crowd to normal Wimbledon.

Loads of families and young children.

One thing missing is the "returns box". It's a long day for kids up 12.. and naturally alot of families will leave early. Nowhere to leave your ticket so someone with a ground pass can go to a show court.

Empty VIP seats as Daley/Waterfield take their first synchro dive

(https://p.twimg.com/AzDrZGxCMAElIRY.jpg)

Are tickets still on sale for Wimbledon or any other events?

Only football on general sale. Can walk up and buy at the gate.

Lots of other events are coming up as available on thee official site.

Go do a search and you'll see what there. Often only solitary tickets though.

me and papa greek at the weightlifting

(https://p.twimg.com/AzChf7MCQAEC1nB.jpg:large)

Ha quality

football tickets for example

Women v Brazil tomorrow night

West box office open til 6pm today.

Both West and East open 9am tomorrow til eve.

£45/60 a pop

Quality pic. Enjoy.

Wimbledon tickets available for the 1st. Just trying to sort out travel!

Centre or number 1. Big difference in the amount of tennis seen yesterday.

It doesn't specify. Just classes it by "grade"

Have you actually tried to buy them?  Because often they look like they are available and then when you got to checkout they are not available.  Dont book travel before ensuring you have the tickets.

Surely it is centre court by grade, number 1 court by grade or ground admission?  Where are you buying from?

Thousands of over exicted spectators making a racket just before our competitors compete isn't helpful

(reference Synch diving)

STFU until afterwards. Definitely seemed like they felt pressure before dives 4 and 5

Discuss

Meh.

Can't have it all ways.

Either you have an enthusiastic crowd or you don't.

Doubt more than 10% have any clue about diving, and they are just there to cheer the nice Tom Daley.

Sure Daley would prefer diving in front of a full house that makes a bit of noise than loads of empty seats.

http://www.liveolympictickets.net/sports/tennis-tickets

Lots of scam sites around.

I've been hunting tickets for about a year and never seen that site before.

Not saying it's definitely a scam, but be careful.

You know that's not an official site?  

They claim to have tickets at all prices for Men's 100m final night.

That is virtually impossible.

I smell scam.

Check this out

http://www.london2012.com/spectators/tickets/ticket-checker/

Known unauthorised websites claiming to offer London 2012 tickets, they're on there

OK cheers guys!

Some boxing tickets currently available on the official site.

Just check every couple of hours, stuff comes up regularly.

Tilting site though.

Was there on Saturday too, have never been to normal Wimbledon. Atmosphere was great, especially for the Murray/Murray game and was easy enough to get onto court 2 around 15 minutes before it started. As my mate said, it was a bit like a day out with some tennis thrown in. Easy to get to, well organised and getting through security was a doddle <5mins. No trouble on transport to and from venue.

Agree about the returns box, there were plenty of empty seats for all matches on court 1.

I've long thought this - the home crowd has been described in the media as universally a good thing, when it almost certainly isn't. Competitors in plenty of sports are merely trying to replicate their training form on the day - not to choke. They train in front of no one, making no noise, so a noisy crowd is different, and different is not good.

I'm sure I heard one of the comentators earlier saying that they (possibly for the diving) practiced in front of people.  Also, I know it's the Olympics and it doesn't get bigger, but these guys go to competitions all the time, they're used to crowds.  I bet they're pretty focused when they're about to take their turn.

Men's gymnastics is fantastic, gripping stuff

Totally amazeballs.

What a performance from all of them on the floor under so much pressure.........very well done

Geo

Awesome

Omg, we got silver!! Damn annoying pictures though, missed Japan's last guy

And the Japanese crumble and our boys get silver!!!  Get in there.

Geo

Silver!!!!!

LOL Incred stuff!!!!

Haven't seen a sporting sting in the tail like that for a while

Moment of the games so far!

The Gymnastics was brilliant.

There is a phrase I thought I would never say.

Japanese appealing the last score

Geo

watched the wumins hanball earlier, GB got pumped but it was a braw watch!

off to watch New Zealand V Cameroon tomorrow night at the Ricoh, LADIES Match

Japanese promoted to Silver after appeal.......still a great result to get Bronze for the British guys though

Geo

I've been watching the handball and the indoor volleyball and I really do like these games

The basketball looked good too

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19054875

Grrrrrrrrrrr  >:(

Devo'ed for the gymnasts. Amazing performance though. Silver would have been amazing.

awesume shot!

Well done to Plymouths finest Lithuanian 15 year old Ruta Meilutyte in the Swimming

Completely charming post event non-interview!

Pleased George didn't get scammed.  I was in court 1 yesterday.   Close to zero empty seats near the top.  Plenty at the bottom where the corporates would be seated.  It probably looked far worse on the telly because of this.  And to be fair, the rain on them bottom seats would have been enough to drive anyone to the bars/restaurants.

Had a bit of a result earlier.  We only saw the Djokavic match due to all the rain.  Today got an email saying I was eligible for a full refund. 

As others have said security was quick enough, shuttle buses free and regular.  Her majesty's forces looked far more chipper than I would standing out in all that rain with just a beret for cover.  Credit to the nation.

Enjoyed the Beach Volleyball today, took quite a lot of photo's but here are some highlights:   :)

(http://i47.tinypic.com/1xyr21.jpg)

(http://i47.tinypic.com/11jw7ba.jpg)

(http://i50.tinypic.com/3136dts.jpg)

(http://i46.tinypic.com/ztwvhx.jpg)

You sure those top two were from the volleyball and not a  private collection :D

What's it like taking a camera in Jon?  Was thinking of taking my SLR with a long zoom for the basketball next week but obviously don't want it confiscated.

Nothing with mine - but it's a bridge camera. If they're going to be iffy about anything it's an SLR - but you should be allowed to take them in - the rule is that you're not taking photo's for commercial use, and just having an SLR obviously isn't proof of that.

very cheeky photos Jon.

Thanks for sharing them.

Cool cheers, they've only got to see my shots to know I'm not a pro :D

Wtf is happening with ticket site - suddenly loads of available sessions, just got past reservation stage to credit card CVV number after giving preferred option and it failed at last; fkin slow roll Jessica tickets.

Site must be shagged, showing tons 'available' - same search I been doing last three days. Fml

Does Ian Thorpe bat for the other team? He seems pretty camp (http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww249/mikill_thomas/unsure.gif)

Oh my god - just got athletics Sat and Sunday night, get on there now

Me too.  Clearly quite a lot available.

Just gone back in lol

Got another 100m final ticket.

if anyone is trying, have a go at "collect at ticket office " rather than "print at home"

Tried the former 4 times, no success. Tried the latter got it straight away.

That's a disgraceful comment from a bygone, stereotyped age.

Just because he's Australian, you can't assume he plays cricket.

Same for me keef - print at home failed, collection worked

I think 1s better tan 3/4s as well

Where do you get that option? Once it says you have the tickets? Just keep gettng in a queue and then saying dont have request

It doesn't take long for word to get around.

tried to get something else and wait time 8 minutes and no tickets at the end of the wait.

Yeah, when you fill in your credit card details.

What u paying? Tickets seem available, but are expensive for the good stuff......

£420

What block?

Really? U buying to sell on?

Dunno, didn't take note of it.

The page where I can check is too busy to load.

Really annoyed didn't buy for anything earlier. Everything is a bit expensive now. Would have loved to try and get cheap tickets :/

Once in lifetime chance to see arguably the most important sporting event in the world.

Don't think I'll be missing this.

Loads of cheap stuff available.

Boxing for sure.

You got a ticket?

Cool I'm glad to hear that  :)

There's always a price.

Doubt anyone will offer me enough though :)

I've got tickets but always look to upgrade as want AA blocks 106-114

Absolutely loads of Basketball available at cheap prices George

Just got some for the footy at Old trafford. £20 each for quarters :) cheaper for my Dad..

Men's final tickets are some of the most marked up on the market. Nudge me if any pop up please

Pretty stupid Ihave wasted hours trying to get tickets over the last year with almost no success.

Now, in the week of the event can get virtually what I want.

That's me done - two cat Bs for Dai Greene on Monday - delighted, got what I wanted - bit overspent but as camel says, once in a lifetime innit

Confirmed real :)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19054875

Bought tickets for Tuesday so am going Sunday though weds I think now. Figured load up on Sally Pearson to box the tuesday ones off

Need 4 swimming tickets for tomoro night, if any become available on website can someone text me please

;gobsmacked;  WHAT A SHOT!!!  ;tightend;  Can't believe they lost in OT after that. 

Clare Balding absolutely different class as a presenter on swimming, she has clearly done a lot of homework on it

Knocks other generalists like Humphrey, Lineker etc into a cocked hat

Very talented presenter.

Agreed, top class. The Swimming coverage has been excellent, Radio & TV.

Hazel Irvine also quality. Infact most of the women presenters are doing a better job than the men.

That 3 day event silver was great

Mary King's 6th Olympics, broker her neck in 01 and came back

Tina King's dad was Josh Gifford the trainer who died in Feb

Her horse came back from 3 blood transfusions last year, was v touch and go to make it


A great story.

I'll be watching the women's syncro 10M platform @ 3pm. Tonia Couch & Sarah Barrow could sneak a bronze.

Don't really get judo but our man lost to a certain move, 25 years building up to that and it was over in two mins.  Strange time to interview him, give it five mins at least

Went to the men's 62kg weight lifting final, it was amazing, two Olympic records and a world record for the winner, plus this Colombian guy really showed some heart to get his silver.

More than anything, I have been blown away by how well organised it has been. The transport has been great, and the volunteers are really doing this country proud, as are the squaddies that have been drafted in. Everywhere I went there were volunteers in large number helping people with big smiles on their faces.

There have been loads of other nice touches, too many to mention, but for me as long as we avoid some major international disaster, we can look back in this as a great success for Britain, no matter how many golds we get.

Seems like if you want a long Olympic career, ride a horse.

She's just a quality presenter and consummate pro.

Her knowledge of rugby league is minimal, but when it's on the BBC she at least tries her best, does her research, and always has bags of enthusiasm.

Clare Balding spent how many years standing alongside Willie Carson? Enough for a medal.

Great jockey but don't enjoy his presenting style one bit.

Is North Greenwich Arena the Millenium Dome?

Yes, otherwise known as the O2 arena in non Olympic events.

Thanks

Can you not park there for the Olympics?  Would prefer a quick scoot round the M25 than sitting on the train for the same amount of time.

nm, will prob have a beer anyway, train it is

Great race in the 200 butterfly, thought Phelps had it, sickkkkkkkk.

Two Brits make the 200m breast stroke final & both on great form  ;applause; ;applause;

First and third fastest to boot.  Nice work fellas :)up

Tomorrow we've got a few finals in the pool and in the rowing.  Should be seeing our first golds...

Did you get tickets for anything Kin?

Cycling time trial is tomorrow as well, which Wiggins is favourite for.

Chad's dad seems a good bloke. Great moment for us to see. WP bbc

Everyone needs to stop panicking! We won 17 medals in two days in Beijing, so plenty of time. We've only had a couple of surprises really where we thought we were going to medal but didn't.

We're making more finals this time around in swimming, so something will happen.

Yeah that was quality.

"Look at him his beatuful, I'm fat and old, sorry about that BBC"

 rotflmfao

Get more tilted by Humphrey then any other presenter, can't stand him. Think Colin Murray is better than him and he's awful, at least Murray knows he's shite..lols

Got tickets for the men's hockey this Friday, but didn't get the athletics tickets I wanted (men's 10k fina, heptathlon final, triple jump final, etc.).

Love those moments, it's what it's all about.

There were tickets available for that last night on the website.

Try around midnight, you might be lucky.

well i have just come back from the Ricoh Arena, Cameroon v New Zealand, never seen so much security and purple coat people who were the friendliest people i have ever seen at a sporting event and we should be very proud to be British, the atmosphere was pumped up in the stadium and a real good game to, dont park in Tesco superstore as the charge was £25.00 worth of shopping and leave your bill on the windscreen and no charge........ nice one Tesco

Sir Bradley Wiggins to start the gold rush tomorrow.

Catching up with the badminton

Both teams want to lose their last group game to avoid China in the Quarters

Crowd boo, referee called

team trying to lose points, goes on for hours lol

still being discussed at venue

In theory 4 teams get chucked out for deliberately losing


All other badminton at the Olympics until this one has been straight knockout by draw, might be back that way for Rio!

Like these, think London is doing a good job presenting itself to the world

(http://www.london2012.com/mm/Photo/sport/General/01/31/49/71/1314971_M01.jpg)

(http://www.london2012.com/mm/Photo/photos/General/01/31/15/28/1311528_M01.jpg)

(http://www.london2012.com/mm/Photo/sport/General/01/31/35/26/1313526_M01.jpg)

(http://www.london2012.com/mm/Photo/photos/General/01/31/39/71/1313971_M01.jpg)

i enjoyed it that much i might side step the £200.00 at Dtd on Friday and watch the GB Women

My highlight so far was Gabon and Switzerland fans doing the conga round St James's Park.

Wish I'd taken my camera.

From the BBC:

 The longest rally in the first game lasted four shots.

Yu said: "Actually these opponents really were strong.

The Kiwi Women did there own rendition of the Haka.......... amazing scene at the end of the match

Shocking scenes! Both teams are deliberately serving out every point and trying to lose the game so they get a better draw in the quarter finals. Shame on you China, Indonesia and Korea (x2). Should all be DQ and get the wank Brits in!

TightEnd's new BFF, Michael Johnson, was asked about this last night. His view was that it's down to the officials because the competitors will take every edge they can.

If runners and swimmers could pace themselves in the knowledge that they could avoid a certain lane or being next to a certain person, they would.

Officials have either to enforce existing "spirit" rules or make the actual rules stronger.

But is that fair?

More tickets on site. Go go

Good analogy, had not considered that.

Essentially, I suppose it is the fault of the "Rules", if competitors can exploit them - legally - they will.

We'll get Tighty to ask Michaeil, his new best mate.

Sorry busy today. Too busy asking Olga Korbut about medal tips for the Gymnastics Individual all-round

an Olympic event for proud dads? Give the gold to Bert Le Clos http://deadsp.in/M30KzD

the moment of yesterday

Good handball article

I have really enjoyed the handball, interesting sport

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19072424

apparently its the most popular womans sport in the world!

Pretty sure I read in one of the Olympics guides that it's the second most popular sport in Europe. Was lucky enough to get £20 tickets to one of the Quarter Final's in the first ballot, fantastic game to watch on TV hope it's similar live.

It confuses me why Handball and Fussball aren't played more, both look good Sports to participate and compete in but 90% of Brits have probably never heard of it.

awesume performance from the wumin rowers...

 ;first; ;yippee; ;yippee; ;yippee; ;yippee; ;yippee;

FANTASTIC up & running  :)

Helen Glover's mum saw an advert in the paper asking for tall girls to try rowing at the local club. Another amazing story.

Or what ? They'll stick an invoice with no legal standing on your window ?

Sandy

I was in Copenhagen at the beginning of the year at the time the Danish men won some handball championships. The crowds to see them were what I imagine it would be if England won any championship. Crazy how popular it is in real Europe.

Penalties make me laugh... Stand and chuck a ball past someone really hard. Love that.

not just the pens, I dont fancy the GK joab in general always looks like they got no chance..

Pretty sure I haven't posted the word MARMALISED on this forum, but the women's pair surely did just that to the field.

Sitting down sports ftw

That mens 8 race was intense. Cracking to watch. Had a right go.

BREAKING: All eight badminton players have been disqualified from the Olympics !!!!

We were only 1.2 seconds off of a Silver

but then we were less than 0.6 seconds from finishing 6th and last - so pretty intense, I'd agree :D

We lost silver going for the Gold. Race it a bit more conservatively earlier and maybe get second, but a fantastic all out effort

At Eton Dorney. Pretty pleased with my choice for my only Olympics visit.   :)

Great atmo and the Women's pair was an awesome watch.

good

Pretty lol decision to throw the badminton players out - if you come up with a system where this kind of thing will happen then it's at risk of happening.

In principle, there's not a huge difference between this and a 1500m runner trundling around and easing into 4th when top 5 qualify for next round - you do what you need to do to qualify to leave you the best chance of getting a medal later on. Whether that's saving energy for the final, or avoiding the best player in the next round, meh.

System definitely at fault

The competitors go into the last game thinking "we'll throw it" only to find out the oppo are doing the same

The 1500 runner though isn't in a round robin group, he still has to qualify in a one off race

Even though the system is wrong, its about the spirit/code of competition isn't it, chuck em out


It's being appealed now, with the QFs due to start at 3pm lol

If half the players have been thrown out, surely there aren't any QFs now?

not sure, those who finished down the groups get in don't they?

Not been announced yet

It was all far too obvious.

They needed to go on the "advanced cheating methods" course run by K Fallon.

Keith!

Surely the thing to do was fake an injury - slip early on, hold ankle in pain, take the defeat, hobble off and luckily recover in time for the QF.

They had concerns this thing would happen before it started - from The Guardian.

Guest speakers J Higgins and N Davydenko.

Obviously talking about Kevin Fallon, Justine Higgins and Nigel Davydenko.

@JamesHunt That's why Mario Kart will never be an olympic sport. Staying 2nd with blue shell = easy win. Jacques Rogge would shit himself

From the "couldn't make it up" folder

The Mayor arrives at the Olympics today, shouting "yikes" as he comes down the zipwire

(https://p.twimg.com/AzNrDDDCAAAsE0T.jpg)

Hampton Court, for the Bicycle Race thing, Rich?

Love Boris!

Apparently

Apparently he's stuck too

Sadly there is no live update of this on one of 25 HD channels

http://www.itv.com/news/london/2012-08-01/get-me-a-rope-get-me-a-ladder-boris-stuck-halfway-down-zipwire/

Attempts to equate deliberately losing a badminton game to slowing down in an athletics heat are so spurious.

Usain Bolt isn't slowing down to avoid Yohann Blake in the semifinal is he?

But they weren't banned for trying to avoid another pair, they were banned for not trying their best.

Another example from this very Olympics - the coach of the Japanese women's team admit they didn't try to win their last game against South Africa to avoid playing the US in the next round. By this rationale, they should also be thrown out.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/world-champion-japan-held-to-0-0-draw-by-south-africa-at-london-olympic-tournament/2012/07/31/gJQAhxZsMX_story.html

Semantics.

They were banned for avoiding the other pair, but the IOC didn't want to say that.

Japan should definitely be thrown out for the same reason though.

Wiggins abs flying, GOGOGOGO.

1,2 with Froome would be incred.

Bradley Wiggins, what a guy!

Excellent ride by Froome as well, on a course that really didn't suit him.

Wiggo what a Hero  ;applause; ;applause;

Get in Wiggo!

What a Legend!

Oy you, get back to the other thread, your not supposed to be enjoying this!  :P

 ;D

Yanks taxing medal winners. 

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/go-gold-pay-irs_649187.html

Gotta love Bradley.

SPOTY is a good betting market but it tilts me that somebody can achieve so much and people want to talk about winning SPOTY.
Tour De France win - amazing achievement
Gold Medal at 3rd consecutive olympics and most decorated british olympian of all time - amazing achievements
Winning Spoty - a little pat on the back

Robbery in the boxing. Savon outclassed Joshua and won all three rounds by a distance imo, but got done by a home-town decision.

http://www.boxtube.net/video/771/Erislandy-Savon-Cotilla-CUB--Anthony-Joshua-GBR

Meh. I'm no expert, but it looked close to me.

I thought Savon was the better boxer, but took it very easy while Joshua was relentless coming foward.

I would say Savon edged it, but it certainly wasn't a robbery.

Agree with keef, thought it was maybe gonna go against him but wouldn't argue either way. Good to see that name back at the Olympics

"Ryan, you need a shave".

Dirty look. A sigh.

"No Dad, I'm going to be like Bradley Wiggins for a while"

The legacy of the 'Lympics manifests itself in unusual ways (cheaper than him asking for a racing bike, too)

What sweats have we got today?

1st round was close but Savon won rounds 2 and 3 pretty convincingly.I've watched it a few times and can't give it to Joshua at all, Savon by 5 or 6 would have been fair. If that happened to a British fighter elsewhere everyone would have been screaming fix yet we pat Joshua on the back and say well done. He did show he has a better chin than he was given credit for though.

Track cycling 6pm ish, Team sprints, good Gold chances.

Rowing 12.10pm lightweight fours

Our rowing squads are brilliant. Real teak tough competitive temperaments

Excellent race!

wow what a race

What a race, sigh at not getting there.

Brilliant race

South Africans were immense, GB came from miles back

Breeze-gate

Lanes 5,6 have big advantages....

What the hell ??

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/19092318

How does the Japanese guy only win the last round by 2 points, what's the ref playing at ?

Turn over on appeal, what was the ref thinking ?

Amateur boxing is bent. Simple as that. Iranian got DQed for nothing as well.

FYP :P

(http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/files/morethanthegames/gemmagibbons.png)

GB Judo Star Gemma Gibbons into Semi-Finals

Amazing video of Chinese kids in the "hothouses"

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/chinas-relentless-pursuit-olympic-glory-051534642.html


Not sure any nation can compete with this investment, also not sure this video belongs in this thread!

2 from 6 in the final of the C2 canoe slalom.  Going for gold at lee valley.

oh my, struggling to find time for work  :)

Sailing going well today as well, oioiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. Loving the sweats, wish I was there  ;hide;

On now. Good luck Gemma.

Boom. One of the most difficult sports to follow, but that was tense stuff.

Wow, she just beat the World champ. Fantastic & emotional stuff that.

crazy throwing each other about in their bathrobes

BOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, incred.

+1 to emotional, quality.

there was a great line that judo is "two people adjusting their dressing gowns and fighting over the remote control"

Fantastic upset in the boxing for Agogo!

awesume stuff

C2 final about to start at lee valley.  Nanna has gone to empty daughter's bladder after badly timed poo break earlier.  Go team GB

1st team quick no penalties

Great camera work on the shooting, used to do a bit myself and have never seen the shot actually breaking the clays on camera before.

Boom

Yeah, well done GB two in a small boat paddlers, gold & silver  :)up

Chuck another Gold for shooting.... were coming for you China!

Peter Wilson Gold as well.

Sandy

Group Tourette's here whenever they hit a gate.  GB GB Gb

Awesome stuff was watching the Canoe and Shooting at the same time. We got 2 golds and a silver in the space of about a minute.

Gemma goes soon in judo too.

Sandy

Sure seems real, AMAZING!!!

I want to thank my last employers for cancelling my contract to allow me to sit and watch the olympics... loving it!

YUKO HER A&*# GEMMA!!!!!!!!!!

Ukranian's have appealed the decision.  it looks like someone's arithmetic wasn't up to scratch.

I also think It was another hometown decision although not as bad as last nights.

Sounds like the American lass has had a right life, congrats to both.

Great day's sport today

Crowds have sounded fantastic everywhere

How come Wiggins isn't involved in anything in the Velodrome ?

British cycling team start with a world record.

Standard.

Haha, oh my.

Doubt he would be explosive enough as his training has been geared towards the Tour de France, so he has lost a lot of weight. Plus he is probs quite tired.

China break the record next race

Standard

and sigh.

Flipping Chinese.

Her name was Chee Tin Twat  :D

 ::)

Surprised that's not GG tbh.

Appeal thrown out. Go Agogo. A tad shorter than 40/1 now

Hoy is an animal. That is all.

Yeah I thought we were gg haha, phew.

WIN

Setting World Records like it means nothing.

Think Frankie Boyle when he used to be on Mock the Week said something along the lines of "If you wanted something patriotic for £12bn, you could have written "F*ck off Germany" on the moon"

Awesome scenes at the cycling, wonderous stuff

Geo

Hope some Blondes are there, incredible.

Wow, what must it feel like to be that good at something, Brilliant

Fantastic by Sir Chris and team.

What a story!

Gemma Gibbons was beaten to gold by American Kayla Harrison. Here's Harrison's amazing life story http://bit.ly/QAK7eD

Is this Hoy's only event what with the completely ridiculous "one event one person" rule?

Bigger WIN

Forgot about the Keirin.

Hoy has the Keirin to come


Hindes said he fell off in the Qualifying heat to get a re-start, as he was unhappy with the speed of his start! Interesting....

Was thoroughly expecting one of the elder statesman to say "he was just joking" when it was their turn but it never came....very odd thing to say!!

Commentator who said don't bet on Swimming, nailed on he did his bollocks in, geeg.

Hindes same as the badminton lot ?

I've always thought basketball was shit, but that was a cracking game between GB and Spain.

No way. He didn't give the opponent any advantage and he was trying to win.

Telling the world is unbelievably stupid, but I can't equate this and the badminton

Agreed on all counts. He might be a muppet, but he's a gold medal winning muppet who goes out of the blocks like sh1t off a shovel.

I just thought he was joking ?

 Ad
That was my first assumption but his tone was a pretty dry and he didn't really seem to pick up on the hints to say, "nahhh....just kidding!"

In conclusion, I have no idea.

He's German (had to learn the words to the national anthem in case we won), I assume he lost something in translation question to answer

When he was asked whether he was pulling a fast one, he said yes, before explaining that he needed a fast start. That part he definitely misunderstood, but the question before he came flat out and explained the start wasn't good enough so he ducked for a re-start.

Hoy's face was a picture. It was like his wife had just revealed the details of an embarrasing sexual event at a dinner party. "Punch, darling?"

WTF are we doing with a herman in the team?

Dual nationality

British Dad, born and raised in Germany

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Hindes

He is rapid.

Select line of response:

• Royal Family
• Bradley Wiggins
• England Cricket Team
• It's not 1945

Just unusual that's all, its usually aussies and saffies etc we get, rarely euro's.

Wow, that is some story, Rich, thanks.

Looks like today will be all about Rowing, Cycling & start of Athletics with Jess Ennis in the start of the Heptathlon.

Forgot Becky Adlington in 800 final this evening.

Women's doubles (skulls) start at 12:10. Should last about 7 mins.

Katherine Grainger MBE and Anna Watkins going for gold.

Grainger has a silver in each of the last 3 Olympics (including in the fours - not just a skuller), as well as 8 World Champ medals and 5 World Cup golds.

Only thing missing is Olympic Gold.

May I tentatively suggest this to be our "One time" for the day?

Don't ever remember such a packed stadium for an early morning athletics session. Huge pressure on Jess Ennis.

and a cracking run well done!

GB Women's team pursuit new world record in qualifying. Dominant & crushing  ;applause; ;applause;

GB men team pursuit crush the Aussies with a WR & Gold  ;yippee; ;yippee;

Sitting down sports ftw

Vicky P

These cyclists are awesome competitors

GET IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome racing.

What a cycling team we have. Stunning to watch

Awesome.

I now remember why I had a little crush on Victoria 4 years ago.

Adlington prob not in the running for SPOTY...

Bronze for Rebecca, huge respect to her.

She's just not good enough. More impressed by her 400. Not the girl from 2008

Annoying post race interview too.

She is one of our best Olympians ever and has nothing to be ashamed of.

Way too harsh guys

Medals at two consecutive Olympics, a 15yo US girl comes out of nowhere and smashes it right from the start

Adlington should be proud, great ambassador for UK sport

Have new blind Olympics strategy Of betting 15yo and 16yo blind in finals.

Eh? "harsh"est comment was that she wasn't good enough which is factual.

I was just annoyed she tried to make out a swimming bronze was better than a bronze in other sports. They mean you're 3rd best whichever sport you do. It's not like they give them out for turning up in the velodrome.

A comment like "only one person can win gold so any medal is great" would have done.

Second part I agree with. One of our best swimmers ever, yes. If she had defended her title, then Olympians possibly.

She's not Kelly Holmes level for me.

Not being sour. She gave it her all and remains a genuine competitor at the very highest level. Seems like a lovely person too.

Pendleton sings national anthem with tears in her eyes.

#winning

Results based analysis I think - if she hadn't been trying to keep up with the pace of the winner then she would have very likely got a silver.

Even though it's her own world record - it's unlikely she'd ever have won the gold against the race that Ledecky managed

I don't know where to start.

Crowd truly awesome.

GB Men's pursuit team absolutely crushed.

I'm not a huge fan of Mexican Waves but a wave ran throughout the world record performance of the GB women's pursuit team in qualify. Stunning.

And then the best was last of all. Victoria Pendleton. I'm a hard bastard at the best of times. But I was in floods of tears when she won.

Hands are sore from clapping, voice lost through shouting.

Simply the best sporting event I've ever experienced. By far.

Great day at the Olympic Park.

Went to watch the men's hockey, and after Germany cruised to a 4-1 win over a dire India it was GB v Pakistan. GB were excellent, especially the golden boy Ashley Jackson who was involved in every GB goal. 4-1 to GB and a cracking atmosphere.

The whole Olympic Park was buzzing. A big crowd watched Grainger get that elusive gold on the big screens, and then later we watched the GB cycling team crushing. Vicky Pendleton should be the Queen imo. She's brilliant.

Talking of brilliant, Jess Ennis gave her best ever first day performance in the heptathlon. Just wish I could have been inside the stadium to see it. Atmosphere sounded incredible.

But the performance of the day for me was Tirunesh Dibaba in the women's 10,000m final. Perfectly ran race with a devastating last lap to destroy the opposition. She is a class apart. Hope Mo Farah can do the same tomorrow.

Oh and we should host the Olympics every time. We just do it so well.

Brilliant reports!


Best Olympics ever, even better than Daley Thompson and all that when I was young-ish

Envious of you guys witnessing the Cycling, Vicky's race looked incredible, what a super star she is.

Didn't see any of the tennis, but hear it was an incredible match and a brilliant performance by the BRIT called Andy Murray.

Moreover, Australia are at risk of having their worst Olympic games in living memory.

The cherry on the icing on the shrimp on the grill.

Tiny little thing I noticed, which I doubt very few others did.

After winning, on her victory lap, she tried to grab four or five Union Jacks from the crowd to wave. Failing every time.

Finally she got one from someone in the back straight.

Another lap or two waving to the crowd and flying the flag.

Then she stopped for the press photos and found her boyfriend and members of her family.

Then after everything was done, she peddled one more time round the track to find the people she took the flag from and give it back to them.

I have never seen a sportsman do that. Amazingly thoughtful at a moment you'd least expect it.

Just think she is a very special person.

Kinda glad England didn't get the World Cup.

Would never have matched this imo.

Question - why is every announcement in French first?

The founder of the modern Olympic Games, Baron De Coubertin was French.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_de_Coubertin

Every member of the GB cycling team has broken at least 1 world record so far - that's kinda crazy

simple - question answered. Many thanks.. Best couple of sporting days i can remember in a very long time.

FYP (using Google translate)

Imagine the fuss if it was the Chinese swimmers with that stat.

From wiki

French and English are the official languages of the Olympic Movement. The other language used at each Olympic Games is the language of the host country (or languages, if a country has more than one official language apart from French or English). Every proclamation (such as the announcement of each country during the parade of nations in the opening ceremony) is spoken in these three (or more) languages, or the main two depending on whether the host country is an English or French speaking country

Geo

One of my favourite moments of today. Sums the Olympics up for me.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19117066

Yes, seen a different side of him this week - don't think I've ever seen him want it this bad, another example of how the Olympics, whole team enthusiasm  and less high profile sportsmen and women can  inspire a more high profile, affluent, sportsman from a mainstream sport. To a lesser extent, I think Bellamy has shown the same.

Love Vicky, so jealous of Camel as I tweeted earlier - it looked incredible. I'm so excited about three nights athletics but I swap one for a night at the velodrome. For me though - highlight of the day was Kath Grainger, what a lovely, humble women and so deserving

Loving this - don't want it to end

I bet a lot give the flag back, you just never see it on Telly as its off cam.

Looks like Murray could have to play twice tmoro, BBC site says "Murray must play at least one mixed doubles match with Laura Robson on Saturday after their quarter-final against Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Stosur was delayed." The Mixed Doubles Q/F's and S/F's are scheduled for tmoro, yuck, that's pretty brutal.

I went to the Badminton on Wednesday.  Wembley arena was, largely, full and a really nice pleasant atmosphere.  Transport was pretty much perfect, the queue to pick up my ticket had one person in front of me and our seats were very good.  I am not really a badminton fan and there were obviously no Brits at this stage so I  feel they could have done a little bit more by way of education or giving a bit of a bio but it really is a minor criticism and something I could rectify using my phone.  Incidentally one thing I have been massively impressed with is that my phone including data has worked perfectly everywhere I have been which is more than can be said when I go to football matches.

Today I went to the Boxing at the Excel.  I am a massive boxing fan and have been to a lot of fights but this was something else.  The atmosphere was simply amazing and every fighter was clapped and chants of "Mongolia" along with stamping of feet and clapping of hands for a particularly spirited Mongolian tha caught the crowds imagination were on a par with or better than i have witnessed at fights for boxers like Ricky Burns or Kevin Mitchell that have good followings.  The last fight of the session was Britains Freddie Evans and I feared for the stand structures when the first glimpse of him came on TV.  He started slowly and was behind by one but came back and was level going into the final round.  By this point everyone was on their feet and it visibly lifted him and no doubt helped the judges a bit too to notice his scoring punches and he pulled away and won easily in the end.  Was just amazing.   There are a couple of Middlesbrough games that are very special in my memory but generally I have never been to sport I have enjoyed so much and, as has been mentioned before, everyone is just so nice from the volunteers to the army.....god even the Americans don't irritate me as much as usual!!!!!  I am off to the basketball tomorrow and then back up north for a few days before coming back to finish off in style with Athletics and the Mens Marathon next Sunday. I am so excited I can barely sleep!!!  Already thinking of a trip to Rio!

Oh, one other thing, before I got my athletics tickets I had got tickets for the womens handball bronze medal match which I now can't use.  I am not sure of the face value price (as they came as part of a package) but they are Category C and the game starts at 1700 on August 11th.  I will not have them in my hand until next Friday afternoon but am willing to meet if anyone wants to buy them at face value.  If anyone wants to take their kid I will sell one at half face value.  Similarly if anyone knows of a couple of disadvantaged teenagers or similar that this will inspire I will sell both at half face value.  Happy to listen to any other ideas etc.

wp, love all these stories of enjoying the olympics as well. It's been so uplifting just watching on TV, hard to imagine how good it is live

The atmosphere at every venue has sounded pretty special. I massively regret not making more of an effort to get tickets.

Very much this, keep the stories coming plz.

 ;envious;

Liz McColgan's daughter Eilish is out in the 3,000m steeplechase soon. She looks the spit of her mother, and makes me feel even older :D

She's lucky to be running at all http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19074884

She won't get in the medals today but Rio and the Commonwealth games will be realistic.

Not sure what the medal target was for the GB rowing team was, but they must have exceeded it. Superb performance.

They were targeting 6 medals (we got 2G, 2S, 2B in Beijing) so easily beat

Gutted for our pair who couldn't defend their Beijing gold. Danes just too strong.

Back in the athletics, I don't usually want anyone to lose - but I'll make an exception for the serial drug-cheat Gatlin.

Fk me, even John Inverdale nearing losing it there.

Think my fave moment of the games so far is the "we're going to be on a stamp" moment from Copeland

Wasn't the rowing brilliant

Inverdale sobbing when the silver medals guys said they had let people down

The look on Copeland's face when she won gold

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/62034000/png/_62034211_mmolyrowv2d8wmnsdoublescullsfinal.png)

"I know it's not the oscars, but I just want to thank me Mam and Dad"


Just awesome sport.

Jess Ennis, what a superstar

PB again in the Javelin.

Sigh,I'm watching windsurfing. Silly bbc

Commentators say it's now nailed on gold. I sure hope they are right. Looking forward to tonight's 800 finish.

Unless she gets injured, it's a nailed on gold.  She could pretty much jog round (not sure what her lead equates to in terms of seconds in the 800m, but it's a lot), but there's no way she's going to do that.  She'll be trying her damnedest to do her best in that too.

Good to see our rising star Katarina Johnson-Thompson holding her own.  One to watch for the future definitely.

Matthew Pinsent:

Thirteen boats raced for GBR this week, thirteen made finals.

G,G,G,G,S,S,B,B,B,5,5,5,6 the result.

Tried to find this but couldn't see it, when's the womans team persuit final ?

From the BBC:


:)

the 100m runner who's 18 and only gave up football and started on the track at January, already world junior champion in 10.05s is another

Future for Rio is bright.

Gemili is definitely one to watch.  Even though his hair makes him look like a lego man.

Oh, I thought we were already in the final so was confused.

Final at about 17.40

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/schedule-results/cycling-track/20120804

List of events
16:00 - 16:10
Men's Sprint
1/16 Final Repechage 16:11 - 16:34
Women's Team Pursuit
Round 1 16:35 - 16:54
Men's Sprint
1/8 Finals 16:54 - 17:34
Men's Omnium
30km Points Race 17:34 - 17:41
Men's Sprint
1/8 Final Repechage 17:42 - 18:10
Women's Team Pursuit
Finals Medal event 18:20 - 18:24
Men's Sprint
Finals 18:25 - 18:40
Men's Omnium
Elimination Race


Bear in mind that so far the velodrome timings have been late-very late.

Sandy

Tyty, nooooooobbbbbbbb.

How much of an impact has Redgrave had with the rowing ? I assume he has a big input. Just seem some of the interviews of those that got gold, incred.

Kate Walsh, GB women's hockey captain playing again today after breaking her jaw in a match last week. How tough?

Women's persuit team are just ridiculous, best of any of the cyclists imo, unreal.

how am i so shit at cycling???

Hoping Larry Trott wins the Omnium to get me ahead.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh, pressure getting to Robson, broken twice when we were up a break, understandable when she's only 18, getttttttttttttttttt.

Sucks I can't see the cycling....

from inside the Olympic stadium

Nice brag :-)

it's happened in every match and then in some of the rallies she's played perfect shots to make up for it - but just seen the finish, 2 finals for Murray, whatever his faults you've got to admire that.

Murray was brilliant in that Tb.

Just watched gbr vs us cycling. Gb almost caught them up when they're cycling opposite was around the velodrome!

Andy Murray being very British :D

In other news, the American pursuit team are just finishing now..

So impressive by the cyclists.   What a great day so far.

Just seen this on twitter:

Unbelievable - We have now won as many Gold Medals as Germany, Russia, Japan and Australia combined #TeamGB # London 2012 #Olympics

Farah and Bekele in the 10,000m final later. A fully fit Bekele would be pretty much untouchable, but he's coming back from a very long-term injury and isn't at his best. If he's anywhere close to being back to "match-fitness" then it could be a hell of a race. There are obviously others in it, but you'd fancy one of these two to win it.

Dai Greene fluffed his lines in the semi of the hurdles. Managed to qualify as one of the two fastest losers. Wouldn't put it past him to get a medal though, he's that sort of competitor.

He looked devastated after his heat.  Just laid on the track for ages. 

As an aside my 4yo is getting far more joy out of the ants driving the small cars than any of the athletics.

I'm sure you'll tell us what these are Jon

Geo

Unbelievable here - just the most amazing atmosphere watching the long jump....just went to toilet and left my bag in seat with iPad and £1000 worth of tickets - silly really but sort of sums the place up. Great evening so far - very emotional for me as my dad so wanted to be here, will do a full trip report tomorrow :-)

He's Scottish for starters ;)

 ;D

His biggest "fault" is playing during an era where we have 2 of the greatest ever in Nadal and Federer

Geo

fyp

Probably the best night to be there with golden girl Jess winning gold. Enjoy a special evening.

Yes, thanks - here for the experience but couldn't resist a cheeky double Shelly Anne in 100m and Mo and EW bets on both the the GB long jumpers

Double wins

Place already on Rutherford?  Decent mark that

Yeah long jump is the only sport where they are getting progressively worse. Defo place banker jump, probably wins

Any truth in that 9% of Team GB is made up of Scots yet 50% of Team GB's medal count has been made up by them?

Team GB, couldn't give a damn where they are from. All heroes.

(http://e1.365dm.com/12/08/504x378/Jessica-Ennis-celebrates_2806347.jpg)

PERFECT

Farah v Bekele. Been looking forward to this.

Backed Rutherford to win a medal earlier in the week - wish I'd had bigger balls.

Wow @ Mo!

Never a moment of doubt. Incredible.

Spine tingling

First time we've ever won 6 Olympic Golds in a single day

Superb performance! Tactics were spot on. i'm a loser on the race but smiling at what he's just done. I love athletics!

Inspirational stuff. Well done Team GB

Best night ever of British sport IMO

I can't think of any better, seems unreal  :)

hat tip to Kinboshi


Rutherford has had 25 torn Hamstrings in his career.


His twitter profile describes himself as a "Ginge from MKeynes"

:-)

Fantastic

What a fitting end to the greatest day in British Olympic history.

I'm filling up...   :'( ;tightend;

Well, that was emotional  :)

Tips needed for gymnastics tomoro. Men's floor, women's vault and men's pommel horse- going there and then 100ms :)

Can we delete the other thread.... "I don't really give a sh*t about the olympics"... Then you sir, do not get to enjoy the most amazing night/days/week of British sport.

(http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab57/Stribs/untitled-34.png)

Represent Milton Keynes!!!

How did that work out for you?

Lol, claypole getting the lot as usual!

Come on must be some gymnatixs experts out there :)

If not just gonna martingale the jollies

McKayla Maroney (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/athletes/ef8e1d5a-0fa6-4429-a738-88e11ccddea6) seems to the be the one in the vault who's in the best form

The British bloke is expected to be in contention for a medal but not to win it (in the mens pommel that is)

Absolutely fantastic performances - hats off to them all  ;yippee;

Yup, they're gonna be on a stamp!

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s480x480/549721_4353813492473_1455432386_n.jpg)

WOW, just WOW.

Just got in after what can only be described as the best sporting day of my life - ainec.  Feel very privileged to be there this evening - and very conscious many other blondes would want to be and I was one of the few who got lucky with tickets after much frenetic "refreshing" and late nights earlier in the week.  However, I know I am amongst friends here so I thought I'd share a few pieces of the evening.

Firstly - the volunteers, the police and the armed forces - just incredible and are playing a huge part in creating the most wonderful atmosphere....I'm not sure if they've been carefully selected, well trained or just an incredibly positive bunch of people.  They all greeted you with a smile, said goodnight when you left and answered any question like it was you helping them - just amazing.  Secondly - the organisation, if anyone dares suggest we can't organise an event of this scale again, they are plain mad.  The security clearance put BAA to shame - smooth, friendly and thorough; the food was pretty dam good, toilets immaculate and best of all a beer man or woman with a back pack on there whenever I needed one.

What can you say about the stadium and the fans that filled it?  Such a feel good factor from the minute I arrived, even after the somewhat poor start when we all thought Dai Greene had failed to make it through.  Spirits remained high and when Rutherford leaped out to 8.20m plus the whole stadium lifted - think many of us knew that first jump could win in what has been a poor season of long jumping.  At this point, I began to share my bets for the evening with the new friends I had made around me - which gave a little extra excitement altho it really didn't matter.  Jessica was immense, i thought the roof was going to come off when she took the lead in the final straight and also thought it couldn't get any better; I love Jess but I was wrong.  Greg held, gamble landed and gold number two (I did lose half a point ew on Tomlinson wtf ;)

Enter Mo Farah - don't know how it looked on TV but I sensed he was pretty comfortable throughout the race; as cool, calm and collected as when he smashed the cube.  The noise in the stadium was deafening - and as he kicked on with 600m in to go the place went absolutely ballistic.  As you'll see from earlier in the thread (no aftertiming) was also the first leg of a double and with Shelly Ann and a treble with Usain - I put Trigg onto it early but doubt he listened.  Nice little bonus.

Then the highlight of the evening - as Mo did his lap of honour, the womens 100m was about to start - he has to take cover and dive in a funnel on the 3rd bend, I'm in row 5, two seats from the funnel - he's just stood there, very surreal.  He signed autographs, shook hands - then most impressively of all told us all to hush as the 100m was about to start - what a class act, totally selfless.  Got a few pics - I was shaking like a leaf but managed to get the words out "great race, congrats Mo" - he smiled and said thanks.  Never put a pic up here so don't know how but will dump on facebook.

Shelly Ann duly obliged in the 100m, didn't really care too much by this stage - however a nice little bonus. 

An impromptu rendition of "All you need is love" was very cool - due to the fact there was an appeal and Jess's medal ceremony was delayed, made the end to the evening very British before the final medal ceremony, a fitting end with Jess collecting her gold and the whole stadium erupting.

Like I say, very special day, some amazing memories and some inspirational performances - feel blessed to have been fortunate enough to be there...and hate to be sentimental but hope my old man was watching.

 ;hattip;

Great post Shaun and I can only imagine how great a day it must have been m8. I only wish I hadn't been so apathetic about it all when the tickets were on sale. I'd have most likely been able to get top drawer tickets too which makes it even more annoying :(

I'm not an overly sentimental or emotional person on the whole. I got up this morning after a late one up in Stoke, was meant to go out on it again today and for some strange reason flicked the tube telly in the room on after I got out the shower.

Olympics was on so I thought I would watch a bit as it was early still. Over 10 hours later and I'm still sat in the garbage chair the Holiday Inn supplies in the rooms watching the smallest TV I have watched since I was about 10. Normally I would have flicked through the channels once, called a cab and been offski.....

I was locked on from the off and have to say I was shocked at myself getting choked up when they won each medal and again as they did their interviews. I'm pretty patriotic, but still I've never really gotten like that about many things other than Euro 96 when I was 15 and that was most likely enhanced by Cider :D

(Sober post too btw, the most toxic thing I've consumed today is Pepsi)

Surprised to see you getting the absolute world too [  ] ;)

Tremendous report Shaun, thanks.

Great post.

Glad it was as special as it was. A few friends who managed to get tickets for that session said it was one of the best days of their lives. Atmosphere sounded incredible, and brilliant to see those three win gold.

Email me any photos and I'll post them up here.

Oh, and I want to buy some stamps!

Mens Team Foiil at the moment, I have no idea if we're contenders for the whole thing but we seem to be doing well at the moment against Egypt.

And it actually looks a lot more like proper sword fighting than the fencing I saw earlier (probably because both sides aren't as good)

The only thing that disappoints me is that the team fencing just involves a series of 1 on 1's whereas it would obviously be much better if they were just all fighting at the same time :D

You lucky sod.

I echo the sentiments about volunteers, squaddies, and the organisation. I also wish my Dad could have seen that yesterday, particularly Mo, he loved the long distance events.

Think I will explode if Murray gets the double today.

1/4 finals starts at 10:30 - but we're playing the no 1 seeds so this will probably answer the question about whether we're genuine contenders.

The commentator mentioned at one point that one way they bring kids into fencing is a game where they do just have one team versus another all at the same time - so obviously that needs to be extended up to the Olympic level :D

You lucky, lucky man - congratulations!

claypole, thanks for the wonderful report, what fantastic memories you will have of that historic day.

This is brilliant

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19134764

Soo good !!

I had a great night last night working in the bookies. Had the games on the spare big screen after Hamilton was abandoned and all the punters cheered on Jess.

Anyway the last dog race w as 922 but I still got a dozen guys in there with 20 laps to go in the 10k. I sent one next door to the shop for 13 cold Red Stripe stubbies put the shutter down and we all sat in the shop with a beer and cheered Mo to a man. What a laugh!

Does anyone else have a little cry at some of these golds? Or am I just a big pussy? My wife just pisses herself when I do a little weep. Come on Team GB.

Yes and same, plus my daughter ribs me for it too although to be be fair a seem to have a tear and lots of stuff.  It's my hormones since my girl was born!

Where can I find the schedule of events? And/or can someone tell me what time the 100m semis are please?

BBC has a great Olympic website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/schedule-results - just click the blue box for the sport and theres a schedule for each event today

100m
19:45    Semi-finals   
21:50    Final

Does this mean we can claim Michael Johnson as a Brit now?

I was going to write another report, but Shaun saved me the task so +1 to all this (except I backed Jeter in the 100m grrr)

Must say the singing of All You Need is Love was the highlight for me.

Never seen so many happy people in one place. Even the Police were smiling!


EDIT: Having said all that, it was still a short head behind the cycling. The atmosphere inside the velodrome was like nothing I've ever experienced before.. but mostly because I'm rapidly devolping an unhealthy obsession for Ms Pendleton!

Was brilliant to see him as excited as Jackson and Lewis. 

dont know what you see in here to be honest....

(http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i413/buzzharvey22/victoria-2.jpg)

wouldnt touch her with yours...

Nice wheel.

What you might not realise is that this photo was taken a short time after a pretty unpleasant mugging. Leaving her with a single wheel was harsh

Watching the sailing (with the experienced eye of a regular cross channel ferry user) now & Ben Ainslie in Gold position  :)

& wins Gold  ;applause; ;applause; ;applause; ;tightend; ;tightend;

sigh @ ChipRich

J P Moody ‏@jpmood
Oh god. @shrewdie1 just said to me did Ainsley Harriott just win a Gold medal in sailing. #TeamGB

Johnson was cheering the American Galen Rupp go past 2nd close home to get a silver medal mugs.

Anyone else think that Murray's outfit is a bit too blue? :D

Ben Ainslie wins Gold.  Amazing year for British sport to consider a man who's just won his 4th gold won't even be in with a sniff for the SPOTY.

Time For Andy and Louis to step up and join the Gold Rush.

He is scotch I suppose.

Where was this bloke in the Wimbledon final?

Sick rub.

PLZ PLZ PLZ HOLDDDDDD

so incred

Fantastic n the tennis, well done andy, double now please

UN-BE-LIEVABLE

Sings the national anthem too.

Marvellous to see.

Nah, he's a big fan of Mo's.

Only half his job done, he's got another gold to win yet ;)


Men's sprint cycling on now - duelling on bikes!

The acceleration of the GB sprinters in the cycling is something else

How on earth did you get that one through, Mr Chess Guru!


(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/Scotch.jpg)


(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/Scot.jpg)

It was deliberate, Mr PLO8 Guru. It's a sketch from the stand-up comedian Stewart Lee. Very funny.

Sentimental stuff over...here are my bets for the night as I am on fire, sure fire bok I know

Lebadova too big at 25s SJ EW in triple jump - multiple medalist in a weak event, albeit coming off a break. also Aldana at 12s EW

Bolt treble in 100m, well all say it was either a gift at 4/5 ir lay of the meet - it's one of those

Kipruto too big at 11/8 with Vci in steeple chase. Single and a double with Pars in hammer

Gl me - off in to cheer again, thin I know. Enjoy

Objection to Mr Tal is overruled, result stands.

You got me good and proper. I think......

Sick seats for 100m, load of sportsmen around me, various ex captains of rugby, football and cricket. Stadium decent

Enjoy!

Think they're gonna go a bit QUICK in the semis (low 9.7's) on what looks like a dream of a track for sprinters.

Closing statement for the defence. It is satire, I promise.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybQCNb4AuW4

To those there tonight, I'm so jealous! Have a fantastic night

Sorry. Yes. Back on topic.

This. Gonna be epic

I'm very impressed with Adam Gemili.
I hope that he sticks with athletics.

True dat, if he sorts out his start under 10s can be easily done.

100m finals going to be epic. 

In the hockey we've come back from 3-0 down vs Australia to 3-3 with 4 min to go.

I could slap Brendan Foster.
Why on earth would be do the "you've let yourself down, you've let me down, you've let the school down" routine when Andrew Baddeley fails to qualify for the 1500m final?

He didn't run it very well at all though, and should have qualified in that semi. Think Foster felt the disappointment that Baddeley will feel himself.

Was a great game.  Have been multi-screening the Olympics in a way a SNG-grinder would be proud of, and although we were 3-0 down it wasn't through lack of possession or not having the ball in their D. Australia were very clinical when attacking, and GB play in a formation that leaves us very vulnerable at times (more Keegan than Hodgson).  But the way they came back was very impressive.

It's been suggested by some New Zealanders that Australia change their national colours to Green and Silver...

Great run by Christine Uhuruogu.

How the hell does Christine Ohuruogu do that?! Best silver medal I've ever seen run. Only ever run under 50 seconds 3 times, when it counts - Olympics, World Champs, and Olympics again.

Brilliant.

Fantastic by Christine.  So close to be perfect.  Amazing when she brings it when she needs to.

And she will pick up a silver medal as long as she remembers to go for a drugs test

Bolt - Blake - Gay.  Gatlin to DIAGF.

Why didn't Gay dip for the line, he'd have beaten the cheat?

Blake got a richard mille watch looks like.

Unreal line up of sports stars if he has.

You're pretty focused on this Dan.

If Dan ever finds out that Gatlin goes to church on Sunday before not giving his kids the MMR vaccine he'll explode.

Even worse, Gatlin is a great fan of homeopathy.

 ::)

If Gatlin is competing at this level then he'll be subject to the same testing/scrutiny as every other athlete and medal winner and deserved his Bronze (on a similar note, I'm glad Chambers got his chance to run).  I wanna see the best/fastest athletes and pretty much ignore the fact they've passed/failed drugs tests as history has proved this to be a pretty useless measure of who has used performance enchancing substances.

One of the few races that went strictly to form!

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/kinboshi/423496_10151979823655066_228728078_.jpg)

Did I mention Gatlin's a cheat?

He got an 8-year ban, and he's back racing after 6.

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=2557803

Yeah, but why, when they all do it?

You don't count Blake's ban?

Yeah, from memory he appealed and they cut it short so they must've thought the original length was too heavy a penalty for the charge. 100m scene hasn't been clean since at least the 50's. I just enjoy the performances regardless. Would love to have seen Ben Johnson (cut off in his prime) v Bolt....

America havent seen the race yet.  NBC have been saving Olympics coverage until primetime, but you'd think they would show the 100m live on a Sunday.   Pretty funny on Twitter.

Capitalism at its finest!

Useless fact from earlier today courtesy of ITV

If Aberdeenshire was a country, it would be above Australia in the Olympic medal table as things stand.

The Scottish county can currently claim two Gold medals and a Silver thanks to success for Timothy Baillie in the canoe C-2 slalom, Katherine Grainger in the double sculls rowing and David Florence, also in the canoe slalom.

The tally would beat Australia, currently in 19th place with only one Gold among its 20 medals.

they were showing Showjumping instead.

Second offence should have been lifetime ban, but was reduced because he was "assisting" them.

Farce.

Superb.

Yorkshire if a country would be ninth!

They are scrapping the Barrel as Lossiemouth isn't in Aberdeenshire.

More than anything else, when these Olympics are over I'm going to miss Bedtime with Gabby

gainer is from aberdeen it was the army girl is the pair that won the first gold that was from lossiemouth

Which is better in tennis land? Olympic Gold Medal or Wimbledon?

Wimbledon by a gazillion miles.
 
And I say that as a Murray fan. He played without feeling pressure today.

Objection - American Wrestler in some kind of tablecloth - never a kilt!!! Yellow Card Tikay!

Bugger. Owned by Tal AND Rod.

Taoufik Makhloufi. Made 1500 final, team forgot to withdraw his 800 entry

walked off in the 800 to conserve after 100 and now he's been DQed as a non trier.

Triathlon's Brownlee brothers tomorrow, cant wait..expect a 1, 2 placing..(Yorkshire umpteeths medals pls)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/08/05/sports/olympics/the-100-meter-dash-one-race-every-medalist-ever.html?smid=fb-share

Tilte says it all really.

Wow!

Seems harsh. Interesting that the commentators were questioning his performance in the 1500m without actually saying they suspected him of doing anything illegal. Implication was there though.

Oh he needs a doctor's letter http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19152117 

Pretty sure he'll get back in.

 Saw the 1500, commentators definitely implying something was up.

There was no implication at all. "I've never seen him have this level of pace before" and I think he said "Where's he found this finish from?" Couldn't have been more blatant if Crammy had said "And steroid boy wins"

It was pretty bad IMO

Sailing, with an alternative commentary

http://vimeo.com/46824253

anyone been following the lego Olympics?

the fencing protest is genius

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/video/2012/aug/06/usain-bolt-gold-100m-brick-video?CMP=twt_gu

Jason Kenny dominant Gold in the sprint  ;applause; ;applause; ;applause;

Gogo Laura in the Omnium

On Sunday we should just refuse to hand over the Olympics.

"Sorry. Ours now."

4 sports - at the moment I've been concentrating on the 100m 9.77s so far is my best time :D

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/interactive/2012/jul/23/could-you-be-a-medallist

If it just comes up with putting in your best time - do that, then you get to the play the game afterwards

Love it

Irish commentory of the Sailing

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/06/irish-olympic-sailing-commentary-video_n_1747853.html?ncid=txtlnkushpmg00000031&utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Both exceptional.  Kenny showed why he was selected instead of Sir Chris, and was more dominant than even the team expected I reckon.

Laura is so brilliant to watch. There's nothing to her, if you walked past her on the street you'd never guess she was one of the best cyclists in the world. Such a competitor and you can't help but like her.  Hope she nails the gold in the second day of the omnium.

http://blog.perpetuelle.com/watches/yohan-blakes-watch-richard-mille/

Bolt doesnt run with his on though does he!

Gogogogogogogogo Anthony Ogogo ensures at least a bronze in the 75kg boxing as he reaches the semi-final.

Well that was an amazIng match. Canada 3 - 4 USA last min extra time winner who now meet Japan in final.

Like the story that she just turned up at a Go Sky Bike event (or whatever they're called) and they spotted her, what a dream, totally amazing.  Must be inspiring story for thousands of people across the country.   I may even ride to work myself if it stops raining!

FYP

When a dive goes wrong, ouch!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19154306

yes

(http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f2/783648d1344217567-olympics-watch-watch-yohan-blake-dscn0476.jpg)

He looks younger with it on.

Oh, I agree in principle - but I was referring to the actual system in place. First time gets a ban of a determined period (e.g. 2 years), and if they're found guilty again the ban is then a lifetime one.

Gatlin escaped the lifetime ban through his "cooperation" with the authorities and instead it was reduced to 8 years. 6 years later he is on the podium receiving a bronze medal...

Had a day round London yesterday soaking up some of the atmosphere. Going to watch the triathlon today  :)

Fairly good chance we break the Beijing good record today: Hoy, Pendleton, Brownlee(s), Grabarz.

The office has changed all their display screens to BBCHD, which means I have a great view of this week's action, by working in an office standards anyway.

Have fun if you're there today.

Is it true that the stadium was designed to be the loudest ever?

this is true, though they realised their colossal mistake when claypole turned up and they realised the acoustics actually needed no amplification at all.

Laura Trott got great chance also

Couple of interesting articles on the BBC website:

How much does a medal cost?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19144983

All your questions answered:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19047586


Most interested in people's views on article one.

While Team GBs success has been stunning in Rowing and Cycling, as pretty exclusive sports do they really justify more funding than the most accessible to sport for everyone - Athletics?

Sailing seems way overfunded too imo.

EDIT: My real question is: should lottery money go on the relentless pursuit of gold medals or should the money go on making young people in general more interested in and more likely to participate in sport?

I'd rather spend £500k on buying 10,000 kids a pair of decent running shoes than buying Ben Ainslie a new yacht.

Depends how cynical you are - if the policy was to buy as many medals as possible then concentrating on events that have  large financial costs in bringing a team together - thus excluding most of the world as competitors then it is a huge success. Lots of gold medals = worth having the games in the uk.

Given we talked a lot about the inclusively of the games and broadening participation, and given that talk is usually inversely proportionate to action then I guess we are not worried about the lack of athletes, in the real world kids want to be footballers not 3000m steeplechasers.

Without extra funding, the exclusive sports are always going to remain exclusive. To get rowers from non-posh backgrounds you have to go to state schools to find them, and that costs money. Sailing is obv not going to be cheap - those boats are expensive.

We've still spent less on the Olympic funding than Man City have on players in the past few years.

It can happen, Anna Watkins' Mum responded to a Sport England asking for tall girls, Kat Copeland was introduced to Tees rowing by a friend and was "useless"

Basically though lots of lottery funding has enabled athletes to train full time, pay coaches full time and that added to talent and in some cases background (enabling some of the guys to row or sail from an early age) has led to a transformation in medals across some of these sports

Meanwhile

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/07/christian_sites_ban_on_g_word.html

I think also, does lottery funding not rise or fall from one games to the next per sport according to success achieved

So for a sport like cycling, initial success leads to £ up leads to more success....its self sustaining

For swimming, fewer medals in 2012 leads to a cut for 2016 funding?

A shooting gold medal meanwhile transforms the £2.5m budget, I think, upwards for Rio 

good start for the Brownlee brothers, pack broke away after the swim.

Colin Jackson's athletics punditry really grinds my gears. By far the worst of the athletics comentators and pundits

Discuss.

Very true - I have lost my voice.  Enjoyed last night and Sunday - however a bit of comedown after Saturday.  Was dreaming of another run good ticket find for the velodrome this afternoon but it hasn't happend ;)

Ticket site just slowrolled me by showing Velodrome tiockets for this afternoon.....sickest slowroll ever

Should there really be team tactics in races like the triathalon?

Who decides what event it's ok to have team tactics and whch it isn't?

Could easily be argued the Chinese badminton team were using team tactics to avoid each other.

Bradley Wiggins definitely wasn't trying to win the Road Race and now this other guy is trying to help the Brownlee's win the triathalon.

Kenyan distance runners too

Interesting issue, domestiques in major championships.

Jonny Brownlee has a 15 second penalty from first transition.

How fantastic would the Tour De France be without teans?

Don't think there are rules to stop it are there? Can chuck people out for non trying as the badmo players were losing on purpose but I don't think you can do this lad or the cyclists for non trying.

Idowu is a clown by the way. Lowest point for team GB?

I don't blame this guy at all.

Obviously just obeying team orders - might not get picked for GB again if he disobeys.

I just don't like the idea of having team orders in an Olympic sport.

Agreed

Not a team player, going to get rinsed in the press when he then doesn't deliver

Did he do an interview after failing to qualify?

Yes

R5L did one. Spiky when he was questioned harshly, worth catching

The brownlee plan of crossing the line together is working out nicely. Just need to make sure they are 16seconds ahead of third

link please if anyone has it. Sweating Triathlon, & working(ish)

Apparently it's a new-ish thing for triathlon, it's very unusual for there to be any kind of team in triathlon events, a lot of people don't like it because it's normally just down to individuals.

And a lot of people said it wasn't necessary for GB anyway because our front runners are so strong.

But it's just game theory in the end - the only way to stop it would be to ban it, and that might be hard to police.

Warren Weir - yep, me neither - wins 200 heat faster than the slowing down Bolt and Blake.

Jamaica had 6 people go sub-10 in their national 100m trials and it's ridiculous how many of them could have finalled in this event.

Single athlete from each country solves the problem.

They've (apparently) stopped team orders in motor racing.

Don't follow that sport closely enough to know how well the ban has worked.

Single athlete was introduced in cycling as an antidote to GB winning all the medals (worked well...)

All that does is prevent superstars like Hoy competing in some events

I'd rather see 2-3 per team as before

stretch them out :) brownlee has the best run anyway...all coming together.

Am I hallucinating or did they even allow two teams in events like the Team Pursuit?

Definitely used to have two teams in the bobsleigh.

No, team orders weren't allowed, they ARE now allowed (F1)

not allowing team orders was virtually unenforceable.

If the top 3 competitors in a sport were from the same country it wouldn't really be much of an Olympic 'test' for the others if only one of the 3 was allowed to compete.

It's almost like that with the triathlon as the 2 Brownlee's are 2 of the best.

Yeah, I don't actually see it as a problem. Just added tactics & intrigue make it more interesting imo.