The opening ceremony was breathtaking. You don't see stuff like that everyday. Go Chinese, the tiny sized people who came up with gunpowder!
I usually don't watch sport from TV but Olympics are kinda cool. Discuss.
Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics
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fuck work, i can't watch it.
seeing how i can't wait for 12H12m12s on 12/12/2012 (yes, 12 is my number) i find completely awesome the beginning at 8H8m8s
i don't know how much i'll be able to watch of all this, but all in all i'm a sport addict so i'll try and get the most i can.
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The way they lit the torch and the countdown was awesome.
Yohohoho!
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Wait, I missed the Opening Ceremonies!?
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i fell asleep how did they light the torch
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i fell asleep how did they light the torch
The opening ceremonies were indeed impressive. Worth staying up until 5am for. ^^;
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Some guy flew up and did a matrix walk around the top rim of the stadium before lighting it onto a rope that spiraled its way up into the cauldron.
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USA USA USA!!!
But seriously, I'll be following Boxing and Basketball. I'll be shocked if the basketball team doesn't win gold.
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USA basketball would win gold if they played blindfolded.
But, honestly, they have no excuse to get anything less. I normally only follow basketball, but I may watch a bit more this year, if only to escape the madness of BRETT FAVRE BRETT FAVRE BRETT FAVRE BRETT FAVRE.
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They really did a bang up job. The games have begun.
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Wow, man. Only China could come up with an opening ceremony like that. Truly awesome.
The Parade of Nations got kinda boring though after a while as it became apparent that only the African countries had outfits that were at all interesting. I mean, c'mon Ireland, why are you in GRAY!? You should be breaking out the tartans and the Emerald Isle Green!
And is that seriously what Ralph Lauren designed for the US team? Snore.
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USA basketball would win gold if they played blindfolded.
But, honestly, they have no excuse to get anything less. I normally only follow basketball, but I may watch a bit more this year, if only to escape the madness of BRETT FAVRE BRETT FAVRE BRETT FAVRE BRETT FAVRE.
Fuck no kidding. It really pisses me off when ESPN has a "favre" section at the bottom.
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USA basketball team is pretty much ill be watching as usual
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I'm staying up tonight to watch the USA boxing team fight. Or boxing in general. Anyway I'll be pulling a late nighter. Anyone else watching anything tonight?
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I really love the Olympics. I've got the next few weeks off so I'll try to cram in as much of it as I can. So many sports that normally I'd have no interest in but during the olympics I get really involved. I'm most looking forward to the water sports, shooting, boxing and the track and field. It's only one day in but it's clear Beijing are going to host an awesome games.
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The opening ceremony sure was cool.
And I´ll probably watch the competitions only if I don´t have anything else to do
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So, that Michael Phelps guy.
He's pretty good at swimming.
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I love this year's Olympics already, I stay up to watch it (Is typing this at 4.46 AM)
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USA Basketball owned China.
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yeah, but you have to admit, that they actually didn't play THAT good… it may be very interesting game against Spain
The only reason for walking into the jaws of Death is so's you can steal his gold teeth.
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that is prety cool how they lit the torch and im australian so il be going for australia
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China favoritism is so bad in this olympics, its not even funny.
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China's leading the gold count. Is that normal?
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unfortunatelly yes… China is going to win in How Many Medals We Have competition... they said it - they would like to win 80% of ALL medals
The only reason for walking into the jaws of Death is so's you can steal his gold teeth.
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Right now the US leads the total medal count, but China has the edge in gold.
India got it's first individual gold though, that was pretty cool.
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In the last years China have invested in those less popular sports in wich they can win a bigger amount of medals. That's why they have more medals. But in the popular sports they're still the same…
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It's USA which usually gets most of the medals. It's kinda pretty lame but what can you do. So Chinese pulling it off this time would actually be a nice change. And as stantard of living keeps rising in China future Olympics might end up being all about Chinese instead anyway. You would think that from 1.3 billion people you could find exceptional individuals for any given sport…
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That and their government-sponsored programs to raise elite athletes from the time they're zygotes.
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Michael Phelps is The One.
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HEY CANADA
HEY
STOP SUCKING SO MUCH
GET A GODDAMN MEDAL ALREADY
Boy have these Olympics been depressing. If there was a medal for fourth place by God we'd be right up there.
Keeps reminding me why I prefer the winter Olympics, especially since they come to my hometown in 2010
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Awww, don't be bitter.
Like I said, even India can get gold, just be patient.
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iam absolutely into the Olympics this year…good to see also some random sports...can
t understand here some simple minded-user who just watch basketball ...tzzz some dont understand that there is more...:blink:best so far for sure michael phelps...this guy is amazing..c`mon go for 8 times gold lol
iam interested in table tennis cause when china loses there...would be just epic
also 100m with the Jamaicans could bring a new WR..
and so far germany is good in just winning the gold medal...so i am also satisfied so far..why cant there be more sports with horses haha:grin: but in the end its good cause it`s kind of boring in watching this sports..but victory is victory -
Did anyone think that Michael Phelps was going to get gold at the end of the 100m butterfly? I thought he was going to get silver. That was some race.
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Got your wish Mumbo, our fellow Canadians finally got onto the podium on Day 8. Three times, even; we can't say they haven't been trying though, it just hasn't worked out for us thus far. Hopefully this weekend brings about more hardware for Team Canada.
…Hey, can I room with you for a few days during the 2010? I don't eat much, and I'll pay. 8D;;
EDIT: HEY, LOOKIT THAT. Ryan Cochrane just got us a Bronze medal in 1500m Freestyle swimming. Whoo!
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I never knew badmitton could be so intense!
Archery, although, is boring as hell.
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Y'know, I never figured how Badminton became an Olympic sport; same as Table Tennis. I mean, really? At this rate, my co-worker may actually be right in seeing Ultimate Frisbee in the Olympics. XD
Good Lord, this Usain Bolt guy is RIDICULOUS. 9.69 seconds in 100m, beating his own World Record. And he slowed himself down at 80m.
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8 gold medals. 14 career gold. And who knows how many time records he broke. And my mom and grandfather have screamed themselves horse twice for him.
My hat off to you Michael Phelps.
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Yes, Canada got some medals, and three of the four come from BC yet. I couldn't be happier.
And wow, Bolt stumbles off the bricks, jogs in the last ten meters, and still gets a world record like it was nothing. I'm in awe.
Y'know, I never figured how Badminton became an Olympic sport; same as Table Tennis. I mean, really? At this rate, my co-worker may actually be right in seeing Ultimate Frisbee in the Olympics. XD
You should look at some of the table tennis matches, they can get really intense if they're even. They put spins on the ball so it looks like it's moving on a string or something. It's a really weird sight.
Seems odd that out of all the sports in the Olympics, baseball is the one getting cut next time, though.
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Phelps is just god to me…
and finally some good day for Poland!! three medals today and still hoping for some in weightlifting.
it just gets better and better.
and for Bolt - only one question -> what would the new record be, if he just finished at full spead, not only till 80m?The only reason for walking into the jaws of Death is so's you can steal his gold teeth.
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soooooooooooooooooo many records broken in this olympics…
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am i the only one who thinks that the frenzy over phelps is a little too much? come on, change the programmation of the whole OG just so that NBC can broadcast his runs on a good timeslot? excuse me, but if at least he was cool or had any charisma, i'd say why not.
but now, that's really going to far. and it's about swimming. guys, SWIMMING.
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it just gets better and better.
and for Bolt - only one question -> what would the new record be, if he just finished at full spead, not only till 80m?And a very good question that is, shen_ron.
Former World Record hold Donovan Bailey was on CBC during his races, and he said that if he took it seriously, he'd get under 9.6 seconds in the 100m without any problem. If he had a wind pushing him, I bet he'd hit 9.49. As a Canadian runner said today 'the guy's not from this planet'.
And sweet, Canada's up to 9 medals now, thanks to a few rowing teams, the trampoline, and the Equestrians. Nice work guys, keep it up!
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Y'know, I never figured how Badminton became an Olympic sport; same as Table Tennis. I mean, really? At this rate, my co-worker may actually be right in seeing Ultimate Frisbee in the Olympics. XD
You ever really watched badminton? It's one of the most demanding sports out there in terms of quick thinking, reaction time, physique and technique - and it all takes place with a speed that makes tennis look like a wheelchair-race compared to formel 1. In my opinion, Lin Dan is at least as impressive as Federer.
Edit: Whoa, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to bitch a bit here. It's a loong story, so please stay with me. I apologize to anyone from Spain for this, but I just cannot keep this in…
We have this sailing competition. It's called the 49'ers class. My country has an exceptional team of two guys who, before the decisive medal race, is way ahead of all the competitors for the gold medal. They only have to finish 6 to be absolutely certain. On the day of the race, the boats are inexplicably sent out in a weather known to be catastrophic for that particularly boat type. And the catastrophy hits - the mast on our boat breaks 30 minutes before the race! We're completely devastated. It was so unfair I almost cried. The sailers manage to row the boat back to port only to realise that they cannot possibly change the mast before the start. Then they see the Croatian boat. This boat didn't qualify but is almost fully rigged. They call the Croatian team who says "sure, go ahead". At this time, the competition has started. Against all odds the now Danish boat manages to reach the start line only 3.57 minutes after the others which is a miraculous 3 seconds before the start line is closed and remaining boats are disqualified. Suddenly they are still in the game and through sheer skill and luck they manage to defend their gold medal by beating three boats that started 3.57 seconds ahead of them!!! On the water, the referee (or whatever they're called in this sport
) announces them to be gold winners. Is that not sportsmanship and olympic spirit or what!?!Now, the whole idea about medal race is that the ruling on the water stands. No complaints can be issued. But Spain, who went from 4th place to 2nd place in this race, apparently feel that this does not apply to them. They complain anyway.
Of course, the situation with the boat switch is unique, so all in all, I probably shouldn't blame them for protesting. But I would have prefered that they had shown a bit more olympic spirit and recognised this unique performance for what it was - absolutely spectacular. Like the Germans did by saying - and I quote - "it is better to have a true bronze medal than a silver medal which wasn't won out on the water". See that's the olympic spirit, for ya!!! But Spain complains that the flag was Croatian, that there were no tv cameras on the boat and that they couldn't be allowed another boat at all.
Well, about the first two things: These are rules made to enhance tv viewers' access to the sport. They have absolutely nothing to do with performance whatsoever! And about the boat switch: there are no rules saying they couldn't do that and no advantage is achieved, because the boats are practically standard issue! The rules experts where in session for more than six hours, but then they turned down all protests. Early today, my countrymen finally received the gold medal they fought so valiantly for - after waiting almost 24 hours. They were in tears of relief.
And here's the pathetic news: The Spanish olympic commission intends to disregard all the rules experts and bring it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in order to "give the gold medals back to Spain"......
I am baffled. No matter being a Dane, I am first and foremost a lover of sports and here's the newsflash for ya: Spain never had gold medals to begin with!! After being practically without reach of the gold medal before the leading Danish team break their mast, after having this team sail in a boat they don't know well and starting 3.57 minutes behind everyone else, after having performed so poorly in the other races that a 1st place in the last race, which gives double points, wasn't enough to win gold unless my country's team was disqualified, after having protests acknowledged even though it's against the rules of medal races and after having all the rules experts turning every stone before rejecting the protest - they still are pathetic enough to say that they have been cheated by the Danish team and that all the other teams agree with them. Funny that they are the only ones to complain about the Danish team then, huh?? Funny that all the rules experts couldn't find a reason to disqualify the Danes, huh?? Funny, that this "exceptional Spanish team" wasn't exceptional enough to win the gold medals on the water, huh??
Usually I can abstain from bitching, but I am so frustrated and disappointed with this Spanish whining show that I simply had to write it out somewhere. I really hope that there are different Spanish opinions about how you lose with honour out there, because my admiration for the Spanish Olympic spirit has been greatly shaken…
If Spain manages to get (not win) gold medals through this freak show, the notion of olympic spirit (such as competitors lending equipment to another team who defends their gold medal despite all odds) truly is nothing more than lip service.
Death is a small thing
Methinks it is life which thou dost fear
David Eddings
Sorceress of Darshiva
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First off, congrats to the Danish team for overcoming thier obstacles, and a big kudos to the Croatian team for showing the true Olympian spirit in letting thier boat be borrowed. Brings back memories of Norway's Skiing Coach handing Sara Renner a new pole after hers broke in 2006; it's nice to know these moments can happen in the name of good sportsmanship, and I'm sure the Danes will be singing the Croatians praises for some time.
Unfortunately, the Olympics can bring out the worst in competitors as well as the best. It's no secret that many countries promise money for athletes who bring home medals, especially gold. And as orthodox the circumstanced were, as you said, the standings are etched in stone, and Spain should remember how much of an honour it is to be in the Olympics, let alone be able to stand on the podium and watch your flag be raised.
With any luck, Spain will accept it's place in the standings, and enjoy the rest of the events.
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Phelps is remarkable. It doesn't matter what country he's from, what changes were made to broadcast his remarkable talent.
It's like saying that guy that Lance Armstrong is just a dude. Some people that can perform these remarkable talents are a big deal. Are they gods? Should we kiss their feet? Should we buy the products they endorse? Should we listen to their politics?
FUCK NO
But these people worked for years, some of them their entire lives, for these two weeks, and damnit, if they can do something remarkable that no human has ever done, then they deserve the spotlight. Every night I go to sleep and I ask that the sonuvabitch not be on some fucking drug.
That said I'm going to be a complete hypocrite in admitting that I'm so happy men's and women's volleyball got wiped out. I hate their fucking obnoxious endlessly chanting fans.
Have you ever watched a volleyball match in Japan? It's like an exercise in battling back the serial killer within our hearts.
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Have you ever watched a volleyball match in Japan? It's like an exercise in battling back the serial killer within our hearts.
No, but I saw the Chinese women's [indoor] volleyball team annihilate Japan 3 sets to 0.
Japan also lost to the US in women's soccer 4 - 2, on an unrelated note…
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Awesome.
Japanese sports fans are the most obnoxious fans on the planet. Even worse than Bleach fans that attend JUMP Festa.
They chant ENDLESSLY:
"NIPPON! bang bang bang NIPPON! bang bang bang NIPPON! bang bang bang"
One might say, "But Greg, don't you bloody Americans spout, "USA!USA!"
Yeah, after we at least fucking win or are close to doing so. In the volleyball matches IT DOESN'T END. I feel so bad for the other team because they can't concentrate for shit whenever there's a match in this country. That's why I was grinning from ear to ear when both the men's and women's teams got heavily booed during each serve. It was a nice change from the other annoying ass chant.
Everytime Japan serves….EVERYTIME...."SooooooRE!"
SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!
I love seeing them get beaten and watch images of the fans openly sobbing in the stands.
This year was even better because one of the women has to retire after this Olympics.
This is me at my most masochistic and this simply stems from my far broader hatred of the Japanese sick obsession with 'image'.
But yeah, anyway, I don't care who wins volleyball, I'm just ecstatic Japan is out.
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Go Simon Whitfield, GO! 8D
EDIT: Alright, silver medal in Men's Triathalon! That was an AMAZING final stretch in the race.
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@ Greg - Japan is out (in volleyball) but they fucking won with Poland… and I really hoped that our girls will achieve sth...
and for the volleyball fans, yeah... it really makes me angry to hear this over over... shut up and let them play!
and I still think that Poland has the best volleyball fans
and the most beautiful womens in volleball world XD
