Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Phyllis Diller 95 Died - Tribute: Footage from Phyllis Diller
Comedian Phyllis Diller, the former housewife whose raucous cackle and jokes about her own looks made her one of America's first female stand-up comedy .(USA TODAY) - Before Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr and Ellen DeGeneres, Phyllis Diller crashed the mostly male comedy circuit party to become an icon in the .Find breaking news, multimedia, reviews & opinion on Minneapolis, St. Paul, the Twin Cities metro area and Minnesota.Phyllis Diller, who passed away Monday at the age of 95, performed one of her last stand-up comedy shows in Canada more than a decade ago.Gilbert Gottfried says way before people like Roseanne Barr and Kathy Griffin broke ground for women in comedy, there was Phyllis Diller.Phyllis Diller, the housewife-turned-humorist who aimed some of her sharpest barbs at herself, punctuating her jokes with her trademark Phyllis Diller dies with a smile HOUSEWIFE turned humourist Phyllis Diller has died in Los Angeles at age 95.Pioneering comedian Phyllis Diller died at age 95 Monday, bringing to an end one of the great comedic.Phyllis Diller, ~1955 Phyllis Diller in Las Vegas, where she performed her last stand-up routine in 2002. That show is included in the documentary that will be out .FILE-In this undated file photo, Comedian Phyllis Diller performs in character. Diller, the housewife turned humorist who aimed some of her sharpest
Sunday, 19 August 2012
RIP: ‘Top Gun’ Director Tony Scott Dead in Apparent Suicide
Tony Scott, director of Top Gun and brother of Prometheus director Ridley Scott, has died from what appears to be suicide after jumping from the Vincent Thomas bridge near Long Beach, California, around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The Wrap has reported that the 68-year-old British-born director’s identity had been confirmed by Los Angeles County Coroner Lt. Joe Bell. The U.S. Coast Guard found a suicide note in Scott’s vehicle, parked on the eastbound lane of the bridge. Scott climbed the apex at the south side of the bridge and jumped “without hesitation.” Details of the suicide note have not been released.
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Tony Scott’s recent projects included Unstoppable with Denzel Washington and Prometheus, on which he was a producer. Scott also had many TV credits in his career, including The Good Wife.
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Tony Scott is survived by his wife, Donna Scott, and two children. Our condolences go out to the Scott family. This is truly a tragedy and the entertainment world will be impacted by this great loss.
The Wrap has reported that the 68-year-old British-born director’s identity had been confirmed by Los Angeles County Coroner Lt. Joe Bell. The U.S. Coast Guard found a suicide note in Scott’s vehicle, parked on the eastbound lane of the bridge. Scott climbed the apex at the south side of the bridge and jumped “without hesitation.” Details of the suicide note have not been released.
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Tony Scott’s recent projects included Unstoppable with Denzel Washington and Prometheus, on which he was a producer. Scott also had many TV credits in his career, including The Good Wife.
.
Tony Scott is survived by his wife, Donna Scott, and two children. Our condolences go out to the Scott family. This is truly a tragedy and the entertainment world will be impacted by this great loss.
Senate Candidate Provokes Ire With ‘Legitimate Rape’ Comment
In an effort to explain his stance on abortion, Representative Todd Akin, the Republican Senate nominee from Missouri, provoked ire across the political spectrum on Sunday by saying that in instances of what he called “legitimate rape,” women’s bodies somehow blocked an unwanted pregnancy.Asked in an interview on a St. Louis television station about his views on abortion, Mr. Akin, a six-term member of Congress who is backed by Tea Party conservatives, made it clear that his opposition to the practice was nearly absolute, even in instances of rape.
“It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare,” Mr. Akin said of pregnancies from rape. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”
The comments, made during an interview with KTVI-TV that was posted on Sunday on the station’s Web site, provoked howls of outrage from Democrats and women’s rights organizations. Senator Claire McCaskill, the Democrat who will face Mr. Akin in the November
“It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare,” Mr. Akin said of pregnancies from rape. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”
The comments, made during an interview with KTVI-TV that was posted on Sunday on the station’s Web site, provoked howls of outrage from Democrats and women’s rights organizations. Senator Claire McCaskill, the Democrat who will face Mr. Akin in the November
Lesnar vs Triple H Results: Brock Lesnar Defeats Triple H at WWE SummerSlam 2012
Brock Lesnar, who was literally the poster boy for SummerSlam, picked up a much-needed victory over Triple H as the former UFC star looks to make his presence felt in the WWE once again.
Lesnar became a major star during his first run with the company, but hasn't found success nearly as easy this time around due to a limited schedule. It's had a negative impact on crowd reaction and stopped him from gaining any momentum.
He lost his return match to John Cena at Extreme Rules and proceeded to get written off television for a couple months, leading many fans to wonder if bringing him back to take away a main-event spot was the right decision.
Lesnar showed on Sunday night why he was brought back in the first place. His match with Triple H is exactly what fans came to expect from him in the past: an all-out brawl with no shortage of exciting moments.
The result isn't necessarily a surprise since Lesnar will need to work more big dates moving forward and Triple H is more of an as-needed star right now. Helping Lesnar win over the crowd again was certainly one of those times of need.
Lesnar became a major star during his first run with the company, but hasn't found success nearly as easy this time around due to a limited schedule. It's had a negative impact on crowd reaction and stopped him from gaining any momentum.
He lost his return match to John Cena at Extreme Rules and proceeded to get written off television for a couple months, leading many fans to wonder if bringing him back to take away a main-event spot was the right decision.
Lesnar showed on Sunday night why he was brought back in the first place. His match with Triple H is exactly what fans came to expect from him in the past: an all-out brawl with no shortage of exciting moments.
The result isn't necessarily a surprise since Lesnar will need to work more big dates moving forward and Triple H is more of an as-needed star right now. Helping Lesnar win over the crowd again was certainly one of those times of need.
Tate vs. Kedzie: What We Learned from Miesha Tate vs. Julie Kedzie
Without question, the preliminary bout between former champion Miesha Tate and Julie Kedzie was the highlight of the preliminary card and will, for now, be the fight to remember for the card.
At the end of the day, Tate was able to submit the tough Kedzie with an armbar at 3:28 in the third and final round.
What We'll Remember About This Fight:
Kedzie's stand-up and Tate's jiu-jitsu. Kedzie landed two nice headkicks that rocked Tate, and early in the third it looked like Kedzie was on the verge of earning the biggest win of her career—but then Tate woke up.
Tate used her grappling skills to lock in a beautiful armbar and pick up the win. Tate's grappling skills were also on full display at the end of the first round and the end of the second.
What We Learned About Miesha Tate:
That her ground game is definitely her strong point. The bout with Ronda Rousey made Tate's ground skills look lackluster, but tonight, Tate proved she is a top-evel grappler.
What We Learned About Julie Kedzie:
Julie Kedzie is absolutely game. At first, the name didn't ring a bell, but then they mentioned Kedzie's bout with Gina Carano and I sort of remembered her. But, after this bout? I'll never forget about the style and striking of Kedzie. Even Dana White was impressed.
At the end of the day, Tate was able to submit the tough Kedzie with an armbar at 3:28 in the third and final round.
What We'll Remember About This Fight:
Kedzie's stand-up and Tate's jiu-jitsu. Kedzie landed two nice headkicks that rocked Tate, and early in the third it looked like Kedzie was on the verge of earning the biggest win of her career—but then Tate woke up.
Tate used her grappling skills to lock in a beautiful armbar and pick up the win. Tate's grappling skills were also on full display at the end of the first round and the end of the second.
What We Learned About Miesha Tate:
That her ground game is definitely her strong point. The bout with Ronda Rousey made Tate's ground skills look lackluster, but tonight, Tate proved she is a top-evel grappler.
What We Learned About Julie Kedzie:
Julie Kedzie is absolutely game. At first, the name didn't ring a bell, but then they mentioned Kedzie's bout with Gina Carano and I sort of remembered her. But, after this bout? I'll never forget about the style and striking of Kedzie. Even Dana White was impressed.
Rousey vs. Kaufman: Memorable Moments from Strikeforce in San Diego
Adlan Amagov had something to prove on Saturday night.
Coming off of his first loss since 2008, Amagov looked to get back in the win column in his fourth Strikeforce bout, this time against Keith "KO Kid" Berry. He wasted practically no time in doing so, getting a very quick TKO victory in less than one minute of action.
After landing a spinning body kick that clearly caught Berry off guard, he immediately followed up with a push kick to the front of Berry's knee, buckling it in the process.
The kick, an uncommon strike which is actually illegal under the unified rules of mixed martial arts, caused Berry to fall to the ground where Amagov landed some punches before referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the contest.
A disappointed Berry immediately stood up after the stoppage and began protesting, but it was too late.
2012 just has not been Herb Dean's best year of refereeing.
Friday, 17 August 2012
Rousey vs. Kaufman Weigh-In Video
At the Rousey vs. Kaufman weigh-ins, all 18 fighters taking part in Saturday night's Strikeforce fights will step on the scale Friday afternoon, and we'll have the live video here at MMAFighting.com.
In the main event, Ronda Rousey and Sarah Kaufman will have to make the limit of 135 pounds.
The Rousey vs. Kaufman weigh-ins takes place at 6:45 p.m. ET on Friday and the video is below.
it’s suppose to cover mma.
and mma is much bigger than ronda to have 9 out of 10 articles be about her.
i much rather read about kaufman who has a decade of experience in the sport and is a well rounded fighter who has accomplished a lot and has a record of 15-1 that to hear about ronda who has maybe 5 minutes of fighting experience, who is a one trick pony and talks about killing her opponent, bashing celebs, making stupid youtube videos and acting aa great role model for womans mma.
In the main event, Ronda Rousey and Sarah Kaufman will have to make the limit of 135 pounds.
The Rousey vs. Kaufman weigh-ins takes place at 6:45 p.m. ET on Friday and the video is below.
it’s suppose to cover mma.
and mma is much bigger than ronda to have 9 out of 10 articles be about her.
i much rather read about kaufman who has a decade of experience in the sport and is a well rounded fighter who has accomplished a lot and has a record of 15-1 that to hear about ronda who has maybe 5 minutes of fighting experience, who is a one trick pony and talks about killing her opponent, bashing celebs, making stupid youtube videos and acting aa great role model for womans mma.
Pussy Riot guilty of hooliganism, sentenced to two years in prison
A Moscow court has sentenced three members of Pussy Riot to two years in prison for hooliganism motivated by religious hatred and enmityMoscow's Khamovnichesky Court is announcing its verdict in the trial of punk rock protesters Pussy Riot. The three members of the band have been awaiting the decision since February, when the group staged a controversial protest in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral prior to Russia's presidential electionRT (Russia Today) is a global news network broadcasting from Moscow and Washington studios. RT is the first news channel to break the 500 million YouTube views benchmark.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
In pics: London Olympics Closing Ceremony
By early Sunday, the excitement levels among the closing ceremonies cast had gone nuclear. Team GB had surpassed all expectations, everyone was on a sporting high, the sun was shining and London 2012 was the best Olympics ever. Now we had to close the Games. An audience of half a billion? Bring it on.
We only met in May, but have since had an extraordinary shared experience – being transformed from a rag-tag bunch of Londoners to a well-drilled dance troupe. There were times when the choreography had all seemed too difficult. Not any more. We were dying to get on with it. "Only two more sleeps …"
I was perfectly placed to volunteer – I live just down the road from the Olympic stadium and I'm on a sabbatical, so attending rehearsals wasn't a problem. The auditions were at the end of last year: two afternoons of copying professional dancers, while cameramen filmed my every move. I was lucky enough to be offered a part in January. We started rehearsals in May.
At the first session, at the pre-Games command centre at east London's 3 Mills Studios, we were sat down before a row of TV screens while the artistic director, Kim Gavin (a Royal Ballet School alumnus, who produced Take That's latest stadium tours and the Concert for Diana), walked us through his plan for the closing ceremony. Everyone sat in open-mouthed amazement. We'd had no idea how spectacular it was going to be.
Then we were all given parts. "Policeman" and "military man" sounded like they'd have cool costumes (they would). Wasn't sure about "neck brace". Not me. Phew. They finally called my number. I was to be one of six "pub lads".
I was in a pod of 25 – on the pink truck in the street party that opens the ceremony. We started rehearsing in a group of 100 then, over the following three months, the groups got relen
We only met in May, but have since had an extraordinary shared experience – being transformed from a rag-tag bunch of Londoners to a well-drilled dance troupe. There were times when the choreography had all seemed too difficult. Not any more. We were dying to get on with it. "Only two more sleeps …"
I was perfectly placed to volunteer – I live just down the road from the Olympic stadium and I'm on a sabbatical, so attending rehearsals wasn't a problem. The auditions were at the end of last year: two afternoons of copying professional dancers, while cameramen filmed my every move. I was lucky enough to be offered a part in January. We started rehearsals in May.
At the first session, at the pre-Games command centre at east London's 3 Mills Studios, we were sat down before a row of TV screens while the artistic director, Kim Gavin (a Royal Ballet School alumnus, who produced Take That's latest stadium tours and the Concert for Diana), walked us through his plan for the closing ceremony. Everyone sat in open-mouthed amazement. We'd had no idea how spectacular it was going to be.
Then we were all given parts. "Policeman" and "military man" sounded like they'd have cool costumes (they would). Wasn't sure about "neck brace". Not me. Phew. They finally called my number. I was to be one of six "pub lads".
I was in a pod of 25 – on the pink truck in the street party that opens the ceremony. We started rehearsing in a group of 100 then, over the following three months, the groups got relen
Saturday, 11 August 2012
London 2012: Usain Bolt Leads Jamaica To World Record In Men's 4x100m Relay
Usain Bolt increased his London 2012 haul to three gold medals, while helping his Jamaican teammates to a gold each in the men's 4x100m final on Saturday evening.
Not content with winning the 100m and 200m during the past week, Bolt, along with Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Yohan 'The Beast' Blake, set a new world record in the event, clocking 36.84 seconds.
The United States got the silver, finishing in 37.04 seconds.There was controversy at the end of the race when the Canadian team, who finished third, were disqualified.
On hearing the result, the Canadians, who had been celebrating on the track with national flags, broke down in disbelief.
The disqualification was due to one of the team members treading on a lane line during the race, allowing the Trinidad & Tobago team to move up to bronze position with a time of 38.12 seconds.It wasn't a straightforward victory for the Jamaicans, with the American team building a lead over the first two legs. However, Blake, one of the stars of the London Olympiad, put in a blistering 100m run to leave Bolt level with Ryan Bailey at the change over.
The pair may have started level, but they didn't stay that way for long with Bolt, quickly got into his now familiar style, powering ahead to secure gold in the fastest time ever recorded.
As Bolt crossed the line, he pulled out the Mo-bot, the now familiar victory pose of Britain’s Mo Farah, who 30 minutes earlier had delighted the crowd with victory in the 5,000m.
It was a fitting end to the athletics programme at the stadium, with Bolt, undoubtedly the star attraction at the Games, stood atop the podium celebrating another win. As always, the Jamaican showman lapped up the applause from an 80-strong crowd all too aware that they had witnessed an athlete and a competitor unique in the history of track and field.
After the medals had been awarded, Bolt spoke warmly of the Olympic crowd - of the many Brits but also thousands of sports fans who had travelled to the capital to witness the fastest man on the planet.
Not content with winning the 100m and 200m during the past week, Bolt, along with Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Yohan 'The Beast' Blake, set a new world record in the event, clocking 36.84 seconds.
The United States got the silver, finishing in 37.04 seconds.There was controversy at the end of the race when the Canadian team, who finished third, were disqualified.
On hearing the result, the Canadians, who had been celebrating on the track with national flags, broke down in disbelief.
The disqualification was due to one of the team members treading on a lane line during the race, allowing the Trinidad & Tobago team to move up to bronze position with a time of 38.12 seconds.It wasn't a straightforward victory for the Jamaicans, with the American team building a lead over the first two legs. However, Blake, one of the stars of the London Olympiad, put in a blistering 100m run to leave Bolt level with Ryan Bailey at the change over.
The pair may have started level, but they didn't stay that way for long with Bolt, quickly got into his now familiar style, powering ahead to secure gold in the fastest time ever recorded.
As Bolt crossed the line, he pulled out the Mo-bot, the now familiar victory pose of Britain’s Mo Farah, who 30 minutes earlier had delighted the crowd with victory in the 5,000m.
It was a fitting end to the athletics programme at the stadium, with Bolt, undoubtedly the star attraction at the Games, stood atop the podium celebrating another win. As always, the Jamaican showman lapped up the applause from an 80-strong crowd all too aware that they had witnessed an athlete and a competitor unique in the history of track and field.
After the medals had been awarded, Bolt spoke warmly of the Olympic crowd - of the many Brits but also thousands of sports fans who had travelled to the capital to witness the fastest man on the planet.
Brazil vs. Mexico: Preview, Live Updates
Mexico lead Brazil 1-0 at half time.
Both teams are competing for a maiden Gold Medal in Olympic Football, a staggering statistic when you look at Brazil's list of honours.
So far Brazil have perhaps looked the better team, but there's a carelessness in their game that has failed to cause Mexico many problems.
So far it looks like El Tricolor are happy to let the Brazilians play, but an Oribe Peralta goal after 28 seconds has given the luxury of being able to do that.
There's a lack of cohesive quality in the Brazil midfield, with Oscar perhaps the only player who can hold his head up high.
Hulk came on as a substitute after 32 minutes and since then a greater sense of urgency has crept into the Brazilian ranks, but Mexico are clear favourites for Gold at half time.
Both teams are competing for a maiden Gold Medal in Olympic Football, a staggering statistic when you look at Brazil's list of honours.
So far Brazil have perhaps looked the better team, but there's a carelessness in their game that has failed to cause Mexico many problems.
So far it looks like El Tricolor are happy to let the Brazilians play, but an Oribe Peralta goal after 28 seconds has given the luxury of being able to do that.
There's a lack of cohesive quality in the Brazil midfield, with Oscar perhaps the only player who can hold his head up high.
Hulk came on as a substitute after 32 minutes and since then a greater sense of urgency has crept into the Brazilian ranks, but Mexico are clear favourites for Gold at half time.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Usain Bolt seals legendary status with unique double
Usain Bolt made history on Thursday when the Jamaican successfully defended his Olympic 200m crown to claim an unprecedented second successive sprint double.
Bolt, who retained his 100m title on Saturday, crossed the line in 19.32sec to win in front of a delirious sell-out 80,000 crowd at the Olympic Stadium.
The 25-year-old's victory meant he bettered the record of US track legend Carl Lewis, who won three golds and a silver in the sprints at the 1984 and 1988 Games.
It was also the first time two individual track titles were successfully defended at successive Games since Finland's Lasse Viren won the 5000m and 10,000m in the Munich and Montreal Games in 1972 and 1976.
Bolt led a Jamaican clean sweep of the podium, with training partner Yohan Blake taking silver in 19.44sec and Warren Weir claiming a shock bronze in 19.84sec.
Running in lane seven, Bolt was up on Weir outside him within five paces after an explosive start.
As he rounded the bend, Blake briefly threatened from lane four, but teeth clenched and at full tilt, Bolt had enough to slow down a full 10 metres from the line, raising his finger to his lips as he did so.
Bolt, who retained his 100m title on Saturday, crossed the line in 19.32sec to win in front of a delirious sell-out 80,000 crowd at the Olympic Stadium.
The 25-year-old's victory meant he bettered the record of US track legend Carl Lewis, who won three golds and a silver in the sprints at the 1984 and 1988 Games.
It was also the first time two individual track titles were successfully defended at successive Games since Finland's Lasse Viren won the 5000m and 10,000m in the Munich and Montreal Games in 1972 and 1976.
Bolt led a Jamaican clean sweep of the podium, with training partner Yohan Blake taking silver in 19.44sec and Warren Weir claiming a shock bronze in 19.84sec.
Running in lane seven, Bolt was up on Weir outside him within five paces after an explosive start.
As he rounded the bend, Blake briefly threatened from lane four, but teeth clenched and at full tilt, Bolt had enough to slow down a full 10 metres from the line, raising his finger to his lips as he did so.
USA Vs. Japan, 2012 Olympics: Final Score, USWNT Holds On For 2-1 Win To Capture Gold Medal
It's been just over a year since the United States fell to Japan on penalties in the World Cup final, but they have captured their revenge. For the third consecutive Olympic games, the USWNT have grabbed a gold medal in women's soccer. Japan was excellent for most of the match, but two great goals by the United States earned the Americans a 2-1 victory.
Carli Lloyd was the hero for the USWNT, just like she was in the gold medal match in 2008. Her opening goal came in the 8th minute on an excellent cross by Alex Morgan. The floating ball to the back post appeared to be intended for Abby Wambach, but Lloyd came out of nowhere with a terrific late run into the box and a header into the back of the net to give her team the lead.
Japan had a couple of excellent opportunities to equalize shortly afterwards, but couldn't capitalize. Christie Rampone had to make a late clearance off the line on a shot by Nahomi Kawasumi in the 17th minute, which was followed up less than a minute later by a brilliant Hope Solo save onto the crossbar to deny Yuki Ogimi.
In the 25th minute, Japan had their first of two penalty shots. Tobin Heath stuck out her arm and clearly handled the ball following a free kick, but no penalty was given. Early in the second half, an even more obvious penalty offense was committed by Rachel Buehler, who rugby tackled Saki Kumagai. Incredibly, no penalty was given. Buehler was shaky throughout the match, and was eventually replaced by Becky Sauerbrunn in the 80th minute.
Carli Lloyd was the hero for the USWNT, just like she was in the gold medal match in 2008. Her opening goal came in the 8th minute on an excellent cross by Alex Morgan. The floating ball to the back post appeared to be intended for Abby Wambach, but Lloyd came out of nowhere with a terrific late run into the box and a header into the back of the net to give her team the lead.
Japan had a couple of excellent opportunities to equalize shortly afterwards, but couldn't capitalize. Christie Rampone had to make a late clearance off the line on a shot by Nahomi Kawasumi in the 17th minute, which was followed up less than a minute later by a brilliant Hope Solo save onto the crossbar to deny Yuki Ogimi.
In the 25th minute, Japan had their first of two penalty shots. Tobin Heath stuck out her arm and clearly handled the ball following a free kick, but no penalty was given. Early in the second half, an even more obvious penalty offense was committed by Rachel Buehler, who rugby tackled Saki Kumagai. Incredibly, no penalty was given. Buehler was shaky throughout the match, and was eventually replaced by Becky Sauerbrunn in the 80th minute.
Morpheus Rocket Crashes During Test Flight | Video
The first free flight of NASA''s Morpheus LOX-Methane vertical take-off/landing vehicle ended in disaster as it crashed and exploded. The Kennedy Space Center was host for the test of the vehicle on August 9th, 2012.
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Valiant Boomers beaten by US
It was a predictable result between two mismatched teams, but the Australian Boomers will leave London knowing they can contend with the world's best players.
In a quarter-final match against the United States, the Boomers stuck with the team of superstars and millionaires for most of the match.
But they couldn't maintain the intense pressure needed to stop the world's best players in London as their Olympic campaign ended with an 119-86 defeat.
Most knew the result was coming. In fact, most probably expected the margin to be bigger.
But the spirited Boomers fought until the end against the gold medal favourites boasting a line-up which has been compared to Michael Jordan's Dream Team.
Comparing the two rosters is unfair, with Patrick Mills the only NBA player in the Boomers squad.
Despite lining up against some of the greatest players in the game, the Boomers stayed tough and gritty to get within striking distance.
Mills continued his outstanding Olympics to top-score with 26 points.
Mills scored 39 points against Great Britain earlier in the tournament and hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat Russia.
But the Boomers didn't have the depth around him, even though he was well supported by Joe Ingles who had the tough task of trying to tame LeBron James.
The Boomers were quick out of the blocks with Mills scoring six early points.
But they lacked the polish in attack to stick with the world's best team, continually missing baskets which would have kept them in the contest.
Maybe it was stage fright, but even regulation free-throws became a problem with the Boomers hitting just five of 12 attempts in the first quarter.
Mills was the shining light for the Boomers and he kept his team within striking distance when he made a superb drive to the basket to make the score 28-21 at the first break.
In a quarter-final match against the United States, the Boomers stuck with the team of superstars and millionaires for most of the match.
But they couldn't maintain the intense pressure needed to stop the world's best players in London as their Olympic campaign ended with an 119-86 defeat.
Most knew the result was coming. In fact, most probably expected the margin to be bigger.
But the spirited Boomers fought until the end against the gold medal favourites boasting a line-up which has been compared to Michael Jordan's Dream Team.
Comparing the two rosters is unfair, with Patrick Mills the only NBA player in the Boomers squad.
Despite lining up against some of the greatest players in the game, the Boomers stayed tough and gritty to get within striking distance.
Mills continued his outstanding Olympics to top-score with 26 points.
Mills scored 39 points against Great Britain earlier in the tournament and hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat Russia.
But the Boomers didn't have the depth around him, even though he was well supported by Joe Ingles who had the tough task of trying to tame LeBron James.
The Boomers were quick out of the blocks with Mills scoring six early points.
But they lacked the polish in attack to stick with the world's best team, continually missing baskets which would have kept them in the contest.
Maybe it was stage fright, but even regulation free-throws became a problem with the Boomers hitting just five of 12 attempts in the first quarter.
Mills was the shining light for the Boomers and he kept his team within striking distance when he made a superb drive to the basket to make the score 28-21 at the first break.
US sprinter Allyson Felix wins women's 200m gold
LONDON: America's Allyson Felix made it third time lucky to win the Olympic 200m crown on Wednesday and deny Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce a sprint double.
Felix, a silver medallist at the 2004 and 2008 Games over the distance, powered to victory in 21.88sec to thwart Fraser-Pryce's hopes of adding the 200m title to her newly acquired 100m crown.
"Finally, it has been a long time coming," a delighted Felix said. "I've waited so long for this moment and I am just overjoyed.
"There are so many people I lover here tonight and I am just overjoyed to share it with them," the 26-year-old from Los Angeles added.
Fraser-Pryce took silver in 22.09sec with Carmelita Jeter of the United States winning bronze in 22.14sec.
Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown -- chasing a historic third consecutive Olympic 200m gold after pipping Felix at the two previous games -- was fourth in a time of 22.38sec.
Felix looked smooth throughout, coming off the bend with a significant lead and holding her nerve in the home stretch to win a long-overdue first gold.
Felix is a three-time world champion over 200m but could only manage bronze at last year's world championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Felix, a silver medallist at the 2004 and 2008 Games over the distance, powered to victory in 21.88sec to thwart Fraser-Pryce's hopes of adding the 200m title to her newly acquired 100m crown.
"Finally, it has been a long time coming," a delighted Felix said. "I've waited so long for this moment and I am just overjoyed.
"There are so many people I lover here tonight and I am just overjoyed to share it with them," the 26-year-old from Los Angeles added.
Fraser-Pryce took silver in 22.09sec with Carmelita Jeter of the United States winning bronze in 22.14sec.
Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown -- chasing a historic third consecutive Olympic 200m gold after pipping Felix at the two previous games -- was fourth in a time of 22.38sec.
Felix looked smooth throughout, coming off the bend with a significant lead and holding her nerve in the home stretch to win a long-overdue first gold.
Felix is a three-time world champion over 200m but could only manage bronze at last year's world championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Double Running FAIL ! London 2012
Double Running Fail London 2012
Alex Morgan Scores an Amazing Last Minute Goal vs Canada in London Olympics 2012
Stephan Feck And The Most Embarrassing Dive
The Best Fail Dog Ever !
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Brasil x Coréia do Sul - Chamada para inÃcio do Jogo - Olimpiadas de Londres 2012
Weightlifter Matthias Steiner Dropped 432 Pounds On The Back Of His Head (Video)
German Weightlifter Drops 432-Pound Barbell On His Head, Walks Away
Brazil vs South Korea 3 - 0 All Goals & Highlights Semi-Fin
Romulo Great Goal South Korea 0:1 Brazil
Stephan Feck And The Most Embarrassing Dive London 2012
Funny Olympics 2012 - Diving FAIL !
Olympic Soccer Player Canada Stomping USA Player
Melissa Tancredi (Canada) Stamp On Carli Lloyd (USA)
Gol de Sebastian Pol - Cobreloa 2 - Tacuary 0 - Copa Sudamericana - 7-08-2012
1000 ways to die compilation
Pole Vault Fail Snaps! London 2012 Olympics
Pole vault fail London 2012 Olympics
Pole Vault Fail Snaps! London 2012 Olympics
Epke Zonderland Wins Mens Horizontal Bar Gold at London Olympics Olympische goud
Typhoon Haikui China Shanghai
Chevron Refinery Fire in California
Chevron Refinery Fire in California
Explosion fire at Chevron Refinery in Richmond, one of the largest in the states, there go the gas prices...people in Oakland, Richmond and San Pablo being told is stay indoors.
Read more at
Mary Kom loses to Nicola Adams, gets bronze
Lazaro Borges Accident
Table Tennis Final Germany Bronze Medal | London 2012
Lazaro Borges Fall
FC Barcelona - Girona poured with Barca (Fans) 2012
Double Running Fail London 2012
Alex Morgan Scores an Amazing Last Minute Goal vs Canada in London Olympics 2012
Stephan Feck And The Most Embarrassing Dive
The Best Fail Dog Ever !
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Brasil x Coréia do Sul - Chamada para inÃcio do Jogo - Olimpiadas de Londres 2012
Weightlifter Matthias Steiner Dropped 432 Pounds On The Back Of His Head (Video)
German Weightlifter Drops 432-Pound Barbell On His Head, Walks Away
Brazil vs South Korea 3 - 0 All Goals & Highlights Semi-Fin
Romulo Great Goal South Korea 0:1 Brazil
Stephan Feck And The Most Embarrassing Dive London 2012
Funny Olympics 2012 - Diving FAIL !
Olympic Soccer Player Canada Stomping USA Player
Melissa Tancredi (Canada) Stamp On Carli Lloyd (USA)
Gol de Sebastian Pol - Cobreloa 2 - Tacuary 0 - Copa Sudamericana - 7-08-2012
1000 ways to die compilation
Pole Vault Fail Snaps! London 2012 Olympics
Pole vault fail London 2012 Olympics
Pole Vault Fail Snaps! London 2012 Olympics
Epke Zonderland Wins Mens Horizontal Bar Gold at London Olympics Olympische goud
Typhoon Haikui China Shanghai
Chevron Refinery Fire in California
Chevron Refinery Fire in California
Explosion fire at Chevron Refinery in Richmond, one of the largest in the states, there go the gas prices...people in Oakland, Richmond and San Pablo being told is stay indoors.
Read more at
Mary Kom loses to Nicola Adams, gets bronze
Lazaro Borges Accident
Table Tennis Final Germany Bronze Medal | London 2012
Lazaro Borges Fall
FC Barcelona - Girona poured with Barca (Fans) 2012
Double Running Fail London 2012
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Taoufik Makhloufi clinches 1,500m gold
Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi won the 1,500m gold medal at the London Olympics on Tuesday night, only a day after being reinstated to the final.
Makhloufi was disqualified from the games after track and field officials ruled he didn’t try hard enough during a heat in the 800. He had already qualified for the 1,500 final at that stage.
But the disqualification was overturned after a medical officer reviewed the evidence, and Makhloufi made his second chance count, winning the 1,500 title in 3 minutes, 34.08 seconds.
Leonel Manzano of the United States took silver in 3.34.79 and Abdalaati Iguider of Morocco earned bronze in 3.35.13.
Makhloufi was disqualified from the games after track and field officials ruled he didn’t try hard enough during a heat in the 800. He had already qualified for the 1,500 final at that stage.
But the disqualification was overturned after a medical officer reviewed the evidence, and Makhloufi made his second chance count, winning the 1,500 title in 3 minutes, 34.08 seconds.
Leonel Manzano of the United States took silver in 3.34.79 and Abdalaati Iguider of Morocco earned bronze in 3.35.13.
Liu Xiang helped off track
Former world-record holder and 2004 champion Liu Xiang of China stumbled into the first hurdle and fell to the track in his opening heat Tuesday, his second consecutive first-round exit in the Olympic 110-meter hurdles.
Four years ago in Beijing, his Olympics ended after two full strides, when he withdrew from his preliminary heat with right foot and hamstring injuries, disappointing his country of more than 1 billion people.
This time, Liu made it only as far as the initial hurdle, knocking it down. He clutched his lower right leg and stayed down for a few moments. He eventually rose and hopped on his left foot along the outside of the race route.
When he got to the spot of the 10th and final hurdle, he hobbled over to kiss it, then continued hopping until he got to the finish line.
Another hurdler, Balazs Baji of Hungary, went over and raised Liu's hand in the air, as if to signify he was the winner. Then other competitors went over to offer handshakes of condolences. Eventually, Liu got into a wheelchair and was taken away from the track.
At the 2004 Athens Games, Liu became the first man from China to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. He backed that up with the 2007 world title, only increasing expectations for another triumph on home soil at Beijing in 2008, one of the main story lines in the lead-up to those Olympics.
He was -- and, indeed, still is -- China's only track and field superstar. But he's been more than that, too: One of China's most recognizable faces, endorsing shoes and cars and all manner of other products. But in front of a packed Bird's Nest, he never even made it to the first hurdle.
Four years ago in Beijing, his Olympics ended after two full strides, when he withdrew from his preliminary heat with right foot and hamstring injuries, disappointing his country of more than 1 billion people.
This time, Liu made it only as far as the initial hurdle, knocking it down. He clutched his lower right leg and stayed down for a few moments. He eventually rose and hopped on his left foot along the outside of the race route.
When he got to the spot of the 10th and final hurdle, he hobbled over to kiss it, then continued hopping until he got to the finish line.
Another hurdler, Balazs Baji of Hungary, went over and raised Liu's hand in the air, as if to signify he was the winner. Then other competitors went over to offer handshakes of condolences. Eventually, Liu got into a wheelchair and was taken away from the track.
At the 2004 Athens Games, Liu became the first man from China to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. He backed that up with the 2007 world title, only increasing expectations for another triumph on home soil at Beijing in 2008, one of the main story lines in the lead-up to those Olympics.
He was -- and, indeed, still is -- China's only track and field superstar. But he's been more than that, too: One of China's most recognizable faces, endorsing shoes and cars and all manner of other products. But in front of a packed Bird's Nest, he never even made it to the first hurdle.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Alex Morgan goal vs Canada 2012 London Olympics
The US women's soccer team beat Canada, 4-3, in the last minute of overtime in the Olympic semifinal, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with Japan.Alex Morgan. @alexmorgan13. Member of U.S. Women's Soccer Team. Forward, #13. · Follow Following Unfollow Blocked Alex Morgan's looping header gave the U.S. women's soccer team a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over Canada on Monday night.Alex Morgan headed a dramatic 123rd-minute winner to send Olympic champions USA back to the final and break Canada's hearts in a thrilling game at Old Trafford.Alex Morgan's looping header gave the U.S. women's soccer team a ... Morgan put the U.S. in front for the first time in the third minute of injury time at Old In the third minute of stoppage time in the second extra time, Alex Morgan found a little something extra.Her header goal off Heather O'Reilly's foot in an Olympic .Alex Morgan of the United States celebrates with teammates including Abby Wambach, left, and Sydney Leroux after scoring the winning goal in extra time .Alex Morgan's looping header gave the U.S. women's soccer team a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over Canada on Monday night. Share The U.S. Women's Soccer Team is poised for the rematch its been waiting for since last summer. But it took everything this team had to get there. The Stars and .
Felix Sanchez wins Dominican Republic’s 1st gold medal of London
Felix Sanchez ran the Olympic 400-meter hurdles final with the memory of his late grandma on his mind and in his heart.
He ran with a photo of the two of them pinned beneath his race bib, and “Abuela” — Spanish for “Grandmother” — writtAnd after those shoes carried him to a no-doubt-about-it victory in 47.63 seconds Monday night for his second career gold at age 34, and the Dominican Republic’s first medal of the 2012 Games, Sanchez pulled out that picture, placed it down on the track, knelt and tenderly kissed the image of the woman who raised him.
“I’ve been really emotional all week, thinking about her,” Sanchez said. “All of us do it — you think about winning, you train so hard. You get to this moment and everything has to go right for you to pull it off.”
He ran with a photo of the two of them pinned beneath his race bib, and “Abuela” — Spanish for “Grandmother” — writtAnd after those shoes carried him to a no-doubt-about-it victory in 47.63 seconds Monday night for his second career gold at age 34, and the Dominican Republic’s first medal of the 2012 Games, Sanchez pulled out that picture, placed it down on the track, knelt and tenderly kissed the image of the woman who raised him.
“I’ve been really emotional all week, thinking about her,” Sanchez said. “All of us do it — you think about winning, you train so hard. You get to this moment and everything has to go right for you to pull it off.”
Harrak’s Quick Quips: WWE Raw 8.6.12 (CM Punk, AJ Lee, John Cena, Big Show, Rey Mysterio)
This is a weird turn for CM Punk.
- If Punk’s match is next, how is that the main event?
- The Miz. Kane. Or Rey Mysterio. Hmmmmm, I wonder.
- Now why does Alberto Del Rio have his gear with him if he wasn’t going to wrestle until Summerslam?
- It must have been tough getting his trunks and boots on while still wearing his shirt and blazer.
- We might have seen Randy Orton vs Big Show hundred times before but good work from both men making that match interesting. Although it made Big Show look week after the RKO.
- I forgot to mention but I only caught the end of the Wade Barrett promo and I couldn’t be happier he’s on his way back. Plus it looks like WWE’s making it a big deal.
- Nice and simple from Ryback. He really didn’t reveal anything different than what he does in the ring but it was just different enough from the weekly squash. Still hate his finisher though.
- Another boring tag match, especially without Rosa’s shimmying. Too bad air travel is so strict these days.
- As much as I like seeing Damien Sandow and the potential he has, I have a feeling this storyline is leading to a Brodus Clay squash match.
- LOVE the Daniel Bryan shirt. HATE the Daniel Bryan vs Kane match at Summerslam.
- Oh…boy…Kelly Kelly is back. So…excited.
- It’s really been over two months since Kelly was on Raw?
- Love how WWE is blatantly lying about Shawn Michaels being at Raw. We reported tonight was “Shawn Michaels Appreciation Night” at least two months ago.
- If Punk’s match is next, how is that the main event?
- The Miz. Kane. Or Rey Mysterio. Hmmmmm, I wonder.
- Now why does Alberto Del Rio have his gear with him if he wasn’t going to wrestle until Summerslam?
- It must have been tough getting his trunks and boots on while still wearing his shirt and blazer.
- We might have seen Randy Orton vs Big Show hundred times before but good work from both men making that match interesting. Although it made Big Show look week after the RKO.
- I forgot to mention but I only caught the end of the Wade Barrett promo and I couldn’t be happier he’s on his way back. Plus it looks like WWE’s making it a big deal.
- Nice and simple from Ryback. He really didn’t reveal anything different than what he does in the ring but it was just different enough from the weekly squash. Still hate his finisher though.
- Another boring tag match, especially without Rosa’s shimmying. Too bad air travel is so strict these days.
- As much as I like seeing Damien Sandow and the potential he has, I have a feeling this storyline is leading to a Brodus Clay squash match.
- LOVE the Daniel Bryan shirt. HATE the Daniel Bryan vs Kane match at Summerslam.
- Oh…boy…Kelly Kelly is back. So…excited.
- It’s really been over two months since Kelly was on Raw?
- Love how WWE is blatantly lying about Shawn Michaels being at Raw. We reported tonight was “Shawn Michaels Appreciation Night” at least two months ago.
USA vs. Argentina: Is Team USA Unbeatable at the 2012 Olympics?
Five up, five down for Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics. The American men's basketball team finished off their slate in Group A with a 126-97 vanquishing of Argentina's "Golden Generation" on Monday.
Which brought to mind a familiar refrain: Can anyone stop USA basketball from charging toward another gold medal?
The answer? It all depends on which iteration of Team USA shows up in the knockout rounds.
If it's the same sluggish bunch that stumbled its way to a 99-94 win over Lithuania and through the first two quarters against the Argentines, then the rest of the world stands an excellent chance of springing the upset. Those six quarters saw the U.S. allow its opponents to hit better than 60 percent of their shots from the field while falling well short of 50 percent for themselves.
Lethargic, half-hearted defense, particularly on the perimeter, coupled with the lazy hoisting of settled-for three-pointers, tends to put Team USA in a bad spot, as does crisp offensive execution and a physical, disruptive effort defensively by the opposition.
However, if Team USA plays the way it did in the second halves against France, Tunisia and Argentina (and for the entire game against Nigeria), then the path to the top of the podium will be as clear as ever.
Which brought to mind a familiar refrain: Can anyone stop USA basketball from charging toward another gold medal?
The answer? It all depends on which iteration of Team USA shows up in the knockout rounds.
If it's the same sluggish bunch that stumbled its way to a 99-94 win over Lithuania and through the first two quarters against the Argentines, then the rest of the world stands an excellent chance of springing the upset. Those six quarters saw the U.S. allow its opponents to hit better than 60 percent of their shots from the field while falling well short of 50 percent for themselves.
Lethargic, half-hearted defense, particularly on the perimeter, coupled with the lazy hoisting of settled-for three-pointers, tends to put Team USA in a bad spot, as does crisp offensive execution and a physical, disruptive effort defensively by the opposition.
However, if Team USA plays the way it did in the second halves against France, Tunisia and Argentina (and for the entire game against Nigeria), then the path to the top of the podium will be as clear as ever.
Indians will be proud of Mary Kom, says husband
Indian boxer MC Mary Kom's husband Onler Kom said Monday that the pugilist made the country proud after assuring the country its fourth Olympic medal from the 2012 London Games.
"Every Indian will be proud of her. She was quite determined that she would do well and she has done that. She has won the medal she always wanted at last. She has always done well for her country," Onler Kom told TV channels.
Onler Kom also said that he spoke to his wife before the bout and told her to be careful.
"I told her not to fight in a rough manner, to use all the technique. And she did well. This was the only thing missing from her career and now she has it," he added.
The five-time World Champion, a mother of twin sons, qualified for the semi-final beating Tunisia's Maroua Rahali in the pre-quarterfinals of the 51kg category. Losing semi-finalists are awarded with a bronze medal.
"Every Indian will be proud of her. She was quite determined that she would do well and she has done that. She has won the medal she always wanted at last. She has always done well for her country," Onler Kom told TV channels.
Onler Kom also said that he spoke to his wife before the bout and told her to be careful.
"I told her not to fight in a rough manner, to use all the technique. And she did well. This was the only thing missing from her career and now she has it," he added.
The five-time World Champion, a mother of twin sons, qualified for the semi-final beating Tunisia's Maroua Rahali in the pre-quarterfinals of the 51kg category. Losing semi-finalists are awarded with a bronze medal.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Usain Bolt: Reaction to the Olympic 100m final
It means one step towards being a legend, so I'm happy with myself, but it's only one step, I have the 200m to go. I was slightly worried about my start, I slipped a little in the blocks. I don't have the best reactions, but I secured it and that's the key."To be the second-fastest man in the world behind Bolt is an honour. He is the fastest man in the world and I've got a silver medal. What more can I ask for?"
Justin Gatlin:
Bronze. 9.79secs. New personal best.
"It feels great to be back after eight years. Simply just to come back and use my God-given talent. I went out there and I did the best I could do. A lot of people on Twitter and Facebook think that I'm the bad guy, but I'm not and I had to prove that tonight."Darren Campbell, Olympic 200m silver medallist (2000):
"We said if he was anywhere near the field in the first 30m, who would be able to handle him? Those gigantic strides opened up and that was the Usain Bolt show. If we were to be picky, it was a terrible start, but it doesn't matter, he just needed to be in striking distance. His hunger has been questioned but I always believed he would want to put on a show for the people of Great Britain. He loves this country."
Steve Cram, Olympic 1500m silver medallist (1984):
"He wasn't the best out of the blocks, but he didn't need to be. He has got so much more than the rest of these guys. It is the strongest field there has ever been in this event but they cannot touch Usain Bolt."
Justin Gatlin:
Bronze. 9.79secs. New personal best.
"It feels great to be back after eight years. Simply just to come back and use my God-given talent. I went out there and I did the best I could do. A lot of people on Twitter and Facebook think that I'm the bad guy, but I'm not and I had to prove that tonight."Darren Campbell, Olympic 200m silver medallist (2000):
"We said if he was anywhere near the field in the first 30m, who would be able to handle him? Those gigantic strides opened up and that was the Usain Bolt show. If we were to be picky, it was a terrible start, but it doesn't matter, he just needed to be in striking distance. His hunger has been questioned but I always believed he would want to put on a show for the people of Great Britain. He loves this country."
Steve Cram, Olympic 1500m silver medallist (1984):
"He wasn't the best out of the blocks, but he didn't need to be. He has got so much more than the rest of these guys. It is the strongest field there has ever been in this event but they cannot touch Usain Bolt."
Andy Murray beats Roger Federer to win Olympic tennis gold
Andy Murray has been speaking to Sue Barker after completing his 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 arse-whupping of Roger Federer.
It's definitely easier winning in the final [than losing in heartbreak]. I played a good match today. it was quite tough conditions, very windy, but I did well. It's No1 for me, biggest win of my life. This week's been incredible for me. The atmosphere, the support's been amazing.
I watched the athletics last night, it was amazing. Just amazing. The way Mo Farah won – I do 400m repetitions in my training, and when I'm completely fresh I can run it in 57 seconds. His last lap after running 9,600m was 53 sec. Just unbelievable.
I didn't expect this at the start of the week. I was a little bit tired after Wimbledon, but I felt so fresh on the court today. I didn't feel nervous at all, apart from at the beginning of the match. I've had a lot of tough losses in my career, and this was the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final. I'll never forget it.
It's definitely easier winning in the final [than losing in heartbreak]. I played a good match today. it was quite tough conditions, very windy, but I did well. It's No1 for me, biggest win of my life. This week's been incredible for me. The atmosphere, the support's been amazing.
I watched the athletics last night, it was amazing. Just amazing. The way Mo Farah won – I do 400m repetitions in my training, and when I'm completely fresh I can run it in 57 seconds. His last lap after running 9,600m was 53 sec. Just unbelievable.
I didn't expect this at the start of the week. I was a little bit tired after Wimbledon, but I felt so fresh on the court today. I didn't feel nervous at all, apart from at the beginning of the match. I've had a lot of tough losses in my career, and this was the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final. I'll never forget it.
Showdown: Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan
FORMER world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei has long been the eagle in the dragon’ s shadow. Always made to feel like the usurper of the throne, which many felt rightly belonged to China’s Lin Dan.
Chong Wei has always soared high only to be eclipsed by Lin Dan at badminton’s majors – losing to the China ace in the final of both the Beijing Olympics and world championships. The Malaysian now has a golden chance to embellish his reputation by beating Lin Dan in the London 2012 men’s singles final.
That will go a long way towards making amends for the years of playing second fiddle to Lin Dan.
Chong Wei will never get another chance as both are playing in their last Olympics.
Chong Wei and Lin Dan may stay on for another year or two but no other tour nament will be more significant than their battle royale at the London Games today
Chong Wei has always soared high only to be eclipsed by Lin Dan at badminton’s majors – losing to the China ace in the final of both the Beijing Olympics and world championships. The Malaysian now has a golden chance to embellish his reputation by beating Lin Dan in the London 2012 men’s singles final.
That will go a long way towards making amends for the years of playing second fiddle to Lin Dan.
Chong Wei will never get another chance as both are playing in their last Olympics.
Chong Wei and Lin Dan may stay on for another year or two but no other tour nament will be more significant than their battle royale at the London Games today
Saturday, 4 August 2012
UFC on FOX 4 results: Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua stops Brandon Vera in main event war
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Brandon Vera was impressive, but in a different way.
Whereas the co-main event in the UFC's four-man title sweepstakes featured sudden, jaw-rattling violence, the main event of UFC on FOX 4 showcased the hearts of two men forced to climb a higher mountain, cardiovascularly speaking, than their counterparts.
In the end, Rua outlasted Vera, earning fourth-round TKO in the main event of UFC on FOX 4, which took place Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles and aired live on FOX.
Rua's war of attrition left the audience lacking in breath, but Lyoto Machida's co-main event knockout of Ryan Bader earned the nod from UFC president Dana White, who announced that "The Dragon" will face the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson at UFC 151 in September.
Afterward, an exhausted Rua criticized his performance in the fight, which was scheduled for five rounds.
"I got tired from the second to the third round more than I expected," the Brazilian light heavyweight said through a translator.
Whereas the co-main event in the UFC's four-man title sweepstakes featured sudden, jaw-rattling violence, the main event of UFC on FOX 4 showcased the hearts of two men forced to climb a higher mountain, cardiovascularly speaking, than their counterparts.
In the end, Rua outlasted Vera, earning fourth-round TKO in the main event of UFC on FOX 4, which took place Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles and aired live on FOX.
Rua's war of attrition left the audience lacking in breath, but Lyoto Machida's co-main event knockout of Ryan Bader earned the nod from UFC president Dana White, who announced that "The Dragon" will face the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson at UFC 151 in September.
Afterward, an exhausted Rua criticized his performance in the fight, which was scheduled for five rounds.
"I got tired from the second to the third round more than I expected," the Brazilian light heavyweight said through a translator.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wins 100 meters
Back home in Jamaica, when Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce visits the neighborhood supermarket, inevitably the questions will arise. Sure, she’s recognized across the small island, but they don’t ask about her Olympic gold medal from the Beijing Games.
“Where is Usain?” they want to know, inquiring about fellow sprinter Usain Bolt. “How is Usain? Do you train with Usain?”Fraser-Pryce, all of 5-feet-3 with a voice even smaller, can only smile. “If he’s ahead of me in terms of being famous, I don’t mind,” she said.
For at least 23 hours, Fraser-Pryce is ahead of Bolt in one important category: Olympic 100-meter titles. She became just the third woman to win 100-meter gold in consecutive Olympics, finishing in an impressive 10.75 seconds in Saturday night’s exciting final. Bolt will try to become just the second man to accomplish the same feat Sunday night at Olympic Stadium.
American Carmelita Jeter earned silver in her Olympic debut, crossing the finish line in 10.78 seconds, while Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown won her second career bronze in the event with a time of 10.81.
“I left my heart and soul on that track,” Jeter said. “And when you do that, you definitely can't be upset.”
After the Jamaican women swept the 100-meter race in Beijing, Jeter became the first American to medal in the 100 since Lauryn Williams took silver at the 2004 Games. The race was a milestone for a sprinter who couldn’t even make the finals four years earlier at the U.S. Olympic trials. But at 32 years of age, Jeter’s been posting some of the fastest times of her career in
“Where is Usain?” they want to know, inquiring about fellow sprinter Usain Bolt. “How is Usain? Do you train with Usain?”Fraser-Pryce, all of 5-feet-3 with a voice even smaller, can only smile. “If he’s ahead of me in terms of being famous, I don’t mind,” she said.
For at least 23 hours, Fraser-Pryce is ahead of Bolt in one important category: Olympic 100-meter titles. She became just the third woman to win 100-meter gold in consecutive Olympics, finishing in an impressive 10.75 seconds in Saturday night’s exciting final. Bolt will try to become just the second man to accomplish the same feat Sunday night at Olympic Stadium.
American Carmelita Jeter earned silver in her Olympic debut, crossing the finish line in 10.78 seconds, while Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown won her second career bronze in the event with a time of 10.81.
“I left my heart and soul on that track,” Jeter said. “And when you do that, you definitely can't be upset.”
After the Jamaican women swept the 100-meter race in Beijing, Jeter became the first American to medal in the 100 since Lauryn Williams took silver at the 2004 Games. The race was a milestone for a sprinter who couldn’t even make the finals four years earlier at the U.S. Olympic trials. But at 32 years of age, Jeter’s been posting some of the fastest times of her career in
Jessica Ennis: winning heptathlon gold at a home Olympic Games 'a dream come true’
Having maintained her composure amid such intense expectation over the two days of the heptathlon, Ennis was overcome with emotion during the national anthem as the magnitude of her achievement began to sink in.
“My reaction was a mixture of everything,” the 26 year-old from Sheffield said. “All the work I have put in, the past disappointments, thinking of my family and all the support I have had but just also to realise that I have achieved one of my greatest goals. You never think you will get there so, when you do, it is overwhelming. I’m so shocked, I can’t believe it.”
Ennis also revealed the feelings of self-doubt and huge pressure that she still experienced yesterday even while so utterly dominating the women’s heptathlon. “I was so nervous,” she said. “My long jump has been up and down all year. I kept thinking: 'Am I going to throw it away doing three no jumps?’ It was a massive relief to have got that right.
“I couldn’t let myself believe it until I crossed the finish line in the 800metres. There has been so much pressure put on me but I’ve had so much support as well. It’s been a really stressful year. I think everyone expected a gold medal. To complete it is a dream come true. It has been a brilliant couple of days.”
Ennis has long been regarded as 'the face’ of the London Olympics in a similar way to when Cathy Freeman won Olympic 400m gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 for Australia.
“My reaction was a mixture of everything,” the 26 year-old from Sheffield said. “All the work I have put in, the past disappointments, thinking of my family and all the support I have had but just also to realise that I have achieved one of my greatest goals. You never think you will get there so, when you do, it is overwhelming. I’m so shocked, I can’t believe it.”
Ennis also revealed the feelings of self-doubt and huge pressure that she still experienced yesterday even while so utterly dominating the women’s heptathlon. “I was so nervous,” she said. “My long jump has been up and down all year. I kept thinking: 'Am I going to throw it away doing three no jumps?’ It was a massive relief to have got that right.
“I couldn’t let myself believe it until I crossed the finish line in the 800metres. There has been so much pressure put on me but I’ve had so much support as well. It’s been a really stressful year. I think everyone expected a gold medal. To complete it is a dream come true. It has been a brilliant couple of days.”
Ennis has long been regarded as 'the face’ of the London Olympics in a similar way to when Cathy Freeman won Olympic 400m gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 for Australia.
Team USA Vs. Lithuania Final Score: LeBron James Saves Americans In 99-94 Win
With less than six minutes remaining, Team USA was in jeopardy of a shocking loss to Lithuania in the fourth game of the preliminary round of the 2012 Olympic basketball tournament. Then, LeBron James took over. The Miami Heat star scored nine points down the stretch, and the Americans held on for a 99-94 win that was competitive throughout.
Team USA took a six-point lead after three quarters, but Lithuania responded with a 9-2 run to take a two-point advantage on a three-pointer by Linas Kleiza with seven minutes remaining in the game. Lithuania maintained that advantage for a couple minutes, but Chris Paul hit a critical three-pointer with 5:39 remaining to allow Team USA to regain the lead. Then, James took over, hitting a three-pointer and dunking on the fast break to push Team USA's lead back to six points with three and a half minutes remaining.
Team USA finally polished off Lithuania a minute later. James missed a three-pointer, but Paul grabbed the rebound and passed to Deron Williams in midair for an open three-pointer. Then, after a Lithuania turnover, James drove past Darius Songaila and hit a lefty layup to give Team USA a nine-point lead with 2:10 remaining.
James finished with 20 points in the game. Carmelo Anthony added 20 points for Team USA, and Kevin Durant added 16. Linas Kleiza led all scorers with 25 points for Lithuania, while former Duke reserve Martynas Pocius added 14.
Team USA moves to 4-0 and regained control of Group A. Lithuania falls to 1-3, but they should still make the quarterfinals with a win over lowly Tunisia on Monday.
Team USA took a six-point lead after three quarters, but Lithuania responded with a 9-2 run to take a two-point advantage on a three-pointer by Linas Kleiza with seven minutes remaining in the game. Lithuania maintained that advantage for a couple minutes, but Chris Paul hit a critical three-pointer with 5:39 remaining to allow Team USA to regain the lead. Then, James took over, hitting a three-pointer and dunking on the fast break to push Team USA's lead back to six points with three and a half minutes remaining.
Team USA finally polished off Lithuania a minute later. James missed a three-pointer, but Paul grabbed the rebound and passed to Deron Williams in midair for an open three-pointer. Then, after a Lithuania turnover, James drove past Darius Songaila and hit a lefty layup to give Team USA a nine-point lead with 2:10 remaining.
James finished with 20 points in the game. Carmelo Anthony added 20 points for Team USA, and Kevin Durant added 16. Linas Kleiza led all scorers with 25 points for Lithuania, while former Duke reserve Martynas Pocius added 14.
Team USA moves to 4-0 and regained control of Group A. Lithuania falls to 1-3, but they should still make the quarterfinals with a win over lowly Tunisia on Monday.
Serena Williams routs Maria Sharapova for Olympic gold
About the only achievement missing on Serena Williams' résumé— an Olympic gold medal in singles — was added SaturdayIn what can only be termed complete domination, Williams served three aces in the opening game, broke Maria Sharapova's service in the second and never looked back in rolling to her first Olympic tennis singles championship 6-0, 6-1.
Williams, the fourth seed, won the first nine games over the third-seeded Russian on a breezy afternoon on the same Centre Court grass where she captured her fifth Wimbledon championship last month. Since losing to Sharapova in the Wimbledon final in 2004, Williams has beaten Sharapova eight consecutive times.
She let out a loud scream after match point and then jumped up and down on the court in joy, a wide smile across her face. She even did a little victory dance.
Williams also was scheduled to play a doubles semifinal match with her sister, Venus, on Saturday. The two won Olympic doubles gold in 2000 and 2008.
But singles gold remained elusive. After demolishing world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals Friday, Williams said she was proud of a career that includes 14 Grand Slam singles championships — most of any active woman. But she added that the singles gold would be like gravy for her. in stunning fashion.
Williams, the fourth seed, won the first nine games over the third-seeded Russian on a breezy afternoon on the same Centre Court grass where she captured her fifth Wimbledon championship last month. Since losing to Sharapova in the Wimbledon final in 2004, Williams has beaten Sharapova eight consecutive times.
She let out a loud scream after match point and then jumped up and down on the court in joy, a wide smile across her face. She even did a little victory dance.
Williams also was scheduled to play a doubles semifinal match with her sister, Venus, on Saturday. The two won Olympic doubles gold in 2000 and 2008.
But singles gold remained elusive. After demolishing world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals Friday, Williams said she was proud of a career that includes 14 Grand Slam singles championships — most of any active woman. But she added that the singles gold would be like gravy for her. in stunning fashion.
Japan Under 23 vs Egypt U-23 LIVE Commentary
Good play by the substitute Usami who surges down the right, beating three men and then winning a corner.
86′ That goal well and truly killed this match as a contest with El-Din looking like the only Egypt player willing to tackle, and that only appears to be the case because he seems insistent on getting himself sent off.
85′ Substitution Hiroshi Kiyotake Takashi Usami
83′ Assist Takahiro Ogihara
83′ Goal Yuki Otsu
GOAL!!! Japan get their third of the match and put this tie beyond doubt. Good link-up play between Kiyotake and Ohgihara sees a cross played in from the left and Otsu heads in.
82′ Egypt are now down to nine men due to the injury of Hegazi after making all three changes.
80′ Brilliant chance for Japan to make it three! Saito is played in behind Ramadan and the forward fires wide of the far post when one-on-one. Should have scored.
79′ Egypt straight back on the attack as El-Nenny crosses to the far post, but Mohsen's gets under his header and it goes well wide.
78′ Assist Hiroshi Kiyotake
78′ Goal Maya Yoshida
GOAL!!! Japan are almost certainly through to the semi-final. Kiyotake's free-kick on the right meets Yoshida towards the near post who guides the ball into the bottom far corner.
78′ Yellow Card Mahmoud Alaa Eldin
77′ Free-kick on the right-wing for Japan after El-Din brought down Kiyotake.
77′ Good strike by El-Nenny as the midfielder turns his marker and then fires towards the bottom far corner, but Gonda gets down well to make the save.
75′ Egypt showing a lot of urgency here as they desperately search for an equaliser.
74′ Substitution Emad Moteab Marwan Mohsen
86′ That goal well and truly killed this match as a contest with El-Din looking like the only Egypt player willing to tackle, and that only appears to be the case because he seems insistent on getting himself sent off.
85′ Substitution Hiroshi Kiyotake Takashi Usami
83′ Assist Takahiro Ogihara
83′ Goal Yuki Otsu
GOAL!!! Japan get their third of the match and put this tie beyond doubt. Good link-up play between Kiyotake and Ohgihara sees a cross played in from the left and Otsu heads in.
82′ Egypt are now down to nine men due to the injury of Hegazi after making all three changes.
80′ Brilliant chance for Japan to make it three! Saito is played in behind Ramadan and the forward fires wide of the far post when one-on-one. Should have scored.
79′ Egypt straight back on the attack as El-Nenny crosses to the far post, but Mohsen's gets under his header and it goes well wide.
78′ Assist Hiroshi Kiyotake
78′ Goal Maya Yoshida
GOAL!!! Japan are almost certainly through to the semi-final. Kiyotake's free-kick on the right meets Yoshida towards the near post who guides the ball into the bottom far corner.
78′ Yellow Card Mahmoud Alaa Eldin
77′ Free-kick on the right-wing for Japan after El-Din brought down Kiyotake.
77′ Good strike by El-Nenny as the midfielder turns his marker and then fires towards the bottom far corner, but Gonda gets down well to make the save.
75′ Egypt showing a lot of urgency here as they desperately search for an equaliser.
74′ Substitution Emad Moteab Marwan Mohsen
women's Olympic triathlon as Switzerland's Nicola Spirig wins in photo finish
The course around Buckingham Palace, Constitution Hill and Hyde Park oozed history but Helen Jenkins narrowly missed the chance to write her name into the record books this morning.Aiming to become the first British medallist in the triathlon, Jenkins finished fifth in a gruelling but thrilling finale.
The Olympic title was won by Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig, with a photo-finish required to separate her in the final sprint from Sweden’s Lisa Norden. Australia’s Erin Densham finished third.
In a tactically well-executed race Jenkins was never out of the top 15, containing her rivals during the swimming and cycling sections before taking the front at the start of a dramatic final 10km run.
One by one, the pace being set by Jenkins reduced the size of the 22-strong lead group.
But, with the pack whittled down to just five, Jenkins herself lost touch and trailed home in fifth.
The Olympic title was won by Switzerland’s Nicola Spirig, with a photo-finish required to separate her in the final sprint from Sweden’s Lisa Norden. Australia’s Erin Densham finished third.
In a tactically well-executed race Jenkins was never out of the top 15, containing her rivals during the swimming and cycling sections before taking the front at the start of a dramatic final 10km run.
One by one, the pace being set by Jenkins reduced the size of the 22-strong lead group.
But, with the pack whittled down to just five, Jenkins herself lost touch and trailed home in fifth.
Friday, 3 August 2012
Ethiopian Delivers Punishing Kick in 10,000-Meter Race
he fierce Kenyan-Ethiopian rivalry renewed itself Friday, and the result in the women’s Olympic 10,000 meters was as reliably predictable as it was four years ago: Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba again drew away with a punishing kick to win the gold medal and perhaps establish herself as history’s greatest female distance runner.On a cool night, Dibaba ran the year’s fastest time to win in 30 minutes 20.75 seconds. Sally Kipyego of Kenya (30:26.37) and Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya (30:30.44) ran their personal bests to take silver and bronze. They were the first Kenyan women to win Olympic medals in the 6.2-mile race. Still, they could not match the finishing speed of Dibaba, who won her third career gold medal, the most by any female distance runner.
On Friday, Dibaba moved to the front with about one and a quarter laps remaining in the 25-lap race, alert to Cheruiyot’s powerful kick, and ran the final lap in a searing 62.08 seconds, making the outcome inevitable.
Having regained her fitness after being injured much of the last two years, Dibaba, 27, will next attempt to win the 5,000 meters and repeat the double gold medals she won at the 2008 Beijing Games.
“I have never been happier,” Dibaba said. “I was not even that happy in Beijing. No one has ever done what I did today.”
Friday’s win did not match the Olympic record of 29.54.66 that Dibaba set in Beijing, but the victory became a stirring validation of her return to racing in the world’s biggest events.
On Friday, Dibaba moved to the front with about one and a quarter laps remaining in the 25-lap race, alert to Cheruiyot’s powerful kick, and ran the final lap in a searing 62.08 seconds, making the outcome inevitable.
Having regained her fitness after being injured much of the last two years, Dibaba, 27, will next attempt to win the 5,000 meters and repeat the double gold medals she won at the 2008 Beijing Games.
“I have never been happier,” Dibaba said. “I was not even that happy in Beijing. No one has ever done what I did today.”
Friday’s win did not match the Olympic record of 29.54.66 that Dibaba set in Beijing, but the victory became a stirring validation of her return to racing in the world’s biggest events.
London 2012: Siblings record in Manaudou's 50 free French win
Frenchman Florent Manaudou joined his sister Laure as the first champion siblings in Olympic swimming history with a shock victory in the men's 50m freestyle final on Friday.
Manaudou, 21, the younger brother of the former Olympic women's 400m freestyle champion, hit the wall in 21.34secs to win the furious one-lap dash.
Laure Manaudou, the first Frenchwoman to win Olympic swimming gold when she captured the 400m freestyle crown in Athens in 2004, rushed out on to the pool deck to hug her brother.
"My sister has given me her full support in my Olympic dream and said if I needed her, she would be there for me," said Manaudou, the youngest swimmer in the final.
"We didn't say much, there weren't many words when we hugged, but we understand each other.
"My sister told me she is very proud of me. Maybe she is passing the baton to me, and I'm more stressed when she is swimming than when I am."
It was France's fourth gold medal in the pool, their best performance at an Olympics.
Manaudou, 21, the younger brother of the former Olympic women's 400m freestyle champion, hit the wall in 21.34secs to win the furious one-lap dash.
Laure Manaudou, the first Frenchwoman to win Olympic swimming gold when she captured the 400m freestyle crown in Athens in 2004, rushed out on to the pool deck to hug her brother.
"My sister has given me her full support in my Olympic dream and said if I needed her, she would be there for me," said Manaudou, the youngest swimmer in the final.
"We didn't say much, there weren't many words when we hugged, but we understand each other.
"My sister told me she is very proud of me. Maybe she is passing the baton to me, and I'm more stressed when she is swimming than when I am."
It was France's fourth gold medal in the pool, their best performance at an Olympics.
Shogun Rua vs Brandon Vera staredown pic from UFC on FOX 4 weigh ins
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held its official weigh in event for UFC on Fox 4: "Shogun vs. Vera" earlier this evening (Fri., Aug. 3, 2012) from inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
In case you missed it, full UFC on Fox 4 weigh in results and video can be found right here.
Former Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio Rua will look to impress his bosses with a devastating stoppage -- or at least a big victory -- over Brandon Vera in the main event of the evening. If he does so, he'll earn a title shot against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson next month.
The same opportunity is being afforded to Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader, who square off in the co-main event. Assuming one of the two wins huge, it's possible they move to the front of the line.
It's (almost) go time. And it's free!
Get a closer look at the Machida vs. Bader staredown in advance of Saturday night's showdown in the "City of Angles" after the jump.
In case you missed it, full UFC on Fox 4 weigh in results and video can be found right here.
Former Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio Rua will look to impress his bosses with a devastating stoppage -- or at least a big victory -- over Brandon Vera in the main event of the evening. If he does so, he'll earn a title shot against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson next month.
The same opportunity is being afforded to Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader, who square off in the co-main event. Assuming one of the two wins huge, it's possible they move to the front of the line.
It's (almost) go time. And it's free!
Get a closer look at the Machida vs. Bader staredown in advance of Saturday night's showdown in the "City of Angles" after the jump.
Missy Franklin wins 200 backstroke
American teenager Missy Franklin set a world record in the 200 backstroke Friday for her third gold and fourth medal overall at the London Olympics.
Swimming's Next Generation
London might be Michael Phelps' fond farewell, but for the kid without a license (Katie Ledecky) and the girl with a closet full of overalls (Missy Franklin), the fun is just beginning, writes Jackie MacMullan. Story
Franklin clocked 2 minutes, 4.06 seconds, 0.75 quicker than the mark set by Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe at the 2009 world championships in Rome in a now-banned bodysuit.
"I can't believe what just happened," said Franklin, who had dedicated her Olympics to victims of the theater shooting not far from her Colorado home. "In that last 25, I knew I was giving it everything I had because I couldn't feel my arms and legs and I was just trying to get my hand to the wall as fast I could."
It was the seventh world record of the Games.
Russia's Anastasia Zueva took silver, a body length behind Franklin in 2:05.92. Elizabeth Beisel put a second American on the medal podium in 2:06.55, while Coventry finished sixth.
"I could never dream for it to happen like that," said Franklin, who also has a bronze in her first Olympics and one more race to go in the 4x100 medley relay.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Swimming's Next Generation
London might be Michael Phelps' fond farewell, but for the kid without a license (Katie Ledecky) and the girl with a closet full of overalls (Missy Franklin), the fun is just beginning, writes Jackie MacMullan. Story
Franklin clocked 2 minutes, 4.06 seconds, 0.75 quicker than the mark set by Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe at the 2009 world championships in Rome in a now-banned bodysuit.
"I can't believe what just happened," said Franklin, who had dedicated her Olympics to victims of the theater shooting not far from her Colorado home. "In that last 25, I knew I was giving it everything I had because I couldn't feel my arms and legs and I was just trying to get my hand to the wall as fast I could."
It was the seventh world record of the Games.
Russia's Anastasia Zueva took silver, a body length behind Franklin in 2:05.92. Elizabeth Beisel put a second American on the medal podium in 2:06.55, while Coventry finished sixth.
"I could never dream for it to happen like that," said Franklin, who also has a bronze in her first Olympics and one more race to go in the 4x100 medley relay.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Roger Federer, in three-set marathon, shows the heart of an Olympian
At Friday's Olympic semifinal on Wibledon's Centre Court against Juan Martin del Potro, this was the score of his match: 3-6, 7-5 (5), 19-17. The time? Four hours, 26 minutes.
"I don't think I have ever played as long a set in a best-of-three-set match," he said.
We know professional athletes need to put on a good face for the Olympics or risk being called selfish. Just look back to how we viewed American professional basketball players in 2004. But 4 hours and 26 minutes? It some point in that third set, did it occur to him that he had done enough?
PHOTO GALLERY: Today at the Olympics
After all, he has already won a gold medal for Switzerland, though it was in 2008 in doubles. And adding another punishing tournament to a summer already packed with warmup events for the US Open might not be best way to keep himself fresh.
But there is a reason that the press conference for Federer before the Olympics began was the biggest one for any individual athlete. (Yes, even bigger than the one for Michael Phelps.) His 17 grand-slam titles make him a sporting legend, like some other athletes. But who he is makes him revered as an ambassador of that sporting spirit so embodied by the Olympics.
"I don't think I have ever played as long a set in a best-of-three-set match," he said.
We know professional athletes need to put on a good face for the Olympics or risk being called selfish. Just look back to how we viewed American professional basketball players in 2004. But 4 hours and 26 minutes? It some point in that third set, did it occur to him that he had done enough?
PHOTO GALLERY: Today at the Olympics
After all, he has already won a gold medal for Switzerland, though it was in 2008 in doubles. And adding another punishing tournament to a summer already packed with warmup events for the US Open might not be best way to keep himself fresh.
But there is a reason that the press conference for Federer before the Olympics began was the biggest one for any individual athlete. (Yes, even bigger than the one for Michael Phelps.) His 17 grand-slam titles make him a sporting legend, like some other athletes. But who he is makes him revered as an ambassador of that sporting spirit so embodied by the Olympics.
Thursday, 2 August 2012
US gymnast Gabby Douglas earns second gold with all-around title win
Make it a pair of golds for Gabby Douglas, who added the all-around title to the one she won with the U.S. team two nights ago.
Douglas became the third consecutive American to win gymnastics' biggest prize, taking the lead on the very first event Thursday night and never really letting anyone else have a crack at it. She finished with a score of 62.232, less than three-tenths ahead of Viktoria Komova of Russia. Aliya Mustafina won the bronze.
Douglas brought the house down with her energetic floor routine, and U.S. teammates Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross jumped to their feet, screaming, when she finished. Douglas flashed a dazzling smile and coach Liang Chow lifted her off the podium.
Teammate Wieber, the one-time favorite and defending world champion, missed out on the competition with a mistake-filled performance in qualifying.
Douglas held off Russia's Viktoria Komova and keep the remarkable run going for USA Gymnastics.
Shortly after Tuesday's victory gave the Americans their first team gold since the "Magnificent Seven" of the 1996 Atlanta Games, coaching icons Bela and Martha Karolyi stole a rare quiet moment alone. The couple stood separated by a metal barrier, eyes locked, holding each other's arms.
Whatever happens next in these Olympics, Bela told his wife, the U.S. had already won big -- again, at last. Then he leaned over the gate to embrace Martha and give her a kiss.
Both know there are plenty more Olympic medals to be had, and the Americans would love to head home with a heap of hardware.
Winning as a team certainly has them on the right track.
"It is very special. It gives us the momentum," the 4-foot-11 Douglas said. "It keeps going, it keeps flowing. It gives us, definitely, a little bit of an edge thinking that we are truly the best in the world. It gives us that little bit of a push."
Douglas and Raisman have a busy schedule ahead in the individual finals, too -- Douglas on balance beam and uneven bars, Raisman on beam and floor exercise.
"It definitely gives you a little bit of confidence," vault finalist McKayla Maroney said, referring to the Americans' mindset as they prepare for the rest of the Olympic schedule. "Now we are Olympic champions. It's awesome."
Douglas became the third consecutive American to win gymnastics' biggest prize, taking the lead on the very first event Thursday night and never really letting anyone else have a crack at it. She finished with a score of 62.232, less than three-tenths ahead of Viktoria Komova of Russia. Aliya Mustafina won the bronze.
Douglas brought the house down with her energetic floor routine, and U.S. teammates Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross jumped to their feet, screaming, when she finished. Douglas flashed a dazzling smile and coach Liang Chow lifted her off the podium.
Teammate Wieber, the one-time favorite and defending world champion, missed out on the competition with a mistake-filled performance in qualifying.
Douglas held off Russia's Viktoria Komova and keep the remarkable run going for USA Gymnastics.
Shortly after Tuesday's victory gave the Americans their first team gold since the "Magnificent Seven" of the 1996 Atlanta Games, coaching icons Bela and Martha Karolyi stole a rare quiet moment alone. The couple stood separated by a metal barrier, eyes locked, holding each other's arms.
Whatever happens next in these Olympics, Bela told his wife, the U.S. had already won big -- again, at last. Then he leaned over the gate to embrace Martha and give her a kiss.
Both know there are plenty more Olympic medals to be had, and the Americans would love to head home with a heap of hardware.
Winning as a team certainly has them on the right track.
"It is very special. It gives us the momentum," the 4-foot-11 Douglas said. "It keeps going, it keeps flowing. It gives us, definitely, a little bit of an edge thinking that we are truly the best in the world. It gives us that little bit of a push."
Douglas and Raisman have a busy schedule ahead in the individual finals, too -- Douglas on balance beam and uneven bars, Raisman on beam and floor exercise.
"It definitely gives you a little bit of confidence," vault finalist McKayla Maroney said, referring to the Americans' mindset as they prepare for the rest of the Olympic schedule. "Now we are Olympic champions. It's awesome."
Michael Phelps beats Ryan Lochte to win 20th Olympic medal
American Phelps, 27, led from the front and looked as if he might break the world record.
He missed out but claimed a 16th gold medal, becoming the first man to defend an Olympic swimming title twice, having won this event in Athens and Beijing.Hungary's Laszlo Cseh was third, while Britain's James Goddard was seventh.
"Somebody told me that, with 25m left, I was under world record pace, so it's a little frustrating not to get that," said Phelps, who finished in 1:54.27 - 0.27 shy of the mark held by countryman Lochte.
"But to win a gold medal and be the first to three successive titles is something pretty special and something I'm pretty happy for."
Lochte, 27, had entered the men's 200m backstroke final earlier in the evening and looked a little jaded in his second race of the night. But his silver means he has now won two golds and five medals in all at London 2012.
He missed out but claimed a 16th gold medal, becoming the first man to defend an Olympic swimming title twice, having won this event in Athens and Beijing.Hungary's Laszlo Cseh was third, while Britain's James Goddard was seventh.
"Somebody told me that, with 25m left, I was under world record pace, so it's a little frustrating not to get that," said Phelps, who finished in 1:54.27 - 0.27 shy of the mark held by countryman Lochte.
"But to win a gold medal and be the first to three successive titles is something pretty special and something I'm pretty happy for."
Lochte, 27, had entered the men's 200m backstroke final earlier in the evening and looked a little jaded in his second race of the night. But his silver means he has now won two golds and five medals in all at London 2012.
Olympics Men's Basketball 2012: USA 156 - Nigeria 73 - as it happened
That was the best I think I've ever seen a basketball team play. I feel bad for Nigeria having to be on the other end of that, but that was just an impossible task.
An email here from Olutosin Mustapha provides some perspective: "This is the first time Nigerian team is qualifying for basketball in the olympic so it is not too bad for them. Up Nigeria Up USA. Iam a Nigerian-America".
Very true, there's really no shame in being beat by the best, even at this historical level. This was an example of some of the best players in basketball playing at a superhuman level. It was almost breathtaking to watch and certainly a night that will stay in the record books for a long while.
Unless Team USA can play at a higher level than this. (Shudders.) Then we're seriously going to have to start comparing this team to the '92 Dream Team. It's been a pleasure liveblogging history with you. Thanks to all of you for reading, especially those who chimed in while the game was going on. We'll see you in the USA's next match against a probably very worried Lithuania, Saturday at 9:20am EST (2:30pm BST)
An email here from Olutosin Mustapha provides some perspective: "This is the first time Nigerian team is qualifying for basketball in the olympic so it is not too bad for them. Up Nigeria Up USA. Iam a Nigerian-America".
Very true, there's really no shame in being beat by the best, even at this historical level. This was an example of some of the best players in basketball playing at a superhuman level. It was almost breathtaking to watch and certainly a night that will stay in the record books for a long while.
Unless Team USA can play at a higher level than this. (Shudders.) Then we're seriously going to have to start comparing this team to the '92 Dream Team. It's been a pleasure liveblogging history with you. Thanks to all of you for reading, especially those who chimed in while the game was going on. We'll see you in the USA's next match against a probably very worried Lithuania, Saturday at 9:20am EST (2:30pm BST)
Super Junior performs “Mr. Simple”, “Sexy, Free, & Single”, and “SPY” on ‘M! Countdown’!
In order to commemorate ‘M! Countdown‘s 300th episode, the boys of Super Junior took to the stage to perform three songs for fans.
The boys began with a sleek performance of “Mr. Simple“, after which “Sexy, Free, & Single” was performed. The boys ended with a very short teaser performance of “SPY“, their title track coming off their upcoming repackaged album.
Check out their performances below! Are you excited for Super Junior’s follow-up promotions?
The boys began with a sleek performance of “Mr. Simple“, after which “Sexy, Free, & Single” was performed. The boys ended with a very short teaser performance of “SPY“, their title track coming off their upcoming repackaged album.
Check out their performances below! Are you excited for Super Junior’s follow-up promotions?
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
London Olympics: Uchimura wins all-round gymnastics gold
LONDON: Japan's Kohei Uchimura crowned four years of dominance in male gymnastics by romping to the Olympic individual all-around title at London's North Greenwich Arena on Wednesday.
Marcel Nguyen ended Germany's 76-year wait for a men's medal in the event by finishing second, with Danell Leyva of the United States claiming the bronze medal.
Since finishing second to China's Yang Wei in Beijing in 2008, Uchimura has won an unprecedented three consecutive individual world titles and he can now be considered one of the finest gymnasts in history.
He had disappointed in qualifying, falling twice and producing only the ninth-best score of the day, while failing to inspire Japan to gold in the team event. But he grew in strength as the individual final progressed.
After calmly negotiating the pommel horse and the rings, Uchimura produced a vault worth a score of 16.266 and impressed on both the parallel bars and the high bar, before clinching his maiden Olympic title on the floor.
The 23-year-old finished with a score of 92.690 points to Nguyen's 91.031, with reigning world parallel bars champion Leyva on 90.698.
Uchimura had come off the pommel horse in qualifying and produced a messy dismount on the apparatus in the team final that almost cost Japan silver, but his opening pommel routine earned him a solid score of 15.066.
Britain's Kristian Thomas also started impressively, scoring 15.566 for his floor routine to finish the first rotation in second place behind South Korea's Kim Soo-Myun.
Uchimura earned a score of 15.333 on the rings, while American national champion John Orozco's challenge evaporated after he miscued his pommel dismount and was rewarded with a mark of 12.566.
Marcel Nguyen ended Germany's 76-year wait for a men's medal in the event by finishing second, with Danell Leyva of the United States claiming the bronze medal.
Since finishing second to China's Yang Wei in Beijing in 2008, Uchimura has won an unprecedented three consecutive individual world titles and he can now be considered one of the finest gymnasts in history.
He had disappointed in qualifying, falling twice and producing only the ninth-best score of the day, while failing to inspire Japan to gold in the team event. But he grew in strength as the individual final progressed.
After calmly negotiating the pommel horse and the rings, Uchimura produced a vault worth a score of 16.266 and impressed on both the parallel bars and the high bar, before clinching his maiden Olympic title on the floor.
The 23-year-old finished with a score of 92.690 points to Nguyen's 91.031, with reigning world parallel bars champion Leyva on 90.698.
Uchimura had come off the pommel horse in qualifying and produced a messy dismount on the apparatus in the team final that almost cost Japan silver, but his opening pommel routine earned him a solid score of 15.066.
Britain's Kristian Thomas also started impressively, scoring 15.566 for his floor routine to finish the first rotation in second place behind South Korea's Kim Soo-Myun.
Uchimura earned a score of 15.333 on the rings, while American national champion John Orozco's challenge evaporated after he miscued his pommel dismount and was rewarded with a mark of 12.566.
Olympics: Hungary's Daniel Gyurta wins gold in men's 200 breaststroke
Daniel Gyurta of Hungary set a world record to win the 200-meter breaststroke at the London Olympics on Wednesday.
Gyurta clocked 2 minutes, 7.28 seconds, shaving 0.03 off the previous mark set by Christian Sprenger of Australia at the 2009 world championships in a now-banned bodysuit.
Michael Jamieson of Britain touched in 2:07.43 to take the silver medal and Ryo Tateishi of Japan finished in 2:08.29 for bronze.
Gyurta clocked 2 minutes, 7.28 seconds, shaving 0.03 off the previous mark set by Christian Sprenger of Australia.Two-time defending champion Kosuke Kitajima of Japan finished fourth, ending his bid to become the first man to win the same swimming event at three consecutive Olympics.
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Gyurta clocked 2 minutes, 7.28 seconds, shaving 0.03 off the previous mark set by Christian Sprenger of Australia at the 2009 world championships in a now-banned bodysuit.
Michael Jamieson of Britain touched in 2:07.43 to take the silver medal and Ryo Tateishi of Japan finished in 2:08.29 for bronze.
Gyurta clocked 2 minutes, 7.28 seconds, shaving 0.03 off the previous mark set by Christian Sprenger of Australia.Two-time defending champion Kosuke Kitajima of Japan finished fourth, ending his bid to become the first man to win the same swimming event at three consecutive Olympics.
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Badminton pairs expelled from London 2012 Olympics after 'match-fixing' scandal
All eight badminton players accused of attempting to throw their matches in the women’s doubles on Tuesday night have been disqualified from the London Olympics, Telegraph Sport can disclose.The eight players from four teams in the women's doubles competition have been thrown out following an inquiry by the Badminton World Federation in London on Wednesday morning.
The expelled players include Chinese World Champions Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, who were accused by other players of attempting to throw their ‘dead rubber’ in order to avoid playing China’s No 2 ranked pair before the gold-medal match.
The Chinese actions appear to have triggered a response from pairs from South Korea and Indonesia, who in turn tried to lose to subvert the Chinese plan.
Sicne the announcement, Indonesia and South Korea have announced they will appeal the decision though China have yet to say if they will or not.
The issue is a major embarrassment to the sport and the Olympics, and prompted strong action from the BWF, which has seen a high number of games affected by withdrawals from matches between Chinese players and pairs in the last year.
The expelled players include Chinese World Champions Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, who were accused by other players of attempting to throw their ‘dead rubber’ in order to avoid playing China’s No 2 ranked pair before the gold-medal match.
The Chinese actions appear to have triggered a response from pairs from South Korea and Indonesia, who in turn tried to lose to subvert the Chinese plan.
Sicne the announcement, Indonesia and South Korea have announced they will appeal the decision though China have yet to say if they will or not.
The issue is a major embarrassment to the sport and the Olympics, and prompted strong action from the BWF, which has seen a high number of games affected by withdrawals from matches between Chinese players and pairs in the last year.
U.S. Women's Gymnastics Wins Team Gold Medal At London Olympics (PHOTOS)
Now introducing.. the latest "Fab Five." Or is it the Fierce Five?
How about both? The U.S. women's gymnastics team was both fabulous and ferocious as it dominated the team finals at the 2012 London Olympics.
The U.S. women captured the gold medal with an overall score of 183.596. Russia scored a 178.530 to take the silver and Romania won the bronze with a score of 176.414.
The 2012 U.S. women's gymnastics team is composed of Jordyn Wieber, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney. According to the Olympic format, each team selects three gymnasts for each of the four apparatuses in the final -- balance beam, uneven bars, vault and floor.
The 16-year-old Douglas performed in each of the rotations while Wieber was called on for the floor, vault and uneven bars. Raisman worked the floor and the beam, with Ross performing on the beam and the uneven bars. Maroney was the only U.S. gymnast with just one event but no one on the team registered a score higher than her 16.233 on vault. That score was the highest of all competitors in the team final.
Russia was the primary challenger for the U.S. team in middle stages of the competition but completely fell apart during the floor routine, with two gymnasts falling during their routines. After Russia's mistakes, the U.S. team headed to the floor knowing three solid performances would likely win them the gold. Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman delivered impressive floor routines to clinch the first team gold for the U.S. since the "Magnificent Seven" won in 1996.
How about both? The U.S. women's gymnastics team was both fabulous and ferocious as it dominated the team finals at the 2012 London Olympics.
The U.S. women captured the gold medal with an overall score of 183.596. Russia scored a 178.530 to take the silver and Romania won the bronze with a score of 176.414.
The 2012 U.S. women's gymnastics team is composed of Jordyn Wieber, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney. According to the Olympic format, each team selects three gymnasts for each of the four apparatuses in the final -- balance beam, uneven bars, vault and floor.
The 16-year-old Douglas performed in each of the rotations while Wieber was called on for the floor, vault and uneven bars. Raisman worked the floor and the beam, with Ross performing on the beam and the uneven bars. Maroney was the only U.S. gymnast with just one event but no one on the team registered a score higher than her 16.233 on vault. That score was the highest of all competitors in the team final.
Russia was the primary challenger for the U.S. team in middle stages of the competition but completely fell apart during the floor routine, with two gymnasts falling during their routines. After Russia's mistakes, the U.S. team headed to the floor knowing three solid performances would likely win them the gold. Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber and Aly Raisman delivered impressive floor routines to clinch the first team gold for the U.S. since the "Magnificent Seven" won in 1996.
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