Number 11: Poland's indoor volleyball team. While they only finished ninth in the standings, this team was a joy to watch.
10: Xue Chen, China-Beach Volleyball. I mentioned "Schway" a couple of times as she rose to
prominence/dominance in the sand. SHe walked away with a Bronze medal this time, but watch for her in the future.
9: Nicole Reinhardt, Germany-Canoe/Kayak. After a near-miss 4th place finish in the K2, she and her teammates earned GOLD in the K4.
8. Luciana Aymar, Argentina-Field Hockey. A top international midfielder, she led her team to Beijing Bronze.
7: Kara Gaucher, United States-Track. A little known
track athlete, she earned the US a rare distance running medal by capturing Bronze in the 10k.
6: Leryn Franco, Paraguay-Track and Field. This javelin thrower became one of the more popular athletes these Games and is probably better known for her participation in beauty contests. She did not make the finals of her event.
5: Katalina Kovacs, Hungary-Canoe/Kayak. Europe loves these events, and she paddled her way to a GOLD in K2 and a Silver in K4.
4: Laure Manadou, France-Swimming. This 21-year old already has Gold, Silver, and Bronze to her credit from Athens 2004, but the years in between have seen several highs and lows for this French superstar. She made the finals of the 400 freestyle and 100 backstroke, but did not medal this year. Look for her in London 2012.
Bronze Medal: Natalie Coughlin, United States-Swimming. This 5-time medalist from Athens 2004 returned to earn 6 medals this time, including GOLD in the 100 backstroke. A free spirit, she was
definitely one of America's sweethearts the first week of the Games.
Silver: Field Hockey players. This sport continued to impress me day after day as these teams are fit and good looking. Sportsmanship in this venue also seemed to be especially high. Therefore, I am awarding second place to the sport of women's Field Hockey.
GOLD: Lolo Jones, United States-Track and Field. Lolo was clearly on her way to GOLD when
one ill-timed misstep near the end of the finals of the 110 meter hurdles ended the dream in her only event. She graciously agreed to many interviews over the next several days, and acted like a true champion. She embodied the Olympic spirit as well as anyone these Games. It may not be a medal, but she is GOLD on my list.Honorable Mention: There were so many choices, even this list could go on forever. Here are a few that were very close to making my list: Heather Mitts (US-soccer), Jenny Finch (US-softball), Beach Volleyball uniforms, Katy Livingston (GBR-modern Pentathlon), Anna Bessanova (UKR-Rythmic Gymnastics), Jessica Langstrom (SWE-soccer), Rowing/Canoeing/Kayaking athletes, and Elena Dementieva (RUS-tennis).
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1 comment:
ihTurtleman,
Excellent list! You did a great job diversifying, by country, by sport, teams and individuals and, of course, hair color. Your bronze medalist was on Leno tonight and was darling. You certainly put a great deal of thought and effort into this. Kudos for a comprehensive compilation. I will work on my list over the weekend. You set the bar very high. Mine will be, simply put, a list.
I am going to head down a different path. One I may have eluded to in earlier comments. As a youngster, I was a die hard Cubs Fan. After watching virtually every game in the 1969 season, the disenchantment began. For the next three decades I limited my viewing to post-season games only, because there is truly some great baseball in the fall. Needless to say the northsiders were not part of this. I watched my son go through the disappointment of rooting for the Cubbies only to have to endure the post-Bartman collapse. My father and my brother are rabid fans of the boys in blue and are always painfully involved...I think they are somehow related to Ron Santo.
I have been watching at arm's length throughout this season, and have been repeatedly surprised by their ability to win and in so many different ways. I believe in ways unique to teams that go on to play in October.
I have been contemplating taking that leap of faith and diving into Cub Nation, heart first. Reverting to those immature beliefs in superstition and empty rituals.
Despite all this, it's 8/29, they are 5 1/2 games ahead. They are 34games over 500 with the same amount of games left to play. I'm thinking that the time has come to join Lou's Crew. Any thoughts?
PS: I saw Mrs. Turtleman tonight and she truly beats any of the 11.
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