Olympics Days 11 & 12

Lightning. Insain. Call Usain Bolt anything you want, but you had better do it quickly or he won't hear you. It is rare to win both the 100 and 200 in any meet, but to win both as a green 21-year old in world record time is amazing. He is definitely a freak, and when he figures this game out he will set some records that will last a very long time. I have largely skirted the "popular" well-covered sports and athletes, but he wins my Most Impressive Performance award for the 2008 Games.

A quick, but late, shout out to the US Equestrian team on defending their gold medal in the team jumping event. I must have missed their interview on NBC primetime.

Fat Guys: For those of you who missed it, my kids and I really enjoyed the SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT division of the men's weightlifting shown live at about 11:30 am Chicago time on Tuesday. If this event was scored like gymnastics or diving, the German

who won the GOLD would not have medaled after two of the more spectacular "misses". During the snatch, he dropped 562 lbs. on the back of his neck, barely escaping serious injury (or possible beheading according to Elizabeth). Then in the clean and jerk, he wobbled precariously for many seconds before losing the bar behing him and letting it fall partially off the specially constructed floor. And all of these guys are totally fat! Everyone of them has obviously lifted a lot of beers to get in shape. I chose to picture Bronze medalist Vicktors Scerbatihs of Latvia who best typifies the "I'm wearing a full backpack under my shirt" look they all maintain. The picture actually doesn't do full justice.

Contoversies II: Yes, the Chinese are getting the benefit of the doubt in gymnastics and diving, but host countries normally get this (the vault was pretty obnoxious). We just haven't noticed lately since the Greeks and Australians are not strong in these events and '96 was in the US. Two disqualifications in the 200 meter dash? Without a false start? You don't see that very often (although I always had trouble staying outside the line on curves).

Unusual events: Enjoyed the new open water swim (6.2 miles!) and the feature on the South African leg amputee that was not far behind the winner. Am enjoying the women's race walk in a driving rain while I am writing. These women are averaging about 7 minute miles!

Hot 11 update: Haven't noticed many new candidates for my list the last couple of days. So for you ladies who need a little help, focus on swimming (e.g. Alain Bernard), diving, water polo, gymnastics, and the lighter weights of weight lifting if you like big muscles. Other strong areas include beach volleyball, tennis and badminton (just kidding).

Please take a moment to vote in the poll in the upper right corner. If you think of another answer, mention it in a comment on this post (and I may add it).