Olympics Days 13 & 14

I am up to 36 events after watching the debut of BMX and luckily catching the obscure modern pentathlon. BMX is a quick race that reminded me of dog racing with all the wipeouts. I think the best description is probably "short track speed skating on kids' bikes."

Modern pentathlon started when the founder of the modern Olympics introduced this event at the 1912 Games in Sweden. It is based on what an actual french cavalry soldier had to endure when delivering a message through enemy lines. It includes pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, equestrian jumping, and a 3k run all in the same day. Apparently the horse was shot in the story, but they don't shoot them in the Games.

Amazing Athlete: No athlete has ever competed in three different sports in the Summer Games. Until today. Modern Pentathlete Sheila Taormina of the US finished 19th overall after struggling in fencing, but earned this distinction at the age of 39. She was also part of the GOLD medal 4X200 freestyle swim relay in 1996 and competed in the triathlon in 2000 & 2004 with a high finish of fourth. She was also the world champion in the triathlon in 2005.

Amazing Family: The three Lopez siblings each earned a medal in Taekwondo this week. I don't know if this is a first, but it is certainly rare. Congrats to Steven (Bronze), Mark (Silver), and Diana (Bronze) on their great accomplishment.

Two great dives: But not from diving. David Neville (Indiana University) dove over the finish line in the 400 meter final to capture the bronze and complete a US sweep in the event. It looked painful, but I'm sure it is better than finishing fourth. The second dive was in the last second of the women's team handball semifinal between Norway and South Korea. The Koreans mounted an amazing comback down three with a minute to play to tie shorthanded Norway 28-28 with six seconds remaining. Norway quickly passed the ball up to a player (sorry, it is hard to get name details in obscure sports) who scored on a diving shot as time expired. She was also drilled by a defender while shooting, much like a safety cuts a receiver in half as he tries to catch a football. It was a great game and the most exciting finish I witnessed in these Games.

Underachievers: US boxing, wrestling, and track teams have all had major disappointments these Games. The track miscues are well documented with athletes failing to qualify for finals, DQs on lane violations, and the unbelievable baton drops by both the men and women in the 4X100 semifinals. Boxing and wrestling were barely a blip on the radar despite coming in with strong history and strong teams, especially the 2007 world champion Greco-Roman team that managed only one medal.

Comcastic...NOT: Our quasi-monopoly cable company seems to advertise more than anybody else. I estimate that if they wouldn't spend so much money on Olympic ads our cable bills would drop to about $11 a month. I do sorta like the Sloskis (turtles), but the rest of the ads are really stupid.

Hot 11 update: A good day, especially from obscure sports. Rather than diet, I think people should adopt the regimens of the field hockey players if they want to get in shape. The women in that sport are the fittest, most attractive athletes I have seen in these games and I have watched teams from all over the world (Australia, Germany, Argentina, US, Netherlands). Pictured are Luciana Aymar (star hockey midfielder for ARG), Katy Livingston (modern pentathlete from Great Britain), and Gro Hammerseng (team handball player from Norway).