Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Thu Aug 02, 2012 5:51 pm  

Can someone explain this rule that just decided the order in the women's sprint race? GB eliminated because of it and China relegated from gold to silver. No one on the commentary seems to be able to explain it in anything other than technical terms, despite the presenter asking the question several times. Something about going beyond the plain of the first wheel by a mark of tape on the ground?

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Thu Aug 02, 2012 7:23 pm  

Like the baton change in athletics the overtake must take place between two marks, Pendleton passed too early so auto relegation to second in the race - not surprised the member of the team who gets another go did interviews to say she felt it wasn't a big deal and the one who didn't left the arena
Interesting interview after the men's victory - sounded like they "cheated" in qualifying for mine

Good day of Olympics today, I have achieved absolutely sod all watching sports I have absolutely no interest in because I couldn't look away

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Thu Aug 02, 2012 7:42 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

Can someone explain this rule that just decided the order in the women's sprint race? GB eliminated because of it and China relegated from gold to silver. No one on the commentary seems to be able to explain it in anything other than technical terms, despite the presenter asking the question several times. Something about going beyond the plain of the first wheel by a mark of tape on the ground?

It was something to do with being relegated in the round you're in. We did it in round one so were relegated in that round. China did it in the final so were relegated in the final, i.e. to last place in that round.

Have to say I was a bit disappointed with Pendleton's response to it all, publicly at least. No hint of sympathy for Varnish, that I've heard at least.

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Fri Aug 03, 2012 7:20 am  

In the interview I heard Pendleton said she was really sorry for Varnish and also said that it was both of thier fault's.

"I'm desperately disappointed for Jess because she has done an incredible job in getting this far.

"Her team sprint today was the best of her life so far. I've no doubt she will be back in Rio and absolutely smashing it. I'm sorry for disappointing all the people that have come to support us and perhaps not offering the ride that we would have done. I'm really sorry."

She was clearly very upset and emotional and I thought it was quite magnanimous of her especially as the whole thing was actually Varnish's fault and Pendleton must've known this before she made the interview.

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Fri Aug 03, 2012 8:45 am  

Start of the athletics today. Come on Jessica Ennis!!!!

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Fri Aug 03, 2012 9:45 am  

good start for Ennis

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:58 am  

duke street 10 wrote:

Lineker has been rubbish so far....some of the questions he has been asking Ian Thorpe about the swimming have been cringeworthy...the [b]look[/b] on Thorpe's face has been priceless

Look being the right word!

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:09 am  

Really enjoyed the Olympics so far, Team GB are doing very well..hopefully they can keep that up.

That said, I have a real gripe with pretty much all the commentary teams in the Individual Event.

Swimming...It doesn't matter what lane we have been drawn in...Its the best lane to be in...If we are in 6th or 7th...we are in a great potition....If another nation is out in the lead...they have gone off too hard etc. When an swimmer is fading or coming through the field it isnt picked up on.

Sailing...Ben Ainslie is constantly 'cutting through the field...only to finish 12th (I know he had a great day yesterday)

Rowing 'Same as swimming, the Mens lightweight coxless 4 yesterday for example 'BG are surely gonna win this, were cutting through the field and have had a perfect ride...surely...surely....oh its not quite enough'.

I think you get the idea by now. I'm all for commentary teams brimming with pride etc and even being impartial to the degree of cheering our athletes on, but some of the exaggeration and mis-information is just too much for me, I can see where we are and can see how the race is unfolding..why lie?

That said there have been some good commentary teams, the Gymnastic team have called it how it is, and look it has to be said Ian Thorpe has been entertaining too.

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:21 am  

GOLD!

Re: Olympic Games London 2012 : Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:51 am  

Mad_Jack_Mcmad wrote:

In the interview I heard Pendleton said she was really sorry for Varnish and also said that it was both of thier fault's.

She was clearly very upset and emotional and I thought it was quite magnanimous of her especially as the whole thing was actually Varnish's fault and Pendleton must've known this before she made the interview.

Fair enough - didn't see that bit