The 2012 Summer Olympics

Dan · Jul 25, 2012, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Six Illini to Compete in London 2012 Olympic Games

Robert Archibald, Great Britain, Men's Basketball
Nikkita Holder, Canada, Women's Track & Field (100m hurdles)
Gia Lewis-Smallwood, USA, Women's Track & Field (discus)
Andrew Riley, Jamaica, Men's Track & Field (110m hurdles)
Deron Williams, USA, Men's Basketball
Emily Zurrer, Canada, Women's Soccer

http://www.fightingillini.com/genrel/072512aaj.html

Quote:

Champaign's Tyler McGill headed to London

Now 24, Tyler McGill is headed to his first Olympics. The Champaign Central product punched his ticket to London with a scintillating second-place finish in the 100-meter butterfly Sunday. Under the brightest of lights, McGill turned in the world's second-fastest time this year (51.32 seconds) to edge third-place finisher Ryan Lochte by 33-hundreths for the final spot.

"I came here for a purpose," Tyler said. "The goal was to go to London."

Michael Phelps won the race in 51.14 — the fastest time in the world this year.

http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/p...ed-london.html

BananaShampoo · Jul 25, 2012, 06:25 PM

So then there are 7 Illini going to London, right? Too bad Ashley Spencer couldn't have competed in the Olympic trials. She could have made the team for at least a leg of the 4x400m relay if not the 400m itself. She'll be in Rio in 4 years, for sure.

Wokker · Jul 25, 2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BananaShampoo

So then there are 7 Illini going to London, right?

No, McGill is a Champaign native but just finished his junior year at Auburn.

McGill BIO

BananaShampoo · Jul 25, 2012, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokker

No, McGill is a Champaign native but just finished his junior year at Auburn.

McGill BIO

My bad. I was forgetting he didn't go here for a minute (and the Illini don't even have a men's swim team anymore).

mdonsbach · Jul 25, 2012, 07:11 PM

Anyone try watching the replay of any of the matches? Mine was really choppy...just curious if it me or the site or what.

DanvIllini · Jul 25, 2012, 07:33 PM

add on that most of the paralympic team has connections to Illinois as well! (Saw that somewhere)

Wokker · Jul 25, 2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanvIllini

add on that most of the paralympic team has connections to Illinois as well! (Saw that somewhere)

It's a pretty impressive group! From the Daily Illini on July 8th:

Quote:

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, or IUPUI, held the Paralympics track and field trials from June 28 to July 1, and Joshua George was one of 13 current, former or future Illini to make the team.

Graduates: Amanda McGrory, Jessica Galli, Christina Schwab, Joshua George, Ryan Chalmers, Aaron Pike and Anjali Forber-Pratt
Current students: Tatyana McFadden, Brian Siemann and Susannah Scaron
Future students: Amberlynn Weber and Raymond Martin

DI 7.8.2012

wpr · Jul 26, 2012, 09:10 AM

And the Games begin even before the Opening Ceremony.

American women open Olympics with 4-2 victory over France

Quote:

An early start to the Olympics turned into an early hole for the U.S. women's soccer team, which gave up two quick goals before unleashing an attack the rest of the world will find hard to stop.

Abby Wambach used her size and strength to put in a header, Alex Morgan applied her speed to chip one over the goalkeeper and Carli Lloyd broke the tie with a 25-yard rocket. All of which sent the two-time defending goal medalists to a 4-2 victory over France on Wednesday as they opened their London Games far from London.

Morgan added an insurance goal - created by a nice run from Tobin Heath - for the Americans, which began play two days before the opening ceremony and 400-plus miles from the British capital. Soccer starts its Olympics early so it has time to play a full tournament of games.

The Americans allowed more goals in the first handful of minutes than they had allowed in any game since the World Cup final loss to Japan last year. Gaetane Thiney (12th minute) and Marie-Laure Delie (14th) found holes in a supposedly impenetrable defense - a potential cause for U.S. concern as the grueling tournament progresses.

KBLEE · Jul 26, 2012, 09:45 AM

^After Alex Morgan scored her second goal yesterday, the play-by-play announcer called her "The Fox in the Box".

wpr · Jul 26, 2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBLEE

^After Alex Morgan scored her second goal yesterday, the play-by-play announcer called her "The Fox in the Box".

So she has looks and is fast too? Some guy's dream come true.

(She is a bit younger than my daughter so I will just admire her athletic abilities. It is safer.) :laugh:

wpr · Jul 26, 2012, 09:44 PM

I wanted to post the 4x100 freestyle finals from 2008. Even 4 years later it is exciting to watch. I hope Team USA has a lot of efforts like this race.

Jason Lezak was an animal. At age 36 he qualified to race in the preliminary race this year.

The look on the trash talking face of the French was absolutely priceless.

wpr · Jul 27, 2012, 12:37 PM

Should the US dip the flag to the Queen as they pass by? I was surprised that a poll on FOX has it running 63-37 (47,300 votes) in favor of dipping the flag. Back in the olden days it was just the opposite. I guess it won't be long before the flag bearer gives in to the pressure and dips the flag.

Sure Shot · Jul 27, 2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpr

Should the US dip the flag to the Queen as they pass by? I was surprised that a poll on FOX has it running 63-37 (47,300 votes) in favor of dipping the flag. Back in the olden days it was just the opposite. I guess it won't be long before the flag bearer gives in to the pressure and dips the flag.

Is that a thing? I'm not aware of the protocol for these sorts of things.

(Personally I find the Opening Ceremony to be a bit of a goofy tradition, I'll probably still watch though.)

pizzaman · Jul 27, 2012, 12:48 PM

I don't watch the Olympics, but, in the last winter games I got into the curling. I can't explain it. Now I'm wondering what could compare to curling in the summer games. Maybe water polo? Please don't even suggest some of those synchronized water events.

I would watch boxing but I won't watch endless other events to get to see one bout. Cassius Clay, summer of '60 in Rome getting the gold was great.

wpr · Jul 27, 2012, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure Shot

Is that a thing? I'm not aware of the protocol for these sorts of things.

It has been quite controversial for years. Most nations dip their national flag to the host nation's Head of State. King/Queen/President?PM or whoever.

The story goes the US flag bearer back in 1908 Olympics (also in London) was Irish-American and in defiance to the English he did not dip the flag. It was later said that his comment was, “This flag dips for no earthly king."
Revisionists now claim he never said it. Since there was no youtube, twitter, etal back then it is rather difficult to prove. Thus they claim he never said it.
Other flag bearers have followed suit. Now it has become a tradition that the US doesn't submit to the leaders of other nations. Or something to that effect. Apparently a few other countries have followed suit and said they don't do it because they are an autonomous nation and need to bow before some other ruler/leader.

Being old I personally like the tradition and the stink it raises. I think most people around the world couldn't care less. In the PC age there sure are a lot of people here in the US who scream about it. Which I also enjoy.

wpr · Jul 27, 2012, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzaman

I don't watch the Olympics, but, in the last winter games I got into the curling. I can't explain it. Now I'm wondering what could compare to curling in the summer games. Maybe water polo? Please don't even suggest some of those synchronized water events.

I would watch boxing but I won't watch endless other events to get to see one bout. Cassius Clay, summer of '60 in Rome getting the gold was great.

take up rowing. 4 days of prelims. 4 days of metal competition and you are done.

The boxing team is not expected to bring many metals home. So if you follow them you would get the excitement of the upset.

illinixc · Jul 27, 2012, 01:42 PM

so pumped for the olympics! It's the one time time where people actually care about running

illiniracers · Jul 27, 2012, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzaman

I don't watch the Olympics, but, in the last winter games I got into the curling. I can't explain it. Now I'm wondering what could compare to curling in the summer games. Maybe water polo? Please don't even suggest some of those synchronized water events.

I would watch boxing but I won't watch endless other events to get to see one bout. Cassius Clay, summer of '60 in Rome getting the gold was great.

Im interested in watching more handball, badminton and ping pong this year as well as the usual track and field, bball and swimming.

illinixc · Jul 27, 2012, 03:03 PM

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_pu...log_id=4989537

If you haven't heard this story it is amazing! It's the story of Lopez Lomong, who I predict will win the 5000m by outkicking Mo Farah (GBR).

wpr · Jul 27, 2012, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinixc

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_pu...log_id=4989537

If you haven't heard this story it is amazing! It's the story of Lopez Lomong, who I predict will win the 5000m by outkicking Mo Farah (GBR).

yeah that is a great story. I read it last week. I think the blog posted the same one that was in SI.

HeartofaChampion · Jul 27, 2012, 10:51 PM

Saw D-Will in the ceremony. Hope he brings home more gold.

Sure Shot · Jul 27, 2012, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzaman

I don't watch the Olympics, but, in the last winter games I got into the curling. I can't explain it. Now I'm wondering what could compare to curling in the summer games. Maybe water polo? Please don't even suggest some of those synchronized water events.

I would watch boxing but I won't watch endless other events to get to see one bout. Cassius Clay, summer of '60 in Rome getting the gold was great.

Handball. So much fun to watch.

carmelillini · Jul 27, 2012, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzaman

I don't watch the Olympics, but, in the last winter games I got into the curling. I can't explain it. Now I'm wondering what could compare to curling in the summer games. Maybe water polo? Please don't even suggest some of those synchronized water events.

I would watch boxing but I won't watch endless other events to get to see one bout. Cassius Clay, summer of '60 in Rome getting the gold was great.

I'd suggest the rhythmic ribbon tossing thingee event.

wpr · Jul 28, 2012, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carmelillini

I'd suggest the rhythmic ribbon tossing thingee event.

:laugh::laugh:

ribbon tossing thingee and walking are Olympic events but Baseball or softball? No way. USA might get 2 more gold medals.

AzIlliniFan · Jul 28, 2012, 05:19 PM

The womens indoor volleyball team looked pretty good in beating korea. Very entertaining. Watching the mens sand volleyball right now. I don't know any of these guys anymore. Since moving to Phoenix from San Diego I dont even follow it. Heck last I followed it closely Karch Kiraly was still playing in his heydey and he's now a coach on the womens indoor team. I'm hoping we'll see one of our Illini on the Olympic volleyball team(s) in 4 years.

Jul 25, 2012, 06:25 PM	#2
BananaShampoo Captain 'Paign Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 8,566	So then there are 7 Illini going to London, right? Too bad Ashley Spencer couldn't have competed in the Olympic trials. She could have made the team for at least a leg of the 4x400m relay if not the 400m itself. She'll be in Rio in 4 years, for sure. __________________ C-U/UIUC Historian and Lover of all Things Illini

Jul 25, 2012, 07:11 PM	#5
mdonsbach Location: Bethalto, IL Posts: 1,260	Anyone try watching the replay of any of the matches? Mine was really choppy...just curious if it me or the site or what. __________________ Twitter

Jul 26, 2012, 09:45 AM	#9
KBLEE Location: Montgomery, IL Posts: 6,254	^After Alex Morgan scored her second goal yesterday, the play-by-play announcer called her "The Fox in the Box". Last edited by KBLEE; Jul 26, 2012 at 09:49 AM.

Jul 26, 2012, 09:44 PM	#11
wpr Location: Northern frontier of Illini Country Posts: 4,338	I wanted to post the 4x100 freestyle finals from 2008. Even 4 years later it is exciting to watch. I hope Team USA has a lot of efforts like this race. Jason Lezak was an animal. At age 36 he qualified to race in the preliminary race this year. The look on the trash talking face of the French was absolutely priceless. __________________ One does not simply walk into Mordor.

Jul 27, 2012, 12:37 PM	#12
wpr Location: Northern frontier of Illini Country Posts: 4,338	Should the US dip the flag to the Queen as they pass by? I was surprised that a poll on FOX has it running 63-37 (47,300 votes) in favor of dipping the flag. Back in the olden days it was just the opposite. I guess it won't be long before the flag bearer gives in to the pressure and dips the flag. __________________ One does not simply walk into Mordor.

Jul 25, 2012, 07:33 PM	#6
DanvIllini Super Lurker Location: Danville, IL Posts: 327	add on that most of the paralympic team has connections to Illinois as well! (Saw that somewhere)

Jul 27, 2012, 12:48 PM	#14
pizzaman Location: Northwoods of Wisconsin Posts: 1,788	I don't watch the Olympics, but, in the last winter games I got into the curling. I can't explain it. Now I'm wondering what could compare to curling in the summer games. Maybe water polo? Please don't even suggest some of those synchronized water events. I would watch boxing but I won't watch endless other events to get to see one bout. Cassius Clay, summer of '60 in Rome getting the gold was great.

Jul 27, 2012, 01:42 PM	#17
illinixc Posts: 98	so pumped for the olympics! It's the one time time where people actually care about running

Jul 27, 2012, 03:03 PM	#19
illinixc Posts: 98	http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_pu...log_id=4989537 If you haven't heard this story it is amazing! It's the story of Lopez Lomong, who I predict will win the 5000m by outkicking Mo Farah (GBR).

Jul 27, 2012, 10:51 PM	#21
HeartofaChampion Posts: 10,336	Saw D-Will in the ceremony. Hope he brings home more gold.

Jul 28, 2012, 05:19 PM	#25
AzIlliniFan Posts: 2,066	The womens indoor volleyball team looked pretty good in beating korea. Very entertaining. Watching the mens sand volleyball right now. I don't know any of these guys anymore. Since moving to Phoenix from San Diego I dont even follow it. Heck last I followed it closely Karch Kiraly was still playing in his heydey and he's now a coach on the womens indoor team. I'm hoping we'll see one of our Illini on the Olympic volleyball team(s) in 4 years.