First of all the opening ceremony must get a mention. Whilst it has some good moments and Rowan Atkinson as Mr bean for one was a highlight, some of the other pieces didn't do much for me, or it may have just been how the coverage showed it. Where I think they missed the opportunity was to showcase the kings of English comedy. Monty Python. Imagine how good it would have been to see each flag bearer come out representing the Ministry of Silly Walks. This would have ensured a glued audience and been talked about for years to come. Or at the start, have something boring or way to left field that is suddenly squashed by an oversized foot as the stadium lights up with a message of "And now for something completely different". In the end it was a missed opportunity.
Now the events are officially under way there will be many talking points both high and low. Unfortunately the London 2012 Game has had it's first athlete test positive to drugs, Albanian weightlifter, Hysen Pulaku, has this dubious honour. No surprises though that it was a weightlifter from Albania, Would have been short odds on that one. What is good to see is that they were caught before before competing . There will be plenty more caught over the games and harsher penalties need to be enforced. A 2 year suspension should be replaced with life bans in all sports. Why should an athlete who cheats be allowed to compete at the next games?
Australia
Aussie Medal Winners:
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| (L-R) Melanie Schlanger, Alicia Coutts, Brittany Elmslie and Cate Campbell of Au... © Cameron Spencer/Getty Images |
An impressive performance and winning in Olympic record time they held out favourites Netherlands and the strong USA team.
Opinions on the Action:
The road race was a big chance for an Aussie medal but anyone who watches road racing and this event will know what a joke it can actually be as a contest. It still amazes me how so many riders who know they don;t have a shot are happy to just sit back with the pack and do nothing. Surely if you are not a good chance you will give it everything you have and really stir things up. Why not give yourself a chance rather than have scenic ride. It seems the Great Britain team were not too happy with the Australian tactics and not doing what they could to win the race. The same could be said for the British team. Australia had 1 rider, Stuart O'Grady, in the breakaway group and a second, Michael Rogers, tried to join it. If you have 1 rider with a chance why would you help another team get up to the front who has a world class sprinter. Great Britain only have themselves to blame for a poor tactical race. It should also be noted that winner, Alexandre Vinokourov, is a convicted drug cheat of past. Until cycling takes a serious hard stance against drugs their sport will remain a tarnished one.
Swimming always gets centre stage and the first day of action made headlines. The Australian media was able to find a few daggers when Stephanie Rice finished sixth. Although she wasn't able to retain her Olympic title you cannot expect every swimmer to be the best every time. I am sure they will parade her like a beacon if she backs up with a medal in the 200 Individual Medley. When you add to the night Michael Phelps not winning then it shows that it can happen to any one.
Also of note is the poor coverage already from Channel 9 but it comes as no surprise. I am sure we are seeing more of the hacks then we are of sport and they are just itching for medals to be one so they can bombard us with replays, interviews and stories of hardship. With more than one digital channel surely they are able to put a sport for the whole event on one channel and show a mixed package on another. Makes sense but maybe that is why it isn't happening. Thankfully I do not have to worry about relying on channel 89 but there are plenty of other s who cannot.
All Olympics create great funny moments and I will find what I can. From day one you cannot go past
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| Best Opening Ceremony meme |
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| I have heard of Canary Yellow but it is cruel to stuff them down your pants. |
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