Olympics: All Things Aquatic

[TXBabe97]

I get so geeked out every time the Olympics come around. Today was an interesting day in the pool, but finished with a resounding bang in what may have been the greatest relay race in history.

1) Men's 4x100. Holy ****. See other thread. I did get a little annoyed when the announcers kept saying how this win "preserved Michael Phelps' chances at beating Spitz." I can guarantee you that is NOT what Phelps is thinking about during this race. The relay is a team effort, and that was an amazing race. Their comments also detract from the Jason Lezak comeback on the anchor leg, which was just phenomenal. But without the efforts of Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale

and Collin Jones (2nd African-American swimmer to ever win gold), that comeback can't happen.

2) Brendan Hansen.

This was a frustrating race to watch, especially since Kitajima is such a punk. Hansen said he left it all out there. I thought he was good in his post-race interview. I was really hoping for a great comeback out of him. He said he wasn't going to go out like that, and I believe him. Expect a great split out of this Longhorn in the medley.

3) Katie Hoff. She kicked so much *** in the 400 only to get out-touched. OUCH.

4) Synchro diving. We got shut out by a smidge. I didn't expect us to medal in this event. It is so dominated by the Chinese. I was also a bit disappointed to not see Laura Wilkinson in this event but that's another drama in itself.

5) The day started out VERY well with our men's H2O polo team defeating the Chinese. Things got a little hairy when the Chinese tied it up but we eventually pulled it out. Good win for our guys.

6) The world champion USA ladies H2O polo starts tomorrow vs. the Chinese. Too bad I will be at work during this match!

7) I am really looking forward to seeing what Ian Crocker

and Aaron Peirsol

bring in their respective finals. Crocker could be a spoiler in Phelps' gold rush.

 

[Hu_Fan]

Agree with your comments on NBC hyping the 8 golds for Phelps. That is totally unfair to the team, and especially to the dude that brought it home from behind in a 46 flat 100 meters.

I was hoping he'd pull it off but had no idea it was even possible. I was doing a M. Phelps imitation jumping and screaming as he touched the wall. One of the best Olympic swim finishes ever.

But NBC just will not wise up to the smart things to talk about on the mic. Someone years ago made them believe that was good, when it's really sad sportcasting. The NBC presentation is all about NBC.

And Bob C. must have been aiming at a Pulitzer when he interviewed Bush.

 

[eflow24]

Although I admit that NBC is really hyping the 8 medals, I thought they gave Jason Lezak his due. In fact, most stories on all news outlets mention him saving the day, etc. His leg was literally legendary and he will get his props.

 

[TXBabe97]

Sorry I haven't been too up to date on this thread. I've "had" to go to those streaky Astros games. At least they are announcing Phelps' golds on the jumbotron during the games.

1. RACE OF THE NIGHT: Rebecca Soni in the 200 BR, chasing down and defeating Leisel Jones of Aussieland. WOW. This was another HUGE upset! How Amanda Beard-ish of her! That was another "jump off the couch yelling and screaming" type race.

2. Phelps. OK, no question this guy is phenomenal. He made tonight's 200 IM look like a warm-up. He obliterated the competition in this one. At first, I thought, "Maybe, maaaaybe" that Laszlo Cseh could pose a threat, but by the third leg, it was done. Not that I was rooting for Cseh, just that he is a very strong competitor and a serious threat. Cseh silvered, while Ryan (Beefcake) Lochte wrapped up the bronze. USA, mo' medals!

Phelps again just used the IM to make a point. In his other individual events, he is obviously conserving energy during prelims and semis.

3. More Beefcake. WOW. Though I was sad to see

Aaron Peirsol

not defend his gold medal in the 200 back, at least it was to a fellow American. Lochte was great and beat Peirsol's WR.

4. Natalie Coughlin. She is awesome, but this 100 FR race wasn't. But hey! We get another medal... bronze!

5. Men's 50 FR. Not shaping up well for the USA thus far. I really didn't like seeing that stupid Frenchie loser Alain Bernard win his heat, but oh well. It's just a heat. Blah. FTF.

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We can thank Michael Phelps for this one. I've never seen people at bars crowded around TVs, anxiously awaiting, then cheering, swimming! I think this is great. Even when guys like Matt Biondi were hot in '88, he won a ton of medals, but nothing like this.

I was born in '76, so obviously didn't see or remember Spitz. Any of you out there watch Spitz? How might you compare?