WHAT A BEAUTIFUL AND HEARTWARMING CLOSING CEREMONY IT WAS FOR THE TRIUMPHANT RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES!
EYE-POPPING COLOURS AND SAMBA MUSIC OPENED THE MAGICAL CEREMONY, WITH DANCERS FORMING THE OUTLINES OF RIO LANDMARKS WITH THEIR ROUTINES.
THEN THE ATHLETES ENTERED THE STADIUM, IN THE ‘SPIRIT OF TOGETHERNESS’, ALL WALKING IN TOGETHER
AFTER THIS, IT WAS THE TURN OF NORWEGIAN MUSICIAN KYGO AND AMERICAN SINGER JULIA MICHAELS TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT, PERFORMING A SUPERB VERSION OF THE SONG ‘CARRY ME’.
ON AND ON THE WONDERFUL FESTIVITIES WENT, ALL FANTASTIC, BUT ONE OF THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING WAS WHEN PRESIDENT SHINZO ABE POPPED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STAGE IN THE MARACANA DRESSED AS ‘SUPER MARIO’
ONLY ENDORSING FURTHER THE FACT THAT THE TOKYO 2020 GAMES ARE GOING TO BE COOOL…!
SUPERMODEL IZABEL GOULART MADE AN APPEARANCE DURING THE CEREMONY, SHOWING EVERYONE HOW THE SAMBA REALLY SHOULD BE DONE!
EVEN THOUGH IT WAS RAINING AT TIMES, NOTHING COULD DAMPEN THE SPIRITS OF THE ATHLETES, THE CROWD, THE PERFORMERS OR DIGNITARIES!
TOWARDS THE END OF THE CEREMONY, WITH THE OLYMPIC ANTHEM PLAYING AROUND THE STADIUM, THE OLYMPIC FLAG WAS LOWERED, AND THE MAYOR OF RIO DE JANEIRO HANDED IT TO THE HEAD OF THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, THOMAS BACH, WHO HANDED IT TO TOKYO’S GOVERNOR YURIKO KOIKE, MARKING THE END OF THE 2016 GAMES.
WHEN IT CAME TO THE POINT OF EXTINGUISHING THE FLAME, A MOVING AND HYPNOTIC BALLAD PERFORMED BY BRAZILIAN SINGER MARIENE DE CASTRO, WHICH WAS ACCOMPANIED BY TROPICAL RAINS, EVENTUALLY PUT THE FLAME OUT.
AFTER THIS, A PAU BASIL TREE, THE NATIONAL TREE, ROSE UP FROM THE STAGE. (SIGNIFYING NEW BEGINNINGS.)
AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, AN AMAZING FIREWORKS DISPLAY ILLUMINATED THE ENTIRE STADIUM
THE RIO 2016 ORGANISING COMMITTEE’S PRESIDENT SAID DURING THE CEREMONY “I’M PROUD OF MY COUNTRY, MY CITY AND MY PEOPLE.” AND NO WONDER!
THE PEOPLE OF RIO ARE GRACIOUS, HAPPY AND KIND. RIO HAS PROVIDED A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR ATHLETES (WHO MOSTLY ARRIVED AS STRANGERS), TO PERFORM TO THE VERY BEST OF THEIR ABILITY, AND TO LEAVE AS FRIENDS.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE IOC THOMAS BACH WAS RIGHT DURING HIS SPEECH WHEN HE SAID TO THE PEOPLE OF BRAZIL “YOU WILL HAVE A PLACE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.”
MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO RIO, AND THANK YOU!
ALSO, MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM GB FOR THEIR FANTASTIC ACCOMPLISHMENT OF 67 MEDALS!
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FOR ANYONE (LIKE ME) WHO IS FEELING A LITTLE SAD ABOUT THE END OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES – FEAR NOT, THE PARALYMPICS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER…!!!
REMEMBER THIS MAN?
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JOE JOYCE TRIUMPHS IN RIO 2016, WINNING SILVER, TOTALLING 67 MEDALS FOR GREAT BRITAIN!
Many Congratulations to Joe Joyce for Winning the Silver Medal Today, (And the 67th Medal For Great Britain), After His Defeat To French Rival Tony Yoka In The Super Heavyweight Final at Rio 2016.
Joe fought actively throughout the match.
We are extremely proud of you Joe, and thank you for your hard work!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO MIGHTY MO FOR HIS SUPERB TRIUMPH IN THE 5000M AT RIO 2016!
MO FARAH HAS STORMED TO VICTORY IN THE RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES
MO FARAH WON GOLD IN THE 5,000M IN RIO LAST NIGHT
ADDING TO THE GOLD WHICH HE WON EARLIER IN RIO IN THE 10,000M
MO IS NOW THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE RUNNER IN TERMS OF MAJOR MEDALS, WITH NINE OLYMPIC AND WORLD TITLES!
Mo Was Jubilant Before The Race, Orchestrating The Audience, Who Cheered and Clapped With Excitement. The Pressure of Expectation Must Have Been Immense, But Mo Looked As Though He Was Thoroughly Enjoying Himself!
What a race it was! Mo seemed to get stronger and stronger as he went along. Starting off at the back again, Mo started to work his way through the pack, settling in the middle for a while. With seven laps to go, he started moving forward to the front, and stayed there in the lead. With four laps to go, Mo was still leading and Gebrhiwet tried to overtake him, but Mo sprung forward, to stay well in the lead. Gebrhiwet tried to overtake again, but Mo touched the accelerator again storming ahead.
Chelimo then pushed forward, and tried to overtake Mo, but at that point, Mo seemingly put his foot down FLAT on the accelerator, and simply took off, winning with a substantial lead. It was spectacular to watch!
After the race, Mo said “I can’t believe it, but I did it, I did it. After the 10,000M my legs were a bit tired, but I was resting up and eating lots ahead of this race. This is the most satisfying, it wasn’t a fluke in London because i’ve done it again here.
Mo went on to say “It’s been a long journey, but if you dream and have the ambition and want to work hard, then you can achieve.”
Tributes poured in on Social Media for Mo, with Gary Lineker saying “Wow, just Wow! Rio is Mo Town. @Mo_Farah is surely the greatest long-distance runner of all time. The double double.”
During Mo’s Victory Lap, the Commentator said “Mo, you are a treasure, you are more than a National Treasure, you are the greatest we have ever had and one of the greatest distance runners we have ever seen.”
With so much love for Mo, it’s amazing that he is so grounded. He said “I just want to go home now and take the medals home to my beautiful kids: I can’t wait for that – this is for them.”
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MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LOVELY NICOLA ADAMS FOR WINNING GREAT BRITAIN’S 26TH GOLD MEDAL AS SHE DEFENDS HER OLYMPIC BOXING TITLE IN RIO 2016 TONIGHT
Nicola Won A ‘Unanimous Points’ Decision To Beat French Long-Time Opponent Sarah Ourahmoune
Nicola’s Talent In Britain Is Lauded, and Her Down To Earth, Bubbly and Resilient Personality and Fantastic Smile Make Us Very Proud Of Her! She’s An Absolute Treasure!
Following The Race Nicola Said, “Thank You So Much To Everybody Who Supported Me – We Made It.”
Citing Mo Farah As Her Special Inspiration, Nicola said ” Seeing Mo Farah Fall Down, Get Up, Show Determination, and Go Out and Win his Gold Medal was Amazing.”
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MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO LUTALO MUHAMMAD FOR WINNING A SILVER MEDAL FOR HIS SUPERB PERFORMANCE IN THE -80KG TAEKWONDO FINAL AT THE RIO OLYMPIC PARK LAST NIGHT.
LUTALO CAME SO CLOSE TO ACHIEVING HIS GOLD – (ACTUALLY RIGHT UP UNTIL THE LAST SECOND), WHEN HIS OPPONENT CHEICK SALLAH CISSE SWUNG A LAST MINUTE KICK, JUST SNATCHING THE WIN 8 – 6.
WE WERE ALL WITH YOU, AND COULD SEE THAT YOU TRIED YOUR VERY BEST! CONGRATULATIONS – BE PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENT – WE ARE!
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USAIN BOLT WON THE 4 X 100M RELAY LAST NIGHT, SECURING THE TRIPLE TRIPLE , SAYING AFTERWARDS “THERE YOU GO, I AM THE GREATEST”
Usain Won His Third Gold Medal Of Rio 2016, (His Ninth In Total), Adding This Gold To the 100M And 200M Golds, Which He Won Earlier In The Rio 2016 Games.
As Soon As The Baton Was Placed Into His Hands Usain Took Off Like A Rocket, Crossing The Line In 37.27 Sec., Japan Came Second in 37.60 Sec., Canada Came Third in 37.64 Sec., China Came Fourth n 37.90 Sec., and Great Britain Came Fifth in 37.98 Seconds.
Team GB’s Team, Consisting of Richard Kilty, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, James Ellington and Adam Gemili Raced Brilliantly, With Slick Baton Changes and Superb Speed.
After The Race, Richard, Harry, James and Adam Said That They Had Run Their Hearts Out and Given Their All, (Which Was Plain To See), and That They Were Proud Of Each Other. Adam Said That When He Got Back From His Race Yesterday at 1.30 a.m. in The Morning, The Whole Team Had Waited Up For Him. What Unity!!
When Team Jamaica Were Interviewed following the race, Asafa Said “We Are A Unit, I love Running With These Guys.”
Usain Said, “I have To Say Thanks To The Guys. The Pressure Is Real. I look At It As An Accomplishment. I am Proud Of Myself.
So You Should Be Usain – The World Adores You…!
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TEAM GB WIN OLYMPIC WOMEN’S 4 X 100M RELAY BRONZE!
Asha Philip, Desiree Henry, Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita Won a Superb Bronze Medal last night in the Women’s 4 x 100M Relay, which was Britain’s first medal in the event since winning bronze at Moscow in 1984.
The girls were jumping for joy, whilst describing how hard they had worked together, and praised each other over and again.
True Team Spirit At It’s Very Best – Congratulations Asha, Desiree, Dina and Daryll!
NICK SKELTON TRIUMPHS IN RIO 2016, WINNING SHOW JUMPING GOLD!
The Victory Takes Britain’s Rio Medal Tally To To 23 Golds And A Total Of 57 Medals!
It is Britain’s First Individual Show Jumping Medal Since Anne Moore’s Silver In 1972, and adds to Nick’s win in The Team Event At London 2012.
After the race, Nick Skelton said “You always dream about it but when it actually happens, it is real life. I knew if I kept my cool, this horse would do it. I knew if I did not make a mistake, he wouldn’t either.”
This is Team GB’s second gold in the equestrian events following Charlotte Dujardin’s superb victory in the individual dressage earlier this week!
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USAIN BOLT WON THE MEN’S 200M IN RIO LAST NIGHT, MAKING IT HIS SECOND GOLD OF RIO 2016, AND HIS EIGHTH OLYMPIC GOLD!
The phenomenon that is Mr Bolt won in 19.78 seconds.
Crowds cheered when he raced, and swooned when he posed for selfies with them.
Usain’s facial expressions, pre and post-race rituals,
and sheer entertainment value have mesmerised the World and made him a household name.
When Usain Bolt Tells The Crowd In The Stadium To Be Quiet – They Are!
After the race, Usain said “The fact that I came here and executed what I wanted to is a brilliant feeling. I wasn’t happy with the time when I crossed the line but i’m excited I got the gold medal – that’s the key thing.” Well, it looked pretty good to us Usain!
Canada’s Andre de Grasse and France’s Christophe Lemaitre, came in second and third respectively. France’s Christophe Lemaitre won in 20.12 seconds, the same time as Team GB’s Adam Gemili. In fact, Adam Gemili missed out on winning the Bronze medal by just Three Thousandths of a second, because in the end it came down to a photo-finish between Adam and Christophe.
After the race, Adam said “I am heartbroken. I put so much into that run. I lost my form at the end and to get so close at the end is heartbreaking. I am absolutely gutted. I was in the inside, I knew Bolt would go and a lot of others would try and go with him. Myself and my coach had said beforehand to let them go and save some energy. I did but I lost some form at the end but it has been a fantastic season. He went on to say, I have had such fantastic support but I am gutted I could not bring home a medal for Team GB.
This is the fun bit of competing at championships. We have a big year next year in London and I can’t wait to get out there and put this right because I am so gutted. Fourth place is the worst place to be. We are not here to fill lanes any more. We have guys who can make these finals and push. It is a shame it didn’t work out tonight, but i’ll reconvene with my coach and put it right where it matters.”
We are sure you will Adam, because you put in a fantastic performance – and looked powerful out there!
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Team GB’s Liam Heath and Jon Schofield Win Silver Medal In The Men’s Kayak Double 200 Metres!
Liam Heath and Jon Schofield also won a medal yesterday in the Men’s kayak double 200 metres, finishing just 0.293 sec behind Spain, in a time of 32.368 seconds!
Many Congratulations to Liam and Jon!
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Jade Jones Triumphs In Rio 2016, Winning Gold And Retaining -57kg Taekwondo Title!
Jade Jones won at London 2012, to claim GB’s first Olympic Gold Medal in the Sport, and is currently European Champion. But yesterday, Jade had to battle through a gruelling four fights to retain her Olympic title, eventually storming to victory, beating Spain’s Eva Calvo Gomez.
After the fight, Jade said “I’m still young so to be double Olympic Champion already is crazy to be honest. I started crying before the semi-final because I was just so nervous and felt so much pressure. But I pulled it off when it mattered so i’m just so happy.
I obviously knew i’d feel some pressure as the reigning Olympic Champion but I didn’t realise how much it would be. The support has been amazing here, and at home, and I just want to thank everyone. It means the absolute world to win again.”
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Charlie Grice makes it into the 1500M final, but just a word to Chris O’Hare, who looked as though he was in absolute despair after missing out on making it into the final
You put your heart and soul into the race, and at one point were right amongst it with the other athletes. Just perhaps turned on the gas a little early?
Sheer Devastion for Chris O’Hare
“I am so disappointed, because I wanted to do better for myself, my family and everyone watching back home. I tried my best, I guess it is all I can do but it is disappointing when I have put all this work in and thought I was good enough.”
Everyone can see that you tried your very best Chris, and all back home are grateful to you for that. It was a valiant effort, be proud, because we are.
It’s at times like this, that we may need a little reminder from the great father of the modern Olympic Games Monsieur Pierre De Coubertin, when he said “The Important Thing In Life Is Not The Triumph But The Struggle – The Essential Thing Is Not To Have Conquered – But To Have Fought Well”
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The Brownlee Brother’s Triumphed in Rio 2016 in the Triathlon Yesterday, Winning Both Gold and Silver Medals! 
Alistair and Jonny were neck and neck up to about halfway through the 10K run, but then Alistair pulled away from Jonny, and stormed on ahead in the boiling heat.
After the race, Alistair said “I was pretty confident we would get first and second but I didn’t know which way around it would be. I just had the edge on Jonny, but he has beaten me every day in training and I have been going through hell. It has been so hard, I have woken up in pain every day. The swim wasn’t that quick, but we knew the first two laps on the bike would be crucial. The last few weeks we have been training to commit and, boy, we did. As soon as we got to halfway I knew we were going to get two medals it was just a run for it.”
Jonny Brownlee said “I’m used to getting beaten by him, but at the start of the day, the dream was to get gold and silver and that is what we have done. We had a plan and really committed.”
Many congratulations to Alistair and Jonny! Also, it must be said, congratulations to all of those racing with them for the enormous amount of sheer graciousness when interviewed regarding their admiration for Alistair and Jonny’s ability. There was not a hint of sour grapes, with the other athletes saying things like “they work very well together”, calling them “champions”, and “we were very lucky to have them on the race with us.” It was heart-warming to see. This is what they must mean by “The True Olympic Spirit”.
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Laura Trott and Jason Kenny Triumph in Rio, Winning Spectacular Cycling Golds, Making This Britain’s Most Successful Overseas Olympics With 50 Medals!
Last night, Laura Trott became Britain’s most successful female Olympian, with her fourth gold in the omnium, and Jason Kenny equalled Sir Chris Hoy’s record of six GB golds by winning the keirin.
(If Jason and Laura were a country, their Rio gold medal tally would place them 13th equal on the global leader board)
When the race had finished, Laura said “I can’t believe it, I don’t want to cry. I did not expect that at all. I am so happy that it came together and can’t thank everyone at home that you don’t see enough. They really help me and I couldn’t have done it without everyone, my friends and family and especially Paul Manning my coach. He puts up with me on a daily basis and today I am literally over the moon.”
Laura and Jason are fitness personified, and before Laura’s race you could see her pedalling like mad whilst warming up. It is said that Laura and Jason are completely dedicated to their training at home also, (and moreover they enjoy it.) Laura said she steers clear of alcohol because she never wants to ‘waste’ a training session because of a hangover.
Laura and Jason obviously enjoy training, relaxing and competing together. Following the race, Jason said “The thing about being together for me that’s special is that we get to share these moments.
It is nice to share it with the people you love.”
What is special is the fact that Laura and Jason are so down to earth. Riding is their World, and it looked as though competing at the Olympic Games together like this and winning those gold medals was the icing on the cake, with Jason describing it as a “Special Night.”
Within moments of Laura winning the omnium title, the bookies had presented her as odds-on to become the youngest Dame in the history of the Honours system. When this was suggested to Laura she giggled and said “It just seems mad to me. Things like that come with winning gold medals, but I still feel like that eight-year-old who started cycling because she absolutely loves it. For you to say that absolutely blows my mind, I can’t even think about it, I just want to enjoy this moment first.”
Well, Laura has certainly inspired me to get on my bike today. If you can be anywhere near as fit as Laura by riding a bike with a bit of grit and determination, i’m in. I would think that many men might be feeling the same after Jason’s superb performance!
CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN WINS GOLD IN RIO 2016
Charlotte Dujardin won her second individual dressage gold today in Rio 2016, on beautiful horse Valegro
Charlotte and Valegro broke the individual and team gold record in London four years ago, and have broken numerous records ever since. Charlotte added this gold medal in the individual dressage grand prix freestyle to her silver in the team dressage at Rio 2016
Charlotte scored an amazing 93.928%, whilst Germany’s Isabell Werth who has won six Olympic gold medals in her career won silver in 89.071%, and her compatriot Kristina Broring-Sprehe won the bronze with 87.142%.
Charlotte and Valegro’s spectacular performances, and the ‘telepathy’ between both horse and rider have endeared them to the World. (Charlotte said that she only has to think of what she would like Valegro to do next, and he does it.)
When watching them perform, it’s absolutely magical. Valegro seems to ‘dance’ purely for her, because of her obvious gentle demeanour, and the mutual respect between them.
When Charlotte and Valegro’s magnificent performance had ended, Charlotte collapsed onto his shoulders seemingly thanking him.
After the event, Charlotte said “It’s the best ride that Valegro has ever given. He has given me absolutely everything.” She went on to say “I felt so emotional during the last bit. It’s just the most amazing feeling. I know I did my best.”
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MURRAY’S MAGIC
Andy Murray Triumphed in Rio last night, winning another gold medal for Team GB, whilst retaining his Olympic title.
In a match which went on for over four hours, and saw both players give their absolute all, it was Andy Murray, who finally clinched the deal, winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5
You could see how exhausting it must have been to play under such pressure and in such humidity. But on they battled, like gladiators, unwilling to give up.
However, we knew from an earlier press conference that there was no way that Andy Murray would have lost this, when he said “I just want to make my Country proud.”
After the match, both players embraced, and looked very emotional. Juan’s eyes were red, and so were Andy’s when he spoke afterwards, saying, “It means a lot. Getting to carry the flag at the opening ceremony was an amazing experience and I was very honoured. I found that quite emotional. I had to regroup and get my mind on the matches so, to finish it with a match like that, obviously I was fairly emotional at the end. It’s been a build-up of emotions over the last 10 days and i’m very happy that I got over the line tonight”
Andy went on to say “It was one of the hardest matches i’ve had to play for a big title. The U S Open I played with Novak to win my first slam was very hard, but tonight I found it really difficult emotionally. Physically it was hard too, as there were so many ups and downs in the match.
Juan Martin Del Potro Catches His Breath After The Gruelling Match
Half of Britain stayed up to watch this match last night, and with great sportsmanship like this, i’m sure everyone was pleased that they did. (Even if they did have to wear dark glasses to work today.) Pure class…!
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Many congratulations to Team GB gymnast Max Whitlock, who won his second Olympic gold medal today within hours of his first on the floor, with a score of 15.633, and then shortly afterwards, another gold on the pommel horse.
Max’s performance on the floor was impeccable, as on the pommel, and he was confident and jubilant after his performance!
He said “I’m trying to describe this, and it’s very tough. I’ve completely outdone myself. The floor was a surprise, I never go into competitions expecting a medal – I go into them to get a job done.”
You spend hours and hours in the gym, for years and years, and you just get a few minutes to prove what you are capable of. Hopefully this will do a lot for gymnastics. The team and Louis have done amazingly. The future’s bright.”
Louis Smith won a superb silver medal on the Pommel horse, and looked emotional whilst receiving his medal.
(When Max stepped up to receive his medal, Louis embraced and congratulated him.)
Louis, who went fifth on the pommel horse out of the eight finalists, performed a wonderful routine.
Whilst being interviewed afterwards, Louis said “It’s been incredible, there are so many emotions right now. Obviously I would have liked to have got a gold, but to be here is just an incredible achievement in itself. This means so much. The amount of pride i’m feeling right now.”
You looked great out there Louis – you tried your very best for all to see! Congrats!
GREG RUTHERFORD WINS A BRILLIANT BRONZE AT RIO 2016!
In contrast to Jess Ennis-Hill’s happiness with her silver medal, Greg Rutherford seemed disappointed with his superb bronze medal achievement.
Greg’s final jump was perfect, measuring 8.29 m, and was only 2 cm short of the leap that won him gold at London 2012.
Team USA’s Jeff Henderson beat South African competitor Luvo Manyonga to the gold medal by 1 cm.
After the race, Greg said “It’s frustrating, I came here to win, but couldn’t quite get it together. I’m very frustrated with a jump that they called a foul, but it wasn’t and it wasn’t until the end they changed that. But equally I didn’t jump far enough and that’s difficult.”
You tried your very best Gregg, and everyone could see that. So be proud of yourself - because we are!
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JESSICA ENNIS-HILL WINS SPECTACULAR SILVER IN THE WOMEN’S HEPTATHLON EVENT AT THE RIO 2016 OLYMPICS!
With running being Jess’s strong-point out of all the disciplines in the Women’s heptathlon event, Jess came into the 800m race looking strong, relaxed and positive. Everyone watching could see that this was going to be an exciting race.
With just the 800m race to go, and Jess in second place, she knew that she would need to win by 9.47 seconds.
The race was thrilling, as all could see that Jess put all of her heart and spirit into the race, and really did try her very, very best.
However, Belgium’s Nafissatou Thiam crossed the line in a time of 2:16.54. Jess finished in a time of 2:09.07. This meant Jess finished 7.47 seconds ahead of Nafissatou Thiam, which was just two seconds short of what she needed.
It’s hard to believe that Jess gave birth only two years ago to her son Reggie.
She is fantastically fit, and must also now be an inspiration not only to a generation of aspiring Sports Stars, but to all those new mum’s who think that they will never again be able to look their best.
Jess, and the other contestants looked very relaxed following the race, and walked around the track smiling and congratulating one another. Jess quite rightly seemed very happy with her silver medal. (The finish to the heptathlon must have come as a welcome relief to the competitive spirit which they would have had to adopt during the competition, but it was clear that everyone was great friends.)
Jessica’s coach Toni Minichiello, said that he did not know if Jess would return after giving birth, but puts her decision to get back onto the track down to her phenomenal work ethic and her love of winning.
Following the race, Jess said “It’s just so hard to find the words to describe this. It’s just so special. I have had an amazing few years and achieved so much in this sport. I’m really proud.” - and so she should be!!
Congratulations to Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sporting Legend, Olympic Champion, and a beacon of hope for all of us!
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MO FARAH PROVED ‘THE TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT’ YESTERDAY AFTER SUFFERING A SHOCKING FALL MID-RACE, AND THEN GOING ON TO WIN THE 10,000 METRES IN SPECTACULAR FASHION!
Mighty Mo Farah did it again in the 10,000 Metres in Rio last night, defending the Olympic title he won at the London 2012 Olympics, becoming the first Briton to win three Olympic golds on the track.
Mo started off at the back of the pack, running in a relaxed manner, seemingly letting the pack settle down. He looked extremely light on his toes, and totally ‘in the zone’.
After several laps, Mo started to majestically overtake the other runners on the outside, taking one lap to reach the front of the pack, and then settled in just behind a tightly packed front. Roughly halfway through the race, Mo took a shocking fall, but recovered in a split second, and got back up and continued running as though nothing had happened. Amazingly, the fall did not affect his performance at all. (Even though, after he had finished the race, it looked as though he may have injured his shoulder).
Following the fall, Mo settled in further behind the front of the pack, seemingly allowing himself more space, to prevent another similar occurrence.
At the end of the race Mo sprinted to the front, (as if touching the accelerator on a sports car,) storming to victory, beating Kenya’s Paul Tanui, who put up a spirited challenge.
Upon crossing the line, Mo fell to the floor and kissed the track.
An emotional Mo, speaking after the race, said “I work hard, and spend a lot of time away from my family. In that one moment it could have been gone, and not in your control.” He went on to say, “When you go down, you get really emotional and I just tried to pick myself back up and believe in myself.”
Mo added “It’s important to make my Country proud and make history. It’s every athletes dream.”
Mo finished by saying “This is what I enjoy, this is what i’m good at, this is what I do.”
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Both the Women’s and Men’s Eight took medals in the Rowing Regatta at the Rio 2016 Olympics today!
The Team GB Men’s Eight claimed a gold medal, and the Women’s Eight a silver, meaning that Britain now tops the medals table in rowing! (Germany won the silver medal, and the Dutch, the bronze in the Men’s Eight.)
The Team GB Men’s Eight comprised of Scott Durant, Tom Ransley, Andrew Triggs Hodge, Matt Gotrel, Peter Reed, Paul Bennett, and Matt Langridge, Will Satch and cox Phelan Hill.
Andrew Triggs Hodge and Peter Reed are now three-time Olympic Gold Medallists after having won titles in Beijing and London in the Men’s four.
Following the race, Peter Reed said “These are the most amazing bunch of guys, that was a big, big race, i’m just speechless.”
Matt Langridge said “I couldn’t have done it with a better group of guys, this is a great feeling.”
Double Olympic rowing gold medallist James Cracknell said “That was brilliant, GB delivered exactly what they have trained for. They were not phased, they dug deep, and stuck to the plan. What a race!”
Super-cool British rowing coach Jurgen Grobler said “It is wonderful for British rowing. I feel so good for the guys. There’s a good mix of guys between the younger and older ones. We tried to develop winning athletes and so far the time has been there. We knew we had a good bunch of guys.”
When asked if there was a secret to Team GB’s success, Jurgen said, “there is no secret, I just tell them to work hard, and be happy.”
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The Team GB Women’s Eight claimed a silver medal, coming in just behind Team USA’s crew, who won by 2.49 seconds. Team GB overtook Canada in the latter stages of the race, and fought off a challenge by Romania to nab the silver medal by 12 hundredths of a second.
Team GB’s Women’s Rowing Eight crew, comprised of Katie Greves, Melanie Wilson, Frances Houghton, Polly Swann, Jessica Eddie, Olivia Carnegie-Brown, Karen Bennett, Zoe Lee and cox Zoe de Toledo, who crossed the finish line in six minutes 3.98 seconds!
Speaking after the race, Jessica Eddie said, “I’m so proud of these nine girls but there’s about 50 more behind us that got us here”.
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Bryony Page became the first British woman to win an Olympic trampoline medal yesterday, claiming an Olympic silver medal for her superb performance.
(Canada won the gold with an additional 0.425 points, and China took the bronze medal.)
Afterwards, Bryony said “I can’t believe i’ve won an Olympic medal, i’m just so happy.” Bryony went on to say “I had no idea it was a medal but my performance was the best I could have done.
That is why I am so happy. All that hard work has paid off.”
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Sir Bradley Wiggins, and team mates Ed Clancy, Owain Doull, and Steven Burke stormed to victory last night after winning gold in the 4 km men’s team pursuit race in three minutes 50.265 seconds!
This means that Sir Bradley now has five golds, one silver and two bronze medals, and makes him Britain’s most decorated Olympian.
After the race, Bradley praised his teammates highly, saying “When you have guys like this it makes your life easier.” He went on to say, “These four guys here, I would never have come back if we didn’t have the calibre. I’ve always said Ed and Burkey are two of the most underrated athletes I’ve ever raced with. So talented at what they do. They don’t get the credit for it because they’re not the big road stars. Then you’ve got Doully. He reminds me of a young G (Geraint Thomas) who can do anything in the sport.
Bradley went on to say “The last 12 months, we have pretty much done everything together, training camps at altitude, early morning starts at the track, late finishes at the track before Christmas Day…all for this. We’re here and we’ve done it.”
Team Wiggins
Bob Howden, British Cycling President said “This result will have left the whole team on cloud nine. The team produced absolutely mesmerising performances both yesterday and this evening, and everyone in Britain can take immense pride in this achievement.”
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Shortly after Helen Glover and Heather Stanning’s triumph, Alex Gregory, Mohamed Sbihi, George Nash and Constantine Louloudis also triumphed in the Men’s Coxless Fours, beating Australia by 1.83 seconds.
After the race, George Nash said “That was spot on. We played a good hand and came away with an epic win. Australia kept on challenging but we kept answering and coming up with the goods. That’s what we have all been training for”
The team were keen to praise each other, and their coach Jurgen Grobler, and stated that Jurgen had had a plan, and that they were proud to have followed it.
When Jurgen was asked what he thought about their performance, and whether the boys had followed his plan, he said “to a tee!”
This win will continue coach Jurgen Grobler’s success in coaching a gold medal-winning crew at every Olympics since 1972, and Britain’s success of the Men’s Coxless Fours race which started at Sydney in 2000, when Sir Steve Redgrave won his fifth gold medal!
Congratulations to another winning team!
Many congratulations to Jason Kenny, Phil Hindes and Callum Skinner after they ‘put the pedal to the medal’ last night at the velodrome, winning gold in the men’s team sprint at Rio.
The boys set a new Olympic record with a spectacular time of 42.440 seconds.
New Zealand took the silver, finishing 0.102 seconds behind.
The boys admitted that winning the gold medal was a little bit of a surprise. Jason Kenny said “We’d been running quite well in training so we had a rough idea about what we could do. But it has genuinely come as a surprise.”
Callum skinner said “We were on the back foot coming into the games, that’s kind of what makes the win more special. We set an Olympic world record in the final and beat the world champions. It’s just incredible. There was no better way to win it. “
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Katherine Grainger has officially become Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympian when she and Vicky Thornley won the silver in the women’s double sculls in Rio today!
Katherine is the first woman to win five medals in separate Olympic games.
Katherine said “I’m very proud of the way that Vicky and I have handled the last 12 months. I think we both knew we were capable of one more outstanding performance and we could bring it to the Olympic final. I’ve been to the Olympics before, so I know how special and worthwhile it is. I am a bit of an eternal optimist and I felt that it would work out if we could find our way through those low times. In a way it makes the result all the more sweet, if you have been through the mill and come out.” Katherine also said “We just kept believing”.
Vicky Thornley paid tribute to Katherine’s strength and spirit saying “So proud of what we’ve done. So thankful to Catherine – it was a pretty big headwind. This result means the world to me. It’s been difficult these last few years, but to be standing here in the Rio Olympic sunshine, with a big medal around my neck has made it all worthwhile.”
Stewart Harris, SportScotland’s Chief Executive said he was “delighted” to watch Katherine win silver at the Lagoa Stadium in Rio. He went on to say “Katherine is now Britain’s most decorated female Olympian, an accolade that has come as the result of her complete commitment and dedication to her sport. Katherine is an incredible role model, inspiring others to be the best that they can be and leading by example.”
Max Whitlock won the Men’s all-around bronze in gymnastics, making him the first all-around gymnast to win an Olympics medal in 108 years!
Max’s medal is only the ninth to be won by a British gymnast and the first in the men’s all around event since 1908.
Afterwards, Max said “My coach and I have been working so hard over the past four years – we stepped out of London 2012, and I wanted to prove myself as an all-rounder and i’ve done that. I feel i’ve completed that target now.”
Max has more opportunities for Olympic medals also, as he has qualified for the floor and pommel horse finals!
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Chris Froome secured a spectacular bronze medal in the Olympic time trial. In a pragmatic interview after the race, the three-time Tour de France champion said he had “no regrets” for his performance, stating that he had given everything he had to the race.
It was raining and windy, but Chris said “it was the same for everyone”.
British cycling President Bob Howden said “What a fantastic achievement on top of Chris’s third incredible Tour de France win and a testament to his absolute dedication to the sport”. He went on to say “This is the first medal for Britain’s cyclists and I am sure this result will spur the whole team on ahead of the track programme.”
Congratulations Chris, you won the bronze and you tried your very best – Britain couldn’t be prouder!
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Joseph Clarke Won Team GB’s second gold medal of Rio 2016 in the men’s K1 canoe slalom final, after a sharp and precise final paddle down the Rio white water course.
The 23 year old from Stoke-on-Trent stormed to victory, in a magnificent time of 88.53 seconds.
He was in control all the way, and put in a powerful performance.
Joe became interested in Kayaking when he was in the Scout’s when he was younger, and when he was 11, he joined the Stafford and Stone Canoe Club on the River Trent to pursue his passion.
After the race, he said “I went out on that final run, laid it all on the line, put my all out there and that was enough to come away with the Olympic gold medal. I have so many amazing memories of this sport, and this just tops all of them in one day.”
Jack Laugher and Chris Mears won Great Britain’s first ever Olympic diving gold in the Men’s synchronised 3m springboard diving event.
The conditions weren’t great, with continual rain and wind in the open-air pool, but afterwards, Laugher said, “we enjoy it in the rain, with the wind and the clouds, it’s English weather isn’t it?”
It’s hard to believe that Chris Mears needed life-saving surgery to remove his spleen a few years ago, which he ruptured whilst diving. Chris said “I still can’t really believe that it’s happened. I’ve come from death’s door to here. I’m pretty proud”.
Jack said “We went out there very cool, calm and collected and we came out on top today. It’s amazing.”
Chris said “We’re such a close team, it’s fantastic to share that moment.”
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Swimming quartet James Guy, Stephen Milne, Dan Wallace and Duncan Scott should also be giving themselves a massive pat on the back today, for winning a Silver Medal in the Men’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay team.
The boys were up against fierce competition, including Team USA and Michael Phelps (who now has 21 Olympic medals), but tried their very best, and ‘brought home the metal’ to a delighted crowd.
After the race, Guy (who was unable to secure medals in the 200m and 400m freestyle events earlier in the week), said “The first few days were tough for me. I’ve got faster and faster the more i’ve been racing, which just goes to show that if you put your mind to it, anything can happen”. He also added, “It was about racing for my Country, and doing my Country proud.”
Stephen Milne added, “I can’t believe it. These guys were amazing, and it was a real honour to swim with them”.
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Congratulations to Siobhan O’Connor for winning a Silver Medal in the 200M individual medley for Team GB last night!
Siobhan became the first British woman to win an Olympic medal in the 200m medley!
Siobhan was ‘pipped to the post’ by Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszu.
After the race, Siobhan said “It feels unreal, i’m trying not to cry. It’s the best feeling in the World”
She also thanked her team, saying “I wouldn’t be able to do this without my team” and thanked her family saying “My family’s support means everything to me”. Siobhan also said “It shows what belief and determination can do”.
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MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO TOM DALEY AND DAN GOODFELLOW FOR WINNING THE OLYMPIC BRONZE IN A SPECTACULAR REVERSE 3 1/2 SOMERSAULT WITH PIKE DIVE FOR THE MEN’S SYNCHRONISED 10 METRES PLATFORM!
CHINA’S CHEN AISEN & LIN YUE CAME FIRST, AND THE USA’S DAVID BOUDIA & STEELE JOHNSON CAME SECOND FOR THEIR AMAZING PERFORMANCES.
ANYONE WHO MISSED THIS EVENT, MISSED AN ABSOLUTE TREAT! EACH AND EVERY ATHLETE WAS IN PEAK PHYSICAL CONDITION, WORKING HARMONIOUSLY WITH THEIR PARTNER TO PERFORM DIVES WITH ABSOLUTE SKILL AND PRECISION. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINNING AND LOSING IS MEASURED BY A NUMBER OF EXACTING FACTORS, INCLUDING THE AMOUNT OF SPLASH MADE UPON ENTERING THE WATER, (YES – REALLY) OUR BOYS WINNING THE BRONZE IS FANTASTIC, ALTHOUGH TOM DALEY HAS SAID SINCE THAT WINNING THE BRONZE LAST NIGHT HAS PUT HIM IN THE PERFECT FRAME OF MIND TO GO FOR GOLD NEXT WEEK ON THE INDIVIDUAL EVENT – SO GOOD LUCK TOM!—
Many congratulations to Ed Ling who claimed the third medal for Team GB, at the Rio 2016 Olympics on the 8th August!
Ed’s calm precision won a bronze medal in the men’s 10m individual trap, securing Team GB’s 45th shooting medal in Olympic history!
Congratulations Ed!
Adam Peaty triumphed to Victory in the 100M breastroke at the Rio 2016 Olympic games last night, winning Team GB’s first gold medal for his powerful performance.
“I DID IT FOR QUEEN & COUNTRY” – Adam Peaty
Adam set a new world record of 57.13 seconds, which beat his own all-time best, which had been set a day earlier. He said that he had discussed timings with his coach Mel Marshall, and that they thought his best time would be 57.3, and that it was “absolutely incredible” for him to have achieved a 57.1. Charmingly, paying further tribute to his coach, he said, “She knows my needs, she understands my character, and more importantly, she understands that everyone is different.” He also thanked his family Caroline and Mark, (who used to awake at 4 a.m. every day to get him to training), his nan Mavis, (internet sensation and one of his biggest fans), plus his girlfriend (whom he cuddled and spun around in the Aquatic Stadium following his triumphant win) for their unwavering support.
Adam said that he took the first 50M of the race “easy”, viewers could see that his forceful strokes, neat and precise turn, and total focus enabled him to seemingly glide through the water, and he said he powered along the home straight “with everything i’ve got”.
He also said that he didn’t let the pressure get to him, and because of that, he was able to remain focused on the race!
Shortly after this, Jazz Carlin won a Spectacular Silver Medal for the 400m Freestyle!
Jazz Carlin said “I honestly can’t believe it – i’m on the edge of tears. I’m so happy” after winning the 400m freestyle race last night in a spectacular time of 4 mins 01.23 secs. – and she truly, truly looked it. Even when she went to receive her medal, she was smiling broadly, but still looked slightly shocked at her own wonderful achievement!
Jazz nearly gave up swimming four years ago, when she failed to qualify for London 2012, having caught glandular fever, and tonsillitis in the run-up to the games, but she certainly ‘proved her metal’ last night, when she won the silver in a tough race, coming second against the USA’s Katie Ledecky, who broke her own world record, finishing in three mins .56.46 secs.
Jazz also said “I’m over the moon. I just wanted to come here and give it absolutely everything.”
Congratulations Jazz – everyone could see that you had tried your very best!