PLEBAns Olympic thread...

[U2Kitten]

Livluv, does Courtney McCool get a team medal anyway, even though she didn't compete? Also was Annia Hatch a regular team member and does she get a team medal too?

 

[Ultraviolet Light]

U2Kitten, yes, McCool and Hatch both get team medals. And Hatch was a regular team member, just a vault specialist.
I don't think the alternates, Allyse Ishino, Chellsie Memmel and Tasha Schwikert also get medals, but I'm not sure on that one.

 

[Liesje]

U2K, yes, Courtney gets a medal. She actually competed all-around in prelims hoping to qualify for the AA final, but since only the best two from each country advance, she was edged out by Kupets. She wasn't needed in team finals since there's three people on each even that are better than her. When Kupets pulled out of beam, I think Courtney would've been the best replacement, but since she didn't compete any other events that night (thus never warmed up), Mohini had to do that routine. Hatch also gets a team medal; the alternates do not.

 

[Liesje]

I am not against artistry! I like it! But I don't see Khorkina as being artistic anymore. Last time, yes. This time I didn't see it in her, she appeared awkward and obligatory. Most of the girls did display some artistry. I fail to see how it's even a point. It's just part of her jealous whining.

The difference between Khorkina and Patterson is that Khorkina's routines are designed to impress, Patterson's are designed to win. I never liked Khorkina for one b/c of her attitude, but hey at least she HAS a personality (think of Milo, Gogean, Amanar.......... ). I think it's amazing that she has her own skills on all faur events, though I am often disgusted by her poor technique, especially on bars and vault. The thing is, Khorkina's pissed b/c she's not being rewarded for her originality, but all of her skills are at least one Code old. They're just not worth what they used to be worth. She's still doing the same skills and connections she started doing in the mid-90s. Carly is younger, more athletic, and has really only been competing a major international competitions under the current Code. In the end, it has nothing to do with attitude, sportsmanship, and impressing the crowds b/c on paper, Patterson is a better gymnast and being as consistent as she is, it holds up in big meets. The judges can only award for artistry to a certain point. There are madatory requirements and deductions that have nothing to do with judging. For example, a step on the landing, a fall, a missed connection - these are all errors calculated AFTER the judges have scored the routine for specific details and more subjective things like artistry. What Patterson looses for artistry, she gains for consistency, stuck landings, perfect form and technique. Khorkina just looked awful at these Games. I'd rather see her go all out and crash a landing than appear so vacant and uninspired. I'm not sure what her problem was, though I'm guessing she over trained. She looked thin and tired and never really got into any of her routines like she used to.

The Chinese were the best dancers at these Games.

 

[verte76]

LivLuv, I agree, I've watched Khorkina in all three of her Olympics, and she did the same stuff in her routines. She has some interesting moves, but someone else has always been better in AA and other competition.

 

[U2Kitten]

Thanks for the explainations!

 

[WildHoneyAlways]

I'm surprised there isn't more talk of male swimmers in this thread.

 

[Merc]

I'm surprised there isn't more talk of male swimmers in this thread.

It seems this thread turned into a gymnastics thread - not that I'm complaining, but...

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the closing-ceremony, but I'm sure it was great!

Our participants have just returned from Athens today - I saw pictures of them on the news arriving in the airport with the medals and everything. they looked great!

I hope you've all enjoyed the olympics and had some medals - we got 2 gold and several bronze (can't remember how many! )


and to all the participants!

Looking forward to Torino, Italy 2006!

 

[Merc]

Just found two pics of our gold medals!

Womens handball

Men's lightweight four (rowing)