Games of the XXX Olympiad (Official Thread)

[Blouman Empire]

With only two days to go until the first event of the 2012 London Olympics and 4 days until the opening ceremony it is time once again to discuss results, athletes, controversies and what poor decisions the organising committee made. So Generalites what events are you going to be watching? Are there any athletes whom you will be following and supporting. What predications do people have? This is also the first city to host the event 3 times, any expectations that people have?

I will be attempting to watch all events (except synchronised swimming) but will be paying particular attention to the swimming events, shooting, BMX, football and beach volleyball.

I also expect there to be the usual countries to lead the medal tally, though Great Britain should be in the top 3 if not number 1. China and USA should finish out the top 3 and I am expecting a top 5 finish for Australia, hopefully the debacles of some members of the swimming team hasn't distracted them.

Also is it true the Spice Girls will be performing during the closing ceremony? With all the talented music groups throughout Britain that are not only good but still together are the Spice Girls really the Best of British?

Does anyone know if the marathon is being run on the original course that it did back in 1908, which was not only the first marathon event held but also set the standard for the length of the modern marathon.

[Zephie]

Meh, I wish the summer Olympics were in a different country.

[TaQud]

(edited)

[Xomic]

*reads thread title*
*reads opening post*
*goes away disappointed that this isn't about a XXX parody of the Olympics.*

But on a serious note; I kind of find the Olympics both a frustrating event, in terms of coverage, which goes on far longer than it needs to, and a somewhat meaningless one.

The Olympics are like the sport's version of a presidential election in the US; the media thinks we really, really want to know all about it months in advance, when most people don't really give a damn.

[Tlaceceyaya]

*reads thread title*
*reads opening post*
*goes away disappointed that this isn't about a XXX parody of the Olympics.*

But on a serious note; I kind of find the Olympics both a frustrating event, in terms of coverage, which goes on far longer than it needs to, and a somewhat meaningless one.

The Olympics are like the sport's version of a presidential election in the US; the media thinks we really, really want to know all about it months in advance, when most people don't really give a damn.

And like the US election, there are occasionally some interesting things, but it's mostly just boring stuff.

There's a guy competing under the Olympic flag. He's a south sudanese refugee who's been living in the US for 11 years but doesn't have citizenship because they insisted on a background check for security reasons. He would have gotten his citizenship in june otherwise. Yesterday or today he got the go-ahead to compete despite not having a country.

And 150000+ condoms are handed out in the olympic village.

[Xomic]

*reads thread title*
*reads opening post*
*goes away disappointed that this isn't about a XXX parody of the Olympics.*

But on a serious note; I kind of find the Olympics both a frustrating event, in terms of coverage, which goes on far longer than it needs to, and a somewhat meaningless one.

The Olympics are like the sport's version of a presidential election in the US; the media thinks we really, really want to know all about it months in advance, when most people don't really give a damn.

And like the US election, there are occasionally some interesting things, but it's mostly just boring stuff.

There's a guy competing under the Olympic flag. He's a south sudanese refugee who's been living in the US for 11 years but doesn't have citizenship because they insisted on a background check for security reasons. He would have gotten his citizenship in june otherwise. Yesterday or today he got the go-ahead to compete despite not having a country.

And 150000+ condoms are handed out in the olympic village.

I'm not saying there's no interesting stuff, it's just most of the time, it's not. And by the time the olympics actually roll around you're so sick about hearing about the olympics you just don't care. It doesn't help there's very little chance that most countries will win any medals, not with the richer west dominating so.

[Blouman Empire]

I forgot to put "No fun police" in my OP, I wonder if that would've stopped you guys.

There's a guy competing under the Olympic flag. He's a south sudanese refugee who's been living in the US for 11 years but doesn't have citizenship because they insisted on a background check for security reasons. He would have gotten his citizenship in june otherwise. Yesterday or today he got the go-ahead to compete despite not having a country.

Was it the US or South Sudan not granting him citizenship?

[Tlaceceyaya]

I forgot to put "No fun police" in my OP, I wonder if that would've stopped you guys.

There's a guy competing under the Olympic flag. He's a south sudanese refugee who's been living in the US for 11 years but doesn't have citizenship because they insisted on a background check for security reasons. He would have gotten his citizenship in june otherwise. Yesterday or today he got the go-ahead to compete despite not having a country.

Was it the US or South Sudan not granting him citizenship?

The US. He's a refugee from South Sudan.

[Blouman Empire]

I forgot to put "No fun police" in my OP, I wonder if that would've stopped you guys.



Was it the US or South Sudan not granting him citizenship?

The US. He's a refugee from South Sudan.

Will be interesting to see how he performs

[Tlaceceyaya]

The US. He's a refugee from South Sudan.

Will be interesting to see how he performs

He got a run of 2 hours, 14 minutes and 32 seconds at the 2011 Twin Cities course. In a non-olympic marathon on that course last year, the best time was one minute better.

[Forsher]

With only two days to go until the first event of the 2012 London Olympics and 4 days until the opening ceremony it is time once again to discuss results, athletes, controversies and what poor decisions the organising committee made. So Generalites what events are you going to be watching? Are there any athletes whom you will be following and supporting. What predications do people have? This is also the first city to host the event 3 times, any expectations that people have?

I will be attempting to watch all events (except synchronised swimming) but will be paying particular attention to the swimming events, shooting, BMX, football and beach volleyball.

I also expect there to be the usual countries to lead the medal tally, though Great Britain should be in the top 3 if not number 1. China and USA should finish out the top 3 and I am expecting a top 5 finish for Australia, hopefully the debacles of some members of the swimming team hasn't distracted them.

Also is it true the Spice Girls will be performing during the closing ceremony? With all the talented music groups throughout Britain that are not only good but still together are the Spice Girls really the Best of British?

Does anyone know if the marathon is being run on the original course that it did back in 1912, which was not only the first marathon event held but also set the standard for the length of the modern marathon.

New Zealand. Naturally I'll be pleased if the Netherlands and GB do well too.

Sadly, I don't expect to see much as damn Sky got the blasted contract.

[Forsher]

Meh, I wish the summer Olympics were in a different country.

Why? London's a good choice.

[United Dependencies]

I'm excited. I wish I didn't work so much so I could watch more of the events.

Though, I actually prefer the winter olympics.

[The Reasonable]

Meh, I wish the summer Olympics were in a different country.

Why? London's a good choice.

Probably not as good a choice as last time though.

Man, the Chinese put on a show...it's a pity that China is known more for its corruption and business scandals than good things like how they ran the Olympics.

[Meowfoundland]

Bring back forced nudity!

[The Reasonable]

The US. He's a refugee from South Sudan.

Will be interesting to see how he performs

What a story the guy had...he deserves nothing less than a standing ovation when he walks out at the opening ceremony.

[Qazox]

And like the US election, there are occasionally some interesting things, but it's mostly just boring stuff.

There's a guy competing under the Olympic flag. He's a south sudanese refugee who's been living in the US for 11 years but doesn't have citizenship because they insisted on a background check for security reasons. He would have gotten his citizenship in june otherwise. Yesterday or today he got the go-ahead to compete despite not having a country.

And 150000+ condoms are handed out in the olympic village.

The guy's name is Guor Marial. ESPN had an article on him, and according to it, he's a top 20 threat; so with a bit of luck, he could medal.

As for the 150,000 condoms... that's per athlete right?

[Qazox]

Bring back forced nudity!

For the following event only: Women's beach volleyball.

[New Isotopia]

I'll probaly be focusing on swimmming and water polo.

Also I will be watching Women's Beach Vollyball.

[Meowfoundland]

Bring back forced nudity!

For the following event only: Women's beach volleyball.

Please! Won't you think of the rashes?

[Cromarty]

Bring back forced nudity!

For the following event only: Women's beach volleyball.

[SD_Film Artists]

I'm not nuch of a fan of the Olympics, but I hope my country does a good job at hosting it.

Meh, I wish the summer Olympics were in a different country.

Do you live in Paris, by any chance?

[The Archregimancy]

Does anyone know if the marathon is being run on the original course that it did back in 1912, which was not only the first marathon event held but also set the standard for the length of the modern marathon.

No offence, but you are making the olympics even more boring with that statement...

No offence, but a lot of your recent posting behaviour has been verging on borderline spam.

[Forsher]

No offence, but you are making the olympics even more boring with that statement...

No offence, but a lot of your recent posting behaviour has been verging on borderline spam.

Is that some sort of pun? I mean... you've lifted his phrasing but as there is no redtext there's no offence...

Back to the topic, I can't wait for Phelps to be put in his rightful place, the guy's a dork. I've said it before, I think, but swimming is in need of reform... some of those lengths shouldn't really be there.

[The Archregimancy]

With only two days to go until the first event of the 2012 London Olympics and 4 days until the opening ceremony it is time once again to discuss results, athletes, controversies and what poor decisions the organising committee made. So Generalites what events are you going to be watching? Are there any athletes whom you will be following and supporting. What predications do people have? This is also the first city to host the event 3 times, any expectations that people have?

I will be attempting to watch all events (except synchronised swimming) but will be paying particular attention to the swimming events, shooting, BMX, football and beach volleyball.

I also expect there to be the usual countries to lead the medal tally, though Great Britain should be in the top 3 if not number 1. China and USA should finish out the top 3 and I am expecting a top 5 finish for Australia, hopefully the debacles of some members of the swimming team hasn't distracted them.

Also is it true the Spice Girls will be performing during the closing ceremony? With all the talented music groups throughout Britain that are not only good but still together are the Spice Girls really the Best of British?

Does anyone know if the marathon is being run on the original course that it did back in 1912, which was not only the first marathon event held but also set the standard for the length of the modern marathon.

I was in London on Friday. I'll be avoiding it for the next few weeks, despite being something of an Olympics aficionado and living less than an hour from St. Pancras train station. We didn't apply for tickets because we were both in the process of changing jobs at the time of the ballot, and had no idea where we would be living; had things been a little more settled, we might have considered applying for tickets for the slalom kayaking since at the time we lived only some 15 minutes by train from the venue. Without event tickets, we don't consider it worth attempting London, though it was mildly interesting seeing all of the pink venue directions up around Underground stations and maps.

In terms of your specific questions, the 2012 Olympic marathon doesn't follow the 1908 (not 1912) course. It can't, because the 1908 White City Stadium was demolished in 1985. The 2012 marathon route breaks with the tradition of finishing the marathon in the Olympic stadium; it finishes on the Mall, in sight of Buckingham Palace (also the finishing point for Mark Cavendish's gold medal Saturday's cycling road race).

It is apparently true (though unconfirmed by LOCOG itself) about the Spice Girls, but then closing ceremony musical acts haven't necessarily showcased the best of a nation's music. 2000 had the imperishable Nikki Webster (who within 5 years would be playing my local pokie club in Thornbury, Melbourne), and the immortal Savage Garden alongside the rather more significant Midnight Oil, Slim Dusty, and Kylie (but no AC/DC - boo {apparently they refused to mime} or Nick Cave - even bigger boo). For better or for worse (and I know where I stand), Wannabe was a number 1 hit in 30 countries.

Otherwise, we know The Who (or the surviving half, anyway) will feature, as will Take That. Blur, New Order and the Specials, all of whom I'd prefer to see in the stadium, will be performing at a special Closing Ceremony in Hyde Park, rather than in the stadium itself. Paul McCartney is closing the Opening Ceremony, so presumably won't be doubling up. I'd love to see Madness - who are, after all, from east London - in the closing ceremony, and I wouldn't rule out a surprise 50th anniversary appearance by the Rolling Stones. We know the Stones are rehearsing - with Bill Wyman! - in Paris for a small number of 50th anniversary concerts, and Jagger has stated they would have accepted the invitation to play the Opening Ceremony, but didn't feel 'battle ready' yet. Further announcements about Closing Ceremony acts are expected over the next few days.


Britain doesn't stand a chance of overtaking the USA and China on the medal table, but the BOC is confident of fourth, and is quietly hopeful of overtaking Russia to place third.