Games of the XI Olympiad—roleplaying thread

[North Eurasian Unified Sporting Team]

For more information about Southern Democratic States politics, Part 1 and Factbook

Southern Democratic States 2017 presidential election results

Floydsburg, CH - For the first time in its history, the Southern Deocratic States has elected a president from a party other than the two traditionnal parties. With a majority of 34%, Bill Rogers (Floyd Whiskey Party) is the 30th President of the Southern Democratic States!

Usually Chattahoochee state, with 19 electoral votes out of 50, choose the presidents, and this year made no exception. With a majority of 39.76% in Chattahoochee state, Bill Rogers got 19 electoral votes. He got 2 more electoral votes from Okanogan state for a total of 21 electoral votes. Corrupt liar Barbara Murkowski received a total of 19 electoral votes (13 from Wabash state and 6 from Saguenay State) while demagogue, homophobic and misogynist Chuck Barrasso got a total of 10 electoral votes (all from Sonoma state).



Bill Rogers, the 30th President of the Southern Democratic States

Transcript of Bill Rogers' speech

"Tonight Southern made history, for the first time you elected a president from the Floyd Whiskey Party! You said no to corruption! And you said no to demagogy and stupidity! I thank you! I really thank you, the people of the Southern Democratic States, for putting me in power of the greatest nation of North Eurasia and the multiverse. The Southern Democratic will work together with other North Eurasian nations to make the world better. I would like to thank my wife Deborah and my kids for supporting me in this run for president. Hey Deborah you're now the first lady of the Southern Democratic States! I would like to thank and congratulate my vice president Katherine Duckworth. At 26 years old, you're now the youngest vice president in SDS history! I would also like to thank all my supporters, volunteers and everyone who make this possible. Without you I wouldn't be the president now! Finally I would like to thank my dog Fido. Fido I think... you're the only one who truly loves me. Umm well Deborah I think you love me too but ... well nevermind.

So what to expect in the future? First we're going to crack down on corruption. Corrupt liars should not get away without going to jail. Education, health and welfare will receive more funds, so unfortunately it means tax will sightly rise and riches will be taxed more! Also I'll name my executive office next week. Well I won't speak more cuz I know most of you wants to switch to the olympics. Hey guys, Tyler Bishop won the gold medal in sailing, he's from the Southern Democratic States!"



Electoral votes chart and number of voters by state:

State    Electoral Votes  Voters
Chattahoochee	19	2 835 626
Okanogan	 2	  270 823
Saguenay	 6	  843 753
Sonoma	        10	1 447 124
Wabash	        13	1 925 023
	        50	7 322 349

2017 Elections results by states (EV = Electoral Votes)

Results                 Chuck Barrasso		Barbara Murkowski	 Bill Rogers		Cliff Wilson					
		        Southern First	      Democratic-Republican	Floyd Whiskey	       National Party		Others		
State	      method	   #	  %	EV	   #	  %	EV	   #	  %	EV	  #	  %	EV	  #	  %	EV
Chattahoochee	WTA	773 559	27.28		627 524	22.13	      1 127 445	39.76	19     127 036	4.48	       180 062	6.35	
Okanogan	WTA	 71 443	26.38		 31 984 11.81		145 134	53.59	2	10 210	3.77		12 052	4.45	
Saguenay	WTA	129 432	15.34		321 976	38.16	6	294 385	34.89		35 185	4.17		62 775	7.44	
Sonoma	        WTA	513 295	35.47	10	398 249	27.52		393 473	27.19		77 132	5.33		64 976	4.49	
Wabash	        WTA	377 497	19.61		833 150	43.28	13	533 231	27.70		58 136	3.02	       123 009	6.39	
Total		      1 865 226	25.47	10    2 212 883 30.22	19    2 493 668	34.05	21     307 699	4.20	       442 874	6.05

[Ferkas]

One of Each in Athletics!

Gold - Silver - Bronze Day for Ferkian Athletes!

(Aeropag) Ferkas will take home at least one full set of athletics medals, as athletes today reached all three levels of the podium for their track and field exploits.

Leading the charge, literally soaring above the competition, was Ryan Brighton in the pole vault. Brighton, just 20 years old, was well clear of everyone else in the final in his dominant win. Clearing 6.10 meters (20' 5/32") one his first attempt, Brighton surpassed Austin Munro (TLI) with ease. While both athletes had required two attempts to clear 6.04, Munro was unable to best the 6.10 mark, leaving Brighton to revel in his Olympic glory as he made an attempt for the Olympic record as well.

While Brighton was ultimately unable to clear the 6.16m needed for the Olympic record, it didn't matter as he had earned his Olympic gold medal. The medal is a fitting cap to the year for the young Brighton, who has surged to the top of the pole vaulting world in just a short time. While he has been a steady competitor for many years, it wasn't until last years collegiate championships that the nation became really aware of him. His national championship that year, where he came in as a relative unknown, made his name in collegiate circles. This year saw him win both the indoor and outdoor collegiate titles, and his indoor FNAA win pushed him to a more prominent national stage. But finishing second in the FNAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships tempered the expectations for the college sophomore and he entered these Olympics without too much hype around him.

He seems to have excelled regardless, being the only Ferkian to reach the final. Once there he easily made the most of it, clearing his first three heights on the first attempts and showing that he would be a contender. From there the competition tightened, but Brighton held firm. His focus would be rewarded to the highest degree at the end. After the medal ceremony Brighton confirmed that he will be returning to the University of Ferkas - Coventry for his junior year, dispelling rumors that he would instead sign a professional contract.

Next up on the track was the women's steeple chase, where the impressive Melba Mack kicked with the best to secure her bronze medal spot. With less than a lap to go there was still a tight pack, even as the leader Rachel Jenkins (DRK) began to separate. Mack was locked in a fight with athletes like Talia McDonald (TLI), Anna Pruter (DUN), and Agnes Biyombo (QUE) for the remaining two medals. While ultimately unable to out-kick McDonald, Mack did have just enough speed left to secure the final medal spot.

Meanwhile, Carol Long benefited from a strong second throw in her hammer throw final winning the silver medal. Long, who was dropped from her professional contract at the end of last year and has been working as a coach for several West Yolkfeld secondary schools, was ecstatic after her medal performance.

Elsewhere, Cassie Vann could not quite match Ferkian expectations in the 10000m where she managed an 8th place finish. While not a poor showing by any stretch Vann was quite distant from medal contention. The winner of this years FNAA 10000m title did not stay for many questions after the event, but did confirm that she plans to continue focusing on the track and that she will target another Olympic cycle.

Finally, Harold Schneider will have to contend the mens steeplechase final on his own, as Cody Maxwell failed to advance out of his semifinal heat. Struggling from the gun, Maxwell failed to assert himself strongly at any point in the race and finished far back in the second semifinal heat. Thankfully Schneider looked comfortable in his 8:20.32 outing, which will hopefully leave him rested enough for a strong showing in the final

[Llanrhyddid]

A Foreigner's Guide to Llanrhyddid
Canllaww Estroyyn d Llhanryddid

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Hello from Llanrhyddid! We are very excited to take part in our first sporting competition! In order to explain the nuances of Llanrhyddid, its history, its culture, and its sports, we at the SNL (Sefydliadd Newyddion Llanrhyddid) will be releasing a multi-part series to foreign media organizations describing the Ddeyrnass Cudd, or Hidden Queendom. A city-state hidden in the Mynyddoedd Iwerdd, the Llhanx are a proud, but welcoming people. We hope that you enjoy getting to know our beautiful nation.

A linguistic note. This series will be published in English, a language taught to all Llhanx school children and generally known throughout the multiverse. However, there may be some words in Llanx, the national language of the Llhanx people (a variant of Brythionic). These words will be translated to the best of our abilities. We apologize for any spelling and grammatical errors that result and beg patience as English is not our first language.

So, let us begin!

Culture

We will begin our overview of Llhanx culture by discussing Llanx language. The Llanx is based in Brythionic, a Celtic root language that has produced languages such as Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. Llanx is very similar to these languages, with some differences. In Llanx, the letter "d" is often doubled to "dd" as a homage to Ddefaid, the prophet of the Church of Ddefaid. In addition, the letter "y" is often substituted in for other vowels, or added behind other vowels. Besides for these changes, Llanx is generally very similar to welsh, with some changes of course.

Llanx is the national language of Llanrhyddid and is taught in all schools. Llanx is the language of commerce and academia within the country, and is used by all major news sources and in all government releases. Llanx is the language of daily conversation, of literature and the arts, and of sports. Llanx is intimately tied into the culture of the nation.

English is also taught in Llanrhyddid, with about 98% of the population literate in both languages. English is used in business abroad, government communication with foreign embassies, and releases to the foreign media such as this one. Llhanx English is generally similar to British English, with some changing of slang and the like.

Llhanx literature is written primarily in Llanx. Often historical in nature, Llhanx authors like to hearken back to the days of the tribes, exploring the reign of Queen Carwen and the Ddefaidic mythology. Famous historical Llhanx authors include Crystin Morgan, Gwynedd Cadwallydder, and Enfys Bevan. Famous contemporary Llhanx authors include Briallen Lewyn, Enid Owyns, and Boadicea Ffyddon.

Llhanx music is also performed primarily in Llanx. Throughout much of Llhanx history, traditional music using instruments such as the Cylych (a form of drum) and Llineyn (a form of guitar) dominated the Llhanx music scene, combined with religious lyrics discussing Ddefaid and praising the Ddefaidic God. However, over the last forty years, music has become much more secular. Today, various types of music are popular including jazz, electric rock (generally softer than in other countries), and acoustic pop. Overly-synthesized/electric music is generally looked down upon as unartistic, although small dance communities exist in major cities.

Cinema and theater are both very popular. The major cinematic gathering is the Lhengdye Film Festival, hosted every year in Lhengdye. Most major films are unveiled at this week-long festival, and then proceed to distribution at movie theaters all over the country. Llhanx people generally consider plot and character development important over shock value and violence, leading to the rise of several famous drama directors including Siwan Bronwen and Rhona Beathag. Theater has been declining in importance on the Llhanx art scene with the rise of cinema, but it is very popular in the capital of Cyddalyf. Plays will often use past events as allegories for current problems. Popular playwrights include Saraid Delaney and Mared Atchison.

Llhanx architechture is generally very simple, with ornate design saved for government buildings. The most famous building in Llanrhyddid is the Queen's Palace, which was designed in 2746 by Eithne Wallych. Built in the Bwddhyt style, the buildings uses a simple stone base combined with elegant decoration of precious metals. This design has influenced Llhanx architecture since, leading to movements such as the Bwddhyt revival of the 2880s, neo-Bwddhytism of the 2970s, and the current proto-Bwddhyt school which has influenced recent buildings such as the new Morgan Library at Llhanx University. Prominent architects include Isebail Duncan and Cadi Brodie.

Llhanx cuisine is based around the available flora and fauna. Popular meats include iycodd and hwyrdd, two animals found in the mountain regions. Iycodds are a species of mountain yak and hwyrdds are a type of mountain ram. These meats are combined with vegetables grown in the Cwcudd, as well as fruits and grains. Popular dishes include Wlyddch, hwyrdd with grain dumplings and vegetables, and Lyesiau, a salad with fruit and vegetables.

Finally, as previously explained, it is nearly impossible to understand Llanrhyddid without understanding the Cult of Ddefaid. The story of Ddefaid holds important meaning in the collective psyche of the Llhanx people and has shaped the national attitude towards hardship and suffering. The Church has lost power due to the secularization of the nation over the last 100 years, but about 85% of citizens regularly attend Ddefaidic gatherings. No other religions have established footholds in Llanrhyddid because of the nation's isolation from the outside world, allowing the Cult of Ddefaid to consolidate power and gain legitimacy as the proper form of worship. Although church and state are separated, the church plays a major role in Llhanx culture and daily life.

We hope you have enjoyed this overview of Llhanx culture. If you would like more information about any aspect of the Llhanx nation, please feel free to contact the Sefydliadd Newyddon Llanrhyddid and we will be glad to provide it. A combined version of this guide will be published as our official National Factbook of Llanrhyddid, produced by the SNL.

Carydd to all and thank you for reading!

Ailis Frighil
Cyfarwyddwr, Sefydliadd Newyddion Llanrhyddid

[Mattijana]

The Analyst
Mattijana's Medal Haul Explained

Mattijana has won an impressive 17 total medals so far. Of that number:

5 are gold
6 are silver
6 are bronze

A nice even spread leaving Mattijana's target medal haul of 10 medals, including 5 golds, absolutely smashed.

By Sport

Fencing is surprisingly Mattijana's most succesful sport this time round with a gold and a silver taken. Shooting has also been strong, but Mattijana have won all five of their gold medals in different sports. Golds in the Rugby sevens was also a very pleasant surprise. The gold medal winners have been supported by a steady flow of medals in other sports including weightlifting, judo and wrestling.

1: Fencing: 1 gold (Samira Julenki), 1 silver (Mattias Kuzmayer)
=2: Cycling: 1 gold (Alexandra Kalenka)
Sailing: 1 gold (Naomi Windbrandt)
Canoeing: 1 good (Florana/ Rakitiča)
Rugby sevens: 1 gold (women's team)
6: Shooting: 2 silvers (Ameli Morizia and Katija Malenkova)
7: Greco-Roman wrestling: 1 silver (Elena Milita), 2 bronzes (Jasmin Domina and Matej Scutum)
=8: Weightlifting: 1 silver (Emeli Oukič), 1 bronze (Jada Owika)
=8: Judo: 1 silver (Mika Illićić), 1 bronze (Rikard Trojar)
9: Swimming: 2 bronzes (Jelena Rakitič and Naomi Zakarini)

By Gender

Unlike Mattijana's debut Olympics, where all 4 medals were won by male competitors, the women have been well on top at these games. All 5 gold medals have been won by female athletes with the majority of minor medals also pinched by the girls. Opportunity equality in Mattijana is generally excellent, so it's no surprise that both sexes have been able to have strong Olympics, though it is surprising that in both years, there has been a large imbalance.

1: Ladija: 5 golds, 4 silvers, 4 bronzes, 13 total medals.
2: Ladijos: 0 golds, 2 silvers, 2 bronzes, 4 total medals.

By Region

The medal haul can also be broken down by region and cultural identity. The centre and south of the country is mainly Jugoslavic with an Italian area in the south-East. The centre-North and West are largely Germanic whilst the North and North-East are East-slavic in ethnicity.

1: South-East: two golds (Samira Julenki, Florana), 1 bronze (Naomi Zakarini)
2: Centre: one gold (Rakitiča), 1 silver (Mika Illićić), two bronzes (Jelena Rakitič, Rikard Trojar)
3: South: one gold (Alexandra Kalenka), one silver (Jasmin Domina), one bronze (Emeli Oukič)
=4: West: one gold (Naomi Windbrandt)
=4: Teams: one gold (Women's Rugby sevens)
=6: Far North/North-East: two silvers (Katija Malenkova, Jada Owika), one bronze (Elena Milita)
=6 Centre-North: two silvers (Mattias Kuzmayer, Ameli Morizia), one bronze (Matej Scutum)

As expected, Mattijana's regions are all fairly close together as high levels of both grassroots and professional sports funding stretch equally nationwide. The only difference is where the funding is spent due to the popularity of different sports in different areas.

[Vilita and Turori]

The Report from Aeropag :: Mermaioda Claims Another Gold - 16 years after first

No one could have predicted the history that would be written at the mens 200m Individual Medley final at the Aeropag Natatorium. After being the 9th fastest time in the 200m Butterfly semi-finals and failing to advance, Vilitan swimmer Actalia Mermaioda performed much better in the medley, posting the 7th fastest overall time in the Heats and the 5th fastest time in the Semi-Finals to advance to his first finals of the Aeropag games.

Meanwhile, Mermaioda's teammate - Nuraziimi Kumarola - who was favored over the experienced Mermaioda to compete for a medal, struggled to advance to the final having to first win a swim-off against Lucas Song of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec to make it to the Semi-Final round. There, however, The Union of the Affliated Lands of Vilitan Origins swimmer took care of business and posted a time just two tenths off the fastest time in the semis to advance easily to the final behind the two swimmers from Wray, Toby Housla and James WIllmore.

While they had posted the fastest times in the Semis, the two simmers from Wray would not be a factor in the final as the world's best swimmers brought the world's best times, with 5 of the 8 competitors improving on the Semi-Final performance.

The incredible thing, however, was who was competing for gold. After the first 50m, the Butterfly, Actalia Mermaioda had a slight lead over a tight pack that included his teammate Nuraziimi Kumarola. However, over the next 50m, Mermaioda opened up to a lead just over a second over Vekaiyu Ilo Yskuviye. The two experienced swimmers layed down the gauntlet on the backstroke, an event in which the two are joint-olympic record holders at the 200m distance, and separated themselves from the field. Through the breaststroke the two maintained their advantages with the race for bronze consisting of Kumarola, Deus Troll, William Hirsh, Nrens Dag while the two swimmers from Wray were bringing up the rear.

Turning for the final 50m, Mermaioda pulled away from the pack and put in the fastest time of the games - claiming the gold medal with a personal best time of 1:54.58. The race for Bronze nearly became the race for silver as Yeskuviye fell into the clutches of the back but still fended off the challenge claiming the runner-up position while the Vilitan Union's better medley swimmer, Nuraziimi Kumarola, out touched William Hirsh to claim the Bronze Medal.

For Mermaoida, it was a second individual gold medal and a perfect book-ending to a storied swimming career that has spanned longer than many would have expected. Having won his first gold medal aged just 17 years old, the 33 year old Vilitan Union swimmer would have to have an eye towards the future and a life after swimming - particularly after failing to advance to the final in so many of his individual events at these games.

However, perhaps the success in the individual medley and achieving a second gold medal will invigorate the Vilitan swimming champion to keep up the training program for four more years and a chance to set themselves apart with a Vilitan Union record third individual gold medal.

Elsewhere around the games, the Vilitan Union Mens Football team contested an exciting Quarter-Final fixture against East Saintland that ended 3-3 after Extra Time. Young Turorian netminder Wiyauw An'maude was the hero for the Vilitan Union, stopping the fifth East Saintland penalty kick after all 4 previous kicks were converted from both teams. Vilitan attacker Tenziki Kulakao, who came on as the Vilitan Union's fourth substitute during the extra time period - perhaps specifically with an eye towards his confidence from the penalty spot, made no mistake. While the East Saintland goalkeeper guessed the correct direction there was no stopping Kulakao's powerful spot kick which tucked itself just inside the post sending the Vilitan Union through to the Semi-Finals where they will face Fluvique with a shot at reaching the Gold Medal Game. It will be something of a rematch for the sides as a portion of the Vilitan Union squad was recently matched up against Fluvique when the Turori Eels came out 3-1 winners over Fluvique during the Cup of Harmony group stage.

[Ferkas]

Olympic Marathon Team Preview

One Last Shot at Athletics Glory

(Aeropag) As the competition begins to wind down here in Aeropag all eyes are turning to the men's marathon, traditionally one of the last chances for Olympic glory and an event which is sure to attract plenty of Ferkian attention.

With its grueling length and incredible physical demands, the marathon is the perfect event to end the Olympics with as it highlights all that sport is about. This year will be no different, as again the marathon will be raced on the closing day, allowing athletes from around the world to come together one more time to test themselves, against each other and against their own limits.

Right in the mix of that competition should be the trio from Ferkas, a truly top notch team of athletes, any of whom could bring home a medal.

Simon Qultar, who ran an impressive PR of almost 4 minutes to win the FNAA Marathon Championships and make the team, will look to continue his success this year. Qultar has run only three marathons in his career, although he races with a tactical sense far greater than his experience would suggest. His first marathon, an solid 2:09:33 performance at the 2014 Coventry Free Press Marathon was good for a third place finish and established him as an athlete who could excel after moving up from the 10000m in college. Although he struggled in his second performance, a 2:15:21 run at the 2015 Tillsburg Marathon he came back strong for his third marathon, the 2016 FNAA Marathon Championships, where he put up a strong surge at the 23 mile mark en route to winning in 2:05:39.

Qultar credits his massive improvement to spending more time training at altitude with his new coach Scott Brown, who has coached several major Ferkian marathoners over the last few years. After the 2015 Tillbsurg Marathon, Qultar relocated to the small village of Redford Falls which sits at an elevation of almost 7500 feet. "It's an ideal training environment," explained Qultar at a pre-race event "since it combines altitude with some significant flat areas. There are plenty of hills available to work on, but I'm also able to do a long fast run on the some of the flatter routes, while still getting the altitude training in. Plus there are so many trails and soft surfaces to run on. It has just been a great training environment and I really feel prepared for this race."

Juan Griffin has taken a different approach to his training, preferring to spend most of his time in the city of Coventry. Griffen has been a major figure on the Ferkian marathon and road racing scene for some time now, although this will be his first Olympic team. It is by no means his first marathon though, and Griffin's consistency should serve him well here in Aeropag. After debuting in 2012 with a 2:07:14 performance, Griffen has completed 7 more marathons, all faster than 2:07:00. His third place finishing at the FNAA Championships, in 2:06:21, was just off of his 2:05:49 personal record and shows that he is in excellent shape coming into the Olympics.

Griffin has also shown himself to be a consistent competitor. Although this is his first Olympic team he has been a longtime threat on the Ferkian road racing circuit, notching wins over almost all major Ferkian athletes in the last several years. He won the 15km and 30km championships in 2014 and 2015, as well as winning the 15km event in 2011 and 2012. Off the roads, Griffin has placed in the top five at the FNAA Cross Country Championships each of the last five years.

Finally, the Olympic marathon will likely be the last Olympic event for Kyle Reper. Reper, who won Ferkas's first Olympic athletics gold back at the V Olympiad, looks to move up in distance yet again in his quest for continued Olympic glory. Although his career has been rockier as of late he has shown that he still has plenty of potential and cannot be counted out. Reper also made this years Olympic team in the 10000m, where he has advanced to the finals. The multi-time Olympic medalist is sure to attract plenty of attention when he lines up, from both Ferkian fans and international competitors.

[Astyrian Olympics Delegation]

“Good evening, Neu Engollon…”

“And also to our International viewers, hello and welcome! You’re watching a NETV 7 Sports Special Broadcast. I’m Magda Wertauer here with my co-host, Karl Demais.”

“That’s right. We’re coming to you live, in what will probably be one of our last couple broadcasts here in Aeropag, Paripana for the 11th Summer Olympics as we close in on the final day and the Closing Ceremonies.”

“There’s a lot to cover, and also a bit of recap as we have some folks that aren’t able to tune in for all the live coverage due to the time differential. It has been an incredible stretch for the Astyrian Unified Delegation. We couldn’t be more proud as the medals did start coming in, but aside from that glory, also just as much for the stories of struggle and adversity, persistence and fortitude in the face of certain defeat that have emanated from athletes from around Astyria, nations big and small…”

“That’s right, Magda. We do have good news for the Confederacy, with our first medal of the games going to none other than notorious tennis bad boy, Paul Quiront. Paul earned a bronze after his 2 set sweep of Forrest Cowser of Swibia.”

“Karl, it is quite shocking that Quiront was able to keep restrained in his criticism of...well, everyone. He’s well known for lashing out at officials, opponents, teammates, even ball fetchers with his vitriol.”

“Magda, I think our colleagues from Courtside Central, Dom and Lizbet, would agree with you. Quiront is certainly known throughout not only Neu Engollon, but the tennis world in general for his antics. Lately, he’s been the most extremely vocal about the Ministry of Athletics decision to pull the NETC (Neu Engollon Tennis Commitee) from International competition.”

“He’s not the only one, as many of his teammates are also frustrated about the controversial decision that has really put a damper on many Neu Engollian tennis players’ careers.”

“Despite that, they’ve all done fairly well in these Olympics. Speaking of tennis medals, Quiront was not the last Neu Engollian to receive one. Silvers went to mixed doubles team Mattias Doerwald and Felice Mareaux who lost out on gold to rivals Sjinkal Muubab and Turoala Muubab of the Vilitian Union. Noticeably missing was Marla Gerard, who holds the NSTT 3rd place ranking in the world for female tennis players. Many thought she’d be able to do better, but her opponents were just too tough in this first Olympics for the NETC.”

“We’ve seen some other Neu Engollians do very well. In the non-medal demonstration Pentathlon events, Arnaud Betancourt hung in there against some tough competitors to win third place, tying with Gibril Sambrosa of the Greater Valkolicci Haven. First place went to another Astyrian, however, Eirikur Leifsson of the Yellow Star Republic. In the women’s version, our own Chiara Matero would take second, with Hera Feal of Zillmerelic taking the top slot.”

“The Yellowsians have done incredibly well, both here and the just previous Winter Olympics that were hosted in Electrum. It’s quite the story of how both them and Glisandia, the nation they were in bitter conflict with just a short couple years ago, have bounced back from the ravages of the Northern Lorecian War to put forth well trained athletes despite a lack of training facilities and safe areas in which to perfect their craft.”

“Karl, not only that, but Glisandia is still going through their civil war, which was born out of the International conflict of the Northern Lorecian War, when the resistance to the Yellowsian invasion fractured into the Royals and fanatical Evangelical Christian group, the GGA.”

“Yes, I think it may be a bit beyond this program to get into how much depravity and terror the people of Glisandia have had to endure due to the extremists who continue to wantonly kill civilians and government officials alike, but suffice to say it’s nothing short of miraculous that they can get organized enough to get athletes out to compete in the multiverse. Compete and win, in the case of Dagmara Billsdottir, who took the gold in women’s weightlifting in the over 75 kg class.”

“In both cases, I think it can be attributed to the generosity of many other Astyrian nations who were willing to make their training facilities available. Even with the YSR athletes, it was the Blackhelm Confederacy and some other Eastern Astyrian states that were willing to step up and host them for training, when many other nations balked at having anything to do with the former aggressor nation. Where better for Hrafntinna Einirsdottir to hone her Greco Roman wrestling skills before she went on to take the gold in her 75kg class than Paradise City, Blackhelm Confederacy?”

“Not to mention her teammate, Lilja Sveinmarsdottir, taking the bronze in the 48 kg class. The Yellowsian women wrestlers have done very well. Also in weightlifting, we saw Larus Heimirssen of the YSR grab a silver medal in the 85 kg class for that event. It is indeed a huge demonstration of adversity to see what they’ve accomplished and how far they had to go to get there, Magda. So, continuing on, we saw Rombergian Maksim Gunnarsson win a bronze in Men’s 50 meter rifle shooting, with three positions. They also did fairly well in the equestrian events.”

“Yes, Konstantin Mikhailov took the gold in Individual Equestrian, with fellow Rombergian Milena Freiin von Tserdynov coming in 6th in the final heat. In the Dressage, Niklas Freiherr von Vyshovsky took the bronze.”

“We saw the Astyrian women’s team take the gold in team pursuit cycling. It was quite a proud moment and I think what is really proof of the unity within the region to see these ladies on the podium. An Avissian, Zitran, Gaul and Glisandian all up there to represent us and bring home those medals...they were all crying and hugging each other and it was something to see.”

“Yes it was. Likewise, the barely represented nation of Vizion is making up for that by barrelling on strong through Group A in baseball. They have a good shot to take one of the top three spots as that demo event rolls towards the finals.

“There are several other medals earned over the last few days by Astyrians, as well as some missed opportunities that we’d like to get to, such as the Astyrian men's rugby team only making it to 5th place and the Neu Engollian women's rugby only getting 13th after their incredible qualifying matches. We will get to that, but I’d like to close out with these words before the sponsor break…

When we started on this venture, when the first plans for a Unified Delegation were announced, as a region, hopes were just that we could grab a handful of medals. Most of those were predicted to go to the Avissians, who are the only athletes in the delegation that I’m aware of that have any previous Olympic experience. Now, as we close in on the last days, you can see that not only the Avissians, but several other Astyrians were top competitors in their events. When collectively assembled, the Astyrian Unified Delegation’s medal total is 29, that is second only to Electrum with 35, the previously mentioned host of this past Winter Olympics and a sports powerhouse. That’s above the current host Paripanans, and dozens of other Esportivan, Rushmori, Atlantean Oceanic and other notable athletically focused nations. Astyria has proven again that we are a sporting region not to be ignored or made out to be a small deal. The climb to greater Olympic glory can only continue from here in the years to come. I think I can speak for the region...Well done, Astyrians, you make us all very proud.”

“Well said, Karl. Stay tuned to NETV Sports 7 Special coverage of the Summer Olympics. We’ll be right back after these messages…”

RP Courtesy of Neu Engollon

[Kelssek]

Although the delegation had held to a strict rule against any alcohol in their living quarters at the Athletes’ Village, since the bunking arrangements had been done by sport, the chef-de-mission Hayley Locklear had decided to allow drinking in the small communal lounges as long as everyone on that floor had completed their events and they didn’t bother anyone who hadn’t. Since there were enough swimmers that they had a floor to themselves, things had kicked off on their floor once those events were done.

And on this night it was progressing very rowdily as Ryan Mackenzie tipped another generous measure of vodka into his plastic cup. “There’s no more mixers!” he discovered, holding up and shaking an empty 2-litre bottle for emphasis.

“Just take it like a man!” yelled a blur who looked to Ryan like Caleb Gosselin, maybe.

“Oh fuck you. Where’s that stuff the Vekaiyus sent everyone?” As no one had been willing to touch the strange brew when it had arrived unsolicited, they’d simply left the cases of Eskola out of the way in the lounge room where they had sat ignored ever since. Deciding that now it wouldn’t matter if they’d been spiked or had something that would show on a doping test in them, Ryan stumbled over to where they’d been stacked on the floor, tore open a package and poured half a bottle into this cup.

“How’s it taste then?”

The taste was strange, but booze was booze, so Ryan choked it down and shook his head.

“It’s shit,” he said, and tossed the bottle into the air for theatrical effect without looking to see what was in the way.

Two things happened next. First, the bottom of the bottle hit the half-opened window, causing carbonated beverage to spray halfway across the room. The second thing which happened was that, having struck the window, the bottle and its remaining contents gave in to gravity and plummeted to the ground below, producing an audible cracking thud as it hit.

There was a panicked silence for several seconds.

“No one hurt, right?”

Laure Lessard peered down from the window. “There’s no one out there... But it hit someone’s car... I think I see a dent.”

“Locklear is going to be pissed.” said Caleb guiltily.

“Well we should let her know. She’s the chef-de-mission, she can sort out the problem. We should leave a note on that car, if there is any damage.”

“Wait, why don’t we just say that someone came in here and tried to rob us, and there was a fight, and we threw the bottle at them and they ran away? Like, the guy had a gun, and it was self-defence, right?” Ryan said.

There was a pause before Laure said, “Are you fucking stupid?”

“Look, don’t tell Locklear it was me. It’s gonna be all over the news. Can you imagine what my mum is gonna say?”

“Your mum? Are you a child?”

“No, I’m twenty-seven!” protested Ryan.

“How do you survive for so long. Câlisse!”

[Commerce Heights]

Day 11 results are now available (part 1 · part 2 · part 3 · part 4).

[Todd McCloud]

Eskola® Press Release: Please Recycle!

While we at Eskola® are pleased that the great Olympic athletes are enjoying Eskola® brand products and consuming the four brands plentifully, we wish to remind everyone that it is imperative to keep Aeropag and the surrounding areas free of debris and empty cola cans. Our cans are completely recyclable and may be turned in at any recycling facility washed or unwashed. The cardboard containers that house the packs of twelve are also recyclable, but the dyes used on the cardboard may make it unfit for composting or for use as a placard for resting on. Such limitations are written on our boxes in both Unonian and Codexian. In the event of an accidental spill, our cola is safe on most outside substances such as grass or concrete, but the pH of the cola (and other colas like it) may not be suitable for small plant life.

Please do not wantonly throw these cans across Olympic village, attempt to use them as a projectile, or use the cardboard containers as some sort of armor or stacking mechanism outside or inside of dorm rooms. Additionally, we kindly ask that individuals refrain from poking fun of the Unonian script on the cans, drawing accessories on the athletes featured on the cans, or marking out specific artistic patterns in order to write obscenities on the cans. It is also illegal to use our product for illegal drug use or the processes therein.

Although these products are provided as free use for all athletes and whoever they decide to give these products, we kindly ask that everyone respect the environment and the quality Eskola® brings to the arena of competition. Normally we would not intervene in the consumption of our products, but specific events including, but not limited to, damage of vehicular property, arranging the cans as a form of pins for bowling parties, and littering said cans across the Olympic venues have caused concern among the Eskola® family. While we are unable to comment on how comfortable our cans may be, stuffing multiple crushed cans into plastic bags in order to create pseudo bean-bag chairs are of course perfectly acceptable.

Eskola® has provided four different flavors to form a pack of twelve cans. Stated earlier, each can is decorated with limited edition artwork of several prominent moments in Vekaiyun Olympic history. Three of each flavor will be included:

• Eskola Classic® - our award winning original formula, featuring a blend of several spices, most notably clove and essence of jaku among others, to produce a cola that isn't too sweet but is definitely tasty, especially to the vulpine palette.
  _
• Eskola Jaku® - for those who simply can't get enough of the tangy and unique flavor of jaku root. Our jaku roots undergo a slight fermentation process to deliver a flavor that is unlike any other cola you've had. We guarantee you'll be reaching for more!
  _
• Eskola Energy® - need an extra boost before, during, or after training? Give our Eskola Energy® cola a try. With essential ingredients clinically proven to safely and legally give you the little push you need to finish that extremely important job.
  _
• Eskola Grow® - we at Eskola® are proud to say that our colas are among the more healthier soda options on the market today, but when is the last time you've seen a cola that is actually going to make you healthier? Eskola® has unlocked the secret of combining several ingredients, vitamins, and minerals to deliver a product that is unlike any other. And it tastes great, too. As Eskola® spokesperson Ilo Yeskuviye says, "I drink one bottle of Eskola Grow® a day so I can keep up my strength and deliver a medal for the people back home!"

As a final note, Eskola® does not make a "Mountain Dew" flavored cola. We pride ourselves in providing unique flavors and do not settle for knock-off material. Our colas tend to be a healthier option full of flavor, excellent for the Vekaiyun citizen, and now, citizens of the world.

Again, when you reach for that needed beverage, remember, this one's on us!

[West Phoencia]

Bronzed Sirens

Day 11 saw West Phoenician Synchronized Swimming Women's Duet team nicknamed The Sirens Daria Primary and Nadia Bosnia obtain bronze for West Phoenicia.

It was a thrilling win with the Sirens helping West Phoenicia move up to 6 medals. The win has also caused some excitement with the fact there is still a great chance for West Phoenicia to walk away with 10 medals.
The possibilities lie in a medal for Softball and Baseball. A possible medal in Men's Rhythmic and Women’s Skiff.

It was a sad day for Yael Israel of SAILING—Women’s Heavyweight Dinghy, at the early stages she was at the top and slowly saw her rank drop lower and lower, placing her in 10th before the medal race. While not wanting to blame anyone but her own actions, lack of West Phoenicia support and other events leading up to the race played a significant factor.

[Liventia]

Gold rush finally begins
'Fastest swimmer in the world' Petersen becomes Liventia's first Olympic champion in pool
AEROPAG— It's the fastest swimming race in the world. The 50-metre freestyle, Liventia's pet swimming event at the Olympics, with Andrew Hill claiming bronze in Zube and Orean.

Now the country has a new hero in the event. Marco Petersen's triumph in 21.38 seconds on Day 7 heralded Liventia's first swimming gold in history and ensured that after a barren six days, Liventia, Land of Hope would once again ring out at an arena in Aeropag.

His win, from lane 7, was unexpected: he had been four-tenths off the fastest qualifier in both the heats and semifinals. But he swam a new personal best time to claim an unexpected victory and set off a mini-gold rush for the Liventian delegation, whose seven medals to that point had only included one gold on day one.

Tony Anthony, so good they named him twice, claimed victory in the men's springboard diving event by just half a point with an exceptional final round after scraping through the semifinals in the last qualifying spot by two-tenths of a point. And Ewan George took home gold in the men's Greco-Roman wrestling 66 kilogram division, after what has been a poor games for the country's traditionally strong combat sport teams.

There could yet be more glory in Aeropag with the men's 49er skiff pair of Marc Levigne and Charles Trémaux qualifying for the medal race in first place, eight points clear of their closest challengers from Electrum. A top-four finish in the medal race would guarantee them gold, while a top-eight finish would be good for silver regardless of other pairs' results. They would join Rhonwen Gill in bringing metal home from the Jubilee Marina after her silver medal in the women's Laser Radial dinghy.

Liventian highlights on Day 12 include medal favourite Jeff Sargent beginning his push in the decathlon, the pairings of Alfie Richards and Pete Finch and Alexander Edwards and Ron Llewellyn beginning their respective kayak pair sprint campaigns, Melanie Redwood in the women's BMX cycling seeding runs, Eve Rivers and Chris Beaumont in the final equestrian jumping qualifier, and Ivor Sparks taking part in the fencing preliminaries of the modern pentathlon.

Liventian Roll of Honour, Games of the XI Olympiad:
GOLD
Sandy Brown (women's 48 kg weightlifting, day 1)
Marco Petersen (men's 50 m freestyle swimming, day 7)
Tony Anthony (men's 3 m springboard diving, day 11)
Ewan George (men's 66 kg Greco-Roman wrestling, day 11)
SILVER
Christopher Anthony, Dani Faulkner, Mary Griffith, Andrew Howard, and Greta Winfield (team eventing, day 4)
Lucile Desjardins, Lucie le Tonnelier, Holly Slater, and Julia Wilde (women's quadruple sculls rowing, day 5)
Bev Abbott and Édith Lafaille (women's lightweight double sculls rowing, day 7)
Natacha de la Croix and Beth Donovan (women's coxless pairs rowing, day 7)
Cerys Duffy (women's heptathlon, day 8)
Rhonwen Fill (women's Laser Radial one-person dinghy sailing, day 10)
BRONZE
Joshua Halliday (men's 60 kg judo, day 1)
Hector Lièvremont (men's individual all-around artistic gymnastics, day 5)
Tony Redwood (men's 77 kg weightlifting, day 5)
Robert Allison (men's 100 kg judo, day 6)
Stanley Whitfield (men's 85 kg Greco-Roman wrestling, day 10)

[Electrum]

Obscure Sports Weekly - Sailing Section

Respectable effort by Electrumites in the Sailing events
by Anton Neuwirth

The Electrumites so far have gained three medals in the sailing events in the Olympics, and a possibility of two more potential medals, it seems like they won't match their record-breaking seven-medal haul in the last Olympics. That is of course, to be expected. At a world far away from the relatively calm waters of Portsmouth, the area well-acquainted by all Electrumite sailors, the Electrumites are sailing at the unfamiliar Jubilee Marina, a far more challenging and treacherous location. There have been early casualties so far with medallists Christine McGann, Ian Thomas on the Finn and Gina Wright on the RS:X all unable to win any medals in Paripana.

Christine McGann must feel particularly gutted. After a successful and fruitful partnership with Josephine Perry, with two medals in two Olympic Games, the pair were ready and set to compete in Paripana, when they received word that the keelboat competitions were no longer part of the Olympics. It was a recent decision by the Olympic Council to retire the long-standing event, in favour of more high-performance boats, the deletion of the men's and women's keelboat being replaced by a new mixed multihull event, and the addition of women's skiff onto the compulsory list, and not just another event on the extended list. As a result, it was awkward when the two of them competed against each other for a spot in the Electrum Olympic Regatta in the mixed event, with McGann winning out over Perry. At the time she said that, "Jackson and I have really bonded, but it's always sad to see a friend that you've worked with so long not being by your side anymore..." McGann and her partner Jackson Shirley were eleventh, and missed out on making the medal race. Luckily for Perry, she later secured a spot in the women's two-person dinghy competition.

Turning to more exciting news, Electrum has gained three medals so far in the competition, with four events remaining. Edward Franks won silver in the Men's One-Person Dinghy event. It was a relatively boring medal race for Franks, as 22 points separated him and gold medallist Tyler Bishop, and 21 points between him and bronze medallist Tearlach from Fluvique. As a result, no matter what he did, he would be certain to win a silver medal. As a result, he created chaos in getting in the way of the other sailors, especially Saintland's Herennius (who came in first in the medal race). He failed to follow the penalty turn issued by the Sanctii, and as a result of the subsequent protest at the end of the race, he was disqualified (to no effect). Sailing is a self-regulating sport, as the sailors are far apart from each other, it becomes impossible to police -- sailors who have been aggrieved by a racing action can call for a boat to do one or two penalty turns before progressing. If this isn't done, the aggrieved party can hold a protest at the end of the race, and a punishment in the form of a disqualification or a disqualification not excludable can be handed down by a jury.

Susan Ward won her first ever medal, and it was a gold medal in the women's heavyweight sailing! Going into the medal race, she had a 24 point lead over Quebecois Ruth Ferrier, meaning she was guaranteed a gold medal. Unlike Franks, Ward still tried her hardest to win the race, but it was a capsize after rounding the second-last mark which saw her abandon the ship and call it a day. Even though she didn't finish, she still won the gold medal as a result of her work in the previous ten rounds. Ferrier had the silver medal, and Cosumar's Bettencourt won the bronze. With none of the medallists from the previous Games returning, and as a result of their hard work and dedication, Ward improved from seventh to first, and Quebec's Ferrier improved from sixth to overall second compared to last year. Unluckily for Ethanian Essie Porcher, she came in fourth for two Olympics in a row, missing out on yet another medal.

Finally, Ha Trinh defended her gold medal in the Women's Laser Radial event. She was locked in a tight battle with Liventia's Rhonwen Gill for the gold medal spot. Coming into the medal race, there was only a single point separating the two. This meant that whoever crossed the line first between the two of them would win the gold medal, the loser, silver. The two sparred with each other even before the start of the race, both of them losing valuable placings to the others in the field. But, it was Trinh's expertise which saw her outmaneuver the Liventian, breaking free and sail ahead to the first marker. The two sailors, the Electrumite and Liventian were very close throughout the entire race, and one-by-one, the two of them slowly made their way to first and second place. At the final marker, the two were battling for the inside lane, with Trinh just in front. The Liventian, perhaps in a desperate move made contact with the Electrumite in an attacking move, the jury boat decided to issue a penalty to the Liventian, a penalty turn. This allowed the Electrumite to storm home and cross the line in first, securing the gold medal. The Liventian would follow soon after performing the penalty, to come second in the medal race, and a silver medal overall.

Coming up next in the Sailing are the medal races for the two-person dinghy events and skiff events. No Electrumites qualified in the two-person dinghy events, but as stated above, there are still two more medal opportunities remaining, both of these are in the skiff events. Tom Butler and Thom Eidnarrson in the men's event are sitting in the silver medal position, but it seems like anything can change in the medal race. With the Liventians in front of them by eight points, and two more pairs behind them by six points, it is very crucial that Butler and Eidnarrson finish strongly. They had a poor start to the competition, but have slowly regained form to climb up the ladder, let's hope we see them defend their silver medal. In the women's race, Danielle Hancock and Ursula Bauer are sitting in fourth. Again, the two pairs in front of them are just five and six points ahead, and the pair from Wray is just a singular point behind them. There is a very real chance for another potential shake up of the ranks in the medal race. They might just sneak into third and get another bronze medal. Only time will tell -- it's up to Bauer and Hancock to stay level-headed under the pressure, and it's up to the wind to work in their favour tomorrow.

[Hannasea]

From the rolling news channel SuperBusiness.

"...embarrassing the Leader of the Opposition when it was revealed that there had in fact been empty seats available to sit, and leading some to question whether sitting on the floor had merely been a staged photo-op. We realize we normally enter on a satirical note, but some things are at this stage truly beyond parody.

"Moving from staggering incompetence to truly Olympian competence, let's bring in our special correspondent, Ashlee Hollis - with yet more good news from Aeropag?"




"That's right, Ron. Another medal - a third - for the gymnastics team, and it's once Jenae Wilmer. Last night she dazzled on the balance beam, and today she impressed on the floor, her routine earning her another silver medal."

"Jenae is something of an atypical Hannasean gymnast. Do you think her success might lead to changes in how gymnastics is coached in Hannasea?"

"Maybe, the contrast between Hannasean coaching philosophies and how international judges seem to score routines has been a big talking point within the team here. But Jenae is a very talented gymnast and I don't think it should come as such a surprise she's done well: if anything, the bigger issue is that the more 'typical' gymnasts have been a little disappointing."

"With the gymnastics concluding, the remaining medal hopes may have ended too, but three silvers exceeds the Hannasean target. How would you assess their performance overall?"

"I think three silver medals is very impressive but it's come in just one discipline, and shouldn't take the light away from a lot of very subpar performances across the board. It's really only the field hockey which has also done well."

"We'll come on to that in a moment. But what would you attribute the poor performance to?"

"It's a small team, about a tenth the size of some of the bigger delegations here, and it's been a first taste of Olympic experience. It can be very hard on debutants. Overall, I think Hannasea has to accept that to succeed in the competitive world of international sports, more investment is needed. And there's a lot of excitement here about plans for National Ottery funding of promising athletes."

"Now, about the hockey. A lot of tension ahead of the semi-final: what's the mood in the camp?"

"Nerves, understandably, nerves. The team haven't been at their best, they feel, through the qualifying period, with several losses, but they've got people who can score goals - Nikki Dunn, of course, leading from the front, and their penalty corner specialists can never be counted out."

"Do you think a lot of the athletes will watch the game?"

"Sadly, so many of the Hannasean athletes have already been eliminated from competition that they've flown home, but I'd expect to see a few friendly faces in the crowd."

"Alright Ashlee, looking forward to it.

"Now, more on our top story today: a refreshing new kind of politics, free of spin, truly honest. And the sad old man sitting on the floor of a half-empty train who's going to lead it..."

[CoraSpia]

Anti-doping culture to blame for many varied ills in athletes, claims Strong

Havenic multi-sport athlete Robert Strong is generally considered an extremely contrevercial figure. From congratulating a Gregoryisgodistani athlete in the kytler Peninsulae for killing the King of Celeria, to naked dances throughout the streets of his native Manlic, he has never been one to shy away from expressing himself, even if such expression is likely to cause offence, sickness, or a dangerous environment for others. In ann interview with v.net, however, Mr. Strong turned his attention to the worlds obsession with anti-doping action, and how he believes it is killing sports competition.

Mr. Strong is immensely Strong. His name is a coincidence, however he stands over 7 feet tall, around 19 stone, and has arms that have a thickness akin to most individuals legs. He is massive: he also has a first-class degree from Aleid University, his own line of footwear, and is an excellent lover (source: Puller, Igna 'My gold medal celebrations, 2016.) However, it his immense size which really stands out, and he has faced constant houning by media figures who believe that he uses steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs in order to improve his physical condition. He submits to every drugs test, however the alegations have still not gone away: and it is clear he has had enough.

"I'm fucking tired of checking all my food for tiny quantities of banned substences," Robert roared at the microphone. "I don't want to hear about the new thing you've discovered might make me perform better, and how I'm obviously using it. I'm just better than you: all of you. Can't you foreign pussies handle this simple fact? You're the people killing kids dreams in sport. You're the people who've got them worried about what they're putting in your bodies. And, it's not fucking surprising that you've got no competitive experience in sport. Here's a challenge, anti-doping freeks! Give me any drugs cheet. Give me any poor kid whose career you've ruined because he was successful and took the wrong supplement. Get him to wrestle me, watch him lose, and I'll show you that these drugs are no problem whatsoever. Give everyone drugs for all I care, I'll still win. Or maybe I won't: since you're not fucking with peoples heads anymore they can concentrate on what's up in front of them. But yeah, that's all the time I'll offer you losers: when you go to bed each night, dreaming of ruining another young career, I hope you think. Nott about the lives you're ruining, but motherfuckers, about what's going to happen when you show your faces near me. Think about these totally undrugged arms, think of them around your flabby throat, I wonder if walls are stronger than the worlds thickest skulls?"

[Fluvique]

ATHLETICS—

Silver medal for Maxwell Badcocke

He kneels and kisses the track. Behind him, the fallen hurdles, none of which on his lane, seem to imitate his position. With a time of 13.05 seconds, Maxwell Badcocke won Olympic silver in the 111-meter hurdles. He became the first Fluviquean to win a medal in this discipline and that is why he is so touched.

On seventh street, Badcocke was hehind in the first metres. At half of the race, he was off the podium. However, his progression would make a differecen. His 1,88 tall, which is a problem at every start, is an advantage when the race unfolds through the metres, also because of its safety in the hurdles. He passes light, as levitating, unlike those that behave as 'running backs'. There are styles, different schools. Badcocke has its own.

'I am very proud to put the flag of Fluvique so high' he said, more excited than exhausted. 'I owe a lot to my club, to my coach and to my friends'. He also analyzed his start, which was very poor 'Yes, I always say it. Is regrettable and typical but I'm trying to improve it every day. Also I know that in the second half of the race is when I shine, so I gained confidence after the second hurdle". And also, he didn't know his position until he reached the finish line: 'Until I crossed I didn't know it'

---

DIVING—

Vinny Barrie wins Bronze

Vinny Barrie was smiling and giggling. After finishing sixth in the semifinal, he returned to the scene to pick up a piece of bronze. It was a great comeback with a fine performance in the morning of Aeropag, a city which he will always remember. For the Fluviquean sport too, because is another great result of a young paysan athlete, joining among the rank of the U-22 club which are seeing the next Olympics with the objective to make a breakthrough in the international scene.

In the semifinal, Fluviquean hope Bertie Erch finished first and Barrie had to recover from a quite dreadful early performance. He said that it was 'product of the nervousness' before the competition and of be 'dreaming in the final and not in what was going on'

Nerves seemed to disappear in the final. He surpassed many other candidates, including countrymen Erch, to reach the third spot in the podium and earn his place in history. 'I am impressed' he said. 'I was in the final, what I wanted, so I only had to give my best, the work was already done'

'But winning a medal is just amazing. I have so many thoughts, I am full of emotions. This represents a lot of work, all those 6am trainings..everything' 'I am very happy. I will remember this for the rest of my life. I prepared too much for this moment and this has been a hard work. I hope to continue rising each year and be even better in the next Olympics. I know, I am enjoying this, but this is how I work, always looking for the upcoming"

---

IN THE FINALS: Feat of the Young Lions

Understand that in the high performance sport the results only come with planification, training and long-term work is the first step to find them. The willingness, full time dedication and a dose of fortune always has to accompany. But if you don't give up after the first obstacle and took advantage of the goods, the path should offer a prize. Sooner or later. And the Young Lions enjoy it today in Aeropag. They are olympic finalists. Yes, olympic finalists. And they will face Wray in the final, who beaten Kernansquillec by 3–2

This team today inflates his chest with the historic qualification to the Olympic final after defeat The Greater Vakolicci Haven in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. An authentic sporting feat of a national side who always believed in this tournament, despite the bad start in the group stage.

At 10m41 of game, the drowsiness and nerves were destabilized a little and Fluvique get its first penalty corner. The ball came out, it was catched and Bart Tijn put his seal with a trailed which crushed the Vakolicci net. 1 to 0, celebration and encouragement from the stands, under a sin that scorched. The Fluviquean didn't care and they were waving all they had.

Moreover when at 13m29 the story was repeated in the main field at Aeropag. Penalty corner, shot of Tijn and know on the table. 2 to 0. Absolute effectiveness for the Lions. But, every dream has its hard moments. While they had some troubles in starting moves from defence, they looked firm handling the ball. They capsized when a backhand went near the left post. No to mention when César Huerta masterfully saved a shot near the end of the second quarter.

The panorama changed quickly when The Greater Vakolicci Haven recovered the good path and tried to not keep waiting. The worst scenario. Then, they have their first penalty corner. The 1-2 came after the ball was defelcted by Huertas' stick and the rebound was catched by a forward.

And it got worse when at 13m57 of the third quarter, a penalty was scored to tie the match 2-2, in middle of the Fluviquean confusion. The last quarter was lived in a football climate. The tricolor supporters, great majority, were pushing with their chants while the team recovered its tranquility and dominance. Thus, despite some attacks, the match went directly to the penalty shoot-out.

"La Fluvique, la Fluvique" people sang while jumping and climbing to the fences. "Allez allez les garçons", was heard. It was the beginning of a sporting festival performed by Huerta and his teammates over the synthetic blue with white lines.

Brad Sawyer had the first big responsibility to shot the first stroke. On its eight seconds, he avoided the goalkeeper and scored the 1-0. The Greater Vakolicci Haven didn't failed the first and it was 1-1. Joaquín Reynaud was in charge of the second, also scoring with a powerful backhand. Huerta was unable to save the second and the shoot-out was 2-2. Ezequiel Noguiera sprawled the goalkeeper to easily score the Fluviquean advantage. After the 3-3, Augustin Flores scored the most beautiful, feinting in front of the goalkeeper and shooting and the ball kissed the post before entering to the net.

And it was time to César Huerta. He went out and saved the first shot, directly to his body. The ball was deflected and the player tried to avoid him by the left side. Huerta flew and dragged to the line to contain the shot and threw the ball away with his stick. Fluvique was match-point.

And now was time to the hero, to Bart Tijn. He quickly ran before the goalkeeper could be near him and, with a backhand directly to the left angle, scored the final goal, the most important goal of the Young Lions, unleashing a contained scream. He threw his stick to the airs and jumped the signs and ran to hug his family in the stands. Many other players followed him and others stayed crying in the field while Stephen Shaw entered to the pitch with a somersault, with the rest of the staff throwing towels and bottles to the airs.

The Fluviquean field hockey is olympic finalist. Pure history won by a long term work. The only way that life could smile if you go to give her a strong hug

[Mattijana]

The Roundup

Hockey Girls March On to Semis
Mattijana's women's Hockey team beat Wray 4-2 to guarantee themselves a medal match with an assertive performance in Aeropag. Wray were confident ahead of the game having already edged a 2-1 victory over the Mattijanan Men.
They were driven back from minute one however as Sophia Illićič went close early after a mazy run and slightly scuffed shot hit a foot. The resulting penalty corner was played in towards a goalside striker who was upended by the goalkeeper. The resulting penalty stroke was tucked away by Katarina Basič, giving Mattijana the lead.
Illicič got her reward halfway through the second quarter when another sequence of penalty corners was ended by an inch-perfect hit from the striker.
Wray hit back then, with one low cross kicked away by a stretching Handanovič inches before reaching an opponents stick. They got their luck two minutes later however when another driven pass was flicked in at the near post.

Mattijana came out from half time determined to avenge their conceded goal and took a two goal lead shortly after the break as Jessika Barič came rushing in to clobber a loose ball against the back-board. Mattijana frustrated their opposition for most of the second half, but a stunning individual goal from one of the Wray team made things interesting again. They pushed for a late equaliser, but then got caught on the break and an incisive pass from Basič picked out Illicič, who was tripped by a sliding stick tackle allowing Basič to tuck away her second from the stroke spot.

Dissapointment for Masič amd Dallisič in Long Jump

Claudia Masič and Elli Dalisič were unable to progress to the final of the women's long jump despite many tipping them for medals. They both put pressure on themselves with untimely fouls and were distraught after being knocked out.

[Ferkas]

Marathon Medal!

(No, Not that Marathon...)

(Aeropag) Ferkian's who slept through the final swimming events woke up to a big surprise today, when they found out that Ferkas had won yet another medal. Increasing that surprise was the event - the men's marathon!

Timothy Beltar struck bronze in the 10km marathon event in a time of 1:51:55.2 in a race won in a new Olympic Record time of 1:51:50.1 by Kami Noyake (COS). Beltar's medal came as a surprise to many casual fans, although swimming commentators had pegged him as being one of the stronger male swimmers on the Ferkian squad, with an outside shot at a medal.

According to the FBC's own Ethan McDaniels, our senior swimming commentator, Beltar is "A stunning endurance athlete and a really top notch swimmer. He flies under the radar a lot back home, which is a real shame. But it's mostly because there just isn't much attention at all on his event. But to those who really follow swimming here, this isn't a huge shock. I'd say going in most commentators would have pegged him for a top 5 or 7 finish, with a ceiling around bronze. So it isn't that he did anything crazy today. But he did do a great job of capitalizing on all of the talent and skill he has, maxing that out to get the bronze. A truly incredible performance, and one that I hope will help get him some of the attention he really deserves."

Beltar himself echoed much of that, commenting post race that "Coming into Aeropag I could tell I was in good shape, so I started thinking that a medal could be possible. It was all just a matter of capitalizing, I knew if I had any little mistakes I probably wouldn't reach the podium. So today is just an amazing outcome and the result of lots of hard work focusing on little details."

Yeoman Warder, also competing in the event for Ferkas, would finish further back in 66th place with his time of 2:06:38.0. The 36 year old Warder announced his retirement from professional swimming after the race, saying that "Reaching the Olympics was the true high point of my career. Swimming has taken me to so many amazing opportunities that I never would have expected and I am incredibly grateful for everyone who supported me along the way."

[Taeshan]

Knightline's Day 11 Coverage of the Games

http://chirb.it/xzf4yL

[Wray]

Marou makes history as first Native Born gold medalist

It was a historic day on the track in Aeropag, as 22 year old Leah Marou won gold for Wray in the Women's 1500m, but not only for the Green-and-Whites - Marou became the first Native Born Olympic Gold medalist.

Marou hails from the Akaarmasi Clan, which hails from the south-west of the country, and grew up in the Akaarmasi capital of Lullakesa, where she was educated and first took up the sport. The Akaarmasi were famed for being the first tribe to make contact with Uitbregeni explorers in 1827, with Elder Manoro holding council with Michel van Aalen on what is now Manoro Beach, west of Nelson's Bay CBD. She attended Lussio Skippet High School in Lullakesa, where she was the school's only representative at the National Secondary School Championships, coming fourth in 2009.

Marou, who now lives and trains in Albion, has always demonstrated her allegiance to the Akaarmarsi - she has a Clan tattoo on the nape of her neck, acquired when she turned eighteen, as is tradition, and runs whilst wearing the traditional red cloth bandage on her right ankle, which symbolises the pouch in which a small blade was carried by Akaarmasi warriors.

Marou's victory provides a significant breakthrough in Native Born achievement in sport, which has often been viewed as an institution 'closed' to white Uitbregenis. In the Olympic squad for Wray, there are in fact just two other native born athletes - Hudson Inala in the 50km Race Walk and Sophia Sarago in the Women's 67kg Taekwondo.

Minister for Native Affairs, Donald Eversen, who hails from the same Clan as Marou, called the feat 'magical [...] indescribable' and hailed it as 'a wonderful achievevement for Natives everywhere, and a real breakthrough for Native people'. He continued 'Leah is an inspiration to everyone, both Native and White, and we should all celebrate this phenomenal achievement, both for Wray at the Olympics, and for Akaarmasi, and Clanspeople everywhere'.

But some Clanspeople voiced their concern, that it had taken this long for a Native Born athlete to achieve success, despite accounting for almost 5% of the population. Tutroi Clan Leader Joseph Ellianyo said 'whilst we're thrilled for Marou's success, this must serve as a wake-up call to the government to put more focus on developing opportunities for Native Born athletes and professionals in other walks of life.'

Marou herself spoke to The National Reporter after securing gold in a time of 4:00.38, a Wray national record she wrought off Jo Peters by 14 seconds, said 'my Clan is incredibly important to me, and every time I run, I hope to represent them to the best of my ability, and I think this time I have. To be able to represent my country is amazing, but there's certainly an added importance for me as an Akaarmasi'.

Elsewhere on Day 11 in Aeropag, Wray achieved two more silvers, with Ben Ryan coming 2nd in the High Jump to Sergio Sala of Sargossa with a height of 2.40m, Sala winning on countback. Kasey Oswaren and Olivia Boorman lost out to a pair from Ndaku to secure a silver in the Women's Beach Volleyball, continuing Wray's tradition of achieving a medal in each Olympic Beach Volleyball tournament they have entered. Kellie Fallon achieved her second medal of the game, following up her gold in the team sprint with a bronze in the individual sprint.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

From: His Imperial Majesty the Jacques IX <RQOC.Royal@rqoc.que>
Sent: August 17th, 2024, 19:30
To: The RQOC Community <RQOC.General@rqoc.que>
Cc:
Subject: Daily Update - Day 11

---

Dear Athletes and Staff members,

Good evening. I hope all of you had great time during today's competition and hope that the stay has been comfortable and safe in Paripana. As have done over last week, it will consist of a small list of congratulations, warnings and encouragements:

Firstly, the RQOC would like to congratulate Alexander Eagle Chief (22, Mishkegogamang, Ontario) for winning the first medal of the day. The clan chief, who has served for 3 years under Imperial Assembly of First Nations, shined as a beacon of olympic spirit and sportsmanship as he, after training in off-work hours, swept through his competition in Aeropag to land Quebec its eighth gold medal.

Around thirty minutes later, Team Quebec received another medal news, as Agnes Biyombo (19, Kingston) won bronze medal in women's 1500m to keep up her excellent campaign that had her land 5th in both Women's 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m two days earlier. She has performed admirably in her first olympics so far and we would like to congratulate her for an excellent effort. The likewise goes to Ruth Ferrier (23, Gaspe) who climbed up from her 6th-place performance in Centralis to land silver in Sailing for Women’s Heavyweight Dinghy. Her courage and bravery have been inspirational to many sailors out there and her silver medal win hopefully will lead

Last, but not the least, a special shout out is given to Boris Eagle (27, Kahnawake, Montreal) for winning the bronze medal in Greco-Roman Wrestling Men’s 98 kg. After injuring his left ankle in quarterfinals, he bravely fought through the remaining bouts and earned the achievement, which will be marked as eternal. A further round of shout goes to the Greco-Roman wrestling team this year, whose earning of 6 bronze medals, regardless of their colour, was a historic feat not seen before - and no, not even back in Centralis. This is not a simple achievement and we salute you for that.

Secondly, the RQOC would like to land its message of consolations to the women's basketball and handball teams, who have fallen short of the hurdle in their respective quarterfinals matches. It has not been a particularly easy olympics for Team Quebec in team sports, who have been going through rebuilding on all teams qualified for olympics. With all teams going through growing pains, with former stars on sidelines and youngsters replacing them, what they have achieved was very impressive. We would like to wish the best of luck towards the men's volleyball team who will face Fluvique tomorrow in a rematch of last olympic semifinals. No pressure and bonne chance.

Thirdly, all those remaining in our ships are invited to the evening formal hosted by the executive members of the RQOC, including His Majesty the Jacques IX. It will be held in tomorrow night, starting from 20:30 to 02:00 Paripana time, with the location, invitations and schedule available in our attachment. It will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the main ship with the capacity of around 1,000. You are welcome to come, eat and possibly celebrate. Food, alcohol, hookah and marijuana will be provided by the event staff, whose names will not be revealed.

Fourthly, we would like to once again recommend those competing the very day after NOT to go out to anywhere not considered calm or stable in environment for the players' concentration. While it's not banned, it is not recommended on the basis that many athletes in past have suffered from their night outs the day before and that we do not want you to fall into the statistic.

Fifthly, marijuana consumption is permitted only inside smoking areas in our ships. Don't try to smoke it in your rooms, because that will ring the alarm and cause our own fire brigade to enter into your rooms. Let's not repeat what had happened early this morning.

Sixthly, drinking games are fine, but don't try to do anything that would risk the lives of other passengers involved. We don't and won't appreciate anybody doing Eisengard on the Grand Stairway because accidental pouring of beer brought by the procedure can lead to at least a couple of deaths and few injuries with people slipping from the floor. A big no-no.

Seventhly, for some of you in need of satisfying sexual frustration on someone bought with your money, please limit your business to anywhere outside the ships. While prostitution is not illegal, if the very prostitute does not have our security pass, he or she won't be given the entry. No exceptions whatsoever on this, so please be mindful of that.

Eightly, please be nice to cleaning ladies who may be coming to your room anytime from the hours of 9 to 12. They are hired from local areas in Paripana and are doing us a huge favour by cleaning not only your rooms, but also that of common space. Don't be rude to them or else you'll receive a report from either your team captain, coach or supervisor in likewise capacity.

And lastly, And last but not the least, we would like to wish our athletes good luck as we enter the Day 12 tomorrow. Vive le Royaume du Quebec!

Yours Sincerely,
Jacques IX

[The Serbian Empire]

What's Crashing? Athletes Obsessed with Fighting Game

Some of the finest athletes have become obsessed with a fighting game so competitive that some claim it improves hand-eye coordination. The game? Crash4, made by Wintendo, PAL Laboratories, and Elegant Systems. Wintendo didn't expect that athletes would be using games to hone their skills. The game's main supporters are tennis players such as Marisa Celeste Frieri and Gisela Stefanovic. Other athletes still believe there's no supplement other than lots of practice. "I don't believe that some game can improve my skills. Hurdles are a lot different than tennis and hand-eye coordination is a lot less valuable to me," Gordan Klefbom-Markovic was quoted as saying.

[Vilita and Turori]

Womens Football at the Olympic Games:

I: GOLD:: Qazox SILVER:: Ariddia BRONZE: Wentland 4th: Starblaydia	II: GOLD:: Ariddia SILVER:: Qazox BRONZE: Cafundéu 4th: Estresse Intenso
III: GOLD:: Ariddian Isles SILVER:: Newmanistan BRONZE: Cafundéu 4th: Wentland	IV: GOLD:: Cafundéu SILVER:: Valnora BRONZE: Jasĭyun 4th: Domnonia
V: GOLD:: Osarius SILVER:: Vekaiyu BRONZE: Jasĭyun 4th: Carpathia and Ruthenia	VI: GOLD:: Cafundéu SILVER:: Kernansquillec BRONZE: Civil Citizenry 4th: Sorthern Northland
VII: GOLD:: Mantwenic SILVER:: Euskirribakondara BRONZE: Shofercia 4th: Ipeland and Hutt River	VIII: GOLD:: Valanora SILVER:: Sargossa BRONZE: Carasatoga 4th: Worszary
IX: GOLD:: Felix SILVER:: San José Guayabal BRONZE: Asteran 4th: Electrum	X: GOLD:: Estelar SILVER:: Benjamin Mark BRONZE: Nova Anglicana 4th: Fluvique

The Report from Aeropag :: Vilitan Union women to face Thatius for Association Football Gold:


After successfully advancing to the Semi-Finals by virtue of a 2-1 extra time victory over Mapletish at the Anaphase Alchemy Stadium in Sonoma Center, the Vilitan Union Women's Football team took the the field against Eonstar at the Sokojito Überdome.

With three of the four Semi-Finalists calling Atlantian Oceania home, one might expect a large contingent of supporters for the Vilitan Union side in Sokojito Dosi. While there were certainly plenty of Vilitan supporters on hand, Eonstar itself was far from under-represented. With the Eonstar men's football side having just defeated 5 time World Champion Valanora in the Quarter Finals - they were drawn for their own Semi Final fixture against The Licentian Isles in the very same Sokojito Überdome that the Eonstar women were squaring off against the Vilitan Union in. Scores of Eonstarites made their way from Aeropag for what would amount to a two day celebration of Eonstar football with the relatively unknown entity from Yggdrasil making an unexpected name for itself on the world stage.

Led out the tunnel by their hero goalkeeper Aurora Firefly, the Eonstarites were pumped up knowing they just had to win one of two games to be assured an olympic medal in football. 120 minutes later, however, energy and motivation throughout the Überdome had been replaced across the board by tension and fear.

With each side having scored a single goal in the opening 30 minutes of play the match had now gone a full 90 minutes, including extra time, without a goal. Penalty Kicks would be needed to decide which of the two teams would advance to face the winner of the Thatius v. Valanora headliner later in the day at the Holmes Stadium in Columbia.

After the first three shooters on both sides converted, Eonstars third shooter, Sky Tereko, saw her decently placed but tame effort palmed just around the post in a world class diving effort by Vilitan Union netminder Jazzi Tiiaupila. Kipikal Lunarii kept the Vilitan Union's momentum going by converting her spot kick to give The Union of the Affliated Lands of Vilitan Origins a 4-3 lead and putting the pressure squarely on Eonstar's Ellie Rainfall.

When Rainfall's spot kick nestled itself deep into the stands behind the net, the Vilitan Union women rushed to celebrate with Tiiaupila, having secured their place in the Gold Medal game and ensuring the Vilitan Union's first ever Olympic Medal in either Mens or Womens Association Football. However, it was not all good news for the Vilitan Union as golfing star Galimi Najurrasc who had led the Mens Gold Tournament at the Paladin Club since the outset struggled on the final day of competition, putting up a final round score of 76 to not only give up the gold medal but missing out by two strokes of a podium finish.

Elsewhere in Aeropag, The Tennis Mixed Doubles Duo of Turoala and Sjinkal Muubab claimed their first gold medal defeating the Neu Engollon team of Mattias Doerwald and Felice Mareaux convincingly 6-2, 6-3 at the Olympic Tower. The Vilitan Union also had a strong day in Cycling with Zinella Nuaoi claiming gold on the track in the Women's Sprint at the Velodrome Jativa while Imiiaila Amacettio took home the Bronze in the Omnium.

---

[Sargossa]

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport


Two Medals & A Curfew


Blanco Borrayo reports from Aeropag;

Day eleven saw the Sargossan flag raised highest of all, for only the second time in these Games, and Sergio Sala was the man responsible. In a thrilling High Jump contest that looked to be going any one of six ways, the crucial moment came as the bar was raised to a height of 2.40m. Sala had already seen three of his rivals fault their first attempts before he sailed over with his very first effort, setting a new national record in the process. Competitors fell away quickly at that point and it seemed that Sala was about to be handed the gold there and then before Wray’s Ben Ryan made a successful clearance with his final attempt. The new target was 2.42m but neither Sala nor Ryan could crack it, meaning that first time clearance at 2.40m gave Sala the gold on count back. It was the Triple Jump that gave Sargossa a second medal of the day. Eduardo Veron’s third effort of 17.53m was good enough for him to make the final eight in third place. And there he stayed through three further rounds to bag the nation a fourth medal from the Athletics disciplines.

The 200m qualifying event back in Liventia was a good one for Sargossa, with Roque De Santa toppling Tristiano Drogo’s long standing world record. And the form continued in Aeropag with De Santa, Rafael Jardón and Israel Pérez all qualifying for the semi-finals. The 1,500m too will feature continued Sargossan presence as Faro Meraz, the nation’s lone representative at that distance, finished second in his heat to reach the semis. But the Hurdling events again proved a disappointment with a below-par Sergi Galindo finishing dead last in the 110m final and both Jorge Amor and Emilio Caballero crashing out of the 400m semis.

The Hurdling news was no better on the Women’s side either. Leira Lobos was tipped for big things in the 100m but could only manage fourth place in her heat, but Danila Laverde did manage to scrape through to the semi-finals in a lucky loser slot. In the 400m semis neither Chavela Calderon nor Thalia Rama could book a place in the final. The flats were slightly kinder and Calda Pomales must surely be considered a contender in the 200m, having qualified for the final in second place, and Sofia Aquino has little pressure on her in the upcoming 5,000m final. The Javelin was a major disappointment out in the Field, Sancha Velez in 21st the best Sargossa could muster, but Luella Orozco will be aiming to make it a national Long Jump double, while Guadalupe Carnero will contest the Pole Vault final.

But those two medals won and hints of potential rewards to come failed to sate the national Olympic Authority. And after watching our last hopes evaporate in the Boxing with quarter final defeats for Estefan Armenteros and Estevan Manchilla the OAS announced that a 11:00pm curfew was now in effect for all Sargossan athletes competing in Aeropag, regardless of whether their events are finished or not. Although there have been no reports of Sargossans up to mischief out on the town, what you would do out in downtown Aeropag without access to the GDP of a medium sized nation is a mystery anyway, the OAS is clearly demanding greater focus in a Games in which the delegation has unquestionably under performed. Twenty five medals was the target, we have ten. We won ten in the pool alone in Zube. Improvement is demanded. But will it be upcoming?

[CoraSpia]

An Olympic debut for Velstrania?

The Zugr-Velstur sporting authority has today lodged an official application to be encorporated into Havenssport, making it the last of Velstrania's three provincial authorities to do so. This move, which has been seen as necisary for the creation of a united Velsturman team, has not been quick in coming: Zugr-Velstur has waited upwards of 35 years to make the decision, something largely blamed on the Velsturman civil war. The Greater Vakolicci Haven team, which represents the Vakolicci Haven and Celeria, is often criticised for refusing to include any Velsturman athletes, on account of the size difference between them and the rest of the Havenic athletes, and so a Velsturman team is often seen as being the islands only way of entering the Olympics.
Mounar Rakied, a Havenssport spokesman who deals with expansion of sport across the Haven, welcomed the news referring to it as a 'welcome change which will go a further cruiial step to making Velsturman culture slightly more Havenic. She adds that heavyweight sports such as wrestling and weightlifting would be likely to benefit from Velsturman participation, as they are able to take advantage of the fact that the average Velsturman is over 8 feet in height. In fact, it has long been thought that the main obstacle to a Velsturman team has been Robert Strong, the Havenic multi-sport athlete who has publicly shown he is fearful of losing his place should Velsturmen be included.