Games of the XI Olympiad—roleplaying thread

[Dunnes]

MIROLA TODAY
OLYMPIC BEGINNINGS START IN WATER
Dunnes Beats Ethane In First Game

AEROPAG-Dunnes won their debut Olympic Water Polo match last night, defeating Ethane 10-8 at the Aeropag Natatorium. The Dunian squad was led by star right winger Duncan Mactavish, who scored five goals.
"We were on fire today," said head coach Steve Granick. "We got the jitters out of the way in the first half and just played smart polo in the second."


Dunnes' Feller Takes Shot in First Quarter

The first quarter was rocky at best for the Dunian squad, as goalie Kyle Buch allowed three goals in early on in the quarter. However just as time expired in the half left winger Connor Granick scored on a breakaway goal to bring Dunnes within two goals.

Dunnes then went on a 3-0 run to start the second quarter, with all three goals by Mactavish posting the inside. "I really got my groove posting inside today." Mactavish said. "It was clutch."

After the half time break with the score tied 4-4, after Ethane added an additional goal, Dunnes found the groove that had them go undefeated in qualifying. In the second half, Mactavish added two more, with Granick, Roy Smith, and Evan Feller adding a goal a piece as well.

"I think once we got our groove we were more effective with our passing, able to get those shots that were troubling us in the first half." said Connor Granick. "I think our play will be better aligned the further we get into the tournament."

Dunnes now is in second in the group off goal differential. They will have to win or place second in the group of six teams to qualify for the next round of play.

Swimming:
After a gold medal winning day forty eight hours ago, the Dunian swimmers faced rougher waters last night. No swimmers qualified for the finals of their events, with the only highlight being Kora Moiru's national record in the 100m backstroke.

The men's 4x100m freestyle, which was pegged as a dark horse to make the final, finished 11th, missing the final place in the final by 13 hundredths of a second.
"Disappointing for sure that we do didn't make, especially after the high we had yesterday." said Koa Nakkim. "We will have more chances however."

Nakkim is still scheduled to swim the IM relay and the butterfly events. The IM relay is still favored to make the final.

Gymnastics:
The women of the Dunnes gymnastics had a mixed day at the Olympic Tower, finishing just outside the qualifying positions in the team standings. However star gymnast Celine Horner finished 6th in uneven bars qualifying and 9th in all around qualifying, making the final in both events.

"It's still a proud day for Dunian gymnastics." said women's head coach Leane Jones. "I'm so proud that Celine made the final. It's a big deal that she made the final, and she's really into the medals contention now."
The final of the uneven bars is Monday, and the all around is the Friday.

Other Events:
In weightlifting Nick Johagneten finished in 22nd place in the Men's 56 kg category, lifting 274kg. Elenaor Guree finished 21st, in the women's 53kg category lifting 208kg.

Adam Berger competed in the individual kayak whitewater finishing 23rd. He did not qualify for the final.

In the women's cycling road race, Dunnes did not do much better, fairing in 38th and 128th.

In men's foil fencing, Nico Motahmedi lost in the first round to Gregg Malchor, of Fluvique by a score of 15-11.
"It wasn't my best day, I think I just had nerves, but I still have the epee and saber." said Motahemedi.

Uzekia Doping Scandal:
The DOC filed suit in the Richland division of the Fourth Federal Court District against the Uzekian Olympic Committee, and Uzekian state owned media, filing for a restraining order, and for damages and compensation for slander and defamation.
Judge Arthur of the court granted the restraining order, and granted a stay order that all Uzekian media refrain from reporting about Dunnes athletes until a hearing has been held.

The Dunnes Olympic Committee also released a statement saying that, "Mr. Able had never failed any of the dozens of drug tests imposed on him both in training and in domestic and international competition. We hold all of our athletes to the highest ethical standards, and by no means will Mr. Able apologize for fairly beating competitors of lesser natural strength. As to the Uzekian threats that were made, the Dunnes Central Investigation Bureau (DCIB), has agreed to install 20 additional protection agents to the Olympic Delegation."

The DOC is seeking 500,000 NSD in damages, as well as an apology from the Uzekians.

Tomorrow’s Schedule:
All are shown live on DSNOLY.net as well
Men’s 200 m Butterfly Prelims, Semis: DBC Primetime
Women’s 200 m Freestyle Prelims, Semis: DBC Primetime
Women’s 200 m Individual Medley Prelims, Semis: DBC Primetime
Men’s Water Polo Group Stage: DSN1 Live
Women’s Lightweight 16ths Round: DSN 2 Live
Men’s C-2 Prelims: DBC Primetime
Men’s One-Person Dinghy Day 1: DSN1 Live
Men’s Sailboard Day 1: DSN1 LIVE
Women’s One-Person Dinghy Day 1: DSN1 LIVE
Men’s Trap Shooting: DBC Primetime
Tennis Men’s Doubles 32ths Round: DSN 2 Live
Weightlifting Men’s 62 kg: DBC Primetime

[Kernansquillec]

From: Kernansquillec-NOC
Sent: Sunday 9th August 2059, 20:48
To: KRN-delegation-AeropagXI, KRN-staff-AeropagXI
Cc:
Subject: News Bulletin

---

Dear Athletes and Coaches,

Firstly, the NOC would like to hope you will all join us in congratulating Dolores Sutliff and Roseline Seagle who won the delegation's first (gold!) medal in the Synchronized 3m Springboard. It was quite an amazing performance from the pair at the Aeropag Natatorium and we hope the entire delegation shall be inspired by this performance to continue bringing in medals. Furthermore, as per our agreement before flying out to Aeropag, Dolores and Roseline shall indeed by paying a round of drinks for the entire delegation. Feel free to pop by the lobby of the hotel from 4PM onwards tomorrow to get a taste of victory.

Secondly, the NOC would like to give an update on the situation of Christie Hazzard. In case you are not aware Kernansquillec's leading rider was involved in a very nasty high-speed crash during the women's road race in Port Lusambo. Her condition is stable, but she is suffering from two broken ribs, a sprained ankle and a concussion. We would advise against visiting her in hospital for the time being, but a "Get well" card is available at the lobby should you wish to pass on a message to her. Please write a word in it before this evening so that we can pass it on once her team manager pays her a visit later in the day.

Thirdly, ahead of Buck Holeman's 16th-finals bout against Uzekia's Michel Lacroix in the Men’s Light Heavyweight in two days time, we would like to remind athletes to be cautious around Uzekian competitors who have been increasingly threatening towards other athletes in the Olympic village. With tensions high between us and them at the time being, we are relying upon you all to behave in a manner fitting of the Kernansquillecan delegation. So no unprovoked incidents!

Fourthly, following reports of team delegation shirts and tops going missing while being hung to dry on balconies, we would like to remain the delegation that they are responsible for their Team Kernansquillec kit and that drying machines are available for use, so that you may avoid have your possessions stolen. It is understood members of one of the nearby delegations could be behind these acts. Should any delegation member hold any information concerning this, please pass it on to your team manager so that we may decide upon a course of action.

Fifthly, members of the delegation using condoms to manufacture water bombs are remained that: (a) the use of water bombs is only authorised in case of an aggression against a member of the Kernansquillecan delegation and (b) water bombs should NEVER be transported thought common areas so as to avoid water getting everywhere, as was the case in the corridors of the 4th floor yesterday evening (and no, blaming the swimmers will not work Ed Conner!).

Sixthly, members of the delegation are once again asked to act responsibly while inviting guessed back to the team hotel. Leaving a group of five non-Kernansquillecans in the lobby with unlimited access to the lobby's bar is most certainly not an acceptable act especially if not one, but two of them end up vomiting half way between the bar and the bathroom (cc Zachariah Kuester).

Seventhly, the NOC sends its congratulations to all the athletes who were in action on day two, namely the Kernansquillecan eventing team who lead the field by a massive 8.4 points. Special wishes also go out to the women's artistic gymnastics' team who qualified for the team final, the women's rugby sevens team who will be playing in the quarter-finals and Christoper Dula in the men's table tennis who is into the last sixteen. We hope all athletes qualified shall help build upon the single gold medal we have conquered so far.

Finally, team captain Titus Gula has wagered that if the delegation collects two medals or more tomorrow, he shall pay for pizzas for the entire delegation. If you want it, you know what to do.

Good luck for the upcoming events, the whole of Kernansquillec is behind you,

Kindest regards,

Isabella Pinkton
Head organiser of the Kernansquillecan delegation to the Aeropag Games
Kernansquillecan National Olympic Committee
104, boulevard du Faisan - K1580 KERNANSQUILLEC CITY
Tel. (+22) 1 27 52 66 07

[Bulgar Rouge]

Shooting

Tanya and Rosena were relaxing at the village after their training session. Although they were from different communes, they had the unusual luck of being drafted into the same military units three consecutive times. As a result, they grew closer, despite their differences. Tanya was more energetic and had a natural inclination to lead; Rosena was more quiet and obedient. But both shared a passion for shooting, and both excelled by it. This was their first Olympiad and the differences in character were now clearer than ever.

"I always choke when it's time for the last few shots", said Rosena, "there's just some nerve that goes all out at that point and makes me wonder. Will I do it right ? Will I do it wrong ?"

"Yep, you overthink. It's difficult to get over that, I have to admit. But the best way out is to tell yourself that this race is one of many, and your next ones might be way better. So try to make this one as good as possible, relax, and don't even think about the target. Let your automated movements take over. Your mind will adjust everything else." Tanya's tone was soft, friendly, but also firm. She knew Rosena could do it, and wouldn't settle for less.

Table tennis

Ivelina had made it this far with great effort and lots of tranquility. She loved the sport because of its pace. With such a speed of the game, you were either in and concentrated, or your mind was somewhere else. When you're concentrated, there's just no time for outside thoughts. There's just that little clicking sphere jumping on the table like a loose electron.

No Bulgarian had ever won a medal in table tennis, and only male players had ever advanced to any meaningful rounds. Ivelina wanted to make a difference. Unlike the rest of the team, she kept to herself and pursued her goals. She was never the talkative type. She let actions speak for themselves. And this year she wanted to speak with an Olympic medal.

Tennis

Ivo had a tough fight in the last round and could already feel a bit tired. Not physically, but mentally. Tennis was a sport for the elite and was deemed anti-revolutionary in the collectivist society of Bulgar Rouge. What's more, the Bulgarian socialist system had completely obliterated the individual as a concept. The smallest social unit was not the family that an individual chose to create for himself and his partner and offspring. It was not even a family designed by the government. It was a collective work unit of at least 10 people. Collectivism in Bulgar Rouge ran that deep. Any individual action created tremendous amounts of suspicion and often resulted in harsh consequences. While for most sports there were exceptions, that wasn't the case for tennis.

It was an elitist sport. And Ivo was a child of the highest layers of the Party. He trained in secret, competed in secret and was kept in secret from all other athletes. His room was guarded by minders and he himself was under constant observation. But unlike other spoiled Party brats, he was extremely mindful of his duties. Maybe he even felt some guilt for his position. And it was that guilt that gave rise to his current microburst of lack of confidence.

"I have to stop being a weakling", he kept telling himself. A little pep talk. He knew the best way to deal with this. He grabbed his racket and went straight away for another round of training. The moment he set foot on the court, he found his purpose. He was determined to go to the final and get that gold.

Boxing

A true proletarian child, Georgi Shopov was a classical, Cold War-era mentality Olympian. Groomed in Bulgar Rouge's spartan NPLA boxing clubs, he fought both for the sport and for pleasure. It was in his blood. He could take punches, he could land punches, and he was a fighting machine subordinated to his superiors. He had no personal ambition whatsoever; only the ambition of his country and its thirst for prestige. Sparring with his Ukrainian partner, he demonstrated his most useful non-combat skill: trash talk.

"You're chickenshit"

His opponent was getting angry; he increased the force of his punches and sped up the feet. But that's exactly what Georgi wanted. A bigger challenge. He blocked his partner's attack and landed a jab on his side, although a bit misplaced and some of the force dissipated.

"See ? Told you. Chickenshit. Born and raised."

The man against him was now pissed. The game was just beginning. And Georgi couldn't wait for his match.

---

A much lesser-known athlete, Rada Baltova, had surprised even her own coach with her last win. But the talent and skill were there. Time for break before continuing with the training, and the break was also a time for talk.

"Last time the glove slipped. I could feel my hand move too much in it."

"I'll tell Zhivko to be careful. He needs a talk on this, seems sloppy."

"He already has lots of trouble with StatSec over losing some of our training items."

"I'll tell Nadya to take care of your gear. He'll be supporting during the fight, but we just can't throw him out. You know how things are with the Party boys..."

"I do. But the Party moms and dads should know well that their spoiled kids shouldn't cost us successes."

"Sometimes I think the first years of the Revolution were not all that bad..."

"Let's just train the hell out of this."

[Wray]

Merciless Wray Massacre Hapless Swibia

The 2nd Day of Olympic competition saw the commencement of the women's hockey tournament, with Wray taking on the relatively unfancied Swibia in the first game of Group B. Wray had previously been frustrated at Olympic tournaments, unable to build momentum and make good on their significant talent.

If previous games had been marred by frustration, today was a release of that tension - an explosive release. Within two minutes of play, Wray were swarming Swibia - a rasping Georgia Dunn drive from the edge of the D was parried onto the post by Swibia's keeper to mark the first of many Green-and-White assaults on Swibia's goal. The first goal was scored after 7 minutes, when Jennifer Hillgrove's low sweep was checked in at the far post by Georgia Dunn for her first of six goals.

Wray's offense tore through their Swibian counterparts with terrifying ease, with Hillgrove and opposite winger Makayla Wolff given the freedom of the wings to impose the pace of the game. Wolff was responsible for the second goal, receiving a deep pass from fullback Georgia Sheehan and cutting in from the left-hand side, skipping past a Swibian defender and firing a low shot past the keeper for 2-0. A small but vocal contingent of green-and-white clad fans cheered every touch off a Wray stick, although the game quickly descended into a near farce as the gulf in quality made itself apparent. Caitlin McLaughlin was imperious in the centre of the park, fielding the ball out to both wingers as well as forward to Dunn, and that is how the third goal was scored - a powerful slap bisected two defenders and fed in Dunn, who flicked the ball low past the keeper. 3-0 with a quarter of the match gone.

Wray settled into a pattern of midfield dominance, comfortable passing the ball amongst themselves and attacking on a whim. Annabelle Weir tore through on 22 minutes, passing one defender and sending another sprawling to the astro in a sublime piece of skill, before her reverse shot scuttled wide of the post. But it was only three minutes later when Wray added their fourth, and Georgia Dunn completed her hat-trick. A penalty corner was driven in by Weir, and the shot by Mackenzie Scott was parried by Dunn high into the right hand corner of the net.

Hayley Flecker, the young 22-year old playing for Quayside, picked as somewhat as a wildcard, showed just why with a piece of individual brilliance for Wray's 5th goal on 32 minutes. She took the ball in midfield, exchanged passes with McLaughlin and jinked into the Swibian third. She beat one defender, lifting the ball over an attempted tackle, before driving into the D and hammering a fierce shot high into the net, past the flailing arm of the Swibian keeper. She was rightly mobbed by her team-mates.

Flecker was without doubt one of the finest players on the field, rewarding the selectors good faith, playing with an electric dynamism which McLaughlin described as 'astounding' after the game. Georgia Dunn added her fourth goal of the game by sweeping in a cross from Hillgrove, expertly dummying her first time shot to score at the second attempt. It was truly a goalscoring masterclass, the like she has been delivering all season, from Dunn. That made it 6-0 at the half, and to say Wray were cruising would be an understatement.

Wray started slowly, if they could be, in the second half. Swibia were able to claw a goal back through their midfielder off a penalty corner after a shot was deflected by Sophie Keegan. But that was about as good as it got for Swibia - a defender was given a green card on 43 minutes for a cynical stick tackle on Dunn. Wray exposed the gap at the back, captain McLaughlin using her strength and ball control to punch into the D and push the ball between the keeper and the post. 7-1.

Georgia Dunn added the next two goals for Wray, taking her tally to six for the day - her fifth was a drive off a long corner, whilst her sixth was a checked chip from within the D to make it 9-1. Annabelle Weir, who had been quietly productive in the midfield alongside the electrifying Flecker, made it a round 10 on 67 minutes by cutting through a demoralised and exhausted Swibian defence to walk the ball in virtually unguarded. 10-1 Wray, final score.

McLaughlin said the performance was 'phenomenal', that she was 'so proud of the girls'. It was a pretty strong performance from the Green-and-Whites, sending a powerful message to the other teams in the competition.

[The Licentian Isles]

Montfort Inquirer

Licentians Earn First Medals of Games, to Shock of All Other Licentians

The first medals of the Aeropag Olympics have come on day 2, at a surprise to almost all observers at home in the Isles, with a gold in road cycling and a silver in the pool.

When many Licentians think about cycling, they think about the mountain biking races that regularly take place across the outlying islands that make up St Bart’s Parish, and the general consensus was that, was a Licentian cyclist to win a medal, it would come there. This meant that most Licentians dismissed the road race, and tuned into the water polo, rowing and canoeing instead, as they are wont to do, with those sports being seen as much more exciting than a long 3 hour cycle through foreign countryside.

However, when it became clear that a number of Licentians were in the mix going into the last 10km, an estimated 1 million viewers switched to LBC Sports 4 to see the final sprint finish in Port Lusambo. Imagine their surprise (and, I imagine, that of cycling fans across the multiverse) as 19 year old Beth Gordon sprinted out of the pack and crossed the line to bring home the first medal for the Isles in Aeropag, and a gold medal at that.

Gordon finished the race two-hundredths of a second ahead of the silver and bronze medallists (from West Angola and Paputu respectively), and a pack of 40 women only six-hundredths of a second behind them, including Gordon’s teammates Rosalyn Daalmeijer and Alix van der Donk.

Gordon was ecstatic when interviewed after the race. “I never expected to get where I have in this race,” she said through tears of joy after the required post-event testing. “I just stuck with the peloton as best I could, then saw a gap in the last kilometre or so and threw myself at it.” She also said that she hoped she could inspire a generation of Licentians to get on their bikes and give cycling a go. “If I could make this sport more popular back hom because of this, then that would mean more to me than this medal ever could.”

Later in the evening, Licentian viewers were treated to another surprise medal, this time in the pool, where Leah Cameron took a silver medal in the women’s 400m freestyle. Licentian swimming usually focuses on longer distances, with a strong team going in the open water marathons later in the Games, so Cameron’s medal is somewhat of a welcome surprise. She ranked joint second in the classification after the heats, tied with Angela Moss of Electrum, before swimming seven-tenths of a second faster in the final to take silver, not finishing far behind the gold medallist from Arioslavia, Ruslana Onopko.

Elsewhere, both the men’s and women’s water polo teams won their games against Orion Islands and Amazonesta respectively, while there was disappointment for Brandon Hughes in the men’s K1 slalom, as he missed out on qualifying for the finals by the narrowest of margins. The men’s football team remain top of group B after a draw with Kannap, while the men’s handball team, and men’s and women’s hockey teams all registered wins. The only Licentian rowers to fall to a repechage on the first day, Watson and Moore in the coxless pairs, recovered to win their repechage, while the 4 Licentian boats competing in heats all qualified for the quarter finals. The women’s sevens team lost two of their three games and were pipped to qualification on points difference by the North Eurasian unified team and Wray, which feels especially frustrating after the girls beat Wray in their final group game.

A Spotlight On - Patrick Moore and Anthe van Meer

During the Games, along with coverage of the Licentian athletes competing each day in Aeropag, the Montfort Inquirer will be looking to the day ahead by focussing on a single athlete or team competing the next day, looking at their background and their hopes for the Games.

In the years since the Licentian Isles last took part in an Olympics in Orean, badminton has risen in popularity, to the point where it is challenging squash as the most popular racket sport in the nation. Looking at this, it is no real surprise that the Licentian delegation includes a strong squad of badminton players, and it is the mixed doubles pair of Patrick Moore and Anthe van Meer that are the strongest medal hope in the fastest sport at the Games.

Moore and van Meer are polar opposites off the court. Moore is 34, and as cool as a cucumber, both in terms of levels of calm and his fashion sense, while van Meer is a fiery 18 year old, always passionate and opinionated, whether about sport or other topics. On the court, however, they have a level of communication that rivals that of a pair of twins; despite having only played together for 18 months, they complement each other perfectly on court.

“The teamwork with Anthe surprises me immensely,” said Moore today after a training session prior to competition starting tomorrow, “considering how short a time we’ve been working together for.” Asked about whether being 16 years older makes van Meer his protégé, Moore responded in the negative. “Just because I’m almost old enough to be her father, doesn’t make me the better player. I’ve learned a hell of a lot about playing badminton from having a young player to work with. She just brings a different style to our matches, and I’m much better for it.”

The mixed doubles badminton will start tomorrow morning, with Patrick Moore and Anthe van Meer expected to compete in the first round. You can watch them from 11am LST on LBC Sports 3, or on montfortinquirer.co.li/live.

[North Eurasian Unified Sporting Team]

XI Olympiad: Day 1 and 2

Aeropag, Paripana - (NEIP) Day 1 and Day 2 summary.

Day 1

Synchronized diving, Émilie Bélanger and Walentyna Krupinska ranked 18th and made the semi finals.

Swimming men 400m freestyle, Przemyslaw Ruszkowski ranked 13th and didn't made the final. Will Able from Dunnës won the gold medal.

Men 100m breaststroke, Wojciech Szczepkowski made the demi final but didn't made the final.

Men 400m individual medley, Luis Carlos Oliveira didn't made the final. George Sopas from Vakolicci Haven won the gold.

Women 100m butterfly, Melania Przybyszewska and Caroline Rogers failed to make the semi finals.

Women 400m individual medley, Marianna Kaczkowska didn't made the final.

Women 4×100 m Freestyle Relay, Tara Ford, Lisa Rosehill, Elisabeth Wong and Molly Hawkshaw made the final and finished 5th, it's actually North Eurasia's best result!

Women basketball, North Eurasia lost 88–68 against Mapletish.

Boxing, most North Eurasian athletes made the 16th and 8th finals.

Canoe slalom men C1, Arkadiusz Jablonowski didn't made the next round.

Women C1, Miranda Hernandez finished 5th in heats and made the next round.

Road cycling men, North Eurasia's best result is Reynald Griezmann with a 24th place. Eric Wardenson from Vangaziland won gold.

Fencing women épée, North Eurasian athletes didn't made the 16th finals.

Football women, Valanora beat Vilitan Union 2–0. Valanora are the favorites to win the women football competition according to San Jacinto's bookmakers.

Artistic gymnastic men, Kevin Gallacher qualified for the final in H Bar.

Rowing men's single skulls, Brandon Crosby won his heat and made it straight to the quarter finals.

Double skulls, Brandon Crosby and Justin Nash has to go through repêchage.

Quadruple skulls, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young qualified for the quarter finals.

Coxless Pairs, Lukasz Krakowski and Mariusz Polczynski made it straight to the quarter finals.

Coxless fours, Keith Summers, Rasmus Knutsen, Janusz Wojcicki & Brian Stafford made it to the quarter finals.

Women single skulls, Zofia Kuczmarska qualified straight to the quarter finals.

Double skulls, Zofia Kuczmarska and Katarzyna Kopczynska made it to the quarter finals.

Quadruple skulls, Zofia Kuczmarska, Katarzyna Kopczynska, Dolores Espinosa & Sara Strzelczyk advanced straight to the quarter finals.

Coxless four, Brianna Shepard, Anastazja Kaczmarczyk, Chelsea Stone & Meghan Osgood qualified straight to the quarter finals.

Rugby women, North Eurasia won 34–0 vs Wray and 33–5 vs Eastfield Lodge.

Tennis, All North Eurasian athletes won their 128th finals matches in singles and 64th-finals in doubles.

Day 2

Men synchronized diving, Kacper Sroczynski and Matt Jenner qualified for the semi final.

Women synchronized diving, Émilie Bélanger and Walentyna Krupinska didn't made the final. Roseline Seagle and Dolores Sutliff from Kernansquillec won gold.

Swimming men's 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke, North Eurasian athletes failed to qualify for the semi finals.

Men’s 4×100 m Freestyle Relay, Chris Ryan, Bruno Angermeier, Przemyslaw Ruszkowski & Patrick Byrne finished 16th. Sargossa won gold.

Women 400m freestyle, Maud Sneijder and Marianna Kaczkowska didn't made it to the final. Ruslana Onopko from Arioslavia won gold.

100m backstroke, Elisabeth Wong didn't qualify for the semi finals.

100m breaststroke, Zofia Pietruszewska didn't qualify either.

Water Polo Men, North Eurasia beat Qasden 10–5.

Basketball men, North Eurasia lost 77–69 against Fluvique.

Boxing, most North Eurasian athletes made it to the 16th finals.

Canoe Slalom men's K1, Teemu Koivu failed to qualify.

Women's C2, Marianne Zeller and Jessica Larkin finished 10th in heats and qualified for the next round

Women road race in cycling, best North Eurasian result is Elzbieta Stanislawska with a 9th place but she has the same time as the girl finishing 4th. Esmeralda Sanchez and Pamela Richardson did not finish. Beth Gordon from The Licentian Isles won gold.

Equestrian eventing, Philipp Winterfeldt is 18th, Cynthia clan Castonguay 63rd and Prince Zygmunt VIII 71st. North Eurasian Unified Sporting Team is 20th.

Fencing men foil, North Eurasian athletes all lost in 32nd finals.

Football men, Electrum and East Saintland tied 2–2.

Artistic gymnastic women, Jen Witzmann qualified for U Bars final.

Rowing Men’s Double Sculls, Brandon Crosby and Justin Nash quaified for the quarter finals.

Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls, Grzegorz Antoniewicz and Logan Welsh are going through the repêchage.

Men’s Coxless Fours, Lukasz Krakowski, Mariusz Polczynski, Keith Summers & Rasmus Knutsen are also going through the repêchage.

Women’s Lightweight Double Sculls, Zofia Kuczmarska and Katarzyna Kopczynska has to go through the repêchage.

Women’s Coxless Pairs, Brianna Shepard and Madison Garland made it straight to the quarter finals.

Women’s Coxless Fours, Brianna Shepard, Madison Garland, Anastazja Kaczmarczyk & Chelsea Stone are going straight to the quarter finals.

Women rugby, North Eurasia lost 19–17 against Neu Engollon and won 26–19 vs The Licentian Isles. North Eurasian women are qualified for the quarter finals and will play against Electrum.

Tennis doubles, Bergeron/Lucic won but Jones/Stevenson lost.

Tennis singles, Carlos Lopez, Dougie Brees, Floyd Williams and Pontus Källström all lost.

Indoor volleyball, North Eurasia lost against Valanora.

Weightlifting, Neil Baker from Electrum tied the olympic record and won gold.

Weightlifting women, Svetlana Begova from Arioslavia tied the olympic record and won gold.

American football, East Saintland beat Kaboomlandia 19–17. East Saintland are the favorites to win the gold medal according to San Jacinto's bookmakers.

Softball, North Eurasia lost 4–3 agianst West Phoenicia.

Medal table after day 2 (sorted by # of medals)

Royal Kingdom of Québec            QUE   2   3   1    6
Paripana Sporting Council          PSC   4   0   1    5
Eonstar                            EON   2   1   2    5
Kelssek                            KSK   0   4   1    5
Ferkas                             CKF   2   1   1    4
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
North Eurasian Unified Sporting T  NES   0   0   0    0

Day 3

On tv you can expect to see more swimming, canoe, rowing, sailing, tennis, softball and all women rugby quarter finals including the one between North Eurasia and Electrum, semi finals, bronze final and final.

[Todd McCloud]

The (Non) Scores Seen 'Round the World, Balloons
Reporting for V3 News Services, Rin Slakori

AEROPAG - Three. Four. Six. Four. Three. Six. Zero. Do those numbers hold significance? What seems like a random compilation of numbers has become a reality for the Vekaiyun Women's Gymnastics Team, a team that has strived for excellence and established themselves as a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with in international competition. Exactly what do those numbers mean? Well, in order of their first appearance at the Fifth Summer Olympiad in Outineau, those numbers are yearly totals of gymnasts (and overall teams) that have qualified for medal events. This year the team notches its first-ever naught, a zero, meaning that there will be no female Vekaiyun gymnastic in medal rounds. Note that these totals do not include rhythmic gymnastics. Also note that this is not the first time the Women's team will not earn any medals this year - that feat was accomplished some seven years ago back in Olympiad Number Five. In that span, the Vekaiyun female gymnasts had amassed 12 medals. This year, they will have to face the daunting prospect of an early exit.

Yva Kire, whose string of medals dating back since the Sixth Summer Games was snapped last year, looked particularly uninspiring with her vault routine. Kire, who has a flair for a Khorkina variant of the Yurchenko-style routine, landed badly with a distinct hop, as did teammate Selvala Lusesitre, though in her case several pundits believe that judges were atypically harsh with her. Again debates as to whether or not vulpines should remove their tails early on in life will no doubt come to light once again, as the distinct movement of her tail appeared to show sloppy form on her delivery.

"I cannot and will not remove a part of my body to accommodate any judging," she informed V3 News after her routine. A second look appears to confuse her footwear with that of her tail, which is roughly the same color. We then asked if she actually believed that judges may become confused over different species and the routines with which they must follow, which may be easier or more difficult due to different strengths and weaknesses. "No comment," was all she replied.

Many Vekaiyun gymnasts opt to keep their tails as they aid with balance, but the feature has come under increasing scrutiny especially when vulpine athletes are believed to do well but tend to score lower than expected. This could be why Xa Vilaseru's routine has come under question. Vilaseru was thought to have excelled in her uneven bars routine, but her score was pulled down to a 15.200, eliciting an "Oh Aiya!" from the normally reserved and collected Makswel Iliyaskavi, a former athlete turned commentator for V3 Sports. "Aiya" is most likely reference to St. Aiya, the patron saint of Vekaiyu and is generally reserved for the most shocking of news. Perhaps it was her tail touching the bar at times, perhaps it truly was a score not deemed worthy of advancement by the judges. Either way, she kept a warm smile about her and moved on to compete in the balance beam after that.

"I can't really say anything about my routine," Leina Uverilsetrese admitted later in the evening. "I'm disappointed. I really felt like we were ready this year." Uverilsetrese, who has arguably been Vekaiyu's top female gymnast due to winning two all-around golds in a row, didn't appear sloppy but a simpler routine on the floor combined with a slight miss-step on a double-salto halfway into the routine no doubt hurt her score. We will recall that Uverilsetrese suffered a broken leg in a freak accident in February while ice skating with friends in Kunnat. Her coach has assured fans time and time again that she is fully healed, but the time required to condition and develop new routines may have been the deciding factor. Had her score improved by a factor of one on the floor exercises to finish with an adequate 15.500, she would have again qualified for the all-around routine, bumping Wialmosia Zionarza of Vilitan Union from the all-around event.

Despite this disappointment, the Vekaiyun team did not embarrass those faithful fans who traveled far and wide to support their brethren. It is too early to tell, but one should fully expect the Vekaiyun team to possibly make some changes down the road, which may include swapping in athletes as well as some kind of decision with respect to body regulations. We hope it doesn't come down to that, but with so many questions and discrepancies either contrived or held factual (we will not comment on that one video that seems to show a judge sleeping when in fact he was blinking long), it may be time for Vekaiyu to hold some kind of consensus for international competition.

Balloons
We end our segment tonight with a more thoughtful story from a thoughtful athlete who had good intentions. Floria Avistroviyey, a new swimmer from central Vekaiyu, has been following stories from other national periodicals closely and wanted to make a difference in the lives of fellow athletes. "They handed us balloons when we first got here, and at first I didn't know what they were for, but a teammate told me they were for the prevention of transmitting certain diseases and preventing children that couples were not ready for. Apparently it involves intercourse, but why would anyone do that here when there's not enough time in the day to train and pray?"

Vekaiyu is not a nation that readily recognizes prophylactics (condoms) in their culture, but it has reached a particular appeal toward younger adults. Still, the actual concept of child prevention remains taboo in some areas of the nation, but the Vayan Catholic Church has not adopted an official issue on the matter.

"I heard some people were misusing them and filling them with water to make them into balloons," she added. "If they keep doing this, they may run out of supplies, which would be bad as the spread of disease would be rampant. Something had to be done. I didn't have any tape, so I grabbed all of the prophylactics I could and stapled each of them to a piece of paper so they wouldn't lose them - the storage wrappers are so small. The papers read prophylactics, I think, in Codexian, but I'm so used to writing in Unonian I might have mixed up a few on the wordage. I then tried to slip them under the doors of my dorm so that athletes would always have one and could use the rest of them to make balloons if they wanted to. It didn't take much time, and I felt better after doing it."

It is unknown as to the manner in which these condoms were stapled, but we assume she generally knew what she was doing.

[Astyrian Olympics Delegation]

Eadric of Dunmarrow
Men’s Super Heavy Weight Boxing

Eadric sat completely motionless, his back ramrod straight, but his muscles mostly relaxed. His face was the only thing in motion, constantly flexing and snarling. His beard was shortly cut, his hair was pulled back in a braid, the sides of his head were shaved bald, the tattooing on his face rippled. Across the right side of his face, an elaborate knot design ran the length of his head and half his face. The left side hosted another, separate, knot design, this one running down his face, neck and into the elaborate tattooing on his back. On his forehead, a simple black bar ran from his hairline to the bridge of his crooked nose.

His hands were wrapped in tape, as was custom, and he sat uncomfortably in his issued uniform. Normally, he fought shirtless. Finally, he rose. He pulled on gloves, or rather had his coach shove them onto his hands. He said nothing, as did his coach. Trying to coach him now was pointless. He had gone beyond the point of return mentally. The only thing that would break him from his trance was the fight itself. He had always been like that, becoming so focused on the physical beating he was both about to receive and deal, words ceased to have meaning to him. He lost his ability to use recognizable speech as well, instead answering in feral grunts and half snarls.

His headphones blasted music. Instead of choosing something motivating lyrically, a single drum beat into his head. Every few seconds, the headphones vibrated with the impact of the sound wave. Eadric was ready. His whole body was tight and rigid, even his jaw. He rammed the mouth guard in and stepped through the door to the arena.

Credit goes to Serretes for this RP.

[Mattijana]

Silver Rush Offers Distraction From Antics

Mattijana got off the mark with their first medals of the Aeropag Olympics as they racked up 3 silvers and a bronze in some surprising areas.

Jelena Rakitič won the first Mattijanan medal, a bronze, in the pool in the final of the 100m butterfly. She made a good start, leading for the first 50 metres, but then ran out of steam and eventually hung on to take a respectable third place.

Mattias Kuzmayer then upped things with a silver in the men's individual foil fencing. He safely negotiated all qualifying rounds, beating Tom ben Yochanan of Judea in a tense semi final by just the one point with an excellant display to hold off the impressive-looking Judean. The final score was 15-14 with ben Yochanan going on to take the bronze.
His semi-final exploits had appeared to tire him out however, as he was then overcome easily by 14 points to 6 by Luigi Corazza of Québec.

Katija Malenkova only scraped into the final by a single point, but began to set consistent scores early on in the final and never seemed to lose focus, eventually climbing the leaderboard to reach second as her opponents dropped off. She was comfortably clear of third, but just 0.2 points off the winner and the glory of gold and a first Olympic record in the event's finals (as there is a new format this year).

If shooting was an area where Mattijana was expecting to pick up medals, weightlifting most certainly was not. However, Emeli Oukič picked up Mattijana's first ever weightlifting medal with an inspired performance, lifting over 4 times her own bodyweight (221 kg). She was only 1 kg away from a new Olympic and presumably world record, but couldn't quite match the incredible strength of eventual winner, Svetlana Begova of Arioslavia.

Mattijana also had a very succesful day in table tennis and tennis, losing only Aljaž Ćorluka in all competitions of the latter.


The success of the day also provided a welcome distraction from the events of the last couple of days which was received in many different ways by the Mattijanan public. Many said it was light-hearted and "only bantarrr", but some more serious people said that it brought the country "into disrepute." Things seem to have taken a turn for the better however, with some more positive news from the events themselves.

[Astyrian Olympics Delegation]

ENGLISH | Portuguese
Costa de Ouro | Morroseta | Astyria | World | Business | SPORT | Culture | Opinion

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AVISSIAN ROWER NOT DAUNTED BY HEFTY SCHEDULE
FILED BY: Matias Pereira (8/9/2016)

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Tereza Estefânia Romão was not looking forward to today. The Avissian rower had to compete in four different events - the single sculls, lightweight double sculls, double sculls, and quadruple sculls in the repechage, a taxing schedule for anyone, not to mention the second-time Olympian. After her first event - the single sculls - she was expecting to be pooped, a further disappointment for a team that has not been having too much success in the first couple of days in the games.

Instead, she found the energy reserves to put her full effort into all of her events - and found the energy to advance to the quarterfinals in all four, a shining story of success in an otherwise disappointing day for the Astyrian Olympics delegation in general.

After coming in dead last in her heat in the single sculls by more than sixteen seconds, Romão had basically given up on the event. So it came as a bit of a shock to her that she managed to advance out of her repechage to the quarterfinals after not really putting in the best effort out there but still enough to qualify - sixteen seconds behind the first place finisher but a comfortable eleven seconds ahead of the third place rower. "I was not really expecting to move on with such a lackluster performance from myself," says Romão. "But it happened."

Then she moved on to her favorite event, the double sculls, with partner Carma Teodora Belo. There the pairing managed to avenge their iffy showing in the original heats, clocking in with the fastest time in the repechage, and in all of the three repechages in general, with an eight second lead over the Cosumarite pair. The lightweight double sculls was a bit harder for them, as both players were quite tired - but despite lagging behind the competition throughout the heat, the two made it out of their heat and onto the quarterfinals.

In the quadruple sculls, where the quite tired pair was aided by Avissians Francisca D’cruze and Josefina Melo, redeemed themselves after their iffy performance in the original heats, improving their time by a margin of 19 seconds - quite an improvement - to move onto the quarterfinals.

When I managed to interview her outside the Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center in Port Lusambo, she was visibly sweating, as befitting the heat of the center, but also aching due to her four heats that she had to participate in. "I won't be surprised if I get some cramps later tonight," Romão drily remarked. "At least some of the water splashed onto me, so I was able to keep cool." Her partner Belo added, a little less tired but still noticeably so due to her three events, "I wouldn't mind someone throwing one of those condom-balloons at me - it would be a nice diversion from this hard work."

Also in Port Lusambo, the silver medal-winning team in the Kytler Peninsulae managed to win their heat with a heat-best time, beating out all the other contenders. And in the men's double sculls, the Henriques brothers hope to repeat their gold-medal winning performance from the Ninth Olympiad. They have replicated the first parts of their feat so far - losing in their heat but coming out on top in their repechage. Hopefully they will be able to win yet again and add a medal to the table for Astyria.

RP Courtesy of Costa de Ouro (Avissian Union)

[Fluvique]

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FOOTBALL—

The White Foxes beat Ferkas to continue breathing

The U23 national side achieved its first victory in the Olympics Games of Aeropag. The Group D match finished with a clear 4-0 in favor of the Fluviqueans over Ferkas in the Sokojito Überdome after defeat in the first match (1-2 vs Eonstar). In this context, Fluvique will play hand to hand for the ticket to the quarterfianls in the last game of the group against San Jose Guayabal. The goal difference is in favor of the Fluviqueans, thus a victory or a draw puts the team in the next round. A defeat, instead, finish the Olympic dream of this emergency team.

In the first half, Fluvique had a lot of chances to take the lead with a volley of Ted Apparicio, a right cross of Ricky Bertens and a far shot of André Villeneuve, which almost gets into the right corner. But Ferkas' defence was in good shape, controlling the tricolor's attempts and also attempted some shy counterattacks. The team had to wait until 37' minute, when the head of Alexe Kedzierski sent the ball into the net and gave some calm to our players.

With the score in favor, the team showed its best in the tournament so far: aggressiveness, pressuring, passing the ball through the midfield, with smart decisions. Thus, Calmwater started the attack in defence, running with the ball until the midfield and passing to Bertens. He passed the ball to Pullian, who gave it quickly to Villeneuve, who threw a center just after receiving the ball and it found Auze, who scored the 2-0 with a soft touch of the ball under the goal at 64'.

Confidence is all and Fluvique took advantage of the lack of it in Ferkas. Juan Fernández entered for Mathieu Barbieri and the White Foxes gained even more fastness, with long and quick runs from both sides. After a bad corner kick in attack and a clearance of Van Aalst, the ball went to Auze, who threw the ball forward, making Fernández ran for it, winning the race with two defenders and advancing alone with only the goalkeeper in front, but then he passed the ball to Auze, who scored again at 78'.

The celebration was in the stands, with the Fluviquean supporters waving flags, chanting and jumping over the seats, breaking some of them and throwing them to Ferkas and local fans. In the past Olympics in New Gelderland, some Fluviquean fans set fire the entire stand, damaging the stadium. However, thanks to the late goal of Villeneuve, the things calmed down. Still, this is a preview of what can happen if the team loses in the upcoming match. The local committee and police is already aware of our football fans and the security will be strict to handle any situation.

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BASKETBALL—

The Golden Boys joined the Olympic pranks

Recently, the Olympic Village was shaked due to a few incidents regarding some athletes' attitude. We were surprised that none of our folks was involved, but we suspected, despite that is checked that many issues were caused by other delegations. Still, our boys are always ready to play jokes. This time the men's basketball team, the Golden Boys, was involved in a silly prank in the cafeteria of the Olympic Village.

Severin Kerr, Luke Bram, Michel Nedje, Simon Van Alst and Vin Gayelord were sitting in one of the center tables, chatting and joking around. Suddenly, a young woman of an undisclosed nation (but we know she plays volleyball) walked near the table. Then, Severin Kerr stood up and approached her with a map of Aeropag, looking for indications.

"Excuse me, do you know where is....Oh my god!" -said Severin in front of the woman.

"What?"-She said surprised.

Kerr began to move his hands, while shouting and calling for a doctor. The woman, completely surprised and confused, continued saying "What's going on?". Then, Michel Nedje and Simon Van Alst appared behind her with a chair and asked her to sit.

"Is she ok?" said Vin Gayelord with concern.

"Please, call a doctor" replied Severin.

"What the hell is going on?" shouted the girl again.

"Just don't talk. Everything will be fine" He leaned and took the hands of the girl, trying to calm her down. "A glass of water, please!"

Luke Bram approached with a bottle of water and gave it to the yound lady. At that time, a large amount of people was around them, watching with concern and fear what was going on. The main doors were violently opened and several doctors and members of security, the Olympic Committe and the Local Organizer Committe entered to the cafeteria, running with all their energies, until reach the area where were the Fluviqueans and the woman.

"What is this!?" exclaimed one of the doctors

"It can be some internal bleeding, probably some fractures, we need to go to a hospital!" said Severin, distressed "She had a terrible fall"

"What are you talking about!?" said the woman.

"You fell straight out of heaven, angel" -said him, winking and smiling

The room was in a gloomy silence for a minute. Then, the Fluviquean players, except Kerr who was kneeling in front of the girl, started to chant: "Kiss him, kiss him!" while applauding. Incredibly the crowd, instead of be upset or trying to insult our players, started to chant with them. The young woman was totaly ashamed, smiling nervously and red as a tomato. In middle of the chants, she kissed Severin on his cheek, causing a great celebration of the people gathered there and some applauses. The players stood up again and formed a circle around them, jumping and chanting "My friend is on fire, your dad is terrified, Nananananana"

This, of course, was possible after last night's victory 77-69 over North Eurasian Unified Sporting Team in the first Matchday of the Group D. The good atmosphere and camaraderie is filling the young squad and always is time for relaxing. However, Carl Sheep, after know what happened, prepared an exhausting training for those involved, maybe one of the hardest in the team's story. But, judging for their smiles after the training session, they would do it again.

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HOCKEY—

The Panthers started with a victory

The Panthers appeared on the scene. And they did it their own way, a pure goal, with a great display and moments of a very good game to quickly bury West Angola's hopes on the match. They did it knowing that there is no possible misstep if they want the best position. They did it being aware that they needed a victory, a 4-1 victory, to show to the world of hochey that Fluvique also arrived to Aeropag to enlarge its history and trying to achieve that long-awaited gold medal.

The first half in Olympic Tower was a monologue of a Fluvique who again had an extraordinary encouragement from the stands. In those initial 30 minutes, they were a stranglehold against an opponent who chose to cede the ball from the beginning to the end. During that time our girls caused troubles every time they proposed it and, above all, the speed of Carolina Venner was the best help for the national attacks. Thus, they had chances of the most varied: the same forward was close to score and the same happened with Eva Leilah in other shot on goal. But it was through a penalty corner that Fluvique found the goal. And it was through Marina Capittanni that The Panthers established on the scoreboard the difference of hierarchy, of ambitions and talent between the two teams. In two occasion she sought the table of the goalkeeper and she scored twice for a team that went into halftime with a 2-0 that provided the necessary calm for what could come next

And what came laterwas a supplement that ultimately proved the exact copy of what we already lived. Because Fluvique did not slacken the rhythm and West Angola resigned to run behind those Panthers. This time, the festivities came with two good and similar movements in attack: the third, of Emiliana De Snaaijer, was after a cross of Eugénie Lesauvage and a swing of Leilah, deflected by the goalkeeper and driven into the goal by De Snaaijer. And the fourth, of Paula Montero, had in Loretta Jan the responsible of pass the ball to the circle and allowing "Paulita" to score her first goal in an Olympic Game. Before the end, a lonely goal of West Angola put the final 4-1 in favor of the Fluviquean team.

On the other side, the Young Lions continue having troubles to show their best and yesterday tied 2-2 with Electrum, in their second match of the Group C.

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VOLLEYBALL—

First step of the Olympic champions

A joint strenght. A winning attitude that led them to defend impossible balls. And a individual performance of Firmin Clayd (16 points) that invites to dream. Hence, with that mixture of discipline, attitude and individual brilliance, Fluvique built a valuable 3-1 against Bulgar Rouge (sets of 22-25, 25-17, 25-17 and 25-23) in their debut at the Olympic Games. A victory which portends good winds for the team led by Miguel Angel Jantje, on their road to defend de gold medal of the last games.

It was known that the duel with Bulgar Rouge was something like a hinge match for Fluvique in Group C. The Long Ones usually need this matches to heat engines and the poster of being candidates is a kind of unprecedented pression, for a team used to be underdog. Winning the first match seemed vital. And so that match was faced with clenched teeth, wise leadership of Arsène Maurice; Corey Preston and Eric Ragnvald firm in blocking and a performance of Firmin Clayd simply enormous both in defence and attack. Seeing him celebrating each point, own or of their peers, conveyed the feeling that there was no way ot beat him. Neither he nor the team all.

Is true: Bulgar Rouge was a very strong rival. Specially after loosing the first set by 25-22, something unexpected. The comeback was with two sets won with authority, showing that they are the last champions. Thanks to a touch of Clayd, first, and a blockade of Van Donk, secondly, Fluvique won those sets by the same score: 25-17.

The end of that set dump the game. With the powerfull southpaw Garret Stij as opposite and with Ragnvald and Preston as interesting formula of attack, Fluvique fought the fourth set . They had to struggle very hard to subdue Bulgar Rouge. The fierce faces gave way to smiles, as if they had ceased to clench their teeth to start having fun, searching the end of the story. And it was: 25-23, 3-1 in set and first victory for the team who did the most famous feat of the Fluviquean sport in the face of New Gelderland.

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TENNIS—

Day with two smiles and a sadness for the men's tennis in the Olympics Games of Aeropag. In one side, in the second turn of court 4, Simon Van Haanrade lost in straight sets with Arnaldo Pan (4-6 and 5-7). The good news appeared in the afternoon, with the victory of Matthias Riley over Peter Clarke in three sets: 6-3, 4-6 an 6-3, to continue in the tournament.

The debut of Juan Gabriel Fernandez was awaited with enthusiasm and hope. The last bronze medalist started his path with some doubts, but finished with contundence. In the first set, Pontus Källström showed a great performance, specially with his serve. Fernandez had on his backhand his best weapon to control the net game of Källström and overcome 3 of 4 break points.

However, two consecutive double faults and an unforced allowed Källström to break his game and serve for that first set, which eventually happened. The first break point for Fernandez came in the second game of the second set, when he broke Källström's serve with four forehands. He kept his serve over the whole set to tie the match one set by side and sending it to a third.

In the decisive set, Fernandez won four games in a row and, after 22' minutes, achieved the victory with a comfortable 6-2. In a post-match conference he said that: 'The first match is always hard. I'm more than happy with the victory' and that he has to 'continue improving, thinking match to match'

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Main Fluviquean results

Continuing the nice streak, Jordán Fear finished 7th on his heat in canoe slalom Men’s K-1, qualifing for the next round. In women’s C-2, Marilyn Guadarrama and Pattie Lowry finished in a meritorious 6th place.

In other of the disciplines with Fluiviquean hopes, rowing, the paysans had great performances. The highlights were Caroline Corti and Liliana Verona, who finished 1st on their heat in women’s lightweight double sculls. In the same category, but in Men's side, Marcel Boris and Derek Maks were 2nd. Serina Gosse and Graciana Benivieni also finished in the top of their heat, with a time of 7:24.78 in women’s coxless pairs. Port Lusambo is one of the best places for our athletes in the tournament so far. Maybe is not the Lac des Règates or the Yellow River, but they feel like at home

In the equestrian events, the best peformance was of Johan Thauds, who finished 13th. Other results were Harley Addo(28), Arthur Efraín(39), Roque Leone(80) and Gordon Benedetto(119). In the team event, Fluvique finished 6th in dressage.

What to watch

BOXING—

Theo Holt (VTR) vsCass Hibbert (16th-finals, Men’s Middleweight) LIVE FROM OLYMPIC TOWER

Nick Standorf vsAdam Longenecker (TAE) (16th-finals,Men’s Light Heavyweight) LIVE FROM OLYMPIC TOWER

Roar Giæver (COS)–Hans Lecce (16th-finals, Men’s Heavyweight) LIVE FROM OLYMPIC TOWER

[West Phoencia]

Ratings drop as West Phoenicians flop.

Ratings have dropped by the millions on the West Phoenician Olympic Sports Channel as sports fans have switched off due to the disappointment of the last 2 days that have seen the massive athletic delegation struggle to win their heats and progress, while there is a long way to go, the flavour of these games will be struggle, struggle, loss loss. Rowing and Canoeing seem to be two areas where we are holding ground. And there is high hopes for our Baseball, Softball and Basketball teams. Shooting and Weightlifting are two other areas where the signs were looking good but have so far bared no fruit.


While ratings drop on the Sports channels, gossip columist Hedda Parsons who is at the Games with her show "All that Jazz" has seen ratings jump as eager gossips and busy bodies are viewing in for the latest hijinks of West Phoenicians off the field.

All that Jazz

I Heart Harlots

If the West Phoenician Artistic Gymnastics team had focused more on their craft maybe more of them would have qualified. Melissa St. Marie is there ray of hope who had qualified for beams and moves onto the apparatus final.

Meanwhile three other members of the Artistic Gymnastics team lead by Scarlett Gellar have launched a flash and run campaign against athletes of The Archregimancy in protest against Fr. Vasily's sexist comments.
The three teams members ran around the The Archregimancy lodges flashing members with red lipstick painted on their chest with the words "I heart Harlots".


Bats are flying...
Do Nguyen of the West Phoenician females Table Tennis sparked outraged after her game with Esther Ada from Kriegiersien that saw her fail to progress. Do alleges after the match when she rushed over to congratulate her opponent on her win instead of shaking her hand, she was flipped the bird. In retaliation Do slapped Ester Ada across the face with her bat.

Title drop escalates..
With the host nation not offering any sort of response to the reason why royal titles were dropped from athletes names causing a stir with athletes and citizens at home. The largely Pro-Royalist athletic delegation will refuse to appear in the closing ceremony.

[Kelssek]

Ronan Dragicevic called for a full change of players as Cosumar scored. Nate Frolík could feel coach Ronan's eyes burning into him as he swam to the corner.

Although conceding in a man-down situation is not usually going to get the players roasted, the goal was his fault - he hadn't read the situation and had drifted too far towards the player with the ball, focused on blocking the shot, not realizing he had left a player wide open 2 metres on the post he was supposed to be defending. The Cosumar player on the wing had lobbed the ball over his arm and it had been an easy tip-in to bring Cosumar within a goal with the score 3-2.

Nate pulled himself up out of the water and braced himself for impact as the coach turned towards him.

"Hey. Relax out there. I need you to stay in the moment, Nate."

That was all. He walked over to the bench. Eamon Conaill gave him a high five and he sat on the bench next to his club teammate Harry, who gave him a shit-eating grin.

Later on he got a shot on goal during the third quarter which the Cosumar goalie only just got a hand to.

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Kelssek records wins in water polo preliminaries
AUGUST 9, 2016 | SPORTS | by Leslie Hartford


Definitely nothing untoward going on here as players fight for the hole position in front of net. Kelssek won the match 8-4. (GARY HOWLAND/THE KELSSEK PRESS)

Kelssekian water polo is off to a good start in Aeropag with wins for both teams. The women's team pummelled The Greater Vakolicci Haven 18-8 for their second consecutive win.

Hole set Lisbeth Ingine was the clear player of the match, scoring four goals and recording two assists, and team captain Amber Linsdale singled out her teammate for praise.

"Lis has so much strength and I think our opponents just didn't have an answer for that. And when they're focusing on trying to shut her down, that opened up a lot of chances for shots from the outside. We got so many good looks just because they had to worry about sloughing in to contain Lis. And she drew so many exclusions too, I don't know exactly how many but she really was the dominant force today."

The men's team beat Cosumar 8-4 in their first group game, although going 2-for-10 in powerplay situations will be a point of concern. Men's head coach Ronan Dragicevic said he's made clear to the team how big of a challenge this Olympic tournament will be.

"There are no easy games in this sport, but this is going to be a very tough tournament. When two out of six advance, and the field is that much stronger because we've had the qualifiers earlier this year, more than ever we have to be absolutely on top on things."

"This team has something to prove, and I think that's the fire we have to play with if we're to get success."

[Ndaku]

As some of you may recognize this logo used by Madesu, I just wanted to clarify that Madesu is my puppet, and this logo was created by me. This logo is used ICly in the year 2016 A.D. NSHQ stands for "Ndakene Sports Headquarters"

International Football || Association Football || NPL || Tennis || Track and Field || Volleyball || Swimming || Olympics || Handball

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Tuesday 09 August 2016

Day 2 In Aeropag 2016 Highlights

AEROPAG - Day 2 of the eleventh Olympic Games here in Aeropag possessed opportunities for all, but few were able to seize the said opportunities and show it to the world, including Ndakenes.

In the men's synchronized 10 meter platform, representing the Ndakene Unified Federation, were diving duos Limbikani Rose and Tiyamike Westbrook, and they knew they were up for a tight and difficult competition. Their main goals were to dive as identically and as stylish as possible. Known for being very creative, Westbrook and Rose quickly realized the competition was even more competitive than they thought after their first dive. In the end, they finished in 23rd place with a score of 440.89, 1.69 points under Jarod Highsmith and Denny Swilley from Kernansquillec.

Boikai Turay and Goma Owusu represented Ndaku in the men's 200 meter freestyle swim. Competition was extremely fierce, as Turay was the only remaining Ndakene eligible to advance to the finals. In the heats round, Turay was able to qualify for the semi-finals as he finished 13th place with a 1:47.02 time. Unfortunately for Owusu, he finished with a 1:50.48 time in 86th place. Turay, determined to move onto the finals to earn a medal for his country, swam with passion. He ended up finishing second place with a time of 1:45.96, 0.21 seconds behind Bryce Deering from Wray! "I'm really excited and proud to be in the finals. I've been looking forward to a moment like this for a very long time after experiencing political warfare throughout my childhood back in the coldwar. I'm definitely looking forward to tomorrow."

Representing Ndaku in the men's 100 meter backstroke was Ikram Coelho and Oluchi Plourde. Coelho found himself to be the last man standing after the heat round after finishing 10th place with a 53.95 time. Unfortunately Plourde was unable to qualify for the semifinals after finishing 71st place with a 55.75, just 1.8 second behind his compatriot swimmer. In the semifinals Coelho found himself in a brutal competition after swimming as best and as fast as he could, finishing 13th out of 16th place with a 53.90 second time.

Ndakene swimmer Bertie Gardinier made his debut Monday when he made it to the men's 100 meter breaststroke. As much of the competitions that occur in the Games are known to be extremely competitive, Gardinier indicated such in his finals. The nerves, pressure, and adrenaline were all over him in Tuesday's race, and he did the best he could. Unfortunately Gardinier, the first Ndakene breaststroke swimmer to make it to the finals, finished 7th place with a 59.46 time.

Ndakene relay team Zinnah Congo, Didier Diop, Likofi Omondi, and Thoko Okeke represented Ndaku in the men's 4x100 meter freestyle relay and were in for an extremely competitive and close race. At the end of the heat round, the Ndakene team finished thirteenth place, tied with Papa Nua/George Sopas/Sergio Rani/Chris Hitsef from The Greater Vakolicci Haven. Times were extremely close; Congo/Diop/Omondi/Okeke were only 0.04 second behind the nearest relaying team Bertrand Picard/Marco Petersen/Cecil Carter/John Griffiths with a 3:12.80 time.

Over in the women's 400 meter freestyle, Ayanna Demoz and Mansa Diallo represented the Unified Federation. In the end, it appeared Ayanna Demoz would be the qualifier for the finals with a time of 4:03.67, 0.17 seconds behind Kamila Pearce. As for Mansa Diallo who unfortunately did not qualify finished in 38th place with a 4:10.59 time. In the finals, Demoz was unbelievably close to claim her first ever Olympic medal but was litearlly 0.06 second behind the podium spot, Angela Moss of Electrum.

Jessamine Samara in the Women’s 100 m breaststroke

Demelza Giroux represented Ndaku in the women's 100 meter backstroke in the Aeropag Natatorium. Drawing with Wrayian Gi Porcelli, both the Wrayian and Ndakene finished with 1:00.25, literally 0.03 second behind Sanja Tadiĉ of Mattijana. Both times enabled them to qualify for the semifinals, however. In the semifinals, with competition still very high, Demelza Giroux finished 9th place with a 59.88 time, 0.08 second behind Bæg Se-a representative of the Paripana Sporting Council.

Jessamine Samara and Debi Alfarsi represented Ndaku in the Women’s 100 m breaststroke. Samara had a much more interesting time in Tuesday's competition as she tied with Laura Perry of Wray, on the line of qualifications. With a qualifying time of 1:07.90, Perry and Samara had to run a swim-off to determine who will be eligible to qualify. After finishing first in the swim-off with a 1:07.74, Samara was extremely pumped up and carried her adrenaline to the semis. In the end, Samara finished second place with a 1:07.09 time. In tears, NSHQ interviewed her briefly, "I'm just so happy, I don't have many words to describe the amount of joy right now. For my whole life I've dreamed and dreamed and it's finally become reality."

Over in the women's trap and representing Ndaku was Ninette Roy. Roy made a spectacular run as she finished first in the qualification phase, scoring 71 points. In the semifinals, Roy tied with Sanelma Kalliala representing the Independant Olympic Athletes with 14 points. In the shoot-off, Roy miraculously scored 15 points, earning her a bronze medal to add onto Ndaku's increasing medal collection to 3 Olympic medals!

So far, it seems Ndaku could earn much of its medals in less anticipated and less watched events, and the shooting events appear to be one of them. Will Ndaku earn more from shooting? Have Ndakenes become elite sharpshooters over the decades? Much more will be broadcasted via NSHQ; be sure to tune in for coverage all over Aeropag!

Ndakene Medal Count: 3
Gold
Silver
Bronze
1
0
2

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[CoraSpia]

'I will commit to a drugs test to prove the truth,' states Galos Conti

Havenic Water Polo Captain Savenna Galos Conti has claimed that she was covertly administered sedative drugs prior to her teams devastating loss to Kelssek in the group stage. The Havenic womens water polo team, tipped for Olympic glory, suffered a surprise 18-8 loss yesterday, and it could be seen that the movements of right wing Galos Conti were decidedly slow.
"That's what a lot of our attacks rely on," explained Martina Simons, Havenic goalkeeper. "A lot of teams put a left-handed player on the right to increase the effectiveness of their attack, and they often sacrifice a lot of actual skill for that. We've got Savenna...and I've never seen her struggle to that level. She wasn't even moving right."

Savenna Galos Conti collapsed on her emergence from the pool, and was rushed to hospital; however, her condition returned to normal extremely shortly. However, the water polo captain has instructed Havenssport officials to test her for common sedative drugs, though she steared clear of blaming any group for poisoning her. Discharged from hospital, Galos Conti hopes to be able to return to the pool before the end of the group stages, however has state that if she feels daised again she will be happy to make way for a substitute.

[The Serbian Empire]

Beograd Journal Letter to Editor
Gone Racin', Come Back Dead

Bryan Clauson's death from a crash in Belleville, Kansas has put a haze in the terms of motorsports. Given how many racers face serious injury or death, I believe that auto racing should be prohibited in the Serbian Empire. The reasons are made even more clear by concussion evidence that has put a lawsuit over the various hockey leagues, the NFL in the US, and explains why Parkinsonism is so commonly seen in boxers and in former racing driver Sterling Marlin. So no crash is a safe crash.

Ralf Kader
Safety Advocate, Author of Unsafe at Every Speed


The Serbian Sporting News
Shiny Silver for Radovan Pejic

Radovan Pejic has to be the happiest man on the Serbian swimming program right now. 4th in the 4X100m Freestyle Relay might be a bit disappointing. But his Silver medal in the 100m Butterfly makes up for it.

Other near medal misses also occurred including the Diving duo of Karine Ballard and Lilita Gurgenson and the 5th place run of Mia Garkovich in the Women's Road Race, only 6 seconds behind the leader and 2 seconds behind 3rd. The Equestrian team has more than enough depth to seriously contend for a medal at this point, but sit in 4th overall. But no one rider finished above 23rd. But then the 4th best Serbian athlete was in 30th. So you had a bunch of Serbian athletes in really close proximity to each other performance wise.

As for those who qualified today, the Women's Gymnastics team has qualified as both a unit and with two of the gymnasts overall also going for individual gold. Not to mention Marika Duskovic who also has a chance for a 3rd medal in the floor exercises. Her sister Katarina also qualified for the individual overall medal finals. In order to qualify for the finals as a team, the team score had to be 189.000 or higher. Individuals had to produce a score of 62.725 or higher. Also on the list of qualifying athletes are the Women's C-2 Canoe Slalom duo of Marina Jovanovic and Katja Maracic, Natalya Malkin in the Women's 100m Breastroke, Radney Castillo in the Men's 100m Backstroke, men's tennis players Goran Petrovic and Vladmir Ivanovic Ivanov, and women's tennis doubles pairings of Marisa Celeste Frieri/Gisela Stefanovic and Tijana Mirkic/Marika Kanepi-Vukovic.

[Thatius]

Nöldner Herald - Olympic Edition

Thatius Takes Home Bronze in 4x100 Freestyle Relay
Aeropag, Paripana

Swimming

Djordje Cetković, Mihalio Djurić, Bernard Kojić, and Guy Zieler accept their bronze medal in the 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay

BRONZE! Thatius earned the nation's first medal of the XI Olympiad on Tuesday. In the 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay, Djordje Cetković, Mihalio Djurić, Bernard Kojić, and Guy Zieler came through with an official time of 3:08.63, earning them third place and a much coveted spot on the podium. They finished behind Arioslavia and gold medalists Sargossa- who had times .25 and .38 faster, respectively.

These Thatian swimmers have known narrow finishes before. Both Cetković and Kojić earned a bronze medal in the VIII Olympiad in Orean, Liventia, where they swam in the 4 x 100 Medley Relay. Cetković and Djurić were apart of the IX Olympiad Thatian delegation, competing in the 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay, finishing in a disappointing sixth place overall in the final. Meanwhile, Kojić finished fourth in the final of 100M Breastroke final, missing out on the bronze by .07 seconds. With all of these close finishes, these swimmers are relieved to once again take the podium and stand proudly with their medals.

Congratulations to Sargossa and Arioslavia for a great race!

In a surprise finish, Ellan Monteiro tied Kirstine Rivers of Wray for first in the heats of Women's 100M Breaststroke with a time of 1:05.87. Danijela Petković did not qualify for the semifinals, as she finished twenty-first overall. When it came to the semifinals of the event, Monteiro disappointed fans across Thatius, as she failed to qualify for the final. With a time of 1:07.83, nearly two seconds slower than her first swim, she will not swim in the final tomorrow.

Tennis

Adriaen de Rossi serves in the Men's Tennis Singles Round of 64

Women's Doubles - 32^nd Finals

Ana Volandić and Dijana Montañes are the top pair from Thatius in the women's doubles tournament. They knocked out Andrea Soriano and Julianne Harper of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec in a tightly fought match, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Volandić and Montañes are also competing in the Women's Singles event, where they square off in the Round of 64 very soon.

In other news, Kari van Uytvancka and Maryna Eguchi fell to Marisa Celeste Friere and Gisela Stefanovic of the Serbian Empire. In probably one of the tightest matches of the tournament, van Uytvancka and Eguchi clawed their way back from a 6-7, 5-1 deficit to win the second set. Van Uytvancka sealed the second set with a 119 MPH serve, her fastest of the match. Inspired by this small victory, the pair were determined to win the third set and advance to the Round of 16. However, Friere and Stefanovic played an outstanding defensive match, stopping the momentum of the Thatians. Stefanovic held serve to make it 6-5 in the third set, now pressuring the Thatians to hold to keep it 6-6. As is the rule in Olympic tennis, there are no tiebreaks in the deciding set, so the players had to keep going. Again, it was up to van Uytvancka's serve to keep the duo in the match. She consequently double faulted twice to end their Olympic hopes.

Men's Singles - 64^th Finals

Four men from Thatius were entered in the Men's Singles Tennis event. Three of them had solid matches today, starting with top ranked Rob Djokić, who cruised easily into the Round of 32 with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Hunter Snowfall of Eonstar. Djokić left the court in just under an hour, barely breaking a sweat with consecutive 135+ MPH serves.

Likewise, the second-ranked Thatian tennis player, John Michael Neuer, felt little pressure in his 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Neven Jurisic, a competitor under the Independent Olympic Athletes umbrella. This person seems to be an impostor, and booed quite a lot during the match. It seems this distracted him from competing, allowing Neuer to post a flawless victory. Amassing eleven aces and seventeen winners (twelve of which came from his beautiful one-handed backhand side), Neuer looks forward to his first Round of 32 in the Olympics.

Unfortunately, Adriaen de Rossi, a native of Novano, fell 4-6, 7-5, 4-6 to Ivo Glavchev of Bulgar Rouge. De Rossi, 30, is the oldest Thatian tennis player who competed, after he brought in a wealth of experience from the local Thatian tennis circuit. He was disappointed with the loss, but plans to keep playing tennis in order to qualify for the XII Olympiad.

Lastly, Danilo Clijsters had the quickest match of the victorious Thatians, defeating Aljaž Ćorluka of Mattijana. With a final score of 6-1, 6-0, Clijsters showed poise and precision in his match. After losing the first game to Ćorluka, Clijsters won twelve straight games in a surprising fashion, as he double faulted seven times during the match, yet only lost a total of twelve points in the entire match.

With Djokić, Clijsters, and Neuer in the Round of 32, the citizens of Thatius look forward to seeing some intense competition, as the tennis players must navigate perhaps the toughest field in many years.

[Electrum]

Network ENN - XI Olympiad - Day 2 Results Blog

Archery
The Fields Sisters do it once again! Dora, Doris and Doreen win a bronze medal to make it their third consecutive medal (Silver-Bronze-Bronze) in three Olympic Games. It was the Quebecois who exacted their revenge on the Electrumites in the semifinals, people will no doubt be aware of Electrum's close victory over Quebec last time 225 points to 222 in the quarterfinals -- this time, Doris Fields' freak run last year of several tens in a row didn't eventuate this time round. The two teams traded sets in the first two, before drawing the next one. In the fourth and final set, there were several disappointing eights and a seven from Doris and Dora which saw the Electrumites crash out of that set 56-48, putting them in the third place play-off. There, the Electrumites took three sets to one against the Vilitans, including a perfect round of all tens to seal the bronze medal.

Diving
Lysander Hopkins and Luke Masters have qualified for the semifinals of the 10 metre synchro platform diving competition at the Olympics. The defending silver medallists qualified in fifth position with a respectable score of 453.38. After a stumble in the second dive, which saw Masters jump too far forward off the board, missing his dive and entering the pool at just a bit later. It was a small but notable difference which saw the team heavily penalised. -- the vertical distance of 10 metres magnified the mistakes. Luckily, they moved on from that stumble to come in fifth place. They were thirteen points off Britonisean Treadaway/Kennedy who were the best in the pool today -- it will require some risk, but Masters and Hopkins must perform some more higher difficulty dives than the ones performed today to get that larger multiplier, if they want to medal. But first, they must make it out of the semis.

Swimming
Angela Moss wins the bronze medal for Electrum! She's in the 400m freestyle competition, the long-distance swimmer just edging out Ndaku's Demoz by six hundredths. After a poor start which saw her leave the blocks as the last person, she steadily made her way through the field, slowly but surely she caught up to the rest of the pack. It seemed like the other swimmers were playing an identical game -- there really wasn't anyone clearly in the lead, which meant that the top-3 for each of the splits seemed to change every time, with Moss sitting in fifth or sixth at the final turn. Yet it was Moss' excellent flip turn at that final fifty which saw her overtake the leading qualifier Bastarache, who had a shocking one herself (needing a final half-a-stroke to make the wall) and in the hunt for the top three. In her usual fashion, she powered through to the end and chased down Ndaku's Demoz to beat her by 0.06 seconds. Onopko wins gold, Cameron silver.

Sam Wood qualifies in second place for the finals of the 100m backstroke, just a hundredth of a second behind Vekaiyu's Yamano Viri. The twenty-two year old swimmer is the only one from the last Olympic final to return to this one. He seeks to improve from his seventh placing in Centralis and hopefully secure a medal. The backstroke competition will be very very tight as only 0.13 seconds separated first and eighth. Coming in second entitles Wood to one of the middle lanes, and should give him that extra advantage of not being close to the walls (where the water pushes against you) and having clear water in front of him to medal.

Canoeing
Gerald Burton in the men's slalom qualifies for the semifinal, coming in thirteenth in the qualificatons and in with a chance for the final. His best time was 85.41 seconds. Burton did well in the downstream sections of the course but it was the upstream parts of the course that he found more difficult. An early mistake which saw him overshoot his positioning for the second upstream gate meant that it took even more time for him to come back and go up through that gate. Nonetheless he's through to the next round.

Cycling
In the Women's Road Race, Ruby Richardson and Concetta Vamvakinou stayed in the peloton for most of the race, with Whittaker, Barker-Simons and Cobbs setting the tempo for most of the peloton to follow, and those three acting as the 'sacrifice riders' for Richardson and Vamvakinou. Diana Cobbs didn't finish due to crashing out straight into a tree in one of the downhill sections. She has a collarbone injury but is otherwise fine in hospital. Further on in the race, the Electrum-led peloton managed to catch the entirety of the breakaway group in the final few kilometres of the race. It was, however, the individual efforts of three other athletes which saw them pass the line and get all of the medals. Just four seconds later would be Richardson and Vamvakinou, rounding out the top twenty.

Equestrian
The eventing team had a very disappointing start, the defending gold medallists in both the singles and team events not doing well at all, and are probably assured in not getting any medals at all. At the end of dressage, Rachel Pino on Martino came in at 36.5 penalty points, gold-medallist August Brooks/For the love of gold on 43.8, silver-medallist Ed Callahan/Smiley II on 45.5. In the team competition, they are sitting in 15th. The experienced riders all had problems with their horses, with Brooks and Callahan not returning with the same medal-winning horses. Their horses 'greenness' was on show today, just not following instructions and not standing still at the very end.

The cross-country comes tomorrow, and the jumping the day after that, the Electrumites are desperately hoping that their experience in guiding their horses over obstacles will see them move up the ladder, but it is a very tall order with so many nations above them. They're just going to hope that many of the inexperienced riders from the other nations will be unable to guide their horses over the obstacles, or just hope the other horses refuse to do some of the obstacles/tire out. Twenty penalty points are added for each refusal in the cross country and 0.4 points per second over the optimum time. In the jumping, there are four penalty points for each bar knocked down, disobedience and more penalties for exceeding the optimum time. So there are many opportunities for the other nations to start doing poorly.

Gymnastics
In the artistic gymnastics, the Electrumite team barely sneaked through to the team all-around, coming in sixth of eighth. The team was anchored by the three-time Olympian Linda Pomeranz who has also made the all-around and floor finals. Pomeranz won a silver in the floor event last time in New Gelderland, and is looking to do one better with gold. Pomeranz is known for her unique floor routines, and this time was no different, performing to the very upbeat song, "This is the time". Her co-ordination with the song, including the tumbling lines during the final chorus sent the Electrumite crowd into mass adulation, reminiscent of Gregoryisgodistan. Lina Simon also made the floor finals, and Pelissa Maradon, the vault, performing an Amanar vault to boot!

Tennis
In the Men's Singles, only Press managed to advance to the next round after Meares lost to Abaja's Banadam 2-6 2-6, Gates lost to Arioslavia's Pavlov 6-1 4-6 4-6, Press defeated Kilduff 7-6 6-4. The tennis players are extremely tired after a punishing schedule: first was the Electrum Slam, then the San Salvador Open and now the Olympics, all players playing both men's singles and doubles in these tournaments. Meares at times seemed lost, and just couldn't answer Banadam's fantastic shots which always seemed to hug the line. Gates had a far tougher match, and in the end, overcooked and made errors on the most important points, allowing Pavlov to break him once in the last two sets at the very end of their respective sets. Press had a close match against Kilduff, but it was those quick and easy points on serve which allowed him to hold easily and put pressure back on Kilduff until he relented.

Sonya Gredello/Rosa Levinsky defeated Valanora's Medteliel Elerren/Anima Ealodhen 6-1 6-4 in a clinical fashion to kickstart their quest for their third consecutive gold medal. The unstoppable combination of Gredello's groundstrokes that go deep into the court, and Levinsky's finesse at the net which allows them to win match after match. They've been in poor form recently, losing their second ranking in the NSTT -- perhaps this is the time for their comeback. In the other women's doubles match, Joan Levitt/Deanne Smith defeated Vakolic's Lian Morgan/Martina Anger 6-4 5-7 6-2, breaking though in the final set.

Weightlifting
Finally, Electrum's Neil Baker set an Olympic Record, lifting a combined 293 kg in the Men's 56 kg event on his way to a gold medal. It really was a surprise medal for Electrum, we're not really known for our weightlifting, but a medal is a medal. Baker did it in a stunning fashion, with poise and balance. He lifted 132 kg in the snatch and 161 kg in the clean and jerk. Here's hoping for more medals from weightlifting. Constance Howard lifted 220kg and Loretta Holtes lifted 219 kg to just miss out in the women's event, coming in 4th and 6th.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Top of the World - Part 1

'You sure you're ready?' said Laurence Dietsche-Parker, as she pressed the pedals lightly.

The northern winters of Quebec City were known for challenging even the thickest-skinned of Nunavummiuts and Labradorites. High in precipitation, they were very different from the ones out north or Manitoba where it was windy and freezing everywhere but with very little snow. They were cold, chilly and most importantly of all snowy 6 months a year.

Every week there would be no less than a metre of snow accumulating and the people, as a matter of fact in life, would have shorter office / working hours simply due to how painful it was to commute due to how they would get bogged every single time. Thus it was no surprise that Luigi Corazza and Laurence Dietsche-Parker were dressed in more than 4 layers of clothing. Being from Gaspe, where the winters are lot milder than this, heading back to the national team base, in middle of winter that is, was not an easy task at all. It was already half past 7 in the evening and the road on the way to their hotel was plain dark and dreary. The skies were filled with stitches of stars in their own waves, as the wind slowly breezed past them on their coupe-SUV (for once it was not snowing today!). A special shout out to the plowers out on street as well, of course.

They were on the Quebecois national team coach's coupe, riding downhill, over the Levis Harbour and out to see the dark waters of Fleuve St-Laurent. Once tomorrow comes, they were meant to head back to Gaspe, where Luigi would begin the long road to recovery after getting a possibly-demoralising diagnosis on his legs few hours earlier. For that matter Luigi's been in the piste for most of last three years, training harder to avenge the losses earlier. Both Luigi and Laurence knew this was going to be his olympics. It had to be, after a 4th place finish that was ultimately the product of him crashing out horribly in his final 2 bouts. While he eventually won the silver medal in team event, he wanted to avenge for the losses anyway and succeed in individuals this time around.

Also, it's because he only had one more chance left. After next summer, Luigi would most likely be done with fencing; in that diagnosis the doctor said that in long term, he would no longer be able to fence due to knee cartilage mostly worn out. For Luigi, this was a devastating news. Right before the knee injury, which led him to the devastating medical diagnosis, he was on a massive roll: he had cleaned up on most domestic tournaments and stormed the commonwealth tournaments with his own fire. This season alone had him land 2 golds and a bronze in first 4 events of the year, making him the likely medal-contender in men's foil / fleuret even over Gweon Joon Yi, whose development much to people's surprise has plateaued a bit at this point.

So, ultimately it was of no surprise that the 33-year old, after the solemn dinner at a small restaurant owned and operated by Ryan Brule-Barre, decided to inform coach Laurence that he could not retire right now, and that he'd fence right up to the olympics. It was too much of an opportunity to ignore, especially with his chances all-time high, and both knew that. He may as well go after and win this + add some money and honour.

But now, all of this with his kneecaps not even close to a good codition, Laurence was not feeling good about it. In fact, if there's any coach who'd be worried about such injuries, it would be Laurence. She had a couple of surgeries on her knees off a freak injury, while on her junior year. While her injuries eventually healed and she got back on piste, the gap and loss of mobility pretty much limited her competitive fencing career post-university. She wondered if the same could possibly happen. If it's anything like that down the road, she felt like that she'd be responsible for it. Am I doing a right thing by agreeing to keep him fencing with this can possibly end up all too horrible? Laurence wondered, as she drove the coupe along the coastal road. I don't know if his knees can hold on. I know mine couldn't.

Then, with the reaction time only the superman could possess, came a soft poke on her shoulder. Immediately tensing up, Laurence quickly turned around. It would be Luigi.

'Laurence, or should I say coach?' Luigi said while taking off his coat. It was getting slightly warmer inside the coupe so he felt that it was necessary to do so. 'Are you thinking of anything in particular at the moment? You seem slightly worried.' Luigi knew he owed a lot to her for the success he's had, and likewise from Laurence to him. Luigi had been her rock through the new phase of adventure the girl from Montreal had to go through as the head coach of the program following Philippe Ahn's retirement in 2011. The one person she could rely on as team captain, advisor and student even in tough times. Had it not been for Luigi to be there the whole time of Laurence's coaching endevaours first in his last 3 years of college and then almost a decade after that, Laurence would not have made it this far into her coaching career. Having a student like Luigi helped in not only showcasing her skills, but also helped her recruit, something that's been an integral part of collegiate fencing the last while.

Laurence turned right to look at her student, who only smiled back at her in grace. 'Don't worry about me. I'll get this done.' That's all Luigi said and it would ring true few months later...

[The Archregimancy]

IS OUTRAGE!
The Olympic Blog of Fr. Vasily the Heavily Accented

These are 'Games of Sexual Licentiousness'

Is OUTRAGE!

Is it not enough that condoms are being used as water balloons for sinful hi-jinx of naughty athletes, or that - and this is being even worse - condoms are being used for actually planned purpose by unmarried athletes who are looking for hanky-panky? Is it being too much to ask that use of condoms is restricted to loving snuggles of married couples? Is it not enough that this is already showing total lack of control by organisers, who are allowing games to sink into pool of immoral sin?

No, now gymnasts from West Phoencia - and rumour is having it athletes from other nations too - are doing the naked flashing of brave and innocent monastic athletes as they are travelling to venues. Is it any wondering that Fr. Andronicus the Tiny is finishing 39th in Men’s 56 kg weightlifting when sight of naked Scarlett Gellar is seared into eyes? Are we being surprised that Fr. Timon of the Rivers is failing to qualify for Men’s K-1 final when he must run gauntlet of naked harlots and whores of Babylon whose morals are being looser than waistband of fat man who is losing much weight over short period?

And what are organisers doing while shameful activity of latter-day whores of Babylon is distracting God-fearing monastic athletes? Yes, they are running events with ruthless efficiency and almost fanatical devotion to listing of results in timely manner, but unwillingness to step in to do something with social side of Olympics suggests we are visiting nation of anarchists who are doing the supporting of militant atheist opposition to Orthodox Church.

Is sign of outrageous anti-Orthodox conspiracy, and I am doing the demanding of something must be done before many other nations are joining in naked flashing of monastic athletes in what are becoming known as Games of Sexual Licentiousness.

Already monastic athletes are now doing the travelling to venues wearing blindfolds on order of Monastic Olympic Committee in hope that this spares monks from visions of gymnast nudity. Will they soon be having to do the competing in blindfolds too? Monks have better things to do than avoid sight of naked female breasts. Observers of Imperial Panopticon are sharing some information with Fr. Vasily on cunning plans of heretics and heathens to undertake naughtiness, but is surely too much to keep total eye on at all times.

Still, is not all being the doom and gloom on fields of play. While some monastic athletes are showing displays of humility by expected failure of winning of medals, others are showing mettle in face of condom and nudity provocations by doing the really rather quite well.

Fr. Callinicus the Sculler is through to quarterfinals of both single and (with Fr. Constantine the Paired) double sculls. The tiring he must be feeling after stupendous effort on behalf of Orthodox Church. But top mention is going to Fr. Silas the Paddlemonk, who was reaching second round of table tennis, or 'pinging pong'. In second round he was facing athlete known as 'Elias Serafim'. Faced with opponent who is being named after no less than two Orthodox saints, Fr. Silas is doing only thing possible, and is losing in five sets in recognition of unworthiness in face of true holiness.

Fr. Silas is example to us all in time of trials in Games of Sexual Licentiousness.

[Sargossa]

“Good afternoon and welcome back to our continuing coverage of these Games of the Eleventh Summer Olympiad. We have a packed sporting schedule coming up and you don’t have to miss any of it. Coming up we have Tennis, Fencing, Shooting and, of course, we will be finishing up in the Natatorium for another evening of Swimming. Over on the blue button right now you can see live coverage of the Equestrian events, Rowing, Canoeing, Table Tennis, Rugby Sevens and much more. It’s going to be a busy day. But first here are the headlines from day two so far.

“In the Diving Óscar Ortiz and Daniel Rodríguez put up a brave fight in the Men’s 10m but couldn’t crack the qualification places, ultimately finishing in 25th place. Leaving Sargossa without a medal in Diving events since the last time the Games came to Aeropag. In the pool Alfonso Almas qualified for the semi-finals of the Men’s 200m Freestyle, Eduardo Camarena did the same in the 100m Backstroke and the Men’s 4 x 100m team will be in the medal hunt tonight, squeezing into the final in eighth place. And on the Women’s side Catalina Aguilar has made the semis of both the 100m Backstroke and Breaststroke events, with Elina Lastra joining her in contesting the latter.

“Over in the Orange-Green Bowl there was disappointment for Team Sargossa’s Archers as . . .”

* * * * * * * * * *

“We await the official verdict but it’s surely a formality, Castillo the better fighter in each of those three rounds. Biron simply couldn’t find a way through. And there it is, the referee raise his arm. It’s a unanimous decision and Miguel Castillo advances to face Paulus Allectus in the next round.”

“Thank you Sergio. So Miguel Castillo is through, as is Martin Rojas in the Middleweight category. After Athletics and Swimming, Boxing has traditionally been Sargossa’s most successful Olympic discipline. Eleven medals won from previous Games and the men off to a good start here. And very soon, in that chair right there, we’ll be joined by our first medalist of these Games, Hugo Rosales. But first here’s Roberto Challe with an early update from the Tennis.”

“Where David Uribé has gotten off to the best possible start here, breaking the Wissam Dallas serve in the very first game of the match . . .”

* * * * * * * * * *

“Oh no, time’s up for Carlos Amador’s Olympic dream. That’s the match, it’s seven six. And Amador follows in the footsteps of Geraldo Solis and José Cruz. The Foilists are out.”

“So an unwanted clean sweep in the Fencing but I think we can bring you much better news from the Tennis. Here’s Roberto.”

“Diego Medina punches the air. He has beaten Soo Min Yi of the Royal Kingdom of Québec. There was a wobble in the middle but he has come through by two sets to one, seven-five, four-six, six-two. And that completes a great afternoon for Sargossa in the Tennis, with all three men advancing.”

“The Men Looking in good form in the tower and the very handy Women’s team of Xuxa Asuncion and Lucena Montés also advancing in straights sets in their event too.”

* * * * * * * * * *

“. . . Varas so strong on the opening 100m, De La Torre rock solid, Pineda with a PB, what a time to get it. And now Romero. He’s first at the turn. It’s Romero from Akinov. I think the Serbs are fading but Zieler is coming on strong for Thatius. There’s four teams looking for three medals! Romero and Akinov! To the wall! And he’s done it! Gold for Sargossa! First gold of the Games and inevitably it’s come in the pool. Akinov and Arioslavia take the silver and Zieler brought Thatius home to win the bronze. What a way to end the day here in the Natatorium. Back to the studio.”

“Wow, what a finish. And that just about brings us to the end of our broadcast, no prizes for guessing today’s highlight. Still, plenty more action to come tomorrow. Join us then. Good night.”

[Astyrian Olympics Delegation]

Men’s Eight Rowing Serreten National Team
Olympic Venue
August 9th


Practice was done. Nothing more they could do would change their fate. That much Dederic of Brandholm was sure of. All that was left for him and mates to do was to pull. If they weren’t feeling near death at the end of the 2k, something would be very wrong.

The boat was lightweight, a gift from the Serreten government. They had been practicing in a heavy wooden shell until just recently. The oar blades were painted with a simplified Serreten flag. The music playing over the speakers was loud and aggressive, and men were whipping themselves up into a frenzy. A few men stayed aloof from the traditional act. They were not hunting whales, so there was no need to enter the frenzied state.

The Olympics had been a novel experience for all nine men. None of them had ever left the island of Brandholm before being told to do so for the Olympics. Up until now, the biggest town they had seen had been Falmouth. Falmouth was hardly big, in any sense of the word, maybe 10,000 people lived there, and even that fluctuated.

Dederic proceeded to wrap his hand and wrist in cotton cloth. Cracking blisters and torn skin in a prelim would spell death to the team’s hopes later in the games. He finished working a rag into his hair and tied off the end of his beard. The rest of the crew was doing similar things. Soon they were ready. Nothing more could be done for their Olympic hopes other than pray, which a few men did do, kneeling in the corner on the cold concrete.

Credit for the post goes to Serretes.

[CoraSpia]

Papa Nua criticises 'boring, unappetising' food at Olympic village

Havenic swimming captain Papa Nua has launched into a scatheing attack on Olympic organisers, however it is not the pool or the facilities that are to blame. Rather, it is the food: food he describes as tasteless, unappetising, and like 'low-grade military rashions.'
Papa, 24, always an excentric figure, has claimed that dinner is an integral part of his training schedule. The Vakolicci, who has not enjoyed a successful Olympics so far, claims that the reason for this is a lack of good food. "Taste is important for me," he told us. "If I don't get that stimulation from my tastebuds, I will perform worse. This food has been awful, and therefore I have performed badly. I can say absolutely that I will not be eating in the athletes village again."
Papa has been quick to deny claims that the only reason he has not been doing well is that he is in fact really, really fat (which he is.) Though we seriously doubt it, Papa's coach Matija Nevertuic believes that Papa has one of the strictest diets and training schedules of any Olympic athlete. However, he was seen last night gorging onn minted lamb burgers, which are not healthy.

[Commerce Heights]

Day 3 results are now available (part 1 · part 2 · part 3 · part 4 · part 5).

[Ferkas]

Our Secret Strength?

Lifting Success Surprising Many

Ferkian Broadcast Corporation Online

(Aeropag) Ask any Ferkian sports fan and they can tell you, we are an athletics nation. Sure, sports like soccer and football are popular, but athletics is where the focus is.

But what about weightlifting?

If you had asked that about a week ago you probably would have been laughed out of the room. Who thinks about weightlifting and Ferkas?

Turns out, the answer to that question is become 'Everyone'. Coming into today, weightlifting had already contributed two medals to the Ferkian total (Heather Kline, Silver W48kg and Shawna Zoelar, Bronze W53kg). Now it accounts for four, as Ashley Moulard dominated her way to gold, while Hubert Holltard was the first Ferkian male to medal with his strong silver finish.

Moulard was simply the class of the field in her 58kg classification. Her lift of 248kg was 3kg clear of silver medalist Lois McLaughlin (ETM) and good for a new Olympic Record as well. Of course her performance is also a new Ferkian record, which was her previous best lift of 226kg. Moulard is fairly new to lifting, having begun serious training only two years ago. Previously she has played amateur rugby for the second-tier East Engefield Knights (2014-2016) and before that she competed in the shot as a member of Lockfield A.C.

Hubert Holltard saw his athletic career culminate today with a silver medal in the mens 62kg competition. While Garan Yassin (EFL) was the clear victor with his lift of 323kg, Holltard finished in a dead heat with Brian O’Grady (WRY) and Sabirzhan Mahmudov (ARO), all lifting 320kg. Per Olympic rules, the win went to the competitor with the lowest body weight and Holltard came in the lightest at 59.9kg.

"For once I'll happily be the little guy!" Exclaimed Holltard afterwards, with no complaints about how the event finished. "It was a great competition and I'm completely glad with how it went. This is a great way to go out. It's such an amazing opportunity, and one that I never really dared to dream of before. I can't imagine anything better." At 35 years old, Holltard has announced his retirement from competitive lifting in order to focus more on his growing bakery and cafe business. He was a charter member of the Coventry Lifting Association and has said that he will continue to help with the CTA's youth initiative.

So far all four Ferkian weightlifting medalists have been members of the same training group, the Coventry Lifting Association. Headed by the somber Eliza Greer, the CTA has taken a huge step into the Ferkian sporting world over the last few days. Asked about todays results, Greer deferred, indicating that "Our results speak for themselves" and refusing to answer any other questions.