[RP thread] Games of the XIV Olympiad

by **Banija** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 11:31 am

Banijan Ministry of Defence, Busukuma, National Capitol Region

Kabaka Mwanga had greeted the new President of the United Republics when she had stepped out of her motorcade, into the Ministry of Defence. These were both crazy and busy times, however, with the Olympiad occuring just four hours northwest of them in Banija's largest city, Istria. The Kabaka actually preferred this sort of setting for such a meeting- while of course, there was always media attention when a foreign head of state came into town, it wasn't a state visit per say, with all the pomp and ceremony of such an occasion. The media's attention was on the grand spectacle of the Olympiad in Istria and Orean.

Fine by him. He was there at the opening ceremonies, and he'd be back in Istria soon enough. But now, was time for business. Kabaka Mwanga began to speak. "Thank you, Madam President, for agreeing to meet me here in the capitol. Congratulations, President Hoskova, on your election and your ascension to the top job. Being a head of state is certainly a challenge- the Kingdom and the United Republics have grown much closer over the years, and we know this can continue with your election."

Then Kobe Azizi, the Katikkiro, stood up. "Thank you all for making this important trip. First of all, I'd like to thank you all for your attendance at the Opening Ceremonies in Istria. Always important for us to have our allies at events like those. We would also like to thank you for cooperation in hosting gridiron. The logistics planning behind the scenes, to organize a group for the Olympiad to be hosted abroad, went very well, and Olympic Committee to Olympic Committee cooperation was strong on that end. When an alliance grows, that NGO to NGO cooperation grows with it- that's how you know the roots are very strong here."

"I'll make everyone's introductions, for those who do not know. I myself, of course, am Kobe Azizi- the Katikkiro of Banija. His Majesty the Kabaka just spoke. Isebantu Mutungi, his heir, and the Foreign Minister, is sitting to my left." At that, the Isebantu briefly raised his hand, and then put it down again. "Next to him, we have the Minister of Defense, Amanuel Amsalu. Next to him, we have our newly minted Director of Military Intelligence, Lt. General Issa Shawel. Many of you have met him, when he was Deputy Director. His old boss, of course, resigned in almost the immediate aftermath of the nuclear incident. He flew with Minister Amsalu to Borograd that night. He was the natural choice to take the job."

There were a number of minor Banijan intelligence and military officials in the room, as well, none of whom would be speaking. The Katikkiro introduced them as well. Both sides had seen the Joint Inquiry, but of course, an English language hard copy was passed around the room, from one of the Katikkiro's aides. "Let's leave this next part of our meeting to the experts. Lt. General Shawel will speak next."

The Director of Military Intelligence, Lt. General Issa Shawel, shuffled around some papers, and in his military uniform, he stood. "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you Madam President, for allowing me to speak today." He said. "We'll just go through the results of the Joint Inquiry, in a short, executive summary format. As you can see, it is quite a long report- from an event certainly worthy of a long report, considering the events that happened.

"This is what our intelligence services have determined. The results are astounding and incredible, but of course, the truth is the truth. The people who committed these atrocities are of Farf origin. After examining bodies, and doing deep background checks, on where they lived, on their communications, on where they were from, we were able to determine that the perpetrators of the attack were of Farf origin. The motive, is still unclear to us- who would want to nuke their country? But the evidence is clear."

"If you look at the report, you will see how Farf operators were able to infiltrate Banija's system of security clearances to have this level of access to the nuclear weapons. Farf operators were able to disguise themselves as Banijans, working as nuclear scientists and/or security guards. Involved at all levels of the project. The Joint Inquiry was able to determine, to the best of our ability, that nuclear designs were not sent back to Farfadillis- thankfully, for all of us. But the perpetrators of the attack were Farf, funded from Farfadillis, and this was intentional."

"Furthermore, in motives, there is no motive that this was meant was an intentional attack on Banija, or on Siovanija & Teusland, or on the relationship. It seems as if it our nuclear weapons were a 'crime of opportunity'- they were there, they saw it happening, and they took their chance. Not sure how much that helps, but the Joint Inquiry was to serve as providers of information. What to do with it, of course, is a decision to be made at the political level."

He sat down. Everybody was silent for a moment. And then, Isebantu Mutungi stood up. "Thank you, Lt. General, for sharing the results of the report. Of course, there is the question- what do we do with this information? In terms of going public- the results are shocking, but this could cause us more problems if we come out and let the world know that Farves were at the hand of his heinous attack on their own nation. I'm not sure if there's much of a need to go public with that portion of the results. Going public with confirming that it was a foreign power who infiltrated our systems, of course, but naming Farfadillis might be a bridge too far."

When the Isebantu sat down, Katikkiro Azizi stood up. "ANd then, that leaves us with another question- what information will we share with Farfadillis? Of course, there is no government. Nobody has security clearances over there, there is no Ambassador, there is no Foreign Minister or President. Personally, I don't think the information should be shared with just anybody. I think that we should, jointly, commit to briefing the future Farf government on the results of the report whenever one is formed."

"Let's take 10 here, get some water and drinks, and then your thoughts?" Everyone nodded as water bottles began to be passed around the table.

by **Tikariot** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 12:19 pm

It is the night of the big game, the final match of the Olympic softball tournament at the Istria City Baseball Diamond. We can hear the crowd in the background, all but a monotonous din filtering through the doors and corridors. The cabin door has the Tikariotian flag on it and from behind it an excited voice can be heard, belonging to the coach of the Tikariot national softball team, Lucretia Borges.

Lucretia Borges: I know that everybody is expecting you to win, but know this: New Waldensia is in the same shoes. Neither of us were really expected to be in this final, so if you are nervous, that's not necessarily a bad sign, because it shows you are not overconfident.

A hand comes into view, pushing the door open and Lucretia is pacing up and down in front of the team that has decided to sit on the floor in the middle of the cabin, all already in their uniforms, looking at their coach with rapt attention.

Lucretia Borges: But does that mean that I don't think you can win? Hello no! Look at you! A few weeks ago nobody knew any of you and now you are front page top-of-the-fold news! You have won all eight games in the Olympics so far, and look at who you won against. South Newlandia. Hapilopper. Jeckland. These nations are not just cannonfodder, no, they are serious competition and every one of them could be here right now, getting ready for the final. But they are not, it is you. You have proven to yourselves, to me, to the whole nation and beyond that you are capable of beating anybody and you've shown the exact spirit that winners are made of.

The young women nod in agreement, smiles appearing on their faces.

Lucretia Borges: I wish I could send you all out on the diamond today, because you all deserve it, but alas I can only choose some of you, but I know that I can bring on any of you without hesitation and know that you will give everything for the team. And I also brought someone special here for you.

At this moment we hear someone clearing his through behind the camera. The camera man turns around and shows a familiar wrinkly and grumpy face with the trademark unlit cigar between the lips.

Lucretia Borges: Coach Graham McCrory!

The women spontaneously applaud, seemingly making McCrory a little uncomfortable.

Graham McCrory: Ladies, congratulations on making it this far. It's a big day and I've been there with the guys. International Baseball Slam. Also where nobody was expecting us. And we did it. How? We just played our game. Sure, we tried to send out pitchers that would fit more with whoever was going at bat, but in the end we didn't change our way of playing. And that's the biggest thing. There are many people that suddenly have all the advice in the world for you. Don't listen to them. Be yourselves. Stay yourselves. Don't change because everybody expects you to. If you force change, you'll likely lose. If you play your game, the sky's the limit. Well, the wall is. But you know what I mean. The guys will be out there, standing behind you and so will I. You can do this, ladies. Go, get them, tigers, uh, tigress...es or something.

While McCrory still is trying to figure out what to actually call them, the women get to their feet, applauding the old coach, likely also because they have never heard him say so many words in a row before. The applause tears him out of his attempts to figure out tigers and tigresses and he gives them a rare smile.

Lucretia Borges: Thank you Coach McCrory. See, girls, just because you made it this far and because the world now looks at you does not mean that you have to follow whatever they say. So are you with me?

Team: YES!

Lucretia Borges: Who are we?

Team: TIKARIOT!

Lucretia Borges: And what do we do best?

Team: Kick some--

At this moment the audio feed for some reason suddenly breaks down for a moment, muting their voices for a moment.

Lucretia Borges: That's my girls! Now like Graham said: Go get them!

Picture fades to black.

by **Krytenia** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:04 pm

LOOK AHEAD: How far can we go?

With forty-seven (technically forty-eight, more on that later) medals in the bag, the Games of the Fourteenth Olympiad are already the third most successful for Team Krytenia, with only the original Aeropag Games (49) and Emberton (58) ahead on the list. There are still three days of action to come, so the question now arises...how many medals could we win?

Eyes must look first of all to the velodrome, or as we call it round here, "The Medal Factory". Raphael van der Poel has a bronze in the team sprint and a silver in the individual event already; he'll be looking to complete the set with gold in the keirin. Sprint team-mate Steven Nielsen will also be looking to be in the mix. In the women's omnium, Simone Drummond will be hoping to emulate Tim Jay's winning performance in the men's event, and there's one more shot at a medal with Dominic Landa and Stephen Pozzo competing in the men's madison.

At the Istria Olympic Stadium - the "other" IOS - Desmond Moroder has secured a place in the final of the men's 400m, Chris Mechels and Nigel Rowlands both hit the qualification mark in a spectacularly bloated triple jump final, whilst Yolanda Marquez was one of a handful of pole vaulters to beat the 4.6m qualification without dropping the bar once. The 1500m semi-finals see Roger Edison and Stephane Sebastien attempting to make it into the final of an event that has seen its usual field size dropped to eight to add to the challenge. Look out too for Terry Svankmajer going for both race walk events for the men, and Sinead Black looking to atone for her disappointing 50km walk earlier in the Games by medalling in the twenty.

One medal that is confirmed - but not yet counted - is Krytenia's last in the boxing. Alison Klein has at least a silver after winning her semi-final bout; she can upgrade to gold if she beats Klara Hovorkova of Siovanija and Teusland in the final. She's not the only Krytenian woman taking the phrase "fighting for gold" literally, either, as Lucy Sixsmith is in the semi-finals in her wrestling class and hoping to make it a third Greco-Roman medal for a competitor in a sky blue singlet.

Finally, there's a chance for one more medal on the water. The men's C1 sprint kilo kicks off with Jackson Crosby among the favourites; let's hope he can put the paddle to the metal and claim a fifth canoeing medal of the Games.

Sixteen chances, then...twelve hits for the record is asking too much though. Right?

Watch all the action from Orean and Istria at www.kbs.kt/smartview

by **Kriegiersien** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:07 pm

++Olympic telegram++

The Karatekas Vera Weintraub (Bronze, Women’s 61 kg), Anora Firehead (Bronze, Women’s Over 61 kg) and the Wrestlers Raptor Assault (Gold, FREESTYLE—Men’s 86) and Lucia Ordo (Bronze, GRECO-ROMAN—Women’s 62 kg) had all one thing in common. They all came from the mysterious Arena Fights to the Olympics and all were patriotic members of the Military. With a salute at the medal ceremonies and the Kriegiersien theme on their lips they made the Generals proud and everyone else roll eyes.

Only Imoen Snitch (Gold, KARATE—KUMITE—Men’s 67 kg), was different, as an interview revealed:

“Mr Snitch, you dominated the contest. Only from Gijsbert Boerefijn you received a hit.”
“Yeah, I forgot to defend against that Kick. I am only a mu.. man. Definitely a normal man that makes mistakes.”
“Some say you have .. feminine features. Does that bother you?”
“Oh, no, that is a compliment. I am definitely a man, look at this genuine moustache.”
“You were fighting at these Arena fights were many of the Top Fighters were formed. That is as much shrouded in legend as your origins.”
“Ah, I am from SouthNortmumble. But I was born in another nation.”
“Where?”
“Err… maybe Ferun … you surely never heard of it.”
“What do you plan to do with you winnings?”
“Well, after I sold the medal I will take all the money and use it for sweets, fast brooms and potions. And the rest will be frittered.”

++

A bronze medal from Juliette Ulan in Women’s Lightweight boxing and a gold medal in Men’s Featherweight from Small Cuthullu increased the medals for Kriegiersien.
The former wrestler Cuthullu said with his mask on:
“I am here to save the day. And in contrast to this loser Dogman I have won Gold. Now I have to go to stop the destruction of the world”, he said, striking an epic pose, then vanishing coughing after throwing a smoke grenade on the ground.

++

Women's Water Polo

The final is real. And of course the daughter of the coach, Selena Waterfall, scored the decisive goal to win 10–9 against Taeshan.
“You can’t make that up. We are in the final. The only sad thing is that we don’t play against Kelssek again”, said Coach Anita Waterfall.
With the host Banija, who beat Kelssek 8-5, now the final endboss awaits in Istria City College Aquatics Center.
“It will be hell, but I am expecting a great match. We can become World and Olympic Champion at the same time. That would be historic.”

++

Ivan Lundgren‘s day in Decathlon was very confusing.
„At some times I though I was good, then again everything seemed to crumble. And the officals appeared to have some problems with the measuring and timekeeping. When one referee said „Well done Jack“ to me and later one pointing to Lavano [Bustrase] saying ‘José Cicerón has a very bad day, he even looks different’, I was a bit confused.“
He ended the day on place 24. Probably.

++

Beach Volleyball

Micha Dig and Thomas Block were slaughtered in their semis against Matthieu Choquet and Georges Landry from Gaul.
And speaking of slaugther, now Tim Peterson and Paul Slaughter from Electrum are in the way for a bronze medal in Beach Volleyball.
“We are thinking of building many sand castles as extra defense on the field, maybe that will stop them”, Micha Dig said.
“Hopefully we have won before the flood comes”, Thomas added.

by **Farfadillis** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:33 pm

"So... how are you feeling about tomorrow?"

"Honestly? Not confident at all. I did terribly in one hundred meters, I'm gonna do terribly in two hundred. I guess that's life. You train for a decade, get your chance, then come out of it completely empty-handed."

"Hey, you did fairly well in the heats. You were fifth-best overall. You've been running this sub-twenty in training. At best five of these guys will hit sub-twenty in the final, if you make it there. You've got it in you man."

"Coach, I know you're trying to be encouraging, but it's not having that effect, ok? I just feel out of it. Full stop. I know that rationally I've got what it takes to get some bronze, maybe, with some luck. But training's not like the real thing. You can't even begin to imagine the pressure you feel. You know you've been training your whole life for this moment, and it's all or nothing. The Olympics happen every who-knows-how-many years. I'm twenty-six now. Tomorrow's my last chance at making the last ten years of my life worth anything. My last chance to have something to show for it, to be able to say 'Hey mom, I was actually right to go into accounting or whatever other nine-to-five job you wish I'd gotten into!'."

Loco Loco sat silent for a moment. "You do realize I've won two Olympic medals, right? One was gold, too."

"Come again?"

"... are you kidding me, István?" István's face of genuine confusion was about to make Loco go loco. "... Surely, you're kidding me."

"Uhh..."

"Bronze in 4x100m relay, gold in 4x400m? Eighth Summer Olympics?" Loco watched as István grabbed his mobile phone. "You mean to say you didn't hire me because of that?"

István took a few seconds to respond, as he was too busy looking up his coach's credentials. "Huh... you're right. Man, you should've told me this."

"Wait. Why did you hire me then?"

"Your name, obviously. Didn't even look at the CV."

"I, uh. Fuck, I'm at a loss for words. You know you're an idiot, right?"

"My mom keeps telling me that, yeah."

An awkward but somewhat brief silence followed.

"So..." Loco pointed towards the table. "Is that a can of Cocoabo over there?"

"Yeah, I have a friend who swears by it. Says it will enhance my performance tomorrow. Apparently it was a whole thing during the World Cup? I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it."

Loco shook his head in disappointment. He knew István was thick-headed enough to not listen to him on this one.

by **Graintfjall** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:49 pm

Selection of articles posted on the “In Brief Because The Sub-Editor Got Really Drunk While Watching A Team Hilariously Fuck Up A T20 Match Only For The Other Team To Even More Hilariously Fuck It Up” section of the GTV.græ/olympics website, which surprisingly exists.

Aqua Wolves Stars Play Down Transfer Rumors

Albertsdóttir Takes Silver In ‘Game Too Far’

Job Advert: Olympic Golfer

by **Kelssek** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 2:27 pm

WATER POLO (M)

MEN’S QF
TAESHAN – 7
Frey (2), Yokie (2), Brubaker,
Pruitt
KELSSEK – 6
Dostidis, Gerzahen-Charbon,
Frolik, Hakemi,
Sponner, Cavendish
(0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 2-2, OT: 2-1)

“And that’s a powerplay for Kelssek. Cavendish takes that pass. Out to on the right wing. It’s intercepted! Ponderossa knocked that out of the air... and Taeshan get the ball! A risky play, I think he thought Lacousteau was open on the post, but that’s a terrible mistake. A wing to wing pass will drive a coach nuts at the best of times.”
“Hosster’s used all his time-outs, so all he can do is yell, and he is yelling for sure. He’s a lot redder than I’ve ever seen him.”
“Frey... and that shot beats Dewdney! Taeshan have the lead! It’s 5-4 with 1:22 left. The goals have been hard to come by and Kelssek have basically two chances to get a tying goal here... They absolutely need to make the most of it.”
“pass across...the shot! Hakemi scores! Left handed shooters are such an asset at the right time... And Kelssek get a second chance! We’re going to overtime.”
...
“Pruitt into the hole... and it’s a five metre penalty! I can’t... his hands were up the whole time, it’s a really harsh call. And Hosster has been red carded on the Kelssek bench, he’s furious with that call as you can imagine, so the coach has been banished for Kelssek. With 32 seconds left, Taeshan can win this here. Yokie to take it.... No mistake! Taeshan have the lead and Kelssek must score on this final possession or they’re out of the Olympics.”
“Ball’s out on to the right wing. They’re going for a pick it seems... Sponner got free for a second there. Ordinary foul, Kelssek need to reset and try that again. Taeshan pressing hard on defence. Frolik to Gerzahen-Charbon again, Cavendish... shot clock’s winding down and- OFF THE POST! Hakemi had to take the shot and Taeshan... and that is the final buzzer! Taeshan celebrate their passage to the semifinals and you can see the despair for Kelssek. There’s not going to be a final triumph for Nathan Cavendish. It’s a second year without a medal... In a tournament that started off so well, their first loss means elimination. It’s a bitter pill for this team.”

* * *
... In athletics Kelssek came close to getting a track medal as Rhondra MacKenzie came fourth in the women’s 800m by the tiniest of margins. Women’s skateboarder Jenna Houston meanwhile came up with the top park run to win the gold medal

“...and ends it off backside 360 to noseslide on the rail! Jenna Houston with a MASSIVE run! She’s gone into first! It’s 57.09 for Jenna Houston and that could be enough for gold!”

by **Liventia** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 2:31 pm

Cutoff for Day 14.

by **Mattijana** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 2:33 pm

Tennis Medals Provide Boost Ahead of NSTT Resumption

MFO SPORT

Dominika Lisicki and Lara Basic won Mattijana's 8th gold of the Olympic games with a dominant straight sets victory over Caroline Castrejon and Devi Vishwakumar. The pair wrapped up the team from Benjamin Mark 6-3, 6-1 in one hour and 20 minutes of tennis to seal Mattijana's first ever tennis gold. Marko Juvan and Rikard Kampl had earlier won bronze in the men's doubles with a less commanding 6-4, 7-5 win over Sergei Gomez and Ken Akihido-Kuma from Renzynistan.

For Lisicki in particular, the win is hugely significant. The world number one suffered a shock defeat in the second round of the women's singles, but will still leave Banija with a coveted gold medal. The 28 year-old also has a holy trinity of sorts - currently holding a Grand Slam title from the season opener in Electrum, an Olympic Gold, and the number one spot in the NSTT rankings.

The short-term but hugely effective partnership between her and Basic, who usually plays with Julian Slazic, was on show again in the final. The NSTT regulars looked not just one, but several tiers above their unfamiliar opponents thanks to an aggressive approach at the net, as well as a complete lack of plan B from Castrejon and Vishwakumar. The duo from Benjamin Mark looked determined to draw their counterparts, particularly doubles specialist Basic, into a baseline slugfest, but found neither the depth nor the power to pull it off. The Mattijanans on the other hand demonstrated more of the scintillating groundstrokes and axe-sharp volleys that they have shown on the tour so far. After breaking at 4-3 up in the first set, they won all but one of the remaining games, running away with the second set to bring home the gold.

Much of the talk has been around Lisicki, but Basic has also been in need of some form after sliding down the NSTT rankings so far this season. She resolutely held her own from the baseline as the opposition tried to pepper her and clinically finished off anything that was underhit or straying into her area. The run will certainly serve as a huge confidence boost ahead of the grass season, which Basic and Slazic begin in the Grearish Union after a short break.

The partnership between Marko Juvan and Rikard Kampl, Lisicki's former doubles partner, is also blossoming. Once again facing the sort of unfamiliar opponents that can crop up in the Olympics, they eventually got the better of a 10-minute deuce deadlock to break late in the first set before burgling a break at 6-5 up in the second set as the Gomez serve crumbled.
Juvan's serving was key to the victory, providing a seemingly impenetrable barrier for the Renzynistanis with the help of Kampl's volleying. The Mattijanans were matched toe-to-toe by their opponents for the most part though and struggled to make headway against either of their opponents' serves until the game's pressure moments.
The regularity of such crucial moments in the NSTT will have been good preparation for this game and Juvan and Kampl showed their experience - and maturity beyond his years in Juvan's case - at the death.

The two have yet to push on and win a tournament together, but now have a few semi-final appearances to their names, including at big tournaments. With grass looking like it could be a happy surface for Juvan's big serve and Kampl's sharp volleying, there could be good times ahead.

The Olympics represents something of a free hit for players with no ranking points to be dropped and plenty of glory to be gained, but as the doubles cohort re-condenses from three fields into one for the resumption of NSTT action, things will get tougher for Mattijana's players. Moving from a long clay season to the grass will be another challenge, particularly as this year's tour will be the first time many of Mattijana's squad have competed internationally on the surface. There are reasons to be cheerful though and a strong Olympics for some of the nation's experienced campaigners is a huge bonus.

MFO Sport's coverage of the NSTT continues from 10am next Monday at the Salvador Hills Open in the Grearish Union on MFO 2. Commentary is also available on MFO Radio 5 and on the MFO Sport website.

by **West Phoenicia** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 6:08 pm

The final strains of the end credits of Melrose Beach faded off, as Angel Lee changed the channel to Purple&Gold for the Olympic Highlights. She needed fodder for her broadcast feed on Vibr tonight, and Kelly just being thrown into the pool by Susan in a vicious cat fight was simply not going to cut it.

"Oooooooh good timing", she uttered, as she saw Rhythmic Gymnast Sun-Hi Malvern taking off her team jacket after her warmup. For a second the gold trim on the sleeve gleamed against the lighting, and reflected towards the camera. "Oooooo Flash, new outfits, and I'm betting that's real gold this year too by the looks of it. Classssy", Angel uttered, taking notes.

Sun-Hi headed towards the floor to begin her routine, carefully balancing a glittering purple ball in her palm. Angel giggled as she saw Sun-Hi's fellow teammates in the background getting ready to cheer her on, gymnast Glen Debney as usual was really hamming it up. Angel smiled, "I think he's looking even more buffer this year than last. Okkkkkk that's going in the notes, hehehe".

Sun-Hi's music began, and she began to move seamlessly though her paces, the ball weaving in and out of her hands, rolling across her chest, and then down her head to come to rest in the crook of her back as she grasped her leg and hoisted it up to a back leg hold. She then folded down to the floor rolling over and over as the ball wound its way around her. Angel Lee gasped at the mesmerising beauty of it, nearly forgetting to keep taking notes.

Sun-Hi rolled though a split position and threw the ball high in the air, arcing to catch it, which of course she did effortlessly. Angel let out a little whoop of relief.

The music picked up pace as Sun-Hi began taking to her feet, crossing the floor with leaps and graceful bounds, bouncing, and rolling the ball, then flicking it from hand to hand, as she executed a gorgeous series of turns. The music crescendoed as the seconds counted down to the end of the routine and Angel nervously held her breath, "Oh no, it's not going to go overtime is it????........", she gripped the edge of her sofa firmly---- and THEN a commercial came on, "Noooooooooooooooo- SON'S OF MOTHERRRSSS!!!". She threw a cushion at the screen, "What the FRACKKKK!!".
Angel furiously started taking notes, "They had BETTER go back to it after the break, or make an announcement or SOMETHING", she muttered.

The commercial ended and Purple&Gold resumed once again-- right in the middle of a different routine. Angel flew to the screen, landing on her knees, smacking the screen, "So what happened???!! Did she finish on time? Pffffffft ANIMALS!! Typical!!! Ok, focus Angel, who's competing now?". She glanced to the bottom of the screen for a write up on the competitor. Nothing. Hmmmm she looked harder at the form of the girl, trying to place the competitor, and then the camera panned on the face for a brief second, before the girl turned to complete another smooth series of moves, "Ahhhhhh, it's Lady Arsinoe Ptolemy II”

Angel smirked, "I'm going to take some EXTRA notes on this one, as I'm sure Miss You-Know-Who will be watching THIS avidly hehehe". She guffawed as Lady Arsinoe suddenly dropped her ball during her routine, “Ohhhhh I'll bet Miss Future (in-her-dreams) Royal, Roselynd, will be wetting her pants in disappointment, hehehe. That's it!! I'm texting her about this RIGHT NOW!!! It CAN’T wait Lol.” Howling with laughter, and wiping a tear from her eyes, Angel keyed a rather humorous and especially blatantly derogatory message to Roselynd’s number into her new SnapperTM wrist-phone, and quickly pressed send, “Hehehe let's see how fast she gets back to THAT lol. Meanwhile, that reminds me, I should update my Vibr banner to support the Olympic teams-- #GoingGoldForWestPhoenicia whoooop whoooooooop”.

Angel opened her editing software, GluStax, on her LaptopMini, and put together a quick tribute banner featuring some past West Phoenician winners, surrounded in the beloved Gold and Purple colours of her homeland, keeping one eye still on the TV screen, then hurriedly posted it, “Wow, wouldn't want to be the last one to post one of those. That would be WAY sad. But, hmmmm, I still need some more details for my feed tonight though, incase some of my awesomely beloved fans need to ask me for any info on stuff.”

Angel zoned in even harder on her LaptopMini, “Okkkk come onnnnn Smooshle. Give up the good stuff.” She typed into the search bar some questions she knew peeps would ask about the teams, and the Olympic locations. Compiling some more extensive notes for her live stream feed. “Oooooo I did NOT know it was being held in Orean. I've heard some great things about that city. Hmmmm, waaaait, was it Lucy that went there??” She tapped her forehead as she thought about it, “Yeah I think it WAS. Wait!!!!”.

Angel flew over to the fridge, and searched the magnets, “Ahaaaaa!!! Gotcha!!,” she announced triumphantly. Prizing the old magnet off the fridge and holding it aloft like a victor. She would use it for her feed tonight. She grinned like a cat that ate the canary, and hurried back to the TV screen, not wanting to miss any more of the action. “Meanwhile that Orean Great Hall is STUNNNNIG AF!!! Liventia sure knows how to choose great locations”.

A competitor name list flashed up on the screen, and Angel quickly took note of who was on it, “Wowza, BOTH Ankya Subanistre AND Jesika Nislasvi of Vekaiyu, eeeeeek, now THAT’S some tough competition for our team, they're awesome.” And Jesika had been really sweet to sign her autograph bear when she attended the a previous RG Championships, Angel remembered.
A series of movements on the TV caught Angel’s attention. She quickly looked back to the screen, and THERE was the host countries hometown Sweetheart, Olivia Faulkner, dazzling the enthusiastic crowds in her stunning costume. “Ohhhhh boy, this is going to be tough. That girl basically has homecourt advantage-- AND she rocks!! BIG TIME!! I've never seen her make a mistake yet. We're in for a while ride hehehe”

Angel grabbed a soda and snack, and settled in to watch the Olympic highlights with her notepad and pen on her lap, just as her wrist-phone pinged with a returning text message. She looked down at it, and smirked.

by **Kriegiersien** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 7:53 am

++Olympic telegram++

KARATE—KUMITE—Men’s 75 kg

Chi Buri was able to defend his title, getting his second gold. That came just at the right time as tabloid journalists had found out. He owed some shady figures money, after some dodgy business. Chi Buri denied any comments about that.

KARATE—KUMITE—Men’s Over 75 kg

Shao Shaolin had been wasted [sic] from his opponent Aerkunlauh nos Variskura.
“I thought I was in good form, but this guy. Unbelievable. It was as If I couldn’t see him moving, he was that fast. No wonder he won gold later.”
Thanks to that Shao was allowed to fight three Repechage rounds to finally get bronze.
“That was really stressful and epic. First hoping for him to reach the final and then winning all these ultra hard fights in a row. Amazing.”

++

Three further Wrestlers from the “Arena” won medals for Kriegiersien and making the Military they belong to prouder and prouder with every result. Bronze, Silver and finally Gold for Exterminatus Extremis (FREESTYLE—Men’s 97 kg), Sascha Scarlett (FREESTYLE—Women’s 50 kg ) and Anabella Ordo (GRECO-ROMAN—Women’s 68).

++

ATHLETICS—Women’s 4x100 m Relay heats

After the 4x100 relay team lost the baton and was disqualified, everyone darted on Head of Mission Atlanta Johnson who had participated herself.
“Aren’t you getting to old and is it wise to start in the double role as Head of Chief?
Wasn’t it unwise to start yourself instead of Ina Incognito or Verse Terratus?
Why had especially the passing of the baton to your daughter Alicia failed?
Why does everyone in the relay has the name Johnson? Are they related, too?”

Johnson avoided the questions and got faster away than on the track.

A restaurant in Orean

“Chi Buri, my old friend.“
A stout, fancy dressed man with two big gentlemen at his side at a table welcomed a wiry, small men in leisure clothes who smoothly sat down.
“Nice to meet you at this fine place”, the addressed said, smiling.
“I like the restaurant here. And we can talk business without being disturbed. Right?”
“And you came all the long way to meet me here?”
“Oh, not just you, I had to watch the Olympics. So much to see, so much to earn and people to meet. But congratulations, you won gold. Again. You are a hero.”
“Yes, some might say that. And you know what? They are right.”
“Ah. Still humble. Let’s talk business. Oh, my manners. Do you want something to eat? I already had this fantastic Pasta.”
“No, I pass, won’t stay for long.”
“But we have so much to discuss. You are rich now. 1 Million shiny things for the Gold medal?”
“And that is my money.”
“Of course. But you also owe me, right?”
Chi Buri folded his hands.
“My assumption is that I lost the money, but it could have been prevented. Even more, someone did everything to not prevent it to make more money through a backdoor.”
The man looked surprised, used his napkin and took a sip.
“What do you mean?”
“You cheated, got money for it and I am the scapegoat. I owe you nothing. I think you owe me.”
The man took another sip.
“They have such good liquor here in Liventia. But bring it to the open and you get a problem. See, I wouldn’t spread silly rumours in the open because of what you think you heard.”
“Oh, I won’t, but I owe you nothing.”
The men shook his head.
“Too much money. I have to insist.”
Chi Buri scratched his chin, looked around, then he gave the man a slap.
His two bodyguards only blinked.
“Nobody saw that. I could have just smashed your Adam’s apple. And believe me, I have no Problem with that and worse. In the for you best case I go to prison if your two gorillas try to avenge you and die seconds later. Possibly not even that because I am a famous Olympic athlete attacked by mobsters. In the worst case the two are smart and decide to go home and look for a new job.
I will now depart and we won’t meet again. Of course you could decide to hunt me down, but if that fails and believe me, that failed a lot for other people you now don’t hear from anymore, it will end dreadful for you. And if I get the feeling you are looking for me, I know how to find your family. I have not much to care for, but you…”
He stood up.
“Enjoy the dessert, I heard it is amazing.”
He left after giving an autograph to a woman who recognized him at the door.
The two gorillas looked at their boss.
“You two forget what has happened. We forget the man. Only some athlete at the Olympics. No one that concerns us”, he said before angrily ordering dessert.

by **Teremaran Olympics Delegation** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 8:16 am

“...And we’re back, folks. Once again, I’m Liz Rittenhaus, and you’re watching the Olympics on NETV Sports 7. We go out now from our studios in Burgunden to Karl Demais, who is in the athlete’s village in Istria right now. Karl, how’s it going out there? You been able to make your way around?”

“Well, Liz, security is tight. Even with my special press pass, they are only letting me in certain areas for a restricted amount of time…I can’t wander from the Teremaran complex in the village, for instance.”

“That’s understandable.”

“Oh, no doubt. I wouldn’t say it’s unreasonable. With events that have happened at past Olympics, they can’t take any risks. The Banijans aren’t messing around here. In any case, I have been able to find some Teremaran athletes here that are competing, or have finished competing and are now the cheering section for those still to go.”

“I wanted to maybe visit the chat you had with Helmut Mueller, reserve back on the Teremaran football team.”

“Ah yes, it was...elucidating…”

[Screen cuts to Karl outside one of the swimming venues in Orean. Helmut is approaching unaware from the crowd exiting the venue]

“Hello Helmut. I’m Karl Dem-...”

“I know who you are.”

“Well, good...Will you talk with me?”

“Fine. What do you want?”

“Well, an interview, if you don’t mind? We’re going to film it. That’s why my cameraman is here. Okay?”

“I’m here. Fine. You got me. What?”

“First, I wanted to give my commiserations to your team’s loss to Vilita & Turori during the quarterfinals.”

Mueller shrugs
“It’s fine. That’s how it happens sometimes. There’s plenty who said we wouldn’t make it as far as we did. We don’t compete on the World Cup circuit...No Teremaran teams do. So for us to make it as far as we did was pretty good, I think you’ll admit.”

“I will. It was a good fight to get to the top eight.”

“Yes. I know this. Was that it?”

“I wanted to get your opinion, Helmut, about Minister Bruchmeier, your nation’s top athletic official, claiming that any medal earned by an Austrak, is only earned for Austrakia.”

“Yes, this is obvious, is it not?”

“Why would that not also count for Teremara?”

“What does it matter? The International Olympic committee counts it. They bought into your co-opting of all Teremaran glory. Austraks do not. Our glory is for us, not for Neu Engollians or Falkies to claim.”

“That is a very selfish sentiment, don’t you think?”

“No, obviously I don’t think that. I think that the richer nations like Gaul, Neu Engollon and Falkasia are the selfish ones and you are trying to paint a picture here for your international audience for propaganda purposes.”

“So the medal that Amalia Herscheg, your countrywoman, won in 200 meter backstroke - That is a propaganda ploy by us?”

“That is an Austrak medal won for Austrakia. Nothing you say will change the minds of Austraks and those who see through your lies.”

“That’s pretty strong. We’re not lying about Teremaran collectivism here. Amalia Herscheg doesn’t seem to think it was only for Austrakia. She was quick to thank all her Teremaran swim team mates and talk about how it was a big victory for Teremara. She had some harsh words about Rupert Gendlemann, your equestrian who was caught on video in some very disparaging remarks about Gragastavians.”

“Amalia was easily brainwashed by your people. She doesn’t understand such complicated politics and back door games that you people play.”

“Again, that’s pretty harsh against both your teammate and other Teremarans.”

“I mainly meant Neu Engollians. Again, I don’t care. None of us care. Austraks are tired of being under the bootheel of the rest of Madurin... and the rest of Teremara. We’ve played your way, and it’s gotten us nothing. So a few of us still buy into the hippy collective BS that you all are selling, we’ll have to re-educate them...And another thing!”

[Screen cuts back to Karl in current time.]

“It didn’t get better. It’s not worth showing the rest of the rant. I think we’ve heard it before from over the border.”

“Oof. That was painful.”

“Yeah...kinda was. I have re-thought my interviewing strategy since. Medals haven’t been coming as fast and furious for Teremara as they were there for a few days, but...there’s still a couple on the line like women’s beach volleyball, and women’s football. Teremara’s not out of it yet. Despite some not quite working with the team...”

“Karl, we’re going to cut to another sponsor break. Thanks, and we’ll get back to you later on. Stay tuned here to NETV Sports 7.”

Olympic Athlete’s Village
Orean, Liventia

Jean-Marc Koepller was enjoying a coffee. He had a seat at a little outside seating area near the Teremaran dormitories. Alec Beaumont found his old Madurinite friend after having gotten his own coffee at the nearby kiosk.

Alec nodded as he sat and they both took a few moments to sip at their coffees in silence.
“You know, if we were in Istria, we couldn’t do this. They have the ban on coffee and what not…”

“Public drinking of it.”

“So if we were in the dorms back there, we would be fine to consume coffee?”

“I believe so, but we couldn’t buy it. Doesn’t matter. We don’t have to worry about that here.”

“Yes, just public alcohol drinking, which isn’t too strange, and smoking, which kind of is...I think that we might still head that way, now that things are wrapping up here.”

“Why? You’ll make it there for the last day? Fucking waste…”

“For the women’s football final?”

“Eh…”

“Stop being so cynical. So, did you hear about Al-Duhabi?”

“The Gragastavian capital?”

“That’s Al-Duhaba.”

“So I’m off by a letter?”

“You don’t remember our Gragastavian counterpart in their organization.”

“Not really. He was a Deputy Minister?”

“Oh no, no, no. He was in charge of their budget.”

“The budget? Why the fuck would I remember him?”

“Listen, the point is, he died under mysterious circumstances. Dehydration.”

“What tha…?!”

“Exactly. That was the official report, anyway. He was in a government office back in Gragastavia when it happened.”

“Well...at least it didn’t happen here. Could cause an international incident.”

“True, but still, it’s very strange. The reports are slim.”

“Well, your first problem is paying attention to Gragastavian press.”

“As opposed to…?”

“EKTV.”

“The Falkasian network?!”

“Yes. Believe it or not, they cut through all that bullshit Grag internal squabbling and cut straight to it. They tend to have a good handle on things on that end of the world...Eastern Tavlyria. Who else are you going to listen to? The YSR state media? I will be curious to see how they’re covering this.”

“The YSR?”

“No. EKTV, dummy. I don’t think the Yellowsians would care.”

“You’d be surprised what the RLO has their hands into.”

“I don’t know about that, but I am worried about what this may mean for the rest of us. Who’s next on the list?”

“I’m sure this is an internal thing. I really don’t think we need to worry. A Gragastavian number cruncher wasted away? Big deal. Sure it happens all the time.”

“You’re sure that Gragastavians die of dehydration and neglect in their own government offices?”

“You realize how backwards they are, don’t you? It’s not outside the realm of possibility…”

“Maybe we should check to see if it made it onto the radar of our governments’ respective intel agencies? I have contacts in the BGSE, I’m sure you do with NESA.”

Jean-Marc nodded. He knew some people.
“I can do that. You ready to watch some events? Convene with the proletariat and our young charges while we cheer on what’s left of our competing athletes?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” He took a big swallow of coffee.
“Actually...I’ll need another one of these. I wish they had Mubatan coffee here.”

“Hopes and dreams.”

“Shut up. Let’s go.”

by **Diarcesia** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 9:48 am

Day 12 Highlights

CANOE—SPRINT—Men’s K-2 1000 m

In the Heat Two semifinals, Diarcesia and New Waldensia ended up in the top two spots to advance in the finals, with Waisnor managing to squeak their way in after finishing third.

The Diarcesian pair of Misbah Nichols and Soscni Floje was not as successful in the finals, finishing seventh. Jeckland would take the gold medal with a difficult neck-to-neck duel against New Waldensia.

Final Result: Medalists

Final
1 Aden Howse/Trey Thorburn (JEC)           3:16.467  gold
2 Amir Soto/Larry Cortes (NWD)             3:17.295  silver
3 Bjoern Bert/Peter Nanda (MNM)            3:18.319  bronze

TENNIS—Men’s Singles

Theobrand Staur is set to play versus Luciano Ziccardino IV of the Greater Vakolicci Haven for a chance to win Diarcesia its first tennis gold tomorrow...

See also: Will the Dieresis of Nonderundis be the next sporting powerhouse within Diarcesia?

Arcesius Teleorasi Newsroom
Arcesius, Diarcesia

"The finals for the athletics men’s 5000m will be held at the Istria Olympic Stadium, Banija. The race will be broadcast live in Diarcesia by Arcesius Teleorasi. The telecast will be free to the general public, thanks to our sponsors and your support. Arcesius Teleorasi is a non-profit news channel which focuses on the Diarcesian community."

Mario relaxed after the cameras stopped rolling. He had done this before. He was finally getting the chance to enjoy the games once he got home.

He was surrounded by support staff. He knew some of them: one group was from the northern half of the Monarchy, and another was from the southern half. Many of the latter were Hylvorians, in particular. Some were also Losphortoneans who were recent hires.

"I'm so excited about the finals, I can't wait for them to be broadcast. Let's root for Travis Egan, guys. Good luck."

"Good night, Mario. See you tomorrow. Until then!", the cameraman bade him goodbye before he returned to wrapping up his station.

by **Vilitan Union** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 11:53 am

Vilitan Union outlast Sargossa, head to Men's Football Final

Vilita & Turori (VLT) 1–0 Sargossa (SRG)

Kabonero III Field, Istria, Moravica :: With the eyes of the multiverse on what was widely billed as the more enticing of the two Semi-Final matchups, it was a classic battle between Atlantian Oceania and Rushmore as Vilita & Turori squared off against Sargossa with a spot in the Olympic Gold Medal Final on the line. None of the four remaining sides in the Men's Football competition had medalled in the Republica games ensuring that it would be a brand new trio on top of the medal podium. The two semi-final winners were assured a medal while the losers would contest a final Bronze Medal match to attempt to leave their mark on history at the games.

While the Vilitan Union side packed the firepower from the Vilitan National Team in the form of Eastal Lunar attacker Nii'arala Milaaso, for the second straight game it was the Turorian mantra and style of play that prevailed for Vilita & Turori. With so much on the line, both teams took a cautious approach to the start of the match and seeming to be more interested in ensuring they didn't make an early mistake to put their team in a hole then to press forth and try to earn an advantage. With the match level at half time with neither side having put together a meaningful goalscoring opportunity, the Vilitan Union coaching staff decided to dip into their exempted player pool to bring in Vilitan superstar and former World Cup golden boot winner Sipke Tarala. While Tarala's impact on the match wasn't immediate from a perspective of creating chances on the pitch, the presence of the Veteran attacker caused a response in the tactics of Sargossa who started both man marking and shadowing Tarala - opposed to simple zonal coverage as they had been applying on the far less experienced Khrusan Mlianko who Tarala replaced. The change in tactics from Sargossa allowed other Vilitan Union players more space on the pitch with the increased focus from the Corsairs in shutting down the advances of Tarala.

On the hour mark, Vilita & Turori made another change to shift the balance of play bringing in a more attacking look through another Eastal Lunar star, Limu Kararakhna. The move put the pressure on the Corsairs but also opened up the backfield as the match went from devoid of quality scoring opportunities to a back and forth battle on either side of the pitch to see who could ultimately convert the decisive opportunity. That chance would finally come for Vilita & Turori in the 87th minute. With Tarala double marked at the near post, Limu Katarakhna skillfully slipped a pass through the crowd to domestic teammate Milaaso who was only loosely marked at the back post. Milaaso made no mistake and found the back of the net with just three minutes to go in regular time. Sargossa attempted to press forward from the resulting kick off but it was too little too late as the Vilitan Union witheld the pressure to advance to the Olympic Gold Medal Match.

 Vilita & Turori 1 - 0 Sargossa	
	Goals:	:: 87' Nii'arala Milaaso              
	Team:	Timaala Hualtia, Inteali Koranjo, Rojara Tiones (Limu Katarakhna 60'), Lohani Riiyaaw, Naraiza Ruaplal (Tulaki Rauogba 81'), Cuoabaza Orani’aoa, Lentali Purama, Khrusan Mlianko (Sipke Tarala 45'), Nua'oma Aikiki, Nii'arala Milaaso, Clarana Refiami

The Olympic Eel-Cats will likely return to the Kabonero III Field in Istria one more time as they look to make amends for poor performances in recent regional and internationstatal competitions by claiming Olympic Gold. It is believed that their had been some discussion amongst Olympic Organizers about an all-inclusive matchday featuring both the Mens Football Final and a host of Athletic competitions in concurrent action at the Olympic Stadium, though the logistical challenges may ultimately drive away from that decision. If the final is played at the Kabornero III Field then it will be a packed house as Vilita & Turori faithful will be looking to populate as much of the stadium as possible. However, it will be an all-Atlantian Oceania final as up-and-comers The Jovannic outlasted the Greater Vakolicci Haven 4-2 on penalty kicks to join the Vilitan Union for their first ever Olympic Gold Medal Final.

It is believed that the Gold Medal Final of the 14th Summer Olympic Games will be the first all-Atlantian Oceania final since Krytenia stunned the multiverse by actually advancing to and winning a major competition final during the 6th Summer Olympic Games. Inter-regional Gold Medal games were common in early Olympic competition, with Delaclava defeating Carpathia and Ruthenia in the 5th Summer Olympic Games while the Capitalizt SLANI made the second of three consecutive appearances in the Gold Medal Final against Valanora during the 3rd Summer Olympic Games. The last time a team from Atlantian Oceania qualified for the Olympic Gold Medal Game was during the 12th Olympiad in Kelssek & Vekaiyu when the Cocoabo Forest team made it all the way to the Final before losing out to Darmen in the Gold Medal match, leaving Atlantian Oceania with the Silver.

This time, Atlantian Oceania will take both Gold and Silver on the podium but a big day still awaits in Istria as the experienced Vilitan Union side look to ensure they are the ones standing atop the Podium this time.

by **Krytenia** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 2:04 pm

ATHLETICS: Walking Black to happiness

Sinead Black, by admission her own worst critic, can hold her head up high today. After seeing compatriot Terry Svankmajer lift his feet once too many - and getting disqualified as a result - Black kept her eyes on the prize and her feet on the ground on the streets of Istria.

Black led from the front, pacing herself well and keeping her tempo as the race began to stretch behind her. Despite this, she found it difficult to shake off a group of six walkers a few seconds behind. One by one, though, these racers also began to fade, bringing Black into the final kilometre with a twelve-second lead over Alexis Sainz. The Sargossan simply had no reply, and Black crossed the line to become not only a gold medallist, but Krytenia's first medallist of any description in race walking.

Sadly it didn't go as well for Desmond Moroder in the final of the men's 400m. Despite a solid lap, he was just outsprinted for bronze by Walter Sanders of Northwest Kalactin and ended in fourth.

WRESTLING: Sixsmith makes it three

After Greg Chesterton and Tilda Polsen, Krytenia now has a third Greco-Roman medallist to call their own. This time it comes in the women's under-68kg division, and belongs to one Lucy Sixsmith.

Having been outfought by eventual gold medallist Annabella Ordo in the morning's semi-final, Sixsmith bode her time, waiting to find her bronze medal match opponent from the repechage. Mattijana's Nikita Gladiatora proved to be no match for the Krytenian, who kept control of the match to add to what is already a bumper haul for Krytenia's wrestlers and the team in general.

CYCLING: Enough to drive you mad(ison)

A heartbreaking miss in the velodrome for Team Krytenia, as Dominic Landa and Stephen Pozzo came up just short in the men's madison. The pair kept up well in the front bunch, staying on the lead lap throughout, but just couldn't mop up enough sprint points. Despite being the second over the line, those missed intermediate sprints saw the pair miss out on a medal in an agonising fourth place.

There was further disappointment in the men's keirin, where Steven Nielsen was deemed to be at fault for a crash in his heat that took down two other riders. This resulted in his relegation from position, making him ineligible to run in the first repechage. Happily, though, there were no such issues with Raphael van der Poel, who advanced from his heat with ease.

Want to try track cycling? Find local clubs for this and other Olympic sports and get active at www.kbs.kt/sportforall

Watch all the action from Orean and Istria at www.kbs.kt/smartview

by **Sargossa** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 2:09 pm

It had taken a while but finally Sargossa’s finest were finding a bit of momentum. A gold for Carlos Sanz in the 800m was the nation’s first of that particular hue since Raquel Alcocer surfing victory back on day five. Cristina Ocampo added another in the Steeplechase, bringing the delegation up to six golds all told. Among the other shades of medal the Pole Vault had proven particularly lucrative, with Alonso Abasto and Fabián Gayoso taking second and third in the Men’s event and Bianca Samprún bagging silver in the Women’s competition. Alexis Sainz added to the silver tally in the 20k Walk. As did Amelia Gálvez in the Triple Jump and Gael Magrina in the Hammer. While Esteban Ordóñez took bronze in the High Jump. And the nation continued its encouraging performances in the sprints with Miguel Marín’s 200m silver and a bronze for Sebastián Gallo in the 100m. Eleven medals in total thus far for the Athletics delegation, lifting the nation to within one of the Olympic Authority’s medal target. A target that had been looking a little dicey a few days ago. But on day fourteen it was not the medal events that captured the imagination.

The Relay events always prove to be among the most popular events of any Athletics meet. When they go right, they are a remarkable example of speed, coordination and dexterity. When they go badly, they can be chaotic. In an event in which success can become failure in the blink of an eye it is unclear which the watching public actually prefer. Sargossa in past Games has seen both. In Istria the coaching staff would have felt a warm and fuzzy feeling as their charges, for the most part, performed well. The Men’s 4 x 100m team, with individual medallist Gallo on the anchor leg, won their heat to make the final as the second fastest team. The 4 x 400m team had a much nervier time. But such was the pace of the final heat, in which they finished fourth, that they and the two teams above them followed the heat winners into the final as the three fastest losers. The final heat was much less kind to the Women’s 4 x 100m team. A mix up between Alba Cazalla and Carolina Amengual agonisingly saw the baton clatter to the ground. Leaving Ximena Braga, on an anchor leg that never happened, hands on hips and staring daggers at her teammates back down the track. After her catastrophe in the individual event it completed a miserable personal meet for the nation’s number one sprint star.

Then came whatever happened in the Women’s 4 x 400m heats. With their teammates’ failure in the shorter event and both Men’s teams safely(ish) into their finals there was an element of inter-squad pressure and pride at stake. And how they rose to it. Florencia Andrade ran a strong opening leg, leading the pack, and a smooth changeover sent Catalina Barrueco off with a healthy lead. She held the lead and handed over to Graciela Lacasa, like Andrade a semi finalist in the individual event. Another silky-smooth changeover, this time to anchor Yesenia Morterero, and a slight hint of relief went through fans and coaching staff alike. The baton was safely through to the final leg. It was at this point that members of the coaching staff clocked the time. This heat was quick. It was seriously quick. And with Morterero, who would be contesting the medals in the final of the individual event the next night, racing away there was a chance something special was about to happen. Of course, this was a heat. Morterero could perhaps afford to let up a little. She didn’t. She crossed the line in a time of 3:22:34. A new Olympic record, breaking one that had stood since Aeropag. A fact she accentuated by pointing at the stadium’s big screen with the baton, a huge smile on her face as her teammates joined her. They hadn’t known it at the time but the Sargossan pace had dragged Siovanija & Teusland, Vekaiyu and Pemecutan along with them. All four teams would contest tomorrow’s final. And with an Olympic record under their belts the gals sporting the trident would go into it as favourites.

by **Britonisea** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 5:22 pm

Brityunik Vefecosoin Cairkovoin - NEWS
http://www.bvc.com/news

The #1 News Tabloid 2020 in United Republics, BVC.

5th September 2020

BRITONISEA'S LAST MINUTE MEDAL DASH AS END OF THE GAMES NEARS

By Reece Gillingham

The Olympic Games for Britonisea has been one of the worst on record for the nation, but hopes are running high as recent results see Britonisea gaining a few more medals to add to the tally with even a few more to come!

Britonisea is not a nation necessarily known for its sporting prowess, occasionally participating in some sporting events before spending a long amount of time away from them - such as the World Cup. However, Britonisea has been rather consistent for the Summer Games, never missing out since the first time Britonisea participated in Zube and Kytler Bay. For the country, it is an important event that Britonisea must attend to show that the nation could compete on the world stage if the country puts its mind to it. Britonisea has While, at the moment, Britonisea isn't close to its best ever Gold medal haul of 7 at the XI Games, Britonisea is hoping to reach that number as Day 15 and 16 comes around in Liventia and Banija. As of the Games of the XIII Olympiad (excluding the Winter Games after it), Britonisea had a total of 84 medals, with 19 of them being gold - drawing with fellow singing competition competitor, Main Nation Ministry. Whilst we know that Britonisea has definitely passed the 20 gold medal boundary, the Britonish performance has disappointed the Britonish Olympic Association who had high hopes going into the Games of the XIV Olympiad. Though, all is not lost however. Over the past few days, Britonisea has scored big in some of the most watched events - especially in Athletics. Meanwhile, over the next couple of days, there are high chances that Britonisea could score gold and hopefully cheer the Olympic Association bosses up. Below, we round up some of the events just gone over the past couple of days and some that we are excited for.

Will Britonisea retain its Men's Water Polo title?

Coming into the Games of the XIV Olympiad, there was a lot of hype for the Kelssek and Vekaiyu - both nations that have won the Men's Water Polo title, with the former winning the titles so many times they're pretty well known for it. However, this came to an end at the XIII Olympiad, when the team from Britonisea, who took inspiration from Britonisea's successes in the pool for the Men's Team Routine in Synchronised Swimming, won the title taking the crown from the Kelssek who at the time were seeking their third win a row. Britonisea played against West Phoenicia, beating the team 9-6 in a thrilling final. Our heads turn more than a year on back to the pool as Britonisea faces Sirian in the Gold Medal match. The Britonish Water Polo team has always been an underrated team and shocked many by winning the gold medal at the previous Olympiad. At these Games, the Britonish team has been on superb form. In Group G, Britonisea finished top of the table, with 5 wins and 1 draw, with a total of 11 points. Britonisea had a goal difference of +22, which eclipsed the other differences in Grop G and was the 2nd highest goal difference overall of the nations which finished top of their tables. Alongside Kelssek, and oddly enough Hapilopper and Wreckeria, Britonisea had the highest number of goals for - 59 which put the nation in good stead going into the quarter finals against a former Olympic medal title holder, Vekaiyu.

Going into that match, The Britonish Males team had a mission to get themselves further than the Women's team who were haulted by the mighty strength of the team from Kelssek. With bestial mentality, the Britonish Males entered the pool ready to take nothing other than a win. The match, win garnered a total audience of nearly 5 million on BVC One, saw Britonisea take the victory in a close call match, 8-7. The men celebrated boisterously in the pool, upholding the stereotype of the Britonish Water Polo team of being obnoxiously loud while celebrating victory - the Britonish simply get too excited! They knew that despite knocking Vekaiyu out, there were still matches ahead of them before they could call themselves the Water Polo title holders once again, a title the team are hungry for. At the Semi-Finals, the team was against Græntfjall who was on good form coming into the match. Though Britonisea's match against them was fairly easy, with Britonisea winning 11-5, moving to the Gold Medal match against Sirian. The Britonish haven't heard much about Sirian but will be playing their "most robust form of Polo ever witnessed", says goalkeep Pierre Charpentier. He goes onto say that, "If Britonisea wins, let me change that, when Britonisea wins - I am being hopeful, it helps, we will make sure that in the years to come, Britonisea is never forgotten on the Water Polo stage. Let's go for a third gold medal in a row! If we don't get the result we hope for, we will still come back even stronger."

Day 16 will see the final of the Men's Water Polo - a great match to watch before the closing ceremony of the Games.

Hallelujah, at last! A Vatenfall Gold Medal!

In Athletics, one of the most noticeable Britonish names you will see is Vatenfall, a family of athletes that participate in various different track and field events at the Olympic Games. Dave Vatenfall has made his mark at these Games, winning a gold medal in the Men’s 110m Hurdles - which was rather unexpected. After the heats, Dave Vatenfall had the 16th fastest time, and going into the next round, Dave finished third in the 1st Semi-Final which meant that he did not automatically qualify for the final. Dave remained hopeful that he would qualify as the athletes with the two fastest times of those that didn't qualify would still participate in the final. As the second semi-final came and went, he noticed that he was still in qualifying position with his super speedy time of 13.21. All was left was the final Semi-Final which he internally prayed was a slow semi-final. As the results came through, while it was a quicker Semi-Final than the one before, the first placer of Semi-Final 3 was slower than his time which meant that he knew that he would make an appearance at the final of the Men's 110m final. Vatenfall was given one of the most favourable lanes in the Grand Final, a standard in athletics depending on how fast you performed in the previous races leading up to the final. The striking Britonish colours of the kit could be seen a mile away and for the Britonish fans that made their way to the Olympics, they would've been proud to see Vatenfall in the final. As the athletes took their lane position and the cameras went from athlete to athlete, there was a polite applause for Vatenfall, who simply smiled and winked at the camera before looking down, preparing himself for a firecracker of a performer that he was about to give.

On your marks, set, go. 12.91 seconds later he had crossed the line. Dave wanted to win a gold medal so badly, and as he jumped over the final hurdle, he took the longest strides he could, dipping his head as far forward as he could in hope that he would win the gold. Berrhemengar Tierrheró was hot on his heels so as he crossed the line and did a roly poly on the floor, Dave was unsure as to where he finished. He wasn't looking in the direction of Berrhemengar, he was running his own race - the race for the medal. After the audience came in with a huge cheer, Dave looked down at the track before he was being approached by camera men and event organisers. He looked up at the board - 1ST VATENFALL Dave 12.91. Dave looked at the board with a shocked expression on his face before bursting out into tears. He had finally won himself a gold medal at the Olympic Games, honouring his family after years and years of trying. When speaking later on about to BVC News about his win, Vatenfall said "I, for the first time at an Olympic Games didn't feel like a failure. My family and I try our hardest to do well at the Olympics and to finally get a medal, especially a gold medal - it really means a lot to me."

Bronzes all around for Britonish Tennis...

With all of Britonisea's male singles players being knocked out, we turn to the Women's Singles and the Mixed Doubles to see how team Britonisea were doing there. While Leone Na in the Women's Singles and Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall in the Mixed Doubles reached the Semi-Finals of their respective disciplines, neither won with them being relegated to the bronze medal matches. While it stung for Leo Garry/Elizabeth Quehall to be beaten by none other than the Electrumites, they thought that at least they were beaten by players that did deserve to go onto either receive a silver or gold medal. Elizabeth Quehall should be proud of her bronze medal particularly after she was rushed to hospital, being dehydrated in one of the most recent NSTT matches which was held in Electrum. It put her participation at the Games into doubt, but she came back strong as ever. Meanwhile Leo Garry, who is now the Britonish #2 in tennis, should also be proud, considering his "slacking performance" at tennis recently, arguing that the Britonish Tennis Association are to blame for that as they stopped players travelling outside of Britonisea. Their match against the duo from Taeshan was very easy, winning 6-2, 3-6 and 6-0 in a final set decider.

Meanwhile Leone Na wanted to do her country proud and win a bronze medal to add to what was seeming like a growing number of bronzes for Britonisea. Her match was rather easy against fellow tennis player Priyanka Kumar-Rivera, winning in straight sets. For Britons, it was nice seeing the Britonish flag fly at the medal ceremonies in the tennis arena, but some fans were disappointed about the male singles performance and the fact that Britonisea's flag wasn't higher up. Leone Na said, when speaking to BVC, "You know what, some times you've just got to take what you have. This year, we've got two Britonish tennis medals and I think that's fantastic considering the amount of nations that participate in tennis at the Olympics. No, it isn't gold but we did try our very hardest. I am proud of this Olympic medal and I will be cherishing it. I would love to come back next year to fight for the gold, of course!"

We will be doing another Round-up after Day 15, with information about the upcoming relays (including the ones just gone), analysis of the heptathlon and men's shot put and the final of the all-important men's water polo!

by **Renzynistan** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 5:29 pm

by **New Waldensia** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 7:40 pm

Waldensian Radio News, 101.3FM out of Valdenton

"It's 7:03pm, temperature in Valdenton is a balmy 64° with a light breeze out of the northwest. Traffic is moving right along across the metro, with a minor accident in the Capitol Corridor. I'm Douglas Machen, with your evening news update."

"Metro Police arrested Jonas Faulkner today in the murder of Vaudois National Bank teller Tommy Watson, following positive identification via security camera footage from the robbery last week. He is being held without bond. We'll have more on this developing story soon."

"New Waldensian athletes had another good day in the Summer Olympics, reeling in four medals for the second consecutive day, including gold in women's softball and women's heptathlon, along with silver in men's heavyweight boxing and bronze in men's triple jump. That brings the Waldensian medal count to 19: five gold, seven silver, and seven bronze."

Softball coach Molly Irwin: "Our girls were underestimated, counted out, but they came out here to prove that they belong on this stage. They played their hearts out against some great opponents, and I'm so proud of them for the effort they put out. They deserve every ounce of that gold medal hanging around their necks. This is a moment that we'll all carry with us forever. So proud of this team."

"The second gold of the day was from Sarah Baker in women's heptathlon.
Baker: "I was in total shock, to be completely honest. I knew I had a shot at it after the first few rounds, but for everything to fall in place for gold? It was just surreal. Just, totally surreal."

"New Waldensia Olympic Committee Chairman, Prince Erik Norvik, is optimistic that we will hear Light Shines On again before the conclusion of the Games:
Norvik: "We have some strong athletes left in the remaining disciplines. We are pretty confident that we can get to 20 medals, and I think we have a definite shot at gold in either marathon. We're immensely proud of the effort that these men and women have given thus far. They have definitely set the bar for future New Waldensian Olympics delegations."

"You can catch more highlights of today's action during our ten o'clock news segment. When we come back, chief meteorologist James Oliver has more on this weekend's weather forecast."

by **Electrum** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 1:04 am

Centralis Herald - Sports Section - Reece Duffy

Diary in the life of a modern pentathlete

Liz Patterson-Flowers starts her day by waking up at 5am with her partner, Jacob Flowers by her side in their house in suburban Agri.

Patterson-Flowers and Flowers are the power couple in Electrum's extremely small modern pentathlon sphere. Modern pentathlon is a relatively obscure sport that does not often get a mention -- for example, a quick search of "modern pentathlon" in the world's press yields only seven mentions in the past two weeks. It is a sport that combines all that is (supposedly) needed for a ninteenth century soldier to do battle. The sport is kind of like the decathlon, but instead of ten events across athletics, it is a mishmash of five sports of wildly divergent skill sets: fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running and shooting.

As part of Centralis Herald's coverage of the Olympic Games, they asked me to shadow an athlete of my choice to write an article during the Olympics. After hearing about the frankly eclectic mix of sports, I knew I had to shadow a modern pentathlete -- and the Flowers family were without rival in Electrum in terms of pure ability in this sport of sports.

The day starts with a cup of coffee and some light breakfast. In these training days, it is important to eat light and to eat healthy, because the couple would be simulating the day's events. Aside from the fencing ranking round, all five sports are played on the same day. This means that there is no time to rest and conserve energy -- an athlete's efforts must be singularly focused on peaking in the four non-fencing disciplines during that one fateful day that comes every two years.

First comes the swimming. This is the reason for the early morning start - the Flowers family do not have access to an elite pool to train in - instead, they just swim at the local pool, so they need to swim early before the crowds come in. Here, they have made incremental improvements to their swimming scores, and this event is notoriously hard to improve in, given the specific physiology needed to excel in swimming. The Flowers' focus on their swim they can improve on: their body mechanics of their stroke, the push-offs from the wall at the end of each lap and maximising the amount of time underwater during each push-offs to minimise drag. It's a bit disconcerting to see Olympic athletes training in just a suburban pool, but the modern pentathlon in Electrum is mainly practised not by professional athletes but by groups of amateurs. For example, Liz's day job is being an engineer (where she has an arrangement with her employer to work four days a week to account for her training regimen) whereas Jacob works as a part-time fitness trainer. The two supplement their income with government sporting assistance.

After a few hours at the pool, we head to the local gymnasium which is just next door for the fencing. The training for this one is pretty quick given that it's just the two of them fencing épée with each other. All parts of the body are a target, and there is no right of way like in foil. Of course, if you were a nineteenth-century soldier, you'd hardly wait for opponent to make the first move so this makes sense. At these Olympic Games, the ranking and bonus rounds were held at once and not in between the swimming and the show jumping like the way that they've trained. Of course, being husband and wife, Patterson-Flowers and Flowers are well versed in scoring against each other, and know how to be aggressive while not exposing your body to get the point. Indeed, this can be evidenced by their performance in yesterday's fencing rounds where Flowers won four bouts in the bonus fencing round (the second most of all men), and Patterson-Flowers came in fourth in the round-robin ranking round.

Next was a two-hour drive to the outskirts of Agri for the last three disciplines. Along the way, we stopped for lunch and I asked a few questions. The couple met during their meets in modern pentathlon. It is, after all, a small world with a few hundred elite athletes around the world at any one time, and naturally, even fewer in Electrum. Being selected often, the two met each other all the time in the villages and training camps, and the rest, as they say, is history. The two, however, had different pathways into the sport. Flowers was a skilled marksman and horse rider, given he used to live in one of the Deltan farms outside Agri. His talent was spotted by the modern pentathlon folks when he excelled at two of the five discplines. Meanwhile, Patterson-Flowers was a fencing specialist in Centralis but could never gain selection onto the Electrumite team. That's when she made the decision to use her fencing skills in a different sport. Why were we driving so far outside the city? To get to the Lin stables to train their show jumping. Lin, being Li Lin, one of Electrum's pre-eminent show jumpers and who has won gold for Electrum in the team equestrian jumping event.

Show jumping is one of those funny disciplines. It half relies on luck (given that horses are drawn randomly) and skill. The luck component is especially important, because throughout the years there have been many a good modern pentathlon run that have been cut short by the show jumping - it is the event where athletes don't have a total control over their fate. Although theoretically all horses should be able to make the course without mistakes and within the optimal time for a familiar and competent rider, each horse has a different temperament, and will react differently to different riders. Riders have only thirty minutes to familiarise themselves with their horse, so if the partnership goes off on the wrong foot, there's nothing much the athletes can do when push comes to shove. It is also the discipline where most athletes have trained the least in - it is simply too expensive to buy or even rent a horse and train it for show jumping training. As evidenced by the Flowers family having to drive two hours to the stables, it is also the most difficult for athletes to access training for.

They only have their special agreement with the Lin Stables to use their horses after Sports Electrum brokered a deal with them to allow two completely untrained horse riders to perform show jumping on their horses. While the Flowers couple have massively improved in recent years, their training horses are now very familiar to them, so it is not a true simulation. Despite this drawback, at least the Flowers couple have access to some sort of training in the show jumping, and it should hopefully reduce the chances of an unsuccessful partnership. They've attempted jumps that are much harder than the ones presented in the actual Olympic course, so all going well, the Flowers' will hope that they won't drop too many points in the show jumping.

It's 3pm now, and it's time to drive back to Agri for the laser run, which is an unusual amalgamation of the laser shooting and running disciplines. Previously, the two events remained separate, but in the name of innovation (ever since the Aeropag Olympics), they have since been combined in a joint event. The accumulated points from the previous three events are used as a handicap for this fourth and final event. Because it is nearly impossible to source an outdoor laser target in Electrum next to some sort of running track (as with other Olympic games, the Orean authorities don't have a dedicated location for the modern pentathlon - all events repurposed venues from other sports) the Flowers' have to make deal with their own homemade contraption, made by Liz herself using her engineering skills.

According to Liz and Jacob, the most difficult part of the laser-run is maintaining that presence of mind to make the five targets every time they alternate between running and shooting. Accuracy in hitting the five targets is key, because this is the place where most athletes get held up. Any disadvantages in running can usually be caught up, but it is the nerves behind shooting the five targets that troubles a lot of athletes. Athletes have to simultaneously slow down their heartbeat while aiming and firing at a target. Getting into that presence of mind is mindbogglingly difficult - and I can attest to this with personal experience, I tried hitting the target without the disadvantage of running and I only hit the target around fifty percent of the time.

They finish by 7pm and I am absolutely exhausted watching Liz and Jacob train. I'm sure they are even more tired than I am, but being a selfish old git, I rationalise this by thinking that they chose this sport to be a part of their lives. This sport is one that tests endurance, flexibility and determination. Even if you aren't a modern pentathlon fan, I highly encourage you to watch Jacob competing tomorrow and Liz the day after in order to see just how much effort goes into training for these events. And if they don't win, they and we should be proud by the fact that they've managed to achieve so much in five (or four) highly disparate disciplines.

by **Tikariot** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:53 am

Looking around, there are a lot of yellow balls around. My team! We're a tight-knit group here at softball, took a lot of training to be selected for the Olympics, so we're also a very proud group here to have been nominated here. And today is the big final, Big Waldensia against Tikariot. The day we've all been waiting for. Looks like nice weather, that's good, I'm not a fan of getting all that muggy red clay sand stuff on my spotless yellow uniform.

Wow, look at all the people! This is awesome! I never would have thought that I would see this in my life. Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet, how rude of me. My name is BO39745 and I am a softball. Yes, one of the main protagonists of the final, without me and my team, there would be nothing happening. Nothing at all. A lot of disappointed people if we didn't show up! See, most people have no idea how hard it is for us to get here.

It all begins with our heart. Or is it the brain? I'm not sure. I think they call it the guts in human. Sounds kind of gross. Anyways, the beginning is what they call a pill. No, we're not dopeheads! It's cork and rubber. They say that it's the most important thing in a softball, so I still maintain it's either our heart or brain. Deal with it. Then they take leather that they glue on our core and then they start stitching. This is a long, long process and can also be quite painful. I know that these stitchers are pretty good at their job, but some of my colleagues here have been poked quite badly. I'm sure that if we had blood that would really spoil the white leather badly. So I guess it's good that we don't.

Then the "finishing". They stamp us with some nice little logos and all and then they dye us yellow. We do look quite fashionable like that, I must say. Then comes my least favourite part: the oven. Yeah, they want to make sure that the ink stays on us, so I can understand that, but it is really hot in that thing. Very uncomfortable. But the things you do to get to the Olympic Games, I know. Then they check us all to see for the size, the hardness, the weight, the rebound, like I said, it's not easy for us, but people usually don't see the dedication that goes into becoming an Olympic softball.

Oh, by the way, just because we are called "soft" balls, we're not soft. Waaaaay back in the days we were, by now we're almost as hard as the hoity toity baseballs. Arrogant buggers, those baseballs. Think they're something better than us, but just because they're smaller and harder does not make them any better, pfft.

But where was I? Oh yes, we're hard, we're tough, we're-- ooh, they're coming for me! Oh hello there, young lady, how you doing? OK, I'm ready, throw me! Whoooa, why all the spinning! Wheeeeee! OW! That hurt, lady! I'm flying again! Catch me, come on, catch me! Uh, people, I'm running out of ballpark over here! HEY! This is not what I signed up for! NOT THE CONCRETE! Ow! OW! Oof. Am I done now? Where am I? Where are the people? Hello? HELLOOO!?!?

by **Taeshan** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:54 am

Narrator: Aeropag was of course the site of the first ever team sport success in the Olympics for Taeshan as Women's Volleyball, a sport which would continue to see the Purple and Gold succeed in was not only the first Taeshani team to medal, but the first Taeshani team to finish on top of the podium.

"We had a really good squad put together for our first real competition in the Olympiad. We hadn't really sent a team to the 3rd Olympiad to compete, just to get our feet wet, and the 4th Olympiad is where Taeshan became competitive across the board. Winning our Gold Medal was incredible" - Sophia Marsh, Gold Medalist

Narrator: The Women's Volleyball team in Aeropag was the first of any team to hoist a medal, and the first to earn Gold. Women's Volleyball continues to be a sport the Taeshani side has been competitive in at the Olympics. Since that fateful day in Aeropag at the ensuing 9 tournaments 4 times the Taeshan women have medaled, never again equaling their Gold, but 2 golds and 2 bronzes is not something to scoff at in the competitive team sport Olympic festivities.

"That team in Aeropag did something that not many have done since in team sports. They went undefeated, beating silver medalists Secristan in the Group and then in 5 sets in the final. They really new how to compete and to keep themselves inside their heads in a way I always looked up to. So many teams get down when they lose a point here or there, or lose a set but that team persevered" McKayla Jones, Bronze Medalist Republica

Narrator: That final game in Aeropag saw two close opening sets taken by the Taeshan women, but Secristan dominated sets 3/4 to tie the game. The 3rd and 4th sets were destructive for the Knights as they scored 20 total points across the 2 sets, but a 5th set rally early on as they dominated the Secristan Women and they were Gold medalists.

"I remember watching that game, the final, it was close for 2 sets and we won both of them. Then Secristan brought the hammer down, after losing 2 sets by 5 total points they won 2 by 30 points. It was domination, I expected a whimper to end it from our ladies. But then they just came to life and won 15-6. And walked out with more of a sweat than they needed to that day" - Jamie Harsh, Silver Medalist, Zube

Narrator: Taeshan had already beaten the Secristan side in the Group stage, a similar 5 set masterpiece for the two coaches. That one was much closer overall, but this had a rough two sets from the Knights. The final was their 3rd 5 set match of the tournament after their close opener with Lovisa, but the Knights kept winning close games. They went undefeated throughout, and claimed their first Gold Medal, and the first team won for the nation.

by **Kelssek** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:59 am

WOMEN’S SF
BANIJA – 8
{{FatalRosterExistenceError
Reset mouse trap and try again}}
KELSSEK – 5
Mueller (2), Rust,
Raida, Sanchez
(2-0, 1-1, 3-2, 2-2)

...highlights as Kelssek have lost in the semifinals of women’s water polo after an 8-5 loss to Banija. The host nation delighted the fans at the Istria City College Aquatics Center advancing to the gold medal match at Kelssek’s expense. Kelssek weren’t able to get through their aggressive defence early on and were shut out in the first quarter.

“Hatter steps in! And a big block from the Banijan player. They’ve been perfect on defence the opening 5 minutes... Kelssek need to find a way to get more movement, they’re too static, they need to up their own compete level to wrestle their way past these checks. The refs aren’t gonna give them anything if they’re not showing an effort to get through the holding and grabbing.”

Alejandra Sanchez was the first to score for Kelssek late in the second quarter and they were left to plot a comeback from 3-1 down. But Banija were able to keep in control of the game and Kelssek didn’t help themselves by giving up five exclusions in the third quarter alone. Lindsey Mueller was ejected after three exclusions early in the fourth leaving Kelssek without its top scorer.

“Hatter gets that. Into the hole... Rust with the backhand! Kelssek are within one.
“...that goal’s been disallowed! Inside two metres says the referee. They can’t get frustrated... and that’s exactly what Kelssek didn’t need. Rachel McTavish has been ejected for dissent. This is a terrible time to lose your composure.”

Kelssek’s Lindsey Mueller was not very happy with how the game went.

“Yeah I think we were a bit off our game today, you have to give them credit because they won in the end. Crowds influence the refs sometimes. We can’t dwell on this, we still have a chance for a medal and we have to take it.”

Kelssek will be up against Taeshan in the bronze medal match, and that’s another team that’s going to be out to prove something after being upset by Kriegiersien in the other semifinal. We’re going live to the velodrome now for more of the cycling competition....

by **Waisnor** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 9:10 am

Somehow We Got Two Fourth Places

Day 14 was kinda regular for Waisnorian athletes - no medals again, some fail, some success. But today Waisnor was really close two getting 2 more bronze medals and both of this chances were in 20km walk races.

Among men in this discipline, Waisnor was represented by Pavel Sennikov and Andrei Borisenok. Pavel did not have any special hopes, and therefore his 65th place did not surprise anyone, more fans hoped for Andrei. Andrey immediately confirmed that he is one of the main favorites with his successful start in the top ten. Gradually, during the race, he overtook several more of his opponents and soon Kaxen Zagarra from Astograth became his main rival. Borisenko decided to bypass Kaxen, but he was clearly not going to give up the medal and did not allow Andrey to overtake himself. Andrey tried to bypass him throughout the race, but all attempts were unsuccessful and Borisenok finished 4th. Zagarra overtook him by 18 seconds.

There were three women from Waisnor in walking for 20 kilometers - Inna Fedotova, Zhanna Sennikova and Maria Trubilo. It was expected that Trubilo would finish somewhere in the middle, and her 17th place pleasantly surprised many. Most of all, they pinned their hopes on Zhanna. Zhanna started the race in 15th place, not quite the level that was expected of her, but not critical. Inna Fedotova, who was predicted to be in the 20th - 30th places, on the contrary, surpassed her expectations at the start, she started the race in the top ten. Zhanna was able to bypass several athletes, but she did not succeed in further advancement and she finished in 12th place. As for Fedotova, she was able to reach 3rd place and hold her for most of the race, but in the last stages Kadek Dwi Damayanti from Pemecutan began competed for bronze with Inna. Towards the end, Kadek was able to get ahead in the battle for 3rd place and Fedotova could not return to her previous positions, eventually finishing in 4th place, losing only 1 second to Kadek. However, she has already finished much better than expected.

OTHER RESULTS
Yuri Taranukhin unexpectedly made it to semifinals of canoe C-1 1000m
Anton Sumarokov lost in first round of repechage in wrestling 74kg to Austin Cardona from Omerica (part of Commonwealth Union team)
Maria Naumova has qualified to high jump final from joint 6th place

by **South Newlandia** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 1:08 pm

It can always get worse: A blog post

We talked about how South Newlandian athletes just can’t get anything done with Athletics, but nothing; nothing prepared us for this epic collapse. Across four Relay attempts; not only did none of the teams qualify for the final race, but both of the 100 metre relay teams did not even finish the race. How hard can it be to correctly run 400 metres? I could do that. You could do that. I literally have no words for how our Olympic athletes could screw this up twice. Seriously. The 400 metre teams did at least finish the race; the Men didn’t even do terribly. Still a good bit away from the final race, but it could have been worse. The Women were about average, and of course far away from doing much of anything. It didn’t get any better after that; in the Women’s High Jump Qualifying, the best South Newlandian finish out of 111 was a sixteen-way tie for 78th. Congratulations, Hilda York. Olivia Stamp didn’t even get the 1.85 metres down, putting her in second-to-last. To qualify, 1.96 metres were necessary, and no fewer than 33 women got that together; but no South Newlandian. This means that the finals for those five disciplines, and a few others, will be without South Newlandian participation tomorrow. In fact, the last two things still remaining for us are the Marathons; the Women tomorrow, and the Men in two days. But maybe, we shouldn’t even think about hoping to much. Instead, we are going to look at a top five for drugs to forget. Number two will shock you, and will then make you fall asleep.
[Rest of article redacted for breach of advertisement of drugs laws. –The Government. To file an appeal, visit…. If you struggle with an addiction, please seek help under this number:….]

(hastily thrown together)

[RP thread] Games of the XIV Olympiad

Men's Football Semi-Final

BVC News: 5th September 2020

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