Games of the XVIII Olympiad - roleplaying thread

by **Hopal** » Fri Sep 06, 2024 6:16 pm

Interview with Hopal's Chef de Mission Mack Roy

As the Games of the 18th Olympiad get set to begin in Hamilton, Electrum and Schimpol, Liventia we sat down with Hopal’s Chef de Mission Mack Roy in a wide-ranging discussion about his Olympic experiences, what to expect from this Hopalian Olympic Team, the future of Hopal at the Olympics, and more. Team Hopal returns to the Olympics for the first time in over 6 years, and to a Summer edition of those games for the first time in double that timespan. As we get set for the games, we sat down with Hopal’s Chef de Mission Mack Roy at Hopal Olympic House to help us better understand what to expect from Team Hopal both on and off of the field going forward.

Mack Roy, Chef de Mission of Team Hopal at these 18th Olympic Games. Thank you for having us here at Hopal Olympic House and for taking the time to answer our questions, Hopalians appreciate it.

It’s a pleasure, and I’m always happy to answer your questions and talk about this amazing Hopalian Olympic team that we’ve got together.

Well, thank you again for having us, we appreciate it. Let me begin with this question: What do these Olympics mean to you?

I think it means a great deal to all of us here on the Hopalian Olympian team and frankly to all Hopalians. You know, we haven’t been to the Olympics, well a Summer Olympics in over a decade and for many of these athletes it’s a dream that they thought that they would never realize. These athletes put in a lifetime of work, it’s every waking day of your life and often we don’t see the very real struggles behind all of the Olympic glory. This is the dream. The Olympics is the pinnacle of success for any athlete and I know that every single member of this team put in the lifetime of work to get here and what this means for each and every single one of them. I get emotional when I think of what these Olympics mean to me and to all of them because I know that work that goes into getting here and I know the feeling of absolute elation and fulfillment when you walk into that Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony, when your lining up in your event, win or lose the rush of emotion that you get when you can call yourself an Olympian. And I’ve seen that firsthand. You know, after all of the years of drama at the Hopalian Olympic Committee and political intrigue over Hopalian sport and Olympic future, I think we all need this moment. To allow our athletes to achieve their life’s dream, to show off all the work and dedication that they’ve put into their sport, and hopefully to bring back some hardware home to Hopal. I think all Hopalians need this moment, to put aside all of the stresses and worries that the past few years have put upon us, to watch our athletes do amazing things and to come together as one to cheer them on. Bunjil was a magical moment for this country where we all came together and created some real lasting national moments and a few years ago in Globeflower and Joongyeong it was very much the same story for Hopal. I hope that we can replicate that success and create some new memories as one again. Electrum was a great host for Team Hopal the last time we were here and Liventia was all those years ago as well, though I hope we’ll see some more success this around than we did back then, but I know that we’ll have a really smooth well-run Olympics and we’re gonna have a great time here. So, I’m sorry for the bit of a long-winded response there, but that’s what I feel these Olympics mean to me and I think to all of us.

It’s no problem, we appreciate you giving us your insight, no matter how detailed it can be. If you don’t mind, I want to ask what you mentioned earlier, the issues that have surrounded the Hopalian Olympic Committee over the last few years.

Of course.

What do you have to say about the previous scandals surrounding the Hopalian Olympic Committee and their inability to field Olympic teams these past few years? And are you confident that the current iteration of the Hopalian Olympic Committee is the right one to lead Team Hopal forward?

Well, I don’t want to comment too much on the past right now. I’m the Chef de Mission of the current Hopalian Olympic delegation and my job is to look to the future and to the athletes that we have competing now. I will say however, that I think that it was deeply disappointing that we were not able to come together and field teams to some of the previous editions of the Olympics. The Hopalian Olympic Committee has sometimes in the past been a distraction and there are times where I think that the government hasn’t made the best decisions to move forward the Olympic movement in Hopal. All of these athletes work extremely hard to try to realize this dream of competing at the Olympics and some of these athletes never got the chance to properly compete and fulfill their dreams simply because of the affairs of a handful of people, and I think that is deeply disappointing. I will say however that I have full confidence in the Hopalian Olympic Committee of present. Michael Bach is an extraordinary man and administrator, you know he’s an athlete, so he knows what it’s like to be in their shoes, and I think he’ll make the right decisions for them. I worked closely with him to get this delegation together and to get to these games. You know, he’s a tennis guy, so, eh, he knows enough about rowing, not his top priority unfortunately, but he understands us well enough. All jokes aside, I think he'll be an excellent leader for the committee and an amazing representative for the Olympic movement in Hopal going forward. And Kelly Hern, she had my job at the last Olympics Hopal attending in the Eiran Mountains and Joongyeong and she did an amazing job there, so I have no doubt that she’ll continue that good work as Vice President of the Hopalian Olympic Committee. There’s an excellent team also, assembled together on the rest of the committee and so I have full faith and confidence in them going forward.

Do you think we’ll see Hopal consistently attending more Olympics?

I certainly hope so. I can’t say for sure, that’s not my job, I’m not on the Hopalian Olympic Committee. But I certainly hope so. I hope everyone rallies to ensure that happens for the athletes, for the fans, for the entire country. It’s a great thing and I hope we’ll see Team Hopal at the next Winter Games.

Alright, moving on. Earlier you talked about your job as Chef de Mission for Team Hopal at these Olympics, you elaborate more for our readers, what your job entails?

Haha, well I’m certainly lucky to have this job, I think I have the best job in all of Hopal right now. I’m basically Team Hopal’s top cheerleader, I get to attend events all across the Olympics and cheer on all of our amazing Hopalian athletes. I work with our athletes, making sure that they have everything they need to perform at their best and that they’re comfortable at these Olympics. I’m basically a counsellor to them. As a former Olympian, I know what it’s like to compete at this level, and I help them through any issues they may have. I get to meet with the athletes’ parents and that’s always the best experience, and I make sure they have a great experience and Hopalian fans do as well. It’s a great job, really.

Tell us more about your Olympic experience. What would your advice for our Olympians this year be?

It was certainly quite the experience and one that I will treasure for the rest of my life. So I’d tell anyone who has the privilege of being at the Olympics to take it all in and savor it because you really don’t know if you’re ever going to be back. Back when I was competing at the Olympics, years ago, I was in three events and was part of 2 excellent teams. I was in the Doubles Sculls with Gary Hents and the Quadruple Sculls with Bob Banjo, David Dent, and Terrence Ilko. I remember I went really hard at the beginning of the Games, I had some really good results in the early goings, I think we were in medal contention with one of our times in the Qualifying. Actually, I went the farthest with my teams, both teams got to the semifinals. I think I spent myself on all of those early runs and I just had run out of energy by the second round of my individual event. Thankfully, I had amazing teammates, and I was able to put in the work on those teams, though I was exhausted out of my mind and both teams were able to make it to their respective semifinals. My advice to all these athletes today would be to pace yourselves, that was the lesson that I learned out of those Olympics. This is a long and at times arduous tournament, you know yourself, how you perform and how to get the best results out of yourself and pace yourselves accordingly.

Let’s talk about these athletes. Whose performances are you most looking forward to and watching?

Well, of course I’m looking at Rowing. You know me. I had a hand in getting some of these athletes together and pushing them through with the Committee to the games. In particular, I’m looking at James Holiday who is in my former event in the Men’s Single Sculls where he has already broken my national Olympic record at the Saintlake Regatta. I’m definitely looking to see what he can do at these games and with any luck he’ll do much better than I ever did in Bunjil. Also on the water, Sailing which will be held nearby, this should be exciting for every Hopalian. Layla Lee, our Opening Ceremony flagbearer, all Hopalians should know her, a former Olympic Champion, she’ll be out there competing in three events. She’ll be out there competing alongside Victoria Neuhart and Ryan Lopez, who are new to all of us, but certainly talented enough to earn themselves some medals. I think we’ll be all watching that sport very closely. Also in the water, in the pool this time, that’s a sport Hopalians will always be glued to. My friend, Georgia Juan, you all know her as the most decorated Hopalian Summer Olympian of all time, she has been running the National Swimming Program for the last few years, fostering new talent. There are three Hopalian names to look out for, all youngsters: Jenny Juan, who’s Georgia’s niece, Jessie Martens, and Olivier Lemieux, hopefully this is the beginning of long successful careers ahead of them. Coming up in these next few days too are the Road Races, cycling events and we have strong Hopalians on the men’s and women’s side. Mikie Hernandez and Jasmine Karknow for the women and John Nicses and Harrison Marner for the women, look out for them. Now I also want to highlight some athletes competing over in Hamilton, in Electrum. Most of our athletes are going to be competing here in Schimpol, but I want to highlight two incredible athletes in Hamilton: Chen Li in table tennis and Coppola Barnes in the marathon. Things over there are being run for the most part by Kelly Hern, our HOC Vice President and I’m sure we’re going to see some great things over there too.

Are you setting any medal targets for this team? What are you anticipating?

I’m not going to be setting any explicit expectations. We’re back at the Olympics for the first time in a long time so I’m not going to be putting that kind of pressure on our athletes. It’s remarkable enough that we’re all here. I will say that I think that we’ll be able to match our performance in Bunjil with 6 medals and 3 of them being gold. But I’m not going to be putting the weight of an official target on them and I’ll just say, perform the best that you can and show Hopal what you’re made of, we can’t ask of you more than that.

Thank you, Mack Roy for sitting down with us and sharing your thoughts with us and with our readers.

It’s a pleasure. I’m happy to sit down with you any time.

by **Drawkland** » Fri Sep 06, 2024 9:55 pm

"This is, by far, the stupidest thing we've ever done." Craig Bakker sighed, unsolicited.

"What? The circumventing Olympic rules thing?" Elias Keys replied. "Or are you referring to the stooges we're using to fill out the bench?"

"If they're stooges, they'll fit right in!" Ross Hunter countered without hesitation.

The Elite Eleven were on their private plane, on their way to Electrum. They'd made the portal flight to Strat City in the Isles of Avon without issue, and now they were on the leg going across the Afanc Straight. They weren't the only Drawkians on the way to Hamilton two weeks early for qualifying, but they were the only ones that had their own plane. The various team sport rosters and swimming competitors were taking flights chartered by DISC, the Drawkian International Sporting Council. The Elite Eleven, representing Drawkland in men's soccer, had their own travel plans in place.

See, the Elite Eleven were basically shoo-ins for men's soccer. In Drawkland, men don't play soccer beyond grade school due to cultural norms. Gridiron football is all-male, while baseball and basketball are co-ed. Soccer is the all-female sport to balance the distribution between Drawkland's big four team sports. So, getting a team to represent Drawkland at an international level would be impossible ... if not for the Elite. See, the Elite had their big breakout on the international scene playing soccer. It was a widely unpopular move originally, as they fully replaced the typical female roster of the Kick Corps, Drawkland's national soccer team. Still, the Elite proved everybody wrong and qualified for several World Cups, even including a pair of Round of 16 appearances (which at the time was above anything the previous Kick Corps accomplished). DISC eventually grew tired of the Elite, their antics, and several straight cycles of mediocre play, so the "real" Kick Corps finally returned for a new generation.

The Elite are showmen at heart. They first gained notoriety with internet videos showing off their athletic prowess through contests, trickshots, and other forms of content. The supposedly college-age group of guys made the audacious claim that they could take on any team in any sport once they had time to get acclimated. They proved this by playing exhibitions against any team that were willing to waste a weekend playing them. It paid off, though. When DISC couldn't get anybody to stomach playing for the Base Corps, the Elite threw their names in the ring. It was a desperation move for both parties, but soon enough the Elite were suiting up in black and red for Drawkland. They played two cycles of .500 ball with no playoff appearances, but that's WAY better than anybody expected the supposed trickshot goons to do against international competition.

That's what got them IN to the international scene, and earned them their initial tenure as the Kick Corps once DISC was tired of the original ladies Corps stinking up the joint. It even earned them a reluctant appearance as the Net Corps, Drawkland's national basketball team (which was similarly good-but-not-great). When DISC finally decided to put together a delegation for the multiversal Olympiad, the Elite were the obvious selection for the men's soccer squad. No other group of men in Drawkland has pedigree or experience in the same stratosphere as the Elite Eleven in that category.

Since the Elite figured they were going to be traveling to Hamilton or Schimpol already, the multi-talented fraternity of athletes decided to try out in the qualifiers for other sports. The goal was for each member of the team to get into one other discipline in Drawkland's delegation (and only one each, to be fair to both the other members of the Elite and the mortal athletes who'd trained their whole lives for a chance at the Olympics). Somehow, they made it happen. Every member of the Elite Eleven was signed up for both men's football, and a single event of their specialty.

As you could imagine, this presented a whole host of problems.

"All of it, really." Craig shook his head. "I get it, we've all dreamt of representing Drawkland in the Olympics. We can never swing the Sonnel games because the competition is so hot. These Olympics could be our only shot to pull this off. But some of us didn't consider the scheduling implications."

"We all have our specializations." Elias shrugged. "For some of us, it's unavoidable. Dominic is a fantastic boxer, it's not his fault that the boxing tournament format takes up nearly the entire Games."

"Yeah, but his schedule at least has a bunch of break days in between." Craig raised his voice a bit. "Unlike Roger, who decided playing four straight days of golf was somehow not going to backfire."

"Hey man, my swing is on fire right now!" Roger called out from across the plane, hearing the shot from Craig. "Don't hate the player, hate the game!"

"I mean, I did my due diligence," Craig continued. "The road race only takes up one day. Ross the same way, getting in on the marathon. Even Richard did something smart for once by going into the lifting category."

"Now that's not fair either," Elias shook his head. "Dick's only skill is lifting heavy metal circles. There's no way he was doing anything else. And Ross never sleeps, so he's the only one who's able to handle the mental bore of a marathon. From his point of view, running and staring at the scenery for 2 hours is fascinating."

"Gee, thanks." Ross rolled his eyes. "Ignore the stamina required for such a feat. Focus on how dull my life is."

"Really, if we're going to be criticizing sport choices for the logistical challenges, let's talk about you picking an event that's being held in Liventia." Elias turned on Craig. "Didn't think much of the travel plans for that, right?"

"So?" Craig replied defensively. "We have the Elf for that. Plus it's not like the discipline splits for each city were posted in advance. Again, my race just takes up one day. Unlike Jaxon McSpecial over here having to spend half a week in Schimpol and shuttle back and forth for a football matchday in between."

"You're overlooking a key point there," Jaxon Madison appeared suddenly, clamping a hand on Craig's shoulder from behind. "The matchday you refer to is the semifinals. That requires us actually making a playoff run in this tournament. With all the distractions we have to deal with, I'd be surprised if we're still lacing up cleats by Day 9."

"Day 7 is going to be tough," Elias agreed. "Roger, Mike, and Nick all missing for their early rounds, on the finale of the football group stage to boot."

"Please," Jaxon laughed, "we'll be lucky to make it that far. We still have to navigate qualifiers, after all. I think we lost the forest for the trees on this one. It's far more likely that we have no schedule conflicts to worry about at all."

"What a shame that would be," Craig replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Then we'll never get to unleash these three clowns on the pitch." He sent a glance to another corner of the plane cabin. The others in the conversation turned to follow Craig's gaze. He was referring to the three men that the Elite had found to fill in on their football roster.

Remember the word "mortal" weirdly dropped earlier that I didn't call attention to? That's an important piece of the equation. You may ask, how could a group of just eleven men manage to play multiple sports competently at a professional level, and even worm their way through Olympic qualifiers with a roster spot? This level of endurance and versatility should be inhuman. Well ... it sort of is. And it's not because they're Drawkians.

For those who aren't aware, several centuries ago, the Elite Eleven (then numbering over 30) embarked upon the ancient quest for immortality. This is the same quest that Drawkland's founders, the Drawkionels, toiled through and succeeded. Through their immortal guidance, Drawkland was built into an empire that has lasted a couple thousand years. The Elite, though losing nearly 2/3 of their original membership in the process, came out alive and undying on the other end. In the couple hundred years since, they've quietly grinded and conditioned themselves to be the ultimate athletes ... mostly. Their "debut" on the internet scene was merely their plan to officially put themselves in the public eye, posing as mortals until the time was right to reveal their true nature.

In a similar vein, several other international athletes went on this same quest. Among them were two gridiron players known for being stars on Drawkland's Grid Corps, Jack Hoy and Leo Cross. They were among those that survived the ordeals and lost their mortality, and have been struggling to find meaning beyond the gridiron. The aforementioned issue of few Drawkian men even playing soccer past childhood was one hurdle, the other was the fact that to most outsiders, the Elite were a strange group of supposedly-immortal beings (which they'd only revealed relatively recently, after over a decade of being in the public eye, which the general public had very mixed feelings about). It was going to be difficult to try and relate to any mortal that tried to be apart of their group, even for a shorter tournament like this.

The Elite then turned to their immortal brethren for a potential solution. Sure, Jack Hoy and Leo Cross had never played soccer in their life ... but they were well-conditioned athletes now firmly in their athletic prime thanks to their newfound immortality. Surely they'd be at least passable after taking a crash course.

There was also the issue of Day 7, also known as Matchday 3 of the men's football group stage. As Elias mentioned a moment ago, three of the Elite would be occupied that day, forcing those three to either miss the soccer match or attempt a double shift, which would probably do more harm than good. They needed one more body so they wouldn't be short on the crucial group stage finale ... and found one more male immortal willing to pick up the shift. Lerocav, the son of Drawkland's ruler Iarocav, had been a professional-level athlete a few times over his millennium of living. Though he'd never played soccer, he had the discipline and the interest to fill in for it.

Of course, putting those three together wasn't a great idea. Tactically it's fine, they get the job done, but off the field it's a problem. Jack Hoy's energetic and impulsive nature made him deadly when hitting the gaps in the defensive front to burst into the second level as a running back, but it made him an extreme headache when out and about. Lerocav was more disciplined, having been raised in Drawkland's equivalent to a royal family, but a guy like Jack really drew out his immature streak. Leo, a quiet monster of a man, was stuck playing babysitter. Nobody could tell if Leo hated, tolerated, or secretly enjoyed that ordeal.

"I tell you the FIRST thing I'm doing when we get there." Jack Hoy said loudly, clearly several drinks deep already. The immortal metabolism made achieving drunkenness a challenge, but that was never known to stop Jack. "Right to the volleyball qualifiers."

"The first thing you're doing is carrying your luggage to the hotel room, because I'm sure as hell not doing it for you," Leo countered, brow furrowed in annoyance.

"That's such a low class decision." Lerocav shook his head, then leaned forward and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "See, Jack, you're still young. Still within your mortal lifespan. When you've been around the block like I have, you start to enjoy the more refined things in life. Patience, for one thing. Class, for another. See, I'm waiting until the tennis preliminaries. That's where you really see the grace, the true beauty of the lithe female form."

"Alright, calm down grandpa," Jack put his hands up, as if to stop Lerocav from continuing. "It's a new age. I need something flashy, something bouncy. That's what Jackie likes. Not all this oldtimer nonsense."

"What did I tell you about referring to yourself in the third person?" Leo rubbed his forehead and frowned.

From across the plane, the portion of the Elite in conversation listened in various stages of embarrassment.

"Yeah, I'm gonna have to try and score goals with two of those doofuses trying to feed me from outside." Ross sighed. "We'll be lucky to get within spitting distance of the box."

"At least we'll be at full strength for the qualifiers," Elias pointed out. "As long as we get in the door, nobody's really going to complain."

"They might complain once they see what we brought into the club," Jaxon chuckled. "Oh well. Maybe we're being too crotchety. I'm sure we'd cringe just as hard if we had to listen to our conversations back in the early days. The barnstorming days, even."

"The only thing I remember from those days is how uncomfortable it was to sleep on a hay bale in a moving freight train." Craig scoffed. "And how fucking hungry I was. All the time. Literally every day."

"And look where that got us in the long run," Jaxon smiled. He took a glance out the window, where Electrum's coastline was coming clearly into view.

"Yeah, big props to Septimus for falling in love with the damn Elf," Craig blew a raspberry. "Now I gotta ride a bike for six hours the day after playing a full match of footy."

"Hey, that damn Elf is getting you from Hamilton to Schimpol in 5 seconds flat." Septimus Xander turned his head from a few rows over and interjected. "It's not often you get to be friends with somebody that can use void magic."

"Yippee. I'm really over the moons." Craig folded his arms.

"It's probably nicer than sitting at home and listening to dead people all day, though?" Ross suggested to Craig, with a friendly nudge on the shoulder.

"I'd rather be dead than have to live through whatever shitshow we're about to put on."

"Better get an express shipment of obsidian then," Jaxon flicked Craig on the back of the skull. "TiSoFaH Prime delivery. They ship to Rushmore, right?"

by **StrayaRoos** » Fri Sep 06, 2024 11:42 pm

Pale Herald
22nd of July 2032 - posted 6:03am ERST
Olympics: Preliminaries Day 1 Preview

After four years, it’s Olympics time again. Time for 20 days of sport taking up every minute of every news bulletin and every channel on TV. This time, they’re being held in Hamilton, Electrum and Schimpol, Liventia. But it’s not time for the games proper just yet. This edition has a qualifying stage that most athletes will have to go through. This will stop the 50-team basketball and football competitions in previous games, instead settling for 12 or 16 teams. Most individual sports are also doing the same. So, let’s have a look at Roosians participating on Day -4

Athletics: At the Hamilton Multi-Purpose Venue, the Athletics qualifying will get underway with the 400m, 5000m and combined events, alongside the 110m Hurdles, Discus and Pole Vault. StrayaRoos has got 5 athletes participating today. First, in the Men’s 400m sprint, we have Finn Ajaha and Ryan Utrel, the top 2 at the Roosian Olympic Trials. Ajaha, running in his second Olympics, is the national champion over the distance and will probably have an uphill battle to qualify, while Utrel is pretty unlikely to make the Top 54, and will probably finish above 100th. In the hurdles, it’s a similar story with Peter Lewear. Then, on the field, there’s a pair of contenders for a medal, first in the Men’s Decathlon (the Preliminary round of which is a Heptathlon), there’s Ben Ewral, who scored a national record 8203 points to make him the first Roosian to enter the Decathlon. Then in the Pole Vault, Tim Relka will compete for StrayaRoos, having won his event in the trials by 2 centimetres. Both of them are expected to make the top 32 comfortably.
Basketball: the Basketball competitions throw up a little bit of an oddity. The matches have mostly already happened, behind closed doors, and the results will be released once per day until Day 0. The Emus, none of whom had ever played an international game before, faced Team Diarcesian in the first match of the men’s 5-a-side Preliminaries. The expectation was that it was a loss, but anyone could win on their day.
Canoe Slalom: Another Roosian in action on day -4 is Sienna Rtil, the first Roosian to win an Olympic medal, and an Olympic Gold medal, which she did 8 years ago when she won the Women’s K-1 Slalom at just 19. Last time around she finished 5th in the C-1, which is what she’s competing in today, although in the Saintlake Regatta held a few weeks ago, she struggled and finished 9th with a time of 105.13, almost 10 seconds off her PB of 95.36, and didn’t do well in the K-1 final either, so the 27-year-old’s not the sure bet she was four years ago, but should have a good shot at beating seven others to qualify.
Cycling: StrayaRoos will make its debut in BMX Freestyle today when Jane Beral competes in the Women’s qualification, although technically the debut happened yesterday when Mark Reule competed in the Men’s qualification, another event where the results are going to be released at 12:00 today, having taken place earlier
Football: Despite qualifying for the World Cup Finals, StrayaRoos is still sending a pair of Football teams to the Olympics, admittedly these are essentially second XIs made up largely of SPL players while the actual team plays in Eastfield Lodge for the World Cup. But we still have faith in the Men’s and Women’s sides to pull off some good results against Mytanija and Krigiersien respectively.
Golf: Eden Bale, as usual, is back for a third Olympics in golf, the 45-year-old ex-footballer has finished in the Top 20 at the previous two games and will probably do the same here. And for the first time, Golf StrayaRoos is entering multiple athletes to the Olympics, sending Cameron Hyear and Kevin Berlia to compete in the Men’s individual, and Lahni Balwe in the Women’s. The top 60 after four rounds of qualifying will progress to the proper, scheduled to start on day X for the men and day 11 for the women
Gymnastics: Another sport StrayaRoos is making an Olympic debut in. Josh Mlope will compete in the Men’s Qualification in the Artistic discipline, where the top 36 individual athletes who hadn’t qualified with their team (which he can’t, as he’s the only entry) will progress.
Skateboarding: Gabrielle Trayka will compete in her second games in the Women’s Park event, and will hopefully improve on her placing in the previous games.
Swimming: Another sport where the events have already happened but we don’t have the results, 6 events will be released today, and most of them will cut over half of the entered athletes before the actual games. Most of the events aren’t too consequential for big Roosian medal hopes like Emma Lioala, who’s expected to cruise through the 100m Butterfly and Alan Treasli, who’s competing in the 4x100m relay, but several of the next generation of Roosian swimmers will have their Olympic debuts results released today.
Water Polo: Another sport StrayaRoos is entering for the first time, the Eels (Men) and Dolphins (Women) will play Kalosia and Magnus Phoenicia respectively. The Eels made a splash in the Doportedas Grand Prix, making the Quarterfinals before being beaten 8-6 by A Kea, after finishing second in their group, including beating their opponents for today, Kalosia. The Dolphins also made the quarterfinals of the same events, seeded seventh, and lost 13-6 to hosts Britonisea. The Men’s and Women’s sides are both young and look to be full of the potential to give StrayaRoos Olympic medals in the future, but will likely not do too well this time.
Watch the Games of the XVIII Olympiad live and free on Channel 8, 8extra and STV+ from July 23 RST

by **United Mandaran States** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 12:00 am

Home > Sports > Olympics

Getting Ready for Olympics
11th August 2028

Puradhipa (AMP) - It is that time of the year as Summer Olympics is knocking at our door. Athletes are having their last preparation before heading to Hamilton and Schimpol. Although some of the athletes have flown to both cities for the preliminary competition. The country sent the largest delegation so far with 604 athletes who will be competing in 23 sports. There are 2 new sports and/or disciplines entered. They are Cycling BMX and Shooting. These records are made based on the comparation of UMS delegations and the previous participations by their constituent states. The delegation also sees a lot of new athletes competing. It is because the athletes are selected after the results of 2027 The Mandaran Games.

The delegation's spokesperson, Duwanibala Gadakmara said that these athletes are viewed as UMS best athletes so far. He added that the upcoming Olympics is quite interesting with the preliminary round happening far ahead of the opening day. "It will be a new experience for most of us. But we must believe in our athletes that they can qualify to the main competition," he said. While Gadakmara also stated that UMSOC targeted at least 10 gold medals for the delegation. "It is based on the latest best performance by our constituent states," he explains. But when he was asked about reaching the top 10 in medal table, he said it would be hard to achieve that, but it is not impossible.

Back to the game, seeing the past results, the country's largest medal possibilities come from Athletics, Swimming and Canoeing with the rise from Gymnastics and Weightlifting. However, we noticed the fall from Canoeing. From 2-1-1 medals bout in 15th edition, 1-1-1 in the 16th and 0-2-2 in the 17th edition. The officials hope that this will be change by the regeneration of the athletes competing in the competition this Olympics. Then how about the other sports? Kristina Amalia believes in other chance of medals such as Equestrian where Toluiwa delegation won two medals in the previous edition and Sailing where all the previous participations bring medals at least 1. "We hope that we can defend our medals from last participations whether it was from Pemecutan Union delegation, Rarungan and Toluiwa," she said.

MBU (Mandaran Broadcasting Union) will holds the broadcasting rights for this edition of Summer Olympics. The Union is a cooperation of public broadcasting companies within the country.

Olympic Fun Fact of the Day

There are 4 athletes being the youngest to compete in this edition's Summer Olympics at the age of 18. All of them are in Aquatics, 1 in Diving and 3 in Swimming. Among them, Milasani Kamnajada of Soracana Islands is the youngest. Her age is 18 years and 97 days old.

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by **Acastanha** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 12:45 am

Are We Really Ready for Olympics?

Acastanha have been walking past their hard days after the Kolanos War which heavily affected the country. It went into hiatus in international events for quite sometimes as they were focusing on rebuilding efforts. In the course of time, the situation in Kolanos Gulf have calm down and countries has open up their relationship again. This can be seen with the establishment of Kolanos Premiership, a multi-association football club league between 3 countries, Acastanha, Nainha and Siwalima. Acastanha then went out to compete in 16th CMFA Mandalanusa Cup where they success to reach the final although they were being defeated by Biyambi. Then they make a drastic move by participating in the 18th Summer Olympics.

Despite their effort to be back in the international sports competition, but their attempt to compete in the Summer Olympics is questionable. They are participated in 63 events in 11 sports. The fans questioned about the selection process as most of the athletes are also competed in the country's first Summer Olympics which was happening about a decade ago. "I don't think they (read - the officials) really spend their time to create a selection process and only jump with the names in the last minute," said one of the fans. Compared to their last appearance, it is a large drop in term of number of athletes and events to compete. There are 3 sports absent from the last appearance, they are Archery, Rowing and Volleyball. But 2 sports are added, Breaking and Equestrian.

Acastanha however, have only won 1 medal from Weightlifting. A gold from Octavio Paluva which surprisingly competed in this Olympic despite of his age. When it is questioned about medal target, Comitê Olímpico Acastanha (COA) spokesperson said that the committee doesn't place any target.

Currently, some of the athletes have arrived in the host cities to compete in the preliminary round. Swimming, Football and Basketball athletes are among them. While the rest of delegation will be arrived gradually from Day -7 to Day -3 from the opening ceremony.

by **Crpostran** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 1:02 am

[*]NOTE: Comics on the last page taken from https://121clicks.com/funny/funny-singl ... nate-fakes . Full credits to them. A big thank you to Dantopia for permissions to use his advertisement on the last page aswell. AI-Generated image used in Page 3 of the newspaper for the ceremonial uniforms.

by **Sargossa** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 1:34 am

SSM | Sargossan State Media

International Edition - Olympics

It’ll Be Great, But Will It Be Golden?

Raquel Solana writes;

It’s that time again. That moment every four years when you take a long, hard look at your nation’s most popular sports. With their eye watering costs, propped up by equally eye watering ticket price hikes. Their prima donnas and ego maniacs, who set a deeply dubious example to the younger fans. And their increasingly problematic and plainly unpleasant fanbases. You look at them and you think, maybe it’s all a bit shit? Because the Olympics is everything that those sports aren’t. The Olympics is something special. Fans of every nation can sit beside each other, with just a love of sport unifying them. The athletes are brave heroes, not overpaid and overappreciated drama llamas. Inspirations to young and old alike. It’s a joyous festival of international sporting endeavour.

One that can change even the most ingrained mindset. The Sargossan nation has, quite rightly in truth, been accused of being cold, calculating and cutthroat at times. But when it comes to the Games, something warmer and fuzzier seems to emerge, blinking into the light. The Olympic Authority of Sargossa, almost since its inception, has taken a somewhat surprising tack. It shows a warmer, even naturing approach to the athletes under its care. Not once it its history has it laid out medal targets. ‘It’s self-defeating’, Chef de Mission Débora Sarmiento explained the approach. ‘We want our athletes to want to win medals. We don’t want them to think they need to win medals. They set the targets; they create the pressure. Our job is to give them the tools to manage that pressure and hit those targets.’ As a former two-time pole vault medallist, she should know the validity of that strategy better than most.

In fact, the successes are there for all to see, with the nation recording five top ten finishes in the medal table in the last nine editions of this storied competition. Culminating in a record medal haul from the Afanc Strait and Jolbonopolis four years ago. That success has inevitably led to heightened expectations this time around, something that Sarmiento is, admittedly, keen to temper. ‘Each Games are unique, and must be looked back on in slight isolation. Success in one is not a marker of success in the next. A lot happens in those intervening years. Yes, the previous Games were magnificent. But don’t forget, it took us thirteen attempts to hit those heights. And nine Games went by from our previous best to that one. Oh, we’ll certainly by working as hard as any to win, but there’s an awful lot of competition out there.’

She’s not wrong there, with more than sixty nations from across the sportiverse descending on Rushmore for the eighteenth edition of the Games of the Summer Olympiad. And there’s some heavy hitters in there too. We all know that competing in front of a home crowd does wonders, something that will make delegations from Liventia and Electrum, already bristling with pedigree, that bit stronger still. Individually, the teams from Ceni and New Gelderland were pretty darn impressive. Their combined Afanc Strait squad will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with too. The Quebecois may be giving their own infrastructure a rest this cycle, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be treated to several rousing choruses of Oh Quebec, My Country in the coming weeks. Krytenia. Kelssek. Britonisea and the Alezian Union. Kriegiersien, Ko-oren and Team Diarcesian. Banija and the ruddy Mytanars. Olympics giants, all. And then there’s a whole score of unknown newbies, out for glory. That’s the level we’re competing at. Although, history has shown that we’re not without one or two weapons of our own.

Literally, in the case of the shooters. With the bulk of the team supplied by the military, success is a source of national pride and prestige. Six medals from Jolbonopolis was a healthy return, one that took the overall tally up to twenty. Making shooting the nation’s fourth most successful Olympic discipline. Which is a long way behind its first. Naturally it’s the athletics squad who will be expected to do the bulk of the heavy lifting in Hamilton. With no disrespect to the actual weightlifters, who will also be competing in Hamilton. The Sargossan athletics programme has been up there with the world’s best for decades, a trend an awful lot of people will be hoping to see continue in Electrum. But this is a squad in transition.

With the great Xènia Carrizales (400m champion and 200m silver medallist) exiting the world stage and Talía Espinar (100m gold and bronze medallist) only on relay duty, the women’s sprint team is untested at international level. Domestically, Lola Fonseca and Zarina Sáez have been dominating the competition. But this will represent a huge step up. Watch out too for Valeria Andino in the 400m hurdles. Valeria has been threatening Ana París’ national record of late and has strong sporting pedigree in her family. Big brother Luis is a former triple jump champion. The men’s sprinters flattered to deceive four years ago. Home form would suggest Juan Sebastián Muñoz, in the 400m, is our biggest medal threat.

Out in the field is where the big beasts lay, and there are few bigger than Marcelo Tostado. Still peerless domestically in the hammer throw, the returning champion has his sights firmly set on another gold for his collection. Humberto De la Vega too is eyeing up a double in the triple jump. While Simón Arjona’s Azul League form is giving fans high hopes of javelin success. As is Ana Sofía Pareja on the women’s side. Plenty too has been written about Tia Tejedor’s prodigious season in the high jump. And about returning champion Renata Camero’s somewhat creaky form in the shot put. But it’s pole vaulter Tamara Vasić who has created the most column inches. The inclusion of the Mytanar-born athlete has ruffled quite the feathers. That the nation ‘scouts’ potential talent from foreign climes is no secret. But the much-vaunted athletics programme was thought to be above those kinds of messy shenanigans.

It's not boxing, after all. In which Velizar Krstić won gold four years ago in the light welterweight category. Krstić, who still hasn’t bothered to learn the language, returns to defend his title, and his success has seen compatriots Žarko Karanović and Radana Velimirović also ditch Mytanija for a chance of glory with ‘ole Pointy and the darker blue. Or swimming, where head coach Jovana Krsmanovic has been using her power of persuasion to lure Mytanar talents north. Bojan Ignjatović returns, after three podium finishes four years ago. As does Andrea Krsmanovic, who achieved much less. But she’s Jovana’s niece, so that’s probably fine. Backstroke specialist Sofija Kostić is a new face in the team, but her outings in the Laguna Azure League of Aquatics suggest she could be a welcome addition.

Nations of birth aside, Sargossa has a fine tradition in the pool, with just shy of seventy medals. Four years ago, the team took eleven in what is traditionally one of the hardest fought disciplines of the whole Games. Krsmanovic works her charges hard, of that there is no doubt. The medleys have become a particular success story under her reign, one that will hopefully have a couple more chapters written in Schimpol. While the swimmers have historically been the focus, a lot of recent hard work has been put in down in the diving pool. Silver medallist Gonzalo Perez returns in the 3m springboard. But it’s Adoria Camarillo and Marta Arellano in the 10m platform who have captured the attention. The pair could be the best diving prospects the nation has produced in years.

Athletics, swimming, boxing and shooting. The four disciplines that have produced the most medals. But this is the Olympics, and that comes with the joyful surprises. The stories that resonant across the whole nation. The Seventeenth Games produced plenty of those. The nation was enraptured as the pairing of Santiago Park Borja and Roxana Macri secured Sargossa’s first ever medal in archery (Borja, who was born and raised in Quebec where they know a thing or three about archery, bagged a silver in the individual event too.). The nation shared the sheer joy on the face of Eliana Sainz, as she won a first ever gold in wrestling. And the nation watched agog as the women’s hockey team triumphed in their bronze medal match against the Alezian Union, arguably our biggest Olympic shock of them all.

But it’s not just the medals, although they are delightful. It’s the stories. For two- and a-bit weeks the world will be a little bit brighter. It sounds saccharine, but it’s been proven to be true time and again. Rather than arguing about politics or the football, people will wax lyrical about the rowing, or the windsurfing or the taekwondo. Medal or no, heroes will be made. Four years ago was a tremendous sporting success. This time around it may be again, but maybe it won’t. And that really doesn’t matter. Because, come what may, it will be spectacular.

by **Calgasia** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 1:43 am

CRF Calgasischer Rundfunk - Calgasia Broadcast Corporation
Olympic Preview: Calgasia's First Step on the International Stage

As the sun rises over the serene waters of Calgasia, a palpable sense of excitement courses through the country. For the first time in its history, the small but proud nation will compete in the Olympic Games, standing shoulder to shoulder with the giants of the world stage. From the bustling streets of Goldstadt to the tranquil banks of the rivers, the entire nation is preparing to watch its athletes take their first steps into the grand arena of international sport. For our friends in the multiverse who are reading this article, Calgasia has a population of Austrian, Hungarian and Czech origin, coming originally from a planet called "Earth" before setting in our planet.

Though Calgasia may be modest in size, it is a land rich in natural beauty and sporting heritage. Water sports has always been popular in this country, with its shimmering lakes, peaceful ponds, and meandering rivers serving as playgrounds for generations of Calgasians. Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, Canoeing and Water Polo are among the most popular sports in Calgasia. From a young age, children are drawn to these waters, practicing in the sport clubs across the nation

The delegation heading to the Olympic Games is the smallest among the 67 nations participating, a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed by fans or pundits. This first Olympic appearance is not so much about medals, but rather about learning, growing, and experiencing the grandeur of the Games. The athletes know that while the chance of standing on the podium is slim, the opportunity to compete alongside the world's elite is invaluable. This is a journey of discovery, where the lessons learned and the experiences gained will forge the future of Calgasian sport for years to come.

With those words ringing in their ears, Calgasia’s athletes head to the Games not as mere competitors, but as pioneers, blazing a trail for future generations. The nation’s hopes are not burdened by the weight of expectation, but rather lifted by the excitement of what is to come. And though their delegation may be small, the pride they carry is enormous.

Canoeing
Medals: 0/0/0

Calgasia sends 15 athletes to compete in canoeing, with their primary goal being to learn from the top teams and assess where they stand on the international level. Medals may be a distant possibility for now, but the focus is firmly on the future and building towards the next Olympic cycle.

Expectations: The standout performers in the canoeing squad are undoubtedly Attila Horváth in the K-1, and the men's K-2 and K-4 teams. However, it remains to be seen how far they can go. Reaching an Olympic final would be an extraordinary achievement. For the rest of the squad, advancing through the qualifying rounds while learning and enjoying the experience is the ultimate goal.

MVP: Attila Horváth – The flag bearer for Calgasia, this 20-year-old phenom dominated the competition at the Imperial Cup. His potential seems limitless, but for now, he remains in a learning phase as he takes his first steps on the Olympic stage.

Who to watch: Max Hofer in the K-2 500m is another young athlete who could make waves in the regatta, pushing the boundaries of what Calgasia can achieve.

Men's Water Polo
Medals: 0/0/0

The crown jewel of the Calgasian delegation, the men's water polo team is the nation's greatest hope for a medal. Although this will be their international debut, experts both in Calgasia and across the multiverse agree that this team is one of the strongest in the tournament. With no visible weaknesses and a roster full of talent, they have the potential to beat any opponent.

Expectations: Anything less than reaching the semifinals and fighting for medals would be seen as a failure for this team, despite their debut status.

MVP: Hans Steijn – Known as "The Boy from Bohunice", Hans arrives at these Games in peak form, excelling in both defense and attack. He is the undisputed leader of the team and will be central to their success.

Who to watch: Dezsö Gyarmati – The spiritual successor to the legendary Marton Homonnai of the Magyar Swimming Club, Gyarmati is an attacking powerhouse capable of scoring goals in abundance. With each passing year, he seems to grow stronger. Experts are left wondering just how high his ceiling might be.

Rivals in the group stage
Calgasia (CGS)
StrayaRoos (STR)
Kalosia (KLS)
Cannaland Islands and Jrok'k (CNI)

Women's Water Polo
Medals: 0/0/0

While they may not have the glamour of the men's team, the women's water polo squad comes to these Games with a determination to make a splash! Labeled by many analysts as a tournament dark horse, this team is young— with an average age of just 21.37—and hungry to prove themselves. Women's water polo in Calgasia took a bit longer to develop compared to the men's game, but the level is improving every year. The goal for this young squad is to continue growing and progressing.

Expectations: Their main objective is to advance past the group stage. From there, they plan to make every opponent suffer for their victory.

MVP: Alexandra Hebberling – The flag bearer. Brilliant. Controversial. Alexandra Hebberling, born into a prominent family, is as talented in the pool as she is in the political arena. A fiery advocate for women's rights, the University of Carolina de Melperk star often finds herself clashing with Calgasia's conservative factions. But in the water, she plays with the same passion she shows at a protest. The question remains: which version of Hebberling will we see at these Games?

Who to watch: While most experts agree that this team is "Alexandra Hebberling and 12 others," keep an eye on Sára Kis. The Hungarian sharpshooter promises to light up the pool with her deadly long-range shot.

Rivals in the group stage
Calgasia (CGS)
Great Gooseland (GRG)
A Kea (AKE)
The Kytler Peninsulae (KYP)

Final Thoughts
For Calgasia, these Olympic Games are all about learning and soaking in the experience. While the men's water polo team carries legitimate medal hopes, the rest of the delegation will focus on growth, development, and building for the future. Whether it's Attila Horváth on the regatta course, or Alexandra Hebberling rallying her team in the pool, this is just the beginning of Calgasia's Olympic story.

At CRF Calgasischer Rundfunk, we will be following every twist and turn of this historic journey, bringing updates, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories to the Calgasian people

Best of luck to all of our athletes—Calgasia is with you!

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 2:34 am

OOC: This top section is from 'Road to Rushmore: Tricolour Taegeuk's Guide to 2068 Summer Olympics', a pocket book that's written by Joseph Sachtel, an RQOC public engagement officer who had previously worked in the Quebecois Foreign Office.

Athletics:

Quebec and Shingoryeo, in many ways, has potential to be anywhere between a decent or powerhouse nation in athletics. Those familiar with the northwestern Arrosian nation would often argue this point, not because of how vast the country is, but because of the country's diverse, cold climate and most importantly varied topography, that many consider to be a natural advantage. This, of course, doesn't refer to genetics but in that nature throws all kinds of scenarios for its athletics practitioners to be prepared for, giving them acute understanding of situational awareness and whatnot. This, when combined with high participation numbers and relatively low cost barrier for the athletics, gives it a theoretical advantage relative to other core sports such as aquatics [you need a pool for that], cycling [bicycles cost lots of money! no shit] or gymnastics [coaches and insurances cost a lot of money].

Of course, it is easier said than done for such theoretical strengths to materialise in reality. While the athletics community is large and stretches across all levels and ages, it hasn't always translated to consistent high quality facilities, coaching staff or national team programs. Traditionally only a select few clubs and programs have had access to top-class facilities that could incorporate both track and field programs of fitting calibre, with a majority taken up by a circuit of six to eight multi-sport clubs' athletic divisions, or the decently-funded collegiate programs under the Quebecois Intercollegiate Sports [QIS] banner. The rest, who may have the coaching staff but not so much the finances or the facilities needed to push past said material barriers, do struggle keeping up with the pace, actually making the player base up top weaker than intended. This, combined with relatively high level of burnouts by the high-level athletes by the end of their collegiate years, maybe even mid-twenties, makes the challenge of developing an athletics' national program capable of putting together consistent slates of olympic quality athletes difficult.

Traditionally, the Quebecois' strengths have been long-distance running and track events, both sub-disciplines that traditionally have been regarded as friendlier towards athlete longevity. Among them and short-distance running, the field events have traditionally been considered the strongest. Coincidentally, they have been among the biggest beneficiaries of the RQOC's 2016 decision to join the 2020 X Summer Olympics in Electrum and New Gelderland. In the subsequent decades, supported by the improvements in material and financial support, as well as more consistent scheduling of competitions for the athletes through national and Quebecois commonwealth-based competitions, those of field program would secure a boost in competitiveness and results over time. While the progress is also accompanied by the back-and-forth swing of results in terms of medal tally, it is all in but a game of cumulative legacy and the Quebecois field program have no doubt developed into one that's capable of performing internationally regardless of the metals allocated. Team Quebec's performance in field events at the previous Olympics six years ago, when they recorded a four gold, eight-medal haul in front of homecrowd at the Jolbonopolis Coliseum, would at least suggest the peak potential, though keeping up with the expectations is easier said than done in the Olympics and any positive result shouldn't be taken for granted.

Of course, while the field events are considered to be the king of athletics events in Quebec and Shingoryeo, this doesn't mean that there isn't much attention paid towards track events. Track events, in particular the long-distance events, do receive substantial support and hold decent following, perhaps thanks to a longstanding legacy that is propped up through a stable lineage of stars who would take charge each game. Unlike in the 2020s and 2030s, when the Biyombo sisters made their names known internationally and Victoria Han would medal for three consecutive games en marche, the anticipated names tend to change every Olympics, giving the second/third-cycle Olympians more to push for while letting the first-timers be placed onto the radar. Among the younger cadre of track athletes, the best known athlete is Paisley Vesterby. An athlete known for her beauty, cross-training regimen, and most importantly her seven QIS athletics championship titles won in her first two seasons with the University of Abitibi, the 20 year old's considered an intriguing prospect with her ability to race multiple distances from 1500m to 10,000m with a steeplechase/marathon potential, and in a relatively confident fashion, making Vesterby most intriguing prospect to have come out of northwest Arrosia in several decades. Whether that will translate in future, of course, remains to be seen, especially with Vesterby's spotty injury history, but the FQA inside reviewers remain positive stating that Vesterby, alongside another prospect her generation, could end up racing in four Olympics. Considering the rarity of such occasion, especially in the Quebecois athletics scene where Belanna Mitchell-Oleksiak's participation in three Olympics over twelve-year period is considered almost unprecedented, many anticipate for such likelihood to materialise.

Of course, the other Quebecois prospect who looks viable to race all four olympics happen to be aforementioned Belanna's 16-year old daughter in Juliette Collinson-Oleksiak. Collinson-Oleksiak, who grew up the daughter 2050 Bunjil 1500m gold medalist, and highly-regarded Kytlerian coach Garth Collinson, is considered to be more of a dark horse pick for the Olympics compared to much-hyped Vesterby. There is relatively little to no overlap between Collinson-Oleksiak and Vesterby outside of their extensive use of cross-training, with former focusing on 800m and 1500m with 400m future potential while the latter is more of a long-distance athlete with marathon potential. But on the single occasion where they faced off against one another, an interesting result did occur with Oleksiak-Collinson outracing Vesterby to an upset win on the 1500m final of the Olympic team trials last April. Of course, the immense part of this impact comes from the relatively light body of work presented by Oleksiak-Collinson as her Olympic trial-winning performance in both 800m and 1500m events occurred just two years after the Oleksiak-Collinsons have moved back to Songak for her parents' job with Montreal Koreana's athletics division. It is indeed interesting to see the increase in discussion over whether a possible rivalry could be in sights between Juliette and Paisley.

For now, however, both athletes aren't taking those allegations as seriously as those hidding under the screen would.

Tricolour Taegeuk: Days of Future Past

Future - Part 1: Juliette Oleksiak-Collinson [Athletics]

It is well known that the Terranean climate has always made things difficult for the Quebecois athletes and their coaches, even those most accustomed to the climate on the virtue of consistent, constant presence of international competitions taking part there. Even though the Olympics were taking place in middle of Electrumite winter, which made things more manageable for athletes more often than not, the dry, red wind blown from the desert, high temperature and water shortages have certainly made the conditions more challenging than in past, especially with more tropical Bunjil region, and a cool, highland-based Prescott.

As with anything in life, first impressions matter too. This was something that the Electrum-bound members of Team Quebec faced when they arrived at the Athletes' village in the Flameworks Cluster of Hamilton. It was already five in the evening, close to the sundown, but the lights were everywhere. The skies were dense in red, almost full of dust and wind that carried over from the desert as they swallowed the city's buildings, while it was difficult or walk outside or even check outside from the window.

Having already unpacked her belongings for her stay in however many days needed - the nature of qualification rounds in this Olympics made it difficult for her to calculate that - Juliette Oleksiak-Collinson stood in front of the window looking out and into the sea of redness outside. As chaotic and blurry it was, the move-in has certainly left an impression on her, with the very blowing winds outside, combined with the cutthroat nature of qualification stage, giving her the fitting reminder for what would be coming in the later stages of her career. Olympics, Commonwealth Games, nationals, QIS, many more to come....

Not that she didn't expect that anyway. Being the daughter of Belanna Mitchell-Oleksiak may not have been so noticeable in her native Peninsulae, where the nation had undergone almost fifty years of isolation from international sporting competition, but Juliette chose to represent the Tricolour Taegeuk instead. And in Quebec and Shingoryeo, people remembered Belanna clearly, as the great white hope of Quebecois track who became a nationwide name when then-24 year old stormed to a 1500m gold in Bunjil eighteen years ago. There's an entirely different level of stakes on hand being an Oleksiak, compared to being a Collinson, even more so because her mother was also her coach.

Fortunately for Juliette, it would be her father, longtime coach Gareth Collinson, who had been able to keep his daughter on the ground. Belanna's long career as long-distance athlete, which combined with Gareth's Kytlerian passport, had meant that he would end up taking greater responsibility in looking after Juliette with his parents, Isidore and Anna, helping out at times. The pair's expectation with their daughter was that unlike them, they would end up in a different sport, perhaps rowing or cycling where they have found Kytlerian education system to be conducive.

Of course, that's not exactly how it happened. What her grandparents initially suspected as a toddler's tenacity had become something more noticeable as she would head into grade school. There she would bring first-place ribbons every carnival, which would have Gareth notice, until at one point, both Belanna and Gareth noticed that she had something special past it without losing interest. It was then that they realised her gift was real, and that they had to keep her engaged and not lose that flame.

'Certainly not the sights I have told you of Electrum, guess not?' Belanna said to her daughter, as she entered Juliette's room and stepped forward right next to her. 'I would rather be in Agri or Prescott too.' In the closeness between them, as well as how dry Belanna spoke to her, they could feel the weight of eighteen years that had passed between their first Olympics.

'Certainly not, coach,' answered Juliette, following the long-set expectation between Juliette and her parents that neither mum nor dad be used in middle of a competition. 'Feels closer to Istria if anything.'

A brief moment of silence between them, as the wind continued to blow with its hollow tunes. Eventually her mother would break silence, however, as she looked at Juliette in the eyes. 'Don't let fear dictate you,' she said. 'You know that no matter what happens, I don't want you to come to the end of your [running] career and regret you didn't take those opportunities even though you wanted them.'

This part was true. For every bit of critical person Belanna was, even to herself, she never discouraged her own daughter from seizing the opportunities given. Deep inside Juliette knew that, mostly due to Belanna's own lamentations to others about not taking enough breaks to look elsewhere, whether it be spending more time with her daughter. It was only in last five years, after she had retired following her fourth-place finish in Jolbonopolis, that things have started to change. 'I promise,' she said.

by **Malta Comino Gozo** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 2:39 am

MCG1 Sports News

Flag Bearer

Andrew Borg

Andrew Borg, Malta Comino Gozo's only Olympiad medal-winning athlete, will proudly carry the MCG flag at the XVIII Olympiad.This is the countries second Olympaid Games.

MCG1'S ONES TO WATCH

Malta Comino Gozo (MCG) has been placed in Group F of the Mens Football for the XVIII Olympiad, alongside Polkopia and the Alezian Union. This is a very closely connected group, as MCG and the Alezian Union are both members of the WMCA Alliance, while Polkopia has the largest foreign minority diaspora in the MCG islands. With all three countries being allies, this group is sure to spark some friendly rivalry! MCG's men's football team, one of the top-ranked teams, was drawn into Pot 1. Malta Comino Gozo SHOULD easily qualify!

Andrew Borg will be competing in the Men’s 100 m Freestyle! can he win a second Gold?

Strongman Timothy Caleskos is ready to compete in his first Olympiad. He has been training hard and is determined to win a Weightlifting Gold Medal. Standing at 6'7 and weighing 170 kg; he is set to be the biggest athlete competing in the games.

Victoria Scicluna one of MCG's best female runners is due to compete in the Women’s 100 m here's hoping she can finally earn a well deserved medal despite fierce competition.

by **Britonisea** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 2:57 am

Sports Blog
Brityunik Vefecosoin Cairkovoin
http://www.bvc.com/news
Day -(before all team sports started)

Only top teams set to make the Olympics in team sports in brutal changes...

At these Olympics, it has been decided that you must finish at the top of your preliminary group in order to qualify for the Olympics proper putting the hopes of many Britons heading to the Olympics at risk...

In previous years at the Olympics, tens of nations used to participate in every sport's main Games. More than 60 nations, in some Olympic Games, can sign up for some events such as the very popular Olympic football and basketball. While Liventia and Electrum have no issues hosting the Olympic Games, no doubt inviting a World Cup equivalent of each sport on top individual sports puts an incredible strain on a nation's facilities that is unnecessary. In a sudden change of events, there will be preliminary matches to see who will qualify to the Games meaning that some athletes could be out before the Olympic ceremony. Whether they still will be included in the Opening Ceremony is another question, but, likely, athletes who did not make it through to the Olympics proper will not be qualified to be flagbearers at least. While VOCOB and The BAS didn't have anything to say about this extraordinary move the officials of the Olympic Games, there are fears that it could negatively affect these athletes mentally who's Olympic dreams come crashing due to a schedule change rather than them not qualifying to the Olympics. Regardless, the Olympics are set to be another exciting saga to Britonisea's sporting history and it begins very soon...

Football Qualification

Britonisea won't need to worry about Olympic football as it isn't participating. Internal issues between The BAS and the Britonish Football Association meant that Britonish men's and women's teams were completely off the cards. After their poor performance in the most recent Olympic Games, we're unsure they'd want to continue playing internationally. In the men's football, however, in Group F a strange coincidence occurred. Polkopia, Malta Comino Gozo and Alezian Union have all been placed together. These two nations are known for their singing abilities at the WorldVision Song Contest. If we're looking at WorldVision wins, Polkopia is the winner. Alas, unless penalties will be replaced with the player who can hold the longest note, it is clear that Malta Comino Gozo will be knocking out Alezian Union and Polkopia of the Games. The camaraderie between the three nations, especially the WMCA nations (Alezian Union & MCG) will be a fun watch, however!

Rugby Sevens Qualification

There have been whispers that Britonisea has been planning something big for the upcoming Rugby Union World Cup that will be revealed in the coming weeks. Whatever those rumours are, one rumour that isn't a rumour - our Rugby Sevens teams may not make the Olympics. In the men's, up against our Water Polo rivals - Kelssek, our tennis rivals - Afanc Strait and our border rivals - Estogium, things aren't looking too positive for Team Britonisea. Who knows though, in rugby sevens, the top two qualify so maybe Britonisea can sneak in. In the women's, things aren't looking any better. The Britonish women will be playing against Afanc Strait, Darmen, The Kytler Peninsulae and St Kristofian Democracy - a solid group of nations. It'll be difficult.

Volleyball Qualification

In beach volleyball, Britonisea's athletes are some of the lowest-ranked in the entire Games. We've never won a volleyball medal before and while we are totally behind our athletes, it's difficult to see that happening at these Games. In women's beach volleyball, our athletes will need to win a playoff before even starting the preliminary round. Luckily for Shania Garza and Roberta Gallagher - Britonisea's best medal chance, they have already made the prelims. The men's beach volleyball sees the Britonish men already qualified to preliminary rounds, but up against some amazing volleyball players from other nations in groups B and I. In women's indoor volleyball, Group B contains Mytanija and Afanc Strait (yes, them again - you'd forget there are like 50 other nations competing in these Games). Both nations have had a history of doing well at the Olympic Games so it'll be a clash of the titans here - a clash that will probably result in Britonisea faltering. In men's indoor volleyball, Britonisea will have to play against Slaveška and Electrum to qualify for the Olympic Games in Group A. We're unsure how Slaveška plays, but the match between Electrum and Britonisea will be an exciting one. One that will probably end in Electrumite victory, but it would be quite funny to knock Electrum out of their own Games...

Water Polo Qualification

As reigning Olympic champions and Water Polo Grand Prix champions, it would be a national embarrassment for Britonisea not to qualify for the Olympic Games. In the men's Water Polo qualification, Britonisea is in Group 3 against The Kytler Peninsulae, Uskad and Doubeia. Britonisea's men played against Doubeia in the Water Polo Grand Prix and were able to beat them and they're hoping weeks later, they are able to do that once again. In the women's, Britonisea is ranked top of the group, and up against Cannaland Islands and Jrok'k, Katzeburg and our friends, Kalosia. These three nations are relatively unknown in the water polo sphere but knowing the Olympic Games - one mustn't get too complacent.

3x3 Basketball Qualification

The final sport that we will address is 3x3 Basketball - which Britonisea has a real chance at medalling in. In the men's Britonisea is ranked at the top of Group 6, but will be up against Electrum, Ko-oren, Afanc Strait and Team Diarcesian. An incredibly difficult group of nations when you look at the wider picture of the Olympics but Britonisea has been playing exceptionally well at 3x3 Basketball and the team are in the strongest position they have ever been. As long as they play right, there's no reason why they couldn't qualify. In the women's event, Britonisea is ranked as one of the highest groups overall. In Group B, the nation's women are up against Sangti and the Filindo Isles, Chromatika and our neighbours across the pond, Darkmania. There's even more hype for the Britonish women than the men and they will be hoping that after years of heartache and seeing the Estogian women winning medals, they can finally be the ones on top of the world.

by **Electrum** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 3:34 am

DAY -4 CUTOFF

by **Diarcesia** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 9:06 am

Athlete's Village
Hamilton, Electrum

"Get in there, Lewis!" Sibongile Velázquez shouted as she and Lewis Newman arrived at the threshold of the Village. They finally arrived in their yet another appearance in an Olympics. However, something was off...

"Uh, according to the guide," he pointed at the pamphlet he was holding, "we should be in the other venue—Schimpol."

"Really!? Lemme have it... Argh, you're right!"

With the slight anxiousness arising out of the fact, the two found themselves in a bind, but decided first to find a comfortable area so they can square off the problem. They were not sure what kind of oversight or absentmindedness caused them to pick the wrong place to stay. Adrenaline starts to pump, a sense of urgency, perhaps panic, could be seen.

"What's the deal with these games having dual venues!" Sibognile continued. "It would've been much less hassle if it's just one!"

"It's the ever-expanding bureaucracy and extravagance. We're long past the point where a single country could handle it all. But, Sibono, calm down, we might be forgetting something very simple. We didn't just choose to go to Hamilton by mistake. Think!" Sibono is Sibognile's preferred nickname.

The rattled Sibono furrowed her eyebrows, let out several "hmms", and did her best to think deeply. It all clicked when she saw something in the distance.

"Box, boxes!" she pointed to the distance. Lewis turned to see a few other Diarcesians of the delegation approaching them. "Of course we're gonna help them and watch their preliminaries before the opening ceremony!"

"How could I have forgotten that, maybe we're just not right in our brain since we're on travel mode all the way from Arcesius."

"I guess." Sibono hollered to the approaching Diarcesians: "Hey! Long time no see!"

by **North Oharan Valley Union** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 9:44 am

Timestamp: 7 September 2024 - 17h42
Tags: Games of the XVIII Olympiad, Mission Olympica

Games of the XVIII Olympiad - D-4
Emotional round of qualifiers quickly raise the temperature

During the Olympics, our reporter Kristaps Rozentals shares his experiences in Hamilton and Schimpol in this live blog series

D-4: 6h30 * Hotel
The early bird catches the worm and that will certainly be the truth today as I try to catch a tennis match ahead of a copious amount of athletics action. The organizing committee warned of potential queues, so it is rise and shine to make sure to catch our first Olympians here in Hamilton. The beach volley duos started earlier in smashing fashion but their groups performed in Centralis. And Alesandrs Zvinelis opened the Schimpol leg of these Olympics as he showed his tricks at Harley Square. As anticipated, Zvinelis fell short but he rode off with a smile on his face and a thumbs up as he managed to land a spectacular double backflip to conclude his initial run. Being the only man in action yesterday, it was a good chance for the 22-year old wood technology student to put some focus on an undervalued and unknown sport. Those in the know say that his flow and landings were no match for the international standard, especially as he crashed twice on his second run, but whether it was your first encounter with the sport or not, Zvinelis’ height on the spine ramp looked amazing.

D-4: 7h37 * Tennis, Hamilton Open Ground
We are clearly still in the build-up towards the Games: the security might be stringent but it does not cause the slowly growing crowd to get blocked near the entrances so it is an early arrival for me. Much has been said and written about the entry of Stelmakh and Dzene in the tennis tournament. As daughter of the CCDC owners, the largest chemical corporation in the region, Jadviga Dzene used her leverage to make her way to Hamilton. From an athletic standpoint, most expectations are on her younger colleague Stelmakh who gets to skip the preliminaries. Dzene will have to defy the odds against Banijan Sonia Ndaw to reach the next round: her serve and volley are good enough but in the rally’s she probably will be overpowered.

D-4: 9h53 * Tennis, Hamilton Open Ground
It is an almost primal cry from Jadviga Dzene, with a lot of frustration coming out all at once. The fans who opted for this confrontation made the right pick: whether it was Olympic level can be debated but this has been an incredibly intense match. Dzene missed two matchpoints in the second set and seemed mentally effected from that as she fell back to 4-1 in the decisive one. But she fought her way back and got herself the super tiebreak she deserved. A month ago, Dzene turned thirty and you can debate if she will develop any further, but this is an iconic win to be proud of. Let us hope that this confrontation has not drained her too much as Kim Sook-Yeong awaits her tomorrow.

D-4: 10h32 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
Transport within the City Cluster runs smoothly as I punch my second ticket of the day: the cost for these preliminaries is fairly democratic. The competition just got underway but the Olympic dream of ‘Big Dom’ Melville already came true. A perfect race for the sympathetic veteran who came out of the starting blocks a bit slowly. But while those around him made small technical mistakes, Melville perfectly timed his steps and showed that this event is about more than just speed. The hurdles action continues with Ozolina and O’Heffernan but we can not expect that lightning hits twice: 20-year old Julia Ozolina focusses on getting more experience and the presence of O’Heffernan should be seen in light of a reserve status for the relay event.

D-4: 11h57 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
The early high caused by the wonderful performances of Dzene and Melville died down a little. Misak Melkonyan needs to make room for the next competitor but he remains where he is, lying on the foam mat with his hands over his eyes. The man from Luyhatsak broke his own national record just a handful of minutes ago with a splendid clearance of 5m70 at the first try. But then his run up got botched first, before seeing the bar fall agonizingly slow on the second attempt. With still over fifty athletes in the race, failure was not an option. Misak Melkonyan holds the reputation of always being in form on the big days but this jump did not warrant that status. An early elimination for one of the figureheads of the selection and it is clear that no one struggles with the deception as much as him, the officials need to take his shoulder before he leaves as a broken man.

D-4: 12h45 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
Not one but two! When it came to the Oharese, our focus for the lap event was on Ilia Mamaladze. Often called the posterboy of our short distance running, the always friendly Mamaladze proved he is an Olympic level athlete first of all. Looking on par for a time of just under forty-five seconds, he could take it easy during the last thirty meters as qualification was assured. One had almost forgotten that two more compatriots tried their luck. Chkhetidze ran a decent race but lost his pace a little in the second turn. Many Oharese must have turned out at that point: third man Billy Ryan only got on the start list as he would be part of the relay team and even if the potential of the 19-year old is large, his PB of 45.49 never would have him in contention. And then he went under forty-five in what we can only describe as the race of his life. Glorious moment for Ryan who kept his cool in the first reaction: “The best moment? The best moment so far.” and who are we to disagree with this young talent?

D-4: 14h11 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
It has taken about six hours but now I too fell for the attraction of the merchandise. The temperature is going up and the sun starts to burn here in Hamilton, but it seems as if my dashing cap will be my trusty savior for the next two weeks. Matching red with the Red City? Don't mind if I do. It is not scorching desert yet today, but for our athletes twenty-eight degrees is far beyond what they are used to.

D-4: 16h20 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
A small confession, we have a soft spot for Steinars Jekabsons. The prototype of the gentle giant and born just a few kilometers down the road for me, Jekabsons is an approachable athlete who tries to craft his trade in a fairly obscure event. Ahead of the preliminaries, Steinars quipped in the press about his interests to discover the Electrumite nightlife and after two throws, the editorials already were one click on the button away from being published. ‘Not professional enough’. And then you go out and make your second best throw ever at the exact right moment. You could see Jekabsons knew it when he let go of the discus, lifting his arms before it landed. It seems as if it will be the only good news out of the field events today: the decathletes are struggling, especially Assylhanov. Sergeant Assylhanov, as we should say, has not been near the anticipated top twenty during the first three events and seems to be fighting with himself. Leyla Abzalova’s first throw seemed a good one but she is getting surpassed left and right. Currently she is 29th, but there are still many to come and she stepped out of the ring on her last try.

D-4: 16h36 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
Scratch that, Abzalova qualifies by the slimmest of margins! The 27-year old had slipped to 32nd, the last spot for an Olympic ticket when Quebecois Maria Corazza threw her discus in the vicinity of that line. A gasp in the stands (or at least for the handful of Oharese present here) and a sigh of relief as the red lights signal a 60m22. It is by two centimeters but Abzalova probably could not care less.

D-4: 17h52 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
After a very poorly timed off day for Lucy Gamburyan on her four-hundred meter effort, it is time for a snack. For those Oharese who are making their way to Electrum in the next two weeks, remember that you can leave your wallet at home. For someone who has seen people pay with thirty or forty banknotes for bread during inflation, it remains a culture shock to have all your cash stored on your phone. But goddamn, this is handy.

D-4: 19h36 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
Anton Litvyn had dreamed of the double, making impact on both the five and ten kilometers. As it stands, he will need a perfect race in two days to just reach the Olympics proper. It is easy to point to things like tactics but in a rather closed race, Litvyn had to let go of the pack as we reached the final two laps and never came back. It ruins a perfect record and quite surely Litvyn’s day, especially as his eternal rival Levan Iosava raced the distance to perfection: always on the second or third row and an easy last stretch as he counted down to get fifth. On the flip side, Litvyn’s training buddy Artem Sydorenko could cheer at the conclusion of the last heat. Sydorenko, at 25 the youngest of the trio, had the luck to appear in the fastest heat so an eleventh spot sufficed. As he crossed the line, he nearly collapsed and had to toss two bottles of water over his head before standing up but despite the heat, Sydorenko will return.

D-4: 20h58 * Athletics, Hamilton Multipurpose Venue
My seats today are next to a friendly couple of Libesian supporters who were supporting their compatriots in a enthused but civilized way… Till heat four of the five. In what was possibly the most high-profile race of the day, we got an amazing duel between Maria Nyambugi and Lilian Jerotich. The latter moved away from Libesia, taking on the nationality of Barkhastan which got her quite some stick from the federation (and apparently, some supporters). No wonder that Nyambugi got an extra bit of support and when she managed to beat the ‘traitor’, things got a bit heated. My adrenaline level had not fallen back yet when national hope Erato Mikoyan delivered a very promising race by herself. She is a controversial figure over her support for the regionalist Isprokan movement but first and foremost an exceptional runner with a marvelous kick in the last lap.

D-4: 22h40 * Hotel
What a day it has been for the Oharese. The Olympics proper have not even started yet but but there are already various fairytales written and dreams shattered. With my feet up, the local channel recaps the women’s street skateboarding in which Sophia Mongan managed to seduce the jury with two runs that shared a great flow and creativity. It feels as if one can watch the Olympics non stop here, but it is time to hit the hay. There is tons of action again tomorrow as I will go back to the Tennis Park. Not to follow Jadviga Dzene as she tries to take the second of three hurdles for qualification but our ambitious gymnastics team headed by Dzudite Smuge. If court one brings our girls as much luck as it did the boys, we could see a spectacle. Can the team challenge for the top twelve spots? It would be a shocker, but the confidence is skyhigh.

by **Waisnor** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 10:13 am

Quite an early beginning with few disappointments already

Day -4 of these Olympics was the earliest any Waisnorian athlete has participated in Olympics, and the results seem to show for it - quite many early favourites are already out of competition. But still, there are some stories of success to come out of the first day of competitions:

We're starting with athletics, where among the first qualification rounds there were competitions in 110m hurdles. Here Waisnor was represented by Ivan Govorov: an up-and-coming athlete who began his sports career pretty early in his life. He already proved himself worthy of an Olympics ticket when he showed great results in national tournaments, but it's still his debut in international competition, where he intended to show himself to the highest degree. And the qualification round of these Olympics proved to be the perfect oppotunity for this. The race itself only took 13 seconds give or take, but as Govorov himself said, they definitely lasted longer for him and probably other runners too. Even then, it took a little less to finish the race for the Waisnorian, since he took the lead from the very beginning in the race, leaping over the hurdles and getting over his opponents. And even if the distance was small, Anton still found place to make his lead bigger, eventually finishing in first place with the result of 13.33 seconds, 0.14 seconds faster than the second place. And so, Anton Govorov becomes one of the few Waisnorian athletes to make it through the qualification rounds of the first day of these Olympics.

Moving over from athletics, we find ourselves in a pretty strange sport for a Waisnorian - golf. Golf historically wasn't popular in Waisnor, with first players appearing in international golf tournaments appearing only in 2010's, and even then, Olympics or otherwise, they showed mediocre to bad results, which was expected from them, since Waisnor didn't have golf culture to begin with. The same was expected of Ilya Komissarov, initially an amateur who managed to get himself into professional circuits and getting to Olympics via the virtue of being one of the few professional Waisnorian golfers. Ilya himself said that he didn't intend to get a good result, mostly arriving to Electrum to simply have a good time. Well, after day one opinions about him have certainly changed. Because from the first shots already, he began showing some incredible works with the golf club, somehow managing to perfectly catch the wind. Ilya himself said that he was surprised with his results, but then came to realise what made him do so well and just keep on doing this. Even if this philosophy is simple, it worked: by managing to cut some shots from the par standart, he ended the first preliminary round with the score of 67, or 1-under-par, becoming shared third for the time. For the Waisnorian to finish under par, or even to land so high in the golf tournament was previously unheard of, and Ilya Komissarov became the main hero of Day -4 for Waisnor.

Other Waisnorian results:
Martin Czyz finished last in his heat in men's 400m qualification round in athletics
In men's pole vault qualification, Alexander Savchenko placed 106th
Igor Gorbaty failed to qualify to men's discus throw final, placing 77th
Arina Khomlyak finished 6th in her heat of women's 400m
In women's 5000m qualification, Anastasia Afanasenko placed 11th in her heat
Inna Streshneva placed 3rd in her heat in women's 100m hurdles and qualified to the next round
Both Waisnorian failed to qualify to the final of women's pole vault - silver medalist of the last Olympics Sofia Samoilova finished 52nd and Veronica Schwartz finished 82nd
Varvara Belaya placed 66th in women's discus throw qualification
In men's individual qualifications in artistic gymnastics Fedor Koshelev placed 107th
Vladimir Lemnev lost to Ruhakana Byangwa of Banija in preliminaries in tennis men's singles

And for the finale: Random Waisnorian tweets about Olympics

by **Chromatika** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 12:01 pm

KEY FIGURES FROM THE XVIII OLYMPIAD

NILS SKOGLUND
Day -4

Nils Skoglund, the twenty-one year old from Myana, has catapulted himself to be the face of Chromatik swimming in the last two years. His slate for these Olympics total an astonishing eleven events - seven individual and four relays. It doesn't matter that Chromatik swimming is nowhere near the top of the world, and that he will need to go through the preliminary rounds to even make it to the main event - all eyes of Chromatika will be on him as they try to figure out if there is someone who can carry the nation in short distance swimming.

Traditionally, Chromatika hasn't done very well in the pool. When they have done well, it's been in the longer distances or the open water marathon swim - outside of the brilliant performance by one Raul Gregorio in Olympics past. The swimming enthusiasts have been looking for a face to become the lead piece for a long time, and Skoglund is the best prospect that Chromatika has ever seen in the pool.

The twenty-one year-old from Myana, in just his third year of swimming at national events, has become the new face of Chromatika due to his likeable personality, his determination, and his cut figure. Already having a dozen sponsored deals with brands ranging from cologne to body lotion to clothes, his composure turns to be the essential consummate professional when it comes to the pool.

His coach, Kamia Vostopol, who's been with him for five years, says that Nils is uniquely positioned to lift Chromatik swimming on his shoulders because he possesses the insight to know that he is nowhere near the top swimmers of the world while also understanding that he is one of the best swimmers in Chromatika; he can manage his expectations while trying to manage the expectations of the Chromatik populace.

His journey toward glory began in the Extra Heats of the Men's 100M Backstroke, the Men's 100M Breaststroke, and the Men's 4x100M Freestyle Relay. Posting a 59.84 in the 100M Breaststroke, which is the best in Chromatik history, Nils qualified to the main event; he did the same in the 100M Backstroke with a 53.36 record - which is, again, the best in Chromatik history when it comes to swimming in the Olympics. It was only in the relay race that the Chromatiks would fall short, 3:14.55 being too slow despite it being, once again, the best ever in Chromatik history at the Olympics. Basically, every time Nils is in the pool, he turns in a result that is either close to or the best in Chromatik history.

When asked what his goals were for these Olympics, Nils stated that it was to set a baseline for him to try to improve on in the Olympics to come. This really showed the Chromatik populace that Nils sees himself as a work in progress, and that it will take some time to take the swimming world by storm outside of the narrow view of just Chromatik swimming by itself.

Elsewhere...

Myaka Cull escaped the Extra Qualification stage of BMX Freestyle, and will be looking to outdo her best performance - ninth place in the final.
Anton Vatnav led the Chromatik basketball team to an important win over Ko-oren, while both Water Polo teams won their first game as well.
In Artistic Gymnastics, Chromatika surprised many by placing in tenth during the Preliminary Round despite not having a single athlete place better than fifty-fifth in individual standings.

by **Ralsalin** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 12:24 pm

DAY -4

Football is not a strong side of Ralsalien sports. On the other hand, Ralsalin does not have strong sides in sport at all. Still, even if football is usually counted as a Ralsalien most popular sport, it is still on the low level, due to nation's small size and depressive political situation. Back in February, the Order participated in the IFCF competitions for the first and only time in its history. Nothing good came of it. Not a single Ralsalien team managed to win a round and overall, 5 clubs managed to secure only 2 victories, both from Dasein in the group stage of Associations Trophy (still, this doesn't helped them at all, as they finished bottom of their group).

Despite a failure on the international stage, Ralsalien national team still was sent to the Olympics. Players thought that they would play at the Games directly, like nations did in the past editions of Summer Olympics, but the format was changed. Now, all teams need to pass the harsh qualification before enjoying actiual Olympic feast, and the qualification will end days before the Opening ceremony.

The only thing Ralsaliens could do is to pray for getting not too hard opponents. But at the first glance, it seemed that their prayers weren't heard at all. The Order got drawn in a qualification group together with a football powerhouse Banija and a nation that hosts the football tournament, Electrum. Soon after a draw the overall mood of the team fell. The players thought that their Olympic dream is over already. Depression and sorrow overwhelmed the collective.

Thirteen days before the Opening Ceremony, Ralsalien Order football team started it's Olympic journey with the match against Banija. The overall mood of the team was still low. To improve it, Dietrich von Erlaid, the captain, decided to make a speech.

— Guys, don't be so sad and depressive. No one gives a fuck about us at home! 
I think, almost no one even know that we are participating in the Olympic qualification! 
There is no pressure on us! Just play for your pleasure! Play somehow as you want, entertain the people! 
And don't worry about the result. It is a blessing that we are already here, playing against top teams.

Seeing the consequences, probably, that speech was the best decision ever made in the history of Ralsalien football. Von Erlaid managed to relieve some anxiety and players went to the game being more optimistic. Understanding that they are feeling no pressure, they managed to improve the game and deliver the sensation. Thanks to the goals from the leader Dietrich von Erlaid and the perspective Kosma Minsen-Dwarasen, The Ralsalien Order managed to defeat The Kingdom of Banija, 2-1!

After the news about sensational Ralsalien victory were delivered to Grandmaster Dhidhen I Gunfi, his usual bad mood quickly flew away. Dhidhen started to dance and jump from happiness right in his palace. Then he discovered that Kanmerin women football team sensationally lost to Deadvlei 0-1 and wanted to jump even higher from the all joy and patriotism that suddenly filled him, but decided not to do this, as he was afraid that someone could see this and tell the Kanmerin Emperor. Still, Grandmaster Dhidhen probably was the happiest person in the world on that day. To celebrate this sporting achievement, the day after a victory was declared a day off in Ralsalin. Before that, Ralsalin just didn't had a cause to declare a national day off.

Later, other teams and athletes, probably, declared solidarity with the men football team and decided to bring another causes for happiness to Grandmaster and his people. Women's football team drew 0-0 with Loch Dearg and men's basketball team defeated Nathanians and Nosts 83-66. Then, individual athletes also brought many causes of happiness. In athletics, 3 athletes competed. Everyone, except runner Gunthers Darziņš, qualified to the main stage. Maimu Triigert finished 25th in the pole vault, and Tiidrik Jefimov went even higher, securing a sensational third place in the discus throw.

Meanwhile, Wilhelm von Renwal is actually keeping his promise to bring a medal back home. In the preliminary round of individual all-around, he finished 2nd out of 59 athletes. The only athlete that managed to show better result was Taras Sen — a Quebec and Shingoryeo representative with Kanmerin-sounding name.

We ~~forgor~~ forgot our only artistic gymnast Richard Obamawartin, but he is alright too. He qualified!

by **Magnus Phoenicia** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 1:27 pm

Highlight: Lead up to the Olympic Games

Annie Westergaard exhales deeply, the weight of the intense race lifting from her shoulders as she approached the camera for her post-event interview.
With a tired but triumphant smile, she wiped away a mix of cool water and warm sweat from her brow. Annie's eyes reflected the adrenaline of the moment that pumped through her veins.

“Annie, take us through it, how did that run feel? the reporter asked.

“I struggled during the Time Trial for the Canoe slalom, C-1.
The results were below my standard.
The 108.48 end result landed me in 10th position, itself a good position with the top 30 progressing to the Games. I let myself down with the times. Especially as I had a better result at The Saintlake Regatta & Doportedas Water Polo Grand Prix in Britonisea not so long ago.”

Annie paused to catch a breath. Waving to some family behind the reporter.

“The Britoniseaevent had my best run at 104.91, a score I was hoping to duplicate at this qualifier. But was sadly missed”

Don't be so hard on yourself you had a great run today, the reporter replied.

"I should be celebrating," Annie began with a hint of reflection . "I survived the qualifier, and I made the team, something I’ve worked so hard for. "I had a pretty decent run today, but I know it’s not enough. If I want to stand on that medal podium, I have to improve my time."
Annie’s voice tightened, "I just don’t want to let the team down, not when they’ve put so much faith in me and my performance to make it to the Olympics.”

“We will be seeing more of you at the Olympics. And we all wish you the best if luck.

**The scene cuts to another interview held shortly after the results came through**

Mr Billy Nguyen of the MP Canoeing Federation admitted after the event it was a toss up whether Annie Westergaard or Mary-Antonia Burrows would claim the spot to be included in the delegation.

Both women had clocked under 102.00 during the national qualifier. Leaving them both in a one/two position with Annie Westergaard a smidge in front which landed her the spot in the delegation. The opportunity was offered to her and she accepted based on our qualifiers.

Both then qualified and accepted the invitation to attend The Saintlake Regatta & Doportedas Water Polo Grand Prix in Britonisea. And that's where it got tricky.

Both glided through their heats. With Mary-Antonia Burrows clocking a best time of 98.26. Annie Westergaard's best time in the heats was 104.91.

During the semifinals, it was a fierce battle for the lead. Mary-Antonia Burrows edged just ahead with an impressive time of 98.44, putting her a fraction in front. Annie Westergaard, though determined, finished with a time of 99.26. It was a close race, but that small gap between the two left Annie with a clear understanding of what she needed to push for in the final.

In a surprise move of events. Mary-Antonia Burrows improved in her time in the finals, finishing with a time of 99.26, the result landed her in the second place picking up a silver. A very great achievement for this sport. Canoe Sprint tends to be a more popular sport for Magnus Phoenicia with some amazing Olympic medals over the years.

The Magnus Phoenician favourite going into the
The Saintlake Regatta & Doportedas Water Polo Grand Prix was actually Annie Westergaard who finished onna good time of 99.60, landing her in the 5th place.

Since the delegation had already been announced prior to that event, Annie Westergaard held onto her spot despite her final placing.

However, the close call raised questions about future selections. It’s now being considered that, in future events, the decision to finalise the national team could be delayed until after international competitions have concluded.
This would allow for national qualifiers to step up if necessary, ensuring that the absolute top performers secure their spots, and avoiding situations like this from reoccurring.

The Canoeing Federation has acknowledged that Annie Westergaard can improve her time that she achieved in Liventia. Simply put at this appearance she just needed to do enough to progress without excreting extra energy which is needed for the Olympic Games. Come the Olympics every person who was ranked below her, is going to up their performance.

Annie Westergaard knows she can do better, and she has the stats to prove it. The Federation knows she can do better and so do her fans. So let's celebrate the fact, she made it to this last qualifier and she will now be representing the country in the Canoe slalom – Women's C-1, an event where Magnus Phoenicia has not had a woman reach the medal podium. It's something sports fans would love to see happen at these Games.

* AI images used to the creation of the Purpple & Gold logo

by **Barkhastan** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 3:40 pm

Neo Sears competing for Britonesia in the gymnastics qualifying

Scenes from Electrum #1

“Ugh, this camel milk is absolutely disgusting. It’s so warm and frothy.”

A camel is led from the Barkhastani Hospitality Yurt, a magnificently decorated blanket adorning his hump.

“And the noises it made while it was being milked were really off-putting.”

The audio mix is full of squeaks; it sounds like a scurry¹ of Barkhastani red-nosed ground squirrels engaged in an orgy.

“Hello, and welcome to Barqa Radiosy, we’re live at Hamilton Tennis Park, and we’ll be bringing you live commentary on the match on court number 6, where Barkhastani men’s number two Taras Ruslanov will be facing off against Liventia’s Theo Ward.”

“The players just warming up at the moment. Getting used to the surface.”

“And speaking of the surface, these are clay courts. The Olympics returning to clay for the first time since the 15th Summer Olympics in Somer, Electrum. Four years ago² the Olympics were contested on grass courts, and the last time the Olympics were in Electrum, it was Prescott’s indoor hard courts that played host, so this is something we haven’t seen…”

“…or heard…”

Squeak squeak squeak.

“…in a while. An adjustment for Ruslanov to be sure, not a clay-court specialist by any measure.”

“No, the rangy Zimmerian prefers the speed of grass courts to really make his main weapon, his powerful serve, count.”

“Fitness is going to be key here. It’s a long tournament, and unlike the Barkhastani number one seed, Petr Zadornov, he hasn’t earned an automatic qualification berth, so he has three rounds of pre-qualifying to get to before the Olympics even start.”

“Temperatures in Hamilton reaching into the seventies³ as well, quite a change from Ruslanov’s home in the bracing air of the Nordurian steppes, so he must conserve energy, try to get through his service games quickly, and hope that his booming forehand can make up for a slight lack of mobility along the baseline compared to smaller, lighter players.”

“It’s a light day of participation from a Barkhastani perspective, with just two athletes involved on the track and four gymnasts here at Hamilton. No action in Liventia today from a Barkhastani perspective, with all three judokas having been given automatic qualifying berths to the Olympics, so we will hope to bring you plenty of action in the tennis.”

“Players gathering themselves as Ward prepares to open the match on his serve.”

Squeak. Thump. Thump.

“Fifteen love.”

Squeak.

A half hour of squeaking passes.

Squeak. Thump. Grunt. Squeak. Thump. Grunt. Squeak. Swish. Groan.

“Game, Ruslanov.”

“And Ruslanov holds another love service game to make it 4–4 in the first set, the first set going to serve so far. Just two unforced errors from Ruslanov as he keeps to the efficient gameplan we wanted to see from him. But just 48% first serve percentage so far, tying one hand behind his back.”

“Let’s quickly check in on the gymnastics, where Dadajon Jorayev is on floor. He’s put himself in with a chance of qualifying after opening with a very strong parallel bars featuring a double layout backward with two ½ twists, but a costly slip on the horizontal bar means he really needs to up his difficulty if he’s going to stay in contention. Opening with a strong tumble, ah, but he just stepped out of bounds, that will be a deduction, and things not going Jorayev’s way on the floor.”

Squeak squeak squeak.

Much more squeaking.

“Booming return by Ruslanov, Ward thrashes the backhand cross-court, clips the net, lucky bounce if it falls in, Ruslanov charges but he won’t reach it, but it’s out! Dribbled just over the line and that is the key break of serve here at the end of the first set. 6–5 and Ruslanov will have the opportunity to serve for the set.”

“And while they change ends and Ruslanov, who has held every service game so far despite struggling to land his first serves in, prepares for this first big opportunity, let’s check on the gymnastics.”

“Yes, it’s exciting news as Xurshid Babaev has put up an extremely strong rings routine. Rings, of course, traditionally the favourite and strongest apparatus of Barkhastani gymnasts, but he will have seen Nurbolat Achmedjanov’s uncharacteristic fall that meant he finished far below his usual best, but no nerves from Babaev. A 15.100, amazing, featuring an inverted Malta Comino Gozoan cross, that is the second best score we’ve seen so far today after Daniel Bournival of Ko-oren set the early pace with a 15.267. That score will almost certainly be good enough to qualify for the rings even if Babaev doesn’t make the all-around grade, so really good stuff from the gymnastics.”

“Time.”

Squeak squeak squeak.

Considerably more squeaking.

Squeak squeak squeak. Thump.

Squeak. Squeak. Thump.

Squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak. Thump.

Crowd ooooooohs.

Squeak. Thump.

Net rattles.

Crowd roars.

“Game, set, match, Ruslanov! That early break in the second set crucial, Ward never able to get back in it and as Ruslanov’s first serve began to land more regularly there was no chance the Liventia could break back. 7–5, 6–4, Taras Ruslanov wins his first match in straight sets without dropping a game of serve and that is how we like to see it done. Tomorrow he will play Ahkozhas Ahguhfuhshen of Ko-oren on what will be a busy day as, we believe, he and Petr Zadronov will also be taking to the court in the doubles.”

“And conveniently that wraps things up just in time for us to take you over to the poetically named Hamilton Multi-Purpose Venue for the athletics, where our roving reporter Maya Narimanova is joined by Tursingul Bekzhanova.”

“Thank you Brian. We’ve seen very little Barkhastani involvement today on a very busy day of athletics. Sprinters running, pole vaulters jumping, discus throwers throwing, and decathletes running, jumping, and throwing, and no Barkhastanis among them, except for one: Lilian Jerotich⁴, who took on her former compatriot Maria Nyambugi in a women’s 5,000 m race pitched as something of a grudge match. Tursingul.”

“Yes Maya, Nyambugi actually won the race fairly comfortably but a strong second from Jerotich, Dolores Keen winning the coveted ‘best placed white runner’⁵ about 15 seconds off the pace. It means Barkhastan have officially qualified their first track and field athlete for the Olympics, and they have one more chance today at one, in the men’s 110 m hurdles.”

“It’s been a long day and this is the 12th and final heat now, late in the evening. Baltabek Mukhametkaliov has been drawn in lane 2, a very tough lane draw, but this is a heat stacked with talent, and it will be the three runners in the middle lanes, Kelssek’s Erik Rosenquist, Tage Lervåg of Valanora, and Eliot Axpe-Windsor from Afanc Strait, who we would expect to fill the three automatic qualifying spots. 9 runners from across the heats will advance on time. The good news for Baltabek is he therefore knows what time he has to run, and if he runs that, will definitely be through. The bad news is that time, 13.54, is some way inside Baltabek’s personal best.”

“Hush settles as the starters under orders. The first 3 advance automatically, and anyone running under 13.54 will also advance.”

“They’re off! Baltabek out of the blocks well and already ahead of Vasvasvas Oparaskevas on his outside, level with Eithian Bobrik on his inside but Bobrik clatters the second hurdle, hasn’t put Baltabek off, he’s running really well, it’s Diabate out in front and he will win but Baltabek Mukhametkaliov in second! 13.39, oh my goodness, a huge personal best, and in fact that is a Barkhastani national record!! Baltabek Mukhametkaliov, reeeeemember the name!”

“Yeah, the ‘t’ is silent.”

General note: the swirling winds of the Barkhastani steppes can distort radio frequencies, leading to possible errors or discrepancies in the chronology of events as depicted here.
¹ According to the always correct and delightful Susie Dent.
² In Barkhastani Time.
³ Barkhastan defiantly resists international standardisation when it comes to both measuring temperature and applying ‘May contain lashings of camel spooge’ warnings on beverage holders. Temperature is measured using a scale that is obscure, obtuse, and, to non-Barkhastanis, completely incomprehensible.
⁴ We’ve chosen to RP that the distance races took place before both sets of hurdles to avoid the track crew having to move hurdles on and then off again and then back on, but others may have perceived the chronology differently. Again, blame the winds, or overindulgence at the Hospitality Yurt.
⁵ Or ‘light pink’ in the case of Drawkians.

by **Da Cunha** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 4:14 pm

Two corpulent, rather dour-looking men in their 50's sit at a polished wooden desk in a studio, papers in front of them. An insignia on the desk proclaims this to be the "Olympic Coverage of NRDU-1".

"Good evening and welcome to the sports desk, covering the first day of pre-competition at the Olympic Games in Electrum and Liventia," the first man, with a bushy moustache, says. "I am Ánton Vonálca. With me is also Tímur Todórscović, who will bring the latest news from the Da Cunha Super League matches from earlier today."

"Good evening," the other man, apparently Tímur, says.

Ánton, the moustachioed man, leans forward.

"Today's prequalifying events saw 2 of 3 of the individual men's 400 meter participants eliminated. Nedjélco Carabájević progressed as one of the 6 quickest to not place top 3, while Caramémmed Sérna and Bójco Novósinević were eliminated."

He shuffles some papers.

"In the men's 5000 meters, 2 of 3 qualified, however, with Hádçi-Ámacq Gergúravić eliminated while Sáladdin Txívić and Élmir Lazárević progressed directly. That made Gergúravić the first athlete from Da Cunha to be eliminated outright. Our condolences."

"Hrrm," Tímur emotes in concurrence.

"The men's 110 meter hurdles was a copy of the 400 meters, with Tézno Sánčavić and Muslihíddin Cájn eliminated, though Árnel Bóscović came home 3rd in his heat to qualify."

More shuffling of papers.

"In the field events, the men's pole vault had two qualifiers: El'héddin Húscqić and Róbert Búzić, though Cáptan Saladínović was unsuccesful. The same happened in the men's discus: Xábiro Ogeñénavić and Tézno Jannícqavić qualified, while Tájmur Seiídović is out. The decathlon is undecided, but also currently would see two of three qualify."

"Now, the women's events: In the individual 400 meters, Callísta Gurgánavić and Gabrijéla Medénčević is through, while Harísa Petxicóza is out. 2 of 3 also progresses in the 5000 meters, with Mirdxéa Magragúbović eliminated, and Estevána Hápzić and Cátalin Ereméncqić through. The 100 m hurdles only had one qualifier, Tamarbája Udrávjević, while Marina Ibrixímović and Abdúllina Súxić were out."

Papers shuffle again. Tímur coughs loudly off-camera.

"In the field events, Omucqína Níxić was the only pole vaulter to qualify. Ñedélca Silájdçić and Halihódça Hajnálavić are out. Same applies for the discus, where Imamína Bábajić qualified, but Tahíra Tálacqić and Rizvanbája Pascálavić were eliminated."

"In the football..."

----

"Zenzi, this is dire, this is so, SO dire... Just turn it off, they're not even talking about positions, how close things are, nothing!"

"I know, Tima. No one gets excited for the Olympics with that."

"That's an evil grin, Zenzi."

"Almost a shame we don't go live until the Opening."

"Hey, let them have 4 days of THEM and they'll kiss our feet."

"As they should."

"Okay, Cleopatra."

----

"...In the gymnastics, the full men's team qualified through team qualifiers as one of the top 12 teams to qualify in the team qualifiers..."

----

"That sentence sentenced on for way too long... Even Olívija would be a better sportscaster than that guy!"

----

"And both men's rhythmic gymnasts qualified also. Only one woman skateboarder, Phederíca Zódcan, qualified, with Garagbéja Adílović and Véronicque Dupont out. All tennis players not automatically qualified moved on to the second pre-qualifying round. That concludes Electrum results."

----

"Oh no, he's not..."

"He is."

"Spare me, I'm going to the jacuzzi."

----

"Alecsánder Béco and Mírco Zónić qualified as the men's duet artistic swimming, and Ahméta Xinadbájević and Mutimíra Cózmić did the same from the women's 3m springboard. However, the men's 10m springboard duo of Taricqhássan Móstovoj and Rásaddin Ančnamórović did not."

"As for the regular swimming: Qualified are Stójan Benedétić (400m), Grígor Dracosvárić (100m breast), Zorána Tsérić-Spáho (100m Butterfly), the men's 4x100m Freestyle team, Rádoslav Islámović (100m back), Özlem Muratoğlu (100m breast) and Samíra Bóbonova (100m breast). Eliminated are Góran Zécqić (400m), Eléna Mírcavić (400m), Tamira Tuadbájavić (400m), Dubrávcqo Cláravić (100m breast), Nabíla Tíhić (100m butterfly), the women's 4x100m Freestyle team and Bečír Unislávavić (100m back). Anyone not mentioned for these disciplines qualified automatically."

"Lastly from Liventia, Saphéta Smájić qualified for the women's C-1 canoe slalom, Bésimir Juliánović, Volodár Xcóro, Sćepána Sámarić and Sinána Almadíranić were eliminated in the BMX freestyle event, Dóminicq Pjáv is eliminated in the men's 60kg Judo, Phazilhúddin Mémmedić out in the 66kg Judo. Now, to the league, where controvery once again erupted over the use of VAR..."

----

"Hey, make room, Tima."

"Finished?"

"Well, they're talking league football now. Couldn't give a toss, really."

"Language. Anything interesting."

"Well, ALL of the BMX freestylers failed to qualify, so we won't even have anyone IN that."

"Bummer."

"And the women's 4x100 meter freestyle team just choked and he showed NO emotion. No hint that this was a disappointment."

"State of it, eh?"

"We're gonna blow those old farts right out of the water, Tima."

"You know, I'm starting to believe you."

"Good! No stop hogging all the jets, I think I sprained something in my back from groaning so hard at the telly."

by **A Kea** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 4:27 pm

Olympic Countdown

by KTV

Olympic Countdown is a new talk show by KTV, the Kean national broadcaster, that will introduce the audience to the Kean Olympians and will inform them on the qualifying campaign of our country. Our hosts, sport journalist Athanasia Karvela and former basketball player and current sport commentator Iordanis Hatzinasios will be accompanied by some of our already qualified athletes in studio. For the first episode we welcome the three time Olympic medalist in shooting Konstantinos Avgerinou who will be representing us in men's 10m air pistol and the mixed team pistol event, as well as rowing gold medalist Christine Salvakou who'll be trying her luck in single, double and quadruple sculls.

I: Can you tell us about you? Your experience with the sport, maybe some early memories?
K: Well, where do I begin? I took up shooting relatively late compared to other sports, at 28. Some friends wanted to visit a shooting range, you know just for fun, and I reluctantly joined. I had no experience with guns prior to that, I don't even think I had seen any in real life. I remember feeling nervous at first, but when we started shooting something clicked. I never felt more passionate about something before. And well, you know how the story went after that. I started training professionally and then the Olympics and the subsequent medals arrived.
C: Well, my experience couldn't have been any different. Growing up at Levi's Port, a small fishing town at the southwest of the island, I have fond memories of fishing with my grandpa. During the summer we'd get on his boat and spent hours in the sea, talking, fishing... He's the reason why I love water so much, I think it was only natural to end up in rowing. My mom insisted on me taking swimming lessons but I never liked it, I think it's because of my fishing experiences, I always associate water with boats and that's why when my dad suggesting rowing I immediately agreed, it felt more natural than being in the water myself.
A: What about your favourite Olympic moments? You both have been there a couple of times now.
C: It has to be the golden race we had with Speranza, it was our country's Olympic debut in rowing, for whatever reason the Committee didn't think it was worth including a team in our first participation so we had to wait for the 2nd. We basically went there with no expectations, our first race was a disaster, I still don't know what happened there, maybe our coordination was off? Maybe we were too stressed? I don't know and it doesn't matter. From the repechage on everything went better, until we managed to get all the way to the final. Right before our race started I told Speranza "I'm giving it my all now, I'm either getting a medal or dying trying", thankfully the former happened *laughs*, We never looked back, not even for a second, and we managed to win A Kea's first ever gold.
K: Well, I did have a milestone myself, winning the first ever Kean medal in 10m air pistol back in the 15th games, but my favourite moment has to be the qualifying round of the 16th Olympics. When me and Alex both managed to qualify, two Keans in a single final. That was a huge achievement, something never done before at the time. In the final Alex only ended 7th but I got on the podium. He got his podium result last year, when I sadly had a really bad moment and didn't qualify for the first time of my career. This year, I'm hopeful that we'll both get on that podium, it's gonna be a new milestone for our island.

A: In the meantime, the first qualifying events have started, so let's take a look at how our team has done, Kristie Eleftheriou is in Hamilton right now and has some important updates.

"Kean athletes are in Hamilton, one of the two host cities of these Olympics, right now hoping to snatch the final qualifying spots for the main event, schedule to start in just 4 days. Let's get the bad news off the way, olympic medalists Evangelos Pythagoras Scorsone and Lila Kofa failed to make it in men's and women's 400m respectively. This is shocking as this event is the strongest for both, on paper at least. Thankfully both have two more shots at Olympic glory at 100 and 200m but this was still a really unfortunate event. Another unfortunate result is the elimination of Nicole Stamou at 100m hurdles, she abandoned the distances without hurdles after only qualifying in the 100m hurdles final last year, aiming to specialize there and improve her time, this must be devastating for her. We will however still have representation in this event as 16yo Labrini Zagoriou has qualified for her first Olympics. Same goes for the women's 400m where Morgana Kassiopi and Stavroula Kitsou managed to qualify. Field events went much better for us since almost all competing athletes managed to qualify for the Olympics. But now, let's focus on our most impressive feat today. Gymnastics, a very tough qualification event with almost 200 gymnasts participating. Out of our 5 gymnasts, we managed to qualify 4. Irfan Hazman, last year's rings silver medalist Georg Kvartsikhvili and Markos Variatou all achieved a good enough score to secure Olympic tickets. This means that our country will also be represented in the team event. As for the 4th gymnast, Iason Davaras managed to get a good enough score in vault to qualify for its final, becoming the first so called "specialist" to represent our country. Let's watch some videos with the statements of some of our athletes.

I don't know what happened, this was supposed to be an easy qualification. Three years after my 400m bronze, I fail to even make it to the Olympics. There are many things I need to think about. I want to earn my Olympic ticket, 200m qualification is tomorrow and it's my last chance to prove my worth. Qualifying directly for the 100m isn't enough for me, I'm supposedly a world class athlete and now I have to prove it.

_{Lila Kofa, sprinter after being eliminated at 400m}

C: It hurts to seel fellow athletes being heartbroken like that, especially when they have the potential and for whatever reason fail to deliver. I've been there, going from a gold medal to a quarterfinal elimination last year, I totally feel her pain.
I: Let's keep our fingers crossed that it'll go better for her tomorrow, in the meantime, let's see how our gymnasts celebrated their historic qualification.

Amidst singing and screams of joy the 5 Kean gymnasts are jumping around like schoolchidren, celebrating a huge achievement for Kean gymnastics.
Kristie: Not only 4 individual qualification, but you also secured our participation at the team event. You have made us all proud and will surely do so again at the Olympics.
Georg: And I thought last Olympics were gonna be the peak of my career. I'm given the chance to defend my silver and aim for even more, We've never qualified for a team final, we're gonna train our asses off to make it.
Irfan: Exactly, this is the first big success of a Kean gymnastic team and hopefully not the last. We got a long way to go but we're on the right track. We have to aim for individual and team success at the Olympics, hopefully get multiple medals for the first time.
Markos: 86th last year, 85th the year before. 73rd today, my highest ever placement and well, this overperfomance of mine is probably why our team has qualified. I have a lot to work on and improve but I feel like this is a step in the right direction. Now I have to do it again, even better at the Olympics. But well, let's celebrate this achievement first and we can go back to training tomorrow.
Iason: Well, I should do vault overtime I suppose. I'm glad to have made it, even if it's just in one apparatus. I think it's going to be easier to only focus there, I'll try to help the team as much as I can and well, I also hope to make it to my first ever apparatus final, it's hard but today's result clearly shows it's not impossible.
Stefanos: I'm the odd one out it seems. Jokes aside, I don't really care to be honest, sure I'd love to qualify for my 3rd Olympics but sadly failure is part of life, every athlete has to deal with it. I'll obviously stick around to help my friends train and be there to support them when the time of the competition comes.

A: Congrats to our boys, can't wait to see what they have to offer at the Olympics. Here it's also worth noting that Marco Viene has qualified for BMX freestyle, with his younger brother Giorgio being sadly eliminated prematurely. As for judo, George Mavyiotis, last year's 5th place, didn't have trouble qualifying while Kleanthis Georgiou's dream of an Olympic participation fell short to Afanc's Galen Ghent after an ippon just below the 1 minute mark. Thanks Konstantinos and Christine for joining us tonight, and see you all again tomorrow after another thrilling qualification day, with two more Olympians joining us.

by **Alezian Union** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 4:37 pm

From Left to Right: Jonathan-Alstenhuis Dafarzan (South Alezia), Andi Shamal Al-Zafari (North Alezia)

The sentiment is all the same in the Alezian Union all around. Wait, we have a qualification round before the Olympics even started now?. Sure this to some extent happened before if they recall with some sports starting before the Opening Ceremony. What is more shocking is that more sports are following this method of qualification, and that there are notable athletes that previously won or did very well in the previous Olympics in Afanc Strait/Jolbonopolis who had to stop their journey in this round. A notable example is Ello Sawyer who nearly earned bronze last edition, but had to stay out this edition because he failed to qualify in the qualification round. Another example is Elisa Rabbenie who earned bronze in women's pole vault last edition, but like Sawyer, failed to qualify in the heats with a considerable distance from her position and the position required to qualify. But other than that, the qualification round has been going pretty decently for the Alezian Union, albeit with a STRONG sigh of relief as there are also Alezian athletes who nearly failed to qualify.

Public sentiment in the Alezian Union about this is pretty much indifferent. After all, the Alezian Union is competing, there are still many athletes who qualified or even got to the Olympics directly. Alezian media didn't really catch much of it either. We're just hoping for the best and when things didn't go like that, Alezians were so desensitized with previous Olympics attempts that they'll be like, "oh, it's okay, it happens". Our athletes are doing their best, and that's what's important.

From Left to Right: Polkopia (holding a skillet), Alezian Union (atleast 1/4 of it because it's Pa'ina Barley Dasich, aka the Pantabang Islands), Malta Comino Gozo

Meanwhile, a point of fascination from the Alezian public is that in Men's Football, the Alezian Union is put in Group F... Along with Polkopia and Malta Comino Gozo. Two countries that the Alezian Union has extensive relations and history with especially with MCG and Alezian membership in the WMCA.... And also won the WorldVision Song Contest more times than the Alezian Union. Polkopia with 10, MCG with 7, while Alezia is trailing with 4.

Even with musical competitions aside, this is something that the Alezian Union had to watch out for. Previous match in the qualification round between Alezia and Polkopia resulted in a defeat for the Eagle and Bears (Alezian Union's football team) of 2-0. Atleast it's not disastrous, but it became an important point for Coach Alimanuddin Rayanzar. Next match against Malta Comino Gozo is also going to be a challenge. Malta Comino Gozo's Valletta FC did won the IBA Champions League first time Metropolitan Zafizamarrah FC ever competed internationally in a competition that scale. Malta Comino Gozo may be a smaller country than the Alezian Union, but the Alezian Union is in no position to be complacent as the Malta Comino Gozoans always pack a punch ready to be shown on Live TV.

* = The Pantabang Islands were divided in two between North and South Alezia before Reunification. And that place became quite the military base for both regions, and skirmishes happened. Both North and South has apologized to the Pantabang Islands numerous times and helped redevelopment of old warzones. But of course PI had to endure that for around 70+ years which he did forgive but of course he cannot forget, which is why he treated North and South like that, but honestly it's understandable.

Also "constantly getting fourth" is definitely over-exaggerating but that is Alezian media doing their magic with sensationalization!

We'll reintroduce these characters later in the Opening Ceremony! Stay tuned!

by **Libesia** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 4:43 pm

Rabya Marouazi struggled with her club selection at the 13th

As Libesia is a newly independent postcolonial nation competing in their first international sports cycle, most of our competitors will be unknown. So each day¹ we will be bringing you the story of a couple of different members of the Libesian delegation, so you can learn a little about their stories, the events they’re competing in, and about Libesia itself!

Day “-12”/“-3”: Leila Yahiaoui, artistic gymnastics, women’s individual all-around preliminary round (Hamilton)
Hatem Abir, swimming, men’s 800 m freestyle extra heat (Schimpol)

An uneasy partnership

Hatem Abir has the distinction of being the first Libesian athlete to win qualification for the Olympic Games, as opposed to simply being awarded automatic qualification. His third place finish behind Noel Schoultz of Britonesia and the United Mandaran States’ Yuhaksa Banjangga in the second last heat of the day in the men’s 400 m freestyle saw him register a time of 3:48.58: he hung around to watch the final heat and see Koutsos Anapiros touch in with a time of 3:48.84, ensuring Abir would finish in the top 32.² The result was not just historic, it was also creditable because it’s Abir’s weakest event: more of a distance swimmer whose favoured event is the 1500 m, he just entered the national trials in the 400 m “for fun”.

Leila Yahiaoui is another specialist who’ll be branching out in her attempt to qualify for the Olympics. A two-time national champion on uneven bars, four years ago she wasn’t even considering competing in anything but her favourite discipline. But Olympic qualifying rules require all gymnasts to compete on all apparatus, so Yahiaoui has been on a gruelling training schedule to improve her vault and floor, her weaker events.³ “It’s a bit odd spending so much time on the apparatus that I don’t really think I’m a contender on just so I get a chance on the bars,” she says, “But I think it’s improved my roundedness as a gymnast and my vault work in particular has improved my dismounts.” A year ago, disaster struck when Yahiaoui suffered a foot injury during a balance beam exercise. “It was kind of like that bit in Final Destination 5,” she says. “Damn, that was a cool movie.” Getting back to full strength in time for Hamilton has been a long, demanding slog.

Abir and Yahiaoui have more in common than their diversifying route to the Olympics, though. They’re both also Watoto, and that comes with its own challenges. The Watoto are, depending on who’s asked, among the oldest tribes to have inhabited Libesia – or invaders who arrived mere centuries before the white colonisers did. In the politically contested worlds of Libesian history and ethnography, their status remains as shifting as the deserts their tribesmen once called home. And their place in modern day Libesia seems to be built on similarly uncertain sands. “Watoto are sometimes seen as too nearly white to fit in the new Libesia, but not white enough to have benefited from colonialism,” says sociology professor and Watoto community activist Qamar Chaou.

There can be little doubt the Watoto suffered heavily under the initial waves of northern colonialism, losing access to ancestral lands and being herded into enclosures without access to their livestock. But over time they came to enjoy a semi-privileged status under colonialism: while denied access to top jobs, they were welcomed into the lower ranks of the civil service and armed forces. “In the latter role the perception that they acted as overseers for white colonialism’s rapacious greed remains a particularly toxic contribution to contemporary ethnopolitical schisms,” says journalist and political candidate Karim Mejjati. Even in the Libesian delegation there are a number of Watoto competitors who got their start in shooting, fencing, or equestrianism while serving in the uniform of white colonisers. That has led to some gentle tensions at best, outright suspicion at worse. And for some Watoto, that suspicion has led to a fear that they will suffer at the hands of the next government – and that an independent Watoto homeland is the only answer.

Chaou and Mejjati share common hopes and fears for the future of the Watoto people, but are divided on the question of an independent Watoto republic. Chaou feels that integration within the Libesian polity is unlikely to ever be possible in a government likely to be dominated by Ihlathi after the next election. “The Government of National Unity has held things together for now,” he admits, “But I don’t think anyone really believes there will be unity in the long run. Instead of a compromise that makes no one happy, we are better off with a Watoto state of our own.” Mejjati, who will be a candidate at the next parliamentary election, is opposed to independence, and wants Watoto to forge their own path within and as part of Libesia. “We are Libesians, yes we are Watoto too, but we are Libesians first,” he says. Religion, he admits, adds a complication to the question. Mejjati, who is secular, fears an independent Watota would be dominated by Islamists. Chaou, a moderate Muslim, rejects that as “fearmongering”. “Yes, an independent Watoto nation would be Islamic in a way that Libesia will never be, but we can provide safeguards against the extremists and radicals.” He says Islam has been a peaceful and tolerant tradition in Watoto hands and the Islamists who attack schools that educate girls represent a “fringe of a fringe” who would have no power in an independent state.

Abir and Yahiaoui are both too young to come with such baggage attached, and aren’t too concerned with the political questions about independence. “That’s years away, if it ever happens at all,” says Abir, while Yahiaoui says she is “100% Libesian”.

Women’s artistic gymnastics
Defending champion (all-around): Gina Dexter (KRY)
Defending champion (uneven bars): Cassie Millar (TLI)
Little known fact: Technically there’s nothing in the Code of Points saying you can’t snap off one of the bars and use them to poke your opponents with while they’re on the balance beam.

Men’s 800 m freestyle
Defending champion: Usman Cameron (BRI)
OR holder: Usman Cameron (BRI)
Favourite: Usman Cameron (BRI)
Little known fact: Usman Cameron is quite good at 800 m freestyle swimming.

¹ We forgot about the whole -13 thing. Oops.
² We have some wind in Libesia, too.
³ Obviously the scorinator will reflect none of this but just, I don’t know, go with it, man.

by **Mytanija** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 5:03 pm

POLE VAULT PREVIEW
WITH 3 OUT OF 3 QUALIFYING FOR THE FINAL OF THE WOMEN'S POLE VAULT,
CAN MYTANIJA WIN A THIRD STRAIGHT GOLD IN THE EVENT?

by Alen Kujovic

For Mytanars, pole vaulting has long been considered the crown jewel of athletics, the real blue riband event, and the country boasts a proud history of success in the event. The entire nation tunes in to watch the Olympic final for both the men and the women, but it is on the women’s side where Mytanija has had such brilliant success. From Yolanda Savic’s legendary Olympic record of 5.05m all the way back in Lasft – a record which still stands today – to the triumphs of Asya Zhutova at Prescott / Twin Cities and Medeja Trnavcevic at Afanc Strait / Jolbonopolis. Mytanija’s tradition in the sport is palpable. This year, at Hamilton / Schimpol, all eyes are on three women who embody the past, present and future of Mytanar pole vaulting.

Defending Olympic champion Medeja Trnavcevic, former Olympic champion Asya Zhutova and rising star Sofka Ukhova lead the charge – all finding their way into the Olympic final after impressing at the Olympics qualifying event – Mytanija once again is a strong contender for having its national anthem played when the Olympic pole vault champion ascends to the top step of the podium to receive their plaudits. For a country where the sport holds a special place in the psyche, this year’s Games promise to showcase a mixture of experience (Trnavcevic and Zhutova); emerging talent (Ukhova); and the continuation of a famous sporting love story.

Medeja Trnavcevic had a meteoric rise to prominence at the last Olympics, becoming Olympic champion aged 21 with a vault of 4.90m and capturing the hearts of the nation in the process – joining Yolanda Savic and Asya Zhutova in the history books as Mytanar pole vault legends. Trnavcevic’s ability to perform under pressure has made her something of a fan favourite, and as she heads to Hamilton / Schimpol as the defending Olympic champion there is a great deal of pressure on her – so are we to expect another pressure-defying performance?

Her road to defending the title has not been without its challenges, Trnavcevic has struggled with injuries since Afanc Strait / Jolbonopolis, though she did tell Gazeta Sporta that she felt ‘back in good shape’ prior to the Olympics preliminary round. Her qualifying attempts there were far from smooth as she required two attempts to clear 4.50m, three attempts to clear 4.60m and two more at 4.70m. That left her in 11th position out of those who qualified, perhaps raising some eyebrows from competitors and overseas pundits alike. Her track record suggests that she is more than capable of turning a rocky qualification into a glorious final performance. After all, in her gold medal-winning triumph she overcame early stumbles to deliver a decisive vault at 4.90m to secure victory.

Expectations are high, Trnavcevic is now 25 and many believe this is her chance to set a real marker down to everybody else about her standing within the sport, a particularly important thing in the minds of Mytanars for whom pole vault has become an obsession. She has drawn comparisons to Yolanda Savic, and with that comes speculation about whether Trnavcevic could be the one to break her long-standing Olympic record – although for many any prospect of that happening remains an impossibility. It’s a record which competitors have struggled to even get near. Trnavcevic’s ability to perform under pressure will be tested in Hamilton, and whilst her qualifying performance may not have been ideal she has demonstrated in the past that she doesn’t let that cloud her mind and produces her best when it matters. The whole of Mytanija will hope she can do the same here.

Asya Zhutova returns too, a former Olympic champion who is no stranger to the spotlight coming back for one last dance. She will be looking to recapture some of the magic that saw her seize gold at Prescott / Twin Cities. At 30, Zhutova is the veteran of the Mytanar team, though she showed she’s still a top contender by defeating Mrnavcevic at the national championships this year. Zhutova’s experience could play a factor in allowing her to find her best form as she looks to add a fairytale ending to an already illustrious career. Her performance in the preliminary round was a little more straightforward than her teammate Trnavcevic. Zhutova required a second attempt at 4.40m as she made an uncharacteristic error at that height, before hitting another snag at 4.50m - requiring three attempts to get over there. She then made her next two vaults with minimal fuss before requiring a second attempt at 4.65m and getting over at 4.70m at the first attempt.

That record left her 4th overall in qualifying and whilst she may not have retained her spot at the top of the podium at the last Olympics, she is more determined than ever to try and reclaim her throne here. Her performance in the preliminary round may not have been a clean sheet, but she progressed steadily, and it was solid enough from a technical point of view – except for the error in her run-up at 4.40m. She has left room for improvement in the final and hitting 4.70m at the first attempt will mean that the veteran is full of confidence heading into the final. And what a remarkable opportunity for Mytanija to have the last two Olympic champions in the final of this event!

Whilst most of the attention will undoubtedly be focused on Trnavcevic and Zhutova, Sofka Ukhova represents the next generation of Mytanar pole vaulting talent. At just 19 years of age, Ukhova is by far the youngest of the Mytanar contingent in this event – on either the female or male sides – and whilst she lacks the experience of her colleagues she has demonstrated enormous potential in domestic meetings over the last couple of years, regularly competing against and beating much more experienced rivals.

Ukhova’s qualification journey has been impressive, finishing third at the national championships behind Zhutova and Trnavcevic and her performance in the preliminary round had many believing that she could be an outside shot at a medal if she can put it together in the final. She sailed through her first eight vaults entirely blemish free, getting up to 4.60m by vaulting each interval at the first attempt. It was a real showcase of her technical ability and calmness on the biggest stage she has ever competed on before. However, she then hit something of a roadblock, being unable to clear 4.65m in three attempts. That would have equalled the youngster’s personal best, but despite the setback that performance was enough to earn her a spot in the final and she will have the opportunity to compete alongside Trnavcevic and Zhutova for gold.

Ukhova’s journey to the final has been impressive. She sailed through the early rounds of qualification with a perfect record up to 4.6m, showcasing her technical ability and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations. However, she was unable to clear 4.65m in three attempts, which would have been a personal best for the young athlete. Despite this setback, Ukhova’s performance in qualifying was enough to earn her a spot in the final, and she will have the opportunity to compete alongside her more seasoned teammates for a shot at Olympic glory.

To her credit, Ukhova is not really thinking too far ahead, preferring to look at this as a learning experience whilst still wanting to compete: “Medeja demonstrated that age isn’t really a barrier to winning and she was only a couple of years older than I am now when she won gold last time, whilst Asya wasn’t much older when she won gold the Olympics before... So, I’m going to look to compete as best as I can and finish as high up as possible, but the key thing is to learn from this Olympics and to set myself up to be a major contender in the future. I have shown I belong at this level at the national championships, so I’ll enjoy the opportunity, try to get the most out of it and see where that takes me!”

With three women in the field and three into the final, Mytanija is 100% so far in the women’s pole vault. For Trnavcevic and Zhutova that will not be enough, they are both Olympic champion calibre and they will want to demonstrate that once again here in Electrum. Ukhova will want to spring a surprise if she can, too. That makes for an exciting prospect for pole vault fans across the country, who will relish the thought of another Mytanar champion in the event at this Olympics.

by **Kelssek** » Sat Sep 07, 2024 5:54 pm

WATER POLO (M)
Sarkey tries to calm waters after loss to Banija

Kelssek head coach Neil Sarkey is already under pressure and the former Lakeland Storm coach and player has called for calm after his tenure in the national team hot seat started with a loss. Sarkey insisted a team which were bronze medallists at the last Olympics are on track to better that performance.

“That’s a reaction of panic, and it’s not a helpful emotion for where we are in our team’s journey,” said Sarkey. “We all know the expectations and standards we have in Water Polo Kelssek, I certainly expected more from the players, and we’ve spoken about that. But I’m confident we’re on the right path.”

Defeat against Banija in an Olympic qualifying match has sparked an outpouring of criticism as fans tried to make sense of the result and turned deeply pessimistic about the team’s hopes of clinching an eighth Olympic title. Players and officials have admitted they were “shocked” at the torrent of negativity, with one source close to the team saying it was hard to understand such a strong reaction to “a bad outcome in one match”.

However, it’s not just one result, as results at a warm-up tournament in Britonisea are now seen in a different light. Kelssek won only one of five matches there, but reaction was muted as fans assumed much sharper performances would come at the Olympics. Now, some are even questioning if the seven-time gold medallists could even miss the main event entirely.

Technology makes Kelssek House now more vomit-proof

Is it a new advance in materials science, or just jazzy marketing? The official and highly-sponsored Kelssek House locations in the two Olympic host cities will see their seating areas benefit from a new "ProTech" coating that will make them more resistant to the inevitable results of many people drinking heavily than ever before, sponsor NGE has said in its press release.

University College Burnaby professor and materials engineering expert Julian Potter said it’s unlikely some new breakthrough has taken place. Rather it’s likely the company has made marginal improvements to existing protective coating products for cloth materials.

“It’s hard to tell what they’re actually referring to, or what they’re actually doing. It might also be that it’s a cleaning product that gets the stains out, which is something many products can already do.”

“You could after all make something ‘vomit proof’ by just wrapping it in some other impermeable material, or like people who just never peel the film off their electronics...” said Dr. Potter.

Pending local licensing procedures, Kelssek House will be opening to all visitors the day before the opening ceremony. In addition to government-funded public diplomacy activities, art, music, and family activities with an unsubtle tourism and investment promotion subtext, it will provide the hub of relaxation, restauration and networking for members of the Kelssek delegation throughout the Games.

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