The 2008 Beijing summer Olympics [Archive]

Raidou

07-16-2008, 01:28 AM

Ready for the Summer Olympics? The 2008 Beijing summer Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men?s events, 127 women?s events, and 10 mixed events). What's your prediction of overall results, specific sports events, record beatings, and etc.? Will it be a successful/ not so successful event? So, feel free to make use of this thread to discuss anything related to this grand event. Let us all celebrate the achievements, drama, heartbreak, and joy of Olympic athletes around the world!

When the event is on, I'll make use of this this thread to update the medals won by each country.

Useless info: The opening of the game event is 8-8-08 (an auspicious date according to Chinese FungShui). The number 8 symbolizes prosperity in Chinese culture.

Sushi_b

08-04-2008, 03:35 AM

Useless info: The opening of the game event is 8-8-08 (an auspicious date according to Chinese FungShui). The number 8 symbolizes prosperity in Chinese culture.
Not that useless. Any info is good. I've always heard that 0,3 and 8 are all lucky numbers. Just don't use 4.

Could make up some interesting Olympics this year. China will have the biggest number of competitors and should do quite well overall. The US and Russia almost always finish within the top 3 as well. We will have to wait and see, but the opening is just a few days away now.

I was just in Hong Kong and it was neat to see all the merchandise and the build up for the event.

Tenacious P

08-04-2008, 03:45 AM

I'm mostly excited about basketball. It would also be cool to see Shawn Johnson do well.

DrunkSwashbuckler

08-04-2008, 03:46 AM

I adore the Olympics, though I must admit that the Summer Games are a bit less dramatic; the IOC limited the number of swimmers allowed per country because they received too many complaints that the medal stand for a given swimming event was wash with Americans. Australia and America are the only real powers in the swimming world, with a few other competitors thrown in there, whereas Russia and some other Soviet Bloc countries rake in the gold in gymnastics. It's all very by the book.

Less Than Liz

08-04-2008, 03:47 AM

BAMAJAMA

08-04-2008, 04:46 AM

That is the one sporting event that comes close in my heart to college football. I am glued to the TV whenever the Olympics are on. What I hate though is trying not to watch any other TV or listen to the radio during the Olympics. It should be a law, you cannot report on the olympics until after the TV broadcast.

Jarrid

08-04-2008, 05:17 AM

I have always watched both men and women's gymnastics. They do some crazy shit. I love it.

Sushi_b

08-04-2008, 05:28 AM

I think male swimmers are super sexy, sooooo. I also enjoy watching the US Softball team wiping the floor with the other teams. Better enjoy it before they get the boot in '12.

The local news has been flooded with regular updates on Wambach's broken leg. Too bad.
The US is that much better then every other country at Softball? I never realized that. I thought the playing field was pretty close.

Basketball should be pretty good this year. The US has put together their best team in years and should do quite well. Although it's quite amazing how good other countries have become in recent years and I love it because it makes for more exciting match ups. It was never interesting to see the US always win because of a stacked team.

Baseball shouldn't probably be kicked out of the olympics, especially if they are keeping basketball and allowing professionals to play. Doesn't make much sense. Especially since Baseball is quite competitive around the world.

Who is Wambach BTW?

BAMAJAMA

08-05-2008, 12:33 AM

The US is that much better then every other country at Softball? I never realized that. I thought the playing field was pretty close.

The US dominates every team they play, the only team to give them much of a run for the money is China. I think Canada actually might have beat them once in pre-olympic play. China has beat them like 2 out of 20 times they have played. I don't think anybody else has even come close to beating them.

Mary

08-05-2008, 10:31 AM

Go team USA!

Yeah, i don't have cable till the 20th so I dont think i'll have a chance to watch anything.

Tenacious P

08-10-2008, 01:02 AM

bump

I'm mostly following Phelps and men's gymnastics for now. I like that Raj guy.

charolastra00

08-10-2008, 01:18 AM

bump

I'm mostly following Phelps and men's gymnastics for now. I like that Raj guy.

I'm still boycotting.

But you know, there is only one reason to watch men's gymnastics. ;)

Tenacious P

08-10-2008, 02:53 AM

Speaking of hot swimmers.

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/71737780.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193CC300C081D9F4700C44BCB4098C8251B F61D3462C0EB8668A55A1E4F32AD3138

Less Than Liz

08-10-2008, 02:58 AM

Who's the chick who hangs out with Michael Phelps? Amanda Beard, is that her name? Whoever she is, if I looked like that, I'd just walk around naked.

Tenacious P

08-10-2008, 03:01 AM

Wow, I forgot about her. :|

http://digi.cfan.com.cn/dcphoto/xwsy/h002/h24/img200705151452150.jpg

Less Than Liz

08-10-2008, 03:07 AM

See what I mean? I'd walk around naked, wouldn't you?

I should start swimming again. I can't decide training for a triathlon or marathon, but I can do neither until after I get into law school, so it's a ways off. Either way, time to get back to swimming.

Tenacious P

08-10-2008, 03:18 AM

Even Natalie Coughlin is hot.

http://sports.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/natalie-coughlin-1.jpg

I swear.. that's the last one.

Less Than Liz

08-10-2008, 03:22 AM

https://shop.swimroom.com/shop/image.php?type=T&id=16

om nom nom nom throw a red cape on hiiiiiim

Poofy

08-10-2008, 03:36 AM

Even Natalie Coughlin is hot.

http://sports.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/natalie-coughlin-1.jpg

I swear.. that's the last one.
Eh....

DrunkSwashbuckler

08-10-2008, 03:42 AM

Sex is apparently massively rampant in the Olympic village. It'd be expected; huddling some of the most in-shape people in the world into one area for 2 weeks has to breed incredible sex-drives.

Less Than Liz

08-10-2008, 04:28 AM

I would do everybody.

Lodis

08-10-2008, 04:44 AM

I think I'd avoid the amazonian broads that make up the women's beach volleyball teams.

Tenacious P

08-10-2008, 04:50 AM

I bet the underage gymnasts get it on.

Less Than Liz

08-10-2008, 04:51 AM

No, I said everyboyd.

Jarrid

08-10-2008, 09:47 AM

Meh, Carly Patterson is not in it this year.

BAMAJAMA

08-10-2008, 02:42 PM

I once dated a gymnast and just let me say wow. It is a shame she wised up and moved on;)

DrunkSwashbuckler

08-10-2008, 09:55 PM

Pretty sure I'd go out of my way to have all the sex possible once my event was over if I were to compete in the Olympics.

Sushi_b

08-11-2008, 12:39 AM

Alright, well, aside from all that...am I the only one that thought the opening ceremony was fantastic? I really enjoyed the drum countdown and the lights were amazing. The Chinese Olympic commitee did a really wonderful job. The games haven't been too interesting so far, but I'm hoping for it to pick up. I am, however tired of the constant Korean coverage here without them following what any other teams in the Olympics are doing. Besides that, looking forward to the basketball and other events.

Tenacious P

08-11-2008, 03:34 AM

4x100 relay **** YEAH!!

Lodis

08-12-2008, 05:13 AM

Alright, well, aside from all that...am I the only one that thought the opening ceremony was fantastic? I really enjoyed the drum countdown and the lights were amazing. The Chinese Olympic commitee did a really wonderful job.

I only got to see parts of the opening ceremony and a few highlights later that first day, but certain details of it were really amazing. A few thousand people beating drums in synchronization was quite awe inspiring. Makes me want to watch Hero again...

Did anyone else hear that Zhang Yimou was payed some unreal sum in the hundreds of millions of dollars to orchestrate the opening ceremony of the Games? Good god. Authoritarianism 4TW.

The games haven't been too interesting so far, but I'm hoping for it to pick up... Besides that, looking forward to the basketball and other events.

Things started off quite slow I agree. Eespecially if you are a Canadian sports fan, given how woeful we have performed thus far. Making it to quite a few final events and medal rounds, but just coming up short every time. Once Michael Phelps started displaying his magic though the whole event seemed to have just taken off. It's miraculous watching that man swim. It's like watching the sheer dominance of Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan all over again. Seriously it's as if Phelps just lets his competitors hang around until the last few moments to make them feel as if they are doing well... then he pulls away with herculean strength and shows what n00bs everyone else really is.

I am, however tired of the constant Korean coverage here without them following what any other teams in the Olympics are doing.

Honestly Canada must be the only country in the World that doesn't turn Olympic media coverage into an exercise in pure jingoistic cock stroking. I watch NBC every now and then depending on what sports are being broadcast at the moment, but I rarely stray far from what CBC provides. I greatly enjoy the stories and coverage of all sorts of participants.

Raidou

08-12-2008, 06:52 AM

Glad this thread is active. BTW, do you folks know that the viagra drug is not a banned drugs for the athletes for this Olympic? So this can only mean that athletes who wish to enhance their performance in sports can use Viagra as a subsitute for steroid enhancer drugs. I bet many of them does actually misuses it.

Blackdragon

08-12-2008, 07:12 AM

The last thing I'm sure they want to take when they'll be running around in shorts and tights is viagra...

I used to watch the Olympics with my family, but lose interest about halfway through.

Genopuff

08-12-2008, 07:15 AM

only sport i care about is ladies softball...mmm jenny finch..... i met all those girls and when they stayed at my hotel and even try to hit on a couple of them but they just laughed and thought i was joking =(

and the girls whooped ass against venezuela

Raidou

08-12-2008, 07:19 AM

The last thing I'm sure they want to take when they'll be running around in shorts and tights is viagra...

The swimmers maybe. Five relay team beat the world record the same evening? Hah, fishy.

Less Than Liz

08-12-2008, 04:48 PM

re: Viagra - there is a rather ummm aroused photo of Phelps from a few years ago circulating the internets. I didn't even notice it in the photo until someone pointed it out, haha.

Raidou

08-13-2008, 02:38 AM

The Chinese divers are unbelievable. How the hell can they sync and execute so well? Three golds already for them, thus far.

I was watching the US basketball team against Angola yesterday and man they totally dominated the game. Number 9 and that dude with a large tattoo were fast and dangerous. Slam dunk dunk dunk, steal steal steal. Wow.

Hyde

08-13-2008, 02:41 AM

China doesn't deserve to host the Olympics. I'm boycotting.

Good luck to Phelps, though, anyway. From what I've heard he doesn't need luck, however.

Raidou

08-13-2008, 02:50 AM

Don't say that. Yeah, they do have issues with the hazy environment but besides that I think they are doing a great job so far. The facilities provided are of world class standard, no doubt about that. Much better than some of the US yea.

Phelps don't need luck nor viagra. He is such a natural and skillful swimmer. He does have a bright chance of beating Mark Spitz 7 golds medals in swimming. Well maybe a little luck since it was that veteran teammate of his that made the fingertip win for the relay team.

Lodis

08-13-2008, 04:31 AM

So I was watching the women's gymnastics team final tonight and feel like commenting on a few points.

I've always been amazed watching gymnastics in years past at how young most of the American, Russian, Canadian, etc female gymnasts are; or at least appear to be. Obviously women hit their physical peaks at an early age and at least the common physique of most middle teenagers is preferable for the sorts of feats required. I've seen enough international gymnastics competitions that I am used to this reality by now, but... dear god, the Chinese and even Japanese female gymnasts look like they're ****ing 10 years old! What the ****!!!

Also, on the close up shots of the athletes that I've seen, ALL of the female gymnasts seem to be wearing a copious amount of make-up. What the hell is the point of that? Complimentary to the ass groping bathing suits these girls have to wear? Does it mean I'm getting old when I start to frown at such things? Gaaaaaaaah.

Jarrid

08-13-2008, 08:00 AM

As long as I remember watching the women gymnastics in the Olympics, I always thought there was a lot of make-up involved including a shit load of glitter. Then it allllll melts after all of the crying.

Sushi_b

08-13-2008, 09:38 AM

I was watching the US basketball team against Angola yesterday and man they totally dominated the game. Number 9 and that dude with a large tattoo were fast and dangerous. Slam dunk dunk dunk, steal steal steal. Wow.

I wish I knew exactly who you were talking about. I know that the players change their numbers for the olympics and all, but "the guy with the large tattoo" could be just about anyone on the team. Dwayne Wade is number 9 on the national team and possible one of the fastest players in the NBA. Not too many players can slash like he can.

I didn't see any of the gymnastics, but usually it's interesting to watch. The thing is Lodis, a large portion of the Chinese population has very small petite women. I don't know why and I can't explain it but it's just true. Japan, I suppose as well.

Hyde, why the boycott? Just curious.

Atlas

08-13-2008, 03:31 PM

Apparently, there have only been 20 Gold Medals given in table tennis. The Chinese have won 16 of them.

Very fun to watch!

Dick Fitzwell

08-13-2008, 04:51 PM

Which events do you think China has been cheating at?

Void

08-14-2008, 01:05 AM

Yesterday I was watching The Americans leaving everyone in the water dust. When I saw the clip of them cheering with rippling muscles, my first thought was "Liz must be giddy."

Less Than Liz

08-14-2008, 01:28 AM

They first played that clip when I was running. I'd only intended to run a mere warm-up mile, and ended up running three, when the highlights ended.

Void

08-15-2008, 12:40 AM

Ah darn. At least you know the one I'm talking about, though.

Atlas

08-16-2008, 06:46 AM

Japan totally just got disqualified from race walking.

charolastra00

08-16-2008, 06:51 AM

Hyde, why the boycott? Just curious.

It's because he's copying me. ;)

No really, I think the better question is why so many people aren't boycotting. It's unfathomable to me.

Sushi_b

08-16-2008, 11:52 AM

Ah but again, I did actually ask the question of why boycott first as I would like to hear the opinion against China deserving the olympics.

Saw some of the Track and Field and it's been pretty exciting to see. As to how many events has China cheated on, probably a fair number, but it's not the first time that a home country has done so.

Atlas

08-16-2008, 02:26 PM

Aspelin is rocking the serves in Doubles Tennis. Even Federer is having a rough time against him. But, then again, Federer isn't much for Doubes... Even though he still rocks at it.

EDIT: FEDRERERE MADE GOLD IN DUBLES!111

WAWRINKA TOO

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

ailema

08-18-2008, 10:37 AM

as i check the medal counts USA is on the first leve on having lots of gold medals

Jarrid

08-18-2008, 12:43 PM

It's because he's copying me. ;)

No really, I think the better question is why so many people aren't boycotting. It's unfathomable to me.

Well, the year is not 1936 and is taking place in Berlin last time I checked.

Sushi_b

08-22-2008, 02:09 AM

Well the US softball team isn't as mighty after all I suppose. They did well but didn't win the last gold medal of the Olympics.

I have to say this, if Baseball and Softball can be pulled from the Olympics, then Tae Kwon Do needs to get pulled. I've gotten really tired of how extremely boring the sport has become. It's basically watching 2 people stand around and throw a few kicks here and there for over 6 minutes. Then the judges are always looking to give the Koreans any edge they possibly can for points. There have been a number of times that misplaced kicks have been called for points that clearly shouldn't have been. This is coming from some one who has studied TKD for over 10 years and it's tiring to see the sport showcased so poorly. They need to pull it from the following Olympics.

Lodis

08-22-2008, 02:45 AM

They need to pull that fucking power walking event. It's absolutely absurd, impractical, irrelevent and unnatural. You might as well make fully able athletes hop on one leg to see who is bestest in the whole entire world!

Ridiculous.

DrunkSwashbuckler

08-22-2008, 02:52 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/IOC-orders-investigation-into-He-Kexin-s-age?urn=oly,102564

Really, who didn't see this coming?

Hyde

08-22-2008, 03:03 AM

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/IOC-orders-investigation-into-He-Kexin-s-age?urn=oly,102564

Really, who didn't see this coming?

And her medals deserve to be stripped.

DrunkSwashbuckler

08-22-2008, 12:33 PM

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/gymnastics/news?slug=dw-iocprobe082208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Surprise.

Less Than Liz

08-22-2008, 01:07 PM

IOC corruption? Shocking!

(I can't believe softball lost...)

Jarrid

08-22-2008, 01:58 PM

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/gymnastics/news?slug=dw-iocprobe082208&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Surprise.

Hmm, that link is not working for me, Scott.

Is that in regards to Bolt or the age controversy again?

charolastra00

08-22-2008, 03:28 PM

Hmm, that link is not working for me, Scott.

Is that in regards to Bolt or the age controversy again?

Heh, the article got pulled. It worked yesterday. It was about the ages.

Less Than Liz

08-22-2008, 03:33 PM

Weird, it worked for me when I made that last post.

DrunkSwashbuckler

08-22-2008, 04:12 PM

Changes were made; IOC backed off, but the Intenational Gymnastics Federation is going on with the investigation.

Lodis

08-22-2008, 06:26 PM

I'm guessing by tomorrow we'll hear of several IGF investigators assassinated by short assailants that smell of chow mein and oyster sauce.

Void

08-22-2008, 06:48 PM

Take that bitches! We're number seventeen! OH yeah. Only ower houses such as Korea and Belarus can take on the great white north!

In another note. Those eighty something percent who voted against Canada on that poll "Who will win more medals, Canada or Michael Phelps?" must feel silly.

Lodis

08-23-2008, 07:36 AM

Canada sure started off poorly, but has picked things up of late. Britain seems to be overachieving like crazy, though I guess this may have to do with influences regarding them hosting the games in 2012.

Interesting detail to note though, if you combine the medals of all former Soviet states, the USSR would be leading the rankings in total medals earned this year in Beijing.