Rec’ing On…Beijing Olympics – Part 12

Beach Volleyball has two undisputed queens of the sand: Americans Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh. Not only have they won the gold medal, becoming the first to do so, but they did it without losing a set…for TWO Olympics. Folks, that is domination worthy of mention. I hope that this isn’t the last we see of this pair playing at this level, but they have other more important things…baby things…on their mind for now. I think they are due for some life time.

Usain Bolt broke what many thought might be a very long-standing record: the 200m sprint. Despite the deliberate breakage, he found himself awarded the gold medal.  More importantly, he ran the entire race.  Unlike the 100m, even though he had a huge lead and was certain to win, he didn’t shut it down before crossing the finish line.

I have to say that I’m very surprised the Japan managed to defeat Australia in the Softball semi-final. The Japanese had to engage the Aussies a couple of hours after losing in extra innings to the Americans. I can’t help but wonder if they will be ready to face the Americans in the gold medal game with such a short turnaround time.

Though it wasn’t part of competition, I have to give a thumbs up to Liukin’s performance on the beam during the gymnastics exhibition.  Too often during these exhibitions the gymnasts simply do their (diluted) routine. Liukin instead went old-school and added some of the dance elements and smooth connections that I’ve been complaining have gone missing in favor of tumbling. It was fun to watch.