The official (Bah Humbug) Olympics thread

[fracster]

Well, I always admit when I am wrong.

Some of the performences have been superb..


So I retract and have enjoyed what I have seen of the games.


PS..........How bloody attractive, down to earth and simply stunning is Jessica Ennis?

The two young ladies inthe lightweight rowing, amazing.....really enjoying the whole games.

So,from a bahumbug to a..................

 

[Yves Geza]

I'd trade every British medal to win the 100m sprint. That's all that really matters.[/QUOTE




Not for a heptathlete nor a long jumper nor a distance runner it isn't!

 

[Cobra]

I'd trade every British medal to win the 100m sprint. That's all that really matters.

I didn't realise you had won any, good luck in the 100m sprint

 

[Yv]

Well, I always admit when I am wrong.

Some of the performences have been superb..


So I retract and have enjoyed what I have seen of the games.


PS..........How bloody attractive, down to earth and simply stunning is Jessica Ennis?

The two young ladies inthe lightweight rowing, amazing.....really enjoying the whole games.

So,from a bahumbug to a..................

:nuts:

 

[Ozei]

All I can say is 'bah humbug' to the bah humbug(gers) :razz: - this was an epic day for our lovely old GB.

 

[Laudrup]

I'd trade every British medal to win the 100m sprint. That's all that really matters.

Not for a heptathlete nor a long jumper nor a distance runner it isn't!

The 100m is the prestige event, you can name 10 sprinters at the drop of a hat. Name me 10 long jumpers, 10 female heptathletes and 10 10,000m runners without Googling it.

The swimming and cycling have too many events and tennis and football shouldn't even be in the games. Michael Phelps haul should be divided by 5. Imagine a 100m sprint, a 100m skip, 100m running backwards, 100m hopping.

 

[Cobra]

All I can say is 'bah humbug' to the bah humbug(gers) :razz: - this was an epic day for our lovely old GB.

Well you know where the arse licking thread is
But just in case its HERE

It may surprise you to know there are a hell of a lot of people out there that don't give a **** about sport
be that football, cricket running jumping etc etc, indeed be that the ollyumpics or Saturday afternoon tele
All are just as interesting as a wet week-end.

 

[bindex]

Whilst I applaud wholeheartedly the results of "Team GB" and I really do wish them well, I'm not going to be brainwashed by Olympic euphoria.


Some of the purchasing decisions have been totally ludicrous, The ticketing fiasco is utterly ridiculous, and how on Earth can you justify £81 million on a 3 hour opening ceremony when you have pensioners who can't afford to eat properly? And that's just the tip of the iceberg.


And before anyone jumps in and tells me that we're going to make millions/billions/zillions out of it all... tell that to the poor soul who's being paid peanuts for a short term job from G4S...


Priorities I think, and we've got it wrong.

 

[Cobra]

And before anyone jumps in and tells me that we're going to make millions/billions/zillions out of it all...

Well apparently, according the the odd radio interview that I haven't managed
to avoid, it would seem that no country that has every hosted the Ollies
have made a profit from it, quite the reverse it would seem.

 

[Ozei]

Well you know where the arse licking thread is
But just in case its HERE

It may surprise you to know there are a hell of a lot of people out there that don't give a **** about sport
be that football, cricket running jumping etc etc, indeed be that the ollyumpics or Saturday afternoon tele
All are just as interesting as a wet week-end.

Each to their own I suppose. I'm not a sports fan but at least GB has had some fun.

Either way, it beats the poo out of giving £9 billion (and the rest) to some god awful banking types for no return whatsover.

 

[Laudrup]

The banks are heavily involved with all the sponsorship and 'partnership' of the games. That's who is in the £20,012 seats of whatever Seb is calling them. For £9 billion quid you could make everyone in London a medal.

 

[crofter]

Still can't see the point of it all, waste of time, all this running around what's it all about ? The missus has been glued to it but can't say I'm impressed at all, go for a run or bike ride yourself, I can see there may be some fun in that but to sit and watch it, about as much fun as watching someone do woodwork or take photos.

 

[simonblue]

Well you know where the arse licking thread is
But just in case its HERE

It may surprise you to know there are a hell of a lot of people out there that don't give a **** about sport
be that football, cricket running jumping etc etc, indeed be that the ollyumpics or Saturday afternoon tele
All are just as interesting as a wet week-end.

I am still in the well and truely,bah humbug camp,in about a couple of weeks it will all be forgotten,and we will still be 9 billion in debt,so that a very few people can say,look I have got a gold medal,the silvers and bronzes no one care about anyway.

 

[neil_g]

Still can't see the point of it all, waste of time, all this running around what's it all about ? The missus has been glued to it but can't say I'm impressed at all, go for a run or bike ride yourself, I can see there may be some fun in that but to sit and watch it, about as much fun as watching someone do woodwork or take photos.

Is a sport without spectators still a sport?

 

[DemiLion]

It may surprise you to know there are a hell of a lot of people out there that don't give a **** about sport
be that football, cricket running jumping etc etc, indeed be that the ollyumpics or Saturday afternoon tele
All are just as interesting as a wet week-end.

You know that Falconry is classed as a sport, right?

 

[Cobra]

You know that Falconry is classed as a sport, right?

Actually, no its "an art"

And for a few years its also been "my job"

 

[Cobra]

Either way, it beats the poo out of giving £9 billion (and the rest) to some god awful banking types for no return whatsover.

No one is suggesting that the bankers get the 9-odd billion,
but with the NHS, Schools, Pensions et al in such a crap state,
that money would at least go some way to getting some of these issues on the
right track

 

[big soft moose]

I'd trade every British medal to win the 100m sprint. That's all that really matters.

given that cheating barsteward is representing us in the 100m, I kind of hope he finishes last - or better still falls over his feet and fails to finish at all.

other than him i wish team GB well , but I have zero interest in watching it, nor do i think it was a good use of public funds during a period of suposed austerity

 

[Laudrup]

Linford Christie is still a celebrated sprinter despite taking drugs. The sanctimonious BOA trying to ban Chambers whilst desperately trying to hand out places to plastic Brits like Tiffany Porter who couldn't get a place in the American team is more shameful than their idiotic stance on drug cheats.

Another statistic was that 50% of the medals came from people from private schools who make up only 7% of the population. Team GB triumphs in middle class sports most can't afford to participate in. That's why I prefer the 100m, most people can run, you aren't relying on bent judges to score you and it's the event the world looks in on.

 

[H2O]

you aren't relying on bent judges to score you

So which medals over the last week have been the result of bent judges?

 

[DemiLion]

Another statistic was that 50% of the medals came from people from private schools who make up only 7% of the population. Team GB triumphs in middle class sports most can't afford to participate in. That's why I prefer the 100m, most people can run, you aren't relying on bent judges to score you and it's the event the world looks in on.

Would you like salt and vinegar with those?

 

[Laudrup]

So which medals over the last week have been the result of bent judges?

Have you even been watching?

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olymp...cs-controversial-decision-170133250--oly.html

The British guy going through against the Cuban was another ridiculous decision and Ogogo vs the Ukranian was doubtful. It's beyond awful.

 

[Laudrup]

Would you like salt and vinegar with those?

A glittering career in stand up comedy awaits you with ripostes that witty.

 

[H2O]

Have you even been watching?

Boxing? No, not something I'm a fan of so I've not been watching it.


Bad judging there doesn't surprise me though as it's happened before with boxing at the Olympics.

At least the judge was banned & the decision overturned this time.


Any non boxing problems that you're aware of?

 

[big soft moose]

Team GB triumphs in middle class sports most can't afford to participate in. That's why I prefer the 100m, most people can run, .

there speaks someone with no idea what atheletics training involves - it takes a hell of a lot of training and competition to reach olympic level - and that isnt compatible with also holding down a job or a normal life etc so no it isnt in fact open to 'most people'

your assertion is rather like saying that anyone can reach premiership football because most people can have a kickabout in the park :shake:

 

[TriggerHappy]

What the hell are 'middle class sports'? Or working class and upper class for that matter?

 

[kelack]

Does it matter? Come on, let's stop the bickering.

 

[big soft moose]

What the hell are 'middle class sports'? Or working class and upper class for that matter?

I suspect he's talking about thing like rowing , fencing, shooting etc which team GB are rather good at.

and it is a fair comment that if you are a deprived kid from say chappels town leeds you have no chance whatsoever of learning to row - but if you go to school in say marlow, bucks then its a virtual certainty that your school will have a rowing club.

My point however was that a kid from a deprived area like that has close to zero chance of becoming an olympic sprinter either

 

[fracster]

:nuts:

I had sunk "a beer or two" when I posted that , but I stand by it.Cyclists,rowers, all taking part. It is quite a good watch...........

 

[whiteflyer]

Linford Christie is still a celebrated sprinter despite taking drugs. The sanctimonious BOA trying to ban Chambers whilst desperately trying to hand out places to plastic Brits like Tiffany Porter who couldn't get a place in the American team is more shameful than their idiotic stance on drug cheats.

As a former winning non drug taking international canoeist, I can tell you for certian the no mater what they say on Tv every single true sports person suports the BOA sanctimonious stance,and thinks Chammbers should never be allowed to represent Britain any level nevermind the Olympics

Another statistic was that 50% of the medals came from people from private schools who make up only 7% of the population. Team GB triumphs in middle class sports most can't afford to participate in. That's why I prefer the 100m, most people can run, you aren't relying on bent judges to score you and it's the event the world looks in on.

The schools statistic is VERY misleading, they are not good at sport because they went to private school, they went to private school because they are good at sport, just as in the USA, top schools want top sports people.

There are VERY VERY few sports that are unavailable to everyone, and with funding from UK Sports and the Lottery, if your good enough you'll get the financial help no matter what your background.

The 100M is the event the worlds media looks in on, it's certainly not the event the canoeists, judo, boxing,fencing ect people think is most important.

The 100m is perfect for TV it's over in 10 secs, about the average concentration span of most couch potatoes.


In this day and age of facebook and twitter comments being investigated by the police , I wouldn't call judges bent without some very good evidence. :nono:

 

[Laudrup]

What the hell are 'middle class sports'? Or working class and upper class for that matter?

Rowing, equestrian, sailing etc. Most sports where you are sitting down with money being the barrier to entry. The cost of sprint cycling as a barrier to entry must put off quite a few nations too. Highly popular sports where we can all compete on an equal footing, like sprinting, really sorts the men from the boys.

 

[whiteflyer]

I suspect he's talking about thing like rowing , fencing, shooting etc which team GB are rather good at.

and it is a fair comment that if you are a deprived kid from say chappels town leeds you have no chance whatsoever of learning to row - but if you go to school in say marlow, bucks then its a virtual certainty that your school will have a rowing club.

My point however was that a kid from a deprived area like that has close to zero chance of becoming an olympic sprinter either

Welcome to Leeds Rowing Club

We are an ambitious and increasingly successful rowing club, with a friendly membership. Our boat house is located on Waterloo Lake at Roundhay Park, in the north of the city.

We welcome new members. For complete beginners, we run several Learn to Row courses during the year.

-------------------------------

Agecroft Rowing and Sailing Club (Salford)

Prospective members of all abilities are welcome.

Subscriptions:
Agecroft Membership = £25 per month
Student / Child - prices halved

£2.88 a week is not going to stop any child from taking part, you'll spend that at your local burger joint every week.


---------------------------------------

Adlington Canoe Club

Adult Membership £25 a year, canoe, paddle and lifejacket hire £2 a day.




Theses so called middle class sports are cheap and easy to get involved in , if only you look what your local club has to offer. Nearly all sports club do very cheap equipment hire for beginners.

 

[whiteflyer]

Rowing, equestrian, sailing etc. Most sports where you are sitting down with money being the barrier to entry. The cost of sprint cycling as a barrier to entry must put off quite a few nations too. Highly popular sports where we can all compete on an equal footing, like sprinting, really sorts the men from the boys.

A quick look at rhe Panamericana Cycling Confederation list of members will show how many poor countries do sprint cycling

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederacion_Panamericana_de_Ciclismo

Want to have ago in the UK

Manchester Velodrome

Taster sessions - the weekly programme

An introductory session for beginners. The cost per 1 hour Taster is £10.50 including bike and helmet hire, £8.30 concessions. You will be riding with up to 15 other riders on the track at the same time, for one hour’s duration. You will be given a set of skills to learn by the coach and each rider will be provided with a bike and helmet.

Monday 8:00 - 9:00am
Monday 4:00 - 5:00pm
Tuesday 12:00 - 1:00pm
Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00pm
Thursday 8:00 - 9:00am
Thursday 12:00 - 1:00pm
Thursday 4:00 - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00 - 9:00am
Friday Family Taster 5:00 - 6:00pm
Saturday 4:00 - 5:00pm
Sunday 4:00 - 5:00pm

 

[big soft moose]

Rowing, equestrian, sailing etc. Most sports where you are sitting down with money being the barrier to entry. The cost of sprint cycling as a barrier to entry must put off quite a few nations too. Highly popular sports where we can all compete on an equal footing, like sprinting, really sorts the men from the boys.

do you honestly believe that a poor kid from a deprived slum somewhere , whose main running experience is fleeing from da babylon innit , is really on an equal footing with a rich kid who can afford to train for four hours per day with top end coaching support provided by mummy and daddy.

I don't disagree with the essence of what you are saying but you've picked a spectacularly poor example.

 

[big soft moose]

Welcome to Leeds Rowing Club

We are an ambitious and increasingly successful rowing club, with a friendly membership. Our boat house is located on Waterloo Lake at Roundhay Park, in the north of the city.

We welcome new members. For complete beginners, we run several Learn to Row courses during the year.

I don't doubt it - however if you are from a really deprived background are you likely to want to go and learn to row (or partake in any other sport) - or are you more likely to be trying to survive

theres also the small issue of being able to pay the membership fee , and being able to afford the requisite kit.

I don't agree with laudrup that rowing is exclusively the preserve of the rich - I rowed at school and I went to a very ordinary secondary mod, but its equally always going to be a falacy that any sport is easily accessed by those who are right on the breadline

 

[cambsno]

Just over a week ago I could not be arsed with the Olympics. Waste of money,pointless and couldnt care less.

Now... after watching the amazing opening ceremony, and seeing how great we are doing I have made the biggest U turn ever, so much so that Thurs and Friday I was desperately trying to get tickets (but failed)!!!

What a great event and we are doing so well.

 

[Laudrup]

As a former winning non drug taking international canoeist, I can tell you for certian the no mater what they say on Tv every single true sports person suports the BOA sanctimonious stance,and thinks Chammbers should never be allowed to represent Britain any level nevermind the Olympics

Well not every sports person:

Marlon Devonish, Christian Malcolm, Simeon Williamson, Mark Lewis Francis, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Andrew Robertson, Rikki Fifton and Tyrone Edgar are all Dwain’s rivals in the 100metres in Britain so stand to lose the most if Dwain becomes eligible for London 2012. However, they all support Dwain being given a second chance to compete against them for a place in the biggest Olympics of their careers. What does that tell you about their opinion of Dwain as an athlete and a person?

Asafa Powell, Christophe Lemaitre, Kim Collins, Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Daniel Bailey, Mike Rogers, Lerone Clarke, Richard Thompson, Justin Gatlin and Jaysuma Saidy Ndure are all in the top 20 sprinters in the world and regularly compete against Dwain. Significantly, they all support him being given a second chance to freely compete. What does that tell you about his international standing as an athlete and a person?

Their opinion means more than a canoeist.

The schools statistic is VERY misleading, they are not good at sport because they went to private school, they went to private school because they are good at sport, just as in the USA, top schools want top sports people.

There are VERY VERY few sports that are unavailable to everyone, and with funding from UK Sports and the Lottery, if your good enough you'll get the financial help no matter what your background.

The 100M is the event the worlds media looks in on, it's certainly not the event the canoeists, judo, boxing,fencing ect people think is most important.

The 100m is perfect for TV it's over in 10 secs, about the average concentration span of most couch potatoes.


In this day and age of facebook and twitter comments being investigated by the police , I wouldn't call judges bent without some very good evidence. :nono:

This is a ridiculous level of denial:

Lord Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association and himself public school-educated, called for an urgent overhaul of school sport policy.

He said: “It’s one of the worst statistics in British sport. It is wholly unacceptable that over 50% of our medallists in Beijing came from the private sector. It tells you that 50% of the medals came from 7% of the population.

Rowing or sailing or equestrian events wouldn't be as bad to dedicate your life to if you had a nice trust fund waiting in the wings as a safety net if it didn't pan out. Live in reality.

As for the boxing judges, might want to read a few newspapers:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/aug/02/olympics-boxing-satoshi-shimizu-appeal

 

[big soft moose]

Rowing or sailing or equestrian events wouldn't be as bad to dedicate your life to if you had a nice trust fund waiting in the wings as a safety net if it didn't pan out. Live in reality.

and that differs how from atheletics, or any other sport ? - its always going to be easier to train to an international level if you've got loadsamoney - regardless of the dicipline.

 

[big soft moose]

A quick look at rhe Panamericana Cycling Confederation list of members will show how many poor countries do sprint cycling

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederacion_Panamericana_de_Ciclismo

Want to have ago in the UK

Manchester Velodrome

Taster sessions - the weekly programme

An introductory session for beginners. The cost per 1 hour Taster is £10.50 including bike and helmet hire, £8.30 concessions. You will be riding with up to 15 other riders on the track at the same time, for one hour’s duration. You will be given a set of skills to learn by the coach and each rider will be provided with a bike and helmet.

Monday 8:00 - 9:00am
Monday 4:00 - 5:00pm
Tuesday 12:00 - 1:00pm
Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00pm
Thursday 8:00 - 9:00am
Thursday 12:00 - 1:00pm
Thursday 4:00 - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00 - 9:00am
Friday Family Taster 5:00 - 6:00pm
Saturday 4:00 - 5:00pm
Sunday 4:00 - 5:00pm

so if you're a poor kid from a working class family in say leeds - all you've got to do is find the £10.50 (about 1/6 of a weeks dole money) and pay to travel to manchester, okaaaay

 

[Yves Geza]

Well not every sports person:

Marlon Devonish, Christian Malcolm, Simeon Williamson, Mark Lewis Francis, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Andrew Robertson, Rikki Fifton and Tyrone Edgar are all Dwain’s rivals in the 100metres in Britain so stand to lose the most if Dwain becomes eligible for London 2012. However, they all support Dwain being given a second chance to compete against them for a place in the biggest Olympics of their careers. What does that tell you about their opinion of Dwain as an athlete and a person?

Asafa Powell, Christophe Lemaitre, Kim Collins, Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Daniel Bailey, Mike Rogers, Lerone Clarke, Richard Thompson, Justin Gatlin and Jaysuma Saidy Ndure are all in the top 20 sprinters in the world and regularly compete against Dwain. Significantly, they all support him being given a second chance to freely compete. What does that tell you about his international standing as an athlete and a person?

Their opinion means more than a canoeist.

Where did that quote come from? Because I'm not sure their opinions do mean more than a canoeist's!

Even 'without Googling', my knowledge of Track and Field has the names of the other convicted drug cheats on that list jumping out at me!!