It seems a long time ago now, but on 5 August the curtain came up on the first Olympic Games to be staged in South America. And what a show it was. A joyful sashay through Brazil's extraordinary musical heritage was infused with a social message and a warning over the dangers of climate change. The athletes were cheered to the rafters, none more so than the refugee team, while Brazil's diversity and natural beauty were celebrated with style.
Phelps wins 200m butterfly
Michael Phelps cemented his status as the most successful Olympian of all time by winning five golds and one silver at Rio 2016, taking his tally to 28 medals (23 gold). The one that seemed to mean the most to the great American swimmer was the 200m butterfly. It allowed him to avenge his London 2012 defeat by Chad le Clos, who had since said he would break Phelps's world records in Rio, and Phelps's celebrations afterwards suggested he had enjoyed putting the younger man in his place.
A very honourable mention also goes to Phelps's compatriot Katie Ledecky, who won four golds and a silver at Rio 2016, setting new world records in the 400m and 800m freestyle events.
Rose and Stenson Carry Momentum, and Olympic Medals, Into the Barclays
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — As Henrik Stenson tried to warm up on the driving range at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, a crowd began to form around him.
The fans and pros were not admiring his swing as much as his hardware: Stenson had brought with him the silver medal he had just won in the Rio Olympics. He was carrying it in his golf bag.
“I’m not one to run around and have my medal at the supermarket,” Stenson said. He acknowledged, however, that the medal was there in his pocket as he spoke to reporters.
Not to be outdone, Justin Rose, who beat Stenson for the gold, said he had his medal nearby, too.
“It’s much easier to travel with than a normal trophy,” Rose said. “You can just slip it in your pocket and then carry on.”
Golf had not been an Olympic sport since 1904. Now that it is back, there seems to be a lot of fascination with the spoils.
Rose, who also won the 2013 United States Open at Merion, Pa., said he was amazed how many friends, family members and fans had asked him about his latest reward.
“Everyone wants to feel the weight of it,” Rose said. “That’s what’s curious about it. Everyone wants to see, ‘Oh, how heavy is it?’”
To pre-empt those questions, Stenson decided just to bring his medal to the course at Bethpage Black, where the Barclays tournament is being held this week. It started with a simple desire to show the silver to his putting coach, Philip Kenyon. But word quickly got out.
“Someone on the range wanted to see it,” Stenson said. “Then the fans saw it. So, of course, they can have a little look.”
Rose admitted it was a little difficult turning the page from his triumph in Rio back to the regular PGA Tour schedule and the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs. But he said he hoped the momentum from his Olympic victory would carry into this week.
No comments:
Post a Comment