From a British perspective
What were your favorite events?
I don't really have a favourite - I like them all generally speaking apart from the events that really on peoples judgement to determine the winner (e.g. Gymnastics, Diving, Synchronised Swimming). The reason I am not keen on them is there is always controversy as they are open to interpretation and as the are realiant on human perspective open to bribery.
What were the most memorable moments?
Matthew Pinsent (rowing) winning Gold at 4 consecutive olympics, only one more to g o to equal redgrave's record. Kelly Holmes becoming the third person to win the 800M & 1500M double gold (and the first Briton to ever win a double gold), and El-Gourouj was special too.
Which athletes impressed you the most?
The above, and add in Bradley Wiggins (Cycling) and Amir Khan (Boxing) who was awesome.
What were the moments you enjoyed that you feel were under-rated and didn't get the attention they deserved?
Matthew Pinsent - it got a lot of coverage back home but not elsewhere. To win 4 gold medals in 4 consecutive olympics in one of, if not the most, physically hard sport is an amazing achievement. It probably hasn't got as much coverage as Redgrave did the same thing 5 times, but Pinsent could well equal that.
What was the most intriguing controversy?
The Greek two, and there seem to have been a lot of drugs incidents which is sad. Paula Radcliffe got way too much coverage. She is an athlete in the mould of Tim Henman (i.e. chokes on the big stage). Always has been.
Not controversial but the worse point for me was the US 4x100M team (and the TV coverage here). I felt they were very poor losers - they were beaten by the better team on the day.
Excalibur
Aviendha's Englishman
This message last edited by excalibur on 8/30/2004 at 10:28:34 AM.
