Nelson Evora of Portugal competes during the men's triple jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Nelson Evora won the gold with 17.67 metres.
Nelson Evora of Portugal celebrates after the men's triple jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Nelson Evora won the gold with 17.67 metres.
Nelson Evora of Portugal celebrates after the men's triple jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Nelson Evora won the gold with 17.67 metres.
Portugal's Nelson Evora flew 17.67 meters to win the Olympic men's triple jump gold medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing on Thursday.
Britain's Phillips took the silver with 17.62 meters and Bahamas' Leevan Sands got the bronze with 17.59.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Canadian Lamaze wins jumping individual gold
Canadian rider Eric Lamaze jumps his horse Hickstead over an obstacle during the individual jumping final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games equestrian events in Hong Kong, China, Aug. 21, 2008.
Canadian rider Eric Lamaze waves to spectators during the victory ceremony of individual jumping final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games equestrian events in Hong Kong, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Eric Lamaze won the gold medal of the event with total penalty of 0 and penalty of 0 in jump-off.
U.S. rider Mclain Ward riding on horse Sapphire kicks off the obstacle during jump-off of the individual jumping final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games equestrian events in Hong Kong, China, Aug21, 2008. Mclain Ward missed a good chance to win bronze medal after his horse kicked off the last obstacle during jump-off for the bronze medal.
Eric Lamaze of Canada, riding HICKSTEAD, won the Individual Jumping gold, holding off a strong challenge from Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden and his horse NINJA in the last Equestrian event of the Beijing Olympic Games at the Shatin Equestrian Venue on Thursday night.
In the final Round B, Eric Lamaze and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson were tied for first place on zero penalties. They were forced into a jump-off to decide the winner of the Individual Jumping.
Eric Lamaze finished on zero penalties while Rolf-Goran Bengtsson ended on 4 penalties in the jump-off showdown.
Beezie Madden of the United States, riding AUTHENTIC, came third and claimed the bronze medal.
In an interview with reporters after winning the gold, Eric Lamaze said "It will take a while for it to sink in. It's a dream come true. I love Hong Kong. I am going to cheer with friends, and thank everybody."
On winning a silver medal, Swedish rider Bengtsson said "I am very happy with second place.
Bronze medal holder, Beezie Madden said "I'm extremely happy. Our goal was to do well and to defend our gold medal from Athens, which we did as a team."
"I said I would love to have an individual medal, and I got it. Bronze is good," Madden added.
There are a total of six Olympic equestrian gold medals. During the 11-day competitions here, Germans have won three gold medals --Team Eventing, Individual Eventing and Team Dressage.
Defending gold medallist the United States won the Olympic Equestrian Jumping Team gold medal.
Netherlands's Anky van Grunsven won the Olympic Dressage Individual gold.
Eric Lamaze of Canada won the Individual Jumping gold.
Canadian rider Eric Lamaze waves to spectators during the victory ceremony of individual jumping final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games equestrian events in Hong Kong, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Eric Lamaze won the gold medal of the event with total penalty of 0 and penalty of 0 in jump-off.
U.S. rider Mclain Ward riding on horse Sapphire kicks off the obstacle during jump-off of the individual jumping final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games equestrian events in Hong Kong, China, Aug21, 2008. Mclain Ward missed a good chance to win bronze medal after his horse kicked off the last obstacle during jump-off for the bronze medal.
Eric Lamaze of Canada, riding HICKSTEAD, won the Individual Jumping gold, holding off a strong challenge from Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden and his horse NINJA in the last Equestrian event of the Beijing Olympic Games at the Shatin Equestrian Venue on Thursday night.
In the final Round B, Eric Lamaze and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson were tied for first place on zero penalties. They were forced into a jump-off to decide the winner of the Individual Jumping.
Eric Lamaze finished on zero penalties while Rolf-Goran Bengtsson ended on 4 penalties in the jump-off showdown.
Beezie Madden of the United States, riding AUTHENTIC, came third and claimed the bronze medal.
In an interview with reporters after winning the gold, Eric Lamaze said "It will take a while for it to sink in. It's a dream come true. I love Hong Kong. I am going to cheer with friends, and thank everybody."
On winning a silver medal, Swedish rider Bengtsson said "I am very happy with second place.
Bronze medal holder, Beezie Madden said "I'm extremely happy. Our goal was to do well and to defend our gold medal from Athens, which we did as a team."
"I said I would love to have an individual medal, and I got it. Bronze is good," Madden added.
There are a total of six Olympic equestrian gold medals. During the 11-day competitions here, Germans have won three gold medals --Team Eventing, Individual Eventing and Team Dressage.
Defending gold medallist the United States won the Olympic Equestrian Jumping Team gold medal.
Netherlands's Anky van Grunsven won the Olympic Dressage Individual gold.
Eric Lamaze of Canada won the Individual Jumping gold.
Alex Schwazer claims first athletics gold medal for Italy
Italy's Alex Schwazer crosses the finish line during men's 50km walk final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Alex Schwazer won the title and set a new Olympic record.
Italian Alex Schwazer won his country's first athletics gold medal at the Beijing Olympics by claiming the men's 50km walk title in Beijing on Friday.
Schwazer timed three hours, 37 minutes and 09 seconds to finish the walking marathon in a new Olympic record. The former record of 3:38:29 was held by Ivanenko Vyacheslav of Soviet Union at Seoul 20 years ago.
Australian Jared Tallent moved a step forward from his bronze medal at men's 50km walk to take the silver medal with 3:39:27, he placed third at men's 50km walk last Saturday.
Denis Nizhegorodov of Russia finished third at 3:40:14.
The 24-year-old Schwazer, bronze medalist at 2007 World Championship at Osaka, Japan, took an early lead from the start and never lost contention in the leading group, he launched the final sprint in the last 5km and rallied to cross the line without any resistance.
Athletes competes during men's 50km walk at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Germany's Andre Hohne falls down during men's 50km walk at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Russia's Denis Nizhegorodov competes during men's 50km walk outside the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
China's Li Jianbo competes with Russia's Denis Nizhegorodov during men's 50km walk at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Source:Xinhua
Italian Alex Schwazer won his country's first athletics gold medal at the Beijing Olympics by claiming the men's 50km walk title in Beijing on Friday.
Schwazer timed three hours, 37 minutes and 09 seconds to finish the walking marathon in a new Olympic record. The former record of 3:38:29 was held by Ivanenko Vyacheslav of Soviet Union at Seoul 20 years ago.
Australian Jared Tallent moved a step forward from his bronze medal at men's 50km walk to take the silver medal with 3:39:27, he placed third at men's 50km walk last Saturday.
Denis Nizhegorodov of Russia finished third at 3:40:14.
The 24-year-old Schwazer, bronze medalist at 2007 World Championship at Osaka, Japan, took an early lead from the start and never lost contention in the leading group, he launched the final sprint in the last 5km and rallied to cross the line without any resistance.
Athletes competes during men's 50km walk at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Germany's Andre Hohne falls down during men's 50km walk at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Russia's Denis Nizhegorodov competes during men's 50km walk outside the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
China's Li Jianbo competes with Russia's Denis Nizhegorodov during men's 50km walk at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Source:Xinhua
U.S. duo Dalhausser/Rogers win beach volleyball gold
Todd Rogers of the United States spikes the ball over Fabio Magalhaes of Brazil during the beach volleyball gold medal match at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Philip Dalhausser/Todd Rogers of the United States defeated Marcio Araujo/Fabio Magalhaes of Brazil and grabbed the gold medal of the event.
Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers of the United States defeated Marcio Araujo and Fabio Luiz Magalhaes of Brazil in the men's beach volleyball final at the Beijing Olympics on Friday.
The Americans won 2-1 with the three sets going 23-21, 17-21 and 15-4 in their favor. And the Brazilian duo claimed the silver medals.
The Americans trailed 1-6 as the first set began but were able to catch up for a 10-all tie. The two teams then traded points to 19-19 before a spike by Rogers sent the U.S. team to set point and the Americans led to end the first set 23-21.
In the second set, the two teams traded points to 15-15 before the Brazilian pair outscored and got the set point 20-16 and finishing the set 21-17.
Philip Dalhausser and Todd Rogers of the United States celebrate after the beach volleyball gold medal match at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
The efficiency of the 2.06-meter Dalhausser at the net left the Brazilians almost no resistance in the third set and increased the scores of the U.S. duo steadily set as the Americans claimed the decider 15-4.
"It's the best feeling , I can't believe it," said Dalhausser after the match.
"We were prepared for a three-set match," he said on the setback of the second set.
Dalhausser and Rogers, the 2007 world champions, have been widely considered to be gold favorites.
Dalhausser was FIVB World Tour best blocker in 2006 and 2007 and best hitter in 2007 while his partner Rogers was best FIVB World Tour defensive player in 2006 and 2007. They were also placed first on the Olympic qualification ranking.
In the bronze medal match earlier Friday, Brazil's Emanuel Rego and Ricardo Santos defeated Gerogian pair Renato Gomes and Jorge Terceiro in straight sets to win the bronze medals.
Silver medalists Fabio Magalhaes/Marcio Araujo of Brazil, gold medalists Philip Dalhausser/Todd Rogers of the United States and bronze medalists Ricardo Santos/Emanuel Rego of Brazil pose on the podium during awarding ceremony of men's beach volleyball at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers of the United States defeated Marcio Araujo and Fabio Luiz Magalhaes of Brazil in the men's beach volleyball final at the Beijing Olympics on Friday.
The Americans won 2-1 with the three sets going 23-21, 17-21 and 15-4 in their favor. And the Brazilian duo claimed the silver medals.
The Americans trailed 1-6 as the first set began but were able to catch up for a 10-all tie. The two teams then traded points to 19-19 before a spike by Rogers sent the U.S. team to set point and the Americans led to end the first set 23-21.
In the second set, the two teams traded points to 15-15 before the Brazilian pair outscored and got the set point 20-16 and finishing the set 21-17.
Philip Dalhausser and Todd Rogers of the United States celebrate after the beach volleyball gold medal match at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
The efficiency of the 2.06-meter Dalhausser at the net left the Brazilians almost no resistance in the third set and increased the scores of the U.S. duo steadily set as the Americans claimed the decider 15-4.
"It's the best feeling , I can't believe it," said Dalhausser after the match.
"We were prepared for a three-set match," he said on the setback of the second set.
Dalhausser and Rogers, the 2007 world champions, have been widely considered to be gold favorites.
Dalhausser was FIVB World Tour best blocker in 2006 and 2007 and best hitter in 2007 while his partner Rogers was best FIVB World Tour defensive player in 2006 and 2007. They were also placed first on the Olympic qualification ranking.
In the bronze medal match earlier Friday, Brazil's Emanuel Rego and Ricardo Santos defeated Gerogian pair Renato Gomes and Jorge Terceiro in straight sets to win the bronze medals.
Silver medalists Fabio Magalhaes/Marcio Araujo of Brazil, gold medalists Philip Dalhausser/Todd Rogers of the United States and bronze medalists Ricardo Santos/Emanuel Rego of Brazil pose on the podium during awarding ceremony of men's beach volleyball at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008.
Olympic souvenir stores see sales boom as team China collects gold
A man looks at commemorative coins of "fuwa", mascots of Beijing Olympic Games in a shop in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 12, 2008. The Olympic souvenirs sell briskly in Taiyuan as the event goes on.
As the Chinese Olympic team's gold rush slows, the Games souvenir stores are seeing a boom of their own.
Stores around Beijing reported total sales of close to 2.3 billion yuan during the first seven months this year, and have generated over 212 million yuan of taxes, according to the Beijing Youth Daily quoting data from the city's local taxation bureau.
"Sales have grown from the 40,000 yuan a day when our store first opened late in July, to 1 million yuan right before the Games, and to 2 million over the past few days," said a woman manager surnamed Pang at the souvenir store in the Olympic Village.
A mother and her child buy Olympic souvenirs in a shop in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 12, 2008. The Olympic souvenirs sell briskly in Taiyuan as the event goes on.
The Fuwa mascots are the biggest catch, with 4,000 sold to athletes, officials and journalists every day, accounting for more than 20 percent of the total sales, said Pang.
Tee-shirts, badges and stationery bearing Olympic symbols are also popular, said Pang, adding that each customer was spending at least 4,000 yuan these days in a single purchase.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Flagship Shop, the city's largest souvenir store at its main shopping area Wangfujing Street, has received 70,000 to 80,000 customers a day since the Olympics opened on Aug. 8, and is already planning to expand its hours by two hours each day to cope with the crowds.
Daily sales volume hit 5 million yuan, a 20 to 30-percent rise from before the Olympics, store staff told Xinhua.
The 1,000-square-meter store offers items ranging from commemorative coins, sunglasses, models of the venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, to commemorative vases priced at 49,800 yuan.
"You wear something, you get a little something. They'll say 'Where did you get that?' You say, 'Well, I went to China. Had a great time'," said Albert Clarke from the United States as he picking eight tee-shirts for himself.
Sales of Olympic souvenirs would end at all 6,300 souvenir stores around China by March next year, according to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad .
Source:Xinhua
As the Chinese Olympic team's gold rush slows, the Games souvenir stores are seeing a boom of their own.
Stores around Beijing reported total sales of close to 2.3 billion yuan during the first seven months this year, and have generated over 212 million yuan of taxes, according to the Beijing Youth Daily quoting data from the city's local taxation bureau.
"Sales have grown from the 40,000 yuan a day when our store first opened late in July, to 1 million yuan right before the Games, and to 2 million over the past few days," said a woman manager surnamed Pang at the souvenir store in the Olympic Village.
A mother and her child buy Olympic souvenirs in a shop in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 12, 2008. The Olympic souvenirs sell briskly in Taiyuan as the event goes on.
The Fuwa mascots are the biggest catch, with 4,000 sold to athletes, officials and journalists every day, accounting for more than 20 percent of the total sales, said Pang.
Tee-shirts, badges and stationery bearing Olympic symbols are also popular, said Pang, adding that each customer was spending at least 4,000 yuan these days in a single purchase.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Flagship Shop, the city's largest souvenir store at its main shopping area Wangfujing Street, has received 70,000 to 80,000 customers a day since the Olympics opened on Aug. 8, and is already planning to expand its hours by two hours each day to cope with the crowds.
Daily sales volume hit 5 million yuan, a 20 to 30-percent rise from before the Olympics, store staff told Xinhua.
The 1,000-square-meter store offers items ranging from commemorative coins, sunglasses, models of the venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, to commemorative vases priced at 49,800 yuan.
"You wear something, you get a little something. They'll say 'Where did you get that?' You say, 'Well, I went to China. Had a great time'," said Albert Clarke from the United States as he picking eight tee-shirts for himself.
Sales of Olympic souvenirs would end at all 6,300 souvenir stores around China by March next year, according to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad .
Source:Xinhua
China's Zhang, Wang to fight for women's singles gold in Olympic table tennis
China's table tennis veteran Wang Nan beat her higher-ranked teammate Guo Yue 4-2 in the Olympic women's singles competition in Beijing on Friday, setting up an all-Chinese final with defending gold medalist Zhang Yining.
Wang Nan of China reacts while competing with Guo Yue of China during the women's singles semifinal at Beijing Olympic Games table tennis event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Wang Nan won the match 4-2.
Wang, known as the "Big Sister" in the national team, fought off world champion Guo 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 11-3 and 11-6 in the semifinal, though the 30-year-old had never beaten Guo in the last two years except in the 2007 Japan Open.
Wang said earlier this year that an Olympic appearance at home and even a gold medal would be the perfect way to wrap up her career. She is the sport's most decorated player, with more than 20 world titles.
After winning her fourth Olympic gold five days ago in the team event, the Grand Slam veteran showed no signs of slowing down in her drive for another medal in the singles. Her fans cheered her on and her husband watched her play from the stands.
Wang told the reporters:"I was in control of the whole match and Guo was not calm enough when the match was tied at 2-2."
"I experienced ups and downs in my career, but I rose to every challenge and held out till today. I'm very satisfied about reaching the final," she said.
Guo said that "I was prepared for possible difficulties and played well in the first four games. But I lost for the lack of experience."
Zhang Yining of China celebrates after defeating Li Jia Wei of Singapore during the women's singles semifinal at Beijing Olympic Games table tennis event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Zhang Yining won the match 4-1.
Earlier in the day, world number one Zhang Yining also stormed into the final, beating former schoolmate Li Jia Wei of Singapore 9-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 and 11-5.
"I think Li fought really hard today. She has participated in three Olympic Games, so she is actually more experienced than me in international competitions," Zhang said.
"But I knew I would win once I got over the first game," she said. "The final won't be easy because teammates know each other very well."
Li believed she played very well, adding:"It's an achievement for me to finish in the top four while the other three are all Chinese players."
Both Zhang and Li were born in Beijing in 1981. They attended the same school in the Chinese capital between 1986-96.
Li went to Singapore in 1996 under the foreign recruitment scheme of the Singapore Table Tennis Association, and gained Singaporean citizenship in 1999.
Li will meet Guo in the bronze medal contest later on Friday.
Source:Xinhua
Wang Nan of China reacts while competing with Guo Yue of China during the women's singles semifinal at Beijing Olympic Games table tennis event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Wang Nan won the match 4-2.
Wang, known as the "Big Sister" in the national team, fought off world champion Guo 3-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 11-3 and 11-6 in the semifinal, though the 30-year-old had never beaten Guo in the last two years except in the 2007 Japan Open.
Wang said earlier this year that an Olympic appearance at home and even a gold medal would be the perfect way to wrap up her career. She is the sport's most decorated player, with more than 20 world titles.
After winning her fourth Olympic gold five days ago in the team event, the Grand Slam veteran showed no signs of slowing down in her drive for another medal in the singles. Her fans cheered her on and her husband watched her play from the stands.
Wang told the reporters:"I was in control of the whole match and Guo was not calm enough when the match was tied at 2-2."
"I experienced ups and downs in my career, but I rose to every challenge and held out till today. I'm very satisfied about reaching the final," she said.
Guo said that "I was prepared for possible difficulties and played well in the first four games. But I lost for the lack of experience."
Zhang Yining of China celebrates after defeating Li Jia Wei of Singapore during the women's singles semifinal at Beijing Olympic Games table tennis event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Zhang Yining won the match 4-1.
Earlier in the day, world number one Zhang Yining also stormed into the final, beating former schoolmate Li Jia Wei of Singapore 9-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 and 11-5.
"I think Li fought really hard today. She has participated in three Olympic Games, so she is actually more experienced than me in international competitions," Zhang said.
"But I knew I would win once I got over the first game," she said. "The final won't be easy because teammates know each other very well."
Li believed she played very well, adding:"It's an achievement for me to finish in the top four while the other three are all Chinese players."
Both Zhang and Li were born in Beijing in 1981. They attended the same school in the Chinese capital between 1986-96.
Li went to Singapore in 1996 under the foreign recruitment scheme of the Singapore Table Tennis Association, and gained Singaporean citizenship in 1999.
Li will meet Guo in the bronze medal contest later on Friday.
Source:Xinhua
Vajda of Hungary wins men's canoe single (C1) 1,000m gold
Attila Sandor Vajda of Hungary crosses the finish line in the Canoe single 1000m men final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Attlia Sandor Vajda clinched the gold medal in this event with a time of 3:50.467.
-- Attila Sandor Vajda of Hungary came from behind to win the gold medal in the Olympic canoe flatwater men's single 1,000 meters in the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Friday.
Vajda won comfortably in 3 minutes, 50.467 seconds, ahead of defending Olympic champion David Cal of Spain who took silver in 3:52.751. Thomas Hall of Canada, who won two pre-Games World Cups, took bronze in 3:53.653.
The 25-year-old Hungarian, bronze medalist in Athens and reigning world champion, were in sixth place by the 500 meters. But a late charge made him lead by the 750 meters and he hold on to the lead by the finish line.
Vadim Menkov of Uzbekistan led by the 500 meters, but finished in fourth place.
Andreas Dittmer of Germany, silver medalist in Athens, came in a disappointing eighth. The German won the C1 500m gold in Athens and also took the C2 1,000m title in Atlanta and the C1 1,000m title in Sydney.
Attila Sandor Vajda of Hungary competes in the Canoe single 1000m men final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Attlia Sandor Vajda clinched the gold medal in this event with a time of 3:50.467.
Source:Xinhua
-- Attila Sandor Vajda of Hungary came from behind to win the gold medal in the Olympic canoe flatwater men's single 1,000 meters in the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Friday.
Vajda won comfortably in 3 minutes, 50.467 seconds, ahead of defending Olympic champion David Cal of Spain who took silver in 3:52.751. Thomas Hall of Canada, who won two pre-Games World Cups, took bronze in 3:53.653.
The 25-year-old Hungarian, bronze medalist in Athens and reigning world champion, were in sixth place by the 500 meters. But a late charge made him lead by the 750 meters and he hold on to the lead by the finish line.
Vadim Menkov of Uzbekistan led by the 500 meters, but finished in fourth place.
Andreas Dittmer of Germany, silver medalist in Athens, came in a disappointing eighth. The German won the C1 500m gold in Athens and also took the C2 1,000m title in Atlanta and the C1 1,000m title in Sydney.
Attila Sandor Vajda of Hungary competes in the Canoe single 1000m men final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Attlia Sandor Vajda clinched the gold medal in this event with a time of 3:50.467.
Source:Xinhua
OMG, USA drop baton during women's 4x100m
Torri Edwards reacts as her teammate Lauryn Williams lost the baton during the women's 4x100m realay first round at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008.
Torri Edwards reacts as her teammate Lauryn Williams lost the baton during the women's 4x100m realay first round at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008.
Lauryn Williams of the United States competes again with the lost baton during the women's 4x100m realay first round at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008.
Source: Xinhua
Torri Edwards reacts as her teammate Lauryn Williams lost the baton during the women's 4x100m realay first round at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008.
Lauryn Williams of the United States competes again with the lost baton during the women's 4x100m realay first round at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008.
Source: Xinhua
U.S. sweeps men's 400m Olympic medals
LaShawn Merritt, gold winner
The United States started on Thursday evening to show its muscles seven days into the track and field competition at the Beijing Olympic Games, sweeping the medals in the men's 400m race.
World championship silver medalist LaShawn Merritt, with his personal best of 43.75-second Olympic run, toppled the reigning Olympic and world champion Jeremy Wariner, who had occupied the top place in the lap running for a few years.
Wariner, who particularly chose a pair of shiny silver track shoes in hope for his second Olympic title, used up his energy in final strides and finished in 44.74 seconds, the second place.
David Neville clocked 44.80 seconds and secured Team U.S.A. the bronze.
This has been the seventh time that American athletes won the men's 400m gold consecutively at the Olympics.
Source: Xinhua
The United States started on Thursday evening to show its muscles seven days into the track and field competition at the Beijing Olympic Games, sweeping the medals in the men's 400m race.
World championship silver medalist LaShawn Merritt, with his personal best of 43.75-second Olympic run, toppled the reigning Olympic and world champion Jeremy Wariner, who had occupied the top place in the lap running for a few years.
Wariner, who particularly chose a pair of shiny silver track shoes in hope for his second Olympic title, used up his energy in final strides and finished in 44.74 seconds, the second place.
David Neville clocked 44.80 seconds and secured Team U.S.A. the bronze.
This has been the seventh time that American athletes won the men's 400m gold consecutively at the Olympics.
Source: Xinhua
Defending champs China sent packing by Brazil in Olympic women's volleyball tournament
Zhou Suhong of China spikes the ball during women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Brazil at Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Brazil beat China 3-0.
A ruthless Brazilian team humiliated defending champions China with a 3-0 demolition in the semifinals of the Beijing Olympic women's volleyball tournament on Thursday.
The world number one team will meet the United States in the final on Saturday.
The Chinese were in form quickly, with spiker Li Juan and Zhou Suhong scoring early points to move the Chinese team 3-0 up in the opening set. Then Brazilian team answered with an excellent back-court attack from Sheilla Castro.
Trailing 5-1 behind, the South Americans found the range, and after a block from Paula Pequeno, Brazil cut the cushion to within one point, 5-4.
To a noisy home crowd, the Chinese team looked tight, making many unforced errors and Brazil took chances to level it at 12-all.
Then much younger setter Wei Qiuyue came in for an underperforming captain Feng Kun. It worked effectively as Chinese spiker Wang Yimei, Li and middle blocker Zhao Ruirui racked up some fine winners to build up the lead once again.
The second technical timeout came with China in front 16-14, but it was the Brazilian who shrugged off tension to play their game, which helped them beat off two set points and then have two straight points to claim the set at 27-25.
The two teams battled hard in the second set, but the South Americans started to take control. Trailing 6-3 behind, China coach Chen Zhonghe had the 19-year-old Wei replace Feng again but the Chinese were still playing below standard and especially had trouble in blocking and making too many mistakes.
Brazil brought up the second technical timeout ahead at 16-13 while China could never really pose a threat upon the opponents.
After Li and Zhao spiked long twice in a row, Brazil set up a comfortable 24-20 lead and converted on the third set point to take the set at 25-22 thanks to China's Zhou serving to the net.
Coming into the third set, the Chinese lost pace and were in serious trouble with their defence falling to pieces. Brazil took the set at 25-14.
Feng Kun and Zhao Ruirui of China block the ball during women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Brazil at Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Brazil beat China 3-0.
Source: Xinhua
A ruthless Brazilian team humiliated defending champions China with a 3-0 demolition in the semifinals of the Beijing Olympic women's volleyball tournament on Thursday.
The world number one team will meet the United States in the final on Saturday.
The Chinese were in form quickly, with spiker Li Juan and Zhou Suhong scoring early points to move the Chinese team 3-0 up in the opening set. Then Brazilian team answered with an excellent back-court attack from Sheilla Castro.
Trailing 5-1 behind, the South Americans found the range, and after a block from Paula Pequeno, Brazil cut the cushion to within one point, 5-4.
To a noisy home crowd, the Chinese team looked tight, making many unforced errors and Brazil took chances to level it at 12-all.
Then much younger setter Wei Qiuyue came in for an underperforming captain Feng Kun. It worked effectively as Chinese spiker Wang Yimei, Li and middle blocker Zhao Ruirui racked up some fine winners to build up the lead once again.
The second technical timeout came with China in front 16-14, but it was the Brazilian who shrugged off tension to play their game, which helped them beat off two set points and then have two straight points to claim the set at 27-25.
The two teams battled hard in the second set, but the South Americans started to take control. Trailing 6-3 behind, China coach Chen Zhonghe had the 19-year-old Wei replace Feng again but the Chinese were still playing below standard and especially had trouble in blocking and making too many mistakes.
Brazil brought up the second technical timeout ahead at 16-13 while China could never really pose a threat upon the opponents.
After Li and Zhao spiked long twice in a row, Brazil set up a comfortable 24-20 lead and converted on the third set point to take the set at 25-22 thanks to China's Zhou serving to the net.
Coming into the third set, the Chinese lost pace and were in serious trouble with their defence falling to pieces. Brazil took the set at 25-14.
Feng Kun and Zhao Ruirui of China block the ball during women's volleyball semifinal match between China and Brazil at Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Brazil beat China 3-0.
Source: Xinhua
Son Tae-jin wins ROK 2nd taekwondo gold
Son Taejin of South Korea competes in Men -68kg Gold Medal contest against Mark Lopez of the U.S. at USTB Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Son Taejin defeated Mark Lopez by final score 3-2 and won the gold medal of the event.
Son Tae-jin won the men's 68kg category in the Olympic taekwondo tournament on Thursday, 10 minutes after his compatriot Lim Su-jeong claimed the women's 57kg class title.
Son, 20, had a narrow win of 3-2 over Mark Lopez of the United States. The desicive point was scored in the last second of the third round.
"I felt so good during the match. I thought I could win," he said.
Son took the lead in the first round, scoring two points with roundhouse kicks. Lopez got one point with an axe kick on Son's shoulder in the second round, and started to change his tactics.
Lopez, who is taller than Son, tried to keep a proper distance to make effective attacks, while Son tried to get close to the opponent, which made him get a one point deduction.
In the last round, the two launched a series of attacks to each other and got one point each during the scuffle. Then Son kicked first.
The overjoyed burst into tears when hugging with his grey-haired coach, who also cried.
"I thought I would be very happy after the gold medal, but now I know for sure," he said.
The newly-crowned said he had a very hard time after losing in the first round at last year's world championships, and hesitated and thought about whether to continue the training.
"My coach encouraged me to keep going," he said.
Mark Lopez complained the referees politely after the game and said he got to be happy with the silver.
"It is a subjective sport and humans make errors so it's something I have to deal with and hold my head high," he said.
"With South Korea you have to go over and beyond to beat them," he said.
For Mark, competing together with his brothers and sister at the Olympics is the most important.
"Above everything I am here at the Olympic Games with my family," he said, proudly.
"It's not over yet, my brother is still going to compete for us and win the gold," said the 26-year-old.
The bronze was shared by Sung Yu-chi of Chinese Taipei and Turkish player Servet Tazegul.
It's the second bronze Chinese Taipei got in taekwondo which started on Wednesday.
"Today's achievements will be a perfect graduation ceremony to me and also to my father who is my coach," said Sung, who will retire from the sport after the Olympics.
On the first day of the events, Chu Mu-yen got the bronze in the men's 58kg class.
Source: Xinhua
Son Tae-jin won the men's 68kg category in the Olympic taekwondo tournament on Thursday, 10 minutes after his compatriot Lim Su-jeong claimed the women's 57kg class title.
Son, 20, had a narrow win of 3-2 over Mark Lopez of the United States. The desicive point was scored in the last second of the third round.
"I felt so good during the match. I thought I could win," he said.
Son took the lead in the first round, scoring two points with roundhouse kicks. Lopez got one point with an axe kick on Son's shoulder in the second round, and started to change his tactics.
Lopez, who is taller than Son, tried to keep a proper distance to make effective attacks, while Son tried to get close to the opponent, which made him get a one point deduction.
In the last round, the two launched a series of attacks to each other and got one point each during the scuffle. Then Son kicked first.
The overjoyed burst into tears when hugging with his grey-haired coach, who also cried.
"I thought I would be very happy after the gold medal, but now I know for sure," he said.
The newly-crowned said he had a very hard time after losing in the first round at last year's world championships, and hesitated and thought about whether to continue the training.
"My coach encouraged me to keep going," he said.
Mark Lopez complained the referees politely after the game and said he got to be happy with the silver.
"It is a subjective sport and humans make errors so it's something I have to deal with and hold my head high," he said.
"With South Korea you have to go over and beyond to beat them," he said.
For Mark, competing together with his brothers and sister at the Olympics is the most important.
"Above everything I am here at the Olympic Games with my family," he said, proudly.
"It's not over yet, my brother is still going to compete for us and win the gold," said the 26-year-old.
The bronze was shared by Sung Yu-chi of Chinese Taipei and Turkish player Servet Tazegul.
It's the second bronze Chinese Taipei got in taekwondo which started on Wednesday.
"Today's achievements will be a perfect graduation ceremony to me and also to my father who is my coach," said Sung, who will retire from the sport after the Olympics.
On the first day of the events, Chu Mu-yen got the bronze in the men's 58kg class.
Source: Xinhua
U.S. downs Brazil 1-0 in extra time to retain Olympic women's soccer title
Marta of Brazil vies for the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event.
The U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo grabs the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event.
Marta of Brazil vies for the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event.
The defending champion United States edged Brazil 1-0 in the Olympic women's soccer final in Beijing Thursday night, a stunning repeat of the Athens Games final in which the Americans rallied to beat the Brazilians 2-1.
Pressed by the Brazilians during the most of the match, the United States harvested the unique goal on 97 minutes, seven minutes into the extra time. Midfielder Carli Lloyd charged into the penalty area and fired a powerful shot to break the deadlock.
The Brazilians, who crushed the United States 4-0 in the World Cup semifinal last year in China, created countless scoring chances but failed to cash in a single one.
American goalkeeper Hope Solo was the most eye-catching figure in the duel as her several crucial saves saved the whole team.
As the reigning FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, Brazilian star striker Marta tore the U.S. defense line many times but her acute shots were all miraculously denied by Solo.
Rattled Brazilians girls had to rally after the U.S. lead, however, their three most creative players - Cristiane, Marta and Daniela -- squandered several chances. The closest one came in the last minute of the game when Marta managed to deliver a beautiful right pass across the goal but Cristiane failed to catch.
"We always play well during the tournament, but in the finals, we can't score. I am also asking myself what is happening to us in the finals," Marta said after the match.
"We lost focus when we conceded the goal. We needed to have patience and know how to play when we are losing. Everybody knows that we wanted to win the Gold and again we came out of the match without it," the 22-year-old star player added.
Marta had been in the Athens final along with nine other members of the current team. The unquestionable world ace striker, Marta failed to capture any major international titles.
"We have faith that we'll win,in terms of the way we play the game, but football is very complicated...and we dominated it but we didn't make it," Brazilian coach Jorge Barcellos said.
The Americans have played in the Olympic gold medal match every time since the women's football debuted at the 1996 Atlanta Games, only losing the title in Sydney 2000 to Norway.
"We saw the team's getting better at every minute. We looked at each other's eyes and everybody had each other's back. Don't worry about making mistakes, just go out there and play in confidence and be brave,you feel it, every minute we were getting stronger especially in the overtime," Christie Rampone, capitain of the U.S. team said at a after-game press conference.
Source:Xinhua
The U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo grabs the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event.
Marta of Brazil vies for the ball during Women's Gold - Match 26 between the U.S. and Brazil of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games football event at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. The U.S. beat Brazil 1-0 and won the gold medal of the event.
The defending champion United States edged Brazil 1-0 in the Olympic women's soccer final in Beijing Thursday night, a stunning repeat of the Athens Games final in which the Americans rallied to beat the Brazilians 2-1.
Pressed by the Brazilians during the most of the match, the United States harvested the unique goal on 97 minutes, seven minutes into the extra time. Midfielder Carli Lloyd charged into the penalty area and fired a powerful shot to break the deadlock.
The Brazilians, who crushed the United States 4-0 in the World Cup semifinal last year in China, created countless scoring chances but failed to cash in a single one.
American goalkeeper Hope Solo was the most eye-catching figure in the duel as her several crucial saves saved the whole team.
As the reigning FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, Brazilian star striker Marta tore the U.S. defense line many times but her acute shots were all miraculously denied by Solo.
Rattled Brazilians girls had to rally after the U.S. lead, however, their three most creative players - Cristiane, Marta and Daniela -- squandered several chances. The closest one came in the last minute of the game when Marta managed to deliver a beautiful right pass across the goal but Cristiane failed to catch.
"We always play well during the tournament, but in the finals, we can't score. I am also asking myself what is happening to us in the finals," Marta said after the match.
"We lost focus when we conceded the goal. We needed to have patience and know how to play when we are losing. Everybody knows that we wanted to win the Gold and again we came out of the match without it," the 22-year-old star player added.
Marta had been in the Athens final along with nine other members of the current team. The unquestionable world ace striker, Marta failed to capture any major international titles.
"We have faith that we'll win,in terms of the way we play the game, but football is very complicated...and we dominated it but we didn't make it," Brazilian coach Jorge Barcellos said.
The Americans have played in the Olympic gold medal match every time since the women's football debuted at the 1996 Atlanta Games, only losing the title in Sydney 2000 to Norway.
"We saw the team's getting better at every minute. We looked at each other's eyes and everybody had each other's back. Don't worry about making mistakes, just go out there and play in confidence and be brave,you feel it, every minute we were getting stronger especially in the overtime," Christie Rampone, capitain of the U.S. team said at a after-game press conference.
Source:Xinhua
Interview: Egyptian sinologist says Beijing Olympics ushers China in new era
The success of the ongoing Beijing Olympic Games, which is of great significance for both China and the world at large, will lead the ancient Asian country into a new era, an Egyptian sinologist said in a recent telephone interview with Xinhua.
Abdel Aziz, head of the Chinese Language Department of Egypt's famed Azhar University, stressed that the Beijing Olympics coincided with the 30th anniversary of China's adoption of its reform and opening-up policy.
The Egyptian scholar said the Games in Beijing provides a good platform for China to showcase its wonderful achievements since the reform and opening-up in 1978, particularly in recent years.
"The grand opening ceremony was a colorful shopwindow to show the great Chinese civilization and history and the latest achievements China has made in various fields," said Aziz.
"I think it will be very difficult to outdo the Games due to its greatness and legacy," said the scholar, who was one of the few Egyptians that learned the Chinese language in 1970s and has an in-depth study and understanding of the Chinese culture, history and developments.
In 1978, when Aziz was still a junior university student, he went to Beijing for the first time to learn Chinese. In the 1980s, he returned to China for further studies and got his master and doctoral degrees in Chinese Language and Culture.
Aziz said China, the third country in East Asia to host the Olympic Games following Japan in 1964 and South Korea in 1988, will obtain widespread applause from the international community for its great efforts and rising influence.
The Egyptian scholar said China formally started its preparation for the Olympics in 2001 when Beijing was announced to be the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games.
"It has been proved that the unremitting efforts of China for the Olympics has won the recognition of the world," said Aziz, adding China has demonstrated its characteristics in the Games.
As for the legacy of the Olympics, Aziz said the success of the Games will help promote the "soft power" of China as the Olympic spirit demonstrated in the country reflects the comprehensive development of the Chinese society in the fields of economy, culture and sports.
The extensive media coverage of the international sports event will also help the world people understand China, said Aziz.
According to earlier reports, about 30,000 domestic and foreign reporters are involved in reporting the Games, an unprecedented number in the Olympic history.
China has demonstrated its capability by hosting the Games, which is a landmark of China's new age of development.
Source:Xinhua
Abdel Aziz, head of the Chinese Language Department of Egypt's famed Azhar University, stressed that the Beijing Olympics coincided with the 30th anniversary of China's adoption of its reform and opening-up policy.
The Egyptian scholar said the Games in Beijing provides a good platform for China to showcase its wonderful achievements since the reform and opening-up in 1978, particularly in recent years.
"The grand opening ceremony was a colorful shopwindow to show the great Chinese civilization and history and the latest achievements China has made in various fields," said Aziz.
"I think it will be very difficult to outdo the Games due to its greatness and legacy," said the scholar, who was one of the few Egyptians that learned the Chinese language in 1970s and has an in-depth study and understanding of the Chinese culture, history and developments.
In 1978, when Aziz was still a junior university student, he went to Beijing for the first time to learn Chinese. In the 1980s, he returned to China for further studies and got his master and doctoral degrees in Chinese Language and Culture.
Aziz said China, the third country in East Asia to host the Olympic Games following Japan in 1964 and South Korea in 1988, will obtain widespread applause from the international community for its great efforts and rising influence.
The Egyptian scholar said China formally started its preparation for the Olympics in 2001 when Beijing was announced to be the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games.
"It has been proved that the unremitting efforts of China for the Olympics has won the recognition of the world," said Aziz, adding China has demonstrated its characteristics in the Games.
As for the legacy of the Olympics, Aziz said the success of the Games will help promote the "soft power" of China as the Olympic spirit demonstrated in the country reflects the comprehensive development of the Chinese society in the fields of economy, culture and sports.
The extensive media coverage of the international sports event will also help the world people understand China, said Aziz.
According to earlier reports, about 30,000 domestic and foreign reporters are involved in reporting the Games, an unprecedented number in the Olympic history.
China has demonstrated its capability by hosting the Games, which is a landmark of China's new age of development.
Source:Xinhua
Interview: Indonesia hails success of Beijing Olympics
Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that Indonesia hails China's success in hosting the ongoing Olympic Games, saying the Beijing Olympiad is better than previous ones.
"On behalf of the government, I has been asked by President to attend the closing ceremony, expressing appreciation of the Indonesian government on the great success," Kalla said in an interview with Xinhua before his visit to Beijing for the Games' closing ceremony on Aug. 24.
Kalla, who is also chairman of Indonesia's biggest party of Golkar,
said that many people here were amazed by the Games, especially the sports facilities. He also praised China for overcoming all difficulties to ensure the success of the Games.
The vice president said that as a friend of China, Indonesia has full respect for and share the joy of the success.
He noted that many world records were broken and no one complained about the facilities.
"Indonesian athletes said that they were very satisfied with the Games," he said.
Indonesia has sent 24 athletes to the Beijing Olympics, who have won one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Its gold medal came from men's badminton double event.
The vice president urged the Indonesian athletes to give top performance.
Kala said the bilateral relations between the two countries, which have strong cultural and social relations, are important and mutually beneficial.
"The Indonesia-China ties in economy and politics are always good," he said.
Kalla is to leave for Beijing Friday evening.
Source:Xinhua
"On behalf of the government, I has been asked by President to attend the closing ceremony, expressing appreciation of the Indonesian government on the great success," Kalla said in an interview with Xinhua before his visit to Beijing for the Games' closing ceremony on Aug. 24.
Kalla, who is also chairman of Indonesia's biggest party of Golkar,
said that many people here were amazed by the Games, especially the sports facilities. He also praised China for overcoming all difficulties to ensure the success of the Games.
The vice president said that as a friend of China, Indonesia has full respect for and share the joy of the success.
He noted that many world records were broken and no one complained about the facilities.
"Indonesian athletes said that they were very satisfied with the Games," he said.
Indonesia has sent 24 athletes to the Beijing Olympics, who have won one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Its gold medal came from men's badminton double event.
The vice president urged the Indonesian athletes to give top performance.
Kala said the bilateral relations between the two countries, which have strong cultural and social relations, are important and mutually beneficial.
"The Indonesia-China ties in economy and politics are always good," he said.
Kalla is to leave for Beijing Friday evening.
Source:Xinhua
Touch your heart, touch your soul
Forget Michael "Fish" Phelps. Forget Usain "Lightning" Bolt. Forget all the robotic title-winning feats. The Olympic moments that touch your heart and purify your soul belong to those who are fighting destiny, triumphing over adversity, or proving to the world that love can be as deep as ocean.
It doesn't matter how Matthias Steiner won the super-heavyweight lifting gold medal. The 6-foot, 321-pound hulk will be remembered, FOREVER, for standing on the podium with tears in his eyes and clutching in one hand a snapshot of his wife, Susann.
Gold medalist Matthias Steiner of Germany holds a photo of his wife as he poses with his gold medal during victory ceremony of men's weightlifting +105kg group A competition at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 19, 2008.
Susann was killed in a car accident a year ago.
"She is always with me, in the hours before the competition, she's there," said Steiner, who had promised to Susann a gold medal at her bedside in hospital.
"I'm not the superstitious type, don't believe in higher powers, but I hope she saw me. I wish," said the 25-year-old German lifter, who was born in Austria but moved to Germany because Susann lived there.
As Susann is looking down from heaven, a sick boy is waiting for her mom to bring home a better life.
Hong Un Jong of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Oksana Chusovitina of Germany and China's Cheng Fei celebrate at the awarding ceremony of women's vault apparatus final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Hong Un Jongclaimed the title of the event with a score of 15.650.
Oksana Chusovitina, a former Uzbek gymnast, prolonged her career and moved to Germany to raise funds for her son Alisher, who was diagnosed with leukemia six years ago. The 33-year-old mom picked a silver behind DPR Korean vault champion Hong Un-jong on Monday, becoming the oldest woman in more than half a century to win an Olympic gymnastics medal.
"This medal is for my son, I could not have done this without him," said Chusovitina.
Chusovitina believes the battle against the deadly disease can be won. This belief must have got firmer when she knew Maarten van der Weijden not only beat leukemia, but also won a glittering
Olympic gold.
Maarten van der Weijden of the Netherlands receives a hug after men's marathon 10km of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimming event in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Maarten van der Weijden grabbed the gold medal of the event.
Van der Weijden's win at the grueling swimming marathon on Thursday is one of the greatest triumphs over adversity. The Dutchman compared his 10 kilometers swim victory to his personal fight against the cancer seven years ago.
"When you are in hospital and feeling so much pain and feeling so tired, you don't want to think about the next day or week - you just think about the next hour," he said.
"It teaches you to be patient when you are lying in a hospital bed and that was almost the same strategy I chose here to wait for my chance in the pack."
His conquest of extreme adversity is as inspiring as that of South Africa's Natlie du Toit, an amputee swimmer who completed the women's open water race one day early.
Natalie Du Toit of South Africa talks to her coach after women's marathon 10km competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimming event in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. Natalie Du Toit ranked the 16th of the event. Du Toit, whose left leg was amputated in 2001 after she was injured in a road accident, is an athlete for both Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Olympics.
Du Toit lost her left leg in a motor accident and uses a prosthetic leg to walk. Having competed here against able-bodied athletes, du Toit will now focus on the Beijing Paralympics.
A touching moment was also seen after a dramatic men's rifle final, when Czech Olympic champion shooter Katerina Emmons held her teary husband Matt Emmons in her arms, whispering words of consolation to the man who just blew an Olympic gold.
Leading by 3.3 points and needing only a mediocre shot of 6.7 to dispel the 2004 ghosts, Emmons fired a 4.4 on his final attempt to drop to fourth.
Four years ago, the American fired at the wrong target on his final shot with a gold there for the taking. He ended up meeting his beautiful future wife over a drink afterwards.
When the nightmare repeated itself in Beijing, Katerina gasped in horror. She quickly came down from the commentators' stands to console her heartbroken husband.
Matthew Emmons of the United States is comforted by his wife after the men's 50m rifle 3 positions final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Shooting event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Matthew Emmons won the 4th with a total of 1270.3.
"Things happen for a reason," said Emmons after he regained composure. "The last time the reason was Katie. This time, I don't know what the reason is yet. But I'm sure something good's gonna come from it."
When reporters questioned Emmons' mental strength, Katerina jumped to her husband's defence. "He's definitely the best standing shooter out there. If he can still end up fourth with a 4.4 on the last shot, that's a hell of a shooter," she blurted.
Emmons, the unluckiest shooter in the Olympics, is one of the luckiest men for sure.
Source:Xinhua
It doesn't matter how Matthias Steiner won the super-heavyweight lifting gold medal. The 6-foot, 321-pound hulk will be remembered, FOREVER, for standing on the podium with tears in his eyes and clutching in one hand a snapshot of his wife, Susann.
Gold medalist Matthias Steiner of Germany holds a photo of his wife as he poses with his gold medal during victory ceremony of men's weightlifting +105kg group A competition at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 19, 2008.
Susann was killed in a car accident a year ago.
"She is always with me, in the hours before the competition, she's there," said Steiner, who had promised to Susann a gold medal at her bedside in hospital.
"I'm not the superstitious type, don't believe in higher powers, but I hope she saw me. I wish," said the 25-year-old German lifter, who was born in Austria but moved to Germany because Susann lived there.
As Susann is looking down from heaven, a sick boy is waiting for her mom to bring home a better life.
Hong Un Jong of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Oksana Chusovitina of Germany and China's Cheng Fei celebrate at the awarding ceremony of women's vault apparatus final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Hong Un Jongclaimed the title of the event with a score of 15.650.
Oksana Chusovitina, a former Uzbek gymnast, prolonged her career and moved to Germany to raise funds for her son Alisher, who was diagnosed with leukemia six years ago. The 33-year-old mom picked a silver behind DPR Korean vault champion Hong Un-jong on Monday, becoming the oldest woman in more than half a century to win an Olympic gymnastics medal.
"This medal is for my son, I could not have done this without him," said Chusovitina.
Chusovitina believes the battle against the deadly disease can be won. This belief must have got firmer when she knew Maarten van der Weijden not only beat leukemia, but also won a glittering
Olympic gold.
Maarten van der Weijden of the Netherlands receives a hug after men's marathon 10km of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimming event in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Maarten van der Weijden grabbed the gold medal of the event.
Van der Weijden's win at the grueling swimming marathon on Thursday is one of the greatest triumphs over adversity. The Dutchman compared his 10 kilometers swim victory to his personal fight against the cancer seven years ago.
"When you are in hospital and feeling so much pain and feeling so tired, you don't want to think about the next day or week - you just think about the next hour," he said.
"It teaches you to be patient when you are lying in a hospital bed and that was almost the same strategy I chose here to wait for my chance in the pack."
His conquest of extreme adversity is as inspiring as that of South Africa's Natlie du Toit, an amputee swimmer who completed the women's open water race one day early.
Natalie Du Toit of South Africa talks to her coach after women's marathon 10km competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games swimming event in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. Natalie Du Toit ranked the 16th of the event. Du Toit, whose left leg was amputated in 2001 after she was injured in a road accident, is an athlete for both Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Olympics.
Du Toit lost her left leg in a motor accident and uses a prosthetic leg to walk. Having competed here against able-bodied athletes, du Toit will now focus on the Beijing Paralympics.
A touching moment was also seen after a dramatic men's rifle final, when Czech Olympic champion shooter Katerina Emmons held her teary husband Matt Emmons in her arms, whispering words of consolation to the man who just blew an Olympic gold.
Leading by 3.3 points and needing only a mediocre shot of 6.7 to dispel the 2004 ghosts, Emmons fired a 4.4 on his final attempt to drop to fourth.
Four years ago, the American fired at the wrong target on his final shot with a gold there for the taking. He ended up meeting his beautiful future wife over a drink afterwards.
When the nightmare repeated itself in Beijing, Katerina gasped in horror. She quickly came down from the commentators' stands to console her heartbroken husband.
Matthew Emmons of the United States is comforted by his wife after the men's 50m rifle 3 positions final of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Shooting event in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Matthew Emmons won the 4th with a total of 1270.3.
"Things happen for a reason," said Emmons after he regained composure. "The last time the reason was Katie. This time, I don't know what the reason is yet. But I'm sure something good's gonna come from it."
When reporters questioned Emmons' mental strength, Katerina jumped to her husband's defence. "He's definitely the best standing shooter out there. If he can still end up fourth with a 4.4 on the last shot, that's a hell of a shooter," she blurted.
Emmons, the unluckiest shooter in the Olympics, is one of the luckiest men for sure.
Source:Xinhua
Hk side ends Olympic run in table tennis
The Hong Kong table tennis team has its Olympic run halted after Ko Lai Chak was outgunned by top-seeded Chinese Wang Hao in the men's quarterfinal on Friday.
Wang was hardly made to sweat in his five-set clash with Ko, wining 11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9.
"I won mainly because I prepared well for any difficulties. I was too conservative in the first two games. Then I started to become more decisive in my shots," said Wang, who has been world number one for 10 straight months.
"I have done a good job in receiving, but Wang's overall skills are much better than mine," said Ko.
Ko cruised into the men's singles top eight after disposing of German sensation Dimitrij Ovtcharov 4-1 to secure a berth in the top eight.
The 32nd-ranked veteran had edged out defending champion Ryu Seung Min 4-2 Thursday to make the biggest surprise of the tournament.
"We are too keen to win and that's why we did not bring out our best in this Olympics," Ko added.
Fourth-seeded Hong Kong finished fourth in the men's team event after being edged by Japan in the group stage and South Korea in a bronze play-off.
"We would have had chance to compete for the bronze medal if our paddlers had played as well as they did in the singles," said Hong Kong coach Chan Kong Wah, who still smarted over the team's failure to reach top three.
Chan gave credit to Ko for his performance in downing Ryu and Ovtcharov. Another Hong Kong player Li Ching was brushed aside by Tan Ruiwu of Croatia in the 1/8 round.
Source: Xinhua
Wang was hardly made to sweat in his five-set clash with Ko, wining 11-7, 8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9.
"I won mainly because I prepared well for any difficulties. I was too conservative in the first two games. Then I started to become more decisive in my shots," said Wang, who has been world number one for 10 straight months.
"I have done a good job in receiving, but Wang's overall skills are much better than mine," said Ko.
Ko cruised into the men's singles top eight after disposing of German sensation Dimitrij Ovtcharov 4-1 to secure a berth in the top eight.
The 32nd-ranked veteran had edged out defending champion Ryu Seung Min 4-2 Thursday to make the biggest surprise of the tournament.
"We are too keen to win and that's why we did not bring out our best in this Olympics," Ko added.
Fourth-seeded Hong Kong finished fourth in the men's team event after being edged by Japan in the group stage and South Korea in a bronze play-off.
"We would have had chance to compete for the bronze medal if our paddlers had played as well as they did in the singles," said Hong Kong coach Chan Kong Wah, who still smarted over the team's failure to reach top three.
Chan gave credit to Ko for his performance in downing Ryu and Ovtcharov. Another Hong Kong player Li Ching was brushed aside by Tan Ruiwu of Croatia in the 1/8 round.
Source: Xinhua
Winning relay medal will be tough for Nigerians: athletics official
As the relay events began at the Beijing Olympic Games, the former president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has predicted that it will be tough for Team Nigeria to win a medal, local media reported on Friday.
Nigeria used to be very strong in the sprint events, but recently has seen its ratings by the International Association of Athletics Federation drop consistently.
Former AFN President Adeyemi-Wilson said that unless the team gets its acts together, it cannot win any relay medal at the ongoing Olympics.
"Our only hope is in the relays and if we do not get our acts together, it is going to be very tough," he said. "I watched the Ethiopian girl winning the 10,000 meters race and my conclusion was that we should start focusing on what we know best."
"I have always opposed spending millions of naira on sponsorship of marathons. We should immediately set up training camps for sprints, jumps and throws in preparation for the 2012 Olympics," he said.
"We can also use part of the money from the National Lottery to train our athletes. The Niger Delta Development Commission should also wake up and sponsor sports in the nine oil-producing states. It will go a long way in reducing militancy by the youths," he added.
Adeyemi-Wilson also urged the armed forces and the paramilitary to develop sportsmen and women for the country, stating that the command schools can produce highly disciplined sportsmen and women for the nation.
He said:"Please, appeal to the governments -- federal, state and local -- to start programs, beginning from now, so that we do not continue performing poorly at international arena."
"I read that the Kenyan male athletes have so far won 16 gold medals at the previous Olympics, while their female athletes have not won any. But camps have now been set up for young female athletes so that they too can be golden! It is a challenge to us," he said.
Source:Xinhua
Nigeria used to be very strong in the sprint events, but recently has seen its ratings by the International Association of Athletics Federation drop consistently.
Former AFN President Adeyemi-Wilson said that unless the team gets its acts together, it cannot win any relay medal at the ongoing Olympics.
"Our only hope is in the relays and if we do not get our acts together, it is going to be very tough," he said. "I watched the Ethiopian girl winning the 10,000 meters race and my conclusion was that we should start focusing on what we know best."
"I have always opposed spending millions of naira on sponsorship of marathons. We should immediately set up training camps for sprints, jumps and throws in preparation for the 2012 Olympics," he said.
"We can also use part of the money from the National Lottery to train our athletes. The Niger Delta Development Commission should also wake up and sponsor sports in the nine oil-producing states. It will go a long way in reducing militancy by the youths," he added.
Adeyemi-Wilson also urged the armed forces and the paramilitary to develop sportsmen and women for the country, stating that the command schools can produce highly disciplined sportsmen and women for the nation.
He said:"Please, appeal to the governments -- federal, state and local -- to start programs, beginning from now, so that we do not continue performing poorly at international arena."
"I read that the Kenyan male athletes have so far won 16 gold medals at the previous Olympics, while their female athletes have not won any. But camps have now been set up for young female athletes so that they too can be golden! It is a challenge to us," he said.
Source:Xinhua
200 vehicles bring Olympic volunteers back home every night
According to reports, during the Olympic Games, a team of cars consisting of private vehicles operating in the evening at the surrounding venues have volunteered to drive Olympic volunteers back home.
Around 10:30 p.m. on August 19, six private vehicles driving to the east gate of the Olympic Sports Center were prepared to return Olympic medical team volunteers back to their homes.
The "voluntary transfer of Games volunteers" was launched by the Beijing Auto Fans Association; and jointly held by many auto fans organizations. They said that some of the volunteers work late, and most of the volunteers are university students. Taking a taxi is too expensive for them. Auto fans volunteered to drive their own vehicles and take the volunteers home from work so as to lighten their burden. Since the end of July, more than 200 auto fans have been taking Olympic venue volunteers home every night.
Currently, private vehicles have already taken more than 300 volunteers back home. This activity is tentatively set continue until August 26; but should the venues require it, the service may continue until the end of the Paralympics.
By People's Daily Online
Around 10:30 p.m. on August 19, six private vehicles driving to the east gate of the Olympic Sports Center were prepared to return Olympic medical team volunteers back to their homes.
The "voluntary transfer of Games volunteers" was launched by the Beijing Auto Fans Association; and jointly held by many auto fans organizations. They said that some of the volunteers work late, and most of the volunteers are university students. Taking a taxi is too expensive for them. Auto fans volunteered to drive their own vehicles and take the volunteers home from work so as to lighten their burden. Since the end of July, more than 200 auto fans have been taking Olympic venue volunteers home every night.
Currently, private vehicles have already taken more than 300 volunteers back home. This activity is tentatively set continue until August 26; but should the venues require it, the service may continue until the end of the Paralympics.
By People's Daily Online
Olympic success provides springboard for softball's development
The International Softball Federation has launched a new event to further promote the global development of softball following the climax of the Olympic competitions here on Friday.
The namely 2009 Youth World Cup will be a girls' 16-and-under fast pitch competition and will be held in the second week of August next year, with a number of major European capital cities currently been listed as the candidate hosts.
"This is another fantastic development for our sport and underlines its growing popularity. Softball is incredibly popular among young people," said ISF president Don Porter.
"We are increasing the number of softball federations all the time but we're not going to be resting on our laurels and hopefully this event will help us further widen the sport's appeal," he added.
Softball, which made a debut show at Atlanta Olympics in 1996, was voted out of the 2012 London Games.
ISF then launched the "Backsoftball Compaign", aiming to get the sport reinstated in next year's vote onto the Olympic program for 2016.
Porter, who has been promoting the compaign during his visit in Beijing, hails the Beijing Olympic softball tournament as "hugely successful" and also has been able to have a discussion with International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge about its success.
"The sellout crowds has exceeded 180,000 in todal. The competitiveness also has improved a lot. Besides, more than 100 countries' medias has covered the event. These are all good signals to prove our sport is a global one. We have showed these success to the IOC president and some other members," said Porter.
On Thursday night, Japan stunned favorites the United States 3-1 in the grand final, ending the Americans' run of three successive Olympic gold medals. Though Porter was American, he regarded Japan's victory as a proof to the sport's global strength.
"Few would have predicted that Japan would be picking up the gold medal but it came true here. I'd like to commiserate with the losers but I'm sure this will provide further encouragement to other nations who are enjoying and playing our increasingly competitive sport," said Porter.
Source:Xinhua
The namely 2009 Youth World Cup will be a girls' 16-and-under fast pitch competition and will be held in the second week of August next year, with a number of major European capital cities currently been listed as the candidate hosts.
"This is another fantastic development for our sport and underlines its growing popularity. Softball is incredibly popular among young people," said ISF president Don Porter.
"We are increasing the number of softball federations all the time but we're not going to be resting on our laurels and hopefully this event will help us further widen the sport's appeal," he added.
Softball, which made a debut show at Atlanta Olympics in 1996, was voted out of the 2012 London Games.
ISF then launched the "Backsoftball Compaign", aiming to get the sport reinstated in next year's vote onto the Olympic program for 2016.
Porter, who has been promoting the compaign during his visit in Beijing, hails the Beijing Olympic softball tournament as "hugely successful" and also has been able to have a discussion with International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge about its success.
"The sellout crowds has exceeded 180,000 in todal. The competitiveness also has improved a lot. Besides, more than 100 countries' medias has covered the event. These are all good signals to prove our sport is a global one. We have showed these success to the IOC president and some other members," said Porter.
On Thursday night, Japan stunned favorites the United States 3-1 in the grand final, ending the Americans' run of three successive Olympic gold medals. Though Porter was American, he regarded Japan's victory as a proof to the sport's global strength.
"Few would have predicted that Japan would be picking up the gold medal but it came true here. I'd like to commiserate with the losers but I'm sure this will provide further encouragement to other nations who are enjoying and playing our increasingly competitive sport," said Porter.
Source:Xinhua
Jamaica's Campbell-Brown wins women's 200m gold
Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica jubilates after winning the women's 200m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008.
Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica competes during the women's 200m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Veronica Campbell-Brown won the gold.
Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown won the gold medal of the women's 200 meters at the Beijing Olympic Games on Thursday.
Campbell-Brown clocked 21.74 seconds for the win. American Allyson Felix took the silver in 21.93 seconds and another Jamaican Kerron Stewart won the bronze in 22.00.
Source: Xinhua
Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica competes during the women's 200m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 21, 2008. Veronica Campbell-Brown won the gold.
Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown won the gold medal of the women's 200 meters at the Beijing Olympic Games on Thursday.
Campbell-Brown clocked 21.74 seconds for the win. American Allyson Felix took the silver in 21.93 seconds and another Jamaican Kerron Stewart won the bronze in 22.00.
Source: Xinhua
Results of men's 50km walk at Beijing Olympics
Following are the top eight finishers of the men's 50km walk race which was concluded at the Beijing Olympics on Friday:
1. Alex Schwazer, Italy, three hours 37 minute 09 seconds
2. Jared Tallent, Australia, 3:39:27
3. Denis Nizhegorodov, Russia, 3:40:14
4. Jesus Angel Garcia, Spain, 3:44:08
5. Erik Tysse, Norway, 3:45:08
6. Horacio Nava, Mexico, 3:45:21
7. Yuki Yamazaki, Japan, 3:45:47
8. Rafal Fedaczynski, Poland, 3:46:51
Source:Xinhua
1. Alex Schwazer, Italy, three hours 37 minute 09 seconds
2. Jared Tallent, Australia, 3:39:27
3. Denis Nizhegorodov, Russia, 3:40:14
4. Jesus Angel Garcia, Spain, 3:44:08
5. Erik Tysse, Norway, 3:45:08
6. Horacio Nava, Mexico, 3:45:21
7. Yuki Yamazaki, Japan, 3:45:47
8. Rafal Fedaczynski, Poland, 3:46:51
Source:Xinhua
Factbox: Anne Caroline Chausson, France, medallist of women's cycling BMX at Beijing Games
Anne Caroline Chausson, France, medallist of women's cycling BMX at Beijing Games
Date of Birth: October 08, 1977
Gender: Female
Height: 1.72 meters
Weight: 64 kg
Place of Birth: Dijon, France
Sport: Cycling BMX
Event: Women cycling BMX
Career:
2007, seventh place of the BMX world championship in Victoria, Canada
2008, silver medallist of the BMX world championship in Taiyuan, China.
Source:Xinhua
Date of Birth: October 08, 1977
Gender: Female
Height: 1.72 meters
Weight: 64 kg
Place of Birth: Dijon, France
Sport: Cycling BMX
Event: Women cycling BMX
Career:
2007, seventh place of the BMX world championship in Victoria, Canada
2008, silver medallist of the BMX world championship in Taiyuan, China.
Source:Xinhua
Strombergs: The gold is only one step
"It didn't matter if it was the Olympics, the world championships or the European championships, the feeling is the same," said Maris Strombergs from Latvia on Friday.
Strombergs, reigning world champion, clinched the first-ever Olympic men's bicycle moto cross gold here Friday.
He took the lead of the eight-strong final from the very beginning and finished the run at 36.190, leaving the Games' favorites Mike Day and Donny Robinson of the United States far behind at 36.606 and 36.972 respectively.
"This Olympic gold is only one step in my career. I have a lot more to accomplish," he said.
When talking about the Beijing Olympic Games, he said: "I feel almost like home. It's great."
Source:Xinhua
Strombergs, reigning world champion, clinched the first-ever Olympic men's bicycle moto cross gold here Friday.
He took the lead of the eight-strong final from the very beginning and finished the run at 36.190, leaving the Games' favorites Mike Day and Donny Robinson of the United States far behind at 36.606 and 36.972 respectively.
"This Olympic gold is only one step in my career. I have a lot more to accomplish," he said.
When talking about the Beijing Olympic Games, he said: "I feel almost like home. It's great."
Source:Xinhua
China's Zhang storms into Olympic table tennis final
China's defending gold medalist Zhang Yining stormed into the final of the Olympic women's singles table tennis competition on Friday, beating Singapore's Li Jia Wei.
Zhang won 9-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 and 11-5. The victory secured a singles gold for China as the world number one will play the winner of the other semifinal match, an all-Chinese affair between world champion Guo Yue and Grand Slam veteran Wang Nan.
"I think Li fought really hard today. She has participated in three Olympic Games, so she is actually more experienced than me in international competitions," said Zhang.
"But I knew I would win once I got over the first game," she said. "The final won't be easy because teammates know each other very well."
Li said that "I played very well today and it's an achievement for me to finish in the top four while the other three are all Chinese players."
Both Zhang and Li were born in Beijing in 1981. They attended the same school in the Chinese capital between 1986-96.
But Li went to Singapore in 1996 under Singapore Table Tennis Association's foreign recruitment scheme, and gained Singaporean citizenship in 1999.
Source:Xinhua
Zhang won 9-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 and 11-5. The victory secured a singles gold for China as the world number one will play the winner of the other semifinal match, an all-Chinese affair between world champion Guo Yue and Grand Slam veteran Wang Nan.
"I think Li fought really hard today. She has participated in three Olympic Games, so she is actually more experienced than me in international competitions," said Zhang.
"But I knew I would win once I got over the first game," she said. "The final won't be easy because teammates know each other very well."
Li said that "I played very well today and it's an achievement for me to finish in the top four while the other three are all Chinese players."
Both Zhang and Li were born in Beijing in 1981. They attended the same school in the Chinese capital between 1986-96.
But Li went to Singapore in 1996 under Singapore Table Tennis Association's foreign recruitment scheme, and gained Singaporean citizenship in 1999.
Source:Xinhua
Taekwondo preview: Chinese Chen Zhong kicking for taekwondo history
Chen Zhong of China may make history on the last day of the Olympic taekwondo as she is gunning for her third consecutive Olympic gold medals.
If she can defend her title in the women's over 67kg category, she will also become the first taekwondo athlete to successfully win three Olympic golds in a row in the same weight category.
The 25-year-old Chen will be challenged by strong opponents before she forces her way to the glory as she will meet Adriana Carmona Gutierrez of Venezuela in the first round, who was the bronze medalist in the Athens Olympics.
"Chen has no specific opponent as every player at the Olympics is very strong," the vice president of the Chinese Taekwondo Association Zhao Lei once told Xinhua.
Her main rivals will be Sarah Stevenson of Britain, both of which will meet in the quarter-finals, world champion Maria Del Rosario Espinoza of Mexico and Kyriaki Koubari of Greece who won the gold medal in the World Qualification competition last September.
In the men's 80kg category, Chen's compatriot Liu Xiaobo, bronze medalist in the Asian Games in 2006, may also change the history for Chinese male taekwondo players if he could win a medal.
Mickael Borot of Frace, European champion in 2006, Olympic silver medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis of Greece and world champion Daba Modibo Keita of Mali are among the gold medal favorites.
Source:Xinhua
If she can defend her title in the women's over 67kg category, she will also become the first taekwondo athlete to successfully win three Olympic golds in a row in the same weight category.
The 25-year-old Chen will be challenged by strong opponents before she forces her way to the glory as she will meet Adriana Carmona Gutierrez of Venezuela in the first round, who was the bronze medalist in the Athens Olympics.
"Chen has no specific opponent as every player at the Olympics is very strong," the vice president of the Chinese Taekwondo Association Zhao Lei once told Xinhua.
Her main rivals will be Sarah Stevenson of Britain, both of which will meet in the quarter-finals, world champion Maria Del Rosario Espinoza of Mexico and Kyriaki Koubari of Greece who won the gold medal in the World Qualification competition last September.
In the men's 80kg category, Chen's compatriot Liu Xiaobo, bronze medalist in the Asian Games in 2006, may also change the history for Chinese male taekwondo players if he could win a medal.
Mickael Borot of Frace, European champion in 2006, Olympic silver medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis of Greece and world champion Daba Modibo Keita of Mali are among the gold medal favorites.
Source:Xinhua
Bolt: I'm Lightning Bolt
Usain Bolt of Jamaica jubilates after the men's 200m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 20, 2008. Usain Bolt of Jamaica won the title with 19.30 seconds and set a new world record.
"I told myself that if I am going to get the world record, it is going to be here because the track is really fast," said Usain Bolt of Jamaica on Thursday.
Bolt eased to win the Olympic men's 200m sprint and rewrote the world record in 19.30 seconds, even into a headwind of 0.9m/s here on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old Jamaican has become the most shinning star of the "Bird's Nest", who won the men's 100m dash four days ago, with the new world record of 9.69 seconds.
"I did a lot of work on the 200m and everything came together tonight. I blew my mind, and then I blew the world's mind," he said.
Bolt trampled flat legendary sprinter Michael Johnson's record of 19.32 seconds, shortening it by two hundredths of a second, which sarcastically made Johnson an green-eyed hall-of-fame celebrity who said, "I don't think he will break it here."
"I'm Lightning Bolt! I am not Flash Gordon or anybody. My name is Bolt, Lightning Bolt."
Source:Xinhua
"I told myself that if I am going to get the world record, it is going to be here because the track is really fast," said Usain Bolt of Jamaica on Thursday.
Bolt eased to win the Olympic men's 200m sprint and rewrote the world record in 19.30 seconds, even into a headwind of 0.9m/s here on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old Jamaican has become the most shinning star of the "Bird's Nest", who won the men's 100m dash four days ago, with the new world record of 9.69 seconds.
"I did a lot of work on the 200m and everything came together tonight. I blew my mind, and then I blew the world's mind," he said.
Bolt trampled flat legendary sprinter Michael Johnson's record of 19.32 seconds, shortening it by two hundredths of a second, which sarcastically made Johnson an green-eyed hall-of-fame celebrity who said, "I don't think he will break it here."
"I'm Lightning Bolt! I am not Flash Gordon or anybody. My name is Bolt, Lightning Bolt."
Source:Xinhua
Survey: 1.4 mln people watch Olympics on TV every day in France
People in France showed unprecedented enthusiasm for the ongoing Beijing Olympics and an average 1.4 million people watch the Games on TV every day, according to a local survey released Thursday.
Audience rating reached 25.3 percent on average for the TV channels France 2 and France 3 from Aug. 9, the first day of the Olympic competitions, to Wednesday, French State TV quoted a media survey as saying.
Men's sabre team final on Sunday, in which France defeated the United States to retain its Olympic gold, attracted 4.3 million French audience, pushing the single day audience rating up to 34 percent.
Meanwhile, visits to the Olympic contents on the French State TV channels' websites also topped 3.5 million and a daily average of 200,000 people watch live broadcasting of the events via the internet.
Source:Xinhua
Audience rating reached 25.3 percent on average for the TV channels France 2 and France 3 from Aug. 9, the first day of the Olympic competitions, to Wednesday, French State TV quoted a media survey as saying.
Men's sabre team final on Sunday, in which France defeated the United States to retain its Olympic gold, attracted 4.3 million French audience, pushing the single day audience rating up to 34 percent.
Meanwhile, visits to the Olympic contents on the French State TV channels' websites also topped 3.5 million and a daily average of 200,000 people watch live broadcasting of the events via the internet.
Source:Xinhua
Interview: Mexican experts say China's image boosted in Olympic Games
The successful organization of the Beijing Olympiad and the marvelous achievement of the Chinese athletes have combined to boost China's image, Mexican experts said Thursday.
"The most important is that China has fulfilled its promises in showing the world community its capacity to organize such a game," professor of the Autonomous National University of Mexico Natividad Gonzalez Chong told Xinhua.
The fact that China tops the medal table "reflects the efforts of all Chinese people and their government in at least the last 15 years," said Gonzalez, a specialist in social studies.
The Games showed "a high level of social cohesion" in the Chinese society and bore "proof to many years of good governance in the country which it is not something new, but something that has started decades ago," Gonzalez said.
According to Gonzalez, China showed its changes to the world as "it opens to the world ... It is no longer the remote country full of mysteries, it has displayed its cultural and technological advances and its respect for humanity."
The slogan, "One World, One Dream," the Chinese government chose for the Games reflects the determination of its authorities to protect the environment and to promote universal values of unity, friendship and peace, Gonzalez said.
"'One World, One Dream' reflected China's aspiration to accept and share social diversities across the world. This is a very important part of the current Games," Gonzalez said.
The Beijing Olympics definitely changed the world's perception about China, Romer Cornejo, professor of the Center of Studies for Asia and Africa at the College of Mexico, told Xinhua.
"China has proved that the security of the participating countries has always been guaranteed," Cornejo said, adding that athletes from countries in conflicts are also able to compete in harmony on the same arena.
The Olympics will reverse "some racists ideas against it. The highest number of gold medals won by China proved that this country is a champion" of the 29th Olympiad, Cornejo said.
Source:Xinhua
"The most important is that China has fulfilled its promises in showing the world community its capacity to organize such a game," professor of the Autonomous National University of Mexico Natividad Gonzalez Chong told Xinhua.
The fact that China tops the medal table "reflects the efforts of all Chinese people and their government in at least the last 15 years," said Gonzalez, a specialist in social studies.
The Games showed "a high level of social cohesion" in the Chinese society and bore "proof to many years of good governance in the country which it is not something new, but something that has started decades ago," Gonzalez said.
According to Gonzalez, China showed its changes to the world as "it opens to the world ... It is no longer the remote country full of mysteries, it has displayed its cultural and technological advances and its respect for humanity."
The slogan, "One World, One Dream," the Chinese government chose for the Games reflects the determination of its authorities to protect the environment and to promote universal values of unity, friendship and peace, Gonzalez said.
"'One World, One Dream' reflected China's aspiration to accept and share social diversities across the world. This is a very important part of the current Games," Gonzalez said.
The Beijing Olympics definitely changed the world's perception about China, Romer Cornejo, professor of the Center of Studies for Asia and Africa at the College of Mexico, told Xinhua.
"China has proved that the security of the participating countries has always been guaranteed," Cornejo said, adding that athletes from countries in conflicts are also able to compete in harmony on the same arena.
The Olympics will reverse "some racists ideas against it. The highest number of gold medals won by China proved that this country is a champion" of the 29th Olympiad, Cornejo said.
Source:Xinhua
Croatian Olympic medalists receive warm welcome in home towns
Croatia's two Olympic medalists received warm welcome on Thursday in their respective home towns soon after their return from Beijing.
Nearly 3,000 people gathered in the central square of the northern Croatian town of Cakovec to welcome the best Croatian gymnast, Filip Ude, who won a silver medal in the men's pommel horse in the Summer Olympic Games, the Croatian state news agency HINA reported.
Addressing the people who gathered to welcome him back to his home town, Ude thanked his mother, sisters and coaches in an emotionally-charged speech.
A program with popular music bands and folklore ensembles was performed in his honor. The town of Cakovec and Medjimurje County have decided to award Ude with a flat.
The 22-year-old Ude is the first Croatian gymnastic Olympic medalist since Croatia gained its independence in 1991 from the former Yugoslavia.
Croatian shooter Snjezana Pejcic, who won a bronze medal in the women's 10-meter air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics on Aug. 9, was warmly welcomed in Rijeka on Thursday evening.
Many residents of this northern Croatian coastal city gathered in the city's center for special events organized in the honor of Pejcic. The 26-year-old native of Rijeka is the first Croatian female athlete to have taken a medal at Summer Olympics.
Ude and Pejcic, who returned to Croatia on Wednesday evening, were given an enthusiastic welcome at Zagreb airport by their families, friends, athletes and sport fans, as well as by representatives of the Croatian Olympic Committee, the government and parliament.
On Thursday, Croatia's Martina Zubcic won a bronze medal in the taekwondo women's -57kg category at the Olympic Games in Beijing, beating Sung Yu-Chi of Chinese Taipei. It was the third medal for Croatia after Pejcic's bronze in the air rifle event and Ude's silver in the pommel horse.
The latest medal brings to 15 the number of medals Croatia has won at the Summer Olympic Games since it gained independence.
Croatia won three medals at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, the first games in which Croatia participated as an independent country. Four years later in Atlanta, it captured two medals, and another two in Sidney in 2000. In Athens in 2004, Croatian athletes won five medals.
A total of 106 Croatian athletes compete at the Olympic Games in Beijing. This has been the largest Croatian Olympic delegation since its independence.
Besides three medals in hand, Croatia also expects medals from men's kayak, women's high jump and men's handball.
Source:Xinhua
Nearly 3,000 people gathered in the central square of the northern Croatian town of Cakovec to welcome the best Croatian gymnast, Filip Ude, who won a silver medal in the men's pommel horse in the Summer Olympic Games, the Croatian state news agency HINA reported.
Addressing the people who gathered to welcome him back to his home town, Ude thanked his mother, sisters and coaches in an emotionally-charged speech.
A program with popular music bands and folklore ensembles was performed in his honor. The town of Cakovec and Medjimurje County have decided to award Ude with a flat.
The 22-year-old Ude is the first Croatian gymnastic Olympic medalist since Croatia gained its independence in 1991 from the former Yugoslavia.
Croatian shooter Snjezana Pejcic, who won a bronze medal in the women's 10-meter air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics on Aug. 9, was warmly welcomed in Rijeka on Thursday evening.
Many residents of this northern Croatian coastal city gathered in the city's center for special events organized in the honor of Pejcic. The 26-year-old native of Rijeka is the first Croatian female athlete to have taken a medal at Summer Olympics.
Ude and Pejcic, who returned to Croatia on Wednesday evening, were given an enthusiastic welcome at Zagreb airport by their families, friends, athletes and sport fans, as well as by representatives of the Croatian Olympic Committee, the government and parliament.
On Thursday, Croatia's Martina Zubcic won a bronze medal in the taekwondo women's -57kg category at the Olympic Games in Beijing, beating Sung Yu-Chi of Chinese Taipei. It was the third medal for Croatia after Pejcic's bronze in the air rifle event and Ude's silver in the pommel horse.
The latest medal brings to 15 the number of medals Croatia has won at the Summer Olympic Games since it gained independence.
Croatia won three medals at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, the first games in which Croatia participated as an independent country. Four years later in Atlanta, it captured two medals, and another two in Sidney in 2000. In Athens in 2004, Croatian athletes won five medals.
A total of 106 Croatian athletes compete at the Olympic Games in Beijing. This has been the largest Croatian Olympic delegation since its independence.
Besides three medals in hand, Croatia also expects medals from men's kayak, women's high jump and men's handball.
Source:Xinhua
News analysis: Jamaica digs out sprinting nuggets from training, yams
What a huge loss for the Olympic Games if there had not been Jamaicans running on the track in Beijing. The Caribbean country's five gold medals to date at the Games have all come from sprinters.
Usain Bolt, 21, has won double gold medals with two stunning world records in the men's 100m and 200m sprints. The 26-year-old Veronica Campbell-Brown won the women's 200m. Shelly-Ann Fraser and other two Jamaican women swept medals in over 100m. Melaine Walker, 25, added another by breaking the Olympic record in the women's 400-meter hurdles.
Having won three silver, one bronze, but never gold in men's 100m in previous Games, Jamaican sprinters blew the world's mind as they aggressively encroached on the old domain of the United States. Jamaica has made a statement to the world that they are awesome.
"We have a tradition, we have natural talents, We are the sprinter factory of the world," said Olivia Grange, Jamaica's minister of information, culture, sports and youth, adding the victory was "crazy and unbelievable".
Big screens were put up in squares or streets all over Jamaica for people to watch Bolt and other sprinters' races. On every victory, Jamaicans poured into streets of Kingston and Trelawny, which is Bolt's birthplace, to celebrate like a national holiday.
"We Jamaicans are just born to be sprinters," said Herbert Elliott, the Jamaican team's chief doctor. "Sprint running is part of our heart and soul."
LOTS OF YAMS, GREENS, FRESH AIR AND NUGGETS
"You know why? We eat healthy and good food, lots of yams. lots of greens, lots of fishes, good Jamaican food and clean fresh air," Jamaican minister Olivia Grange told Xinhua on Thursday. "I have had Jamaican food in Beijing. Maybe you should also start to eat Jamaican food."
There couldn't be a better way to advertise Jamaican restaurants in China for a minister's suggestion at such a time when the whole world is curious about Jamaica's secret in sprinting.
The female minister had acted an operator at the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, conveying telephone call of the country's prime minister to their sprinting champions.
Bolt has admitted that his home-made yams and many other Jamaican food have help him a lot in achieving the results. But he also has another favorite, chicken nuggets.
"Actually I got up at noon and my masseuse brought me the nuggets. I went straight to the track and then masseuse brought me more nuggets. I just ate two because my coach said I should not eat so many nuggets," he said.
No more, no less, two nuggets for two gold medals.
EARLY-AGE TRAINING SYSTEM
Nothing can stop you if you really have talent and train hard. Everyone in the world now believe that Jamaicans really have the talent. But few know that they train hard with discipline.
"We train our sprinters from their early childhood, in basic school and then primary school, secondary school, after that is professional training where they have personal coaches," Minister Grange said.
Bolt has been just an example who came out of such a school system. When he was only 15 years old in his primary school, Bolt won a national championships specially designed for junior talents like him in Jamaica.
"We continue to train them when these talents were picked up. They are also involved in centers of excellence," said the minister.
Jamaica has established two such kind of centers. One in Jamaica's University of Technology, where Asafa Powell was based. And the other is in the University of West Indies, shared by other sponsoring Caribbean countries and regions.
"We have the fastest man and fastest junior and we have many women among some of the fastest in the world," said Grange. "There will just be more Bolts to come."
GOVERNMENT-PAID GOOD COACHES
As another reason to create the amazing myth, Jamaica also provided their sprinters with national team coaches. "In some cases they were privately coached," said the minister. "But in extraordinary events like Olympic Games, they will have coaches paid by government.
"The ministry has an institute of sports where there are national coaches. And Usain's coach is the national coach at the institute of sports, which is an agency of government."
In Jamaica, there are probably thousands of young people who have a God-given sprinting talent and dream to be the fastest in the world. Bolt, a simple Jamaican lad coming from a humble family together with Asafa Powell and Melaine Walker have been inspirations to them.
"My coach has done a lot for me, taking me from like the injured to a double Olympic champion and world record holder," said Bolt when talking about his coach Glen Mills. "It is great that we have so many good coaches in Jamaica."
"My coach is great, I executed the way my coach wanted me to. He should be proud," Melaine Walker praised her coach Stephen Francis after winning the 400m hurdles. "I believe in him."
Also coaching Asafa Powell who did not do well in his race, Francis used to be considered controversial before Walker's success. But now he has been part of Jamaica's pride.
"We don't have too much money, but we have the talent, ambition and commitment," said the minister.
"We get better every day. Our young people or youth are getting better as well. So the beauty and secret has something to do with the fact that we are born with talents, we have a school system that from early age promotes physical education."
INSPIRATION TO CARIBBEAN
"Athletes from other Caribbean islands see Jamaican athletes as an inspiration and what we can do in Jamaica is to help our Caribbean brothers and sisters to be great athletes. We will improve our facilities. We will train more coaches. We will expand our sports college, the largest in the Caribbean," the female minister could not help to make a promise for her country as she always congratulated the sprinters in the mixed zone under the stadium.
"We gonna promote more community sports facilities in all 708 communities across Jamaica," she continued. "In every single community, we are going to have intense community sports development programs."
There maybe more Usain Bolts to come. And people are just waiting for Jamaica to unleash them to the world.
Source:Xinhua
Usain Bolt, 21, has won double gold medals with two stunning world records in the men's 100m and 200m sprints. The 26-year-old Veronica Campbell-Brown won the women's 200m. Shelly-Ann Fraser and other two Jamaican women swept medals in over 100m. Melaine Walker, 25, added another by breaking the Olympic record in the women's 400-meter hurdles.
Having won three silver, one bronze, but never gold in men's 100m in previous Games, Jamaican sprinters blew the world's mind as they aggressively encroached on the old domain of the United States. Jamaica has made a statement to the world that they are awesome.
"We have a tradition, we have natural talents, We are the sprinter factory of the world," said Olivia Grange, Jamaica's minister of information, culture, sports and youth, adding the victory was "crazy and unbelievable".
Big screens were put up in squares or streets all over Jamaica for people to watch Bolt and other sprinters' races. On every victory, Jamaicans poured into streets of Kingston and Trelawny, which is Bolt's birthplace, to celebrate like a national holiday.
"We Jamaicans are just born to be sprinters," said Herbert Elliott, the Jamaican team's chief doctor. "Sprint running is part of our heart and soul."
LOTS OF YAMS, GREENS, FRESH AIR AND NUGGETS
"You know why? We eat healthy and good food, lots of yams. lots of greens, lots of fishes, good Jamaican food and clean fresh air," Jamaican minister Olivia Grange told Xinhua on Thursday. "I have had Jamaican food in Beijing. Maybe you should also start to eat Jamaican food."
There couldn't be a better way to advertise Jamaican restaurants in China for a minister's suggestion at such a time when the whole world is curious about Jamaica's secret in sprinting.
The female minister had acted an operator at the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, conveying telephone call of the country's prime minister to their sprinting champions.
Bolt has admitted that his home-made yams and many other Jamaican food have help him a lot in achieving the results. But he also has another favorite, chicken nuggets.
"Actually I got up at noon and my masseuse brought me the nuggets. I went straight to the track and then masseuse brought me more nuggets. I just ate two because my coach said I should not eat so many nuggets," he said.
No more, no less, two nuggets for two gold medals.
EARLY-AGE TRAINING SYSTEM
Nothing can stop you if you really have talent and train hard. Everyone in the world now believe that Jamaicans really have the talent. But few know that they train hard with discipline.
"We train our sprinters from their early childhood, in basic school and then primary school, secondary school, after that is professional training where they have personal coaches," Minister Grange said.
Bolt has been just an example who came out of such a school system. When he was only 15 years old in his primary school, Bolt won a national championships specially designed for junior talents like him in Jamaica.
"We continue to train them when these talents were picked up. They are also involved in centers of excellence," said the minister.
Jamaica has established two such kind of centers. One in Jamaica's University of Technology, where Asafa Powell was based. And the other is in the University of West Indies, shared by other sponsoring Caribbean countries and regions.
"We have the fastest man and fastest junior and we have many women among some of the fastest in the world," said Grange. "There will just be more Bolts to come."
GOVERNMENT-PAID GOOD COACHES
As another reason to create the amazing myth, Jamaica also provided their sprinters with national team coaches. "In some cases they were privately coached," said the minister. "But in extraordinary events like Olympic Games, they will have coaches paid by government.
"The ministry has an institute of sports where there are national coaches. And Usain's coach is the national coach at the institute of sports, which is an agency of government."
In Jamaica, there are probably thousands of young people who have a God-given sprinting talent and dream to be the fastest in the world. Bolt, a simple Jamaican lad coming from a humble family together with Asafa Powell and Melaine Walker have been inspirations to them.
"My coach has done a lot for me, taking me from like the injured to a double Olympic champion and world record holder," said Bolt when talking about his coach Glen Mills. "It is great that we have so many good coaches in Jamaica."
"My coach is great, I executed the way my coach wanted me to. He should be proud," Melaine Walker praised her coach Stephen Francis after winning the 400m hurdles. "I believe in him."
Also coaching Asafa Powell who did not do well in his race, Francis used to be considered controversial before Walker's success. But now he has been part of Jamaica's pride.
"We don't have too much money, but we have the talent, ambition and commitment," said the minister.
"We get better every day. Our young people or youth are getting better as well. So the beauty and secret has something to do with the fact that we are born with talents, we have a school system that from early age promotes physical education."
INSPIRATION TO CARIBBEAN
"Athletes from other Caribbean islands see Jamaican athletes as an inspiration and what we can do in Jamaica is to help our Caribbean brothers and sisters to be great athletes. We will improve our facilities. We will train more coaches. We will expand our sports college, the largest in the Caribbean," the female minister could not help to make a promise for her country as she always congratulated the sprinters in the mixed zone under the stadium.
"We gonna promote more community sports facilities in all 708 communities across Jamaica," she continued. "In every single community, we are going to have intense community sports development programs."
There maybe more Usain Bolts to come. And people are just waiting for Jamaica to unleash them to the world.
Source:Xinhua
Robles after win: Wish Liu was here
Dayron Robles must have missed Liu Xiang in the 110m hurdles line-up, for no one pushed even closer to his record of 12.87 seconds, let alone try to break it.
This is precisely where the ace Chinese hurdler could have made all the difference to the Cuban Robles and the others on the track yesterday.
David Oliver of the US, Cuba's Dayron Robles and David Payne of the US compete during the men's 110m hurdles final at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 21, 2008. Robles won the gold medal.
Cuba's Dayron Robles celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of David Payne of the US to win the men's 110m hurdles final at the National Stadium as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 21, 2008. Cuba's Dayron Robles won ahead of US athletes David Payne and David Oliver.
Athens 2004 winner Liu withdrew from the heats with an injured Achilles tendon, and two-time Olympic silver winner Terrence Trammell was eliminated in the first round.
The brightly lit Bird's Nest turned gloomy for US sprinters yesterday evening as its men's and women's 4X100m relay teams both dropped the baton in the first round of the heats.
The women's team dropped the baton but continued running to finish last in the heats about 20 minutes after disaster struck the men's team, which was anchored by world champion Tyson Gay.
But it was an evening to rejoice for the Chinese, for their men's quartet put up a super show to qualify for the final for the first time.
History was made at the beach volleyball court, too, as the invincible US pair of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won its 108th straight match to clinch the gold. In second and third spots were two Chinese pairs.
The US pair has won every major tournament since the 2003 World Championships. The two lifted their second Olympic crown, beating China's Tian Jia and Wang Jie.
"They're too strong," said Tian later. "We did all we could but they're just too good." It's a feeling many competitors share.
Xue Chen and Zhang Xi won the bronze.
At the Water Cube, China won its seventh gold in as many events, and it is just one win away from making it eight-in-eight. Yesterday, Chen Ruolin won the women's 10m platform.
In the 20km walk, even a heavy downpour could not stop Olga Kaniskina of Russia from shattering the Olympic record to grab the gold in 1:26:31.
Dutch swimmer Maarten van Weijden won the men's 10km open water swimming, which made its debut at the Games along with BMX biking.
Back at the Bird's Nest, Veronica Campbell-Brown scorched the track to win the women's 200m to retain her crown and complete a Jamaican sweep of the four sprint golds. The 26-year-old exploded out of the blocks and ran a career best 21.74 seconds.
The US defended its gold medal in women's soccer last night, beating Brazil 1-0 in extra time.
In women's softball, the Japanese team stunned three-time world champions the US 3-1 to clinch the gold.
Source:China Daily/Agencies
This is precisely where the ace Chinese hurdler could have made all the difference to the Cuban Robles and the others on the track yesterday.
David Oliver of the US, Cuba's Dayron Robles and David Payne of the US compete during the men's 110m hurdles final at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 21, 2008. Robles won the gold medal.
Cuba's Dayron Robles celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of David Payne of the US to win the men's 110m hurdles final at the National Stadium as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 21, 2008. Cuba's Dayron Robles won ahead of US athletes David Payne and David Oliver.
Athens 2004 winner Liu withdrew from the heats with an injured Achilles tendon, and two-time Olympic silver winner Terrence Trammell was eliminated in the first round.
The brightly lit Bird's Nest turned gloomy for US sprinters yesterday evening as its men's and women's 4X100m relay teams both dropped the baton in the first round of the heats.
The women's team dropped the baton but continued running to finish last in the heats about 20 minutes after disaster struck the men's team, which was anchored by world champion Tyson Gay.
But it was an evening to rejoice for the Chinese, for their men's quartet put up a super show to qualify for the final for the first time.
History was made at the beach volleyball court, too, as the invincible US pair of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won its 108th straight match to clinch the gold. In second and third spots were two Chinese pairs.
The US pair has won every major tournament since the 2003 World Championships. The two lifted their second Olympic crown, beating China's Tian Jia and Wang Jie.
"They're too strong," said Tian later. "We did all we could but they're just too good." It's a feeling many competitors share.
Xue Chen and Zhang Xi won the bronze.
At the Water Cube, China won its seventh gold in as many events, and it is just one win away from making it eight-in-eight. Yesterday, Chen Ruolin won the women's 10m platform.
In the 20km walk, even a heavy downpour could not stop Olga Kaniskina of Russia from shattering the Olympic record to grab the gold in 1:26:31.
Dutch swimmer Maarten van Weijden won the men's 10km open water swimming, which made its debut at the Games along with BMX biking.
Back at the Bird's Nest, Veronica Campbell-Brown scorched the track to win the women's 200m to retain her crown and complete a Jamaican sweep of the four sprint golds. The 26-year-old exploded out of the blocks and ran a career best 21.74 seconds.
The US defended its gold medal in women's soccer last night, beating Brazil 1-0 in extra time.
In women's softball, the Japanese team stunned three-time world champions the US 3-1 to clinch the gold.
Source:China Daily/Agencies
Germany edges Netherlands to meet Spain in Olympic men's hockey final
World No. 2 Germany roared into the Olympic men's hockey final with a "sudden death" win over the Netherlands in Beijing on Thursday, to meet unexpected contender Spain who beat defending titlists Australia 3-2.
The third-ranked Netherlands did not take a lead until the 66th minute when Timme Hoyng converted a penalty corner, but Germany equalised as Philip Zeller scored a field goal from close with only two minutes to go.
The match ended with 1-1 tie at full time. As no golden goal was made in the 15-minute extra time, a penalty shootout was forced.
The teams each converted three of the five strokes in the tie-breaker and then the match went into the sudden-death round.
Christopher Zeller's powerful shot gave Germany a 4-3 lead. However, the Dutch penalty corner specialist Taeke Taekema's goal was held off by German goalie Max Weinhold.
"It's a great game as the two teams are top of the world and we know each other very well. It's the moment to keep it 1-0, but I'm disappointed that we failed," said Roelant.
Dutch goalie Guus Vogels said, "If I can save two goals, it is normally enough. But not today. Today they had one more than I could save. It is sad but I think we still played the best we could."
"It's a narrow game like everybody expected it," said Markus Weise, Germany's coach, "I'm pleased with my team as they played well today and they did not play their heads down after the 1-0 down."
In the other semifinal game, The fourth-ranked Spain came back from 2-0 down to defeat world champions Australia and fire the first shot for gold in 12 years, while the Aussies had no chance to defend their title.
Santiago Freixa scored the winning goal for Spain in the 68th minute.
"It is my last time to coach in the Olympics. I will retire after the Games, so it is very important for me," said Australian coach Barry Dancer.
"We had a good start and put a lot of pressure in the field. Generally speaking, we played very well. But it is very disappointing that we cannot fight for a gold medal now," he noted, adding that they would find their deficiency from the match for further improvement.
"When I went into the match, I had a good feeling. I would like to congratulate my staff and the biggest compliments should go to the players," said Spain's coach Maurits Hendriks.
Germany and Spain will fight for gold and Australia play the Netherlands for bronze on Saturday.
In the 7th-10th classification round this morning, Belgium finished ninth, beating Canada 3-0 and New Zealand downed Pakistan4-2 and took the seventh position.
Source:Xinhua
The third-ranked Netherlands did not take a lead until the 66th minute when Timme Hoyng converted a penalty corner, but Germany equalised as Philip Zeller scored a field goal from close with only two minutes to go.
The match ended with 1-1 tie at full time. As no golden goal was made in the 15-minute extra time, a penalty shootout was forced.
The teams each converted three of the five strokes in the tie-breaker and then the match went into the sudden-death round.
Christopher Zeller's powerful shot gave Germany a 4-3 lead. However, the Dutch penalty corner specialist Taeke Taekema's goal was held off by German goalie Max Weinhold.
"It's a great game as the two teams are top of the world and we know each other very well. It's the moment to keep it 1-0, but I'm disappointed that we failed," said Roelant.
Dutch goalie Guus Vogels said, "If I can save two goals, it is normally enough. But not today. Today they had one more than I could save. It is sad but I think we still played the best we could."
"It's a narrow game like everybody expected it," said Markus Weise, Germany's coach, "I'm pleased with my team as they played well today and they did not play their heads down after the 1-0 down."
In the other semifinal game, The fourth-ranked Spain came back from 2-0 down to defeat world champions Australia and fire the first shot for gold in 12 years, while the Aussies had no chance to defend their title.
Santiago Freixa scored the winning goal for Spain in the 68th minute.
"It is my last time to coach in the Olympics. I will retire after the Games, so it is very important for me," said Australian coach Barry Dancer.
"We had a good start and put a lot of pressure in the field. Generally speaking, we played very well. But it is very disappointing that we cannot fight for a gold medal now," he noted, adding that they would find their deficiency from the match for further improvement.
"When I went into the match, I had a good feeling. I would like to congratulate my staff and the biggest compliments should go to the players," said Spain's coach Maurits Hendriks.
Germany and Spain will fight for gold and Australia play the Netherlands for bronze on Saturday.
In the 7th-10th classification round this morning, Belgium finished ninth, beating Canada 3-0 and New Zealand downed Pakistan4-2 and took the seventh position.
Source:Xinhua
Chinese women mountain bikers eye golden breakthrough at Beijing Games
As Chinese Olympic cycling gold hopeful Guo Shuang only claimed a bronze on the track at Beijing Games, Chinese mountain bikers took up the responsibility to make a cycling golden breakthrough on home soil.
Two women bikers will take the mission with Ren Cheng Yuan the favorite to make the podium as she won China's first ever World Cup Series title in Switzerland last year and finished runner-up at the under-23 event of the world championships in England.
"Competing in the Olympics, my goal is very clear. That is to win at least a medal for my country. Of course, I hope that will be a golden one, " Ren told Xinhua last week.
She was joined by teammate Liu Ying, who pocketed another World Cup title in Slovenia and won the "Good Luck Beijing" international invitational competition on the Olympic track.
The Chinese girls will face ferocious challenge from Russian veteran Irina Kalentieva, German Sabine Spitz and Canadian Marie- Helene Premont on the Laoshan course.
For the men's edition, defending Olympic champion Julien Absalon of France will be the favorite to claim the gold. A winner of four consecutive world championships from 2004 to 2007 and with 13 career World Cup titles, Absalon boasts excellent descending skills to supplement his big motor ability to surmount climbs.
Veteran Roul Paulissen of Belarus, Athens silver medalist Jose Antonio Hermida will pose some challenge to the French man, while Atlanta gold medallist Bat Brentjens of the Netherland and the under-23 world champion Yuriy Trofimov of Russia should not be overlooked.
Chinese mountain biker Ji Jianhua will make his Olympic debut on home soil. However, Chinese men bikers still lagged far behind their European counterparts, the Asian champion even did not finish last year's "Good Luck Beijing" competition. For Ji, winning a medal or even entering into the last eight will be a difficult task.
Thirty women and 50 men will race on Aug. 22 and 23 respectively, competing in a series of laps on a 4.5-kilometre loop.
Source:Xinhua
Two women bikers will take the mission with Ren Cheng Yuan the favorite to make the podium as she won China's first ever World Cup Series title in Switzerland last year and finished runner-up at the under-23 event of the world championships in England.
"Competing in the Olympics, my goal is very clear. That is to win at least a medal for my country. Of course, I hope that will be a golden one, " Ren told Xinhua last week.
She was joined by teammate Liu Ying, who pocketed another World Cup title in Slovenia and won the "Good Luck Beijing" international invitational competition on the Olympic track.
The Chinese girls will face ferocious challenge from Russian veteran Irina Kalentieva, German Sabine Spitz and Canadian Marie- Helene Premont on the Laoshan course.
For the men's edition, defending Olympic champion Julien Absalon of France will be the favorite to claim the gold. A winner of four consecutive world championships from 2004 to 2007 and with 13 career World Cup titles, Absalon boasts excellent descending skills to supplement his big motor ability to surmount climbs.
Veteran Roul Paulissen of Belarus, Athens silver medalist Jose Antonio Hermida will pose some challenge to the French man, while Atlanta gold medallist Bat Brentjens of the Netherland and the under-23 world champion Yuriy Trofimov of Russia should not be overlooked.
Chinese mountain biker Ji Jianhua will make his Olympic debut on home soil. However, Chinese men bikers still lagged far behind their European counterparts, the Asian champion even did not finish last year's "Good Luck Beijing" competition. For Ji, winning a medal or even entering into the last eight will be a difficult task.
Thirty women and 50 men will race on Aug. 22 and 23 respectively, competing in a series of laps on a 4.5-kilometre loop.
Source:Xinhua
FEI president: Equestrian events in HK "wonderful"
HRH Princess HAYA, president of the International Equestrian Federation , said here Friday the Beijing Olympic Games Equestrian competitions are "wonderful", adding the atmosphere in the stadium is "electric".
In a press conference after the closing ceremony, the FEI president said "The Games are wonderful, providing an opportunity for the Equestrian family to have this in Hong Kong and showing the people in Beijing and China what this sport is about."
Princess HAYA said "The facilities are wonderful. People in Hong Kong and China are very friendly."
"Despite the hights and lows over the last weeks, I think this has been a wonderful Games that everybody will remember," said the FEI president.
The 11-day Olympic Equestrian competitions concluded at the Shatin Equestrian Venue Thursday night.
Source:Xinhua
In a press conference after the closing ceremony, the FEI president said "The Games are wonderful, providing an opportunity for the Equestrian family to have this in Hong Kong and showing the people in Beijing and China what this sport is about."
Princess HAYA said "The facilities are wonderful. People in Hong Kong and China are very friendly."
"Despite the hights and lows over the last weeks, I think this has been a wonderful Games that everybody will remember," said the FEI president.
The 11-day Olympic Equestrian competitions concluded at the Shatin Equestrian Venue Thursday night.
Source:Xinhua
Roundup: Germans dominate Olympic equestrian competitions
The Germans have finished top of medal table with three gold medals, one silver and one bronze in the 11-day Beijing Olympic Games Equestrian competitions which closed Thursday night at the Shatin Equestrian Venue.
-- Team Eventing Gold: Germany
Germany won the first Olympic Eventing Team gold medal on 166.10 penalty points with Australia came second on 171.20 points while Britain secured third place on 185.70 points.
Sweden placed fourth on 230.50 points while New Zealand ranked fifth on 240.90 points. Three-day eventing combines the dressage, cross-country and jumps.
-- Individual Eventing Gold: Germany
German rider Hinrich Romeike won the Olympic individual eventing gold medal in the three-day eventing Tuesday night.
Romeike finished on 54.20 penalty points ahead of U.S. rider Gina Miles on 56.10 points. Kristina Cook of Great Britain secured third place on 57.40 points.
-- Team Dressage Gold: Germany
Germany added a third gold medal to their stunning sweep of the Olympic Games equestrian events here Thursday, winning the team dressage competition.
The victory consolidated German dominance of the sport. The team scored 72.916 percent. The Netherlands won the silver medal with 71.750 percent while Denmark took the bronze with 68.875 percent.
"We are so happy, the whole team were very excited to show a good competition," Werth told reporters after scoring 76.417 percent in her test.
"A lot of people didn't believe in the German team after we lost the team gold in last year's European championships.
"The whole team were really helping each other and we have tried to get the best for everybody that was the key to our success," she said.
-- Team Jumping Gold: the United States
Defending gold medallist the United States won the Olympic Equestrian Jumping Team gold medal, holding off a strong challenge from Canada in the team final competition.
Norway came third on 27 penalty points and claimed the bronze medal.
-- Individual Dressage Gold: the Netherlands
Netherlands's Anky van Grunsven won the Olympic Dressage Individual gold metal. She became the sixth woman in Olympic history to win three successive gold medals in an individual event when she won the Dressage Individual event in the Equestrian competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Grunsven, riding her horse Salinero, finished on 78.680 points ahead of the Germany's Isabell Werth with Satchmo on 76.650. Heike Kemmer of Germany aboard Bonaparte secured third place on 74.455 points.
-- Individual Jumping Gold: Canada
Eric Lamaze of Canada, riding HICKSTEAD, won the Individual Jumping gold metal, holding off a strong challenge from Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden and his horse NINJA in the last Equestrian event of the Beijing Olympic Games Thursday night.
In the final Round B, Eric Lamaze and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson were tied for first place on zero penalties. They were forced into a jump-off to decide the winner of the Individual Jumping.
Eric Lamaze finished on zero penalties while Rolf-Goran Bengtsson ended on 4 penalties in the jump-off showdown.
Beezie Madden of the United States, riding AUTHENTIC, came third and claimed the bronze medal.
For the first time, China has fielded six riders for the 11-day competitions in the Olympic Equestrian events that kicked off in Hong Kong on August 9.
But unfortunately, they were all edged out after a poor showing.Among them, Hua Tian, an 18-year-old boy from Guangdong, has received the most media attention. Hua, who saddled with hopes of the host nation at Beijing Olympic Games, fell from his horse while trying to clear hurdles during the cross-country phase of the Olympic eventing.
Liu Lina, the first Chinese rider to compete in Dressage at the Olympic Games. In the Grand Prix test, she scored 60.625 percent and disqualified to move to the second Individual Qualifier.
Patrick Lam, rider from team Hong Kong, China, has delivered a strong show earlier. He had a clear round on the opening night of qualifiers to be tied with some of the world's best. However, he was stopped in the third-round show jumping individual competition.
Source:Xinhua
-- Team Eventing Gold: Germany
Germany won the first Olympic Eventing Team gold medal on 166.10 penalty points with Australia came second on 171.20 points while Britain secured third place on 185.70 points.
Sweden placed fourth on 230.50 points while New Zealand ranked fifth on 240.90 points. Three-day eventing combines the dressage, cross-country and jumps.
-- Individual Eventing Gold: Germany
German rider Hinrich Romeike won the Olympic individual eventing gold medal in the three-day eventing Tuesday night.
Romeike finished on 54.20 penalty points ahead of U.S. rider Gina Miles on 56.10 points. Kristina Cook of Great Britain secured third place on 57.40 points.
-- Team Dressage Gold: Germany
Germany added a third gold medal to their stunning sweep of the Olympic Games equestrian events here Thursday, winning the team dressage competition.
The victory consolidated German dominance of the sport. The team scored 72.916 percent. The Netherlands won the silver medal with 71.750 percent while Denmark took the bronze with 68.875 percent.
"We are so happy, the whole team were very excited to show a good competition," Werth told reporters after scoring 76.417 percent in her test.
"A lot of people didn't believe in the German team after we lost the team gold in last year's European championships.
"The whole team were really helping each other and we have tried to get the best for everybody that was the key to our success," she said.
-- Team Jumping Gold: the United States
Defending gold medallist the United States won the Olympic Equestrian Jumping Team gold medal, holding off a strong challenge from Canada in the team final competition.
Norway came third on 27 penalty points and claimed the bronze medal.
-- Individual Dressage Gold: the Netherlands
Netherlands's Anky van Grunsven won the Olympic Dressage Individual gold metal. She became the sixth woman in Olympic history to win three successive gold medals in an individual event when she won the Dressage Individual event in the Equestrian competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Grunsven, riding her horse Salinero, finished on 78.680 points ahead of the Germany's Isabell Werth with Satchmo on 76.650. Heike Kemmer of Germany aboard Bonaparte secured third place on 74.455 points.
-- Individual Jumping Gold: Canada
Eric Lamaze of Canada, riding HICKSTEAD, won the Individual Jumping gold metal, holding off a strong challenge from Rolf-Goran Bengtsson of Sweden and his horse NINJA in the last Equestrian event of the Beijing Olympic Games Thursday night.
In the final Round B, Eric Lamaze and Rolf-Goran Bengtsson were tied for first place on zero penalties. They were forced into a jump-off to decide the winner of the Individual Jumping.
Eric Lamaze finished on zero penalties while Rolf-Goran Bengtsson ended on 4 penalties in the jump-off showdown.
Beezie Madden of the United States, riding AUTHENTIC, came third and claimed the bronze medal.
For the first time, China has fielded six riders for the 11-day competitions in the Olympic Equestrian events that kicked off in Hong Kong on August 9.
But unfortunately, they were all edged out after a poor showing.Among them, Hua Tian, an 18-year-old boy from Guangdong, has received the most media attention. Hua, who saddled with hopes of the host nation at Beijing Olympic Games, fell from his horse while trying to clear hurdles during the cross-country phase of the Olympic eventing.
Liu Lina, the first Chinese rider to compete in Dressage at the Olympic Games. In the Grand Prix test, she scored 60.625 percent and disqualified to move to the second Individual Qualifier.
Patrick Lam, rider from team Hong Kong, China, has delivered a strong show earlier. He had a clear round on the opening night of qualifiers to be tied with some of the world's best. However, he was stopped in the third-round show jumping individual competition.
Source:Xinhua
New earthquake hits Yunnan’s Yingjiang County
An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale jolted Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai-Jinpo Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China's Yunnan Province, at 8:24 p.m. on Thursday.
The epicenter was about 10 km underground, 45 km away from the county town, and 500 km away from the provincial capital Kunming, according to a National Earthquake Network press release.
The affected area has a population density of 45 persons per square km and is at an average altitude of 2,000 meters.
Injured people get treatment after an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale jolted Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai-Jinpo Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, at 8:24 p.m. on Thursday.
It was the second earthquake to occur in Yingjiang in the last two days. A 5.0-magnitude quake jolted the county on Wednesday morning.
A policeman helps a man injured during an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale in Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai-Jinpo Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Thursday.
No casualties have been reported so far.
Source: Xinhua
The epicenter was about 10 km underground, 45 km away from the county town, and 500 km away from the provincial capital Kunming, according to a National Earthquake Network press release.
The affected area has a population density of 45 persons per square km and is at an average altitude of 2,000 meters.
Injured people get treatment after an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale jolted Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai-Jinpo Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, at 8:24 p.m. on Thursday.
It was the second earthquake to occur in Yingjiang in the last two days. A 5.0-magnitude quake jolted the county on Wednesday morning.
A policeman helps a man injured during an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale in Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai-Jinpo Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Thursday.
No casualties have been reported so far.
Source: Xinhua
Death toll rises to three in aftershock in southwest China
Authorities in southwest China on Friday confirmed two more people were killed in Thursday's 5.9-magnitude tremor, bringing the death toll to three.
Officials with the government of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, did not disclose the identities of those killed.
Gu Zhongshou, a deputy with the publicity department of prefectural committee of the Communist Party of China , said about 100 people were injured when the quake struck at 8:24 p.m. in Yingjiang county.
Most of the injured, including 20 seriously hurt, were treated at the People's Hospital of Yingjiang Count, said Gu.
Power and telecommunications networks were cut in the main districts of the county, but some of the stricken areas had electricity back by 10:20 p.m. on Thursday.
The epicenter was monitored at 24.9 degrees north and 97.8 degrees east. And injuries with 20 of them were severe.
A document posted at the website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs said that as of 8 a.m. on Friday, 120,000 people had been forced to evacuate their homes since the Thursday tremor.
An earlier tremor, measuring 5 on the Richter scale, struck the county at 5:35 a.m. on Wednesday, with the epicenter monitored at Sudian Township, 46 km from Yingjiang county seat.
More than 110 aftershocks of up to 3.6 on the Richter scale had been recorded as of 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The livelihoods of more than 14,000 people were affected and 3,400 others were evacuated after Wednesday's tremor. No one had been reported injured.
The tremor destroyed six homes and damaged 4,056 others in the county. Most of the damaged structures were in a dangerous state.
It also damaged 17 school buildings, 28 dormitories and some communication facilities.
The Civil Affairs Ministry sent a special working group to assess the situation and offer assistance in the quake zone.
It also allocated 5,000 tents from the disaster relief reserve of the central government.
In total, 2,500 people, including police and government officials, participated in the rescue effort. The local government had allocated 100,000 yuan for disaster relief.
The affected area has a population density of 45 people per square km and lies at an average altitude of 2,000 meters.
Source: Xinhua
Officials with the government of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, did not disclose the identities of those killed.
Gu Zhongshou, a deputy with the publicity department of prefectural committee of the Communist Party of China , said about 100 people were injured when the quake struck at 8:24 p.m. in Yingjiang county.
Most of the injured, including 20 seriously hurt, were treated at the People's Hospital of Yingjiang Count, said Gu.
Power and telecommunications networks were cut in the main districts of the county, but some of the stricken areas had electricity back by 10:20 p.m. on Thursday.
The epicenter was monitored at 24.9 degrees north and 97.8 degrees east. And injuries with 20 of them were severe.
A document posted at the website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs said that as of 8 a.m. on Friday, 120,000 people had been forced to evacuate their homes since the Thursday tremor.
An earlier tremor, measuring 5 on the Richter scale, struck the county at 5:35 a.m. on Wednesday, with the epicenter monitored at Sudian Township, 46 km from Yingjiang county seat.
More than 110 aftershocks of up to 3.6 on the Richter scale had been recorded as of 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The livelihoods of more than 14,000 people were affected and 3,400 others were evacuated after Wednesday's tremor. No one had been reported injured.
The tremor destroyed six homes and damaged 4,056 others in the county. Most of the damaged structures were in a dangerous state.
It also damaged 17 school buildings, 28 dormitories and some communication facilities.
The Civil Affairs Ministry sent a special working group to assess the situation and offer assistance in the quake zone.
It also allocated 5,000 tents from the disaster relief reserve of the central government.
In total, 2,500 people, including police and government officials, participated in the rescue effort. The local government had allocated 100,000 yuan for disaster relief.
The affected area has a population density of 45 people per square km and lies at an average altitude of 2,000 meters.
Source: Xinhua
Taiwan prosecutors to summon Chen Shui-bian, family members
Prosecutors said here on Thursday they would summon ex-Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian and four of his family members for interrogation in regards to an overseas money-laundering case.
The others are Chen's wife Wu Shu-chen, son Chen Chih-chung, daughter-in-law Huang Jui-ching and brother-in-law Wu Ching-mao.
Prosecutors will also question Yeh Sheng-mao, former head of Taiwan's "investigation bureau," for allegedly concealing information on Chen's case, and George Liu, Taiwan's former "representative" to Switzerland, for allegedly delaying a notice of assistance for an investigation by the Swiss side.
Prosecutors found Chen's family had remitted large sums of money worth nearly 1 billion N.T. dollars to bank accounts in Switzerland, Singapore, Cayman Islands and other countries.
Currently, Chen has been barred from leaving the island, while his son and daughter-in-law left for the United States a few days before the money-laundering issue was exposed by Taiwan media last week.
In related developments, Wu Shu-chen's sister-in-law was suspected of a suicide attempt by taking excessive sleeping pills after she was summonsed by prosecutors for the probe. But Wu Ching-mao denied it and said his wife had taken too many of the pills due to pressure.
Source: Xinhua
The others are Chen's wife Wu Shu-chen, son Chen Chih-chung, daughter-in-law Huang Jui-ching and brother-in-law Wu Ching-mao.
Prosecutors will also question Yeh Sheng-mao, former head of Taiwan's "investigation bureau," for allegedly concealing information on Chen's case, and George Liu, Taiwan's former "representative" to Switzerland, for allegedly delaying a notice of assistance for an investigation by the Swiss side.
Prosecutors found Chen's family had remitted large sums of money worth nearly 1 billion N.T. dollars to bank accounts in Switzerland, Singapore, Cayman Islands and other countries.
Currently, Chen has been barred from leaving the island, while his son and daughter-in-law left for the United States a few days before the money-laundering issue was exposed by Taiwan media last week.
In related developments, Wu Shu-chen's sister-in-law was suspected of a suicide attempt by taking excessive sleeping pills after she was summonsed by prosecutors for the probe. But Wu Ching-mao denied it and said his wife had taken too many of the pills due to pressure.
Source: Xinhua
China's Arctic expedition team sets up temporary research station on ice
China's third scientific Arctic expedition on board the icebreaker Xuelong set up a temporary research station on ice Thursday, to begin their research on geological and meteorological conditions in the area.
Because of excessive melting of Arctic ice, Xuelong came upon small floating blocks of ice even at such a high latitude, making it difficult for the scientists to find a large and intact expanse of ice to set up a station.
After over 10 days of observation, they finally found suitable ice, 1.8 m thick with an area of 0.5 square km, at around latitude84 degrees north and longitude 145 degrees west.
Zhang Haisheng, chief scientist of the team, said that this expedition was witness to the quick melting of ice in the Arctic and it is also the first time that China has set up a research station at such a high latitude. This will surely contribute a lotto research into the impact of Arctic climate change on the world, he added.
Xuelong left Shanghai on July 11 with 122 scientists and logistic staff on board.
During its 75-day expedition, the scientific team will study the polar region's distinctive maritime resources and air quality, and conduct comprehensive research on geological and meteorological conditions.
Source: Xinhua
Because of excessive melting of Arctic ice, Xuelong came upon small floating blocks of ice even at such a high latitude, making it difficult for the scientists to find a large and intact expanse of ice to set up a station.
After over 10 days of observation, they finally found suitable ice, 1.8 m thick with an area of 0.5 square km, at around latitude84 degrees north and longitude 145 degrees west.
Zhang Haisheng, chief scientist of the team, said that this expedition was witness to the quick melting of ice in the Arctic and it is also the first time that China has set up a research station at such a high latitude. This will surely contribute a lotto research into the impact of Arctic climate change on the world, he added.
Xuelong left Shanghai on July 11 with 122 scientists and logistic staff on board.
During its 75-day expedition, the scientific team will study the polar region's distinctive maritime resources and air quality, and conduct comprehensive research on geological and meteorological conditions.
Source: Xinhua
Wrestling roundup: Taymazov caps men's freestyle wrestling with Olympic gold repeat
Uzbekistani Artur Taymazov brought down the curtain on wrestling at the Beijing Olympic Games with a repeat of his gold medal performance four years ago, winning the men's 120kg category title at Beijing Olympic Games on Thursday.
Taymazov defeated junior world champion Bakhtiyar Akhmedov of Russia 2-0, becoming the third wrestler to successfully defend the title at the Beijing Games. The other two are Russian Mavelt Batirov in 60kg category and Buvaysa Saytiev in 74kg class.
"I have prepared for this moment for a long time. Nothing except a gold can satisfy me," said Taymazov. "I maintained a good stage last year but I couldn't manage to make achievement in World Championships. This year, I did it with my good form."
"Each of my opponents was strong but the semifinal opponent was the most difficult. Of course the final was difficult too."
The 29-year-old who also won a silver in the Sydney Games, said that "I can't compare my three Olympic Games. Each one was difficult for me. I would like to give this gold to my country people, and to those who love me, trust me and respect me. I'm happy I did not disappoint them."
The bronze at 120kg went to David Musulbes of Slovakia, who won gold for Russia at Sydney 2000 Games, and Marid Mutalimov of Kazakhstan.
In the 84kg class, 32-year-old former world champion Revazi Mindorshvili of Georgia rallied with seven unanswered points in the second and third periods for a 2-1 win over Yusup Abdulsalomov, who gave Tajikistanits its first medal in Olympic wrestling and also its second medal in Beijing.
And Mindorashvili who stunned gold-medal favourite Russian Georgy Ketoev in the semifinal, awarded Georgia its second wrestling gold and also its third at the Beijing Games.
"Abdusalomov was a very strong opponent and I lost to him in the only time we met," said Mindorashvili. "But the victory proved that I did better this time."
The bronze medals were won by world champion Ketoev and former European champion Taras Danko of Ukraine.
In the 96kg category, Shirvani Muradov of Russia scored a single-leg takedown and ran out the clock on the clinch in the second period to become the third straight Russian to win freestyle title in Beijing, defeating Taimuraz Tigiyev of Kazakhstan.
In all, Russia won six wrestling golds at the Beijing games, three in Greco-Roman and three in freestyle, which is one more than that they got in the Athens Games.
The bronze medals at 96kg went to former world champion Georgr Gogshelidze of Georgia and Khetag Gazyumov of Azerbaijan.
Source:Xinhua
Taymazov defeated junior world champion Bakhtiyar Akhmedov of Russia 2-0, becoming the third wrestler to successfully defend the title at the Beijing Games. The other two are Russian Mavelt Batirov in 60kg category and Buvaysa Saytiev in 74kg class.
"I have prepared for this moment for a long time. Nothing except a gold can satisfy me," said Taymazov. "I maintained a good stage last year but I couldn't manage to make achievement in World Championships. This year, I did it with my good form."
"Each of my opponents was strong but the semifinal opponent was the most difficult. Of course the final was difficult too."
The 29-year-old who also won a silver in the Sydney Games, said that "I can't compare my three Olympic Games. Each one was difficult for me. I would like to give this gold to my country people, and to those who love me, trust me and respect me. I'm happy I did not disappoint them."
The bronze at 120kg went to David Musulbes of Slovakia, who won gold for Russia at Sydney 2000 Games, and Marid Mutalimov of Kazakhstan.
In the 84kg class, 32-year-old former world champion Revazi Mindorshvili of Georgia rallied with seven unanswered points in the second and third periods for a 2-1 win over Yusup Abdulsalomov, who gave Tajikistanits its first medal in Olympic wrestling and also its second medal in Beijing.
And Mindorashvili who stunned gold-medal favourite Russian Georgy Ketoev in the semifinal, awarded Georgia its second wrestling gold and also its third at the Beijing Games.
"Abdusalomov was a very strong opponent and I lost to him in the only time we met," said Mindorashvili. "But the victory proved that I did better this time."
The bronze medals were won by world champion Ketoev and former European champion Taras Danko of Ukraine.
In the 96kg category, Shirvani Muradov of Russia scored a single-leg takedown and ran out the clock on the clinch in the second period to become the third straight Russian to win freestyle title in Beijing, defeating Taimuraz Tigiyev of Kazakhstan.
In all, Russia won six wrestling golds at the Beijing games, three in Greco-Roman and three in freestyle, which is one more than that they got in the Athens Games.
The bronze medals at 96kg went to former world champion Georgr Gogshelidze of Georgia and Khetag Gazyumov of Azerbaijan.
Source:Xinhua
Wrestling Roundup: Russia men still dominates, Japan women repeats glory
Russia continued its dominance in wrestling, one of world's oldest sports, at the Beijing Olympics, while Japanese female wrestlers made the same achievements as they did in Athens.
In particular, Russia topped the medal tally with six golds, three silvers and two bronzes, followed by Japan and Georgia with two golds. China, Uzbekistan, the United States, Canada, France, Turkey, Cuba and Italy got one each.
RUSSIAN MEN'S DOMINANCE
Before the Olympics, people expected to see Russia continue their ruling in men's freestyle wrestling, after it won six of seven titles in World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. At the Athens Games, Russia ranked first with 5-2-3, all golds from men's wrestling.
In all, Russia won six of eighteen wrestling golds at the Beijing Games, three in Greco-Roman and three in freestyle. They failed to move further in men's freestyle, while the Greco-Roman won one more than they had four years ago.
Nazyr Mankiev opened the gate of victory as he won men's Greco-Roman 55kg title, which was also the first gold of wrestling events at the Beijing Olympics. Islam-Beka Albiev of 60kg and Aslanbek Khushtov of 96kg separately triumphed in their categories, which let Russia win golds totally different from they won in Athens. Russia won Greco-Roman golds in 84kg and 120kg divisions.
Athens winner in freestyle 55kg Mavlet Batirov moved up to 60kg category in 2006 and easily won golds at Beijing. Buvaysa Saytiev retained his Olympic gold in 74kg. Rising star Shirvani Muradov replaced Athens champion Khadjimourat Gatadsalov to take the 96kg.
But these three gold won't cover the danger. Russian freestyle wrestlers are facing more challenges from around as they lost to win in 55kg, 84kg and 120kg, which were supposed to be as in their pockets because Russians got titles in these categories in the 2007 worlds.
JAPAN'S "FANTASTIC QUADRUPLE"
Saori Yoshida took gold in women's 55kg while Kaori Icho won 63kg. Chiharu Icho was runner-up in 48kg while Kyoko Hamaguchi lost to Chinese wrestler in semifinal and only grabbed a bronze.
Just as what they got in Athens.
The Japan's "Fantastic Four" may have fought their last Olympics together.
Sisters Chiharu and Kaori say they are considering retiring from the mat which has brought them four Olympic medals, on top of eight world titles.
"I can't imagine myself training with wrestling shoes on again," 26-year-old Chiharu said.
"The result was silver but I have learnt from wrestling more than what is worth the gold medal." said Chiharu, also a three-time world champion.
"I have walked together with Chiharu. And, if she quits, I will no longer have a goal to chase. I think the Beijing Games was my last." said Kaori, two years younger than her sister.
CHINA'S HISTORICAL BREAKTHROUGH
Before the Beijing Games, THE Chinese male wrestlers' best results was Shen Zetian's three bronze medals from Barcelona 1992 Games to Sydney 2000 Games.
Records changed when Chang Yongxiang took silver in men's Greco-Roman 74kg, defeating world champion Yavor Yanakiev of Bulgaria in the first round, to surprise Shen Zetian, who now is the head-coach of Chian Greco-Roman wrestling team.
Chang said, "I was so upset not to win China a gold although this is a best result of the men wrestlers in the Olympics."
Wang Xu defeated Kyoko Hamaguchi in the semifinal of women's 72kg at Athens Games, when women's wrestling made its Olympic debut, and eventually won the gold at the age of 19. Four years later, 20-year-old Wang Jiao, who replaced Wang Xu just before the Beijing Games, defeated Hamaguchi again in semifinal and seized the title after beating Stanka Zlateva of BUlgaria in final. This gold was Chinese first and only gold in wrestling.
"It is my great honour to win this gold medal for China. This is such a surprising victory," said Wang Jiao.
Xu Li of 55kg also won China a silver after losing to strong Saori Yoshida.
"The gold and two silvers are quite out of our expectations," said Zhou Jinqiang, one senior official in Chinese Wrestling Federation. "We have strong female wrestlers, but still not good enough to compete the Japanese. Greco-Roman wrestlers improved fast while freestyle wrestlers need improvements."
SWEDISH WRESTLER'S BRONZE STRIPPED BY IOC
Ara Abrahamian of Sweden refused to take the men's Greco-Roman 84kg bronze as he thought his loss to Andrea Minguzzi of Italy in semifinal was under the control of referees of International Wrestling Federation .
Abrahamian, silver medallist in the Athens Games, was enraged after being judged losing points to Minguzzi. The Swedish even posed physical threats to the head referee after failed verbal appeals.
He continued showing his uncontrolled rage by refusing the bronze medal he won later and walking down from the podium a few seconds into the victory ceremony.
The International Olympic Committee Disciplinary Commission announced on Aug. 16 that Abrahamian had been disqualified from the event.
Abrahamian and the Sweden NOC asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to investigate the controversial semifinal and CAS will hold a hearing on Friday.
Source:Xinhua
In particular, Russia topped the medal tally with six golds, three silvers and two bronzes, followed by Japan and Georgia with two golds. China, Uzbekistan, the United States, Canada, France, Turkey, Cuba and Italy got one each.
RUSSIAN MEN'S DOMINANCE
Before the Olympics, people expected to see Russia continue their ruling in men's freestyle wrestling, after it won six of seven titles in World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. At the Athens Games, Russia ranked first with 5-2-3, all golds from men's wrestling.
In all, Russia won six of eighteen wrestling golds at the Beijing Games, three in Greco-Roman and three in freestyle. They failed to move further in men's freestyle, while the Greco-Roman won one more than they had four years ago.
Nazyr Mankiev opened the gate of victory as he won men's Greco-Roman 55kg title, which was also the first gold of wrestling events at the Beijing Olympics. Islam-Beka Albiev of 60kg and Aslanbek Khushtov of 96kg separately triumphed in their categories, which let Russia win golds totally different from they won in Athens. Russia won Greco-Roman golds in 84kg and 120kg divisions.
Athens winner in freestyle 55kg Mavlet Batirov moved up to 60kg category in 2006 and easily won golds at Beijing. Buvaysa Saytiev retained his Olympic gold in 74kg. Rising star Shirvani Muradov replaced Athens champion Khadjimourat Gatadsalov to take the 96kg.
But these three gold won't cover the danger. Russian freestyle wrestlers are facing more challenges from around as they lost to win in 55kg, 84kg and 120kg, which were supposed to be as in their pockets because Russians got titles in these categories in the 2007 worlds.
JAPAN'S "FANTASTIC QUADRUPLE"
Saori Yoshida took gold in women's 55kg while Kaori Icho won 63kg. Chiharu Icho was runner-up in 48kg while Kyoko Hamaguchi lost to Chinese wrestler in semifinal and only grabbed a bronze.
Just as what they got in Athens.
The Japan's "Fantastic Four" may have fought their last Olympics together.
Sisters Chiharu and Kaori say they are considering retiring from the mat which has brought them four Olympic medals, on top of eight world titles.
"I can't imagine myself training with wrestling shoes on again," 26-year-old Chiharu said.
"The result was silver but I have learnt from wrestling more than what is worth the gold medal." said Chiharu, also a three-time world champion.
"I have walked together with Chiharu. And, if she quits, I will no longer have a goal to chase. I think the Beijing Games was my last." said Kaori, two years younger than her sister.
CHINA'S HISTORICAL BREAKTHROUGH
Before the Beijing Games, THE Chinese male wrestlers' best results was Shen Zetian's three bronze medals from Barcelona 1992 Games to Sydney 2000 Games.
Records changed when Chang Yongxiang took silver in men's Greco-Roman 74kg, defeating world champion Yavor Yanakiev of Bulgaria in the first round, to surprise Shen Zetian, who now is the head-coach of Chian Greco-Roman wrestling team.
Chang said, "I was so upset not to win China a gold although this is a best result of the men wrestlers in the Olympics."
Wang Xu defeated Kyoko Hamaguchi in the semifinal of women's 72kg at Athens Games, when women's wrestling made its Olympic debut, and eventually won the gold at the age of 19. Four years later, 20-year-old Wang Jiao, who replaced Wang Xu just before the Beijing Games, defeated Hamaguchi again in semifinal and seized the title after beating Stanka Zlateva of BUlgaria in final. This gold was Chinese first and only gold in wrestling.
"It is my great honour to win this gold medal for China. This is such a surprising victory," said Wang Jiao.
Xu Li of 55kg also won China a silver after losing to strong Saori Yoshida.
"The gold and two silvers are quite out of our expectations," said Zhou Jinqiang, one senior official in Chinese Wrestling Federation. "We have strong female wrestlers, but still not good enough to compete the Japanese. Greco-Roman wrestlers improved fast while freestyle wrestlers need improvements."
SWEDISH WRESTLER'S BRONZE STRIPPED BY IOC
Ara Abrahamian of Sweden refused to take the men's Greco-Roman 84kg bronze as he thought his loss to Andrea Minguzzi of Italy in semifinal was under the control of referees of International Wrestling Federation .
Abrahamian, silver medallist in the Athens Games, was enraged after being judged losing points to Minguzzi. The Swedish even posed physical threats to the head referee after failed verbal appeals.
He continued showing his uncontrolled rage by refusing the bronze medal he won later and walking down from the podium a few seconds into the victory ceremony.
The International Olympic Committee Disciplinary Commission announced on Aug. 16 that Abrahamian had been disqualified from the event.
Abrahamian and the Sweden NOC asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to investigate the controversial semifinal and CAS will hold a hearing on Friday.
Source:Xinhua
Games just another 'stop' for Li
While most Olympians enjoy a break after finishing their competitions at the Olympics, Chinese tennis ace Li Na is packing for a trip to the US Open, which starts on Monday.
The 26-year-old Li says she needs to forget about the past few weeks and look to the future, even though she made Chinese tennis history by reaching the semifinals at the Games.
The buzz over the Olympic tennis competition is still in the air - fans are talking about it, Li's Olympic matches are being replayed on TV and the Chinese media are falling over each other to get interviews with the team.
Many believe this was the pinnacle of Li's career, but Li says it was just another "stop" on her busy tennis tour schedule.
"I understand how much the Olympics means to many people. But for me, as a professional tennis player, it is a just a tournament," Li said in an interview with China Daily yesterday.
She could choose to be happy after eliminating top seeds and Grand Slam champions, including Svetlana Kuznetsova and Venus Williams, en route to the semifinals.
But Li, a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist, showed how she has matured over the years, understanding that there is always another tournament and the importance of not getting hung up in the past.
"Unlike other sports that have only one or two major tournaments a year, there are tennis events almost every week," she said. "So it is quite normal for us to have joy and disappointment together after a few years. That is the uniqueness of tennis."
Li has no misconceptions about the state of tennis in China right now. Although she and many of her teammates like Zheng Jie and Yan Zi, who paired to win the women's doubles bronze, have advanced the sport considerably in China, Li knows there is still a lot to do before China is taken seriously in international tennis.
"I know we have drawn a lot of attention. But we are just at the beginning of the road," she said. "Check out our men's side. We are still way behind the US and Russia."
Li is not too sentimental about her Olympic performance, but she has much stronger feelings about her roller-coaster ride that brought her to the Beijing Games.
After returning from a rib inflammation that sidelined her for six months, Li reached another peak of her career by winning the Gold Coast in January and reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open. But a painful and untimely injury to her left knee almost spoiled her four years of preparation for the Olympics.
"When I found out about the injury, I was like 'Oh my God, how could that happen when the Olympics is so close?'"
The Chinese camp tried its best to help Li get back on the court as soon as possible, but the injury turned out to be bad enough to require surgery in the spring.
As she lay in a bed at a rehabilitation center in Germany, Li felt devastated.
"I had come a long way to get there. I was very upset with the injury and I thought I was done."
Her husband and coach Jiang Shan was her only company during her painful three-month rehabilitation. He provided much-needed support.
"We relied on each other. He was always there to support me and I am very, very grateful to him."
But the bad luck was seemingly not over for Li. For her first match in Beijing she was drawn against Kuznetsova, the world No 3 and former US Open winner whom she had beaten only once.
"I thought it was over," Li said with a laugh. "I thought it would be another one-and-out tour."
But against the odds, Li overcame the Russian in straight sets, going on to beat higher-ranked players like Williams.
Despite her shining achievements, Li, known for her explosive temper and sore relationship with the Chinese Tennis Association, found herself embroiled in controversy once again. A verbal complaint against spectators during her semifinal loss to Vera Zvonareva brought her condemnation from fans and officials alike.
"I thank them for giving me such big support all the way. But I have to say that some of the Chinese spectators don't know tennis courtesy. Sometimes, they cheer in the wrong time, which makes it difficult for players."
Li said she just tried to be herself, and was not worried about being the "model athlete" some people expect.
"In China, if you fit that criteria, you are regarded as a good athlete. Otherwise, you are just a bad one.
"I don't think it should be like that. I want to be free."
That's why she calls American great Andre Agassi her idol, not a very popular choice among current tennis stars who generally prefer the likes of Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.
" looks so free and unrestrained. He can do anything he wants, like having his ear pierced or a weird hair cut.
"That's exactly what I want to be. For me, tennis is just a job."
Source: China Daily
The 26-year-old Li says she needs to forget about the past few weeks and look to the future, even though she made Chinese tennis history by reaching the semifinals at the Games.
The buzz over the Olympic tennis competition is still in the air - fans are talking about it, Li's Olympic matches are being replayed on TV and the Chinese media are falling over each other to get interviews with the team.
Many believe this was the pinnacle of Li's career, but Li says it was just another "stop" on her busy tennis tour schedule.
"I understand how much the Olympics means to many people. But for me, as a professional tennis player, it is a just a tournament," Li said in an interview with China Daily yesterday.
She could choose to be happy after eliminating top seeds and Grand Slam champions, including Svetlana Kuznetsova and Venus Williams, en route to the semifinals.
But Li, a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist, showed how she has matured over the years, understanding that there is always another tournament and the importance of not getting hung up in the past.
"Unlike other sports that have only one or two major tournaments a year, there are tennis events almost every week," she said. "So it is quite normal for us to have joy and disappointment together after a few years. That is the uniqueness of tennis."
Li has no misconceptions about the state of tennis in China right now. Although she and many of her teammates like Zheng Jie and Yan Zi, who paired to win the women's doubles bronze, have advanced the sport considerably in China, Li knows there is still a lot to do before China is taken seriously in international tennis.
"I know we have drawn a lot of attention. But we are just at the beginning of the road," she said. "Check out our men's side. We are still way behind the US and Russia."
Li is not too sentimental about her Olympic performance, but she has much stronger feelings about her roller-coaster ride that brought her to the Beijing Games.
After returning from a rib inflammation that sidelined her for six months, Li reached another peak of her career by winning the Gold Coast in January and reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open. But a painful and untimely injury to her left knee almost spoiled her four years of preparation for the Olympics.
"When I found out about the injury, I was like 'Oh my God, how could that happen when the Olympics is so close?'"
The Chinese camp tried its best to help Li get back on the court as soon as possible, but the injury turned out to be bad enough to require surgery in the spring.
As she lay in a bed at a rehabilitation center in Germany, Li felt devastated.
"I had come a long way to get there. I was very upset with the injury and I thought I was done."
Her husband and coach Jiang Shan was her only company during her painful three-month rehabilitation. He provided much-needed support.
"We relied on each other. He was always there to support me and I am very, very grateful to him."
But the bad luck was seemingly not over for Li. For her first match in Beijing she was drawn against Kuznetsova, the world No 3 and former US Open winner whom she had beaten only once.
"I thought it was over," Li said with a laugh. "I thought it would be another one-and-out tour."
But against the odds, Li overcame the Russian in straight sets, going on to beat higher-ranked players like Williams.
Despite her shining achievements, Li, known for her explosive temper and sore relationship with the Chinese Tennis Association, found herself embroiled in controversy once again. A verbal complaint against spectators during her semifinal loss to Vera Zvonareva brought her condemnation from fans and officials alike.
"I thank them for giving me such big support all the way. But I have to say that some of the Chinese spectators don't know tennis courtesy. Sometimes, they cheer in the wrong time, which makes it difficult for players."
Li said she just tried to be herself, and was not worried about being the "model athlete" some people expect.
"In China, if you fit that criteria, you are regarded as a good athlete. Otherwise, you are just a bad one.
"I don't think it should be like that. I want to be free."
That's why she calls American great Andre Agassi her idol, not a very popular choice among current tennis stars who generally prefer the likes of Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.
" looks so free and unrestrained. He can do anything he wants, like having his ear pierced or a weird hair cut.
"That's exactly what I want to be. For me, tennis is just a job."
Source: China Daily
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