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
Friday, August 22, 2008
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
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