At the recently concluded Olympics games, China surged far ahead of USA in the gold medals race. Michel Phelps became All Time Great by capturing eight Gold medals in swimmimg, whereas Ussain Bolt set the track on fire by his electric runs in 100 and 200 meter sprints. Even though these are the three major highlights of this Olympics, none of them were entirely unexpected. This Olympics was full of drama, emotion, heartbreaks and upsets. Here is my pick on the most surprising results (not necessarily in the order of magnitude of surprise) at Beijing.
Ever since Liu Xiang claimed victory in the 110-m hurdles in Athens, he has been China's super hero. In Beijing, Liu, was the poster boy for China's mighty Olympic squad. For millions of Chinese Liu fans, a gold medal in Beijing was a must , and if he couldn't, all of his previous achievements would become meaningless. Unfortunately his ankle injury aggravated at wrong time and he had to withdraw at the last minute. The anguish on faces of his supporters was evident. A huge heartbreak for Lui lovers. [back]
In the build up to Beijing games, the 100 meter sprint competition was billed as tussle between Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and Ussain Bolt. Ironically, gay lost in semi finals. Powell was nowhere in medal list. In fact Bolt won both 100 and 200 meter races with ridiculous ease. Even the 4X100 relay was also a huge disappointment as US team was eliminated in semi finals. [back]
Roger Federer had come to Beijing on the back of humiliating defeats in French open and Wimbledon at the hands of Rafael Nadal. So, a fierce fight for gold between the two was anticipated by many. Federer instead, bowed out in the quarter finals itself. Meanwhile, Nadal continued his remarkable run by adding Olympics gold in his kitty. Federer, though stung by the loss, came back strongly to clinch gold in doubles event. Indian pair of Lee-Hesh had to suffer at his hands. [back]
There were big upsets in both Men's and women's semi finals of Hockey. Australian team (Men)was in great form till it ran into Spaniards. German men won the Gold medal but their women counterparts, who were defending champions, lost to China in semis. China's dash to the finals in Hockey is most astonishing. Remember, Chinese men beat India and Pakistan in Doha Asiad two years ago? [back]
For many years now, USA is the powerhouse in Sprints. US teams (Men and Women) in 100 meter relay were firm favourites. But surprisingly, both teams were disqualified for faulty baton exchange, the most basic requirement in relay race. I remember how Indian team (women) in 1988 was criticised for dropping the baton. But it happens to the most professional teams too you know! Curiously, the Baton dropping bug also caught up with Jamaican women. Fortunately, Bolt could hand the baton fluently to Powell for Jamaica to win men's gold. [back]
Great Britain's impressive performance was another surprise. Last time, it was lying at the 10th spot. Here, they overtook more fancied countries like Australia and Germany with 19 gold medals. Most of English success came in cycling and Sailing. Next Olympics Games are in London. Who knows, like China here, Great Britain might use its home advantage for still better results. [back]
Brazil, in its illustrious football history has one blemish. Despite winning five world cups, it is still luckless when it comes to winning Olympics gold. Ronaldinho had embarked on the mission Gold Medal, but he bumped into Messi's Argentine flourish. Argentina were far too good. So for Brazil, the wait continues. [back]
One of the most astonishing turnarounds took place in diving competition. On the last jump, Mathew Mitcham , of Australia, was trailing by 35 points in 10 meter platform event. When all seemed lost, the Australian produced an unbelievable dive to win gold by 3 points, and in turn deny the Chinese team a clean sweep of medals in diving. Incidentally, Gay, Tyson that is, failed to win, but Mathew, who openly acknowledges to be gay, succeeded!
India upset sixteen countries to claim 50th spot in ranking compared to 66th last time! For a country that is starved of sporting Heroes outside Cricket, the success of the trio, Bindra, Sushil and Vijender is being hailed as path breaking. It remains to be seen if this new found awareness about Boxing, Wrestling and other Olympics sports is sustained or is quickly forgotten by the onslaught of T-20 IPL! [back]
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