Oscar Pistorius achieves Olympic dream-advances to 400-meter semifinal

Pistorius is a controversial figure for reasons entirely beyond their control. It has no legs below the knees, so the only way I can run - with carbon fiber blades that have been recognized worldwide.

And Saturday, for once, the controversy came from for 400 yards as a friendly man who has only wanted to run faster and more evenly, which ultimately could have this possibility in the biggest stage in sports.

Pistorius covered the distance in 45.44 seconds - long enough to meet its goal of ranking for the Olympic semifinals on Sunday. In general, his best time was 16 the day.

Almost certainly, you will not win a medal at the end of Monday night. Very probably not even get that far. But no matter what you think of their Cheetah Flex-Feet, Pistorius makes it almost impossible to not like the man himself.

Among the remedies that allow them to compete here and induce vomiting, training sessions: "I worked for six years to get here," he said. "I found myself smiling at the grid, which is very unusual for the 400."

An hour after the race, and about 55 minutes after beginning to speak with the media, still smiling. "I still received goosebumps," he said. He thanked the journalists several times - apparently, because that's what he does.

The American Sanya Richards-Ross, who runs in 400 women, had similar words. "Not only is an incredible athlete, but a great person," he said in a pre-Olympic media summit. "When you're near it, is so positive."

Even in the glow of passion for life came together on Saturday, optimistic that the expansiveness tried to share his joy with others.

Without the touch of a complaint being attacked by the press, he admitted that I actually went to watch replays of some of his friends in the 400 heats up ", so you can send messages."

Scientists can not yet be able to come to an agreement whether Oscar Pistorius should be allowed to compete in the Olympics, but it is undeniable that when he did on Saturday morning has become an indelible moment in the history of the Games.

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16:42 | 0 comments

Britain tops rowing medals table with 4 golds

England - Britain has confirmed its status as the dominant nation in rowing, winning two gold medals in the Olympic final day of the race Saturday to finish in the top of the medals table.

Triumphs for four of the men and women Lightweight Men's Double Sculls sparked scenes of jubilation in other Dorney Lake and took the tally to four golds for the host country, one more than New Zealand.

With the British also claim a silver medal in a controversial final of the Women's Double Sculls Lightweight men, they finished with nine medals - four golds, two silvers and three bronzes - to overcome the country's record total of eight years from 1908 Olympics. These games were also held in London.

"They are the best ever Olympics for rowing," Britain coach Juergen Groebler said. "I think we should be honest with ourselves - is a great, great result."

To put the achievement into context, if the British rowing team was being placed on overall medals at the Games in London soon after the last final of the regatta, which was sitting in 11 th position.

In two other finals competed under dark skies, Miroslava Knapkova of the czech Republic has signed a wire-to-wire victory Single sculls women to add an Olympic title for the world crown in 2011, and Denmark has won his only gold of the regatta by Mads Rasmussen and Rasmus Quist in lightweight double.

That race had to be restarted after the home buying British rower Zac came off, forcing him to stop rowing and Mark Hunter. Despite a complaint from the French, the race was able to start over because it had advanced more than 100 meters.

"It was good for us we had a little 'a bad start," said Quist. "Why did we need to start over, gave us time to make a quick chat."

Increase late in the Danes' saw them overcome the sample in Great Britain in the last 100 meters.

"There is no feeling for this - perhaps the same as the first time you hold a new baby in her arms," ??said Rasmussen.

Australia, one of the traditional rowing powers, the race has finished a disappointing ninth place - behind the likes of Ukraine and South Africa - and without gold medals.

One of their greatest hopes had four years of men, but in the much-anticipated Final Four on Saturday, were outpowered and overtaken by Britain, which retained the title for the third consecutive game.

Adopting the tactics usually employed by the Australians, the British crew of Alex Gregory, Pete Reed, Tom James and Andrew Triggs Hodge came out hard from the start and has not been exceeded. Australia is not never been more than a boat length behind but could not answer in the final stretch beyond the grandstands packed.

"We are pleased to have been part of one of the best four-legged races there has ever been," said Drew Ginn, who was trying to win a fourth gold in the Olympics - an ever achieved by an Australian. "We always wanted a drag race, for everyone to watch and get excited.

"It is not the result they came for, but we can go head-on."

In tears Ginn, 37, has hinted that he rowed his last race, although he said he would wait until the end of the year before deciding whether to stay.

The victory maintained wonderful traditions of Great Britain in the event, which dates back to the days of the series of gold medals Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent. Redgrave congratulated the Class of 2012 on the pier as they climbed from their boat.

"In today's race, I was waiting for me to go all wrong," said Triggs Hodge. "We all sacrificed so much to achieve this great honor to sit here like an Olympic champion in front of a home crowd -. I am honored by this."

The United States won the bronze, two seconds behind Australia. It 'was a good result for a team in his first international race, and managed to keep up with Australia and Great Britain for much of the race.

Sophie Hosking and Kat Copeland, who has just started to run together at the beginning of the year, recovered a rapid departure of the Greek boat to win the lightweight women's double for Britain after 20 minutes.

It 'was the third gold won by a British female crew in the Olympics. A British woman previously had never won more than a silver.

After crossing the line, Hosking buried his head in his hands. Copeland just sat open-mouthed, not quite believing the result.

"Our improvement over the last six months was probably better than I would have hoped," said Hosking.

China took the silver and bronze in Greece - only medals of the two countries in a race dominated by the British for the second straight game.

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16:39 | 0 comments

Canada hopeful of Armstrong to win gold

London: the world silver medalist Dylan Armstrong of Canada charging cable for a track and field gold medal in the shot when the event will take place on Friday, with coach Alex Gardiner believes he is ready to succeed.

Armstrong, 31, who missed a medal in Beijing in 2008 of an inch around the national record and, most likely the case in Canada to a gold medal in athletics, with Jessica Zelinka see heptatleta promising.

"When I heard that he (Armstrong), who three days ago I had a personal best in one of his training, I realized that it is ready," Gardiner told reporters on Thursday.

rmstrong has a personal best of 22.21 and were against any American trio of Christian Cantwell, Reese Hoffa and Ryan Whiting, among others for gold in London.
"I am sure that when you wake up (Friday) morning to feel a little" of this pressure, but he was in the ring before, "said Gardiner.

Armstrong is one of eight 45-strong members of the Canadian Olympic team who have some experience of previous games.

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11:27 | 0 comments

Gabby Douglas inspires Twitter land, Oprah, Lil' Wayne

Victoria gold medal Gabby Douglas is the all-around in resonance with the big names in showbiz. Among the tweets of congratulations of his 367,027 followers, there are "happy tears" Oprah and a greeting from one of his favorite rapper, Lil 'Wayne.

He wrote: "Icon happy to have lived to see what Gabby Douglas did in the Olympic Games" ..

Even Michael Phelps broke the Olympic rights wrote. "Congratulations to @ gabrielledoug We look last night at the pool # USA"

At 4-9, Douglas is the youngest member of the team of 530 members of the U.S., but higher than anyone is right.

A sample of tweets:

Gabrielle Union:

Gabby for gold! Douglas won the gold medal in the gymnastics all-around

Octavia Spencer:

@ Gabrielledoug HUGE great time! Himself! bring home the gold!

Elizabeth Banks:

@ Gabrielledoug Congrats! U r an inspiration. What a smile! And the gym was pretty good.

Ciara:

@ Gabrielledoug Not only are happy 4 U. Glad your family for 2! The sacrifice was worth it! Keep inspire girls and young women like me

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11:24 | 0 comments

From Paris to London-Bradley Wiggins Finishes a Record Ride

London - Following his latest victory, Bradley Wiggins he sat confined to a chair, his place in cycling history, the history of the Olympics and the history of British sport said. His eyes were put in danger about him displaced.

when he called a celebration loudest. So Wiggins jumped on his bike and did what they do best again Wednesday afternoon. He cycled.

He traveled outside the arrival area, away from the palace and the streets. Rode up to his wife and kissed her, then shook hands to his two sons.

Ride and waved to the masses, the fans who have covered every inch of pavement parking, which pressed against the barricades and shouted so loudly that the whole scene felt less like a motorcycle racing game and as a calcium.

"I never want to experience something new," said Wiggins.

And even fans. An hour after Wiggins has collected his fourth gold medal in the Olympic cycle road individual time trial, sat in a room full of journalists. There was still processing the events of the past 10 days.

The story, the book of Wiggins, started with the Tour de France, which has won Wiggins July 22 to become the first Briton to finish in possession of the famous yellow jersey.

No cyclist had never left the Tour de France and an Olympic podium in the same year to Wiggins completed twice Wednesday afternoon.

The Wiggins separately for all cyclists who came before him. But the medal meant more. This meant I now had seven Olympic medals, enough to hang in the closet as a collection of ties.

The seventh Wiggins went next to Sir Steve Redgrave, who was the most productive British Olympic Wiggins broke their relationship, appropriately, at Hampton Court Palace, the British flag flying high.

Someone asked how he thought Wiggins to make sense of all this.

"Vodka tonic helps," he said. "I have some tonight."

So Britain has followed the revolution in cycling, it seemed unlikely that even 10 years ago. Wiggins not just put another gold medal around their neck on Wednesday, but Chris Froome, his friend and teammate of Sky Team, won the bronze. Tony Martin of Germany won the silver medal and Taylor Phinney, USA, was fourth.

If it seemed to be barely 10 days Froome was second at the Tour de France after he helped launch Wiggins of mountains, valleys and down to Paris, well, it was 10 days. Here they were together again in his hymn.

Among the celebration, which was attended Froome track cycling, sports in which Britain is considered the strongest, will start on Thursday.

The English team has won seven of 10 Calle on the track in Beijing in 2008, while changes in the rules that limit competition in each country for an event at these Olympic Games, the English are required to collect a number of medals in this discipline.

The trial on Wednesday, probably, reported that a then the start of cycling medal haul for the London Games.

Wiggins, unbeaten in time tests on the road this season of track cycling and won six Olympic medals, should be knighted, and now Chris, who won three gold medals in Beijing.

"Hopefully this is just the beginning of things to come," said Froome.

The victory helped erase the pain of Saturday, when pilots in Britain, perhaps tired of winning the grueling Tour, could not put Mark Cavendish can win the first gold medal of these Games, the host country.

The local fans clogged the streets near the finish line of the road race, only to see the pilots in the speed of Kazakhstan and Colombia to the finish line together. Cavendish was 28.

None expected victory, the hosts expect to win his first event - but - the London Games. Came not in cycling. But come on Wednesday.

It became fashionable, with Heather Stanning and Helen Glover without dominating the event, couples Dorney Lake.

This product is the euphoria and relief of victory among the British, who had seen four days of events - swimming, gymnastics and horse riding, among others - without a single Olympic champion who could call her.

Glover and Stanning led the race of 2,000 meters from start to finish. It was the first gold medal in rowing in British women.

"It will be the first pages of the newspaper tomorrow morning," said the BBC commentators program. "They are well-known names. There will be a day that changed the lives of two young women forever."

Wiggins rode up to the starting line on Wednesday with the same vision in their head. I knew that would not be easy, despite his status as favorite. Froome said the road race on Saturday as exhausted British pilots, trained hard for two days later.

How to emphasize their response, Froome sat in the press conference as a man 80 years old, being careful to get the chair, his tendons of the hock called pleasure, please stop.

Froome said the British pilots took the crowd through his exhaustion and during the course of about 27.3 miles. Describe the atmosphere as Froome, goosebumps rose along his forearms and his voice became choked with emotion.

He noted the fans who have attended meetings of the Council, he called and called Acclaimed more for cyclists by name. Some fans wore thick sideburns Wiggins brand. Other layers waving flags as English, or wavy Wiggs "Go!" Signals.

The scene is chaos confined to the finish. Traders sought-Wiggins streets. Two helicopters flying over. Fans beat the signs along the fence.

Wednesday, however, Wiggins perhaps best embodies the rise of cycling in Britain as a track cyclist was cycling road, with a record number of Olympic medals and Tour de France championship.

Its success is likely to inspire children to have to keep riding, cycling and the cycle is becoming more entrenched.

Wiggins took the side of the Olympic victory.

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02:10 | 0 comments

Li wins women's singles gold for China

Li Xiaoxia continued dominance of table tennis in China, winning Olympic gold with a 4-1 victory over his compatriot Ding Ning in women's singles final.

We won 11-8 14-12 8-11 11-6 11-4 in Excel to greet the world champion Ding.

China has won every woman's table tennis singles gold medal since the game was introduced in 1988 as the Seoul Olympics disclipline.

Feng Tianwei of Singapore defeated Kasumi Ishikawa of Japan, eighth in the world, 11-9 11-6 11-5 for the bronze.

The Chinese men have two representatives in the quarterfinals, with Wang Hao and Zhang jikes is progressing.

Zhang Tianyi Jiang Hong Kong, won 4-1 and will play Dimitrij Ovtcharov in the semifinals, after the German Michael Maze beat Denmark 4-3.

Wang advanced to the semifinals with an easy 4-0 victory over Japan Seiya Kishikawa. He will face Chinese Taipei Chuang Chih-Yuan, who defeated Romania, Adrian Crisan 4-0.

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02:07 | 0 comments

Michael Phelps wins 19 medals

LONDON - Michael Phelps has always said he wanted to do something that nobody has done before.
It 's all alone now, and ready to go again.

Best swimmer in the world cruise through the anchor leg of the 4x200 meters freestyle relay to win his record of 19 Olympic gold medals and 15 race at night, etching his place in history as the 'Most wins Olympic athlete of all time.

"It's been a pretty amazing career, but still have a few races to the end," he said.
Now we are four days in the pool at the London Games are putting all of this brand even further out of reach. Phelps has three events to go - 200 individual mixed the 100 butterfly and the 4x100 relay combination.
He did not drive for a medal Wednesday, when it competes in the heats and the semifinals of the 200 IM.
The big race on day 5 of freestyle swimming competition will be 100 men.

James "The Rocket" Magnussen Australia has the time to be leading in the final. Nathan Adrian U.S. is next on the list, followed by Cuba Hanser Garcia.
Other contenders are the world record holder Cesar Cielo of Brazil and France Yannick Agnel.

Kosuke Kitajima will try to make a story "in his 200 breaststroke. The Japanese star could become the first male swimmer to win the same event at three consecutive Olympics, even if it is a very remote possibility after qualifying fifth fastest for the final. Previous attempts a chest Kitajima threepeat 100 fell short.

Kathleen Hersey leading rating is the first U.S. gold medal in the 200 meter butterfly in 2000, when Misty Hyman was surprised Susie O'Neill in Sydney.

A few hours after Phelps won his medal XVIII - a silver in the 200 fly - and its 19 relays with gold, and supporters ranging from Pele Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol, colleagues and fellow Olympic team in the past and present his congratulations Twitter.

"Being part of this is something I tell my children about" relay swimmer Ricky Berens said. "It's unbelievable down with him."

Phelps equaled the record for the race medals Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina second place finish in the 200 fly, was touched by the South African Chad Le Clos wall. Phelps furious threw his cap into the water, a grin on his face.

An hour later, he returned with his teammates in tow for the relay. Ryan Lochte opened, followed by Conor Dwyer.

Berens has a lead of nearly 4 seconds of Phelps, who walked to the water and played in a total time of 6 minutes, 59.70 seconds for his first gold medal of these games.

When Phelps and other relief against acovardits, said he wanted a "big advantage" to get the ball back and meet him.
"
I started to smile as the final 20 meters for the first time I think I have a career," he said. "I knew we had achieved."

Phelps has 15 gold medals in his career, six more than anyone, to go along with two silvers and two bronzes. Latynina won nine gold medals, five silver and four bronzes 1956-64.

The gymnast of 77 years of age, was in the stands of the Aquatic Centre at night and saw Phelps breaks his record, and she said he was happy for him.

"I saw him swim, and I saw my record swim," said Latynina The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "It's very talented - no doubt about that."

Lochte Phelps described as "one of the toughest runners and one of the best swimmers ever live. It's pretty impressive."

In the stands, Phelps's mother, Debbie, and two sisters applauded the company. The use of winning his medal 19 years during the walk, Phelps standing on a plastic chair and stretched to catch a small U.S. flag on them. With tears, Debbie sent a kiss to her only child.

Night Phelps began a bitter note in his signature event, which has special meaning to her family and sisters, once swam, too.

Had lost flight 200 in the Olympics or World Championships in Sydney, where he finished in fifth place as a stranger 15.

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06:50 | 0 comments

Zara Phillips adds to family silver with Olympic medal

LONDON - The Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips was added to the family of silver Tuesday, helping the Great Britain team to second place behind Germany in the Olympic equestrian eventing.

Put the brilliance of the moment: his mother, Princess Anne, presented the medal.

"It was a family affair in Greenwich Royal Park, the oldest royal park in London and the home of the 2012 Olympic equestrian events.

Princes William and Harry and William's wife, Kate, were in the stands cheering on his cousin and competed in the final demonstration jump competition in three phases Eventing, leaving for a second day to support the "Great Britain team. "

Phillips said the experience was "incredible" and "unreal" - if not a bit "disappointing given that Britain entered the final with the hope of winning. However, Phillips and his colleague Nicholas Wilson team has downed fences and other additional penalties accrued by the team in the segments of the dressage and cross country, ending the hopes of British gold.

"We wanted the gold, but we make mistakes," said Phillips. Then, holding his new piece of silver, said: "When we come to this pass, it was worth it."

Among the celebrations date back to Olympic Park, Phillips was reluctant to reflect on the global interest in your business and the actual connection.

"It's just that their attention is intense about it, because after all, they are my family, so there is nothing different for me," said Phillips. "All family members were able to support this week, which in reality is something different from these guys. These guys have no problem with it."

But the royal family was the center of the Olympic Games with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, also plays a major role in the opening ceremony in esquetx with James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

"Obviously it is an important part of British culture, then you can not escape," said Phillips. "But the fact that I am competing in the Olympics is something totally different."

This, however, said the Queen congratulated?

"I will not say that," said Phillips.

Michael Jung Sam led the German team to its second consecutive Olympic gold medal - and then took the individual gold to start with a combined score of 40.6 after incurring any penalty beyond their initial score in dressage. He is now taking the Olympic, World and European champion in the event management. And if that were not enough, on Tuesday was his birthday 30.

"It was incredible, fantastic," he said.

When asked if he could imagine his double win gold, Jung said he just wanted to ride in the Olympics.

"It was my dream to win two gold medals," he said.

Phillips, a former World and European eventing champion, who is 14 ° in the line of succession to the throne, said he had placed upon States in a difficult position as it approached the jump, leaving little room for maneuver.

"I'm disappointed for the team," he said.

Despite the sanctions, Phillips qualified for the individual jumping final round and saw a clean and fast that earned him an eighth place in the Olympic debut single riding. He raised his fist in the air to celebrate afterwards.

Briton William Fox-Pitt said lionhart in the presence of Royal Phillips had no effect on the stands or other equipment.

"Each of us is in our own bubble here," he said. "His family is here to support her and our families are here to support us."

Like they did on Monday, William, Harry and Kate looked at the competition in the VIP section of the equestrian arena, along with Camilla, the wife of Prince Charles and Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, daughter of Prince Andrew.

Princess Anne was there - and then dropped to the sand to distribute the medals. It may have been a very emotional moment for her, since she competed in the Olympic eventing in 1976, but his horse fell during the voyage.

Many members of the team of British researchers and New Zealand arc when Ana came to cover a medal around the neck, the men shake hands and bowed slightly. Phillips received a kiss on the cheek of his mother.

Horse and rider took a victory lap around the arena loud.

They were not the only ones to celebrate: her husband, Phillips, English rugby player Mike Tindall has been tweeting live results:

"Woooooooooooooooooooooo" he wrote on Twitter after it became clear that Britain had won the silver.

Germany entered the case on top of the standings and kept the lead everywhere, finishing with a final score of 133.7. Britain's final score was 138.2, while New Zealand was 144.4 for the bronze. The United States was in seventh place with 208.6.

In the individual competition, Sweden's Sara Algotsson Ostholt mount Wega won silver with 43.3 overthrow the siege after the end of the competition. Sandra from Germany Auffarth mount Opgun egg won the bronze with 44.8.

After running through the treacherous across the country without any penalty, the day before, riding Phillips, USA High, knocked off a railing on the second jump Tuesday, incur four penalty points. He completed the rest of the course cleanly, although a little "over the limit of 83 seconds. The crowd gasped when the train fell, but was cheered wildly as she finished.

"It's my fault," said Phillips. "After that he jumped fantastic."

Britain won the silver medal in eventing at the 2004 Athens Games and bronze in 2008. Germany won gold at the 2008 Olympics and won first place in Athens, but fell from contention for a medal after a technicality.

The last time Britain won the Olympic gold medal in the test was completed in 1972, when Phillips's father, Captain Mark Phillips, now the U.S. eventing coach, was on the team. He also won silver in Seoul 16 years later.

Phillips said he appreciated the efforts of his horse castrated Bay gave relatively little experience, has lost two shoes during the arduous among the countries of the event on Monday.

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06:47 | 0 comments

Ruta Meilutyte wins 100m breast

LONDON - Fifteen years Meilutyte Route from Lithuania won the 100 meters breaststroke at the Olympic Games in London on Monday, keeping at bay the world champion American Rebecca Soni in a thrilling final.

Competing for the first time in the international arena important Meilutyte has demonstrated its good performance in the preliminary and semifinal were not accidental.

He built a big lead on the turn, then kept at bay Olympic silver medalist in the 2008 statement. Meilutyte touched in 1:05:47, while Soni demonstration reached 8/100 of a second short. Japan has a new bronze with Satomi Suzuki in 1:06:46.

The defending champion Leisel Jones of Australia was fifth.

Meilutyte he wept on the podium, the enormity of their success at such a young age, and finally sink in. He became the first Lithuanian to win a medal in swimming, and won first or their country in any sport as a gold medal in shooting in 2004.

"I can not believe," he said. "It's too much for me. I can not really say anything. It's been hard and difficult."

So swept the 100 and 200 breaststrokes in the World Championships last year, and hopes to do the same in London. Now, trying to defend his title in the chest 200.

"I'm a bit" disappointed, "he said." I knew I was going down the last five meters and I have more than five feet to reach that goal. "It was a good race in general."

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06:06 | 0 comments

Michel Morganella expelled for tweet

LONDON - A football player has been expelled from Switzerland Olympics on Monday for his racist and threatening message on Twitter about the South Koreans. The remarks came hours after Michel Morganella Switzerland lost to South Korea

Morganella "discriminated against, abused and violated the dignity of the football team of South Korean and South Korean people," said the head of the Swiss Olympic team Gian Gilli through an interpreter in a conference release. He said the player was stripped of his Olympic accreditation.

Morganella is the second athlete team started for London Olympics, Twitter offensive comments, according to the Greek triple jump Voula Papachristou.

He sent the message after playing to a 2-1 defeat against South Korea on Sunday. He said that the tweets of South Korea "can go to burn" and referred to them as a "bunch of Mongolian."

The player is 23 years old, later issued a statement regretted the Swiss Olympic.

"I am truly saddened by the people of South Korea, for the players but also for the delegation of Switzerland and Swiss football in general. I 'Of course I'm accepting the consequences."

"After a disappointing result and the reaction was followed by Korea, which made a big mistake," he added Morganella.

The official team of South Korea refused to comment when asked about Morganella during a press conference Monday at Wembley Stadium, which had been scheduled before the crisis.

Gill said the player had been "provoked" by the comments posted on his Twitter account after the game.

However, the leader of the Swiss Morganella admitted that he had to be sent home under the terms of the International Olympic Committee Code of Conduct, which requires athletes to show respect for others.

"In this case, we feel that we have no alternative," said Gill.

Swiss media published photos of a tweet account of Morganella (at) morgastoss. The account was then removed. The tweet was written in an altered form of French, which seems to combine a kind of French slang called verlan and style of text messages.

Officials of the Swiss team in Cardiff, Wales, said the players have said Morganella was on the way home.

Gilli said he had attempted to contact the team leader of South Korea to London to offer a personal explanation.

"We apologize especially for the National Olympic Committee of South Korea and South Korea, the Football Association of player behavior," he said.

The IOC has encouraged the 10,800 athletes at the London Games to communicate with fans through social media, but has published guidelines on standards of behavior expected this.

South Korea was enraged his followers.

"I feel that our country has been hurt by the Swiss player view," said Park Jeong-hwan, a fan of football.

Morganella played the whole game in two matches in Switzerland. He received a yellow card against South Korea in Coventry.

The Swiss drew 1-1 with Newcastle to Gabon on Thursday. Switzerland plays its last game against Mexico on Wednesday, the group, the need to win with two goals of the possibility of progress.

"We focus on the game," said coach Pierluigi Tami. "The other things that we think. Maybe you should not read newspapers for the next two days."

Morganella debuted in May with the national team and currently plays for Italian club Palermo.

"We hope you will take the lessons necessary for a career in football is still young," said Gill.

Last week, the Greek Olympic officials Papachristou expelled from the team after writing a comment mocking African immigrants and support for extreme right political parties.

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06:04 | 0 comments

China hold off Japan to win gold

When it comes to silver and bronze, can be difficult. He did gymnastics for men on Monday.

The Chinese won their second consecutive Olympic title and third in four games, so who wrote after a dismal

performance in the standings look stupid. Their score of 275.997 points was more than four points ahead of Japan, who needed the help of a DVR to finish second.

Britain was initially announced as a silver medal, leaving the noisy celebrations at the O2 Arena. The British have a proud history of gymnastics - it just has a history - and this medal was the first women's team to his men in a century.

But Japan was questioning the qualification of the three times world champion Kohei Uchimura on horseback with bows, the team is the last routine.

While the judges together around a video screen, Uchimura and colleagues he sat stone faced while the British have held. Five minutes later the score was revised Uchimura and Japan won the silver while Britain was beaten to the bronze.

"It was little consolation" for the Japanese, who were beaten by the Chinese, again.
Like all the others.

China also won the last five world titles, and has gone eight years without losing a major competition.
The Americans, expecting her first Olympic title since 1984 after finishing No. 1 in the standings, lost all hopes of a medal with the projection of the sad horse arches, his second event. They rallied to finish fifth.

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06:02 | 0 comments

US Gymnast Jordyn Wieber's Stunning Letdown in London Olympics

It was the unthinkable, the inconceivable and incredible, the result is absolutely nobody saw coming.

Jordyn Wieber has all-around final in women's gymnastics.

E 'was passed by U.S. teammates Aly Raisman (60 391) and Gabby Douglas (60 265), which has the first and second respectively. Wieber was third 0233, and earned a 60.032.

The world champion and U.S. national champion has been off the end because of the relentless "only two gymnasts per country."

This decision is about to start a revolution. I had people out there who thought the rule was false and no such Wieber the end, all we will say what they think. Wieber score would most probably also need to qualify to compete if any other country.

Wieber has long been a favorite to win the all-around gold, even after he moved to Douglas test.

Wieber is not terrible bad, I just go by his teammates. Raisman has had the best day of my life and deserves a place on the all-around final. He hit her four events, no errors.

"It's very difficult, obviously, because we are best friends and I know how much he wanted" Raisman said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. "I" that lasts only two gymnasts to the end, but I know it is still a good friend and still be a pleasure for me. "

You could say that the curse of the world all year round the world champions defense continues, often in round show wins the Olympic gold. Examples include Shawn Johnson, Svetlana Khorkina, Maria Olaru. The last gymnast to win world gold, Olympic gold and then the Ukrainian Lilia Podkopayeva was in the period 1995-1996.

However, most of these gymnasts still won the Olympic all-around medals, a record Wieber is, has anyone even thought that would make the podium, let alone the final .

There were a lot of speculation that Douglas or another gymnast Wieber go to the medal stand, but he would not fight for gold. NBC's coverage as Wieber has focused on the car behind the U.S. team.

Throughout the week, Wieber and Douglas were answering questions about their rivalry, and that would have won the all-around gold. Rasiman was not considered a factor.

Wieber can make the final event on earth, and currently stands in fourth place with two sessions remaining. This is your chance of an individual medal, in short, that the coin is that Raisman, because his plan is the main event.

But, perhaps, make a trade-off. Nobody expects to win an individual medal Wieber, because his strength is as it is strong in all four rotations and evil rarely.

Now Wieber best chance to Olympic gold in the final of the team and hopefully this pushes the team to bring the U.S.. Now is the time when the real question is put to the test: the quest for gold is for teams or an individual?

Obviously, Wieber means that the team wants the gold that's why she is here. But you can not deny that is beyond disappointment, his goal has always been the all-around gold medal.

"It's always been my dream to compete in the all-around final of the Olympics, but I'm proud of Aly and Gabby," he said in a statement.

In an interview with NBC Sports, the U.S. national team coordinator Martha Karoyli said he was very concerned Wieber.

"One tries to find the words, it is almost like a person dies, and what did you say?" Karoly said. "But what is done. He did what he could and was surrounded by his teammates."

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04:54 | 0 comments

Sharapova Wins Olympic Debut

Wimbledon, England - Olympic tennis has become deafening Sunday. Under the roof at Wimbledon, the sound of pouring rain nearly drowned Maria Sharapova heartbreaking cries.

The event was moved inside for the first time since the 1912 Games, and Olympic Sharapova made its debut amid a roar, beating Shahar Peer of Israel 6-2 and 6-0.

'' It feels a bit "but not a distraction,'' said Xarapova.'' When you see the calendar and see your name in the center court, you know that your partner is going to get it done . Knowing what the weather is like today, I was very happy.''

Play in other courts has been reduced due to rain, with 32 games before being suspended and postponed four.

Only 12 matches were completed. One took place in track 1, where the bronze medalist in 2008, Novak Djokovic, two suffered long delays en route to a victory over Italy's Fabio Fognini, 6-7 (7), 6-2, 6 - 2.

Among the other winners under the retractable roof on center court were Julia Goergen of Germany, who recently upset the Wimbledon runner-Polish Agnieszka Radwanska, the British hope Andy Murray and the number 5-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France.

There were problems with the rain the 1912 Stockholm Games, played in a pavilion for the judges of wood painted black. This time, the surface is grass, where Xarapova won his first Grand Slam title in 2004 at the age of 17.

Xarapova completed the Grand Slam by winning the French Open last month and now expects to add an Olympic medal. He lost the 2008 Games because of a shoulder injury.

'' It took many years to get here, so it is very special,'' he said.

Xarapova wore a Russian flag at the opening ceremony in London, and visited the Olympic Village, where he said he underestimated his celebrity.

'' The biggest mistake I made in the past was entering the bar,'' he said with a smile. '' I will not eat any food, I just received an orange juice. It's great fun.

I did not sign autographs, there was only the images. I felt like a small statue. Everyone should come and ask for a photo.

'' I ask so many events and people in the photos. But he had never been so happy to take pictures.''

Against the pairs, the first preclassificat No. 3-Sharapova I served well, is aggressive and backward in the last eight games. He improved to 7-0 against his coot peer.

'' Certainly I have been waiting for this moment since I was a kid, so it was nice to have a victory in my first Olympic game,'' he said.

Djokovic match began with a delay of nearly three hours, and the score was 7, especially in the decisive game in the rain forced another 3 1/2-hour break.

When play resumed, Djokovic lost the first two points - and therefore the set.

'' I have not played a game official site from Wimbledon, so I took a seven and a half to really get the rhythm,'' said Djokovic, seeded No. 2. '' Of course, the rain will come late in the game, and I was not sharp enough, after the rain delay.''

Dominated in the past two games, but only made a mistake and forced last September

There were no signs of rust Goergen, who logged 20 aces to beat the first preclasificada No. 2-Radwanska 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4.

'' I felt very well there,'' said Goergen, ranked 24. '' My game is being aggressive, and I know that suits your very well because it wants to create some 'over the field to play it smart.''

Goergen connect a drop shot to maintain an advantage by specializing in the final set 5-4, then broke serve in the last game, hit back to win the first match point. This medal hopes end in singles for Radwanska, who is playing doubles with her sister.

Less than four weeks at Wimbledon, Radwanska became the first Polish player to reach a Grand Slam final since 1939, after losing to Serena Williams.

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04:52 | 0 comments

Peloton take shine off Cavendish's gold plan

The crowd had gathered across London and the countryside. More than a million are waiting to see the second act of the triumphant first weekend of the London Games.

Opening Ceremony of Danny Boyle had high expectations, and yesterday afternoon, Mark Cavendish is expected to Sprint over the mall, with Buckingham Palace and the demand for gold behind it. "This is the problem with the sport," said Seb Coe then, "unlike the night, do not know the end."

The final involved Alexander Vinokourov and Rigoberto Uranium struggling among themselves for gold. In part this was due to the fall Fabian Cancellara is 15 kilometers from London.

Cancellara rear wheel appeared to block when he came around a curve to the right and crashed out of the race. It is a doubt for Wednesday defended trial.

Instead, it was Vinokourov, who was the strongest support in Kazakhstan with the gold of controversy. Vinokourov was disqualified for doping in 2007 and again in 2009 without repentance.

At the age of 38 years, now retired with a gold medal, after blowing the Cavendish - who can question the tactics of Britain - and the other way.

"The group was very strong, they were really committed to return, but as a movement," said the Irishman David McCann then.

McCann was the best of the Irish, finishing 55 and 89 was Nicolas Roche and Dan Martin finished one place behind him.

For Cavendish, there was more disappointment and a feeling that many had tried to stop it. "We did not expect any help," he said. "The Australians have just run a negative, and other teams were happy that he did not win, would not have won."

Vinokourov was the beneficiary, but the disappointment was the audience for which the excitement had reached most of the pilots.

"It's a great day, the atmosphere was incredible," said McCann. "I'm not surprised that there were a million people, were five or six deep in places. It's been nice to see the support. There are a lot of cyclists who are quite isolated, it is far from alone and that is 'doing' training to get out and see a million people to cheer and go crazy for the sport is very motivating. "

There was a lot of Irish in the route, but the crowd had come mainly to Bradley Wiggins and Cavendish to cheer.

The elevation of Bradley Wiggins in the first row of British sport was evident before the race. The pilots have been introduced to Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, before being taken to the roadside which was presented to the mother of Wiggins, who was among the spectators from the beginning.

If Sky win the Tour de France has echoes of U.S. Postal, the English team had tried as far as they could, with a smaller team Cavendish protect in this case, copy Sky.

While the pilot has completed his period of Box Hill, Britain led the chase to close the separatist groups, which included dangerous rivals, such as Belgium, Philippe Gilbert and Vincenzo Nibali of Italy.

He had caught the breakaway group and without the radio equipment that he helped to suppress disturbances from the sky and off the Tour de France: Wiggins hesitated with the British team have now returned to the team car for instructions.

At the time they finished with rounds of Box Hill and the principle of considering the race to the mall, everything seemed to be in line for Cavendish to get gold.

Gilbert had taken the separatist group and embarked on a journey back to London bold lonely. Gilbert went all-in, and Martin Roche, and he sat comfortably in the pilot. Britain thought he had control, but it was Spanish that Gilbert has closed, along with a large group that included Cavendish and his men.

Had hoped to capture, but the separatist group was too large and when Cancellara went beyond the time usually required an act of audacity.

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21:02 | 0 comments

China win women's synchro 3m springboard gold

In the first search for all Chinese gold medals, eight dives in London, he and Wu, the current World Champions in Shanghai last year, has dominated the competition with 346.20 points to win.

The U.S. pair Kelci Bryant and Abigail Johnston took the silver with 321.90 Canadian Emilie Heymans and Jennifer Abel claiming bronze with 316.80.

"We managed to stay focused and calm during the final and was constantly encouraging each other on each dive and finally we managed to do my best," said Wu.

"We feel at home because there were so many Chinese fans in the crowd."

Although Wu was the third Olympic gold in synchronized springboard, was the first partner with him again.

He has collaborated with Guo Jingjing of China's legendary take two gold medals in synchronized 3-meter in the last two Olympics.

"I do not see much difference in diving with my two partners," said Wu.

Wu, 26, may leave the London Olympics as the most successful in this sport with Guo Jingjing to retire, if it wins its remaining three test meter springboard to add to his five medals won today.

He won the last two gold medals in sync with Guo in Athens and Beijing.

Wu has the opportunity to join Guo, with six Olympic medals in the individual three-meter springboard, which has its end, on August 5.

Highlight the Chinese partner had a great competition, 80.10 points for a reverse 2.5 somersault and jump back 2.5.

It was hard after five rounds of jumps and gradually extended its advantage to the Americans who receive a 74.70 to get an update of 2.5 with a step.

Wu said that the key to victory on Sunday was their relationship with Him, who is making his Olympic debut.

He said the gold medal was the culmination of a longstanding dream.

"I did not expect it may become an Olympic champion. Now my dream has come true," he said.

Heymans with his bronze he won his fourth consecutive Olympic medal.

"It's awesome. I'm very happy to have won my fourth medal with Jennifer (Abel)," said Heymans.

"We worked so hard over the past two years, and we are happy that everything went well and is finally over."

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20:52 | 0 comments

Ryan Lochte fades as France wins 400 relay gold

LONDON - The days when all that is Michael Phelps touched turned into gold, is now officially gone.

London Olympics on Sunday, has done everything possible to win, but suffered their second defeat in three days, when the U.S. team played and lost.

In an extraordinary reverse of fortune, France won the final of the U.S. 4x100 meters men's freestyle, coming from a seemingly hopeless position to win gold at the end of a stroke.

Four years ago, Phelps won a record eight gold medals in Beijing, including the transfer of men, when Alain Bernard Jason Lezak famous cut in the previous round.

This time, it was the French who first put his hands on the wall when Yannick Agnel has unleashed an incredible anchor leg to bring up Ryan Lochte, who was named the U.S. team for the final ahead of Lezak and other sprint specialists who participated in the playoffs.

Dana Vollmer ended a life of frustration and serious battles with his health to win the 100 butterfly gold and break another world record for the seemingly untouchable set in the 2009 World Championships in Rome at the height Body of disputes.

Muffat had to use all their reserves of strength to win eight laps of the race, as Schmitt, who trains with Phelps in Baltimore, I desperately tried to take it just to finish with the silver medal.

British Rebecca Adlington, the Beijing champion, finished strongly to get the bronze medal, giving the house of the nation, in his first Olympic Aquatic Centre in London on an exciting night that saw two world records.

The American, who used to bring a defibrillator for their careers because of a heart condition, swam like a woman possessed, feeding victory in 55.98 seconds, chopping 0.08 the previous mark set by Sarah Sjöström Sweden.

France has won a second gold medal at the expense of the United States on Sunday, when Camille Muffat fought a fierce challenge by Allison Schmitt won the 400 meters freestyle final in four minutes, 01:45 seconds.

Phelps and Lochte will not compete in the 100 freestyle at the U.S. trials, but were fast track to the squad for the final, although he had some doubts about both.

Phelps finished off the podium on Saturday in the individual 400 meters combined, won by Lochte, who does not usually swim in the sprint relay team and had to return within an hour after competing in the semifinals of 200 free.

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20:48 | 0 comments