Olympics

Watching the rowing keeps making me think of that Bertie and Dickie programme that was on the other week, when someone said 'make the boat sing'. It didn't mean anything to me at the time, but now I get it [not a boat person, me; can't even swim!]. heartbreak for those two lads just now but the best team won and nothing you do can stop that happening imo [as with the eventing]. Tina Cook was a hoot on The Morning Line today. I might save up me pennies and go to Burleigh this year.

Damn; I'm still away that weekend.

Just seen a clear round by an American whose name epitomises showjumpers/eventers - Rich Fellers !!!

Fantastic day at the Athletics yesterday. Terribly impressed by all the wonderful buildings, the smooth operation (no queuing to get in at all - they were just whisking 80,000 people through) and the wonderfully enthusiastic crowd.
"What happened to miserable brits?" asked DH. "This is self-selecting bunch" I replied " those of us who had faith and applied for tickets a year ago"
Best of all were the fantastic army of volunteers. Mainly either retired or young.
It was a pleasure to see the young Londoners of all ethnicities working together to create a cheerful atmosphere and deal efficiently with so many roles - some of them high profile and some of them very mundane. At one end of the spectrum two super-cool extrovert dudes competing to get kids to give "low fives" or "high fives" at the entrance to the swimming venue. At the other end, the folks standing by the road in Stratford, with giant pointing mits on, waving the crowds in the right direction for the tube.
The whole park is amazing and huge. See also my comments on the Orbit, if anyone interested. Floral displays unique, creative and wonderful. Will try to post photos later. Tyson Gaye on TV...

An-dy...An-dy...An-dy!

I saw that one, gracesmum, and the little Australian horse that was on before it [fell in love with that one]. Seems strange to watch the showjumping these days and not recognise any of the names. A lot of the horses were being very spooky today; Tina Cook [or was it Mary King; I think it was Tina...] said that lion really spooked her horse last week, so I wondered if it was the case today? I think there's more money in showjumping than eventing [though not sure what generates that money]. Tina said everyone asumes she's got indoor facilities for her horses but she hasn't, and that it really paid off when she did her dressage in the pouring rain as he was used to. The Japanese are trying really hard as newcomers to the sport; I'd like to bet that they'll be a lot better in 4 years time.

But they don't look as elegant in the Dressage! Do the Japanese have the horses or do they buy European? I was surprised to see how many of te showjumpers were on horses bred in Holland. Very cross with German who got angry after his horse got 3 fences down - watched carefully to see if he gave it a pat afterwards and I don't think he did. Black mark in my book.

Jess, ! so glad you had such a great day at the athletics. My DS said he was very impressed with the friendliness of the service personnel handling security. I wonder if the same could have been said of G4S employees!

It's the Jess and Mo show tonight. I will be tied to my chair!

gracesmum

It sounds as if they've been buying Eurpopean horses and basing themselves in Europe as well. These horses sell for fortunes, don't they?That German was not happy, was he. I was rather surprised watching the puissance a few years back to see that one of the riders was wearing spurs. I do wonder how much time the riders spend with their horses. Some, like Tina Cook in the eventing seem to live with them whereas others probably just turn up and ride them. I used to speak to someone on my racing forum who looked after show jumpers but have lost touch with her. My favourite jockey, Graham Lee has just won a race at Goodwood; I saw him up at Kelso a few years back and his horse sustained a slight cut during the race; he was so concerned about it afterwards and I've followed him ever since. Means a lot to see them really care about the welfare of the horses, doesn't it.

Yes there was an efficient combo. of soldiers and volunteers on security. There were a very few seats vacant and some of the soldiers - or possibly all - got to fill them.
There is a particular kind of bouncer isn't there, who is polite in a very rude way. But I don't think G4S in that market. There were other security staff around, but not many. Unless they were in "volunteer/staff" uniforms.
Apparently 200,000 visitors on site yesterday.

All absolutely brilliant! DDiL (the Olympic coach / former heptathlete) is, I think, jumping up and down over Jessica Ennis.

The cycling, I think, is amazing - how can they go so fast?

But, you know, looking at the crowds today, I am glad we were there on Monday; it was busy enough then. Wouldn't it be great to be transported straight into the stadium? Come on, Dr. Who!

Andy and Laura - what a superb match! Andy to get two silver medals at the very least. But let's hope for two golds.

I'm just loving seeing Andy smile...!

Laura Robson's enthusiasm is so infectious too. I'd love to see her with a gold medal hanging round her neck!

Only seems like yesterday she was a little wee thing just starting out....

I actually feel that Andy is only just growing into his body [if that makes sense].

I am loving it all! Brilliant tv coverage, great inside info. from Jess and Ariadne, (thanks), and having been out all day, it'll be feet up tonight watching this evening's events of Super Saturday.

Womens Team pursuit , Well done girls you are great . {FLAG FLAG FLAG]

Well that was never gonna work.

Here you go, Nonu

[flag

and again...... !

Brilliant result at the Velodrome - well done girls!
Shame about Sir Paul and Hey Jude though

Butternut are u joining the club ? I see u are putting up three flags , I will stick with one as I"ve never been an over the top gal . Moderation in all things , BUT !

Women's cycling!
Jess and Mo on track.
If anyone else going to OP my suggestion is Take Sandwiches. The only queues were for food and drink and it was London Prices (plus?). There are roving drink sellers staggering round with huge backpacks. They are the non-queue option.
And take layers, hat, sun cream etc - temperature yesterday was v variable.
Lots of little dragon flags to support Dai - in the semis. I did not think he looked good yesterday. V slow over the first couple of hurdles. Hope more fluent shortly.

Oh its exciting isn't it. Have the house to myself. A bucket of blackcurrants to de-twig. And a beer! Enjoy the evening everyone!