BBC olympic coverage

Another one here who can't stand Claire Balding - why do the BBC persist, once they think they have found someone they think the public likes, in ramming that person down our throats. They did this with Alan Titmarsh - he was quite normal when he first started broadcasting. Send Claire Balding back to horse racing and leave her there!

In my DS's house, I've been using the red button on Sky - though the channels are all BBC - and the various sports are very clearly set out. Tomorrow I'll be at home with my Virgin digital. Hope it's equally user-friendly.

crimson - I'm with you there, he does a very nice line in close-fitting shirts, doesn't he?

Mrs JamJam.

Thanks for taking the time.

Mishap I think you can find all the individual sports on the BBC website and watch them online. They do seem to vary from the published schedules on a bit of a whim.

POGS - Weymouth seemed pretty full yesterday, but not so packed that you couldn't find a seat easily in the cafes. Maybe people coming to watch the sailing are happy sitting in the sun and are not spending much money in the town.

Ben Ainsley has done brilliantly today - wonderful tactics. Bet it will be a riveting tussle over the weekend. I'll be trying to watch online as can't quite get to grips with the red button. Need a child here to sort it!!

Mishap, you can find everything on the red button, if you have satellite or cable digital.

Mrs. Jam Jam.

Oh so jealous, you lucky devils. Do you think the reports about Weymouth suffering financial losses could be accurate?. I find that a hard story to swallow.

Just love the place. Do you think there might be a punch up at the finals between us and the Danes?

The only thing that I want to watch in the olympics is the tennis and it is very hard to find! It said it would be on BBC1 - not there! BBC2? - not there! Luckily my OH is technically minded and suggested we try BBCHD - and there it was! But there was no way of knowing this as the BBCHD timetable did not show it. Not much point in paying commentators if you don't tell viewers where to find it!

I am probably the most unsporty person on the planet. Spent my secondary school years perfecting a multitude of ways to get out of doing anything which might work up a sweat (Yuk!), or hurt, or mess up my hair. All useful skills for the rest of life!

BUT - I am loving all this Olympic stuff and think that the BBC are doing us proud. Really good at explaining what is going on to those of us who haven't a clue.

We went to Weymouth on the spur of the moment yesterday. The park and ride organisation was superb and made it very easy. (Do hope we haven't ruined Weymouth for you, POGS.) Sat in the sun watching some thrilling sailing on big screens on the beach, team GB really upped their game, and we had a lovely lunch in a little cafe. Brilliant day out.

Mark Foster [? ie the one who isn't Ian Thorpe] is a tad gorgeous is he not [or is it just me?].....Am I right in thinking that Clare was the only one who did her homework for the Jubilee?

I have found myself watching more olympic coverage this time than I have ever done in the past.

I think that's because it has been staged in Britain and I can't help but think how lovely all the venues have been. It certainly shows our country off to it's advantage and let's hope that whilst there is a so-called lack of tourism money it will be a good advert for years to come.

The only problem I have I love Weymouth so much I hope it does'nt get more custom, I want to keep my little piece of heaven for myself. What do you say Dorsetpent?.

I too think Clare Balding is really establishing herself asa senior commentator/presenter. She is knowledgeable, articulate, witty, human and unflappable. I love her banter from the Aquatic Centre where she andthe other 2 (Mark Foster? and Ian Thorpe?) are a pleasure to listen to. After the fiasco of the Jubilee, the Beeb has gone a long way to restoring confidence and I think they can be very pleased with their performance so far.

Clare Balding is the consummate professional; whatever sport she turns her hand she gets total respect from the participants. Not only that but she is as nice in person as on the screen [unlike Gary Lineker who, or so I'm told, is a real grump off camera]. It won't be over in two weeks time; if we do well [which we are already] this will lift the mood of the whole country. It also unites people as we all have something to talk about [other than the weather]. I got stuck at work all day today and was asking everyone that came in how we were doing. Chuffed to bits when I got home and watched the news .

Charlotta's post, 18.01

JO "less emotion raising , who said that ? have trawled can"t find

"less emotion raising"!!!!!!

I can't believe you said that!

Sour grapes?

Anagram , Anagram , you are such a Saucepot BIG GRIN

You're on your own about Clare Balding Charlotte. what's not to like?

YGTR!

Well , AFAIC that IS a slight bummer , he"s let himself down slightly , but hey money in the bank so is he bothered , guess it appeals to some , not ME or u by the sound of things . {cheesy grin]

Even the Walkers Crisps adverts?

Don"t agree , love Claire Balding and Gary Lineker , consummate professionals , love everything they do , They are the BUSINESS, BIG TIME

Well, my take is that the athletes, commentators, news programmes and journalists cannot be all things to all people, and I would hate to be called to task on any of the tremendous amount of work that has gone into all things Olympic.
So I really enjoy it for what it is and celebrate Team GB, and the fact that I can watch it all on TV.
I'm really enjoying all I choose to watch.

Charlotte - I think participating in the Olympics is real life - albeit it a part - and I expect all the athletes have their ups and downs in their private lives like the rest of us. They just happen to be particularly skilled in what they have chosen to do.

Anno - I agree, it is only a comparatively short time in 4 years.

The Olympic coverage is hard work for some journalists. I can't stand Claire Balding even from Radio 4. Gary Lineker seems out of his depth and faintly bored by all the fuss and I can feel for him. The events would be better with less talk, and less emotion- raising.
Its only games after all- not real life. I get the feeling it fills a gap for people who have not much in their own lives, and it will be over in 2 weeks time.
They should make the most of it tears and all.
just one point I think the Dutch swimmers outfit, the orange jacket and black swimsuits very smart. Some outfits are terrible. There are a lot of over paid designers out there.

I'm thoroughly enjoying it all (well, nearly all of it) but I do find sometimes that vital information regarding timings etc are lacking. A little more information, not inane chatter, would be useful