Quote:
Originally Posted by yellowmac
Er... well... they're kicking ass in gold medals won (6 as of now), and they're tied with the US for most medals right now, so I don't really expect this juggernaut to be dying down soon. I do feel bad for all of the pressure and high expectations that the public and media are setting for them, but at the same time, I think the thrill of playing in front of the home crowd will even this out. There definitely is a "home country" advantage in the Olympics, it seens.
I really enjoyed the US vs. China basketball game. It was really fun to watch the highlight factory created by the Redeem Team.
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Actually I meant in terms of expectations. Yes they are tied and have a pretty good count at the moment but they are under enormous amounts of pressure so i don't think choking will be uncommon which is really too bad. For many, it's gold or gulag. I think the homefield advantage is NOT an advantage at all due to the extreme pressure and expectations.
Oddly, Team USA, especially Men's Basketball has a distinct home court advantage as the Chinese seem to adore the Americans (which is really something considering it is a feeling that is not mutual. The Chinese are hated in the US) and cheer loudly and wildly for USA.
I also enjoyed USA vs. China. What a charming game. Such a great crowd. The Chinese did well for about 2 quarters before the inevitable happened. It's touch to be Team China in basketball. They have improved immensely but still have a long way to go.
-----Added 10/8/2008 at 11 : 24 : 29-----
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bear Cub
To say that Du Li "choked" in women's air rifle is kind of a joke. She shot a 399 out of 400 going into the final. You needed a 397 just to make the final. She did drop an uncharacteristic 2 points in the final, but that was moot anyways. Katerina Emmons shot a perfect 400/400 and won the final with a 103.5. Nobody else stood a chance.
To even call Du Li a favorite going in is kind of a wash as well. There have been people at the collegiate level to shoot 400/400 air scores. Yes, it's a world class score, but many of the female competitors were capable of or have shot those scores, including Jamie Beyerle and Emily Caruso, both of whom I am friends with and have been teammates with in years past.
I will agree that it was exceptionally difficult for her to have lost that event given the standards she was being held to. Women's Air Rifle is always the first event, so there is that prestige associated with winning the first medal of the games.
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According to all the media I have seen, Du Li was considered a favorite. She "choked" cause she misfired. It's too bad, but it happened. I expect to see a lot of choking in gymnastics and diving for the Chinese. Defending champion Liu Xiang is also a possibility of choking in the main event. I hope they don't choke for their sakes, but I am guessing they will or have a high probability of choking.