Olympics FanHouse

The Obama Effect On the 2016 Olympics

Sportz Assassin — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:11:00 EST

Forget the economy, the war in Iraq, health care and all that other stuff. President-Elect Obama needs to focus on bringing the Olympics back to the United States.

Okay, that isn't the most important item on Barack Obama's honey-do list. However, Obama's victory over John McCain on Tuesday should have a positive effect on the games returning to America in 2016.

Chicago, the city Obama calls his hometown, is one of the frontrunners to win the bid to host the 2016 games. The Windy City is up against Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid. Obama has already pitched Chicago to the International Olympic Committee and may do so again.

Obama's victory was met with a positive response from nearly every corner of the globe. Like I said, the Olympics aren't the most pressing need right now but being able to win the bid and showcase the U.S. in this manner is huge. We have an image problem as both a player on the world stage and in the eyes of the IOC.
The Atlanta Games of 1996 wasn't perceived as an outstanding Olympics and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City had tons of controversy surrounding them. We all know that our current President has all but alienated the rest of the world. Still, the IOC knows that holding the Olympics in the U.S. is a cash cow for everyone involved and can't stay away.

The Los Angeles Games on 1984 was an exhibition of how to turn the Olympics into a profitable venture. Several of the Games held before '84 left cities broke. And if anything is learned from this current economic crisis, it is that most of the world needs a strong America to stand behind.

One competing city is already worried that Obama puts Chicago over the top:

"Mr. Obama is popular and good at speeches, so things could get tough for Japan," said the senior Japanese Olympic Committee board member Tomiaki Fukuda, according to The Associated Press. "I have a sense of crisis."

The decision is less than a year away and, really, any of the cities could win. Yet all have flaws: Rio has to shake off security concerns and the fact that no Olympics have been held in South America; Tokyo would be one cycle removed from Beijing, another east Asian city; Madrid would be European overkill for the Olympics.

IOC member Richard Pound (yes, that is the greatest name in the history of the world) may have said it best:

"On the international scene, the U.S. really needs to put the last eight years behind it and build new bridges, and having a new president who can do exactly that will do wonders for a U.S. bid."

The Obama Effect On the 2016 Olympics originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Letterman Questions Usain Bolt on Premature Celebrations

Michael David Smith — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

The world's fastest man, Jamaican gold medalist Usain Bolt, visited David Letterman last night, and Letterman asked Bolt why he didn't run hard through the finish line instead of slowing down at the end of the 100-meter dash:

"Before the finish line you're dancing and whirling around and flapping your arms in celebration," Letterman said. "Now that's not technique. That's something different from running technique, isn't it?"

Bolt tried to make a joke that he wanted to fly, but Letterman wouldn't let it go.

"But maybe if you had finished the race and then celebrated, maybe your world records would have been even lower," Letterman said.

Bolt then made a tacit acknowledgment of what many have speculated about: He might have actually wanted to slow down so as not to set a world record so low that even he can't break it.

"That's true, but then it would take me a long while to get there again," Bolt said. "So I was being smart when I slowed down."

I like Bolt and love the fact that he made track and field more interesting during the Olympics, but I'm with Letterman: He should go all out through the finish line.

David Letterman Questions Usain Bolt on Premature Celebrations originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Member of the Other Olympic Relay Team Had Gold Medal Stolen In Philadelphia

Shane Bacon — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:17:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

While authorities still check to see if Tatum Bell has taken a job with the TSA, one Olympian sits waiting for his gold medal to be returned after it was snagged from his backpack.

Brendan Hansen, member of the the 4x100 medley relay with Michael Phelps, had his gold medal in his backpack in Philadelphia but after arriving in Austin, Texas, couldn't locate it.

Hansen told authorities that he knows the medal at Philadelphia International Airport, when a TSA official checked his backpack.

It's not clear whether the medal went missing in Philadelphia, Nashville or Austin. Police said they are trying to determine whether Hansen took the medal out on the plane or whether it might have been stolen.

See, this is exactly why I insist that athletes always wear the medal around their necks, like Phil Mickelson did with his first green jacket in 2004. No matter the situation, a gold medal goes with anything, even this.

Update: Looks like they found the medal. Convenient.

Member of the Other Olympic Relay Team Had Gold Medal Stolen In Philadelphia originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carl Lewis Suggests Usain Bolt Uses Steroids: 'If You Don't Question That, You're a Fool'

Michael David Smith — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:50:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, USA

Carl Lewis won nine gold medals in four Olympic Games and is considered by many to be the greatest track and field athlete of all time.And while Lewis is impressed with Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter who won three gold medals and set three world records in Beijing, he's also skeptical that Bolt is doing it without the benefit of performance-enhancing drugs.

Steroid Nation passes along this quote from the London Times, which apparently began with a Sports Illustrated interview Lewis conducted:

"When people ask me about Bolt I say he could be the greatest athlete of all time. But for someone to run 10.03 one year and 9.69 the next, if you don't question that in a sport that has the reputation it has right now, you're a fool. Period."

It's a shame that athletes like Ben Johnson, Marion Jones and the entire East German athletic program of the 1970s and 1980s make us feel this way, but Lewis is right: There's no proof that Bolt used steroids, but you're a fool if you don't at least acknowledge that it's possible.

Carl Lewis Suggests Usain Bolt Uses Steroids: 'If You Don't Question That, You're a Fool' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Terrell Owens: 'I Could Beat Usain Bolt If I Got a 20-Yard Head Start'

Michael David Smith — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:51:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

On tonight's episode of Hard Knocks, the HBO show that chronicles the Dallas Cowboys, the cameras followed wide receiver Terrell Owens and a few others when they went out to dinner, and Owens was telling his fellow diners about his speed.

Owens first claimed that if he were in the Olympic 100-meter dash, he wouldn't come in last, which everyone at the table (and in the viewing audience) realized was patently ridiculous. Owens is fast, but he couldn't come close to out-running an Olympic sprinter.

But then he made a more interesting claim, saying that he could beat Usain Bolt -- if he got a 20-yard head start.

So could he? Bolt can run 100 meters in 9.69 seconds. Can Owens run 80 meters (actually about 82 meters, since Owens expressed his head start in yards) in less than 9.69 seconds?

I think he can. Owens can run 40 yards in about 4.6 seconds, and based on my back-of-the-envelope calculations, I figure he ought to be able to run 82 meters in somewhere between 9.0 and 9.5 seconds. So yes, he'd beat Usain Bolt in the 100 meters. As long as he got a 20-yard head start.

Terrell Owens: 'I Could Beat Usain Bolt If I Got a 20-Yard Head Start' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asafa Powell Runs 9.72-Second 100 Meters, Fastest Non-Usain Bolt Time Ever

Michael David Smith — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

Where was this Asafa Powell in the Olympic 100 meter finals?

That was Powell blowing away the field -- a field that did not include fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt -- with a 9.72-second sprint at the IAAF Super Grand Prix event.

If Powell had run that well in Beijing, he might have forced Bolt to run a little harder in the 100-meter dash finals and shave a little more time off his world record. As it happened, Bolt coasted to the finish line in 9.69 seconds, while Powell finished fifth in 9.95.

Powell's 9.72-second 100 is the second-fastest time in history, but it's a sad fact of life as a sprinter that if you run the second-fastest time in history at any meet other than the Olympics, no one notices.

Asafa Powell Runs 9.72-Second 100 Meters, Fastest Non-Usain Bolt Time Ever originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Jamaican Track Stars Implicated in Steroid Ring, No Ties to Usain Bolt

Michael David Smith — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

Two members of Jamaica's Olympic track team received performance-enhancing drugs they ordered over the Internet, Sports Illustrated is reporting.

According to SI, documents show that hurdler Delloreen Ennis-London received two shipments of Human Growth Hormone and one shipment of Estrogen in late 2006 and early 2007. Ennis-London finished fifth in the 100-meter hurdles in Beijing.

SI also reports that a shipment containing Testosterone, Testosterone Aqueous, and the oral steroid Oxandrolone were sent to another Jamaican hurdler, Adrian Findlay, who was an alternate in Beijing.

Although neither Ennis-London nor Findlay won medal in Beijing, this will become a huge story because of the tremendous success the Jamaican track team as a whole had at the Summer Olympics. And SI is already asking whether this story taints Jamaica's biggest star, Usain Bolt.

Based on what we know now, it strikes me as an enormous leap to think that just because two other Jamaicans are tied to steroids, that somehow means Bolt is as well. But whether it's fair or not, these questions will haunt Bolt. I hope he has good answers.

Two Jamaican Track Stars Implicated in Steroid Ring, No Ties to Usain Bolt originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Usain Bolt's Coach: He Could Have Run 9.52 100-Meter Dash in Beijing

Michael David Smith — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

Usain Bolt set a new world record of 9.69 seconds in the 100-meter dash in Beijing. But he started celebrating his victory after about 80 meters, and had slowed considerably before he crossed the finish line.

So how much time did Bolt cost himself? His coach, Glen Mills, estimates that it was at least .17 seconds, which means Bolt could have run an other-worldly time of 9.52.

"If he had continued, the slowest he would have run would have been 9.52," Mills told reporters ahead of Friday's Weltklasse athletics meeting in Zurich, where Bolt is due to run the 100.

"This is his first year of running the 100 meters," Mills said. "In two more years he should be peaking at this distance and by then I am certain he will be down to there."

The very idea of a 9.52-second 100-meter dash is hard for me to wrap my head around -- I remember when people thought no one would ever match the steroid-fueled 9.79 that Ben Johnson ran in 1988 -- but I think Mills is right. And at age 21, Bolt will have many more opportunities to shave time off that record. I just hope he doesn't celebrate until the race is run.

Usain Bolt's Coach: He Could Have Run 9.52 100-Meter Dash in Beijing originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Female Fencer on Losing in Olympics: 'It's Like Being Kicked in the Nuts Repeatedly'

Michael David Smith — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:08:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

The CBC has a list of the most noteworthy quotes from the Olympic Games, and it's basically what you'd expect: Some describe the thrill of victory, some describe the agony of defeat.

And then there's this one:

"It's like I imagine being a man. It's like being kicked in the nuts repeatedly, that's how bad it feels. You feel like you want to curl up and die." - Sherraine Schalm, Canadian fencer, describing how she felt after losing her round of 16 bout to a rival Hungarian opponent.

Congratulations, Sherraine Schalm. You may not have brought home a medal in fencing, but you win the gold when it comes to horrible metaphors.

Via Fark.

Female Fencer on Losing in Olympics: 'It's Like Being Kicked in the Nuts Repeatedly' originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After Beijing, I'm Changing Who I'm Rooting For to Win the 2016 Games

Sportz Assassin — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:10:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

One year and one month from now, the IOC will get their suits together to sit down and discuss who they want to host their 2016 Olympic Games. London hosts the 2012 Games ... and we don't know squat after that.

The candidates are very esteemed. Chicago, USA ... Tokyo, Japan ... Madrid, Spain ... Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I think you know who I'm rooting for: Rio.

I know! I'm a bad, bad American. I do want Chicago to win because it is my country! Also, it will be the second time in 20 years that I lived just five hours away from the Games (I live in Cincinnati now; I lived in Charlotte during the 1996 Atlanta games).

That may be why it just isn't right. Chicago deserves it. Beautiful city that is one of the most underrated in this country. It is centralized to this nation with many mid-major cities fairly close nearby. Plus it looked cool in The Dark Knight.

However, I need some diversity in these games ... and that's where Rio comes in.

Before I get to that ... let me say why I'm not jonesing for the other cities.

Chicago: I just think it is too soon to have another Olympics here. It isn't that I don't want one ... but don't you think the rest of the world wants to check out somewhere else. I mean, we had Los Angeles in 1984 and Atlanta in 1996. Adding Chicago means we hosted three of the last nine Summer Games. That doesn't even factor in the USA hosting the 1980 (Lake Placid) and 2002 (Salt Lake City) Winter Olympics.

Not to mention the Atlanta and Salt Lake City games didn't leave us on the best of terms with the IOC.

Tokyo seems the favorite as it was the highest voted applicant. However, we just had the Olympics in China; do we really need to go back across the earth to have another one?

Tokyo deserves the Olympics, but just wait until at least 2020.

Madrid would be awesome. To me, personally, I think the Barcelona Games in 1992 were my favorite to watch. My only things are (a) does Spain deserve another Olympics 24 years later and (b) do we need another European Games?

Spain is awesome, but cramming three of four Olympics in Europe is waaaay to excessive. Athens in '04, London in '12 and then Madrid in '16? Oh, and the 2006 and 2014 Winter Games were/would be in Italy and Russia, respectively. Too much. The last time one continent held consecutive Olympics was in 1952 when Helsinki followed London.

We need Rio.

One of the things I've enjoyed about the Sydney, Athens and Beijing Games is that I saw a place I hadn't seen before. Those corners of the earth that deserve to have a huge spotlight on them. Not to say that Tokyo, Chicago or Madrid don't deserve that, but Rio would make the Olympics pop!

I mean, there aren't many cities that can throw a party like Rio!!!

South America has never held an Olympics and it is about time. The IOC has expressed interest in moving the games to South America and/or Africa. Rio's time zone is just two hours ahead of us, so we'd pretty much get everything live during our normal viewing slots.

One thing that may hurt them is the fact that the 2014 World Cup will also be in Brazil. I don't see that as being a huge problem. After all, the USA hosted the World Cup in 1994 then the 1996 Olympics ... West Germany held the 1972 Olympics and 1974 World Cup ... and Mexico the 1968 Olympics and 1970 World Cup.

Say what you want about China, but they threw a hell of a party. Just like Sydney and Athens, it was neat to see a different part of the world's take of the big stage. I think Rio de Janeiro deserves the same shot at it.

After Beijing, I'm Changing Who I'm Rooting For to Win the 2016 Games originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Usain Bolt: The 200-Meter Dash World Record Will Stay With Me Forever

Michael David Smith — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

After setting three world records in three events at the Beijing Olympics, Jamaica's Usain Bolt said he thinks his 100-meter world record will probably be broken, but he believes his 200-meter record is his to stay:

"The 200 world record will be pretty much hard to get," Bolt said. "The 100 world record will go over and over again, but I think the 200 world record will be hard to get to, so I think the 200 will stay with me forever."

Bolt also said his brash celebrations are just part of his personality, and he said he thinks he'll try the 400-meter dash some time soon. I think he has a 400-meter world record in his future.

Usain Bolt: The 200-Meter Dash World Record Will Stay With Me Forever originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cuban Taekwondo Olympian Angel Matos Banned for Life After Attacking Officials

Michael David Smith — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

The guy on the left in the above photo is Angel Matos of Cuba, a taekwondo Olympian. But the guy he's kicking isn't an opponent, it's a judge.

Matos was declared the loser of the bronze match for taking more than the allotted one minute of injury time after he hurt his leg. He responded by pushing the referee, then attacking the Swedish judge you see in the photo, Chakir Chelbat. He was eventually dragged out, spitting on the floor as he left.

Cuban coach Leudis Gonzalez refused to apologize for Matos' actions and criticized the judge, saying, "He was too strict." The World Taekwondo Federation immediately announced lifetime bans for both Matos and Gonzalez for what it called "a strong violation of the spirit of taekwondo and the Olympics."

Judging in taekwondo has been under scrutiny in these Olympics, as American bronze medalist Steven Lopez said a judge showed "human error" in one of his matches, and China's two-time gold medalist Chen Zhong was initially declared the winner of a match only to have the result overturned.

But any legitimate concerns about the quality of the judging will likely be overlooked, as the lasting image of taekwondo in these Olympics will be Angel Matos kicking Chakir Chelbat.

Cuban Taekwondo Olympian Angel Matos Banned for Life After Attacking Officials originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If Usain Bolt Wants to Play Football, He Can Enter the 2009 NFL Draft

Michael David Smith — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

There is absolutely no reason to think that Usain Bolt wants to play in the NFL. He's the best sprinter in the world and may become the best sprinter ever, he'll make millions in endorsement income as a three-time gold medalist, and American football isn't particularly popular in Jamaica.

But I've heard from several football fans who think Bolt, who's 6-foot-5 and the fastest man in the world, would be a great NFL player. So could it happen?

If he wants it to happen, it could, but not until 2009. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk quotes NFL spokesman Greg Aiello saying:

"If an individual calls us and wants to know if he is eligible for the draft, we ask him a series of questions before we give him an answer. When did he graduate from high school? Did he attend college? Have Usain give us a call."

The issue of high school and college is a matter of the league's minimum age rule, and since Bolt is 22 years old, he would be eligible. So yes, if Bolt wants to play, he can tell the NFL, and they'll make him eligible for the 2009 draft.

And if he actually did want to play football -- to really commit himself to the sport -- I believe he'd be a first-day draft pick. NFL general managers go ga-ga over guys with size and speed, and there's never been anyone in human history with the size and speed of Bolt.

Of course, it's not actually going to happen. But it's fun to think about seeing Usain Bolt, in a helmet and shoulder pads, going long.

If Usain Bolt Wants to Play Football, He Can Enter the 2009 NFL Draft originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jamaican Men Set 4x100-Meter World Record, Usain Bolt Wins Third Gold Medal

Michael David Smith — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:21:00 EST

Filed under: Americas

Jamaica has done it again. The island nation of less than 3 million people has shown that it has the greatest sprinters in the world, as its men's 4x100-meter relay team set a new world record in winning the gold medal today in Beijing.

The Jamaicans finished first in a stunning time of 37.10 seconds, .30 better than the previous world record that the American relay team set in 1992.

For Usain Bolt, it's the third gold medal and the third world record of these Olympics. Bolt had previously set the world record of 9.69 in the 100 and 19.30 in the 200, and now, quite simply, Bolt has had the greatest week in the history of sprinting.

Jamaican Men Set 4x100-Meter World Record, Usain Bolt Wins Third Gold Medal originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liveblog: USA vs Argentina, 10:15 a.m. ET

Matt Watson — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, USA

Later this morning, Kobe Bryant and the rest of Team USA will put their "Redeem Team" moniker to the test by taking on the reigning Olympic champs from Argentina in the semifinals. Will the U.S. finally avenge their 2004 loss? Or will Argentina's vaunted team play confuse and confound yet again?

Join me in the liveblog at 10:15 a.m. to find out.

Liveblog: USA vs Argentina, 10:15 a.m. ET originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IOC Prez Doesn't Like Usain Bolt's Celebrations, Either

Sportz Assassin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:17:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, Beijing

Okay, the hot button quizable has gone from "is Michael Phelps the greatest Olympian ever" to "what do you think about Usain Bolt's celebrations".

IOC president ~~Jock Rock~~ Jacques Rogge has an answer to the latter question:

"That's not the way we perceive being a champion,'' Rogge said.

"I have no problem with him doing a show. I think he should show more respect for his competitors and shake hands, give a tap on the shoulder to the other ones immediately after the finish and not make gestures like the one he made in the 100 meters.''

Bolt was so far ahead in the 100 meters that he began celebrating meters before he crossed the finish line, showing up his rivals.

"I understand the joy,'' Rogge said. "He might have interpreted that in another way, but the way it was perceived was, 'Catch me if you can.' You can't do that. But he'll learn. He's still a young man."

Actually, he can do that. That's part of being the World's Fastest Man. I know that we American's like showboating (even if we publically say we don't) and all stuff we like is bad, but that doesn't it make it forbidden for anyone to do it.

Oh, and why are you worried about it? Shouldn't you be looking into underage girls winning medals? Cheating is more disrespectful that a man playing within the rules enjoying his amazing win.

IOC Prez Doesn't Like Usain Bolt's Celebrations, Either originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympic 5 Things: United States vs Argentina

Tom Ziller — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, USA

During the remainder of the Olympic men's basketball tournament, FanHouse will give you 5 Things to watch for in each game.

Where's the heart of Argentina? There has been little news regarding the health of Andres Nocioni. One Argentine report (via HoopsHype) said he will not play, but based on Nocioni's record to date it is clear we should not count him out until we see him in blue jeans or John Paxson's invisible dungeon. (Paradox!) Noces was actually a bit terrible Wednesday against Greece, as he limped around on a bum wheel which relegated him to spot-up shooter status. But he's a stud player, maybe Argentina's third most valuable. Any team which loses a top threat will suffer; against an opponent as virile as Team USA, it's almost a pre-emptive death blow. Nocioni needs to be at his best for Argentina to compete diligently.

Another defensive test. Team USA's slashing defense got a test against quick Patrick Mills and the solid backcourt of Australia. Through the first half, Australia kept ahold of the ball and didn't allow Dwyane Wade and the American point guards to get their klepto on. But it fell apart in the third quarter. Can Argentina's Pablo Prigioni, Manu Ginobili and Carlos Delfino keep it up the entire game? Prigioni has been a marvelous protector of the ball, with only four Olympic turnovers in almost 200 minutes (and through 27 assists). Manu will also bring the ball up some, and Delfino took over those duties briefly in the fourth against Greece. The Americans might be able to pressure Manu and Delfino, and certainly bat about at Luis Scola and Fabricio Oberto. But Prigioni should be a tough pastry to smash.

Speaking of the bigs... How much better than Scola and Oberto are Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh? The Americans are better, sure. But the benefit of Scola (who might begin being guarded by Carmelo Anthony) is his versatile game. Bosh has been good in his rotations and all, but Howard has been at his best as a traditional goalkeeper; having to chase the Argentines could be problematic. Andrew Bogut was no Great Shakes on Wednesday, but he did have a few spectacular screen-roll possessions which left Team USA confounded. Scola and Oberto -- and the whole Argentine team, really -- are so in sync and rhythmic that the American bigs could very well get caught with their pants down. (Watch out, Dominique!)

Isolationism. Kurt from Forum Blue & Gold has an excellent point about the American offense, a concern which sort of lords over all discussion of this U.S. team in various ways:

But to win Argentina will need help - meaning the USA would have to be cold, particularly from the outside. The South Americans will have a hard time playing catch up on the USA, Argentina's defense is not good enough to get a series of stops to make a counter run (they give up 107 points per 100 possessions, worst of the four teams left, compared to the USA's 95).

That is to say, Argentina's defense isn't good enough unless the USA helps out. At times in the half court the USA just goes too much isolation and not enough ball movement. [...] If the USA's offense stalls, if they shoot jumpers (especially early in the clock) and miss, it plays into Argentina's hands. What will be key for the USA is less iso and more ball movement to get the ball into good position.

It seems worth noting that the Americans haven't had to watch themselves on offense. It has been, primarily, the feast of transition basketball and overmatched iso from LeBron and Wade. A close game sticks this reality under a magnifying glass and the sun.

Depth perception. Argentina has impeccable talent at the top, but nearly no depth at key positions. Foul trouble for either starting big man would be famine for the frontline. Nocioni's potential loss or limitations force Delfino to be on, but also removes one more precious cannonball in Argentina's reserve. Foul trouble needs to be avoided like the plague.

Olympic 5 Things: United States vs Argentina originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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USA Beats Brazil, Wins Women's Soccer Gold

Michael David Smith — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, USA

The U.S. women's soccer team pulled off a big upset in Beijing today, beating Brazil 1-0 to win the gold medal.

Although they were the defending gold medal winners, the American women were not expected to win the gold again this year. Their top player, Abby Wambach, was out with a broken leg, and the athletic Brazilian women were widely believed to be ready to win their first gold. When the Americans lost in their first Olympic game, it appeared that this incarnation of Team USA just wasn't good enough.

But they were plenty good, and today they were led by goalkeeper Hope Solo. Previously best known for criticizing her own coach and teammates when she was benched in the World Cup, will now be known for her sensational performance in the gold medal match, shutting out Brazil in 120 minutes of fast-paced soccer.

The game was scoreless through 90 minutes, but in the seventh minute of overtime, Carli Lloyd scored to give the Americans the only goal they would need. Solo took care of the rest, and the American women will bring home the gold again.

USA Beats Brazil, Wins Women's Soccer Gold originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Veronica Campbell-Brown Beats Allyson Felix in 200 as Jamaicans Dominate Sprints

Michael David Smith — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, USA

Jamaica has completed its Olympic sprint sweep.

Veronica Campbell-Brown won the women's 200 meters today in 21.74 seconds, beating American Allyson Felix by 0.19 second. Campbell-Brown won the 200 gold and Felix the silver in 2004 as well.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt had previously won the men's 100 and 200 meters and Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser won the women's 100. There's no doubt about it: Jamaica has taken the place of the United States as the world's dominant sprinting nation.

Veronica Campbell-Brown Beats Allyson Felix in 200 as Jamaicans Dominate Sprints originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kerri Walsh, Misty May-Treanor Win Gold in Rain Soaked Beach Volleyball

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:52:00 EST

Filed under: Americas, Beijing, USA

There isn't much wonder why women's beach volleyball has taken off as an Olympic sport.

As a sport itself, it is the ultimate teamwork event where two women work together as one for a common goal. It can be graceful and powerful with outstanding athleticism on display. Oh, and it also has women in bikinis diving around on sand and smacking each other's bottoms after good plays.

All the male fantasy needs is some water to come falling from the sky ... which happened in the gold medal match in Beijing today.

Americans Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor fought through the rain and defended their Olympic gold. They defeated the Chinese team of Wang Jie and Tian Jian 21-18, 21-18.

Walsh and May-Treanor have won 108 straight matches and two Olympic gold medals. Just like in Athens four years ago, they didn't lose a set in these games, no matter what the weather.

Kerri Walsh, Misty May-Treanor Win Gold in Rain Soaked Beach Volleyball originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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