Olympics FanHouse http://olympics.fanhouse.com Olympics FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif Olympics FanHouse http://olympics.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Hiroshi Hoketsu, Japanese Rider From 1964 Olympics, Will Compete in Beijinghttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/07/15/hiroshi-hoketsu-japanese-rider-from-1964-olympics-will-compete/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/07/15/hiroshi-hoketsu-japanese-rider-from-1964-olympics-will-compete/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/07/15/hiroshi-hoketsu-japanese-rider-from-1964-olympics-will-compete/#commentsFiled under: ,


The above photo comes from the opening ceremonies of the 1964 Summer Olympics at Tokyo's national stadium. Among the athletes marching that day were Bob Hayes, who would win the gold medal in the 100 meters, and Joe Frazier, who would win the gold in heavyweight boxing.

Also marching that day: Japanese equestrian rider Hiroshi Hoketsu, who at the time was 23 years old. Next month, at the age of 67, he'll be back in the Summer Olympics, riding equestrian again in Beijing, for his second Olympics in 44 years. But he doesn't think it's a big deal:

"I don't feel comfortable being fussed about just because of my age," said Hoketsu. ... I think it is a sport which you can do at a fairly advanced age if you have a chance and an agreeable horse."

Obviously, no one is going to compete in the 100-meter dash or boxing into their 60s. But what Hoketsu is doing is still awfully impressive. And Hoketsu says he's not going to retire from his sport after the Olympics: "It's up to fate and fortune. But for now I will keep on riding as long as me and my horse remain fit and fine."

Hiroshi Hoketsu, Japanese Rider From 1964 Olympics, Will Compete in Beijing originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Michael David SmithTue, 15 Jul 2008 05:54:00 EST Mehbooba Ahadyar, Afghanistan's Only Female Olympian, Disappears in Italyhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/07/13/mehbooba-ahadyar-afghanistans-only-female-olympian-disappears/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/07/13/mehbooba-ahadyar-afghanistans-only-female-olympian-disappears/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/07/13/mehbooba-ahadyar-afghanistans-only-female-olympian-disappears/#commentsFiled under: ,


In March we introduced you to Mehbooba Ahadyar, a 19-year-old runner who was expected to be the only female on Afghanistan's Olympic team. She has qualified in the 1500 meters and the 3000 meters, and she was a source of great pride to many Afghan women, who were not permitted to participate in sports under the Taliban.

But now Ahadyar is missing. Time Magazine reports that Ahadyar was training in Italy with other Olympic athletes when she disappeared, apparently voluntarily, taking her bags and her passport with her.

"It was quite a surprise to us," a spokesman for the worldwide governing body of track and field told Time. "We don't know where she is. All we know is that she and her bags are gone."

Eurasianet.org reports that Ahadyar is likely seeking asylum in a European country, terrified of death threats she had received from extremists in Afghanistan who oppose women competing in sports. Sadly, those extremists may get their wish of keeping Afghanistan from sending female athletes to Beijing.

Mehbooba Ahadyar, Afghanistan's Only Female Olympian, Disappears in Italy originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Michael David SmithSun, 13 Jul 2008 20:48:00 EST Attractive Olympian: Ukrainian Rhythmic Gymnast Anna Bessonovahttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/23/attractive-olympian-ukrainian-rhythmic-gymnast-anna-bessonova/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/23/attractive-olympian-ukrainian-rhythmic-gymnast-anna-bessonova/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/23/attractive-olympian-ukrainian-rhythmic-gymnast-anna-bessonova/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Rhythmic gymnastics is relatively straightforward: competitors perform a routine with a ball, hoop, rope, set of clubs (not flaming, sadly), or ribbon, and the winner is rewarded with fresh smelt at the far end of the pool.

One rhythmic gymnast favored for a gold smelt at the Beijing Olympics is Anna Bessonova, a bronze medalist (smeldalist?) at the 2004 Games in Athens. More recently, Bessonova -- the daughter of a pro soccer player father and rhythmic gymnast mother -- won gold at the World Championships in 2007, positioning herself to take the place of retired rhythmic queen (and Vladimir Putin trophy wife) Alina Kabaeva.

More importantly, though: is Bessonova attractive? Some people's heartbeats quicken at the mere mention of the phrase "rhythmic gymnast;" others harbor lifelong grudges against Ukrainians for their traditional role as villains in Hollywood films. After the jump, weigh photographic and YouTubic evidence, then cast your vote.
Not a bad impression of a 747



She can also do this while avoiding the Washington Generals

Breaking Down the Basics

Full name
 Ganna Volodymyriivna Bezsonova
Nickname (much needed)
 Anya
Height 5'7"
Weight
110
Age
23
Her calendar
 Twelve months sexy flexibility
Favorite apparatus In truth, it's the hoop, though I passed on several "club" and "ball" jokes

Presentation of Medals





*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.





Attractive Olympian: Ukrainian Rhythmic Gymnast Anna Bessonova originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 23 May 2008 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Anna BessonovaAnnaBessonovaRhythmic GymnasticsRhythmicGymnasticsMatt UffordFri, 23 May 2008 14:30:00 EST Paula Radcliffe, World's Best Female Distance Runner, May Miss Olympicshttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/22/paula-radcliffe-worlds-best-female-distance-runner-may-miss-o/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/22/paula-radcliffe-worlds-best-female-distance-runner-may-miss-o/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/22/paula-radcliffe-worlds-best-female-distance-runner-may-miss-o/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Paula Radcliffe, the brilliant British distance runner whose impressive career has been plagued with injuries, could miss the Beijing Games with a stress fracture in her femur.

Radcliffe says that although she's not ready to give up on Beijing just yet, specialists have told her it would be impossible for her to compete in three months.

She adds, "It's been a nightmare last three weeks but I'm trying to stay calm about it. I'm thinking positive. I am looking at it as 90-100 percent that I will be in Beijing. Other people will put it a lot lower."

Radcliffe has been the best female distance runner in the world for years, having been a major international competitor since 1993 and having won major events at every distance from the 5,000 meters to the marathon. But she's had horrible luck around the Olympics and has yet to win an Olympic medal.

If Radcliffe can't run in Beijing, she'll start setting her sights on one last chance on her home turf in London in 2012, when she'll be 38 years old.

Paula Radcliffe, World's Best Female Distance Runner, May Miss Olympics originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 22 May 2008 13:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Paula RadcliffePaulaRadcliffeMichael David SmithThu, 22 May 2008 13:04:00 EST Olympic Dirty Bomb Not The Good News We Were Looking Forhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/21/olympic-dirty-bomb-not-the-good-news-we-were-looking-for/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/21/olympic-dirty-bomb-not-the-good-news-we-were-looking-for/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/21/olympic-dirty-bomb-not-the-good-news-we-were-looking-for/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Before the recent Earthquake in China, it was very easy to take what ever pot shot you wanted to at China. But it becomes a very different subject when you are talking about individuals that have no say in world politics. And people that live so far away from you that they have absolutely no effect on you other than the story of their plight.

In these cases, you hope for some good news. And I'm very proud of the blogging community for making an effort to make a difference. Whether it be for Myanmar, China, or here in the United States. But when faced with the possibility of a dirty bomb being released at the Beijing Olympics you just have to wonder how possible it would be.

From a strategic point of view, what group would want to draw the ire of China, The United States, and all the countries that would surely join in? I really can't think of a worse place to be than the working end of those countries rage. I always thought the idea behind fourth generation warfare was to create a political divide. Not to unite countries that otherwise plan on a daily basis for war with the other.

Sure there is the possibility of someone would do it in the name of independence for Tibet. But the time it would take for most everyone that supports a free Tibet to distance themselves from that fight wouldn't require an egg timer.

I guess my point is that while someone could walk up behind me and set off a dirty bomb. The chances of it happening are far less than me slipping on a wet surface and breaking my neck. But still, the IAEA wants you be afraid. Very afraid! Even if they have no basis for wanting you to be afraid.
The IAEA said there is no specific information of an imminent attack on the Beijing games, but intelligence shows terrorists are trying to obtain nuclear materials."
To steal a line from a friend of mine, fear based thinking is never the answer. It just makes you worry about things that are not really relevant to your life. But it makes great headlines. So what is the terror alert level at because of this?

Olympic Dirty Bomb Not The Good News We Were Looking For originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 22:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>jose padillaJosePadillaterrorismJohnnyWed, 21 May 2008 22:47:00 EST Spanish Field Hockey Team Has a Rough Trip to Azerbaijanhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/21/spanish-field-hockey-team-has-a-rough-trip-to-azerbaijan/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/21/spanish-field-hockey-team-has-a-rough-trip-to-azerbaijan/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/21/spanish-field-hockey-team-has-a-rough-trip-to-azerbaijan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In general, Olympic athletes testing positive for banned substances is not a new story. Olympic field hockey players testing positive for banned substances, though, is a new twist. Two members of the Spanish women's team tested positive during an Olympic qualifying tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan last month.

Under the rules of FIH, field hockey's governing body, that would mean Spain, which beat the hosts in the final and qualified, would be barred from competing at the Olympics this summer. The Spanish team, however, claims that the tests were the final act in a series of actions designed to sabotage their chances at making it to Beijing.

"My players haven't taken anything," secretary Jose Antonio Gil told The Associated Press. Our players are totally innocent. We are looking into whether the players were intoxicated or if there was a manipulation of the samples."

The Spanish team complained to FIH about conditions in Baku upon their return. They felt the food and water they were given may have been tampered with and that something entered hotel rooms via the air conditioner and caused four players to collapse.

If Spain is expelled, the Azeri team would replace them in the draw which, at the very least, provides some motive for their alleged actions. Also providing a bit of credence is the fact that no field hockey player has ever tested positive for anything other than sturdy calves before last month.

Spanish Field Hockey Team Has a Rough Trip to Azerbaijan originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 12:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Josh AlperWed, 21 May 2008 12:50:00 EST Attractive Olympian: Cuban Baseball Player Yulieski Gourrielhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/19/attractive-olympian-cuban-baseball-player-yulieski-gourriel/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/19/attractive-olympian-cuban-baseball-player-yulieski-gourriel/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/19/attractive-olympian-cuban-baseball-player-yulieski-gourriel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Major League Baseball scouts have salivated over infielder Yulieski Gourriel ever since he joined the Cuban national team in 2003. All he's done since then is lead Cuba to Baseball World Cup championships in 2003 and 2005 (hitting 8 home runs in 11 games in the latter), a gold medal at the Athens Olympics, and a second-place finish at the World Baseball Classic.

Despite all the international travel and the millions of dollars he could make with MLB, Gourriel has so far refused to defect, even refuting an ESPN report that he had done so in 2006.

But can the man with more talent than Derek Jeter pull more talent than Derek Jeter? Let's turn it over to the populace. After the jump, weigh more evidence and vote in the FanHouse Attractive Olympian poll.
Ladies, feel free to compare his "form" to Derek Jeter's ... (Psst - I'm talking about his buttocks)

Breaking Down the Basics

Age 23
Real age No seriously, he's actually 23
Eyes Flinty
Skin Cafe con leche
Then Communist scum
Now Trapped by a dictatorship
Reason for not defecting Dedicated to the revolution
Real reason They'll kill his family if he leaves

Presentation of Medals





*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of Calvin Klein underwear-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.





Attractive Olympian: Cuban Baseball Player Yulieski Gourriel originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 09:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>baseballYulieski GourrielYulieskiGourrielMatt UffordMon, 19 May 2008 09:45:00 EST Oscar Pistorius Probably Won't Run in Beijinghttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/18/oscar-pistorius-probably-wont-run-in-beijing/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/18/oscar-pistorius-probably-wont-run-in-beijing/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/18/oscar-pistorius-probably-wont-run-in-beijing/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius will be allowed to represent South Africa in the Beijing Olympics while using his Cheetah prosthetic legs, the Court of Arbitration in Sport ruled last week.

But just because he's allowed to run doesn't mean he will. In fact, as the Times of South Africa reports, he's got a very, very difficult road to qualify for the Olympics. There is almost no chance that Pistorius will run a qualifying time in the 400 meters, as Pistorius himself seems to have accepted:
"At least the door is open for the future - I can run in able-bodied meets. There will be world champs next year, the 2012 Olympics. In all honesty, it will be extremely difficult to qualify for Beijing."
If the South African 4x400-meter relay team qualifies for Beijing (probably about a 50-50 proposition), Pistorius might be chosen as an alternate on that team. So he might get to Beijing. But he probably wouldn't actually run there.

The bottom line is that the ruling allowing Pistorius to run set an important precedent for the future, but it will probably have no impact on the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Oscar Pistorius Probably Won't Run in Beijing originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sun, 18 May 2008 10:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Oscar PistoriusOscarPistoriusMichael David SmithSun, 18 May 2008 10:36:00 EST Wheelchair Athlete Thinks Oscar Pistorius Should Stick With Paralympicshttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/17/wheelchair-athlete-thinks-oscar-pistorius-should-stick-with-para/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/17/wheelchair-athlete-thinks-oscar-pistorius-should-stick-with-para/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/17/wheelchair-athlete-thinks-oscar-pistorius-should-stick-with-para/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This is Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Welsh woman who was born with spina bifida and has become one of the greatest wheelchair athletes in history, with 11 gold medals in the Paralympics.

Her status as a great Paralympian makes Grey-Thompson a person whose opinion is often sought on issues related to athletes with disabilities. And her opinion about Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee who will be allowed to run on his prosthetic limbs in the Olympics, might surprise some people.

Although she begins by saying she's personally happy for Pistorius that he'll be able to pursue his dreams, she also makes clear that she doesn't think what's good for Pistorius is good for other athletes, able-bodied and not:

"It worries me that the Paralympics may become a b-final. If no one else makes it through to the able-bodied event, then the Paralympics becomes something for those people who don't make it.

"I have concerns about whether his prosthetic limbs would give him an unfair advantage or possibly a disadvantage."

Pistorius is an admirable person whom everyone wants to cheer for, but that doesn't mean he's right in this case. Grey-Thompson makes some important points.

Wheelchair Athlete Thinks Oscar Pistorius Should Stick With Paralympics originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 17 May 2008 09:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Oscar PistoriusOscarPistoriusMichael David SmithSat, 17 May 2008 09:15:00 EST Double Amputee Oscar Pistorius Wins Appeal, Can Run in Beijing Olympicshttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/16/double-amputee-oscar-pistorius-wins-appeal-can-run-in-beijing-o/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/16/double-amputee-oscar-pistorius-wins-appeal-can-run-in-beijing-o/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/16/double-amputee-oscar-pistorius-wins-appeal-can-run-in-beijing-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius, whose prosthetic legs have been decried by some as an unfair advantage, won an appeal today and will be permitted to run at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

That doesn't necessarily mean he will run, however. He would still need to run a qualifying time in his best event, the 400 meters, or be chosen by South Africa for a relay team.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled today that Pistorius is eligible to race against able-bodied athletes, overturning a ban by the IAAF, track and field's governing body, which said carbon fiber prosthetic blades are more efficient than human legs and therefore give him an unfair mechanical advantage. In a classy move, IAAF President Lamine Diack did not criticize the arbitration board's ruling and instead released a statement praising Pistorius today:

"The IAAF accepts the decision of CAS and Oscar will be welcomed wherever he competes this summer. He is an inspirational man and we look forward to admiring his achievements in the future."

The arbitration board's ruling, which was unanimous, is effective immediately.

UPDATE: Wheelchair Athlete Thinks Oscar Pistorius Should Stick With Paralympics

Previously on FanHouse:
Oscar Pistorius Takes Second in 400 Meters, Runs Behind World-Class Sprinters
'Would I Want My Legs Back? I'd Have to Sit Down and Think About It'
400 Meters: Oscar Pistorius Can't Keep Up, Jeremy Wariner Stumbles and Stops

Double Amputee Oscar Pistorius Wins Appeal, Can Run in Beijing Olympics originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 16 May 2008 09:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Oscar PistoriusOscarPistoriusMichael David SmithFri, 16 May 2008 09:20:00 EST Attractive Olympian: American Water Polo Player Ryan Baileyhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/15/attractive-olympian-american-water-polo-player-ryan-bailey/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/15/attractive-olympian-american-water-polo-player-ryan-bailey/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/15/attractive-olympian-american-water-polo-player-ryan-bailey/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

For those of you unfamiliar with water polo, it is a deceptively brutal sport. It has all the jostling and fighting for position you see in soccer and basketball -- except failure to win position in soccer or basketball doesn't result in trying to breathe underwater. Even worse than drowning: the referees don't catch what happens underwater, so testicles inevitably absorb an unfair amount of abuse from grabbing hands and kicking feet.

In other words, Ryan Bailey, playing at the two-meter offense position -- directly in front of the opponent's goal, the equivalent of a basketball center -- has some tough balls. The two-time Olympian and former Cal-Irvine standout who played professionally in Croatia will anchor the American team this summer in the U.S. men's quest for their first water polo medal since Seoul in 1988.

But, for all those perverted female sports fans out there, all that matters is Bailey's muscled frame and rugged good looks. How attractive is he? Weigh more evidence and make your vote heard after the jump.
A little something for the ladies ... and men who just appreciate strong, masculine bodies.

Breaking Down the Basics

Age 32
Height 6'6"
Weight 245
Eyes Dreamy blue framed by long eyelashes. (What? I can't look at another man that way?)
Face Five o'clock shadowed and the recipient of over 80 stitches from various game injuries
Muscles Everywhere. His muscles have muscles.
Why women love him Everything above
Why men can't hate
 Asked who would play him in a movie about the U.S. water polo team, he responded, "Wesley Snipes."

Presentation of Medals





*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of Calvin Klein underwear-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.





Attractive Olympian: American Water Polo Player Ryan Bailey originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 15 May 2008 18:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>ryan baileyRyanBaileywater poloWaterPoloMatt UffordThu, 15 May 2008 18:08:00 EST Tonya Harding Sells Bizarre Tale of Rape, Kidnapping Orchestrated by Jeff Gilloolyhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/15/tonya-harding-sells-bizarre-tale-of-rape-kidnapping-orchestrate/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/15/tonya-harding-sells-bizarre-tale-of-rape-kidnapping-orchestrate/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/15/tonya-harding-sells-bizarre-tale-of-rape-kidnapping-orchestrate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Former Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding is selling a book, called "The Tonya Tapes" in which she offers, for the first time, an account of why she didn't go to the authorities in 1994 when her rival Nancy Kerrigan was injured in an attack orchestrated by her husband, Jeff Gillooly. Here she is explaining it on Today:

According to Harding, she planned to go to the FBI to report Gillooly, but Gillooly and two other men then kidnapped her, held her at gunpoint, raped her and told her that they would kill her if she didn't help them lie to the authorities.

Today host Meredith Vieira responded to that with the obvious question: Why has it taken her 14 years to tell anyone about this incident? Harding answered that she was ashamed. I think it's fair to say that the vast majority of people watching the interview will conclude that this claim is nothing more than a publicity stunt aimed at selling books.

Tonya Harding Sells Bizarre Tale of Rape, Kidnapping Orchestrated by Jeff Gillooly originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Jeff GilloolyJeffGilloolyMeredith VieiraMeredithVieiraNancy KerriganNancyKerriganTonya HardingTonyaHardingMichael David SmithThu, 15 May 2008 12:15:00 EST Attractive Olympian: American Softball Player Natasha Watleyhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/13/attractive-olympian-american-softball-shortstop-natasha-watley/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/13/attractive-olympian-american-softball-shortstop-natasha-watley/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/13/attractive-olympian-american-softball-shortstop-natasha-watley/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Natasha Watley, Team USA's shortstop and a four-time first-team All-America at UCLA, moved seamlessly from the college game to international competition. In 2003, she led the Bruins to a national championship while winning Pac-10 Player of the Year honors and the Honda-Broderick Cup for the top female athlete in any sport. A year later, she helped the Americans win their third straight gold medal in softball, hitting .400 with 10 RBI in nine games while breaking the Olympic record with five stolen bases in one Olympiad.

Watley may be a key component to the best softball team in the world, but she still hasn't passed muster with sports blog readers who only care about her looks. We at FanHouse have taken the necessary steps to alleviate this oversight; after the jump, examine the photographic evidence and judge Watley on her beauty by voting in our charmingly shallow poll.
With teammates Amanda Freed and Jennie Finch at the Billie Awards.

Breaking Down the Basics

Age 26
Eyes Brown
Hair Black
Smile Worthy of toothpaste ads
Throws like a girl? No
Looks good in softball shorts? Those flatter no one.
More photos available Here
Not related to "Looking for a New Love" singer Jody Watley
But is a cousin of New York Knicks Hall of Famer Willis Reed

Presentation of Medals





*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.





Attractive Olympian: American Softball Player Natasha Watley originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 18:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>natasha watleyNatashaWatleysoftballMatt UffordTue, 13 May 2008 18:08:00 EST Olympic Hopeful Melanie Roach: A Typical 117-Pound Woman Who Can Lift 264 Poundshttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/12/olympic-hopeful-melanie-roach-a-typical-117-pound-woman-who-can/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/12/olympic-hopeful-melanie-roach-a-typical-117-pound-woman-who-can/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/12/olympic-hopeful-melanie-roach-a-typical-117-pound-woman-who-can/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The great thing about this video of Olympic weightlifting hopeful Melanie Roach is what a typical wife and mother she seems like ... until you see her lift a 264-pound barbell:

Roach stands 5-foot-1, weighs 117 pounds, and has no trouble lifting twice her bodyweight over her head. This weekend she'll be at the U.S. weightlifting trials, where she's favored to earn a spot on the Olympic team.

Olympic Hopeful Melanie Roach: A Typical 117-Pound Woman Who Can Lift 264 Pounds originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 12 May 2008 07:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Michael David SmithMon, 12 May 2008 07:54:00 EST Attractive Olympian: Soccer Player and Tattoo Enthusiast Natasha Kaihttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/09/attractive-olympian-soccer-player-and-tattoo-enthusiast-natasha/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/09/attractive-olympian-soccer-player-and-tattoo-enthusiast-natasha/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/09/attractive-olympian-soccer-player-and-tattoo-enthusiast-natasha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Natasha Kai -- known as "Tasha" or "TK" to her teammates -- is the most immediately noticeable player on the U.S. Women's National Team; her ever-growing canvas of tattoos (she's presently up to 19, according to D.C. Sports Bog's brief but splendidly detailed profile) and full sleeve make sure of that.

In addition to the ink, Kai's flashy on-field style and flat-out skill garner her even more looks. After three consecutive WAC Player of the Year awards at Hawaii, she became the fourth American woman to score in her first two international appearances. Through seven caps she had scored four goals. Now at 35 caps, she's a fixture on the national team and looking to improve upon her last trip to China, where the Americans finished a disappointing third in the Women's World Cup.

But enough about her athletic capabilities; let's tackle what really matters to the underworld inhabited by sports bloggers: is Natasha Kai a hottie? After the jump, examine more visual evidence (including video of her dancing) and rock the vote in our Internet poll.
Note the mismatched cleats:


One of her dance routines with U.S. teammates:

Breaking Down the Basics

Age 24
Hair Bleached blonde
Heritage Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Caucasian; aka "Hachifilca"
Boots Mismatched
Arms Lithe, tattooed
Legs Muscular, tattooed
Abdomen Flat, tattooed
Hips Don't lie, tattooed
Body parts generally covered by clothes I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess: tattooed

Presentation of Medals





*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.





Attractive Olympian: Soccer Player and Tattoo Enthusiast Natasha Kai originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 09 May 2008 19:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Natasha KaiNatashaKaiMatt UffordFri, 09 May 2008 19:01:00 EST Attractive Olympian: Scandal-Plagued Swimmer Laure Manaudouhttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/08/attractive-olympian-scandal-plagued-swimmer-laure-manaudou/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/08/attractive-olympian-scandal-plagued-swimmer-laure-manaudou/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/08/attractive-olympian-scandal-plagued-swimmer-laure-manaudou/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Laure Manaudou is a world record-holder and Olympic champion, but it's the fallout from her love life that has garnered the biggest headlines.

France's first gold medalist in swimming in over 50 years found herself in the middle of a media firestorm when sexually explicit photos of her surfaced online after a public break-up with Italian swimmer Luca Marin at the 2007 Euro Championships. Before that fallout, Manaudou had raised the ire of French officials when she left her swimming club to join Marin in Italy.


Manaudou, now back in her home country with a new French boyfriend (swimmer Benjamin Stasiulis), looks to put this mess behind her with a strong performance in Beijing; three more medals will make her the most decorated French Olympian in history.

But amidst all this love and scandal and swimming, is Manaudou worth this kind of fuss? We at FanHouse steer clear of explicit content, but there's plenty more Manaudou after the jump to help you decide.






Breaking Down the Basics

Age 21
Hair Dirty blonde
Eyes Brown
Arms Jacked
Abs Like a mogul course
Tattoos? Yes, including a lizard where most women don't have lizards
Tan lines? She apparently owns a small bikini
Ex-boyfriend Marin Either a public servant or a colossal jerk, depending on your viewpoint

Presentation of Medals





*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.





Attractive Olympian: Scandal-Plagued Swimmer Laure Manaudou originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 08 May 2008 16:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>laure manaudouLaureManaudouswimmingMatt UffordThu, 08 May 2008 16:02:00 EST Olympic Torch Reaches Top of Mount Everesthttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/08/olympic-torch-reaches-top-of-mount-everest/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/08/olympic-torch-reaches-top-of-mount-everest/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/08/olympic-torch-reaches-top-of-mount-everest/#commentsFiled under: ,

After months of controversy and protests, the Olympic torch made a relatively low-key stop: It went to the top of the world:

A 23-year-old Tibetan woman named Tsering Wangmo carried the flame to the peak of Mount Everest. She and four other climbers, two of whom are Tibetan and two of whom are Han Chinese, passed the torch to each other on the relay to the summit. The climbers reached the summit at 9:18 a.m. Thursday local time, which is 9:18 p.m. Wednesday Eastern Time.

The flame was in a lantern for the trip up Everest, and China's space agency developed a fuel that would keep the torch lit at high altitude. China kept heavy security around Mount Everest to prevent any protesters of its policies toward Tibet from disrupting the event.

Olympic Torch Reaches Top of Mount Everest originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 08 May 2008 06:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Michael David SmithThu, 08 May 2008 06:42:00 EST Amputee Swimmer Natalie Du Toit Qualifies for 2008 Summer Olympicshttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/amputee-swimmer-natalie-du-toit-qualifies-for-2008-summer-olympi/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/amputee-swimmer-natalie-du-toit-qualifies-for-2008-summer-olympi/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/amputee-swimmer-natalie-du-toit-qualifies-for-2008-summer-olympi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This is Natalie Du Toit, a South African who as a 17-year-old was well on her way to becoming one of the best swimmers in the world when she was hit by a car and had to have her leg amputated.



Now she's 24 years old, and that injury didn't stop her from becoming one of the best swimmers in the world. She finished fourth in the 10 kilometer open water swim world championship, and that qualifies her to become the first amputee to compete in the Olympic Games.

One of the biggest controversies in international sports over the last year has been whether it's fair for the double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius to run on his prosthetics, which some experts say are more efficient than human legs. But there are no such controversies surrounding Du Toit -- she wears nothing more than the same swim wear, cap and goggles as every able-bodied swimmer. It's just that she's better than almost all of them.

So how does she compensate for her missing leg? She answers:
"There's no real compensation. You just do the hours in the swimming pool, you do the hours of racing and you do the hours of mental preparation. You just go out and give it everything. I don't even think of one leg, two legs. When you're racing in an able-bodied competition you're all equal and you go out there and try your best, and that's what counts."
The 10-kilometer open water swim is a new sport for the 2008 Summer Games. Du Toit finished the world championship in 2:02:07.8, or 5.1 seconds behind the winner, meaning she has a real chance of winning the event's first gold medal.

Amputee Swimmer Natalie Du Toit Qualifies for 2008 Summer Olympics originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 07 May 2008 15:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Natalie Du ToitNatalieDuToitMichael David SmithWed, 07 May 2008 15:51:00 EST IOC Issues a Memo Outlining How Athletes Must Behave in Beijinghttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/ioc-issues-a-memo-outlining-how-athletes-must-behave-in-beijing/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/ioc-issues-a-memo-outlining-how-athletes-must-behave-in-beijing/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/ioc-issues-a-memo-outlining-how-athletes-must-behave-in-beijing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For an organization that swears up and down on a stack of bibles that they are in no way a political organization, the International Olympic Committee just can't seem to stop handing down politically motivated decisions. Facing questions from individual countries about how Rule 51 of the Olympic Charter, which bans "demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda," was going to be interpreted, the IOC came down firmly against freedom of speech and expression.
The memo said athletes were permitted to express their opinions in conversations with the news media, other athletes and officials. But it specified that athletes would be responsible for their conduct, which is defined as "all actions, reactions, attitudes or manifestations of any kind." This includes "their look, external appearance, clothing, gestures and written or oral statements." Athletes must also abide by the laws of the host country.
George Orwell would love this piece of work. Attitudes are subject to a code of conduct? That's a wonderful step forward for humankind. So is telling athletes they are free to express their opinions but must also abide by the laws of the host country, which frowns upon that sort of thing. I think that's the same advice Wesley Snipes got from his tax adviser.

There's no mention of what penalties will be enacted for violations of the rules or just what kind of reaction crosses the line. A gasp may be okay but rolling the eyes is sure to earn some wrath.

The IOC also banned the waving of flags to make a political statement which should make for a rather bland Olympics. Betsy Ross isn't considered a patriot because of her skills as a seamstress, after all, and there would seem to be a reason why China refuses to fly Taiwan's flag. It's not a matter of taste, I'll give you that much of a hint. Every flag is a political statement of one kind or another, that's why each country has one of their own.

The IOC, while maintaining they are apolitical, has long held that having the Olympics in China would help move them toward better human rights. Their interpretation of Rule 51 does just the opposite, instead forcing athletes from other countries to forgo their rights to placate their hosts.

The IOC and their cronies in national committees have long thrived on this kind of nonsense. That they've followed the lead of men like Avery Brundage, who went out of his way to avoid embarrassing Hitler in 1936 on his way to running the IOC, is disturbing but, sadly, not at all surprising.

IOC Issues a Memo Outlining How Athletes Must Behave in Beijing originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 07 May 2008 09:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Josh AlperWed, 07 May 2008 09:35:00 EST Attractive Olympian: Brazilian Equestrian Rodrigo Pessoahttp://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/attractive-olympian-brazilian-equestrian-rodrigo-pessoa/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/attractive-olympian-brazilian-equestrian-rodrigo-pessoa/http://olympics.fanhouse.com/2008/05/07/attractive-olympian-brazilian-equestrian-rodrigo-pessoa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Equestrian competitions -- like other horse sports such as polo, horse racing, and Ivy League equine yacht-golf -- favor those with collared shirts and the appropriate breeding. Rodrigo Pessoa certainly qualifies: he was born in Paris to equestrian father Nelson, and his wardrobe looks like a Brooks Brothers catalog.

He also happens to be the reigning Olympic champion in individual jumping; his gold in Athens joins the bronze medals he won in the team event in Sydney and Atlanta. This summer, in his fifth Olympics (he was also on the '92 team in Barcelona), he once again will be one of the favorites to medal.

That's all well and good, but is he attractive? Corporate sponsorship from companies like Rolex and Sony Ericsson would suggest "yes," but since when have huge corporations had any taste? No, the only thing that can determine this is an Internet poll on a sports blog. But where might we find such a thing?
Pessoa celebrates winning the Stanley Cup with coach Wilford Brimley

Breaking Down the Basics

Age 35
Hair Low-sodium salt and pepper
Eyes Soft, sensitive brown
Began competing At age 9
In action on YouTube
 Here
But can he ride a rhinoceros? Yes
Family Daughter Cecilia born in 2004
Baby mama British actress Kerry Potter, ten years his senior
Harry Potter? Ew! Kerry. Kerry Potter

Presentation of Medals





*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of Calvin Klein underwear-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.





Attractive Olympian: Brazilian Equestrian Rodrigo Pessoa originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 07 May 2008 09:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>equestrianRodrigo PessoaRodrigoPessoaMatt UffordWed, 07 May 2008 09:31:00 EST