Saturday, August 28, 2004

Kelly Holmes in the 1500m & British Men 4 by 100m win Gold! 10:37:32 PM     comment []

It's my last day here and I have 15 minutes to catch my flight - or at least get to the merchandise shop when it opens before leaving - so it's time for last impressions of the Games before I go.... Well, you can tell you've had a good time if you don't want it to end....as the greek policeman (showed talking with Michael Lane in the photogallery of the 50km Race posted previously) said - we don't want the Games ever to end. The Greeks have put maximum effort into these Games, and due to the huge numbers of people each putting their personal pride into making sure things work - it mostly has. Perhaps, the Games is just too big to organise, but it doesn't seem to be overall planning that get's it done but all these individuals sorting things out on the ground. There's plenty of gaps - but they've been filled in to make sure everyone is left with a good impression. The only sour note for me was the contradictory information I was given at the main press centre yesterday when I was told I could get a guest pass to attend Robert Korzeniowski's press conference - only to be told after walking round the accreditation centre that I would've needed to apply 24 hours in advance, and being told that info is in the media guide, which it isn't or the version I have is different.. Whatever, the result was a long walk in the midday sun all around the stadium perimeter for nothing...and missing some no doubt good quotes from 'the master'. The Zappeion press centre has been great, and I've made firends here. It truly is, as they claim a 'home from home'. I'm not sure if it were planned or just happened that it is for the 'second class' journmalists who couldn't get main accreditation - and would still feel welcomed and included. Perhaps we all better off here than with the main media hounds out in the Olympic Complex.. Perhaps over there is how Greece used to be - but mostly I've found it to be modern and welcoming...indeed if this were pen and paper you might see some circular smudges on these words on the thought of leaving. Must dash to the shop... 11:03:14 AM     comment []

Costin aims to be competing again within two years Ireland Online - 27/08/2004 - 17:08:36 Unlucky Irish walker Jamie Costin is hoping to be back competing as an international athlete within the next two years. 1:40:32 AM     comment []

More agony for Radcliffe BBC - "Paula Radcliffe suffered more Olympic agony as she dropped out of the 10,000m final with eight laps remaining." "Radcliffe, who failed to finish the marathon on Sunday, managed to stay with the leaders in the early stages." "But she started to slip back with 12 of the 25 laps left and after dropping 50m behind, stepped into the infield, her Olympic dream shattered once again." Still another great night of athletics, my final one at the Stadium, including a WR equalling performance by Xiang Lui in the 110m hurdles. 12:58:05 AM     comment []

Deakes walk curse strikes again - Mike Hurst, athletics 28aug04 JANE Saville was the first person to reach fellow Australian heartbreak walker Nathan Deakes when he was disqualified with a medal in sight in the Olympic 50km race yesterday. 12:55:29 AM     comment []

McDonald's Congratulates Robert Korzeniowski on his Gold Medal in Walking MUNICH, Germany, August 27 (PRNewswire)- McDonald's congratulates walking legend Robert Korzeniowski's on hisfourth Olympic gold medal. The 36 year-old World and European Champion fromPoland took the 50 Kilometre Walk in Athens with around four minutes to spareover Russian Denis Nizhegorodov and his countryman Aleksey Voyevodin onFriday morning. Robert Korzeniowski supports the Go Active![TM] programlaunched by McDonald's. The initiative promotes a healthy lifestyle withplenty of exercise. 12:44:17 AM     comment []

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