Thursday, August 23, 2012

My Favorite Things: End of August 2012 Edition

Following the Olympics in London and lots of reality show madness, I came to the realization that I had neglected, "My Favorite Things" series. I love bringing the things that I love to you. Of course they aren't always things, something they are people, or music, or TV shows, or events. I have so many ideas now that I having a running list that I hope to eventually write about.

1. If it's good enough for Jennifer Lopez, it's more than good enough for me. I love L'Oreal's Colour Riche Le Gloss; it smells good, it's not too thick or sticky and the colors are great. It also packs a really nice shine. I love Nude Illusion, Saucy Mauve, and Really Rose. Try it out and let me know what colors are your favorite.

2. Stars, stars, and more stars--- the star whether printed on clothing or as an accessory seems to be just about everywhere right now going into fall. I love the star charms on SarahChloe.com


My favorite:

The Silver Lena Diamond Star Pendant for $298, yes, a little pricey for an accessory, but beautiful. Splurge and buy it yourself, or maybe someone special will buy it for you.

Also on my list, the star print trench coat from LOFT, how lovely is this?

3. Bright and bold earrings are really catching my eye this year, not what I would usually gravitate towards, I am taking a second look at them this year. Often times, I like wearing black, blues, and denim and bold earrings are a way for me to make my outfit trendy without making me feel anything but myself. Mimi Boutique had a lot of cute earrings at affordable prices, a definite must go to for fall!

Tiffany Earrings--- $14.75 wow!

These Alcina Patterned Earring are so sweet and such a steal at $25.75

In eight colors, green (above), blue, coral, red, yellow, fuschia, white, and black; the Esmeralda earring is sweet yet sophisticated, and so affordable that you may buy it in more than one color--- $16.50

Find them all here--- http://www.mimiboutique.com/jewelry

4. I recognize that lace is going to be big this fall but not everyone can pull it off. Not only that, most lace items tend to be on the pricey side. I was so excited when I discovered this lace top, it's mostly cotton which I love, and it's machine wash. I must run to H&M immediately and purchase at least one.

It comes in four colors, white, black, green, and powder, and is only $9.95 Find it here.

5. Last but certainly not least, Phillip Phillips is officially a music star with his single "Home" which enjoyed lots of airplay at The London Games. It was the theme song for the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team. He sounds a little like Springsteen with shades of Coldplay, and this fall his debut album is scheduled to be released. While many are still wondering what the hoopla is all about, I'm just content knowing and understanding the talent that is Phil Phillips.






Monday, August 20, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 15

Apologies for the lateness of this post; I've been stressed and under the weather this past week. Day 15 was the last full day of competition at the London Games.

These were the results in some of the team sports finals:

In women's basketball, the U.S. women defeated France to win their fifth consecutive gold.

Women's Basketball

1. U.S.A.
2. France
3. Australia

In men's soccer, the Mexican men proved too tough for Brazil, beating them in the gold medal final.

The U.S. women came close but lost to Brazil in the volleyball gold medal final.

Women's Volleyball

1. Brazil
2. U.S.A.
3. Japan

Diving

David Boudia wasn't expected to medal in these Olympics, let alone win a gold. Boudia became the first U.S male diver to medal in an individual event since Mark Lenzi's bronze in the '96 Games.  The last American male to earn 10m platform gold was Greg Louganis in 1988. “Ending this drought is the epitome of what hard work and planning does,” Boudia said. “Just taking the focus off wanting all these medals and putting the focus on how we compete. That’s just been the main goal.”

Men's 10m Platform

1. David Boudia U.S.A. 568.65
2. Qui Bo China 566.85
3. Tom Daley Great Britain 556.95

Track & Field

Following a fight three years ago about her gender Caster Semenya battled back to win silver in the 800m. World Champion Mariya Savinova from Russia won the gold.

Women's 800m

1. Mariya Savinova Russia 1:56.19 SB
2. Caster Semenya South Africa 1:57.23 SB
3. Ekaterina Poistogova Russia 1:57.53 PB

She took a couple of years off to have children and Anna Chicherova came back to the high jump without missing a beat. In a surprise finish, Brigetta Barrett of the U.S. who competes for the University of Arizona won the silver.

Women's High Jump

1. Anna Chicherova Russia 2.05m
2. Brigetta Barrett U.S.A. 2.03 PB
3. Svetlana Shkolina Russia 2.03 PB
      


Perhaps one of the most proud moments from the host nation was when Somali born Mo Farah won the gold medal in the men's 5000m.  He surged ahead late in the race to capture his second gold in this Games. Farah won the 10000m the previous week.

Men's 5000m

1. Mo Farah Great Britain 13:41.66
2. Dejen Gebromeskel Ethiopia 13:41.98
3. Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa Kenya 13:42.36
4. Bernard Lagat U.S.A. 13:42.99
7. Galen Rupp U.S.A. 13:45.04
10. Lopez Lomong U.S.A. 13:48.19

Capping off an amazing night at the track, a final men's relay and a final women's relay were run. They were an exclamation point for track & field in London. The Jamaican men proved that although from a small island country, they are a force to be reckoned with on the track. The U.S. men have come used to only being second best on the track, a habit they have tried hard to break. The U.S. women have come out like warriors in these Games displaying not only talent, but poise, beauty, and intelligence.

Usain Bolt left London three for three, and kept us believing that he will be back in four years in Rio. Will he be as electric? Only time will tell, but it will be entertaining to watch without question. And now, I leave you with a great Usain Bolt story from his time in London:

After crossing the finish line, Bolt pleaded with an official to let him keep the yellow baton he held during the race. The official said "No," and Bolt handed it over to the official while spectators booed. About 40 minutes later, that same official approached Bolt and returned the baton. Bolt bowed with thanks and kissed the baton.

Men's 4x100m Relay

1. Jamaica (Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Johan Blake, Usain Bolt) 36.84 WR
2. U.S.A. (Trell Kimmons, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay, Ryan Bailey) 37.04 NR
3. Trinidad & Tobago 38.12
4. France 38.16
5. Japan 38.35
6. Netherlands 38.39
7. Australia 38.43
8. Canada DQ




Someone else besides Usain Bolt went three for three; Allyson Felix won her third gold in the Women's 4x400 meter. Sanya Richards Ross picked up her second gold.

Women's 4x400m Relay

1. U.S.A. (Dee Dee Trotter, Allyson Felix, Francesca McCorory, Sanya Richards Ross) 3:16.87 SB
2. Russia 3:20.23 SB
3. Jamaica 3:20.95 SB
4. Ukraine 3:23.57 SB
5. Great Britain 3:24.76 SB
6. France 3:25.92
7. Czech Republic 3:27.77
8. Nigeria DQ




Sunday, August 12, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 14

Wrestling 

Jordan Burroughs talked the talk and then he backed it up being the first U.S. wrestler to win gold at the London Games. Burroughs overpowered his opponent Iran's Sadegh Goudarzi thus securing a $250,000 pay day from the U.S. It was an emotional victory for the 24 year old who was born in one of the poorest areas in New Jersey. It was years of demanding training that helped him to develop his technique and build his strength, and it was that very passion and strength that brought him the gold.

Men's Freestyle 163lbs.

1. Jordan Burroughs U.S.A.
2. Sadegh Saeed Goudarzi Iran
3. Soslan Tigiev Uzbekistan
3. Denis Tsargush Russia

Track & Field

Renaud Lavillenie of France won the pole vault gold medal Friday with an Olympic record jump of 5.97 meters. He has been the world indoor champion, has been the dominant pole vaulter in 2012.

Men's Pole Vault

1. Renaud Lavillenie France 5.97m OR
2. Bjorn Otto Germany 5.91m
3. Raphael Holzdeppe Germany 5.91m PB

They gave it their best shot and it was an improvement over past years but the Men's U.S. 4x400 meter relay team not only lacked depth but lost the gold to the Bahamas who set a new national record in their country. Even Angelo Taylor's expertise, veteran status, and running anchor wasn't enough to hold off the Bahamians who made a late surge. The U.S. team was plagued by injury after Lashawn Merritt and Jeremy Wariner both pulled out before the preliminaries, where Manteo Mitchell ran the last 200 meters of the opening lap with a broken left fibula. So you could say that this silver medal for Manteo Mitchell, Angelo Taylor, Bryshon Nellum, Joshua Mance, and Tony McQuay.



Men's 4x400m Relay

1. Bahamas 2:56.72 NR
2. U.S.A. 2:57.05 SB
3. Trinidad & Tobago 2:59.40 NR
4. Great Britain 2:59.53 SB  
5. Russia 3:00.09
6. Belgium 3:01.83
7. Venezuela 3:02.18
8. South Africa 3:03.46 SB
9. Cuba DNF (did not finish)

Carmelita Jeter gave me one of the most captivating moments of these games when she ran anchor in the 4x100 meter relay. She got the baton, and then, the race was on, she ran like her life depended on it, and as she crossed the finish line, she stretched her arm out, baton in hand, and pointed towards the digital clock. And then, the words new world record flashed; she knew before it was even official that something special had happened. It was the first time that any women's relay team had finished in under 41 seconds. These four women, Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight, and Carmelita Jeter, also did something that hopefully meant something to all women out there; they worked together, and now they share something that will bond them forever.

Women's 4x100m Relay

1. U.S.A. 40.82 WR
2. Jamaica 41.41 NR
3. Ukraine 42.04 NR
4. Nigeria 42.64 SB
5. Germany 42.67
6. Netherlands 42.70
7. Brazil 42.91
8. Trinidad & Tobago DNF




Saturday, August 11, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 13

U.S. Women's Soccer continues to make strides after the women won a third consecutive gold medal, this time over Japan.

Women's Soccer

1. U.S.A.
2. Japan
3. Canada

Diving

Chen Roulin accomplished several notables by winning gold in the ten meter platform:

China completed a sweep in golds for platform events in the second straight Games. Chen joined the exclusive club of  Americans Dorothy Poynton-Hill and Patty McCormick, and countrywoman Fu Mingxia as the only women to win individual 10-meter titles at successive games. And she helped China extend a streak of earning at least one medal in women's platform at the last eight Olympics, the longest run for any country in any diving event.

Sixteen year old silver medalist from Australia Brittany Broben said of Roulin, "She's unbelievable, she deserves it. She works so hard. She dives the best of anyone."

Women's 10m Platform

1. Chen Roulin China 422.30
2. Brittany Broben Australia 366.50
3. Pandelela Rinang Pamg Malaysia 359.20

Track & Field

Christian Taylor had two fouls against him and was about to be eliminated if he couldn't make a safe jump. Taylor went on the attack and after a safe third jump, his fourth was the longest jump this year, 17.81m/58-5 1/4, and he took gold. His teammate both in the Olympics and at Florida State, Will Claye took silver.

A little but of history

This was the first triple jump medals for the U.S. in 16 years, Kenny Harrison won gold in Atlanta in 1996. It's 20 years since the Americans went 1-2 in Barcelona -- Michael Conley and Charlie Simpkins.

Claye is the first man in 76 years to win medals in both horizontal jumps at the same Games. Naoto Tajima of Japan won gold in the triple jump and bronze in the long jump in Berlin in 1936.

"I wish I had one more event!" Claye said with a big smile.

Men's Triple Jump

1. Christian Taylor U.S.A. 17.81m SB
2. Will Claye U.S.A. 17.62m
3. Fabrizio Donato Italy 17.48m

Twenty three year old David Rudisha from Kenya has been the dominant 800-meter runner for the last three years, setting the world record three times. This time around though, he did something even more special, he broke the world record at the Olympics.

Men's 800m

1. David Rudisha Kenya 1:40.91 WR
2. Nijel Amos Botswana 1:41.73 NR
3. Timothy Kitum Kenya 1:42.53 PB
4. Duane Solomon U.S.A. 1:42.82 PB
5. Nick Symmonds U.S.A. 1:42.95 PB

Fast as lightning, Usain Bolt did something that no other man in the history of the Games has done, he won gold in both the 100 meter and 200 meter in back to back Games. He said after his race in which the Jamaicans swept the event, "I'm now a legend. I'm also the greatest athlete to live."

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, speaking to a small group of reporters, said, according to Associated Press, "Let [Bolt] participate in three, four Games, and he can be a legend. Already he's an icon."  Legend status may be a bit of a stretch, I'm with Rogue on this one. Can he be compared yet to someone like Michael Phelps who participated in four Olympics, won 22 medals, 18 of them gold? I don't think so. Is he an icon? Does Bolt mean a lot to the sport of track & field? Without question, yes! At only 25, Bolt could easily make another Olympics if he keeps up his training and then maybe we could talk about that "legend" title that he so desires.



Men's 200m

1. Usain Bolt Jamaica 19.32 SB
2. Johan Blake Jamaica 19.44 SB
3. Warren Weir Jamaica 19.84 PB
4. Wallace Spearmon U.S.A. 19.90 SB
5. Churandy Martina Netherlands 20.00
6. Christophe Lemaitre France 20.19
7. Alex Quinonez Ecuador 20.57
8. Anaso Jobodwana South Africa 20.69

Ashton Eaton of the U.S. brought the Decathlon title back home on the 100th anniversary of the event. Even Usain Bolt was impressed saying, "I'm a great athlete, but to do 10 events, especially the 1,500 — I've got to give it to him."

More details here: Eaton wins Olympic Decathlon

Men's Decathlon

1. Ashton Eaton U.S.A. 8869 points
2. Trey Hardee U.S.A. 8671 points SB
3. Leonel Suarez Cuba 8523 points



Friday, August 10, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 12

* The Men's Basketball Team made it through the quarterfinals. *

* Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won their gold medal in Beach Volleyball solidifying their legendary status. *



Track & Field 

American triple jump champion Brittney Reese only cleared two jumps but her second jump was good enough to gain her gold. Her teammate ended up winning the bronze.

Women's Triple Jump

1. Brittney Reese U.S.A. 7.12m
2. Elena Sokolova Russia 7.07m PB
3. Janay del Loach U.S.A. 6.89m

Lashinda Demus came to London with one mission: to win gold. Unfortunately things didn't come together for her, she found herself trying to close in on Natalya Antyukh of Russia, but she just couldn't catch her. She even found herself trying to hold off Hejnova at the end. Demus spoke gratefully though about her silver medal in the 400 meter hurdles thanking all the fans for their support.

Women's 400m Hurdles

1. Natalya Antyukh Russia 52.70 PB
2. Lashinda Demus U.S.A. 52.77 SB
3. Zuzana Hejnova Czech Republic 53.38 SB
4. Kaliese Spencer Jamaica 53.66 SB
5. Georganne Moline U.S.A. 53.92 PB
6. T'erea Brown U.S.A. 55.07
7. Denesa Rosdova Czech Republic 55.27
8. Muizat Ajoke Odumosu Nigeria 55.31

As a woman, one of the most inspiring sights I've seen during this Games was Allyson Felix blazing down the straightaway in the 200 meter, a race she has always called her baby. No one was even close; Felix won the gold medal that had alluded her for eight years. Twice, she came into a Games as the world champion and twice she was the bridesmaid instead of the bride. This time around, she proved that she can win it all.



Women's 200m

1. Allyson Felix U.S.A. 21.88
2. Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce Jamaica 22.09 PB
3. Carmelita Jeter U.S.A. 22.14
4. Veronica Campbell Brown Jamaica 22.38
5. Sanya Richards Ross U.S.A. 22.39
6. Murielle Ahoure Ivory Coast 22.59
7. Myrian Soumare France 22.63
8. Semoy Hackett Trinidad & Tobago 22.87

Of winning the gold in the 110 meter hurdles, Aries Merritt of team U.S.A. said the following, "The gold medal means everything. The U.S. haven't had a gold medal since Allen Johnson in 1996. It's phenomenal. To be here in this atmosphere is really special." Merritt held off teammate and World Champion Jason Richardson to claim gold in somewhat of an upset. Richardson settled for silver as his late surge just wasn't enough to overtake Merritt.

Men's 110m Hurdles

1. Aries Merritt U.S.A. 12.92 PB
2. Jason Richardson U.S.A. 13.04
3. Hansle Parchment Jamaica 13.12 NR
4. Lawrence Clarke Great Britain 13.39
5. Ryan Brathwaite Barbados 13.40
6. Orlando Ortega Cuba 13.43
7. Lehann Fourie South Africa 13.53
8. Dayron Robles Cuba DQ



Thursday, August 9, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 11

* The Beach Volleyball Finals on Day 12 will feature both American teams: Misty May Treanor & Kerri Walsh Jennings and April Ross & Jen Kessy. *

Gymnastics

Today was the last day of event finals in gymnastics. Aly Raisman added two individual medals to her team medal. She leaves London as the most decorated U.S. gymnast in these Games. The men's team continued to struggle in event finals with none of them adding any medals to their total. The only medal earned by the men in these Games was Danell Leyva's bronze in the all around.

Men's Parallel Bars

1. Zhe Feng China 15.966
2. Marcel Nguyen Germany 15.800
3. Hamilton Sabot France 15.566

Men's Horizontal Bar

1. Epke Zonderland Netherlands 16.533
2. Fabian Hambuechen Germany 16.400
3. Kai Zou China 16.366

In balance bean, Aly Raisman and Romania's Catalina Ponor actually tied for third place after Raisman's coach contested her score.Raisman had a higher execution score and won the bronze medal over Ponor. In floor, it was all about Aly; she was really just at a higher level than everyone else, and it was so beautiful to see her do so well after she lost bronze in the women's all around. Catalina Ponor, who may be in her last Olympics, made it onto the medal stand this time taking the silver, after she was knocked down to fourth place and out of the bronze medal position in balance beam. Aliya Mustafina of Russia continued to prove why she is one of the best in the world, winning a bronze in floor to keep her gold in the uneven bars company.

Women's Balance Beam

1. Deng Linlin China 15.600
2. Sui Lu China 15.500
3. Aly Raisman U.S.A. 15.066



Women's Floor Exercise

1. Aly Raisman U.S.A. 15.600
2. Catalina Ponor Romania 15.200
3. Aliya Mustafina Russia 14.900

Track & Field

I couldn't blog about Day 11 without telling everyone about Ivan Ukhov from Russia. First thing's first, he won the high jump, but he did it in shorts and a t shirt rather than his uniform. He apparently took it off between jumps and somehow misplaced it. The officials told him he only had a few minutes and to just jump in what he was wearing. Keep in mind that this is also a young man who earned a "strong warning" from the IAAF for being drunk during a competition in 2008. Eric Kynard of the U.S. took the silver, while three other men tied for the bronze.

Men's High Jump

1. Ivan Ukhov Russia 2.38m
2. Erik Kynard U.S.A. 2.33m
3. Mutaz Essa Barshim Qatar 2.29m
3. Derek Drouin Canada 2.29m
3. Robert Grabarz Great Britain 2.29m

Australia's Sally Pearson waited for what seemed like forever to find out whether or not she had done enough to edge out Dawn Harper of the U.S. in the 100 meter hurdles. Not only had she just crossed the finish line before her, but she set a new Olympic record. Dawn Harper seemed very content with silver. Kellie Wells who had been to hell and back with her person life, won bronze and had just beaten Pearson prior to the Games. Lolo Jones finished in fourth place, and sadly, out of the medals.

Women's 100m Hurdles

1. Sally Pearson Australia 12.35 OR
2. Dawn Harper U.S.A. 12.37 PB
3. Kellie Wells U.S.A. 12.48 PB
4. Lolo Jones U.S.A. 12.58 SB
5. Nevin Yanit Turkey 12.58
6. Phylicia George Canada 12.65 =PB
7. Jessica Zelinka Canada 12.69
8. Beate Schrott Austria 13.07




Wednesday, August 8, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 10

* The U.S. Women's Soccer team is moving on and will play against Japan for the gold medal *

Gymnastics

The U.S. team has struggled in these individual apparatus finals, only picking up one additional medal, McKayla Maroney's silver in vault. This continued on day ten with Gabby Douglas finishing in last place in the uneven bars, Sam Mikulak finishing fifth in men's vault, and no man from the American team even qualifying in still rings.

Men's Vault

1. Hak Sean Yang South Korea 16.533
2. Denis Ablyazin Russia 16.399
3. Igor Radivlov Ukraine 16.316

Aliya Mustafina won the gold that had alluded her in the all arounds and team event for Russia. She was dynamite on uneven bars gracefully flying up, down, and transitioning beautifully from high bar to low bar, and dismounting with a move named after herself. The "Mustafina" was named after her for a reason, because no one does it better. She smiled coyly as Gabby Douglas missed a handstand and had to improvise parts of her routine. Douglas finished in last place. After that, Mustafina knew the medal was hers, and rightfully so.

Women's Uneven Bars

1. Aliya Mustafina Russia 16.133
2. He Kexin China 15.933
3. Beth Tweddle Great Britain 15.916 (Great Britain continued to surprise at the Games winning their first ever medal in Women's Gymnastics.)

I feel like in every Olympic Games at least one athlete in gymnastics is robbed of one thing or another whether it be the chance to compete in an event or compete in a medal. Jordyn Wieber, for example was robbed of the chance to compete in the women's all around, even though she was 4th overall. It just seemed like such an injustice to her, the fans, this Games, and the sport of gymnastics as a whole. I have to wonder and hope that the audacity of her being left out will be enough to change the rules for the better and for good. Such a thing happened again when Chen Yibing of China received the silver medal instead of the gold on still rings. His performance was far better than his Brazilian competitor who won gold. No offense, but one must wonder whether or not this was all a way of readying the Brazilians for Rio 2016. Anyone else with me on this?

Men's Still Rings

1. Arthur Nabarrete Zanetti Brazil 15.900
2. Chen Yibing China 15.800
3. Matteo Morandi Italy 15.733

Pole Vault

Four years ago, Jenn Suhr won the silver in perfect conditions, and this year in London, around the most difficult of conditions, Suhr won gold. She must be one tough lady; even her competitor and Beijing gold medalist Isinbayeva agreed that she deserved to win.

Women's Pole Vault

1. Jenn Suhr U.S.A. 4.75m
2. Yarisley Silva Cuba 4.75m
3. Yelena Isinbayeva Russia 4.70m

Track & Field

It's a fact that the past four, 400 meter hurdle winners have been in this order:Angelo Taylor, Felix Sanchez, Taylor, Sanchez. At the age of 34, Felix Sanchez, New York born, but running for the Dominican Republic was an unlikely choice for gold; however, in some ways, he had unfinished business. In Beijing, Sanchez learned before running his heat that his grandmother had passed away; he never made it out of the heats, but promised and was determined to win another medal for his grandmother. Sanchez said following his victory, "It took me four years... I finally pulled it off". 



Men's 400m Hurdles

1. Felix Sanchez Dominican Republic 47.63 SB
2. Michael Tinsley U.S.A. 47.91 PB
3. Javier Culson Puerto Rico 48.10
4. David Greene Great Britain 48.24
5. Angelo Taylor U.S.A. 48.25
6. Jehue Gordon Trinidad & Tobago 48.86
7. Leford Green Jamaica 49.12
8. Kerron Clement U.S.A. 49.15

Kirani James was a part of one of the most sportsmanlike moments of these Games. Following his win in the 400 meter semifinal, he went up and traded bibs with double amputee, Oscar Pistorius who was eliminated in that round. The 19 year old would then go on to win Grenada's first ever Olympic medal, and it was a gold. The U.S. had won gold in the event for the past seven Olympics going back to 1984.

Men's 400m

1. Kirani James Grenada 43.94 NR
2. Luguelin Santos Dominican Republic 44.46
3. Lalonde Gordon Trinidad & Tobago 44.52 PB
4. Chris Brown Bahamas 44.79
5. Kevin Borlee Belgium 44.81
6. Jonathan Borlee Belgium 44.83
7. Demetrius Pinder Bahamas 44.98
8. Steven Solomon Australia 45.14



Monday, August 6, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 9

* Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings beat a tough young Italian team in the quarterfinals to advance. *

Diving 
Chinese diver Wu Minxia announced that she will retire following the London Games, but the story doesn't end there. The six time medalist, including four golds, one silver, and one bronze was informed following her first gold medal win at these Games, the synchronized three meter springboard that her mother has been battling cancer and her grandparents passed away. The debate continues, should her parents have told her right away, regardless of her training or did they do the right thing allowing her to continue focusing on her Olympic dream? Whatever the case, Minxia continues to impress winning the individual 3m springboard as well.


Women's 3m Springboard Final

1. Wu Minxia China 414.00
2. He Zi China 379.20
3. Laura Sanchez Soto Mexico 362.40

Gymnastics
The sole U.S. hope in the men's floor exercise, Jake Dalton failed to medal, coming in fifth out of eight.

Men's Floor Exercises

1. Zou Kai China 15.933
2. Kohei Uchimura Japan 15.800
3. Denis Ablyazin Russia 15.800

For the first time ever, Great Britain won two individual gymnastics medals in the same event. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, watched intently as her fellow countrymen made history, her look was one of contentment and amazement. Louis Smith of Great Britain who won the silver actually had the same score as Krisztian Berki of Hungary who won gold, but Berki got the gold because his execution score of 9.166 was .10 points better.

Smith was optimistic though about his silver medal and Max Whitlock's bronze, "You have to take it with a pinch of salt," Smith said. "If you watch it back on slow motion, you'll usually see the best athlete won. To be beat by Krisztian, he's one of the best pommel performers in the world and to come in second to him at an Olympic games, that's a good feeling."

Men's Pommel Horse

1. Krisztian Berki Hungary 16.066
2. Louis Smith Great Britain 16.066
3. Max Whitlock Great Britain 15.600

There's no easy way to put this, McKayla Maroney fell on her butt on her second vault in the vaulting finals. She was the favorite to win gold, if anything was in lock in gymnastics, if anyone was consistent on an apparatus, it was Maroney on vault. The fall was shocking, the crowd gasped, the gymnasts were as shocked as the crowd, and Maroney; she stood there puzzled as flashbulbs went off in her face. Only one gymnast would follow her, Sandra Izbasa from Romania, and she would land both her vaults and win an unexpected gold.

Women's Vault

1. Sandra Izbasa Romania 15.191
2. McKayla Maroney U.S.A. 15.083
3. Maria Paseka Russia 15.050

Track & Field

Four years ago in Beijing, Sanya Richards Ross took home a medal in the 400 meter, but it wasn't the color she wanted; it was bronze and she left disappointed. Richards Ross went home, regrouped, realized that you don't truly win unless you cross the finish line first. Maybe it was fitting that she won the first gold in track & field for the U.S. team this time around. Following her body length win, Richards Ross embraced her husband saying his Super Bowl rings were motivation for her to get out there and win. He encouraged his wife and now gold medalist to enjoy the moment.




 Women's 400m

1. Sanya Richards Ross U.S.A. 49.55
2. Christina Ohuruogu Great Britain 49.70 SB
3. Dee Dee Trotter U.S.A. 49.72 SB
4. Amantel Montsho Botswana 49.75
5. Novlene Williams Mills Jamaica 50.11
6. Antonina Krivoshapka Russia 50.17
7. Francena McCorory U.S.A. 50.33
8. Rosemarie Whyte Jamaica 50.79

I didn't want to believe it when he first blasted onto the scene, but over the years, Usain Bolt has proven that he is the real deal. He and Carl Lewis are the only men to retain their 100 meter titles in back to back Games. 

He is officially, "the first man to cross the line first in successive Olympic finals".

Bolt said he now will focus on defending his title in the 200 meter to add to the legend that he already is.

Men's 100m

1. Usain Bolt Jamaica 9.63 OR
2. Yohan Blake Jamaica 9.75 =PB
3. Justin Gatlin U.S.A. 9.79 =PB
4. Tyson Gay U.S.A. 9.80 SB
5. Ryan Bailey U.S.A. 9.88 =PB
6. Churandy Martina Netherlands 9.94
7. Richard Thompson Trinidad & Tobago 9.98
8. Asafa Powell Jamaica 11.99


Sunday, August 5, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 8

Day eight belonged to the eight fastest women in the world who sprinted in one of the premier track & field events, the 100 meter. Camelita Jeter of the U.S. was a favorite in this event from the time she made the team, and she performed at her season best; although, it wasn't enough to beat defending champion Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce from Jamaica. After the race, Jeter who just about glowed throughout heats, semifinals, and finals, said she hoped that she made us proud. I just want to say that she more than made us proud; she represented our country in such a strong, confident, graceful, and beautiful way. Seeing all these athletic and determined women made me so proud, it literally took my breath away watching them.

Women's 100m

1. Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce Jamaica 10.75
2. Carmelita Jeter U.S.A. 10.78 SB
3. Veronica Campbell Brown Jamaica 10.81 SB
4. Tianna Madison U.S.A. 10.85 PB
5. Allyson Felix U.S.A. 10.89 PB
6. Kelly Ann Baptiste Trinidad & Tobago
7. Murielle Ahoure Ivory Coast 11.00
8. Blessing Okagbare Nigeria 11.01

SB= Season Best
PB= Personal Best



* Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings moved on to the round of 16 in the beach volleyball tournament on day right. *

Kromowidjojo made it two for two in London winning gold in both her individual events: the 100 meter free and then the 50 meter, and along with the win in the 50, an Olympic record.

Women's 50m Freestyle

rank lane
1      4     Ranomi Kromowidjojo Netherlands 24.05 OR
2      5     Aliaksandra Herasimenia Belarus 24.28
3      3     Marleen Veldhuis Netherlands 24.39
4      6     Britta Steffen Germany 24.46
5      2     Francesca Halsall Great Britain 24.47
6      8     Therese Alshammar Sweden 24.61
7      1     Jessica Hardy U.S.A. 24.62
8      7     Arianna Vanderpool Wallace Bahamas 24.69

Yang Sun of China broke his own world record in the 1500 meter, and like Kromowidjojo, won his second gold medal at these Games. The U.S., a non factor in this race coming in in the sixth position.

Men's 1500m Freestyle

rank lane
1      4      Yang Sun China 14:31.02 WR
2      3      Ryan Cochrane Canada 14:39.63
3      5      Oussama Mellouli Tunisia 14:40.31
4      7      Taehwan Park Korea 14:50.61
5      6      Gregorio Paltrinieri Italy 14:51.92
6      1      Conor Jaeger U.S.A. 14:52.99
7      8      Mateusz Sawrymowicz Poland 14:54.32
8      2      Daniel Fogg Great Britain 15:00.76

Four women, all gold medalists in London, all added another gold medal to their repertoire in the women's 4x100 meter medley relay. Franklin won her fourth, Vollmer and Schmitt, won their third, and Soni her second. All four of them are fairly young and should be back in four years when the Rio Games take place. Swimming fans everywhere are already anticipating Franklin winning more medals and becoming the best female Olympian ever. It's inspiring to watch these young women all be so supportive of one another. I cannot wait to see them in Rio.



Women's 4x100m Medley Relay

rank lane
1     6      U.S.A. 3:52.05 WR
2     4      Australia 3:54.02
3     5      Japan 3:55.73
4     8      Russia 3:56.03
5     1      China 3:56.41
6     2      Netherlands 3:57.28
7     3      Denmark 3:57.76
8     7      Great Britain 3:59.46

He closed out his career with an 18th gold, grace, poise, confidence, and humility. Michael Phelps swam his final race and made even more history with the help of his teammates, Matt Grevers, Brendan Hansen, and Nathan Adrian.

Ryan Lochte spoke of how he would miss swimming against Phelps. Missy Franklin admired watching how beautiful Michael is when he swims and how much she will miss him. Allison Schmitt was able to train with Phelps and she's become a close friend; she felt inspired by Phelps and how dedicated he has been to the sport of swimming over all these years.

This night, August 4th, 2012, was truly the end of an era.

Men's 4x100m Medley Relay

rank lane
1      4     U.S.A. 3:29.35
2      3     Japan 3:31.26
3      6     Australia 3:31.58
4      5     Great Britain 3:32.32
5      1     Hungary 3:33.02
6      7     Germany 3:33.06
7      2     Netherlands 3:33.46
8      8     Canada 3:34.19



 

London Olympics 2012: Day 7

With only a few more races left in the aquatic center at this Games, the U.S. team really capitalized on some good opportunities for medals on Day 7 (Friday the 3rd for all those keeping track of the dates).

Michael Phelps picked up an 18th career gold, 17 year old Missy Franklin continued to impress picking up a third gold ahead of teammate Elizabeth Beisel who won bronze, 15 year old Katie Ledecky won her first gold medal, and judging by how she competed she'll be the future of U.S. swimming for year's to come. Cullen Jones, a staple on the men's relay teams won his first individual medal, a silver, proving he is one of the best sprinting swimmer on the circuit.



Only three days before, Chad le Clos beat Michael Phelps at the wall to capture gold in the 200m fly, an event that Phelps had won in Athens in '04 and in Beijing in '08. This, in a way, was Phelps' redemption; he poured it on in the last 50 meters looking like the Michael Phelps of old, the one we had grown so accustomed to seeing in Beijing. It was like he was in the pocket, in the zone, in the groove, he got his confidence back and it was overflowing. This was the second event (the first was the 200m im which he swam only the day before) in this Olympics in which Michael Phelps three-peated adding to the legend that is and will be.

Men's 100m Butterfly

rank lane
1      4     Michael Phelps U.S.A. 51.21
2      5     Chad le Clos South Africa 51.44
2      8     Evgeny Korotyshkin Russia 51.44
4      6     Milorad Cavic Serbia 51.81
4      7     Steffen Deibler Germany 51.81
6      2     Joeri Verlinden Netherlands 51.82
7      3     Tyler McGill U.S.A. 51.88
8      1     Konrad Czerniak Poland 52.05 

It's official; she's the best female backstroker in the world, Missy Franklin swept the backstroke winning the 200m as well and doing it in record time. Franklin swam it in 2:04.06 shattering the record previously held by Kirsty Coventry. Even Franklin's competitor and teammate Elizabeth Beisel could only have good words about Franklin's victory saying, "She’s an amazing competitor. She's always having fun but she really knows how to tune in when she needs to and I can’t congratulate her enough.”  

Women's 200m Backstroke

rank lane
1     5      Missy Franklin U.S.A. 2:04.06 WR
2     6      Anastasia Zueva Russia 2:05.92
3     4      Elizabeth Beisel U.S.A. 2:06.55
4     1      Elizabeth Simmonds Great Britain 2:07.26
5     3      Meagen Nay Australia 2:07.43
6     7      Kirsty Coventry Zimbabwae 2:08.18
7     2      Alexianne Castel France 2:08.43
8     8      Sinead Russell Canada 2:09.86



At 15, Katie Ledecky is the youngest member of the U.S. delegation in London, which also makes her the youngest U.S. gold medalist at these games. She impressively beat a seasoned field in the 800m free, the longest women's event in swimming. Teammate Michael Phelps gave Ledecky some advice in the ready room before her race, "'Have fun out there,’” Phelps said. “She went out there laid it all on the line. She looked like she went out and had some fun and won a gold medal and just missed the world record. I would say that’s a pretty good first Olympics for a 15-year-old.”  

Women's 800m Freestyle

rank lane
1     3      Katie Ledecky U.S.A. 8:14.63 AR
2     6      Mireia Belmonte Garcia Spain 8:18.76
3     4      Rebecca Adlington Great Britain 8:20.32
4     2      Lauren Boyle New Zealand 8:22.72
5     5      Lotte Friis Denmark 8:23.86
6     7      Boglarka Kapas Hungary 8:23.89
7     8      Coralie Balmy France 8:29.26
8     1      Andreina Pinto Perez Venezuela 8:29.28

Also know as the "splash and dash," the 50m determines the fastest man in the pool, it requires a great amount of focus and discipline, it requires a great start and a great finish. One of Brazil's most popular athletes Cesar Cielo was the favorite coming into this events. Cullen Jones, of team U.S.A. is probably the best swimmer of the bunch, but it was Florent Manaudou of France who would make it to the wall first. Manaudou's sister, Laure Manaudou won the women's 400 freestyle gold at the Athens in 2004, becoming the first female French swimmer to win an Olympic title.

Men's 50m Freestyle

rank lane
1     7      Florent Manaudou France 21.34
2     5      Cullen Jones U.S.A. 21.54
3     4      Cesar Cielo Brazil 21.59
4     6      Bruno Fratus Brazil 21.61
5     3      Anthony Ervin U.S.A. 21.78
6     8      Roland Schoeman South Africa 21.80
7     2      George Richard Bovell Trinidad & Tobago 21.82
8     1      Eamon Sullivan Australia 21.98


 

Saturday, August 4, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 6

Gabrielle Douglas will go down as one of the greats in gymnastics. There have only been four American women who have won the all around: Douglas, Nastia Liukin in 2008, Carly Patterson in 2004, and Mary Lou Retton in 1984. Each one is so captivating, strong, graceful, original; they epitomize what it means to be a fighter. Gabby did something that none of the other three did though; she is the first woman to win gold in the team finals and gold in the all around.

Critics often compare Douglas to Dominique Dawes, but say her skills are a combination of Patterson's strength and athleticism, and Liukin's grace and maturity. Douglas' story is a sentimental one, she moved away from home two years ago to train with Coach Liang Chow who trained Shawn Johnson. At first her mom, Natalie Hawkins, was completely opposed to the idea, but she saw how much Gabby wanted it, and finally agreed. I am so glad her mom agreed, because we got to see a young determined woman who worked hard, and had that hard work pay off.

Women's Gymnastics All Around

1. Gabby Douglas U.S.A. 62.232
2. Viktoria Komova Russia 61.973
3. Aliya Mustafina Russia 59.566
4. Alexandra Raisman U.S.A. 59.566

As you can see above, Mustafina and Raisman have the same score. They both should have received a bronze medal, right? Wrong! According to archaic gymnastics rules that make no sense, when two gymnasts tie the lowest score of the four routines are dropped for each gymnast. Then, the remaining three scores are averaged, and whoever has the higher average receives the medal. Why couldn't two bronze medals be given out?

Reading Material--- loved this fun article on Gabby Douglas.

The Americans went three for four in the aquatic center on Day 6, how did they do it?

Rebecca Soni doesn't like attention, she'd prefer to just fly under the radar. You can imagine how much she disliked being the favorite coming into the 200m breast, an event she won four years ago in Beijing. On this day six though, Soni became the first female Olympic Champion from Beijing to defend and retain her title. Soni also set a new world record becoming the first to swim the event in under 2:20; she swam it in 2:19.59. Soni and boyfriend Ricky Berens have both won two medals at this Olympics.

Women's 200m Breaststroke

rank lane
1     4      Rebecca Soni U.S.A. 2:19.59 WR
2     3      Suzuki Satomi Japan 2:20.72
3     6      Iuliia Efimova Russia 2:20.92
4     5      Rikke Pedersen Denmark 2:21.65
5     1      Martha McCabe Canada 2:23.16
6     7      Micah Lawrence U.S.A. 2:23.27
7     2      Suzaan van Biljon South Africa 2:23.72
8     8      Sally Foster Australia 2:26.00




U.S. teammates Tyler Clary and Ryan Lochte both medaled in the 200m backstroke, but it wasn't in the order that you think. Lochte went into this event as the favorite and he came out of it with a bronze medal. Clary, who faced criticism earlier in these Games for saying he trained harder than Michael Phelps came out of the 200 with a gold. Although Lochte led on all the turns, Clary made his move in the last 50 meters closing it out at the wall.

Men's 200m Backstroke

rank lane
1     4      Tyler Clary U.S.A. 1:53.41 OR
2     6      Irie Ryosuke Japan 1:53.78
3     5      Ryan Lochte U.S.A. 1:53.94
4     2      Radoslaw Kawecki Poland 1:55.59
4     3      Fenglin Zhang China 1:55.59
6     7      Kazaki Watanabe Japan 1:57.03
7     8      Yakov Tamarkin Israel 1:57.62
8     1      Mitch Larkin Australia 1:58.02

He did it again, maybe it was the confidence he gained anchoring a relay the previous day, maybe it's the determination to go out on top, maybe it was because it was the last time he would ever swim against rival and friend Ryan Lochte, maybe it was just meant to be, but Michael Phelps added another gold to his collection winning the 200m individual medley. He became the first male swimmer to win the same event at three consecutive Summer Games. The question becomes, not what has Michael Phelps done, but rather, what has he not done? It's seems like he's done it all. "To be able to win the gold medal and repeat three times is something pretty special," Phelps said.

Men's 200m Individual Medley

rank lane
1     3      Michael Phelps U.S.A. 1:54.27
2     4      Ryan Lochte U.S.A. 1:54.90
3     5      Laszlo Cseh Hungary 1:56.22
4     6      Thiago Pereira Brazil 1:56.74
5     2      Kosuke Hagino Japan 1:57.35
6     7      Ken Takakuwa Japan 1:58.53
7     1      James Goddard Great Britain 1:59.05
8     8      Markus Deibler Germany 1:59.10

Phelp's 200m im

Finally, in the women's 100m free, it was a dutch sprinter who took gold in a race where the lone American finalist, Jessica Hardy, didn't even make it to the podium.

Women's 100m Freestyle

rank lane
1     4      Ranomi Kromowidjojo Netherlands 53.00 OR
2     1      Aliaksandra Herasimenia Belarus 53.38
3     6      Yi Tang China 53.44
4     5      Melanie Schlanger Australia 53.47
5     3      Missy Franklin U.S.A. 53.64
6     7      Francesca Halsall Great Britain 53.66
7     2      Jeanette Ottesen Gray Denmark 53.75
8     8      Jessica Hardy U.S.A. 54.02

Thursday, August 2, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 5

Day five's most pleasant surprises involved two men in two different sports.

Nathan Adrian shocked himself even more than he shocked the rest of us when he upset James Magnussen by one one hundredth of a second to win his first ever individual gold in the 100m free. I think his humility, all around good- naturedness, and obvious athletic talent have really made him one of the heroes of these games.

"My life may change now, I'll take it all it for what it's worth." These words alone make you want to respect and appreciate Adrian all the more. Before this Olympics is over, Adrian still has the medley relay, and I'm almost certain we'll be seeing him in Rio in 2016.



Men's 100m Freestyle

rank lane
1      5    Nathan Adrian U.S.A. 47.52
2      4    James Magnussen Australia 47.53
3      7    Brent Hayden Canada 47.80
4      1    Agnel Yannick France 47.84
5      6    Sebastiaan Verschuren Netherlands 47.88
6      2    Cesar Cielo Brazil 47.92
7      3    Hanser Garcia Cuba 48.04
8      8    Nikita Lobintsev Russia 48.44

Danell Leyva shocked the Gymnastics world bouncing back from near disaster on the pommel horse to win a bronze medal in the Men's All Around. Leyva called his bronze, "beautiful", but said that gold would have been "perfect". He applauded as Kohei Uchimura took to the podium, after all, Leyva lost the gold to a man who will arguably go down as the best men's gymnast ever. He won silver in the all around in Beijing and won the last three world championships, and now the gold. Marcel Nguyen took the silver giving Germany their first medal in men's gymnastics since 1936!

Said Leyva of his bronze, "This was definitely a redemption not only for me but for the whole Team USA," Leyva said. "I didn't do the pommel routine I wanted to do, that I knew that I could. But I used it to channel into positive energy. I kept fighting and finished strong, and I'm really, really happy with the way that I finished."



Lots of heartbreak for the Americans in the pool last night after their medal hopes were dashed in the Men's 200m Breaststroke and the Women's 200m Butterfly. That being said, two countries that normally do not win many swimming medals picked up a couple of silvers last night: Spain and Great Britain. Gyurta was the favorite in the men's event, and not only won gold, but set a new world record.

Men's 200m Breaststroke

rank lane
1     5     Daniel Gyurta Hungary 2:07.28 WR
2     4     Michael Jamieson Great Britain 2:07.43
3     1     Ryo Tateishi Japan 2:08.29
4     2     Kosuke Kitajima Japan 2:08.35
5     6     Scott Weltz U.S.A. 2:09.02
6     7     Clark Burckle U.S.A. 2:09.25
7     8     Brenton Rickard Australia 2:09.28
8     3     Andrew Willis Great Britain 2:09.44

Women's 200m Butterfly

rank lane
1     5      Liuyang Jiao China 2:04.06 OR
2     6      Mireia Belmonte Garcia Spain 2:05.25
3     3      Natsumi Hoshi Japan 2:05.28
4     4      Kathleen Hersey U.S.A. 2:05.78
5     1      Cammile Adams U.S.A. 2:06.78
6     8      Jemma Lowe Great Britain 2:06.80
7     2      Zsuzsanna Jakabos Hungary 2:07.33
8     7      Zige Liu China 2:07.77

What redeemed the night in swimming was the U.S. women setting an Olympic record while winning the gold in the 4x200m relay. The team was led by Missy Franklin, Dana Vollmer, Shannon Vreeland, and Allison Schmitt.

Women's 4x200m Relay

rank lane
1     5     U.S.A. 7:42.92 OR
2     4     Australia 7:44.41
3     2     France 7:47.49
4     3     Canada 7:50.65
5     1     Great Britain 7:52.37
6     7     China 7:53.11
7     6     Italy 7:56.30
8     8     Japan 7:56.73

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

London Olympics 2012: Day 4

The history books will no longer just talk about "The Magnificent 7" (a.k.a Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps, Kerri Strug) from the 1996 Atlanta Games; now they will also talk about "The Fab 5" from the 2012 London Games. Team U.S.A. Women's Gymnastics, made up of Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Weiber are only the second U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team to win a team gold medal.They did so in confident fashion beating out the Russian team by more than five points. Only three of their 12 scores during the event scored less than a 15, no other team even came close.



Of winning Olympic gold, Jordyn Wieber said, "The feeling was incredible, to have this gold medal around your neck, it's really an indescribable feeling. It just shows how much of a team we are."

Women's Gymnastics Team Finals

1. U.S.A. 183.596
2. Russia 178.530
3. Romania 176.414

We all knew Michael Phelps was special, talented, gifted, etc., but now he will be remembered not only as a phenomenal swimmer but as the most decorated Olympian of all time. Phelps has won 19 medals, 15 gold, two silver, and two bronze, and he may not be done yet as he still has several more events to compete in.

Phelps tied the record, held by Larisa Latynina, winning a silver medal earlier Tuesday night in the 200m Butterfly, an event he has dominated in for the past decade. Chad le Clos of South Africa ended up out-touching Phelps at the wall; Phelps did the same thing years ago in Beijing to Hungarian swimmer Laszlo Cseh. Le Clos still can't believe he beat Michael Phelps, and says that Phelps is his hero.

Men's 200m Butterfly

rank lane
1     5      Chad le Clos South Africa 1:52.96
2     6      Michael Phelps U.S.A. 1:53.01
3     4      Takeshi Matsuda Japan 1:53.21
4     7      Dinko Jukic Austria 1:54.35
5     2      Tyler Clary U.S.A. 1:55.06
6     8      Velimir Stjepanovic Serbia 1:55.07
7     1      Pawel Korzeniowski Poland 1:55.08
8     3      Yin Chen China 1:55.18

Later that same night, Phelps swan the anchor leg of the 4x200m Relay, and that's where he broke Latynina's record walking away with his first gold from these Games. Lochte swam first followed by newcomer to the U.S. team, Conor Dwyer, and then Ricky Berens. Phelps had quite a lead over his closest competitor, France, and he closed the deal by swimming the fastest split of the relay. Phelps' teammates say that they didn't even know he had broke the medal record until he told them when the race was over. And should he not win anymore medals, Phelps said he would be okay with that.

Men's 4x200m Relay

rank lane
1     4     U.S.A. 6:59.70
2     5     France 7:02.77
3     7     China 7:06.30
4     3     Germany 7:06.59
5     6     Australia 7:07.00
6     2     Great Britain 7:09.33
7     1     South Africa 7:09.65
8     8     Hungary 7:13.66



I loved this article from the "Today Show": Phelps' Teammates Had No Idea He Set Olympic Record

19 year old Chen Ruolin defended her Olympic title in the Synchronized 10m Platform, but this time, with a different partner, 19 year old Wang Hao, and Chen is favored to repeat gold in the Individual event as well. Their dives were far more dynamic than other team; although, the Mexican team of veteran Paola Espinosa and 15 year old newcomer Alejandra Orozco Loza had a great night as well, and should not be overlooked.

Women's Synchronized 10m Platform

1. Chen Ruolin/ Wang Hao China 368.40
2. Paola Espinosa/ Alejandra Orozco Loza Mexico 343.32
3. Meaghan Benfeito/ Filion Roseline Canada 337.62

Allison Schmitt won her first gold medal last night, and set an Olympic record in the 200m free. The free spirit, training partner of Phelps, and self professed high fiver is proof that a positive attitude pays off.

Women's 200m Freestyle

rank lane
1      5     Allison Schmitt U.S.A. 1:53.61 OR
2      3     Camille Muffat France 1:55.58
3      4     Bronte Barratt Australia 1:55.81
4      8     Missy Franklin U.S.A. 1:55.82
5      6     Frederica Pellegrini Italy 1:56.73
6      2     Veronika Popova Russia 1:57.25
7      7     Caitlin McClatchey Great Britain 1:57.60
8      1     Kylie Palmer Australia 1:57.68

As allegations against Chinese swimmer Shiwen Ye continue to build, she continues to add gold medals to her arsenal. The 16 year old won the 200m individual medley in 2:07.57, an Olympic record. The performance follows her win women's 400 individual medley gold Saturday, in which she set a world record of 4:28.43. She dropped five seconds off her previous personal best, which she swam at 14 years of age. Why all the suspicion? Ye swam her final 50m in the 400m im faster than the male gold medalist in the same event, Ryan Lochte. In addition to that fact is that China has been there, done that before when it comes to doping allegations when many Chinese athletes tested positive for performance enhancing drugs including steroids and testosterone in the 90's. Overshadowed by all this is the fact that Coutts picked up another medal, and U.S. swimmer Caitlin Leverenz picked up a bronze medal.

Women's 200m Individual Medley

rank lane
1     4      Shiwen Ye China 2:07.57 OR
2     5      Alicia Coutts Australia 2:08.15
3     3      Caitlin Leverenz U.S.A. 2:08.95
4     7      Stephanie Rice Australia 2:09.55
5     6      Ariana Kukors U.S.A. 2:09.83
6     8      Kirsty Coventry Zimbabwae 2:11.13
7     1      Hannah Miley Great Britain 2:11.29
8     2      Katinka Hosszu Hungary 2:14.19