WHILE SOME IRISH athletes have performed below expectations at the London Olympics, that accusation cannot be leveled at the Irish boxers.
After the success of Katie Taylor and John Joe Nevin, Michael Conlan confirmed that a third medal was secured for Team Ireland.
Derval O’Rourke and Fionnnuala Britton, while failing to win medals, also delivered commendable displays and performed at, or close to, their peak.
Meanwhile, Chris Hoy’s record-breaking sixth gold medal ensured it will be an Olympic Games to remember for Great Britain.
Headline of the day
Ireland: Boxing Capital of the World
Michael Conlan’s win this evening added to what has already been an incredibly successful Olympic Games as far as Irish boxers are concerned. His triumph comes after both Katie Taylor and John Joe Nevin delivered similarly outstanding displays. And Paddy Barnes, of course, could yet win a fourth medal for the Irish.
What we learned today?
- Chris Hoy has consolidated his legendary status
The Scot won his sixth gold medal with yet another excellent keirin victory, simultaneously becoming Britain’s most successful Olympian ever, surpassing Steve Redgrave. His victory could hardly have come in more dramatic circumstances, bowing out of the sport with a last-gasp win, and passing out German Maximilan Levy amid the race’s climax
- Derval O’Rourke’s best efforts weren’t quite good enough
Despite putting in an excellent performance that matched her season’s best time of 12.91, O’Rourke’s efforts ultimately weren’t quite good enough for her to achieve a place in the 100m Hurdles Finals. Meanwhile, in the 200m heats, there was disappointment too for Paul Hession, while Fionnuala Britton failed to achieve a place in the 5000m Final.
- Asian football teams aren’t quite ready to dominate the Olympics just yet
After Japan and South Korea secured surprise victories over Spain and Team GB respectively, some commentators began to speculate as to whether Asian football was on the verge of entering into a golden age. However, today’s results suggest such talk may have been somewhat premature, with the two countries crashing out of the competition in their ties against Mexico and Brazil.
- These Games haven’t been a complete disaster for Australia
While much has been made of Australia’s relatively poor showing at these Games, there was partial redemption this evening in the form of Sally Pearson’s stunning victory in the 100m Final, running a time of 12.35 and breaking the Olympc record in the process.
Highlights from Team Ireland
- Fionnuala Britton missed out on the 5,000m final despite smashing her personal best.
- Paul Hession finished fifth behind Yohan Blake in the heats of the 200m.
- Gavin Noble finished 23rd in the Olympic triathlon, 3:22 behind winner Alistair Brownlee of Team GB.
- Derval O’Rourke has come fifth in her 100m hurdles semi-final and will not make it to the decider.
- Michael Conlan beat France’s Nordine Oubaali, consequently securing a bronze medal at the very least.
Best thing we’ve read today
Whether or not you agree with its sentiments, this article on Great Britain’s response to their sporting success is certainly an interesting read.
Hero of the Day
We can’t give it to anyone other than Michael Conlan, can we? Although Chris Hoy also deserves a special mention too, for his incredible achievement.
You said what?
“This is only me warming up.” Michael Conlan claims you ain’t seen nothing yet.
“I wish it was on tomorrow.” Derval O’Rourke looks forward to the European Indoor Champioships only minutes after her Olympics exit.
“There is no association between me and UKAA, if you can find a form that I have signed that says I received money from UKAA then hold me accountable but over the last three years I have been out there and won world titles, world silver medals, Olympic silver medals and I have done that out of my own pocket.” Phillips Idowu continues his row with the UKAA.
A new friend we made today
Sportswriter Peter Hanlon, whose dreadfully stereotypical article about Katie Taylor/Irish people itself made headlines on these shores for all the wrong reasons.
Medal table
(Medal table as of 22.25 on Tuesday, 7 August)
Hopefully he can continue where he left off last season. In fairness he’s been a much better player for us than any of his previous clubs – that’s the Bielsa effect for you.
If Southgate is not going to put him on the squad can we take him at least he be guaranteed international football and he can score goals. Win win situation.
@robert o mahony: he doesn’t want us though, bit of a stumbling block
@Shimmy Shammy: He is waiting it out but only so much you can wait for. I think if he isn’t in September squad for England. Then you can surely persuade him. Because you don’t want to be nearing 30 and regret it that he could of played more international games. Unless he can play with another country other than Ireland and England
Future Ireland International for sure.
He clearly feels English so why would he want to play for us? We don’t need jokers like that.