OT: Olympics chatter

[AngryScientist]

Let's keep this thread about the current games, athletes and events please since the last one was locked.

[AngryScientist]

On topic: Really though? What are they thinking trying to hold swimming events in the Siene? Basically just hoping for some water sample roulette to go right? Seems like terrible planning for a big event.

Tri was postponed today due to poor water quality...

I see a lot of the water sports are going off in Tahiti. Why not hold all the open water events over there?

[ERK55]

I think the surfing was held there because of the huge waves there. Not sure that would be conducive to swimming events. But one would think there would be some cleaner body of water closer to Paris.

[prototoast]

On the flip side, the fencing events are being held in the Grand Palais, which is an absolutely gorgeous venue.

[ERK55]

PS the Olympic sailing events will be held in Marseille, 773 km from Paris.

[jm714]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

On topic: Really though? What are they thinking trying to hold swimming events in the Siene? Basically just hoping for some water sample roulette to go right? Seems like terrible planning for a big event.

Tri was postponed today due to poor water quality...

I see a lot of the water sports are going off in Tahiti. Why not hold all the open water events over there?

Only men’s and women’s surfing is being held in Tahiti. The wave is one of the most iconic on the world surf tour and it is pretty consistent during the summer months. Whereas surf on the French coast doesn’t get started till the fall. And the water temp at Tahiti is 79.

[reuben]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

I see a lot of the water sports are going off in Tahiti. Why not hold all the open water events over there?

The thought of holding the rowing events in Tahiti anywhere near the monstrous "Wall of Skulls" wave would be... interesting.

Most rowing events require a long straight stretch of relatively flat water. The Pacific Ocean doesn't have that.

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by ERK55

I think the surfing was held there because of the huge waves there. Not sure that would be conducive to swimming events. But one would think there would be some cleaner body of water closer to Paris.

Yes, they considered spots closer to Paris/mainland France, but Tahiti won out. It's a French overseas collective (similar relationship as PR to the US).

Interestingly, the Tahitian Olympic village is a cruise ship moored offshore. The athletes take a ferry into the competition area. Looks pretty posh compared to some of the Olympic village accommodation I've seen photo'ed over the years.

[crankles]

Originally Posted by prototoast

On the flip side, the fencing events are being held in the Grand Palais, which is an absolutely gorgeous venue.

Mens Foil Final yesterday. Holy smokes!

[crankles]

Originally Posted by ERK55

PS the Olympic sailing events will be held in Marseille, 773 km from Paris.

Kinda surprised it isn't in Brittany...

[Bruce K]

As a fencer in my college and post college days, I find Olympic fencing riveting.

It seems to slowly be gaining more interest but I think it would gain more support if the rules were more clearly explained and slo-mo replay was used better to explain touches/scoring hits.

I try to watch every bit that is broadcast

BK

[reuben]

Canada stuns Australia in women's rugby, advances to the final.

[Hank Scorpio]

Four positives in two separate incidents, both linked to tainted food sources? Cleared by WADA because the athlete’s home country did an investigation.

Yeah pull the other one, it has bells on it.

https://apnews.com/article/olympics-...41cdf1861fa663

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by Bruce K

As a fencer in my college and post college days, I find Olympic fencing riveting.

It seems to slowly be gaining more interest but I think it would gain more support if the rules were more clearly explained and slo-mo replay was used better to explain touches/scoring hits.

I try to watch every bit that is broadcast

BK

Yeah, I love fencing (I was competitive through college, recreational now), but it's hard to explain. I try to get my wife to watch, and every day I'm just re-explaining the differences between foil, epee, and saber. I have yet to make any inroads explaining right of way to her.

The men's foil final was great, and despite Italy's protests, I thought the referee did a good job on that one.

[72gmc]

Originally Posted by crankles

Mens Foil Final yesterday. Holy smokes!

The women's final, too. Lee Kiefer and Lauren Scruggs put on a good show.