Olympics!

The 400 metre relay teams all wear a placard with their country abbreviation on it. The American men's and women's teams both just have 'USA' written on them in magic marker. Everyone else's is professionally printed.

After the performance both teams put in (dropping the baton), they probably don't deserve proper placards.

*****

If having a cool name counted for something, Uzbekistan would rule the Olympics. I love saying 'Uzbekistan'.

*****

Usain Bolt has gold shoes :)

Bolt was pretty obviously goofing around when he crossed the finish line for the 100 metre race. He still set the world's record.

*****

Our 400 metre guy David Neville had to get carried off on a stretcher. I'm not sure if he was diving for the line, or just tripped, but he flattened himself at the finish. His two teammates seem remarkably unconcerned about him - the Swedish runner went over to see if he was hurt. Apparently he's okay - he got interviewed afterwards.

*****

The BMX racing turned into a bit of a bloodbath. I believe they ought to rethink having paved corners on the track in future.

*****

What a remarkable first set in men's beach volleyball! The second set was well contested. The third was a rout, unfortunately. Our guys won the gold :)

*****

Misty Mae Trainor has one of the best souvenir hats I've ever seen, a huge coolie hat with a dragon painted on it. My perception of China as being a culture that produces uber-cool hats is reinforced.

*****

All of the Chinese athletes seem to favour this blue sports drink. They drink gallons of that stuff.

*****

And now the IOC is investigating the Chinese gymnasts. This will be a mess.