Shocking developments in Track and Field
August 19th 2008 03:52
Track and Field got underway at the National Stadium, better known as the Bird's Nest and there were a number of shocking developments. For the Chinese people, perhaps no bigger shock could be possible than Liu Xiang's withdrawal from the 100m Hurdles event. Xiang was the defending Gold Medalist and carried the hopes of 1.5 billion Chinese in his quest to repeat as Champion. Liu Xiang withdrew due to an achilles injury. Xiang's former coach says the Chinese government put too many demands on Xiang.
Xiang's injury clears the way for American Terrence Trammell who suffered a minor strain in his hamstring on Sunday.
In the Men's 100m race, it was all Usain Bolt as the Jamacian blew away his own world record and even slowed with about 15 meters remaining. His countrywomen went 1-2-3 in the Women's 100m and survived a challenge by the American's of a false start.
America's best medal chance in the 1500m since Steve Prefontaine failed to make the finals. Bernard Lagat struggled in both the quarter and semi-finals and just missed qualifying for the final. Lagat will still compete in the 5000m where hopefully he will fare better.
In the good news department we find Florida State's Walter Dix who won a Bronze medal in the Men's 100m. Dix ran a personal best 9.91 seconds, passing former record holder Asafa Powell down the stretch.
In news you're unlikely to hear on NBC, the Chinese Communist Government has confiscated 300 Bibles and torturing Tibetans to death during these Olympics.
"I am saddened by Liu Xiang's exit," Mr Gu said at his office in Shanghai. "I think it is because of the intense training. If he had been more relaxed the injury might not have been so bad.
"I have experienced in the past the great pressure that government officials exert on the athletes as well as the coach, and that they demand a gold medal, otherwise it is meaningless. Liu Xiang is still a young boy and he has been put under a bit too much expectation."
"I have experienced in the past the great pressure that government officials exert on the athletes as well as the coach, and that they demand a gold medal, otherwise it is meaningless. Liu Xiang is still a young boy and he has been put under a bit too much expectation."
Xiang's injury clears the way for American Terrence Trammell who suffered a minor strain in his hamstring on Sunday.
In the Men's 100m race, it was all Usain Bolt as the Jamacian blew away his own world record and even slowed with about 15 meters remaining. His countrywomen went 1-2-3 in the Women's 100m and survived a challenge by the American's of a false start.
America's best medal chance in the 1500m since Steve Prefontaine failed to make the finals. Bernard Lagat struggled in both the quarter and semi-finals and just missed qualifying for the final. Lagat will still compete in the 5000m where hopefully he will fare better.
In the good news department we find Florida State's Walter Dix who won a Bronze medal in the Men's 100m. Dix ran a personal best 9.91 seconds, passing former record holder Asafa Powell down the stretch.
In news you're unlikely to hear on NBC, the Chinese Communist Government has confiscated 300 Bibles and torturing Tibetans to death during these Olympics.
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