Post any special awards you would like to give to Olympics participants from the last two weeks. They can be serious, but don't have to be. Go on.... be inventive..
Exceptional individual performance in a single event
David Rudisha of Kenya in the men’s 1500 metres race which he won in a world record time with a performance of absolute dominance in a race that for once lived up to the name. No tactics, no biding his time for a last lap sprint, he just went out and ran the race from gun to tape. Brilliant.
Ultimate Olympic champion:
Michael Phelps who became the holder of the most medals in Olympic history. He is a magnificent athlete and a decent, humble human being who deserves.... and has... the respect of the world.
Star turn
Usain Bolt, by a distance. The charismatic, blisteringly fast Jamaican sprinter who defended his 100 and 200 metre titles, and cemented his place as the most popular figure in world athletics. Personality, style, speed and a victory salute to die for. What more could any Olympics crowd wish to see..?
Proudest Parent
Bert le Clos, father of South African swimmer Chad who beat Michael Phelps into second place in the men’s 200 metres butterfly. He was so ecstatic that he was invited to the BBC commentary position to speak to Clare Balding. His chat with Clare was a delight to watch. This delightfully grizzled old Afrikaaner who was so proud he told the world “Look at my beautiful boy. Isn’t he a champion..? I love you son. Oh my God, is this going out live..?” on air..? How wonderful it was to be able to share his joy.
Gold Medal for happy, smiling faces
All the volunteer Games Makers who did a wonderful job in providing help, advice and assistance to all the visitors to London and other venues during the games. Hopefully they had a massive party when it was all over and Sebastian Coe should have gotten the first round in. Well done to them all.
The Kamikaze Prize For Committing Olympic Suicide Without Really Trying:
The Chinese and Korean women Badminton players who deliberately tried to lose their matches so they would avoid playing against the competition favourites in the Quarter Final. They were disqualified, removed from the Games and sent home in disgrace. Quite right, too.
Comeback kid
Greg Searle, who rowed in the Men’s eight for Great Britain, returning to Olympic competition for the first time in 20 years since winning gold in the coxed pairs at Barcelona in 1992.
One for the future
Missy Franklin, who told the world how good she is before the games, but fair play to her…. She lived up to it. Rio could see her blossom into a dominant force but please do us all a favour, Missy…. Try to find a little humility, eh..?
Inspiring a generation
The GB women’s football team, who woke the country up to the fact that girls play football too…. And actually, they’re rather good at it. Football is expected to become a much more significant participation sport for women in Britain as a result of these Games. <singing>.... Here come the girls...!!
Keeping it in the family
Zara Phillips who took silver with the GB three day eventing team following her father, Mark Phillips who won gold in the same event in 1972, and mother Anne, the Princess Royal who took part for GB in 1976.
You’re Having A Laugh prize for tongue in cheek response to press enquiry while keeping a straight face
Dave Brailsford, head of the GB cycling team when asked by French paper L’Equipe why the British cyclists were so fast. He replied that GB had perfected the roundest wheels on their bikes, suggesting that all the other teams bikes had wheels that weren’t quite as round as ours. You know something..... I think he got away with it.. Shhhhh...
The Noddy Holder Award for ridiculous Facial Hair
To Bradley Wiggins for being able to cycle very fast, unencumbered by the wind drag caused by wearing exceptionally cheesy 1970’s sideburns.
The Nobby No-Mates Prize For Insulting Your Hosts
The team from India who poured scorn on Britain as a nation before the games and even criticised the Olympic village…!! Which is a bit rich coming from the country who provided accommodation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games that was described by the Scotland team as “unfit for human habitation”, included a collapsed bridge and served up food that left a number of competitors stricken with food poisoning.
GOLD FOR MORE EGO THEN TALENT: John Steffesen (Aus) The Australian 400m runner had a sulk after he missed selection for his event in London. He instead had to settle for a spot on the relay team which missed the final. In an interview after the race he said "I'm an inspiration to a lot of people". For the record the bloke who ran in his event made the final.
GOLD FOR ART: Peter Spens (UK) The artist perched himself in the perfect postion during the nights of beach volleyball matches paiting his portrait. undefined