Sport is All Blog

Roger Federer reached 20 Slam semifinals

2009-06-05T00:15:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday, Roger Federer reached the semifinal stage of Roland Garros by beating Gaël Monfils in straight sets.

Federer has now reached a record 20 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals. The Swiss tennis player had shared the record with Martina Navrátilová.

Federer has now qualified for the semifinals of Roland Garros five times. Only Björn Borg and Mats Wilander have a better record in the Open Era. They reached the last four in Paris six times.

However, Federer is the first to reach the semifinals five years in a row, according to Infostrada.

Most consecutive Grand Slam semifinals – Women’s and Men’s Singles – Open Era

# Name Nation Years

20 Roger Federer SUI 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

19 Martina Navrátilová USA 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

15 Steffi Graf FRG 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

11 Chris Evert USA 1984, 1985, 1986

11 Martina Hingis SWI 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

10 Ivan Lendl TCH 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

9 Margaret Court AUS 1969, 1970, 1971

9 Chris Evert USA 1981, 1982, 1983

7 Chris Evert USA 1973, 1974

6 Ann Jones GBR 1968, 1969

6 Ivan Lendl TCH 1983, 1984

6 Monica Seles YUG 1991, 1992, 1993

6 Steffi Graf GER 1993, 1994

6 Jennifer Capriati USA 2001, 2002

6 Serena Williams USA 2002, 2003

Most semifinal appearances Roland Garros – Men’s Singles in Open Era

# Name Nation Years

6 Björn Borg SWE 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

6 Mats Wilander SWE 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988

5 Ivan Lendl TCH 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

5 Andre Agassi USA 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1999

5 Roger Federer SUI 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

4 Guillermo Vilas ARG 1975, 1977, 1978, 1982

4 Jimmy Connors USA 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985

4 Jim Courier USA 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

4 Sergi Bruguera ESP 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997

4 Juan Carlos Ferrero ESP 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

4 Rafael Nadal ESP 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Padraig Harrington goes for third Golf Mayor in a row

2009-04-09T21:31:00.001+01:00

At the 2009 US Masters, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington will attempt to make it three Majors in a row having won the British Open and USPGA crowns last year. No European golfer has recorded a hat-trick of this kind since 1882.

The last player to win at least three in a row was Tiger Woods in 2000-2001.

Most successive Major wins
# Name Nation First Last

4 Tom Morris, Jr. SCO 1868 British Open 1872 British Open
4 Tiger Woods USA 2000 US Open 2001 US Masters
3 Jamie Anderson SCO 1877 British Open 1879 British Open
3 Bob Ferguson SCO 1880 British Open 1882 British Open
3 Ben Hogan USA 1953 US Masters 1953 British Open
3 Jack Nicklaus USA 1971 USPGA 1972 US Open

2 Padraig Harrington IRL 2008 British Open 2008 USPGA

Very lucky loser

2009-03-29T00:16:00.007Z

As part of the Sony Ericsson Open 2009, the German Bjorn Phau have won 45 points and $20,400. Why? Here we have the equation:

Qualifying Draw

(5)Bjorn Phau d. (WC)Michael McClune (459º USA) 4-6 6-0 6-1
John Isner d. (5)Bjorn Phau 2-6 7-5 6-3

Main Draw Singles - Second Round
[LL] B Phau * d A Montañes (ESP) 6-4 2-0 and ret. (hamstring)
* Replaces [24] R Gasquet (FRA) – shoulder

Easy? Not sure. But it seems that Bjorn is a very very lucky loser...

More info: http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_loser

Rafael Nadal goes for Roger Federer again!

2009-03-26T19:58:00.003Z

The second tournament of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 began in Miami. Rafael Nadal, winner in Indian Wells, is looking to become the seventh player to win the first two tournaments in the Masters Series since its introduction in 1990.

Roger Federer is the only player to win the first two tournaments twice (2005 and 2006). Make a note of the first two tournaments of the Masters Series have always been in Indian Wells and Key Biscayne/Miami. Nadal can equal Federer for second most wins in Masters Series tournaments with a win in Miami, trailing only Andre Agassi (17).

Winning first two tournaments in Masters Series – Men’s Tennis
Year Player Nation
2006 Roger Federer SUI
2005 Roger Federer SUI
2001 Andre Agassi USA
1998 Marcelo Ríos CHI
1994 Pete Sampras USA
1992 Michael Chang USA
1991 Jim Courier USA

Most tournament wins in Masters Series – Men’s Tennis
# Player Nation
17 Andre Agassi USA
14 Roger Federer SUI
13 Rafael Nadal ESP
11 Pete Sampras USA
8 Thomas Muster AUT
7 Michael Chang USA

Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt together in Manchester

2009-03-18T17:59:00.002Z

Usain Bolt will race on a specially constructed tartan track in the city centre as part of the inaugural 'Great CityGames' in Manchester on May 17.

The race, which will be the Jamaican's first in Europe this year, will pit him against leading British sprinters and several overseas stars yet to be announced, but Chambers, the European indoor 60m record-holder, once again finds himself left out in the cold.

A spokesman for the event organisers, Nova International, said: "We've decided not to invite Dwain to compete. We're working on the basis that Manchester in May and future races or this type are about helping British athletes prepare for London 2012 against world-class opposition.

"Because he has accepted he won't be in London in 2012 because of his ban, we want to put in Brits who have the potential to represent the country in three and half years' time."

Bolt, who ran a wind-assisted 9.93 sec in his first 100m of the year last week, said he was eager to experience the new concept of street athletics, which had a successful trial run on the Newcastle and Gateshead quayside last autumn as a prelude to the Great North Run.

He said: "I am very excited to compete for my first time in Manchester, my first time in a 150m race and my first time in a street race outside the stadium.

"I love competing in the UK. It is like my second home as I usually stay in London during the European racing season. When I heard about the idea I thought it would be great fun and something new and exciting."

His trip will also give him the chance to indulge his love of Manchester United and to hold a sprint coaching session with his favourite player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

His presence in the race, which will take place over a straight rather than a bend, is a considerable coup for the organisers, who have also signed up Ethiopian marathon world-holder Haile Gebrselassie to compete in the Bupa Great Manchester Run earlier in the day.

Confirmed: Federer is going to be a father

2009-03-12T22:11:00.006Z

Roger Federer announced on his website that his girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec is pregnant and they are expecting their first child this summer.

"This is a dream come true for us," Federer said. "We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well."

More info: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

It is Rafael Nadal time in Indian Wells desert

2009-03-12T17:27:00.002Z

The ATP Masters Series has been renamed the ATP World Masters 1000 for the 2009 series and begins with the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

This tournament has been the one most frequently won by the world number one but a win by top ranked Rafael Nadal would go against recent form in this series. No world number one has won one of these tournaments since Roger Federer triumphed in Cincinnati in August 2007.

Current world number one Rafael Nadal has now won 12 of these tournaments, two fewer than Roger Federer and five fewer than Andre Agassi.

ATP Masters Series tournaments won by World number one (since series began in 1990)

# Tournament Champions who were World number one at the time

8 Indian Wells Jim Courier (1993), Pete Sampras (1994, 1995), Lleyton Hewitt (2002, 2003), Roger Federer (2004, 2005, 2006)
6 Cincinnati Andre Agassi (1995), Pete Sampras (1997, 1999), Gustavo Kuerten (2001), Roger Federer (2005, 2007)
3 Paris Stefan Edberg (1990), Pete Sampras (1997), Andre Agassi (1999)
3 Miami Pete Sampras (1994), Roger Federer (2005, 2006)
3 Canada Andre Agassi (1995), Roger Federer (2004, 2006)
3 Hamburg Roger Federer (2004, 2005, 2007)
2 Rome Jim Courier (1992), Pete Sampras (1994)
2 Madrid Juan Carlos Ferrero (2003), Roger Federer (2006)
0 Monte Carlo -

Note: The Masters Series tournament currently hosted by Madrid was previously held by Stuttgart, Essen and Stockholm. None of the champions of those tournaments were ranked world number one at the time of their victory.

In 2009, the Madrid tournament moves to May and replaces the tournament in Hamburg. The Beijing Masters replaces Cincinnati and the Shanghai Masters takes the slot previously occupied by Madrid.

Winners Men’s Singles Indian Wells since 1990
Year Winner Nation World ranking

2008 Novak Djokovic SER 3
2007 Rafael Nadal ESP 2
2006 Roger Federer SUI 1
2005 Roger Federer SUI 1
2004 Roger Federer SUI 1
2003 Lleyton Hewitt AUS 1
2002 Lleyton Hewitt AUS 1
2001 Andre Agassi USA 4
2000 Alex Corretja ESP 26
1999 Mark Philippoussis AUS 16
1998 Marcelo Rios CHI 7
1997 Michael Chang USA 3
1996 Michael Chang USA 5
1995 Pete Sampras USA 1
1994 Pete Sampras USA 1
1993 Jim Courier USA 1
1992 Michael Chang USA 15
1991 Jim Courier USA 26
1990 Stefan Edberg SWE 3

Omega reveals Vancouver 2010 watch

2009-03-04T00:38:00.002Z

As the Omega clock counting down to the start of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver reaches the minus-one-year mark, the watch brand is releasing two special limited-edition watches to commemorate the occasion.

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300m "Vancouver 2010" Limited Edition is being produced in 41 mm and 36.25 mm versions, each in a release of 2,010 numbered pieces and featuring the OMEGA Co-Axial caliber 2500. The watches feature white lacquered dials and red-anodized aluminum bezel rings to represent the Canadian flag with its red maple leaf against a stark white background. The white dials are also reminiscent of the snow and ice, which play an important role in the Winter Olympics.

The watches connection to the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver is further reinforced by the colored Olympic rings on the counterweight of the seconds hand, which casts a soft blue reflection in limited light. In addition, the caseback is embossed with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games logo and is engraved with the limited-edition number.

The Seamaster Diver 300m "Vancouver 2010" Limited Edition is equipped with professional diving features such as a unidirectional rotating bezel, a helium-escape valve and is water-resistant to 300 meters.

Omega will be serving as the Official Olympic Timekeeper for the 24th time at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Saint Luis 1904: 105 years later, Australia claim long-lost Olympic medals

2009-02-28T15:30:00.002Z

Australia is claiming four Olympic medals 105 years after they were awarded to the United States.

The Australian Olympic Committee said in a statement Friday that Francis Gailey, who won four swimming medals at the 1904 Games in St. Louis, was Australian and not American at the time.

Gailey finished second in the 220-, 440- and 880-yard races and third in the one-mile freestyle.

AOC official historian Harry Gordon says Gailey was Australian, a student at Brisbane Grammar School and age 22 when he swam in the St. Louis Olympics. He came home to Australia after the Olympics, but emigrated to the United States in 1906. He later became a naturalized U.S. citizen and settled in California, where he died in 1972.

Gordon said confirmation of Gailey's identity had come from a group of international historians and statisticians investigating the nationalities of athletes at the 1900 (Paris) and 1904 Olympics, accordind to The Associated Press.

"Both were badly organized attachments to international trade expositions, or world's fairs," Gordon was quoted as saying in an AOC statement. "The records have always been pretty suspect."

The AOC said Gailey can now be recognized as winning the most individual medals at a single Olympics of any male Australian swimmer. Ian Thorpe won five individual medals at two Games: two at Sydney 2000 and three at Athens 2004.

The committee said Gailey's medals, when credited to Australia, increased the country's total at the Summer Games to 449: 135 gold, 144 silver and 170 bronze.

China, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco, Poland and Turkey apply to host the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2014

2009-02-03T16:37:00.001Z

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that six National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have submitted applications to host the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2014. They are, in alphabetical order: China, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco, Poland and Turkey.

A number of NOCs requested additional time to designate the city they wish to put forward as Candidate City. The IOC has extended the deadline for these NOCs to submit the name of their cities to 1 April 2009. As of today, Jakarta 2014 (Indonesia), Nanjing 2014 (China) and Poznan 2014 (Poland) have already been confirmed.

The updated timelines below outline the bid process. The date of the election by the IOC members and of the announcement of the host city remains unchanged.

Source: IOC Press

There isn´t Grand Slam semifinal without Roger Federer

2009-01-29T20:03:00.002Z

Roger Federer will play his 19th consecutive Grand Slam semifinal when he faces Andy Roddick at the Australian Open, equalling a Grand Slam singles record set more than 20 years ago by Martina Navrátilová.

The last Grand Slam in which Federer failed to reach at least the last four was at Roland Garros in 2004 when he lost a third round match in straight sets against Gustavo Kuerten.

Most consecutive semifinals in Grand Slams - Open Era
# Name Country Editions

19 Roger Federer SUI 2004 – 2009
19 Martina Navrátilová USA 1983 – 1988
15 Steffi Graf GER 1987 – 1990
11 Chris Evert USA 1984 – 1986
11 Martina Hingis SUI 1996 – 1999
10 Ivan Lendl CZE 1985 – 1988
9 Margaret Court AUS 1969 – 1971
9 Chris Evert USA 1981 – 1983
7 Chris Evert USA 1973 – 1974

Roger Federer goes for 14th Grand Slam tournament

2009-01-15T20:11:00.001Z

On Monday, 19 January, the tennis season traditionally starts with the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the 2009 Australian Open. For the first time, Roger Federer will try to equal the all-time record of 14 Grand Slam wins which is held by Pete Sampras.

Last September, Roger Federer won his 13th career Grand Slam title at the 2008 US Open. Federer could win his fourth Australian Open Men’s Singles title, which would make him the joint second most successful player in the “Down Under” Grand Slam.

He would then only trail Roy Emerson, who won the Australian Open on six occasions between 1961 and 1967.

Most Grand Slam Titles Men’s Singles – All-time
# Name Nation AO RG WIM US Finals First win Last win

14 Pete Sampras USA 2 7 5 18 1990 2002
13 Roger Federer SUI 3 5 5 17 2003 2008
12 Roy Emerson AUS 6 2 2 2 15 1961 1967
11 Rod Laver AUS 3 2 4 2 17 1960 1969
11 Björn Borg SWE 6 5 16 1974 1981
10 Bill Tilden USA 3 7 15 1920 1930
8 Fred Perry GBR 1 1 3 3 10 1933 1936
8 Andre Agassi USA 4 1 1 2 15 1992 2003
8 Ivan Lendl TCH 2 3 3 19 1984 1990
8 Ken Rosewall AUS 4 2 2 16 1953 1972
8 Jimmy Connors USA 1 2 5 15 1974 1983

Most Australian Open Titles Men’s Singles – All-time
# Name Nation Years

6 Roy Emerson AUS 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
4 Jack Crawford AUS 1931, 1932, 1933, 1935
4 Ken Rosewall AUS 1953, 1955, 1971, 1972
4 Andre Agassi USA 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003
3 Roger Federer SUI 2004, 2006, 2007
3 James Anderson AUS 1922, 1924, 1925
3 Adrian Quist AUS 1936, 1940, 1948
3 Rod Laver AUS 1960, 1962, 1969
3 Mats Wilander SWE 1983, 1984, 1988

Stephanie Rice is the Woman of the Year for 2008 according to Infostrada Sports

2009-01-09T22:37:00.003Z

Stephanie Rice is Infostrada Sports’ Woman of the Year for 2008 as she crowned herself ‘Queen of the Olympics’. The Australian swimmer collected three gold medals and set world records in the 200m Individual Medley, 400m Individual Medley and 4x200m Freestyle Relay.

Rice was the most successful female athlete in Beijing winning three gold medals. She joined Petria Thomas (2004) and Shane Gould (1972) as Australian swimmers who were also ‘Queen of the Olympics’.

Rice broke her own world record in the 200m IM and bettered the 400m IM mark set by USA’s Katie Hoff in June 2008. At the World Championships in March 2008 she became the first female in 28 years to break the 200m IM and the 400m IM world records at a single meet.

Infostrada Sports’ Woman of the Year 2000 - 2008
Year Woman of the Year Nation

2008 Stephanie Rice (Swimming) AUS
2007 Anja Pärson (Alpine Skiing) SWE
2006 Cindy Klassen (Speed Skating) CAN
2005 Janica Kostelic (Alpine Skiing) CRO
2004 Kelly Holmes (Athletics) GBR
2003 Justine Henin (Tennis) BEL
2002 Serena Williams (Tennis) USA
2001 Jennifer Capriati (Tennis) USA
2000 Inge de Bruijn (Swimming) NED

Most successful female athletes at each Olympic Games (Queens of the Olympics) – since 1980
Edition Name Nation Sport Gold Silver Bronze Total

2008 Stephanie Rice AUS Swimming 3 0 0 3
2004 Petria Thomas AUS Swimming 3 1 0 4
2000 Inge de Bruijn NED Swimming 3 1 0 4
2000 Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel NED Cycling 3 1 0 4
1996 Amy Van Dyken USA Swimming 4 0 0 4
1992 Krisztina Egerszegi HUN Swimming 3 0 0 3
1992 Nicole Haislett USA Swimming 3 0 0 3
1988 Kristin Otto GDR Swimming 6 0 0 6
1984 Ecaterina Szabo ROU Gymnastics - Artistic 4 1 0 5
1980 Caren Metschuck GDR Swimming 3 1 0 4

Breaking 200m IM and 400m IM at same meet - Women
Date 200m IM 200 IM WR Name Nation 400 IM WR Date 400m IM Venue

13 Aug 2008 2:08.45 Stephanie Rice AUS 4:29.45 10 Aug 2008 Beijing, CHN
25 Mar 2008 2:08.92 Stephanie Rice AUS 4:31.46 22 Mar 2008 Sydney, AUS
24 May 1980 2:13.00 Petra Schneider GDR 4:38.44 27 May 1980 Magdeburg, GER
20 Aug 1978 2:14.07 Tracy Caulkins USA 4:40.83 23 Aug 1978 West Berlin, GER
10 Jun 1975 2:18.83 Ulrike Tauber GDR 4:52.20 07 Jun 1975 Wittenberg, GER
18 Aug 1974 2:18.97 Ulrike Tauber GDR 4:52.42 21 Aug 1974 Vienna, AUT
25 Aug 1968 2:23.5 Claudia Kolb USA 5:04.7 24 Aug 1968 Los Angeles, CA, USA
18 Aug 1967 2:25.0 Claudia Kolb USA 5:08.2 19 Aug 1967 Philadelphia, PA, USA
30 Jul 1967 2:26.1 Claudia Kolb USA 5:09.7 01 Aug 1967 Winnipeg, CAN
08 Jul 1967 2:27.5 Claudia Kolb USA 5:11.7 09 Jul 1967 Santa Clara, CA, USA

The last five world record improvements – Women’s 200m IM
Result Name Nation Date Venue

2:08.45 Stephanie Rice AUS 13 Aug 2008 Beijing, CHN
2:08.92 Stephanie Rice AUS 25 Mar 2008 Sydney, AUS
2:09.72 Wu Yanyuan CHN 17 Oct 1997 Shanghai, CHN
2:11.65 Lin Li CHN 30 Jul 1992 Barcelona, ESP
2:11.73 Ute Geweniger GDR 4 Jul 1981 Berlin, GDR

The last five world record improvements – Women’s 400m IM
Time Name NOC Date Venue
4:29.45 Stephanie Rice AUS 20 Aug 08 Beijing, CHN
4:31.12 Katie Hoff USA 29 Jun 2008 Omaha, USA
4:31.46 Stephanie Rice AUS 22 Mar 2008 Sydney, AUS
4:32.89 Katie Hoff USA 1 Apr 2007 Melbourne, AUS
4:33.59 Yana Klochkova UKR 16 Sep 2000 Sydney, AUS

The last five world record improvements - Women's 4x200m Freestyle Relay
Time NOC Date Venue

7:44.31 AUS 14 Aug 2008 Beijing, CHN
7:50.09 USA 29 Mar 2007 Melbourne, AUS
7:50.82 GER 3 Aug 2006 Budapest, HUN
7:53.42 USA 18 Aug 2004 Athens, GRE
7:55.47 GDR 18 Aug 1987 Strasbourg, FRA

Usain Bolt named the Infostrada Sports’ Man of the Year 2008

2009-01-02T00:11:00.001Z

Usain Bolt is Infostrada Sports’ Man of the Year for 2008, beating Michael Phelps into second place. In August 2008, Bolt won three gold medals at the Olympic Games, breaking the world record for each event in the process.

Bolt is the first man from the sport of Athletics to be named Infostrada Sports’ Man of the Year.
Bolt was the first male athlete since Carl Lewis to win at least three Olympic gold medals at a single Games.
He is also one of only nine men to win the 100 metres and 200 metres at the same Olympics and one of only four to add the 4x100m Relay gold to the sprint double.

Infostrada Sports’ Man of the Year 2000 - 2008
Year Man of the Year

2008 Usain Bolt (Athletics)
2007 Michael Phelps (Swimming)
2006 Roger Federer (Tennis)
2005 Tom Boonen (Cycling)
2004 Roger Federer (Tennis)
2003 Michael Schumacher (Formula One)
2002 Mario Cipollini (Cycling)
2001 Goran Ivanisevic (Tennis)
2000 Tiger Woods (Golf)

Male athletes winning at least three Gold medals in a single Olympics
Year Name NOC Gold Silver Bronze

2008 Usain BOLT JAM 3 0 0
1984 Carl LEWIS USA 4 0 0
1956 Bobby MORROW USA 3 0 0
1952 Emil ZATOPEK TCH 3 0 0
1936 Jesse OWENS USA 4 0 0
1924 Paavo NURMI FIN 5 0 0
1924 Ville RITOLA FIN 4 2 0
1912 Hannes KOLEHMAINEN FIN 3 1 0
1908 Melvin SHEPPARD USA 3 0 0
1904 James LIGHTBODY USA 3 1 0
1904 Harry HILLMAN USA 3 0 0
1904 Ray EWRY USA 3 0 0
1904 Archie HAHN USA 3 0 0
1900 Alvin KRAENZLEIN USA 4 0 0
1900 Ray EWRY USA 3 0 0

Winning gold in Olympic 100m and 200m
Year Name NOC

2008 Usain BOLT JAM
1984 Carl LEWIS USA
1972 Valeriy BORZOV URS
1956 Bobby MORROW USA
1936 Jesse OWENS USA
1932 Eddie TOLAN USA
1928 Percy WILLIAMS CAN
1912 Ralph CRAIG USA
1904 Archie HAHN USA
Bold indicates that they also won gold in the Men’s 4x100m

The last five world record improvements – Men’s 100m
Result Name Nation Date Location #

9.69 Usain BOLT JAM 16 Aug 2008 Beijing, CHN 19
9.72 Usain BOLT JAM 31 May 2008 New York, USA 18
9.74 Asafa POWELL JAM 09 Sep 2007 Rieti, ITA 17
9.77 Asafa POWELL JAM 14 Jun 2005 Athens, GRE 16
9.79 Maurice GREENE USA 16 Jun 1999 Athens, GRE 15

The last five world record improvements – Men’s 200m
Result Name NOC Date Location
19.30 Usain BOLT JAM 20 Aug 08 Beijing, CHN
19.32 Michael JOHNSON USA 01 Aug 96 Atlanta, GA, USA
19.66 Michael JOHNSON USA 23 Jun 96 Atlanta, GA, USA
19.72 Pietro MENNEA ITA 12 Sep 79 Mexico City, MEX
19.83 Tommie SMITH USA 16 Oct 68 Mexico City, MEX

The last five world record improvements – Men's 4x100m Relay
Result NOC Date Location
37.10 JAM 22 Aug 2008 Beijing, CHN
37.40 USA 08 Aug 1992 Barcelona, ESP
37.50 USA 01 Sep 1991 Tokyo, JPN
37.67 USA 07 Aug 1991 Zurich, SUI
37.79 FRA 01 Sep 1990 Split, YUG

Bundesliga overtake English Premier League in shirt sponsorship value

2008-11-27T13:34:00.000Z

Figures released today show that German football's top domestic league, the Bundesliga, has overtaken the Barclays Premier League as the league with the largest total income from shirt sponsorship.

According to figures from SPORT+MARKT's tenth annual European Jersey report,published in UK newspaper, The Times, Bayern Munich are ahead of Manchester United in having the single most valuable shirt sponsorship deal.

However, the move is attributed in part only as a consequence of German top-flight clubs becoming more attractive billboards for sponsors. The economic climate and the drop in the exchange rate of the pound against the Euro have been largely responsible for reducing the value of English sponsorship deals relative to those of the top European clubs - even though the contracts have not been renegotiated.

The Times, also reports that the overall level of shirt sponsorship across the six main European leagues has dropped for the first time, from €405.3million (about £344.2million) in 2007-08 to €393.2million this season.

“Due to the weak British pound, Bayern Munich beat Manchester United to the title of the most valuable jersey deal,” Hartmut Zastrow, the executive director of SPORT+MARKT, told the paper.

“The main reasons why the Bundesliga now generates higher income from jersey sponsorships than the Premier League lies in [clubs] lacking jersey partners and the current weakness of the British currency. The sponsor of West Ham United, XL airlines, went bankrupt, West Bromwich Albion have yet to find a partner and Aston Villa now bears the logo of a charity organisation on its jersey.

“The Bundesliga is the winning league in this jersey report after slipping behind the English FA Premier League last season. For the first time revenue from jersey sponsorship in the Bundesliga exceeds the €100million mark. No other league has reached such a consistency of sponsorship deals for all teams.”

Source: www.sportbusiness.com

Fernanda Brags photos: Cristiano Ronaldo girlfriend is a prostitute, according to British Paper

2008-09-23T04:54:00.003+01:00

What a report! "The News of the World" affirms that Cristiano Ronaldo's latest girlfriend as a cocaine-selling prostitute.

George Bush drunk at Olympics?

2008-09-15T20:10:00.002+01:00

Spain – Russia go for Fed Cup Final at Madrid

2008-09-12T18:01:00.001+01:00

This weekend, Spain and Russia meet in the Fed Cup final. Russia have been the most dominating country in the Fed Cup in recent years winning in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

No other country has won the Fed Cup multiple times since the turn of the century. USA are the all-time record holder with 17 wins.

Spain are ranked fourth with five Fed Cup trophies. Their last win was ten years ago when they beat Switzerland in 1998.

Most wins Fed Cup since 2000
# Country Years

3 Russia 2004, 2005, 2007
1 USA 2000
1 Belgium 2001
1 Slovakia 2002
1 France 2003
1 Italy 2006

Overview of Fed Cup winners
# Nation Year(s)
17 USA 1963, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1999, 2000
7 Australia 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974
5 Czechoslovakia 1975, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988
5 Spain 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998
3 Russia 2004, 2005, 2007
2 Germany 1987, 1992
2 France 1997, 2003
1 South Africa 1972
1 Belgium 2001
1 Slovakia 2002
1 Italy 2006

Oscar Pistorius, a Nike star, now is Pirelli face like Carl Lewis

2008-09-10T23:36:00.003+01:00

The Games Today Highlights 23-24 08 08 WS PDTV torrent "BBC"

2008-09-07T03:39:00.004+01:00

Many people around the World enjoy "Games Today Highlights", the BBC programme that expressed the best of the Olympic Games day by day.

Please, if you know where we can find the torrents BBC GAMES TODAY HIGHLIGHTS of AUGUST 12TH, 23RD and 24TH and if you know more about Beijing 2008 highlights torrents, please lets us know.

We really appreciate it :-)

Rafael Nadal: Grand Slam semifinalist again

2008-09-05T16:52:00.000+01:00

Rafael Nadal will play Andy Murray for a place in the Men’s Singles Final of the US Open tomorrow. According to Infostrada, The Spanish world number one became the fifth player in the Open era to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in a single year.

Nadal can win his third Grand Slam tournament in 2008 if he wins the US Open.
Including 2008, Roger Federer has reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams for the fourth straight year.
Rod Laver is the only player to have won all four Grand Slams in one year.

Reaching semifinals of all Grand Slams in single year
Name NOC Year Australian Open Roland Garros Wimbledon US Open

Rafael Nadal ESP 2008 Semifinal Won Won TBD
Roger Federer SUI 2008 Semifinal Runner up Runner up TBD
Roger Federer SUI 2007 Won Runner up Won Won
Roger Federer SUI 2006 Won Runner up Won Won
Roger Federer SUI 2005 Semifinal Semifinal Won Won
Ivan Lendl TCH 1987 Semifinal Won Runner up Won
Rod Laver AUS 1969 Won Won Won Won
Tony Roche AUS 1969 Semifinal Semifinal Semifinal Runner up

Keeley Hazell sexy photos after Olympic Games

2008-08-29T06:17:00.006+01:00

The world knows her name since Tuesday, when she welcomed the British Olympic Team. We are sorry but it is difficult to find photos of Keeley Hazell with clothes… Here we have some of them.

Keeley was sporting a gold spray paint on her body and a golden medal as a way to show her support to the British Olympic heroes’ success at the Beijing Games.

She revealed: “To go to the Olympics and win so many golds was brilliant. All our athletes have made the nation feel great again”.

Stephanie Rice photos and profile: she is the Australia Swimming present and future

2008-08-28T06:24:00.007+01:00

Here we have Stefanie Rice profile, three gold medals winner in Beijing 2008:

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Won two bronze at 2007 FINA World Championships¼.won gold in 200 & 400m IM at 2006 Commonwealth Games¼.selected on 2006 Australian Commonwealth Games Swim Team aged 17....won two bronze at 2006 Pan Pacific Championships¼.won two gold and 'Female High Pointscore Award' at the 2005 Junior Pan Pacs¼.won a gold, two silver and two bronze at 2004 Oceania Championships¼.has won 14 gold, eight silver and three bronze at four Australian Age Championships¼.current world record holder in 200 & 400m IM (long course)

FAMILY MEMBERS: Mum - Raeline, Dad - Warren, Step Dad - Allan, Step Mum - Annelouise, Brother - Michael, Sister - Courtenay; WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU: People who achieve goals I want to achieve

STUDIES/OCCUPATION: Student at QUT - Nutrition;

SPORTS BEFORE SWIMMING AND SPORTS YOU PLAY NOW: Hockey, tennis, netball;

INTERESTING FACTS PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU: Scared of dogs because I was bitten when I was six months old - I needed stiches in my head;

SUPERSTITIONS: Obsessive compulsive about routines;

RELAXATION: Movies and massages;

SPECIALITY IN THE KITCHEN: Salads;

ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Phone or internet;

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AWAY FROM SWIMMING: Dancing and shopping.

FAVOURITE SPORTING TEAM: Dolphins;

MOVIES: Zoolander;

TV SHOW: Prison Break, The OC, America's Top Model, Grey's Anatomy;

BANDS/MUSIC: Anything new - dance style; CDs: Ministry of Sound;

FOODS: Salads and Italian; DRINK: Diet Coke/Pepsi Max;

SWIM MEET: Commonwealth Games;

HOBBIES: Re-organise my room, make jewellery; PETS: Dog - Missi;

WHAT'S YOUR GREATEST ASSET? Aware of my weaknesses;

HAVE ANY OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS REPRESENTED AUSTRALIA OR PLAYED SPORT AT A NATIONAL LEVEL? None;

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY?
Bohly because he has guided me to achieve my goals and help me to become the person I want to be;

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS? Welcoming, funny and helpful;

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED? Someone who was supportive to everyone;

SWIMMING ULTIMATE GOAL: OIympic Golds; PERSONAL AMBITIONS: Travel the world with Swimming team;

HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED ANY OBSTACLES DURING YOUR SWIMMING CAREER? Sickness - glandular fever, two years on and off. 2004 tonsils and adnoids removed;

FAVOURITE ATHLETE AND WHY? Susie O'Neill; MOST NOTABLE QUOTE: "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve."

Thank you Swimming Australia for this Info.

Yang Wei future is unpredictable for China

2008-08-28T06:15:00.002+01:00

Yang Wei is 28 years old and nobody knows what he will do. It is time to enjoy what he was able to do.

Here we have all his worldwide podiums:

Gold 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Team competition
Gold 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Individual all-around
Gold 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Team competition
Silver 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Rings
Gold 2007 Stuttgart World Championships Team competition
Gold 2007 Stuttgart World Championships All-around
Gold 2006 Aarhus World Championships Team competition
Gold 2006 Aarhus World Championships All-around
Gold 2006 Aarhus World Championships Parallel Bars
Gold 2003 Anaheim World Championships Team competition
Silver 2003 Anaheim World Championships All-around
Bronze 2002 Debrecen World Championships Vault
Silver 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Individual all-around
Gold 1999 Tianjin World Championships Team competition
Bronze 1999 Tianjin World Championships High Bar

Argentina 1 – Nigeria 0: Ángel Di María goal decided the gold medal in football

2008-08-23T07:02:00.003+01:00

Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0. This is the second football gold medal in a row for Argentina who reached 12 matches won in a row too.

Most consecutive wins – Olympic Men's Football
# NOC Start date Match which ended streak

12 Argentina 10 Aug 2004 Running
8 Uruguay 25 May 1924 Uruguay - Argentina 1-1 AET (10 Jun 1928)
8 Hungary 15 Jul 1952 Denmark – Hungary 2-0 (06 Sep 1960)
7 Soviet Union 01 Dec 1956 Soviet Union - Poland 1-2 (05 Sep 1972)
7 Hungary 09 Sep 1960 Hungary - Ghana 2-2 (15 Oct 1968)
7 Spain 24 Jul 1992 France - Spain 1-1 (22 Jul 1996)

Argentina's current winning streak
Year Phase Match Result

2008 Final Argentina – Nigeria 1-0
2008 Semifinal Argentina - Brazil 3-0
2008 Quarterfinal Argentina - Netherlands 2-1 AET
2008 1st Round Argentina - Serbia 2-0
2008 1st Round Argentina - Australia 1-0
2008 1st Round Ivory Coast - Argentina 1-2
2004 Final Argentina - Paraguay 1-0
2004 Semifinal Italy - Argentina 0-3
2004 Quarterfinal Argentina - Costa Rica 4-0
2004 1st Round Argentina - Australia 1-0
2004 1st Round Argentina - Tunisia 2-0
2004 1st Round Argentina - Serbia and Montenegro 6-0

Chen Zhong bio and photos: taekwondo

2008-08-23T02:47:00.011+01:00

China’s Chen Zhong will go for her third Taekwondo Heavyweight gold on Saturday.

Only six women have previously won an individual event at three Olympic Games.

Dutch woman Anky van Grunsven was the most recent, winning her third gold in Individual Dressage at Beijing 2008.

Chen can become only the 10th athlete to win the first three editions of a specific event at the Olympics.

Only three of the previous nine athletes managed this in an individual event.

The last one to do so in an individual event was Dane Paul Elvstrøm who won Sailing gold in the Finn event in the first three Olympics in which this event was held (1952, 1956 and 1960).

Chen Zhong can become the first female athlete to win the opening three editions of an individual event, according to Infostrada Sports. Here we have her Bio.

Winning an individual event three times – Women at Olympic Games

Name Nation Sport Event Years
Dawn Fraser AUS Swimming 100m Freestyle 1956, 1960, 1964
Larissa Latynina URS Gymnastics Floor Exercise 1956, 1960, 1964
Krisztina Egerszegi HUN Swimming 200m Backstroke 1988, 1992, 1996
Birgit Fischer GER Canoe / Kayak K4 500m 1996, 2000, 2004
Valentina Vezzali ITA Fencing Individual Foil 2000, 2004, 2008
Anky van Grunsven NED Equestrian - Dressage Individual Dressage 2000, 2004, 2008

Yelena Isinbayeva boyfriend: Jorge Balliengo photos; Olympic romance

2008-08-23T01:17:00.013+01:00

Jorge Balliengo and Yelena Isinbayeva (or Yelena Isinbaeva) are friends since Athens 2004, or before... But now it seems that it is an official new romance in Beijing 2008 Olympic Village. TV News Program from Argentina confirms it.

Apparently, the Russian pole-vaulter visited him to Argentina many times and the Rosarian thrower often sees her when he travels to Europe.

You know that Yelena is record woman, but he also has records: he is the best South American discus thrower in the history (including Brazil, of course) . He was injured last year but could qualify to Beijing 2008.

It seems that Novak Djokovic and Leryn Franco makes them to think a lot about romances in China. Congratulations Yelena and Jorge!

Michael Phelps: Sports Illustrated cover "The All Time Olympian"; Mark Spitz too

2008-08-22T17:57:00.003+01:00

Nike at Olympics

2008-08-22T14:40:00.001+01:00

Nike Brand President Charlie Denson labelled Beijing 2008 “the best Olympic games Nike has ever had. And that's by a considerable amount.”

Nike is not an official Olympic Games Sponsor. But in an interview with CNBC he said that “with the performances of the Chinese Olympic team and what effect they have on the China market, the performances of the US Olympic team and everything that's gone on in that regard back in the USA, and our affiliations with the relationships with the athletes all over the world, this is the best Olympic games Nike has ever had. So for us, it's been a great, great experience.”

He said Nike has exceeded “$1 billion here in China. We exceeded that target ahead of time. We are the number one brand here in China. All of our figures show we are at least 30 percent separated from our nearest competitor. And we've been in this marketplace a long time. We started here in 1980. We know the market very well. We are very connected to the consumer and we really feel good about our number one position here in China.”

Source: Sport Business

Brazil 3- Belgium 0: another South American bronze medal

2008-08-22T14:07:00.004+01:00

I wasn’t enough. Ronaldinho and company are not happy, but Belgium couldn’t repeat a podium in football as many decades ago. At Shanghai, Brazil (Diego and Jô, twice) beats Belgium 3-0 to reach thirteen Brazilian medals in Beijing 2008.

Line-ups:
Belgium: Logan Bailly, Sepp de Roover, Thomas Vermaelen, Sebastian Pocognoli, Jeroen Simayes; Faris Haroun, Jan Vertonghen, Marteen Martens, Tom de Mul; Kevin Mirallas and Moussa Dembele.

Brazil: Renan, Rafinha, Alex Silva, Breno, Marcelo; Hernanes, Ramires, Anderson, Diego; Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Jô.

Argentina – Nigeria preview: the football final; remembering Atlanta 1996

2008-08-22T07:52:00.008+01:00

The end comes. Only one will win the gold medal. The other team will win a brilliant silver medal. At National Stadium, Beijing 2008 will have a new Olympic Champion on Sunday. Both teams want the second gold medal in the football history.

Probable line-ups:
Nigeria:
Vanzekin - Olubayo, Apam, Adeleye, Ambrose - Promise, Kaita, Ajilore, Obinna - Okoronkwo, Odemwingie.

Argentina: Romero - Garay, Monzón, Zabaleta, Gago – Riquelme,
Di María, Pareja, Messi – Mascherano, Agüero.

The following are key facts and figures for the Men's Olympic Football final between Argentina and Nigeria on Saturday, 23 August; according to Infostrada Sports.

Head-to-head
Argentina is looking to avenge their 3-2 defeat against Nigeria in the final of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

The 1996 final is the only time Argentina and Nigeria have met at the Olympic Games.

Argentina

Javier Mascherano is the only player to return from the team that won Gold at Athens 2004.

Argentina has won one Gold and two Silver medals at the Olympics.

Argentina has won their last 11 matches at the Olympic Games.

The last time they did not win was against Nigeria in the final at Atlanta 1996 (3-2).

Argentina has scored 10 goals at Beijing 2008. Sergio Agüero, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Lionel Messi are shared top scorers with two goals each.

Nigeria

Nigeria has won one Gold medal at the Olympic Games.

Nigeria has scored 10 goals at Beijing 2008.

Victor Obinna is the top scorer with three goals.

Usain Bolt: 200 metres world record holder: 19.30; he takes Michael Johnson feat; 200 metres ranking

2008-08-20T15:26:00.008+01:00

This Jamaican guy is incredible. Olympic winner in 100 and 200 metres, two world records...

Michael Bolt left behind Michael Johnson history. Incredible.

Rank Result Wind Athlete Nation Date Place

1. 19.30 −0.9 Usain Bolt Jamaica 20 August 2008 Beijing
2. 19.32 +0.4 Michael Johnson United States 1 August 1996 Atlanta
3. 19.62 −0.3 Tyson Gay United States 24 June 2007 Indianapolis
4. 19.63 +0.4 Xavier Carter United States 11 July 2006 Lausanne
5. 19.65 ±0.0 Wallace Spearmon United States 28 September 2006 Daegu
6. 19.68 +0.4 Frank Fredericks Namibia 1 August 1996 Atlanta
7. 19.69 +0.9 Walter Dix United States 26 May 2007 Gainesville
8. 19.72 +1.8 Pietro Mennea Italy 12 September 1979 Mexico City
9. 19.73 −0.2 Michael Marsh United States 5 August 1992 Barcelona
10. 19.75 +1.5 Carl Lewis United States 19 June 1983 Indianapolis
+1.7 Joe DeLoach United States 28 September 1988 Seoul

Argentina 3 - Brazil 0: Aguero makes magic; Olympics football history

2008-08-19T15:36:00.009+01:00

Argentina beats Brazil 3-0 (Aguero twice, Riquelme) and will face Nigeria in the final. At Atlanta 96 the African Team won the gold medal against Argentina U-23: they won 3-2.

Former Medal Winners

Gold / Silver / Bronze

1900 Great Britain France Belgium, Great Britain B
1904 Canada USA USA B
1906 Denmark Smiyrna (International Team) Greece
1908 Great Britain Denmark Netherlands
1912 Great Britain Denmark Netherlands
1920 Belgium Spain Netherlands
1924 Uruguay Switzerland Sweden
1928 Uruguay Argentina Italy
1932 no Olympic football tournament
1936 Italy Austria Norway
1948 Sweden Yugoslavia Denmark
1952 Hungary Yugoslavia Sweden
1956 Soviet Union Yugoslavia Bulgaria
1960 Yugoslavia Denmark Hungary
1964 Hungary Czechoslovakia East Germany
1968 Hungary Bulgaria Japan
1972 Poland Hungary Soviet Union, East Germany
1976 East Germany Poland Soviet Union
1980 Czechoslovakia East Germany Soviet Union
1984 France Brazil Yugoslavia
1988 Soviet Union Brazil West Germany
1992 Spain Poland Ghana
1996 Nigeria Argentina Brazil
2000 Cameroon Spain Chile
2004 Argentina Paraguay Italy

Nigeria 4- Belgium 1

2008-08-19T12:50:00.003+01:00

Wanting to repeat Atlanta 1996 glory…

Argentina – Brazil: is this match the football final?

2008-08-19T09:26:00.002+01:00

People say that this match will decide the gold medal. But be careful: during Atlanta 1996, Nigeria (will face Belgium) beats Brazil in semifinals and Argentina in the final.

Bonustrack: former partners Messi and Ronaldinho will be face to face…

The Lineups:
Brazil: Renan – Rafinha, Hernanes, Alex Silva, Marcelo – Anderson, Lucas,
Ronaldinho (cap.), Diego – Breno, Pato.
Coach: Dunga.

Argentina: Romero – Garay, Monzón, Zabaleta, Gago – Riquelme (cap.),
Di María, Pareja, Messi – Mascherano, Agüero.

Coach: Batista.

Novak Djokovic - Leryn Franco: Olympic romance

2008-08-16T22:00:00.007+01:00

Novak Djokovic arrives at Beijing 2008 alone. But it seems that he found good friendship in the Olympic Village: Leryn Franco.

Franco is a 26 year-old javelin athlete and is the Paraguayan record woman (55, 34 mts). But also is a top model: in 2006, she was awarded as First Princess in the Miss Bikini Universe.

Leryn is competing in her second Olympics, thanks to a burgeoning modeling career that gave her the financial support to continue competing in javelin competitions. Since finishing 42nd in Athens, Franco has balanced her athletic career with both the modeling and pageant work. Well done, Nole!

Chinese deception

2008-08-15T19:20:00.001+01:00

Olympic host China’s performance in the Football tournament was similar to that of other hosts in recent Olympic Games. China, like five of the last six host nations were knocked out in the group phase.

Since 1920, only Spain (1992) have hosted the Olympic Games and won gold in Football.

Performance of host NOC in Olympic Men’s Football

Year Host Nation Finishing position
2008 China 3rd of 4 in Group phase
2004 Greece 4th of 4 in Group phase
2000 Australia 4th of 4 in Group phase
1996 USA 3rd of 4 in Group phase
1992 Spain Winners
1988 Korea 3rd of 4 in Group phase
1984 USA 3rd of 4 in Group phase
1980 Soviet Union Third place
1976 Canada 3rd of 3 in Group phase
1972 West-Germany Second round
1968 Mexico Fourth place
1964 Japan Quarterfinals
1960 Italy Fourth place
1956 Australia Second round
1952 Finland First round
1948 Great Britain Fourth place
1936 Germany Second round
1928 Netherlands First round
1924 France Third round
1920 Belgium Winners
1912 Sweden First round
1908 Great Britain Winners

Rowing finals: Kathrin Boron, Doina Ignat and Georgeta Andrunache go for five golds

2008-08-15T19:14:00.003+01:00

Three women can win a record-equalling fifth Olympic gold medal in this weekend’s Rowing finals but one can win a sixth.

Romanians Doina Ignat and Georgeta Andrunache were both part of the winning Women's Eight at Athens 2004 and both won their fourth Olympic gold medals.

Both compete again in the Women's Eight final on Sunday, 17 August but Andrunache is also in the final of the Women's Pair on Saturday, 16 August and can therefore win her fifth and sixth golds.

Germany’s Kathrin Boron can also win her fifth Gold medal in Beijing 2008 and will be competing in the Quadruple Sculls final on Sunday, 17 August.

Romania’s Elisabeta Lipa and Great Britain’s Steve Redgrave hold the record with five gold medals.

Most successful Olympic Games participants - Rowing

Rk Name Gender NOC G S B T First Last
1 Elisabeta Lipa F ROU 5 2 1 8 1984 2004
2 Steve Redgrave M GBR 5 0 1 6 1984 2000
3 Doina Ignat F ROU 4 1 0 5 1996 2004
4 Matthew Pinsent M GBR 4 0 0 4 1992 2004
4= Kathrin Boron F GER 4 0 0 4 1992 2004
4= Georgeta Andrunache F ROU 4 0 0 4 2000 2004
7 Jack Beresford Jr. M GBR 3 2 0 5 1924 1936
8 Constantina Burcica F ROU 3 1 0 4 1996 2004
8= Elena Georgescu F ROU 3 1 0 4 1996 2004
10 Kathleen Heddle F CAN 3 0 1 4 1992 1996
10= Marnie McBean F CAN 3 0 1 4 1992 1996
10= James Tomkins M AUS 3 0 1 4 1992 2004

Bold indicates rowers competing at Beijing 2008

Olympic athletics: track and field history

2008-08-15T19:11:00.000+01:00

he Olympic Athletics competition begins in Beijing on Friday, 15 August and the United States are again expected to be the most successful nation as they have been in the last six Olympic Games and all but three in Olympic history.

In 2004, their eight gold medals ranked as the lowest number of golds for a leading nation until Marion Jones (USA) had three golds and two bronze medals taken away from her, causing their 2000 tally to drop to seven golds and 15 total medals.

Just before Beijing 2008 began, the American Men’s 4x400m relay team were also stripped of their gold medal at Sydney 2000 taking the US total to six golds and 14 medals in total.

This is still enough to name the US as the most successful nation in Athletics at Sydney 2000, according to Infostrada.

Most successful nation in Athletics for each Olympic Games

Year Nation Gold Silver Bronze Total
2004 United States 8 12 5 25
2000 United States 6 4 4 14
1996 United States 13 5 5 23
1992 United States 12 8 10 30
1988 United States 13 7 6 26
1984 United States 16 15 9 40
1980 Soviet Union 15 14 12 41
1976 East Germany 11 7 9 27
1972 Soviet Union 9 7 1 17
1968 United States 15 6 7 28
1964 United States 14 7 3 24
1960 United States 12 8 6 26
1956 United States 16 10 5 31
1952 United States 15 10 6 31
1948 United States 12 5 10 27
1936 United States 14 7 4 25
1932 United States 16 13 6 35
1928 United States 9 8 8 25
1924 United States 12 10 10 32
1920 United States 9 12 8 29
1912 United States 16 14 11 41
1908 United States 16 10 8 34
1904 United States 23 23 22 68
1900 United States 16 13 10 39
1896 United States 9 6 1 16

Olympic girls in Playboy: Petra Niemann, Nicole Reinhardt, Romy Tarangul, Katharina Scholz photos (Germany)

2008-08-14T23:31:00.007+01:00

People are asking for these German girls...

While we are searching a video, here we have the photos of Petra Niemann, Nicole Reinhardt, Romy Tarangul and Katharina Scholz. Which one do you prefer?

Top Model Leryn Franco deserve a place in the podium too.

If you want to know more about each girl, here we have their Bios:

Petra Niemann (Sailing)
http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=62301/bio/index.html

Nicole Reinhardt (Rowing)
http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=56140/bio/index.html

Romy Tarangul (9th place, -52kg, Judo)
http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=60731/bio/index.html

Katharina Scholz (Field hockey)
http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=60214/bio/index.html

Swimming stars: Leisel Jones gold medal

2008-08-12T23:47:00.001+01:00

Leisel Jones has finally won the individual gold medal that was her destiny when she made her debut as a wide eyed 15-year-old at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Jones obliterated the field in the 100 metres breaststroke at the National Aquatics Centre, hitting the wall in 1:05.17 – the second fastest swim in history behind her own world record of 1:05.09 – and 1.56 seconds ahead of runner- up Rebecca Soni of the USA. Austrian Mirna Jukic was third in 1:07.34.

Finishing behind Jones in sixth place with a time of 1:07.63 was compatriot Tarnee White. White finished seventh in the Sydney Games final.

Jones, who is coached by Rohan Taylor, said she had tried to enjoy the experience and admitted to a feeling of relief when it was all over.

“It was just nice to get out there and I just really soaked up the atmosphere,”
Jones said.

“I really tried to look at the crowd and actually take it all in. I was almost skipping out there I was so excited.

“It actually didn’t matter about outcomes, I knew I did everything possible and if someone was faster then that was going to be the case.

“At the end I guess there was a little bit of shock and probably more relief. It has been a long journey, it’s been a long eight years and I think a lot of relief that the training was definitely worth it.”

It was Jones’ sixth Olympic medal, the 22-year-old joining fellow swimming greats Frank Beaurepaire, Murray Rose and Michael Klim in sixth place on the list of Australia’s top Olympic medal winners.

When Jones won the silver at the Sydney Games it seemed only a matter of time before she climbed to the top of the breaststroke pile. She began breaking records and winning some of the smaller international meets, all the while building to what seemed like her birth right.

But she stumbled in Athens four years later, winning silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m to go with relay gold. It was an emotional time.

Sceptics said she couldn’t make it to the top. Many saw her as weak of mind, if not strong of spirit. In truth she was a normal teenager struggling with normal insecurities. The problem being she was doing it in front of a fawning Australian public.

Jones thought of quitting many times, battled depression and equated her self worth to medals won in the pool

Now she is secure in the fact she has grown into a mature woman with great perspective, a young lady who doesn’t need to win gold to justify her being. It’s no small coincidence that now she has the gold too, a more balanced life coming with the benefits of better performances in the pool.

“The swimming part is only a very small margin in my life and I just enjoy it,”
Jones said of her change in attitude.

After the medal ceremony Jones climbed into the stands to steal a hug and a kiss from her mother Rosemary and fiancée Marty Pask.

Asked whether she would swim on now that she has won the elusive Olympic gold, Jones offered hope that she would be at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“I think I’ve enjoyed it so much, I would hate to finish and know that there’s still a flame burning inside and like [rugby league coach] Wayne Bennett said ‘don’t die with the music in you’,” Jones said.

“I think I’ve still got so much more growing to do and so much more learning.

“[long time 200m rival] Amanda Beard is on her fourth Olympics so it’s not out of the question.”

Source: Australian Olympic Committee

Leni Larsen Kaurin: the Fastest goal in Women's Football at the Olympic Games

2008-08-08T21:53:00.000+01:00

Leni Larsen Kaurin (NOR) scored the fastest ever goal in the Women's Olympic Football tournament when she opened the score against the USA after 61 seconds of their match.

The previous fastest goal in the Women's tournament was scored in 1996 when Pia Wunderlich (GER) scored in the fourth minute against Brazil.

Norway's second goal of the match against USA was also scored in the fourth minute, equalling the previous record.

Fastest goals in Women's Football at the Olympic Games

Time Match Player
61 secs Norway - USA (06 Aug 2008) 2-0 Leni Larsen Kaurin (NOR)
4th min Brazil - Germany (25 Jul 1996) 1-1 Pia Wunderlich (GER)
4th min Norway - USA (06 Aug 2008) 2-0 Melissa Wiik (NOR)
5th min Germany - Japan (21 Jul 1996) 3-2 Bettina Wiegmann (GER)
5th min China PR - Brazil (28 Jul 1996) 3-2 Sun Qingmei (CHN)
5th min Norway - USA (28 Sep 2000) 3-2 Tiffeny Milbrett (USA)
6th min Norway - Germany (23 Jul 1996) 3-2 Ann Kristin Aarones (NOR)
6th min China PR - Sweden (06 Aug 2008) 2-1 Xu Yuan (CHN)

United States and China go for 100 medals

2008-08-08T21:46:00.002+01:00

In 2004, the United States won more than 100 medals at the Olympic Games, the 15th time that this had happened. China and USA are expected to repeat this feat in Beijing.

The United States have had personal hauls of at least 100 medals at seven Olympic Games, including three of the last four.

The former Soviet Union (including Unified Team), East Germany and Great Britain are the only other countries to have picked up at least 100 medals at a single Olympic Games.

East Germany (1980 and 1988) and the United States (1992) won over 100 medals but failed to top the medal table.

The record number of medals won by a country at an Olympic Games was 233 by the United States at the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis.

Nations winning 100+ medals in edition of Olympic Games

Total Nation Edition Gold Silver Bronze
102 United States 2004 36 39 27
101 United States 1996 44 32 25
112 Unified Team 1992 45 38 29
108 United States 1992 37 34 37
132 Soviet Union 1988 55 31 46
102 East Germany 1988 37 35 30
174 United States 1984 83 61 30
195 Soviet Union 1980 80 69 46
126 East Germany 1980 47 37 42
125 Soviet Union 1976 49 41 35
107 United States 1968 45 28 34
103 Soviet Union 1960 43 29 31
103 United States 1932 41 32 30
136 Great Britain 1908 55 46 35
233 United States 1904 75 79 79

Michael Phelps: the recordman

2008-08-06T05:46:00.003+01:00

In March 2007, Michael Phelps won seven gold medals at the 2007 World Swimming Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

Michael Phelps broke Ian Thorpe’s record of six gold medals at a single World Championship edition, set in 2001 in Fukuoka, Japan.

Michael Phelps’ 20 career World Championship medals make him the most decorated swimmer in the history of the World Championships, improving upon Grant Hackett’s previous record total of 18 medals.

His total of 23 world record improvements in Olympic events is only bettered by Mark Spitz, who posted 27 world record improvements.

His total of seven medals also equalled the record for most medals at a single World Championships, sharing this record with Michael Klim and Matt Biondi, according to Infostrada.

Now he goes for eight gold medals at the same Olympics Game and beat Mark Spitz record.

Most gold medals in a single World Championships edition

# Name Nation Edition Gender
7 Michael Phelps USA 2007 M
6 Ian Thorpe AUS 2001 M
5 Jim Montgomery USA 1973 M
5 Tracy Caulkins USA 1978 F
5 Michael Phelps USA 2005 M
5 Libby Lenton AUS 2007 F
4 Kornelia Ender GDR 1973 F
4 Kornelia Ender GDR 1975 F
4 Kristin Otto GDR 1986 F
4 Heike Friedrich GDR 1986 F
4 Le Jingyi CHN 1994 F
4 Michael Klim AUS 1998 M
4 Jenny Thompson USA 1998 F
4 Michael Phelps USA 2003 M

Most medals at World Swimming Championships – all time

# Name Nation G S B Gender Edition(s)
20 Michael Phelps USA 17 3 0 M 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007
18 Grant Hackett AUS 10 5 3 M 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007
16 Natalie Coughlin USA 6 6 4 F 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007
15 Jenny Thompson USA 8 5 2 F 1991, 1994, 1998, 2003
13 Michael Gross FRG,GER 5 5 3 M 1982, 1986, 1991
13 Ian Thorpe AUS 11 1 1 M 1998, 2001, 2003
11 Matt Biondi USA 6 2 3 M 1986, 1991
11 Alexander Popov RUS 6 4 1 M 1994, 1998, 2003
11 Libby Lenton AUS 7 2 2 F 2003, 2005, 2007
11 Antje Buschschulte GER 3 5 3 F 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005
11 Leisel Jones AUS 7 2 2 F 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007

Breaking most swimming world records (Olympic events only)

# Name Nation Individual Relay
27 Mark Spitz USA 23 4
23 Michael Phelps USA 20 3
23 Kornelia Ender GDR 23 0
19 Dawn Fraser AUS 15 4
18 Ian Thorpe AUS 13 5
17 Ragnhild Hveger DEN 15 2
17 Donna de Varona USA 14 3
16 Roland Matthes GDR 16 0
15 Debbie Meyer USA 15 0
15 Don Schollander USA 12 3

Most medals in a single World Championships edition

# Name Nation Edition Gender Gold Silver Bronze Total
7 Michael Phelps USA 2007 M 7 0 0 7
7 Michael Klim AUS 1998 M 4 2 1 7
7 Matt Biondi USA 1986 M 3 1 3 7
6 Ian Thorpe AUS 2001 M 6 0 0 6
6 Tracy Caulkins USA 1978 F 5 1 0 6
6 Michael Phelps USA 2005 M 5 1 0 6
6 Kristin Otto GDR 1986 F 4 2 0 6
6 Michael Phelps USA 2003 M 4 2 0 6
6 Shirley Babashoff USA 1975 F 2 3 1 6
6 Mary T. Meagher USA 1986 F 1 3 2 6

Rafael Nadal is the new number one of the world

2008-08-02T23:37:00.003+01:00

On monday, or few weeks later, Nadal will be the number one of the world. Here we have the youngest tennis player to reach the ATP Tour first position.

Player / Date / Age
Lleyton Hewitt November 19th 2001 20 years old, 8 months
Marat Safin November 20th 2000 20, 9 months
John Mc Enroe Mach 3rd 1980 21, 15 days
Bjorn Borg August 23rd 1977 21, 2 months
Andy Roddick November 3rd 2003 21, 2 months
Rafael Nadal ? 22, 2 months

Yelena Isinbayeva, the recordwoman

2008-08-02T22:46:00.001+01:00

Yelena Isinbayeva broke the pole vault world record for the second time this month, vaulting 5.04m in Monaco. She is the first athlete this year to break a world record twice. Her last world record before 2008 dates to 2005.

It was the seventh time that an athletics world record has been broken in 2008. Isinbayeva improved the world record for the 15th time. Sergey Bubka improved the men’s pole vault world record 17 times in his career.

Athletics World record improvements in 2008

Date / Event / Name / Performance

29 Jul 2008 Women’s Pole Vault Yelena Isinbayeva Russia 5.04 Monaco, MON
11 Jul 2008 Women’s Pole Vault Yelena Isinbayeva Russia 5.03 Rome, ITA
12 Jun 2008 Men’s 110m Hurdles Dayron Robles Cuba 12.87 Ostrava, CZE
08 Jun 2008 Men’s 20km Walk Sergey Morozov Russia 1:16:43 Saransk, RUS
06 Jun 2008 Women’s 5000m Tirunesh Dibaba Ethiopia 14:11.15 Oslo, NOR
01 Jun 2008 Men’s 100m Usain Bolt Jamaica 9.72 New York, NY, USA
11 May 2008 Men’s 50km Walk Denis Nizhegorodov Russia 3:34:14 Cheboksary, RUS

Gilles Simon made history

2008-07-26T06:07:00.002+01:00

Before the arrival to semifinals, Gilles Simon was the 14th French player to defeat an ATP number one, since 1973. Here we have the previous players:

Yannick Noah (Lendl 1986 and 1990)
Guy Forget (Edberg and Becker 1991)
Sebastien Grosjean (Moya 1999 and Hewitt 2003).
Henri Leconte (Lendl 1983)
Christophe Roger-Vasselin (Connors 1983)
Cedric Pioline (Courier 1993)
Jerome Golmard (Agassi 2000)
Arnaud Clément (Agassi 2000)
Arnaud Di Pasquale (Safin 2001)
Julien Boutter (Kuerten 2001)
Nicolas Escudé (Hewitt 2001)
Richard Gasquet (Federer 2005)

Carlos Sastre wants the Tour de France

2008-07-25T16:50:00.003+01:00

On Sunday, 27 July, current overall leader Carlos Sastre is one of the big favourites to win the 2008 Tour de France.

If Sastre succeeds, it will be the third straight Spanish overall win in the Tour de France, all by different riders. In 2006 and 2007, Óscar Pereiro and Alberto Contador won the Tour de France respectively.

It would then be the seventh time in Tour de France history that one country has had three different winners in three successive years.

According to Infostrada, France hold the record with five different winners in the first five Tour de France editions.

Most different riders from same country to win consecutive Tour de France editions

# Nation / Era / Riders

5 France 1903-1907 Maurice Garin, Henri Cornet, Louis Trousselier, René Pottier, Lucien Petit-Breton
3 Belgium 1919-1921 Firmin Lambot, Philippe Thys, Léon Scieur
3 Belgium 1920-1922 Philippe Thys, Léon Scieur, Firmin Lambot
3 France 1931-1933 Antonin Magne, André Leducq, Georges Speicher
3 France 1932-1934 André Leducq, Georges Speicher, Antonin Magne
3 France 1955-1957 Louison Bobet, Roger Walkowiak, Jacques Anquetil

On Wednesday, 23 July, Carlos Sastre claimed the yellow jersey after he won stage 17 of the 2008 Tour de France finishing at L’Alpe-d’Huez.

Sastre is already the seventh different rider to lead the Tour this year.
The record for most overall leaders in a single Tour de France edition is eight (in 1958 and 1987).

Most overall leaders per Tour de France edition

Year / Leaders / Rider (# yellow jerseys)

1958 8 Favero (ITA) 6, Darrigade (FRA) 5, Geminiani (FRA) 4, Voorting (NED) 3, Van Est (NED) 2, Gaul (LUX) 2, Hoevenaars (BEL) 1, Bauvin (FRA) 1
1987 8 Maechler (SUI) 7, Mottet (FRA) 6, Delgado (ESP) 4, Roche (IRL) 3, Piasecki (POL) 2, Gayant (FRA) 2, Nijdam (NED) 1, Bernard (FRA) 1
2008 7 Evans (AUS) 5, Kirchen (LUX) 4, Valverde (ESP) 2, Schumacher (GER) 2, F. Schleck (LUX) 2, Sastre (ESP) 2, Feillu (FRA) 1
1949 7 Marinelli (FRA) 6, Magni (ITA) 6, Coppi (ITA) 5, Dussault (FRA) 1, Lambrecht (BEL) 1, Callens (BEL) 1, Bartali (ITA) 1
1951 7 Koblet (SUI) 11, Levêque (FRA) 6, Diederich (LUX) 3, Rossi (SUI) 1, Biagioni (ITA) 1, Van Est (NED) 1, Bauvin (FRA) 1
1962 7 Planckaert (BEL) 7, Altig (FRG) 4, Darrigade (FRA) 4, Schroeders (BEL) 3, Anquetil (FRA) 3, Geldermans (NED) 2, Simpson (ENG) 1
1968 7 Van den Berghe (BEL) 12, Van Springel (BEL) 6, Grosskost (FRA) 3, Wolfshohl (FRG) 2, Genet (FRA) 1, San Miguel (ESP) 1, Janssen (NED) 1
1978 7 Bruyère (BEL) 8, Raas (NED) 4, Zoetemelk (NED) 4, Hinault (FRA) 3, Thaler (FRG) 2, Knetemann (NED) 2, Bossis (FRA) 1
1986 7 Lemond (USA) 7, Pedersen (DEN) 5, Hinault (FRA) 5, Marie (FRA) 3, Van der Velde (NED) 2, Stieda (CAN) 1, Gaigne (FRA) 1
1998 7 Pantani (ITA) 7, Ullrich (GER) 6, O'Grady (AUS) 3, Boardman (ENG) 2, Desbiens (FRA) 2, Zabel (GER) 1, Hamburger (DEN) 1
2006 7 Pereiro (ESP) 7, Boonen (BEL) 4, Gontchar (UKR) 3, Landis (USA) 3, Hushovd (NOR) 2, Hincapie (USA) 1, Dessel (FRA) 1

Wimbledon: Low-Ranked Semifinalists

2008-07-14T03:40:00.001+01:00

Rainer Schuettler, at No. 94 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, became the third-lowest ranked player to reach the semifinals (or better) at Wimbledon in this decade:

Rank / Result

Vladimir Voltchkov No. 237 2000 SF - l. to Sampras
Goran Ivanisevic No. 125 2001 Winner - d. Rafter
Rainer Schuettler No. 94 2008 SF - l. to Nadal
Marat Safin No. 75 2008 SF - l. to Federer
Jonas Bjorkman No. 59 2006 SF - l. to Federer
Mark Philippoussis No. 48 2003 Finalist - l. to Federer
Xavier Malisse No. 35 2002 SF - l. to Nalbandian
David Nalbandian No. 22 2002 Finalist - l. to Hewitt