5 Other Events to Watch

Here are 5 other Olympic events that I’ll be watching closely.

From a unique cycling event, to China’s national sport, to some hot Aussie women, to Track & Field’s most exciting race, don’t miss these!

Day 8 – August 16th

Saturday morning (US time)

Cycling: Men’s Keirin

Shout out to John L for informing me about this exciting cycling event! I had seen it before, but had no clue what it was called or anything else for that matter.

The Keirin (kay-rin) cycling event originated in Japan in 1948, and features 6 to 9 cyclists racing around a velodrome track. For the first 5½ laps, a motorbike sets a gradually quickening pace. After the motorbike leaves the course, it’s an all out sprint for the finish line!

In Japan, the Keirin has become a very popular betting sport. Just like in horse racing, each participant is assigned a different number and color for better identification. Its first appearance in the Olympics wasn’t until 1996 in Sydney, which drew some controversy because it allegedly “bought” its way into the Olympics by paying the world cycling body $3 million dollars.

I don’t know about all of that, but I do know these guys (there is only a Men’s Keirin at the Olympics) go FAST (over 40 mph), and the finish is sure to be exciting. Click here to watch a World championship Keirin race.

Day 8 – August 16th

Saturday morning (US time)

Track & Field: Men’s 100m Final

In Track & Field, the Men’s 100 meter race has always been a must-see event. After all, it determines who the “fastest man in the world” is. And in 2008, we have three legit competitors, all of whom could break the World record in the Finals. The current World record of 9.72 belongs to the Jamaican sprinter Usain “Lightning” Bolt. Here he is setting the record at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York just a few months ago.

5/31/08: Usain Bolt breaks the World record

My favorite part? The fans going bonkers and the “LightEning BOLT” sign.

Of course, fellow Jamaican and former World record holder Asafa Powell could easily win this race as well. Before Bolt bested his time in May, he held the record for nearly three whole years! Powell is sponsored by Nike, and he’s unveiling some of the craziest shoes ever made (click here to see what they look like). Supposedly, these “Aerofly” shoes use a “Flywire” system that features “Vectran” cables that lock the heel in place and prevent your foot from moving the 1-2mm it does in “normal” track shoes every time your foot hits the track. It sounds and looks impressive, I know that.

And then there’s the American, Tyson Gay. At the U.S. Olympic trials in June, Gay ran a 9.68, but his tail wind speed of 4.1 m/s was more than double the maximum allowed speed of 2.0 m/s, so his record wasn’t “wind legal.” The dude is still incredibly fast, and boasts a faster 200 meter time than either Powell or Bolt. Unfortunately, Gay fell during his 200m trials race, so the 100m is his only chance for individual gold glory. If you’re looking for another reason to cheer for him, consider this: Gay stands only 5-foot-11 compared to 6-4 for Powell and 6-5 for Bolt, so his stride lengths are shorter (albeit faster).

Days 9 & 10 – August 17th & 18th

Sunday & Monday morning (US time)

Table Tennis: Team medal contests

I hope that everyone who has ever played “ping pong” tunes in on 8/18/08 to see how Table Tennis is really supposed to be played. Considering it’s the national sport of China and they’ve dominated for a long time, plus the fact that they have their own “penhold” grip style, you better believe that the Chinese are planning to represent with authority in these Olympics. For a taste of what to expect, check out this 2008 China Open match featuring two of their top players (or so I hear).

2008 China Open: Wang Liqin (blue) vs. Ma Lin (red)

Did you see the rally starting at 2:58?!? INSANE.

Day 15 – August 23rd

Saturday morning (US time)

Track & Field: Men’s 800m Final

When I mentioned Track & Field’s most exciting event, I’m sure many of you thought I was referring to the 100-meter sprint. Yes, that event is thoroughly entertaining, but what about the 800-meter half-mile race? It takes a little over 100 seconds to complete, which means it’s short enough to keep your attention span but long enough to make things dramatic. Just check out these races from 1972 and 2004 for proof.

1972 Olympics: Men’s 800m Final

2004 Olympics: Men’s 800m Final

If you’re not interested in seeing the 800 meter race after watching those two videos, then there’s something wrong with your competitive spirit.

Day 15 – August 23rd

Saturday morning (US time)

Basketball: Women’s Gold medal game

On 8/23/08, the United States and Australia are likely going to face off in the Gold medal game for Women’s hoops. Both have high-powered squads, but there’s a major difference between the two teams.

I’m not sure who picked the Aussie’s jerseys, but I fully support their decision. And if the WNBA wants more men (and of course, more lesbians) to tune in, I suggest they take notice. But it’s not JUST about wearing tight-fitting outfits to draw in more viewers, because these things are also functional.

“On court, the compression and support enhances muscle control and function. The compression effect also helps to improve proprioception around the pelvis, hips and knees which contributes to injury prevention and also facilitates muscle function. The limbs feel lighter and fresher, which helps athletes perform better over longer training sessions and ultimately enhances recovery.”

It makes sense to me, especially when your team is loaded with hotties like The Opals (the nickname for Australia’s Women’s national basketball team). Want some examples? Here you go…

Erin Phillips (Guard)

Do I have your attention now? Short (5-foot-7), sassy, and sexy, Phillips is reason enough to watch The Opals play. She didn’t start playing basketball until she was 13, but still managed to make Australia’s national team by the age of 19 (she’s now 23). Bonus shot of her right here.

Lauren Jackson (Center/ Forward)

The 6-foot-5 Jackson is attractive in a “she’s freakishly tall but still looks good” kind of way. She also has SERIOUS game, as I’d say she’s the WNBA version of Dirk Nowitzki but with better defense. Lauren has been named to the All-WNBA 1st team for 5 years in a row now and has won the MVP award twice. She has also posed nude before, with her best shot (in my opinion) being right here.

Penny Taylor (Forward)

I haven’t watched a ton of women’s basketball, but from what I’ve seen, Penny Taylor is perhaps my favorite player. Besides being incredibly cute, she plays bigger than her size (6-1) and is tough as nails. How good is she at getting in the paint and drawing contact? Well, her WNBA team (Phoenix Mercury) won the Championship last year, and in the clinching game, Taylor scored 30 points while shooting a perfect 18-18 from the line. Opponents play physical defense on her, but she just shrugs it off and gets the job done. To see what I mean, check out this highlight video of her in action.

3 other Australian Opals

Yes, of COURSE I’ll be watching as many Men’s basketball games as I can, and I’m sure all of you will as well.

But don’t sleep on the Women’s games, because they can play too, and some of them are definitely worth watching.

Who’s your pick for fastest man in the world?

Are you sold on the 800 meter race being more exciting than the 100 meter?

Would you watch the WNBA if they wore jerseys like the Opals?

Related posts:

1. 5 Swimming Events to Watch What about Kosuke Kitajima, Cullen Jones, and Dara Torres? Here are 5 swimming...