OLYMPICS 2021

[Star555]

Haven't found a thread for Olympic sports discussions so I'm starting one. This thread is only for discussions of the actual sporting events as they happen over the next few weeks, not the unfairness of IOC's rules/philosophy (e.g. allowing a male athlete to declare himself a woman and compete in the women's category...which is immoral, unscientific, and wholly unjust, but that topic already has multiple separate threads).

Although this will be an Olympics like no other, I'm excited for the opening ceremony tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing gymnastics and swimming especially!

Q: why are the helmet straps so loose orn the skateboarders?
I mean shouldn't they be nice & tight under the chin so if there's an accident the helmets can do their jobs?

they are all so good

Two 13y olds and a 16y old on the podium, impressive

hey @DuncinToffee!

yes, lovely to see.

Was shocked at Tom Daly's comment. I'm sure being gay is important to him, but he is so many other things.

His dad trained him, was involved in his diving from a very very early age, dedicated his whole life to Tom's diving. and then he passed away and Tom pointed out they have never told him he was gay. He could of, but chose not to. What About all that effort for the 20 odd years and what about his dad taking to diving lessons every single day, everyone else who has been involved in all his progression. to make that comment makes it seem like the gay part is more important than than anything else. And I don't get that.

What did he say @Oblomov21?

@Oblomov21

Was shocked at Tom Daly's comment. I'm sure being gay is important to him, but he is so many other things.

His dad trained him, was involved in his diving from a very very early age, dedicated his whole life to Tom's diving. and then he passed away and Tom pointed out they have never told him he was gay. He could of, but chose not to. What About all that effort for the 20 odd years and what about his dad taking to diving lessons every single day, everyone else who has been involved in all his progression. to make that comment makes it seem like the gay part is more important than than anything else. And I don't get that.

He could have, but maybe (like many 17 year olds) felt nervous/ anxious about such a conversation even if he had no reason to think his dad would respond anything other than positively. I can recall several MN posts from parents who would be nothing but supportive to their offspring, who suspect or have concluded that their offspring are not heteronormative but don’t know how to broach the subject.

Maybe it’s a big regret for him that he didn’t feel able to tell his dad when he has a chance and he’s trying to express that he hopes younger gay people will feel better able to do something he now can’t.

He could have, but maybe (like many 17 year olds) felt nervous/ anxious about such a conversation even if he had no reason to think his dad would respond anything other than positively

Or, like many 17 year olds he simply wasn’t sure of his sexuality. IIRC even when he came out in that video it was only after he met Lance, and even then he still said it was a surprise to him and that he thought he was bi.

Although it’s highly likely his dad knew before he did, after all, the surprise coming out video was only really a surprise to Tom . Everyone else was just yes we know dear…

Tom Daley has always spoken very highly of his dad and his influence and input in his life , they named their baby after him and he has said he hopes to be half the father that his dad was ( or words to that effect ) . He is also a high profile gay man and is trying to make the world easier / better / be a role model for other young gay adults which is admirable . What’s not to like , his gold medal ( and I hope he gets another ) will be the highlight of the games for many of us .

Any Simone Biles (USA gymnast) fans here? She was spectacular in the Rio 2016 Olympics (4 golds and one bronze) but is off to a rocky start now in Tokyo, having stepped outside the mat on her landings for both floor exercises as well as vault. She has qualified for the finals even with these big mistakes, so fingers crossed!

Love Simone. Yes qualification was a bit ropey. She looked so pissed off with herself. I hope she has a better time in the finals!

I love Simone too - no clue about gymnastics but she really is someone who deserves the name GOAT! Amazing to watch and such a role model!

Anyone watching the tri?

Yes!

They are so spread out now on the swim

Yes, I'm watching!

This looks like it will be exciting.

Very British weather

The men's rugby 7 team are very.........proficient^^ aren't they

So am I, but I'm shattered with all this watching! Dare I hope for a clean sweep?

Although if not would love Flora from Bermuda to win, what a dream

The weather is horrendous!

Yes I like the sound of Flora too . Although a GB 123 would be awesome. And yes to the rugby 7s too. Some rather impressive young men there!

I think Fluffy is the fave isn't she?

Really not sure.

I really like the sound of the Swiss Nicola they are talking about. 5 Olympics, 3 kids, and a stint on the bobsleigh team. Impressive woman.