Event updates

It's been about two weeks since my last blog, so I though I'd take this time to go through some of the recent developments with regards to the events that we'll be seeing in particular.

As many of you may know, the world record in the 100m dash was broken several days ago by Jamaican Usain Bolt, previously held by countryman Asafa Powell. It's not even his best event--so much so that he wasn't even sure if he'd be running it in Beijing! The American hopes most likely will rest on former Lafayette HS (Lexington, KY) and Arkansas standout Tyson Gay, who won gold at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. The other American standout, Justin Gatlin, will be serving a four-year drug suspension in lieu of going to Beijing. We'll see if the Americans can retain the gold medal in Beijing.

As for rowing, I should point you to a recent article in the New York Times regarding China's newfound love of rowing. Rowing is a sport with a lot of medals available (14 events for a total of 42 medals), so the Chinese look to cash in on the gold there (they did not place in any rowing event in Athens). In 2004 the Americans won two medals: one gold and one silver. We will see the Men's eight--America's lone gold medal in Athens--and we will hope that the Americans can defend their title.

The Olympic Trials in swimming are June 29 to July 6 in Omaha, Nebraska. Coincidentally, Omaha is also the location of the College World Series just the week before (which we all hope produces a national championship for Rice). Superstar Michael Phelps looks to accomplish everything he left unaccomplished in Athens. That is, breaking Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single Olympics (apparently six golds and two bronzes were not enough for Mr. Phelps). In any case, we will (hopefully) see him in one of his preliminary events. America should return to Beijing with a strong team with the likes of Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, Brendan Hansen and Katie Hoff.

Finally, for triathlon, Julie Swail Ertel and Laura Bennett are slated to compete in the women's triathlon (with nods to Jarrod Schumacher and Matt Reed for the men). The final member of the each team will be determined at the Hy-Vee Triathlon on June 22. Unfortunately for the men's team, only one of the top two Americans, Andy Potts and Hunter Kemper, will be able to go to Beijing. In any case, we will see how the Americans do, and whether they can reach the medal stand.

In a little over a month, the Olympic teams will be complete, and we will know who will be competing for Olympic gold (and conversely, who will not be competing). As of writing, I will be leaving for Beijing in 69 and a half days (not that I'm counting or anything!).