Who are we sending to the Olympics?

snubbleste · 19-05-2016 02:51PM

Donald Trump wrote: »

And yet you never told me!

But I was not next to you when you woke up.

Scorpion Sting · 19-05-2016 02:53PM

snubbleste wrote: »

Sally O'Brien

And the way she might look at ya.

Tabnabs · 19-05-2016 02:53PM

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

Who was that boat woman who nearly won gold in the last one? O'Brien was it? Hopefully she's in this one too

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annalise_Murphy

She's back again.

Dr Crayfish · 19-05-2016 02:56PM

Tabnabs wrote: »

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annalise_Murphy

She's back again.

That's the one. My hero. I hope she does well this time, I remember following her online, tracking a little dinghy via a satellite, looking forward to doing the same this year.

maudgonner · 19-05-2016 03:25PM

snubbleste wrote: »

I knew the capital of Bahrain was Manama. :cool:

Manama? Nah!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTXyXuqfBLA

(You can all commence hating me now. Or, ya know, continue)

Maireadio · 19-05-2016 04:36PM

snubbleste wrote: »

Why is there so little publicity, marketing etc? Is it because Brazil is a non-english speaking country?

Huh? Why would that matter? Lots of Olympic Games are held in non-English speaking countries. Atlanta, Sydney and London have been the only English-speaking locations of the last 30 years.

Mint Sauce · 19-05-2016 04:40PM

snubbleste wrote: »

Normally it's hyped up to a year in advance with heavy promotion from sponsors and all the usual flag waving from rté.
Yet, I've seen or heard very little, except see a promotion on coca-cola bottles.

Was/Is it? Maybe London was becuase it was so close amd local, and to an extent, Greece, due to the significance of it. But I dont recall crazy hype for previous ones ther than maybe Barcelona.

Maireadio · 19-05-2016 04:41PM

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

Plus we've a tiny pool to pick from compared to other nations.

Even so, sport just isn't nurtured here like in other countries. If you're from a rural location, a lot of sports aren't open to you outside of team sports. I would have loved to do tennis and gymnastics as a childer but not a hope in the rural west of Ireland, at least where I was.

So, yes, we have a low population but some kids' potential will never be discovered because the facilities and expertise aren't there. I bet other low population countries fare better than we do.

JPNelsforearm wrote: »

I'd say its more a national aversion to success

Such a crock of shít.

Maireadio · 19-05-2016 04:47PM

Christy42 wrote: »

I know for Oz and London (Sonia and Katie) we had much better chances of golds than in the others. Unsure about 96 though.

Sonia was our big gold medal hope for '96 going into the Olympics. She was at her peak and I think it was assumed it was a formality. I remember when Michelle won her golds and it moved to the track and field events, it was thought we might leave the Olympics with five or six golds.

Unfortunately, Sonia was unlucky enough to fall ill with a stomach bug. I think she would have got gold that year otherwise.

Awful for the country, but more awful for her, to be honest. How frustrating that must have been for her.

All that training for nothing.

JPNelsforearm · 19-05-2016 04:54PM

Maireadio wrote: »

Such a crock of shít.

Tell me when Michelle DeBruin is lauded for her achievements and pathetic losers who wallow in failure like Paul Kimmage are put out to pasture. There is an acceptance of failure in Irish athletics, and sport in general, moralists waiting to pounce on any successful athlete, and given a platform to expound upon their moralism, indoctrinating ordinary people into believing success is tainted.

Christy42 · 19-05-2016 05:03PM

JPNelsforearm wrote: »

Tell me when Michelle DeBruin is lauded for her achievements and pathetic losers who wallow in failure like Paul Kimmage are put out to pasture. There is an acceptance of failure in Irish athletics, and sport in general, moralists waiting to pounce on any successful athlete, and given a platform to expound upon their moralism, indoctrinating ordinary people into believing success is tainted.

Success is fine (see Katie Taylor, a load of soccer players who have done well for themselves, Sonia O'Sullivan, a host of our Rugby players, I know many were delighted for Heffernan after he got his medal belatedly and you can probably think of more).

On the other hand cheating is tainted. Success without being a horrific cheat is good- cheating bad.

Maireadio · 19-05-2016 05:16PM

JPNelsforearm wrote: »

Tell me when Michelle DeBruin is lauded for her achievements and pathetic losers who wallow in failure like Paul Kimmage are put out to pasture.

For months after her win, I heard the Beatles song 'Michelle' played on radio stations more times than I care to remember. The country was delirious with happiness over it, at least at the time.

And I distinctly recall a panel member of some show or other on RTÉ a few months after the Olympics being rounded on by the audience and other panel members for suggesting that her wins were a bit suspect. As for why she is no longer lauded, well, I don't really want to open that can of worms but I don't think that's really a smoking gun that shows that people here have an "aversion to success". Personally, I felt disappointed when I realised that maybe Michelle Smyth's wins might not be what they seemed. I wasn't happy.

Meanwhile, Sonia was (rightfully) always spoke of as a huge talent in the Irish media. I rarely heard a negative thing said about her. And she continues to be spoke of very well and it is recognised both in Ireland and the UK that she was a world class athlete.

I also remember the huge excitement surrounding Katie Taylor's and Michael Carruth's wins.

So yes, your contention is a crock of shít.

kfallon · 19-05-2016 05:23PM

Is Jimmy Magee going for RTE?

DEFTLEFTHAND · 19-05-2016 05:26PM

JPNelsforearm wrote: »

Tell me when Michelle DeBruin is lauded for her achievements and pathetic losers who wallow in failure like Paul Kimmage are put out to pasture. There is an acceptance of failure in Irish athletics, and sport in general, moralists waiting to pounce on any successful athlete, and given a platform to expound upon their moralism, indoctrinating ordinary people into believing success is tainted.

More of a celebration of mediocrity in some cases than an acceptance of failure imo.

I don't think I've ever respected any athlete more than Paddy Barnes in 2008 when said to the interviewer after his semi final defeat that he'd rather throw the bronze into the Lagan when he got home, it's a loser medal, he came for the gold.

That's a brilliant attitude to have in competitive sport, a killer instinct. Keep pushing until you're the best.

JPNelsforearm · 19-05-2016 05:55PM

Maireadio wrote: »

For months after her win, I heard the Beatles song 'Michelle' played on radio stations more times than I care to remember. The country was delirious with happiness over it, at least at the time.

And I distinctly recall a panel member of some show or other on RTÉ a few months after the Olympics being rounded on by the audience and other panel members for suggesting that her wins were a bit suspect. As for why she is no longer lauded, well, I don't really want to open that can of worms but I don't think that's really a smoking gun that shows that people here have an "aversion to success". Personally, I felt disappointed when I realised that maybe Michelle Smyth's wins might not be what they seemed. I wasn't happy.

Meanwhile, Sonia was (rightfully) always spoke of as a huge talent in the Irish media. I rarely heard a negative thing said about her. And she continues to be spoke of very well and it is recognised both in Ireland and the UK that she was a world class athlete.

I also remember the huge excitement surrounding Katie Taylor's and Michael Carruth's wins.

So yes, your contention is a crock of shít.

Has Kimmage not been banging on about doping in Irish rugby during one of our most successful periods? Trying in vain to chop down successful athletes. Michelle DeBruin is one of Irelands greatest athletes, winning is all that matters the fact she isnt lauded today says to me that winning is not prioritised with the Irish Sports Council, they are happy for participation awards. Olympic sports will never be relevant until the athletes themselves realise that, as other nations do, eg the Jamaican sprint team.

Christy42 · 19-05-2016 06:16PM

JPNelsforearm wrote: »

Has Kimmage not been banging on about doping in Irish rugby during one of our most successful periods? Trying in vain to chop down successful athletes. Michelle DeBruin is one of Irelands greatest athletes, winning is all that matters the fact she isnt lauded today says to me that winning is not prioritised with the Irish Sports Council, they are happy for participation awards. Olympic sports will never be relevant until the athletes themselves realise that, as other nations do, eg the Jamaican sprint team.

Has he? I don't think anyone has listened to that as they are generally considered heroes.

What is the point in winning if you cheat? Sure there are monetary benefits for the athlete in question but what is the point in a country encouraging it?

No one thinks the Soviets produced any athletes of merit in spite of all the records they still hold. Likewise look at the sheer amount of medals Russia recently lost.

What exactly is your claim and evidence against the Jamaican sprint team?

jamesbere · 19-05-2016 06:22PM

maudgonner wrote: »

Manama? Nah!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTXyXuqfBLA

(You can all commence hating me now. Or, ya know, continue)

That should've been our Eurovision entry

metaoblivia · 19-05-2016 06:29PM

Ireland qualified a female gymnast for the first time, Ellis O'Reilly. Kiernan Behan qualified in men's gymnastics again and he has an outside shot at making floor finals.

Maireadio · 19-05-2016 06:45PM

JPNelsforearm wrote: »

Has Kimmage not been banging on about doping in Irish rugby during one of our most successful periods? Trying in vain to chop down successful athletes. Michelle DeBruin is one of Irelands greatest athletes, winning is all that matters the fact she isnt lauded today says to me that winning is not prioritised with the Irish Sports Council, they are happy for participation awards. Olympic sports will never be relevant until the athletes themselves realise that, as other nations do, eg the Jamaican sprint team.

You've mentioned the same person in two posts. That's one person. He's a sports journalist but not the only one. And I have no idea how that translates to "Irish people have an aversion to success".

This is clearly something you like to soapbox about so there's point replying further with you about it, especially as you're not making much sense.

SEPT 23 1989 · 19-05-2016 06:47PM

kfallon wrote: »

Is Jimmy Magee going for RTE?

he is being thawed out as we speak

Donald Trump · 22-05-2016 06:13PM

JustShon wrote: »

You should've started a thread about.

Incidentally, don't you have a wall to be building?

I'm getting some Mexicans to build the wall for me.... Sure nobody else will do the actual work!

Walls are great. We should build more of them. Bridges are over-rated :pac:

Chain Smoker · 22-05-2016 06:20PM

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

More of a celebration of mediocrity in some cases than an acceptance of failure imo.

I don't think I've ever respected any athlete more than Paddy Barnes in 2008 when said to the interviewer after his semi final defeat that he'd rather throw the bronze into the Lagan when he got home, it's a loser medal, he came for the gold.

That's a brilliant attitude to have in competitive sport, a killer instinct. Keep pushing until you're the best.

It's an even better attitude to have when Marty Morrissey is being a patronising **** to your face

Dirty Dingus McGee · 22-05-2016 06:24PM

JPNelsforearm wrote: »

Tell me when Michelle DeBruin is lauded for her achievements and pathetic losers who wallow in failure like Paul Kimmage are put out to pasture. There is an acceptance of failure in Irish athletics, and sport in general, moralists waiting to pounce on any successful athlete, and given a platform to expound upon their moralism, indoctrinating ordinary people into believing success is tainted.

Complete bollocks.

Michelle De Bruin cheated, that's the reason nobody has any time for her anymore.

And before anyone says She didn't fail a drugs test, neither did Lance Armstrong and we all know what he was up to.

Dirty Dingus McGee · 22-05-2016 06:31PM

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

More of a celebration of mediocrity in some cases than an acceptance of failure imo.

I don't think I've ever respected any athlete more than Paddy Barnes in 2008 when said to the interviewer after his semi final defeat that he'd rather throw the bronze into the Lagan when he got home, it's a loser medal, he came for the gold.

That's a brilliant attitude to have in competitive sport, a killer instinct. Keep pushing until you're the best.

Without wanting to seem like I am criticizing people who achieved way more than myself or 99% of people who have ever played sport but if that was the case with Paddy Barnes he would have turned pro already.

Our amateur boxers are completely over hyped as it isn't the top level of their sport.

It's great what they have achieved but we tend to go overboard about the boxing team.

Guy:Incognito · 22-05-2016 06:35PM

Christy42 wrote: »

There are also plenty of spots left. Katie hasn't qualified yet but will be expected to be there. I know of a few other sports where there are a load of qualifying competitions left. Always find it weird that you can find out about such a big thing (going to the olympics) just a month or two before you step on the plane!

Individual sports arent really like team sports though. Regardless of what happens or who gets injured, Ireland will have a squad of players for the euros. A sprinter that qualifies a year before the olympics might not be in any form to compete a year later.

Christy42 · 22-05-2016 09:30PM

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

Individual sports arent really like team sports though. Regardless of what happens or who gets injured, Ireland will have a squad of players for the euros. A sprinter that qualifies a year before the olympics might not be in any form to compete a year later.

Wasn't saying I had a better system or that it is a problem in this system. Merely that it would be odd for fringe level athletes.

fryup · 23-05-2016 11:25PM

is the airheaded bint going??

VinLieger · 24-05-2016 12:13AM

Dr Crayfish wrote: »

That's the one. My hero. I hope she does well this time, I remember following her online, tracking a little dinghy via a satellite, looking forward to doing the same this year.

Fingers crossed for annalise but she might have her work cut out for as she's really great in the heavy weather which Rio is not known for so it might be a bit more difficult, also the water is a serious issue this year with all the sailors taking their health in their hands anytime they go near it, several of them have caught pretty nasty stuff already from being in the water where the races will be held and there's no sign of anything being done about it. Also it's not just disease they have to worry about they are literally navigating around the garbage which if it got caught on the boat or just hit them would seriously slow them down as well. Basically Rio is set to be a **** show as far as sailing is concerned and I feel sorry for the sailing athletes who are stuck with this as their Olympic games

Robsweezie · 24-05-2016 12:23AM

dustin the turkey?

HeidiHeidi · 24-05-2016 10:02AM

VinLieger wrote: »

Fingers crossed for annalise but she might have her work cut out for as she's really great in the heavy weather which Rio is not known for so it might be a bit more difficult, also the water is a serious issue this year with all the sailors taking their health in their hands anytime they go near it, several of them have caught pretty nasty stuff already from being in the water where the races will be held and there's no sign of anything being done about it. Also it's not just disease they have to worry about they are literally navigating around the garbage which if it got caught on the boat or just hit them would seriously slow them down as well. Basically Rio is set to be a **** show as far as sailing is concerned and I feel sorry for the sailing athletes who are stuck with this as their Olympic games

Came on to post basically this.

I fear this may not be Annalise's year, which is a hard pill to swallow after four years of training and hard graft.

Is there any other sport where conditions play such a huge part in your chances of success/failure? A lightweight boxer fights another lightweight, for example, and rowers are graded (I think? might be wrong on that) - but the prevailing conditions on race day play a huge part in how successfully otherwise almost-perfectly-matched sailors will do.

I hope I'm mortifiyingly and completely wrong about this, and she romps home - I'll gladly eat my words - but I won't be holding my breath. And I pity her for the pressure that will be on her because of her so-near-to-success last Olympic outing.

Finn Lynch qualified last week also in the dinghy sailing, and the conditions will be much more to his liking. He's young and fearless, I wish him the best.

Who are we sending to the Olympics?

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