RussB

I have the same 10. 🇺🇸 🇨🇳 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 the top 4 and then 🇮🇹 / 🇯🇵 / 🇦🇺 followed by 🇳🇱 / 🇩🇪/ 🇨🇦

On more positive news from Golden League: new PBs for Nielsen in 400m (50.7) and Muir running a 3m 53 (in a race Faith breaks the WR in a ridiculous 3m 49), also massive PB for Bell in 5th (3m 56)

Josh beating Jakob would be one of my favourite moment of the games if it happens …

Unfortunately UK Sport’s argument expressed in the above article is fundamentally flawed. they equate not being in the top 8 to being “eliminated from your pool or heat” which would not inspire the next generation. Finals for field events will have at least 12; many track events will have heats, then semi finals etc. So it’s fair to say if we had representation in more field events, the visibility of British athletes making it through the first stage of qualifying and pushing to be in the top 16 or top 12, this would be beneficial. there is a trade off for sure, but the bar has been set too high. Some of the best moments at major competitions is when an athlete sets a massive PB to claim a shock place in a final or a medal. UK policy drastically reduces the chances of witnessing that for a GB athlete.

Very frustrated with the application of the policy. No common sense, no flexibility, just keeping a squad to absolute minimalist sizes for the sake of… How do GB athletics expect to find the next generation in field events or track events with no participation at the Olympics? Feel so bad for Phil Norman particularly. I was dead wrong, I naively assumed the policy would be assessed with consideration of all factors.

On the Welsh cycling Olympic announcement, link isn’t attaching for some reason. She is listed as “reserve”*

Still surprises me that they haven’t found a spot for Zoe (she is travelling reserve). She could have doubled up and done the time trial.

Max will be in the mix for a medal, set a new BR at trials with a 4m 09 and can only imagine he goes faster in Paris. He has come 4th 2 Olympics in a row, surely he can’t come 4th again. Surely 🤣

I have them in the small gaggle right behind (so in that battle for 5th..), edging out ITA, NED & GER. The Aussie women’s swim team is utterly dominant and will contribute most of their gold medals. I’m not sure where the other substantial support is going to come from however.

Emma was very good today. Much stronger in the calm conditions, ground strokes were hard and flat… The draw looks pretty wide open on her side

One of Ireland’s best chance looks like being the mixed relay (with the assumption all 4 run it.. which is another discussion), and Wiffen has got to have great chances in the long distance freestyles. Rhys has a good chance but still has to go up against Max who is the ultimate Olympic performer. GBR vs France will be an interesting fight for the top European nations and overall 3rd in the medal table I believe…

I’m with you on Harrie and Emma, but I’m nowhere near as confident with Ethan being described as a lock! The men’s Omnium is incredibly tough and relatively wide open with Thomas, Gate, Viviani (form is spotty but I’m sure he will rise to the occasion), possibly even Bibic in the mix for a medal. I have Ethan as my favourite but only narrowly.

I don’t think is accurate at all. For anyone who has been watching this year, Finucane has shown her dominance in the sprint to prove she is clearly the fastest sprinter going into Paris. What was lacking in the past was her race craft in the Keirin. She seems to have improved this throughout the season, and benefited from the confidence of knowing she is the quickest rider and was utterly dominant in winning the Keirin in Hong Kong when she last competed internationally. I wouldn’t have any rider has a dominant fav in this due to the variability in the event itself, anything can and often does happen, however Finucane should rightly start as the favourite in the Keirin. A small note on Ellesse; she has had to come back from a really nasty crash for this Olympics, and the missed training is certainly a big hurdle to overcome. She has better medal chances in the Keirin than the individual sprint I believe.

For Germany to come top of the table, the most clear route is through winning individual and team gold in the Dressage. Given the entries of both nations I don’t feel confident making that prediction. In fact I’d lean the other way and give the edge in both to GB. Especially if Pete can top 90% again.. It should be a fascinating watch.

From 🇬🇧 perspective it has to be the women’s lightweight double in the rowing. They have not been challenged let alone beaten in the past 2 years. It’s as safe a bet as there is at this point.

Is she definitely swimming it? Aware her schedule is going to be pretty heavy with freestyle, 400IM and relay duties.

I’m not sure I’d have pole vault for a safest bet regardless of how amazing Mondo is. There are too many variables with PV that can lead to strange results.

Britain are going to be very competitive in the dressage with the two Charlotte’s and the eventing team go in as favourites alongside individual hopes in all 3 disciplines. Ive been particularly impressed with the progression of ImHoTep in the past 18 months.

Kartal* knocking out Cirstea is a little bit of a surprise although she comprehensively beat Andreeva in qualifying who won today as a lucky loser to frank the form a little. has Burel in R2 which gives her chances to progress.

I would be very surprised if Nuttall and Norman are not selected... Purchase I'm less confident in.

Doing the Olympics properly for a full 17 days out there in Paris - a bucket list item for me was to go to one Olympics and soak as much in as I feasibly can. At the current count I'll be at 18 different sports, most excited for the track cycling, swimming and taekwondo. As a mega sports enthusiast, the excitement levels are on another level!! As for the countries I'll support besides GBR, I always have a soft spot for NZ, Canada and the Refugee team! ps. I'd be keen if anyone fancies going for a drink / Fan Park during the Games

It was Giles’ fault… he wasn’t finishing in the top 2 given how that race was unfolding

Common sense prevails !

And that by Phoebe was brilliant. She is in play for a medal in Paris.

Really don’t see the argument over not taking Chalmers. He ran the time without gaining any advantage. Dina with a really impressive performance! 22.18 into a headwind in the cold conditions.