OlympicIRL

Awaiting official confirmation but sources from the Lithuanian organising committee speculated about the TISC Open final being held late October / early November.
So expect the new contest thread to be opened soon as we will soon need to begin with registration, and then national selections
 

So it's an end of an era this week with the retirement of Irish legend Robbie Keane from international football. It was quite sad and emotional watching him play his final ever game for Ireland on Wednesday . He has been such a wonderful servant for us and always showing unwavering commitment for the green jersey.
 
Thanks for all the wonderful memories Robbie, you are forever an Irish hero .
 
Of all the wonderful and beautiful goals that he scored in the green jersey, it is this goal which he scored at the World Cup in 2002 that will forever stay in the hearts and minds of the Irish public:
 

 
 
 

Robbie Keane     (appearances 146 , goals 68)
 
Robbie Keane marked the final appearance of an international career that started in March 1998 with his 68th Republic of Ireland goal.
Keane struck Ireland's second in the 4-0 friendly win against Oman to draw level with Gerd Müller in fourth place on the list of Europe's all-time top international goalscorers.

yes ok so less than 24 hours to start, lets go with some predictions
 
The very favorable time schedulling allow many nations to enter the final qualification round with many great players and a bunch of biggest NHL stars..The biggest amount of them is in the Minsk (Belarus) tournament and especially in the Denmark team roster. The Danes made no secrets about their successive ambitions.
"We put together the best Danish team in history. Anything other than the qualification for the Olympics will be considered as a huge disappointment," said General Manager of the Danish selection Kim Pedersen. The Swede coach Janne Karlsson will have in his team one of the best current world goalie Frederik Andersen, defenseman Philip Larsen and forwards Frans Nielsen, Oliver Björkstrand, Mikkel Bødker, Jannik Hansen, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nicklas Jensen. Of the known names will the Dane missing only Lars Eller.
 
The home advantage will be Belarussian, which will want to recover after their unsuccesfull this years World championship journey in St. Petersburg. despite the very bad tourament on the bench remained the canadian coach Dave Lewis, this will be most likely his last cance to prove something with this team. Belarus will have in thier roster traditionally the 4 naturalized north americans the goalie Kevin Lalande and field players Charles Linglet, Nick Bailen but especially the very experienced striker Geoff Platt. Apparently some Health problems have hampered Mikhail Grabovski but it looks that BLR will be also at full strength. and with home advantage. I assume they will be the main opponent of the Danes.
 
BUT...WARNING !!!
 
don´t forget the Slovenians. Oh yes, Never ! never ! Never!  NEVER! I´ll never underestimate Slovenians in my life anymore since Sochi 2014 and the biggest shame and embarassing day of our hockey.
The increase of the crazy quality of this tournament will be enhanced by the Slovenians. The Leader of "Rysy - Lynxes" will be without any doubts be the megastar of the Los Angeles Kings Anže Kopitar, but the squad will have also some other highly mentionable members as the striker of Slovan Bratislava Žiga Jeglič, his former "Slovan partner" and now Yekaterinburg player Rok Tičar and former Nitra goalkeeper Robert Kristan the man I can´t forget from this Sochi 2014 nightmare.
 
The slightest chance of success will have in this group the Poles. but we must also count on them, They already made a upsent in the previous round eliminating strong Hungarian generation from this olympic qualification cycle.
 
so my predictions:
 
1. Denmark Q
2. Belarus
3. Slovenia
4. Poland
 
(really curious to see how it will develop )
 
 
In the Riga (Latvia) Group, at first view there 2 big favs. The hosts had to deal with the departure of their coach Leonids Beresnevs just few days before the tournament. The national federation promptly replaced him few days ago by Haralds Vasilievs. Let see what will this change just few days before the most important tournament of the 4 years cycle influence the latvian team. They will mainly count on their top NHL star Zemgus Girgensons but also on some other players playing in fact each year together in the some team Dinamo Riga. This may be a very notable strong advantage...
 
The biggest Latvians opponent will be certainly Germany. The Germans want definitely to return under the 5 rings after missing Sochi thanks a shocking defeat against Austria in the qualifiers tournament...the Same Austria they have again in this tournament. but the German actual team is more experienced, slightly rejuvenated and surely strongest than the one 4 years ago. Players like Dennis Seidenberg, Christian Ehrhoff, Leon Dreisaitl, Tobias Rieder, Korbinian Holzer or another this teams Stanley cup winner Tom Kuhnhackel are a sign of enormous quality.
 
Austria is entering the tournament with 2 NHL players Michael Raffl and Michael Grabner. Unfortunately they will miss their top player and the biggest Austrian hockey player of history Thomas Vanek this time. I think this factor will be decisive for the Austrian chances.
 
With all respect to Japan. any point for them will be a miracle IMO.
 
my predictions:
 
1. Germany Q
2. Latvia
3. Austria
4. Japan
 
 
 
The last tournament in Oslo (Norway) is pretty well balanced too. Maybe the top favs in current form are the domestics the very Offensive Norwegians "Vikings" that should be lead by their top star Mats Zuccarello Aasen of the NY Rangers behinde the Madison Square Garden star Norway will surely count on Andreas Martinsen and the inexhaustible Patrick Thoresen
 
At first view I thought the favs may be the french, unfortunately France can´t count here with their NHL players Antoine Roussell and the New Jersey new recrue Yohann Auvitu. France will have on their roster only 1 NHL man the extremely experienced Pierre Edouard Bellemare. The whole french hopes will remains on his shoulders also shared by another great french star the stricker Stephane Da Costa of the CSKA Moscow and Damien Fleury.
 
Italy and Kazakhstan are probably considered as underdogs in this group, but they have certainly some words to say in this battle too. Especially Italy is showing some very pleasant increasing performances and results last months. The team was rejuvenated and won the previous qualifyfing round in a very impressive way. Kazakhstan is a team you should never underestimate when you talk about hockey olympic qualification they showed it many times in the past. Nagano 1998 or more actual, in the last qualifiers for Sochi when they lost the ticket by only 1 single goal.
 
My predictions:
1. Norway Q
2. France
3. Italy
4. Kazakhstan
 
Keep in mind that I rarely reach some successes in our prediction contests so there some 99% chances that all my predictions are wrong here
Can´t wait the start of the tournaments...less than 24 hours to go..
 
Good luck to all 12 remaining teams and let the 3 best succeed..See you in pyeongchang

2020 Vision
 

 
A new Olympic cycle is upon us and as we embark upon the trail to Tokyo 2020, I am going to begin a new project entitled "2020 Vision". This project will follow the trials and tribulations of 20 young Irish athletes throughout this Olympic cycle as we follow their progress towards realising their Olympic dream. The athletes will be aged 20 years or younger and will range from a variety of different sports. Some have already had a tilt at Olympic qualification, others will be embarking on their Olympic quests for the first time.
 
So without further ado, let's meet our 2020 team of hopefuls.
 
 
1. Rhys McClenaghan (Artistic Gymnastics)
2. Jack Woolley (Taekwondo)
3. Conor Ferguson (Swimming)
4. Nhat Nguyen (Badminton)
5. Ian O'Sullivan (Trap Shooting)
6. Cathal Daniels (Eventing)
7. Finn Lynch (Sailing)
8. Liam Jegou (Canoeing)
9. Mona McSharry (Swimming)
10. Sharlene Mawdsley (Athletics)
11. Kevin McGrath (Athletics)
12. Gina Akpe-Moses (Athletics)
13. Rachel Darragh (Badminton)
14. Gearoid McDaid (Surfing)
15. Lee Cole (Field Hockey)
16. Oisin McClelland (Sailing)
17. Aoife Hopkins (Sailing)
18. Bertram Allen (Showjumping)
19. Antoinette Neamt (Swimming)
20. Gerry Quinn (Swimming)
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
So expect plenty of updates on these athletes as we move into a new Olympic cycle.
 
Tokyo 2020 begins now!

ATHLETICS - Fantasy Diamond Race
 
After Olympic games, DL will come back with two meetings this week:
LAUSANNE Thursday August 25th  PARIS Saturday August 27th For the first , the transfers option will be locked down 25/08/16 at h 15:00 (UTC/GMT) Meeting of Lausanne
 
@SteveParker @OlympicIRL @africaboy @rybak @tuniscof @heywoodu

A little bit about my last days in Rio. Friday was a pretty good day but also a sad one as it marked my last day as a spectator of the Rio Games. Day started in Deodoro, probably my favourite cluster of all, in which I watched the Women's Modern Pentathlon. The day was very sunny so it couldn't be more perfect. Unfortunately Yane Marques didn't have a great result, even with the venue packed with fans from Pernambuco (a brazilian State from the Northeast region), including me. At the end of the competition, it was kinda sad for me to leave that magical place where many good moments happened. At night, it was time for my only Athletics session in the Games, which bruoght an incredible Women's Pole Vault final (I was seating reatively close to this event, which was great), and of course the much talked Men's 4x100m Relay.
 
 
Saturday was a day off and I took the opportunity to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. The ride by train is pretty cool and there you can see not only people from all over the world, but also a fantastic view of Rio. As we approached the final days of the Games, I confess I was extremely tired, and because of that I didn't even attempted to watch the Men's Football final in one of the live sites of the city - even with rain, a total of 1 million of people went to the Olympic Boulevard that day. Just like in London (when Brazil lost to Mexico), I was sleeping during the whole match. Just woke up with celebrations after the penaltis, which were pretty wild and went on all night.
 
 
Last day of Olympics, nothing to do, but I decided not to spend all day in the apartment. Before the Men's Volleyball final, I went to Olympic Boulevard and watched the match there. Pretty good crowd, but obviously smaller than the day before. Saw again the Olympic flame and walked through the Port area, which is really beautiful (including the Museum of Tomorrow, which I believe was shown a lot on TV). Also watched the last show of Rio Fest.
 
 
Still on Sunday, out of nowhere by brother calls saying that were tickets available for the Closing Ceremony starting in just a few hours, and of course I bought them. Arrival at Maracanã was pretty chaotic as it was raining a lot (also: strongest winds I ever saw), but once there everything was perfect - many empty seats in the down sector, but I saw many people went to the upper sector just to escape rain. Most ceremonies I watch on TV left me kinda cold, but it's a whole other story to watch it live - especially when is showing your own culture. I can't remember exactly how many times I cried during this ceremony, but it was a LOT. Most of those moments probably meant nothing for international viewers, but if you're brazilian, it's impossible not to relate to some of those things. Moments that left amazed: formation of Rio spots in the beggining, use of regional songs (especially from Northeast and Pernambuco, with "Asa Branca" and frevo), the "baianas" and Tokyo segments, the big carnaval at the end. Moments that left in tears: national anthem (never thought I would cry listening to it) and that Mariene de Castro song (Jesus Christ, what was that? I have tears in my eyes just remembering when the flame was gone). I'm glad that Rio made ceremonies that left brazilians proud, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. In the end, it was hard to leave the stadium but it was time to say goodbye to the Rio Olympics.
 
 
On Monday, that awful post-Olympic depression feeling, and it was finally time to return home. Saw many athletes in the airport, including our medalist Arthur Mariano. In the plane, our flag bearer (and bronze medalist from London) Yane Marques was on the same flight as me and everyone clapped their hands for her. On the arrival in Recife, I finally met her, and she's exactly as I pictured her: an extremely humble person. Talked a little with her, including her competition which I went in Deodoro. Graciously, she autographed my ticket, while I was literally shaking. She's such a simple person that she went to organize the baggage of the whole Modern Pentathlon crew in the carts. Felipe Nascimento (our other athlete from this sport, which is also from Pernambuco) was also there, and I took a photo with him - very nice guy. This was a great ending to a great trip. I will never forget these memories and I hope to return to Rio someday. I also hope to go to the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires  Thanks all for the patience in reading my reports, hope this was a special event for all of you
 
 

I will summarise this topic for everyone:
 
My country sucks at this sport or i have no interest in it -> remove said sport from the Olympics
My country is good at this sport or i have interest in it -> expand this sport into more categories and athletes/matches
 
/thread

With IOC allowing a whole bunch of sports to be added in 2020, the thought of removing sports is plain silly to me.
 
And I don't see the point in saying that sport should be out because someone doesn't like, doesn't understand or doesn't follow it (or even because their nations are not good at it!). Olympics are not made for one person's liking, there's something for everyone.

And every suggestion that talks about adding a mixed event in any sport automatically has my disapproval
 
No added value.

2020 Vision
 

 
A new Olympic cycle is upon us and as we embark upon the trail to Tokyo 2020, I am going to begin a new project entitled "2020 Vision". This project will follow the trials and tribulations of 20 young Irish athletes throughout this Olympic cycle as we follow their progress towards realising their Olympic dream. The athletes will be aged 20 years or younger and will range from a variety of different sports. Some have already had a tilt at Olympic qualification, others will be embarking on their Olympic quests for the first time.
 
So without further ado, let's meet our 2020 team of hopefuls.
 
 
1. Rhys McClenaghan (Artistic Gymnastics)
2. Jack Woolley (Taekwondo)
3. Conor Ferguson (Swimming)
4. Nhat Nguyen (Badminton)
5. Ian O'Sullivan (Trap Shooting)
6. Cathal Daniels (Eventing)
7. Finn Lynch (Sailing)
8. Liam Jegou (Canoeing)
9. Mona McSharry (Swimming)
10. Sharlene Mawdsley (Athletics)
11. Kevin McGrath (Athletics)
12. Gina Akpe-Moses (Athletics)
13. Rachel Darragh (Badminton)
14. Gearoid McDaid (Surfing)
15. Lee Cole (Field Hockey)
16. Oisin McClelland (Sailing)
17. Aoife Hopkins (Sailing)
18. Bertram Allen (Showjumping)
19. Antoinette Neamt (Swimming)
20. Gerry Quinn (Swimming)
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
So expect plenty of updates on these athletes as we move into a new Olympic cycle.
 
Tokyo 2020 begins now!

dareza here. lol. When I left forum. Serbian athetes showed potential @DaniSRB thanks for great time on facebook. It was crazy.
 
*8 at then end. I was pessimistic  Well, first part of the Games were disaster for Serbian team. In second we were almost pefect.

*We had 4 teams and we won 4 medals. Just wow.  Impressive really. We are born for team sports, it is now absolutely clear. Medal in volleyball is so special fo me. I was convinced that these girls finally show potential. Also two medals in basketball.  And finally gold in waterpolo. Domination. They won all in last 3 years.

*Medal in athletics is also special. Im also happy for other medals (especially for Tijana in taekwondo. Just wow, that girl is huge talent).

*But our canoeing and shooitng team. So sad.

*And FINALLY , out of 103 Serbian athletes, 53 will go home with medal. More than a half.

Oh the interview with Lutalo is so hard to watch, the poor guy is in floods of tears, it's heartbreaking for him
 

It's amazing, i love It when nation like that wins gold or whatever medal. 

What a beautiful flag
 

Eliza McCartney half Kiwi half Irish wins a very surprise bronze medal in the pole vault. 

7th place for Natalya improving on 9th from London 2012. Awesome!!
 

Woohoo, congrats Slovakia and Toth  
 
My predicted winner
 

We must be watching the same commentary
 

Yeah, because Nikitin really won that fight . Disgusting Games, disgusting sport. All medal winners can be very happy
 

wow what a run by Barr @OlympicIRL should be pleasantly surprised by this run

And the crowd boos Lavillenie as he steps up for his medal. These aren't fans.

Congratulations. A great achievement for him indeed, and he can be one to watch four years from now.

Brazil gain revenge on home soil in men's pole vault for FIFA WC 1998 where French won on home soil in the final against Brazil.... BBC analogy is weird but funny