The Beijing Olympics are a little more than two months away. And despite the conflicts and political unrest we can only hope that this piece of commercial extravaganza lives up to all the hype that has been promised.
Usain Bolt of Jamaica wins the 100m in a world record time of 9.72 shaving 4/100ths of the previous record held by his countryman Asafa Powell. Finishing second was the current world champion at 100 and 200m Tyson G*ay of America with fellow countryman David Patton finishing third. picture courtesy of afp/getty images/ Hayden Roger Celestin .............
On Saturday night for those of you who weren't aware. The 100m world record for men was broken by a 21 year old Jamaican by the name of Usain Bolt. His last name conjuring up no doubt exactly what may well have taken place on the track. This was the first sprint track world record on American soil since the Los Angeles Olympics. Bolt with his devastating burst of speed demolished a world class field of the event's top stars. And though it can be said that his inexperience wasn't lacking. It doesn't exactly pose a sombering thought for his opponents with the Olympics just a short few weeks away.
Blanka Vlasic of Croatia competes in the women's high jump at the ISTAF Golden League at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin , Germany. picture courtesy afp/getty images/ Michel Pierollellot .............
And inasmuch as one would like to believe that the US has that superiority in the world when it comes to track and field when it comes to the sprint events. It appears to be no longer the case.
The new mark of 9.72 set by Usain Bolt at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York City on Saturday night. picture courtesy of afp/getty images/Hayden Roger Celestin........
The world class facilities are here without a doubt but the athletes are no longer what one would hope that they'd be. If anything other than the Olympics itself and to a lesser extent the World Championships. Track and field no longer holds that lore or grabs the attention of the public here in North America. But there'll be an unabashed coverage of the events in Beijing , China with almost every story being an emotive one when it comes to the athletes there from the United States.
Lashawn Merritt of the United States finishes ahead of his fellow countryman Jeremy Warriner the current World and Olympic champion in the 400m. The even was the ISTAF Golden League meet in Berlin , Germany. picture courtesy of afp/getty images/ Axel Schmidt ......
And whilst I wouldn't be the first to decry what's wrong with the state of track and field athletics. I must admit that I'm not totally surprised that it's not given the sport of exposure here that it get elsewhere around the world. Cheating and the drug and steroid issues not withstanding. I doubt that the public would indeed know who many of today's top stars are in the world of track and field even if their pictures were plastered across billboards up and down the country. The sport just doesn't garner the attention it once did. But yet thousands of scholarships are handed out each year to promising young athletes both male and female whose wish someday other than pursuing an education is to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Mike Hazel of the United States competes in the javelin at the ISTAF Golden League meet in Berlin Germany. picture courtesy of bongarts/getty images/ Friederman Vogel.......
There's a great deal of money that can be made but it pales into insignificance when measured against what can be earned in the other major sporting endeavors such basketball, football, hockey and baseball. But there are some athletes that've been able to make a living competing on the circuits around the world. The strength in numbers won't be lost on the US when it sends its best and brightest to compete in the summer spectacle. And the patriotism shown by the fans'll no doubt be there.
David Oliver of the United States ekes out a narrow win over the Cuban Dayron Robles and Sergeiy Demediyuk of the Ukraine in the 110m hurdles event held at ISTAF Golden League meet in Berlin Germany. picture courtesy of getty images/ Axel Schmidt ..............
But as it should portend to the sport when it's not a staple for the fans here in the United States. It can be said that it doesn't warrant our interest one iota. But the coverage that'll be dedicated by NBC over the course of the Olympics will be done in such a way that it'll play on our emotions and to all our most sincere of needs.
Hussein Taher Al Sabee of Saudi Arabia wins the men's long jump at the ISTAF Golden League meet in Berlin. Al Sabee of Saudi Arabia is one his country's only true world class athlete in track and field and is considered one the favorites in the event at the upcoming Olympics. picture courtesy afp/getty images/ Mickael Kappeler ..........
The likes of Usain Bolt and other who are no doubt world class athletes are nothing but a long list of athletes who'll garner our attention but for a brief moment over the course of the ensuing months. The Olympics themselves notwithstanding , I doubt that once the events have come and gone we'll have really been concerned with what took place . Unless there's some political unrest or protests along the way that it warrants our attention.
Sweden's Susanna Kallur earns an easy victory in the women's 100m hurdles over Brigitte Foster- Hylton of Jamaica at the ISTAF Golden League meet in Berlin. picture courtesy of afp/getty images/bongarts.....
The ideals and very essence of what the games' modern day founder Pierre de Coubertin had wished for . Has now been lost as it has become nothing more than another sporting spectacle bereft of any integrity and high moral standards. It has if anything else just become another sporting anathema filled with nothing more than commercialistic values and very little else !
Memorial Day weekend seems to be the one time of the year where one can say the whole nation is united in the gratitude that's shown to the men and women of the armed services. Those that've fallen and those who still bear the pain of wars that are being fought now and in the past.
The toll that's taken on the soldiers can be overwhelming and the loss of a comrade only further goes to show the alarming severity of the task at hand.
Having served in the military myself, and with a younger sibling now serving in the Middle East. Not a moment goes by when I for one am not thinking about him and his comrades. For myself my own service to my country was done some years ago on the streets of Belfast in Northern Ireland in the attempt to bring peace to a province . Where the sectarian violence wasn't unlike what we're now witnessing in Iraq and farther afield. Incendiary devices were the norm and one also had to be on the watch for snipers who were quite prepared to take out a soldier at a moment's notice.
All the emotion shown gives evidence to the pain suffered by this particular family member ....
The comparisons that can be made as to what the US now faces in Iraq and what was faced by the UK are as vast as a chasm. But in reality the enemy faced in terms of ferocity was just as heinous in their apparent recklessness when it came to taking a life be it civilian or otherwise ! And whilst the comparison ends there in terms of the ferocity . The emotions felt by the families of the soldiers serving were nevertheless the same. The loss of a loved on the field of battle is just as painful were that loss due to an accident in civilian life.
It's not lost on me at this time what the symbolic value and sentiment is behind this message. Neither is it lost on the nation's citizens.
But in times of war one understands the sacrifices that'll have to be made . Even when many may well feel that the ultimate price is far too high to pay. In serving one's country one is doing it not just for the honor. But to safeguard the ideals and ideas upon which those beliefs were built. It's the same the whole world over but the difference is in the language used and the message by which it is sent.
A soldier salutes the flag on Memorial Day just outside the city of Baghdad,Iraq in May of 2007. One year on and that action will no doubt be repeated there and across the country by others.
The men and women of the armed services deserve our gratitude and a great deal more . The depth of that gratitude though celebrated once a year can be repaid in so many different ways . From a random act of kindness to just saying 'hello' to a vet . The appreciation that it brings is immeasurable for the party concerned. And if nothing else it marks the respect and esteem we have for these individuals !
The words are appropriate as are the emotions we feel when commemorating this particular day .
Whilst the celebrations here are heartfelt and warming there are moments of nostalgia for many. For a vet who can reminisce from an effort made . The stories of heroism shown on the field of battle, all is not lost on these men and women , young and old. And on the day itself the poignancy of it all won't be lost on us. Though the day itself will be celebrated in numerous ways. For one brief moment of silence prayers'll be said to commemorate loved ones lost and those on the scene. Be they homebased or farther afield. For myself my thought and prayers will be for those who've lost loved ones and for those who've family members abroad serving at this moment in time including my own younger sibling.
In Britain the day itself is commemorated in November . Here the former Prime Minister Tony Blair greets the High Commisioner of New Zealand to Britain the Rt Hon. Johnathan Hunt before the commencment of the memorial service.
And even now with several of my own American based friends in the military who are now serving in Iraq. I feel that whilst they're away from friends and family alike like , my own wish is for that of their safe and quick return. Likewise too for those that I'd served with in the British military. The poignancy of it all has never been lost on me . It speaks to the volume and esteem that I place on this particular day to say the least ! I've lost friends in battle from the past and present. The thought of never having to see or speak to them again saddens me but at the same time the sacrifice made is magnified by the respect shown to them. And of that I'm extremely proud !
Manchester United wins its 10th Premier League title in sixteen years and once again proves their dominance within domestic soccer in the UK. For coach Alex Ferguson it now puts him at extreme heights within the game domestically. He's the most successful coach in all of British soccer. And his accomplishments ought to be lauded. Having been a fan of the game since my birth I've grown up within the UK and saw the likes of Leeds United , Liverpool , Arsenal , Chelsea dominate the scene. But now one has come close to achieving what this sporting behemoth has done within soccer. People may well say that the success of Glasgow Celtic is comparable. But to my mind the soccer in Scotland is nowhere as competitive as it is to its compatriot south of the border.
Paul Scholes of Manchester United and Wilson Palacios of Wigan contest a loose ball during the final Premiership game of the season. picture courtesy of getty images/ Alex Livesey ............
United proved themselves more than equal to the task in defeating Wigan Athletic to secure the win and guarantee the formality of claiming the Premiere League trophy. After a long and arduous season this was the culmination of it all. The winning of the Premiereship and the chance to say that they're the champions of English soccer. The players themselves will no doubt feel pleased with their accomplishments. And for some it'll be an unprecedented event. Stalwarts like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs whose service to the club has been a long and tenured one the winning of another trophy won't seem like any of the others that they've already won before. But for them no doubt the taste of victory becomes even sweeter each time it's repeated.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores from the penalty spot on the way to ensuring Manchester United's 2-0 victory over their Premiereship rival. picture courtesy of getty images/ Alex Livesey ..........
And for all of the success that the team has known it can never become any drearier for the franchise no matter how it is achieved. As to what their dominance tells you about the state of the sport in the country. It suggests that the status quo remains as it always has been. When there's a dominant force within a sport that's when the interest is at its most heightened with regard to the sense of awareness by the fans. United's fans are ravenous they come when it comes to success. There are legions of them across the world and they come in all nationalities.
A victorious coach Alex Ferguson acknowledges the applause of the crowd having just won the Premiership for the tenth time during his illustrious career. He's brought in excess of twenty trophies to the United faithful in his career. pictures courtesy of Reuters UK .............
As a Chelsea fan I for one am hoping that we're able to acquit ourselves well when we come face to face in the finals of the Champions League. Europe's most prestigious club tournament will pit us against Manchester United for the trophy that both teams have won before. And it goes without saying I'm hoping that we'll prove to be victorious in that endeavor. This will not only place the champions of the Premiereship against the runners up but also some might say the the two best club sides in Europe without a doubt. Both teams are ladened with stars that've made themselves known throughout the game. And each in their own way are out to prove that they represent the best that the game has to offer. United's dominance of the game domestically only goes so far. But it's on the international stage where they feel that they can really make their presence felt. Just as it is with any other sport that seeks to gain notoriety internationally.
United and England defender Rio Ferdinand holds aloft the Premiereship trophy for the fans and press alike. picture courtesy of Empirepics/ Reuters ..........
As I've alluded to before the Champions League final will be a daunting task for Chelsea as a team. United will start off as favorites for the title but it's certainly not an unaccustomed position that we'll find ourselves in. With the style of play that the team is capable of they're more than likely to give United the challenge it seeks. We're not without talented players ourselves and the experience of the team will no doubt bear this out. However if we're at a disadvantage it is from the fact as manager of the team Avram Grant is unaccustomed to the sort of pressure envisaged.
Chelsea midlfielder Michael Ballack during the final game of the season played against Bolton that ensued in a 1-1 draw which enabled United to become champions of the Barclay Premiership League. picture courtesy of /AFP/Getty Images ...................
The game itself will bring a vast array of fans worldwide for one of the more spectacular highlights of the European sport's season. That inofitself is bound to bring out the most curious of fans albeit if it will be the first time viewing the spectacle of European soccer at its best. Enjoy the spectacle as it unfolds as it will bring out the very best that the teams will have to offer and a whole more than one is accustomed to seeing.
It never ceases to amaze me the arrogance of athletes let alone celebritiess once they come to the fore and a part of the public domain . Upon her historical win at Motegi Japan in an IRL race Danica Patrick became an overnight sensation. Albeit that she'd had a modicum of success to a varying degree within the discipline of IRL.
Members tend to the innjured Charles 'Chuck' Buckman who was struck by Danica Patrick's vehicle upon her entering pit lane having just come off the track after testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Buckman suffered a concussion and severe contusions. He's being kept under close observation having been listed in stable condition. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Tom Strickland .....
The sport's popularity has taken something of a major hit over the years once the split between it and the CART series took place. But since their re-emergence as a merged entity . It was felt that the open wheel discipline's profile would be again raised. And with Patrick's win at Motegi that was most definitely the case. And with IRL's most popular event on the calendar upon us . What took place today most certainly has placed the sport within the spotlight in an unenviable position.
Tony Kanaan leads teammate Danica Patrick whilst in practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, In. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ A J Mast .......
Upon ending a practice session Patrick in her Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda entered pit lane at a speed that one could attest would be far in exccess of what'd be expected under the conditions rendered. It culminated in an accident that could've been avoided had Patrick not been negligent in her responsibility as a driver. Her hitting pit chief mechanic Charles 'Chuck' Buckman the crew chief to Brazlian driver Mario Moraes of Dale Coyne Racing. Patrick's response if nothing else was scripted and showed very little remorse for an accident that could've been easily avoided had she not been so negligent.
Patrick leaves pit lane after having struck a Dale Coyne Racing employee prior. Practice sessions were taking place for the Indianapolis 500 which takes place on the 25th May. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Tom Strickland.......
It can be said Patrick as the IRL's most popular driver can ill afford be seen as a pariah at this juncture. But her actions after this incident would indicate that she's of the belief that she can do no wrong in the eyes of the public or the hierarchy of IRL. Albeit that at times she's also been viewed as one the sport's most outspoken personalities. Even being critical of her peers in some instances. Her tempered remorse patently scripted to show emotion certainly doesn't show how calculating Patrick can be. But at the end of the day it'll be about what the fans think of her and not the hierarchy of IRL. As to what her teammates and the rest of her peers may well think of her is open to debate at this juncture.
Former Indianapolis 500 champion Mario Andretti and his son Michael Andretti owner of the Andretti Green Racing team. picture courtesy of ap/photo/ Tom Strickland .....
Patrick's ambition is no doubt to be the best driver and champion within the open wheel racing discipline in North America. Her popularity , ambition and talent is without question. But her temperament may well be the one thing that'll either assist her in fulfilling her ambition or deflating that ambition. That choice is up to her and her alone. But her temperament had better be curbed if she's to avoid another incident of this nature either on or off the track. The seriousness of this incident shouldn't be lost on her or any of the other competitors within the sport at this juncture. It could easily have been one of them but then they're not the ones who are now in the spotlight and said to be face of the sport as it looks to the future.
Two time Indy 500 winner Helio Catroneves signs autographs for fans at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race itself will be held on the 25th of May at the famed track. picture courtesy of ap/photo/Darron Cummings ..........
As to what that'll portend for the sport one can only hope that it will be something that thrusts it to the heights where it can be viewed with the same esteem held by its more popular rival NASCAR. Certainly now at this moment in time Patrick's actions may not make that a foregone conclusion. Image is everything as they say or it's nothing at all !
As much as some of us lament the woes of the sport of boxing and all of the misnoma's and reincarnation of its stars. It can be said that unless there's a veritable reason for watching a bout many of us will just treat the sport with the disdain we think that it deserves.
Bernard Hopkins seen in training here for his upcoming fight against Joe Cazalghe at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Saturday , 19th April. picture courtesy of reuters/lasvegassun/Steve Marcus .........
In many respects some of the most ardent fans of the sport can no longer identify themselves with the sport in one form or another. It's somehow devoid of character and many of its stars fight with ever decreasing regularity that it's extremely hard for even a layman to find some interest in the sport. At a time when interest in the sport is at an alltime low one would think that the governing bodies and the promoters would be all the more aware of the situation and the apparent death knell that awaits the sport of it can't raise itself out of the doldrums and back into the public's consciousness.
Joe Cazalghe of Wales greets fans at the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas after a workout for his upcoming bout against Bernard Hopkins. picture courtesy of reuters//lasvegassun/Steve Marcus .........
Last weekend saw some of the top talent within the light heavyweight division take aim at one another in order to show their superiority and lay claim as to who's the best fighter within the division . We had Antonio Tarver take on Clinton Woods and we also saw Chad Dawson defend his version of the tilte against former champion Glen Johnson. One of the more apparent problems of the sport in general are the all too numerous championship belts within a division. Gone are the days where the champion was easily recognizable from the mere factr you could say that here's the undisputed champion of the world . Nowadays there's an array of champions within each weight category. Which in effect makes it all the more confusing for many a fan.
Hopkins makes imprints for memorabilia items that'll be kept at the Planet Hollywood Resort Hotel & Casino . Alongside Hopkins are publicist for the resort Kelly Swanson (l) and Carmen Hemus (r) the memorabilia coordinator for the resort. picture courtesy reuters/ Steve Marcus .....
The respite will not have stopped within the division as the eagerly anticipated fight between Bernard Hopkins and Welshman Joe Cazalghe is due to take place on Saturday in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center. What makes this all the more intriguing is that the fight itself though not for a recognized title is seen as perhaps the justification for what many consider to be the two best fighters within the division . Between them they have over thirty title defenses . Cazalghe's record is all the more impressive as he's unbeaten in his career as a professional . Hopkins has but three blemishes on his record and his status as one of the best middleweights of his generation is without question. So what'll amount to be a winner take all match will undoubtedly be more of a fascination to the most avid followers of the sport , no matter how small that faction might be.
Cazalghe on the podium with his own imprint and draped in the Welsh flag gets his picture taken by photographers. picture courtesy of reuters/Steve Marcus.....
And whilst many have felt that the popularity of the sport of boxing has been on the wane. It can be said that when the more prestigious fights do come about there's decidedly a peeked interest as to the goings on within the sport. That may well be due to the fact that it's a rarity to get two such highly skilled fighters into a ring at the same time. And the other problem also is that when fights of this magnitude do take place it's at the expense where not all of the fans can see it. The vast majority of the time these title bouts are placed on the PPV system that's normally priced out of the range of the average fan. As will be the case for this particular bout. At $ 49.95 it certainly isn't a price to be scoffed at for the privilege of seeing the main event as well as the supporting undercard. But such are the machinations of prize fighting in its current climate that it's easy to understand why some fans have gone elsewhere for its sporting entertainment rather than endure what can be at times some rather dull entertainment.
In no doubt as to who in his mind is number one Hopkins declares his intentions with a gesture. picture courtesy of reuters/ Steve Marcus ......
On the other hand fighters of the pedigree of Cazlaghe and Hopkins normally put on an entertaining fight. Such are their styles and the fact that both like to entertain the fans. They know what it takes to bring the crowds out to a venue and the fact that the fans will want their money's worth at the end of the day. This won't just be about the fight itself but whether or not the sport can remain healthy within a climate where despite the popularity it has seen its influence wane while the likes of the UFC and the mixed martial arts genre has reached unprecedented heights in popularity all across the world at the expense of the sport of boxing. If the sport is to regain its focus and capture the attention of the general public and fans alike then bout such as this has to be made all the more accessible and less expensive for the fans instead of the obvious extortionate and exorbitant prices that are all too often being charged. The fighters themselves are handily paid and with residuals it can be said that they're very well taken care of financially at the expense of the paying public.
Cazalghe acknowledges the fans and press alike upon his arrival at Planet Hollywood for a press conference to publicize the fight. picture courtesy of reuters/Steve Marcus ......
The bout itself ought to go a long way in telling us who may well be the best light heavyweight alive today but the title holders Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson may well see things differently. They're the ones on the outside looking in. While it is Cazalghe and Hopkins that've garnered the limelight and attention of the press because of their showmanship. Notwithstanding the fact that they've been prepared to take on allcomers throughout their careers. A fact that neither Dawson or Tarver have ever lived up to. It can be said that if the latter want to be a part of the main event then they too ought to think about squaring off against one another. Rather than the usual calling out we've all so use to come to seeing when in effect nothing ever usually materializes from it. When we want to see a childish show one normally attends the circus to the see the clowns . We don't expect to see fighters posturing like they're ready to do battle and then cry off
