Sania Nehwal Wins Bonze at London Olympics 2012

London: Saina Nehwal on saturday created history by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic Games bronze medal in badminton, though under fortuitous circumstances, as her world number two Chinese opponent retired from the play-off because of a knee injury.

The 22-year-old Saina was trailing 18-21, 0-1 in the high-voltage bronze medal play-off match when her second seeded opponent Xin Wang retired hurt, giving India an unexpected medal without having to sweat much.

Saina also became the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, after Karnam Malleswari`s weightlifting bronze in 2000 Sydney Olympics.

With the addition of Saina`s bronze, India`s medal collection in the ongoing Olympics has gone upto three with pistol shooter Vijay Kumar (silver) and seasoned marksman Gagan Narang (bronze) being the other medal winners.


Source:http://zeenews.india.com/sports/london-olympics-2012/india-at-olympics/london-olympics-2012-saina-creates-history-wins-first-badminton-bronze-in-olympics_746845.html

London Olympics: Saina Nehwal loses badminton semi-final

India's hopes of a gold medal in the badminton competition were dashed on Friday when Saina Nehwal lost in the semi-finals of the women's singles competition.

The Indian lost in straight game to China's Yihan Wang. The final score was 21-13, 21-13 in favour of China's world number one after 39 minutes of thrilling badminton.

However, this defeat doesn't end Saina's medal hopes. She can still win a bronze if she prevails in the third-place playoff.

Blake Gaudry all set for his goal at olympics london 2012

GYMNASTICS – TRAMPOLINE: Adelaide-based gymnast Blake Gaudry didn’t know trampoline was an Olympic sport when he took it up 10 years ago, but on Friday he will make his Olympic debut as Australia’s only representative in the sport at the 2012 Games. The 20 year-old, who has spent the past three weeks in the UK leading up to his one day of competition at North Greenwich Arena, put the finishing touches on his preparation today (Thursday) with a podium session in the morning before returning to the Athlete’s Village to “chill out” and get off his feet. “It was good coming in early to the Village - I’ve seen everything I wanted to see - and got it all out of my system so I am not distracted,” said Gaudry, who got to meet Prince Charles on Day 1 of the Olympic Games at the road cycling. “I have seen some of the Aussie team competing in the swimming and diving and the crowds and atmosphere has been amazing. “It’s good to have experienced that so I have a feel for what to expect when I step onto the competition arena. “I have been in the UK almost a month so my body clock is right and I feel good.” Gaudry, ranked No. 27 in the world, believes he is on track to achieve his Olympic goal. “My training has been really good – if I do half as well in competition as I have been going in training I’ll be really happy,” he said. “A finals spot has always been the goal and the way I am training that is a realistic achievement. “After that I have no major expectations. I came fifth in the Test event so if I can come close to that I will be extremely happy. “I really see this competition as setting me up well for the next Olympic campaign in 2016.” Trampoline has delivered Australian gymnastics its only Olympic medal – a silver by Ji Wallace at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Tracie Edmondson in London Olympics.com.auBack  Top

London Olympics: Saina Nehwal becomes first Indian shuttler to reach semi-finals

You could have confused the Wembley badminton hall to be in India. The tricolour was a prized possession as spectators waved it in the stands and chanted "Sainaaa, Sainaaa..."

And the diva of Indian badminton did everything to bring cheer as she cranked up her game like a true champion to dump Tine Baun 21-15, 22-20 and enter the women's singles semi-final.

As the cherubic lass leapt and smashed from the back court for a winner,Saina was in a state of joy as she shouted, then hit the deck and slapped both her palms on the court.

Saina had been well in control of her emotions right through the 29-minute high voltage contest but the second game was a cliff-hanger.
With the tall Baun leading by three game points, Saina needs to play something special. And what a way she responded, keeping her focus intact and covering the court with grace.

It was Saina' s poise and killer instinct which enabled her shut out Baun in front of packed stands where a huge number of Indians had bought tickets for the afternoon session.

The Saina Nehwal of Beijing 2008 and the Saina of London 2012 are two different players. If she was then a player who was learning what it is to compete at the highest level against tough opponents, now she is feared.

Her hair short and neat, hair clips holding it back in place even as she jumped, dived and retrieved the shuttle, everything was neat about Saina, as she ran through the first game in just 16 minutes.

Those reaching the Wembley arena late had missed valuable action as Saina was in 'the zone'. For her part, Baun was back-pedalling in the contest, sweating and unable to force the pace.

The way Saina played today was so different from previous big matches at the All England championship, Asian Games and world championship.
Having been given the tag of choker on big stage, Saina needed to tell the world she had changed her approach.

Source:http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/london-olympics-saina-nehwal-becomes-first-indian-shuttler-to-reach-semi-finals/1/211512.html

"Michael Phelps" claimed the 16th Olympic gold medal in the men's 200m

Michael Phelps claimed the 16th Olympic gold medal of his amazing career and 20th in total with a thrilling victory in the men's 200m Individual Medley.

Phelps led from start to finish and held off fast-finishing USA team-mate Ryan Lochte down the final freestyle leg to win in 1:54.27, just 0.04 outside his own Olympic record.

It means that Phelps is the first man to win the event at three consecutive Games and came just 48 hours after he won his 18th and 19th Olympic medals to overtake Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina, who held the previous record with 18.

Lochte, who had been forced to settle for bronze in the 200m Backstroke final 30 minutes earlier, took silver in 1:54.90, with Hungary's Laszlo Cseh taking bronze.

Later on, the Netherlands' Ranomi Kromowidjojo ensured there would not be a USA clean sweep of the four finals, powering to victory in the 100m Freestyle and lowering her Olympic record - set yesterday - to 53.00.

The 21-year-old was only fourth at the turn but stormed down the final length to finish ahead of Aliaksandra Herasimenia and China's Yi Tang.
Source:http://www.london2012.com/news/articles/phelps-wins-16th-gold.html

Gagan Narang bags bronze in 10m air rifle event at London 2012 Olympics

London: Gagan Narang opened India’s account at the London Olympics as he bagged a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle event on Monday. 

Alin George Moldoveanu of Romania won the gold medal while Niccolo Campriani of Italy won the silver medal.



Narang shot 103.1 in the final to take the bronze. Moldoveanu shot the same score as Narang in the finals - 103.1 - but clinched gold by virtue of finishing first in the qualifying round at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London on Monday.

This is India's 1oth individual medal in the history of Olympics. Narang had won four gold medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and followed with two silver medals in the Guangzhou Asian Games.


Narang, a two-time world record setter, had won four gold medals in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and followed that up with two silver in the Guangzhou Asian Games a month later.

SOURCE: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/london-olympics-2012/india-at-olympics/2012-london-olympics-gagan-narang-bags-bronze-in-10m-air-rifle-event_746482.html

POSITIVE THINKING : POSITIVE QUOTES

Positive thinking and positive attitudes are essential for having a happy, equilibrated and meaningful life. Lack of enthusiasm and optimism may sometimes make us slip into negative states of mind and induce discouraging emotions and thoughts. To avoid these unpleasant feelings and learn to enjoy life in a richer way, take a look at the following positive quotes about life – they will help you become more optimistic and interpret daily events in a different way.

"Lauren Mitchell" of Australia competes on the beam Lauren Mitchell of Australia competes on the beam in the Artistic Gymnastics women's team qualification on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena.

WA gymnast Lauren Mitchell has started her Olympic qualifying campaign on solid ground with a strong floor routine at the North Greenwich Arena today.

The four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist is aiming to win Australia’s first artistic gymnastic medal at an Olympics.

Mitchell is strongest on floor and beam and had good reason to be pleased after her first routine at a venue that holds fond memories for the 21-year-old.

Back in 2009, Mitchell won silver at the world championships in the same arena, and today she looked to be in the mood for more medals during the qualification round.

After four well executed tumbling passes, she jogged away wearing a broad smile before a score of 14.833 lit up the scoreboard.

The Australian team, also featuring WA’s Emily Little, were in the second sub-division of today’s qualifying.

The top eight teams at the conclusion of today’s qualification, which is due to finish around 4am WA time on Monday, will compete in Tuesday’s team final.

Similarly, the top eight athletes on each individual apparatus go into finals, starting next Sunday. SUBS: AUGUST 5

The 24 gymnasts across all four apparatus qualify for the all-around final on Thursday.http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/other/14398663/strong-start-for-lauren-mitchell/

Highlights from Day 1 of the Olympic Games

 Kim Clijsters of Belgium plays a forehand against Roberta Vinci of Italy

Kim Clijsters of Belgium returns a shot against Roberta Vinci of Italy during her women's singles Tennis match on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon on 28 July 2012.

 Ines Boubakri of Tunisia celebrates winning in the Fencing

Ines Boubakri of Tunisia celebrates winning her women's Foil Individual Fencing round of 32 match against Nicole Ross of the USA on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on 28 July 2012.

http://www.london2012.com/photos/galleryid=1305044/#larissa-franca-brazil-dives-for-the-ball

 Hyun Hee Nam of Korea competes against Olga Leleyko of Ukraine

Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image of Hyun Hee Nam of Korea competing against Olga Leleyko of Ukraine in the women's Foil Individual Fencing round of 64 match on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on 28 July.

 Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates win

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Alejandro Falla of Colombia during their men's Singles Tennis match on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wimbledon on 28 July.

 Larissa Franca of Brazil dives for the ball

Larissa Franca of Brazil dives for the ball during the Women's Beach Volleyball Preliminary Round on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Horse Guards Para

 Judo gold medallist Arsen Galstyan of Russia

Gold medallist Arsen Galstyan of Russia stands on the podium after winning the men's -60 kg Judo on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL.

 Sebastian Krimmer of Germany competes on the horizontal bar

Sebastian Krimmer of Germany competes on the horizontal bar in the Artistic Gymnastics men's team qualification on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena.

 Laura Georges of France tussles with Choe Mi Gyong of DPR Korea

Laura Georges (R) of France holds off Choe Mi Gyong of DPR Korea during the women's Football first round group G match between France and DPR Korea on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Hampden Park on 28 July 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland.

 A view inside ExCeL, the Table Tennis venue

This image of the Table Tennis venue at ExCeL was created using a variable planed lens on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

 Detelin Dalakliev of Bulgaria competes in the ring with Ayabonga Sonjica of South Africa

Detelin Dalakliev of Bulgaria (L) throws a left against with Ayabonga Sonjica of South Africa during their men's Bantam weight (56kg) bout on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on 28 July 2012.

 Shooting for two points

Luca Ivankovic shoots for Croatia v United States during women's Basketball on Day 1 of the Olympic Games at the Basketball Arena

 Ryan Lochte of USA competes on the way to winning gold

Ryan Lochte of USA competes in the final of the men's 400m Individual Medley on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on 28 July 2012.

 Looking down on the mat and the Rings

Sofiane Milous of France (white) competes with Hovhannes Davtyan of Armenia during the Men's -60 kg Judo on Day 1 of the Olympic Games at ExCeL

 An underwater remote camera captures the women's 100m Butterfly

(From R) Dana Vollmer of USA, Alicia Coutts of Australia and Claire Donahue of USA compete in the second semi-final of the women's 100m Butterfly on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on 28 July 2012.

 Valentina Vezzali celebrates

Valentina Vezzali celebrates winning her women's Foil Individual Fencing Quaterfinal match against Ines Boubakri of Tunisia on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on 28 July

http://www.london2012.com/photos/galleryid=1305044/#larissa-franca-brazil-dives-for-the-ball