The teenage Chinese swimmer at the centre of a global controversy over allegations of doping accused her critics of being biased against Chinese athletes just hours after winning a second gold medal in Olympic record time.
"In other countries, other swimmers have won multiple golds and nobody has said anything," Ye Shiwen told a news conference following her victory in the 200m individual medley at the Aquatics Centre. "How come people criticise me just because I have won multiple golds?"
Asked directly if she had ever used performance enhancing substances, the 16-year-old said: "Absolutely not." Her own success and that of other young swimmers such as 17-year-old US athlete Missy Franklin was "because of our training, because we work really hard," she said.
The swimmer found herself at the centre of an international doping storm following her victory in the 400m individual medley on Saturday, during which she swam a final freestyle leg of such remarkable acceleration that she overhauled the race leader and finished almost three metres ahead of her, in world record time. She swam the final 50m of the race faster than the American swimmer Ryan Lochte in the men's race.
On Monday, the leading US coach John Leonard, executive director of the World Swimming Coaches Association, questioned the performance, telling the Guardian: "We want to be very careful about calling it doping, [but] the one thing I will say is that history in our sport will tell you that every time we see something – and I will put quotation marks around this – 'unbelievable', history shows us that it turns out later on there was doping involved."
His comments provoked an angry response from China's head of doping control, Jiang Zhixue, who called the remarks "not proper" and said: "Some people are just biased. We never questioned Michael Phelps when he bagged eight gold medals in Beijing."
The swimmer's father, Ye Qingsong, stepped into the fray, telling the Chinese news portal Tencent that while it was "normal" for people to be suspicious, "the western media has always been arrogant and suspicious of Chinese people".
Others also defended the teenager, pointing out that there was no evidence she had used illegal performance-enhancing substances. An IOC spokesman, Mark Adams, said: "These are the world's best athletes competing at the highest level. We have a very, very strong drugs testing programme. If there are cheats we will catch them."
Speculation about doping, he said, was "a sad result of the fact that there are people who cheat. If you cannot applaud a good performance, let's give the benefit of the doubt."
Colin Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association said: "She's been through Wada's [the World Anti-Doping Agency] programme and she's clean. That's the end of the story. Ye Shiwen deserves recognition for her talent. Let's recognise an extraordinary swimmer."
Ye, the world champion, said Leonard's suggestions were "unfair", but said they hadn't affected her. "I want to thank my coaches, and also my teammates and parents," she said. "They have been supporting me a lot. They are the people who can make me strong and that's why I'm not that affected by outside noise. I also feel they [those criticising her] are biased."
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
LONDON OLYMPICS: LI XUERUI SENDS CAROLINA MARIN PACKING IN WOMEN’S SINGLES GROUP L
China’s in-form player Li Xuerui showed her tremendous skills on court as she easily ousted Carolina Marin of Spain in Women’s Singles Group L encounter at the 2012 London Olympics on Sunday, July 29, at Wembley Arena, London.
The World Number Three Xuerui, who has also been seeded at number three in Women’s Singles draw of the event, did not face any considerable opposition from her lower ranked Spanish opponent and easily won the contest in a dominating manner.
The third seeded Chinese shuttler was in her best form as she moved quite quickly in all areas of court and thrashes Carolina in a stunning way by finishing off the battle in straight games with a huge margin.
On the other hand, the lower ranked Carolina tried her best to show her brilliance against her Chinese opponent but failed to play positive badminton and eventually lost the battle in two sets without even getting close on score board.
Xuerui took over the control of the pace from the opening points of first set by playing fast and positive badminton and she set up an early lead without any trouble.
In the meanwhile, Carolina tried to play attacking badminton and also remained successful in earning a few points but failed to maintain her focus and remained struggling until the mid-game interval.
After the break, Xuerui continued putting up her staggering show in front of a huge crowd at Wembley Arena and she remained successful in grabbing the first game with a huge 21-13 margin on score board.
In the following set, the Chinese lady put up a similar show of attacking badminton as she played with tremendous aggression and easily set up a sensational gap until the end of opening half.
After the break, Xuerui continued showing her sterling performance on court as she did not miss any chance to end up rallies and remained successful in snatching the second set of this contest with a stunning margin of 21-11.
The World Number Three Xuerui, who has also been seeded at number three in Women’s Singles draw of the event, did not face any considerable opposition from her lower ranked Spanish opponent and easily won the contest in a dominating manner.
The third seeded Chinese shuttler was in her best form as she moved quite quickly in all areas of court and thrashes Carolina in a stunning way by finishing off the battle in straight games with a huge margin.
On the other hand, the lower ranked Carolina tried her best to show her brilliance against her Chinese opponent but failed to play positive badminton and eventually lost the battle in two sets without even getting close on score board.
Xuerui took over the control of the pace from the opening points of first set by playing fast and positive badminton and she set up an early lead without any trouble.
In the meanwhile, Carolina tried to play attacking badminton and also remained successful in earning a few points but failed to maintain her focus and remained struggling until the mid-game interval.
After the break, Xuerui continued putting up her staggering show in front of a huge crowd at Wembley Arena and she remained successful in grabbing the first game with a huge 21-13 margin on score board.
In the following set, the Chinese lady put up a similar show of attacking badminton as she played with tremendous aggression and easily set up a sensational gap until the end of opening half.
After the break, Xuerui continued showing her sterling performance on court as she did not miss any chance to end up rallies and remained successful in snatching the second set of this contest with a stunning margin of 21-11.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Olympic soccer 2012: Brazil vs Belarus results, update and schedule (video)
Spaniards triumphed over the Bealrus team in Olympic soccer 2012: Brazil vs Belarus results show the Honduras team doing it later. here are update schedule and video
Despite some initial shocks, the Olympic soccer gold hopeful Brazil was on track to win the tournament and prove to the world that it is still the best soccer team in the world. Another leading soccer team that is as good as Brazil was given a true scare when japan won their first match. Many were hoping that Brazil and Belarus fight too goes the same way, so that other teams too may hope of winning the tournament.
With the presence of Spain and Brazil in the tournament, other teams don’t really have a chance to win or remain in tournament against these two top soccer teams.
Meanwhile Belarus that had gone a good lesson from Japan, had prepared a comprehensive plan to tackle the top Brazilian soccer team. But to be true, apart from the beginning of the tournament they didn’t really had a chance to make a magic and win the tournament. But the man who must be given for orchestrating today’s win was none other than Neymar. He seemed to be everywhere when the team needed and he singlehandedly managed to set up two goals and scored from a free kick. His heroics today will be remembered by his fans for years to come.
Today’s 3-1 win over Belarus ensures that the team progresses to quarterfinal level. After the comprehensive win over Belarus a beaming Neymar said, ‘I’m glad that I was able to play well again and that I got the goal and the assists…The victory was important to make sure we make it to the next round no matter what happens in the final match”.
Days before the important match the Belarus Olympic squad chief Bernd Stange said, “I’m happy to be coaching the team and I’m proud to have taken them from 90th in the World Ranking to 37th. Belarus aren’t so very far away from Russia and Ukraine now, which is an excellent achievement for what is a very young team. I’m also pleased to be inspiring local coaches, who are looking at how the national team
Despite some initial shocks, the Olympic soccer gold hopeful Brazil was on track to win the tournament and prove to the world that it is still the best soccer team in the world. Another leading soccer team that is as good as Brazil was given a true scare when japan won their first match. Many were hoping that Brazil and Belarus fight too goes the same way, so that other teams too may hope of winning the tournament.
With the presence of Spain and Brazil in the tournament, other teams don’t really have a chance to win or remain in tournament against these two top soccer teams.
Meanwhile Belarus that had gone a good lesson from Japan, had prepared a comprehensive plan to tackle the top Brazilian soccer team. But to be true, apart from the beginning of the tournament they didn’t really had a chance to make a magic and win the tournament. But the man who must be given for orchestrating today’s win was none other than Neymar. He seemed to be everywhere when the team needed and he singlehandedly managed to set up two goals and scored from a free kick. His heroics today will be remembered by his fans for years to come.
Today’s 3-1 win over Belarus ensures that the team progresses to quarterfinal level. After the comprehensive win over Belarus a beaming Neymar said, ‘I’m glad that I was able to play well again and that I got the goal and the assists…The victory was important to make sure we make it to the next round no matter what happens in the final match”.
Days before the important match the Belarus Olympic squad chief Bernd Stange said, “I’m happy to be coaching the team and I’m proud to have taken them from 90th in the World Ranking to 37th. Belarus aren’t so very far away from Russia and Ukraine now, which is an excellent achievement for what is a very young team. I’m also pleased to be inspiring local coaches, who are looking at how the national team
Saturday, July 28, 2012
China's Ye breaks world record to win 400m medley
LONDON: China's Ye Shiwen unleashed a withering burst to claim Olympic gold in the women's 400m medley in world record time at the London Olympics on Saturday.
The 16-year-old overwhelmed American world champion Elizabeth Beisel to win the final in four minutes 28.43 seconds to cap a glittering night for China in the pool following Sun Yang's victory in the men's 400m freestyle.
Ye put in a storming final freestyle leg to shatter the previous record of 4:29.45, set by Australian Stephanie Rice en route to gold at the Beijing Games four years ago.
So supercharged was Ye's finish that she powered under the world record on the back of a 28.93sec final lap to leave her rivals in her wake.
Beisel finished with silver in 4:31.27 with Ye's teammate Li Xuanxu taking the bronze in 4:32.91.
Defending champion Rice trailed in sixth in 4:35.49 with British hope and world silver medallist Hannah Miley fifth in 4:34.17.
"I think under the circumstances, it proves I am not fit enough to back up two top-class swims, I didn't really cruise through the heats," said Rice.
The 16-year-old overwhelmed American world champion Elizabeth Beisel to win the final in four minutes 28.43 seconds to cap a glittering night for China in the pool following Sun Yang's victory in the men's 400m freestyle.
Ye put in a storming final freestyle leg to shatter the previous record of 4:29.45, set by Australian Stephanie Rice en route to gold at the Beijing Games four years ago.
So supercharged was Ye's finish that she powered under the world record on the back of a 28.93sec final lap to leave her rivals in her wake.
Beisel finished with silver in 4:31.27 with Ye's teammate Li Xuanxu taking the bronze in 4:32.91.
Defending champion Rice trailed in sixth in 4:35.49 with British hope and world silver medallist Hannah Miley fifth in 4:34.17.
"I think under the circumstances, it proves I am not fit enough to back up two top-class swims, I didn't really cruise through the heats," said Rice.
Table tennis: Ankita Das crashes out of Olympics 2012
Indian challenge in women's table tennis ended in the first round itself as Ankita Das crashed out losing 1-4 to Spain's Sara Ramirez at the ExCel centre here.
Olympics 2012 | Schedule | Features | Medals Tally
The 19-year-old Indian, who was playing in her first ever Games, fought valiantly to stage a comeback in the fourth game, but that did not prove enough as the Spaniard rallied back to clinch the fifth game and the match in just 29 minutes.
Ankita looked totally out of sorts against a much higher ranked Sara (83) as she gave away some easy points and could not hold on to her serve on occasions.
The Siliguri girl, who booked her Olympic berth through a South Asian quota place earlier this year, however showed patches of brilliance as she tried her best to stay alive in the tournament.
Backhand has been Ankita's weak point and whenever Ramirez played there, the youngster was all at sea. She is also not known for her mobility and lack of feet movement also led to her downfall.
Olympics 2012 | Schedule | Features | Medals Tally
The 19-year-old Indian, who was playing in her first ever Games, fought valiantly to stage a comeback in the fourth game, but that did not prove enough as the Spaniard rallied back to clinch the fifth game and the match in just 29 minutes.
Ankita looked totally out of sorts against a much higher ranked Sara (83) as she gave away some easy points and could not hold on to her serve on occasions.
The Siliguri girl, who booked her Olympic berth through a South Asian quota place earlier this year, however showed patches of brilliance as she tried her best to stay alive in the tournament.
Backhand has been Ankita's weak point and whenever Ramirez played there, the youngster was all at sea. She is also not known for her mobility and lack of feet movement also led to her downfall.
Michael Phelps barely makes 400 IM final vs. Ryan Lochte
Phelps on Saturday morning qualified for the eighth and final spot in tonight's final of the 400 individual medley. That puts him in an outside lane tonight.
"A final spot is a final spot," Phelps said. "The only thing that matters is getting a spot in. You can't win a gold medal from the morning."
No, but you can lose one if you don't qualify, and Phelps very nearly didn't. He won his heat in 4 minutes, 13.33 seconds, barely beating Hungary's Laszlo Cseh, who finished in 4:13.40. Cseh will miss the final after winning silver in 2008 and bronze in 2004.
Lochte qualified in third place overall.
"My first race is always the worst one," Lochte said. "I'm glad I got the cobwebs out."
And what of his rival and village suitemate qualifying last?
Friday, July 27, 2012
Opening ceremony emphasizes whimsy over solemnity
In a city that knows how to do ceremony — from hoary rituals formalized in the Middle Ages to celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee last month partly through the Twitter feed @BritishMonarchy — an atmosphere of whimsy and party won out over pomp and circumstance during an Olympic opening ceremony that allowed an economically beleaguered Britain to pat itself on the back.
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Starting from his conviction that Britain "rebooted human existence" with the Industrial Revolution, director Danny Boyle called the entertainment piece of the nearly four-hour ceremony Friday night a "celebration of the creativity, exuberance and, above all, the generosity of the British people."
It was in the spirit of such generosity that the organizers chose not a single renowned Olympian to light the cauldron that will burn until Aug. 12 but seven young athletes who embody the London Games' idealistic motto and hope to "inspire a generation."
With 260 British Olympic medalists joining them, the seven young athletes touched torches to copper petals that rose to form a cauldron at the center of the stadium floor. It will be moved to another position before the track and field events begin Friday.
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Starting from his conviction that Britain "rebooted human existence" with the Industrial Revolution, director Danny Boyle called the entertainment piece of the nearly four-hour ceremony Friday night a "celebration of the creativity, exuberance and, above all, the generosity of the British people."
It was in the spirit of such generosity that the organizers chose not a single renowned Olympian to light the cauldron that will burn until Aug. 12 but seven young athletes who embody the London Games' idealistic motto and hope to "inspire a generation."
With 260 British Olympic medalists joining them, the seven young athletes touched torches to copper petals that rose to form a cauldron at the center of the stadium floor. It will be moved to another position before the track and field events begin Friday.
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