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Published: August 16th 2016
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Day 10 is done here in Rio and it might just be remember as a 'series of unfortunate events'. Not only was it the hottest winter day we've ever experienced at just over 33 degrees Celsius, there was lots to point to in the universe today that things just weren't lining up exactly right for us or our athletes! It started with us forgetting our camera (and my phone) for our first event (track cycling) and all the while our men were being shut out over at Kayak and Canoe events. We got on a bus that didn't take us the way the route normally goes (for some unknown reason) leaving us a long walk from our regular Subway station. Next up we were seconds away from potentially being crushed by giant flying cameras above Olympic Park while getting in line for basketball and to top off the day, our 9 day streak of medals came to an end. C'est la vie!
There was good news today of course -- we had athletes all over Rio qualifying for finals, next rounds, etc. The biggest Canadian moment of the day though belonged to our Men's Indoor Volleyball Team. They started the
tournament by stunning the USA with a 3-0 victory and then tonight, in fine fashion, dispatched with the undefeated Italians 3-1 to clinch a spot in the Quaterfinals. Since 1984 in Los Angeles (where we placed 4th) we've only qualified to compete one other time since then, in 1992 (Barcelona - finished 10th). In short, this is a big deal for Volleyball in Canada. Our team has shown it can absolutely beat the best here in Rio, now let's hope they can now do it when it really counts.
Track cycling was an absolute blast. We just wish it lasted longer. The session is only about an hour long and before you figure out what is going on, it is all over! The venue is beautiful (with no camera we've stolen a few pictures from the internet for you to see the inside). The steep slopes along the curves and the sheer speed of the athletes around the track continue to amaze us.
Not sure what the media coverage of the falling camera was today for each of your reading, but we were right there and can offer a quick perspective. The camera was literally strung from HUGE
towers across the entire Olympic Park. We're not sure of the total span, but guessing a full kilometer wouldn't be a crazy estimate. They use these cameras often in other venues, but they are much smaller cameras and they are on wires. The camera that fell was strung up on (surprisingly) what appears to be a thick climber's rope. The camera is used to provide aerial shots of the venues and Park in general, without needing to use a helicopter. Some of the coolest shots we've seen on TV of the Park have come from this camera. Luckily, it fell at a pretty good spot. Just a few feet short of some flags and right over top of some barricades. Despite reports of multiple injuries, there were only two and they seemed minor in nature. Had the camera fell a few more feet to the right, it might be a different story as it was just above the corridor where 15,000 spectators were beginning to line-up for basketball. When we came out of basketball, investigators were snapping photos and examining the frayed rope. Workers then promptly cleaned up the mess. We don't think this camera will be in use for
the balance of the Games. No idea what the cause was, but perhaps the heat was involved or this wasn't the right type of material for such a long span to use in the first place.
Basketball tonight was really good. It was the last night of pool play and we had two crazy big and loud crowds. The first game was Brazil vs. Nigeria, which the home country won with a dominating performance in the 4th quarter. The second game was Argentina vs. Spain. This was an important game for quarter final placings and a must win for Spain to absolutely guarantee a playoff spot. The crowd was 90% Argentinian and they sure can cheer! Unfortunately, there team was flat tonight and despite entering the night with the best record in pool play, they lost to Spain 92-73. Spain's win also means that Brazil is out of the tournament. What an upset! This was our first game (despite all the basketball we've seen) that we've also been able to secretly cheer for a Canadian referee. Karen Lasuik from Edmonton and Steve Seibel from Kamloops are both refereeing and our luck with the tickets we bought more than a
year ago hasn't been that great so far in aligning with games they are working. We got to see Steve work tonight and there is no doubt why he is regarded by, quite possibly, as the best referee in the world. The term 'firm but fair' might best describe Steve. He has the respect of players and coaches, but he also doesn't put up with nonsense. There is no doubt Steve could be working in the NBA right now, or in the Final Four tournament...but his family (especially his kids), staying close to home in Kamloops and being a successful lawyer at his firm have always come first. This might irk some that wish they had the skill-set and talent Steve has on the court, but we certainly admire it. To be that good and still prioritize the things that are most important in life, first, is truly the real test of ones character.
Tomorrow we are up VERY early to be down at Fort Copacabana for the Men's Marathon Swimming event and then back to the Park with tickets to three of the four Women's Basketball Quarterfinals. We are PUMPED to cheer on our Canadian women's team versus
France as our last game of the day tomorrow.
More pictures below.
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Kim
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:)
That was a close call. Glad you and everyone are okay! Fingers crossed for our Canadian athletes today. Go Canada :) xo