Tag Archives: floods

London 2012 Olympics: South Korean fencer protests

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Korean fencer stages sit-down protest after controversial decision in semi-final

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UPDATED:

19:39 GMT, 30 July 2012

Olympics 2012

South Korean fencer Shin Lam was in floods of tears at the ExCeL arena after the biggest controversy of the Olympics so far.

The 25-year-old thought she was through to the final of the women’s epee when, to her horror and that of her coach Shim Jaesung, the clock was reset from zero to one second.

And when the action resumed German Britta Heidemann, gold medallist four years ago, scored a do-or-die hit that appeared to have given her a place in the final against Ukraine’s Yana Shemyakana.

Controversy: Shin Lam of South Korea reacts after losing to Britta Heidemann of Germany

Controversy: Shin Lam of South Korea reacts after losing to Britta Heidemann of Germany

The Korean coach furiously launched an appeal against the decision that had allowed the fight to continue and it was nearly half an hour before it was announced to the crowd – slow-handicapping by this stage – that Heidemann’s win stood.

Shin broke down in tears for the second time and while her opponent celebrated she remained on the piste.

Lam Shin of South Korea reacts after losing to Britta Heidemann

Britta Heidemann of Germany celebrates her victory

Contrasting fortunes: Lam was in floods of tears as Britta Heidemann (right) celebrates her win

The crowd was then told she was doing that because a formal appeal was being considered and if she left the field of play it would be deemed an acceptance of defeat.

/07/30/article-0-144C0880000005DC-523_634x384.jpg” width=”634″ height=”384″ alt=”Dream over: Officials lead the fencer away after her appeal” class=”blkBorder” />

Dream over: Officials lead the fencer away after her appeal

Shin only needed to draw the contest in sudden death because she had been given priority – that is, the onus was on Heidemann to score in the extra minute of sudden death.

The crowd could hardly believe their ears just before 7.40pm – nearly an hour after the incident – when they were told part of the rules was that the Koreans had to lodge money for the appeal to be valid.

Alone: Lam refused to leave after the controversial decision was announced

Alone: Lam refused to leave after the controversial decision was announced

Still Shin remained on the piste,
bringing back memories of fellow Korean /07/30/article-2181215-144C0DA3000005DC-864_634x417.jpg” width=”634″ height=”417″ alt=”All out for the win: Heidemann (right) scores the final point to secure a controversial victory” class=”blkBorder” />

All out for the win: Heidemann (right) scores the final point to secure a controversial victory

Another official came on to assist as she dissolved into tears again. Now there were whistles and boos from the crowd as she was led off, although the decision had still not been announced.

As she was hugged by her coach the announcer asked for respect to be shown to the athletes and judges – and also a big round of applause for the world number 12 as she finally left.

The coach left as well, still clearly furious about an outcome that the fans had yet to be told about.

The final should have been staged by then, but the crowd was not able to see what happened next. The spectators had no idea what was going on back stage.

The final decision was that Shin had lost the semi-final and would be in the bronze medal match.

Amazingly it began a few minutes later, the Korean coach saying: 'We will try to clam her down, even though she is to be extremely stressed'.

Shin somehow summoned up the concentration to take an early 4-2 lead over world No 1 Sun Yujie – every hit being roared by her new-found fans.

London 2012 Olympics: Lord Coe says weather could be a challenge for Games

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Coe fears rain could ruin Olympics and provide organisers with a real challenge

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UPDATED:

14:42 GMT, 17 July 2012

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe fears the British weather could ruin the Olympic Games.

The Games could be one the wettest of any summer Olympics if the rain continues and the long-term forecast is for changeable conditions.

June was one of the wettest on record in the UK, with torrential rainfall causing floods in many areas around the country, and the April – June quarter was the wettest second quarter in the UK since records began in 1910.

Out of his hands: Lord Coe says the weather could prove a challenge for Olympic orgainsers

Out of his hands: Lord Coe says the weather could prove a challenge for Olympic orgainsers

And Coe admitted that the weather is causing logistical problems for organisers, but pledged that contingency plans are in place to deal with issues.

'This is a challenge,' he said, speaking at the first LOCOG daily briefing.

'I have joked in the past about putting a roof across the whole country, but let's be clear, this is actually proving quite a challenge to us.

'We have got waterlogged sites, resurfacing that is taking place in some areas, particularly in some of the more sensitive and rural sites, Greenwich Park and Eton Dorney.

'We're laying down a trackway and services for spectators and vehicles now and through the Games. Now we are building additional shelters for our workforce.

Fears: Dorney Lake, where the rowing will take place, could be at risk due to the rain

Fears: Dorney Lake, where the rowing will take place, could be at risk due to the rain

'At the risk of sounding a little bit like a father about to issue their kids off on an outward bound trip, let me make the obvious point that we are a northern European country.

'People do need to be wearing the right footwear, the right rain-proof clothing and sun screen.'

Those attending events at rural venues have been advised by organisers LOCOG to wear wellies and Coe says the organisers are 'making sensible and prudent judgements' to keep the Games on track.

'We of course do have contingencies across the whole project,' he said.

Running in the rain: Christine Ohuruogu runs in the torrential rain at Crystal Palace

Running in the rain: Christine Ohuruogu runs in the torrential rain at Crystal Palace

'You won't be surprised when we tell you we have contingencies in sport and we have the contingency of extra days available to us in rowing and the equestrian sport. That is the last resort, of course.

'We have got an alternative sailing course available to us in Weymouth and we have, of course, the famous roof at Wimbledon.

'Then for those hardy souls that reside in track and field, hockey and triathlon, it is pretty much business as usual.'

Despite weather issues, Coe insists everything is on schedule ahead of the opening ceremony in 10 days.

The former athlete also dismissed concerns that implementing contingency plans will incur extra unplanned costs.

'They are contingencies, they will have been budgeted for,” Coe added.

'That will have been incorporated within the budget. We're clear about that.

'It is shelters, it is tracking, it is allowing our contractors and construction teams to get across waterlogged land. We're not talking much more than that.'

Fabrice Muamba: Bolton players and staff prepare Tottenham return

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Bolton players and staff prepare for emotional White Hart Lane return

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UPDATED:

15:59 GMT, 26 March 2012

Owen Coyle has admitted there is no way of knowing how his Bolton players will react to Tuesday's return to White Hart Lane.

News of further improvement in Fabrice Muamba's condition has offered plenty of encouragement.

Coyle revealed that Muamba had been well enough to start watching the Sunday morning edition of Match of the Day, only to fall asleep with his team-mates leading 2-0 against Blackburn.

Back in action: Bolton played at the weekend and return to Tottenham on Tuesday

Back in action: Bolton played at the weekend and return to Tottenham on Tuesday

And the recent bulletin from the London Chest Hospital that the 23-year-old has been out of bed and eating.

However, it remains to be seen whether that alone will insulate Bolton's players from the mental problems that could be triggered by visiting the same ground on which Muamba suffered his cardiac arrest nine days ago.

And entering the dressing room in which so many were in floods of tears as they feared the worst for their friend and colleague.

'Because Fabrice is getting better, that allows us to play the match,' said Coyle.

'If it was different circumstances, it might be a different conversation. The great thing is that he is getting better.

'We will do our best, as we always try to do. Will it be emotional Of course. But I can't say how it is going to be until we are physically there.'

Coyle and chairman Phil Gartside will be part of a small Bolton delegation that intends to visit Muamba, the first Wanderers representation since club doctor Jonathan Tobin revealed the midfielder's heart had stopped beating for 78 minutes before medical staff finally managed to get it started.

Such visits are crucial, according to the Bolton boss, for the morale within his squad.

Heartache: The players were left stunned after Muamba (above, centre) collapsed at White Hart Lane (below)

Heartache: The players were left stunned after Muamba (above, centre) collapsed at White Hart Lane (below)

Heartache: The players were left stunned after Muamba (above, centre) collapsed at White Hart Lane (below)

'Everyone would want to be there but that would be impossible,' said Coyle. Fabrice's recovery is paramount but the players who do go can filter back the news. That will help.

'Fabrice is not just a team-mate and a colleague. He is a dear friend to those lads. They want to know he is getting better.'

To that end, the latest statement on Muamba's health provided a huge lift.

'Fabrice Muamba remains in intensive care where his condition is serious but stable,' read the statement.

'He continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery. Over the weekend, he has been able to sit out of bed for a short time, watch television and has begun to eat.

'However, he will need to continue to be closely monitored by the medical team at The London Chest for some time.'

That one of those programmes should be Match of the Day proved he is aware of his situation, and the team-mates fighting on in his name.

'For all of us who were there on the
Saturday, to think he could sit up and watch Match of the Day a week
later is remarkable,' said Coyle.

Tribute: Fans have joined together to support the stricken Bolton midfielder

Tribute: Fans have joined together to support the stricken Bolton midfielder

Tribute: Fans have joined together to support the stricken Bolton midfielder

'I am led to believe he fell asleep when it was 2-0. I don't know if he still thinks we won 2-0 but it is so great to know that bit-by-bit he is getting better even if he still has a long way to go.'

The fact a second successive FA Cup semi-final is up for grabs is almost coincidental.

Muamba was part of the team demolished 5-0 by Stoke at Wembley last season.

However, it is the former England Under-21 captain who will be uppermost in minds if a return trip is secured rather than thoughts of erasing that debacle.

'Over the last few days he has been able to take in more of the goodwill that globally he has been getting from people and the prayers and everything else,' Coyle added.

'He wanted to thank everybody for that support. We have to make sure we continue that but he is on his way to recovery. God willing that continues.'