Channel 7 Commentary Team

Simon Reeve: Big decisions ahead for Gymnastics Federation

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:33:45 -0800

As we wind up the gymnastics program, the lingering issue is whether or not some Chinese team members were under-aged.

With claims surfacing last week that the diminutive gold medallist He Kexin was 14 years old, the problem was isolated. Since then however, suggestions have been made that both Jiang Yuyuan and Jang Yilin are also under 16.

The IOC has asked the International Gymnastics Federation (IGF) to investigate and they are faced with what could potentially be a huge scandal. ...

Rachael Sporn: Opals outclassed but still number two

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:20:50 -0800

Last night was a real anticlimax when you think about how well the Opals have been performing in the Beijing Games.

It was the gold medal showdown we wanted, the two best teams in the world. We built this clash up and that is why we're so disappointed today. It was a comprehensive 92-65 win for the Americans and our girls can only regroup and get back into the swing.

What it came down to was the shooting. The Opals shot 25 per cent but let the Americans shoot 57. ...

Andrew Gaze: Opals to put it all together tonight

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:56:08 -0800

It's the big one for the Opals tonight. We are defending world champs in this sport, but as far as I recall have never beaten the US in a major competition. The scene is set for a huge contest.

Coach Jan Stirling is a thorough and self-reliant tactician and will have some tricks up her sleeves tonight. I think the Opals need to put the emphasis on tempo control. The US are very physical and athletic and love moving quickly up and down the court. ...

Steve Moneghetti: Kenyans primed for first gold

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:39:03 -0800

When I was on my run this morning an interesting thought occurred to me. Before Steve Hooker's gold in the pole vault, our first 11 were all water connected. Six in the pool, then there's rowing and even Emma Snowsill's triathlon win had a wet leg. Just now it appears we've got another one up on the water with Ken Wallace in the K1 500m. We sure love our water.

The men's marathon is tomorrow and the big thing will be the Kenyan effort. ...

Debbie Watson: Americans hungry but not Hungary

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:54:57 -0800

The US men's waterpolo team will still be pinching themselves after running away from the Serbians in the semi-finals last night for a 10-5 win. We were aware however that there had been some internal disharmony within the Serbian ranks and it really showed in the pool. They played like they were a team that didn't like each other and that makes success nearly impossible in any sport.

The US will leave nothing behind, but I think the Hungarians will be too good. ...

David Wansbrough: Kookaburras to pick themselves up for bronze

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:53:05 -0800

The Kookaburras have their bronze medal play-off against the Netherlands tonight and it will be a mental test for both sides. Being equal favourites for the gold, both teams came to win and are now trying to get motivated to play their best for third.

It is unrealistic to expect the Kookaburras to be at their best. They are devastated and it will take closer to two years than two days to get over their semi-final loss. ...

Matthew White: The sleeping giant awakes

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:01:39 -0800

As we count down to the closing ceremony (not the opening ceremony like I said on air last night), the enormity of Beijing has been fascinating.

It is hard to nominate just a few standout moments when looking back, but one was Libby Trickett and her gallantry in defeat to Britta Steffen. She's been through some tough times, but exhibited such sportsmanship. ...

Raelene Boyle: Athletics needs more from all concerned

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:58:14 -0800

Well done to Jared Tallent for picking up silver today in the 50km walk, to add to his bronze in the 20km. Without Nathan Deakes, Jared really stepped up and made himself known at Beijing.

With Great Britain topping us in the medal count for the first time in 20 years, it is obvious that more funding is needed for athletics. Instead of turning our backs on a struggling sport, we should be developing it and addressing shortcomings. ...

Mike Turtur: Frenchman will be hard to beat

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:10:45 -0800

Due to a rain delay the women's cross country mountain bike race will now be staged tomorrow and coincide with the men's. This is unfortunate but will at least give the spectators more value for their buck.

Laoshan is a very technically tough course and will call for superior skill. There are narrow tracks, tricky descents and sharp rocks causing punctures.

Pits have been installed in the course so riders can get repairs if they're lucky enough to be nearby. ...

Julien Prosser: US team businesslike & professional

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:09:59 -0800

It was hardly a good day for the beach yesterday, but Misty-May Treanor and Kerri Walsh endured driving rain to take the gold medal in two sets from China's Wang Jie and Tian Jia.

The win continued the sheer dominance that has now seen the Americans win 108 straight matches since early last year and drop only three sets in the process. It is a remarkable stranglehold on a sport and there doesn't seem to be any promise on the horizon for their opposition. ...