Not sure exactly what you envisage redruth. I am aware of two kinds of sport-related programmes in the US. Firstly, Sports Scholarships awarded to talented athletes which enable them to develop their talent in a particular sport while also studying for an academic degree. These are not degree courses "in a sport", but provide the right environment for sporting development while also studying for a conventional degree. Universities which offer sports scholarships might be likened to be our football academy system but at a university rather than a secondary school level. You get to develop your sporting potential while also getting academic qualifications. In the UK, the University of Exeter for example offers such scholarships. The scholarships defray or even cover the cost of the degree course. Secondly, sports-related degree courses in, for example, sports administration, sports science, etc. In the UK, Loughborough is the most obviously comparable institution. But neither of these types of programme can be described as courses "in a major sport".
Now is the time to eat humble pie. Having posted earlier rants against the Olympics and minority sports I vowed not to watch any of it on the television. We went and stayed with friends at the weekend who were interested in the Olympics and out of politeness I had to watch it. I saw Athletes whose ancestors were quite clearly not from ' white British ' stock running their hearts out not just for themselves but for the badge they wore on their vests. I saw the same Athletes cry with pride as THEIR National Anthem was being played. I saw Athletes who had won medals not for themselves but for their Country and I saw rowers cry because they thought they had let their Country down by only winning Silver. Let their Country down my arse - they were exhausted and, in my mind, bloody heros. I also saw a football team lose to a side they should have walked over. I am now proud to be British and ashamed to be a football supporter and I apologise profusely for the comments I made last week.
Just wondering how Superman is coping with having to listen to the National Anthem every few hours .......
I too had every intention of avoiding the olympics like the plague, but because the missus wanted to watch I found myself gripped. What has struck me is the sheer passion and commitment of the athletes for team GB (footballers excepted). When little Mo was running down the home straight I was willing him across the line !
It's a good debate to bring up. Firstly a friend of mine went to Loughborough I didn't meet every student there but it seemed to be full of fat rugby lads getting drunk and acting like arses, no top athletes or healthy freaks training, they also pride themselves on having one of the best student unions in the UK which is like a nightclub make of it what you will. As for the scholarship debate you have a point redruth. The American system is a bit over top at times I don't know what they do about Olympic sports, I know in their team sports they pick up players who play in their college teams, I know a lot of the US College American Football teams packs out 50,000 stadiums for their games! So they must make a lot of money since they don't really have to pay massive salaries surely they re-invest this into other sports? Also they have a draft where the college players become professionals I reckon the clubs must give the colleges a fee. I imagine the colleges have a lot of money kicking around. As for taking it up to an Olympic level this sounds controversial but what about having a boarding academy? I know some Olympians are discovered later on but some take up their sport from a young age, what about when they're teenagers instead of them going to a regular school training an hour or two every day sending them to an academy where they're given a decent education but top notch facilities where they can train at their dedicated sport for hours with professionals.
Got to admit, although I love our National Anthem, the version being used for the games is truly dire. The so called musician who arranged this version for the games should be hung for treason. Compare the version being used for the olympics to a 'normal' version.
Just seen this on facebook.......... Many congratulations to Great Britain's Andy Murray on his Gold medal in the singles tennis. Also, congratulations to Scotland's Andy Murray on his silver medal in the mixed doubles. It did make me chuckle I will admit.
Spot on Maestro. Far too often people try to "freshen" something up just for the sake of it and end up messing it up instead. It's a kind of "modern" disease excused by the claim that we must be "modern". Why can't people just accept that sometimes the old is actually BETTER.
i coped! as i say, i'm more than happy to listen to it but i won't be forced to sing it and neither should anyone else! saturday night, for me, was the greatest night of sport britain has ever had. all corners of our nation were united for that 45 minutes where everything else in the world seemed to stop and 100% focus went on those three amazing athletes. mo farah has been my favourite athlete for a few years - how can anyone not love his smile and genuinely pleasant persona, and to see him win in such style made me weep. jess's medal ceremony was also too much for me. the reactions of the bbc pundits was truly uplifting - if you've not seen he video, its linked below - and all in all it went to show what a bunch of moronic ****s (in general) our footballers are. the dedication and stress that those four years of graft went towards all paid off for those moments that we can ALL treasure for ever. never been prouder to be british http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUOl7PgggZw
supers, that was funny - denise lewis nearly broke the chair! also michael johnson was celebrating like mad, not bad for an american. guess he has been there too.
Don't forget the three other gold medals in the rowing and cycling. Six gold medals in one day is amazing. Best day for Britain in olympic history!
i'll never forget the look on katherine copeland's face when she won! the wide-open mouth, the confused look on her face, the little look over her shoulder as if to ask 'where is everyone?' and the realisation that, in her own words, "we've won the olympics!" beautiful moment
Re. the footballers, totally agree. The contrast is embarrassing; obviously others, like 1950canary, feel the same. Not just our footballers either; Suarez was his usual unpleasant self. The game needs to take a good look at itself at all levels. The only team I would exempt on this score -- again going on what I watched myself -- were the Senegalese. They seemed to play their football in the right spirit, without bitching, cheating, theatricals, etc. They played with a sort of innocence I thought. Some of their tackling was a bit wild, but it was over-enthusiastic rather than malicious.
Mo Farah's smile on the podium has got to be my highlight from yesterday. Such a big smile and you could see how much the gold medal meant to him. Also, Gimilu's apology after missing out on the 100m was humbling. He doesn't need to apologise to anyone. He was so close to reaching the final as well. You could see how much it meant to him. Exactly the right attitude to have when you have footballers who don't care if they miss out on a title or get relegated so long as they get to pick up a pay cheque at the end of it all.
he's got a fantastic future. michael johnson explained during his initial heat that he couldn't find fault with his technique - quite something for an 18-year old novice who was playing football for thurrock until january!! the two rowers (sorry, can't remember their names) who also broke down when they got silver, apologising for not getting gold - these people have put their bodies on the line to achieve their goals. so much emotion shown and its difficult to not get attached watching it. as you say, the footballers are being shown up here and 99% of top footballers have never shown the sort of dedication that all these athletes have shown. it has made me think about how much i hate modern football to be honest. yes its wonderful to watch and a game i'm totally hooked on but its got more faults than pluses for me
