Off Topic Olympics

Well the Portuguese word for swimming pool is Piscina.... perhaps someone took it literally....

 

'Piss in here' - yep, that would be it.

Good to see some unexpected golds for us today.

 

Who's the greatest?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/37037571

 

Given the background circumstances and the symbolism of his achievements, for me it has to be Jesse Owens.

Just my personal opinion

 

Interesting one on who's the greatest.

I'll comment on the news today when they say Grainger was the greatest British Sports women now she has overhauled Addlington's medal haul.

Would you say winning 4 medals over two Olympics and someone winning 5 medals over five Olympics.

To me the person who has only one chance and takes is,then does it for olympics after olympics is deserving for that accolade.

To me though Phelps is the best, multiple medals at multiple games, top class athlete.

 

A vested interest in swimming pools Never?

 

Meet Adlington don't like her, arrogance personified. I know Steve Parry well, do a lot of work with him real good fella.

Another good egg is Sharon Davies, had a drink with her when we did the World Championships in 2008. Dig around and you can find an interview the BBC did with me, Shazza came up to me the following day saying great interview considering I was pissed the night before!!

 

New world record for Britain's women's team pursuit

 

Yes - always got the impression that our Sharon was a bit of a laugh.

The greates Olympian has to be Phelps. The facts don't lie. Naturally gifted, not without his problems but seems to turn it on every time. Superb. I actually feel sorry for Lochte being around at the same time.

 

Sharon is really down to earth and good fun. Claire Baldwin is stuck up!!

I watched Lochte back in 2008 Worlds, I think he walked away with multiple golds. Fantastic swimmer that Locte is, just must be gutted that Phelps came out of retirement.

 

Agreed.

 

British boxing lad was just sensational!

 

Sticking your finger up to hitler would be something I'd like to do, that alone deserves it I think. But anyone who can win medals at multiple games is worthy of it I think. The coolest dude is definitely Bolt though

 

Don't forget there were no games in either 1940 or 1944, so Owens couldn't defend his titles.

 

I can see the Owens argument and it carries weight. Definitely a great Olympian. But to turn it on time after time over 16 + years is nothing short of pushing the limits of human endeavour.

I see our cyclists are doing well again. Not predicted, apparently.

 

Needs to turn pro after the Olympics. A lot of potential there.

 

Agreed Kiff re Phelps' sporting prowess & abilities - but it is the wider impact that Owens made, even now 80 years after his Olympic triumphs, that makes him the Greatest Olympian (rather than a great athlete or swimmer)

 

Not only that, he couldn't defend his title because he was deemed to be a professional after accepting commercial opportunities after the 1936 Games. I don't think he competed again.

 

The 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome , light heavyweight Gold Medal : Cassius Clay .

 

Clay's achievements weren't in the Olympics though. They came later as a professional.

Can't disagree on Jesse Owens at all - he was remarkable. But for me his achievements had more of a political/ social impact than anything else. It may not have been his fault regarding the defending of his titles but he didn't.

If the Olympic ideal is all about pushing the boundaries of what humans are capable of and proving you're the best in the world over decades then it's Phelps and it's not even close.