Live Blog:1600 medley (Australian University Games)

Live Blog

1600 medley at the Australian University Games 2012

-Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. We’re here live at the Santos Stadium in Adelaide.  It’s good, sunny day with a strong headwind at 2m/s. There are more 500 supporters out here today, mostly Sydney University supporters. The stadium is nice and lively. We should have a good race today.

-The universities are now assembling there teams for the final event. They are taking their lanes. Monash University, Sunshine University, Sydney University with the biggest sporting contingent by far, are all lined up.

-The medley is quite different from other races. It consists of an 800m, a 400m, and two 200m races with a baton exchange in between.

-Patrick Fakeye, the Nigerian is the man to beat. He holds the season best and personal best of 10.3 seconds. Brendan Ho is right behind him with a personal best of 10.44. Next up is James Grimm with 10.5 seconds and Benjamin Hayward with 10.54 seconds. This should be a fiery finish in the last 200m. Kalada Cocodia, a new comer for Monash University will be covering the last 200. Will he upset the hierarchy this afternoon? It looks unlikely but who knows?

-The red tracks are ready to be run upon. The lanes are well demarcated and maintained so we should have no issues like the 4x100m yesterday.

-The runners are ready, baton in hand. The first 800 usually determines the race. Who will dominate the medium distance?

-The gun goes off and the runners follow suit. They are all pouring into lane one.

-Sydney is keeping the pace in the first 800m. Makwai Univesity is second but still far from Sydney. Third is Sunshine Univesity. Mokwai are looking to beat the record they hold but as it stands in the final 100m of the first 800m, they are not in a good position.

-The batons are exchanged for Sydney. A very good, controlled exchange between the runners. And he’s off, sprinting to retain the gap between him and the other universities.

-Sydney University moves into first. He is pulling away. There’s almost 20m between him and the pack. Mokwai University and Sunshine are in 2^nd and 3^rd respectively as they now run the 400m round.

-Everybody is cheering on their university. I can spot some pretty cheerleaders in the stands. What an epic sight.

-Sydney University arrive first to exchange the baton for the 200m. Sydney is in good form today. They have this in the bag just as long as their runners don’t fall or get disqualified for any reason. Mokwai and Sunshine are far behind battling it out for second and third. These high speed races often change the momentum but not today. Sydney is gone.

-The wind is getting harder now but the race is almost over. We’re in the final 200m and Sydney University are alone in this. Mokwai and Sunshine join in 7 seconds after. The other universities lag behind taking their time. They know there is no point.

-Sydney University finish first, breaking Mokwai University’s record time by 4 seconds. The new record is now 4:16, that is, 4 minutes, 16 seconds. What a race. Sunshine University take third for the second year running. Monash University finish 7^th in case you were wondering.

-That’s all for today, See you again soon.

Technology and Sport Journalism: What Does The Future Hold?

By Rodney Omeokachie 22159347

Technology advances so fast that we can barely keep up and neither can print journalism. Many feel that with the online forms of journalism, print journalism is fast becoming obsolete. Changes in news patterns,audiences, habits and overall the sports journalism fraternity are no longer ignorable (Andrew, 2011).  Digital technology has forced sports reporting to change as it has become necessary to mix traditional methods of sports journalism with modern technology in order to keep up with competition created by media houses investing in digital reportage. The momentum has shifted in favor of web browsing but at the expense of broadsheet reporting  which creates new challenges for the print industry in western countries - especially the America and Great Britain(Boyle) .

South African print media still breathes as the print industry boasts steady sales and circulation despite the encroaching rise of online media. This, however, is not as a result of the public's general preference of the newspaper. Poverty and illiteracy are to blame. With more people unable to use and access the web, more people will have to settle for the next best- and perpetually available thing- the newspaper. Until the war on Poverty and illiteracy is won, TV, radio and print will continue to dominate in news distribution. but for how long? The interactive ness of online reporting makes it very tempting. It will continue to encroach.


Narrowing it down to sports journalism, it seems that this branch has the best chance of adjusting to the wave of online oriented media. There are live blogs, play by play commentaries, live streams of high profile matches, and video games. Sports journalism , if taken seriously, can remain relevant despite the whirlwind of change. Also, social media, in all its forms, is perfect for the multi-facetedness of sports reporting. Sports connotes a very visual experience which the web can facilitate and rocket to new levels of interactivity and connectivity. Sports enthusiasts seek variety in the consumption of news; they look for constant updates, have an appetite for blogs, analysis documentaries and tweets (Andrew, 2011). Sports journalism and online media means that no longer will we have to look far for the news as anyone can tweet what they see albeit subjectively.Many will argue that twitter and such will destroy the integrity of journalism as we know it. While that may be true, it may not matter. It is worth noting that most people are either illiterate, poor or nonchalant about how well the news is written so long as it gets to them.

While most branches of journalism that rely on print format are dying, Sports journalism is in a good position to take advantage of all the net has to offer.

London Olympics Female Boxing Finals (2012)

Here we are live at the venue for the Female Lightweight Boxing finale. Claressa Shields vs Nadedza Torlopova. The competitors make their entrance to Jesse J's Do It Like A Dude. The atmosphere at the arena is nothing short of electric. There is history to be made tonight and the stage is set.

Claressa Shields, 17 years old, will be facing  Nadedza Torlopova, 33 years old. You would think the age difference would be a factor for either competitors but no, they are consummate professionals. They know what is on the line and they are ready to beat anyone in their way to get it.

it is worth noting that Shields is the last American in this usually American-dominated event. This the U.S's final chance at coming away with a medal in this flyweight event.

It is also worth noting that Torlopova is the two time European Champion so this is no ordinary match up.
Shields in red, Torlopova in blue. It's about to go down.

The competitors make their way into the ring. They bump fists and get ready for the referees signal.


Shields looks unflustered by her more experienced opponent

The bell rings. Round One.
Torlopova throws the first punch, drawing first blood.
Shields holds her own.
Shield throws a swift jab but misses.
Shields is using her speed to her advantage
blue throws heavy shots. slow but heavy.
oh! Shields is knocked off balances but she stays on her feet.
They retreat feeling each other out. Not a lot of punches thrown in this round.
Both competitors are yet tho stamp their authority in this bout.
end of round one.
Scores even.


Bell rings. Round Two
Torlopova gets the first hit of the round again but Shields makes sure to return.
Shields is so fast and explosive; she wants this very badly.
Shields is advancing aggressively and consistently, landing most of her punches.
Torlopova  is getting overwhelmed.
Shields gets caught.
Time out: Shields needs to tie her shoe. They retreat to their corners briefly.
Torlopova gets some information from her trainer which is illegal at this point in the match. The referee is blindsided so no penalty is given.
The round continues.
Shields is more focused than before. She lands an uppercut to the abdomen knocking back Torlopova.
and they return, blue hits first again. but shields is not having that
Shields throws a a flurry of punches and hits
Torlopova is taking her time hitting slow heavy hitters.
Torlopova is hitting but not as much as she needs to win the round
Oh what a jab! Torpolova lands one on the right side of the head.
end of round two.
Shields leads 10-7.

If I'm hearing correctly, Shield's coach says to Shields in the corner, "You're getting hit too much. I dont want you getting hit so much." Let's see if Shields is as good at taking instructions as she is at giving punches.

Bell rings. Third round.
Torlopova begins the round by landing the first punch. She follows with a left hook but misses giving Shields the opportunity to counter. She responds  with a three hooks to the ribs.
Shields is ducking and striking. No wasted movements. She is doing exactly as she is told at the moment.
Torlopova hits hard. Very hard. They hold each other.
Shields is backed into the corner. great defensive posture from Shields.
She's fighting her way back.
The momentum slows down allowing both competitors to briefly catch their breaths.
Oh my.... Torlopova takes a marvelous shot in the face...and then the head.
Torlopova reads Shields' movements, countering beautifully.
These ladies can fight.
Nice combinations from Shields in the final seconds.
End of Round Three.
Shields leads at the end of round three 15 points to 10.

Obviously, Shield's trainer is impressed as she says, "Good job. You did what you needed to do. Now let's have some fun." Confidence is flowing nicely from the American corner.

Bell rings. Forth and final round.
Shields appears more relaxed now. And more cocky. Her footwork is great too.
Torlopova lands the first punch again!If points were awarded for first hits, Torlopova would have that covered.
Shields ducks and misses a couple of punches of her own but her speed is magnificent.
Torlopova is hitting and Shields is returning.
Shields stuck her tongue out at Torlopova resulting in a warning from the referee. Not the best example of sportswomanship but Shields is obviously having fun at this point.
Everything is on the line
the ref separates them
Shields takes a one to the face but she is unfazed.
she gathers herself and starts afresh.
the 17 year old is out performing the 33 year old hands down right now
her speed and strength is not failing her at the moment.
25 seconds to go and the crowd is chanting "USA! USA! USA!"
Shields finishes strong.
End of round four
Shields leads with 19-12.

Claressa Shields wins! She has punched her way to Olympic immortality. Shields pounds her chest as the announcer confirms her coronation as the second youngest Olympic champion in Olympic history. She gives her opponent a hug, a show of mutual respect. What an epic finale. The first female to win in the Flyweight Female Boxing Olympic Title.She has secured her place in history. Is she doesn't turn pro before Rio in 2016, she will be a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
she is absolutely phenomenal. She is totally owning the moment as she basks in the  glory.

South African Sports: The Horizon Ahead

By Rodney Omeokachie 22159347

With the conclusion of the London Olympics and Paralympics, it is safe to say that there are mixed feelings about South Africa's result. Some are disappointed at the low medal count (6 medals) in the able bodied Olympics, others are just happy they got any medals at all. The general consensus for the Paralympians is a lot more joyful as they bagged 29 medals. The question now is what next for South Africa. Do they remain content with their position or do they aim for the stars?

To be frank, SA did not have the smoothest of Olympic campaigns. From the Equestrian kerfuffle, to the criticisms of Caster Semenya's failure to pull in  gold medals, to Oscar Pistorius' unsportsmanlike behavior, SA has had a hard time living up to it's set expectations. I feel like South Africa need to reduce their expectations and enjoy their hard earned success.

Unlike other African countries, South Africa pulled its weight. Kenya and Ethiopia had the best chance of taking home the most medals at the Olympics. Their athletes were absolutely exceptional, their Olympic programs are very thorough and they dominate the long and middle distance events. South Africa's squad was the most in-depth going to the London Olympics and they improved upon their single medal in Beijing 2008. Oscar Pistorius brought good publicity to the team as he qualified for the 400m able-bodied Olympic events. 

South Africa, unlike other African countries has ties to almost every Olympic event which is very impressive. South Africa stood a chance in field hockey, shooting, swimming, track and field, bmx, rowing, canoeing, archery, cycling and fencing due their 130-athlete team . The projected amount of medals for South Africa was 12 according to Forbes.com. They managed 6 medals which is a step up from Beijing's 1 silver medal.

South Africans have a lot to be proud of in Pistorius and Semenya as they are proof of one's ability to succeed with the odds against them. From Pistorius' blade advantage issue to Semenya's gender examinations, SA has managed to give South Africans something to smile about.

So now the question remains, what's next for South Africa? History has shown that money wins medals so I would advise that they pump in some funds to keep up with the emerging trends in strength. If they continue the way they are, they might experience exponential growth in medals. Unfortunately, when it comes to Sport, it's not a numbers' game. They also need to reduce the impact of politics in decision making when it comes to sport.  South Africa's support system needs to really improve. In comparison to other countries, South Africa is miles behind in terms of support of its athletes. 

Finally, I would like to Salute the team as a whole: while SA was the top African nation on the medal log, the total number of medals won was carried by Ethiopia and Kenya.
The difference between those countries and South Africa is that Kenya and Ethiopia compete only in Athletics, while South Africa has competent competitors in a far wider selection of sports. This is worthy of note and maybe in the future those Sports will reap some fruit for the country

What Is In the Horizon For South African Sport After London Olympics?