Issue 272 | September 7 2012
29-carat gold Sport speaks to team gB’s olympic champions
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issue 272, september 7 2012 radar 08 Cliff Diving World Series
Red Bull’s infatuation with the extreme brings its cliff divers to Wales this weekend
10 F1: Down to Business
Mark Webber counts down to the end of the season, picking out his career highlights along the way
12 Tee-off at Pebble Beach
In Smithfield, Soho or perhaps Kensington. And Urban Golf could send you to California
oFeatures this coming week
18 Going for Gold
And we got them. All of them. Interviewed in this very issue, starting with the Mobot himself...
18
39 Queen Vic
... and also featuring Victoria Pendleton, reflecting on an up-and-down sort of Games. It was always going to be...
41 Big Ben
... but not for Ben Ainslie, who nailed his colour (gold) to the mast again. He tells us how
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extra time 68 Gadgets
How to slam down your mobile without shattering it
08
70 Tanit Phoenix
Has absolutely nothing to do with cricket – but that hasn’t stopped us trying to find a connection
Cover image: Sarah King/sarahaking.com
72 Kit
All the gear you’ll ever need to enjoy a late dash for the sun
74 Grooming
39
The best shaving creams, gels and balms for your visage
76
76 Entertainment
Including the new Dredd 3D film. Which we have not, unlike its predecessor, judged dreadful | September 7 2012 | 03
Radar
Global icons
A
p08 – Have your say on this very magazine
p10 – F1 heats up; Mark Webber counts down p12 – Bike! The world’s greatest velo designers
lthough in this week’s issue we’re very much focused on Team GB, it’s worth remembering the exploits of some of the other 78 nations who won medals at the Games. Because it’s not all about us – of the 302 Olympic medal events, we didn’t even get on the podium in 242 of them. In fact, even though we were the hosts, we couldn’t even be bothered to enter 52 of them. A seriously poor effort.
Still, we put on a pretty good show, and we can’t think of a better way to commemorate it as the summer of sport draws to a close than with this selection of Olympic posters by designer James Townsend. Each one cleverly depicts one of the 26 Olympic sports, along with the number of medals won by each country in that sport – sorry Kyrgyzstan, maybe next time. £40 each (framed), tinyurl.com/8pvzvvp | September 7 2012 | 07
Radar
Geronimo! N
o post-dive hot tub here, although Tom Daley’s former diving partner Blake Aldridge will lend some Olympic pedigree to the sixth round of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which takes place in Pembrokeshire’s Blue Lagoon this weekend. Pictured here are Aldridge, and defending cliff diving world champ Gary Hunt, presumably up to their eyeballs on taurine, throwing themselves off the Thames Estuary’s Maunsell Forts – and not, as we first thought, some sort of oil rig. Kids/oil rig workers – don’t try this at home/work. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series makes its UK debut in Pembrokeshire, September 7-8. Go to redbullcliffdiving.com
Have your say redbullcliffdiving.com
J
ust like the wicked, we get very little rest here at Sport. Not just because we stay up every night watching Family Guy repeats, either, but because we are always striving to improve the magazine. For you, dear reader, for you. So, on the back of a glorious summer of sport, we thought it about time we launched a brand new readership panel, giving you – that’s right, you – the chance to have your say and drive the direction in which we take the magazine as we approach our sixth birthday. Over the coming months, we will email you with the opportunity to take part in
08 | September 7 2012 |
various surveys. Crucially, there is no obligation to take part – you decide when and what surveys you would like to be part of. Every time you do take part, though, you’ll be entered into a draw to win Amazon gift vouchers, plus other sporting prizes. That’s the kind of bunch we are. So there you go. This is your opportunity to give us your views about the magazine, and just for joining the panel you will be entered into a prize draw to win a football shirt of your choice. So, if you want to get involved, all you have to do is follow the link below. Don’t delay now, will you?
Issue 271 | August 31 2012
Prodigal son Danny Cipriani is back
www.sport-magazine.co.uk/panel
Radar
Race by numbers
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races to go – what’s your favourite of the ones remaining? “I love Monza, it’s a classic circuit. I am looking forward to America – new tracks are always great for drivers to get their teeth into. Obviously Brazil, I’ve won there twice. I like the track layout in Korea, the atmosphere is not sensational but the layout is good. And Suzuka is also a cracker. There are still lots of my favourite tracks to look forward to.”
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years at red bull, for you, next year – Do you Have a highlight from your time there? “I’ve been very lucky to have a few really special moments that I will remember for the rest of my life. Winning a few Grands Prix with the team (all my wins have been with Red Bull Racing), the double victory in Monaco, double victory at the British Grand Prix for the home team. And also the races in which we’ve had our back against the wall and weren’t as strong as we could have been. Even though I finished second [to Sebastien Vettel] in Spa last year, as a one-two that was very special, unique day for us as a team. So we’ve had some rewarding results, even if it’s not a win.”
Clive Mason/Getty Images
£4
10 | September 7 2012 |
6
former world champions – is this the best F1 grid ever? “It’s a very, very strong field – no question about it. The cars are as close as they’ve ever been – reliability has tidied right up. In the 1970s and 1980s there were a lot more reliability problems. Even great drivers were getting results that were... not inherited, but getting results because of reliability issues [with competitors’ cars]. That’s unusual these days, so you have had to earn your results now and in recent years. You don’t win by accident and you don’t get podiums by accident. It’s a tough bunch of guys, but that’s exactly what you want it to be – the pinnacle.”
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place grid penalty for Michael Schumacher that helped you win in Monaco – was that the best win of your career? “It was probably the most stressful victory, just because we had a lot of rain at the end of the Grand Prix and we had to try to make the one-stop strategy work – which wasn’t particularly straightforward for all the competitors. We knew with a two-stop race, it would’ve been very difficult for us to win. We had a few other things going on – with tyres, for example – that had to be managed. It probably was my best win, but the British Grand Prix this year was also one of my best. And my first race victory, I had a drive-through penalty and I still managed to win . I think I would have won the race with quite a big margin that day.”
s
We’re beginning to approach the business end of a remarkable season in Formula 1, so we asked Red Bull’s Mark Webber to crunch the numbers for us ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza
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fourth-place finishes in the opening four races – was that frustrating? “It would be if you’ve never tasted champagne before, but I’ve been in a position to have that experience before. By the third or fourth, I was ready to get the bubbly at the end.” You changed to a three-stop strategy in Hungary – did that cost you points? “I think what cost us points there were a couple of car issues we had. We also couldn’t get the car home on those tyres. It was hard for me to keep the pace losing 0.6 seconds a lap. I would have liked to have stayed out, to have the cars come around to try and pass me on track, but we made the decision as a team. Everything’s easy with hindsight.”
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you had a two-point lead over your teammate after the summer break – did you feel you had a point to prove this season? “Not so much against Sebastian, but for myself. My overall performance last year, particularly at the start of the season, was not very strong. I think I drove some good races in the back part of the championship last year: Spa, Korea and also Suzuka wasn’t too bad, considering the strong competition. Obviously I put in a strong performance in Brazil, and Abu Dhabi was a good race too. Overall I had some strong weekends, but not enough to win consistently. This year I’ve been much stronger and proved to myself that I’ve come back a more complete competitor – and that’s what is important to me.”
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are you confident you can be on top of the standings at the end of the season? “We can be pretty confident as a unit. I am confident that I can do a good job in the cockpit and keep doing my best. We have eight races coming up, that’s a lot of different opportunities for us. Lots of twists and turns, lots of different weather, lots of different strategies, lots of different driver stresses. So we need to be at the very top of our game, and need to start chipping away at Fernando’s points lead.” Turn to p65 for our Italian Grand Prix preview
The Red Bull Racing Spy will be following Mark Webber around all weekend at Monza. Keep up to date with all the gossip from inside the paddock and download it free from the App store
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Radar
Wicked wheels A
couple of years ago, the Tour de France – that paragon of sporting fair play – was embroiled in a scandal surrounding the alleged use of tiny motors hidden in the frames. Accusations were made and bikes were X-rayed, but nothing untoward was found. Hi-tec equipment (without the motors) undoubtedly has an important role in cycling success, however, as Chris Boardman proved by smashing the individual pursuit world record at the Barcelona Olympics on his so-called ‘Super Bike,’ the Lotus 108 (right). That bike and others are showcased in loving detail in Bike!, an A to Z of high-end manufacturers including the machines that carried Boardman, Eddie Merckx and Mark Cavendish to famous victories. Bike! A tribute to the world’s greatest cycling designers, by Richard Moore and Daniel Benson, (Aurum Sport), out now, £25 Wheely good: the pages will turn almost as swiftly as the wheels on Boardman’s Lotus 108
Diamond in the rough I
f you fancy yourself as the next Tiger Woods, it’s probably worth being more discrete about your shenanigans than the man himself. Also – put your skills (no, not at that) to the test and make your case at one of Urban Golf’s simulators. The company, which has three venues across London, are searching for the city’s best golfer, and will give the winner of their competition the chance to play at the real Pebble Beach golf course in California (left). All you have to do to enter is play 18 holes on the virtual Pebble Beach in the state-of-the-art simulator at any Urban Golf venue. Scores will be posted online, and if you hang on to a spot in the top 24 you’ll make it through to the grand final on October 24. Best of luck, what? For more information on The Search for London’s Best Golfer with Pebble Beach, visit urbangolf.co.uk/compete
12 | September 7 2012 |
Radar Editor’s letter
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True colours: Pistorius showed just how much missing out on gold meant to him
Paralympics grow up Finally, the world is seeing that this is proper sport – and that it really, really matters
T Editor-in-chief Simon Caney @simoncaney
he moment Oscar Pistorius opened his mouth, he was on dangerous ground. It’s not the done thing to bad-mouth an opponent straight after a race, after all. Yet I have no problem with it. At last, it seems, everyone can see that Paralympic sport means just as much as any other sport to the competitors. Pistorius is a brilliant champion, who already has done more for disabled sport than anyone in history – and his outburst last weekend has taken it on another level. The whole world could see that, like all great champions, Pistorius is a terrible loser. He hated it. He was furious. For some reason, there is a notion that the Paralympics should be conducted in a friendlier manner than your average sporting championship: that somehow it doesn’t matter quite as much. I think we are now straight on that question.
The brilliant Jody Cundy showed just how much it matters when he stunned the velodrome with an expletive-laden outburst at cycling officials (see overleaf) just days before Pistorius piped up. These are supreme athletes who have trained hard for four years. Emotions are bound to run high. Yet for too long we have expected Paralympians to grin and bear it when things don’t go their way. Able-bodied sport is one thing: at the end of the day, it’s only sport – as much as we all love it. It’s grown men and women playing. Paralympic sport is different – for so many of its competitors it has offered a light at the end of the tunnel, a way of life and, above all, hope. It really matters. So when I read that Pistorius ‘damaged the brand’ of the Paralympics, I have to argue quite the opposite. He showed that this is sport like any other, and for that he should be applauded.
Interesting times already in the Premier League, where two high-profile managers are already feeling the heat. Andre Villas-Boas and Brendan Rodgers have had tough baptisms at their new clubs (the phrase ‘Rodgers out’ was trending on Twitter after one game), but supporters ought to show a bit more patience than we usually see from chairmen. Management is not a stable job – but the sack after three weeks? The US are warm favourites to win the Ryder Cup, which probably has a lot to do with home advantage and not much else. I fully expect Europe to do the business at Medinah at the end of the month, led by that wonderful Ryder Cup warrior José Maria Olazabal, who was able to make two great wildcard picks in Ian Poulter and Nicolas Colsaerts. Europe have the better players, the more inspirational skipper, and will win.
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Cover of the Year
Reader comments of the week Excellent and enlightening piece in @Sportmaguk about Simon Jordan. Not inspiring me to own a football club.
@londonrutlander Twitter
@aldosrendos Twitter
14 | September 7 2012 |
Great article with Simon Jordan in today’s @sportmaguk, shame I had to get off the tube half-way through. Roll on 5pm!!
@Sportmaguk: Simon Jordan on how to run a football club. Rule 1. Avoid having a Chairman called ‘Simon Jordan’
@Warneswinners Twitter
@1Dev Twitter
@simoncaney Great interview with Simon Jordan. Only in football can someone who achieved so little remain so arrogant and self-righteous.
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@Sportmaguk cheers for dedicating a good amount of space to the rugby season. great rundown. interesting season ahead #comeonthetigers
Frozen in time
Inside the Olympic velodrome it’s hard to hear yourself think, let alone hear what the person next to you is saying. And yet, as cyclist Jody Cundy discovered, the sound of one man screaming “F**k!” at the top of his voice can be heard clearly throughout the auditorium. Here, Cundy sits after being disqualified in the C4/C5 1km time trial for a false start, just before he started lobbing water bottles and F-bombs at the officials. When the red mist lifted, he apologised for his mucky mouth.
16 | September 7 2012 |
Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
Anger management
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
HErOES On PArAdE The stars of Britain’s greatest ever summer of sport will parade through London on Monday afternoon, allowing us to say our collective thank yous for sending the nation into a feel-good, flag-waving frenzy. Winning 29 gold medals got us so frenzied, in fact, that we tracked down those responsible for that golden tally. And over the next 40 pages, you can read their memories of an Olympics that will take some beating – starting with the man who electrified the Olympic Stadium two times over wOrdS: SArAH SHEPHArd, nICk HArPEr, AMIT kATwALA, MArk COuGHLAn, ALEx rEId, GrAHAM wILLGOSS, TOny HOdSOn 18 | September 7 2012 |
MO fArAH ATHLETICS: 5,000M And 10,000M
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is first gold came in the 10,000m on Super Saturday, when the volume in the Olympic Stadium was turned up to the max. That was a mere warmup though, for one week later the volume knob was blown clean off by 80,000 people screaming “GO MO!” as he won the 5,000m to clinch an historic golden double. “On the night of my 10,000m I saw that Jess [Ennis] had won gold, and I knew that Greg [Rutherford] had done well because I saw him carrying the flag when we came out on to the track for the race – but I didn’t know where he had finished. I could hear the noise, though, every time he jumped. Then, when I came out, they were roaring for me as well. If I could pick one moment from the whole Games to live over, it would just be to hear that crowd again. If I could run one more lap hearing that noise, it would be awesome. The Beijing Olympics was four years ago, and I knew I’d moved on since then. I knew I could beat the African athletes. I’ve trained with the Kenyan guys – I based myself in Iten in the Rift Valley for long periods, with athletes who have won medals. I thought: ‘If I can keep up with them in training, why shouldn’t I beat them when it comes to the Games?’ Moving to the States to work with Alberto [Salazar] has also helped me a lot. It wasn’t an easy choice to make, to move that far away. But, as an athlete, sometimes you have to make choices – and I’m glad I made that one because otherwise I wouldn’t have become a double Olympic champion. It’s just that one or two per cent that has changed, but that’s what has been the difference between a medal and finishing sixth. I treated myself to a pizza before the closing ceremony. Actually, you know what happened? When we were waiting outside the stadium to go in, there was a pizza place there and I was so hungry. I asked the guy if I could have one and he said: ‘Can I have a picture?’ I said: ‘Yeah, as long as you give me a pizza.’ If I can find out where the guy normally works, I might not have to pay for pizza ever again.” >
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Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
“If I could pick one moment from the whole Games to live over, it would just be to hear that crowd again. If I could run one more lap hearing that noise, it would be awesome�
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
“ It surpassed any dreams I ever had. I could never imagine I’d feel the way I did when I crossed the finish line”
JESS EnnIS ritain’s golden girl got her bid for heptathlon gold off to a flying start in the hurdles and didn’t look back, finishing the job in style on a golden Saturday night in the Olympic Stadium.
Ian Walton/Getty Images
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“I was really calm before I came out for the hurdles, but honestly – when I walked into the stadium – I couldn’t believe the numbers of people that were there. It gave me goosebumps, and I was just really ready to run fast. It was a brilliant start to run 12.54s. I was so shocked, I couldn’t believe I started with that time. It set me up for the whole day, really. The long jump was what I was really worried about, because it had been up and down all year and I just didn’t know if I was going to come out and do three fouls or something dreadful like that. The runway was very fast and the wind was swirling too, so it was quite hard to judge the run-up. My first-round jump (5.95m)
20 | September 7 2012 |
was dreadful. So, psychologically, my second jump (6.40m) was a big moment. I’d seen what [Tatyana] Chernova and the other girls were jumping, and I knew then that I was well on my way. I had a lot of time to kill before the final event on Saturday night, but it was so hard to switch off. I kept thinking about crossing the finish line of the 800m and how I would feel, but then I’d stop myself and think: ‘No! I’ve got to concentrate on how I’m gonna run the race.’ I was just trying to stay in the moment and not get carried away. It was a long few hours waiting for that 800m to start. It surpassed any dreams I ever had. I could never imagine I’d feel the way I did when I crossed the finish line. I’m normally quite reserved with my performances; I do get excited, but I probably just do a little clap or something – and that’s about it. This time, I was so overwhelmed and just really emotional. I’ve never, ever felt like that in my life. It was incredible.” >
Credit
ATHLETICS: HEpTATHLOn
Take a de ep breath on... w w w.spor t- e motions.c om
YOUR GIF T T hi s s po r ts ba g i s you r s with the pu rch a s e of a ny I s s ey Miyake m e n’s f r a g a n c e 50 ml o r l a rge r, w hile s to c ks l a s t.
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
GREG RUTHERFORD ATHLETICS: LOnG jUMp
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utherford kept his red head ice-cool on a night when the temperature in the Olympic Stadium just kept on rising. He took the lead with a second-round leap of 8.21m, and extended that by 10cm with his fourth-round jump to secure an unexpected gold. “On the night of the final Jess [Ennis] was in a great position to win the heptathlon, so the crowd were quite excitable. I remember one moment when Jess’ face was shown on the screen quickly and they just erupted – went insane. That gave me huge butterflies. Every time me or Chris [Tomlinson, also a GB long-jumper] got on to the runway, the crowd just got louder and louder. In the first round I let it get to me a bit. But then I saw Mitch [Watt, the Australian who won silver] did the same and a few others fouled. I thought: ‘Okay, go back to the process.’ I really focused myself back in and jumped 8.21m in the second round. That was massive for me. It showed a new chapter in my jumping performances, where I can ignore what’s going on around me and bring it back to what I need to do. I got a bit excited at that point and got the crowd involved, but I went over to Dan [Pfaff, Rutherford’s coach] and he said: “Stop, now. Relax and calm yourself, because that’s not going to be good enough to win.” I then jumped 8.14m followed by
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8.31m, but the whole time I was thinking: ‘Someone’s gonna catch one now, because if I was able to jump 8.30m in those conditions, they should be able to as well.’ Mitch has jumped 28ft before – that’s 8.54m – but he couldn’t get it right on the night. And the guy who came eighth was a medallist in Beijing. But it just wasn’t happening for them. I went to bed that night and my heart was still beating at 100bpm. I could not control my body; couldn’t calm it down. It was just such a momentous experience. But I was lying there thinking: ‘You didn’t jump that well, really. Technically the jumps weren’t that great and you still managed to win.’ That was hard to comprehend, because coming into the Games I thought to win this I was going
to have to jump further than I’d ever jumped before... possibly jump something incredibly special. I jumped the third longest jump of my life, so it wasn’t bad. But I do think: ‘Flipping heck, if I’d got it right I could have had this momentous jump on the greatest stage of my life – one that will never come about again.’ To be totally honest, I was ever so slightly disappointed that I didn’t jump further. Although disappointment is probably the wrong word, because I was elated to win Olympic gold. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of, but I strive to jump further.” > Greg Rutherford is powered by Maximuscle, the UK’s leading sports nutrition brand. To find out more about their partnership, visit maximuscle.com
“I went to bed that night and my heart was still beating at 100bpm. I could not control my body, couldn’t calm it down. It was just such a momentous experience”
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
HELEN GLOVER & HEATHER STANNING
Francisco Leong/AFP/Getty Images
ROWING: WOMEN’S PAIR he history-making pair won Team GB’s long-awaited first gold medal of the Games, which also happened to be the first Olympic gold ever won by Britain’s female rowers. Not bad for a duo who, two years ago, were in the reserves.
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Glover: “I first met Heather in 2010, when we were introduced by our coach Paul Stannard. I remember thinking what a relaxed, easygoing person she was. She’d come back from the army every weekend to train with the group, and just fit in very easily to any social situation.”
GlovEr (left): “All week we were trying to make it feel very normal, to make ourselves feel as relaxed as we could without reminding ourselves it was the biggest day of our lives. I don’t think we needed much reminding when we saw the crowds. There was one moment the morning of our final, though – when I was brushing my teeth. I looked in the mirror and thought for a fleeting moment: ‘I could win an Olympic gold today.’ Then I really told myself off for thinking that. That we could be the first members of Team GB to win gold was the elephant in the room for the entire week. Neither of us mentioned it, and neither did our coach. It just seemed like too much pressure – it remained the unspoken thing between us.”
Stanning: “My first impression of Helen was that she was a determined girl. She was a lot smaller than the other girls, so I definitely thought she was punching above her weight. We had a lot of ground to make up, but in a short period of time she was a lot stronger and going a lot quicker. So I just thought she was an incredibly determined person.”
Stanning: “We had the same race plan in the final as we had for the whole World Cup series, when we’d led from the front in each race. We knew the field we were racing in was incredibly strong, so we were never going to lighten up. But we weren’t worried. It was more about racing our race; we did what we know we can do really well – and having the belief that, if we did, it would bring the right result.”
Stanning: “You could see it in the room we shared at the Games, too. There was definitely two halves to it. I’m a little bit more tidy. It comes from being in the army and the fact my parents were in the military. I had it instilled in me from an early age – get up, make the bed and always fold your clothes. That’s not quite Helen, though.” >
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Glover: “I’d say our podium performance was the very definition of our differing personalities. I was in tears – I’m very emotional. Heather’s emotions are in there, deep down, but she’s pretty much a rock.”
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
KATHERINE GRAINGER ROWING: WOMEN’S DOUBLE SCULLS
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Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
ewer athletes have come so close, so often at the Olympics than three-time silver-medallist Katherine Grainger. But alongside partner Anna Watkins, the 36-year-old finally got what she wanted in London, overpowering the Australians to be a bridesmaid no more. “You’re always wary if you’re leading in a race, In Beijing I was rowed down at the end, so I’m very aware that can happen. I never felt anyone would be able to beat us if we got ahead, but you still have to race detached from emotions. Although it was the Olympic final – the time I might finally get my gold – and although Anna and I felt we had the nation’s support behind us and didn’t want to let anyone down, for the 2,000 metres of the race it was purely about technique: how we were racing, how we were rowing, what the tactics were. You don’t relate that result to the big picture until you’re through the finish line. I try not to think of myself as having been desperate for gold. But it was the obvious question before the Games: will this finally be the time you get it right? If you don’t get the gold, will you always feel it’s missing? I was very aware there was a medal missing from the collection, and I would have felt incomplete without it, if I’m honest. I’d have loved to have won gold in Beijing, but not doing so gave me something still to aim for – something I was passionate about. But I was probably more relaxed at this Games than at any other. I’d never been in better shape, and with Anna had this phenomenal partnership that worked on every level – not just technically, not just physically, but emotionally and supportively. That gave me a lot of reassurance. It was no surprise to us that the women in GB rowing were so successful. We race each other a lot throughout the year. Especially with the three women’s boats that got gold, you had to be absolutely top of your game to come top of that group. When we saw Helen [Glover] and Heather [Stanning] winning on the first day of the finals, it was great for us – because we knew if they were doing well, we were in the right place to perform too. All we had to focus on was: ‘Can we row as well as we absolutely can on that day, in front of that crowd, with that pressure?’ If we got that right, we deserved to win.“ >
“I was very aware there was a medal missing from the collection, and I would have felt incomplete without it” 26 | September 7 2012 |
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
BrAdLey WiGGins CyCLinG: TiMe TriAL
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Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
fter clocking in at the first checkpoint five seconds off the lead pace set by Germany’s Tony Martin, Wiggins stepped on the gas and rocketed to the finish line in a winning time of 50 minutes 39 seconds. He was first to the bar, too – naturally. ‘‘To win an Olympic gold in your home city, I cannot put it into words. It was really incredible. When you win in the velodrome, there are three or four thousand people cheering. Around the streets of London, the noise was just amazing. I don’t think anything will top that. Coming round the roundabout in Kingston, the noise was incredible. I’m never going to experience anything like that again in my career. I’d just won the Tour de France, and then that. It’s just been phenomenal.’’ >
“ i’m never going to experience anything like that again in my career” 28 | September 7 2012 |
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
Jason Kenny CyCLinG: TeaM sPrinT and individuaL sPrinT
30 | September 7 2012 |
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“The annoying thing about that crash is me and Chris got away really well, and then the next thing you know Philip’s disappeared and he’s on the floor somewhere. But we nailed the restart. After the first round, I didn’t really feel we had a lot more time in us. I felt like we’d had a pretty good ride, and then we saw the French go and break the world record – so I thought it was going to be a bit of a battle. Once we’d done such a good time in the team sprint, the individual was simply a case of making it to the final and just kind of putting it to bed, really. It turned the tables a little bit – in the past few years, Bauge has always been that bit stronger, that bit faster. It was nice to go into the final having been the underdog for the past three years and turn it around at the last minute. The press conference afterwards [where Bauge quizzed Kenny on Team GB’s success] was mental. There was a point at which I thought it might get unfriendly, but it never did. He kind of cracked... The next night I went to the bar and basically had a skinful. That’s all I’ve been doing ever since the Games – just eating McDonald’s and drinking beer, although now I’m getting to the stage where I’m getting a bit sick of that and just want to go training again and make myself feel better! Laura [Trott, Kenny’s girlfriend] was racing the day after I finished. I thought: ‘I’d better make it over or I’ll be in trouble here.’ So I watched the race and then jumped on my bike and sprinted over to the track and watched her medal ceremony. Then, unfortunately, I went back to my apartment and fell asleep and completely missed Chris’ gold in the keirin. When Chris came back and started talking about it, I had to kind of pretend that I’d watched it... I was like: “Oh yeah – really good race, really good.” >
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
“it was nice to go into the final having been the underdog for the past three years and turn it around at the last minute”
hosen ahead of defending champion Chris Hoy in the individual sprint, Kenny beat his great rival, Gregory Bauge of France, for gold. That came just days after victory in the team sprint, a win that came despite Philip Hindes’ dramatic start gate crash in the heat.
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
CHRIS HOY CYCLING: TeAM SPRINT ANd KeIRIN
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Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty Images
fter having won gold alongside Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes in the team sprint five days earlier, Hoy showed exactly why he’s the most successful British Olympian of all time in the keirin, fighting off Germany’s Maximilian Levy to win his sixth Olympic gold medal. “If I had to pick just one moment from the Games to relive, it would be the last 100 metres of the keirin final, when I started to come back against Max Levy and realised I was going to win it. That feeling as I crossed the finish line... well, I would love to be able to live that again. When I stepped on to the podium after I’d won gold in the keirin on the final night at the velodrome, it was a mixture of relief, disbelief, elation, pride, excitement... and an overwhelming realisation that everything I’d worked so hard for, and everything my family and the team have lived through with me, had all been worthwhile. It was an incredible feeling.” >
32 | September 7 2012 |
“That feeling as I crossed the finish line... well, I would love to be able to live that again”
C ett elli GehT121©02012 The Gillette Company.
MANY ROADS LEAD TO THE MEDAL, BUT ALL BEGIN WITH A GREAT START. SIR CHRIS HOY, 6X OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST
NOTHING BEATS A GREAT START. facebook.com/GilletteUK
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
LAURA TROTT cycLinG: TeAM pURsUiT And OMniUM hree days after winning team pursuit gold, Trott was in silvermedal position going into the omnium’s sixth and final event, needing to beat her nearest rival by three places in the 500m time trial to win gold.
Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
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“I was always dreaming that I’d do the double of the team pursuit and omnium because I did it at the World Championships. But, I mean, I still surprised myself a bit. I am a really competitive person though, so I wouldn’t have been happy unless I’d won. When I was going into the last race and I was in second place, I was like: ‘I’m not going to let her [silver-medallist Sarah Hammer] beat me, I want this title for myself.’ I hadn’t expected her to beat me in the fifth event – the scratch race – before that, so I was a bit like: ‘Woah, where did that come from?’ But I know my timed events are good and the last event, the 500m, is my best. It’s the strongest, most predictable one for me, so I thought I could do it. I just needed a bit of luck to go with it. Before the Games, I thought we’d win the team pursuit because we hadn’t lost a race all year. And I thought I might come away with a medal in the omnium. But winning it? I wasn’t sure. The only time I’d ever beaten all them girls was at the worlds. I didn’t know if it was a fluke or if I’d be able to repeat it. Life’s gone pretty nuts since the closing ceremony. The first two weeks after, the press attention was crazy – especially with the whole me and my boyfriend Jason [Kenny, sprint gold-medallist] thing. I never thought it would be as bad as that. I see Victoria Pendleton in the newspapers now and again, but I was on the front pages! It’s a pretty big deal, isn’t it?” >
34 | September 7 2012 |
“i am a really competitive person, so i wouldn’t have been happy unless i had won”
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
JOanna ROWseLL CyCLinG: TeaM PuRsuiT
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ith Laura Trott and Dani King, Rowsell formed a team that smashed all opposition in the velodrome, breaking the world record every time they raced.
“We knew from our times in training that we’d probably break the world record at the Olympics, but we didn’t think we’d do it in the first qualification round. Then we broke it again in the next round. But we didn’t think we’d go any faster in the last round because there was only an hour in between races. Still, we went quicker again. It’s weird, because usually at the end of a pursuit I’m so exhausted I need carrying off my bike. But at the end of that final, it didn’t hurt at all. I think the noise of the crowd and knowing we’d won gold made it a one-off time when I could actually enjoy the moment a bit more. Off the track, the three of us are really good friends. People talk about the sacrifices you have to make as an athlete and all the hard training, but I enjoy it – and I think that helps us train harder as a group. Also, this event is so technical that we need 100 per cent trust in each other – it’s essential, and that’s what we have. When you’re going that fast and you’re that close to the wheel in front, you can’t be doubting the person in front of you. Dani and Laura are both louder personalities than me, but they’ve rubbed off because I used to be quite shy and I’m much chattier now. They’re different too, in that nothing really fazes Laura. She doesn’t get that nervous, whereas Dani is the opposite – she’ll need more support. We just come together really well, that’s why it works.”
“We knew from our times in training that we’d probably break the world record at the Olympics”
eD CLanCy CyCLinG: TeaM PuRsuiT
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“Going into the final, we were confident we could smash round, go for another world record and take gold pretty easily” 36 | September 7 2012 |
“Without wishing to sound arrogant, we knew we’d take gold and break the world record the minute that final started. I was absolutely convinced in qualifying that the Aussies were holding something back. We went out fourth or fifth from the end in qualifying and went flat out and broke the world record, because we wanted to make a statement. Then the Aussies went off and, by their standards, they did a pretty average ride and were three and a half seconds down on us. I saw that and was convinced they were playing games, trying to lull us in a little bit by holding something back. So I had a bit of a sleepless night wondering what they were up to. Then they turned up the next day for their semi and did another average time and only just squeezed past New Zealand. At that point, we looked at each other and said: “Maybe they’re not faking it – maybe they’re just not quick enough.” So going into the final, we were confident we could smash round, go for another world record and take gold pretty easily. We knew the Aussies wouldn’t have anything to show, which is obviously how it turned out. Winning this was better than gold in Beijing because it was on home soil and there was more pressure on us than there had been in 2008. The fact we had to work harder for it made it more rewarding. Am I expecting the MBE I got after Beijing to be upgraded to an OBE? If it happens, great. But we can’t expect it, and if it doesn’t happen I won’t hold any grudges against the Queen.” >
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
he thunder-thighed captain of the men’s team pursuit quartet led Geraint Thomas, steven Burke and Peter Kennaugh to obliterate the australians – and indeed the world record – in the velodrome.
While he drifts off... ...we’re staying firmly on track.
When braking counts. www.continental-tyres.co.uk
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
VicToriA PendLeTon cycLinG: Keirin
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Carl De Souza/AFP/GettyImages
ueen Vic started her final competitive meet with team sprint relegation alongside Jess Varnish, but recovered to take keirin gold before failing to defend her individual sprint title after a controversial relegation in the final against long-time rival Anna Meares. “Obviously it would be nice to have more than one gold medal, but sometimes things don’t go your way. I knew I was in good shape for the team sprint – the times of my split were really good, and Jess was going well. It was frustrating knowing that you have the form, and then not having the opportunity to make it happen. The biggest thing for me in the past in the keirin has been indecision. It was mine to lose almost, and I was just really determined. I thought: ‘I don’t care what they’re doing – I’m just going to take the race on when it’s time for me.’ And that’s what I did. I was so delighted. The day couldn’t have gone better for me after the day before [when she and Varnish were relegated in the team sprint after making an illegal change-over in their semi final], so I was overwhelmed, so happy and relieved all at the same time. It was probably one of the most enjoyable moments of my entire career, stepping on the podium for that keirin gold. I would have liked to have won the individual sprint – I don’t care who it was against. The whole rivalry thing between Anna and myself is created solely by the media. During the Olympics, a member of the Australian media asked me: “Is Anna Meares a cow?” Would a member of the media ask Sir Chris Hoy that about Jason Kenny? I don’t think so. I think because I’m female they expect some kind of bitchy element behind it all, and they think they can ask me a question like that. But I’m a professional sportsperson and I find it a little bit insulting. At the time [of her relegation in the first leg of the individual sprint final] I didn’t see any footage, but I was a little bit annoyed because I didn’t think I’d done anything intentional, and then when I did see it I did think it was a little bit unfair. It’s sad when it comes down to that – if it was a straight line race and I crossed the line second, it would have been a lot easier to handle. The overall feeling for me is relief. I feel relieved that it was a positive result to a very difficult four years, and not just for me but the whole of the team. I think it was pretty much on par with what I was imagining, but I was imagining the worst! Going in as Olympic champion and competing on home turf is the hardest thing I will ever have to do in my life. I’m glad I don’t ever have to do it again – that’s the honest truth. I would have been gutted if I had made the decision not to go to London because it was an amazing experience. But if you asked me if I want to do it again, I’d say no thank you.” >
“ i’m glad i don’t ever have to do it again – that’s the honest truth” | September 7 2012 | 39
Rules of
Rule
a. Strokeplay The player who takes the least number of strokes shall be crowned “London’s Best Golfer 2012”. In addition to rejoicing in this title, the player will be awarded rounds at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill, flights and accommodation included, for them and a playing partner.
Rule
b. Stroke of Luck The player who is randomly chosen in the free prize draw (see Rule 83: Rub of Green) shall be crowned “London’s Luckiest Golfer 2012”. In addition to rejoicing in this title, the player will be awarded rounds at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill, flights and accommodation included, for them and a playing partner.
Card one of the 24 lowest scores at Pebble Beach on one of Urban Golf’s revolutionary, state-of-the-art aboutGolf™ simulators (the ones that World Number One, Luke Donald, practices on) and you will be in with a shot for the title of “London’s Best Golfer 2012”. And the chance to prove it on three of the greatest courses on earth. Everyone who enters will also be entered for the free prize draw so even if you don’t win you could still win. To enter, and for competition rules, go to www.urbangolf.com/londonsbestgolfer or speak to the club secretary next time you play at one of our three clubs - the Kensington National, Royal Smithfield, or the Soho Golf & Country Club.
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
Ben AInsLIe sAILInG: Men’s FInn CLAss aving lost six consecutive races to Jonas HoghChristensen, Ainslie fought back to set up a winnertakes-all final race – then finished ninth, one place ahead of the Dane, to win a fourth straight Olympic gold
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“The home Olympics was an amazing thing to be involved in, and I was lucky enough to be there at the start and the end. Being the first to carry the torch on British soil really highlighted how special it was going to be, because we got down to Land’s End at about 6am and there were already thousands of people so excited by seeing this torch. I suddenly realised just how much the Games was going to capture people’s imagination. I knew the racing was going to be tough because there are some great sailors out there. Weymouth is a tough course and I’d been managing my back injury through the past six months and was only at about 90 per cent. Sometimes it all just clicks, but this time it didn’t – and I had to fight for it because I was struggling after six or so races. That’s when I was penalised after Hogh-Christensen and Pieter-Jan Postma teamed up against me, and that really annoyed me. Luckily, I used it to fire myself up. I was really struggling to get into the regatta and I needed something to grab hold of, and that was it. The moment they did that it gave me a psychological edge, thankfully. The last race was all about finishing ahead of Hogh-Christensen to win the gold. I didn’t plan to not be competitive at the front, but once it became clear that I wasn’t going to be up there, it was just about beating him. I had to scrap throughout the regatta, and I won by the narrowest of margins. But it doesn’t matter how much I win by – as long as I’m first. This is my best gold by a long way, because it’s the home Olympics – and of course it’s the fourth gold for me, which makes it a really big deal anyway. I know other Olympians were aiming for different things. But, for me, not winning gold would have been a major disappointment. I also got to be the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony, which was really emotional. It was a bit lonely because the rest of the team were together celebrating, but it was nice to get a bit of time to reflect on everything and take it all in. And that was pretty much it. I’d love to say I partied the night away, but it wasn’t a late one. Everyone else went partying, but I was just exhausted and went to bed after the ceremony because I ran out of steam.” >
| September 7 2012 | 41
Clive Mason/Getty Images
“I won by the narrowest of margins. But it doesn’t matter how much I win by – as long as I’m first”
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
ANDY MURRAY TENNIS: MEN’S SINGLES
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Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
ritain’s number one took gold in the men’s singles, dispatching Novak Djokovic in the semi finals before dismantling Roger Federer in straight sets. He added a silver in the mixed doubles, with Laura Robson, shortly after. “When I look back on the Olympics now, I just remember it being an absolutely amazing 17 days and with a huge amount of pride. Just being a part of Team GB and the success we had was so motivating for me. I remember watching Mo Farah on the Saturday night before my final, and it was so inspirational watching him run that final 53-second lap. I was absolutely pumped up just watching it on TV. But it was the same for every single medal we got – they were all awe-inspiring, and I was desperate to be part of that and desperate to win a gold. Beating Roger in the final was the biggest win of my career. I’ve had a lot of tough losses, and I’ve been to four Grand Slam finals, but that was the best possible way to come back from those lows. I learned from the Wimbledon loss [against Federer a month previously] and used the experience to become a better player. Was I nervous going into the final? Sure, but that’s only natural ahead of a game that important. But as soon as the match started, I felt calm and relaxed because I’d been playing well all week and it was just a case of having to keep that momentum going. Even though I’ve lost in those previous finals, I’ve been able to use those experiences and move forwards, so I was nervous but confident. The crowd helped me no end because the noise they made was absolutely unbelievable. I’d like to think it added a few miles per hour on my serves and made a big difference, so they played their part. I’m just glad I managed to put in the performance I have been waiting for – for me and for them. Would I swap the Olympic final result with the Wimbledon final result, if I could? That’s a tough question, but I wouldn’t. Winning a gold medal at Wimbledon for Team GB is something that is hard to put into words. I’m actually smiling now just thinking about it, because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That’s not to take anything away from the Wimbledon final. I’ll be back there next year and I’ll be as determined as ever to do well, but just winning a gold medal for Team GB in front of your home fans – it doesn’t get much better than that. I was so proud to represent Great Britain, and am so proud of what I achieved. My only regret is that I didn’t get to stick around afterwards and experience more of the Games as a fan. I left Wimbledon on Sunday night after playing both finals, went straight to Stratford to do all the media stuff and then finally got to bed around 3.30am. I then had to be up at 6am to get to the National Tennis Centre, to do more media before leaving for Canada to play in the Masters Series. So I had to follow it from afar rather than in person, which is a shame. But I watched pretty much everything I could on TV and online in between playing, and it made me very proud to be British. Everyone you speak to now is so positive about the whole event, and it’s shown how brilliant London is as a city. Where are my medals now? They’re back at home [in Surrey]. I only had a few hours at home to pack the day after the final, so I didn’t quite get a chance to put them up anywhere. But they’ll be in pride of place when I get back from the US Open. As long as my dogs aren’t still wearing them!” >
42 | September 7 2012 |
“Would I swap Olympic gold with the result of the Wimbledon final? That’s a tough question, but no – I wouldn’t” 28 | August 3 2012 |
| 43
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
PeTer WiLSon ShooTinG: Men’S DouBLe TraP eading by three shots going into the final, the 25-yearold – the youngest finalist by 13 years – survived a brief wobble to finish two shots clear and seal Britain’s first shooting gold since Sydney.
Lars Baron/Getty Images
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“It was weird shooting in front of so many people. If we’re shooting in front of anyone normally, it’s because they’ve taken a wrong turn and they’re looking for the loos. To suddenly have thousands cheering us on was incredible, but I shot the qualifying rounds pretty well and found myself three shots clear going into the final. With five of the 25 pegs to go, I was still clear. I allowed myself a wry smile and started thinking: ‘Wow, this is it, I’m going to win gold in London.’ That punished me pretty hard and I missed the next pair. That was my defining moment – I was either going to go on and miss more and slip away, or hit the rest and bounce back to win gold. That was probably the moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I shot the next eight targets, and stood on peg five knowing one target would win it. It was a funny moment, and for a brief split second I thought about just double-barrelling the first target
to ensure I won. I’m so big headed and obnoxious, though, that all the British stiff upper lip stuff went out the window and I decided I wanted to win by two. I’ve never been so focused on one pair in my life. I pulled the trigger and just stared at that first target, waiting for the dust. Finally, I saw it, moved across and shot the second target. I had hoped to turn around, finger raised in the standard British way of saying thank you very much everyone with a big smile. Instead, I dropped to my knees and cried like a baby – which is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done. Having said that, it probably only settled in about three days ago that I won gold. I was in the shower, looked out and saw myself on the front cover of a shooting magazine and it just hit me that I’d actually won the Olympics. I’m still pretty blasé about the medal, though. I let everyone touch it and try it on. A young guy actually dropped it the other day, and that was probably the first time my heart sank for a second because you can’t get a replacement. I’m really happy for everyone to grab it and hold it, but I just thought: ‘Maybe you should be a bit more careful Wilson, this is a pretty big deal!’” >
“i dropped to my knees and cried like a baby, which is the most embarrassing thing i’ve ever done”
44 | September 7 2012 |
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
NiCk SkeLToN equeSTriAN: TeAM juMPiNG
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he narrowest of victories for Team GB at Greenwich Park, as Skelton led a four-man team also featuring Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Peter Charles to a dramatic jump-off win over the Netherlands. A first team jumping medal since the LA Games of 1984, and it was gold. “I had always thought that the equestrian events should have gone to an equestrian venue, such as Hickstead, so as to ensure some kind of legacy there afterwards. But having been there and experienced it, I’m glad they held it where it was [at Greenwich Park]. It brought our sport to the people, and allowed us to compete in front of the best crowd I have ever seen. You always go in to a competition wanting to do your best, and we had some good horses. So I thought that if we went well, we could get a medal – but I never thought it would be gold. Things progressed well during the competition, though, and Ben was unlucky not to jump clear – had he done so, we’d have won without the jump-off. But it went right down to the wire, which made it as exciting for the spectators as it was nerve-racking for us. On the way out, though, I said to the lads: ‘Let’s just go and get stuck in now – we’re gonna win this.’ I’m 55 this year, but I want to carry on, go to Rio and win an individual medal. I was gutted not to do so this year, but I’m lucky to have an outstanding horse in Big Star and he’s young enough that he can definitely do another Games. We’ve been offered huge amounts for him – millions – but he’s a unique horse and without him I’d probably have to retire. To try and find another one like him would be impossible.”
“i’m glad they held it where it was. it brought our sport to the people, and allowed us to compete in front of the best crowd i have ever seen” 46 | September 7 2012 |
CHarLOTTe DujarDin equesTrian: inDiviDuaL anD Team DressaGe
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“We had such high expectations to win the team gold, we were all so focused on it. But in the individual, I just thought any medal would be amazing. I thought: ‘God, I just want to enjoy it.’ It was my last chance to perform there. Carl [Hester] was riding too, so he couldn’t help me warm up. But I just thought, do you know what, I have every faith in [my horse] Valegro, I know what I’m doing... and if I can’t just do this little bit by myself, I’m a bit silly. I guess it’s always a challenge for me to beat Carl [who finished fifth]. He’s been my inspiration and someone I’ve idolised for so long. I beat him a few times last year, and it did feel good – he doesn’t like it very much. Not having Carl there was a bit daunting at first, but then I thought: ‘Come on, pull yourself together.’ Going in there, I just felt so calm and relaxed, and ready to show everybody Valegro’s little party piece. Every rider looks for something in a horse. Valegro has so much power, and yet he is the kindest horse – and so trainable. He really wants to understand and learn with you, and he is so clever. You can teach him something and the next day he’s like: ‘Yep, I’ve got it.’ It takes years to build that bond and that relationship. They’ve got to be able to trust you when they go into an atmosphere like that. He’s become like my best friend. It’s unbelievable how many people – even non-sporty people – have said to me: ‘Oh my god, you’re the girl off the dancing horse. You made me cry.’ And that’s men, even. So to do that for our sport – now so many more people now know what dressage is – is great.” >
CarL HesTer equesTrian: Team DressaGe inning a first team medal in a century of Olympic dressage wasn’t enough for four-time Olympian Carl Hester and his teammates Laura Bechtolsheimer and Charlotte Dujardin. They made it the best of the lot: gold.
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“On the first day of competition, we were all quite stressed out by everyone saying we should win gold. So I just said to the girls: ‘Look, we have never won a medal before, so let’s not go round stressing. At the end of the day, one of our horses would have to have an injury for us not to get on the podium. It’s just a question of what colour. So I said we should just focus on getting on the podium. After the first day, we were in the lead. It was only by a very small margin, but by that time gold medals were flooding in for Team GB. I told the girls that if we didn’t win gold, nobody was going to know who or what we were. Forget that bloody silver or bronze, I said, we’ve got to win gold or nobody’s ever going to have heard of us! I could never have imagined British dressage would reach the level of success it did at the Games. I think the fact we’d never even had any medal of any sort at any Games has just made it the most historic moment. Equestrian has been a part of the Olympics for years, so it just seems a bit shocking that dressage has never been able to bring home a medal of any colour before. I’ve been to four Games now, but I’m glad I managed to deliver in London because it’s meant more to our country than sport – particularly equestrian sport – could ever have imagined.”
| 47
John Macdougall/AFP/Getty Images, Alex Livesey/Getty Images
ith Laura Bechtolsheimer and mentor Carl Hester, Dujardin won team dressage gold with an Olympic record of 83.286 per cent. The 27-year-old then put in her second record-breaking performance of the Games with 90.089 per cent, thus becoming the first British Olympic individual dressage gold-medallist.
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
ED McKEEvEr canoE sprInT: K1 200M he 29-year old from Wiltshire powered to victory in the 200m K1 sprint, which was making its Games debut at Eton Dorney.
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“I didn’t actually go to the village until the night after my event. I was on training camp in Barcelona before the Games, and for the first week. It was good in some ways, not to get frustrated hanging around waiting for your event. But it was quite inspirational, what little we did catch of the events that were on Spanish TV. Before the start, when the announcements were going, I got the loudest cheer, which made all the hairs on my arms stand on end. Before the race I was concentrating on the first three strokes – just getting away as cleanly and as fast as possible. I did that a lot better than anyone else, and that made the platform for the rest of the race. The rest of it is sort of a blur. I got across the finish line and had to look both ways – because you want to make sure, don’t you? I went to see my postbox yesterday. That was quite a surreal experience because they’d closed the town off, and there were several thousand people to greet me – something I wasn’t quite expecting. Tim Brabants got a gold medal last time – he was an inspiration to me, and hopefully I can go on and inspire future generations.”
“Hopefully I can go on and inspire future generations”
ETIEnnE sToTT canoE sLaLoM: c2
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“ I jumped in the river because I just didn’t know what else to do, and a few other people did the same” 48 | September 7 2012 |
“We knew we were pretty lucky to get in the final, so we just wanted to have a good, hard run at the course while we had the chance to be there. We knew straight away it was a good run – it was two seconds faster than the fastest semi final run, for one thing – but it was an Olympic final, so we knew the others would try to raise their game. We had to stand and watch everyone try to beat us, which was torture. But we started to realise our time was better and better as each run went by. Once we knew we had a medal, we started to go crazy because it was so unexpected. Then the last run finished, and we realised we’d won gold – I just turned to my coach and I think I kissed him on the lips. It was just a whirlwind and we were all going mad. I jumped in the river because I just didn’t know what else to do, and a few other people did the same. It was surreal being on the podium – that’s the only way I can describe it. I could have got my head around it easier if I’d have been watching someone else do it. I remember the sun beating on the side of my face, just breathing in that atmosphere and wanting it to last forever.” >
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images, Francisco Leong/IOPP Pool/Getty Images
aving just scraped into the final with the sixth-best time in the semis, stott and teammate Tim Baillie had the first run in the final and posted an impressive time of 106.41 seconds. as things turned out, none of the other teams could match them.
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
PETE REED
ROWING: MEN’S FOURS
eijing gold-medallist Reed and his fellow rowing beasts – Andy Triggs Hodge, Alex Gregory and Tom James – took on the might of an Aussie crew widely fancied to win gold, and sent them home with silver.
Alex Grimm/Getty Images for adidas
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“It was so different to the Beijing Games, where I think they got people in to fill seats and no one cared about the rowing, so they were all gone by the time the medal ceremony came around. Contrast that with this time – it’s poles apart. It went bonkers right from the start, before the regatta had even started. When we were training at Eton Dorney at 7am, it was drizzling and cold and people were there screaming our names and shouting for Team GB. That carried on and crescendoed for our final. And we got it right – we nailed it. In the meeting before the final race, we were in the boathouse and I said: “If we do our job properly, we will win.’ The Australians are amazing and we had to be at our best to beat them, but what
“I knew what my crew had done in training and how strong we were. I knew we could deliver our best race”
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gave me confidence was how much they were talking to the press before the racing. They had all the chat and were saying we were scared and that sort of stuff. I took it with the biggest pinch of salt. No one chats like that unless they’re scared. I knew what my crew had done in training and how strong we were. I knew we could deliver our best race. And then life changed. Before the race I couldn’t think of anything beyond it. I couldn’t plan for what I was doing that evening. I didn’t want to think about tickets or where my family were going to be or anything – just the race. So as soon as we finished, I had no idea where I had to go or what I needed to do. I’m used to knowing every training session in advance – when I need to sleep, eat, where I need to be, who I need to be with. But now it’s a different world. A world that has suddenly opened up again. I think I’ll be ready to get back into training in about six months, but nothing will ever be like this again. The attention, and maybe even the success, will never happen like this again.”
“if nothing else, i have my gold medal to keep. And a huge sack of stamps with me on them”
SopHie HoSKing Rowing: women’S ligHTweigHT douBle SCullS
T Harry How/Getty Images
he fastest qualifiers for the final, Hosking and her teammate Katherine Copeland carried their fine form into the main event. Trailing at 500m, the British duo fought back to take gold in 7:09.30, more than two and a half seconds clear of second place. “We were really happy with our qualifying run on the water and went into the final quietly confident. I’ve seen the race back since, so I know we were trailing at the halfway mark. But we always expected that, so I didn’t pay much attention to it. I sit at the front and I like to not be too aware of what’s going on around me anyway. Obviously it’s impossible not to have some kind of awareness of where you are, but I never get too concerned by that. So we just carried on what we had practised and we managed to pull clear. I knew we’d won a few strokes short of the line, but I couldn’t allow myself to think about it. It’s very hard to describe how it felt crossing the line, though. I want to say shock, but that’s not the
word because I had no doubt we would win. I think it was just realisation of what winning the race meant and how big the Olympics was – and that’s the shock that showed on our faces in the pictures everyone has seen. We just hugged each other and started laughing, then we started to tell each other that we had to enjoy every moment of the celebrations ahead. We had a really nice celebration with the rest of the rowing crowd that evening, but the fact that we’d won a gold medal didn’t sink in until about a week later. I’m enjoying every minute now, though, and we even got to meet William and Kate, which was pretty cool. It was great to be part of the most successful women’s rowing team in history, and what we’ve achieved will hopefully be a big boost for the sport. If nothing else, I have my gold medal to keep, and I also have a huge stack of stamps with me on them. My mum’s bought lots, so we’ll be using them for the next couple of years!” >
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
ALISTAIR BROWNLEE TRIATHLON
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Adam Pretty/Getty Images
he elder Brownlee brother saw off competition from former world champion Javier Gomez and younger sibling Jonny to win gold in Hyde Park, a matter of months after a torn Achilles had threatened to derail his Olympic dream. “There were long periods after I tore my Achilles in February when I really wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to race at the Olympics – I didn’t know at all. During my first six weeks back training properly though, I really surprised myself. Still, to get to the point where I was actually fitter than I’ve ever been going into the Games surprised me a bit. Just to stand on the start line fit was a great feeling for me. I was nervous on the morning of the race, but not ridiculously so. I was talking to Jonny and we both recognised it was going to be a brilliant experience. I remember putting the TV on before we left for Hyde Park, and it was on the news that all these thousands of people were there waiting for the race – I couldn’t wait to get out there. I knew that Jonny, Javier Gomez and me were the fastest athletes in the field, so I knew the challenge for gold was likely to come from either of those two. I was probably halfway through the bike when I found out Jonny had been given a time penalty, but I still thought he had a good chance of getting a medal. I just needed to make sure the pack behind didn’t catch us up on the run, because there were were a few athletes in there who could have beaten him to a medal. Since the Games, we’ve been sent all sorts of things – a lot of cakes, especially, and some Lego figures of ourselves. The most random thing, though, was a karaoke machine. Jonny’s been on it more than I have.” >
Alistair Brownlee is an @GatoradeUK triathlete. To learn how he and British Cycling were fuelled to success this year, visit Gatorade.co.uk/brownlee
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“I was actually fitter than I’ve ever been going into the Games”
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
JADE JONES TAEkwONDO: wOMEN’S -57kG
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Hannah Johnston/Getty Images
he ninteen-year-old ‘Headhunter’ took Great Britain’s first ever taekwondo gold medal in the -57kg weight class – then lobbed her headguard in the air.
“I think you start to realise the enormity of what you’ve achieved when people back home talk about renaming the leisure centre and the pavilion after you. I mean, it’s nice – but it’s mad. They’ve already started selling a Jade Jones sandwich and there’s a Jade Jones Olympic sausage you can buy. So yeah, I guess you could say I’ve made it! It’s all gone a bit crazy, to be honest with you. I’ve spent this afternoon at a photoshoot, stretched out on a cooker. I’m not entirely sure why I needed to be on the cooker, but it was fun – if a little weird. It’s all been such a whirlwind that I’ve not really had time for it to sink in. Did I honestly think I’d win gold? Of course I did. I knew I could beat anyone, but obviously there were a lot of nerves involved because it was London 2012. All you can do is think positive and think you can go out there and do it. So, as I went out for the final I was thinking to myself: ‘I’m not going to let her [Yuzhuo Hou] beat me in front of my home crowd.’
I built up a good lead in the final, but I never thought I’d got it won because in taekwondo you can get a kick to the head in the last two seconds and lose the fight. I remember being ahead, seeing there were two minutes left and thinking: ‘Oh my god, I’m two minutes away from the Olympic gold!’ I just had to stay focused and finish it. When it was over, I was so happy I just pulled off my head gear and threw it into the sky. I didn’t think about where it might land. Luckily it didn’t hit anyone. Actually, it was only after I’d thrown it that I remembered you need to have it on to bow at the end of the fight – so I had to wait for it to come down and put it back on. After that it was an emotional blur. There were a lot of tears, but no wild celebrations because there wasn’t time. I didn’t get out of the arena till late, so I just got a McDonald’s and went to bed. I kept the medal on the side, so I could see it when I woke up and see it wasn’t just a crazy dream. Then the next day it started – the TV requests, interviews, photoshoots and the leisure centre and all that. Like I say, it’s all gone a bit mad.” > Jade Jones was a 2010 Jaguar Academy of Sport Rising Star and has been announced as an Elite Member of the academy, allowing her to support the next generation of British sporting talent
“Did I honestly think I’d win gold? Of course I did”
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SMILER RIZ MC ASTROID BOYS SNATCH THE WAX WOLFMUSIC PBR STREETGANG THE BEAT MEDICS & BENNY PLANAS & NIGHT OWL SEAN BROSNON SLOTHBOOGIE DOM CHUNG RATTUS RATTUS MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
LukE CaMpbELL boxING: baNTaMwEIGhT
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he 24-year-old’s four bouts at the ExCeL Centre culminated in a win over Ireland’s John Joe Nevin, who he knocked down en route to a 14-11 victory in the final. “Before my first two fights, I was training in the gym – and I don’t know what it was, but I didn’t feel good in myself. Maybe it was the nerves and the wait. When you’ve been training for something your whole life and you’re finally there, no one wants to lose that first fight. Also, the size of the crowd was new to deal with. Even though they were there cheering for you, for some fighters, the pressure can make them fold. I had to dig deepest in my second fight. I had a good first round, but I came back down on points. The second round was even better, but I was still down. At this point, my arms were heavy, my legs felt heavy, I felt quite tired – maybe because of the extra nerves. I had to go out there in the last round and just punch, punch, punch non-stop. I had to chase him – hunt him down and give it to him. And I did that. I thought they were going to take it away from me, but my coaches kept me calm and my punches told on him. After I got through that, I started to relax and that showed in my last two performances. People underestimate me – because I’m very tall for the weight, they’re not expecting that I can punch. But I can. In the final, I caught him [Nevin] with a really good shot in the first, I saw his back leg wobble and I thought: ‘I’ve got him there – I’ve hurt him.’ He was a little bit wary after that. By that stage, I was flowing – and once I get into my flow, I’m very hard to get out of it. I wasn’t looking for a knockdown in the last round – I was just throwing my punches. One connected and he went down. When the referee raised my hand I just thought: ‘Is this happening? Is it true? Have I really won this?’ It’s crazy to try and describe it. You try for something your whole life, and then you do it... I was very emotional. I still don’t think it’s sunk in now, to be honest. I need to get away with the family, relax, then think about what’s next. Maybe while I’m away, I’ll wake up one day and it’ll finally start sinking in.”
“Maybe while I’m away, I’ll wake up one day and it’ll finally start sinking in” 56 | September 7 2012 |
NICOLA ADAMS WOMeN’S bOxINg: fLyWeIghT
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“I’ve had normal jobs in the past; I even tried working in insurance for a bit, but it wasn’t for me. Boxing was always it. When it was announced that women’s boxing was coming into the Games, I was so happy. But at the time I’d been stuck in bed with a back injury for three months, so I thought: ‘How am I gonna get back up to fighting speed in time to get to the GB selections?’ I made it for the very last trials. They phoned me and said: ‘It’s now or never.’ I don’t know how I did it, because I was on so many painkillers. But I willed myself and just got through it. It was such a tough weekend of bag work, pads and sparring – I had to rest for a week after that. But then [GB performance director] Rob McCracken said even though I hadn’t trained for a while, he could see there was something there. They called me a few weeks later and said I’d made the team. And a few months after that I had my first bout back. I was panicking because I hadn’t boxed for about a year, but no one big was supposed to be at this particular tournament. Then the day before it started, the Russian team turned up with all their champions. I was like: ‘Oh god, I’ve had it now. But I ended up winning the whole thing. I was amazed, I couldn’t believe what I’d done. For a long time leading up to the Games, I’d been thinking I was going to win a medal – so on the morning of the final I was focused and determined, thinking: ‘I’m gonna get this gold, she’s not gonna win this time.’ Ren Cancan has beaten me in two world finals, but this was my final. We’d been working on the tactics and training really hard since we got back from the worlds in May. I was the fittest I’ve ever been. I thought the final was going to be a lot closer than it was, though. I was quite shocked that I was finding it so easy. When I knocked her down in the second round, I was just as surprised as the crowd was. I couldn’t believe it. I even got an Ali shuffle in – it always comes out when I get excited.” >
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Scott Heavey/Getty Images
“I was quite shocked that I was finding it so easy”
he smiling assassin defeated five-time world champion Mary Kom in the semi finals before facing three-time world champ Ren Cancan in the final. With an Ali shuffle and a thunderous one-two combo that put the Chinese great on her backside, Adams won an historic gold.
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
ANTHONY JOSHUA BOXING: SUPER-HEAVYWEIGHT fter a tricky first round against a seasoned Cuban boxer, Anthony Joshua battled through to the final where he beat the defending Olympic champion Roberto Cammarelle. In doing so, he won Team GB its 29th and final gold medal of the London 2012 Games.
“I knew I’d win it, but I tried to cut out the ‘Olympic champion’ part”
“At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the noise of the crowd. I tried to shut it out, but you can’t – you have to embrace it. That’s what I learned from my first bout at the Games. These are great people here, I thought – why block that out? When I get in the ring and the bell goes, that’s the time to focus. I knocked the Chinese guy down in my second fight, and I wish I could have done that to all of them – it’s what I feel I should be doing in every bout, but it’ll come. Both the Chinese guy and the Kazakh, Ivan Dychko, who I fought in the semi final, were taller than me. But boxing’s not about height. If a 4ft guy was to meet a 6ft guy and the 6ft guy don’t want to win, then the 4ft guy will. It’s about who wants it more – and I really wanted to win. That was the first time I was happy, when I beat Dychko. I smiled because I knew I was into the final. I knew I’d win it, but I tried to cut out the ‘Olympic champion’ part. I just saw it as me wanting to go undefeated throughout this tournament. I’d beaten Roberto Cammarelle before, so I knew it was possible. But everyone steps their game up for the Olympics – he was a different fighter in London. I went three points down in the second round and thought: ‘Hang on, this is running away from me.’ I shook my head and said: ‘No, I’m not giving up.‘ I wasn’t surprised when they contested the decision at the end – it’s the Olympic final. Everyone’s passionate, everyone wants to win. But I wasn’t worried, I knew I’d won. People ask me about going professional, but I’m contracted to GB Boxing until later next year, after the World Championships. I want to do the honours and finish my contract before I make any decisions, so I’ll still be an amateur going into 2013. The Olympics was about more than a gold medal for me – it was a life experience. It’s about the whole journey from the start – from the ABAs and Europeans, through people doubting me and all the ups and downs along the way.” Anthony Joshua was representing Betfair, proud sponsors of the British Amateur Boxing Association in 2012
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Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images
A
7 Days OUR PICK OF THE ACTION FROM THE SPORTING WEEK AHEAD
SEPHIGHLIGHTS 7-SEP 13 » Football: World Cup Qualifiers » p62 »Formula 1: Italian Grand Prix » p65 » Athletics: Diamond League – Brussels » p66 » Rugby League: Wigan v St Helens » p66 » Boxing: Bellew v Miranda » p67
Wiggo is go Tour de France winner and Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins has ticked off every major aim he had for 2012. And yet he’s back in the saddle this weekend, competing in the eight-stage Tour of Britain for Team Sky – who have presumably promised him a large San Miguel and celebratory cigar at the end of the week-long ride. Team Sky are sending a six-strong squad to challenge for honours in a race that begins with a largely flat sprinters’ stage from Ipswich to Norfolk. It could be the perfect opener, then, for world champion Mark
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Cavendish. He won two stages in last year’s Tour of Britain, and will be keen to prove he’s lost none of his sprinting prowess after a relatively disappointing few months. The Manxman may have 12 stage wins to his name this season, but he missed out on retaining the Green Jersey at the Tour de France and then failed to win what would have been his first Olympic medal, leaving him empty-handed from the two biggest races of his season. Already strong rumours are circulating that this could be Cavendish’s first and last season at Team Sky, with even Wiggins admitting the British team’s focus on overall race wins rather than stage victories leaves Cavendish with little choice other than to move on.
Still, he’s likely to be in better racing shape than Wiggins. The Olympic time trial winner has spent the past few weeks lording it up with lookalike Paul Weller, enjoying a wellearned good feed (and a few glasses of the local brew) in Majorca, and trying to come to terms with his newfound stardom. “I left home on June 22 and nobody knew who I was,” he reflected recently. “And then I came back to this overwhelming adulation everywhere I go. I went to Tesco the other night, and that wasn’t like it used to be.” The British crowds will no doubt be out in force to cheer Wiggins and company on their tour around the country. And, while it’s bound to be a celebration of sorts for one Team Sky man, it could well be the beginning of the end for another.
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
SUNDAY > CyCLING | TOUR OF BRITAIN | IPSWICH TO NORFOLK SHOWGROUND | HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 8PM
7 Days
World in motion In less than two years from now, 32 of the world’s finest football nations will convene for Copa do Mundo da Fifa Brasil 2014 – the World Cup. First, though, there’s the small matter of qualifying, which begins this weekend. We break it down for you...
Group A
Group B
Here, most notably, Scotland will face Wales in a battle of the home nations, although it will be only to determine who finishes fourth at best. The big guns as top seeds here are Croatia. Serbia add Baltic spice, but both should be usurped at the top by the best Belgium team in 30 years – blessed with the likes of Eden Hazard (above), Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Marouane Fellaini – and saddled with the ‘New Golden Generation’ tag. In the spirit of inclusiveness, FYR Macedonia make up the group/numbers.
A group of six teams, but there really is only one. “We’re Italy (above) and naturally, with the greatest respect to the other sides in the group, we’re aiming to finish in first place,” explained coach Cesare Prandelli. And he won’t find any arguments here. Teams aiming for second place: Denmark, Czech Republic. Team likely to end up in fourth place: Bulgaria. And, finally, teams just along for the ride: Armenia, Malta.
Group F
Group G
Group H
Portugal and Russia loom large over Group F, but who are favourites? Portugal, probably. “We’re not the favourites,” claims coach Paulo Bento. “Russia have a lot of talented individuals.” So it must be Russia. “No, I think Portugal are the favourites,” sniffs Russia coach Dick Advocaat, batting the ball back from whence it came. While those two play silly buggers, we’ll plump for Israel instead, edging Northern Ireland into second and the playoffs. Azerbaijan will finish third, Luxembourg fourth, with the other two disqualified for acts of false modesty.
This group contains Greece, Slovakia, BosniaHerzegovina, Lithuania, Latvia and Liechtenstein. If you’re left wanting any more information than we’re giving you here, you’ll need to fire up The Internet, for life is too short.
Here, finally, we find Roy Hodgson’s England, freed from the tyranny of Don Fabio and able to express themselves. The Euros taught us only that Ashley Young isn’t an England international, so the next 10 games will provide a more accurate reflection of Hodgson’s New England and the Grand Plan. The friendly win over Italy was encouraging – and, while they are patently not the third best team in world football, as Fifa’s rankings have them, they have enough to top a group containing Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino.
Rules & Regs From nine groups and 53 teams, the 2014 World Cup will take only Europe’s 13 best teams. The nations who top their group qualify automatically, with the best eight runners-up fighting for four final slots via two-legged playoffs.
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Group C
Group D
Group E
“Germany are undoubtedly the hot favourites,” says Austria coach Dietmar Constantini, as Sweden coach Erik Hamren unfurls his own white flag and declares: “They are the undoubted favourites.” At this, über-suave German coach Jogi Low (above) leans back, sparks up a fat Cuban and chortles: “It’s certainly doable for us.” All of which means Sweden and Republic of Ireland are most likely playing for second place, while Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan are almost certainly not.
Proving the more things change, the more they stay the same, erstwhile Holland coach Bert van Marwijk sat through the draw for Group D and declared: “Our principal opponent will be ourselves.” When pushed to be a little less psycho-analytical, he admitted “our top opponents are Turkey”, but suggested things would be tough in a group containing “four genuine football nations”. By this we guess he’s referring to once-proud footballing nations Hungary and Romania, rather than Estonia and Andorra – but who are we to judge?
Of the nine groups in the Euro Zone, this is perhaps the toughest of them all to call, on account of them all appearing to be as woefully bad as each other. Ponder for a moment, if you will, which of Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland is best equipped to steal top spot and book a direct flight to Brazil. But then ask yourself, could Albania, Cyprus or Iceland be capable of springing that type of surprise. Then ask yourself, have you really got nothing better to be asking yourself? Hey, look over there – it’s Group F!
This week’s key fixtures Group I
September 7 September 11 October 12 October 16 2013 March 22 March 26 September 6 September 10 October 11 October 15
Two of Europe’s biggest guns are rolled out in the final group, where Spain and France sit cursing their ill fortune to have been drawn together. In truth, the reigning world and European champions won’t be cursing too loudly, aware that if they pass the ball around between themselves for long enough, the French will inevitably implode in a cloud of seething pomposity. They will still finish second and head for the playoffs, however, because Belarus, Georgia and Finland make up the numbers here.
Moldova v England England v Ukraine England v San Marino Poland v England San Marino v England Montenegro v England England v Moldova Ukraine v England England v Montenegro England v Poland
FRIDAY Russia v Northern Ireland (Sky Sports 1, 4pm) Wales v Belgium (Sky Sports 1, 7.45pm) Moldova v England (ITV1, 7.45pm) Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland (5pm)
SATURDAY Scotland v Serbia (Sky Sports 2, 3pm) TUESDAY Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (SS3, 7.45pm), Scotland v FYR Macedonia (Sky Sports 1, 8pm) England v Ukraine (ITV1, 8pm) Serbia v Wales (Sky Sports 2, 7.30pm)
Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 63
All pictures Getty Images
England’s fixtures
BRING IT ON!
TICKETS FROM £35*
a 2014 FIFa World Cup™ QualIFIer
v Ukraine Tickets still available from just £35* Tuesday 11 September 2012, Ko 8pm, Wembley a family ticket £60 (two adults, two children)* Tickets available at TheFa.com/tickets – *subject to availability
7 Days Sunday Formula 1 | ItalIan Grand PrIx | monza | Sky SPortS F1 1Pm
Red riot
Romain Grosjean was clearly concerned that this Formula 1 season was in danger of becoming a bit dull, what with no new winner for three whole races – so he decided to take matters into his own hands at Spa, instigating a multicar pile-up (above) Michael Bay would have been proud of. Grosjean will get to survey the results of that first-lap incident (his seventh in 12 races, incidentally) on television after being dealt a one-race ban. Partly thanks to his own indiscretions, he’ll get to watch a championship with a
markedly changed complexion. Fernando Alonso’s lead at the top of the drivers’ championship has been closed to 24 points, defending champion Sebastian Vettel moving ominously up to second ahead of Red Bull teammate Mark Webber – a leapfrogging that evokes memories of his maiden world title win, when he didn’t actually top the standings until the final race. Vettel’s chase for the top spot can begin at Monza, the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar – and one of the best, according to Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft. “You’ve got chicanes you have to attack,” he explains. “It’s how far you dare to attack
these chicanes, and how much the car can attack, that is the difference between success and failure.” Former driver Anthony Davidson agrees: “It’s a great circuit to drive; it’s low downforce, the lowest we run all season, and the cars are at their fastest on the run down to the first chicane. They feel slightly vulnerable and edgy with that little downforce on board, and you really feel that in the car.” Monza is Tifosi territory, of course, and Alonso will profit from the incredible support Ferrari always enjoy in their home country. He still has a lead and will be confident of keeping it – if he can make it round the first corner this time.
Saturday CrICket | enGland v South aFrICa: 1St t20 | rIverSIde Ground, CheSter-le-Street | Sky SPortS 1 2.30Pm
Mark Thompson/Getty Images, Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Broad thoughts
Stuart Broad returns from being rested for the one-day series with plenty to think about as England go into a final trio of T20 internationals before departing for Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC World Twenty20. His own summer form is cause for concern, given his lack of zip with the ball and low batting scores. South Africa won’t feel they require any helpful texts on how to bowl to this England captain. However, Broad has a habit of coming out all guns blazing after spells of poor form, and even the departure of Kevin Pietersen’s muscular batting could have its minor benefits. Broad may see it as a chance to bond his team into an even tighter unit and, in Eoin Morgan, he can count on an in-form big-hitter with IPL experience. Throw in 23-year-old Alex Hales – who wowed with his 99 against the West Indies in June – plus a diverse bowling attack, and Broad will know he has the ingredients to fashion a strong team. He will also be aware that the same is true of the opposition. Jacques Kallis, who excelled in the 2012 IPL, returns from his own one-day rest to beef up South African batting and bowling options. Twenty20 specialist Albie Morkel and batsman Richard Levi, who gave glimpses of his six-launching prowess for Somerset this year, also come into the reckoning. It promises to be a tight, exciting series – though how much it will tell us about what these teams can do on the subcontinent pitches on which the World Twenty20 will be staged is quite another matter altogether. | September 7 2012 | 65
7 Days Friday Rugby League | StobaRt SupeR League: Wigan WaRRioRS v St HeLenS | DW StaDium | Sky SpoRtS 3 8pm
Fourth time lucky The Stobart Super League reaches its final round of the regular season this weekend, with the final placing for the majority of the clubs still up in the air. There are no such problems for Wigan Warriors, however; Shaun Wane’s men are certain to finish top of the table and will be presented with the League Leaders’ Shield before their game against St Helens at the DW Stadium tonight. The visitors must win to secure third place heading into the playoffs, but that may prove a tall order – interim coach Mike Rush has already seen his team lose three times to their great rivals this season, the gifted Sam Tomkins (left) scoring on each occasion. Saints will need to improve if they’re to make it fourth time lucky at the DW Stadium, where they lost in the Challenge Cup quarters back in May. Elsewhere, the main issue to be decided before the playoffs is which team grabs the eighth and final spot in
them. Bradford Bulls, fresh from a chastening 70-6 home defeat to Hull last weekend, can still snatch it – but they would need to claim an unlikely win against the Catalan Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday, and then hope Wakefield Wildcats slip up away to the 11th-placed Salford City Reds later that evening (Sky Sports 1, 6.15pm). All that leaves to determine is who has the honour of propping up the rest for 2012. Currently inhabiting bottom spot are the Widnes Vikings, whose points difference means they will need something from their Sunday hosting of Challenge Cup winners Warrington if they’re to have any chance of avoiding the wooden spoon. Should the London Broncos and Castleford Tigers both secure two points from respective fixtures at home to Hull KR and away at Hull tomorrow, however, the Vikings will go into that game aboard a sunken ship. Good job there’s no automatic relegation, isn’t it?
Friday atHLeticS | DiamonD League: bRuSSeLS | king bauDouin StaDium, bRuSSeLS | bbc tWo 7pm
Diamond deadline Gareth Copley/Getty Images, Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
Usain Bolt’s world tour is all but over for 2012. For tonight’s final Diamond League meeting of the season in Brussels looks set to be his last outing of a year that was slow to get out of the blocks, but ended up paved with yet more gold. Trusty sidekick Yohan Blake will be in attendance as well – though the pair
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continue their merry dance around each other, with Bolt contesting the 100m here and Blake the 200m. Last week’s Diamond League in Zurich saw them in the reverse roles, though soggy conditions weren’t conducive to anything mind-blowing – Blake ran only 9.76s, Bolt 19.66s. Brussels is the second of two Diamond League finals, with last week’s Zurich meeting counting as the first. There, British high jumper and Olympic bronzemedallist Robbie Grabarz was among those to secure the Diamond trophy – and the $40,000 sweetener that comes with it.
No Brits lead the standings in any of tonight’s events, but if Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford (currently third) is fit to compete, he stands a chance. And with the bonus of a wildcard entry for next year’s World Championships in Moscow on offer to the Diamond League winners, Rutherford might consider it worthy of one last leap. For Bolt and Blake, Moscow might as well be in another century – all they’re thinking of is finishing 2012 on a high and heading to Jamaica for some proper Olympic celebrations. And possibly some handball.
SaTuRday Boxing | Tony BELLEW v EdiSon MiRAndA | ALExAndRA PALACE, London | SKy SPoRTS 1 8.30PM
Helly Hansen catwalk
Bellew beware According to the old boxing adage, the last thing to go on an ageing fighter is their punch, which is what makes explosive Edison Miranda a threat to British light-heavyweight champ Tony Bellew (pictured, right) this weekend. Miranda is, at 31, only two years older than Bellew; but he’s had 42 tough fights, is probably five years past his peak and competing above his prime weight. Those 42 fights do contain 35 wins and 30 knockouts, however – so Bellew, despite being the naturally larger and fresher man, will need to be wary. The Scouser showed in his controversial points defeat to Nathan Cleverly (his only loss in 18
BEST OF THE REST
Friday
London 2012 Paralympics day 9: 7-a-side Football, Wheelchair Rugby, Table Tennis, Channel 4 1pm CyCLing Vuelta a Espana: Stage 19, Penafiel-La Lastrilla, British Eurosport 2 3pm
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
London 2012 Paralympics day 9: Athletics, Wheelchair Basketball, Channel 4 7.30pm
bouts) that he has the skills to win this – so long as he keeps his head away from Miranda’s bombs. Sky’s excellent double-header sees the best boxer in the world whose name doesn’t rhyme with Lloyd Fairweather – super-middleweight Andre Ward – take on talented if sometimes lazy lightheavyweight Chad Dawson in California. The two Americans are probably number one in their respective weight classes – and, though some fear two supremely slick boxers may combine for a dull fight (Dawson is stepping down for this one), this is a chance to watch two pound-for-pound-level talents battle it out in their prime. Not to be missed.
TEnniS uS open day 13: Men’s Semi Finals, Flushing Meadows, new york, Sky Sports 2 5pm
goLF BMW Championship: day 4, Crooked Stick golf Club, indiana, Sky Sports 2 5pm
London 2012 Paralympics day 10: Swimming, Athletics, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis, Channel 4 7pm
London 2012 Paralympics day 11: Closing Ceremony, olympic Stadium, Channel 4 8pm
TEnniS uS open day 13: Women’s Final, Flushing Meadows, new york, Sky Sports 1 1am
Sunday
Saturday
MoToRSPoRT World Superbikes: Round 12, nurburgring, germany, British Eurosport 2 11am
RugBy union Rugby Championship: Australia v South Africa, Subiaco oval, Perth, Sky Sports 3 11.35am
FooTBALL League one: Coventry v Stevenage, Ricoh Arena, Sky Sports 1 1.15pm
RugBy union Aviva Premiership: Bath v London Wasps, The Rec, ESPn 2.15pm
RugBy union Aviva Premiership: northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs, Franklin’s gardens, Sky Sports 2 3pm
HoRSE RACing Betfred Sprint Cup, Haydock, More 4/Racing uK 3.25pm
CyCLing Vuelta a Espana: Stage 21, Cercedilla-Madrid, Brit Eurosport 3pm
TEnniS uS open day 14: Men’s Final, Flushing Meadows, new york, Sky Sports 1 9pm BASEBALL MLB: LA dodgers @ San Francisco giants, AT&T Park, ESPn America 1am
tueSday CRiCKET india v new Zealand: 2nd T20, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, Sky Sports 2 3.30pm
thurSday goLF Ricoh Women’s British open: day 1, Royal Liverpool at Hoylake, BBC Two 1pm
Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 67
Helly Hansen beauty and tHe beast a 26.2 mulit-lap trail maratHon cHallenge for induviduals and teams 22nd september 2012, stonor park, Henley-on-tHames. sign up and join us on tHe Helly Hansen catwalk at www. HellyHansenbeautyandtHebeast.co.uk
Extra time Gadgets
P76 Olivia Thirlby plays judge, jury and executioner in Dredd 3D. Well, if you’ve got to go...
Making the most of your time and money
Golden gear Feast your eyes on this week’s shiny selection of gadgets, including a phone that will make you feel very important
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1. Sony Xperia Tablet S
2. Swissvoice Bluetooth BH01i
3. Ion Air Pro WiFi
4. Phiaton PS 20 BT
A ‘family friendly’ tablet, this has a splashproof screen designed to be used by every member of your household – so no more jealously protecting your tablet from your sticky-fingered children. Although they might mess up your innings on Stick Cricket, so it’s probably best to keep them off it anyway, just to be safe. From £329 | sony.co.uk
It’s quite hard, we’ve found, to really slam an iPhone down in disgust. We tried, but it led to an expensive trip to the Apple Store, and the forceful point we were trying to make was rather lost. If only we’d had this Bluetooth dock and handset, replete with speaker phone, we could have ended that call with the vitriol unwanted sales pitches deserve. £150 | epure.swissvoice.net
Let’s face it – extreme sport, or even going outside for that matter, is pointless if you can’t tweet about it afterwards. This waterproof action cam is Wi-Fi enabled – the accompanying iPhone app acts a viewfinder, and can control recording while you’re mountain biking down Niagara Falls, or whatever. Think of all the RTs you’ll get. £299 | iontheaction.co.uk
Thanks to OmniPair technology (not, sadly, a futuristic dating algorithm) these sleek half in-ear headphones, which provide the perfect balance between the bass response of in-ears and the clarity of open-ears, can store the Bluetooth spec of up to eight devices. So it’s easy to switch between phone and tablet listening without fiddly pairing. £130 | iheadphones.co.uk
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Extra time Tanit Phoenix
Fire bird
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for an Fa shower gel ad – YouTube it, we’ll wait. And, if you’re keen for an extended peak at Miss Phoenix’s acting credentials beyond that, we suggest you pick up a copy of Spud – in which she stars alongside John Cleese as a drama teacher to the film’s protagonist, a boy in his first term at boarding school nicknamed ‘Spud’ by his dormmates because he’s yet to go through puberty. Cleese, also a teacher at the school, attempts to teach Spud to play cricket. The boy doesn’t do so well with a bat. But he does excel at drama. Probably because Phoenix didn’t wear a cricket jersey for that role either. Tanit Phoenix is the stunning star of Spud, out now on DVD and Blu-ray
Cherie Roberts
anit Phoenix is not a cricketer. Neither is she dating one. But she is South African. And, with her country’s cricketers here for only a few more days before departing for the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, now is as good an opportunity as any to shoehorn her into these pages. We were going to feature the supermodel and actress wearing her country’s cricket jersey, but we changed our minds. Phoenix’s cricketing links are tenuous at best. At a stretch, she shares her surname with a mythical fire bird reborn out of its own ashes. On a slightly firmer wicket, her sporting credentials extend to frequent modelling assignments for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue and skydiving topless
| September 7 2012 | 71
Extra time Kit
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Beach bum? With the kids back at school, it’s time to snap up a cheap deal to sunnier shores – so you may need this lot
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1. Kangol Pattern Player Trilby Normally the item of choice for festivalgoers on their 72-hour sessions, trilby hats are fast becoming a beach necessity – and this neat Kangol number does the job nicely. Stylish and light, it will help keep the sun off that increasingly thinning (your secret’s safe with us) head of hair. £34 | kangol.com
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3. Timex Adventure Series Tide Temp Compass Watch 2. Energie Sabik Tee Want to catch people’s eye on the beach without showing off your body? Well, nothing says “I’m on holiday” better than a dog with an Elvis haircut. Just put it on, and we guarantee you’ll raise a few chuckles. If they continue when you take it off, that’s when you’re in trouble £40 | energie.it
Should you decide to actually move from the beach in favour of some water-based tomfoolery, do so safe in the knowledge that this tidy piece from Timex is waterresistant to 100 metres. What’s more, its electronic compass will help you get home when you inevitably swim out too far. £139.99 | John Lewis
5. Cushe Manuka Feet Flops 4. Patagonia Wavefarer Board Shorts We’re very big fans of these board shorts here at the mag. Made of Supplex nylon with a water-repellent finish (as you’d expect and indeed hope), the hem fits at the knee and the durability means you’ll be wearing them long after you come home. Don’t like the colour? Fear not, for there are a bunch of other options. Perfect. £52 | patagonia.com
Cushe are starting to make a pretty big name for themselves in the footwear world, and these feet flops show exactly why. Combining a sturdy build with a comfy soft rubber feel, they’re ideal for a walk on the beach or a day on the boat. Oh, and don’t worry – they also come in other colours, too. £30 | cushe.com
6. Eden Park Namibie Swimsuit Depending on your body shape, these lightweight swimming shorts are either heaven or hell for you. Available in a variety of colours, they come with a rear and front pocket, interior netting and the trademark Eden Park bow tie logo embroidering. £61 | uk.eden-park.com
Competition
Win a Sub and a drink! Yes, a REAL Sub…!
To geT in on The SUBWAY LUnCh™ ACTion And Be in WiTh A ChAnCe of Winning, ALL YoU need To do iS TexT US The AnSWer To ThiS SimpLe qUeSTion:
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o celebrate the launch of the SUBWAY LUNCH™ at just £3, the guys at SUBWAY® stores are giving adventurous Sport readers the chance to win a Personal Submarine like the one in the picture (worth over £9.5k) and a drink, of course! That’s right, we’re giving away a fully operational Personal Submarine, a real Sub and a drink! Win our prize draw and the fully operational mini-submarine will be delivered straight to your door, ready for you to cruise the seas. We all love good value, so we’re very proud that our customers can now choose from a range of 9 freshly made 6-inch Subs and ANY regular drink for just £3. We still can’t believe it ourselves. THE SUBWAY LUNCH™. Genius.
Cricketer Freddie Flintoff got himself into a spot of aquaticbased trouble back in 2007, but what craft was he piloting? A Submarine B Pedalo C Hovercraft The £3 deal includes a range of nine 6-inch Subs including Veggie Delite®, Chicken Tikka, Ham, Italian B.M.T.®, Meatball Marinara, Spicy Italian, Tuna, Turkey Breast & Ham and Turkey Breast, plus a regular 16oz dispensed drink, hot drink or bottle of water.
For your chance to win, text SUBWAY, your name and your answer, A, B or C to 81089, now!*
*Texts cost 50p + standard network charge. Competition closes at midnight on Thursday September 13. By texting in you agree to the full terms and conditions at blog.sport-magazine.co.uk/tagged/subway | 73
Extra time Grooming
Save some face You’ve only got one, so look after it when shaving with one of these gels or creams – and use a postshave balm, too £12 for 100ml
£4.54 for 200ml £10 (part of shave set) £15 for 100ml
£15 for 150ml
£5.29 for 100ml
£3.99 for 175ml £3.99 for 200ml
£6.99 for 100ml
1. NGT Shaving Cream and After Shave Balm Natural ingredients mean NGT’s shave cream forms a rich lather that replenishes skin, while the balm – from NGT’s Shaving Essentials Mini Set – helps protect it. nougatlondon.co.uk
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2. I Coloniali Shave Creams I Coloniali’s Delicate Soap-Free Shaving Cream includes white willow bark among its calming and anti-irritation properties. Its Softening Shaving Cream with Mango Oil, on the other hand, soothes as you shave. marksandspencer.com
3. Nivea For Men Shave Gel and Post-Shave Balm
4. Gillette Pro Glide Gel and Intense Cooling Balm
5. Bulldog Shave Gel and After Shave Balm
The shave gel formula contains the skin’s own coenzyme Q10 to give instant revitalisation to tired, stressed skin. And the alcohol-free balm is made for a sensitive face lacking moisture. niveaformen.co.uk
Gillette’s shave gel provides a layer of hydrating emollients that soften hair and protect your skin. Combine with the cooling balm for a refreshing, soothing sensation. boots.com
The gel has eight essential oils, aloe vera, jojoba and konjac mannan for a smooth shave. The balm includes those same oils, as well as green tea and vitamin E to nourish and soothe. meetthebulldog.com
James Lincoln, jameslincoln.co.uk
£5.79 for 75ml
Extra time Entertainment
Total helmet
FiLm
Judge Dredd keeps his hat on this time, while old blue eyes Peter O’Toole is back in perfectly restored majesty BLu-RAY
Lawrence of Arabia
music
Dredd 3D
If Batman was too much of an old softy for you, meet the law enforcer who won’t just shoot criminals: he’ll melt their head on meeting. Hollywood’s second try at authoritarian 2000 AD icon Judge Dredd is a vast improvement; a spectacular slice of unapologetic uber-violence featuring Dredd and
dvd
a foxy young rookie trapped Die Hard-style in a futuristic slum towerblock run by drug queenpin Ma-Ma. It’s short on subtlety, but it’s a gory, guilty pleasure. Plus, the grimacing, sometimes amusingly deadpan Karl Urban gives the best display of all-chin acting since Robocop. Out today.
music
Homeland Season One
Zoo Time Howard Jacobson
A fudged finale can’t spoil this superb US TV thriller about a marine who returns from eight years in Iraq and may or may not have come back as an unlikely ginger jihadist, set to carry out a sinister al-Qaeda plot. Get the DVD on Monday before a second season arrives later this year.
Booker Prize-winning wit Jacobson’s new novel is about a writer distracted by his vivacious wife, not to mention her equally alluring mother: a man led more by his sword than his pen. Let’s hope for Howard’s sake this isn’t autobiographical, or he could be in trouble.
Coexist The xx
Tales from the Thames Delta The Milk
Follow-up to The xx’s beloved 2009 debut arrives on Monday, with a whisper rather than a roar. The gossamer vocals and minimalist arrangement of opener Angels shows they haven’t lost their spinetingling touch. Indeed, critics’ niggles centre on the fact that the London band have stuck too close to their original formula – but there is a subtle increase in pace. Awash with class again.
One of the liveliest live bands in the country, these Essex-based northern soul rivalists have brought their energy, swagger and infectious tunes to their first album. From the Motown vibe of Danger to skainfused Mr Motivator (a tribute to the 1990s fitness guru, we assume), the hooks and rasped vocals keep your toes tapping. Very retro, but The Milk have delivered us a tasty debut.
76 | September 7 2012 |
BOOK
Alexandra Waespi
Epic is such an overused cinematic term, but this is the real deal. An epic epic, if you like – and it finally arrives on Blu-ray, having undergone a resoration as crystal clear as Peter O’Toole’s cut-glass accent. The sweeping tale of a British army officer who led an Arab revolt against the Turkish Empire during World War I, this 1962 classic comes with extras such as an O’Toole interview, plus Steven Spielberg offering high praise. This really deserves a place next to Crank on your sideboard.
LIVE Star of Sky 1’s ‘A League of Their Own’ in a brand new DVD for 2012
Released 12th November on DVD and Blu-ray
PRE-ORDER NOW
Free Super Saver Delivery and Unlimited Free One-Day Delivery with Amazon Prime are available. Terms and Conditions apply. See Amazon.co.uk for details.
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