Just a reminder that there are all sorts of avenues for following the Paralympics – links in my previous post. I’m really quite a busy person at the moment, and I’ll try to find the time to do a wrap-up post of what I’ve been watching when I get the chance [and thanks so much to all the commenters on the previous thread for the tips on how to get digital tv and access the ABC2 coverage] but I’m kinda hoping that I’m not the only person out there who’s been having a look, so here’s an open thread for you all to tell us all what’s been inspiring/exciting/interesting you about the Paralympic Games.
<img src="http://larvatusprodeo.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/paralympians.jpg"
Normally not a sports-watcher, that said watching two people (visual impairment I think?) clocking 60km/hr in a velodrome on a tandem bike (fixed gear)…bloody hell that’s impressive…
Next on the highlights was one of the womans medley pool events, interesting to see how differently disabled competitors have changes in speed depending on the section of the event.
Finally, hearing an interview on ABC radio conversation hour (“parent radio” as our friends nickname it) with one of the comentators who talked about the wheelchair basketball and how the rules are setup (and taken advantage of with falls!).
Apologies for not remembering names – I have enough trouble with what day of the week it is
However two thumbs up for ABC’s coverage – they’ve just comprehensively slapped down Ch. 7 and shown how it should be done
Normally a chronic sports watcher. And the US v Canada Men’s Wheelchair Basketball semi-final was one of the greatest basketball (of any type) matches I’ve ever seen. Somehow missed the GF between Aust and Can – and am now ropeable.
My weekend finally caught up with me last night and I missed the wheelchair rugby final. Ryley Batt is my favourite sportsman at the moment aftrer seeing the semi versus Canadia. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one person dominate a game so thoroughly. No legs is probably standard-ish, but his hands had to be surgically altered to separate the fingers too.
It’s hard to say this without sounding patronising, but after flicking it on casually and thinking “WTF is this?”, it was all of 2 minutes until I completely forgot I was watching disabled people play a sport I’ve never seen before. Thoroughly entertaining spectator sport, and a 19yo Aussie is the world’s best.
I caught a bit of both the women’s and men’s wheelchair basketball – and both were spectacular. Got to admit too I’ve got a soft spot for Peter Wilkins’ breathless style of energetic excitement commentary!
I was really impressed with the swimming, and the wheelchair rugby just blew me away. I too am a big Ryley Batt fan now.
Men’s b’ball final screening at Fed Sq tonight as I passed by. Cranking good quality sport, and the Canadians did seem shell-shocked at the loss. They made some inexplicable howlers in last few minutes when they should have tied, perhaps nabbed it.
The sun was setting over Fed Sq as I ascended the steps from Flinders St, and I was enjoying it as always, trying to work out what it is the infuriates people so about the design, and BAM – big telly with great sport on. No architectural reflections.
Gotta say, much as I love sport, I could do with a little less sometimes.
I wish Wilko was back doing the league. He’s a great commentator.
I caught the replays of the end of the wheelchair basketball final on the way to work today. The excitement of the Aussie commentators sent chills down the spine.
Missed the wheelchair rugby and disappointed as the feats of Ryley Batt are becoming legend.
Karen Tighe has also done a great job for the ABC.