Many countries at the Beijing Olympics know they have no hope of upstaging powerhouse nations like China and the US, but the world’s sporting minnows plan to grab some of the limelight.
While some nations might whinge about winning dozens of medals, others will be glad of just one — and a bronze at that.
More than 80 countries competing in Beijing have never before been on the Olympic podium. For a myriad of reasons — political, geographical, financial — their sporting prowess has never matured.
After a crisis meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week, war-torn Iraq was finally allowed to send four athletes, but their chances of making the podium are slim.
The IOC had suspended the country’s participation in May citing political interference in its national Olympic committee, which the Iraqi government had dissolved over allegations of corruption.
But Iraq pledged to hold free elections for the committee under international observation, paving the way for its reinstatement.
“It does not matter what we will achieve at the Games, the important thing is we are here,” said relieved Iraqi sprinter Dana Hussein, who will compete in the 100m and 200m as her country’s sole female competitor.
Another country facing difficulties is the tiny South Pacific island nation of Kiribati, which has managed to send three athletes — 200m sprinters Kaitinano Mwemweata and Rabangaki Nawai, and weightlifter David Katoatau.
Tiny Brunei might be oil rich, but when it comes to producing athletes, it is lacking big time. The small monarchy on the island of Borneo will be competing in its fifth Summer Olympics but will inevitably go home empty-handed.
Bhutan is bigger than Brunei, but remains one of the most secluded countries in the world.
Their national sport is archery and they have an outside chance after six Games with no joy.
Cambodia may not be a minnow in population terms, but it remains that way in the sporting arena.
Boxing is its forte and it has sent a handful of athletes, including swimmer Hem Thon Ponloeu and his 16-year-old niece Hem Thon Vitiny.
After letting another big lead slip with an error-strewn performance at the French Open on Wednesday, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka felt like getting as far away from the courts as possible. “Just want to quit tennis right now,” Sabalenka said after wasting a lead of a set and two breaks in a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss to Diana Shnaider in the women’s singles quarter-finals. “We’ll see in few days. Hopefully I’ll get back on track mentally.” Sabalenka’s wait for a first French Open title continues despite the four-time major winner leading 4-1 in the second set and being two points from victory while
BIG NAMES GONE: Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title, reaching semi-finals for the fifth time in six years and finishing second on three occasions Alexander Zverev on Tuesday breezed past Rafael Jodar to stay on course for an elusive Grand Slam title at the French Open, while Jakub Mensik halted Joao Fonseca’s scintillating run in the quarter-finals. Zverev, the highest-ranked player left in the men’s draw, put an end to Spanish teenager Jodar’s impressive Roland Garros debut, easing into the semi-finals with a 7-6, (7/3), 6-1, 6-3 win. The 29-year-old Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title. He has finished runner-up on three occasions, including at the 2024 French Open. “I want to win the matches that are ahead of
Liverpool are in advanced talks with former AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as they seek a replacement for Arne Slot, reports said on Tuesday. Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s top target to replace Slot, who was sacked on Saturday last week after a turbulent second season in charge. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to bring the Spaniard, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, to Anfield. Sporting director Richard Hughes was heavily involved in hiring Iraola during his time at Bournemouth and is again spearheading the recruitment of the highly rated coach. The Reds are
KNICKS TAKE LEAD: San Antonio put on a 9-0 run to be up 95-94 with just over 2 minutes to play, but the rest of the game belonged to the New York Knicks It was past five minutes through the third quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday and the New York Knicks’ 11-game winning streak was in major jeopardy. The Knicks missed nine of their first 10 shots in the early part of the period and trailed the San Antonio Spurs by 14 points. They were floundering. Then something crazy happened. The Knicks found new life from an unlikely source: The Spurs. New York rallied to tie the game by the end of the period, gave up the lead briefly late in the fourth quarter, and pulled away late for a 105-95
RSS