Olympics

Qingdao, China - The 2008 Olympic sailing is now behind us. The medals have been awarded, the fireworks have been fired, the sails have been furled, and the party's over. Qingdao will be hosting the 2008 Paralympic Sailing shortly, but love 'em or hate 'em, the 2008 Olympics are done. In what has been called the worst Olympic sailing venue ever, the races were run - successfully for the most part - and despite all of the difficulties with the conditions and the host country, the Olympic sailing was just that: successful if not ideal.

As we've said, this is the last year for catamarans in the foreseeable Olympic games, and we bid farewell to the Olympic Tornado Class one last time with this photo.  These boats put on a great show in the medal race, and it's been a shock to many fans that they will not be sailing in Weymouth for the London games.  

Qingdao, China - The Olympic Gold was largely up for grabs in the medal race for the Star Class, and that fact showed through in the racing. With a decent breeze and big seas, it was time for the heavyweights to show off a bit, and show off they did. Great Britain, Brazil and Sweden all had a shot at the top of the podium, and it was through persistence and unrelenting drive that Britain's Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson took the Gold.

Qingdao, China - Is it fitting that the last Olympic race the Tornado Class may ever see was also the fastest, most exciting sailing of the 2008 Olympics? Yes it is. After watching the various one-design sailboats bob around in almost no wind for most of the Beijing Olympics, the Tornado Class got one last chance to show the spectators why this became an Olympic class in the first place - speed, skill and action. With race speeds reaching 18 knots, it became clear to everyone why this boat is the thoroughbred of the Olympic fleet, and now it is gone.

Qingdao, China - Most if not all of the US sailing team rushed out to the breakwater at the 2008 Olympic sailing venue in Qingdao today, to see their teammate Anna Tunnicliffe of Plantation, Florida compete in the Laser Radials for a gold medal. The Olympic crowds were treated to an incredible show as Tunnicliffe first looked out of the running for the medal, then in a dramatic comeback, fought to claim the 2008 Laser Radial (Women's One Person Dinghy) Gold Medal for the USA.

Qingdao, China - All eyes were on the Lasers today, as the lightweight singlehanders took to the water for the 2008 Olympic medal race. Paul Goodison of Great Britain went into the final event with only one rival, setting up a match race with Sweden's Rasmus Myrgren. Goodison's goal: block Sweden, and that's precisely what happened at the back of the pack, right from the start.