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…. as in the rogerthebutler who likes to take a stroll down Olympic Memory Lane with me now and again.
Hope you're enjoying the latest renewal…. but down to business.
I know it's almost compulsory for any conversation between us to include the words 'Dave' and 'Wottle' but for today's memoir I'm thinking back to the Women's 800m Final in Munich. This was a fantastically strong race, won in an Olympic record and hopefully most of these heroines will be familiar names and faces to you.
Munich 800m Final
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoY6IYqb0sg
Hope you're enjoying the latest renewal…. but down to business.
I know it's almost compulsory for any conversation between us to include the words 'Dave' and 'Wottle' but for today's memoir I'm thinking back to the Women's 800m Final in Munich. This was a fantastically strong race, won in an Olympic record and hopefully most of these heroines will be familiar names and faces to you.
Munich 800m Final
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoY6IYqb0sg
Show More
is there a link with David Coleman commentary? Always an essential part of Olympic nostalgia for me.
Going back to Wottle - fascinating tactics - running 2 evenly paced laps. Borzakovsky did the same in 2004. Risky strategy though and you have to judge the pace perfectly - if they run the first lap very slow you're in trouble.
Going back to Wottle - fascinating tactics - running 2 evenly paced laps. Borzakovsky did the same in 2004. Risky strategy though and you have to judge the pace perfectly - if they run the first lap very slow you're in trouble.
Wottle/Coleman
"Here comes Wottle with the throttle"
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZut7MFZ-i8
"Here comes Wottle with the throttle"
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZut7MFZ-i8
Paul Ereng also did the two evenly paced laps trick in Seoul if I recall correctly.
Munich 1972 was the first Olympics I can really remember.
Of course there was Wottle and Mary Peters for the British fans but my biggest memory of athletics from those games was Klaus Wolfermann beating Janis Lusis by 2 cm in the Javelin.
I would have mentioned David Jenkins' mazing final leg in the 4x400 metres - turns out he was a rampant druggie though.
Of course there was Wottle and Mary Peters for the British fans but my biggest memory of athletics from those games was Klaus Wolfermann beating Janis Lusis by 2 cm in the Javelin.
I would have mentioned David Jenkins' mazing final leg in the 4x400 metres - turns out he was a rampant druggie though.
....oh and John Aki-Bua in the 400m hurdles, winning Uganda's first (and only?) medal at the Olympics?
Someone 'Wikipedia me up' and tell me I'm wrong on that one.
Someone 'Wikipedia me up' and tell me I'm wrong on that one.
LOL, sadly I have no recollection of the Wolfermann victory, but yes I can remember that afternoon when the great Akii-Bua (later a victim of Idi Amin's Uganda) beat "Hemery Great Britain" (copyright Coleman Mexico '68).
Mexico was my first Olympics, happily off school for a week or so with some problem that required a lot of watching telly and playing with a Spirograph to cure.
Mexico was my first Olympics, happily off school for a week or so with some problem that required a lot of watching telly and playing with a Spirograph to cure.
Mexico '68 was the first Olympics I remember, but I think most of the athletics was on during the night, and indeed it was during school term time. We were treated to a breakfast TV programme on BBC (complete novelty in those days) with Frank Bough.
...and there goes Juantorena down the back straight,
opening his legs and showing his class....
opening his legs and showing his class....
My mate's dad used to get "athletics weekly" at the time, and sometimes an imported "track and field news". I was just in awe of the American sprinters of the '68 era and to this day Tommie Smith and Lee Evans are still my great sporting heroes.
For the '72 Olympics, my parents got out first colour TV for me to watch it, but I can't remember a more disappointing games (from an athletics pov)
For the '72 Olympics, my parents got out first colour TV for me to watch it, but I can't remember a more disappointing games (from an athletics pov)
I would have mentioned David Jenkins' mazing final leg in the 4x400 metres - turns out he was a rampant druggie though.
to be fair, I don't think Jenkins turned to drugs until about '75/76
to be fair, I don't think Jenkins turned to drugs until about '75/76
Yeah - and crushed the joyous naivite out of the young Rodge, who thought he was the dog'd doo-dahs after his win from lane 8 in the European Championships in....help us out here alun?
It was the year David Bedford was nailed on to win the 10,000 metres until Vaatainen blew past him.
It was the year David Bedford was nailed on to win the 10,000 metres until Vaatainen blew past him.
Vaatainen & Haase, 1971
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwyA3sfEED4
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwyA3sfEED4
My only memories of the 1972 Olympics are of the shocking terrorist attack.
Nothing was worse than the tragic loss of eleven Israeli athletes, of course, some of whom were tortured, but one thing that really makes me angry to this day is the IOC's despicable pandering to the ten Arab countries who complained that their nations' flags were lowered to half mast later that day as a mark of respect to the dead. Instead of the appropriate response of telling them to **** off entirely, the spineless committee immediately restored the flags back to the top. I've always found that disgusting.
Fast forward forty years to London 2012 and the IOC refused to hold a minutes silence during the opening ceremony for fear of upsetting Muslim competitors.
Nothing was worse than the tragic loss of eleven Israeli athletes, of course, some of whom were tortured, but one thing that really makes me angry to this day is the IOC's despicable pandering to the ten Arab countries who complained that their nations' flags were lowered to half mast later that day as a mark of respect to the dead. Instead of the appropriate response of telling them to **** off entirely, the spineless committee immediately restored the flags back to the top. I've always found that disgusting.
Fast forward forty years to London 2012 and the IOC refused to hold a minutes silence during the opening ceremony for fear of upsetting Muslim competitors.
Apologies, Alun, to hijack your thread with something depressing.
Borzov winning the 100/200 metres double in 1972 was very impressive to a young me . I did wonder years later how come there were no yanks contesting the Gold ......2 of them got the wrong time for their heat .....wallys.
My kids(adults now) must be sick of my reminiscing about the golden era of the Olympics ....mind they did like the story of Onishenko and his dodgy eppe in the 76 modern pentathlon against Jim Fox.
My kids(adults now) must be sick of my reminiscing about the golden era of the Olympics ....mind they did like the story of Onishenko and his dodgy eppe in the 76 modern pentathlon against Jim Fox.
It was Eddie hart and Rey Robinson who missed their QF races in the 100m. Wasn't really their fault, but added to a woeful athletics games for USA
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Wright_(track_coach)#1972_controversy
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Wright_(track_coach)#1972_controversy
Roger - sorry, been watching the Del Potro tennis match for last 3 hours or so. I think Jenkins did his unlikely Lane 8 win at the '71 Europeans (?).
Now Roger, I have a terrific sports trivia question for you, which I was reminded of when watching an old Olympic clip today on this very thread. Who pulled up (uninjured) 300 metres into an Olympic 800m race and shortly afterwards reputedly tried to top themselves by jumping off a bridge but bottled that as well. That's the rumour anyway. Two unparalleled bottle jobs in one unforgettable day.
Now Roger, I have a terrific sports trivia question for you, which I was reminded of when watching an old Olympic clip today on this very thread. Who pulled up (uninjured) 300 metres into an Olympic 800m race and shortly afterwards reputedly tried to top themselves by jumping off a bridge but bottled that as well. That's the rumour anyway. Two unparalleled bottle jobs in one unforgettable day.
You've got me there!
On all the evidence you've given me it sounds like it should be Tom McKean!!
On all the evidence you've given me it sounds like it should be Tom McKean!!
An incredible story I know, but there's never been any denial or cover-up. Could not seemingly cope wit Olympic/National pressure.
Roger - This link will give you some of the details. (See Mexico 1968). Unprecedented I'd say.
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http://www.athleticsweekly.com/featured/olympic-history-womens-800m-47922
This woman has always intrigued me, if nothing else because she was as a contemporary of Lillian Board. I remember seeing her on World of Sport years ago, when they covered athletics, blowing everyone away to break the 800m world record, set in Britain. Immense talent and won several Euro titles as I recall, but clearly had issues.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L_iC2CDrEM
Roger - This link will give you some of the details. (See Mexico 1968). Unprecedented I'd say.
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http://www.athleticsweekly.com/featured/olympic-history-womens-800m-47922
This woman has always intrigued me, if nothing else because she was as a contemporary of Lillian Board. I remember seeing her on World of Sport years ago, when they covered athletics, blowing everyone away to break the 800m world record, set in Britain. Immense talent and won several Euro titles as I recall, but clearly had issues.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L_iC2CDrEM
I have to say I'm disappointed not to see the great Merlene Ottey participating at the Rio Olympics for Slovenia.
Fingers crossed she'll make it onto the plane for one more crack at the elusive Gold Medal in the 100 metres in Tokyo four years from now.
Fingers crossed she'll make it onto the plane for one more crack at the elusive Gold Medal in the 100 metres in Tokyo four years from now.
Would a zimmer frame be classified as a Performance Enhancing Drug?
Wow, I never came across that story about Vera Nicolic - did anything ever come to light as to the why's and wherefores?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW0VFxZpDQY
One of my favourite Coleman commentaries, the year I ran as a Junior in the Yorkshire Schools 880 yards.
Finished 2nd beaten about 10 lengths but there was a long way back to the 3rd.
One of my favourite Coleman commentaries, the year I ran as a Junior in the Yorkshire Schools 880 yards.
Finished 2nd beaten about 10 lengths but there was a long way back to the 3rd.
While we're discussing Coleman….."Steve Ovett, those blue eyes like chips of ice" (a memorable turn of phrase during the Moscow 800m Final) and "You don't become a bad athlete overnight" (after Coe's salvation in the 1500) both spring to mind.
Though no athletic event can ever be as good as 'The Olympics 1968 - 1984' (makes you winder why they bother really), having just had a chance to see it, what do you think of Wayde Van Niekerk's run last night.
Off the scale amazing or just 'drop my bacon sandwich' eye-opening?
From lane 8 as well.
Off the scale amazing or just 'drop my bacon sandwich' eye-opening?
From lane 8 as well.
A fantastic effort indeed Rog. Glad I stayed up to watch it.
The last time I stayed up really late to watch a night of Olympic athletics was that great night in Atlanta when Verbjorn Rodal won a thrilling 800m for Norway.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duQ-Wg0SzvU
The last time I stayed up really late to watch a night of Olympic athletics was that great night in Atlanta when Verbjorn Rodal won a thrilling 800m for Norway.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duQ-Wg0SzvU
Coleman did not sound like he was at the races - his powers were waning then.
Probably wrong, but I think Rodal is still the only Track Gold Medalist
who has qualified for a final as a fastest finisher.
who has qualified for a final as a fastest finisher.
Rog - remove Bolt and the disgraced Gatlin, and don't you think the Sprinting division is the most uninteresting in the years you've been watching it?
Just been reading about the Paralympics budget cuts. I reckon if you get your skates on and get out there now and negotiate, you could well be lighting the flame.
Just been reading about the Paralympics budget cuts. I reckon if you get your skates on and get out there now and negotiate, you could well be lighting the flame.
Rog - before we close this nostalgia-fest for 2016, I can't leave it without recalling what must have been one of the most extraordinary races of ANY Olympics. And it's one I've never seen since the day it happened, nor can I find it at YouTube.
An 800 metres race where the winner came from almost last to first as I recall, and the first 4 home all smashed the existing World Record.
The winner continued to win Gold Medals and smash world records….until 1984 when she abruptly retired in 'controversial circumstances'.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1976_Summer_Olympics_–_Women%27s_800_metres
An 800 metres race where the winner came from almost last to first as I recall, and the first 4 home all smashed the existing World Record.
The winner continued to win Gold Medals and smash world records….until 1984 when she abruptly retired in 'controversial circumstances'.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_1976_Summer_Olympics_–_Women%27s_800_metres
Yeah Kazankina
I only remember her 'cos we had a mature student our course at University a few years later who was her spitting image. You don't suppose our Russian lady crossed the finishing line at Montreal and thought to herself 'Hmm. A few years learning East-Midlands-tinged English and I blag my way into a middling redbrick University in Middle England, develop a chronic scrumpy habit and come away with a 2:2 - and the Politburo can't bloody touch me for it!'
Hence her disappearance?
No? Probably not.
Do you remember Ana Quirot and her pretty tragic story?
I only remember her 'cos we had a mature student our course at University a few years later who was her spitting image. You don't suppose our Russian lady crossed the finishing line at Montreal and thought to herself 'Hmm. A few years learning East-Midlands-tinged English and I blag my way into a middling redbrick University in Middle England, develop a chronic scrumpy habit and come away with a 2:2 - and the Politburo can't bloody touch me for it!'
Hence her disappearance?
No? Probably not.
Do you remember Ana Quirot and her pretty tragic story?
alun2005
19 Aug 16 18:08
Rog - remove Bolt and the disgraced Gatlin, and don't you think the Sprinting division is the most uninteresting in the years you've been watching it?
Just been reading about the Paralympics budget cuts. I reckon if you get your skates on and get out there now and negotiate, you could well be lighting the flame.
Ha!
Outed for the blagger I most definitely am!
Yeah, I mean even though I couldn't stand him and he was never the best American at least John DSrummond leant some colour and depth to the Ameriucan challenge 10-12 years back. You also had someone like Geir Moen who put Norway on the map in sprint terms, but nothing like that now.
19 Aug 16 18:08
Rog - remove Bolt and the disgraced Gatlin, and don't you think the Sprinting division is the most uninteresting in the years you've been watching it?
Just been reading about the Paralympics budget cuts. I reckon if you get your skates on and get out there now and negotiate, you could well be lighting the flame.
Ha!
Outed for the blagger I most definitely am!
Yeah, I mean even though I couldn't stand him and he was never the best American at least John DSrummond leant some colour and depth to the Ameriucan challenge 10-12 years back. You also had someone like Geir Moen who put Norway on the map in sprint terms, but nothing like that now.
alun2005
Joined: 11 Jan 02
Replies: 30365
20 Aug 16 15:33
Quirot…… Cuba??? Lost her family in a house fire ???
Yeah - and her unborn child I believe. V. sad.
Joined: 11 Jan 02
Replies: 30365
20 Aug 16 15:33
Quirot…… Cuba??? Lost her family in a house fire ???
Yeah - and her unborn child I believe. V. sad.
One of Quirot's contemporaries if I recall correctly was everyone's pin-up girl, Maria Mutola. the biggest thing to come out of Mozambique since Eusebio and Ebola.
Mutola, Quirot and one of my fav Russky runners, Svetlana Masterkova
Mutola's just back from the hairdressers.
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http://www.gettyimages.in/detail/news-photo/bronze-medalist-maria-mutola-from-mozambique-gold-medalist-news-photo/51976597
Mutola's just back from the hairdressers.
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http://www.gettyimages.in/detail/news-photo/bronze-medalist-maria-mutola-from-mozambique-gold-medalist-news-photo/51976597
Here's one for you!
Doina Melinte or Maricica Puica?
Doina Melinte or Maricica Puica?
Christina 
But even she has to give way to Lorraine Baker.
But even she has to give way to Lorraine Baker.
A definite cutie
...and on that note I must away. This women's Triathlon is bubbling up nicely....
...and on that note I must away. This women's Triathlon is bubbling up nicely....
Alun!
Help out an old pal, there's a sport.
The British male 400 metre runner that looked like Morrisey. I think he might have come from Manchester too. Decent enough performer too - not 'Roger Black' more 'Todd Bennett' (RIP)
I'm remembering late 1990's possibly?
It's doing my head in!
Help out an old pal, there's a sport.
The British male 400 metre runner that looked like Morrisey. I think he might have come from Manchester too. Decent enough performer too - not 'Roger Black' more 'Todd Bennett' (RIP)
I'm remembering late 1990's possibly?
It's doing my head in!
David Grindley
Possibly 1992 Barcelona Olympics his heyday? British record holder???
Possibly 1992 Barcelona Olympics his heyday? British record holder???
btw Roger….I can't believe I found these on YouTube yesterday, but needless to say someone had put them there.
You'll no doubt remember that Saturday night in 1980 when Ovett beat Coe for the Moscow 800m gold. What's less well remembered is that the day after, BBC broadcast an interview with Coe, and ITV an interview with Ovett, in the aftermath of the previous night's events. I can't remember a more-anticipated sporting showdown.
I do remember these interviews though like they were yesterday, even recalling entire phrases here and there. The person who put these interviews online has mixed them up a bit and added a few other bits here and there, but if you've never seen them I recommend them.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GN0lFDL7LU
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJkohq4Z_oA
You'll no doubt remember that Saturday night in 1980 when Ovett beat Coe for the Moscow 800m gold. What's less well remembered is that the day after, BBC broadcast an interview with Coe, and ITV an interview with Ovett, in the aftermath of the previous night's events. I can't remember a more-anticipated sporting showdown.
I do remember these interviews though like they were yesterday, even recalling entire phrases here and there. The person who put these interviews online has mixed them up a bit and added a few other bits here and there, but if you've never seen them I recommend them.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GN0lFDL7LU
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJkohq4Z_oA
David Grindley!!
I knew you'd come up trumps. Cheers
Will check out Ovett and Coe
I know that in 1981 the smarter$e quiz question was 'Who are the only two men to have beaten Coe and Ovett when they raced in the same race?'
One was Olaf Beyer who won the European Championships in 1978
The other was Kirk Dumpleton who beat them both in the GB Boys Cross Country Championships in the early 70's!
I knew you'd come up trumps. Cheers
Will check out Ovett and Coe
I know that in 1981 the smarter$e quiz question was 'Who are the only two men to have beaten Coe and Ovett when they raced in the same race?'
One was Olaf Beyer who won the European Championships in 1978
The other was Kirk Dumpleton who beat them both in the GB Boys Cross Country Championships in the early 70's!
Rog - did you ever hear about the post-athletics sad story of one-time UK golden girl Donna Hartley ?
Yeah
Bodybuilding and steroids wasn't it?
Shocking stuff
Bodybuilding and steroids wasn't it?
Shocking stuff
Became a 'champion body-builder' (some of the photos are horrendous). Died young in 'mysterious circumstances'.
Not 'mysterious' enough though for many people to join the dots.
Not 'mysterious' enough though for many people to join the dots.
Wasn't she married to 'comedian' Bobby Knutt? Think he went on to marry a girl called Hazel
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