France Gets Revenge Against USA in 4x100 Freestyle Relay

The French 4x100 relay team celebrate their come-from-behind victory to win the gold medal Sunday night. (Mark Terrill)

Since its inception, the Summer Olympics 4x100 freestyle relay has been one of the most highly contested competitions of all. Its history has been full of trash-talking, surprising upsets, and exciting finishes. In Beijing four years ago, France were the favorites to win it all. With a substantial lead going into the final leg, Alain Bernard looked like he would be able to bring the French the gold. However, American anchor Jason Lezak started to make a move down the stretch. Exerting all his effort, Lezak just beat out Bernard by 0.08 seconds to bring Team USA the upset victory.

This year's installment lived up to the billing of excitement as well. The Australians were the heavy favorites to win the gold, led off by James "The Missle" Magnussen. The United States relay team, featuring Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, was among the other top contenders, along with France and dark horse Russia.

A shockingly poor first leg by Magnussen seemed to completely throw the Aussies out of sync. The United States took full advantage, building a substantial lead. France and Russia hung back just off the pace. American Cullen Jones gave Lochte, the anchor, a full second lead. But then all of a sudden, French anchor Yannick Agnel began to make his move. As the final stretch wore on, he got stronger and stronger before finally passing Lochte and winning the gold by 0.45 seconds.

While the French celebrated, the United States had to settle for silver. Meanwhile, Australia, the favorite, got beat out by Russia for the bronze. For France, winning the gold was sweet vengeance served. Agnel swam a beautiful final leg. At just 20 years of age, he is one of the bright young international stars of the sport. It will be interesting to see if this result will have any carry over effect into the rest of the swimming that is still to come.

Euro 2012: Czechs and Greeks First to Advance to Last Eight

This Polish supporter's prayers were unable to get the co-hosts a win. (Shaun Botterill) 

A nation of 40 million turned their gaze upon their city of Wroclaw. They hoped and prayed that somehow their team could find a way to win so that they could live to play another day of football. This nation was Poland, one of the co-hosts for the Euro 2012 tournament. The Poles needed a win over neighboring Czech Republic in order to advance. Things looked promising early as the hosts had a considerable amount of quality chances. Unfortunately, they all went begging. As the first half drew to a close, momentum seemed to start to shift in favor of the Czechs. The two sides went to halftime scoreless. The Czechs came out pressing once again to start the second half. The Poles knew they would have to take some chances because they had to score to be able to win. However, one of those chances led to a turnover. The Czechs counterattacked beautifully as striker Milan Baros held the ball long enough to set up midfielder Petr Jiracek for the pretty goal. The Poles tried all they could to score the two goals they needed, but came up empty against Petr Cech and the Czech defense. The Czechs held on to win 1-0.

Greek players celebrate their goal in the first half stoppage time. (Michael Sohn)

When Russia beat the Czech Republic 4-1 in their opening match, they quickly became one of the tournament favorites. However, a surprising draw with Poland meant the Russians needed a draw or win against last place Greece to advance. Russia had plenty of opportunities in the first half to get on the board first, but most of them were long range efforts that were poorly taken. Just when it seemed as though the Russians would have to settle for a scoreless draw headed into halftime, the Greeks earned a seemingly inconsequential thrown in. However, a misplay by a Russian defender left the ball at the feet of Greek captain Giorgos Karagounis. Karagouins dribbled in and struck a low, hard shot into the back of the net. The Greeks came out in the second half knowing that they could focus on doing what they do best playing defense. The Russians still had a plethora of chances to find an equalizer, but struggled to find a quality finish. Despite having 25 shots on goal, they could not put one in the back of the net. As the final whistle blew, the Greeks stormed the field, knowing they had completed the improbable upset.

Group A ended up far from what was expected. The Poles gave a valient effort and deserve to be commended. They gave their home crowd all they could ask for and were in it to the very end. The Czechs certainly didn't have the prettiest group stage effort, but they still managed to advance as the group's winners. The Russians went from tournament favorites to early exit in a matter of little more than 90 minutes. They have to be disappointed, but will for sure be back with vengence on their minds. The Greeks, well they gave their countrymen something to believe in. A nation in desperate need of hope may have just found it a team of young men who refuse to give up. In the last eight, the Czech Republic awaits the runner-up of Group B, while Greece will play Group B's winner.

Canadians...and Russians...and Americans...Oh My! [International College Hockey Adds An Exciting Twist]

It's a unique challenge for everyone involved; no matter if they represent the stars and stripes, salute the maple leaf, or wear red as they cross the Pacific. 


Face it. When American college hockey meets a Russian select team or takes on a neighboring Canadian squad, things can get exciting. Even in exhibition match-ups.


An "all-star team of Russia's junior league"; that's how one online article accurately described just who these Russian Red Star players actually are (http://rt.com/sport/hockey/mhl-red-stars-hockey/). These outstanding players from the junior level have been pooled together and shipped to the United States to play eight games, with six games against NCAA opponents, the finale being tonight's game against UMass-Lowell.

Thus far, the Red Stars have played well, yet can only claim a single victory to date.
     Loss: 1-5 (North Dakota)
     Win:  6-1 (Vermont)
     Loss: 4-6 (Yale)
     Loss: 2-3 (Northern Michigan)
     Loss: 1-2 (Notre Dame)

Despite the 1-4 record, the Russian Red Stars have only been outscored 17-14. They have a chance to leave a good taste in their mouth tonight, as they close out their trip at 7:00pm in Massachusetts.

                                                                   *    *   *
The Western Ontario Mustangs hold a solid record back in Canada: 13-7 overall, with a 13-3 conference record. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, that record has not translated well across the border.
   
     Loss: 0-4 (Notre Dame)
     Loss: 1-6 (Michigan State)
     Loss: 4-7 (Harvard)
     Loss: 2-4 (Dartmouth)
     Loss: 2-3 (Lake Superior State)

Despite being outscored 24-9 in five games, the Mustangs can hope that the experience will only boost their season as they re-start collegiate play back in Canada. These are college kids, after all; it doesn't take rocket science to look at the results, find the film tape, and learn how to improve. The Mustangs should be ready for a big second half of the season.

When international teams face off at the rink, it provides a bit of incentive for exhibition games.
There is the opportunity to improve skills.
There's the chance to tune-up for the weekends conference game.
There the possibility for the third and fourth lines to get some extra time on the ice.

And, of course, there's national pride.


http://www.westernmustangs.ca/index.aspx?path=mhockey (Western Ontario)
http://rt.com/sport/hockey/mhl-red-stars-hockey/  (Article on Red Stars)
http://www.uscho.com/   (US College Hockey Online)