Pinned post from 8.54am on Jul 28, 2021
Go to latestThe highlights of the Aussies in action on day 5
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Overnight, the world has reacted to Simone Biles’ withdrawal from the team finals.
Biles’ former US teammate Aly Raisman spoke out after the incident which she said made her “sick to her stomach”.
“It’s just, it’s horrible. You know, all of these athletes dream of this moment for their whole entire lives, so I’m just completely devastated. I’m obviously so worried, just hoping Simone is OK,” she told the TODAY show in the US.
“There’s only so much she can take. She’s human; sometimes people forget that.”
One of her sponsors, clothing brand Athleta, released a statement and said they were in full support of the 24-year-old.
“We stand by Simone and support her well-being both in and out of competition,” Athleta Chief Brand Officer Kyle Andrew said in a statement.
“Being the best also means knowing how to take care of yourself. We are inspired by her leadership today and are behind her every step of the way.”
United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee chief executive Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles’ bravery.
“Simone, you’ve made us so proud,” said Hirshland on Twitter.
“We applaud your decision to prioritize your mental wellness over all else, and offer you the full support and resources of our Team USA community as you navigate the journey ahead.”
Even the Harlem Globetrotters sent their love. “You are an inspiration,” the team said on Twitter.“Sending love your way.”
That’s all we have for you tonight but thanks again for joining us as we fast approach the middle weekend of the Tokyo Olympics.
Today was the most successful day Australia has had at an Olympics since Athens in 2004 and what a day it was. In the evening, the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras enjoyed wins, as did the Boomers when they scored a clutch win over Italy. Unfortunately the Olympics are over for the Olyroos, and there was heartbreak for Skye Nicolson when she lost via split decision in the boxing.
We will have plenty more action on tomorrow’s live blog so please join us again early in the morning.
Looking ahead, there will be major Australian stars chasing gold including Jess Fox in the canoe slalom, Kyle Chalmers in the men’s freestyle 100 metres, the Hockeyroos facing New Zealand, Serbia taking on Australia in men’s water polo and the opening round of the men’s golf featuring Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith.
Please have a lovely evening and we will see you all early tomorrow. Bye for now.
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A campaign that began so brightly ended quietly for the Olyroos when they were eliminated from the Tokyo Olympics after a 2-0 loss to Egypt on Wednesday night.
Just six days after causing one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by beating Argentina 2-0, Australia’s early talk of hunting a medal will now turn towards reflection on what could have been after suffering successive defeats that sees them headed for the departure lounge at Haneda Airport.
A goal minutes before half-time and another in the dying moments killed Australia’s hopes of progressing to the second round in a match in which they were largely outplayed by an impressive Egypt, whose goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shawany, pulled off two crucial saves in the second half to seal the win.
Latvia’s Karlis Lasmanis has won the 3x3 gold medal for his nation with a game-winning two-pointer beating ROC 21-18 tonight.
Latvia has placed five and second in previous World Cups for 3x3 but this time won the gold with a committed effort against a strong ROC side.
Lasmanis led his side with a game-high 10 points while his side had no replacement player for the final minutes after veteran guard Edgars Krumins badly rolled his ankle and limped to the sidelines.
Serbia beat Belgium 21-10 to claim the men’s bronze medal.
The Kookaburras have completed a 4-2 win over the New Zealand Black Sticks tonight.
Tim Brand scored in the first quarter with Kane Russell’s goal for the Black Sticks tying scores at 1-1 for much of the match.
Then Brand scored his second goal with Blake Govers and Tom Wickham taking Australia to safe ground at 4-1 up late in the last quarter.
Russell scored his second goal in the closing moments but it was too little, too late.
The Kookaburras are surging to victory over the New Zealand Black Sticks with Blake Govers and Tom Wickham scoring late goals to make it 4-1.
There are just over two minutes to play.
Tim Brand has put the Kookaburras up 2-1 in the final quarter against New Zealand.
Brand has a double today and the Kookaburras have just under seven minutes left to hold on and take the win.
USA women have won the first 3x3 gold medal at the Olympics, beating the Russian Olympic Committee 18-15 in the tournament final.
USA Basketball chose to headhunt some of the best players from the WNBA in the US and it has proven to be a masterstroke.
Centre Stefanie Dolson led USA with seven points while Kelsey Plum scored five and Allisha Gray scored four with Jacqui Young adding two points.
The Olyroos’ campaign is over after 2-0 loss to Egypt this evening.
After a stellar 2-0 win over Argentina to open the Olympics, the Olyroos couldn’t get past the Egyptians who scored just before half-time and followed with a late goal to seal a place in the quarter-finals as Argentina and Spain drew 1-1 in the other match.
Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy saved two goalbound attempts from the Olyroos in the second half so his nation has him to thank for their win and their place in the last eight.
The Kookaburras and New Zealand remained tied 1-1 at half-time in their group A clash.
Tim Brand and Kane Russell scored goals in the opening quarter, but neither side add to the scores in the second term.