More News from the Olympics

From Bernie: (hope the next post is: USA playing for Gold)

This should be great! Australia just barely beat China today in the Quarterfinals. On August 19 we will play Australia at 2:20pm (Beijing time, 15 hours ahead Pacific, 12 hours ahead Eastern).

Most of you know the Olympic history of USA vs. AUS, but just in case anyone needs a refresher: 2000 Olympics, Australia beat USA in Gold medal game, with a questionable final goal...2004 Olympics, USA beat Australia in the Bronze medal game. For 2007 World Championships, USA beat Australia for the Gold. There is no love lost between the two teams. Needless to say a Gold medal match is on the line, so everything will be left in the water. I will be up in the stands (wishing I was in the water, so that I could have some control in the outcome) cheering our girls on!



In the other quarterfinal, Italy found themselves in a shootout with Netherlands. This first Italian shooter did not score, and the Dutch were perfect on their 5 shots, so Netherlands will face a strong Hungary (with USC alumni Aniko Pelle). This is the first time for Hungary to be in the Olympic Medal round (2000 they did not qualify, since the USA beat them at Qualification Tournament, 2004 lost in the Quarterfinal). Netherlands saw the Medal round in 2000, but lost to the USA in the Semi, then finished fourth. Only 3 members of the 2000 group remain (out of athletes and coaches), they did not qualify in 2004, so this is a new experience for most of the NED program.



Enough of the water polo history lesson. I could inundate you with facts, such as, this is the USA's 9th consecutive Medal round in a major World event, only the Men's Serbia Team (Once Yugoslavia) is able to claim a similar accomplishment, since 2000 Olympics. But that information can be saved for a separate "fun facts" update.



I hope all of you are well!

Take care,

Bernice