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In what I hope will become a semi-regular event thruout the rest of the Olympic swimming competitions, it is my extreme pleasure to report that Michael Phelps won his second gold medal (and his 8th gold medal overall) of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China yesterday (today?) as his relay team made up of teammates Jason Lezak, Garrett Weber-Gale and Cullen Jones not only took the gold in the Men’s 4×100 Freestyle Relay race but they also set a new world record … by 0.08 of a second:

Would Michael Phelps’s bid for eight gold medals in the Beijing Games dissolve in a pool at the Water Cube on Monday? The answer was a resounding No. Not over Jason Lezak’s 32-year-old body. Lezak, swimming the anchor leg of the United States’ 4×100-meter freestyle relay, hit the water a half-second after Alain Bernard of France, who came into the race as the world-record holder in the 100-meter freestyle. “I knew I was going to have to swim out of my mind,” Lezak said, adding, “I had more adrenaline going than I’ve ever had in my life.” Dragging off Bernard, who was hugging the lane line that separated them, Lezak made up ground, but with 25 meters remaining it appeared as if he would run out of pool. Trailing Bernard by half a body length, Lezak put his head down and surged to the wall. A three-time Olympian, Lezak had been in this predicament before. He anchored the American 4×100 relay teams at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics that came up short. This time, he was part of a photo finish. When the water settled, the giant video scoreboard showed that Lezak had out-touched Bernard by 0.08 of a second. Phelps’s pursuit of Mark Spitz’s record of seven swimming gold medals in one Olympics remained alive with a little help from his mates. Lezak’s split of 46.06 seconds was the fastest anchor leg ever, by 0.73, and his personal best by over 1.2 seconds. “His last 50 meters were absolutely incredible,” Phelps said. “He had a perfect finish.” After Lezak touched, Phelps, who swam the first leg, raised his arms and let out a primal scream. Garrett Weber-Gale, who swam second, came up from behind him and swallowed him in a hug. The United States was timed in 3 minutes 8.24 seconds, shattering by nearly four seconds the world record that its B team had set the previous night. France won the silver in 3:08.32. Australia, benefiting from a world-record setting lead-off swim of 47.24 from Eamon Sullivan, was third … With his surge, Lezak kept alive Phelps’s drive to break Spitz’s record and collect a million-dollar bonus from Speedo. Asked if he would demand a cut if Phelps succeeds, Lezak grinned and joked, “We’ve already talked about that.” Phelps, 23, was timed in 47.51 on the first leg, an American record, nearly half a second faster than he clocked at the United States Olympic trials but behind Sullivan’s 47.24. Only the first relay leg can qualify for records because it comes with a traditional standing start.

Wow … I wasn’t able to watch the race live on TV last night (since I was at dinner with my peeps) but I did DVR and watch it afterwards … it was close, y’all … Phelps owes Lezak a big cut of his $1 million if he ends up winning all of his gold medals ;) Again, much congrats to the US Team for this win … and good luck, Phelpsie … just 6 more gold medals to go.

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US Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps won his first gold medal of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China yesterday (or today? I’m still not sure how the time difference works) and he did so by also setting a new world record for the Men’s 400-meter Individual Medley:

This latest gold medal is his 7th overall, which has him closing in on Olympic athletes Larisa Latynina, Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis and Paavo Nurmi‘s 9 gold medals (which is the most gold medals of any single Olympian) … but with quite a few more events still to come in these Olympics, I think that Phelps will end up surpassing Spitz and will end up as the most successful Olympian of all time. But, let’s just focus on this gold medal right now:

Michael Phelps got one of his toughest races out of the way, and it couldn’t have been any easier. With U.S. President George W. Bush cheering him on, Phelps dominated his first event of the Beijing Olympics on Sunday morning, crushing his own world record and all hopes of his challengers with a mark of 4 minutes, 3.84 seconds in the 400-meter individual medley. This was thought to be a potential stumbling block in Phelps’ quest to win eight gold medals after fellow American and good friend Ryan Lochte matched him stroke for stroke at the U.S. Olympic trials just over a month ago. Both went under the previous world record in the 400 IM then, with Phelps touching first in 4:05.25. But Phelps beat Lochte when it really mattered. Laszlo Cseh of Hungary took the silver in 4:06.16, while Lochte faded to third in 4:08.09 — more than 4 seconds behind the amazing Phelps. “I’m pretty happy. That was a pretty emotional race,” Phelps said. “I knew it was going to be a tough race all the way through” … On the medal stand, Phelps’ eyes watered as the U.S. flag was raised to the rafters. The only glitch came during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” which cut off a few seconds before the end, cracking up Phelps. Lochte, who thought he could give Phelps a run for the gold, was blown out by the world’s greatest swimmer.

Amazing. Michael Phelps is like a machine … and he just keeps getting better and better. I have no doubt that he’s going to pick up at least a couple more gold medals, if not more. He really makes the US Olympic Team proud. Well done, Phelpsie … I’m looking forward to seeing you atop a few more medal stands as the Olympic Games carry on.

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Yesterday afternoon I got to hang out with my friend Tony for a late lunch/hanging out session in Burbank, CA. He and I were supposed to meet in London for the first Kylie Minogue concert (that David and I attended) but he couldn’t get a flight out there in time … yesterday, he told me all about how he finally did make it to London later on in the week and was able to see 3 Kylie shows at the O2 Arena :)

Last night I was supposed to hang out with Mike but I had to take a raincheck since I wasn’t feeling all that great … instead, I stayed home and watched the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games:

I don’t think I’ve ever been more impressed by an Olympic ceremony, ever. The orchestration of so many performers, the use of technology and the orgy of fireworks that I witnessed last night was just awe-inspiring. The entire spectacle was just so amazing to watch, I can’t even convey it in words. I truly hope all y’all got to watch the ceremonies last night because it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime show to behold. I wonder how any country will be able to top it … the sheer cost and number of people utilized, it was just insane. If anything, it got me really amped up for the Olympic Games to be had over the coming 2 weeks. The sad news of the murder that occurred in Beijing was a cold slap in the face that not even the majesty of the Olympic Spirit can overcome the darkness of man :(

In the end, tho, I hope that only positivity can come from the rest of the Olympic experience this year.

How’s about a bit o’ cuteness this afternoon … with the 2008 Olympic Games underway in Beijing, China I thought it would be nice to introduce the official mascots of the 29th Olympic Games. This year, a collection of 5 mascots collectively called Fuwa will serve as the messengers of peace, sportsmanship and goodwill to all the children of the world. Here are pics and an overall description of the 5 mascots that make up Fuwa — Nini, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Beibei:

Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace — and good wishes from China — to children all over the world. Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China’s most popular animals — the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow — and the Olympic Flame. Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name — a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow. When you put their names together — Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni — they say “Welcome to Beijing,” offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games. Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature — the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky — all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation. In the ancient culture of China, there is a grand tradition of spreading good wishes through signs and symbols. Each of Fuwa symbolizes a different blessing — and will honor this tradition by carrying their good wishes to the children of the world. Prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck will be spread to every continent as Fuwa carry their invitation to Beijing 2008 to every part of the globe. At the heart of their mission — and through all of their work — Fuwa will seek to unite the world in peace and friendship through the Olympic spirit. Dedicated to helping Beijing 2008 spread its theme of One World, One Dream to every continent, Fuwa reflect the deep desire of the Chinese people to reach out to the world in friendship through the Games — and to invite every man, woman and child to take part in the great celebration of human solidarity that China will host in the light of the flame in 2008.

Aww, this is so cute. And I love that by saying their names together you get the greeting, Welcome to Beijing — clever idea. I’m curious to know what Fuwa‘s stance on human rights and environmental issues is … er, just kidding ;)

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While it is early in the day here in the US it is late night in Beijing, China where the 29th Olympic Games have already gotten underway — at least, ceremonially. The Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics is already in full swing and all the pomp and circumstance that comes along with these events is currently unfolding (and by the looks of some of the photos coming out of Beijing, with an elaborate array of colorful majesty). NBC will be broadcasting the Opening Ceremonies tonight beginning at 7:30PM ET/PT but here are a few pics to whet your appetite in the meantime:

China opened the 29th Olympic Games on Friday with stunning fireworks as the Asian nation kicked off the biggest and most scrutinized Games in history. Fireworks shot off across the Chinese capital as thousands of drummers, acrobats, martial artists and dancers performed under a light display at the National Stadium, drawing applause from the estimated 90,000 in attendance. Children representing each of the 56 ethnic groups in China marched out into the stadium, also called the “Bird’s Nest” because of its unique appearance. The ceremony was an artistic mix of performance and light that was depicting China’s 5,000 years of history. It was a stunning beginning from the nation of 1.3 billion people. Some media observers have said they believe the Opening Ceremony would be the single most watched television event in history. Billions of dollars in the making, the 2008 Summer Games have been seen as carrying the ambitions of a nation seeking its place as a global superpower … The Olympic torch relay, the focus of protests during parts of its international leg earlier this year, was expected to conclude at 11:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. ET) when it enters Beijing’s National Stadium to light the Olympic cauldron … it’s just what China wanted — an opening ceremony with an impressive guest list. U.S. President George W. Bush is among more than 100 heads of state, heads of government and sovereigns expected to attend, the International Olympic Committee said. The leaders represent countries including Japan, Russia, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

There is no doubt, China is going to pull out all of the stops for these Olympic games and I’m very much looking forward to watching the majestic ceremonies when they air later on tonight. There has been much controversy surrounding these games … with many folks voicing their displeasure with various human rights and environmental problems with China. It feels like such a stain on the Olympic Games that this sort of controversy is even attached to such a worldwide event that is meant to foster goodwill and sportsmanship with all nations of the world. I for one am choosing to focus on the positive aspects of these Olympic Games, rooting for the US Team along the way (because dwelling on the negative aspects that are associated with a Communist State like China will only mar the goodwill that is supposed to be fostered by the Olympic Games). The International Olympic Committee awarded the Games to China and they are now underway. I choose to enjoy the positive aspects of the Olympic Games, which is the point overall. In the end, China will censor any criticism they choose to anyway. I just hope that by everyone playing nice with one another (at least, trying to anyways) more positivity can come from the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing.

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