I just finished watching the first semi of the men's single scull on NBCOLYMPICS.com and what a nail biter that was. I was carefully watching the Belgian single sculler. Hats off to him, he fought off the combined charge of Tufte and Hacker throughout the entire 2000 meters. The Belgian's show of speed today, reenforces my believe that if there is a tailwind for the Olympic final he is a medal contender.
As I write this blog, I am simultaneously watching the second semi. Throughout the field of single scullers, I see "effort" in the stroke, which indicates a lack of hanging off the leg drive. Others lack the fluid connection between the last quarter of the leg drive and back swing.
Now, we are almost at the five hundred meter mark and I hate to say this, but it looks like the qualifying spots are already determined.
The British single sculler seems content with rank 3 and leaves the fight for rank one and two to Drysdale a Synek.
I believe that this is a psychological race between Synek and Drysdale.
We are coming into the last forty strokes of the race!
Oh my gosh, what a bizarre twist in this race. Drysdale, either turned the engine off early to conserver energy for the final or ran out of gas. Drysdale's move is really dangerous because in lane one the Greek sculler is charging the line like a freight train.
Campbell is in danger. Campbell spotted the attack and is putting the pedal to the medal. Drysdale is in danger now. He is countering. I have NO idea who is going to make it here.
SYNEK, CAMPBELL, DRYSDALE in the final.
Synek had a great race, Drysdale blew, Campbell either blew or just did not realize that lane one was torpedoing the finish line.
Hats of to the Greek sculler in lane one. He proved that the race isn't over until the finish line is crossed.
After watching these two semis I can say that there is a slight advantage for Synek, but everything else is wide open.
Who knows, maybe Drysdale and Campbell ate something bad. I wish all competitors to be in perfect health for their finals.
Xeno
Oympic gold and silver medalist, men's single scull.
www.ironoarsman.com
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