Table Tennis

Today, Dave and I attended our first Olympic event- Table Tennis.  I honestly didn't go in with high hopes.  I thought it would be interesting since we were at the Olympics and all...but it was AMAZING!  I'm now slightly obsessed with the sport and plan on learning even  more than I did today.  So many superstitions and technicalities that I wasn't able to pick up on everything in just 4 hours.

The arena

All the sports held at this arena

The dramatic lighting when we first got there...caused me to trip up the stairs.

Four tables were in action at once

Basic set up

Flags of everyone participating in this sport

part 2

Cool Olympic table

Olympic mascot teaching everyone the rules of the game

Here are my Table Tennis Superlatives:

Most Enjoyable Match to Watch: Korea (South Korea) vs. Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea).  These two men were amazing to watch.  Some different matches were quite subtle and stuck close to the table, but these men were all over the place.  I'm sure Dave also enjoyed my constant commentary about how if the player from the Peoples Republic of  Korea didn't win he would surely be sold to slavery or completely disowned by his country.

Korea (black) vs. Peoples Republic of Korea (red)

Match Most Like The Bachelorette:  China vs. Turkey.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I watch The Bachelorette/Bachelor and therefor have some knowledge of the show.  When the contestants go out on a date they have to pack their bags in case they aren't given a rose.  When the players from China and Turkey came out to start their match, I noticed that Turkey also had his rolling suitcase with him.  The Chinese player is ranked number one in the world and Turkey must have been made aware that if he didn't win he would have to leave the mansion arena immediately and fly home heart broken.  Well, as luck (or skill) would have it, Turkey lost and he immediately gathered his suitcase and rolled it out of the arena.  My question for you...why in the world would a table tennis player need to bring a giant gym bag, much less a rolling suitcase?  It's not like they have a lot of equipment.  The table, paddles and balls are provided.  They basically just have to show up.

The Infamous Suitcase

Start of the Walk of Shame

Rounding the Corner

And there he goes...without a rose

Most British Table Tennis Player:  Paul Drinkhall.  Okay, well he was the only player from Team Great Britain, but that still makes him the Most British.  While he was playing the crowd went wild.  They stood behind him the entire match and unfortunately, he didn't not advance to the next round.

Paul and his coach (who apparently has a bit of a wedgie)

Paul hydrating

Paul in action

Most Vibrant Uniform:  Slovenia.  When this man walked out, there was a gasp from the crowd as they took in the amazingness of this players uniform.  What was even better was when his coach came out in a matching track suit.  I also really enjoyed that this player drank a drink that matched his lovely uniform.  That is dedication.

Oh yes, turquoise and lime green

Enjoying his turquoise drink

 Biggest Temper Tantrum from Loser:  Slovenia (again).  Singapore mopped up the floor with this player from Slovenia.  It was a complete shutout.  After the match the Slovenian player, kicked his coach's chair after he stood up, then sat on the floor and slammed his fist into his gym bag and threw his towel.  I'm pretty sure Jack is a better loser than this guy.  Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of said tantrum, but here is another picture of Mr. Slovenia:

Before the meltdown began!

Most Impressive Pair of Shorts:  Croatia.  This players shorts got shorter and shorter as the match went on.  I was quite concerned that we were going to see some of his dangley privates by the end of the day.  He just kept pulling them up higher and higher.  Thankfully, this player made it to the next round so with any luck y'all will be able to check out that action.

Check out the rise on those shorts!

Most Television Ready:  The Mulleys. The camera caught us a couple times when they were panning the crowd today.  Obviously, I don't have any pictures..but I'm sure people really enjoyed my snarky face when the people in front of us were raising their American flag..even though the Americans were not even in the Table Tennis event.

ahh, the self-portrait

Tomorrow, we have Beach Volleyball.  I hope the weather cooperates!