The Sports Archives – An Amazing Ski Story!

Posted on November 23, 2012 by thesportsarchives

 I had been skiing for about for five or six years, going to the same place year in, year out, and I was getting a little bored of it all to be honest. I picked it up naturally and really didn’t feel as though I’d really advanced for at least two or three years. I had been to different destinations once or twice but they still left me cold after the first couple of days had passed and with it the novelty.

So I decided that this year I was going to have to make a drastic change. I made a few enquiries and found out where the best place was to learn ski jumping. No more downhill slalom for me, I was ready to fly! If Eddie the Eagle could do it, there was no way that I couldn’t.

My research led me to book some flight to Utah, which had not long before hosted the Winter Olympics, so I knew the facilities were going to be top-notch and I read great things about the school.

It was brilliant. I loved it. The teachers made me feel like they really cared about my success and after a couple of days I was feeling confident enough to start out on the small jumps.

Everything went like a dream. I soared very gently up into the sky and came back down to earth exactly as my instructor had told me I should. It was only the one-metre kicker but there was something about the sensation that stirred something inside of me immediately and I knew that this was for me and that I had to get up to my 20 metre objective as soon as possible.

My wife had come along with me, a little put out to have missed her usual break in Chamonix with all of our friends. She was having more fun than she let on, though, and she was enjoying getting to grips with the new camera I had given her as a birthday present. She was really keen on getting an artistic shot of me soaring through the air.

A combination of my own excitement and my wife’s encouragement saw me make it to the 20 metre stage just a few days later. It was amazing. I didn’t really go all that far but still the feeling was unlike anything I had ever experienced before on the slopes. And my wife got some brilliant shots of it all.

It was all going swimmingly, but I wanted more! The 40 metre jump just seemed to be taunting me to take it on. My wife was less keen, she said the shots we had were brilliant and that I was pushing my luck, but I was having none of it. The image of Eddie the Eagle kept flashing before my eyes. There is no way I can’t do that if he could, especially now.

So I set off on my attempt to emulate one of our country’s best loved, infamous failures. As soon as I did I knew I had bitten off more than I could chew. I wanted to stop as my speed picked up too quickly and I knew this was definitely a whole other level to that which I had been doing. I wanted to stop but it was impossible. I knew that if I pulled out I ran the risk of injuring myself more than if I went through with it

I flew so high I honestly thought that I was not going to come back down. Everything stopped for a second, or ten! I had no control over my flight and I knew the fall was going to be a heavy. I say I knew that, but I can’t swear it to be true. The concussion was pretty heavy and the next twelve hours or so are a complete blank.

Severe concussion. A broken arm, and leg. And my pride completely shattered. What a fool. I promised my wife right there and then that this would be my first and last foray into the world of ski jumping and that we would revert back to routine the following year.

She left me in the hospital for the night and I think I might have shed a few quiet tears when the realisation of how stupid I had been suddenly hit me. I had risked it all for nothing, just to show off a little.

As I closed my eyes that night I saw him, The Eagle, soaring out wildly into the sky. I take my hat off to you, Eddie, I said out loud. You really were much more of a brave so and so than anyone ever gave you credit for.

When we land in France now and we take that air-conditioned Chamonix transfer to the slopes, I can’t help thinking about that lost winter that we spent in Utah and the feeling that I had when I soared like a bird, although not an Eagle! I wish for a few seconds that we could be on our way there instead, but then the memory of the fall comes back to me quickly and I realise I’m probably better off exactly where I am.

Attached Images:

Guest Post by Peak Transfers – Charmonix-Mont Blanc.

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The Sports Archives – Athletics for the Non-competitive Types!

Posted on November 23, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Sports are a great way to stay active and to not get bored with an exercise routine, but for those who are not competitive when it comes to sports, it can be intimidating to get out there and play. Fortunately, not all sports are about heavy competition and a team depending on you. For those of you stressed out by competitive sports, here are some sports to try that will leave you safe and comfortable.

Swimming

SwimmingUnless you are on a swim team, swimming is generally calming and non-competitive. Try joining a group who simply get together to swim some laps or do water aerobics. Eventually, you may feel competent enough in the water to participate in a few mildly competitive games or races. Until then though, go at your own pace and focus on being healthy.

Biking

Once again, unless you are on a team that does races, biking is an easy sport to do solo or with a group of friends. Get a bike you are comfortable with and find a fairly easy trail to go ride on two to three times a week. Biking allows you to go at your own pace and get strong legs without the pressure to perform.

Golf

Golfing is generally about beating yourself. If you start out with a terrible score, it affects no one, and you can only improve from there. Golf is generally considered an art form and requires using discipline more than a particularly strong muscle group. Golf also offers an array of tools and training equipment to help people improve who find it just doesn’t come naturally to them. Most importantly, if you choose to walk the green, rather than ride it, you will be getting plenty of exercise.Couple Dancing

Dance

While dancing does have competitions, it is not requisite for beginning dancers to go out and compete. Instead, take a dance class or two that go at a pace you are comfortable with. If you are interested in ballroom dance, take a friend or husband who is at about the same speed as you. Once you have learned enough to dance on your own, go to dance clubs and have fun showing off your moves.

Yoga

Not only is yoga an individual sports with no set expectations or goals, yoga also discourages any kind of competition or pushing your body to do certain things. Try a yoga gym or do it at home, but keep it up to strengthen muscles, improve digestion and reduce stress.

Christina Sanders writes for several blogs nationwide. For more information about golf alignment aids, visit here.

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The Sports Archives – Lance Armstrong Continues Winter Triathlon Events Despite Controversy!

Posted on November 22, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Lance Armstrong DopingThe recent furore surrounding Lance Armstrong and allegations of doping have not stopped the athlete from competing in triathlon events for cancer. As anyone that has been following the news of late will be well aware, the testicular cancer survivor was stripped of his seven Tour De France titles this week after being found guilty of consuming and distributing performance enhancing drugs. That said, his appetite for competition does not seem to have been quelled by the accusations being thrown his way.

Raising money for cancer charities

Although retired from his beloved road cycling, the forty-one year old is still in remarkable shape and is still excelling in sports such as winter triathlon events while raising money for cancer charities – a cause that is unsurprisingly close to his heart.

World Anti-Doping Agency

One such event was a triathlon that allowed Armstrong to compete despite his impending charges, causing two competitors to pull out in protest. The organisers thought it best to allow the celebrity to partake in the event in order to raise extra cash for their extremely worthwhile cause. Armstrong is banned from any events that follow World Anti-Doping Agency rules as he decided against challenging the USADA’s charges of doping.

Commitment to cancer

The Texan, sometimes referred to as ‘The Boss’, finished the winter triathlon event in 4 hours, 16 minutes accompanying 50 fellow cancer survivors. It seems that regardless of any drug charges he may be facing, Armstrong is still taking his commitment to cancer sufferers very seriously.

£62,000 raised for Ulman Cancer Fund

The triathlon race results will obviously not count toward any national rankings although college competitors are still able to use the race as a national qualifier event. An estimated £62,000 in proceeds from the event will benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund helping to support sufferers and continue to look for the very best treatment.

Triathlon Events around the world

Sports Tours International offers triathlon events around the globe, such as the Ironman Lanzarote, Abu Dhabi International Triathlon and the Virgin Active London Triathlon. As well as this, there is a plethora of warm weather camps at the Club La Santa, Lanzarote which can be seen by examining the training section on the website. Anyone interested in such triathlon events is encouraged to visit the site today or alternatively, call +44161 820 1710 to make a booking.

Written by James Gavin a keen sportsman, fitness fanatic and blogger.

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The Sports Archives – An Introduction to Goalball: How Touch & Sound Trump Sight!

Posted on November 21, 2012 by thesportsarchives

An Introduction to Goalball: How Touch & Sound Trump Sight!

GoalballAround 39 million people around the globe suffer from blindness. Some may think it’s impossible for someone without sight to play sports. After all, how can someone who can’t see, aim? While sight is no doubt an important sense, there are other senses which can allow a person to still enjoy sport without the typical need for hand-eye co-ordination.

The adaptiveness of people to challenging situations can be astonishing. A number of sports have been created or adjusted for those who can’t see.  One of the most well known sports, goalball, was started in 1946 to help rehabilitate blind war veterans. It was included in the 1976 Paralympic Games, and has since then become one of the most popular sports on the schedule. Over 100 countries play goalball competitively.

The game consists of two teams of three players. The objective is to bowl the ball across the floor into the opposition’s net. With the ball approaching them at speeds as fast as 60 miles an hour, the defending players need lightening quick reactions in order to stop the ball crossing their line – without being able to see it.

To ensure everyone is on a level playing field, the rules of goalball require every player to wear eyeshades. This prevents providing people with residual vision an advantage. Although most sports require players to be able to see, goalball requires them to react based on the senses of touch and sound.

One of the first problems which had to be overcome, was how would a player know where they were on the court? Without this knowledge, they would have no sense of direction, making it extremely hard to attack and defend. To solve this, the court often has string taped the floor (the technical term is tactile markings) to mark out the areas of the court. The players can touch the string to identify where they are on the court.
Another problem is how to play the ball when the players can’t see it. Without this ability, they can’t score or defend. For that reason, the ball contains bells inside it. The players can hear the sound of the bells inside the ball, which they use to locate it. They can then use their knowledge of the ball location and their position on the court to attack and defend.

With ball speeds reaching 60 miles an hour, and dozens of shots in each 12 minute half of goalball, it is extremely fast-paced. The need for lightening-quick reactions based on touch and sound means that sighted people are at a disadvantage, as they are not used to relying so heavily on their other senses.

Although goalball is one of the most popular sports for the visually impaired, a number of other sports have also been adapted, such as archery, football, and cricket to name a few.

Jon likes to write about sport for Lenstore, a leading store which sells contact lenses online in the UK.

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The Sports Archives – The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall!

Posted on November 20, 2012 by thesportsarchives

david_vs_goliathI’m not a religious man and I’m certainly not one for preaching, but for the sake of spreading an important message, I’d like to call upon a well-known parable from the book of Samuel. I’m sure we’ve all had the heroic tale of David and Goliath recounted to us at some stage in our lives, but for those whose memories are a little foggy, here’s a quick rundown. The Old Testament tells us how David, the future king of Israel comes to do battle against the giant warrior and champion of the Philistines, Goliath. Regardless of the apparent hopelessness of the situation, David arms himself with only a slingshot and a handful of stones. To cut a long story short, he hits Goliath square between the eyes, knocks him to the floor and chops his head off! Although the tale is loaded with religious connotations and biblical metaphors, its wider message is one we can all appreciate. Regardless of size and strength, a clever strategy and accurate technique can always lead to a victory. Nowhere can this lesson be applied with greater effect than in the Octagon of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The great thing about the UFC is that it embraces combat disciplines from across the globe and welcomes athletes of all shapes and sizes. With an ever-increasing roster of international fighters there’s more variety in the kind of fighting styles being seen than in any other contact sport. Fighters from different backgrounds are being pitted against one another in the Octagon regardless of size or strength. Many of the smaller more nimble athletes are turning to a fighting style known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s the perfect strategy for a David and Goliath type situation and is arguably the most effective martial art ever created.

The Gracie Legacy

Mitsuyo Maeda

Mitsuyo Maeda

Although the ancient art of Jiu-Jitsu has its roots in the Far East, its greatest development happened thousands of miles across the globe in South America during the early 1900’s. This once secret martial art was taught to the Gracie family of Brazil by a Japanese prize-fighter named Mitsuyo Maeda. The family’s youngest son, Helio, who was at a considerable size and strength disadvantage to his brothers, took it upon himself to adopt many of Jiu-Jitsu’s core principles to benefit fighters of a smaller stature. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (as it later became known) promotes the idea that brute strength and size can be countered by leverage, timing and accurate technique. Although it sounds crazy, a BJJ fighter is most deadly when he’s attacking from the ground. A variety of mounting positions give smaller fighters the opportunity to unleash an intricate combination of grapples, chokes, holds and submission moves on opponents much bigger and stronger than themselves. Fighters who are used to staying on two feet often lack the skills required to defend against a BJJ ground attack. Once the fight is taken to the floor, it can be over in a matter of seconds.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the UFC

Royce Gracie

Royce Gracie

Due to its effectiveness, BJJ has become a popular style for many mixed martial artists. Helio Gracie’s son, Royce, was the first to introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the UFC. In 1993 he won the first ever pay-per-view tournament, defeating three opponents with submission moves in three consecutive bouts. Ken Shamrock, who was almost twice Royce’s size tapped out from a rear-naked chokehold in just 57 seconds. Royce went on to win the second and fourth PPV events and became renowned for making BJJ a core martial arts skill in the UFC. Since the nineties, a number of high-ranking UFC fighters (including Anderson Silva and Frank Mir) have made a name for themselves by

Ken Shamrock

Ken Shamrock

putting BJJ to devastating effect. BJ Penn was trained in BJJ by Ralph Gracie in the late nineties and obtained a black belt in only three years. In 2000 he became the first non-Brazilian to win the black belt division of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. He later went on to win world titles in 2 different UFC weight classes – one of only two people to do so.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can teach smaller fighters the skills needed to bring down just about anyone, regardless of size and strength. If you’re looking to learn more about this highly technical martial art then head over to www.tapout101.com.

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The Sports Archives – Sports in Ohio: A History!

Posted on November 19, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Ohio MapOhio is possibly the best state for sports in the entire country. Unfortunately, the success of professional sports teams in Ohio has been limited. There has been a lot of false hope and heartbreak. The good news is that regardless of what happens to the fans in this state, they are true diehards. They will stick with their teams through thick and thin. Though not a professional sports team, there is also one team with a stellar reputation and record, which we will cover below. First, let’s take a look at a brief history for all professional sports team in Ohio. Since the NFL is always the big daddy regardless of where you live, we will begin there.

Cleveland Browns logoThe Cleveland Browns are almost non-existent to NFL fans that don’t live in Ohio. That might sound blunt, but it’s definitely true. The Browns have been a disaster for over a decade. This is a sad state of affairs considering the former Browns that Art Modell moved to Baltimore and called the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000. This added salt to the wound for Browns fans who remembered the good old days of the 1980s. Let’s keep the nostalgia in check, though. While the Browns were competitive in the 1980s, and even though they made the playoffs from 1985 to 1989, they still broke the hearts of their fans on countless occasions. John Elway, former QB of the Denver Broncos, had a lot to do with this heartache. As far as Modell moving the team, he claimed that the fans and city government weren’t supportive enough. Since the new Browns have come into existence, we have seen a new era of futility. The Browns are consistently a non-contender, and their management has made one error after another with head coaches and quarterbacks. Their most recent move was to draft a 29-year-old QB. Time will tell how that works out.

Cincinnati Bengals logoThe Cincinnati Bengals have a slightly better history. In the 1970s, they made the playoffs often, yet they never won the Super Bowl. In the 1980s, the Bengals had their most successful decade under Sam Wyche. They made it to the Super Bowl in 1981 and 1988, but they lost to the 49’ers on both occasions. In the 1990s and early 2000s, head coaches included Dave Shula, Bruce Coslet and Dick LeBeau. They all had losing records. Head Coach Marvin Lewis took the Bengals to the playoffs in 2005, but they haven’t been back since. Many Bengals fans are hoping QB Andy Dalton can become a top-tier QB in the NFL.

Cincinnati Reds logoSwitching to baseball, the Cincinnati Reds were once a powerhouse. In the 1970s, they had The Big Red Machine with Pete Rose, Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan. With Sparky Anderson at the helm, this team was well-managed. They won the World Series in 1975 and 1976. However, since that time, the Reds have seen limited success. A lot of people think the Pete Rose gambling incident and Marge Schott racist incident pointed the team in the wrong direction, and that the team has been cursed ever since.

Cleveland Indians logoThe Cleveland Indians are the kings of heartbreak. They won the World Series in 1914 and 1948, but when you have been around for over 100 years, two championships isn’t very impressive. They lost the World Series in 1954. After that, it was all downhill for a long period of time. Between 1960 and 1993, they never finished better than third place. They constantly changed owners and traded players, never allowing their teams to gel. This great impatience has been the key ingredient for their consistent failures. Between the mid-1990s to 2010, the Indians had some great seasons, but they always choked in the playoffs.

Ohio State Buckeyes logoNow let’s take a look at the brightest spot for Ohio sports, which is the Ohio State Buckeyes. They have an all-time winning percentage of .716. That’s impressive, but what’s even more impressive is that they have seven national titles. Their championship years include 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970 and 2002. If that’s not enough, the Buckeyes have produced seven Heisman Trophy winners, which include Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Howard Cassady, Archie Griffin (2x,) Eddie George and Troy Smith. The Buckeyes also have a reputation for producing NFL talent. Their top players are often selected in the first few rounds of the NFL draft.

The most recent championship for the Ohio State Buckeyes was in 2002 when Jim Tressel coached his team to an undefeated record. Currently, Urban Meyer is coaching the Buckeyes and seeing great results. It’s definitely possible for the Buckeyes to win another championship within the next few years. Their fans are incredibly dedicated, which can be proven by the fact that the Buckeyes consistently sellout a 102,329-seat stadium. This large fan base makes for a tremendous advantage when the Buckeyes play at home.

It’s difficult to predict what will happen in the future for Ohio sports, but one thing will always remain the same. Ohio sports teams will always enjoy the support of the most loyal fans in the country.

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Cecil & Geiser are dedicated to protecting the state of Ohio. With decades of experience getting clients the results they need, they still treat every client as if they’re the only case in their office. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact them for a free consultation and have the best Ohio law firm in your corner.

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The Sports Archives – Popular Styles of Mixed Martial Arts!

Posted on November 17, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Martial ArtsMixed martial arts are one of the most popular types of martial arts, mainly because they are high energy, interesting to practice and one of the best fighting sports for losing weight. Mixed martial arts are also currently popularised by television with UFC and MMA fights.

People who want to learn mixed martial arts should choose a discipline that appeals to them and is available in their area.  It’s also possible to sign up for martial arts classes online, or find schools or trainers in your area via online websites and directories.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is one of the newer styles of Mixed Martial arts, but came into prominence after practitioner Royce Grace won the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) multiple times.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is mostly a grappling sport relying on ground fighting and leverage skills to allow a smaller opponent to fend off and defeat a larger opponent. Because of this, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is often considered one of the best martial arts for self-defence.

Wrestling

Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan

Wrestling is not often thought of as an MMA, but it qualifies as one. The sport of wrestling including Catch wrestling and Amateur wrestling both involve high intensity training, strength building and speed. Fighting styles include ground grappling, grappling, strength and submission holds.

Judo

Popularised by media, Judo is a predecessor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and combines grapples, throws, strikes and holds to take down, immobilise or subdue an opponent. Originally developed as a modern ‘gentle’ martial art, Judo uses a variety of techniques including hands and feet. It is widely popular and usually easy to find a school.

Karate

Chomo Hanashiro

Chomo Hanashiro

Possibly one of the most famous of the mixed martial arts, Karate is practiced by MMA greats. It is usually considered to be one of the core foundations of Kickboxing, notably featuring striking techniques using the hands and the feet. There are also multiple branches and variations of Karate, most of which use the same stance and the same basic movements.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a style of kickboxing that relies on striking from eight points of the human body. Muay Thai involves using the hands, feet, elbows and knees to attack an opponent and is similar to Pradal Therey or Tomoi Kickboxing. Practitioners learn to balance the body and strike from any part of the body. Muay Thai is one of the most practiced MMA arts.

Taekwondotaekwondo

Taekwondo originates from Korea and is one of the most popular and well known martial arts. For MMA, it often requires some cross training with kickboxing in order to allow the practitioner to keep up with other MMA fighters, but is an excellent choice for learning kicking, sparring, and distance fighting.

Mixed martial arts cover numerous ranges of martial arts but many of them are quite similar. This list covers the basic, most popular MMA styles and the ones most commonly seen in schools. People who want to train in a specific MMA should look for a school that specialises in that discipline. However, many MMA schools cover a wide range of UFC style fighting arts including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and more.

There are many reasons to start training for martial arts including self-defence, self-discipline, weight loss, toning, competition, or even as a hobby. If you want to start training for any mixed martial art sport, you should consider talking to one or more trainers about what you’re looking for and why. They should be able to help you with choosing a discipline that suits your needs.

Many martial arts require long term dedication. Usually you won’t see results or learn ‘cool’ techniques right away. Martial arts take patience, training and perseverance so you should be ready to commit before you try signing up.

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Learn more about mixed martial arts, find classes, or read about your favorite MMA discipline at tapout101.com.

If you are looking for Mixed Martials Arts equipment, gear and apparel, then visit Knucklesdown.net, a comparison shopping site for MMA Training Gear and Equipment.

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The Sports Archives – Sports Memorabilia – Decoration and Pride!

Posted on November 16, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Sports Memorabilia – Decoration and Pride

Babe Ruth Steel CardDisplaying our accomplishments has long since been a practiced tradition. From diplomas, to awards, to trophies, we hang the items that are most important to us. Oftentimes, these achievements aren’t even our own. As sports popularity has continued to grow across the country, so has the significance of displaying one’s (second-hand) awards. Whether that be hanging wallpaper that displays a mascot, purchasing part of a disassembled basketball court, or having a personal item signed, the practice lingers on.

For some, though, the significance of an item is merely personal. Their team might have had a losing season (or multiple losing seasons), and the plaque that your office or mantle displays is purely sentimental. Others might have replicas of an important item, such as stadium seats. Companies then make copies so that a seat can be obtained at a lower price.

Finally, however, there’s a third form of collector – one who actually spends money, big money, on the sports items they desire. For instance, Babe Ruth, who was sold by the Boston Red Sox for a mere $100,000, used a bat that sold for $1.265 million. Made famous in 1923, the bat helped earn Ruth the first home run of Yankee Stadium.

Surprisingly, however, according to Forbes, the 10 most expensive sports pieces everMark McGwire all hail from baseball. Five of those items having belonged to The Babe himself (the cheapest of which went for just over $657k), spot number one goes to Mark McGwire. In 1998, his 70th home run baseball sold for $3,005,000.

While who is the owner of these funds is unsure, it’s safe to say that sales like these prove fans’ dedication. Whether you own a coffee cup of your favorite team or a collectable worth millions, don’t be afraid to show off just how important your team’s décor has become.

Related Post:

Baseball Card Manufacturing Broken Down In 5 Steps

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The Sports Archives – Sporting Activities For the Over 40’s!

Posted on November 15, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Many people who have been active in sports in their youth seem to think that once Person Sweatingthey hit 40 they have to give everything up and take up a more sedate life, but nothing is further from the truth. The fact is that there are lots more sports out there now that cater for the more mature athlete so that these athletes can perform sports at a master level rather than having to hang up their running shoes and watch the younger athletes from the side lines. Take the sport of power lifting as an example, they have a masters division for athletes that are aged 40 and over, many cycling clubs have a cut off age of 35 for standard riders but then offer an additional rider class for those aged 55 and over. No matter what your sport, just because you think your age places you over the hill, there is no reason for you to give up completely.

Sports to Consider

Running: Running is probably the sport that sees the largest amount of 40’s getting involved in it, after all no equipment is required other than a pair of running shoes and you can set you own pace and run for as long or as short a time as you want.  There is no team ethic unless you join a running club and it’s a pretty self-regulated sporting activity.

Mountain Biking & Cycling: You may assume that mountain bikes are strictly for the kids but who is to say that a more mature person can’t have a go? Cycling is great for boosting cardio vascular activity and is a lot lower impact on the joints that running. Join a cycle club and try your hand at road racing or on the track, there are even BMX groups for the older racer so get back on your bike and go and have some fun.

Power Lifting: Strength sports are often popular with more mature athletes, and nothing gets more attention in the gym from the young hopefuls than an older and wiser master. Even if you don’t want to take it as far as the power lifting competitions there are still many other strength related categories that you could go for such as the bench press.

Dwayne JohnsonBody Building: Forget about strength and stamina and flaunt your body beautiful, sculpting your body into a work of art in its own right is also something that the over 40’s are getting into. Even if you choose not to take it as far as competition level you will still be doing wonders for your levels of self-esteem.

Triathlon: We’re not talking about the iron man competition here, just the regular triathlon. Locally run competitions generally offer a shorter circuit for competitors and you can use these smaller local events to get you in shape for the bigger ones.

 

Adventure Sports: Try your hand at something that gets your adrenalin pumping and makes you feel well and truly alive, such as abseiling, kayaking or hiking and get back in touch with the great outdoors again, it certainly beats looking at the same four walls of the gym.

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Are Extreme Sports Really Dangerous?

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Are you looking for more information about baby swimming lessons? Visit PuddleDucks.com now for more information.

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The Sports Archives – Europe’s Unthinkable Comeback!

Posted on November 14, 2012 by thesportsarchives

Europe’s Unthinkable Comeback!

Ryder Cup 2012 LogoPerhaps it was destiny that brought the 2012 incarnation of the Ryder Cup to Medinah Country Club, a tranquil retreat ‘midst the bustling suburbs south of Chicago. The ‘Miracle at Medinah‘ was profound enough to find a hallowed place in golfing lore.

As U.S. golfers scored victory upon victory over the first couple of days at Medinah, announcers desperately and repeatedly referred to the 1999 Ryder Cup comeback by the United States. The TV ratings for blow-outs in golf are not all that good.

It was so bad at Medinah that the European contingent needed to climb a mountain just to get to that same 10-6 deficit the Americans had faced in ’99. Climb it they did, winning the final two matches on Saturday to begin an ascent from a 10-4 deficit. The miracle had begun to unfold, but only the players and the most fervently faithful believed it. The silhouette of former Ryder Cup captain Seve Ballesteros was emblazoned on the Europeans’ gear, an omnipresent reminder of what they were playing for.

The captains of the European and American teams get more attention at the Ryder Cup than non-golfing participants in almost any other golf competition. Jose Maria Olazabal and Davis Love III brought added gravitas to this biennial encounter of the best golfers from two continents. Each had known loss that inextricably linked their personal and professional lives.

The Olazabal/Ballesteros connection was oft-invoked, and a certain father/son partnership less so. Jose and Seve had teamed up in no less than 15 Ryder Cup matches in the eighties and nineties. Few giants of the game had departed so young as Ballesteros did at the age of 54. Payne Stewart and Babe Zaharias were two others. Davis Love had lost his own giant of the game, his golf pro father, in a plane crash very early in his own career. The rainbow backdrop on the eighteenth at Winged Foot when he won the ’97 PGA and invoked the memory of his father is also now permanently etched in the annals of golf history.

The setting was therefore imbued with such history that both inspiration and pressure attended every moment on Sunday, the final day. There was no immediate turnaround for those trying to retain the Cup. In fact, anyone tuning in halfway through Sunday’s individual matches would have heard learned prognostications of 16-12 or thereabouts. Should such predictions hold, the Cup would travel across the Atlantic with the triumphant Americans taking turns sipping champagne from it.

Then the golfing gods took over. On the final nine, putts dropped and putts didn’t. European putts dropped; American putts didn’t. There was fist-pumping by a resurgent Ian Poulter as well as the renewed prominence of Graeme McDowell.

Justin Rose was about to be closed out on 16 by Phil Mickelson, but he gamely holed a not-so-short par putt. Phil smiled with admiration. Rose’s pulled tee shot on 17 left a winding putt from another time zone. His improbable birdie captured the hole. The epitome of class, Mickelson was left to smile and applaud once again. Rose completed his putting trifecta on the final hole. In the span of just three holes he had turned a sure point lost into a full point won. The ‘Miracle at Medinah’ was well underway with a full two point swing.

A usually calm but now adrenalin-aided Jim Furyk hit it right at the pin with his approach on 18, but well past. He went on to three putt and lose his match to a steady Sergio Garcia. The Spaniard’s play further invoked thoughts of his childhood hero, Seve. Then, Steve Stricker hit a chip from behind 17 a tad too hard. Still, one of the best putters anywhere would surely knock it in. He didn’t. Martin Kaymer added to the European comeback and secured the Cup.

The final Woods/Molinari match was suddenly anticlimactic, save for deciding whether the Cup would be retained via a tie or an outright win. Molinari held off Woods and the once huge 10-4 deficit was transformed into a 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 outright win. And so it became the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ forevermore.

AUTHOR:  Colin Knight is an avid golf fan and habitual bogey rather than birdy.  Colin is more at home watching the Ryder Cup rather than dreaming of playing in it.  He currently works for Belmont Lodge.

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