Here are some of the highlights from Team GB at today’s (August 8) Olympics.
Boxing:
Women’s boxing has been making the headlines since it was announced as a new event in the London 2012 games and Team GB’s Nicola Adams has guaranteed her place in the history books. She produced a stunning performance to beat India’s Mary Kom and reach the final of the women’s flyweight earlier today, by taking an 11-6 victory. She will now face China’s Ren Cancan in tomorrow’s final.
Sailing
In the Women’s 470 class the duo of Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills are now guaranteed a medal after a strong day in the last day of sailing before the final match. They are now equal on points with New Zealand and must beat them on friday to win gold.
Athletics
Sophie Hitchon has made the final of the women’s Hammer Throw and in the process also threw a new British record of 71.98m. The former ballerina secured the British record in her last of three throws, a full 37cm further then her previous throw.
The 21-year-old still fell short of the 73m automatic qualifying distance but it was good enough for fifth in her qualification group, with 12 athletes from the two groups progressing to the final.
Hitchon was delighted with her British record, adding: “I was just proud to be on the team and to come here at a morning session, with a full crowd and throw a PB and a British record, it was amazing.
Lynsey Sharp began her Olympic campaign in fine form as she finished second in her qualifying heat with a time of 2.01.43 minutes, behind defending champion Pamela Jelimo of Kenya. The Edinburgh athlete was controversially selected for the Games, ahead of four women with fastest times than her, but she maintains that she will continue to let her performances speak for themselves.
Lisa Dobriskey and Laura Weightman are through to Friday’s 1500 metres final at the Olympic Stadium, but world Silver medallist Hannah England misses out.
Hockey
In the semi-final of the women’s hockey Team GB lost 2-1 to Argentina at the Riverbank Arena dashing their hopes of a place in the final against Holland on Friday. They will now play New Zealand in a battle for Bronze.
Great Britain’s three-time world champion Shanaze Reade has qualified fifth for the semi-final. This initial phase sees each rider tackle the track once to determine the seedings ensuring that the fastest riders don’t meet before the final. The women progress straight to the semi-finals which takes place on Friday at 3pm
Canoe Sprint
Despite a strong start from GB in the women’s canoe sprint (K4) 500m final this morning, a medal was just out of reach, as Hungary took gold putting to an end Germany’s dominance of the event. The British quartet of Rachel Cawthorn, Jessica Walker, Louisa Sawers and Angela Hannah had high hopes for the final, with sights set on bronze. It was however a close race, and with Britain having little heritage in this event it bodes well for the future.
