Traditionally it never is announced in advance who will light the Olympic cauldron. I think the person(s) is generally told pretty late and while then clearly some will / have to know, they seem to always manage to keep it a general secret ( eg. Redgrave or whoever in London? )
In this case Naomi's schedule change did give a bit of a late clue that she was at least involved but they would never have publicly divulged the reason for that.
It was pretty obvious, particularly with the schedule change that Osaka would be the torch bearer.
She seems to have really embraced and enjoyed the responsibility and honour. So that's a wonderful thing for her.
For me it's not a significant part of any games, but then I'm a bit of a grouch, bloody loved the drones though !!
For me it's not a significant part of any games, but then I'm a bit of a grouch, bloody loved the drones though !!
Can't say the opening ceremony had my undivided attention (the whole thing went on for far too long, IMHO), but the drones were brilliant, the highlight of the thing.
The Met Gala is known for it's out of the world outfits. I can assure you, it isn't just Naomi. Not for popping down the shops!
Naomi's sister (Mari, the former tennis player) helped design the dress.
Perhaps her sister should join her in seeking help.
It would be bearable if the cape was red and matched the sash, the black is hideous and overpowering but I'm not wearing it so heyho. I thought Emmas dress was OK but again the scarf ruined it, just too much. Anna Wintour had the best dress.
No, but it was meant in jest
And, you never know, the addict might have a point - just because we need to be sensitive to different interpretations of art etc, doesn't mean we should ignore what might be clear indications something's not right - Van Gogh might have been a genius, but he had his mental health issues, and you could tell it from his art
Interesting take from Andy Murray on the heckling incident Naomi had to suffer the other day.
It's nasty for her (someone shouted out 'Naomi, you suck'), made her cry, got inside her head, and completely threw her.
Andy gives an analysis based round, yes, it's horrible, but you get it in all sports, there's not much you can do and, basically, grow a thick skin.
"If you go and watch a basketball match, for example, and a player's taking free throws, you know, I would say like almost every basketball match I've been to one of the players has been heckled by the crowd as well, and whilst it is wrong for those individuals to be doing it, you know, the athletes obviously, I guess, have to kind of be used to that as well or be able to deal with that too, even though it's not pleasant.
"I feel for Naomi, that obviously it upset her a lot and, you know, but yeah, it's always been something that's been part of sport, I guess, as well. So, you know, you have to, I guess, be prepared for that in some ways and be able to tolerate it because it does happen regularly across all sports."
But I like the fact that he's brave. That he has an opinion, and says it, even if it might not be 'nice' to hear. There are, as often, several sides to this but Andy has a decent point, and it comes from someone who always comes across as having a lot of common sense and a very good, humane and ethical core. It's good that someone makes the point, in a thoughtful manner, as part of the discussion.
Love Andy's comments on many things. I rather wish he had kept out of this one.
I think any sportsman who reaches a high level will have gone though examples of being doubted, passed over or just plain told that they are not going to make it. The passion and self belief required to keep going and to reach the top probably part of every sportspersons back story I would have thought? Heckling or abuse of a player is wrong. A No-No. No argument. I mean what sort of person shouts "Naomi you suck"? I wouldn't.....would anybody on here.....how sad must that individual be?
The fact is it happens though, in several sports and in life in general. Just look at people talk to each other on Twitter for example. So much as I agree we should try and stamp it out, there is also an element that it exists in life (sadly) and we have to be able to deal with it. Whoever that abuser was is sad, feel pity towards them for being such a loser whatever helps you.
I feel for Naomi, but I dont think anything Andy said was was wrong. It was accurate, and that can never be wrong even if a little uncomfortable???