Rio 2016 : Water Polo

I entered the hallowed portalls where Michael Phelps and others had made history. I was not there to witness history but to watch the women's water polo semi-finals.

First up, Brasil vs Australia. (This is not a typo, while I'm here I tned to use the Portuguese spelling.) We dablled a little at school and also played a version at home when I was at in Brasil but that is a long time ago. It's much easier if you are allowed to put your feet on the ground. Experts of course cannot not. It's a tough game. I'm not sure what you do to gain a exclusion penalty (sin bin) but Brasil were very good at that. Sadly Australia were better at scoring goals.

it starts ith a fast and furious swim to the ball and then continues from there. Like past Brazilian men's football teams there was some glorious passing but Australia's directness seemed to work better!

Sadly, Brasil didn't win. Not doing to well the Brazilian women. I'm still upset that the footballers got knocked out at the semi-final stage. Interestingly no one stopped a lone protester who is against the current interim Presidency. Not the time or the place to get into this one!

Russia and Italy followed. Strange to hear the Soviet anthem once again. This time it was Russia who lost. Interestingly there was no acknowledgement between the players afterwards although the coaches shook hands. Russians walked straight past the Italians and no one said a word that I could see. Wasn't watching the first match so not sure if this ts typical!

The real hero was the ball girl. Every time the ball went out of play down her end, a replacement would be thrown in. She would take off her glasses, subtly lower herself into the pool and collect it. Get out, curl up in a her towel again having put on her glasses once again.

I was sad to leave the Olympic Park for the last time but this made me smile and say so?

Next stop Decathlon and that man Bolt... Here's a teaser