chris955

So 14 of the 21 were schools that didn't even exist anymore and the more were when schools had amalgamated and others were basically bits of wasteland ? Don't the facts put a different slant on a bit of sensationalism ?

chris955

Did they send one this time ?

rugbymatt

Not sure, do Australia have that silver fern thing on their black uniforms? If so then yeah, they sent a team.

moneypenny20

They'll actually end up in a fairly respectable position on the medal board. Not their best year but they're picking up in areas they've not been known for in previous years.

chris955

It certainly isn't as bad as it looked a few days ago, they may overtake Kazakhstan. Haven't they always been strong in sailing?

rugbymatt

Are you suggesting that the Guardian just jumped in, feet first and trusted that the Lefty Outrage bus would carry the story into EVERY single paper? The media are never wrong I'll have you know!

moneypenny20

I could be wrong but I thought their 'field' of competitors was smaller. I don't remember them doing as well in other events. However my memory could well be shot.

chris955

I was thinking more of a few on here using it to bolster their argument that the UK was going down the toilet and the Government didn't care about sports in schools whereas the truth is somewhat different

Beoz

I'm not that impressed. It's something I would have expected GB to achieve every four years for the past 50 years considering it's interest in sport and population.

It's a shame its taken 15 years of planning and billions in lottery funding.

rugbymatt

What you mean instead of relying on luck, a ball of green garden string, jumpers for goal posts and something written down on the back of a fag packet after 17 pints of mild down the Dog and Duck on a Friday night? Yeah, real shame they put all that thought and consideration into it.... real shame.

Beoz

wooooooo

chris955

Well I am incredibly impressed by the achievements of Team GB. If it came down to an interest in sport then Australia should be ahead of China, not behind NZ e

mel39

isn't that the point though - it takes 15 years to achieve the kind of success GB has had on the cycling track - it doesn't happen overnight. As Chris Hoy said last night this all started back in 97.

GB cycling is an example of incredible professionalism, dedication and achievement from nothing to the peak of world sport - but if that doesn't impress you fair enough.

chris955

Spot on, its a long term gain and an incredible achievement.

3 go mad in Adelaide

Just popping in - thoroughly enjoyed this thread, I'd forgotten how easily some people get their knickers in a twist! Anyhoo.....must get back to the Games....