Michael Conlan stars for Ireland while it’s a disappointing day on the track. All the action from day 11 at London 2012 is brought to you by Mark Kelly of The Daily Shift…
London 2012 at Trafalgar square
Michael Conlan secures a 3rd medal for Team Ireland
Michael Conlan beat Nordine Oubaali of France in the flyweight boxing division to secure at least a bronze medal. The 20 year-old came out at the start of the bout to a wall of encouraging sounds from both the travelling Irish fans and the home support. The 1st round was an extremely tight affair, with Oubaali punching fast, causing the St John Bosco fighter to duck and weave. The round ended 5-5.
The 2nd round was boxed in the same style, the Frenchman continuing to punch furiously and keep up his work-rate, Conlan counter-punching brilliantly to tie the round 7-7. In the final round, Oubaali continued to trouble Conlan, but a strong finish by the young Irishman saw him claim the round 10-6 and the match 22-18. Next up for him is Ramires of Cuba.
Bolt eases into 200m semi-final
Usain Bolt took a step closer to becoming the first double-double sprint champion as he eased into the semi-final of the 200m. He was well clear of the rest of the field after 150m and cantered over the line. Johan Blake also won his heat comprehensively, and was one of the causes of an early Paul Hession exit.
China claim more gold
China added 3 gold medals to their tally today. In gymnastics, Feng Zhe claimed gold in the men’s parallel bars, whilst Deng Linlin won gold in the women’s beam. There was also victory for the table tennis women team, as they beat Japan comprehensively. However, there were 2 shocks for the Chinese today. In the 3m men’s individual diving event, as they failed to get a medal whilst Liu Xiang fell on the first hurdle in the 100m hurdle heat.
USA keep up with China in the table despite bad day
The USA only claimed a single gold medal today. In gymnastics, Aly Raisman provided a powerful and near flawless floor routine to claim gold in the women’s. Unfortunately, there was little else to cheer all day for the Americans.
GB continue to do well
Great Britain added 4 golds to their tally today. It started with Allistar Brownlee, the world number 1, who won the triathlon. His brother Johnny, who was given a 15 second penalty for mounting his bike early in transition 1, finished 3rd. In equestrian, the British dressage team won Britain’s 20th gold of the championships. In the Velodrome, Laura Trott won her 2nd gold in the Omnium, while Chirs Hoy claimed his 6th Olympic gold in the men’s kerin. There was heartache for Victoria Pendelton as she lost the women’s sprint final to Anna Mears.
Team Ireland update
Apart from Conlan, it was a tough day for Ireland. In athletics, Fionnulua Britton finished 21st in her 5,000m heat and failed to make the final. Derval O’Rourke finished 5th in the 100m hurdles semi-final. Gavin Noble did well, finishing 23rd in the triathlon. Finally, in sailing, Ger Owens and Scott Flanagan finished 23rd in the 470 class and will not compete in the medal race.
