The second full day of competition in London yielded some surprises, not the least of which was Jordyn Wieber not making the all-around final in gymnastics. The top 24 scorers get into the final, but there can be only two from each country. Therefore, although Jordyn was fourth best of all, she was only third best among the Americans, so she's out.
Some are claiming this new two-person limit rule is unfair. Anastasia Grishina of Russia, Jennifer Pinches of Great Britain, and Jinnan Yao of China, who came in 12th, 21st, and 22nd, respectively, won't be in the final either since in each case, two of their countrywomen finished higher. I haven't heard anybody making a fuss about them.
Some others are complaining Jordyn's routines were scored low, based on exactly what, I don't know. She had significant goofs in all four events and just plain didn't perform as well as she might have. Of course, it's possible that her reputation was part of the problem. Even the most conscientious judge might subconsciously penalize a reigning world champion more vigorously. And God knows outrageous judging is nothing new in women's gymnastics.
In other news, Michael Phelps seems to be finding out what it's like not to win everything.
One cyclist's long-delayed crossing of the finish line was due, according to a British commentator, to "a badly-timed flat tire." There's a good time?
Day 2 Quote of the Day (Kim Rhode, U.S. gold medalist in skeet, when asked about her future plans): "I don't see the future ending any time soon."
Whew. That's a relief.
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