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issue 272, september 7 2012
radar
08 Cliff Diving World Series Red Bull’s infatuation with the extreme brings its cliff divers to Wales this weekend
10 F1: Down to Business Mark Webber counts down to the end of the season, picking out his career highlights along the way
12 Tee-off at Pebble Beach In Smithfield, Soho or perhaps Kensington. And Urban Golf could send you to California
o this coming weekFeatures
18 Going for Gold And we got them. All of them. Interviewed in this very issue, starting with the Mobot himself... 39 Queen Vic ... and also featuring Victoria Pendleton, reflecting on an up-and-down sort of Games. It was always going to be... 41 Big Ben ... but not for Ben Ainslie, who nailed his colour (gold) to the mast again. He tells us how
extra time
68 Gadgets How to slam down your mobile without shattering it 70 Tanit Phoenix Has absolutely nothing to do with cricket – but that hasn’t stopped us trying to find a connection
72 Kit All the gear you’ll ever need to enjoy a late dash for the sun
74 Grooming The best shaving creams, gels and balms for your visage 76 Entertainment Including the new Dredd 3D film. Which we have not, unlike its predecessor, judged dreadful
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| September 7 2012 | 03
lthough in this week’s issue we’re very
much focused on Team GB, it’s worth
remembering the exploits of some of
the other 78 nations who won medals at the
Games. Because it’s not all about us – of the 302
Olympic medal events, we didn’t even get on the
podium in 242 of them. In fact, even though we
were the hosts, we couldn’t even be bothered
to enter 52 of them. A seriously poor effort.
Still, we put on a pretty good show, and we
can’t think of a better way to commemorate it as
the summer of sport draws to a close than with
this selection of Olympic posters by designer
James Townsend. Each one cleverly depicts one
of the 26 Olympic sports, along with the number
of medals won by each country in that sport –
sorry Kyrgyzstan, maybe next time.
£40 each (framed), tinyurl.com/8pvzvvp
Radar
| September 7 2012 | 07
p10 – F1 heats up; Mark Webber counts down
p08 – Have your say on this very magazine
p12 – Bike! The world’s greatest velo designers
AGlobal icons
ust like the wicked, we get very little
rest here at Sport. Not just because
we stay up every night watching
Family Guy repeats, either, but because we
are always striving to improve the magazine.
For you, dear reader, for you.
So, on the back of a glorious summer of
sport, we thought it about time we launched
a brand new readership panel, giving you –
that’s right, you – the chance to have your say
and drive the direction in which we take the
magazine as we approach our sixth birthday.
Over the coming months, we will email
you with the opportunity to take part in
various surveys.
Crucially, there is no
obligation to take part
– you decide when and
what surveys you
would like to be part of. Every time you do take
part, though, you’ll be entered into a draw to
win Amazon gift vouchers, plus other sporting
prizes. That’s the kind of bunch we are.
So there you go. This is your opportunity
to give us your views about the magazine,
and just for joining the panel you will be
entered into a prize draw to win a football
shirt of your choice. So, if you want to get
involved, all you have to do is follow the
link below. Don’t delay now, will you?
o post-dive hot tub here, although
Tom Daley’s former diving partner
Blake Aldridge will lend some
Olympic pedigree to the sixth round of the
Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which
takes place in Pembrokeshire’s Blue Lagoon
this weekend. Pictured here are Aldridge,
and defending cliff diving world champ
Gary Hunt, presumably up to their eyeballs
on taurine, throwing themselves off the
Thames Estuary’s Maunsell Forts – and
not, as we first thought, some sort of
oil rig. Kids/oil rig workers – don’t try
this at home/work.
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series makes
its UK debut in Pembrokeshire, September
7-8. Go to redbullcliffdiving.com
08 | September 7 2012 |
Radarredbullcliffdiving.com
N
Geronimo!
Have your say J
Issue 271 | August 31 2012
Danny Cipriani is back
Prodigal son
www.sport-magazine.co.uk/panel
8 races to go – what’s your
favourite of the ones
remaining?
“I love Monza, it’s a classic circuit.
I am looking forward to America –
new tracks are always great for drivers to
get their teeth into. Obviously Brazil, I’ve won
there twice. I like the track layout in Korea,
the atmosphere is not sensational but the
layout is good. And Suzuka is also a cracker.
There are still lots of my favourite tracks
to look forward to.”
7 years at red bull, for you, next
year – Do you Have a highlight
from your time there?
“I’ve been very lucky to have a few
really special moments that I will
remember for the rest of my life. Winning a
few Grands Prix with the team (all my wins
have been with Red Bull Racing), the double
victory in Monaco, double victory at the
British Grand Prix for the home team.
And also the races in which we’ve had our
back against the wall and weren’t as strong
as we could have been. Even though I finished
second [to Sebastien Vettel] in Spa last year,
as a one-two that was very special, unique
day for us as a team. So we’ve had some
rewarding results, even if it’s not a win.”
10 | September 7 2012 |
Radar
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Race by numbers
£4
6 former world champions –
is this the best F1 grid ever?
“It’s a very, very strong field – no
question about it. The cars are
as close as they’ve ever been –
reliability has tidied right up. In the 1970s
and 1980s there were a lot more reliability
problems. Even great drivers were getting
results that were... not inherited, but getting
results because of reliability issues [with
competitors’ cars]. That’s unusual these days,
so you have had to earn your results now and
in recent years. You don’t win by accident
and you don’t get podiums by accident. It’s a
tough bunch of guys, but that’s exactly what
you want it to be – the pinnacle.”
5 place grid penalty for Michael
Schumacher that helped you
win in Monaco – was that the
best win of your career?
“It was probably the most stressful
victory, just because we had a lot of rain at
the end of the Grand Prix and we had to try
to make the one-stop strategy work – which
wasn’t particularly straightforward for all
the competitors. We knew with a two-stop
race, it would’ve been very difficult for us
to win. We had a few other things going on
– with tyres, for example – that had to be
managed. It probably was my best win, but
the British Grand Prix this year was also one
of my best. And my first race victory, I had
a drive-through penalty and I still managed
to win . I think I would have won the race with
quite a big margin that day.”
| 11
sWe’re beginning to approach the business end of a remarkable season in Formula 1, so we asked Red Bull’s Mark Webber to crunch the numbers for us ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza
The Red Bull Racing Spy will be following
Mark Webber around all weekend at Monza. Keep up
to date with all the gossip from inside the paddock
and download it free from the App store
4 fourth-place finishes in
the opening four races –
was that frustrating?
“It would be if you’ve never tasted
champagne before, but I’ve been
in a position to have that experience before.
By the third or fourth, I was ready to get the
bubbly at the end.”
3 You changed to a three-stop
strategy in Hungary – did that
cost you points?
“I think what cost us points there
were a couple of car issues
we had. We also couldn’t get the car home
on those tyres. It was hard for me to keep
the pace losing 0.6 seconds a lap. I would
have liked to have stayed out, to have the
cars come around to try and pass me on
track, but we made the decision as a team.
Everything’s easy with hindsight.”
2 you had a two-point lead over
your teammate after the summer
break – did you feel you had a
point to prove this season?
“Not so much against Sebastian, but
for myself. My overall performance last year,
particularly at the start of the season, was not
very strong. I think I drove some good races in
the back part of the championship last year:
Spa, Korea and also Suzuka wasn’t too bad,
considering the strong competition. Obviously
I put in a strong performance in Brazil, and
Abu Dhabi was a good race too. Overall I had
some strong weekends, but not enough to
win consistently. This year I’ve been much
stronger and proved to myself that I’ve come
back a more complete competitor – and that’s
what is important to me.”
1 are you confident you can be on
top of the standings at the end
of the season?
“We can be pretty confident as a unit.
I am confident that I can do a good job in
the cockpit and keep doing my best. We have
eight races coming up, that’s a lot of different
opportunities for us. Lots of twists and turns,
lots of different weather, lots of different
strategies, lots of different driver stresses.
So we need to be at the very top of our game,
and need to start chipping away at Fernando’s
points lead.”
Turn to p65 for our Italian Grand Prix preview
f you fancy yourself as the next
Tiger Woods, it’s probably worth
being more discrete about your
shenanigans than the man himself. Also –
put your skills (no, not at that) to the test
and make your case at one of Urban Golf’s
simulators. The company, which has three
venues across London, are searching for
the city’s best golfer, and will give the
winner of their competition the chance to
play at the real Pebble Beach golf course in
California (left). All you have to do to enter
is play 18 holes on the virtual Pebble Beach
in the state-of-the-art simulator at any
Urban Golf venue. Scores will be posted
online, and if you hang on to a spot in the
top 24 you’ll make it through to the grand
final on October 24. Best of luck, what?
For more information on The Search for
London’s Best Golfer with Pebble Beach,
visit urbangolf.co.uk/compete
couple of years ago, the Tour de France – that paragon of
sporting fair play – was embroiled in a scandal surrounding
the alleged use of tiny motors hidden in the frames.
Accusations were made and bikes were X-rayed, but nothing untoward
was found. Hi-tec equipment (without the motors) undoubtedly has
an important role in cycling success, however, as Chris Boardman
proved by smashing the individual pursuit world record at the
Barcelona Olympics on his so-called ‘Super Bike,’ the Lotus 108 (right).
That bike and others are showcased in loving detail in Bike!, an
A to Z of high-end manufacturers including the machines that carried
Boardman, Eddie Merckx and Mark Cavendish to famous victories.
Bike! A tribute to the world’s greatest cycling designers, by Richard
Moore and Daniel Benson, (Aurum Sport), out now, £25
12 | September 7 2012 |
Radar
A
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Wicked wheels
Diamond in the rough
Wheely good: the pages will turn almost as swiftly as the wheels on Boardman’s Lotus 108
14 | September 7 2012 |
Radar Editor’s letter
Editor-in-chief
Simon Caney
@simoncaney
Sport magazine
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£1 where sold Hearty thanks this week to: Charlie Reid, Emma Wade, Chris Evans-Pollard, Gab Stone, Philippa Morrow, Lee Murgatroyd, Maria O’Connor, Carla McAlpine, Claire Shand, Maria Clayton
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LAUNCH OFTHE YEAR
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T he moment Oscar Pistorius opened his mouth, he was on dangerous ground. It’s not the done thing to bad-mouth an opponent straight after a race,
after all. Yet I have no problem with it.At last, it seems, everyone can see that
Paralympic sport means just as much
as any other sport to the competitors.
Pistorius is a brilliant champion, who
already has done more for disabled sport
than anyone in history – and his outburst
last weekend has taken it on another level.
The whole world could see that, like all
great champions, Pistorius is a terrible
loser. He hated it. He was furious.
For some reason, there is a notion that
the Paralympics should be conducted in
a friendlier manner than your average
sporting championship: that somehow it
doesn’t matter quite as much. I think we
are now straight on that question.
The brilliant Jody Cundy showed just
how much it matters when he stunned
the velodrome with an expletive-laden
outburst at cycling officials (see overleaf)
just days before Pistorius piped up.
These are supreme athletes who have
trained hard for four years. Emotions are
bound to run high. Yet for too long we have
expected Paralympians to grin and bear
it when things don’t go their way.
Able-bodied sport is one thing: at the
end of the day, it’s only sport – as much as
we all love it. It’s grown men and women
playing. Paralympic sport is different – for
so many of its competitors it has offered
a light at the end of the tunnel, a way of life
and, above all, hope. It really matters.
So when I read that Pistorius ‘damaged
the brand’ of the Paralympics, I have to
argue quite the opposite. He showed that
this is sport like any other, and for that he
should be applauded.
Interesting times already in the Premier League, where two high-profile managers are already feeling the heat. Andre Villas-Boas and Brendan Rodgers have had tough baptisms at their new clubs (the phrase ‘Rodgers out’ was trending on Twitter after one game), but supporters ought to show a bit more patience than we usually see from chairmen. Management is not a stable job – but the sack after three weeks?
The US are warm favourites to win the
Ryder Cup, which probably has a lot to
do with home advantage and not much
else. I fully expect Europe to do the
business at Medinah at the end of the
month, led by that wonderful Ryder Cup
warrior José Maria Olazabal, who was
able to make two great wildcard picks
in Ian Poulter and Nicolas Colsaerts.
Europe have the better players, the
more inspirational skipper, and will win.
Paralympics grow upFinally, the world is seeing that this is proper sport – and that it really, really matters
Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand
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True colours: Pistorius showed just how much missing
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Reader comments of the week
Great article with Simon
Jordan in today’s
@sportmaguk, shame
I had to get off the tube
half-way through. Roll on
5pm!!
@Warneswinners
Excellent and enlightening
piece in @Sportmaguk about
Simon Jordan. Not inspiring
me to own a football club.
@aldosrendos
@Sportmaguk cheers for
dedicating a good amount
of space to the rugby
season. great rundown.
interesting season ahead
#comeonthetigers
@londonrutlander
@Sportmaguk: Simon
Jordan on how to run a
football club. Rule 1. Avoid
having a Chairman called
‘Simon Jordan’
@1Dev
@simoncaney Great
interview with Simon
Jordan. Only in football can
someone who achieved so
little remain so arrogant and
self-righteous.
@NickLovering1
Free iPad app available on Newsstand
Cover of the Year
16 | September 7 2012 |
Anger managementInside the Olympic velodrome it’s hard to hear
yourself think, let alone hear what the person
next to you is saying. And yet, as cyclist Jody
Cundy discovered, the sound of one man
screaming “F**k!” at the top of his voice can
be heard clearly throughout the auditorium.
Here, Cundy sits after being disqualified in the
C4/C5 1km time trial for a false start, just
before he started lobbing water bottles and
F-bombs at the officials. When the red mist
lifted, he apologised for his mucky mouth. Jo
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Frozen in time
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
18 | September 7 2012 |
His first gold came in the 10,000m on Super Saturday, when the volume in the Olympic Stadium was turned up to the max. That was a mere warm-
up though, for one week later the volume knob was blown clean off by 80,000 people screaming “GO MO!” as he won the 5,000m to clinch an historic golden double.
“On the night of my 10,000m I saw that Jess [Ennis] had won gold,
and I knew that Greg [Rutherford] had done well because I saw
him carrying the flag when we came out on to the track for the
race – but I didn’t know where he had finished. I could hear the
noise, though, every time he jumped. Then, when I came out, they
were roaring for me as well.
If I could pick one moment from the whole Games to live over, it
would just be to hear that crowd again. If I could run one more lap
hearing that noise, it would be awesome.
The Beijing Olympics was four years ago, and I knew I’d moved
on since then. I knew I could beat the African athletes. I’ve trained
with the Kenyan guys – I based myself in Iten in the Rift Valley for
long periods, with athletes who have won medals. I thought: ‘If I
can keep up with them in training, why shouldn’t I beat them when
it comes to the Games?’
Moving to the States to work with Alberto [Salazar] has also
helped me a lot. It wasn’t an easy choice to make, to move that
far away. But, as an athlete, sometimes you have to make choices
– and I’m glad I made that one because otherwise I wouldn’t have
become a double Olympic champion. It’s just that one or two per
cent that has changed, but that’s what has been the difference
between a medal and finishing sixth.
I treated myself to a pizza before the closing ceremony.
Actually, you know what happened? When we were waiting outside
the stadium to go in, there was a pizza place there and I was
so hungry. I asked the guy if I could have one and he said: ‘Can
I have a picture?’ I said: ‘Yeah, as long as you give me a pizza.’
If I can find out where the guy normally works, I might not have
to pay for pizza ever again.” >
ATHLETICS: 5,000M And 10,000M
MO fArAH
HErOES On PArAdEThe stars of Britain’s greatest ever summer of sport will parade through London on Monday afternoon, allowing us to say our collective thank yous for sending the nation into a feel-good, flag-waving frenzy. Winning 29 gold medals got us so frenzied, in fact, that we tracked down those responsible for that golden tally. And over the next 40 pages, you can read their memories of an Olympics that will take some beating – starting with the man who electrified the Olympic Stadium two times over
wOrdS: SArAH SHEPHArd, nICk HArPEr, AMIT kATwALA, MArk COuGHLAn, ALEx rEId, GrAHAM wILLGOSS, TOny HOdSOn
“If I could pick one moment from the whole Games to live over, it would just be to hear that crowd again. If I could run one more lap hearing that noise, it would be awesome”
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Cre
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
“ It surpassed any dreams I ever had. I could never imagine I’d feel the way I did when I crossed the finish line”
Britain’s golden girl got her bid for heptathlon gold off to a flying start in the hurdles and didn’t look back, finishing
the job in style on a golden Saturday night in the Olympic Stadium.
“I was really calm before I came out for the hurdles, but
honestly – when I walked into the stadium – I couldn’t
believe the numbers of people that were there. It gave
me goosebumps, and I was just really ready to run fast.
It was a brilliant start to run 12.54s. I was so shocked,
I couldn’t believe I started with that time. It set me up
for the whole day, really.
The long jump was what I was really worried about,
because it had been up and down all year and I just
didn’t know if I was going to come out and do three
fouls or something dreadful like that. The runway was
very fast and the wind was swirling too, so it was quite
hard to judge the run-up. My first-round jump (5.95m)
was dreadful. So, psychologically, my second jump
(6.40m) was a big moment. I’d seen what [Tatyana]
Chernova and the other girls were jumping, and I knew
then that I was well on my way.
I had a lot of time to kill before the final event on
Saturday night, but it was so hard to switch off. I kept
thinking about crossing the finish line of the 800m and
how I would feel, but then I’d stop myself and think: ‘No!
I’ve got to concentrate on how I’m gonna run the race.’
I was just trying to stay in the moment and not get
carried away. It was a long few hours waiting for that
800m to start.
It surpassed any dreams I ever had. I could never
imagine I’d feel the way I did when I crossed the finish
line. I’m normally quite reserved with my performances;
I do get excited, but I probably just do a little clap or
something – and that’s about it. This time, I was so
overwhelmed and just really emotional. I’ve never,
ever felt like that in my life. It was incredible.” >
ATHLETICS: HEpTATHLOn
JESS EnnIS
20 | September 7 2012 |
Ian
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Take a deep breath on... www.spor t-emotions.com
This spor ts bag is yours with the purchase of any
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YOUR GIFT
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
22 | September 7 2012 |
Rutherford kept his red head ice-cool on a night when the temperature in the Olympic
Stadium just kept on rising. He took the lead with a second-round leap of 8.21m, and extended that by 10cm with his fourth-round jump to secure an unexpected gold.
“On the night of the final Jess [Ennis] was in
a great position to win the heptathlon, so
the crowd were quite excitable. I remember
one moment when Jess’ face was shown
on the screen quickly and they just erupted
– went insane. That gave me huge butterflies.
Every time me or Chris [Tomlinson, also a
GB long-jumper] got on to the runway, the
crowd just got louder and louder.
In the first round I let it get to me a bit.
But then I saw Mitch [Watt, the Australian
who won silver] did the same and a few
others fouled. I thought: ‘Okay, go back to
the process.’ I really focused myself back
in and jumped 8.21m in the second round.
That was massive for me. It showed a new
chapter in my jumping performances, where
I can ignore what’s going on around me and
bring it back to what I need to do.
I got a bit excited at that point and got
the crowd involved, but I went over to Dan
[Pfaff, Rutherford’s coach] and he said:
“Stop, now. Relax and calm yourself,
because that’s not going to be good enough
to win.” I then jumped 8.14m followed by
GREG RUTHERFORDATHLETICS: LOnG jUMp
“I went to bed that night and my heart was still beating at 100bpm. I could not control my body, couldn’t calm it down. It was just such a momentous experience”
8.31m, but the whole time I was thinking:
‘Someone’s gonna catch one now, because
if I was able to jump 8.30m in those
conditions, they should be able to as well.’
Mitch has jumped 28ft before – that’s
8.54m – but he couldn’t get it right on
the night. And the guy who came eighth
was a medallist in Beijing. But it just wasn’t
happening for them.
I went to bed that night and my heart
was still beating at 100bpm. I could not
control my body; couldn’t calm it down.
It was just such a momentous experience.
But I was lying there thinking: ‘You didn’t
jump that well, really. Technically the
jumps weren’t that great and you still
managed to win.’ That was hard to
comprehend, because coming into the
Games I thought to win this I was going
to have to jump further than I’d ever
jumped before... possibly jump something
incredibly special.
I jumped the third longest jump of my life,
so it wasn’t bad. But I do think: ‘Flipping
heck, if I’d got it right I could have had this
momentous jump on the greatest stage of
my life – one that will never come about
again.’ To be totally honest, I was ever so
slightly disappointed that I didn’t jump
further. Although disappointment is probably
the wrong word, because I was elated to
win Olympic gold. It’s what I’ve always
dreamed of, but I strive to jump further.” >
Greg Rutherford is powered by Maximuscle,
the UK’s leading sports nutrition brand.
To find out more about their partnership,
visit maximuscle.com
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
24 | September 7 2012 |
The history-making pair won Team GB’s long-awaited first gold medal of the Games, which also happened to be the first Olympic gold ever won by Britain’s
female rowers. Not bad for a duo who, two years ago, were in the reserves.
GlovEr (left): “All week we were trying to make it feel very
normal, to make ourselves feel as relaxed as we could without
reminding ourselves it was the biggest day of our lives. I don’t think
we needed much reminding when we saw the crowds. There was
one moment the morning of our final, though – when I was brushing
my teeth. I looked in the mirror and thought for a fleeting moment:
‘I could win an Olympic gold today.’ Then I really told myself off for
thinking that. That we could be the first members of Team GB to win
gold was the elephant in the room for the entire week. Neither of us
mentioned it, and neither did our coach. It just seemed like too
much pressure – it remained the unspoken thing between us.”
Stanning: “We had the same race plan in the final as we had for the
whole World Cup series, when we’d led from the front in each race.
We knew the field we were racing in was incredibly strong, so we
were never going to lighten up. But we weren’t worried. It was more
about racing our race; we did what we know we can do really well
– and having the belief that, if we did, it would bring the right result.”
HELEN GLOVER & HEATHER STANNINGROWING: WOMEN’S PAIR
Glover: “I first met Heather in 2010, when we were introduced
by our coach Paul Stannard. I remember thinking what a relaxed,
easygoing person she was. She’d come back from the army every
weekend to train with the group, and just fit in very easily to any
social situation.”
Stanning: “My first impression of Helen was that she was a
determined girl. She was a lot smaller than the other girls, so
I definitely thought she was punching above her weight. We had
a lot of ground to make up, but in a short period of time she was
a lot stronger and going a lot quicker. So I just thought she was
an incredibly determined person.”
Glover: “I’d say our podium performance was the very definition
of our differing personalities. I was in tears – I’m very emotional.
Heather’s emotions are in there, deep down, but she’s pretty
much a rock.”
Stanning: “You could see it in the room we shared at the Games,
too. There was definitely two halves to it. I’m a little bit more tidy.
It comes from being in the army and the fact my parents were
in the military. I had it instilled in me from an early age – get up,
make the bed and always fold your clothes. That’s not quite
Helen, though.” >
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26 | September 7 2012 |
Fewer athletes have come so close, so often at the Olympics than three-time silver-medallist Katherine Grainger. But alongside partner Anna Watkins,
the 36-year-old finally got what she wanted in London, overpowering the Australians to be a bridesmaid no more.
“You’re always wary if you’re leading in a race, In Beijing I was
rowed down at the end, so I’m very aware that can happen. I never
felt anyone would be able to beat us if we got ahead, but you still
have to race detached from emotions. Although it was the Olympic
final – the time I might finally get my gold – and although Anna and
I felt we had the nation’s support behind us and didn’t want to let
anyone down, for the 2,000 metres of the race it was purely about
technique: how we were racing, how we were rowing, what the
tactics were. You don’t relate that result to the big picture until
you’re through the finish line.
I try not to think of myself as having been desperate for gold.
But it was the obvious question before the Games: will this finally
be the time you get it right? If you don’t get the gold, will you
always feel it’s missing? I was very aware there was a medal
missing from the collection, and I would have felt incomplete
without it, if I’m honest.
I’d have loved to have won gold in Beijing, but not doing so gave
me something still to aim for – something I was passionate about.
But I was probably more relaxed at this Games than at any other.
I’d never been in better shape, and with Anna had this phenomenal
partnership that worked on every level – not just technically, not
just physically, but emotionally and supportively. That gave me a lot
of reassurance.
It was no surprise to us that the women in GB rowing were
so successful. We race each other a lot throughout the
year. Especially with the three women’s boats that got
gold, you had to be absolutely top of your game to come
top of that group. When we saw Helen [Glover] and
Heather [Stanning] winning on the first day of the
finals, it was great for us – because we knew if they
were doing well, we were in the right place to
perform too. All we had to focus on was: ‘Can
we row as well as we absolutely can on
that day, in front of that crowd, with
that pressure?’ If we got that
right, we deserved to win.“ >
KATHERINE GRAINGERROWING: WOMEN’S DOUBLE SCULLS
“I was very aware there was a medal missing from the collection, and I would have felt incomplete without it”
THE LIMITS OF POSSIBILITY HAVE BEEN REDEFINED | LIMITED EDITION OAKLEY RADAR®
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
28 | September 7 2012 |
After clocking in at the first checkpoint five seconds off the lead pace set by Germany’s Tony Martin, Wiggins stepped on the gas and rocketed to the
finish line in a winning time of 50 minutes 39 seconds. He was first to the bar, too – naturally.
‘‘To win an Olympic gold in your home city, I cannot put it into words.
It was really incredible. When you win in the velodrome, there are
three or four thousand people cheering. Around the streets of
London, the noise was just amazing. I don’t think anything will top
that. Coming round the roundabout in Kingston, the noise was
incredible. I’m never going to experience anything like that again in
my career. I’d just won the Tour de France, and then that. It’s just
been phenomenal.’’ >
BrAdLey WiGGinsCyCLinG: TiMe TriAL
“ i’m never going to experience anything like that again in my career”
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
30 | September 7 2012 |
Chosen ahead of defending champion Chris Hoy in the individual sprint, Kenny beat
his great rival, Gregory Bauge of France, for gold. That came just days after victory in the team sprint, a win that came despite Philip Hindes’ dramatic start gate crash in the heat.
“The annoying thing about that crash is me
and Chris got away really well, and then the
next thing you know Philip’s disappeared
and he’s on the floor somewhere. But we
nailed the restart. After the first round,
I didn’t really feel we had a lot more time
in us. I felt like we’d had a pretty good
ride, and then we saw the French go and
break the world record – so I thought it
was going to be a bit of a battle.
Once we’d done such a good time
in the team sprint, the individual was
simply a case of making it to the final
and just kind of putting it to bed, really. It
turned the tables a little bit – in the past
few years, Bauge has always been that bit
stronger, that bit faster. It was nice to go
into the final having been the underdog for
the past three years and turn it around
at the last minute.
The press conference afterwards
[where Bauge quizzed Kenny on Team GB’s
success] was mental. There was a point
at which I thought it might get unfriendly,
but it never did. He kind of cracked...
The next night I went to the bar and
basically had a skinful. That’s all I’ve been
doing ever since the Games – just eating
McDonald’s and drinking beer, although now
I’m getting to the stage where I’m getting a
bit sick of that and just want to go training
again and make myself feel better!
Laura [Trott, Kenny’s girlfriend] was
racing the day after I finished. I thought:
‘I’d better make it over or I’ll be in trouble
here.’ So I watched the race and then
jumped on my bike and sprinted over to the
track and watched her medal ceremony.
Then, unfortunately, I went back to my
apartment and fell asleep and completely
missed Chris’ gold in the keirin. When Chris
came back and started talking about it, I
had to kind of pretend that I’d watched it...
I was like: “Oh yeah – really good race,
really good.” >
Jason KennyCyCLinG: TeaM sPrinT and individuaL sPrinT
“it was nice to go into the final having been the underdog for the past three years and turn it around at the last minute”
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
32 | September 7 2012 |
After having won gold alongside Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes in the team sprint five days earlier, Hoy showed exactly why he’s the most successful British
Olympian of all time in the keirin, fighting off Germany’s Maximilian Levy to win his sixth Olympic gold medal.
“If I had to pick just one moment from the Games to relive, it
would be the last 100 metres of the keirin final, when I started
to come back against Max Levy and realised I was going to win it.
That feeling as I crossed the finish line... well, I would love to be
able to live that again.
When I stepped on to the podium after I’d won gold in the
keirin on the final night at the velodrome, it was a mixture of
relief, disbelief, elation, pride, excitement... and an overwhelming
realisation that everything I’d worked so hard for, and everything
my family and the team have lived through with me, had all
been worthwhile. It was an incredible feeling.” >
CHRIS HOYCYCLING: TeAM SPRINT ANd KeIRIN
“That feeling as I crossed the finish line... well, I would love to be able to live that again”
MANY ROADS LEADTO THE MEDAL,BUT ALL BEGIN WITHA GREAT START.
SIR CHRIS HOY, 6X OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST
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A GREAT START.
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
34 | September 7 2012 |
Three days after winning team pursuit gold, Trott was in silver- medal position going into the
omnium’s sixth and final event, needing to beat her nearest rival by three places in the 500m time trial to win gold.
“I was always dreaming that I’d do the
double of the team pursuit and omnium
because I did it at the World Championships.
But, I mean, I still surprised myself a bit.
I am a really competitive person though,
so I wouldn’t have been happy unless I’d won.
When I was going into the last race and I
was in second place, I was like: ‘I’m not going
to let her [silver-medallist Sarah Hammer]
beat me, I want this title for myself.’
I hadn’t expected her to beat me in the
fifth event – the scratch race – before that,
so I was a bit like: ‘Woah, where did that
come from?’ But I know my timed events are
good and the last event, the 500m, is my
best. It’s the strongest, most predictable
one for me, so I thought I could do it. I just
needed a bit of luck to go with it.
Before the Games, I thought we’d win the
team pursuit because we hadn’t lost a race
all year. And I thought I might come away
with a medal in the omnium. But winning it?
I wasn’t sure. The only time I’d ever beaten
all them girls was at the worlds. I didn’t know
if it was a fluke or if I’d be able to repeat it.
Life’s gone pretty nuts since the closing
ceremony. The first two weeks after, the
press attention was crazy – especially with
the whole me and my boyfriend Jason
[Kenny, sprint gold-medallist] thing. I never
thought it would be as bad as that. I see
Victoria Pendleton in the newspapers now
and again, but I was on the front pages!
It’s a pretty big deal, isn’t it?” >
LAURA TROTTcycLinG: TeAM pURsUiT And OMniUM
“i am a really competitive person, so i wouldn’t have been happy unless i had won”
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36 | September 7 2012 |
“We knew from our times in training that we’d probably break the world record at the Olympics”
With Laura Trott and Dani King, Rowsell formed a team that smashed all opposition in the velodrome, breaking the world record every time they raced.
“We knew from our times in training that we’d probably break the
world record at the Olympics, but we didn’t think we’d do it in the first
qualification round.
Then we broke it again in the next round. But we didn’t think we’d
go any faster in the last round because there was only an hour in
between races. Still, we went quicker again. It’s weird, because
usually at the end of a pursuit I’m so exhausted I need carrying off
my bike. But at the end of that final, it didn’t hurt at all. I think the
noise of the crowd and knowing we’d won gold made it a one-off
time when I could actually enjoy the moment a bit more.
Off the track, the three of us are really good friends. People
talk about the sacrifices you have to make as an athlete and all the
hard training, but I enjoy it – and I think that helps us train harder
as a group. Also, this event is so technical that we need 100 per
cent trust in each other – it’s essential, and that’s what we have.
When you’re going that fast and you’re that close to the wheel
in front, you can’t be doubting the person in front of you.
Dani and Laura are both louder personalities than me, but they’ve
rubbed off because I used to be quite shy and I’m much chattier now.
They’re different too, in that nothing really fazes Laura. She doesn’t
get that nervous, whereas Dani is the opposite – she’ll need more
support. We just come together really well, that’s why it works.”
JOanna ROWseLLCyCLinG: TeaM PuRsuiT
The thunder-thighed captain of the men’s team pursuit quartet led Geraint Thomas, steven Burke and Peter Kennaugh to obliterate the australians – and indeed
the world record – in the velodrome.
“Without wishing to sound arrogant, we knew we’d take gold
and break the world record the minute that final started. I was
absolutely convinced in qualifying that the Aussies were holding
something back. We went out fourth or fifth from the end in
qualifying and went flat out and broke the world record, because
we wanted to make a statement. Then the Aussies went off and, by
their standards, they did a pretty average ride and were three and
a half seconds down on us. I saw that and was convinced they were
playing games, trying to lull us in a little bit by holding something back.
So I had a bit of a sleepless night wondering what they were up to.
Then they turned up the next day for their semi and did another
average time and only just squeezed past New Zealand. At that
point, we looked at each other and said: “Maybe they’re not faking it
– maybe they’re just not quick enough.” So going into the final, we
were confident we could smash round, go for another world record
and take gold pretty easily. We knew the Aussies wouldn’t have
anything to show, which is obviously how it turned out.
Winning this was better than gold in Beijing because it was on
home soil and there was more pressure on us than there had been
in 2008. The fact we had to work harder for it made it more rewarding.
Am I expecting the MBE I got after Beijing to be upgraded to
an OBE? If it happens, great. But we can’t expect it, and if it
doesn’t happen I won’t hold any grudges against the Queen.” >
eD CLanCyCyCLinG: TeaM PuRsuiT
“Going into the final, we were confident we could smash round, go for another world record and take gold pretty easily”
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
| September 7 2012 | 39
Queen Vic started her final competitive meet with team sprint relegation alongside Jess Varnish, but recovered to take keirin gold before failing
to defend her individual sprint title after a controversial relegation in the final against long-time rival Anna Meares.
“Obviously it would be nice to have more than one gold medal, but
sometimes things don’t go your way. I knew I was in good shape for
the team sprint – the times of my split were really good, and Jess
was going well. It was frustrating knowing that you have the form,
and then not having the opportunity to make it happen.
The biggest thing for me in the past in the keirin has been
indecision. It was mine to lose almost, and I was just really
determined. I thought: ‘I don’t care what they’re doing – I’m just
going to take the race on when it’s time for me.’ And that’s what I did.
I was so delighted. The day couldn’t have gone better for me
after the day before [when she and Varnish were relegated in the
team sprint after making an illegal change-over in their semi final],
so I was overwhelmed, so happy and relieved all at the same time.
It was probably one of the most enjoyable moments of my entire
career, stepping on the podium for that keirin gold.
I would have liked to have won the individual sprint – I don’t care
who it was against. The whole rivalry thing between Anna and
myself is created solely by the media. During the Olympics, a
member of the Australian media asked me: “Is Anna Meares a
cow?” Would a member of the media ask Sir Chris Hoy that about
Jason Kenny? I don’t think so. I think because I’m female they expect
some kind of bitchy element behind it all, and they think they can
ask me a question like that. But I’m a professional sportsperson
and I find it a little bit insulting.
At the time [of her relegation in the first leg of the individual
sprint final] I didn’t see any footage, but I was a little bit annoyed
because I didn’t think I’d done anything intentional, and then when I
did see it I did think it was a little bit unfair. It’s sad when it comes
down to that – if it was a straight line race and I crossed the line
second, it would have been a lot easier to handle.
The overall feeling for me is relief. I feel relieved that it was a
positive result to a very difficult four years, and not just for me but
the whole of the team. I think it was pretty much on par with what I
was imagining, but I was imagining the worst! Going in as Olympic
champion and competing on home turf is the hardest thing I will
ever have to do in my life. I’m glad I don’t ever have to do it again –
that’s the honest truth. I would have been gutted if I had made the
decision not to go to London because it was an amazing experience.
But if you asked me if I want to do it again, I’d say no thank you.” >
VicToriA PendLeToncycLinG: Keirin
“ i’m glad i don’t ever have to do it again – that’s the honest truth”
Rules of
Card one of the 24 lowest scores at Pebble Beach on one of Urban Golf’s revolutionary, state-of-the-art aboutGolf™
simulators (the ones that World Number One, Luke Donald, practices on) and you will be in with a shot for the
title of “London’s Best Golfer 2012”. And the chance to prove it on three of the greatest courses on earth. Everyone
who enters will also be entered for the free prize draw so even if you don’t win you could still win. To enter, and
for competition rules, go to www.urbangolf.com/londonsbestgolfer or speak to the club secretary next time
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Rule a. Strokeplay
Rule b. Stroke of Luck
The player who takes
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Golfer 2012”. In addition to rejoicing
in this title, the player will be awarded
rounds at Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay and
Spyglass Hill, flights and accommodation
included, for them and a playing partner.
The player who is randomly chosen in
the free prize draw (see Rule 83: Rub
of Green) shall be crowned “London’s
Luckiest Golfer 2012”. In addition to
rejoicing in this title, the player will
be awarded rounds at Pebble Beach,
Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill, flights
and accommodation included, for them
and a playing partner.
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
| September 7 2012 | 41
“I won by the narrowest of margins. But it doesn’t matter how much I win by – as long as I’m first”
Having lost six consecutive races to Jonas Hogh-Christensen, Ainslie fought back to set up a winner-takes-all final race – then finished ninth, one place
ahead of the Dane, to win a fourth straight Olympic gold
“The home Olympics was an amazing thing to be involved in, and I
was lucky enough to be there at the start and the end. Being the
first to carry the torch on British soil really highlighted how special
it was going to be, because we got down to Land’s End at about
6am and there were already thousands of people so excited by
seeing this torch. I suddenly realised just how much the Games
was going to capture people’s imagination.
I knew the racing was going to be tough because there are some
great sailors out there. Weymouth is a tough course and I’d been
managing my back injury through the past six months and was only
at about 90 per cent. Sometimes it all just clicks, but this time it
didn’t – and I had to fight for it because I was struggling after six
or so races.
That’s when I was penalised after Hogh-Christensen and
Pieter-Jan Postma teamed up against me, and that really
annoyed me. Luckily, I used it to fire myself up. I was really
struggling to get into the regatta and I needed something to grab
hold of, and that was it. The moment they did that it gave me
a psychological edge, thankfully.
The last race was all about finishing ahead of Hogh-Christensen
to win the gold. I didn’t plan to not be competitive at the front, but
once it became clear that I wasn’t going to be up there, it was just
about beating him. I had to scrap throughout the regatta, and I won
by the narrowest of margins. But it doesn’t matter how much I win
by – as long as I’m first.
This is my best gold by a long way, because it’s the home
Olympics – and of course it’s the fourth gold for me, which makes
it a really big deal anyway. I know other Olympians were aiming for
different things. But, for me, not winning gold would have been
a major disappointment.
I also got to be the flag-bearer at the closing ceremony, which
was really emotional. It was a bit lonely because the rest of the
team were together celebrating, but it was nice to get a bit of
time to reflect on everything and take it all in. And that was pretty
much it. I’d love to say I partied the night away, but it wasn’t a
late one. Everyone else went partying, but I was just exhausted
and went to bed after the ceremony because I ran out of steam.” >
Ben AInsLIesAILInG: Men’s FInn CLAss
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
42 | September 7 2012 |
Britain’s number one took gold in the men’s singles, dispatching Novak Djokovic in the semi finals before dismantling Roger Federer in straight sets. He added
a silver in the mixed doubles, with Laura Robson, shortly after.
“When I look back on the Olympics now, I just remember it being an
absolutely amazing 17 days and with a huge amount of pride. Just
being a part of Team GB and the success we had was so motivating
for me. I remember watching Mo Farah on the Saturday night
before my final, and it was so inspirational watching him run that
final 53-second lap. I was absolutely pumped up just watching it on
TV. But it was the same for every single medal we got – they were
all awe-inspiring, and I was desperate to be part of that and
desperate to win a gold.
Beating Roger in the final was the biggest win of my career. I’ve
had a lot of tough losses, and I’ve been to four Grand Slam finals,
but that was the best possible way to come back from those lows.
I learned from the Wimbledon loss [against Federer a month
previously] and used the experience to become a better player.
Was I nervous going into the final? Sure, but that’s only natural
ahead of a game that important. But as soon as the match started,
I felt calm and relaxed because I’d been playing well all week and
it was just a case of having to keep that momentum going. Even
though I’ve lost in those previous finals, I’ve been able to use those
experiences and move forwards, so I was nervous but confident.
The crowd helped me no end because the noise they made was
absolutely unbelievable. I’d like to think it added a few miles per
hour on my serves and made a big difference, so they played
their part. I’m just glad I managed to put in the performance
I have been waiting for – for me and for them.
Would I swap the Olympic final result with the Wimbledon final
result, if I could? That’s a tough question, but I wouldn’t. Winning
a gold medal at Wimbledon for Team GB is something that is hard
to put into words. I’m actually smiling now just thinking about it,
because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That’s not to take
anything away from the Wimbledon final. I’ll be back there next year
and I’ll be as determined as ever to do well, but just winning a gold
medal for Team GB in front of your home fans – it doesn’t get much
better than that. I was so proud to represent Great Britain, and am
so proud of what I achieved.
My only regret is that I didn’t get to stick around afterwards and
experience more of the Games as a fan. I left Wimbledon on Sunday
night after playing both finals, went straight to Stratford to do all
the media stuff and then finally got to bed around 3.30am. I then
had to be up at 6am to get to the National Tennis Centre, to do more
media before leaving for Canada to play in the Masters Series.
So I had to follow it from afar rather than in person, which is
a shame. But I watched pretty much everything I could on TV and
online in between playing, and it made me very proud to be British.
Everyone you speak to now is so positive about the whole event,
and it’s shown how brilliant
London is as a city.
Where are my medals now?
They’re back at home [in Surrey].
I only had a few hours at home to
pack the day after the final, so I
didn’t quite get a chance to put
them up anywhere. But they’ll
be in pride of place when I get
back from the US Open. As long
as my dogs aren’t still
wearing them!” >
ANDY MURRAYTENNIS: MEN’S SINGLES
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“Would I swap Olympic gold with the result of the Wimbledon final? That’s a tough question, but no – I wouldn’t”
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44 | September 7 2012 |
Leading by three shots going into the final, the 25-year-old – the youngest finalist by 13 years – survived a brief wobble to finish two shots clear and seal Britain’s first
shooting gold since Sydney.
“It was weird shooting in front of so many people. If we’re shooting
in front of anyone normally, it’s because they’ve taken a wrong
turn and they’re looking for the loos. To suddenly have thousands
cheering us on was incredible, but I shot the qualifying rounds
pretty well and found myself three shots clear going into the final.
With five of the 25 pegs to go, I was still clear. I allowed myself
a wry smile and started thinking: ‘Wow, this is it, I’m going to win
gold in London.’ That punished me pretty hard and I missed the
next pair. That was my defining moment – I was either going to go
on and miss more and slip away, or hit the rest and bounce back
to win gold. That was probably the moment I’ll remember for the
rest of my life.
I shot the next eight targets, and stood on peg five knowing
one target would win it. It was a funny moment, and for a brief
split second I thought about just double-barrelling the first target
PeTer WiLSonShooTinG: Men’S DouBLe TraP
to ensure I won. I’m so big headed and obnoxious, though, that all
the British stiff upper lip stuff went out the window and I decided
I wanted to win by two.
I’ve never been so focused on one pair in my life. I pulled the
trigger and just stared at that first target, waiting for the dust.
Finally, I saw it, moved across and shot the second target. I had
hoped to turn around, finger raised in the standard British way
of saying thank you very much everyone with a big smile. Instead,
I dropped to my knees and cried like a baby – which is the most
embarrassing thing I’ve ever done.
Having said that, it probably only settled in about three days ago
that I won gold. I was in the shower, looked out and saw myself on
the front cover of a shooting magazine and it just hit me that I’d
actually won the Olympics. I’m still pretty blasé about the medal,
though. I let everyone touch it and try it on. A young guy actually
dropped it the other day, and that was probably the first time my
heart sank for a second because you can’t get a replacement.
I’m really happy for everyone to grab it and hold it, but I just
thought: ‘Maybe you should be a bit more careful Wilson, this is
a pretty big deal!’” >
“i dropped to my knees and cried like a baby, which is the most embarrassing thing i’ve ever done”
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
46 | September 7 2012 |
The narrowest of victories for Team GB at Greenwich Park, as Skelton led a four-man team also featuring Ben
Maher, Scott Brash and Peter Charles to a dramatic jump-off win over the Netherlands. A first team jumping medal since the LA Games of 1984, and it was gold.
“I had always thought that the equestrian events
should have gone to an equestrian venue, such as
Hickstead, so as to ensure some kind of legacy
there afterwards. But having been there and
experienced it, I’m glad they held it where it was
[at Greenwich Park]. It brought our sport to the
people, and allowed us to compete in front of the
best crowd I have ever seen.
You always go in to a competition wanting to
do your best, and we had some good horses. So
I thought that if we went well, we could get a medal
– but I never thought it would be gold. Things
progressed well during the competition, though,
and Ben was unlucky not to jump clear – had he
done so, we’d have won without the jump-off.
But it went right down to the wire, which made it as
exciting for the spectators as it was nerve-racking
for us. On the way out, though, I said to the lads:
‘Let’s just go and get stuck in now – we’re gonna
win this.’
I’m 55 this year, but I want to carry on, go to Rio
and win an individual medal. I was gutted not to do
so this year, but I’m lucky to have an outstanding
horse in Big Star and he’s young enough that he
can definitely do another Games. We’ve been
offered huge amounts for him – millions – but he’s
a unique horse and without him I’d probably have to
retire. To try and find another one like him would
be impossible.”
NiCk SkeLToNequeSTriAN: TeAM juMPiNG
“i’m glad they held it where it was. it brought our sport to the people, and allowed us to compete in front of the best crowd i have ever seen”
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W ith Laura Bechtolsheimer and mentor Carl Hester, Dujardin won team dressage gold with an Olympic record of 83.286 per cent. The 27-year-old then
put in her second record-breaking performance of the Games with 90.089 per cent, thus becoming the first British Olympic individual dressage gold-medallist.
“We had such high expectations to win the team gold, we were all
so focused on it. But in the individual, I just thought any medal would
be amazing. I thought: ‘God, I just want to enjoy it.’ It was my last
chance to perform there. Carl [Hester] was riding too, so he
couldn’t help me warm up. But I just thought, do you know what, I
have every faith in [my horse] Valegro, I know what I’m doing...
and if I can’t just do this little bit by myself, I’m a bit silly.
I guess it’s always a challenge for me to beat Carl [who finished
fifth]. He’s been my inspiration and someone I’ve idolised for so long.
I beat him a few times last year, and it did feel good – he doesn’t like
it very much. Not having Carl there was a bit daunting at first, but
then I thought: ‘Come on, pull yourself together.’
Going in there, I just felt so calm and relaxed, and ready to show
everybody Valegro’s little party piece. Every rider looks for something
in a horse. Valegro has so much power, and yet he is the kindest
horse – and so trainable. He really wants to understand and learn
with you, and he is so clever. You can teach him something and the
next day he’s like: ‘Yep, I’ve got it.’ It takes years to build that bond
and that relationship. They’ve got to be able to trust you when they
go into an atmosphere like that. He’s become like my best friend.
It’s unbelievable how many people – even non-sporty people –
have said to me: ‘Oh my god, you’re the girl off the dancing horse.
You made me cry.’ And that’s men, even. So to do that for our sport
– now so many more people now know what dressage is – is great.” >
CHarLOTTe DujarDinequesTrian: inDiviDuaL anD Team DressaGe
CarL HesTerequesTrian: Team DressaGe
Winning a first team medal in a century of Olympic dressage wasn’t enough for four-time Olympian Carl Hester and his teammates Laura Bechtolsheimer and Charlotte Dujardin.
They made it the best of the lot: gold.
“On the first day of competition, we were all quite stressed out by everyone
saying we should win gold. So I just said to the girls: ‘Look, we have never
won a medal before, so let’s not go round stressing. At the end of the day,
one of our horses would have to have an injury for us not to get on the
podium. It’s just a question of what colour.
So I said we should just focus on getting on the podium. After the first day,
we were in the lead. It was only by a very small margin, but by that time gold
medals were flooding in for Team GB. I told the girls that if we didn’t win gold,
nobody was going to know who or what we were. Forget that bloody silver or
bronze, I said, we’ve got to win gold or nobody’s ever going to have heard of us!
I could never have imagined British dressage would reach the level of
success it did at the Games. I think the fact we’d never even had any medal of
any sort at any Games has just made it the most historic moment. Equestrian
has been a part of the Olympics for years, so it just seems a bit shocking that
dressage has never been able to bring home a medal of any colour before.
I’ve been to four Games now, but I’m glad I managed to deliver in London
because it’s meant more to our country than sport – particularly equestrian
sport – could ever have imagined.”
| 47
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
48 | September 7 2012 |
“Hopefully I can go on and inspire future generations”
The 29-year old from Wiltshire powered to victory in the 200m K1 sprint, which was making its Games debut at Eton Dorney.
“I didn’t actually go to the village until the night after my event.
I was on training camp in Barcelona before the Games, and for the
first week. It was good in some ways, not to get frustrated hanging
around waiting for your event. But it was quite inspirational, what
little we did catch of the events that were on Spanish TV.
Before the start, when the announcements were going, I got the
loudest cheer, which made all the hairs on my arms stand on end.
Before the race I was concentrating on the first three strokes
– just getting away as cleanly and as fast as possible. I did that a lot
better than anyone else, and that made the platform for the rest of
the race. The rest of it is sort of a blur. I got across the finish line
and had to look both ways – because you want to make sure, don’t you?
I went to see my postbox yesterday. That was quite a surreal
experience because they’d closed the town off, and there were
several thousand people to greet me – something I wasn’t quite
expecting. Tim Brabants got a gold medal last time – he was
an inspiration to me, and hopefully I can go on and inspire
future generations.”
ED McKEEvErcanoE sprInT: K1 200M
Having just scraped into the final with the sixth-best time in the semis, stott and teammate Tim Baillie had the first run in the final and posted an impressive
time of 106.41 seconds. as things turned out, none of the other teams could match them.
“We knew we were pretty lucky to get in the final, so we just
wanted to have a good, hard run at the course while we had the
chance to be there. We knew straight away it was a good run –
it was two seconds faster than the fastest semi final run, for one
thing – but it was an Olympic final, so we knew the others would try
to raise their game.
We had to stand and watch everyone try to beat us, which was
torture. But we started to realise our time was better and better
as each run went by. Once we knew we had a medal, we started to
go crazy because it was so unexpected. Then the last run finished,
and we realised we’d won gold – I just turned to my coach and I
think I kissed him on the lips. It was just a whirlwind and we were all
going mad. I jumped in the river because I just didn’t know what else
to do, and a few other people did the same.
It was surreal being on the podium – that’s the only way I can
describe it. I could have got my head around it easier if I’d have
been watching someone else do it. I remember the sun beating
on the side of my face, just breathing in that atmosphere and
wanting it to last forever.” >
ETIEnnE sToTTcanoE sLaLoM: c2
“ I jumped in the river because I just didn’t know what else to do, and a few other people did the same”
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
50 | September 7 2012 |
Beijing gold-medallist Reed and his fellow rowing beasts – Andy Triggs Hodge, Alex Gregory and Tom James – took on the might of an Aussie crew widely
fancied to win gold, and sent them home with silver.
“It was so different to the Beijing Games, where I think they got
people in to fill seats and no one cared about the rowing, so they
were all gone by the time the medal ceremony came around.
Contrast that with this time – it’s poles apart. It went bonkers
right from the start, before the regatta had even started. When we
were training at Eton Dorney at 7am, it was drizzling and cold and
people were there screaming our names and shouting for Team GB.
That carried on and crescendoed for our final. And we got it right
– we nailed it.
In the meeting before the final race, we were in the boathouse
and I said: “If we do our job properly, we will win.’ The Australians
are amazing and we had to be at our best to beat them, but what
PETE REEDROWING: MEN’S FOURS
“I knew what my crew had done in training and how strong we were. I knew we could deliver our best race”
gave me confidence was how much they were talking to the press
before the racing. They had all the chat and were saying we were
scared and that sort of stuff. I took it with the biggest pinch of salt.
No one chats like that unless they’re scared. I knew what my crew
had done in training and how strong we were. I knew we could
deliver our best race.
And then life changed. Before the race I couldn’t think of anything
beyond it. I couldn’t plan for what I was doing that evening. I didn’t
want to think about tickets or where my family were going to be or
anything – just the race. So as soon as we finished, I had no idea
where I had to go or what I needed to do. I’m used to knowing every
training session in advance – when I need to sleep, eat, where I
need to be, who I need to be with. But now it’s a different world.
A world that has suddenly opened up again. I think I’ll be ready
to get back into training in about six months, but nothing will ever
be like this again. The attention, and maybe even the success, will
never happen like this again.”Ale
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The fastest qualifiers for the final, Hosking and her teammate Katherine Copeland carried their fine form into the main event. Trailing at 500m, the British duo
fought back to take gold in 7:09.30, more than two and a half seconds clear of second place.
“We were really happy with our qualifying run on the water and
went into the final quietly confident. I’ve seen the race back since,
so I know we were trailing at the halfway mark. But we always
expected that, so I didn’t pay much attention to it. I sit at the front
and I like to not be too aware of what’s going on around me anyway.
Obviously it’s impossible not to have some kind of awareness of
where you are, but I never get too concerned by that. So we just
carried on what we had practised and we managed to pull clear.
I knew we’d won a few strokes short of the line, but I couldn’t
allow myself to think about it. It’s very hard to describe how it felt
crossing the line, though. I want to say shock, but that’s not the
SopHie HoSKingRowing: women’S ligHTweigHT douBle SCullS
| 51
word because I had no doubt we would win. I think
it was just realisation of what winning the race
meant and how big the Olympics was – and that’s
the shock that showed on our faces in the pictures
everyone has seen. We just hugged each other and
started laughing, then we started to tell each other that we
had to enjoy every moment of the celebrations ahead.
We had a really nice celebration with the rest of the rowing
crowd that evening, but the fact that we’d won a gold medal didn’t
sink in until about a week later. I’m enjoying every minute now, though,
and we even got to meet William and Kate, which was pretty cool.
It was great to be part of the most successful women’s
rowing team in history, and what we’ve achieved will hopefully be
a big boost for the sport. If nothing else, I have my gold medal to
keep, and I also have a huge stack of stamps with me on them.
My mum’s bought lots, so we’ll be using them for the next couple
of years!” >
“if nothing else, i have my gold medal to keep. And a huge sack of stamps with me on them”
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
52 | September 7 2012 |
The elder Brownlee brother saw off competition from former world champion Javier Gomez
and younger sibling Jonny to win gold in Hyde Park, a matter of months after a torn Achilles had threatened to derail his Olympic dream.
“There were long periods after I tore my
Achilles in February when I really wasn’t
sure if I was going to be able to race at the
Olympics – I didn’t know at all. During my
first six weeks back training properly
though, I really surprised myself. Still, to
get to the point where I was actually fitter
than I’ve ever been going into the Games
surprised me a bit.
Just to stand on the start line fit was a
great feeling for me. I was nervous on the
morning of the race, but not ridiculously
so. I was talking to Jonny and we both
recognised it was going to be a brilliant
experience. I remember putting the TV on
before we left for Hyde Park, and it was on
the news that all these thousands of people
were there waiting for the race – I couldn’t
wait to get out there.
I knew that Jonny, Javier Gomez and me
were the fastest athletes in the field, so
I knew the challenge for gold was likely to
come from either of those two. I was
probably halfway through the bike when
I found out Jonny had been given a time
penalty, but I still thought he had a good
chance of getting a medal. I just needed to
make sure the pack behind didn’t catch us
up on the run, because there were were
a few athletes in there who could have
beaten him to a medal.
Since the Games, we’ve been sent all
sorts of things – a lot of cakes, especially,
and some Lego figures of ourselves.
The most random thing, though, was
a karaoke machine. Jonny’s been on it
more than I have.” >
Alistair Brownlee is an @GatoradeUK triathlete.
To learn how he and British Cycling were
fuelled to success this year, visit
Gatorade.co.uk/brownlee
ALISTAIR BROWNLEETRIATHLON
“I was actually fitter than I’ve ever been going into the Games”
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
54 | September 7 2012 |
The ninteen-year-old ‘Headhunter’ took Great Britain’s first ever taekwondo gold medal in the -57kg weight class – then lobbed her headguard in the air.
“I think you start to realise the enormity of what you’ve achieved
when people back home talk about renaming the leisure centre and
the pavilion after you. I mean, it’s nice – but it’s mad. They’ve
already started selling a Jade Jones sandwich and there’s a Jade
Jones Olympic sausage you can buy. So yeah, I guess you could say
I’ve made it!
It’s all gone a bit crazy, to be honest with you. I’ve spent this
afternoon at a photoshoot, stretched out on a cooker. I’m not
entirely sure why I needed to be on the cooker, but it was fun –
if a little weird. It’s all been such a whirlwind that I’ve not really
had time for it to sink in.
Did I honestly think I’d win gold? Of course I did. I knew I could
beat anyone, but obviously there were a lot of nerves involved
because it was London 2012. All you can do is think positive and
think you can go out there and do it. So, as I went out for the final
I was thinking to myself: ‘I’m not going to let her [Yuzhuo Hou] beat
me in front of my home crowd.’
JADE JONESTAEkwONDO: wOMEN’S -57kG
“Did I honestly think I’d win gold? Of course I did”
I built up a good lead in the final, but I never thought I’d got it won
because in taekwondo you can get a kick to the head in the last two
seconds and lose the fight. I remember being ahead, seeing there
were two minutes left and thinking: ‘Oh my god, I’m two minutes
away from the Olympic gold!’ I just had to stay focused and finish it.
When it was over, I was so happy I just pulled off my head gear
and threw it into the sky. I didn’t think about where it might land.
Luckily it didn’t hit anyone. Actually, it was only after I’d thrown it
that I remembered you need to have it on to bow at the end of the
fight – so I had to wait for it to come down and put it back on.
After that it was an emotional blur. There were a lot of tears, but
no wild celebrations because there wasn’t time. I didn’t get out of
the arena till late, so I just got a McDonald’s and went to bed. I kept
the medal on the side, so I could see it when I woke up and see it
wasn’t just a crazy dream. Then the next day it started – the TV
requests, interviews, photoshoots and the leisure centre and
all that. Like I say, it’s all gone a bit mad.” >
Jade Jones was a 2010 Jaguar Academy of Sport Rising Star and has been
announced as an Elite Member of the academy, allowing her to support the
next generation of British sporting talent
SMILER RIZ MC ASTROID BOYS SNATCH THE WAX
WOLFMUSIC PBR STREETGANG THE BEAT MEDICS & BENNY
PLANAS & NIGHT OWL SEAN BROSNON SLOTHBOOGIE
DOM CHUNG RATTUS RATTUS MANY MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
56 | September 7 2012 |
The 24-year-old’s four bouts at the ExCeL Centre culminated in a win over Ireland’s John Joe
Nevin, who he knocked down en route to a 14-11 victory in the final.
“Before my first two fights, I was training in
the gym – and I don’t know what it was, but I
didn’t feel good in myself. Maybe it was the
nerves and the wait. When you’ve been
training for something your whole life and
you’re finally there, no one wants to lose
that first fight. Also, the size of the crowd
was new to deal with. Even though they
were there cheering for you, for some
fighters, the pressure can make them fold.
I had to dig deepest in my second fight.
I had a good first round, but I came back
down on points. The second round was even
better, but I was still down. At this point, my
arms were heavy, my legs felt heavy, I felt
quite tired – maybe because of the extra
nerves. I had to go out there in the last
round and just punch, punch, punch
non-stop. I had to chase him – hunt him
down and give it to him. And I did that.
I thought they were going to take it away
from me, but my coaches kept me calm and
my punches told on him. After I got through
that, I started to relax and that showed in
my last two performances.
People underestimate me – because
I’m very tall for the weight, they’re not
expecting that I can punch. But I can. In the
final, I caught him [Nevin] with a really good
shot in the first, I saw his back leg wobble
and I thought: ‘I’ve got him there – I’ve hurt
him.’ He was a little bit wary after that. By
that stage, I was flowing – and once I get
into my flow, I’m very hard to get out
of it. I wasn’t looking for a knockdown in
the last round – I was just throwing my
punches. One connected and he went down.
When the referee raised my hand I just
thought: ‘Is this happening? Is it true? Have
I really won this?’ It’s crazy to try and
describe it. You try for something your
whole life, and then you do it... I was very
emotional. I still don’t think it’s sunk in now,
to be honest. I need to get away with the
family, relax, then think about what’s next.
Maybe while I’m away, I’ll wake up one day
and it’ll finally start sinking in.”
LukE CaMpbELLboxING: baNTaMwEIGhT
“Maybe while I’m away, I’ll wake up one day and it’ll finally start sinking in”
| 57
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The smiling assassin defeated five-time world champion Mary Kom in the semi finals before
facing three-time world champ Ren Cancan in the final. With an Ali shuffle and a thunderous one-two combo that put the Chinese great on her backside, Adams won an historic gold.
“I’ve had normal jobs in the past; I even
tried working in insurance for a bit, but it
wasn’t for me. Boxing was always it. When it
was announced that women’s boxing was
coming into the Games, I was so happy.
But at the time I’d been stuck in bed with a
back injury for three months, so I thought:
‘How am I gonna get back up to fighting
speed in time to get to the GB selections?’
I made it for the very last trials. They
phoned me and said: ‘It’s now or never.’
I don’t know how I did it, because I was on
so many painkillers. But I willed myself and
just got through it. It was such a tough
weekend of bag work, pads and sparring –
I had to rest for a week after that. But then
[GB performance director] Rob McCracken
said even though I hadn’t trained for a while,
he could see there was something there.
They called me a few weeks later and
said I’d made the team. And a few months
after that I had my first bout back. I was
panicking because I hadn’t boxed for about
a year, but no one big was supposed to be
at this particular tournament. Then the day
before it started, the Russian team turned
up with all their champions. I was like:
‘Oh god, I’ve had it now. But I ended up
winning the whole thing. I was amazed,
I couldn’t believe what I’d done.
For a long time leading up to
the Games, I’d been thinking
I was going to win a medal – so
on the morning of the final I
was focused and determined,
thinking: ‘I’m gonna get this gold,
she’s not gonna win this time.’
Ren Cancan has beaten
me in two world finals, but
this was my final. We’d been
working on the tactics and
training really hard since we
got back from the worlds in May.
I was the fittest I’ve ever been.
I thought the final was going to be
a lot closer than it was, though. I was
quite shocked that I was finding it so easy.
When I knocked her down in the second
round, I was just as surprised as the
crowd was. I couldn’t believe it. I even got
an Ali shuffle in – it always comes out when
I get excited.” >
NICOLA ADAMSWOMeN’S bOxINg: fLyWeIghT
“I was quite shocked that I was finding it so easy”
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London 2012: The Gold-Medallists
58 | September 7 2012 |
After a tricky first round against a seasoned Cuban boxer, Anthony Joshua battled through to the final where he beat the defending Olympic champion
Roberto Cammarelle. In doing so, he won Team GB its 29th and final gold medal of the London 2012 Games.
“At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the noise of the crowd.
I tried to shut it out, but you can’t – you have to embrace it. That’s
what I learned from my first bout at the Games. These are great
people here, I thought – why block that out? When I get in the ring
and the bell goes, that’s the time to focus.
I knocked the Chinese guy down in my second fight, and I wish I
could have done that to all of them – it’s what I feel I should be doing
in every bout, but it’ll come. Both the Chinese guy and the Kazakh,
Ivan Dychko, who I fought in the semi final, were taller than me. But
boxing’s not about height. If a 4ft guy was to meet a 6ft guy and the
6ft guy don’t want to win, then the 4ft guy will. It’s about who wants
it more – and I really wanted to win. That was the first time I was
happy, when I beat Dychko. I smiled because I knew I was into the final.
I knew I’d win it, but I tried to cut out the ‘Olympic champion’
part. I just saw it as me wanting to go undefeated throughout this
tournament. I’d beaten Roberto Cammarelle before, so I knew it
was possible. But everyone steps their game up for the Olympics –
he was a different fighter in London.
I went three points down in the second round and thought: ‘Hang
on, this is running away from me.’ I shook my head and said: ‘No, I’m
not giving up.‘ I wasn’t surprised when they contested the decision
at the end – it’s the Olympic final. Everyone’s passionate, everyone
wants to win. But I wasn’t worried, I knew I’d won.
People ask me about going professional, but I’m contracted to
GB Boxing until later next year, after the World Championships.
I want to do the honours and finish my contract before I make any
decisions, so I’ll still be an amateur going into 2013.
The Olympics was about more than a gold medal for me – it was
a life experience. It’s about the whole journey from the start – from
the ABAs and Europeans, through people doubting me and all the
ups and downs along the way.”
Anthony Joshua was representing Betfair, proud sponsors of the British
Amateur Boxing Association in 2012
ANTHONY JOSHUABOXING: SUPER-HEAVYWEIGHT
“I knew I’d win it, but I tried to cut out the ‘Olympic champion’ part”
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7 DaysSEP 7-SEP 13
HIGHLIGHTS
» Football: World Cup Qualifiers » p62
»Formula 1: Italian Grand Prix » p65
» Athletics: Diamond League – Brussels » p66
» Rugby League: Wigan v St Helens » p66
» Boxing: Bellew v Miranda » p67OUR PICK OF THE ACTION FROM THE SPORTING WEEK AHEAD
60 | September 7 2012 |
SUNDAY > CyCLING | TOUR OF BRITAIN | IPSWICH TO NORFOLK SHOWGROUND | HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 8PM
Tour de France winner and Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins has ticked off
every major aim he had for 2012. And yet he’s
back in the saddle this weekend, competing in
the eight-stage Tour of Britain for Team Sky
– who have presumably promised him a large
San Miguel and celebratory cigar at the end
of the week-long ride.
Team Sky are sending a six-strong squad
to challenge for honours in a race that begins
with a largely flat sprinters’ stage from
Ipswich to Norfolk. It could be the perfect
opener, then, for world champion Mark
Cavendish. He won two stages in last year’s
Tour of Britain, and will be keen to prove he’s
lost none of his sprinting prowess after a
relatively disappointing few months.
The Manxman may have 12 stage wins to
his name this season, but he missed out on
retaining the Green Jersey at the Tour de
France and then failed to win what would
have been his first Olympic medal, leaving
him empty-handed from the two biggest
races of his season.
Already strong rumours are circulating
that this could be Cavendish’s first and
last season at Team Sky, with even Wiggins
admitting the British team’s focus on overall
race wins rather than stage victories leaves
Cavendish with little choice other than to
move on.
Still, he’s likely to be in better racing shape
than Wiggins. The Olympic time trial winner
has spent the past few weeks lording it up
with lookalike Paul Weller, enjoying a well-
earned good feed (and a few glasses of the
local brew) in Majorca, and trying to come
to terms with his newfound stardom.
“I left home on June 22 and nobody knew
who I was,” he reflected recently. “And then
I came back to this overwhelming adulation
everywhere I go. I went to Tesco the other
night, and that wasn’t like it used to be.”
The British crowds will no doubt be out in
force to cheer Wiggins and company on their
tour around the country. And, while it’s bound
to be a celebration of sorts for one Team Sky
man, it could well be the beginning of the
end for another.
Wiggo is go
62 | September 7 2012 |
7 Days
World in motionIn less than two years from now, 32 of the world’s finest football nations will convene for Copa do Mundo da Fifa Brasil 2014 – the World Cup. First, though, there’s the small matter of qualifying, which begins this weekend. We break it down for you...
Rules & RegsFrom nine groups and 53 teams, the 2014 World Cup will take only Europe’s 13 best teams. The nations who top their group qualify automatically, with the best eight runners-up fighting for four final slots via two-legged playoffs.
Group AHere, most notably, Scotland will face Wales in
a battle of the home nations, although it will be only
to determine who finishes fourth at best. The big
guns as top seeds here are Croatia. Serbia add
Baltic spice, but both should be usurped at the top
by the best Belgium team in 30 years – blessed
with the likes of Eden Hazard (above), Vincent
Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Marouane
Fellaini – and saddled with the ‘New Golden
Generation’ tag. In the spirit of inclusiveness,
FYR Macedonia make up the group/numbers.
Group BA group of six teams, but there really is only one.
“We’re Italy (above) and naturally, with the
greatest respect to the other sides in the group,
we’re aiming to finish in first place,” explained
coach Cesare Prandelli. And he won’t find any
arguments here. Teams aiming for second place:
Denmark, Czech Republic. Team likely to end up in
fourth place: Bulgaria. And, finally, teams just
along for the ride: Armenia, Malta.
Group GThis group contains Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Lithuania, Latvia and Liechtenstein.
If you’re left wanting any more information
than we’re giving you here, you’ll need to fire
up The Internet, for life is too short.
Group HHere, finally, we find Roy Hodgson’s England, freed
from the tyranny of Don Fabio and able to express
themselves. The Euros taught us only that Ashley
Young isn’t an England international, so the next
10 games will provide a more accurate reflection
of Hodgson’s New England and the Grand Plan. The
friendly win over Italy was encouraging – and, while
they are patently not the third best team in world
football, as Fifa’s rankings have them, they have
enough to top a group containing Montenegro,
Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino.
Group FPortugal and Russia loom large over Group F, but
who are favourites? Portugal, probably. “We’re not
the favourites,” claims coach Paulo Bento. “Russia
have a lot of talented individuals.” So it must be
Russia. “No, I think Portugal are the favourites,”
sniffs Russia coach Dick Advocaat, batting the ball
back from whence it came. While those two play
silly buggers, we’ll plump for Israel instead, edging
Northern Ireland into second and the playoffs.
Azerbaijan will finish third, Luxembourg fourth, with
the other two disqualified for acts of false modesty.
| 63
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Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand
Group C“Germany are undoubtedly the hot favourites,”
says Austria coach Dietmar Constantini, as
Sweden coach Erik Hamren unfurls his own white
flag and declares: “They are the undoubted
favourites.” At this, über-suave German coach
Jogi Low (above) leans back, sparks up a fat Cuban
and chortles: “It’s certainly doable for us.” All of
which means Sweden and Republic of Ireland are
most likely playing for second place, while Faroe
Islands and Kazakhstan are almost certainly not.
Group DProving the more things change, the more they
stay the same, erstwhile Holland coach Bert van
Marwijk sat through the draw for Group D and
declared: “Our principal opponent will be ourselves.”
When pushed to be a little less psycho-analytical,
he admitted “our top opponents are Turkey”,
but suggested things would be tough in a group
containing “four genuine football nations”. By this
we guess he’s referring to once-proud footballing
nations Hungary and Romania, rather than
Estonia and Andorra – but who are we to judge?
Group EOf the nine groups in the Euro Zone, this is
perhaps the toughest of them all to call, on account
of them all appearing to be as woefully bad as
each other. Ponder for a moment, if you will, which
of Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland is best
equipped to steal top spot and book a direct flight
to Brazil. But then ask yourself, could Albania,
Cyprus or Iceland be capable of springing that
type of surprise. Then ask yourself, have you
really got nothing better to be asking yourself?
Hey, look over there – it’s Group F!
England’s fixturesSeptember 7 Moldova v England
September 11 England v Ukraine
October 12 England v San Marino
October 16 Poland v England
2013
March 22 San Marino v England
March 26 Montenegro v England
September 6 England v Moldova
September 10 Ukraine v England
October 11 England v Montenegro
October 15 England v Poland
Group ITwo of Europe’s biggest guns are rolled out in the
final group, where Spain and France sit cursing
their ill fortune to have been drawn together. In
truth, the reigning world and European champions
won’t be cursing too loudly, aware that if they pass
the ball around between themselves for long
enough, the French will inevitably implode in a
cloud of seething pomposity. They will still finish
second and head for the playoffs, however,
because Belarus, Georgia and Finland make up
the numbers here.
FRIDAY Russia v Northern Ireland (Sky Sports 1, 4pm)
Wales v Belgium (Sky Sports 1, 7.45pm)
Moldova v England (ITV1, 7.45pm)
Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland (5pm)
SATURDAY Scotland v Serbia (Sky Sports 2, 3pm)
TUESDAY Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (SS3, 7.45pm),
Scotland v FYR Macedonia (Sky Sports 1, 8pm)
England v Ukraine (ITV1, 8pm)
Serbia v Wales (Sky Sports 2, 7.30pm)
This week’s key fixtures
BRINGTICKETS
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IT ON!a 2014 FIFa World Cup™ QualIFIer
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Tickets still available from just £35*
Tuesday 11 September 2012, Ko 8pm, Wembley
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| September 7 2012 | 65
7 Days
Sunday Formula 1 | ItalIan Grand PrIx | monza | Sky SPortS F1 1Pm
Romain Grosjean was clearly concerned that
this Formula 1
season was
in danger of
becoming a bit dull, what with no new winner
for three whole races – so he decided to take
matters into his own hands at Spa, instigating
a multicar pile-up (above) Michael Bay would
have been proud of. Grosjean will get to
survey the results of that first-lap incident
(his seventh in 12 races, incidentally) on
television after being dealt a one-race ban.
Partly thanks to his own indiscretions,
he’ll get to watch a championship with a
Red riot markedly changed complexion. Fernando
Alonso’s lead at the top of the drivers’
championship has been closed to 24 points,
defending champion Sebastian Vettel
moving ominously up to second ahead
of Red Bull teammate Mark Webber –
a leapfrogging that evokes memories
of his maiden world title win, when he
didn’t actually top the standings until
the final race.
Vettel’s chase for the top spot can begin
at Monza, the fastest circuit on the F1
calendar – and one of the best, according
to Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft.
“You’ve got chicanes you have to attack,” he
explains. “It’s how far you dare to attack
these chicanes, and how much the car
can attack, that is the difference between
success and failure.” Former driver
Anthony Davidson agrees: “It’s a great
circuit to drive; it’s low downforce, the
lowest we run all season, and the cars are
at their fastest on the run down to the first
chicane. They feel slightly vulnerable and
edgy with that little downforce on board,
and you really feel that in the car.”
Monza is Tifosi territory, of course,
and Alonso will profit from the incredible
support Ferrari always enjoy in their home
country. He still has a lead and will be
confident of keeping it – if he can make
it round the first corner this time.
Saturday CrICket | enGland v South aFrICa: 1St t20 | rIverSIde Ground, CheSter-le-Street | Sky SPortS 1 2.30Pm
Stuart Broad returns from being rested for the one-day series with
plenty to think about as England go into a final trio of T20 internationals
before departing for Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC World Twenty20. His
own summer form is cause for concern, given his lack of zip with the
ball and low batting scores. South Africa won’t feel they require any
helpful texts on how to bowl to this England captain.
However, Broad has a habit of coming out all guns blazing after
spells of poor form, and even the departure of Kevin Pietersen’s
muscular batting could have its minor benefits. Broad may see it as
a chance to bond his team into an even tighter unit and, in Eoin
Morgan, he can count on an in-form big-hitter with IPL experience.
Throw in 23-year-old Alex Hales – who wowed with his 99 against
the West Indies in June – plus a diverse bowling attack, and Broad
will know he has the ingredients to fashion a strong team.
He will also be aware that the same is true of the opposition.
Jacques Kallis, who excelled in the 2012 IPL, returns from his own
one-day rest to beef up South African batting and bowling options.
Twenty20 specialist Albie Morkel and batsman Richard Levi, who
gave glimpses of his six-launching prowess for Somerset this year,
also come into the reckoning. It promises to be a tight, exciting
series – though how much it will tell us about what these teams
can do on the subcontinent pitches on which the World Twenty20
will be staged is quite another matter altogether.
Broad thoughts
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66 | September 7 2012 |
7 Days
Friday Rugby League | StobaRt SupeR League: Wigan WaRRioRS v St HeLenS | DW StaDium | Sky SpoRtS 3 8pm
Fourth time luckyThe Stobart Super League reaches its final round of the
regular season this weekend,
with the final placing for the
majority of the clubs still up
in the air. There are no such
problems for Wigan Warriors,
however; Shaun Wane’s men are
certain to finish top of the table
and will be presented with the
League Leaders’ Shield before
their game against St Helens
at the DW Stadium tonight.
The visitors must win to
secure third place heading into
the playoffs, but that may prove
a tall order – interim coach Mike
Rush has already seen his team
lose three times to their great
rivals this season, the gifted Sam
Tomkins (left) scoring on each
occasion. Saints will need to
improve if they’re to make it fourth
time lucky at the DW Stadium,
where they lost in the Challenge
Cup quarters back in May.
Elsewhere, the main issue
to be decided before the
playoffs is which team grabs
the eighth and final spot in
them. Bradford Bulls, fresh
from a chastening 70-6 home
defeat to Hull last weekend, can
still snatch it – but they would
need to claim an unlikely win
against the Catalan Dragons in
Perpignan on Saturday, and
then hope Wakefield Wildcats
slip up away to the 11th-placed
Salford City Reds later that
evening (Sky Sports 1, 6.15pm).
All that leaves to determine is
who has the honour of propping
up the rest for 2012. Currently
inhabiting bottom spot are the
Widnes Vikings, whose points
difference means they will need
something from their Sunday
hosting of Challenge Cup winners
Warrington if they’re to have any
chance of avoiding the wooden
spoon. Should the London
Broncos and Castleford Tigers
both secure two points from
respective fixtures at home
to Hull KR and away at Hull
tomorrow, however, the Vikings
will go into that game aboard a
sunken ship. Good job there’s no
automatic relegation, isn’t it?
Usain Bolt’s world tour is all but over for 2012. For tonight’s
final Diamond
League meeting
of the season in
Brussels looks
set to be his last outing of a year that was
slow to get out of the blocks, but ended up
paved with yet more gold.
Trusty sidekick Yohan Blake will be in
attendance as well – though the pair
continue their merry dance around each
other, with Bolt contesting the 100m here
and Blake the 200m. Last week’s Diamond
League in Zurich saw them in the reverse
roles, though soggy conditions weren’t
conducive to anything mind-blowing –
Blake ran only 9.76s, Bolt 19.66s.
Brussels is the second of two Diamond
League finals, with last week’s Zurich
meeting counting as the first. There,
British high jumper and Olympic bronze-
medallist Robbie Grabarz was among
those to secure the Diamond trophy – and
the $40,000 sweetener that comes with it.
No Brits lead the standings in any of
tonight’s events, but if Olympic long jump
champion Greg Rutherford (currently
third) is fit to compete, he stands a
chance. And with the bonus of a wildcard
entry for next year’s World Championships
in Moscow on offer to the Diamond League
winners, Rutherford might consider it
worthy of one last leap.
For Bolt and Blake, Moscow might as well
be in another century – all they’re thinking
of is finishing 2012 on a high and heading
to Jamaica for some proper Olympic
celebrations. And possibly some handball.
Diamond deadline
Friday atHLeticS | DiamonD League: bRuSSeLS | king bauDouin StaDium, bRuSSeLS | bbc tWo 7pm
According to the old boxing adage, the last thing to go
on an ageing fighter is their punch, which is what
makes explosive Edison Miranda a threat to British
light-heavyweight champ Tony Bellew (pictured,
right) this weekend.
Miranda is, at 31, only two years older than Bellew;
but he’s had 42 tough fights, is probably five years
past his peak and competing above his prime
weight. Those 42 fights do contain 35 wins and 30
knockouts, however – so Bellew, despite being the
naturally larger and fresher man, will need to be
wary. The Scouser showed in his controversial
points defeat to Nathan Cleverly (his only loss in 18
bouts) that he has the skills to win this – so long as
he keeps his head away from Miranda’s bombs.
Sky’s excellent double-header sees the best
boxer in the world whose name doesn’t rhyme with
Lloyd Fairweather – super-middleweight Andre
Ward – take on talented if sometimes lazy light-
heavyweight Chad Dawson in California. The two
Americans are probably number one in their
respective weight classes – and, though some fear
two supremely slick boxers may combine for a dull
fight (Dawson is stepping down for this one), this
is a chance to watch two pound-for-pound-level
talents battle it out in their prime. Not to be missed.
| 67
Bellew beware
Helly Hansen
catwalk
Helly Hansen beauty
and tHe beast
a 26.2 mulit-lap trail maratHon
cHallenge for induviduals and teams
22nd september 2012, stonor park,
Henley-on-tHames. sign up and join us
on tHe Helly Hansen catwalk at www.
HellyHansenbeautyandtHebeast.co.uk
Friday
London 2012
Paralympics day 9:
7-a-side Football,
Wheelchair Rugby, Table Tennis,
Channel 4 1pm
CyCLing Vuelta a Espana:
Stage 19, Penafiel-La Lastrilla,
British Eurosport 2 3pm
London 2012 Paralympics day 9:
Athletics, Wheelchair Basketball,
Channel 4 7.30pm
Saturday
RugBy union
Rugby Championship:
Australia v South Africa, Subiaco oval,
Perth, Sky Sports 3 11.35am
RugBy union Aviva Premiership:
Bath v London Wasps, The Rec,
ESPn 2.15pm
HoRSE RACing Betfred Sprint Cup,
Haydock, More 4/Racing uK 3.25pm
TEnniS uS open day 13: Men’s Semi
Finals, Flushing Meadows, new york,
Sky Sports 2 5pm
London 2012 Paralympics day 10:
Swimming, Athletics, Wheelchair
Basketball, Table Tennis, Channel 4 7pm
TEnniS uS open day 13: Women’s Final,
Flushing Meadows, new york,
Sky Sports 1 1am
Sunday
MoToRSPoRT World Superbikes:
Round 12, nurburgring, germany,
British Eurosport 2 11am
FooTBALL
League one: Coventry v Stevenage,
Ricoh Arena, Sky Sports 1 1.15pm
RugBy union Aviva Premiership:
northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs,
Franklin’s gardens, Sky Sports 2 3pm
CyCLing Vuelta a Espana: Stage 21,
Cercedilla-Madrid, Brit Eurosport 3pm
goLF BMW Championship: day 4,
Crooked Stick golf Club, indiana,
Sky Sports 2 5pm
London 2012
Paralympics day 11: Closing
Ceremony, olympic Stadium,
Channel 4 8pm
TEnniS
uS open day 14: Men’s Final, Flushing
Meadows, new york, Sky Sports 1 9pm
BASEBALL MLB: LA dodgers @
San Francisco giants, AT&T Park,
ESPn America 1am
tueSday
CRiCKET
india v new Zealand: 2nd T20,
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk,
Chennai, Sky Sports 2 3.30pm
thurSday
goLF Ricoh Women’s British open:
day 1, Royal Liverpool at Hoylake,
BBC Two 1pm
BEST OF THE REST
Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand
SaTuRday Boxing | Tony BELLEW v EdiSon MiRAndA | ALExAndRA PALACE, London | SKy SPoRTS 1 8.30PM
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Extra time Gadgets
68 | September 7 2012 |
Making the most of your time and money
Golden gear
Feast your eyes on this week’s shiny
selection of gadgets, including a phone
that will make you feel very important
Making the most of your time and money
P76
Olivia Thirlby plays judge, jury
and executioner in Dredd 3D.
Well, if you’ve got to go...
1. Sony Xperia Tablet S A ‘family friendly’ tablet, this has
a splashproof screen designed to
be used by every member of your
household – so no more jealously
protecting your tablet from your
sticky-fingered children. Although they
might mess up your innings on Stick
Cricket, so it’s probably best to keep
them off it anyway, just to be safe.
From £329 | sony.co.uk
2. Swissvoice Bluetooth BH01i It’s quite hard, we’ve found, to really
slam an iPhone down in disgust. We
tried, but it led to an expensive trip to
the Apple Store, and the forceful point
we were trying to make was rather lost.
If only we’d had this Bluetooth dock and
handset, replete with speaker phone,
we could have ended that call with the
vitriol unwanted sales pitches deserve.
£150 | epure.swissvoice.net
3. Ion Air Pro WiFi Let’s face it – extreme sport, or even
going outside for that matter, is
pointless if you can’t tweet about it
afterwards. This waterproof action cam
is Wi-Fi enabled – the accompanying
iPhone app acts a viewfinder, and can
control recording while you’re mountain
biking down Niagara Falls, or whatever.
Think of all the RTs you’ll get.
£299 | iontheaction.co.uk
4. Phiaton PS 20 BTThanks to OmniPair technology (not,
sadly, a futuristic dating algorithm)
these sleek half in-ear headphones,
which provide the perfect balance
between the bass response of in-ears
and the clarity of open-ears, can store
the Bluetooth spec of up to eight devices.
So it’s easy to switch between phone and
tablet listening without fiddly pairing.
£130 | iheadphones.co.uk
1
23
4
Tanit Phoenix is not a cricketer. Neither is she dating one. But she is South African. And, with
her country’s cricketers here for only a few
more days before departing for the ICC World
Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, now is as good an opportunity
as any to shoehorn her into these pages.
We were going to feature the supermodel and
actress wearing her country’s cricket jersey, but we
changed our minds. Phoenix’s cricketing links are
tenuous at best. At a stretch, she shares her surname
with a mythical fire bird reborn out of its own ashes.
On a slightly firmer wicket, her sporting credentials
extend to frequent modelling assignments for Sports
Illustrated’s swimsuit issue and skydiving topless
for an Fa shower gel ad – YouTube it, we’ll wait. And,
if you’re keen for an extended peak at Miss Phoenix’s
acting credentials beyond that, we suggest you pick
up a copy of Spud – in which she stars alongside John
Cleese as a drama teacher to the film’s protagonist,
a boy in his first term at boarding school nicknamed
‘Spud’ by his dormmates because he’s yet to go
through puberty. Cleese, also a teacher at the school,
attempts to teach Spud to play cricket.
The boy doesn’t do so well with a bat. But he does
excel at drama. Probably because Phoenix didn’t wear
a cricket jersey for that role either.
Tanit Phoenix is the stunning star of Spud, out now
on DVD and Blu-ray Ch
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| September 7 2012 | 71
Extra time Kit
72 | September 7 2012 |
Beach bum?With the kids back at school,
it’s time to snap up a cheap
deal to sunnier shores –
so you may need this lot
1
2
3
4
5 6
1. Kangol PatternPlayer TrilbyNormally the item of
choice for festival-
goers on their 72-hour
sessions, trilby hats
are fast becoming
a beach necessity –
and this neat Kangol
number does the job
nicely. Stylish and
light, it will help
keep the sun off that
increasingly thinning
(your secret’s safe
with us) head of hair.
£34 | kangol.com
2. Energie Sabik TeeWant to catch people’s
eye on the beach
without showing off
your body? Well,
nothing says “I’m on
holiday” better than
a dog with an Elvis
haircut. Just put it
on, and we guarantee
you’ll raise a few
chuckles. If they
continue when you
take it off, that’s when
you’re in trouble
£40 | energie.it
3. Timex Adventure Series Tide Temp Compass WatchShould you decide to
actually move from
the beach in favour
of some water-based
tomfoolery, do so
safe in the knowledge
that this tidy piece
from Timex is water-
resistant to 100
metres. What’s more,
its electronic compass
will help you get home
when you inevitably
swim out too far.
£139.99 | John Lewis
4. Patagonia Wavefarer Board ShortsWe’re very big fans of
these board shorts
here at the mag. Made
of Supplex nylon with a
water-repellent finish
(as you’d expect and
indeed hope), the hem
fits at the knee and the
durability means you’ll
be wearing them long
after you come home.
Don’t like the colour?
Fear not, for there
are a bunch of other
options. Perfect.
£52 | patagonia.com
5. Cushe Manuka Feet FlopsCushe are starting
to make a pretty big
name for themselves
in the footwear world,
and these feet flops
show exactly why.
Combining a sturdy
build with a comfy soft
rubber feel, they’re
ideal for a walk on the
beach or a day on the
boat. Oh, and don’t
worry – they also come
in other colours, too.
£30 | cushe.com
6. Eden Park Namibie SwimsuitDepending on your
body shape, these
lightweight swimming
shorts are either
heaven or hell for you.
Available in a variety
of colours, they come
with a rear and front
pocket, interior netting
and the trademark
Eden Park bow tie
logo embroidering.
£61 |
uk.eden-park.com
Competition
| 7 3
Win a Sub and a drink! Yes, a
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To celebrate the launch of the SUBWAY LUNCH™ at just £3, the guys at SUBWAY®
stores are giving
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a drink, of course!
That’s right, we’re giving away a fully
operational Personal Submarine, a real
Sub and a drink! Win our prize draw and
the fully operational mini-submarine will
be delivered straight to your door, ready
for you to cruise the seas. We all love
good value, so we’re very proud that our
customers can now choose from a range of
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drink for just £3. We still can’t believe it
ourselves. THE SUBWAY LUNCH™. Genius.
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To geT in on The SUBWAY LUnCh™ ACTion And Be in WiTh
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*Texts cost 50p + standard network charge. Competition closes at midnight on Thursday September 13.
By texting in you agree to the full terms and conditions at blog.sport-magazine.co.uk/tagged/subway
1. NGT Shaving Cream and After Shave Balm Natural ingredients mean
NGT’s shave cream forms a
rich lather that replenishes
skin, while the balm – from
NGT’s Shaving Essentials
Mini Set – helps protect it.
nougatlondon.co.uk
2. I Coloniali Shave Creams I Coloniali’s Delicate Soap-Free
Shaving Cream includes white
willow bark among its calming
and anti-irritation properties.
Its Softening Shaving Cream
with Mango Oil, on the other
hand, soothes as you shave.
marksandspencer.com
3. Nivea For Men Shave Gel and Post-Shave Balm The shave gel formula contains
the skin’s own coenzyme Q10
to give instant revitalisation to
tired, stressed skin. And the
alcohol-free balm is made for a
sensitive face lacking moisture.
niveaformen.co.uk
4. Gillette Pro Glide Gel and Intense Cooling Balm Gillette’s shave gel provides a
layer of hydrating emollients
that soften hair and protect
your skin. Combine with the
cooling balm for a refreshing,
soothing sensation.
boots.com
5. Bulldog Shave Gel and After Shave Balm The gel has eight essential oils,
aloe vera, jojoba and konjac
mannan for a smooth shave.
The balm includes those same
oils, as well as green tea and
vitamin E to nourish and soothe.
meetthebulldog.com
£10 (part of shave set)
£15 for 150ml
£12 for 100ml
£15 for 100ml
£5.29 for 100ml
£4.54 for 200ml
You’ve only got one, so look after
it when shaving with one of these
gels or creams – and use a post-
shave balm, too
Extra time Grooming
Save some face
74 | September 7 2012 |
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£5.79 for 75ml
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£6.99 for 100ml£3.99 for 200ml
Coexist The xx
Follow-up to The xx’s beloved 2009 debut arrives
on Monday, with a whisper rather than a roar. The
gossamer vocals and minimalist arrangement of
opener Angels shows they haven’t lost their spine-
tingling touch. Indeed, critics’
niggles centre on the fact that
the London band have stuck too
close to their original formula
– but there is a subtle increase
in pace. Awash with class again.
Dredd 3DIf Batman was too much of an
old softy for you, meet the law
enforcer who won’t just shoot
criminals: he’ll melt their head on
meeting. Hollywood’s second try at
authoritarian 2000 AD icon Judge
Dredd is a vast improvement; a
spectacular slice of unapologetic
uber-violence featuring Dredd and
a foxy young rookie trapped Die
Hard-style in a futuristic slum
towerblock run by drug queenpin
Ma-Ma. It’s short on subtlety,
but it’s a gory, guilty pleasure.
Plus, the grimacing, sometimes
amusingly deadpan Karl Urban
gives the best display of all-chin
acting since Robocop. Out today.
Zoo TimeHoward Jacobson
Booker Prize-winning wit
Jacobson’s new novel is
about a writer distracted
by his vivacious wife, not
to mention her equally
alluring mother: a man
led more by his sword
than his pen. Let’s hope
for Howard’s sake this
isn’t autobiographical,
or he could be in trouble.
Homeland Season One
A fudged finale can’t
spoil this superb US TV
thriller about a marine
who returns from eight
years in Iraq and may or
may not have come back
as an unlikely ginger
jihadist, set to carry out
a sinister al-Qaeda plot.
Get the DVD on Monday
before a second season
arrives later this year.
Tales from the Thames Delta The Milk
One of the liveliest live bands in the country, these
Essex-based northern soul rivalists have brought
their energy, swagger and infectious tunes to their
first album. From the Motown vibe of Danger to ska-
infused Mr Motivator (a tribute
to the 1990s fitness guru, we
assume), the hooks and rasped
vocals keep your toes tapping.
Very retro, but The Milk have
delivered us a tasty debut.
Lawrence of Arabia
Epic is such an overused cinematic term, but this is
the real deal. An epic epic, if you like – and it finally
arrives on Blu-ray, having undergone a resoration
as crystal clear as Peter O’Toole’s cut-glass accent.
The sweeping tale of a British army officer who led
an Arab revolt against the Turkish
Empire during World War I, this
1962 classic comes with extras
such as an O’Toole interview, plus
Steven Spielberg offering high
praise. This really deserves a place
next to Crank on your sideboard.
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76 | September 7 2012 |
music
Total helmet
Judge Dredd keeps his hat on this
time, while old blue eyes Peter O’Toole
is back in perfectly restored majesty
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