With the Winter Olympics in full swing, Tim Harcourt tells two tales of one city – how the cogs moving behind the scenes at Beijing differ between 2022 and 2008 (and also what both games meant to Australia)
A tale of two Olympics: The Economics of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
February 7, 2022 by 6 Comments
Almanac Olympics: Brisbane best bet to go into bat
August 13, 2021 by 5 Comments
Ron Reed looks ahead to assess the chances of netball and cricket winning status as Olympic sports – and wishes them both all the luck they can get!
Almanac Olympics – Tokyo 2020: Thoughts From the Couch
August 9, 2021 by 3 Comments
Edward P. Olsen runs through a laundry list of the recently wound up Tokyo Olympics’ best and most entertaining moments for a family watching on from an Australian couch.
‘Gumleaf Games’ to the world stage
July 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Ron Reed has seen more Olympic Games than most since 1956, primarily as a journalist. Here he comments about Brisbane then (1982 Commonwealth Games) and what we might hope for in 2032.
Almanac Book Review: Ken Haley on Ron Reed’s ‘War Games’
May 24, 2021 by 2 Comments
Ron Reed’s recent release ‘War Games’ has been read and thoroughly reviewed by Ken Haley.
Everyday Obituary: An ode to my old man, the Olympics and Usain Bolt.
August 27, 2016 by 15 Comments
Matt O’Hanlon’s father was a wonderful Queenslander (as is Matt). In this magnificent tribute to his Dad, Matt can’t help but demonstrate those elements of a sporting life which once drove the sporting culture and broader Australian culture. Those in powerful positions – in government, in sports administration, in media, and even in educational bureaucracy (not at the coal-face so much) – should read this piece. They will see what sport means to people, the level of their interest and engagement, and the sheer wisdom in Michael Joseph O’Hanlon’s approach. Vale Pop O’Hallaron. [An all-time classic – JTH]
Almanac Olympics – An Antidote to the Hysteria
August 20, 2016 by 2 Comments
Where are the Brazilians? Neil Drysdale isn’t impressed with the hosts of the 2016 Olympic Games.
Almanac Olympics: An Olympic Cycle – The Journey
August 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Our man in Rio, DaveP has been following the Australian Men’s Team Pursuit squad for three years leading into Rio2016, watch an extract of his forthcoming documentary as they race for Gold.
It’s track and field time in Melbourne again
March 2, 2016 by 1 Comment
The Olympics are just around the corner so Steve Fahey invites us to the Lakeside Stadium this Saturday, or to watch on live-stream, as current world and Olympic champions, and potential champions compete in this internationally recognised track and field event.
Crio’s Question : Have the Olympics run their race?
February 3, 2014 by 10 Comments
Crio reckons the Olympic Games are farcical and corrupt. Is it time to call an end to the world’s biggest sporting carnival?
Olympic sadness
July 31, 2012 by 69 Comments
I woke this morning (a small victory in itself) to a couple of the sadder images I have seen in sport. Initially the sound was down on the TV so I don’t know what happened to the fencer. I don’t know her name. I think she was Korean. I just saw her sitting on her [Read more]
RIP Jack Whitaker – US Sportscaster: When it was more than a game
Legendary US Sportcaster Jack Whitaker who died last week aged 95 was a regular face on Australian TV in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Peter Baulderstone provides some links to his work and reflects on why his reporting legacy ennobled sports and us.