Scotguy II

I am starting to think maybe to not try and purchase tickets for the Paris games as currently it is looking like it will become a right mess...

Never thought I would say this but bring back Blatter... They may have had their problems but oh how i miss the Samaranch/Blatter tournaments and games.

I did not get anything - the tickets available were very limited - not all sports and only a few early sessions for each sport, plus you have to buy 3 minimum events and most are the higher category pricing. 6 tickets for 3 events was going to cost me nearly 2000 NZD and these were sessions/events that I wasnt even wanting to get. Ceremonies not available. I wanted Gymnastics Rhythmic - this event was unavailable to purchase - Tennis, ony a few sessions up to second round - Artistic Gymnastics only a few early sessions. I will wait for the single ticket sales in May.

I got drawn to apply for tickets this weekend yay!!! anyone else get picked?

Any chance of an Auckland 2030 bid has been ended by the current Cyclone disaster in the country. All government spending is being reclassified and diverted to the disaster relief. This may not affect the Auckland Olympic bid but too early to tell.

There is always Auckland

What did you all think of the halftime show? I liked the floating platforms and the camera angles with these, but otherwise thought it was a bit underwhelming. Going with Paris choreography again...

Reports of an Auckland 2024 bid has again arisen here in NZ. The recent WRWC and upcoming FIFA World Cup has heightened calls by nz'ers for the city to submit a 2040 bid. 2040 will be 200 years since the founding document of the country was signed and Maori leaders in particular are wanting the bid to help promote Maoridom in the country. A recent news report poll has 61% of Aucklanders supporting a bid saying that the city has everything needed to host the most successful games* *response of those Aucklanders interviewed.

NZ'ers are tipping Jacinda Ardern to become the next IOC President

During her post match press conference Sabalenka was asked about the flag thing to which she replied that at the end of the day she is still a Belarussian athlete. Not sure if she is Just being patriotic to her country or subtly showing her true beliefs in the current political situation. Hopefully the first. Novak is a true great but unlike Nadal and roger he is a pure dickhead.

Yeah i know mate, but Serbia is still very close with Russia https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-europe-serbia-european-union-6deaa57230993b02e7a67f57693bf7f2 Serbia remains the only European country besides Belarus that has refused to introduce sanctions against Russia, its Slavic ally.

It probably is not significant but i couldn't help notice that the two Aussie open champions (assuming Djokovic wins) will be from two of the countries still supporting Russia. So even with Russia officially banned from certain sports/events, their influence is still there at the most highest level of sports.

The opening ceremony is in doubt and may have to be moved following this weekends apocalyptic disaster in Auckland. Flooding has caused events to be cancelled and billions of dollars worth of damage that media are reporting could take up to 5 years to fix. All flights have been cancelled, thousands are being evacuated out of the city and a state of emergency has been declared for at least 7 days. The new prime minister has visited and has had calls with world leaders for aid to be provided. Auckland may not be ready to host the tournament.

Just scrap separate male and female events and have it mixed... equal pay, equal opportunities, equal rules and equal sports = none of this issue.

Organisers are scrambling to re-organise parts of the opening ceremony after the Prime Ministers recent resignation. She was due to score a goal during the opening ceremony similar to Diana Ross in 1994, however now the new PM is a man, organisers do not think this would go down well for the women's game. Apparently talks are under way to have Rita Ora take over this part of the ceremony instead.