Athletes gear up for Olympic glory

Iran trailblazer dreams of table tennis medal.


Afp July 15, 2012

TEHRAN: Iran’s first woman to compete in table tennis at the Olympics, Neda Shahsavari, said that she was ‘thrilled’ to be going to the London Games, and dreams of winning a medal for the Islamic republic.

The 25-year-old made history for Iran when she beat Kazakhstan’s Yelena Shagarova at the Middle Asia Olympic qualifying tournament in Tehran in January.

“I was thrilled when I made it,” said Shahsavari. “It was an indescribable feeling. I hope I won’t be the last Iranian woman making it to the Olympics in table tennis.”

Richards-Ross seeks London double

Sanya Richards-Ross is taking aim at a 200-400m double at the Olympics, promising that her best is yet to come after leading the 400m qualifiers at the US Olympic track and field trials. Reigning world champion Richards-Ross won the US crown in 49.28 seconds, what had been this year’s world-best time until Russia’s Antonina Krivoshapka ran 49.16 on July 5, and served notice she is a threat for London gold.

“I’m starting to get my  rhythm,” said Richards-Ross. “I’m in the best shape of my life, definitely better than I was in 2008, both physically and mentally.”

Felix hopes third time lucky for 200m gold

Allyson Felix ran the sixth-fastest women’s 200 meters ever clocked, the fastest in the world for 14 years, and put the impressive achievement into sobering perspective. “It’s extremely special,” said Felix. “But the job is not done. It’s all about London. Winning the 200 after the 100 would be like icing on the cake.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2012.

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