The number of athletes is essentially determined by the national Olympic Committee, though most sports also incorporate some kind of performance threshhold, be it a time that must be achieved in a recognised competition or some other form of qualification.

The US Olympic athletic and swimming trials were on NBC, and for the athletics part there was constant reference to the "A standard" which you need to qualify for the Olympics besides just top 3 in a trials final.

The IOC also gives out wild cards to smaller countries to get them represented. Bermuda's sending about 9 athletes; apart from a female triathlete that's how the rest of their delegation is going.

King Mob wrote:

QUOTE:
I have to say, I was reasonably impressed by the number of political references the BBC commentators were making, questioning everything from the Tibet situation to China's green credentials. Although these asides didn't stop at the ceremony - they also seemed determined to slip 'a little bit of politics' into the comments made as every other country's athletes filed past.

I'm guessing we won't be hearing anything like that from NBC tonight--I bet GE is making sure nothing critical of China makes it into the broadcasts.

Well it's 3.50 in the morning, I've watched an hour of Dressage and now it's Womens Beach Volleyball.

Some kiwi chap leads the 3 day after the dressage, though I think it's a team competition overall. Norway are currently beating Belgium in the beach volleyball, which makes sense, Norway does actually have beaches to practice on.

Why are Mark & Lard commentating on the cycling?

It's Saturday lunchtime in Beijing, Mali are playing New Zealand in women's basketball, and large numbers of people have actually turned up to watch. How is this going to happen in London?

Why are the cyclists allowed to hold onto a car and get a lift? Is that normal?

Yes

teerex wrote:

QUOTE:
It's Saturday lunchtime in Beijing, Mali are playing New Zealand in women's basketball, and large numbers of people have actually turned up to watch. How is this going to happen in London?

Is this going to be a case of 'full houses' everywhere, due to governmental 'assistance'?

barndoorio wrote:

QUOTE:
Norway are currently beating Belgium in the beach volleyball, which makes sense, Norway does actually have beaches to practice on.

Belgium doesn't, then?

Can any non-UK based OTFers tell me if the BBC website's video stuff is available outside the UK - I'm off to France on holiday today.

No, it's not - at least not in "my territory" (Spain). News stuff is, but not the sport.

Anyway, I think French t.v. may be able to help you out.

I'm not going to be allowed to stay in all day and watch telly I just thought I could catch up via the beeb. I'll have to brush up on my French - at least they're sure to show the cycling.

whens the triathlon?

as I am doing the london tri tomorrow better show an interest

Olympic triathlon stuff here and if you go to here you will get BBC's (slightly Brit orientated) coverage of all things Olympic.

*edit Womens 18th, Mens 19th.

I'm watching the judo, and they haven't fully explained what I'm supposed to be watching out for, so it just looks like they're having a bit of a rubbish fight.