RIO DE JANEIRO — Chinese diver He Zi had a day to remember as no sooner had she stepped down from the podium than boyfriend and fellow Olympic medalist Qin Kai got down on one knee to propose.
He grabbed silver in the women’s 3m springboard Sunday, but Qin — who won bronze in the men’s 3m synchronized springboard last week — won gold for bravery as he popped the question in front of a global TV audience.
Thankfully, she said yes.
“We’ve been in love for six years, but I didn’t expect him to propose today,” said He, proudly sporting the sparkling new ring.
“He said a lot of things, made a lot of promises, but I think the thing that touched me the most is I think this is the guy I can trust for the rest of my life.”
Klishina back into Rio Games
The world sports tribunal Monday overturned a last-minute IAAF ban on long-jumper Darya Klishina taking part in the Rio Olympics.
Klishina, 25, was the only Russian accepted for the Olympic track and field but the sport’s world body suspended her Friday after new information on her doping record emerged.
After a day of hearings, the Court of Arbitration (CAS) announced that Klishina’s appeal had succeeded and she “remained eligible to compete in the Olympic Games in Rio.”
The decision came just in time for Klishina, a former European indoor champion, to resume her campaign for the women’s long-jump competition which starts Tuesday.
The CAS panel decided however that despite McLaren’s new information, Klishina “complied with the relevant criteria (to compete at Rio) because of her permanent residence outside Russia.”
Singaporeans cheer Schooling
Singaporeans waved flags and cheered for swimmer Joseph Schooling on his return to the island city state Monday after winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal.
Hundreds of screaming fans joined Schooling’s family at Singapore’s Changi Airport to welcome home the 21-year-old, who beat American swimming great Michael Phelps in the 100 metres butterfly in Rio de Janeiro Friday.
“Feels great. I haven’t seen my dad in a while, so it’s always great to see him and my mom. All three of us together,” Schooling told reporters.
Known at home for smashing national records and taking multiple titles in regional competitions, Schooling had held the hopes of Singapore, a Southeast Asian island nation of less than six million, which had only won two silver and two bronze medals since it joined the Olympic fold in 1948.
Gatlin booed
Losing is one thing. Justin Gatlin didn’t expect he’d get booed at the Olympic 100m final, too.
“We all have respect for each other,” the American sprinter said of his fellow competitors. “I’d like to see everyone have respect in the audience, as well.”
Gatlin’s doping history — he’s served two bans — has always been a part of his rivalry with Usain Bolt. Sometimes, Bolt vs. Gatlin has even been characterized as good vs. evil.
When Gatlin walked out for the 100 final in Rio de Janeiro, the boos resounded around the Olympic Stadium because of that. He said he didn’t focus on them, and rather looked out at the red, white and blue US flags up in the stands. But the way he scrunched up his face when the crowd bellowed at him suggests he did notice.
As did Bolt.
“It was surprising. I’ve never heard, I’ve never seen it happen before,” Bolt said. “But I guess some people are more vocal than others.”
