Picks of the day

Published August 16, 2008

BEIJING, Aug 15: Highlights from the seventh day of action:

Top Story: American gymnast Nastia Liukin hung up one of her father’s Olympic gold medals in her bedroom to inspire her to win one of her own in Friday’s all-around final.

Dad Valery won two golds and two silvers competing for the Soviet Union at the 1988 Games.

Golden Moment: American swimmer Rebecca Soni smashed the world record on Friday to win the 200 metres breaststroke two years after having heart surgery.

Golden Quote: “I told her I won! And she said,’Fat girl, you did!’ … This wasn’t just my dream, it was hers, so we were just so excited.” China’s Tong Wen discloses what her coach said to her after her victory in the women’s +78 kg judo final.

Top Stat: Usain Bolt cruised through his opening 100 metres heat in 10.20 seconds. That time would have won gold in the 1980 final.

Top Trivia: Tan Howe Liang of Singapore won the country’s last Olympic medal — silver in the men’s lightweight weightlifting event in 1960. Singapore are guaranteed another medal after making the women’s team final in table tennis.

What To Watch For On Saturday: All eyes will be on the 100 metres final which is expected to pit world record holder Usain Bolt against Asafa Powell and world champion Tyson Gay.

The final is at 2230 local time (2030 PST).—Reuters

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