Queen Elizabeth’s Grand daughter, Zara Philips won a silver medal

By Olawale Ajimotokan

The failure of the Team Great Britain to grab a gold medal four days into the Olympic Games has forced members of the public to openly question their commitment in spite of the huge finances budgeted for the Games.

Britain is way off the leaders in the official medal standing with just no gold, two silver and two bronze medals to show.

The host nation was lying in 21st position as at Tuesday night, behind China, USA, France, South Korea and Kazakhstan.

Though Great Britain organized an opening ceremony considered to be outstanding by many last Friday, its contingent of athletes has not been able to wow the public in all the sporting arenas.

Some members of the public said they were not happy to witness the rendition of their country’s anthem at the official medal presentation.

It is the usual Olympic tradition to see the host either on the rung or not too far away from the top of the pack.

But it has been a somewhat different experience for the hosts.

John Atken questioned the team’s effort when cornered by THISDAY at the Stafford Centre Tuesday night. He said that the failure of Team Great Britain to grab a gold medal was disturbing.

“Not getting a gold medal at this stage is not good for Great Britain. We can’t be struggling while we suppose to be making a medal haul at home. I am unhappy with the overhaul team effort,” Atken said in rage.

There were moments of heartbreaks for Team Britain Tuesday when Rajiv Ouseph failed to reach the knock out stage of badminton following his defeat by Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon at a packed Wembly Arena.
Ouseph was two points from a berth to the last 16 in the men’s singles when he was ahead of Cordon 19-18 in the deciding game.

But Cordon came back with three points in a row to snatch victory 12-21 21-17 21-19.

Brazil also defeated Britain 67-62 in basketball. 

Queen Elizabeth’s Grand daughter, Zara Philips was a part of the Britain’s Eventing team that plucked a dramatic silver in Equestrian in front members of the Royal Family at Greenwich Park.

Zara was proud to receive her medal from her mother, Princess Anne.

While Germany comfortably won the gold with a strong score of 133.70, GB's Mary King produced a spectacular clear round to improve the home nation's chances.

It was left to Tina Cook to hold her nerve on the final round to pip New Zealand to the silver.