2008 Olympic Games

Elite Army Marksmen Return to Hometowns with Olympic Gold

Army Strong Soldiers, Private First Class Vincent Hancock and Specialist Glenn Eller, are proudly returning to their hometowns to announce “mission accomplished.” Their assignment: bring home a gold medal from the Beijing Olympics. Both Soldiers are members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) based out of Fort Benning, Ga.

“Representing the United States is the ultimate honor. And to represent it in the Olympic games and to win a gold medal and to raise the flag for your country and then as well do it for the Army — there is no greater honor,” Eller said.

Spc. Eller will show off his gold medal at celebrations in his home state of Texas over the Labor Day weekend, including a barbecue bash in Houston on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Eatonton, Ga. will declare Friday, Aug. 29 Vincent Hancock Day and honor his achievement with a parade through his hometown. Pfc. Hancock will also be presented with a coveted key to the city on Saturday, Aug. 30.

“I’m very proud to be able to represent the Army and my country which is why I’m dedicating my gold medal to my fellow Soldiers. This is my mission and I’ve succeeded,” said Hancock.

Hancock says winning the gold medal in a sudden death shoot off was like a dream come true and everything he imagined it would be. He is the youngest of his AMU teammates at 19.

“I’ve dreamt of going to the Olympics ever since I was 12, but I never really thought I would do it. The Army has given me the confidence I needed to make it go from a dream to reality,” Hancock said.

Hancock has distinguished himself in skeet shooting since he started competing at age 11. By 16, the Eatonton, Ga., native was competing internationally. He earned accolades including USA Shooting’s “Shooter of the Year” in 2006. After graduating from Gatewood High School in Georgia, Hancock enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the AMU in 2007.

Eller set an Olympic record en route to winning his first Olympic gold medal in double trap, earning a score of 190 in the finals to top the previous record of 189. In the event, competitors fire their 12-guage shotguns at five different stations, where two targets are thrown simultaneously from an underground bunker at speeds upwards of 50 mph at set angles and heights.

The 26-year-old from Katy, Texas credits the Army with giving him the edge he needed during his third Olympic appearance.

“I started shooting when I was eight, and I’ve had a lot of success over the years, but I came in 12th in Sydney and 17th in Athens. Since I joined [the Army] in 2006, I’ve had nothing but the best training facilities and the absolute best teammates to push and support me,” Eller said. “It makes such a huge difference, and I truly believe they’ve helped me fulfill a dream. I don’t think this would’ve ever happened without them.”

The athletes’ were welcomed back home to Fort Benning, Ga. by their large, proud Army family.

“The Army asked these young men to go and represent their military and the United States, and they certainly made us proud,” said AMU commander Lieutenant Colonel Frank Muggeo.

Lt. Col. Muggeo is not just proud of their performance, but of their composure afterwards.

“They didn’t act like they’ve never won before, or they never expect to be there again — they were professional,” he said. “Although when we spoke seven hours later, each still had the grin on their face that was present at the medal ceremony.”

The future road for these Army Soldiers could be lined with more gold according to three-time Olympic Army marksman Lones Wigger Jr. The 70-year-old retired Army Lt. Col. won two Olympic gold medals and one silver medal during his shooting career. He was also inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame this year.

“It was a tremendous honor to be the first shooter entering the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame,” Wigger said. “I know that Spc. Eller and Pfc. Hancock have the same Army training and discipline to help them fulfill their wildest dreams too.”

Wigger says another honor awaits Eller and Hancock when they are eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame at the AMU. They will join 22 other Soldiers who medaled in shooting events at the Olympics since the unit was established in 1956.

Source: U.S. Army

English Speaking Countries Account for Approximately 40 Percent of Visitors to Chinese Web Site

comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCOR) , a leader in measuring the digital world, today released a study of global visitation to Beijing2008.cn, the official Web site of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The site offers Olympic content in five languages: Mandarin, English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The study, which examined the global breakdown of visitors to the site during the first ten days of competition (August 8-17, 2008), revealed a tight race between China and the United States, with China taking the gold.

Beijing2008.cn attracted 16.5 million visitors during the first ten days of the Olympics, with China accounting for 4.3 million visitors (25.7 percent), slightly edging out the United States with 4.1 million visitors (24.8 percent). Canada ranked third with 937,000 visitors (5.7 percent), followed by the United Kingdom with 853,000 (5.2 percent) and Australia with 463,000 (2.8 percent). Interestingly, English-speaking countries represented four out of the top five countries and approximately 40 percent of total visitors to the site.

  Beijing2008.cn Visitors by Country
August 8-17, 2008
Total Worldwide, Age 15+ - Home & Work Locations
Source: comScore World Metrix

Unique Visitors        Share of Unique
(000)                Visitors
Total Visitors to Beijing2008.cn      16,546                 100.0%
China                                  4,260                  25.7%
United States                          4,104                  24.8%
Canada                                   937                   5.7%
United Kingdom                           853                   5.2%
Australia                                463                   2.8%
France                                   457                   2.8%
India                                    359                   2.2%
Japan                                    306                   1.8%
South Korea                              280                   1.7%
Taiwan                                   170                   1.0%

“It’s exciting to see that the official Chinese Olympics site was built in a variety of languages so as to attract visitors from across the globe,” said comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni. “Once again the Internet, like the Olympic Games itself, shows that we are truly becoming a world without borders.”

  Beijing2008.cn Visitors by Global Region
August 8-17, 2008
Total Worldwide, Age 15+ - Home & Work Locations
Source: comScore World Metrix

Unique Visitors        Share of Unique
(000)                Visitors
Total Visitors to Beijing2008.cn      16,546                 100.0%
Asia-Pacific                           7,508                  45.4%
North America                          5,041                  30.5%
Europe                                 2,696                  16.3%
Middle East-Africa                       677                   4.1%
Latin America                            625                   3.8%

Of all global regions, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for the most visitors to the site with 7.5 million (45.4 percent), followed by North America with 5 million (30.5 percent) and Europe with 2.7 million (16.3 percent).

Source: comScore, Inc.

As we approach the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, The Organizing Committee and the city of Beijing have been praised many times for the success of the Olympic Games, and especially the Green Olympics. Haier, the world’s fourth largest white goods manufacturer and the official white goods sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is proud to have contributed to the green efforts in Beijing and the co-host cities by providing environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient home appliances to all Olympic venues.

In pre-Olympics reports, Greenpeace and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have recognized the efforts of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), the City of Beijing and the co-host Cities.

The UNEP report (Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - An Environmental Review) and UNEP executive director, Achim Steiner, have noted that Beijing has exceeded its goals in most areas, making the city more green and leaving an environmental legacy for all residents in Beijing. The report praises the use of clean energy and energy saving solutions in Olympic venues.

In a report released before the Games started (China after the Olympics: Lessons from Beijing), the non-governmental organization Greenpeace recognized efforts made by Beijing 2008 Games organizers and sponsors to improve the environment situation and reduce pollutions in Beijing. Greenpeace listed Haier in the ”Key achievements” section, giving credit to the Company for promoting prototypes of climate-friendly and energy efficient solar-based HFC- free air-conditioners.

Haier actively participated in the efforts to reduce the environment footprint of the Olympic Games as part of the ”Green Olympics” by providing over 60,000 green products to all the Olympic venues in Beijing and co-host cities. Solar energy powered air-conditioners and water heaters drastically reduce the need for the highly polluting coal based energy. Energy and water- efficient washing machines have been installed in the Olympic Village and Media Village. 530 of those are detergent-free, further reducing the stain on the environment.

”Haier has been very supportive of the ”Green Olympics” efforts from the beginning of their sponsorship. We are grateful for their efforts, helping China organize the most green Olympics ever with their advanced environment- friendly appliances installed in all Olympic Venues,” said Mr. Chen Feng, DIRECTOR of Marketing Department Deputy, Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG)

”Haier’s efforts for greener products will not stop with the Olympic Games. Haier pledges to continue developing home appliances that are ever more environment-friendly and energy-efficient, not only for the China market, but also for consumers all around the world,” said Haier Group SVP Mr. ZHOU Yunjie.

Please find Haier Olympic video information via this website: http://www.thenewsmarket.com/haier

Source: Haier Group Co. Ltd

U.S. Summer Olympics, Dane Cook and Bigfoot, Among Big Search Gainers on Lycos

The Lycos 50(TM) for Week Ending Aug. 16, 2008

Lycos, Inc., a leading provider of social publishing, media and search services, today announced the following information from The Lycos 50(TM), the most popular Internet search terms and trends for the week ending Aug. 16, 2008. For more information on this week’s list and commentary, go to http://50.lycos.com/. Readers of The Lycos 50 can also share their thoughts on Internet trends and pop culture on The Lycos 50 Blog located at http://lycos50.tripod.com/blog/ and the Under the Red Carpet Blog at http://redcarpet.tripod.com/blog/.

Biggest Movers and Shakers for Week Ending Aug. 16, 2008:
1. Michael Phelps 880 %
2. U.S. Summer Olympics 725 %
3. Dara Torres 630 %
4. Madonna 600 %
5. Isaac Hayes 533 %
6. Bigfoot 505 %
7. Dane Cook 445 %
8. Jake Gyllenhaal 360 %
9. Hayden Panettiere 310 %
10. Nick Jonas 225 %
Search Gainers:

Gold medal record swimmer Michael Phelps (#20) makes a big splash online, entering the Lycos 50 for the first time ever, jumping 880 percent in search activity over the past week. According to NBC, nearly 40 million viewers tuned in to watch Phelps race for his eighth gold medal, drawing more viewers than this year’s “American Idol” finale and the Academy Awards(R) broadcast. And while TV ratings for the 2008 Summer Olympics are scoring record numbers for NBC, search activity indicates web users are glued online as well, with search interest in the U.S. Summer Olympics increasing seven-fold. In addition to Phelps, U.S. swimmer, 41-year-old Dara Torres (#33) also makes her Lycos 50 debut, top of mind with web users this week, up 630 percent, after winning two silver metals. Meanwhile, comedian Dane Cook hits this week’s Movers and Shakers list, rising 445 percent following his blog post criticizing the recent promotional poster for his upcoming movie, “My Best Friend’s Girl.” Cook held nothing back, listing the top 10 things he disliked about the poster promo, calling it “boring and odd.” And the alleged Bigfoot discovery claim by two Georgia residents, which turned out to be a hoax, generated enough buzz to propel search interest in the creature up 505 percent. The supposed Sasquatch discovered in a freezer box in upstate Georgia was actually a rubber ape costume.

Source: Lycos, Inc.

According to the recent Release of China Internet Market Data by DCCI, which is a national leading research institute on internet data, the user reach (in this case the ratio of independent Olympic program audiences to the website audience) of 2008.ku6.com has reached 63%, 15.22 million on August 17. The ratio of page views of the Olympic program to the page views of the whole website reached 66.1%, with internet traffic to the Olympic program pages hitting 203.6 million. The average video broadcasting has lasted for more than 3 minutes 30 seconds, and the major traffic numbers of the website has shown an increase of more than 100% in total.

DICC also emphasized that traffic to ku6 has gone through the roof because of its relentless effort and various marketing measures. This includes cooperation with all kinds of client-end software such as Baidu and promotion through advertising and public relations companies after Ku6 received Olympic VOD rights. These will fuel the growth of Internet traffic of ku6 website during the Olympic Games and even after that.

At the same time, Chinese Internet analysts have pointed out that, as the greatest athletic event in history, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will bring the new Internet media significant improvements and breakthroughs, making it a major winner in the Olympic media war. According to data released by portal websites during the Olympic Games, user attention has hit historical highs. According to iWebTrack, of another leading national research institute named iReserach, the traffic to ku6 has achieved a huge increase in August, with its daily page views and browsing index ranking the first among its peers. With this significant increase, Ku6 has overtaken Tudou and now ranks among the top movers of video websites. It has achieved an increase of 39% user coverage and tops the video websites average daily user views rank list. An average of 15 out of a million users who has installed Alexa are visiting the website every day. Ku6’s user stickiness has undoubtedly won the first prize among video websites. Data has revealed a concentrated attention of net users to Olympic video programs and showed the huge attraction and the high click rates of the authorized Olympic video websites thanks to net users during the Olympic Games.

Source: ku6.com

Sprint Sensation breaks 100m and 200m world records in Beijing

PUMA’s(R) Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt of Jamaica made history Wednesday night in Beijing when he became the first man in history to break world records in the 100m and 200m at the same Games. Bolt again demolished the field with a winning time of 19.30 seconds, beating the previous time of 19.32 seconds set by Michael Johnson in Atlanta in 1996.

Bolt, who won 100m gold in a world record time of 9.69 seconds last Saturday, also became the first athlete since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win Olympic gold in both disciplines. The Jamaican sprinter ran to victory in his now famous personalized PUMA Theseus II golden spikes inscribed with his nickname and the night’s event — ‘UGO 200m Beijing’.

Inspired by Bolt’s victory, his Jamaican compatriot Melaine Walker also won gold in the women’s 400m hurdles on Wednesday, reinforcing Jamaica and PUMA’s sprint success in Beijing.

Usain’s Golden Theseus II Spikes

Bolt worked with PUMA to develop the optimum running shoe. Running both the 100m and 200m, he needed a versatile shoe that provided support for power, as well as firmness to hold his foot in place around the turn.

Following this collaborative process, the complete Theseus II was born. Made from synthetic leather with an airmesh upper construction for maximum breathability, it enhances sprinting efficiency due to its stiffness of material. Bolt was wearing the Theseus II shoe when he broke both the 100m and 200m world records in Beijing — both inscribed with a personalized message.

Follow Usain on his Quest for a third gold medal

Log onto www.chasingbolt.com, Usain’s personal blogumentary that gives fans the opportunity to gain an unprecedented look into the life of the world’s fastest man. Featuring videos, photo galleries and regular blog postings, Chasing Bolt offers an extraordinary insight into the man behind the medals.

Source: PUMA

In a recent survey conducted by Match.com, when given the choice of who they would pick to be the captain of their dream team, 81% of Match.com members selected Michael Phelps and his historic 8 gold medals.

“It’s clear that Michael Phelps has found a place in the hearts of our members,” said Darcy Cameron, senior director of marketing and advertising for Match.com. “In honor of his historic accomplishments, Match.com would like to offer Mr. Phelps a free membership until he finds that special someone, even though we don’t anticipate that he’ll be single for long!”

The poll also found that Match.com members dig beach volleyball. In addition to advancing to the gold medal game, Kerri Walsh can celebrate that Match.com members selected her as the female Olympian that they’d most like to go on a date with, taking 36% of the vote.

Fencing may seem like the most chivalrous sport, but according to Match.com members, it’s definitely not the sexiest. That title went to beach volleyball with 58% of the vote.

Additionally, when asked who they would rather have “pick them up when they’re down,” 65% of Match.com members decided to go for the gold with swimming sensation Michael Phelps, while only 35% selected Bela Karolyi. *Kerri Strug was not available to participate in this survey.*

In the end, Match.com members proved that the Olympics aren’t just about six-pack abs and bulging biceps. 62% of survey respondents said that dedication and determination make an Olympic athlete more attractive than just their chiseled physiques (38%).

This Match.com poll was conducted online and fielded nearly 2,000 responses.

Source: Match.com

National China Mobile Promotion is Powered by MyClick

China Mobile is using the power of MyClick, the world’s leading image matching mobile marketing platform, to excite, entertain, engage and reward users during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. China Mobile’s unique “Share a Wish” Promotion is taking place across China and on-site at the Beijing games.

Across China, China Mobile phone users are invited to take a photo of any China Mobile logo appearing on publications, billboards, websites or TV and send the image by MMS to 10663111164 or email to s@myclick.cn to cheer on their favorite athletes and to receive the Olympic themed ringtone downloads courtesy of China Mobile.

Visitors to the China Mobile Olympic Pavilion at the Beijing games can simply use their mobile phone camera to take a photo of any China Mobile logo or an image of the “Minds Meeting Point” and “Music Ringtone Download” images appearing in the Halls and projected on ceilings and send the image on MMS to 106631111 or send an email to receive a WAP link for them to leave good wishes and cheer for the Olympic athletes at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and to receive a special Olympic themed ringtone, compliments of China Mobile.

MyClick’s image matching technology is a ground-breaking and unique photo recognition mobile marketing platform. It empowers all mobile users with the ability to enjoy exciting and exclusive infotainment and mobile-commerce information upon demand. Through MyClick-enabled images, users can access instant interactive content from all media forms such as newspapers, magazines, TV, billboards and content on the Internet. With MyClick, users can perform photo and product searches, join in user generated photo-blogging, and take part in fun games such as treasure hunts and lucky draws as well, or receiving instant gifts and rewards from marketers.

Justin Tsang, Chief Technology Officer, MyClick Media, said “We’re honored and proud to be a technology enabler for China Mobile to heighten the fun and encourage participation and sharing amongst Visitors to their Pavilion during the Olympics, as well as to extend the convenience of cheering on favorite Athletes throughout the Olympic Games across China.”

Source: MyClick Media Limited

Young Gun Finishes First Olympics With a Bang

Pvt. 1st Class Vincent Hancock didn’t know what to expect at his first-ever Olympic effort in skeet shooting, but he went on to earn his first gold medal over the weekend.

“I’ve been shooting ever since I was young and always dreamed of this moment, but for it to come true, it’s just, awesome!” said the 19-year-old from Eatonton, Ga. “And to do it as a Soldier makes it even better because my win represents what you can do when you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

Hancock trains at Fort Benning, Ga., as a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), which sent six shooters to Beijing. Fellow AMU member and Olympian, Spc. Glenn Eller, set an Olympic record at the Summer Games, securing gold in the double trap competition.

“By competing and winning on the world stage, AMU Soldiers highlight the strength, discipline and commitment it takes to be successful and help to raise the standards of marksmanship proficiency throughout the Army,” said unit commander Lt. Col. Frank Muggeo.

Since the AMU was established in 1956, its shooters have won 22 Olympic medals and more than 40 world championships.

To learn more about the U.S. Army athletes and training, visit http://www.armyathletesolympians.com/ .

Source: U.S. Army

High Jump Legend Shares Beijing, Olympic Experiences Through Eyes of Cancer Patient

Dick Fosbury, gold medalist from the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City and innovator of the high jump technique dubbed the “Fosbury Flop,” which revolutionized the sport and is now considered its standard, was stricken by cancer lymphoma in March. After undergoing surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatment at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, the State of New Mexico’s Official Cancer Center based on the UNM campus in Albuquerque, NM, Fosbury is currently attending the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Fosbury Flop” and inspire cancer patients throughout the world.

Fosbury, along with help from his wife Robin Tomasi, is writing a blog based on his experiences as a cancer patient at the Beijing Olympics. “I hope to inspire and motivate cancer patients by sharing the unique experiences, joys and challenges I’m having at the 2008 Olympic Games through the eyes of a former Olympian and cancer patient. I understand the issues they are facing and want to let them know that we are fighting the disease together,” said Fosbury. “With the high jump finals on Tuesday, I have a lot to write about and share with my fellow patients and survivors at the UNM Cancer Center and around the world.”

“We have received a tremendous response to Dick’s blog and the cancer patients are really enjoying it,” said Dr. Cheryl Willman, director and chief executive officer of the UNM Cancer Center. “His experiences at the Beijing Olympics are really striking a chord with cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families. Dick’s honesty, openness and sincerity is inspiring hope and understanding in cancer patients from around the world.”

Fosbury is currently the president of the World Olympians Association, an alumni group of former Olympic athletes, and a civil engineer in Ketchum, Idaho.

The University of New Mexico Cancer Center is one of the nation’s 63 premier National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers, with the largest team of cancer specialists and researchers in the state.

Fosbury’s blog can be found at http://www.cancer.unm.edu/.

Source: UNM Cancer Center