London Eye: Kitadai given another bronze after dropped medal clanger
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In the elation of winning bronze in the under-60kg judo on his 23rd birthday on Saturday, Brazilian Felipe Kitadai has recorded the first case of an athlete breaking a medal at this Olympics.
Proud Kitadai walked around with his medal permanently attached to him after his success, even taking it into the shower, where he dropped and damaged the medal.
"I took it with me everywhere," he said. "I even took it into the shower, but I was afraid to get it wet so put it in my mouth. But it ended up slipping." The medal hit the bathroom floor, suffering an ugly dent, and the ribbon that connected the medal snapped off so he couldn't wear it round his neck.
Thankfully for Kitadai, he will be handed a shiny, brand new medal, after the Brazilian Olympic Association put in a formal request for a replacement, which was accepted by the International Olympic Committee yesterday.
The relieved judoka will be sure to take better care of his pride and joy this time round.
Bauge means business on track
Great Britain's track cycling sprint team beware: the Frenchman Grégory Baugé, who is unbeaten in the last four World Championships in the individual sprint, said yesterday he cannot wait to be unleashed at the velodrome.
"I'm in a cage," the eager 27-year-old said, sounding like Mike Tyson in the build-up to a heavyweight title contest. "I wait, I train, the tiger will be released in a few days." Baugé will be part of the French side in the team sprint on Thursday, before taking on Jason Kenny on Saturday.
No Swede in this bulldog breed
Will there be mixed emotions for Great Britain handballer Steven Larsson today when the GB team face Sweden, the country he grew up in after moving there as a child and whom he played for at youth level? Not likely. "When I got the call from Great Britain there was no doubt who I wanted to play for," the 31-year-old said.
Olympic number of the day: 10
The number of races in the Men's Finn class sailing before the medal race. Ben Ainslie will tackle races five and six today.
Tweets of the day
"Postponed my turbo session, to watch Tom James and the boys go in the rowing now. #goGB" - Geraint Thomas, GB cyclist
" @ZoePabloSmith has done her best and made @GBWeightLifting proud!" - Peter Kirkbride, GB weightlifter
"Mom + Dad are coming to London tomorrow! I Couldn't ask for a better way to prepare for my match!" - Amanda Furrer, US shooter
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments