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London:
Many Olympians may strongly believe in scientific methods of
training, yet they are superstitious. They seem to think that some
of their routine rituals are necessary to psyche them up ahead of
a contest and also enhance their performance levels.
For instance, multiple Grand Slam champion and US tennis star
Serena Williams always takes her shower sandals to the court, ties
her shoelaces in a specific way and bounces the ball five times.
Here is how American swimmer Michael Phelps prepares for a
competition: The winner of a record 16 Olympic medals, including
six gold, walks to the block, takes off his headphones, swings his
arms three times, steps on to the block -- a routine he never
fails to follow.
British diver Thomas Daley has an orange monkey toy as his lucky
charm. However, this time it didn't work as he finished a dismal
29th in the preliminary round of the men's 10m platform event.
Move to inspire greener living
With organisers claiming the London Olympics to be the greenest
ever, an interactive exhibition regaling tales of the Games'
sustainability to inspire greener living is being organised at the
Bedzed Visitor Centre, London.
Titled "The One Planet Experience", it explains how the London
Olympic and Paralympic Games aim to be the greenest Games ever.
The exhibition hopes to inspire people to save energy and reduce
waste.
There is the carbon calculator house which can help understand the
ways to make optimum use of electrical appliances and reduce
energy bills. Then there is the energy velodrome to see how many
household appliances can be powered optimally, and test one's
knowledge on the touchscreen energy and waste quizzes!
Soldiers filling empty stands
Swathes of empty seats at most of the venues have been haunting
the organisers so much so that they have called in soldiers and
students to fill in the desolate galleries.
Organisers were prompted to act after empty stands at many venues
got highlighted in the electronic and print media. Even the
Aquatics Centre, where British medal hope swimmer Hannah Miley
performed, saw near-empty rows of seats.
The idea of filling venues with soldiers and students came after
accredited seating for officials, athletes, sponsors and media
were left unused over the first weekend of Games.
Quite in contrast to empty stadiums, huge crowds lined the
streets, where tickets were not required, to watch the cycling
road race.
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