Day 13 : Taekwondo saves France from another fiasco

By Matthieu Boisseau
10/08/2012

Day 13 : Taekwondo saves France from another fiasco

Marlene Harnois gave France its only medal of the day, as she finished third in the women’s taekwondo featherweight 49 – 57 kg event.

Best of the day : Marlene Harnois

France’s Marlene Harnois beat Japan’s Mayu Hamada to win the Olympic bronze medal in the women’s taekwondo featherweight 49 - 57kg event. The Montreal-born taekwondo practitioner completed a great tournament as she was only defeated by two-time World Champion China’s Hou Yuzhuo. The 25-year old fighter is a breath of fresh air for French taekwondo, which until now had been suffering from the injury of Gwladys Epangue, its main asset.

Flop of the day : Women’s football team

One week ago, the French team claimed that it wanted anything but “chocolate medals”. Unfortunately this is what it will be given, as they were defeated by Canada in the bronze medal match (1-0). A late goal by Diana Matheson dashed any French hopes, although France was leading against Canada in the second half, they missed many chances by either hitting the post or the crossbar.

Number of the day : 6.

Game over for Christophe Lemaitre. The 22-year old French lightning only achieved 6th place in the 200m final, clocking 20”19, far from his dazzling 19''91 at Crystal Palace only one month ago. On the other hand, as was expected, the legendary Usain Bolt, clinched another gold medal with 19”32. It is to be pointed out however, and this is not sour grapes, that Lemaitre had been given lane 2 for the final, which is renowned for being the hardest part of the track.

Today's highlights : Athletics. Renaud Lavillenie, pole vault. Olympic stadium. BMX. Joris Daudet and Magalie Pottier. BMX Track.