Sporting weirdos have fun at 21st century Games

Sporting purists might harrumph in disgust and wonder whatever happened to Faster, Higher, Stronger. But if it packs the stands, pulls in television audiences and attracts sponsors, that works fine. China’s synchronised swimming team were greeted like national heroes at the Water Cube. Their travelling eggbeater — twirling their legs like underwater egg whisks — was much admired.

The US whirled through their technical routine to a Godfather remix, Canada swivelled to They Call Me Mr Tibbs and Egypt chose Swan Lake for their aquatic pirouettes. Rhythmic gymnasts look like synchronised swimmers who have come ashore. The sport has the same razzmatazz feel.

There is no doubting their skill. These Olympic ballerinas need razor-sharp accuracy. Timing is vital. They do not stint on the eye makeup. It is also well worth checking out your leotard first.

In rhythmic gymnastic circles, they still recall the sad tale of Maria Petrova at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Her zipper broke and the back of her leotard popped open when the Bulgarian was giving it her all in the hoop routine. She was penalised two tenths of a point and her medal chances evaporated in the wardrobe malfunction. Few could carp at the Olympic debut of BMX bikers. Televisually it was a rip-roaring success and a boost in its bid to attract a younger audience.

At the BMX finals, the stands were packed with cheering fans who sat in the searing heat to watch races that took less than 40 seconds to complete. This was Olympic street cred in spades. France’s Anne-Caroline Chausson, gold medallist in the women’s BMX, said: “This is a warrior sport. There’s eight people confronting each other and the best wins”. Men’s bronze medallist Donny Robinson of the US said: “Kids think it’s cool and parents know we are good role models”.