Day 8: Here’s what’s been happening at the YOG
We reflect on some of the standout moments from the eighth day of competition at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Buenos Aires 2018…
Performance of the day
Day eight saw the first-ever medals awarded in kiteboarding, with Deury Corniel excelling in the men’s event to become only the second YOG gold medallist for the Dominican Republic, after 400m runner Luguelín Santos. It was also a first Olympic medal in sailing for his country, after a dramatic winner-takes-all final at Club Náutico San Isidro that saw a tie for the silver medal.
“I was so focused,” said Corniel, who has a mentality reminiscent of compatriot and Olympic legend Félix Sánchez, who is here in Buenos Aires as an Athlete Role Model. “I love to race. I put my head down and said, ‘Now is my time.’”
First timers
Malaysia didn’t participate in the hockey5s competition at Singpore 2010 or Nanjing 2014, but you wouldn’t have guessed that from their superb 4-2 victory over hockey powerhouse India in the gold medal match, just a day after knocking out plucky Zambia.
“I think all Malaysians will be very proud of our team,” said goalscorer Amirul Azahar, who also gave an insight into the post-match festivities. “We will only celebrate a little bit, because we are Muslim and we don’t drink alcohol. Maybe we will eat chocolate and listen to some music!”
Feeling the future
This incredible event would not have been possible without the support of the Worldwide Olympic Partners, who have also been providing plenty of activities for fans across the host city, with Samsung’s showcase in the Youth Olympic Park proving especially popular. Once inside, guests can try out the ‘My Emoji Gallery’ and immerse themselves in Virtual Reality experiences from a handful of Olympic sports, including rowing, canoe slalom and cycling. Buenos Aires 2018’s slogan, ‘Feel the Future’, feels especially relevant here.
Hunger Games
As if there wasn’t enough to keep athletes happy in the Youth Olympic Village on a glorious Sunday– from morning yoga, to circus performers and giant chessboards – organisers were even laying on a traditional Argentinian barbecue, or asado, this evening. The athletes who have already finished their competitions were licking their lips.
Quote of the day
“When I heard the Argentine anthem and saw the flag rise, I got goosebumps. It was something indescribable."
Rising tennis star Facundo Diaz Acosta bounced back from a tough defeat in the men’s singles final to win doubles gold with his partner Sebastian Baez, and took in every moment of the medal ceremony.