Singapore YOG Football Finalists; Laser Pistols Debut; Olympic Night Diving

Singapore Miss Golden Opportunity

Singapore’s boys football team lost to Haiti Sunday night in their semifinal match, ending the host country’s shot at a gold medal.

Haiti will battle Bolivia for gold in Wednesday's final. Singapore face Montenegro in the bronze medal clash.

In the preliminary round, Bolivia defeated Haiti 9-0.

Haiti formed its team six weeks ago, and a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the country in January.

"The win is good for the people of Haiti, but the competition is not about winning," said Haiti coach Pierre Sonche. "To come here after the earthquake, it was good to see people being so friendly to us. It was unlucky we had to meet Singapore."

Female Olympians Chat with Champions

Four-time Olympians Charmaine Crooks and Angela Ruggiero shared their experiences as female athletes at the latest installment of the "Chat with Champions" program.

The chat took place Sunday night and is part of the YOG Culture and Education Program.

Ruggiero told the Youth Olympians every competition should be important.

"Play every game like there is a scout in the stand - that's certainly the best recipe," she said.

She also told the crowd why she considers the Olympics special.

"The Olympics is really the only platform at a high level in sport where men and women's achievements are considered equal. And I love that about the Games."

Crooks said she wants women to remain in sport after competing.

"I encourage all of you to give back to your sport by volunteering or coaching when you retire. It's a way to keep a woman's voice in the leadership arena," she said.

PM Visits Village

Singapore prime minister Hsien Loong Lee visited the Youth Olympic Village Sunday.

Lee visited the World Culture Village and received a guided tour from village deputy mayor Joscelin Yeo and other Singapore Organizing Committee executives.

He stopped at the Mexico and Fiji booths while at the village. Mexico booth volunteer Yukimo Masda said: "I was nervous at the start but it was very exciting. I was very honored to meet him."

Olympic Debut for Laser Pistols

The latest innovation for modern pentathlon made its Olympic debut this weekend.

Laser pistols replaced the traditional air pistols used in the shooting portion of pentathlon.

Klaus Schormann, president of the modern pentathlon federation, UIPM, says the change opens the sport to the whole world by cutting costs and eliminating safety concerns.

"We can hold competitions in parks and even shopping malls. Safety issues will no longer be a big concern. We spoke to a few of the female athletes after their competition (on Saturday) and not one of them had a bad thing to say about the guns."

The federation approved the guns’ use at its general assembly in 2009.

Pentathlon has one more event at the YOG, the mixed team competition, scheduled for Tuesday at the Singapore Sports School.

Olympic Night Diving Possible

Diving could take place at night in future championships, following the night-time success of the event at the YOG. Sunday’s 3m springboard final was the first time an open-air diving competition was held at night.

"It was amazing," said Jesus Mena, chairman of FINA's diving technical committee.

"This is something that we now have had a great experience with. When we finish at the Youth Olympic Games, it [night diving] is something that we will be keeping in mind for future events.

"Before it was a myth that you couldn’t dive at night time in an outdoor pool. Now from the Youth Olympics, we know it’s possible.

"The divers and coaches say it’s been a good experience. This could change the sport for television and for the diving family."

Tuesday's Events

Rhythmic gymnastics begins.

Diving, equestrian, and modern pentathlon end.

Medals awarded in boxing, football, hockey, and shooting.

Competition continues in canoeing, handball, sailing, table tennis and volleyball.

ATR coverage of the Youth Olympic Games

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Written by Ed Hula III.