Regeln im Forum » far as being a little less than three weeks awa

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Mention to a badminton superfan the widespread American view that the sport is mostly a backyard lark and watch the steam come out of their ears.They find it inconceivable that anyone, even Americans steeped in football and basketball, could mistake badminton for anything other than a complex, endlessly fascinating symphony of power, agility and speed.With apologies to the purists: Most Americans cant see past their leisurely, backyard BBQ encounters with the game.It wasnt always that way.Badminton once enthralled many in the United States. Its athletes graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, staged badminton on ice escapades and won world championships.That was half a century ago. They now struggle to make it out of the first rounds of the Olympics, and to win fans enamored with swimming and track superstars.The problem, as it is for many Olympic sports that are sensations internationally but less popular in the United States, is money.When a U.S. athlete faces a player from a traditional badminton power, theyre not just facing the individual, theyre facing an entire system -- all of its financial backing, training facilities, coaching and scouting infrastructure.For the U.S., we are all still self-funded. Were individuals. Were not a team, said Iris Wang, a 21-year-old U.S. Olympian from California, after a recent practice session in Rio.Wang pointed toward some South Koreans practicing nearby.They fly together; they train together. We all train separately. They have the resources to bring in a masseuse, physical therapy, said Wang, who took three years off from UCLA to focus on badminton and who will return soon for her sophomore year. I heard China sometimes brings chefs to tournaments, and were just struggling to make it through.Until the mid-20th century, Americans often dominated badminton, and the sport enjoyed widespread popularity.Dave Freeman, the Pasadena Flash, a neurosurgeon considered by some to be badmintons greatest player, was the only American man to reach world No. 1 and won the equivalent of the world championship in 1949.FBI agent Joe Alston boosted the sport when he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1955 after winning his second U.S. Open singles title.Badminton comedy shows toured America in the `40s and `50s, and people lined up for badminton on ice reviews.Gradually, however, football, baseball and basketball began to rob attention from badminton.Those who now embrace the game in the United States often do so because their parents are fans or because they have relatives or friends whove shown them how seriously badminton is taken in parts of Asia and Europe.A return to its 20th century heyday will be difficult.In Asia, the big powers often subsidize their badminton programs. Prospects are scouted young, brought into well-run training programs and nurtured. They dont, for the most part, have to worry about money.U.S. players, by contrast, must often hustle to pay for a court to practice on, a coach to instruct them, equipment, sparring partners, air fare and tournament entry fees. Without resources they struggle to win, which means sponsors are reluctant to help.Wang has a sponsorship with a Taiwan-based tech company but also gets help from her parents. She played hard in Rio, but ran into Li Xuerui, the defending Olympic champion from China, and lost 2-0.Wang said making badminton an NCAA sport could help increase its popularity and encourage more high school students to play. Otherwise, many potentially good players will go to other sports.Wang smiles when asked how she discovered badminton.A backyard birthday party for my sisters friend, she said. I thought, `Oh my gosh, thats so cool. I was really intrigued by it, and I was really bad at it.---Follow Foster Klug at www.twitter.com/apklug . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/foster-klug Bo Jackson Jersey . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said. Derek Carr Jersey . Vettel, who has already clinched his fourth straight F1 title, enters the finale with a chance to equal Michael Schumachers 13 victories in a year and match the record of nine consecutive wins by Alberto Ascari in the 1952 and 1953 seasons. http://www.cheapraidersjerseyschina.com/p-j-hall-jersey/ . The 26-year-old Ireland striker, who has four goals this season, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with his new club. Nicholas Morrow Jersey . At a Manhattan federal court hearing, attorney Jordan Siev said his law office has gotten more evidence nearly every day to support its lawsuit accusing MLB and Selig of going on a "witch hunt" to ruin Rodriguezs reputation and career. He said the defendants went "way over the line. Dave Casper Jersey .Y. -- Paul Byron and Matt Stajan scored as the Calgary Flames started a five-game road trip with a 2-1 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. WACO, Texas -- Johnny Jefferson, one of Baylors two returning 1,000-yard rushers, has sore ribs from a car accident after already being out of practice because of a foot injury.Hell be out for a while, acting head coach Jim Grobe said after practice Monday.Jeffersons foot was stepped on early in preseason practice, and he was already sidelined before the car accident Thursday.Grobe said the foot injury is the bigger issue and that he isnt sure whether Jefferson will be ready for the Sept. 2 season opener against Northwestern State.Everybody handles pain differently, Grobe said. If the trainers and doctors feel like he can handle the pain and can go, were pretty apt to try to push him to get back on the field. With the running back, the problem is if your wheels are banged up. A big part of his ability is hes a physical runner and hes got great balance, but a big part of him being successful is his foot speed.The Bears should have back Shock Linwood, their other 1,000-yard rusher, who Grobe said has looked good in practice.Jefferson capped his season of exactly 1,000 yards with 299 yards and three touchdowns in Baylors 49-38 victory over North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl, but Linwood (1,329 yards) missed the bowl game and spring practice because of a broken foot.Hes looked solid. He looked solid in our summer workouts and has really gotten to the point where he jjust wants to get in shape, Grobe said of Linwood, who is close to being the schools career rushing leader.ddddddddddddHes a guy who stays out extra on his own. He knows he may have to carry the football a few times. ... But I sense a guy thats on a mission.Jefferson and Linwood both missed Baylors first scrimmage Saturday. While Jefferson was hurt, Linwood was taking part in graduation ceremonies on campus.Linwood has had consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Bears. His 3,462 career yards are only 204 shy of breaking Walter Abercrombies school record that has stood since 1981.I didnt go at all this spring, so I was out since December. ... I was having to get myself back in football shape, but also work my mind mentally on recovering from the surgery and all that, Linwood said. So being able to bounce back and redirect myself was the most important part for me to do.Game notes Receiver KD Cannon, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in early July, practiced for the first time Monday. Were in pretty good shape as far as being a little less than three weeks away, Grobe said. That gives