Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Team All Around: Redeemed!

It was such a moment of joy when Simone Biles (USA) finished her final routine in the team's final rotation on the Floor Exercise.  After hugging, high-fiving, and jumping in each other's arms, the team climbed up on the stage to chants of "USA! USA! USA!"  They unfolded the American flag and held it aloft prior to the classic pose for the cameras.  I caught this image as Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera looked up at the flag of the country they represent having just won the Gold Medal in the Team Finals.  The title refers back to their defining this year as their 'Redemption Tour.'  Clearly winning the team title by over five points counts as redemption, not that they needed it.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Redeemed! PO24-36" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Team All Around: Stick in Like Butter

I owe this title to Jordan Chiles' (USA) father Timothy.  As she finished her uneven bars routine he could be heard just before she ended her routine telling her to "stick it like butter!"  I'm sure it wasn't the first time he had said it, but it was the first time I had ever heard it.  The announcer and I both enjoyed it.  I also love that as she sticks the final landing of her Floor Exercise routine, her head coach Cecile Caquete-Landi and the rest of her team celebrate her performance.  As she finished, it was clear to them all that the team had won the Gold Medal.  In their minds that had finished the goal of the "Redemption Tour" coming back from their disappointment of taking silver rather than gold in Tokyo.  

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Stick It Like Butter PO24-35" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Team All Around: Balance

The Italian Team was in the same rotation as the Americans and were being very supportive of their main rivals for an Olympic Medal. They would hug and congratulate each other as the other left the stage after their competition. Alice D'Amato (Italy) was on great form as she helped carrier her team to a Silver Medal in the Women's Gymnastics Team All Around competition on the Balance Beam. They just edged out Brazil for the honor, with the latter coming home with the Bronze.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Balance PO24-34" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's 100M Backstroke: Off the Wall

Looking at this painting now, it is a bit difficult to see that we are looking at the fronts of these swimmers as they leap away from the wall at the start of the 100 Meter Backstroke.  Off the wall first in green is Kaylee McKeown (Australia) on her way to winning the Gold Medal and setting a new Olympic Record.  To her rights is Regan Smith (USA) who took the Silver Medal, and to her right is her teammate Katharine Berkoff who finished the night with the Bronze Medal.  Australia has been dominating in the pool in Paris, with few other countries getting a win in any of the other races.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Off the Wall PO24-33" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Team All-Around: Angelic

I stand in awe of most Olympic athletes and most particularly gymnasts.  But Suni Lee's (USA) back story of a rare kidney disease just a year or so ago is amazing.  My wife suffers with PKD and has had a kidney transplant.  I know what kind of suffering it can bring!  She is doing well now, but nothing like being able to qualify for an Olympic team.  For Lee to be able to come back from that and be here in Paris is nothing short of amazing.  Then to nail her Uneven Bars routine so flawlessly, wow!  Just in case you weren't impressed enough, she had to step in and do the Floor Exercise tonight for a sick teammate.  After this routine, Team USA knew that they were almost guaranteed a gold medal in Paris.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Angelic PO24-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Team All-Around: Precisely

The American women's gymnastic team came to Paris with more than a goal to win Gold, they came to redeem themselves for Tokyo.  I don't quite understand why they feel they need redemption for winning a Silver Medal, but whatever motivates them.  Like the American men last night, they came out firing on all cylinders!  They stomped the Vault, and  Jordan Chiles (USA) opened up their rotation on the Uneven Parallel Bars with precision.  

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Precisely PO24-31" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Rugby: Sliding into a Medal!

It took a missed extra point kick by Australia to give the American women a chance in the final seconds of the Bronze Medal match.  After a couple of tackles and skilled passes, Team USA got the ball to Alice Sedrick who evaded Australia's final player to race down the pitch to score!  She tied the game with just six seconds left to play.  And then she made the extra point to give Team USA its first Women's Rugby medal.  Admittedly, women's rugby has only been a game at the Olympics since 2016, but still a first time is still a first time.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Dropping In PO24-29" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Surfing Qualifying: Dropping In

I was wondering how Paris would be able to stage a surfing event for these Summer Olympics.  I don't know why I didn't think of Tahiti.  Despite being literally on the other side of the world, it was the perfect place to host the surfing events.  During Monday's qualifying rounds Gabriel Medina (Brazil) had a near perfect ride going so far as to come out of the curl of the wave holding up ten fingers in an appeal for a perfect score of 10.  He didn't get it.  But it was roughly a 9.7, not too bad.  Unfortunately for the Brazilian, the points won't carry over to his bid for a Gold Medal.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Dropping In PO24-29" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Street Skateboarding: Backside

I'm sorry, but the title was just too tempting.  While I don't know the exact name of the trick that won the Silver Medal for Jagger Eaton (USA), I do know that 'backside' is part of its name.  And of course, we are looking at this skater's backside.  It is a bit of a relief that I can still paint a sport that I know so little about.  Way, way back in the 70s I did some skateboarding and wasn't very good.  Admittedly, as in most sports, the equipment is so much better now.  On the other hand, that is about the time I discovered the joy of cycling and all other sports fell away.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Backside PO24-28" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Street Skateboarding: Taking a Risk

Nyjah Huston (USA) put together a great 45 seconds run of tricks that put him into the medal competition.  With five attempts to hit a best trick he felt sure it was worth the risk on this one.  I'm sorry I am not up on the skateboarding lingo, so I can't tell you the name of the trick that won him the Bronze Medal.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Taking a Risk PO24-27" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Gymnastics Team All-Around: Doing One Thing Very Well

The final apparatus for Team USA in the team competition was the Pommel Horse.  It was the only event that Stephen Nedoroscik (USA) was competing in for the team.  Not only had he waited throughout the entire event, but he was the last to go in USA's rotation.  He seemed to be keeping himself calm and very relaxed all evening.  He was very cool as he tweaked the set-up of the horse to his exact specifications.  Then he jumped up and started his near flawless routine.  I can't believe that he was able to do two single arm spins in his 45 second appearance on the Olympic stage.  As he came off the floor, the team knew that they had (and he) had done enough to win a Bronze Medal for Team USA.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Doing One Thing Very Well PO24-26" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Gymnastics Team All-Around

Brody Malone (USA) picked a great time to come right in his High Bar routine.  During qualifying he fell off twice fortunately the team was still able to qualify for the team all-around despite his uncharacteristically bad routine.  So tonight, he was spot on!  At this point he is flying through the air towards a perfect landing.  He personified the gymnastic adage, 'fly high, stick the landing.'  Like his teammates before him he did his part to make sure the USA medals in team gymnastics in Paris.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Airbourne PO24-25" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Gymnastics Team All-Around: Eyes on the Men

The title comes from a mission of Frederick Richard (USA).  It is his goal to get more people into men's gymnastics, particularly to get people of color into and in the sport that means so much to him.  He was one of five American men vying to win a medal in the team gymnastics all-around event.  It has been several summer Olympics since Team USA has won any medal in this event.  All of the team posted excellent numbers and stuck their landings to keep the team in the medal hunt.  Richard certainly did his part for the team in the Parallel Bars.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Eyes on the Men PO24-24" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Mountain Biking: Who Will It Be?

It was truly amazing to see Tom Pidcock (Great Britain) fight his way back to the front of the race after having a flat tire.  I am quite sure that neither Victor Koretzky (France) nor Alan Hatherly (South Africa) were overjoyed to see the Brit.  Pidcock has just come off of the Tour de France, so he has a deeper fitness and stamina then most anyone else in the race.  These three just have about another kilometer to race and it is unclear who will take which medals, but it will be these three for the top three places.  Koretzky had one more attack in him and dropped Pidcock for a bit.  Pidcock did come back and passed the Frenchman on a narrow stretch making contact in the effort.  Koretzky had to pull a foot out of his cleats and there went his Gold Medal.  Pidcock repeated his Tokyo Olympics Gold, with Koretzky finishing with the Silver, and Hatherly the Bronze.  The Bronze is the first Olympic Mountain Biking medal for his country, his continent and his hemisphere.  Well done all three!

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Who Will It Be? PO24-23" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Mountain Biking: In the Middle

Alan Hatherly (South Africa) found himself caught almost exactly halfway between the lone leader and the group chasing behind.  With three more laps to race, he was fourteen seconds off of the lead, and thirteen seconds ahead of a chasing group of four guys.  Should things go right for him, he will become not only the first South African to medal in an Olympic Mountain Biking event, but he will be the first from the southern hemisphere to do so.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"In the Middle PO24-22" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Mountain Biking: Cascading Alone

Victor Koretzky (France) suddenly found himself alone off the front of the race.  He had been with Tom Pidcock (Great Britain) but the Brit had a flat tire and was gone just like that.  As he bumped over the rocks that make the Cascade section he started building his lead on those chasing from behind.  Would he be able to hold them off to repeat the race of his countrywoman Pauline Ferrand Prevot?

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Cascading Alone PO24-21" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Mountain Biking: Leading Them Around

Unlike the women's race yesterday, the men stayed in a large peloton as they made their way around the first two laps of the four and a half kilometer Mountain Bike course.  They were led up the climb again by Mathias Flueckiger (Suisse) who was closely watched by Victor Koretzky (France) and Tom Pidcock (Great Britain).  Just peeking into the frame is his teammate Nino Schurter.  Each country is only allowed a maximum of two men in the race, but most are the only one representing their country.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Leading Them Around PO24-20" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Mountain Biking: The Sprint for Silver

Despite having to chase down the leaders of the race after having a flat tire, Haley Batten (USA) had enough left to sprint away from her erstwhile Swedish companion.  She was able to open a gap and claim the first Olympic Medal for the USA in Women's Mountain Biking.  She is now a Silver Medalist in these Olympic Games!  Chapeau, Haley!  At the finish the first thing she did was hug and congratulate the woman she had sprinted away from, Jenny Rissveds.  The two were then joined by the Gold Medalist, Pauline Ferrand Prevot.  Such a great show of sportsmanship, or should I say sportswomanship?

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"The Sprint for Silver PO24-19" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Mountain Biking: Racing for Silver

The American Haley Batten (USA) had to chase back after a flat tire in the early laps of the race.  In fact it was Jenny Rissveds (Sweden) who alerted Batten's mechanics as she came through the Tech Zone.  This is one of the things I love about women's cycling, Rissveds' was under no obligations to help out Batten, but she made it so the American's mechanics were ready when Batten arrived for service.  While I am sure she wanted to get the Silver Medal, her action was rewarded with a Bronze.  Medaling at the Olympics is a life goal for most every athlete and only three are given in every event of the Games.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Racing for Silver PO24-18" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women;s Mountain Biking: Continuing Her Chase

Puck Pieterse (Nederland) was chasing the lone leader on her own, looking like she was in the perfect form to at least take a Silver Medal on the day.  Then fate struck.  Pieterse had a flat and had to limp her bike to the Tech Area to get a wheel change.  It would obviously be impossible for a team car to follow in this kind of a course.  She got a good change, but it took her out of the medal running.  She did finish sixth on the day.  Not what the day promised nor what she hoped for.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Continuing Her Chase PO24-17" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Mountain Biking: Off on Her Own

Pauline Ferrand Prevot (France) wasn't messing around today!  She went off on her own towards the end of the first lap in today's Cross Country race.  I am struck that course was built over a defunct quarry and landfill.  The States could take a page out of this book, it was a beautiful wooded course with rather large old trees.  Pauline rode around all of the race on her own to the thrill of the French fans all along the course.  They chanted "Pauline, Pauline, Pauline!" as she went by.  She did win the Gold Medal in her home Olympics by over three minutes.  Chapeau!

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Off on Her Own PO24-16" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's 100 Butterfly: Going One Two

It was a bit of an unexpected result in the Women's 100 Butterfly today.  Gretchen Walsh (USA) started the day holding both the Olympic and World Records and went into the finale as the odds-on favorite.  She seemed to have the race, barely, in hand until the final twenty meters.  In her last couple of strokes Torri Huske (USA) managed to get to the wall first.  Huske lost out of a medal in Tokyo by one hundredth of a second, today she won Gold by the same measure.  Walsch seemed equally thrilled for her teammate as she was to take Silver herself.  During the medal ceremony Huske brought Walsch up on the top step of the podium as their national anthem played.  

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Going One Two PO24-15" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's 400 Medley: Underwater Golden

The French favorite, Leon Marchand (France), did not disappoint the home fans in the pool.  He is the current holder of the World Record in the 400 Medley race.  He is particularly gifted in his turns and his speed underwater.  Each turn put him further and further ahead of his nearest competitors.  While he missed breaking his own World Record, he did set a new Olympic Record and won a Gold Medal in front of the French fans.  It was quite the scene to see so many French singing their national anthem with such joy and gusto.  Chapeau!  The silver medal went in a tie to both the USA and Italy.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Underwater Golden PO24-14" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Qualifying: Flying High

Despite having hurt her calf in her floor exercise warm-ups, Simone Biles (USA) was still able to fly in Floor Exercise.  Reportedly, her feet are currently over ten feet in the air as she does one of three tumbling passes.  With her performance tonight, she will be competing in the Team All-Around, the Individual All-Around and for different individual apparatus competitions.  Hopefully, her injury will be much better by the time she returns to competition on Tuesday.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Flying High PO24-13" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Gymnastics Qualifying: She's Back!

Simone Biles (USA) started her Olympics today on the Balance Beam.  Just from the attitude in this moment in her routine, you could tell she was fully back.  She did enough in this routine to help qualify Team USA for the team competition, herself for the all-around, and in this apparatus as well.  Clearly, she has put the demons from Tokyo to rest.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"She's Back! PO24-12" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's 4x100 Freestyle Relay: Final Leg

Not only fast swimming, but perfectly timed transitions took Team USA to Gold.  The last swimmer for USA had a clear advantage diving into the pool as Team Italy jumped, and Team Australia prepared to chase down the Americans.  Unable to catch the final American swimmer, Australia pulled into second to claim the Silver Medal and Italy faded a bit to take home the Bronze.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Final Leg PO24-11" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women''s 4x100 Freestyle Relay

Team Australia continued its dominance of this event today.  They have now won the Women's 4x100 Freestyle Relay four consecutive times.  It was Team USA just barely touching the wall ahead of Team China to claim the Silver Medal, with China taking Bronze.  I find painting the swimming events rather difficult to paint but I am rather satisfied with this one.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Fourth Time Gold PO24-10" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Surfing: Shooting the Curl

I'm not really sure if this is still what this move is called, but it fits just the same.  The surfer will catch the start of the breaking wave and ride down through the curl of the waves as it crashes over their head.  With luck or skill, they will pop out the end of the curl for an exciting move on the waves.  I was wondering how the surfing was going to be held in Paris, but it isn't.  The Olympic surfers are all down in the rather beautiful French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti.  John John Florence (Team USA) had such a great ride that he is qualified into the the semi's without having to surf the quarterfinals.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Shooting the Curl PO24-9" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Men's Gymnastics Team Qualifying: Hanging Around

Asher Hong (Team USA) does a brilliant routine on the Still Rings.  I had to do these way back in middle school and could barely manage to hold myself up, let alone this move.  And I don't think this was the hardest position he took on the rings.  His efforts were part of what made sure that Team USA will make it through to the all-around competition for team gold.  He also qualified himself in the Still Rings to fight for an individual medal as well.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Hanging Around PO24-8" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's ITT: Nearly Gold

 I was hedging my bets when I titled this painting.  I felt reasonably sure that Grace Brown (Team Australia) would take the Gold in the Women's Individual Time Trial, but there were still two wet corners before the finish.  I have always been a fan of Grace, so I was thrilled to see her having such a great day out.  She ended up taking the win by just over ninety seconds.  She has stated that she plans on retiring at the end of this season, but I imagine there will be pro teams trying to convince her to keep racing.  The title still works because she is just a couple of hundred meters from winning Gold, so she is nearly gold now.  Or the Team Australian kit is nearly gold and green.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Nearly Gold PO24-7" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's ITT: There Should Be a Medal in It

Simultaneously making herself as small to the wind as possible, and sprinting, Anna Hendersen (Great Britain) pushed all of the way to the line over the Pont Alexandre.  I am sure that her coach was yelling through the radio in her ear that she was on a great ride.  As she crossed the line, she set another new best time for the course.  She had two women out on the road behind her, so she was in for a Bronze Medal at least.  She couldn't quite hold onto that best time, when Grace Brown finished, but the final rider on the road came in ten seconds slower.  That means she has won Silver for Great Britain!

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"There Should Be a Medal in It PO24-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's ITT: Wet Roads

I may have had a premonition when I was titling this painting.  As in the opening ceremonies, Paris was under a constant rainfall for the last 24 hours.  Not exactly the best conditions for any bike race, particularly a time trial.   As the current World Champion in this discipline, Chloe Dygert (USA) had the honor of going last today, but the weather wasn't changing for her.  Just after I painted this and restarted the video here rear wheel slid out from under her.  She wasn't the only one to hit the tarmac today, but she looked like she was on a medaling ride.  She did manage to gather herself and finish with a Bronze Medal in the opening cycling event of these Games.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Wet Roads PO24-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's ITT: Home Favorite

Audrey Cordon Ragot (France) goes through the second time check with a new best time, much to the delight of the French fans lining the route through Paris.  I do like the French Team kit and she was doing her best to make it look fast, too.  She posted the second-best time when she finished but dropped to ninth as the later starters finished their race.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.  

"Home Favorite PO24-4" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024, Women's ITT: Starting in Paris

Lotte Kopecky (Belgium) gets here first cycling race underway within sight of the Grand Palais. She hopes to medal in three different events in these games, naturally all cycling related.  Despite falling out on course she did post the best time when she finished by an advantage of eleven seconds.  Her first goal of medaling in the Women's Individual Time Trial didn't pan out having ended the day in sixth place for the Road Cycling World Champion.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Starting in Paris PO24-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024: The Passing of the Torch

It was a touching moment when two previous French Olympic medalists, Teddy Riner and Marie-Jose Perec took the flame from the oldest surviving French Olympian Charles Coste before lighting the cauldron.  The cauldron is in fact a hot air balloon lit by the Olympic flame flying above the Touilleres in the center of Paris.  That is the site of the first balloon flight roughly two hundred and fifty years ago.  It should be noted since this is a cycling blog, Coste is a French cyclist.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"The Passing of the Torch PO24-2" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Olympics 2024: The Flags of the Olympics

The rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the athletes of the quality of the pagentry of the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics.  They used all of the Seine and sights of the city of lights and ended under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"The Flags of the Olympics PO24-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: The Stage & the Tour!

It is normally and unusual sight to see a rider celebrating a victory as they cross the line in a time trial, but such was the ride of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) that he had more than enough time to enjoy the moment and win yet another stage.  He wins the stage by just over a minute and the Tour by nearly six minutes.  In the process he has won six stages, five of those in yellow.  Notably, he won the last three stages this year.  I think I heard that matches a record set some forty-five years ago.  But then I suspect that Pogacar will be setting new records for many years to come.  

Mark Cavendish knew this.  When he was congratulated by Pogacar when he won his 35th stage, Mark told him, "Don't you break it!" He then playfully tapped his face and held it a moment.  If Cavendish was a movie character in a mobster movie, that would be the pivotable threat of the plot.  Pogacar's tally is now 16 stages and he is still only 25.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"The Stage & the Tour! TdF24-142" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: The Final Corners

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) made the final turns on the Promenade des Anglais in his effort to win the final stage of the Tour de France.  Evenepoel had won the first time trial of this Tour and is the reigning world champion in this discipline.  He is also the best young rider in the Tour, thus is lack of the Rainbow Jersey of World Champion.  He did post the best time when he finished in Nice.  But that result only lasted until the next man came in, and that until the last man finished.  Evenepoel finished the day in third, and finished the Tour in third as well.  Not a shotty debute in the Tour de France, not bad at all.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"The Final Corners TdF24-141" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: Both Gaming & Losing Time

Given that I titled my painting of Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) "Gaining Time" in the first individual time trial, I thought I should be a bit more accurate this time.  Vingegaard was one an incredibly strong ride on the way into Nice.  He was setting new best times at every check point enroute.  A particularly positive sign since Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) was the rider ahead of him on the road.  Not so positive was that the next guy on the road, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) was also setting new best times that were better than Vingegaard's.  Therefore, Vingegaard was gaining time on Evenepoel who was in third, and losing time on Pogacar who will remain in first.

The results mean that Vingegaard is both second on the stage and in the Tour.  And, Evenepoel is both third on the stage and in the Tour as well.  Although he hasn't finished yet, Pogacar will be both first on the stage (his sixth of this Tour) and in his third Tour de France.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Both Gaining & Losing Time TdF24-140" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: A Beautiful Ride

I'm a big fan of titles that have more than one meaning.  This is just such a title.  The roads up above Nice just strike me as a beautiful place to ride a bike.  I imagine they are usually choked with holiday traffic most of the year, but then I've never been all that bothered by traffic.  (to my own down fall on ten different occasions)  And of course, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) has had a beautiful ride around France and parts of Italy.  And finally, he is on one beautiful individual time trial, setting new best times all along the route into Nice. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.  

"A Beautiful Ride TdF24-139" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: Best thus Far

As Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech) crested the summit of the Col d' Eze, he posted the best time at the time check.  He was on a great ride, hoping to erase the twenty-four second deficit that he has to the other Northern American Matteo Jorgenson who sits now in eighth place overall.  His position in the top ten is very secure, but everyone wants to move up and dreads moving down.

He posted the best time when he finished, but he didn't even make it to the hot seat before Jorgenson posted an even faster time less than two minutes later.  So, he will remain nineth on the final classification.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Best thus Far TdF24-138" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: Bad Luck on the Final Day

As he turned onto the first climb up out of Monaco, Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) slid out in the corner.  He had attempted to stomp on the pedals as he came out of the turn to keep his speed up on the ensuing climb.  Fortunately, he nor his bike were hurt.  He was back up and underway in less than twelve seconds.  It could well have been the end of his stage.  That or, it could give him the adrenaline rush to push him that much faster over the remaining twenty-five kilometers to Nice.  

Side note, he was a few seconds behind at the first time check, but then started setting the best times through the next two time checks and the most important time at the finale.  His ride cemented his hold on eighth in the general classification.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Bad Luck on the Final Day TdF24-137" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: One More Time

Romain Bardet (DSM-Firmenich-PostNL) rolled down the start ramp and got up to speed in his final stage of the Tour de France.  He has hopes of posting a good time as he got underway in Monaco.  I do think as he realized that he wasn't going to have much chance of winning the stage, he began to really enjoy his final race on the roads of France (well technically, he is in the Principality of Monaco right now). Thank you for the great years of entertainment, and congratulations on a day in Maillot Jaune.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"One More Time TdF24-136" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: Finishing in Green

It wasn't like anyone expected Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) to light up the final stage of this Tour. But he has lit up all of the cycling communnity!  Girmay is the first Eritrea to win a stage in the Tour, and obviously the first Black African to do so.  He went on to win two more stages and in so doing won the Maillot Vert, again a first for Africa and the Tour.  He was very active in the intermediate sprints to make sure that his jersey was his today in Nice.  

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Finishing in Green TdF24-135" (Original art by Greig Leach)