Paris Olympics 2024, Women's Hammer Throw: A Silver Medal Throw!

I got a bit overwhelmed with painting the Olympics, so after the Men's and Women's road races, I've decided to paint from various high lights in hopes of not burning myself out.  That being said, it is back into the Track & Field for the newly minted American Annette Nneka Echikumwoke (USA) and her medal winning hammer throw.  She has recently gained US citizenship coming from Ethiopia.  Her first of three throws was enough to put her in medal contention, but she was out thrown in the end by her Canadian competitor.  Still, an Olympic Silver Medal is quite the achievement.  Welcome to the USA, Annette.

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 Silver Medal Throw PO24-68" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Rio Olympics: Building the Foundation

Setting up the anchor of a relay is all about building up a lead in the previous legs, a solid foundation of the win.  Phyllis Francis (USA) did just that for her countrywomen.  Francis was able to extend the lead over Team Jamaica that she had been handed at the first baton pass.  Team USA and Team Jamaica made it look like they were the only two teams on the track such was their lead over the rest of the field.  The Americans were able to carry their lead all of the way to the end for the Gold Medal, with  the Jamaicans taking the Silver.  For all I know, we are still waiting for the Bronze medalist to finish.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2840489-202-226051/PaintingBuilding%20the%20Foundation%20Rio202-Greig-Leach.html#.V7nMRZgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Hitting His Stride

The announcer for NBC Olympics seemed to be getting very frustrated with how everyone was racing.  It was his possibly considered opinion that no one was racing in such a way as to be able to beat Mo Farah (Great Britain).  No one did.  The American Paul Kipkemon Chelimo crossed the line in the Silver Medal position with the on of the Ethiopians, Hagos Gebrhiwet, coming in third.  Chelimo was told during his post race interview that he had been disqualified.  His reaction was genuine and amazingly not obscene (I guess he remembered he was on international TV).  With all of the elbowing and pushing, he had stepped on the line of the edge of the track.  His DQ along with three others, moved his teammate Lagat into third.  Later in the evening, he was reinstated (I don't know about the others) and was allowed to stand on the second step of the podium and receive his Silver Medal.  Farah has now taken Gold in the 5000 Meter and the 1500 Meter races for the second consecutive Olympics.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2840487-201-226051/PaintingHitting%20His%20Stride%20Rio201-Greig-Leach.html#.V7nJtpgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Around the Final Turn

The American Matthew Centrowitz had led the entire back around the oval lap after lap after lap.   The question was, would he still be leading when it mattered?  Happily the answer is yes.  It was fun to watch his father in the stands going nuts with delight at his son's achievement.  Centrowitz is the first American to win the 1,500 M race since 1908.  That is a one hundred and eight year drought.  Taqufik Makhloufi (Algeria) is making his move on the outside.  A move that won him the Silver.  Tucked in about mid pack is Nicholas Willis (New Zealand) who negotiated the traffic to take the Bronze Medal.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2840486-200-226051/PaintingAround%20the%20Final%20Turn%20Rio200-Greig-Leach.html#.V7nF0pgrLIU

Rio Olympics: The Last Pass

There are several different ways to look at this title, well, two anyway.  This is the last pass in the men's 4x100 relay, the last time the baton changes hands before the anchormen take the race to the finish line.  According to Usain Bolt's (Jamaica) own statements this is his last Olympic race, and therefore this is his last baton pass in the Olympics.  And boy oh boy did he make it count.  This time he left everyone behind despite being the third member of this group to get the aluminum rod from his teammate.  And he finished the race of in a new World Record.  Team Japan got the baton first, but finished in second winning the Silver.  The USA moved up to third, but then continuing the American women's 4x100 woes, were disqualified for a bad baton pass.  They didn't drop the baton like the women had done in qualifying, they passed too soon, out of the transition zone.  So it is Team Canada that gets to take home the Bronze Medal.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2840016-186-226051/PaintingThe%20Last%20Pass%20Rio186-Greig-Leach.html#.V7hwI5grLIU

Rio Olympics: Looks Like She Made It

Now I have that song stuck in my head, do you?  American Pole Vaulter Sandi Morris approached her final attempt with the knowledge that making it meant a Gold Medal, missing she would settle for Silver.  She seemed to clear the bar and even started her celebrations on the way back down to the mat below.  However she was joined on the way down by the bar.  So while it seemed like she made it, she did not.  So it is Silver for Morris.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2839998-185-226051/PaintingLooks%20Like%20She%20Made%20It%20Rio185-Greig-Leach.html#.V7hsZpgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Mutual Respect

While Evan Jager (USA) was a bit of a surprise taking the Silver in the Men's Steeplechase, everyone expected the Kenyan Conseslus Kirpoto to take Gold.  He did not disappoint, although his celebrations down the home stretch almost allowed the sprinting Jager to catch him at the line.  The pair embraced in congratulations (and mutual respect) after completing their grueling event.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838889-151-226051/PaintingMutual%20Respect%20Rio151-Greig-Leach.html#.V7WrypgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Clearing the Barrier

The American Evan Jager surprised perhaps even himself in the Men's Steeplechase.  The young man sporting his "man bun" and mirrored sunglasses was able to negotiate all of the barriers and pull away from all but one runner in the most hybrid of track events.  Jager claimed Silver, the first medal for the USA in this event in decades.  The story is that he had loaned a hair ban to the American woman, Emma Coburn, who took Bronze in her race (also the best finish in the Steeplechase in decades).  She returned it suggesting that he wear it in his race.  He did, and had an even better result.  At first he didn't want to be superstitious, but then thought it can't hurt, and I need to pull up my hair anyway.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838886-150-226051/PaintingClearing%20the%20Barrier%20Rio150-Greig-Leach.html#.V7Wpy5grLIU

Rio Olympics: Airborne

Ashton Eaton (USA) took over the lead of the Men's Decathlon after this perfectly executed Long Jump.  Eaton is hoping to at least match his wife's Bronze Medal finish in the women's version of the Decathlon, the Women's Heptathlon. His wife is Canadian Brianne Theisen-Eaton.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838877-149-226051/PaintingAirborn%20Rio149-Greig-Leach.html#.V7WnIJgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Hammer Time

Another case of why you play the game.  World Champion in the Hammer Throw discipline was unable to make the qualifying distance in three tries today.  So Pawel Fajdek (Poland) will not be competing in the finale on Thursday.  Perhaps titling the painting after the pop star gone bust was a jinx.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838875-148-226051/PaintingHammer%20Time%20Rio148-Greig-Leach.html#.V7WlaZgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Full Speed

Jamaica continued its dominance in Track and Field last night with Omar McLeod's win in the Men's 110 Meter Hurdles.  McLeod got an early lead and was never caught, all of the way to the line (just over thirteen seconds later).  Running on his left was the Silver Medalists, Dimitri Bascou (France), Basco's countryman, Pascal Marinot-Lagarde was on the other side of McLeod and finished fourth.  The American Devin Allan was the next land up and finished fifth, seemingly knocking over every hurdle on his way to the line.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838488-141-226051/PaintingFull%20Speed%20Rio141-Greig-Leach.html#.V7R1p5grLIU

Rio Olympics: Taking Flight

Erick Kynard (USA) easily cleared the bar when it was set at 2.33 meters but was unable to make it up to the winning height of 2.38 meters.  That honor went to the Canadian Derek Drouin. It should be noted that the bar is almost two feet higher than Kynard is tall.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838485-140-226051/PaintingTaking%20Flight%20Rio140-Greig-Leach.html#.V7RyAJgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Winging It

Sandra Pekovic (Croatia) walked into the ring, addressed her discus and through for Gold.  On this final throw she had a shot for bettering her score, but she already had the Gold Medal in her hand.  Well actually, she had a discus in her had that would earn her a gold medal.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838315-137-226051/PaintingWinging%20It%20Rio137-Greig-Leach.html#.V7QF75grLIU

Rio Olympics: Fearless

Under the now clear night sky, Thiago Braz Da Silva (Brazil) was lifted by the cheers of the crowd over the high bar of the Pole Vault.  His new Olympic record height was more than enough to earn him the Gold Medal.  The first medal in track and field for the home team.  Starting the medal count on the track with a Gold is a good way to get things rolling.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838117-135-226051/PaintingFearless%20Rio%20135-Greig-Leach.html#.V7NIqZgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Winning the Hard Way

Shaunae Miller (Bahamas) leaned a little too far forward as she tried to beat Allyson Felix (USA) to the line in the Women's 400 Meter race.  Miller fell across the line sliding across the wet rubber of the track.  Ironically, because of the fall she won the race and a Gold Medal in the Olympics.  Had she not fallen, I think Felix had the win.  It is a rough way to win, but a win is a win.  Obviously, the Silver Medal went to Allyson Felix who missed out on Gold by seven one hundredths of a second.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838094-132-226051/PaintingWinning%20the%20Hard%20Way%20Rio132-Greig-Leach.html#.V7NCO5grLIU

Rio Olympics: With Ease

Sam Kendricks (USA) was able to clear this 18' 1/2" bar height with ease on his way to winning a Bronze Medal in the Pole Vault.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838069-131-226051/PaintingWith%20Ease%20Rio131-Greig-Leach.html#.V7NAWpgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Clearing Hurdles

It was a rather raining day at the track for the qualifying heats of the 100 meter hurdles.  The rubber track and the runners cleats helped them to keep their footing as they flew over the 42 inch barriers.  Dmitri Basrou of France easily won his heat to move on to the Semi Finals tomorrow.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2838063-130-226051/PaintingClearing%20Hurdles%20Rio130-Greig-Leach.html#.V7M-zpgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Still the Fastest

Does anything else need to be said?  Usain Bolt (Jamaica) is still the fastest man in the world!  He also has set a new high bar in men's Olympic sprinting, claiming his third consecutive Gold medal in this event following his Golds in Beijing and London.  Andre De Grasse (Canada) held on for the Bronze Medal.  The American Justin Gatlin was out of the frame, but not out of medal contention.  Gatlin claimed his third consecutive Olympic sprint medal as well.  His, however have all been Silver.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2837592-118-226051/PaintingStill%20the%20Fastest%20Rio118-Greig-Leach.html#.V7IOvZgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Race Rituals

Every discipline has its pre-event rituals.  I am use to the superstitions an pre-show actions of actors from my work in theatre.  Watching the sprinters get ready for their less than ten seconds on the world stage, brought those rituals back to me.  Usain Bolt (Jamiaca) after getting his starting blocks all set, his feet in position, crossed himself in a quick prayer.  Although the prayer was probably longer than the race he is about to run.  Stretching next to him is the Canadian Andre De Gasse and the Frenchman, Jimmy Vicaut.  The prayer and the work combined to give Bolt Gold, and the Canadian finished with Bronze.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2837577-117-226051/PaintingRace%20Rituals%20Rio117-Greig-Leach.html#.V7ILLZgrLIU

Rio Olympics: Go Fast!

I love all of the discussion about the technical aspects of the 100 Meter Dash.  The announcers and former racers go on and on about technique, why this and that happened, etc.  To me it is simple, when the gun fires, go fast!  That is exactly how the American Justin Gatlin won his semi final heat.  He was followed by Yohan Blake (Jamaica) and Christophe LeMaitre (France).  Well technically, he was followed by the entire pack of sprinters.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember this is an original work of art, so once it has been sold, it is gone.  Don't delay buy it now!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Summer%20Olympics/2837533-116-226051/PaintingGo%20Fast!%20Rio116-Greig-Leach.html#.V7Ht4pgrLIU