Olympics preview: Five-ring circus

Mexico’s first Olympic appearance was at the 1900 Games in Paris. After taking a break to resolve some domestic issues, they participated again in 1924 and haven’t missed a summer Olympiad since, ignoring boycotts in Moscow '80 and Los Angeles '84.

Despite the controversies surrounding the 1968 Olympics, Mexican Olympians collected nine medals (three each of gold, silver, and bronze) on their home turf, a figure that remains the top mark for the nation.

The Beijing Games coincide with a rebuilding period for the country’s Olympic program as new Mexican Olympic Committee chief Carlos Hermosillo puts his stamp on the organization (see Perspective, page 7). Officials are soft-pedaling expectations; sports delegation leader Carlos Padilla told China’s Xinhua news agency: “We calculate seven or nine finals, and like I have said, anything can happen in a final.”

One reason for this less-than-sanguine outlook is the failure of Mexico's soccer teams—normally the hope of the nation—to book a berth at the games. The men's team drew with Canada and lost to Guatemala, and Canada was also responsible for knocking the women's squad out of contention.

Mexico's baseball hopes were crushed as well: the national team lost to the US, to Nicaragua, and took a 17-4 thumping at the hands of Panama (the mercy rule was invoked). This means that Mexico won’t be represented in what may be the last Olympic baseball tournament: the sport (and softball) has been dropped from the 2012 London Games and may not be reinstated.

Who to Watch

Tania Elias Calles: The great-granddaughter of 1920s and 30s Jefe Máximo Plutarco Elías Calles, currently the third-ranked female individual sailor in the world, is hoping to score Mexico's first ever medal in sailing (Laser class).

Paola Espinosa: At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, diver Espinosa made the finals of every event she competed in, placing fifth in the three- and ten meter synchronized diving contests. In the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, she took gold in both three- and ten meter individual diving and another in the three-meter synchro event, making her an important Mexican medal hopeful.

María Espinoza: Current world and Pan American champion in Taekwondo (women’s under 72kg category), Espinoza is one of Mexico’s top prospects and should be considered a favorite to bring home the gold.

Óscar Valdez: This seventeen-year-old boxer took the 2008 Mexican bantam weight title after beating the reigning Pan American champion, offsetting concerns about his inexperience.

Eder Sánchez: One of the world's top competitors in the oft-mocked but heavily competitive sport of racewalking, Sánchez has won two major events so far this year, in Chihuahua and Krakow, Poland, and should be considered a favorite in the men's 20km event.

Vanessa Zambotti Judoka: Zambotti earned a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in the over 78kg class, and won three medals at the Olympic qualifying tournament earlier this year in Miami. Expect her to grapple and flip her way to the podium in Beijing.

Where (and when ) to Watch

Beijing is thirteen hours ahead of Central Standard Time, meaning that during prime time in Mexico we will be able to watch live events held the following morning in China.

TV:

• T V Azteca holds the Mexican broadcast rights for the 2008 games. Check listings for Channel 7 (Channel 107 on Sky and Cablevision).

• Those with satellite dishes can watch English-language coverage on NBC or CBC. NBC subsidiary Telemundo will also be broadcasting events in Spanish.

Sports bars:

Most every bar and restaurant in the city has a television, and chances are many will be tuned to Olympic broadcasts, especially when Mexican athletes are competing. Bars listed below have a big expat clientele and may show more events involving other national teams.

The Black Horse, Mexicali 85,Condesa, 5211 8740. A Condesa expat institution and always a good spot to watch the big event.  www.caballonegro.com.

King’s Pub. This chain of authentically fake Brit-pubs offers a relaxed, comfy atmosphere to watch the games over a pint. Check website for locations: www.thekingspub.com

Irish Winds, Río Tíber 71, Cuauhtémoc, 5208 0513. A good selection of beers and a cozy atmosphere make this spot popular with the British and US Embassy crowd.

The Beer Factory. Microbrews and mega-screens, conveniently located at a mall near you. Check website for locations: www.beerfactory.com.mx

Caliente. If you like your Olympic viewing to come with a little action on the side (and not much in the way of ambience), head to this sports betting and slot palace. Numerous locations and cheap drinks make it the first choice for serious prognosticators. 01 800 027 3354. Check website for locations: www.caliente.com.mx