Orandia

DAY NINE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team wins versus Fujai, now placing them second in their group. Only Nieubasria places higher.
- On the balance beam, Lisa Zenik scores a 14.325, not enough to qualify for semifinals.
- Jules Beaufils scores a 14.350, also not enough to make semifinals.
- Celeste Blanc scores a 13.825 in the semifinal, placing 22nd.
- Roméo Azaïs does it again, securing another bronze medal with a score of 15.200 in the final. 
 
COMMENTARY
"Another bronze win by the talented Roméo Azaïs! Because of him, Orandia is keeping pace with the big shots, like Giovanniland and Nieubasria. Now, to be a gymnast, you have to excel at every gymnastics event, and each one is another chance for a medal, so it's very easy for a good gymnast to walk away with multiple. Roméo already has two, after all, and maybe more to come. But don't let me tell you any more about a guy who's about to be out here himself. Ladies, gents, and all the rest, here is the man of the hour.
"Mr. Azaïs, how have the last few days been for you?"
Roméo: "Absolutely thrilling. [Grins] Although I haven't been doing much except working out and resting. Watching some other folks train. Coach says it's best not to do too much other stuff, even though the events are so spread out."
"Have you gotten to meet any of the other gymnasts yet?"
Roméo: "Not really. I'm not exactly sure how to approach them, so I've mostly stuck with the other Orandians. Jules and Nina are very encouraging. I had a moment with one of the other guys on the podium today, though. From Giovanniland, I'm pretty sure. We kinda looked, acknowledged each other, while they were playing the national anthem. I didn't get a chance to talk with him after."
"Speaking of the podium, is there anyone or any nation in particular you're watching out for?"
Roméo: "Nieubasria and Giovanniland, of course. If I had to pick one, I'd say Cooper Kinsleye. She beat me out of a silver today, and in training, she's done some of the most flawless routines I've ever seen in... ever. I definitely have to keep an eye on her."
"Thanks for answering those questions, Roméo. I won't keep you any longer from that training and resting. And speaking of training, up next, Jules Beaufils takes us through his workout routine! We're glad you tuned in!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY TEN
- Match day five for Orandia's indoor volleyball team.
- Guy Vaugeois and Yvette Ardouin run in the marathon event.
- Cornelieu Izbasa and Sarah Michaelson toss their lot in at the javelin throw.
- Orandia's four gymnasts take on the uneven bars.

DAY NINE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team wins versus Fujai, now placing them second in their group. Only Nieubasria places higher.
- On the balance beam, Lisa Zenik scores a 14.325, not enough to qualify for semifinals.
- Jules Beaufils scores a 14.350, also not enough to make semifinals.
- Celeste Blanc scores a 13.825 in the semifinal, placing 22nd.
- Roméo Azaïs does it again, securing another bronze medal with a score of 15.200 in the final. 
 
COMMENTARY
"Another bronze win by the talented Roméo Azaïs! Because of him, Orandia is keeping pace with the big shots, like Giovanniland and Nieubasria. Now, to be a gymnast, you have to excel at every gymnastics event, and each one is another chance for a medal, so it's very easy for a good gymnast to walk away with multiple. Roméo already has two, after all, and maybe more to come. But don't let me tell you any more about a guy who's about to be out here himself. Ladies, gents, and all the rest, here is the man of the hour.
"Mr. Azaïs, how have the last few days been for you?"
Roméo: "Absolutely thrilling. [Grins] Although I haven't been doing much except working out and resting. Watching some other folks train. Coach says it's best not to do too much other stuff, even though the events are so spread out."
"Have you gotten to meet any of the other gymnasts yet?"
Roméo: "Not really. I'm not exactly sure how to approach them, so I've mostly stuck with the other Orandians. Jules and Nina are very encouraging. I had a moment with one of the other guys on the podium today, though. From Giovanniland, I'm pretty sure. We kinda looked, acknowledged each other, while they were playing the national anthem. I didn't get a chance to talk with him after."
"Speaking of the podium, is there anyone or any nation in particular you're watching out for?"
Roméo: "Nieubasria and Giovanniland, of course. If I had to pick one, I'd say Cooper Kinsleye. She beat me out of a silver today, and in training, she's done some of the most flawless routines I've ever seen in... ever. I definitely have to keep an eye on her."
"Thanks for answering those questions, Roméo. I won't keep you any longer from that training and resting. And speaking of training, up next, Jules Beaufils takes us through his workout routine! We're glad you tuned in!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY TEN
- Match day five for Orandia's indoor volleyball team.
- Guy Vaugeois and Yvette Ardouin run in the marathon event.
- Cornelieu Izbasa and Sarah Michaelson toss their lot in at the javelin throw.
- Orandia's four gymnasts take on the uneven bars.

The Bauhaus Novel - Conversation Street - Episode 9: That Was Unexpected


Tonight, Vector passes out,

Richard drives like Takumi Furman,

and something unexpectedly wholesome appears in the stolen S.O.D.O.F.F. collection.
 
Blah blah blah, we know we're way behind schedule, the hosts aren't back. The entire news show is all but ruined at this point but we don't give a damn! It's still happening and we are not stopping anytime soon. You know the drill, just cross your fingers and hope the boys come back. [off screen - John Kramer: "WHERE ARE YOU, YOU TRIO OF MIDDLE AGED FU---!"] ...Well then. Oh, hang on...
Jeremy Clarkson: We're back!!!
Richard Hammond: Yes we are.
James May: And we have a great way to re-introduce ourselves after our time away.
Richard Hammond: Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Slow & a shaved ape there.
Jeremy Clarkson: Wha-!
Richard Hammond: No no thanks, really thanks lads for wasting 9 minutes of my life.
James May: No no I'll tell you something else really interesting...
Richard Hammond: Not with Ongo's sofa oar sticking through your neck you won't.
James May: No seriously! During the war...
Richard Hammond: Oh god no, not 'James May On The War'!
Jeremy Clarkson: No!
Richard Hammond: Please.

The appropriate reaction to 'James May On The War'. No one wants to be put through that. The one furthest to the left is the one who owns the 'sofa oar' that Hammond mentioned.
 
An extra news piece because we somehow have nothing better to do with our time. With that being said, it is time to end. Some say the formula for medal winning is written on each of our nose hairs, and that we are illegal in 11 different countries All we know is, we're the HNJEK. Goodnight. [falls asleep]
 
Day 9 Event Schedule
Events/Ívents Athletes/Àølīts 4 x 100m Relay Track Wales Chaban + Sophie Chaban + Giorno Giovranchev + Yuuma Novak Field Hammer Throw Embry Balkanska, Eirin Yaneva Gymnastics Balance Beam Chris Ostapenko, Futo Matvijchuk, Klaus Cīrulis, Niko Balodis Lightweight Boxing Stage 1 Richard Hammond, Kou Kovalchuk Kata Karate Finals Lisa Lazarenko Water Polo Semi-Finals Hertfordshire & Jammbo Water Polo Team Basketball Semi-Finals Hertfordia Basketball Handball Matchday 5 Hertfordia Handball Federation Lacrosse Matchday 5 Hertfordia Lacrosse Indoor Volleyball Matchday 4 Hertfordia Volleyball Federation Field Hockey Matchday 3 Hertfordia-Jammbo Hockey Football Matchday 3 Hertfordshire & Jammbo Football Federation Rugby Sevens Matchday 3 Hertfordshire & Jammbo Rugby Union           

HEADLINES–DAY EIGHT
- Orandia places sixth in the swimming team all-around, with 21 points.
- Celeste Blanc places 41st in the gymnastics floor exercise qualifiers, with a score of 14.125.
- Lisa Zenik places 17th in the semifinals, with a score of 14.300. 
- Jules Beaufils places eighth in the finals, with a score of 13.150.
- Roméo Azaïs, with a score of 16.175 in the finals, breaks the previous Esferic record and wins Orandia a bronze medal.
- The Orandian water polo team loses 7-9 to Fujai, along with their spot in the semifinal.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team wins against Hertfordshire and Jammbo, placing them third in their group.
 
COMMENTARY
"I'm Lex Lascar, live at the Esferiad, bringing you some good news and some bad news. First piece of good news: Roméo Azaïs has earned us yet another bronze for his stunning floor routine. Let's check it out."
[A clip from Roméo's routine plays, set to upbeat, classical music. The studio audience cheers.]
"Incredible! Second piece of good news: Martin Garness is alive and well. According to the doctors at Kharventhin Teaching Hospital, his rotator cuff is fixable, and he'll be back in the pool well before the next Esferiad. And now for the less-than-good news, Orandia: our dear water polo team played their last game of the event today, losing to Cambria in the quarterfinals. As someone who's been watching them since the very start of the Esferiad, I am going to miss them. Let's take a look back at how far they've come in these past eight days."
[A slideshow plays, showing one photo after another of the Orandian water polo team in action, listing every win and loss along the way. It ends with a photo of the entire team posing for the camera, with big smiles on their faces, the person in the center holding a water polo ball. The image fades back to Lex, who is imitating one of the poses.]
"Lots and lots of memories there. I hope the team has had fun being here. I know I certainly have. Now, after the break, we'll hear from Roméo himself about his shiny new medal!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY NINE
- Match day four for the Orandian indoor volleyball team.
- Orandia's four gymnasts perform on the balance beam.

HEADLINES–DAY EIGHT
- Orandia places sixth in the swimming team all-around, with 21 points.
- Celeste Blanc places 41st in the gymnastics floor exercise qualifiers, with a score of 14.125.
- Lisa Zenik places 17th in the semifinals, with a score of 14.300. 
- Jules Beaufils places eighth in the finals, with a score of 13.150.
- Roméo Azaïs, with a score of 16.175 in the finals, breaks the previous Esferic record and wins Orandia a bronze medal.
- The Orandian water polo team loses 7-9 to Fujai, along with their spot in the semifinal.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team wins against Hertfordshire and Jammbo, placing them third in their group.
 
COMMENTARY
"I'm Lex Lascar, live at the Esferiad, bringing you some good news and some bad news. First piece of good news: Roméo Azaïs has earned us yet another bronze for his stunning floor routine. Let's check it out."
[A clip from Roméo's routine plays, set to upbeat, classical music. The studio audience cheers.]
"Incredible! Second piece of good news: Martin Garness is alive and well. According to the doctors at Kharventhin Teaching Hospital, his rotator cuff is fixable, and he'll be back in the pool well before the next Esferiad. And now for the less-than-good news, Orandia: our dear water polo team played their last game of the event today, losing to Cambria in the quarterfinals. As someone who's been watching them since the very start of the Esferiad, I am going to miss them. Let's take a look back at how far they've come in these past eight days."
[A slideshow plays, showing one photo after another of the Orandian water polo team in action, listing every win and loss along the way. It ends with a photo of the entire team posing for the camera, with big smiles on their faces, the person in the center holding a water polo ball. The image fades back to Lex, who is imitating one of the poses.]
"Lots and lots of memories there. I hope the team has had fun being here. I know I certainly have. Now, after the break, we'll hear from Roméo himself about his shiny new medal!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY NINE
- Match day four for the Orandian indoor volleyball team.
- Orandia's four gymnasts perform on the balance beam.

"Another Silver, sir!" Clarkson beamed.
"Yes, and it was a lot of fun competing, Clarkson," answered Prince Marcarius with a smile. "I only wish Saint Mark had been doing better this Esferiad. Only one Gold so far is a little disappointing ... especially when several of our top competitors are bested by contestants who hadn't shown the skill to do so in the past. It has been a few months since some of them have competed, though. I know they couldn't have been working harder than our athletes in the meantime, but perhaps they have just hit upon the right strategies. Chance and the Fates, Luck if you will ... all of that comes into play. No matter, though. We still have a team of which I am quite proud."
"Quite so, sir."
"What do you think about Standish's suggestion to invite all of the Esferiad competitors to the Gala this year?"
"Well, it seems to me that that would be a bit unfair to Saint Mark's own athletes, sir. They should be able to enjoy one night focused on our appreciation of their contributions without sharing the lime light as it were."
"That was my thought too, Clarkson. It would raise more money, but the event has a two-fold purpose, and we must not lose sight of that. Perhaps we'll develop a different opportunity to socialize with the other nations' teams."
"Yes, sir."

Kasper Petrovikan to take leadership of Komity
The popular sportsman Kasper Petrovikan, Brother of Mpitarika and head of Komity Kassakira Petrovikan, is due to take over responsibilities of the Blue Bubble Esferiad Komity after this year's games. This stems from the notice the Komity shared yesterday, with Kassakira commenting to Glenpa News: "I think the Komity needs an athlete to run things, who understands both business and sports. There is no one I trust more than my brother to manage things for next year's games."
The 24-year-old has managed to win silver in the Archery of the games this year, and has been quoted that his sister has been his biggest supporter since the beginning of his sporting journey. Since the event, he has been working with the presenters of Glenpavia Sports Network's Summer Esferiad channel, offering insight and knowledge on this year's athletes.
Just yesterday, the BBEK published a notice about the athletes' performance at the start of the games in that athletes are performing to the best of their ability, and that luck was also on their side in the medal sweep. This was also submitted with published 2nd drug tests of the athletes. At the current moment in time, Blue Bubble is second in the medal standings with a total of 31 medals: 9 gold, 14 silver, and 8 bronze. This is just behind leader Giovanniland who has 32 medals: 12 gold, 10 silver, and 10 bronze.

DAY SEVEN–HEADLINES
- 10k marathon swimmer Liv Sorby finishes 14th with a time of 1:54:09.7. Martin Garness, unable to go on after tearing his rotator cuff halfway through, does not finish.
- Nic Manole finishes the 110-meter hurdles qualifier with a time of 13.64 seconds. Thea Heim places sixth in the final, with a time of 13.32.
- Amanda Riis places sixth in the discus throw finals, with a score of 66.51. Lars Sandvik bags a bronze with his score of 67.43. Both athletes broke the previous Esferic record.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team goes into repechage, with a final time of 5:38.89 that fails to put them back in the running.
- The Orandian water polo team wins 11-6 against Dalimbar. 
- The Orandian basketball team loses 82-84 to Larxia, losing their spot in the quarterfinals as well.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team loses to Nieubasria, placing them squarely at the bottom of their group.
 
COMMENTARY
"Gooooooooood evening! I'm Lex Lascar, coming at you live for all you lovely Orandians tuning in tonight. We have some special guests this evening, it's the Orandian gymnastics team!" [He pauses for applause.] "Please give them a warm welcome, it's Roméo Azaïs, Jules Beaufils, Celeste Blanc, and Lisa Zenik!"
[More applause. Jules blows a kiss to the audience, Lisa waves enthusiastically, Roméo does a little twirl, and Celeste simply stands quietly.]
"If you will, I have a couple of questions for you all. First off–what region of Orandia are you from?"
Julius: "I'm from Haute-Claire. I've lived there my whole life."
Lisa: "I am a proud Emblian!"
Roméo: "I'm from Cople, but I trained in Montrose."
Celeste: "I'm from Montrose, too. Well, not 'too'."
"Moving on! What event are you most confident in?"
Julius: "Definitely the floor exercise, for me. I could crawl out of bed and do that routine."
Roméo: "Rings. Not a lot of people are comfortable with them, but I am."
Lisa: "Uneven bars! I've got a unique trick I've been practicing for ages. But I can't tell you what it is! I want to surprise people."
Celeste: "I'm not sure... if I had to pick one, I'd say the beam."
"All right, last question. If you could say one thing to any aspiring gymnasts out there, what would it be?"
Julius: "You gotta work hard, that way, nothing can stop you!"
Celeste: "Believe in yourself. You're stronger than you think."
Roméo: "Lean into the uncomfortable. Also, get enough sleep."
Lisa: "Only you can be you. Whatever you do, stay true to yourself."
"That was... actually genuine life advice. Thanks, you four! I think I'm going home to re-evaluate my life after all this.
One last time, it's the Orandian gymnastics team! After the break, we check in on swimmer Martin Garness in hospital after a nasty shoulder injury. I'll see you then!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY EIGHT
- Swimming individual and team all-arounds take place.
- Gymnasts Roméo Azaïs, Jules Beaufils, Celeste Blanc, and Lisa Zenik perform in the floor exercise.
- The Orandian water polo team plays Cambria in the quarterfinals.
- Match day three for the Orandian indoor volleyball team arrives.

DAY SEVEN–HEADLINES
- 10k marathon swimmer Liv Sorby finishes 14th with a time of 1:54:09.7. Martin Garness, unable to go on after tearing his rotator cuff halfway through, does not finish.
- Nic Manole finishes the 110-meter hurdles qualifier with a time of 13.64 seconds. Thea Heim places sixth in the final, with a time of 13.32.
- Amanda Riis places sixth in the discus throw finals, with a score of 66.51. Lars Sandvik bags a bronze with his score of 67.43. Both athletes broke the previous Esferic record.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team goes into repechage, with a final time of 5:38.89 that fails to put them back in the running.
- The Orandian water polo team wins 11-6 against Dalimbar. 
- The Orandian basketball team loses 82-84 to Larxia, losing their spot in the quarterfinals as well.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team loses to Nieubasria, placing them squarely at the bottom of their group.
 
COMMENTARY
"Gooooooooood evening! I'm Lex Lascar, coming at you live for all you lovely Orandians tuning in tonight. We have some special guests this evening, it's the Orandian gymnastics team!" [He pauses for applause.] "Please give them a warm welcome, it's Roméo Azaïs, Jules Beaufils, Celeste Blanc, and Lisa Zenik!"
[More applause. Jules blows a kiss to the audience, Lisa waves enthusiastically, Roméo does a little twirl, and Celeste simply stands quietly.]
"If you will, I have a couple of questions for you all. First off–what region of Orandia are you from?"
Julius: "I'm from Haute-Claire. I've lived there my whole life."
Lisa: "I am a proud Emblian!"
Roméo: "I'm from Cople, but I trained in Montrose."
Celeste: "I'm from Montrose, too. Well, not 'too'."
"Moving on! What event are you most confident in?"
Julius: "Definitely the floor exercise, for me. I could crawl out of bed and do that routine."
Roméo: "Rings. Not a lot of people are comfortable with them, but I am."
Lisa: "Uneven bars! I've got a unique trick I've been practicing for ages. But I can't tell you what it is! I want to surprise people."
Celeste: "I'm not sure... if I had to pick one, I'd say the beam."
"All right, last question. If you could say one thing to any aspiring gymnasts out there, what would it be?"
Julius: "You gotta work hard, that way, nothing can stop you!"
Celeste: "Believe in yourself. You're stronger than you think."
Roméo: "Lean into the uncomfortable. Also, get enough sleep."
Lisa: "Only you can be you. Whatever you do, stay true to yourself."
"That was... actually genuine life advice. Thanks, you four! I think I'm going home to re-evaluate my life after all this.
One last time, it's the Orandian gymnastics team! After the break, we check in on swimmer Martin Garness in hospital after a nasty shoulder injury. I'll see you then!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY EIGHT
- Swimming individual and team all-arounds take place.
- Gymnasts Roméo Azaïs, Jules Beaufils, Celeste Blanc, and Lisa Zenik perform in the floor exercise.
- The Orandian water polo team plays Cambria in the quarterfinals.
- Match day three for the Orandian indoor volleyball team arrives.

HEADLINES–DAY SIX
- The Orandian relay swimmers have done it! After disappointing individual rounds, swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin win bronze in the 4x200 meter relay. Great job, ladies!
- The Orandian water polo team loses in a close 9-8 match with Blue Bubble.
- The Orandian basketball team loses 96-77 to Cambria.
- Jane Offerdahl and Evelyn Asplund lose the beach volleyball quarterfinals to Fujai, 19/19-21/21.
- Revekah Serbanescu comes in fourth in shot put, breaking the previous Esferic record along with her medal-winning counterparts with a throw of 20.97 meters.
- Manuel Voinea makes a throw of 19.23 meters, not enough to get him into the final.
- In the 10,000-meter run, Pascaline Duclos comes in fifth, with a time of 27:29.67. Lou Ardouin clocks in at 28:09.97.
COMMENTARY

From left: swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin celebrate their bronze-medal win.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SEVEN
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams face their seventh match day, the last before quarterfinals.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team faces their second match day.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team, led by coxwain Ernest Dahl, takes to the water.
- The 110-meter hurdles event takes place, with athletes Nic Manole and Thea Heim. 
- The discus throw, featuring Amanda Riis and the legendary Lars Sandvik, takes place.
- The 10-kilometer marathon swim also happens tomorrow, athletes Liv Sorby and Martin Garness making a splash.

Jak: Well, all, I have to take a moment.
James nods solemnly
Jak: We are a nation of low expectations, we understand it's our first games.
James: but here we are.
Jak: here we are. End of day one.
James: top of the leaderboard, baby! Oh, yeah!
James punches the air as Jak wipes a tear from his eye
Jak: I know it's early but oh all above, beyond, and within this is just great to see
James: absolutely wonderful
Jak: absolutely.
They take a moment to get themselves together then grin at the camera
Jak: To look into today, and for the rest of the games, we have Kasper Petrovikan as our inside on the other side. Hello!
Kasper: Hello! Thanks for the opportunity. I can't wait to share my opinions on sports I don't know about
Jak: thank our supervisor! 
They all laugh
James: so let's start with you. That silver win. 
Kasper giggles into a sigh, grinning as he holds it up
Kasper: this one? 
Jak: that's the one! What happened when you realised that you'd be on the medal table?
Kasper: my heart stopped, all I could think was that my sister was right there like right behind me in the seating area. She is a very private person, but like I felt that pride, that love. So, taking a look at her, and have her almost jumping to hug me. Ugh, She's my biggest supporter, no matter what political thing is happening, she is there for my competitions. It's a lot. This is a lot. I'm glad I got silver and that Jana got bronze.
Jak: You really just love to see it, honestly. Everyone is proud of you both.
James: You know who else I am proud of, the pistol team.
Kasper: Oh my god, yes! All 3 metals. Such a power play.
Jak: and a new world record!
Kasper: Kass is back in Blue Bubble now, so she is celebrating with them or something. I don't know.
James, trying not to laugh: What do you mean you don't know?
Kasper: I'm the fun sibling, she is all like blah blah diplomatic relations
Jak tries not to laugh
Kasper: I shouldn't say that on TV, should I? MOVING ON, the rest of the sports for today?
James: Decent. Like, we came forth in some... but shame about the sailing, honestly.
Jak: I was hoping we would do better with that, but... at least we expected the baseball.
Kasper: I actually love our baseball team, they won't take this as a sore loss.
James: Very true. Shall we look at tomorrow's events?
Jak: Fab Idea, do the thing Kasper!
Kasper: So Tomorrow is still going to be fun - 3 m Springboard Dive, we have Vasilyev and Patel. I am expecting them to be comfortable - nothing special from them.
Then the 1500 m Freestyle Swim, we have Marritt and Line again - Line came 4th today, and Marritt did not get past the heats. I am hoping for some claw back, but I am not holding out there. Now, Sailing Windsurfing, I had some High Hopes for Gawa and Ichimo, but after today's result - I am just unsure. 10 m Air Rifle, I am wishing for a decent score from those 3, but They aren't as strong as today's team. Maybe a 3rd place will do. I like the sound of that. We have two in the Tennis Singles, I am not expecting record breakers with them, just a clean performance. Oh yeah, you must watch the Taekwondo Finals, looks to be Blue Bubble VS Hertfordshire knockout if I can read correctly- I am confident in them, they did wonderful today. We will also be in tomorrow's Water Polo and Beach Volleyball events - again, a bronze will be nice. Overall, I predict some slight rain and maybe a rainbow or two - average all round, with one or two medals if we have the push.
James: Thank you, Kasper, for your thoughts. Now over to our highlights of the day!

DAY SEVEN–HEADLINES
- 10k marathon swimmer Liv Sorby finishes 14th with a time of 1:54:09.7. Martin Garness, unable to go on after tearing his rotator cuff halfway through, does not finish.
- Nic Manole finishes the 110-meter hurdles qualifier with a time of 13.64 seconds. Thea Heim places sixth in the final, with a time of 13.32.
- Amanda Riis places sixth in the discus throw finals, with a score of 66.51. Lars Sandvik bags a bronze with his score of 67.43. Both athletes broke the previous Esferic record.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team goes into repechage, with a final time of 5:38.89 that fails to put them back in the running.
- The Orandian water polo team wins 11-6 against Dalimbar. 
- The Orandian basketball team loses 82-84 to Larxia, losing their spot in the quarterfinals as well.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team loses to Nieubasria, placing them squarely at the bottom of their group.
 
COMMENTARY
"Gooooooooood evening! I'm Lex Lascar, coming at you live for all you lovely Orandians tuning in tonight. We have some special guests this evening, it's the Orandian gymnastics team!" [He pauses for applause.] "Please give them a warm welcome, it's Roméo Azaïs, Jules Beaufils, Celeste Blanc, and Lisa Zenik!"
[More applause. Jules blows a kiss to the audience, Lisa waves enthusiastically, Roméo does a little twirl, and Celeste simply stands quietly.]
"If you will, I have a couple of questions for you all. First off–what region of Orandia are you from?"
Julius: "I'm from Haute-Claire. I've lived there my whole life."
Lisa: "I am a proud Emblian!"
Roméo: "I'm from Cople, but I trained in Montrose."
Celeste: "I'm from Montrose, too. Well, not 'too'."
"Moving on! What event are you most confident in?"
Julius: "Definitely the floor exercise, for me. I could crawl out of bed and do that routine."
Roméo: "Rings. Not a lot of people are comfortable with them, but I am."
Lisa: "Uneven bars! I've got a unique trick I've been practicing for ages. But I can't tell you what it is! I want to surprise people."
Celeste: "I'm not sure... if I had to pick one, I'd say the beam."
"All right, last question. If you could say one thing to any aspiring gymnasts out there, what would it be?"
Julius: "You gotta work hard, that way, nothing can stop you!"
Celeste: "Believe in yourself. You're stronger than you think."
Roméo: "Lean into the uncomfortable. Also, get enough sleep."
Lisa: "Only you can be you. Whatever you do, stay true to yourself."
"That was... actually genuine life advice. Thanks, you four! I think I'm going home to re-evaluate my life after all this.
One last time, it's the Orandian gymnastics team! After the break, we check in on swimmer Martin Garness in hospital after a nasty shoulder injury. I'll see you then!"
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY EIGHT
- Swimming individual and team all-arounds take place.
- Gymnasts Roméo Azaïs, Jules Beaufils, Celeste Blanc, and Lisa Zenik perform in the floor exercise.
- The Orandian water polo team plays Cambria in the quarterfinals.
- Match day three for the Orandian indoor volleyball team arrives.

Grande Stadio Sferiko, Quorivo, Giovanniland—16:00 PM International Atomic Time, 31st October 1421
"So, we did it!", said 110m Hurdles bronze-medalist Kyro to his fellow athletes Barbara Gaudina, Diogo Kollega, and Ernesto Arboreto Amorante. "We've brought one of the best performances ever in an Esferiad event for our nation, dominating the podium and also holding fourth place."
"Indeed," noted Barbara. "Even if I wasn't able to get a medal, fourth place is still very nice and my score was nearly the same as you Kyro."
"Honestly, the gold medal I received was unexpected," thought Ernesto. "I mean, I did work for it, but I've always thought of Kyro and Diogo as a tad better."
"Nevertheless," remarked Diogo, "it's time to celebrate anyways! Let's go back to the Esferic Village, I'm sure the rest of the Giovannilandian athletes are awaiting for us, and then we can have a nice dinner to celebrate."
Just as they were leaving, a crew of reporters stopped them. One of them said: "Hello! I am Gabriello from the Quotidiano Quorivano — a local newspaper of our city that seeks to report about daily news. I think many Quorivans and Giovannilandians have already heard of your impressive victory in the 110m Hurdles event, and if you all don't mind, we'd like to ask you a few questions."
"Sure, I think we all would be glad to answer," answered Ernesto. The others quickly agreed.
"Great! So, first question: how did you all find professional sport as something to dedicate time on?
Barbara decided to answer: "We all have different backgrounds, I'm sure. For example, I come from the third-largest city of Porto Violeto, while Diogo and Ernesto are both from the capital Giovannia, and I think Kyro is a native Quorivan. But in regards to how we found sport, I think we all share the same story of our sports teachers thinking of us as possibly future athletes based on our performances back then, and encouraging us to go further. Then, by putting a lot of time and effort, we started winning regional tournaments until being noticed by the national Esferic Committee and then deciding to participate."
"Nice answer!", the reporter thought. "Did any of you know each other before then?"
"Myself and Ernesto are high school friends, but otherwise no, we only got to know each other after the roster for the Esferiad was released a few months ago and we had a chance of knowing our fellow competitors of this same sport," said Diogo.
"I see, did any of you also participate in international tournaments before?"
Kyro answered, "I think I am the only one that participated in the previous Esferiad, although not in 110m hurdles—in the 100m run of the Saint-Josalyn Summer Esferiad, I finished 7th in the final with a time of 11.04 seconds. I also took part in the 100m run here in Quorivo, but did not earn a medal either. My first Esferiad medal has been this one."
"As for myself and Diogo, we have taken part of international athletic tournaments before but did not achieve a medal. Within Giovanniland, though, I'm sure all of us have already excelled, as it made us known to the Committee," said Ernesto. Barbara also agreed.
"That does sound like a very impressive story," the reporter Gabriel remarked. "Two more questions, how are you feeling after this very successful event, and what are your sports plans in the future?"
"It felt really nice to be part of Giovanniland's first podium-sweep, our Glenpavian neighbors had one earlier in this Esferiad and now we've got one as well, after several events where Giovanniland barely missed it. Nevertheless, getting the medal is only part of the fun, as we all like participating even if we don't get something. Barbara, for example, barely missed the podium, but I'm sure she is also celebrating with us," said Kyro.
"As for our future plans," thought Barbara, "we're all still pretty young—none of us has 30 years or more—so I'm sure we still have a lot of our sporting career ahead. Of course, due to our success, I wouldn't be surprised if we're also given the opportunities to participate in other international tournaments or even future Esferiads, and I think all of us would gladly accept. I am glad to see our country succeed in the Esferiad, and hopefully we will see many more medals in the coming days."
"Thank you for those insightful answers," said the reporter. "It seems as our time is up, but tomorrow this interview will probably make a front page headline in our newspaper, and I hope many people will read it. Thank you again!"
The crew then traveled back to their newspaper headquarters, while the four athletes then had a special dinner celebration. This excellent performance would surely be a story to count for their future families, and an inspiration for many present and future Giovannilandian athletes.

Is Fencing Like Sword Fighting?

 
The 5 Main Differences Between Sword Fighting and Fencing:
The Reach of the Definition
The Importance of Technique
The Weapons
The Clothing
The Rules
 
 
1. The Reach of the Definition
A sword fight is an act of combat where the opponents use swords to attack and defend. 
Fencing, on the other hand, comes from the word defense. It is the art of defending yourself using a weapon. 
Emphasis is put first and foremost on keeping yourself from getting hit at all. Unlike sword fighting, fencing doesn’t have to be done with swords. Any weapon can be used in the art of defense.
 
 
2. The Importance of Technique
Sword fighting is much less worried about skill or technique. The most important thing about sword fighting is to take out an opponent as quickly as possible. 
You aren’t as concerned about where your feet are, as long as you’re swinging your weapon in the right direction.
Fencing is all about skill and technique. There is a lot of work that goes into the sport of fencing, and it takes a lot of training to become efficient at it. 
Fencing is much more delicate than sword fighting and showcases the use of footwork and subtle movements.
 
 
3. The Weapons
While the three weapons used in fencing today were derived from historical swords, they no longer resemble their predecessors very closely. The swords used in fencing competition are unique to the sport, and each is made for a certain purpose.
There are three disciplines of fencing: foil, épée and sabre. According to historical records, the foil started from military training, the épée was developed from swordsmanship duels, and the sabre can be traced back to the cavalry. 
Each discipline has its own specific targets and rules, as well as different competitive characteristics:
● Foil
The foil, which weighs about 500g, is the lightest among the three weapons, and the weapon of choice for most beginners. A foil fencer scores only by hitting the opponent's torso with the blade tip. As the foil is lighter and has fewer targets than both épée and sabre, it demands better techniques and strategies.
● Épée
The major difference between foil and épée is that the épée is heavier and has a larger target area. The fencer scores a touché when the weapon tip or blade touches the opponent's head, limbs or torso.
In competitions, only stabs, not slashes, are allowed. Defence is essential – as the whole body is a valid target area, fencers need to be highly skilled to fend off their opponents' attacks. As the fencers shift back-and-forth between attack and defence, the épée match has the slowest pace among the three disciplines.
● Sabre
The sabre is also known as the soldier's sword. In competitions, you can thrust and cut your opponent, and the target area is everywhere above the waist (including the head and armpits).
As the sabre discipline has a large range of movements, and demands quick and strong attacks, the fencers' footwork and responses to strategy changes are key to winning.
Sword fighting makes use of training and actual swords that replicate the swords used in the past. They are more representative of what would have been used by men on the field of battle. There’s not a need for specialized weaponry.
 
 
4. The Clothing
Sword fighting has no guidelines on what you should wear when sword fighting. There may be costumes worn if sword fighting is taking place in a reenactment setting. 
It’s possible to engage in a sword fight whatever the occasion. Hopefully, proper safety precautions are always taken.
In fencing, there is a very strict uniform that must be adhered to, especially in competition. The fencing uniform is widely recognized and features a jacket, mask, glove, and other components that help keep the fencer safe.
 
 
5. The Rules
A fencing bout is regulated and restricted by a set of rules everyone must abide by. These rules include things like who has the right-of-way and a certain area the fencers must stay inside (see also above). Because it is a sport, these rules must be followed to ensure fairness.
Sword fighting is much less restricted. As a general pastime, sword fighting can be done in different ways. 

This educational article is brought to you by The Royal Saint Mark Esferiad Committee
 
 
Credit: This article based of information from  https://bestsportslounge.com/fencing-sword-fighting and https://news.yahoo.com/olympic-fencing-differences-foil-epee-sabre-065011378.html

Focus on Fencing

His Serene Highness, Prince Marcarius (left, in the air) and Kyle Hadjiivanov in the Quaterfinals
 
HSH, Marcarius, has shown marked improvement since last year's Esferiad, defeating both of his opponents in the Epee Individuals. He has become a master of the flèche, using his speed to surprise his opponent more often than not. 
In a flèche, a fencer transfers their weight onto their front foot and starts to extend the arm. The rear leg initiates the attack, but the ball of the leading foot provides the explosive impulse that is needed to drive the fencer toward the opponent. Continuing to bring the weapon, arm, and front shoulder forward, the fencer picks up their back foot, crossing their front leg, and landing it in front of the other foot - as if taking an exaggerated walking stride. It is at this point, when the back foot lands and just after that arm has become fully extended, that the hit should be made.
After attempting the hit, the fencer continues to move forward, running past their opponent, to avoid the riposte if he or she was parried, or a counterattack. If the fencer moves past as quickly as possible, the opponent generally only has one chance to hit the fleching fencer as they pass.
Some fencers appear to be merely charging down the piste at an opponent at distance, but the flèche utilizes timing, not distance, and HSH has superb timing.
We anticipate some exciting fencing to come!
 
 

HEADLINES–DAY SIX
- The Orandian relay swimmers have done it! After disappointing individual rounds, swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin win bronze in the 4x200 meter relay. Great job, ladies!
- The Orandian water polo team loses in a close 9-8 match with Blue Bubble.
- The Orandian basketball team loses 96-77 to Cambria.
- Jane Offerdahl and Evelyn Asplund lose the beach volleyball quarterfinals to Fujai, 19/19-21/21.
- Revekah Serbanescu comes in fourth in shot put, breaking the previous Esferic record along with her medal-winning counterparts with a throw of 20.97 meters.
- Manuel Voinea makes a throw of 19.23 meters, not enough to get him into the final.
- In the 10,000-meter run, Pascaline Duclos comes in fifth, with a time of 27:29.67. Lou Ardouin clocks in at 28:09.97.
COMMENTARY

From left: swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin celebrate their bronze-medal win.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SEVEN
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams face their seventh match day, the last before quarterfinals.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team faces their second match day.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team, led by coxwain Ernest Dahl, takes to the water.
- The 110-meter hurdles event takes place, with athletes Nic Manole and Thea Heim. 
- The discus throw, featuring Amanda Riis and the legendary Lars Sandvik, takes place.
- The 10-kilometer marathon swim also happens tomorrow, athletes Liv Sorby and Martin Garness making a splash.

HEADLINES–DAY SIX
- The Orandian relay swimmers have done it! After disappointing individual rounds, swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin win bronze in the 4x200 meter relay. Great job, ladies!
- The Orandian water polo team loses in a close 9-8 match with Blue Bubble.
- The Orandian basketball team loses 96-77 to Cambria.
- Jane Offerdahl and Evelyn Asplund lose the beach volleyball quarterfinals to Fujai, 19/19-21/21.
- Revekah Serbanescu comes in fourth in shot put, breaking the previous Esferic record along with her medal-winning counterparts with a throw of 20.97 meters.
- Manuel Voinea makes a throw of 19.23 meters, not enough to get him into the final.
- In the 10,000-meter run, Pascaline Duclos comes in fifth, with a time of 27:29.67. Lou Ardouin clocks in at 28:09.97.
COMMENTARY

From left: swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin celebrate their bronze-medal win.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SEVEN
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams face their seventh match day, the last before quarterfinals.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team faces their second match day.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team, led by coxwain Ernest Dahl, takes to the water.
- The 110-meter hurdles event takes place, with athletes Nic Manole and Thea Heim. 
- The discus throw, featuring Amanda Riis and the legendary Lars Sandvik, takes place.
- The 10-kilometer marathon swim also happens tomorrow, athletes Liv Sorby and Martin Garness making a splash.

HEADLINES–DAY SIX
- The Orandian relay swimmers have done it! After disappointing individual rounds, swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin win bronze in the 4x200 meter relay. Great job, ladies!
- The Orandian water polo team loses in a close 9-8 match with Blue Bubble.
- The Orandian basketball team loses 96-77 to Cambria.
- Jane Offerdahl and Evelyn Asplund lose the beach volleyball quarterfinals to Fujai, 19/19-21/21.
- Revekah Serbanescu comes in fourth in shot put, breaking the previous Esferic record along with her medal-winning counterparts with a throw of 20.97 meters.
- Manuel Voinea makes a throw of 19.23 meters, not enough to get him into the final.
- In the 10,000-meter run, Pascaline Duclos comes in fifth, with a time of 27:29.67. Lou Ardouin clocks in at 28:09.97.
COMMENTARY

From left: swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin celebrate their bronze-medal win.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SEVEN
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams face their seventh match day, the last before quarterfinals.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team faces their second match day.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team, led by coxwain Ernest Dahl, takes to the water.
- The 110-meter hurdles event takes place, with athletes Nic Manole and Thea Heim. 
- The discus throw, featuring Amanda Riis and the legendary Lars Sandvik, takes place.
- The 10-kilometer marathon swim also happens tomorrow, athletes Liv Sorby and Martin Garness making a splash.

HEADLINES–DAY SIX
- The Orandian relay swimmers have done it! After disappointing individual rounds, swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin win bronze in the 4x200 meter relay. Great job, ladies!
- The Orandian water polo team loses in a close 9-8 match with Blue Bubble.
- The Orandian basketball team loses 96-77 to Cambria.
- Jane Offerdahl and Evelyn Asplund lose the beach volleyball quarterfinals to Fujai, 19/19-21/21.
- Revekah Serbanescu comes in fourth in shot put, breaking the previous Esferic record along with her medal-winning counterparts with a throw of 20.97 meters.
- Manuel Voinea makes a throw of 19.23 meters, not enough to get him into the final.
- In the 10,000-meter run, Pascaline Duclos comes in fifth, with a time of 27:29.67. Lou Ardouin clocks in at 28:09.97.
COMMENTARY

From left: swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin celebrate their bronze-medal win.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SEVEN
- The Orandian basketball and water polo teams face their seventh match day, the last before quarterfinals.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team faces their second match day.
- Orandia's coxed eights rowing team, led by coxwain Ernest Dahl, takes to the water.
- The 110-meter hurdles event takes place, with athletes Nic Manole and Thea Heim. 
- The discus throw, featuring Amanda Riis and the legendary Lars Sandvik, takes place.
- The 10-kilometer marathon swim also happens tomorrow, athletes Liv Sorby and Martin Garness making a splash.

DAY FIVE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian water polo team wins 12-9 against the United Adaikes.
- The Orandian basketball team wins 85-81 versus Fujai.
- In the 1500 meter run, Raymond Tonneson barely makes it past the qualifier with a time of 3:36.99, while Alexandra Berg falls short with a 3:38.51. Tonneson places fifth in the final, running a full second faster with a time of 3:35.99.
- Sigrun Skyberg swims a disappointing 1:59.33 in the 200-meter butterfly, continuing the rumored curse on swimmers destined for the relay. Giselle Hémery, however, tops her qualifying heat with an impressive time of 1:55.39, and places fourth in the finals, narrowly missing out on a medal with a time of 1:54.04. Jan Ungur surpasses Skyberg with a time of 1:58.65, but it is not enough to qualify him.
- Long jumper Alexis Popelin fails to pass the qualifier, making a single 7.81 meter jump. 
- Carmen Moscovici wins Orandia its first gold, in the long jump, her best jump coming out to 8.2 meters, winning on countback over Nieubasria's Actor Van Knoppen with a better second-best jump.
 
COMMENTARY...?
Four athletes in blue loungewear form a cluster on the floor, sitting on equally blue pillows. One of them, Axelle Reverdin, ties her brown hair into a messy bun and speaks up. "I'm worried about tomorrow's relay. Do you guys believe in this 'relay curse' thing going around?"
The TV positioned in the corner can be heard. Onscreen, Lex Lascar is congratulating Carmen Moscovici on her gold-medal win.
"I don't," admits Sigrun Skyberg, "but now that you mention it, we've all had horrible luck this Esferiad. I hated being shown up by Ungur, of all people."
"I lost a coin flip for the semis," Tove Rud says quietly, "and Maiken came in last. Maybe it's just nerves. We have more pressure on us than the others, because we were fastest when we were being picked for the Esferiad."
On the TV, Lex is going on and on about how proud Carmen's family is of her. 
Axelle glances over at the TV, sighs, and turns back to her fellow athletes. "Maybe we should ask if we can switch out. Ingrid can take my place, or Jesper, even. We don't have to embarrass ourselves more than we already have."
"And lose our only chance at redemption?"
Maiken Morstad finally speaks, brimming with conviction. "This is the one shot we have at telling Orandia–telling the world–that we're better than this! Maybe we mess up, yeah, but we've already messed up. It won't make a difference. But if we do good..."
"Will we?" Axelle's eyes shine with tears. "What are even the chances of that?"
The TV cuts to a clip of Sigrun, making a less-than-impressive flip turn in her butterfly race earlier today.
"Obviously we're no good under the spotlight," she continues. "We're not going to do good. We should let the people who've done good already handle this."
Maiken takes a deep breath. "Think about it, Axelle. Tomorrow, when the relay happens, do you want to say you ran away? Or do you want to be able to say we tried again? You can't see the future. Maybe we'll medal, but we won't know unless we try! We were put on this relay team for a reason, and I don't know about you, but I'm going to see that reason through."
Sigrun nods in agreement. "What was it that basketball guy, Dimitry I think, said a few days ago, about how losing gave his team a fire in their bellies? That's the kind of energy we gotta bring. And they won that day. No reason we can't win, too."
"Besides, I think it's too late to change the roster. Unless one of us gets an injury," adds Tove.
Maiken puts a hand on Axelle's shoulder before the latter can even open her mouth. "Don't even think about faking one."
Lex posits a question to viewers worldwide: Will the relay swimmers follow their declining trend? Or will they rise to the occasion, making something more than the sum of their parts?
Axelle wipes her eyes. "You're right, Maiken. You're right. I don't really want to run away. I'm just really scared."
Maiken pulls Axelle in for a hug, while Lex leads the studio audience in an encouraging cheer. Tove joins in, and when Sigrun wraps her arms around all three, Tove begs her to loosen up a little. "We're all giving a hundred and ten percent out there tomorrow," Sigrun insists. "Promise."
The other three agree, and Axelle finally breaks into a smile.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SIX
- Match day six looms for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team has its first match.
- Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl compete in the beach volleyball quarterfinals versus Fujai. 
- Lou Ardouin and Orandian distance running champion Pascaline Duclos compete in the 10,000 meter run.
- Rebakah Serbanescu and Manuel Voinea toss up in the shot put event.
- The 4x200 meter swimming relay takes place, with swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin. We can only hope their performance as a group is greater than the sum of their individual races. 

The evening of the Heads of State Meeting at Duchy Estate
Main Conference Hall, The Fiovana
Kharventhin, Blue Bubble
"First and foremost, I want to thank Vikki for organizing this abrupt press conference with you all," President Luke Salazar started, looking at Vikki Boatwright, his Press Secretary, after the meeting with the heads of state hours ago.
"I'd like to apologize if I arrived late," Salazar continued. "There were just so many interesting and intriguing points that the world leaders present there discussed in that meeting. I want to share some with you as the President of the United Adaikes. I also believe that some points there don’t need to see the light of the day here in the beautiful country of Blue Bubble. I'll be delighted to accept questions."
Salazar points to one of the reporters, raising their hands. “Mister President, this is just the Second Esferiad, the first for the country, but the main question was how did Blue Bubble invite you? And if you have talked with the other leaders about this one, how did you all find the way and time to come here for what the international press calls the ‘Esferiad Summit’?”
“When we submitted our reply to the International Federation of National Sporting Organizations that we will be participating in the Second Esferiad, there was already chatter about having a world leaders’ meeting in whoever gets selected to host the Esferiad in the spirit of sportsmanship and how we can introduce more sports competitions and increase participation in these competitions. When I received the invitation, I told Mel [Gaspar, the Vice President] and Jed [Gill, Red Palace Chief of Staff] that I want to be here in Kharventhin.” Salazar selects another reporter.
“What was the nature of the meeting, sir? Was it very formal? Were there specific halls that a head of state enters to talk with a specific head of state?”
Salazar laughed before answering, “No. Though, of course, we had to dress formally for the occasion as we were meeting other heads of state, yet the conversation was casual. Slightly official, but casual. We were in the main hall of the Duchy Estate. The first I approached was the host, the Mpitarika, but maybe because nearly everyone was there to greet her, I didn’t have the chance to congratulate her on hosting the event and the Esferiad as well. I also tried to talk with King Giovanni VI, but he was also talking with someone else. So I looked around, and there I saw who I think will be my best friend in all the leaders of the world, the Prime Minister of Hertfordshire and Jammbo.”
After being selected by Salazar, a reporter asked, “Will there be a trade deal with the Andolian country, Mister President?”
“Not really, no. We can shoot for the future, but not at the moment. But I got Clarkov to talk. He's famous for being so tight-lipped, even in his country, but we got to talk about things. Though I noticed his startled face when I started to talk to him, I was just very grateful that he slowly opened up. One of the most interesting things that we talked about was the scope of autism acceptance in their country. I love the programs their government has for persons with autism. I will be surely talking to the Social Services Cluster in my Cabinet when I get back to the United Adaikes. After we can have resolutions, I will be sending a team to Hertfordshire and Jammbo, composed of experts in personality and development, benchmark on their programs to guide us on how we can also develop programs for these excellent members in our society.”
Another reporter asked, “How were the other world leaders, Mister President?”
“I get to join in dinner the Sultan of Arifiyyah and his wife. They are a lovely couple. I think it’s with the Sultan that I have talked more about sports than anyone in the Estate. Though, I have also talke about sports briefly with Clarkov, it was definitely more with the Sultan. I promised him we could have a yearly international friendly game or games of whatever sport they want. The first on the list will be football, but that would be after Esferiad because our first game in football in Giovanniland will be against each other. I told him that I’d be in the VIP box during that game and that I’d be expecting his presence there. Okay, last two. You,” pointing to another reporter.
“Have you talked to everyone, sir?”
“Oh, no. That is one thing that I have regretted during the meeting. As I told you earlier, I haven’t had the chance to talk with the Mpitarika and the King of Giovanniland. I’d also have loved the opportunity if I had the chance to talk with Prince Marcarius and the Queen of Orandia. I heard King James of Larxia was advancing a sciences organization. I’ll send my Secretary of Science and Technology to Larxia to talk with them about that. The young Goldberg is also an interesting gal. I hope to bump with her or have Anne [Duncan, Secretary of Foreign Affairs] talk about the relationship of the Federal Republic and Santos-Dominius. And lastly, you.” pointing to a reporter near the back.
“Mister President, we have heard that Gladwyn Bird is with you here in Kharventhin. A source has also disclosed that she was in the UAD One with you, leaving the plane as part of the presidential staff and that she was your companion in the Duchy Estate. Any confirmation about your rumored girlfriend, sir?”
Luke just smiled and said, “Thank you for coming, everyone! Have a good night. Vikki?” urging the Press Secretary to take over before leaving for his suite on the top floor of The Fiovana.

DAY FIVE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian water polo team wins 12-9 against the United Adaikes.
- The Orandian basketball team wins 85-81 versus Fujai.
- In the 1500 meter run, Raymond Tonneson barely makes it past the qualifier with a time of 3:36.99, while Alexandra Berg falls short with a 3:38.51. Tonneson places fifth in the final, running a full second faster with a time of 3:35.99.
- Sigrun Skyberg swims a disappointing 1:59.33 in the 200-meter butterfly, continuing the rumored curse on swimmers destined for the relay. Giselle Hémery, however, tops her qualifying heat with an impressive time of 1:55.39, and places fourth in the finals, narrowly missing out on a medal with a time of 1:54.04. Jan Ungur surpasses Skyberg with a time of 1:58.65, but it is not enough to qualify him.
- Long jumper Alexis Popelin fails to pass the qualifier, making a single 7.81 meter jump. 
- Carmen Moscovici wins Orandia its first gold, in the long jump, her best jump coming out to 8.2 meters, winning on countback over Nieubasria's Actor Van Knoppen with a better second-best jump.
 
COMMENTARY...?
Four athletes in blue loungewear form a cluster on the floor, sitting on equally blue pillows. One of them, Axelle Reverdin, ties her brown hair into a messy bun and speaks up. "I'm worried about tomorrow's relay. Do you guys believe in this 'relay curse' thing going around?"
The TV positioned in the corner can be heard. Onscreen, Lex Lascar is congratulating Carmen Moscovici on her gold-medal win.
"I don't," admits Sigrun Skyberg, "but now that you mention it, we've all had horrible luck this Esferiad. I hated being shown up by Ungur, of all people."
"I lost a coin flip for the semis," Tove Rud says quietly, "and Maiken came in last. Maybe it's just nerves. We have more pressure on us than the others, because we were fastest when we were being picked for the Esferiad."
On the TV, Lex is going on and on about how proud Carmen's family is of her. 
Axelle glances over at the TV, sighs, and turns back to her fellow athletes. "Maybe we should ask if we can switch out. Ingrid can take my place, or Jesper, even. We don't have to embarrass ourselves more than we already have."
"And lose our only chance at redemption?"
Maiken Morstad finally speaks, brimming with conviction. "This is the one shot we have at telling Orandia–telling the world–that we're better than this! Maybe we mess up, yeah, but we've already messed up. It won't make a difference. But if we do good..."
"Will we?" Axelle's eyes shine with tears. "What are even the chances of that?"
The TV cuts to a clip of Sigrun, making a less-than-impressive flip turn in her butterfly race earlier today.
"Obviously we're no good under the spotlight," she continues. "We're not going to do good. We should let the people who've done good already handle this."
Maiken takes a deep breath. "Think about it, Axelle. Tomorrow, when the relay happens, do you want to say you ran away? Or do you want to be able to say we tried again? You can't see the future. Maybe we'll medal, but we won't know unless we try! We were put on this relay team for a reason, and I don't know about you, but I'm going to see that reason through."
Sigrun nods in agreement. "What was it that basketball guy, Dimitry I think, said a few days ago, about how losing gave his team a fire in their bellies? That's the kind of energy we gotta bring. And they won that day. No reason we can't win, too."
"Besides, I think it's too late to change the roster. Unless one of us gets an injury," adds Tove.
Maiken puts a hand on Axelle's shoulder before the latter can even open her mouth. "Don't even think about faking one."
Lex posits a question to viewers worldwide: Will the relay swimmers follow their declining trend? Or will they rise to the occasion, making something more than the sum of their parts?
Axelle wipes her eyes. "You're right, Maiken. You're right. I don't really want to run away. I'm just really scared."
Maiken pulls Axelle in for a hug, while Lex leads the studio audience in an encouraging cheer. Tove joins in, and when Sigrun wraps her arms around all three, Tove begs her to loosen up a little. "We're all giving a hundred and ten percent out there tomorrow," Sigrun insists. "Promise."
The other three agree, and Axelle finally breaks into a smile.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SIX
- Match day six looms for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team has its first match.
- Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl compete in the beach volleyball quarterfinals versus Fujai. 
- Lou Ardouin and Orandian distance running champion Pascaline Duclos compete in the 10,000 meter run.
- Rebakah Serbanescu and Manuel Voinea toss up in the shot put event.
- The 4x200 meter swimming relay takes place, with swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin. We can only hope their performance as a group is greater than the sum of their individual races. 

DAY FIVE–HEADLINES
- The Orandian water polo team wins 12-9 against the United Adaikes.
- The Orandian basketball team wins 85-81 versus Fujai.
- In the 1500 meter run, Raymond Tonneson barely makes it past the qualifier with a time of 3:36.99, while Alexandra Berg falls short with a 3:38.51. Tonneson places fifth in the final, running a full second faster with a time of 3:35.99.
- Sigrun Skyberg swims a disappointing 1:59.33 in the 200-meter butterfly, continuing the rumored curse on swimmers destined for the relay. Giselle Hémery, however, tops her qualifying heat with an impressive time of 1:55.39, and places fourth in the finals, narrowly missing out on a medal with a time of 1:54.04. Jan Ungur surpasses Skyberg with a time of 1:58.65, but it is not enough to qualify him.
- Long jumper Alexis Popelin fails to pass the qualifier, making a single 7.81 meter jump. 
- Carmen Moscovici wins Orandia its first gold, in the long jump, her best jump coming out to 8.2 meters, winning on countback over Nieubasria's Actor Van Knoppen with a better second-best jump.
 
COMMENTARY...?
Four athletes in blue loungewear form a cluster on the floor, sitting on equally blue pillows. One of them, Axelle Reverdin, ties her brown hair into a messy bun and speaks up. "I'm worried about tomorrow's relay. Do you guys believe in this 'relay curse' thing going around?"
The TV positioned in the corner can be heard. Onscreen, Lex Lascar is congratulating Carmen Moscovici on her gold-medal win.
"I don't," admits Sigrun Skyberg, "but now that you mention it, we've all had horrible luck this Esferiad. I hated being shown up by Ungur, of all people."
"I lost a coin flip for the semis," Tove Rud says quietly, "and Maiken came in last. Maybe it's just nerves. We have more pressure on us than the others, because we were fastest when we were being picked for the Esferiad."
On the TV, Lex is going on and on about how proud Carmen's family is of her. 
Axelle glances over at the TV, sighs, and turns back to her fellow athletes. "Maybe we should ask if we can switch out. Ingrid can take my place, or Jesper, even. We don't have to embarrass ourselves more than we already have."
"And lose our only chance at redemption?"
Maiken Morstad finally speaks, brimming with conviction. "This is the one shot we have at telling Orandia–telling the world–that we're better than this! Maybe we mess up, yeah, but we've already messed up. It won't make a difference. But if we do good..."
"Will we?" Axelle's eyes shine with tears. "What are even the chances of that?"
The TV cuts to a clip of Sigrun, making a less-than-impressive flip turn in her butterfly race earlier today.
"Obviously we're no good under the spotlight," she continues. "We're not going to do good. We should let the people who've done good already handle this."
Maiken takes a deep breath. "Think about it, Axelle. Tomorrow, when the relay happens, do you want to say you ran away? Or do you want to be able to say we tried again? You can't see the future. Maybe we'll medal, but we won't know unless we try! We were put on this relay team for a reason, and I don't know about you, but I'm going to see that reason through."
Sigrun nods in agreement. "What was it that basketball guy, Dimitry I think, said a few days ago, about how losing gave his team a fire in their bellies? That's the kind of energy we gotta bring. And they won that day. No reason we can't win, too."
"Besides, I think it's too late to change the roster. Unless one of us gets an injury," adds Tove.
Maiken puts a hand on Axelle's shoulder before the latter can even open her mouth. "Don't even think about faking one."
Lex posits a question to viewers worldwide: Will the relay swimmers follow their declining trend? Or will they rise to the occasion, making something more than the sum of their parts?
Axelle wipes her eyes. "You're right, Maiken. You're right. I don't really want to run away. I'm just really scared."
Maiken pulls Axelle in for a hug, while Lex leads the studio audience in an encouraging cheer. Tove joins in, and when Sigrun wraps her arms around all three, Tove begs her to loosen up a little. "We're all giving a hundred and ten percent out there tomorrow," Sigrun insists. "Promise."
The other three agree, and Axelle finally breaks into a smile.
 
LOOKING AHEAD–DAY SIX
- Match day six looms for the Orandian basketball and water polo teams.
- The Orandian indoor volleyball team has its first match.
- Evelyn Asplund and Jane Offerdahl compete in the beach volleyball quarterfinals versus Fujai. 
- Lou Ardouin and Orandian distance running champion Pascaline Duclos compete in the 10,000 meter run.
- Rebakah Serbanescu and Manuel Voinea toss up in the shot put event.
- The 4x200 meter swimming relay takes place, with swimmers Maiken Morstad, Sigrun Skyberg, Tove Rud, and Axelle Reverdin. We can only hope their performance as a group is greater than the sum of their individual races.