Tracking Wisconsin's Olympians: The wrap-up

Todd D. Milewski  —  8/25/2008 9:36 am

Each day during the Beijing Games, The Capital Times updated how Wisconsin's Olympians did. Here's a summary:

WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD

Milwaukee swimmer Garrett Weber-Gale was the big winner among Wisconsin's Olympic connections, taking two gold medals away from the Water Cube. He was part of the final in the 400-meter freestyle relay on Aug. 11 and took part in the heats in the 400 medley relay four days later.

Milwaukee native Beezie Madden helped the Americans win gold in the equestrian team jumping event on Aug. 18.

Madison native Lindsay Tarpley and Whitefish Bay resident Kate Markgraf started for the U.S. women's soccer team, which beat Brazil in extra time on Aug. 21 to win their second straight gold medal.

Former Marquette star Dwyane Wade and Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks wrapped up an unbeaten Olympics tournament with a gold medal after a win over Spain on Aug. 24.

STERLING SILVER

On a broken ankle, West Allis' Chellsie Memmel scored 15.725 on the uneven bars to help the Americans to a silver medal in the team gymnastics competition on Aug. 13.

CRAFTED IN BRONZE

Former University of Wisconsin rowers Beau Hoopman of Plymouth and Micah Boyd helped the American men's eight boat to the bronze medal on Aug. 17.

Madden earned a second medal of the Games on Aug. 21 when she won a jump-off for the individual jumping bronze.

THE MEDAL COUNT

Combining team medals, that makes five gold medals, one silver and two bronzes for the Wisconsin contingent for a total of eight.

That would tie Wisconsin for 25th in the overall medal table with Romania and Turkey.

ALSO COMPETING ...

Hartland native Ben Askren lost in the second round of the 74 kilogram class in freestyle wrestling.

Nashotah's Sally Barkow was part of the U.S. boat that took seventh in the Yngling sailing competition.

Andrew Bogut of the Milwaukee Bucks and Australia lost to the United States in the men's basketball quarterfinals.

Megan Kalmoe of St. Croix Falls finished fifth in the double sculls.

After posting the fastest time in the heats, former University of Wisconsin runner Matt Tegenkamp finished 13th in the final of the 5,000 meters.

THEY SAID IT

A few quotes from those who competed:

Markgraf: "This is my third Olympics and I think the Beijing Organizing Committee did a fantastic job of taking care of the needs of all the athletes to let them perform at their highest levels. As an athlete coming into the Games, you want nothing more than to be able to focus on your team and your games. We never wanted for anything and the environment that was created for us certainly met, and most of the time exceeded, our expectations. We had a fantastic time in China."

Tarpley: "I think the USOC and the Chinese Olympic organizing committee both have done a wonderful job of making this seem like home. This has been a truly memorable experience for the whole team. Everyone in China has been so accommodating and helpful and I can honestly say that when you dream about the Olympic experience, what came to fruition here in China is what you dream about."

Redd: "It's been remarkable. I've been enjoying the culture somewhat. I've been enjoying my teammates more than anything. I've had the chance to go see some of the other Olympic events, watch how fantastic athletes are around the world. It's an awesome, awesome experience."

Wade: "It's the best experience I've ever had. When it comes to the game of basketball, it's taken me to a lot of places in my life and it's taken me to the top of being the best in the world. I feel great."

ALL THE RESULTS

For the full list of results from events for Wisconsin connections in the Olympics, click here.

DAILY REPORTS

Friday, Aug. 8
Saturday, Aug. 9
Sunday, Aug. 10
Monday, Aug. 11
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Thursday, Aug. 14
Friday, Aug. 15
Saturday, Aug. 16
Sunday, Aug. 17
Monday, Aug. 18
Tuesday, Aug. 19
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Thursday, Aug. 21
Friday, Aug. 22
Saturday, Aug. 23
Sunday, Aug. 24

Todd D. Milewski  —  8/25/2008 9:36 am