Over two hundred nations have taken part in the modern Olympic Games since 1896, and of them 79 are yet to win a single medal. Guam, a small island in the Pacific Ocean that barely covers 200 square miles, is one such country. From their population of 180, 000, judokan Ricardo Blas Jr. qualified along with seven others to compete at the London Olympics.
The quest of the Olympic underdogs ... —
Over two hundred nations have taken part in the modern Olympic Games since 1896, and of them 79 are yet to win a single medal. Guam, a small island in the Pacific Ocean that barely covers 200 square miles, is one such country. From their population of 180, 000, judokan Ricardo Blas Jr. qualified along with seven others to compete at the London Olympics.
Ben Wyatt
Ricardo Blas Jr. is following in the footsteps of his judokan father, Ricardo Blas, who became Guam's first Olympian in 1988 and is now president of the country's Olympic association. Blas Jr competed in Beijing but was defeated in the first round of the men's +100 kg judo, consequently, the 2012 Games demand progress. As London's heaviest athlete -- at 218kg -- he is a formidable opponent.
It's not the size of the dog in the fight ... —
Ricardo Blas Jr. is following in the footsteps of his judokan father, Ricardo Blas, who became Guam's first Olympian in 1988 and is now president of the country's Olympic association. Blas Jr competed in Beijing but was defeated in the first round of the men's +100 kg judo, consequently, the 2012 Games demand progress. As London's heaviest athlete -- at 218kg -- he is a formidable opponent.
Ben Wyatt
And Blas Jr., who trains for four to six hours everyday, doesn't fail to deliver. The first-round win over Facinet Keita of Guinea was Guam's first such win in its history, a major achievement for the judokan player.
Victory! —
And Blas Jr., who trains for four to six hours everyday, doesn't fail to deliver. The first-round win over Facinet Keita of Guinea was Guam's first such win in its history, a major achievement for the judokan player.
Ben Wyatt
Ricardo Blas Jr's winning run ended in the next round when he was beaten by Cuba's Oscar Brayson. However, the man known as the "Little Mountain" found his actions had propelled him into the spotlight of the world's press. "It makes me think that one day I can get to the podium," he told CNN.
Guam's new judo king —
Ricardo Blas Jr's winning run ended in the next round when he was beaten by Cuba's Oscar Brayson. However, the man known as the "Little Mountain" found his actions had propelled him into the spotlight of the world's press. "It makes me think that one day I can get to the podium," he told CNN.
Ben Wyatt
Ricardo Blas Jr is not the only athlete competing in London hoping to end their nation's drought of medals. Kemar Hyman (left) and Ronald Forbes (right) are representitives of the Cayman Island Olympic team and will be competing in the 100m and 110m respectively.
Cayman challengers ... —
Ricardo Blas Jr is not the only athlete competing in London hoping to end their nation's drought of medals. Kemar Hyman (left) and Ronald Forbes (right) are representitives of the Cayman Island Olympic team and will be competing in the 100m and 110m respectively.
Ben Wyatt
It's not the first time Ronald Forbes (far right) has attended an Olympic Games, having debuted in Beijing where he made the second round. He also ran at the Daegu World Championships (pictured here). His advice to his debutant teammate was to: "Not get diverted with distractions, stay positive and get from point A to point B as fast as you can."
Beijing bonus ... —
It's not the first time Ronald Forbes (far right) has attended an Olympic Games, having debuted in Beijing where he made the second round. He also ran at the Daegu World Championships (pictured here). His advice to his debutant teammate was to: "Not get diverted with distractions, stay positive and get from point A to point B as fast as you can."
Ben Wyatt
Hyman comes into London in good form too, having set a personal best at a recent meet in Spain. Pictured here on the far left running against Tyson Gay of America (middle), the 100m-man is the first Cayman to go sub 10 seconds over the distance.
Hyman on a high ... —
Hyman comes into London in good form too, having set a personal best at a recent meet in Spain. Pictured here on the far left running against Tyson Gay of America (middle), the 100m-man is the first Cayman to go sub 10 seconds over the distance.
The prize for such feats came in the opening ceremony of London 2012 when Hyman lead the Cayman Island's team, all seven of them, into the 80,000-seater arena to join the rest of the athletes taking part in the event.
Flag bearer with pride ... —
The prize for such feats came in the opening ceremony of London 2012 when Hyman lead the Cayman Island's team, all seven of them, into the 80,000-seater arena to join the rest of the athletes taking part in the event.
Angelique Trinquier was also a flag bearer for a nation with high hopes of bagging their first medal on the biggest stage of them all. The 21-year-old swimmer is Monaco's 100m backstroke specialist.
Prinicipality in the pool ... —
Angelique Trinquier was also a flag bearer for a nation with high hopes of bagging their first medal on the biggest stage of them all. The 21-year-old swimmer is Monaco's 100m backstroke specialist.
Trinquier pushed hard but eventually came 45th, failing to qualify for the semifinals of her event ...
Tough currents ... —
Trinquier pushed hard but eventually came 45th, failing to qualify for the semifinals of her event ...
... her efforts earned the Monegasque comfort from Prince Albert, the head of the Royal family from the principality.
A proud Prince —
... her efforts earned the Monegasque comfort from Prince Albert, the head of the Royal family from the principality.