An early start today after a late night yesterday but it’s the early Devil that catches the mixed triathlon relay. A big crowd was out so we were four back from the fence but could still see most of it (Mawfa stayed in bed for a sleep in). Unfortunately the Aussies struggled in this one to finish near the back.

With some time before the next event, Mamfa and I went to the Arc de Triomphe.

I contemplated crossing the crazy roundabout but thought better of it.

We then headed back to South Paris Arena to meet Mawfa for some more volleyball. This time it was a men’s quarterfinal between World no. 1 Italy and Japan.

Japan were awesome to watch. They had a couple of amazingly dynamic hitters (especially from backcourt), they passed and picked up everything and their setter was fantastic.

Japan took the first two sets and an upset was looming. Unfortunately, Italy won 17-15 in the fifth set as fatigue set in on the Japanese and the greater height of the Italians came through with some big blocks near the end. A really enjoyable game with great crowd atmosphere (more support for Japan than Italy which was a bit surprising).

The final activity was a walk along the Coulee verte Rene-Dumond which a a linear park on a disused railway run above the buildings and dinner at the Bastille.

This day in sporting history (5 August)

1984 American super-hurdler Edwin Moses wins the 400m hurdles gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics, his 105th consecutive race victory