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Triumph and tears, emotion and amazement, delight and despair, all the emotions were on display in this fantastic spectacle of sport, its the finals at the World Skate Inline Hockey Championships!

And what finals we have been treated to, with emerging talent on display from every corner of the Earth, and sporting prowess that is second to none.  A true world class performance today.  Starting with the Junior Men’s bronze final, where The Czech team demonstrated their strength in depth, while facing a dynamic and lively Namibian side full of energy all tournament, and getting a distinct taste for wearing a medal around their neck.  But today, it was the stalwart Czechs who came out on top, and with their experience and talent backed by sheer hockey know-how baked in from birth, they only just denied the Namibains, and in a sense all of the African continent their chance at some heavy jewelry.  Having scored first off the Namibian super star Kenan Simpson, and their second goal off Henning Shultze just before the halftime break, they must have felt they had a chance to bring home to Windhoek a taste of the glory.  But Abazaj equalised in the first half for the Czechs, and then into the second opened up the Namibians to allow in Matous Havlik early in the half, followed by Jajkub Zdenek, and Abazaj with a second for him right at the final buzzer.  Namibia will be exceptionally proud having represented themselves so well throughout the tournament, and proven that with good development and coaching, and of course fabulous individual talent, even an emerging Inline Hockey nation can mix it in the big games.  But this was a big game, and the Czechs are a big name for a reason.  They take home the Bronze, and will be ones to watch for future finals.

Later, in the Gold medal match we were treated to a master class in this clash of young talent from opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean.  Taipei may be a small island in the south China Sea, but from this hub has emerged a powerhouse of young players that is rarely seen.  They have not lost a match in this tournament, and dominating from start to finish they overcame the amazing miracle on wheels from the USA.  This American was almost written off following three losses in succession.  But the comeback came on strong, and they launched themselves deservedly into the final with sheer tenacity and grit.  Even this display was not enough to disrupt the juggernaut from Chinese Taipei.  They Beat the Americans 6-3 to take Gold in style.  The American boys looked promising, winning the first half 2-1 with goals from Carson Woolcott and Jase Stanbrough backing it up in rapid succession.  After a tactical time-out, the Taipei team got their act together and scored from their heroic Cheng You Kuo.  The second half saw the pendulum swing the other way, and the dominance shown by this upstart team began to show.  Bo Wei Wu scored early, followed by Yen Chen Tung with two more of his own.  Bo Wei Wu added another to his huge total points haul, Then Chen You Kuo sealed their fate, and his reputation as a talisman for this team.  The Americans, fighting to their last breath found Cole Taylor for a last minute consolation goal, but the day was won and the arena went wild to see a new order emerging in this sport.  Imagine how this team could grow into a threat at senior level! Making the future of Inline one to follow with interest.

The Bronze medal match for the Senior Women must have felt like a final for both teams involved.  For the hosts, their best recent performance at these games against a superpower of Inline Hockey.  With the home fans and their whole nation cheering them on to glory, surely they would have a chance at an upset.  Their hopes were dashed, by none other than the hugely experienced clinch player from Arizona, Alison Era.  She potted towards the end of the first half and laid the first American claim on the bronze.  Then Leigh Demint added to the total after the half, and it began to look certain.  The Americans took a few penalties, and although they survived two power plays, once back at full strength the Argentines finally opened them up and made their strike from 55, Maria Igncia Reina.  But as though to put her own seal on the final paperwork, Era scored again and made good the Americans bid to come home with the prize.  It may not have been the one they so hoped to reclaim, and have claimed so often in the past, but it proves they are formidable whatever the circumstances.  But they must continue to improve in order to maintain their position among such talent coming through.  Argentina was certainly an example of this, but for the absolute definitive example of the best hockey game of all time at any level, you need only have been present for this history making Gold medal final between holders and first time champions France, and the electrifying Spanish.  This game was a true masterclass of sporting competition, par excellence!  With fierce, rapid forward attack, strategic and masterful defence, world class goalkeeping, physical fitness beyond normal parameters, and some of the most clever and intelligent teamwork I have ever had the pleasure to witness in this game.  In this game, where the two teams were so evenly matched, you could get a sense that at any time, either team could score.  It took 7 minutes in the first half before the amazing talent of superstar frenchwoman Gandit Camille found the net and opened the scoring for the final.  The crowd were held silent as Spain relentlessly attacked back, only to break again and again against a Maginot line of defence, especially the unbelievable  and unique Marion Rebuffet Giraud.  But then, just as the half was about to complete, Spain’s Ana Sierra parades found the net and evened the score and injected the Spanish with a new energy.  They came out in the second with fire and passion, and relentlessly attacked the French, while also cleverly holding the puck and passing smartly all the while.  Any mistake the French would pounce upon and make their own bold move.  But despite every ounce of possible energy and tactic on display, neither team could find another throughout the second half.  Every seat in the arena, and all those watching around the world were on the edge of the chair, white knuckles and holding their breath as wave after wave of Spanish gallons broke upon the sea walls of the brave and impressive French.  Not one, not two, but three over time periods were needed to make the difference.  Spain had to withstand a goal denied as it was ruled off the skate, then withstand a 3 on 2 overtime power play for France, before one moment of pure brilliance emerged from Alejandra Vallejo Castano sending a puck forward to find Olivia Monjas Gramaglia, who put a backhand in the top of the net and collapsed into a pile of celebrating Spanish players.  The French, who have played the best hockey Women’s inline hockey in the world since their memorable victory last year were understandably brought to tears.  They must remember that this match will be remembered as two equal greats in the most stunning display witnessed at this level.  For the Spanish, The victory they worked so hard for, and played so well for not just this tournament, but for years in development, had paid off.  The raise the gold in emotional scenes and will celebrate their success along with everyone in inline hockey, having been treated to such a display of true greatness.  And so we pause to congratulate and celebrate this victory, not just for Spain and Chinese Taipei, but for all of Inline, as we have been delighted and moved by their efforts over the last week.  Now we move to the Junior Moment and Senior Men.  We can only hope that they will match this level of competition, and further demonstrate the true spectacle of Inline Hockey.

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Words Pete Wirt

Photo Credit: Marco Guariglia

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October 30th

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