AOG: Butterfly Taekwondo

On Day 13 of the AOG we joined Penny and Pauline Peacock in the stunning Buddleia arena. Here we see them strategically moving around each other, hoping to get in a kick, a tap of antennae or a wing slap. As you no doubt know by now, the wing slap scores 1 point, a kick to the head scores 2 points and a double tap on your opponent's antennae scores 4 points. They're being very careful not to show their 'colours' which is only allowed during an attack. In a thrilling contest it was all square with 7 seconds left on the clock when Pauline attempted an antennae double tap, Penny dodged to the side and counter attacked, landing a head kick and winning Gold.  

Another great day for Team GB with 2 more Golds in sailing and show jumping. What nerve shown by 13 year old Sky Brown in the Skateboard competition to nail the trick on her third run that she'd missed on her two previous runs. And how sad to see Katarina Johnson-Thompson having to withdraw from the heptathlon after getting yet another injury. 

Day 506 / Day 17 of Step 4 of Roadmap Easing (for my record only)
A large jump in cases today to 29,312, which is also up on a week ago. There was a briefing today led by JVT discussing the decision made by the JCVI to offer a vaccine to all 1.4m 16 & 17 year olds, with parental consent not being required (unless the person is incapable of giving it). The Press pushed for the reason for the change in decision only made last month, the only given was the availability of more info on safety and the delta variant. A number of countries already give vaccines to the over 12s. Emerging data is being reviewed before recommending a 2nd dose. There's now been over 200m confirmed Covid cases to date globally. The ONS has reported that to week beginning 12th July antibody levels were above 91% in all English regions, were 93.2% in Wales, 92.5% in Scotland and 90.7% in NI. The WHO has called for boosters not to be given before the end of Sept. Barbie has bought out a Prof Sarah Gilbert doll.