Mali Olympic Update

I promised to post an update on how Mali and Senegal are faring at the 2008 Olympic games. Mali had the privilege of sending the only woman's basketball team from all of Africa. After a close loss in their first game against New Zealand things quickly went downhill. They have since gone 0-4, all being blowout losses, including a 97-41 drubbing by Team USA. This really is, however, one of those cases where a team should feel happy just to be there. The team even advancing past the African tournement was a surpise and hopefully they are laying the foundations for more interest in women's athletics in Mali.
Mali also sent a pair of swimmers, Mohamed Coulibaly and Mariam Pauline Keita, who didn't advance past their first matches. Mali's last chance for their first ever Olympic medal now rests with Daba Modibo Keita who competes in Taekwondo. His competitions start on Saturday the 23rd.
I'll try to post an update on Senegal soon.