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Animalympics (1980)
In all creatures great and small,
there resides a spirit of athletic competition. From the heights of Mt. Animalympus, the flame begins its journey through the four corners of the animal kingdom, bringing with it drama, joy and sorrow the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. Farther, Faster, Furrier... the motto of the competing continents of these first games. And now... live, via satellite ANIMALYMPICS! The five rings of the paw print the symbol of world peace through animal athletics. Presented by Z-O-O, the network that brings out the beast in sports! Hello. I'm Henry Hummel, yourAnchor Turtle. From Z-O-O Control, you're looking at Animal Olympic Island, setting for these first Animal Summer Games. Now, here's a look at some of the events we'll be bringing you. In the Marathon, for the first time, a woman stands a chance of beating a man. I'm Barbra Warblers, and I'll be bringing you the story. This girl has won every major competition on her rise to stardom. Can Dorrie Turnell take home the Gold? We'll soon find out! Hello again, everybody! I'm Keen Hacksaw! You know, in gymnastics this year, it looks like crowd pleaser Tatiana Tushenko is gonna go all the way! And I've got bob-sledding action, with Europe's famous Calamari Brothers! In swimming, Dean Wilson, a young Californian, is one with the water. Hi, I'm Brenda Springer, and I'll have all the exciting action from Animal Olympic Pool! In slalom and downhill, Kurt Wuffner is everyone's favorite! I'm Rugs Turkell, and I'll be bringing you me as well as the story of an exciting young track star - Bolt Jenkins! Hi, I'm Mel, and I'll bring you the down and dirty play of the New York Rats for you, yes? The Parade of Nations has begun. The Olympic Torchbearer will be here any second at Paw Print Stadium, where a grazing room only crowd awaits the opening of these games. Now he's sweeping past former animal greats in the Corridor of Champions. The seemingly endless waiting is almost over for these athletes. For some, the realization of a Golden Dream... for others, the pits. Now, with an opening statement, the Mayor of Animal Olympic Island. Uh... let... let the fur fly! Our opening event is the most dramatic Marathon ever run. How one gets ready for a fourteen day race is beyond me. Perhaps our own Barbra Warblers at the starting line has the answer. Barbra. Hi, I'm Barbra Warblers. What is it about the Marathon that generates such excitement? That it's the original Olympic event? I don't know. Just look at these legs. No, these are not my legs, and, lucky for me. They belong to Europe's celebrated Ren Fromage, whose long string of victories make him the favorite in this first Animal Olympic Marathon. I am in training always. In my life, I have no time for women. It is all run, run, run. Because of this, I am chased. Long distance running is determination, endurance, the wall. Viva la Victory! Between Ren and the Gold runs the shapely form of Kit Mambo. The hopes of women around the world run with Kit. The way to beat Ren is to take a quick lead and break his concentration. The aspirations of these two great continents rest on the legs of these two determined champions. We're about to start. Let's set the field. From Europe, Sophia Bulgawari; representing Central America, the rascal Pep Rubanosa; out of Boulder, Colorado, Terry Hornsby; and, of course, the favorites, Ren and Kit. You're over the hill, old man. Who is she kidding? And there's the start! The runners are moving out of Paw Print Stadium. A classic struggle between super powers. Thank you, Barbra. Z-O-O's Animal Olympic coverage continues with the precision and beauty of international gymnastics! Hello, again, everybody. I'm Keen Hacksaw with one of North America's favorite minks. A great gymnast, Cora Lee Perrier, who's got the Z-O-O on you report on the international sweetheart of gymnastics, Tatiana Tushenko. Tatiana, you began training at an early age. Da. Where I'm from, everyone starts early. But I work harder. Even on vacation I work, after school I work, weekends I work. Tatiana, surely a young person like yourself has other interests. Da. I collect trophies. My own, of course. Tatiana toured North America last year, making friends and maintaining her "nose to the grindstone" image. Technique, as well as how her program relates to the music, is what the Judges are going to be looking for. A beautiful performance! Looks like Eurasia's gonna draw first Gold here. Let's take a look at it again on the replay. That's something I've never seen. Keen, what the crowd is seeing is a hundred and fifty years of Eurasian ballet tradition. Wrapped up in a neat little package that could melt Siberia! Tushenko's coach, Bruno Ursakov, is prepared for the worst from these judges. And a perfect "10" for Tatiana Tushenko! I'm not surprised. And neither is Tatiana! All righty, hey, here's an interesting story on the "Vault". You're looking at Ilsa Blintz, Europe's big hope for a Gold Medal! Ilsa hails from Fattgart, where she's the exercise director at a camp for obese kids! Ilsa's doing a double Sakahura, a back Sumy Somersault, and a handspring fly-away in the lean-out position. She moved her tonnage well, but Tatiana's got nothing to worry about. "4.5"?! Ooo-eee! That's gotta hurt! "4.5"? Is that her score or the reading on the Richter Scale? Up next, we got Bruce Kwakimoto, an Asian gymnast who... well, he's the kinda guy who stands out in any crowd. Anybody see a red pen? Bruce finds himself through the martial arts discipline of "no can do," which, it says, helps him in gymnastics because it hardens the body, and turns the mind inward. Okay, let's pick up on Bruce's routine. There's a quick series of thrusts and parries... a classic Zenku-machi pose. Oh, there's a great roundhouse kick called "Ma-washa-you-facey." Now, we have the last few exercises in this unique gymnastic demonstration. There's a threatening "Say-you-punki," and there's a series of rapid-fire fancy tumbles, as a humble but proud Bruce Kwakimoto salutes the crowd and tries to pick up valuable Brownie points from the Judges. Okay, a storm cloud of controversy is swirling around this Eurasian. She's the "grand dame" of the uneven bars, Ludmilla Steponyourtoewa. Her work in the circus with her animal Olympic weight-lifting husband raises the specter of professionalism in these games. Hey, Yankee, got a peanut? Ludmilla takes full advantage of her weight and works these bars without mercy! She goes to a back hip circle, a free hip with a full turn, another back hip circle... look out! That'll cost a couple of 10's... swings through a handstand... She's getting set for a double flyaway dismount. Now she's got big trouble, Keen. She's losing it! She's got to be disappointed, Keen. This kind of maneuver may be perfectly appropriate in a circus, but it's gonna cost her points here. Coralie, where did she go wrong? Right there, Keen. A little too strong, a little too heavy... the result - orbital velocity! There you see the heavy price these athletes pay for their mistakes. With Steponyourtoewa out of it, a Gold Medal for Tatiana Toshenko! So, Tatiana's formula, early training from a supportive family, and a government willing to subsidize a potential superstar from birth yields Gold! Looking at the men. We've got Bruce Kwakimoto, about to finish his routine on the rings. Now, he gets ready for his big dismount. Look at that height! Whoa! Beautiful landing, and a little something extra for the crowd. Bruce needs 9.4 for a Gold Medal. And that 9.5 means a Gold Medal for the Asian Bruce Kwakimoto! Exciting gymnastic competition here at Paw Print Stadium. Everything we hoped it would be. For Cora Lee Perrier, I'm Keen Hacksaw. Back to Z-O-O Control and Henry Hummel. This is Z-O-O, the network that brings out the "beast" in sports. Let's go to the Z-O-O copter, and to Burnt Woody, for the big picture, and a tour of Animal Olympic Island. Animal Olympic Island... built on the large continent of Atlantis... no expense was spared in creating the complete athletic habitat. Hello, everybody. I'm Burnt Woody. Let's go sightseeing, shall we? In the distance, the five rings of Paw Print Stadium. Below, the 3500 kilometer 14-day Marathon Course, a challenge for any runner. Let's check in now with my favorite bird - Barbra Warblers. We're at about the 50 kilometer mark. It's way too early to make any predictions, but things are going pretty much as expected for Ren Fromage. He's off to an easy lead with his long, fluid stride. In a very disappointing fifth position is Kit Mambo. Wait a minute, she's making a move... She passes third and fourth position Hornsby and Rubanosa. She's putting away Sophia Bulgawari... passes again for second place. And now, maybe we'll see the race we expected. That's it for now. Back to you, Burt! You know, these high-strung athletes competing in this international pressure cooker need a way to blow off steam. There's my good friend Hammer Thrower, Yu Fat Ing... keeping his massive arms in shape on Dogleg 18th Hole. After an afternoon on the lakes, it's time to head home to the privacy and ultra-modern gracious living here in Olympic Towers. O-o-o-oh, this is wonderful... Not so hard. Don't forget I'm not in my shell now. And Chef Forest King must provide for all tastes, whether you eat like a bird... I'd like a quarter wormer, and a side of flies Provencal. Or a horse. I'll have a big mess of holed oats there. This fuels the athletes, but the energy to run Animal Olympic Island with its sophisticated communications facilities is generated both naturally from the ocean depths and through the utilization of sophisticated technology. Well, we hope you enjoyed this little tour. Now to Barbra Warblers. Could it have been only a few years ago that athletes were content to wear gray sweat suits? Well, with modem athletic-wear, everyone can feel like a gold medal winner, both on and off the field. Hi, everyone! I'm Barbra Warblers. Recognize this great look? These are the sports fashions of Enrico Pucci, favored by these athletes for their elegance, durability and flexibility! Here's one of the real superstars of these games, Dorrie Turnell keeps warm down to 40 below in one of Pucci's two-piece icebreakers. Dorrie cuts a great figure, on and off the ice. Let's get ready for all the beauty and grace of Olympic Figure Skating by welcoming one of the all-time great skating stars and expert commentators, Art Antica. Thanks, Barbra. We've got some great skaters to show you, like this Eurasian pair, Olga Cluckinskyi and Nikita Krawlinoff, who recently tied the knot. The Krawlinoffs have been performing together for years, and appear to skate as one. Really a joy to watch. You're watching two and one-half revolutions! A beauty! What a spectacular program. A great moment for the Krawlinoffs. Our congratulations to them. But this Animal Olympic skating competition would be incomplete without the presence of Dorrie Turnell. Remember this emotional scene when she won the Junior World Championship? The public can't get enough of this girl. For softest feathers yet get Preenette! Pre-pre-pre-preenette! Mama, Mama! Mama, Mama, I want the doll! And here's her manager Robert Pigwood. She's a... great property. Dorrie has a certain child-like quality that gives her wide audience appeal. I'm gonna make a fortune. I mean, Dorrie's gonna be a wealthy girl when this is all over with. She's been wowing audiences coast to coast, touring with the Ice Parades. But the skate cuts both ways... Sometimes I long for the simplicity of my younger days. Ahhh... That's her... on the ice now... Dorrie Turnell. I don't have that in my notes. I like it! Oh, clearly a great recovery! Remember, this is an all-new program for this great champion. Double axle, beautiful height. Watch this combination now... Beautiful, coming out of that. A performance of this caliber cannot be denied. And it's a Gold Medal for Dorrie Turnell! For Art Antica, I'm Barbra Warblers! If you don't think this guy is the most exciting thing in track today, you are mistaken. Bolt Jenkins, this is "ZOO on You." He started life as a handbag... was told he'd never walk again. He was born in a very wet part of town Where the sun never shone... And the people went round with their heads hung low... I grew up, you know, in a sewer, you know... It was wet, you know, like and dark, you know. He was born to lose... It was hard just stayin' alive. Well, he got up one morning and he switched on his TV... Ironically, it was a Z-O-O broadcast of Boris Amphibianski's record shattering high-jump that made this story possible. And he knew that's the place he had to be So he got himself up He brushed himself down He read some books and he oiled his brain He started to work and he started to train And he knew he'd never be the same again No more, were you born to lose Hey, boy, what you gonna do... The only thing standing between Bolt and a Gold Medal is his idol Boris Amphibianski. I invite you now to witness this climactic moment in sports history. Amphibianski, jumping first, has never looked better. Those frog's legs are well-seasoned, ready to jump into the frying pan that is international competition. The bar is set at what would be a world's record. Can you believe they're trying to jump 77 and three-quarter feet? He's making his approach. He looks confident. He plants his foot. He's up and... uh, oh... he's got big trouble. It could be back to the pond for this great champion. Look at the intense concentration of this young contender. It all comes down to this... He's done it! Bolt Jenkins has done it! A new World's Record! Just look at the expression on that boy's face. Let's see it again! To clear this world record height took every ounce of strength and coordination in this young gator's body. But yet another challenge faces this tenacious athlete. They've all missed it. But Bolt Jenkins has one attempt left to pole vault 180 feet, to another new world's record. Good plant, the snap's incredible! He swings up well! He's done it again! Bolt Jenkins has literally this day jumped his way to stardom! Hi, like, you know, I'm Bolt Jenkins. And I logged a lot of miles and downed a lot of bowls of Gecko flakes on my way to a Gold Medal. 'Cause, 'cause, they gave me, like, an extra boost when I needed it. Were the years of hard work worth it? I hope you aspiring athletes take a good look at Bolt Jenkins. You decide. There's gonna be a celebration We can see our ship's come in Though we met some competition on the way It was tiring, it was testing It was almost never ending But we all pulled through and won the accolades Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop We've made some friends along the way We've made some friends and we made the people happy When we came in number one And so we've reached the finish All the races we have won It's been a long and lonely battle And we lost some on the way But the time has come to hold our heads up high We had to beat 'em and defeat 'em But we never had to cheat 'em We're the champions who've made it all the way Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop We've made some friends along the way We've made some friends and we made the people happy When we came in number one And so we've reached the finish All the races we have won! Huh, 46 seconds, not bad for a "fatso". Well, it's dawn here. It's serene. But in a few hours, the speed merchants of these games are gonna explode down this track in an awesome display of raw power that is the 100 Meter Dash. Okay, we're "live". In Lane One, the favorite, the African Kip LeGo-Go. In Lane Two, the mysterious Eurasian Uri Trutski. In Third Position, Gold Medal winner Bolt Jenkins. And rounding out the field in this 100 Meter Dash, the diminutive European Cosmo Hopper. The continents are looking for a quick Gold Medal here. It all happens in a couple of seconds. Kip needs to mine some African gold. And here to call the race is former speedster Jackie Fuelit. Jackie... Thank you, Keen. The tension's been building all day, and I know we're gonna see a great race. Go-Go on the inside is really gunning it. I hope he doesn't hand grenade his engine. That would be a terrible tragedy. It's only a matter of seconds now, Keen. And there's the light. Look at the acceleration of those top fuelers as they scream up the line. LeGo-Go off at last. But there he goes. He's got to catch Bolt Jenkins. It's too close to call. Bolt Jenkins and Kip LeGo-Go in a photo finish. Let's get them both over here while we wait for the results. And the judges give it to Bolt Jenkins in the record-breaking time of 1.06 seconds. Bolt, congratulations on another crackerjack performance. I can't accept this gold medal. I mean, he was better than me. Here, Kip... you should get this. I mean, I mean... I'm Jackie Fuelit. To another important race and Barbra Warblers. We're at the 1000 kilometer mark in this Marathon. Ren and Kit have left the pack far behind, setting a bone-rattling pace. For four grueling days, they've matched each other stride for stride. I wonder what's running through their minds. Viva la victory! Viva la victory! Viva la victory! He's great. But I know I can beat him. It looks as if Ren Fromage may have finally met his match. As they go into their fourth night of running, neither one apparently acknowledging the other's existence. How long can she keep this up? How long can he keep it up? This guy's an egomaniac. But he's kind of cute. Another night of agony for these runners. But as night falls on Animal Olympic Island, other animals take a breather from the intense competition by heading over to the "in" spot... Noah's Ark Disco. Work and work and work and work You gotta work, you gotta work Friends will try to put you down Go for it, go for it When you don't want to go to town Go for it, go for it But if you want to sing this song Go for it, go for it You gotta work out all night long You gotta go for it against the opposition Go for it if you want to win the race Go for it, it's really your decision Go for it, you've gotta set the pace For inspiration we all need a mama and a papa 'Cause to find a reason not to work is easier than harder, yeah Go for it against the opposition Go for it if you want to win the race Go for it, it's really your decision Go for it, you've gotta set the pace and work Hello again, everybody, I'm Keen Hacksaw, with soccer expert Mel. We got some exciting clips from yesterday's match. Rolf Schmecker, Captain of the European All-Stars. I remember always the words of my first coach... "Prepare, hope you win." Whiz Rizzo, leader of the hard hitting New York Rats. I remember what my coach said: "Ring his bell. That'll knock the wind out of his sail." But he went too far in this pivotal play. There's a whistle. We're gonna see a penalty shot by Captain Schmecker in this scoreless game. Say! No, a score as it gets past the Rat's goalie. Let's pick up the action in today's game. The South American Llamas versus the undefeated Dogs. The score is 1 to 1. Out of bounds, the Llamas' ball. A steal by Frank Weiner! A real opportunity deep in Llama territory. Quick pass to Hans Wolf. He fires off to the left wing. Centering pass to Schencker. Bicycle shot! Score! As the time runs out, the Europeans take it - two to one! I said you cannot make a mistake against a great team like this. Otherwise, they kill you. A much-deserved Gold Medal for these Europeans. Now, to Henry Hummel... Now, let's focus our attention on the all-important Marathon and Barbra Warblers. Kit Mambo and Ren are at the 2000 kilometer mark. The friction between these two great personalities is heating up to the flash point. One of them must make a move. Me and the course... there is nothing else... but Kit Mambo. I have to beat Ren... even though he is a dreamboat. Don't throw it all away, Ren. I've always run away from things that tie me down My life I love, but love's not for me I see my goal ahead with nothing in the way If love should come, then I'll run away I've always been the type of man Who's dedicated to his cause And it's a lonely road I run But I'll stay faithful to my course There's only one direction There comes a time when you must choose About the path you're gonna take And you must take it, win or lose And if you lose it's your mistake There's only one direction So when the race is won And there's nothing left to do Alone again, but where are you? Alone again, but where are you? The Gold... the fulfillment of an athlete's dream. And, speaking of the fulfillment of a dream... here's former Miss Pedigree North America... Brenda Springer. I'm standing in front of the Slalom Course with former All-Scandinavian Ski Champion and now film star, Bjorn Freeborg. Bjorn is starring in Cries and Whinnies, Ingmar Birdman's upcoming picture. Can we see the clip? I remember as a little boy by the seaside, it was a game I knew I had won... Well, Bjorn, that's two careers on ice! Brenda, earlier today, we saw the young North American Jimmy Ribbet. You see him hook a tip. Most skiers would be down by now. But Ribbet is still thinking ahead to the next gate. Looks like North America's gonna have to wait a little longer for a Gold Medal. The big story this year in skiing is Kurt Wuffner with all of Europe expecting him to bring home the Gold. Let's get to know this half-dog Alpine guy. Skiing free on the top of the world is my whole life. I can ski where no dog has ever skied before. No slope is beyond my reach. Having the right equipment helps. Up here, I feel I am where I belong, but I will go anyplace that challenges my skiing. This maneuver really ticked off some people who run the Animal Trade Center. We're live. The pressure's really on this guy as he psyches himself up. Strong start. He's the only one left who stands a chance of beating the leading time. He's got his back on every pole. He's really pushing through on these last few gates. "51.23" - he's done it! Well, not quite. He's still got the downhill. Let's look at it again. This is the gate where Jimmy Ribbit hooked his tip. No problem for Wuffner. Now to Henry Hummel... Let me take you on a gondola tour over picturesque Squawk Valley, nestled in the shadow of Mt. Mammoth. On your left, Animal Kingdome, setting for brutal head-on hockey competition. There's the Admiral Byrd Hotel... There is Z-O-O Control, where I am. That is the world's only loop-the-loop bobsled run. Now we enter famous Rock Valley Hot Springs. Wait a minute, hold the phone... I've just been handed a bulletin. Kurt Wuffner, the European ski star is reported missing. He was last seen climbing treacherous Pike's Peak moments ago training for the downhill. Even as I speak to you, the ski patrol is mounting an intensive search. But they are being hampered by a sudden blinding snowstorm. As soon as we get more information, we will give you an update on this dramatic development. But now, to Keen Hacksaw at the Bobsled Run. Well, the possibility of serious injury lurks at every bone-crunching turn. Bernard Drulinger, you've risked it all in this dangerous sport of bobsledding. What drives these men? Well, they're all quite bonkers, Keen. Okay. Tight-lipped discipline makes this European team successful... captained by the distinguished Commander Lance Quiller. Let's pick them up coming into the extremely dangerous loop-the-loop. Nice and clean through the loop. Oh, dear, there's a bad tap... Hold on, mates... this could be it! I think I can bring her in. Whoa! Beautiful landing. Bernard, I'm sure we've got some young future bobsledders watching. How can they avoid this sort of thing? Take up golf instead, Keen. Spine-tingling bobsled action continues with Europe's Calamari Brothers. We've got a study in contrasts here. An almost casual approach by these four brothers, whose teamwork developed running the family business. With Commander Quiver's hopes dashed, this team has a good shot at the gold. Hah! You're going to really enjoy watching these boys. Not only are they extremely gifted athletes, they love their sport. And they're not afraid to show it. Mama mia! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Nice line through the turn. Ooops, a little skid - that's going to cost them. But their midway time is good. They're really flying through this fastest turn. They do it nicely... the final straightway... Clean run! Let's do it again! That time will give them the lead! And looking at it again, it just proves the old point that those who are truly great just seem to enjoy their work just a little bit more than the rest of us. Now, back to Henry... Nothing new to report as the search for Wuffner continues. More Animal Olympic coverage coming up. This blizzard... I've got to find shelter. There's no coming back from this mountain. Away from it all in another place Different space with another point of view Alone together with you Love is the ruler and beauty is queen Is it a dream from which I'll never rise? I'll never realize We're in a world where the darkness never falls In a place where all worries disappear And even if it can't go on forever We'll make the most of what is here Away from it all in another time Peace of mind, there's nothin' I'd rather do Than be alone together with you Away from it all Away from it all Away from it all Away from it all. Well, we're back. The search for ski star Kurt Wuffner, missing, and presumed lost on Pike's Peak, continues. We'll keep you up to date. If you don't think you're about to witness a gargantuan' battle between Behemoths, then you are mistaken, as the Eurasian Shorthorns take on the Kodiaks from North America. This game of hockey is one of the fastest and most dangerous of sports. Indeed, some have charged it's no longer a game played in pursuit of athletic excellence, but rather as an exercise in destruction. One of the architects behind this demolition derby on ice is the coach of the Kodiaks, Bear McLane. Men... this is the face of the enemy. He is vicious. He is ruthless! He will stop at nothing! Now... you all know the game plan. Line up for the face-off. After you take his face off, kick him in the shins. Centering pass to Eggs... Eggs over easy. Goddard shoots. Six spectators injured. Derek checks the goalie. He likes what he sees. He boards the goalie. They fight. The goalie moves out. But first, LeFluke ices the puck. He licks the spoon, shoots, score! Now, let's go get 'em! It's time for the opening face-off in this battle of fire and ice. Face-off to Chubbs... Passes off to the right wing... North Americans control. A steal! This hard-checking game is taking its toll. Face-off to Derek. Time out while they clear the ice. Oh, boy! The question this reporter asks is how long can Coach McLane afford to keep this all-star line off the ice? Oh, no! They got Harry! I will get them for this! Those crazy oxens! LeFluke gets past the tough Shorthorn defense. Slapshot! Score as time runs out! North America takes it in the closing seconds, avoiding sudden death overtime. It's getting darker, coach. Darker... I think I'm going to that big Penalty Box in the sky. I did it for Harry. We won, didn't we, coach? Talk to me, Guy. Talk to me! Hockey, a team sport, but, behind it, the selfless personal dedication and sacrifice of the individuals. With me, the coaches of the two leading Marathon runners. Coach Mama Yo Wu-Wu... Can Kit Mambo keep up with Ren's blistering pace? Ren's pace? This is Kit Mambo's race. She is setting the pace. I have this Marathon planned, from beginning to end. Coach Toulouse La Track... What's your reaction? I don't have to defend Ren Fromage. When this Marathon is over, he will still be the greatest runner in the world. Incidentally, I am calling for blood tests after this race. I have heard rumors of "catnip". - How dare you! - Oh, yeah? Get away from me! And now... to Brenda Springer! Let's take a look at the swinging West Coast life of Dean Wilson - "ZOO on you!" Hey, I'm high life, man! The West is the best. It's all here, for sure! But you gotta have wheels out here, man. Wendy really digs my van, 'cause I got diamond-pleat seats. And listen to that sound system. We're both vegetarians. Me and my board have been through a lot. And sometimes, after a day of surfing, I like to relax with the guys. And other times, I seek to find myself in the calm beauty of nature. Okay, we're back at poolside with former swimming great Mark Spritz, ready for the start of the 100 meter freestyle. Mark, we've just seen the favorite. But what can we expect from the rest of the field? Well, Brenda, it's a strong cross-section of the fastest swimmers in the aquatic world. In Lane One, it's the European Art Hawkworth. Look for him to be riding high on the water. In Lane Two, Sergie Wedgenikov, the Eurasian. He's been unflappable in world competition. In Lane Three, European John Carlo Calamari. He's always tough. Earlier this week, Wedgenikov and Calamari faced off during the brutal water polo competition won by the Europeans. But the man they're all here to beat, perhaps one of the greatest natural athletes of all time, Dean Wilson is in Lane Four. The way I see it, the only thing between Dean and the Gold is the 190 tons of Oh-No No-No, the great Asian Champion. That sets the field for the 100 Meter Freestyle, down and back. - Brenda... - Mark... how do you think Dean will swim this race? He's got to take an early lead, and stay in the unbroken water to win. It's a good start. No-No's out to an early lead! He's got a half a body length on Dean. Dean didn't take it out as fast as I thought he would, but he's loose, he's swimming well. He got a good turn, but it wasn't enough! This bow wave is gonna take him out. No! He's gonna use it to take him in! Where is he? It's Dean, with a new world's record. No-No takes Second, followed by Wedgenikov! There is that look of Gold! Congratulations on your victory, Dean. Here it is on the monitor. Well, man, this wave had my name written all over it! So I said, "Go for it, man." So, Dean, you knew you had it all the way in this one. For sure! We're back at poolside with Mark Spritz for one of the more dramatic and beautiful events, The 100 Meter Dive. Diving from this height requires great concentration and control, not to mention strong legs just to get to the board. This event requires the strength of weightlifting and the grace of gymnastics, as exemplified by Wilson and this Acapulco Cliff-Diver, Primo Cabaza. Look at that back-arch in the swan! Good extension head-to-toe, and he's reaching for the water. A little over, but a beautiful dive from Primo Cabaza. And the judges thought so, too. Look at those marks. They're gonna be tough to beat! But this crowd expects perfection, and there's the man that can give it to them. It's been said before, but it bears repeating. When this boy dives, he goes off into his own world. Under the water where the seaweed grows There is a world of fascination Beneath the waves is where the coral glows There is a world of jubilation Below the surface in another world The fishes tell another story The wind don't whistle and the rain don't fall The place is full of morning glory Ooh, gotta be there, ooh, 'cause it's me there Ooh, gotta be there, ooh, and I'm free there Won't you join me under the water You get a feelin' like you're upside down It's like you're livin' in a mirror And so like Alice in the looking glass What is small and what is bigger We're goin' down, down, down Down in the water Goin' down, down, down Doin' what an otter oughta Goin' down, down, down Down in the water Goin' down, down, down, down, down Goin' down, down, down Down in the water Goin' down, down, down Doin' what an otter oughta Goin' down, down, down Down in the water Going down... And he nailed it! A perfect entry, a perfect dive! A super dive! I don't think anyone's gonna top that. The Dean Wilson Story, a natural athlete who's made the most of his God-given talent. This is the first Animal Olympics. But the history of animal athletics goes back thousands of years. Let's have a look at what remains from those days here, at the Animal Archives. The early discus throwing form was really quite primitive. Today's young athletes really get a sense of history viewing these exhibits. This reminds me of the old joke: "How much does a Grecian Urn?" But you've probably heard it. This piece of pottery is important, as it shows the earliest evidence of animal athletics. Paleontologists believe this skeleton represents the earliest known example of an animal weight-lifting. This frozen Mammoth runner, believed to be one million years old, was found recently in the cradle of animal civilization. And here, if I may borrow an old show biz expression, "is a really big shoe," part of this exhibit of athletic footwear through the centuries. Stone Age, Iron Age, Dark Ages, Baroque Age, Industrial Age, and Space Age... These are the types of shoes worn by our Marathoners. As we go into the downhill competition without Kurt Wuffner, the world can only ponder the fate of this great athlete. Well, of course, the big story here is the disappearance of Kurt Wuffner. Which puts this boar, Marcelle Purceau, in an excellent position to win the premiere event of these games, the Downhill! This crash and burn just last summer almost saw the end of the brilliant skiing career of Marcelle Purceau. He was pronounced dead! But through the intensive efforts of a dedicated team of scientists and doctors, he was put back together designed with one thing in mind: speed! We're "live" now. Let's see if this effort pays off! He missed that free jump coming off of that mogul. He's lost it. This looks bad... A terrible spill... He's gonna feel this in the morning! Let's check out the damage on the replay. He told me earlier he felt really good about this race. Maybe they can use him for spare parts. Well, that about wraps it up here. An anti-climactic finish, the winner with a mediocre time of 1:58:02, the Scandinavian... Wait a minute, Bjorn... Who's that in the starting gate? It's Kurt Wuffner! And here he comes! Let's see if his battle with the elements has broken his spirits! He's really pouring it on! He seems to have a new spirit infused with his abilities we've never seen before. He's got to hold his speed for this final straightaway. Look at that time! The crowd's jumping up and down. Let's look again at this strong finish of Kurt Wuffner, who almost missed this race! Well, you see a confident Wuffner holding nothing back, really sailing, keeping a tight tuck to the finish. Kurt, can you come over here and talk with us? We saw a new Kurt Wuffner this afternoon. Where were you? I'm not sure really. I left a strange, wonderful Mountain Paradise because I had to win this race. I know... I'll never stop trying until I find Dogri-La! Barbra Warblers is on the Marathon Course, with all the latest on this crucial event! Well, one of these runners has to make a move here at the tree-quarter mark. Physically, they seem to be perfectly matched. Emotionally... it's anybody's guess. They speak of the wall of physical exhaustion, but it is papier mach compared to the barrier that keeps me from Kit. It's the only way, my love. Soon, we'll be together. I'll run forever if we can run together! I can never run again without you. From neck and neck, they've gone to hand-in-hand. This could turn the whole Animal Olympics upside down! Excuse me, Barbra, but looking at the scoreboard here the implications are worldwide. Is this someone's twisted idea of strategy? Is this international sabotage? Or is it just fooling around? Regardless, as rumors begin to circulate, we're getting reports of turmoil at Paw Print Stadium and around the world. We'll keep you up to date. With me, one of the great fighters of this or any other time, Joey Gongolong. Champ, shortly you'll be facing the toughest challenge of your long, and I might add, controversial fighting career, the Eurasian Janos Brushteckel. Champ, take a look at the monitor, and feel free, as I'm sure you do, to comment. That face is almost as ugly as yours, Rugs. He's too ugly to be Champ. True enough. But I've seen that vicious left hook of his, and, Champ, you better stop fooling around and take this challenger seriously. What are you talking about, taking it seriously? I did everything I could to get ready for this fight. Up and down on the hardwood floors, didn't eat no meat, it lays in your stomach and makes you fat and lazy and heavy. Every time in my corner you on my back. I trained hard for this Busmackle, Busbackle, Bustackle... I can't even pronounce his name. That's why I'm gonna whip him so bad, he's gonna look like his last name sounds. I'm the greatest animal champion of all time! Thank you, Champ. Round One of this Gold Medal bout coming up, after this fast-breaking basketball story. The great rivalry between the two super continents is personified by these two athletes... Dr. Abdul Jones, captain of the undefeated North American team; and Pavel Shotski, center for the top contending Eurasians. Okay, tie score. We're down to the last few seconds. Shotski moves the ball and his considerable bulk down court. Stolen by Meadow Fly Larkin. Behind the back to Jackson... Over to the Doctor... It's one on one. A fake! He's gonna slam it. Two points! That's the game! The North Americans take it! Another Gold Medal for the North Americans! Checking on the Marathon, it's incomprehensible. Kit and Ren are still picking up the pace as they approach the home stretch, hand in hand. The face tells the story. Janos Brushteckel has suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of an unrelenting Joey Gongolong. Janos, this won't be easy, but I urge you to take a look at this replay and learn from your mistakes. You left your midsection wide open here, Janos. There's the snap. He's pushing upright for the extra point. And then he puts you away for good. Janos, you lost miserably. You let down your coach. You let down your country. You let down your mother. You're a bum steer. But, most importantly, you let down yourself. And now you can let me down. There are two great runners in first place, but only one Gold Medal. Yeah, and it belongs to Ren. It's Kit's. I'll take that. Give me that! Oh! Oooh. Give me that thing. Give me that! - Take that... - Gimme, gimme that! When you see the precision teamwork, the great individual effort, and the fast, exciting pace, well, you'll understand why volleyball is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the world! Hello again, everybody! I'm Keen Hacksaw. We got a surf 'n turf grudge match here, as the Asian Stuffers take on the European Wings in a fight for a Gold Medal. This flock is known for their flashy but smooth offense. Six hens working as one giant chicken! Team captain Mandy Egger serves. The pass... The spike... good recovery! Side out Lobsters. We got a great contrast in style here between the extroverted play of these hens and the hard-nosed methodical style of this team of crustaceans. Serving for the Stuffers, Ezo Donoroto. Chicken returns... Oh, the opening game jitters are gone now as both teams rally. The Wings' crossing pattern is holding these lobsters yet. Quick set! Strong spike! She got it. Looks like things are getting serious between Kit and Ren. Bruce, what do you think it all means? Thank you, Bruce. Too bad we don't know what that means. Dean, what about these crazy kids? Hey, man, they're going all the way! Let's go to Mel and Brenda Springer with another struggle between heavyweights from Weightlifting Hippodrome. The beautiful people have gathered here this evening for the glamour and allure of international weightlifting. Before the night is through, the first Mr. Heavyweight will be crowned. I know you are so very anxious, so let's meet our two beautiful finalists, yes? Here is Europe's powerhouse, Wilhelm Cvet. Wilhelm keeps busy in the off-season designing and making his own clothes. And the favorite, Ivan Disventsky. Ivan and his wife, Ludmilla Steponyatova, both work in the circus. In the off season, they grow big! In addition to the Gold Medal, our winner will receive dinner for two at the posh "Top of the Silo" Restaurant, a gift certificate from the fabulous Beagle Catalogue, plus an all-expenses-paid vacation for two at Lion Safari Country... And two tickets to every home game of the Bruins, Cardinals, Orioles, Lions, Tigers, Broncos, and Dolphins! Our finalists are ready. Each of our contestants will attempt a clean and press of this... oh, excuse me, I mean a clean and jerk, a clean and press is only for the laundry. Wilhelm told me earlier in the dressing room that the privilege of competing in this competition was meaningless, and that all he wanted to do was win! Oh, too bad! May we have our next contestant, please? Oh, the competitors love Ivan. Earlier, he was voted "Mr. Conviviality". We've got "Mr. Heavyweight". And here, to crown the first Mr. Heavyweight Winner at the Animal Olympics, is the reigning champion Bert Sparks. There he is, the new "Mr. Heavyweight", Ivan Disventsky. This is Brenda Springer, live from Weightlifting Hippodrome. Count Maurice Boar-Deaux, cunning, cruel and dangerous... Duke Chardas, scrawny, sleight, and sacrificial... He's the only one left. Boar-Deaux has knocked off everybody else. En garde, you little fool. Ha-ha-ha! You stupid rodent! No one beats me! The pompous hog takes home the Gold! Now, back to Z-O-O and Hen... Stop! Wait a minute! This time you go too far, Boar-deaux! Eh, it's the Contessa. You'll never dance again. You've never danced before! Well, darling shall we make it a tooth for a tooth, or an eye for an eye? Hey! Contessa! The Count thought he'd take home the Gold Medal. But the swirling steel wielded by a vengeful Contessa is too much for a blimp like Boar-deaux. And the Gold Medal goes to Eurasia. Now, to Henry Hummel. From the beginning, Z-O-O has provided you with an intimate look at the Marathon. We knew it would be the pivotal event, and now, with the continents locked into a five-way tie, Kit and Ren, hand in hand, hold the athletic destiny of the world. With you I can run forever With you I can run forever, mm-hmm 'Cause you gotta be my inspiration Side by side through every nation, mm-hmm We ride the world just like a rollercoaster As we take each road and we take each turn, you bowl me over 'Cause you gotta be my inspiration Together we can run forever, mm-hmm Through all the seasons, we'll keep goin' on Through the wind and rain and the morning dew It doesn't matter, baby, where we are With you I can run forever With you I can run forever We see the bright lights of the city The colors change they rearrange themselves In different patterns But it's too crowded in the city And so we leave it all behind Go on to other places With you I can run forever With you I can run forever, mm-hmm There's nothing we can't win together With you I can run forever, mm-hmm... I can't believe these great athletes who trained years for this would sacrifice it all for love. This could start a war. They're crossing the finish line together! Ren! Kit! Stop! Come back! The world demands an explanation! Coach Mama Yo Wu-Wu... Is there an explanation for Kit's behavior? I had it all planned. Kip Mambo track shoes, Kit Mambo dolls, Kip Mambo vitamins... A lifetime of training, and she throws it all away. For what? What about Ren, Coach? For Ren to steal the heart of a naive young thing, yes. For Ren to fall for a pair of pretty legs, yes. But for Ren to give up the gold for love? No! Never! That Marathon ends the competition here on Animal Olympic Island. Keen Hacksaw has this wrap-up... Well, they all fought for the Gold, but only the great ones take it home. We saw Tatiana Tushenko's perfect performance. We saw great sportsmanship personified by Bolt Jenkins. But, of course, the big story, the unprecedented romantic encounter between first-place winner Kit Mambo and first-place winner Ren Fromage. Back to you, Henry... You know, bringing you these games required the precision teamwork of herds of dedicated animals working behind the scenes. Our isolated camera animal, Saul Terry. Good job, Saul. Another of our roving camera animals, Jim Panzi. In the video truck, Randy Gravitelli. Our statistician, Manny Fingers. Our sound rabbit, Woody Hutchinson on the big ears. Good reproduction, Woody. Our tape editor, Gary Mathers. Tight, Gary. Countless producers and technicians and a tireless executive producer, Don Osterizer. I can't believe it's all over. There's gonna be a celebration... For everyone on the Z-O-O Team, I'm Henry Hummel. Goodbye and good luck to all you future Gold Medal winners. It was tiring, it was testing It was almost never ending But we all pulled through and won the accolades Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop We've made some friends along the way We've made some friends and we made the people happy When we came in number one And so we've reached the finish All the races we have won It's been a long and lonely battle And we lost some along the way But the time has come to hold our heads up high We had to beat 'em and defeat 'em But we never had to cheat 'em We're the champions who've made it all the way Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop We've made some friends along the way We've made some friends and we made the people happy When we came in number one And so we've reached the finish All the races we have won Now that we've made it, we've made it to the top Now that we've made it, we ain't never gonna stop |
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