"Well, it's been an exciting week here in Hollin at the Olympic Games, Bob."

"Yes, it sure has, Tom. First we had the threatened walkout by the Gondorians over the disqualifying of their strongest contender in the whitewater kayaking event."

"An interesting point, Bob. Boromir son of Denethor was the clear favorite to win, until the Lebennin team unearthed an obscure rule that required the contestant to be alive at the time of the race. The Gondorians argued that he ought to be allowed to compete as he had been dead when he qualified."

"Which is true, Tom. His famous Rauros Run has still not been equaled, in or out of the Olympics."

"I'll make one of my famous predictions here, Bob: it never will be… Well, it certainly was a good thing for Gandalf that they don't ban contestants who once were dead."

"Well, there was a precedent for that, Tom. Glorfindel was allowed to compete in the archery event some years back. Not that it did him any good; he lost to one of the Bardings. Back to Gandalf: the resurrected wizard ran away from the rest of the field in the steeplechase just as you predicted."

"And I'll bet the Rohirrim are STILL kicking themselves over giving away Shadowfax, Bob. That's some kind of horse!"

"No takers on that bet, Tom! Moving on: Well, it just wasn't the week for Men on the legal front. No luck when they tried to get the Woodelves disqualified from the cross-country ski race."

"Most people thought that was a revenge move after the Boromir thing. But I thought there was some merit to the idea that the contestants should actually have to wear skis, myself, Bob."

"I'm a traditionalist on this one, Tom. Elves wearing skis? Next you'll be saying they have to use saddles and bridles in the equestrian events."

"All right, Bob, I give up! Looking ahead to tomorrow's marathon race: everyone's asking, can Elessar win it again? He's 150 years old now. But reports from the training camp say the King has lost none of his old speed. I predict he's going to win it again."

"That will be 12 times in a row for the Strider, and another mithril medal for Gondor. Goodnight, everyone, and see you at the Games tomorrow!"