"The greatest athletes of the animal kingdom have gathered on this magical island in what promises to be an extraordinary contest!" "The flags of five competing animal nations silhouetted against the crater walls." "Their animal supporters packed into the stadium" "So much to look forward to." "There's a Firefly there." "One of many fireflies adding their light to this spectacular display." "The atmosphere is simply magical." "And it's now time" " Let the Games begin!" "Well first let Jonathan and I preview some of the events coming up in the Animal Games" "We've speed of course with the 100 metres sprinting." "We've also got the long jump;" "look at that." "I'll tell you what it's not just for terrestrial beasts either." "There's shooting." "We've the power display of the weightlifters." "And of course it wouldn't be the Games without the swimming pool." "...and we'll soar to new heights with the high jump." "Well look at that view from up above and I think down below Jonathan there's a capacity crowd, here at the stadium." "And the excitement beginning to grip them all, the animal athletes starting their warm up." "The cheetah there, hot tip for gold in the 100 metres." "His supporters - the mammals." "Now watch out for the Kangaroo." "To me he looks very confidence for the long jump." "Yes, he sure does, and wait for his... 4 other competing animal nations." "The herptiles made up from Reptiles and Amphibians" "We've the Fish." "And of course we've got The insects." "A multiculture event we have the hosts, the proud birds" "And The eagle - bringer of the flame." "Eagle officials, looking rather forbidding in their royal box; their eyrie." "There's The Bush Baby - a few practice leaps." "And goodness me what a leap that was 2.4 metres!" "He's equalled the Human record and the event hasn't even started yet." "No but it's a sample of what's to come Jonathan isn't it because as the games go on for animals we're gonna test all their abilities against their human equivalent, but there is a twist." "And it's an intriguing one Motty." "Look at this - the 100 metres, should be no contest." "Little cockroach against the cheetah." "But they'll be racing on equal terms." "Now you're not too sure are you big fella?" "Because look at the size of the cockroach now." "That's right and The Road-runner scaling up to the same size as the other animals." "As they grow, their performance scales accordingly Jonathan." "All the competitors we'll scale to the average human height of 1.83 metres" "Yeah and that's measured from the tips of the toes to the top of the head." "Excluding the tail and any antennae or bits and pieces." "lntriguing isn't it." "Now then the apparatus needs adjusting for these super-sized athletes." "Look at this." "Boggle eyed in amazement and why not." "The ground breaking open, it's a ground breaking competition this, look at that." "They were wide eyed in the stand there weren't they and so are we." "Staring towards the heavens and heavenward the apparatus grows." "And here, one of the bird officials, the eagle... setting the bar at 25 metres." "Exactly on the mark" "And while the bush baby gets ready, let's have a look at his competitors." "And there are few, I can tell you." "As we saw, the Bush baby for the Mammals up first." "The Fruit Fly maggot representing the insects" "The Salmon for the fish" "The Lesser Florican for the birds" "And don't forget the flea - another insect contender for you." "Yes." "The Bush baby did well before scaling." "Will he set any records now he's human height?" "Look John he's carefully judging the height." "Set at 25 metres." "Yes." "Concentrating." "Ah that's a great jump" "Oh what a shame!" "The tail caught the bar." "And he's landed on a maggot that's an insect contender and that won't be popular with them I can tell you." "It won't be." "Let's analyse that jump and see it again." "OK the head's swaying helps him calculate the distance." "Seeing the bar from slightly different positions helps him judge its height." "Concentration..." "Evaluating that height Motty." "Great spring." "Great spring." "Actually, leg muscles make up a quarter of his body weight." "5 times that of humans." "Just note that tail." "It's like a rudder isn't it." "It is a bit;" "a sort of a stabiliser isn't it." "Up he soars." "And he really is soaring, believe me." "Oh he's just clipped it though." "Just caught it." "Oh what a shame." "Let's see a slower replay again" "Yes, well he really did his launching, didn't he?" "Nevermind, nevermind." "lt's a long way to fall -it's a long way down." "Hopes plummeting." "and that mistake that this guy jumps better with a bit of aggro." "The Eagle repositioning the bar." "Yep let's put it back where it was." "25 metres" "That's it yeah." "Now then " "He's the fruit fly maggot." "His athletic powers are newly discovered and he'll attempt the same 25 metres." "A bit nervous, I think." "Triggering the maggots escape mechanism has increased the competition." "He curls his body and grasps his backside" "Well I don't think I've ever seen that in major competition beforehand." "And he's cleared 25 metres with ease" "He's missed the crash mat ...it looks like revenge" "In the end there that has to be seen as a good result for the insects." "Let's analyse it once again shall we." "Well he bends over." "Tensions his body." "And remarkably, he doesn't have any muscles!" "It's all done by hydraulics." "As he bends, the body fluids increase the pressure." "He lets go the body, straightens flicks him into the air the trick powers him away from predators of course." "Wow." "Fortunately though Motty the bush baby has hair trigger reactions, needed for all that jumping through trees." "Now then the maggot is still in the league." "But for the Bush Baby there's a lot still to play for him" "Now coming up next the 100 metres final." "Competitors for the 100 metres lining up." "Yup then, getting ready." "Which of the scaled contender is the fastest creature on earth you think?" "I am looking at the slipping and sliding lt would be technical to evaluate from this" "Yup. I'll tell you what Motty, let's have a look at the past form shall we." "Yeah that's the way to do it." "Now I think the cheetah - plains hunter from Africa built for sudden bursts of speed." "Fastest land mammal;" "look at that pace." "All muscle and tension" "The American Road Runner - this relative of the cuckoo, would you believe, holds the land speed record for running for any flying bird " "26 miles an hour." "He chases down his favourite food - lizards." "Now the collared lizard is relatively safe - he's scaled too!" "The collared lizard a pursuit hunter from the Californian desert certainly has all the qualifications of a sprint winner." "The American Cockroach, scuttling, fast mover - often cited as the world's fastest insect." "And the Collared Lizard The slick and dynamic wing case cut drags" "Now here's one I've got a little fancy for Motty " "The Walking Catfish." "His gills form a lung." "He's covered in slime to prevent drying up and he walks on stiff pectoral fins." "He could be quite a contender but here's another one." "Finally, the Australian Tiger Beetle." "Another desert predator - those long legs made for the high-speed chase." "A little known insect" "Well we're nearly there now." "The big event." "Everybody getting ready, warm ups completed they're on the line." "Tension." "They can't Afford a false start." "And they're off ...the cockroach... the collared..." "unbelievable - the race is over almost before it began!" "Over what in less than a second Jonathan." "What went on there?" "I have absolutely no idea." "The Tiger Beetle first off the line." "Quickly takes the lead." "The Lizard close behind - overtakes the cockroach." "The beetle I think races ahead but look at that he stops and he jumps over the finish line." "That must be a photo finish." "We've got to slow it down a bit." "We must slow it down." "Well I think what we'll find is both insects quickly off the block Jonathan." "They're reacting there in a hundredth of a second - that's quicker than any other competitors." "The scaled beetle clocks over 500 mph" "Why did he stop?" "That could cost him Gold." "Well it could." "Now the collared lizard, I mean two legs is best for speed, he's like a hunting tyrannosaurus." "Long, long back legs, going bipedal of course." "Taking super strides." "Yes and I think you'll find that he easily overtook the cockroach there." "But the beetle." "So fast that he doesn't gather enough photons of light to form an image." "Yeah I think he has to stop to see where he's going." "But Jonathan did that leap for the finish line save him?" "I think we've got to wait the judges' decision on that one." "But let's analyse how the other competitors performed." "What about the Road Runner?" "There is a secret trick for the Road Runner" "We will see it in a moment" "The dark patch gets energy boost from the sun" "Warming him up to take performance level" "Scaled, this Road Runner can manage a staggering 105 mph." "A super speed." "Oh yeah it's a good view of it too, isn't it?" "In fact facing these super scaled athletes the cheetah puts in a relatively poor performance, but look at that streamlined physique." "You can see why he's got such a reputation can't you?" "Long, long legs." "8 metre strides - four every second!" "Yeah and you'll also notice that his backbone is totally flexible increasing his reach." "It more or less bends by loosening vertebrae." "Un-retractable claws act like spiked running shoes almost." "His body temperature meeting nearly 40.5 degree" "Each rally drive with depth" "Now let's go back to the race because the catfish is just finishing." "He was my dark horse for this I can't believe I." "Let's give him a mark for determination but he took almost a minute to finish." "John the judges have analysed that photo finish." "Now what about it then, let's, let's see if we can pick up the result?" "This is how it went and the judges say that the lizard has won by a nose." "Stopping for a look cost the beetle his medal I think there and the herptiles take gold in the hundred metres." "The collared lizard took just 0.83 seconds." "The tiger beetle takes the silver." "The cockroach the bronze." "That's the result of the 100 metres." "And the winner, the collared lizard." "Crowd are enjoying it of course Jonathan." "Great result for them." "Great result for them." "But these events now coming up thick and fast in the stadium, we're moving on to weightlifting." "What do you make of this?" "Well the mammals have a strong one, in the African Elephant." "Yep he seems to me to be among the favourites for this." "The human record of 263 kilos he's got there." "See how he deals with this." "Light as a feather tosses it around with ease like an autumn leaf." "I'm looking forward to seeing just how he will perform when scaled." "Motty let's have a look at the other competitors in this show of strength to see where the challenges will come from." "The Rhino Beetle for the insects" "Yeah, the Eagle representing the Birds." "Surely the Great White Shark ominous for the Fish" "Yeah the Crocodile for the Herptiles" "And finally we've seen him in action the Elephant - for the mammals." "Well first up here - the Rhinoceros Beetle" "In the wild you know he digs bulldozes rocks and logs out of the way great strength." "Oh yes, his horn is also used for jousting with rivals, it's like two tanks colliding." "He's wrestling." "A little bit later on you know he will be contender for that." "Yes, he certainly will" "Now what can he lift?" "What can he lift when scaled?" "A Bird official checking everything's in order, quite right too." "Yeah we have to have everything official and according to the rules that's a fact here and I tell you what there's that 263 kilo human record." "Just like the elephant Motty that was, it was just too easy." "What's this - a staggering 54,000 Kilos!" "No he can't do that that's got to be an unbeatable figure." "Well his tough outer skeleton takes the load - and I think the key here is leverage isn't it?" "A firm grip, Legs pack with powerfully efficience muscles" "Now then." "Look at that. lt's lifting!" "Oh No!" "No he's flipped!" "And he needs a bit of help here from the raven official." "What's the decision?" "That's a no lift for the rhino beetle." "Oh dear it's a no lift." "Let's see if we can find out what went wrong here." "At first it was good" "Look, he is taking the strength then." "Very nice, ease for a moment." "Yes, good strong start but look" "The impressive strong tarsal claws find the surface..." "That's where the problem was, starting to sleep" "There he goes." "Oh dear" "Overturned tanks have trouble righting themselves" "Just as helpers help around." "On next - we have the mighty, Golden Eagle, representing the hosts, the Birds!" "A familiar face in the stadium." "Has a look." "Cursory glance." "Yep, concentration here." "Great local support of course." "Absolutely." "Now scaled he's attempting 96 kilos here." "In nature those claws can crush skulls - quite a grip on that bar." "At this moment in time you'd probably back him here." "But we'll see." "Balance is the key." "Oh, oh, oh a few problems, a few problems." "Let's see what went wrong I think he hot the way up, the weight was lifted" "No, not for long enough, a no lift" "Let's see how he performs in nature" "His African cousin the black-eagle carrying a rock-hyrax." "They've been known to lift 7 kilos." "All the facts and figures for you there." "If only the Eagle in the crater had been that impressive." "There's a second attempt here I think Jonathan." "Moving forward again." "The talons actually lock when they grip." "Here goes." "This time. lt's a clear lift." "They, they really enjoyed it up in the stands didn't they." "That's sort of the Eagle wave in the stand isn't it?" "Like the Mexican wave." "Let's see if we can have a replay." "The power of these strong wings, clearly evident there." "They provide huge thrust you know." "And another secret," "Motty, the feathers light body weight of cause." "Yes, hollow bones are suppose to keep the weight down really." "Great performance." "What about our next event now - it's a new event actually it's shooting." "And we've got a surprise entrant for you - the Skipper Butterfly Caterpillar" "Mmm, didn't expect to see him." "Monstrous form recently." "Yep." "Oh but what's this?" "What's happened here?" "He's hit the camera!" "Some trouble with the radio link I think that needs checking out." "The gorilla seems to have taken care of it." "Well that's who you don't want, monkeying around with your camera at a major event like this." "Oh dear that's put a spanner in the works." "The caterpillar." "And there's his weapon." "Yeah let's check out the other competitors in this one." "The skipper caterpillar represents the insects." "The Spiny tailed Gecko for the Herptiles" "Yeah and then the archer fish" "There's the Fulmar chick for the Birds" "And to finish - the Skunk." "What a line up." "The crowd will be behind the Fulmar chick -l think they will." "Here we go." "Yeah what you'll notice here Jonathan is that the Caterpillar lines up backwards." "A target distance of 100 metres and his technique will be seen here for the first time." "And his ammunition of choice John - faecal pellets, yeah you better watch out in there." "Faecal pellets better known as poo!" "And he's fired." "Ohhhhhhh, he's missed the target...!" "Well my message to you all would be run away." "The Meerkats make a hasty retreat!" "Well done to them." "Oh it didn't quite look as if he was going to strike it did it;" "we've got to see that one again I think Jonathan." "Tasteful this isn't it!" "The pellet held before firing by a special catch." "Yep." "His builds up blood pressure by squeezing his muscles and then he releases the Catch." "His high-powered waste disposal stops him being sniffed out by wasps." "In nature, the pellets shoot a metre and a half from the nest." "That throws parasites off the scent." "What control did he have though on the aim?" "But then as the Meerkats found out, direction is totally random." "The seats smashed." "I think i can safely say that is a definite disqualification." "Quite right too." "Caused a stir in the stadium I can tell you." "Now Next up the Spiny Tailed Gecko for the Herptiles" "Yeah now this Gecko has a trick in his tail that could make him a medal winner." "Now its secret weapon is used against predators like snakes." "Watch this." "Snake approaches, and the moment when the Gecko feels threatened it arches its tail contracts its muscle and there - shoots out a sticky liquid." "If we freeze the frame, you can see it's fired from narrow slits between the scales and it works by startling his attacker." "And he has no eyelids so that licking cleans his eyes." "He relies on sight for accuracy." "A little nearer, 15 meters now" "Spiny tail," "And at any moment now we are waiting for the shot" "Nice surface." "There's the shot." "Oh I say that was excellent accuracy!" "Marvellous stuff." "Let's see it once again." "Here it goes." "I think the flick was essential there." "The distance great, the accuracy marvellous." "Yeah a good result for the Herptiles there Jonathan." "Hang on what's this Motty a few tremors are rocking the stadium  it's in a volcanic crater remember." "Oh yes, yes." "And it looks as if we're in for a little bit of an explosion here." "He Looks a bit worried doesn't here." "Well no wonder." "Well what it." "Oh look at this." "I'm feeling it shaking in the commentary box here." "We've seen a chasm of difference in quality between some of the entrants, that is a genuine chasm." "Oh wow." "Oh a little bit unnerving but that water's a welcome sight for the fish - they were having a hard time in track and field." "That's the most novel sprinkler system I think I've ever seen in a major games." "Absolutely and now then, back in action, let's just stay with what's happening down in the field events because I think now we're going to see the Salmon representing the fish in the high jump." "Before the event starts Jonathan let's just recap, can we." "Yeah The Bush Baby failed his first attempt, knocking the bar off with his tail in the high jump." "Yeah what happened to the fruit fly maggot?" "In the lead so far, successful attempt at 25 metres, so let's see what the salmon can do." "This Sockeye Salmon is in breeding colours suggesting that he's in peak condition for this." "Golden, top oxygen reaching water over the skin as he project." "Now one thing about Salmon they feed themselves up before migrating." "They draw on these reserves as they leap upstream to their spawning grounds." "Full of facts there" "The Golden Eagle here, demonstrating stamina - not too tired after his athletics earlier, to resume his duties on the high jump bar." "No and the salmon, preparing for his first jump of 11 metres here." "He lines up." "A lightning Thrust of the tail propels him up through the water." "Oh not quite good enough though." "Just under the bar." "Wow and watch him land here." "Because he lands in a special splash mat." "Let's look at it again Motty." "Well that tail fin Jonathan provides explosive thrust that powers him from the water." "The fins control his angle of attack and direction." "Streamline body coated in nucleus hit down drags." "Let's following full with him." "Tail still twisting, arh?" "It's actually not a bad attempt this;" "I'm sure he's going to have a second go." "OK on to our next competitor at the high jump " "The Lesser Florican, for the Birds, also attempting 11 metres." "He's had plenty of practice." "And you can see that he can achieve great balance." "I'm not too sure if they should be allowed this practice beforehand." "Well that jumping is actually a mating ritual." "He jumps 600 times a day just to impress a female." "We should try that sometime Jonathan." "Although he started by jumping." "I'm sure he sneaked in a bit of flying there." "Oh the judges won't like that will they" "There he goes - oh easily cleared over the bar at 11 metres!" "But the question is here will it be allowed?" "I'm not so sure that the judges will stand for this you know." "Was it jumping, was it flying, was it flying - he's out the Florican might have been flapping mainly for show - but any flight assistance means immediate disqualification." "A disappointment for all those the Birds there." "Absolutely disappointment for the birds." "Let's see if he, if the scaled Salmon can clear the bar." "He's trying for 11 metres - over four" "Times the human record!" "Now this looks a really good jump." "Up, over." "Clean jump, clears the bar easily." "Holding on to second place behind the fruit fly larvae." "Unscaled, he left the water at 35 miles per hour." "80% of his body weight, pure muscle." "Yeah what a result for a fish, I can say now." "Let's see if he can hold on into the silver medal because the Bush Baby second attempt is coming up next, trying for 25 meters." "Here the reminder when the tail hit the bar" "Now that's interesting;" "he's changed his technique" "He's taking a run up this time Jonathan." "Will it make a difference?" "Ohhh Look at that!" "Took it in his stride!" "Hey that puts him neck and neck with the Fruit Fly maggot." "Has the maggot got a neck?" "I'll have a closer look when we're next down trackside for you." "See how that run-up made the difference" "Yeah each jump stores energy from the previous one." "Leg tendons release that energy on the main leap." "He's like a bouncing rubber ball." "He tucks in his arms to cut down drag" "This time look at the tail the counter-balancing tail." "Neatly over the bar." "Well, nothing wrong with that technique, is that?" "He is looking for a medal now for sure." "Safely down, and the legs absorbed the shock of landing." "His confident will count to this one, Motty?" "Certainly yes." "You know, looking round there to watch for and giving thanks to his chicky winky friends." "Well the Bush Baby and Fruit Fly maggot equal and going for gold." "The salmon currently in Bronze position." "Yes, yes." "Yes you're right he's going to have another go isn't he." "What is this - an ambitious 26 metres would you say?" "Oops, clasping technique needs a bit of practice." "I think they're laughing." "Oh, oh, oh." "Oh yes you've got to say that, that was a fantastic jump, look at the crowd, they really appreciate it." "What a result for the insects!" "Well they're celebrating and no wonder." "Yeah insects are really dominating this event and they have yet to play their star competitor..." "The flea!" "Now can he take gold, knocking the Bush Baby into bronze position and depriving the fish of a much needed medal?" "Oh just look at those poles they're, they're sticking out of the roof of the stadium, aren't they this is sensational." "They've set the Bar at 622 metres." "That is absolutely phenomenal." "That is way clear of the rest." "Look at him go!" "Hang on, hang on he's missed the bar completely it is spinning above the stadium." "Missed the bar." "Missed the stadium, missed the volcano, what a height!" "Well I'll tell you what down there in the crowd they're wondering whether he's ever gonna come back." "And when he comes back where will it be?" "In the sea." "A splash landing." "Surely, that means immediate disqualification for the Flea." "Let's see the replay Jonathan." "The hind legs providing the power." "Cocked like the trigger of a gun." "They contain the most elastic substance on earth " "Resilin." "When the trigger is fired all that energy is released, powering those legs against the ground" "Cor that was worth seeing again wasn't it?" "It's the hind legs look." "Yeah there he goes." "Elastic power." "The flea is actually a parasite and that powerful jump gets him a meal." "But as you can see here, he can't control his direction." "He just jumps randomly." "But what you can't do is withstand the strength of 140 times that of gravity." "Fortunately his body's also shock and water resistant" "but of course disqualification." "Oh yeah." "The final results are Gold for the Fruit Fly maggot." "The Bush Baby takes silver for the Mammals." "And in third place, the Salmon, with the first medal for the fish in these games." "Still glory for the insects." "Yeah their extraordinary anthem is made entirely from insect sounds!" "Let's see what that means now Jonathan for the overall team results." "Well the insects in the lead with a gold and silver medal so far." "Yeah." "Herptiles in second place with their Gold for the 100 metres" "Mammals in third." "And our hosts, the birds yet to win a medal." "You have to ask the question Motty are those insects unbeatable?" "Well we shall find out, because there are a lot still to come in the Animal Games." "And then we will be concentrating, next I think will be more of weight lifting to serve." "There will be some more shooting for you." "And also we shall be seeing the long jump." "And of cause, it would be a game if Johnathan without the swimming." "Let's go back to the shooting." "Now though I will give you reminder what we have seen so far." "The disqualification of the Skip Butterfly Caterpillar, the remarkable weapon of the Spiny Tail Gecko." "The Archerfish making an appearance in the pool." "Well his name says it all, let's see if he can live up to it." "In the wild - you can see the stats there - the Archerfish shoots down climbing or flying insects." "And he uses his own version of a water pistol." "Well appropriately the target carried by a dragonfly." "Bit worried I should think." "Absolutely." "Those eyes, far apart on the head, great for judging distance they even adjust for the way the target seems to shift when viewed through the water surface." "He looks calm;" "the dragonfly doesn't;" "Edgy." "What a shot!" "Absolutely accurate, even at a scaled distance of 35 metres." "What a result for the Fish!" "Let's see the replay." "The water pistol formed by the tongue..." "Pressing against a groove in his mouth." "As he closes his gills he jets water though the tube." "He can direct the water jet with the tip of his tongue." "That's a bullseye." "Oh yes it is." "Now then, the dragonfly dropping the target for the youngest competitor in the Animal Games, the Fulmar Chick - for the Birds." "Like the Gecko his weapon is a defensive one - he uses it from just 4 days old to discourage the nest predators!" "There it goes oh its projectile vomit!" "Excellent accuracy and an impressive distance of 7 metres for such a youngster." "I can smell it from up here;" "the vomit is a foul mixture of fermented fish oil, stomach acid, fish offal." "It clogs the feathers of any bird that tries to raid the nest." "It isn't popular with the birds, if it had hit any of them it would destroy the water-proofing of their feathers and it could result in death." "What a mess" "Hey, I am going to turn away from that." "I think we got the long jump coming up next." "And there's that chilled-looking Kangaroo there, let's see who he's up against." "The mud-skipper for the fish and then there's the Zebra." "Grasshopper for the insects." "The Emperor Penguin for the birds." "The Rocket Frog for the Herptiles." "All trying Jonathan to beat the Human Long Jump record." "Well we've all seen pictures of kangaroos;" "let's see him training in his home country in Australia." "He makes those huge bounds of 5 metres look absolutely effortless." "He uses less energy the faster he hops." "The long jump is not the only event this animal excels, he is a fantastic boxer you know." "He looks relax and confident." "In his case he doesn't need scaling he's actually human-size." "Got good support here Motty." "Yep there's some family members I think in the stand aren't there." "Mum and Dad." "And a few brothers and sisters." "Here he goes." "That jump looks good!" "Yes it was impressive the judges seem happy too there don't they?" "Let's see how he achieved - what was an impressive jump." "And Just look at that effortless hopping." "Such a smooth rhythm." "Barely broke sweat." "Do kangaroo's sweat?" "Well no they don't actually Jonathan." "Looking around - so aware." "Taking in the audience applause." "Yeah." "Now then." "Tendons in the kangaroo's heel capture energy from the bounce propelling the roo into his next jump." "Strong tail, muscular attached to his hip bone that gives extra bounce too." "Yeah. 15.6 metres - a great first attempt for the Mammals" "Look at this Motty, the Kangaroo is cooling down." "He applies a liquid gel to lower his temperature through evaporation, coolest customer." "And take a look at this hard tracts like training shoes, that is the secret to superb traction." "Now it is building up into a very close and interesting event." "And the time has come to see our next contender." "Those periscopic eyes belong to the Mudskipper!" "Well that raised fin is part of the fish's threat display!" "A real challenge to the Kangaroo!" "will the Kangaroo be threatened by the Skipper?" "Let's see him in home in West Africa" "Like the Walking Catfish," "Mudskipper spends most of their time on land." "They have a reverse skill, from water storing gill chamber, they also breath through skin Johnathan" "Jumping is the way to attract female and also to get around." "Yeah his front fins behave like a strong pair of arms, complete with elbows!" "Pelvic fins act as stabilizers - they provide good balance and traction." "Making his way to the jump" "And he is... after all, a very slow, tenderous runner, walker, Yep" "This is going to take a little bit of time" "And then stretching to watch from the back seats of the stadium here" "Just get in there" "A big gulp of air." "That'll help oxygenate his water tanks." "Retracting his eyes rehydrates them, clearing his vision." "A wink and a blink." "And there he goes!" "Oh that's stunning, what a stunning leap." "Beautiful, not such a graceful landing though." "Let's have another look at it here." "See how the muscular tail curls." "It acts like a spring to propel the Mudskipper into the air." "Not a very good landing, was it?" "Nevermind" "Right on the mark, no question a foul jump" "He flew, then wait and see." "Well I tell you one thing about this." "The kangaroo has reason to be confident." "The Mudskipper has not beaten him." "Still, that's not a bad result for a fish." "Now we've got a change of sport again now, we're gonna get back to the shooting." "And we're all familiar with this character's reputation - it's the skunk." "I'll tell you what this performance promises to be another nasty smelly one." "Yes because we do know that the skunk approaches the target backwards." "That handstand is a threat display aimed at making him look bigger." "It's a warning before he sprays." "Wait for it." "And there's the shot!" "It's hit the target, just under 15 metres  not quite beating the Gecko -but I think he still gets the Bronze." "He should get a gold for balletics, look at that handstand." "Well like the Fulmar, the Skunk uses his Spray defensively." "He needs to be accurate because he aims for the eyes." "Let's see the results of what was a revolting event." "The Archer Fish takes a well-deserved Gold - a winning combination of distance and accuracy." "Yeah the Spiny Tailed Gecko walks away with Silver." "And the skunk for Mammals takes the Bronze" "So, just sum it up for you here is the... crowd get excited once again" "Show you the team result now" "And in 1st place at the moment we got the insect." "Herptiles in second place and in third place the fish." "The mammals are coming up behind them, so it's pretty close, and there are a lot still to come to entertain the capacity crowd." "Let's take you back to the weight lifting." "First of all with a reminder of what we've seen already:" "The Rhino Beetle - a disappointing failed lift." "The Golden Eagle in the lead." "Still to come - the Nile Crocodile, the Great White Shark, and of course the Elephant." "The Nile crocodile there, not one for announcing his arrival he's grabbed the bar with those powerful jaws and thrashing that strong tail he powers it up into the air!" "And you can see them off their seats in the background there." "Responding to this performance." "Stunning arrival, very quickly about his business." "In the wild you know, with that sort of leap he's, he's able to take down an African Wildebeest." "Well I tell you what, that was so impressive." "We really odd to take a look at the replay." "Little teeth, crunch, soaring into the blue sky." "There's the tail on the power divide from that." "Absolutely, really worth seeing that again." "Who goes in to get the bar out?" "Er...that's the unsolved mystery, Johnathan." "We'll try to find out a bit later on." "But let's look at our next competitor now because he is gonna make a surreptitious entrance." "This is the Great White Shark." "Surprise attacks are his strength too" "So let's see what he can do now!" "Look at that dynamic move!" "Well the Great White Shark often kills its prey with this method, it's known as the Polaris Attack." "This is the great white in action in the wild." "These are seals that can weigh up to 500 kilos;" "the technique disorientates them before delivering the killer bite." "Let's see how he tackle the bar bell again" "Look, those jaws mean 85% of fish's body lt made up of muscles, comparing about 35% in human." "Well back now to the Long jump." "And the Zebra Grasshopper is likely to put in a crowd-pleasing performance for the insects." "That's an impressive jump." "And that just take him to the event." "Well those long hind legs look promising." "He must beat the Kangaroo and the Mudskipper if he's going to get Gold." "And just like the Bush baby, head swaying I think to gauge the distance." "What a Jump that, that's incredible!" "Oh yes you've got to say that, that was a fantastic jump, look at the crowd they really appreciate it." "Look at the replay, see the oversized femur, those long, long back legs, a mass of muscles, they work like, like catapults really." "Yes and the knee joint contain special springs which store energy." "These are cocked as the Grasshopper bends its leg." "The knee-joint releases, it catapults the grasshopper into the air." "And even before the strength the muscles from one back leg has the strength to lift 1.4 kg, that's a bug and a half of sugar." "It just gets better and better for the insects!" "We've seen the Kangaroo and the Mudskipper and still to come, the Emperor Penguin and the Rocket Frog Jonathan." "First we'll see the Emperor Penguin." "Here he is preparing to jump." "Now he'll go deeper and deeper and deeper in order to accelerate so quickly when he comes back up to the surface watch this now." "He's approaching very fast!" "Oh my goodness me that has got to hurt." "This is the penguin at home in the wild, has to get out of the water quickly in order to" "Get away from all those predators." "Before we go any further we're not sure about that last one I think we're gonna have to see that jump again Jonathan." "Well he came from a great distance, no idea where he's going." "Bash." "Brilliant." "P-p-p-pick up a penguin after that." "He rattled the boards didn't he there." "Anyway next up is the Herptile competitor - the rocket frog." "Just look at that physique, with the streamlined head and the long legs, he's certainly got form." "He's got form but has he got the class to win it on the day that's the big question as he prepares now." "Crowd waiting here with baited breath." "Just look at that." "Flying, soaring and that is an unbelievable performance, he's leapt over the sand completely, the pit's not long enough for him." "Will the judges allow it, lets see it all again." "Well those exceptionally long legs are packed with specially developed muscle fibres, optimised for immediate and powerful response." "Look at him go!" "A true rocket!" "One giant leap for frog-kind!" "Oh the tension now on the decision, the judges have agreed to allow it." "I think it's safe to say Gold in the bag for the Herptiles here." "Well I think the judges are in a good mood Jonathan, they're allowing the Emperor penguin a second attempt." "And that's a much cleaner exit from the water there." "But it was another messy landing;" "it looks like he's dug himself a bit of a hole!" "Let's see it again, streamline body propelling through the water." "Bang like a bullet." "The leap's used as a quick exit by the way from predators such as the leopard seal." "Well we're learning all the way aren't we today." "Every event brings it's, look just 6 metres for the Penguin it was a valiant try actually but at the end of this event Jonathan take us through the score board." "The Rocket Frog taking the Gold Medal, with a jump of 178 metres, undeniably the champion long jumper of the animal world!" "What a result!" "And they're loving it." "They certainly are now let's see how that result affects the Team performance and table." "In joint first place at the moment we've got the Herptiles and the insects." "With 8 points." "Mammals and Fish now joint third." "Our hosts the birds, yet to win a medal." "Well now the games really hot up as we catch up with the Weight Lifting." "The African elephant is about to perform" "And we've already seen him lift the human record effortlessly" "But to make this event fair, like all other athletes, he must be scaled to Human size." "And for the elephant, that means shrinking him!" "Let's see what he thinks of that human record now." "Not so confident but grips the bar with a muscular trunk... and what's that?" "He looks a bit embarrassed Motty." "He does doesn't he?" "Well he's going to go for another attempt but look at that!" "He's finding it impossible to lift." "Well scaling works both ways of course and an elephant weighing the same as a human would not match us for strength - he can't even lift 25 kilos let alone 263 - the human record." "There's no getting away from it, that's a disappointing result for the Mammals isn't it." "That's an embarrassing result for them." "Well it is really." "And next up is the Rhino Beetle's second attempt." "Now he struggled last time with the track surface." "Let's see what he can do this time." "He hasn't adjusted the weight - he's still going for the 54,000 kilo weight." "That's the equivalent of a human lifting 5 double Decker buses!" "Well I tell you what his stance looks a lot better this time." "Those segmented legs can support huge weights." "And he appears to be taking that strain." "Those tarsal claws giving good traction." "Has he done it, has he done it." "He has you know he's done it!" "The Rhino Beetle has done the insects proud!" "Oh yes." "Just look at that and you'll see it soon on the scoreboard," "I bet he's relieved when he puts it down." "Well look another well deserved gold medal." "The Golden Eagle, our torch carrier, has taken Silver." "The Birds have got to be happy about that!" "Just, shall we hear the anthem?" "The insects take the lead." "Just two points between them and the Herptiles." "Mammals and fish now joint third as they enter the last event." "You've got to say it could be seismic... because the ground is opening up." "Great facilities." "Beautifully planned." "It opens up to reveal the pool." "Look at that and the 800 metre freestyle swimming will determine the ultimate winner of the Animal Games." "First up the Whirligig beetle - for the insects" "We have the Gentoo Penguin for the birds" "The Mako Shark for the fish." "The Dolphin representing the mammals" "The Sailfin Dragon for the Herptiles" "And the sail fish, another contender for the fish." "Yes we're building up to a great climax now, this is gonna settle it one way or the other." "The Gentoo - sleek plumage  wings converted into flippers  it literally flies through water." "Yes a strong contender but so is the Mako shark you know - ultimate streamline form." "You could call that an ocean sprinter." "The sailfin dragon next to the Whirligig Beetle there - just two points between them." "The dolphin squaring up to the sailfish" "And they're off!" "Sailfish taking an early lead - he's fast!" "The Penguin next." "The Whirligig a bit confused there." "Here's the dolphin." "The Mako shark for the fish." "The Whirligig back on course now." "The penguin's overtaken by the Whirligig a scaled speed of 450 miles an hour." "Sailfish slicing through the water." "Here's the dolphin." "Behind, coming up for air, that'll cost him, I think." "Yep shark, shark there in 5th place, dragon trailing badly." "The Whirligig, the Whirligig has overtaken the lot." "What's happening here, total confusion." "Sailfish back in the lead." "The penguin just behind." "Oh Whirligig's back in front." "Oh no, no he's heading in the wrong direction." "This is utter chaos and confusion the sailfish first on the turn." "Penguin close behind." "Dragon trailing behind the shark and dolphin on the turn." "The dragon's hopes for glory fading fast." "The Whirligig beetle also on the turn, rather too many of those, back on course though he'll soon make up time for that I think." "Yeah sailfish still in the lead, penguin's just behind." "Penguin overtaken by the Whirligig." "Dolphin just behind." "Shark there in 5th place." "Dragon - hopelessly behind." "Sailfish in front." "Whirligig confused." "Dragon again." "What's this - it's a miracle the dragon's walking on water." "He's overtaking the lot of them." "He's passing the penguin here look." "And even the sailfish is left behind." "The dragon races across the finish line." "The herptiles look thrilled but will it be allowed?" "Goodness gracious me." "Motty let's take a breather and analyse what happened." "Well we have to don't we, we have to." "I mean it was so confusing there at the end I don't think either of us quite knew who was gonna take the gold it, it got very mixed up there but look there he is, there he is overtaking the front runners there." "He actually creates air cushion under his feet as he runs and, and, and it doesn't even break the surface tension." "Great performance but will it be allowed?" "Well the judges say yes this is freestyle the lizard qualifies!" "So this is an amazing turn of events Jonathan here I, I really think that out of all this we have to say, don't we that the Herptiles are gonna get the Gold medal." "Which means the sailfish has to settle for Silver." "The gentoo penguin gains another medal for the hosts, the Birds." "Yep well now the overall results." "The ones that we've been building up to that decide the true champion athletes of the Animal World over to you Jonathan." "The Herptiles the winners!" "Three gold medals," "The 100 metres, the Long Jump and, some might say, 'very' freestyle Swimming!" "Well a series of disqualifications and unpredictable performances from the insects Show that although they gain in speed and strength when scaled their lack of accuracy is their undoing." "And here we are at the end of a truly exciting day." "On the podium representatives from the 3 winning teams." "In third position - the fish - represented by the mudskipper." "There ln second, the insects represented by the rhino beetle and there in top position, representing the winning team is the Collared Lizard for the Herptiles" "A victory there for the Reptiles and the Amphibians." "Those Herptiles can be proud of their title of Nature's most outstanding Athletes!" "Yes Jonathan and when they leave the stadium and return to their natural habitats, the competition is by no means over." "Because while the best Human sportsmen compete once every four years," "Animal athletes perform record-breaking feats every day of their lives in order to survive."