London 2012 Olympics

So the Beijing Olympics are over and London has officially taken over in preparation for 2012. There has been much criticism of London’s part in the official handover at the Birds Nest stadium yesterday but I’m not sure we should dwell on an eight minute “performance”. After the rigid structure of the various Beijing ceremonies, the apparent informality of the London effort did seem a little lack lustre but, if nothing else, it will have left an impression for viewers around the world!

Team GB performed beyond all expectations at this years Olympics and I, for one, feel incredibly proud of these athletes. Welcome home celebratory parties are expected throughout the country over the coming days as the athletes return to their home towns. However the biggest party took place yesterday in conjunction with the handover ceremony in Beijing. As London Mayor, Boris Johnson (who has been criticised for being “scruffy”) was handed the Olympic flag in Beijing, more than 35,000 people packed The Mall near Buckingham Palace and watched on huge screens. They were also entertained by the likes of Will Young, Scouting For Girls, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, McFly, Katherine Jenkins and a fly past by the Red Arrows.

Anyone who was judging the potential of London 2012 should ignore the official handover in Beijing and take note of the patriotism, excitement and exhilaration on display in London yesterday. The British came out in force to congratulate our athletes, celebrate their achievements and show their support for London 2012.

I’m sure when the time comes for our own opening ceremony, the organising committee will come up with something a little better than a Red London Bus and the winner of a TV singing competition! In the meantime, let’s remember the success of Team GB in 2008 and encourage young athletes across the country to win even more medals in 2012!

Only 1432 days to go!

Olympic Fever

I have not been a massive Olympics fan in the past but, with the prospect of the Games coming to London in 2012, the Beijing Games have proved to be rather alluring this week. I actually stayed up late last night to watch the marathon and see how Team GB’s competitors fared. There was plenty of drama to keep me awake - not least from our very own world record holder, Paula Radcliff and medal hopeful Liz Yelling who took a nasty fall, broke a rib and still completed the course! Sadly no medals for Team GB at the marathon but, when I woke this morning it was a different story on the medal board.

Now, I am aware that there is another week left of these Games and that things will probably change dramatically in that time but let me gloat today…

* * * * * * Team GB is 3rd on the medal board * * * * * *

How totally incredible is that?! China is currently the leader followed by the USA but here we are this tiny island, with an Olympic team half the size of these super-size countries and holding our own like never before. I am so excited by our athletes and can only hope that this is a sign of things to come at the London Olympics 2012.

One of the most amazing things to happen today was the first ever Olympic medal for a British male gymnast. 19 year old Louis Smith won bronze with a fabulousroutine on the pommel horse. There have been a load of British medal winners this weekend including another special performance from Rebecca Adlington giving her a second Gold – another first for British female swimmers!

So I am now gaining some real enthusiasm for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Some of these British athletes have yet to reach their prime and their home-country Olympics, by rights, should be a real platform for their more mature talents. Some events in 2012 will take place not far from where I live and I am now quite eager to catch some live action when I have the opportunity. I daresay my enthusiasm will wane a little between now and then but I am absolutely relishing the prospect today!

Sport In London

This week, construction began on the 2012 Olympic Stadium in East London – several weeks ahead of schedule. But before the Beijing Olympics have even started, the media are openly debating what the various London facilities should be used for post-2012. To spend millions (or is it billions?) on an event which only lasts a few weeks may seem ridiculous but, if all goes to plan, the local people should reap the rewards in a number of ways. Employment prospects are already looking better pre and post Olympics; regeneration should increase the value of property in the area significantly and locals will have new sporting facilities to be proud of. I would imagine there will be a right Royal hoo-ha if, for some reason, the Olympic committee fail to deliver for the local people. Let’s hope that all those people who lost their homes to make way for this immense sporting project will feel their significant sacrifice was worth it for the future of British sport.

As a West Ham United football supporter, I had hoped that the Olympic stadium may eventually become our new ground but it seems that is an unlikely outcome now. Latest reports suggest that a local rugby team may move in there when the Olympics have finished and the stadium has been altered for its new use. Personally, as long as it is utilised well, I don’t really mind who takes over. Besides, we have plenty of time left to discuss and (probably) decry the future use of the Olympic facilities.

Monday is, of course, a Bank Holiday in the UK. These all too rare national holidays are a good excuse to do something different with your loved ones or friends. Don’t sit at home and watch bad movies on the TV. Don’t let the rain and wind make you stay indoors. Don’t stay in bed all day bemoaning the fact you have to return to work on Tuesday. Get outside and discover London and all the wonderful places it has to visit. Parents often complain there is little to do with the kids during half-term holiday but with the London Pass there are over 50 attractions to visit and enjoy. Kids and adults will love the sports stadium tours on offer and also the free cycling tours around London. We are all being encouraged to get more exercise these days so why not see some of the famous London sights while pedalling to your hearts content?