"There is a truth to sport, a purity, a drama, an intensity. A spirit that makes it irresistable to take part in, and irresistable to watch. In every Olympic sport there is all that matters in life.

And one day we will tell our children, and our grandchildren, than when our time came we did it right."
- Seb Coe, opening the 2012 games

Friday 27 July 2012

Five quick thoughts for five rings

Blue - Olympic lanes.  Huge controversy.  How many people know that they're not a London idea but were mandated by the IOC after the disastrous games in Atlanta where some athletes missed their events because of traffic.  I think the big issue is how restrictive the use is.  Surely buses could be allowed in there without jeopardising traffic flow to the events?

Black - I think it's a shame the opening ceremony doesn't start until 9pm.  Lots of children in the UK will be unable to watch live, and for Europe and Africa the time will be even less convenient.  I assume this is to appease NBC in America.  Seems a pity.

Red - "We'll have enough gold, silver and bronze to bail out Greece and Spain" - not the most tactful rallying cry from Boris, but I hope our Mediterranean viewers will forgive him given the occasion.  Both should remember clearly the excitement of hosting a games.


Gold - Talking of London Mayors, can we please give a shout out to Ken Livingstone as well?  I'm no fan of the great red one, but there's no way we're hosting the games without him.  I'd like to see him figure in the ceremony somehow.  Same goes for Blair, actually.  Credit where it's due.

Green - And talking of people who helped bring the games to London, I will be digging out my 2005 Back The Bid t-shirt tonight.  Because my £10 paid for five minutes of one of Seb Coe's scriptwriters' time, damnit.  Let's not forget who the real heroes are.

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2 comments:

  1. Martin28 July 2012 at 19:28

    It's strange because NBC didn't actually start their Opening Ceremony coverage until 7:30 ET (12:30 GMT).

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  2. coops13 August 2012 at 21:11

    turns out it was director Danny Boyle that insisted on the late start, for aesthetic reasons - with dusk having fallen, the stadium light show was most effective.

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