Wow.
That is one word that I can use to describe the Olympics so far - just simply wow. We all had high expectations of the home Olympics, the first time it's been held in London since 1948 and it has done more than exceeded them.
7 years it has been since it was announced that London would hold the 2012 Summer Olympics, and 7 years of preparation and hard work has gone into making sure London holds a heck of a show. I'll have to take my hat off to Seb Coe, the mastermind behind the bid and making these games happen. And so far it's been hugely memorable - particularly for Team GB.
Starting with the opening ceremony which really lived up to its billing - Danny Boyle put on a fantastic show. The five rings in the sky, James Bond and 'the Queen' parachuting out of a helicopter, the giant Voldemort, the fantastic flame - it was fantastic. I felt utter pride seeing Chris Hoy walk out with the fly, holding it as high as he could, tears in his eyes as a massive roar rang around the impressive Olympic Stadium as the British team emerged. It really made me proud to be British, seeing all of the things that define what this country is all about and I for one, loved it. I don't think anyone disagree with that, and I really thought one thing - if this is what just the opening ceremony is like, I cannot wait for the rest of the games.
Team GB's 'tagline' on Twitter is "OurGreatestTeam" and I wholeheartedly agree with that - Team GB's performance in a number of sports have been anything more than fantastic. The wonderful Saturday when we brought home SIX golds in one day, those including 3 in Athletics was simply outstanding. I know that for those who are from the USA are probably used to bringing home that number of medals each day, but to us Brits, it's so much more. We hadn't achieved anything close to that since 1908 - it was the greatest day in the modern era for Brits in the Olympics and I know I am not the only one who says they are damn proud to be British. The heroes of the nation - Jess Ennis, Mo Farah, Greg Rutherford amongst others - didn't fail to deliver that day.
Then we come to the legends of the team - Bradley Wiggins and Sir Chris Hoy; Wiggins stormed to a time trial win, earning his 4th gold medal and making a claim for a knighthood from Queenie after also becoming the first British winner of the Tour de France. Truly an inspiration. And Sir Chris. Just wow. Six golds now - simply a fantastic achievement. He is really such a great role model, and cements his status just in front of Sir Steve as the greatest British Olympian EVER. For now. But I feel that title may stick for a while most definitely. Both men have done wonders for our country, and it really was lovely seeing a very touching moment between the two after Hoy's win in the Keirin.
I have been lucky enough to go to Olympic Park and to a few events, and the atmosphere was fantastic - being in London you just felt a all around better atmosphere. It felt a happier place - I know it sounds cheesy but it's true! The city of London and indeed the country has been brought together through the Olympics and it is doing amazing, amazing things for Great Britain. I'm going to be miserable when both the Olympics and Paralympics finish, as then that's it. But I know one thing for sure - there's been blood, there's been sweat, there's been tears but these games will be one that shall never be forgotten.
