Olympic Fever - Is it spreading?

7 years ago, when London was awarded the 2012 Games, everyone was really pumped. 

Then, as it got closer and closer to the games, the enthusiasm surrounding the games was dropping and the only people who seemed enthusiastic about it were the organisers and the News Reporters. Everyone else didn't seem to care. 


Most of the coverage on the build up to the games was about as thrilling and repetitive as the coverage on the Royal Wedding and the Jubilee, and we all know how fun they were to watch. 


But it seems, as the games have begun, that the buzz surrounding the Olympics has grown, even if it's only slightly. 


The Opening Ceremony lived up to the expectations, never mind what the Americans say. They're just jealous because it was better than theirs in Atlanta. 


But there is so much hype around Team GB being the 'best team we've ever offered for an Olympics'... 


So, when are we going to start doing well...? 


I know we've won a couple of medals, and that's good, but every time an Athlete is in an event we hear the commentators say that they might 'chances of gold', but usually we don't even qualify for the final. (Although, usually we do rank higher than the year before, so we can't complain) 


For example, Mark Cavendish. Now, don't get me wrong, he's a great cyclist. But at the last Olympics, he was the only member of the cycling team not to get a medal. Gutted. But, this year, the nation pinned their hopes on him to win a medal in the Road Race. Why? He hasn't won a medal in ages, he never does well in the Tour de France. I know it's a bit harsh, but you've got to be realistic. 


One team that needs to be commended this year, however, is the Team GB Gymnastics squad. This year, the men and the women, have both been outstanding. We know China are always going to get the medals, along with Russia and Japan, but to have both men and women in the Team finals, two men in the all around individual and then various gymnasts in different apparatus finals is quite an achievement and the team should be commended on highlighting the sport for GB. 


As always, there is going to be controversy surrounding the games. In the fencing, South Korean Shin Lam, 
sat down in protest after her match as she believed she had won, despite the technology saying othewise. After close analysis, it had shown that Lam had officially won, but it was too late, as the judges decision was final. In the Badminton, 8 players were disqualified after it was believed they were losing on purpose. 


The Olympics have caused a lot of trouble for London, maybe more bad than good, but we have to commend the athletes, of all countries, as they all perform to their best, even if some do falter. They all should be congratulated, especially those without medals. 


Keep on swimming. 

Chariots of Fire - London Symphony Orchestra (London 2012 Olympic Games)