London 2012

Having been on holiday during the Olympics, I have to say I watched a fair bit of it! Before London 2012 began (i.e. whilst failing to acquire tickets) I was very grumpy about the whole thing. I have previously loved the Olympics ever since I was 5 and saw Sally Gunnell win the 400m hurdles, but I was sure that London 2012 would be a flop. I thought it would cost too much, it would never live up to Beijing and that it could not reach me far from London. I was wrong. London 2012 united people. Although I was not lucky enough to attend any events, I was watched a lot of it, as it seems did the rest of the country. This created a unity I found astonishing. I would go into shops and instantly have conversations with people I did not know about the inspiring games. This, from a shy wall flower, is a great thing.  Everyone I have spoken to speaks highly of these games. And, although I know the negativity that swamps our society will return again soon, I am pleased to ride this wave of joy for as long as possible. Twitter has been alive with positive messages and Facebook filled with amazing role models. It has been such an affirming time.

Another thing the Olympics has got me thinking about is footballers. I am a football fan. I enjoy supporting my local team and am a season ticket holder. I do not, however, understand the money that is involved in this sport. The Olympics has got me thinking about how much work these athletes put in. Gold medals were won by people whose funding was cut: a far cry from the multimillionaires of the world of football. Now, I understand that the athletes involved with London 2012 will not be necessarily ‘broke’ but it does make you think about the dedication and commitment these people show. Jessica Ennis has been the face of these games and is saying she will treat herself to a Chanel handbag now she’s won gold, because she couldn’t bear to spend all that money before. Go on you! I’m a girly girl and I too wouldn’t say no to a Chanel handbag, but this waiting seems to say a lot. We live in a society that is about getting things now. Top League footballers can do this. It seems that there is little that they cannot get ‘now’. But Jessica has waited until she has proven she is the top of her game to get something she desires. Makes me think... Footballers are people’s role models and now hopefully these athletes will be too. Inspiring a generation for the right reasons, not just money and fame.

London  2012 has been a jewel in the crown of Great Britain and everyone from the athletes to the volunteers to the wonderful BBC should be very proud of all they have achieved. It has been a joy to be a part in this unifying time. 

♥