Part of the Olympics in London Town

Mixed emotions about the London 2012 Olympics. Why mixed emotions? Well at its purest level sport is the perfect way for humans to stay in touch with their animal roots without causing harm to others. The investment in new facilities and infrastructure is also fantastic (though sometimes not enough thought is given to what happens to them post-games). Unfortunately, modern sport has become tainted with over commercialism, it has lost some of its glamour because of the shroud of money that hangs from its shoulders. A positive aspect of commercialism is the riches that some can achieve if they put the hard work in to make the most of their talent. What better than to see someone from an impoverished background make good? Provided they have the mental strength not to succumb to cheating with drugs or other means.

However, considering everything, I am happy that London hosted them again. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for the host city and country. This was London's third Olympics, some remember 1948, whereas 1908 is true history. London was scheduled to host the Olympics in 1944 but World War II put a stop to that, so London got them four years later.

Great Britain Team at London 1908 Olympics

I've enjoyed the many great triumphs of British athletes over the decades but unfortunately, I never had the upbringing that encouraged sporting success so would never get the chance to take part in a major sporting event. Unless...

I was born in London and grew up south of the Thames. I left London in the mid-1980s and have lived in the West Midlands since then. I still have a soft spot for London but could never live there again, far too crowded and manic. I still have some links, mainly family and football (supporting a London football club, Crystal Palace, and my eldest son followed Chelsea for a while). I never took sport seriously enough to consider the Olympics, but at least I managed to get involved. When the call for volunteers went out, to be part of the Olympics in London, a Games Maker, why not? After all, being a small part of a historical event gives you a buzz. We can live a quiet life or try and do something interesting once in a while. Ne and another 69,999 volunteers can say they were at an Olympics. That's the good part...

The pain was trying to get to my volunteer shifts during the Olympics from the West Midlands!

The travelling turned out not too bad in the end. Leaving with plenty of time and early starts to drive down to London. Parking in an Underground station car park and getting the tube the rest of the way. Even given a special Olympic Oyster Travel Card. The travelling was tiresome but the experience was awesome. Even saw athletics events, including Usain Bolts 100m final win, as I was part of the IT support team in the Olympic Stadium. Got a ticket to see the rehearsal of the opening ceremony!

Entrance to London 2012 Olympics

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