Reflections on London 2012...

Here we are, at the end of London 2012 (at least until the Paralympics) and I've been pondering a few things from the last 16 days. Usain Bolt is more popular as an underdog. Four years ago when a tall talented Jamaican strolled across the line to win the 100m final there was amazement, but was there joy? I'm sure I remember comments about Bolt being a bit too brash, not trying hard enough and generally being a bit unsportsmanlike. But now, after a season in which he's been beaten and when he claimed he was only 95% fit, the Brits think he's great. Now the posturing on the start line (and during the race, and after it) and all his other antics are embraced and we think he's great! Maybe 'minor' sports deserve more of our attention Dressage, water polo, handball, clay pigeon shooting. When was the last time you watched these before last week? Beijing 2008? Maybe we should seek out some of them on tv, get behind the teams in their warm up matches in far flung places and revel in their European championship victories? Football is suddenly unappealing Did you know the premiership football season is just getting ready to burst on to the scene? It is! But are you bothered? London can make a massive event work They did it! Copious planning, billions of pounds, hours of discussion and everything paid off. No terrorism (at least none I'm aware of), no massive travel chaos on the roads during the Games and no horror stories of athletes missing their events because they were stuck on the jubilee line. Medals fade, unlike some things. 1924. 400m. Gold medal. In the events which would eventually inspire the film Chariots of Fire (and the music before each medal ceremony at London 2012), Eric Liddell surged to gold. His medal is now probably faded, his GB kit a shadow of its former self, but the faith he had in God and in his son Jesus Christ still remains as un-dimmed in the 21st century for people as it was for him then. Olympic TV totally beats Judge Judy Scene pre-Olympics: home from work, flick on ITV, watch programme about US judge sorting out pretty minor disputes assisted by an almost comedy clerk. Scene during Olympics: 'Hmm, 20-odd channels to choose from, shall I watch table tennis, a spot of canoeing, or maybe some javelin?!' We could do this every four years Dear The IOC, Having just run an excellent games here with passionate crowds, excellent stadia and blanket media coverage, we would like to apply for the next 100 Olympiads. What do you think? Yours, The British Public Adios.