Saturday, August 11, 2012

A-Hoy there in the Velodrome!

I have well and truly been indulging my Olympics obsession by watching the Games on tv and online, morning, noon and night.  There are also many big screens set up around the city, including one near my work, by Tower Bridge.


After hours spent refreshing the London 2012 ticketing website, I struck lucky and managed to score a solitary ticket to go and see the cycling at the velodrome in Olympic Park.


So off I went to Stratford on Tuesday, sandwiches packed and a Union Jack flag in hand - a great start to my birthday week!  Despite all the warnings of overcrowding on the tube and airport style security at the gates, my journey was smooth and I was in the Olympic Park with plenty of time to spare before Team GB hit the track.


Having been glued to the Games since the opening ceremony, I have to say, it was awesome to finally see the Olympic Park in person.  It is so cool.  It's also massive.  The walk from the gates to the velodrome probably took around 20-25 minutes.  There is just so much to see and take in - the architecture is very impressive, the park areas are pretty and flowery, and even the floor is colourful...


The volunteers are really cheerful and fun, and get you into the spirit of things as soon as you step out of the station.  Dubbed the 'Games Makers', they are friendly and helpful and indeed a real asset to the London 2012 Games.

Having seen members of Team USA, Team Russia and Team Czech wondering around London last week, I had been hoping to see one of the athletes from Team GB, and finally on Tuesday I got to see Sir Chris Hoy and Laura Trott at the velodrome.  The atmosphere was electric, the crowd were very excited and there was a sea of Union Jacks.


Team GB emerged victorious, and Chris Hoy is now Great Britain's most successful Olympian in history!


I spent the whole day at Olympic park, and really enjoyed sitting outdoors watching the park live screen.  It was great being part of an enthusiastic crowd that cheered and waved their flags, and stood to sing the national anthem when we won.  A fantastic experience and one I will never forget! 


The 2012 Games have been so exciting, Team GB have done fabulously, and I can't wait to go back and watch the athletics at the Paralympics later this month.

4 comments:

  1. Lucky gal!

    http://lostin1950.blogspot.fr/

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  2. Fantastic! We watched it on the T.V.

    You are so lucky to see it in person!

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    Replies
    1. I am having Olympic withdrawal now! Good thing the Paralympics are coming up in a couple of weeks! :)

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