I know there's an Olympics thread but as the event draws to a close, I thought one especially for Team GB was in order. What an outstanding games for us. Utterly fantastic. I said this year that I wouldn't be interested but I was really drawn into it and watched almost everything - even beach volleyball (musty take note) and synchronised swimming - those girls are great athletes. Team GB didn't get some predicted medals but we picked up in other areas. Well done to Jade Jones from North Wales for getting a Taekwondo gold and was the youngest GB gold medallist in the games. 7 medals for Wales in all, 3 of which were gold (think I'm right on that) and that will improve with Fred Evans boxing for gold today. Great stuff. GB was third in the medals table (American TV has put us in fourth because they are the only country that counts total medals. Why?) but whatever the case that makes us a real sporting world power. Big thank you to London. What a Games.
I have to admit, I genuinely didn't think our country was capable of organising and seeing through the largest sporting event in the world. But we've been absolutely fantastic, everything has gone smoothly (apart from a few hiccups at the start with the airport strikes, korea flag, empty seats, joe Allen put as English and the commentators referring to our football team as England a few times) but these are merely trivial in the grand scheme of things. The opening ceremony was fantastic, our athletes have performed admirally and no one has died always a plus.
Agreed, Knack. It has been a superb Games for us and well done to all concerned. In terms of population and even facilities, I reckon we outperformed the likes of USA and China.
Very pleased it is also one of the few times people seem to be proud of being British, it has surpassed my expectations and it is nice to see all the union flags flying in England. Very rare for the English to call themselves British.
Great Britain has done a magnificent job on the field of play & behind the scenes . Hope the closing ceremonies are as good as the opening ones , the British should be proud !!
I am probably in the minority,but it was "Bah,humbug" towards the games, as far as I was concerned. I only saw one and a bit football matches,and only then because of Swansea players involvement,plus the 200 meters mens final. The cost of producing the games was obscene. The behaviour of the main sponsors,equally so. I'm not convinced that the so called,highly anticipated "legacy" will amount to much. Most of the sports are elitist,with private school pupils being more advantaged. There is no level playing field. Blanket coverage ensured that it was difficult to avoid,with the whole thing becoming nothing more than opium for the masses. I'm glad it's over,but it's not really,for rest assured,it will be re- run on TV screens for the foreseeable future,because it will be cheap television to produce.
Not long to go now,swans-m. I understand the organisers plan to thrill the world by forcing the talentless spice girls down everyone's throats. That just about sums it all up really. Now,how CAN I miss that,and yet survive? I'll just have to try,I guess. ...
...and my Mrs calls me a grumpy sod, Vetch! A lot to be grateful for I think, but I agree with you on the public school point. This country, like many others, has vast untapped resources of talent and money has to be invested in the right areas. Good to see that even the usual elitist riding schools now have inner city programs. I think the Olympics is still a rather bloated, corporate event but it provides great opportunities for many and huge entertainment for the rest of us. Mo Farah. WOW!
"... and the paralympics still to come" Perversely,I don't have any problem with the Paralympics. This is probably due to heavy involvement with mentally handicapped/physically disabled people via voluntary and work involvement.
There is a lot of truth in what you say here Vetch unfortunately, yes the sport has became elitist, and the level playing field dug up, that said I did enjoy the games, and think we did really well, though no way will we get the books balanced for the cost of these Olympics, and I was led to believe we were broke as a country? makes you think aye, as the Tory scum at the top, steal and pillage from the sick, disabled, elderly, to pay for their addictions!............
Great post there Mabon. It had me on my feet singing along. It should be made into a sticky,so we can listen whenever we feel the need to be uplifted,and without having to run to u tube. Where was it recorded? Tabernacle,Morriston,perhaps?
Dragon the people who reside on this island will be paying for this for many years to come, maybe now those who run the old boys club in westminster will refrain from robbing the good people of Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland from receiving the much needed funds that was rightfully theirs that have been diverted from these countries to london over the last 7 years to pay for the london olympics.
I am like you vetch i am fully supportive of the Paralympics probably because i like you have worked for many years in the socail care field . I agree its a cracking version of our anthem
"... and my Mrs. calls me a grumpy old sod,Vetch" Well,you see Knackered,I watched with great envy as Dai walked away with the Victor Meldrew Award last season. I have decided to make an early play,and get my name in the frame for this season. I coming for you Dai. ...
You'll get my vote, mate though Mabon should get the Welsh language version. Hope you're at least proud of our Welsh athletes Mabon.
