A Games to be Proud of, in Spirit and in Substance.

There is no denying that the next 17 days will be 17 of the most unique that we as Brits have ever witnessed. The Olympic Games. Sport will take centre stage as - for a couple of weeks at least - all the economic misery and subsequent social unease are put to one side, and we can instead all look forward to a bloody good show from London and the rest of Great Britain. The work to get to tonight has been observed and reported sporadically by news outlets over the past seven years since that magical day on July 6th 2005 when it was officially announced that London would host the Games, yet for the people involved the work has been constant, and the fruits of their labours will be revealed in a matter of hours. The excitement has only reached noticeable levels as 2012, the year of the Games began. Now that the moment until the Games officially begin has gotten ever closer, there has scarcely been a pinch of coverage that has not mentioned the Olympics every few seconds.

This is not something to be groaned at. Rather, it should be embraced as a genuine once-in-a-lifetime event. A real 'where were you?' moment. Perhaps the greatest 'where were you?' sporting event since 1966, and one of the greatest national events since the end of the Second World War. For the entire world has sat up and taken notice that (despite reports of many turbulent events in the build-up) London may actually be ready to amaze the planet. Thousands of foreigners have descended upon this not-so-sunny island with hopes of retuning with the glow of having been lit up by the skill and determination of the 10000 athletes who will compete. Boris Johnson offered his 'we are ready' speech to the delight of thousands at Hyde Park yesterday, and we as a nation of proud cynics may also join those in being delighted; firstly by Danny Boyle's £27 million opening ceremony, and secondly by the wide array of sporting events that are to follow. The Paralympics too are not to be missed, and will showcase the incredible display of those who have not let their disabilities hinder their desires.

The world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, has not had the ideal preparation to defend his 100m and 200m titles, but it is not foolish to expect him to do something special. His countryman Yohan Blake may also write his name into the record books. The man they once called the human dolphin is returning to the swimming pool to try and win another stockful of gold medals. Countless others who may not possess the same level of superstardom but certainly possess just as much of the talent will be aiming to take as many medals back to their respective countries and to see their hard work and dreams fulfilled in some form. Whether it be for the satisfaction of personal achievement, the desire for recognition and respect, or just for the pure national pride, they will all be pushing themselves to the limits of human potential.

Looking closer to home, and there are dozens of athletes who have endeared themselves to the public, especially since Beijing's Games in 2008. A few names stand out and keen eyes will be fixed upon these men and women more than most. Rebecca Adlington, A virtual unknown four years ago,  is now the country's inspiration in the water. Hopes are high that she cuts through the waters rather than treading them. In another water sport, poster-boy Tom Daley has overcome personal tragedy to once again take on the might of Chinese 'robot' Qiu Bo off the edge of the 10m platform. Having lost his father to cancer last year, he arguably has extra motivation to top the leaderboard. Newly crowned Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins turns his attention to the vélodrome, while his Team Sky compatriot Mark Cavendish, the fastest man in the world on two wheels, will set out to cement that undeniable fact. On the running track, Jessica Ennis has overcome injury woes in order to prove herself as the most well-rounded athlete the country - and the world - can boast.

The concept of a 'home' Games has allowed for a reigniting of our country's national sport once again in Olympic competition. For the first time in the lives of all of two generations, football has come home (at least for the Olympics). In the men's competition Ryan Giggs finally took his bow on the international stage last night for Team GB, ironically at the stadium where he has won most of his club medals. Beforehand, he made it clear what the competition meant to him as a Welshman who never had his chance at a European Championship or a World Cup. 'An Olympic gold would be up there with my European medals', he remarked. It is still amazingly refreshing to see the 38-year-old with the same drive he had twenty years ago. With a host of young talent alongside him, he and the rest of Team GB can hope to build on their somewhat unfortunate draw with Senegal.


The preparation has had it's dazzling highs and earth-shattering lows, but the impact of the next two and a half weeks of competition will shape Great Britain's legacy for the next century, and though nowadays we cannot claim the greatness we once had, confidence should be had in Great Britain's readiness to create a legacy worthy of its name (and win a hell of a lot of medals!). Let the Games begin.