Games of the XXX Olympiad

As I write this, the world is counting down to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, officially known as the 'Games of the XXX Olympiad'. Taking place from 27 July to 12 August, it has cost a hefty 800 million pounds! London is the first city to host the games three times, once in 1908, then 1948 and now in 2012. Last evening we watched the the torch being carried to Hyde Park, and Rob's nephew has actually been involved! His sister's elder son Alun can be seen here holding the torch, impressive hey? The torch with runner, visited them at work.

Alun proudly holding the torch. (Thanks to Bev)

I believe that the actual lighting of the Olympic flame is a state secret with bookies taking bets on who and how! The names David Beckham and Roger Bannister have been mentioned, so now we shall simply have to wait and see! We have 125 athletes taking part, a good number really, even compared to Australia with 410 and Great Britain with 541, and a lot better than many countries, with some as few as 2! Altogether 10 000 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees will gather in the stadium tonight, all wearing their designer tracksuits!

Looking smart! (Thanks to the website)

Our middle distance runner Caster Semenya will carry our flag. She is one of our gold medal hopes, even though the gold medals are actually 92.5% silver and only 1.34% gold! I don't know what the odd 6% balance is, but it would have cost over 25 million British Pounds to make the medals from pure gold!

Caster with our flag! Go girl!

Our team flew over last week in a specially painted SAA Airbus 340-300 called 'Siyanqoba' ( we conquer). Created by a 21 year old Ari le Roux, a student from Stellenbosch University, the design was chosen from 400 entries. What an honour to have a plane painted with your creation, amazing.

Our team with 'Siyanqoba' (Photo Sibisiso Msibi)

So, for the next couple of weeks we have another excuse to loll in front of the television, wine and snacks close to hand.

In the unforgettable words used in 80 phrases from 77 movies and series........'Let the Games Begin'