With London 2012 into its third day it’s safe to say that Olympic fever is beginning to grip Great Britain. Following the triumph of a refreshingly different and delightfully British ceremony on Friday, Sunday saw Team GB pick up its first two medals , and yet, whilst many are getting into the spirit of the games, some still view the occasion as a golden opportunity to exercise another, slightly less endearing quality possessed by us Brits: to moan.
We cannot deny that for London to host the Olympics has not come without a great deal of expense – expense in a time when perhaps we cannot afford it. However, we were not in recession when the bid was won, to the joy of the nation, back in 2005, and to have come out and said a few years later, “Oh sorry guys, we don’t really want to pay for this anymore” was hardly an option.
More importantly, some things, believe it or not, are more important than money. People complain that all that is being spent on the Olympics could be better spent elsewhere but would the money really have been put to noticeably better use? It is very easy to say yes, but in truth I very much doubt it.
After all, the Olympics are more than just two weeks of sport. The slogan ‘inspire a generation’ is more than just a catchy little ditty. London 2012 will do exactly that – participation in sport will increase as a result of the games, whether it is people striving to be the next Rebecca Adlington or Ben Ainslie in Rio in 2016, or just getting on their bike or going for a run.
The two weeks themselves aren’t half bad either. These games have given Britain a chance to do something spectacular; to put on a show for the world. They will create memories not only for the thousands of athletes taking part but for all those who make the trip to watch the events live, and even those who stay at home and watch on TV.
Sports that normally go unnoticed by the public eye suddenly rocket to the fore of everyone’s minds. Whilst this is a subject of derision for some, who enjoy mocking their friend’s newfound interest in artistic gymnastics, it’s great. I wonder how many overweight fifty year-olds have secretly wished they could be vaulting across the floor or tossing themselves elegantly between the high bars? And more to the point, how many teenagers will join their local club and try and do exactly that.
It is things like this that make hosting the Olympics worth every penny.
Sure there will be the odd mistake. Some people, however, seem to be waiting for them with baited breath, and the strange kind of joy that materialised when the now infamous cock-up with the Korean flags became public was sad to see. It was a stupid error – one that could easily have been avoided, but was, in the scheme of things, insignificant. It will hardly mar the reputation of London 2012.
These Olympics are happening whether you like it or not, and we’re going to do them really well. The money has been spent, so, instead of revelling in any tiny errors, hoping for British failures and moaning your way through the fortnight, why not get into the spirit of the games. Try being British in an entirely better way.
You enjoy making articles moaning about people moaning.