Lasting impressions of the London Olympics

[dbarn67]

Originally Posted by RubyPrincess168

No Mini Cooper merchandise either at Team USA shop, only the black cabs. Fortunatey I have a friend who looked for me, found a couple things but they're sold out, and will keep checking for me. Are they afraid of people buying out items and reselling them on ebay, etc? That's a legit concern, I guess, but it sucks for the rest of us. I could buy souvenirs after the Vancouver Games. Do I just have to wait a few months?

More likely it's licensing agreements between and within the countries. I remember trying to get merchandise from Canada during the Utah Winter Olympics. I couldn't buy that country's merchandise because Nike restricted the purchase. I was able to get stuff a month or so after the Games ended.

[RubyPrincess168]

Loved John Lennon's 'Imagine' in the CC - so appropriate!

[EIIR]

I'll admit, I was worried about the Games beforehand. We British are a cynical lot, and on top of that we love nothing more than to rip our own country to shreds. One of the most common remarks you'll hear from Britons when discussing our country is 'this country's going to the dogs' - i.e. in meltdown.

The last few weeks demonstrated that's not the case. The British people came out in their millions, supported Team GB, but also athletes from other countries. The venues were great, as was the transport, the volunteers and armed forces are worth their weight in gold.

I've loved every minute, hope everyone else did too.

Quote of the Games for me - Nicola Adams on becoming the first female gold medallist in boxing: "it's made my day". British understatement at its best.

[Daria_S]

Originally Posted by dbarn67

More likely it's licensing agreements between and within the countries. I remember trying to get merchandise from Canada during the Utah Winter Olympics. I couldn't buy that country's merchandise because Nike restricted the purchase. I was able to get stuff a month or so after the Games ended.

Good to know . I'll keep an eye out starting in mid-September then .

[LadyFinn]

I love to watch sport, I have always loved it.
The games very fabulous, the atmosphere at the arenas was fantastic, the british people and the tourists watching the games were great, they cheered for everyone. There were many great athletes, who did magnificent performances. Of course there were many disappointments for me also, when my favourite athleted didn't win. One of the greatest things is that already in the morning at heats and preliminary rounds the sport venues were full of people. There has been a unique aura in these games, when you think just sport.
Greatest moments for me were Usain Bolt and his three golds, David Rudisha's world record and the basketball final USA-Spain. I enjoyed also watching sailing, we had many Finns competing there.

It was fun to follow all the royals during the games.
But to me the opening and the closing ceremonies were quite big disappointments, I didn't like either of them.
Many of the performers at the closing ceremony were totally unknown to me, I have never heard them singing or never heard of them. Since I don't listen to this kind of music, the closing was too long. And there was nothing olympic at the closing ceremony, just too much cars, which isn't very athletic. And I missed the big dancing numbers at the other ways empty stadium. Now there was too much stuff at the stadium. I feel that I didn't see the soul of Great Britain in the ceremonies.

But Great Britain can be proud - when you think of just sport and the athletes and the audience, the games were a big success.

[wanderingnana]

Great Britain did a fabulous job. I really enjoyed watching these games, not only for the athletes, but also the enthusiasm of the British. I never did hear of any of those major problems that were supposed to be disasterous- as usual, the British did everything well and for a supposedly reserved nation, were warm and hospitable and totally charming. Well done!

[Queen Penelope]

Everyone involved in putting on the games should be really proud...truly well done!

My favorite moment was probably Tom Daley's bronze medal. To see the joy on his face and to see how excited he was to win the bronze was wonderful. His dad is looking down on him bursting with pride!

[Duke of Marmalade]

Two things will be lasting in my memory: HM & the James Bond stunt and the Usain Bolt show.

[Empress Merel]

I loved these Olympics. I didn't really follow the Games in Beijing as I was 14 at the time and really only interested in the Equestrian side.
But I watched as much as I could and I would've loved to be there. The atmosphere was great and quite a lot of surprises too. There were new records, new athletes hitting the scenes, a few scandals. It had a bit of everything.

My favorite moment was probably Epke Zonderland in the final of the Men's High Bar in Gymnastics. Not only was his routine immensly difficult (he's now the only Gymnast who can do that routine) but the reaction of the commenter was just brilliant. Every Dutch person will know what I'm talking about.
And Salinero's goodbye, seeing how Anky was so emotional and content and the crowd thanking Salinero for his achievements. I cried like a baby. Anky's been competing at the Olympics since 1988. What a woman!

Emotional Anky van Grunsven looks at her performance - London 2012 Olympics - YouTube

London Olympics 2012 filmed by me Epke Zonderland on Mens Horizontal Bar August 7 2012 - YouTube

[Madame Royale]

Not surprised by GB medal haul. Home advantage does count for something and they competed very very well. Deserving of all their success.

The US and China always make up the top two nations so there was no surprise there and Russia also fairs pretty well overall.

I was somewhat surprised by Australia's lack of gold in the pool, but I think it's a certain wake up call for the AOC and some athletes. For all of Australia's swimming success in the past, many countries are well and truly caught up and it is now time to regroup, reevaluate and 'up the ante' if they don't want a repeat in four years time. They were pipped at the post fair and square on more than one occasion. That said, silver is a wonderful achievement and bronze is not something to be dismissed in any way, shape or form. They are our elite athletes and have done us proud by just participating.

I was delighted though by Australia's boating success at these games. They are definitly a new found presence.

I didn't watch as much of the games as I'd have liked due to work and comitments but from what I did see it was a smooth running event and one Britain can be proud of.

The marathon through the streets of London was very enjoyable to watch. I've not been back in a couple of years now so I felt in part connected to a city which is very very close to my heart.

[Mirabel]

I think this was an amazing Olympics, and I'm really not into sports!
But I watched much of it.

One tiny disappointment: I missed the bit with the Queen and James Bond, and can't seem to find it online! (One site said the video was N/A for the US).
Anybody know where I could view it?

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by Mirabel

I think this was an amazing Olympics, and I'm really not into sports!
But I watched much of it.

One tiny disappointment: I missed the bit with the Queen and James Bons, and can't seem to find it online! (One site said the video was N/A for the US).
Anybody know where I could view it?

So far most decent videos have been removed from YouTube thanks to the BBC, but it's worth a check.

[Empress Merel]

James Bond escorteert koningin - NOS Olympische Spelen 2012

Apologies if it's blocked in your country.

[Artemisia]

Unfortunately, it is indeed blocked for Armenia.

However, I have to say, that Queen/Bond sequence from the Opening Ceremony is probably the most lasting impression from the Olympics.
I mean, you can't really forget that, can you? Ever. The Queen parachuting to the stadium - priceless!

[Madame Royale]

Oh, and it was the best closing ceremony of any major sporting event that I've ever seen. Could not fault it even if I wanted to! Just phenomenal.

[NGalitzine]

I was surprised how edited down the NBC version of the closing ceremony was. I was also surprised that at 10PM NBC felt the need to bleep out the word sh*t from Eric Idols "Always look on the bright side of life". I would be very surprised if any American awake at 10PM EDT had not heard and quite possible used that word before or even been terribly offended by it. Silly really. Thankfully Canadian television showed the whole show live, as with most of the Games.

[Elly C]

I have really enjoyed the Games. I!m bereft it's over. I really don't like this need to compare with previous games as every one has its memorable moments and unique characteristics. I'm just proud that London will be remembered for all the right reasons. Now bring on the Paralympics - I have tickets for the athletics so I'm really looking forward to experiencing the whole atmosphere of London 2012.

[Duchess of Durham]

Because there was a lot available on-line and via the NBC Olympic app on my ipad, I was able to see more events this year than I have since 1984, when I was in high school and not working thus able to watch Olympics all day. I really enjoyed seeing things I wouldn't see in the evenings like the equestrian events, gymnastics and some swimming events live, synchronized diving, and the list goes on.

From all appearances, London did an excellent job. Am also so proud for Team GB. So glad they did well.

Downsides for me were NBCs Phelps lovefest, McKayla Muroney's attitude after she won the Silver.

Loved watching Oscar Pistorius, the 35 year old gymnast, Kayla Harrison - that was my first time watching Judo, Mo Farrah, and Kerry Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Trainor to name a few. Oh, and Zara Phillips, how could I forget her.

My fiance is glad to have me back now that the Olympics are over. Time to get back to more important day-to-day activities that fell by the wayside the last few weeks.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by Duchess of Durham

My fiance is glad to have me back now that the Olympics are over. Time to get back to more important day-to-day activities that fell by the wayside the last few weeks.

Me too - but because I havent got enough sleep in months. First the Football Euros and now the Olympics - now I can go to bed at a more convenient time again!!!

The closing ceremony was far too pop/rock-concert-ish for my taste, I didnt get the connection to the sport event it is in the first place.

[KittyAtlanta]

I wish I could say there were lasting impressions, but there are none. Not just this Olympics, even the Centennial Olympics that were held in my city faded quite quickly.

I agree with the DoM that the opening and closing ceremonies were too "concert-y" for me.

They are fun while they're going on, though.