The London 2012 Olympics was an event that no one could possibly avoid. Whether you were faced with it on your routine journey through the capital, or simply every time you switched on the tele, the nation was gripped. Having not been able/too lazy to find a job this summer, I had no qualms watching the various events of the Olympics all day every day. This is the first of the 6 Olympic games of my lifetime that I have given my full interest, even to sports that I never previously knew/cared about, like handball. Seriously, what crazy person woke up one day and said “you know what, football is for girls, let’s throw the ball, violently and full pelt at each other instead." brilliant.
Watching on with anticipation and pride for this diverse, brilliant and (at times) crazy country, the medals came rolling in. As reported, women have been able to reel in more medals than at the previous games. Providing 12 out of our 29 golds, I think it’s safe to say, contrary to the myth, that men do not dominate or are in any way better at sports than women. (feeling a little pride and a want to shout girl power - better kept to myself…)
The opening ceremony and 16 days of sporting events were organised and executed brilliantly. The colours, the atmosphere, the athletes - it all made London that little less dreary and routinely. BUT (there’s always a but), the ‘after party’ gave me mixed opinions…
As much as the closing ceremony did showcase our musical talent through the decades, and brought out our recently found patriotic unity, if you really think about it we were just showing 4 billion people how becoming a rockstar/supermodel/all of the above in Britain, ends up with drugs and sibling rivalry. Of course, the likes of Ed Sheeran and Jessie J may be the exception, but take Liam Gallagher as my first example. 3 years ago he was the vocalist for one of the biggest rock/indie bands of our time, now where is he? Founder of ‘Beady Eye’ (yeah, who?!) and in some tight, fierce war with his brother over a supposedly made up spout of man flu. What’s more, by the sound of his nasally voice at the closing ceremony he’s been sniffing one too many lines of cocaine. Secondly, I love Russell Brand as much as the next person, but his previous sex and alcohol addictions are public knowledge. So why was this man placed in front of the world, after all that he is known and stands for, to act as a role model? I think he is a great comedian and I get his style, but to put the likes of him, and anorexic, violent (Naomi Campbell), drug abusing (Kate Moss) supermodels, next to inspiring young athletes, is wrong.
I love comedy and I love fashion, and each professional must have worked hard to get their break in the competitive industries, but after the show that some athletes put on, and after knowing how much training and dedication goes into their sport, it’s admirable and deserving of success and appreciation. We are constantly reminded by the government and media that we are from a generation of a “troubled youth", so let the likes of Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah be our role models. Tell us how hard work truly pays off to the sound of a gold medal around your neck, not that becoming a rockstar equals more expensive drugs.
Nevertheless, the London 2012 Olympics were bloody fantastic, with London hosting the biggest after party I’ve ever seen. I’m looking forward to how Rio are gonna top them.. but watch out, I’m sure my cynical self will find some faults.
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