Posted on August 7th, 2012 at 7:35 pm by 
I’m totally hooked on the Olympics. The wave of optimism and good cheer which has overtaken the country has been a tonic for us all, regardless of whether sport is your thing. Sport has never been mine, but I’m absolutely at one with the stories, emotions, heartbreak and elation and the respect held for such admirable achievements.
It has also been so refreshing to listen to such humility and grace from the competitors whether victors or those reeling with disappointment. Footballers, take note.  But why do our commentators ask such inane questions as ‘how do you feel?’ when many, many hard and relentless years of training and focus are extinguished in a matter of seconds because of a simple mistake or error of judgement. My favourite retort has to be Ben Ainslie’s reply to Gary Linkeker’s question of ‘will you be at the next Olympics in 4 years’ time’. ‘Will you be still presenting Match of the Day?’ came the swift response. 15 love. Thank heavens for Clare Balding.
There can’t be any greater feeling than representing your country and to wear the team strip. Lucky Team GB to have predominately navy with red and white. Not much you can do to upset that happy marriage. (Stella McCartney) You couldn’t say the same for the Australians. Great country, lovely people, but I can’t be the only one to wince at  the podium appearances of the Australians in the velodrome in their unforgiving yellow. Gold medal for style has to go to the dressage teams. I understand Hermes designed for the French team and impeccable tailoring transcends all.
I’ve been lucky enough to get tickets and have been utterly impressed by the organisation and attitude of everyone involved. The volunteers are champions in themselves – so polite and helpful and what a change from our normal grudging poor service we have come to expect.
All in all a triumph and total inspiration. I could even be tempted to take up sport.
marigold x
