The opening ceremony and the way it told Britain’s far-reaching story was very striking and moving; the storytelling was unique and nuanced, and showed many sides of the British story.
Jessica Ennis probably tops the list of athletes who have impressed me and will stick in my memory; she seems to so deeply enjoy her athletic ability and her success in a way that is both confident and disarming without seeming at all egotistical.
Usain Bolt’s strides have been just astonishing to watch, and of course what unfolded in the pool for the United States, men and women alike, has been riveting.
London’s organisation and approach
My personal experience has been one of complete efficiency and friendliness. I keep reading about how Londoners grumble a lot, but I have to say that I haven’t heard any of that.
Compared to other Games
This is my third Olympics in person, and each has its own character. I don’t know that any of them are comparable. I have been delighted at much of the Olympic architecture, and I think that the Stratford and Hackney Wick neighbourhoods, which have probably been through a great deal these past few years as the Olympics approach, have lent a very distinctive flavour to my experience of these games.
Biggest surprise
I’m not sure it’s a surprise so much, but I have been struck like never before by the multiculturalism here. I’m sure that has been just as present at previous Olympics I’ve been to, but for some reason I felt it more here.
One would think the ability to get along with others that pervades an Olympic Games might eventually extend itself into the larger world. That’s always the hope, at least.
My father, a linguist, felt strongly that if people could communicate better with each other it might help prevent wars. I believe that to be the case, and I think that the Olympics are a pivotal proving ground for his notion.