So the Olympics are over, nearly three weeks of sport and euphoria ended on Sunday as the last fireworks dimmed over the stadium in Stratford. Lots of accolades have sounded about how great the Gamesmaker volunteers were at the Olympics. But, as a Gamesmaker, I have to turn that accolade around.
For me, the games were special because of the spectators – the fans – that attended each event and brought with them pride, joy and a tremendous sense of humor.
So this post is a tribute to the best of the best fans that I met.
From the first day I volunteered on Fulham Broadway, chatting with a man on a custom Harley scooter – the only such scooter in the world – to the final day that I volunteered and chatted with a family of triathletes from Yorkshire who claimed their spot on the Serpentine at just about 7 in the morning to see their hometown hero win…
The fans were my games. The fans were the ones that made my experiences so brilliant.
From Lyndelia and Patricia from Colombia, who in rain and shine stayed on Fulham Broadway to support the Colombian riders. These ladies didn’t speak much English, but with my rusty Spanish and a lot of smiles we had the best time…
To my Austrialian friends, who may not have had the biggest flags on the day or a glittering medal haul this Olympics, but they definitely brought with them an infectious spirit. 24 hours of travel to spend two weeks going to various events. Talk about an Olympic-sized love of the Games!
There was Team America… Seeing the stars and stripes on the streets of London became common place during the games…
And cowbells. Lots and lots of cowbells. The biggest I have ever seen, ringing particularly loudly during the women’s triathlon, when Nicola Spirig took gold in a photo finish for the Swiss…
There were fans on the tube…
Fans on the streets…
And let’s not forget the fans for the home team. People who knew nothing about the sports came out in droves, to support being British. I had such a great time talking with these fans – the fans who just wanted to be a part of things, to learn about the sports, and to see and be a part of history…
Unlike the lonely flag I found after the women’s triathlon in Hyde Park, I hope the enthusiasm and good will is not forgotten, but will live on…
I know that my memories – made special because of the spectators – will. Thank you to everyone who I met during my volunteer shifts, on the roads and in the tube… You made my games special.
Thanks for the insider view of the games. How awesome to live in the host city.
Enjoyed all the pictures of the fans.