On Tuesday, thanks to British Airways, I had the pleasure of experiencing the London 2012 Olympics first hand.
Needless to say I was beyond excited. I even had a t-shirt made and rushed out to buy union flag themed shoes. (Why do things by halves, eh?)
Joined by our competition winners, I headed down to the Horses Guard Parade venue to witness the first round of the women's beach Volleyball semi-final; USA versus China. I have to comment on how strange it was seeing two super powers battling it out on the sand - bikinis and all. I also have to admit it was very moving seeing them hugging it out throughout the game.
Not being a sport that Team GB was competing in, I had to pick sides. I'm not going to lie; it was an easy choice for me. With our editor-in-chief's birth place being sunny old California, I had to represent USA in this match - sorry China.
As the match started and the players were introduced, the crowd learnt that China were undefeated champions and started to get nervous. Had I backed the wrong horse? Oh no, definitely not. The US girls smashed through the match, dominating and winning in two short sets. The crowd went crazy, as did the US women, who danced into the cameras and hugged it out. Gracious in victory, of course.
The games touched me, and visiting felt amazing. I felt a huge surge of patriotism that left me a little weepy. We have hosted the most amazing Olympic Games. The match was fantastic, but the atmosphere was unparalleled by anything else. The commentator did an amazing job of keeping us pumped and by the time I came out, my voice was disappearing and my hands were bright red from clapping. A montage of songs played throughout the game, including Bey Bey's Girls,which certainly got me singing, and reminded me once again, that our girls were doing us proud. Who run the world?
During this game, Team GB enjoyed amazing success in other events, achieving two more medals. The commentator was sure to keep us up to date, and with that there were standing ovations all around; hugs were shared and it was clear that Team GB were in hearts and minds of all. The eyes and ears are never far away from the home team when the Olympics are in town, clearly!
I went in to our games with an Olympic spirit, excitable like a 5 year old on skittles: I came out touched, and glowing despite the absence of our team. London, you've done us proud. Truly, the greatest show on earth.