OK, I admit it. I was wrong. The London Olympics were quite the opposite of the predicted disaster.
In the great British tradition of griping, I thought all sorts of things would go wrong and we’d finish up with a very expensive cock-up.
To be fair, the signs were there – the eye-watering cost, ticket shambles and security in chaos until the military stepped in and did a superb job.
But I now freely admit the games have been a triumph, an emotional rollercoaster of ecstasy and despair, a showcase for the best of the human body and spirit – from the magic of Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah to the hard work and open hearts of the many volunteers who greeted visitors and athletes.
Now the legacy, I’m not so sure. Will the sudden passion for sport survive now the flame is extinguished?
I’m tempted to say it won’t but I’m hedging my bets. After all, for the first time in years, we’ve taken the laundry off my cycling machine.
NIGGLES: But I still have two Olympic niggles. With 30 plus miles of Games lanes slicing through London’s traffic, why were so many official vehicles off piste? And where were all those empty coaches going?
SHARED PAIN: After winning the 200m, Usain Bolt said he felt his back hurt as he turned a corner. So that’s one thing we have in common
LOW BLOW: Reporting more Olympic triumphs On Friday, The Times described dressage and boxing as, “sports as opposite ends of the social spectrum.” Bit of a chav, that Marquis of Queensberry.
MARATHON EFFORT: Watching all these athletes draws me back to my Danny Lancaster crime thrillers. Danny is an ex-para and soldiers need to be athletes. The job involves feats of endurance, often carrying back-breaking loads, that can demand the last drops of raw determination. And Olympic athletes don’t get shot at.
Danny’s two novels – The Wreck Of The Margherita and Death Squad – continue to attract positive reviews from readers. Danny3 is progressing well and I hope to publish early next year.
I already have an outline for Danny4 which is due out later in 2013. And there are paperbacks in the pipeline.
Danny and I have signed up for the marathon rather than the sprint.
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