2012 London Olympics

Going to my very first Olympics was very surreal and took probably a solid week before it sunk in that I was actually in London, seeing live Olympic events. It’s strange though, I’ve been asked by a lot of people since I’ve been back if I actually got to see any events. I guess some people go to the host city just to experience the atmosphere and watch the games on jumbo screens set up in various parks, but I doing that would have never occurred to me. If I’m going to the Olympics, I’m going to the Olympics, dammit.

So, to answer that question: yes. I did see live Olympic events. And here is what I saw..

The Opening Ceremonies

Holy crap. Now, I’ve heard a lot of naysayers go on about how terrible the NBC coverage was stateside, or that they just didn’t understand what was going on, and perhaps that’s the case, but I’ve got to tell you: seeing the Opening Ceremonies in person was probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in my life. Overall, I thought they were spectacular and a grand show on a scale I’d never experienced before. I was in the same stadium with royalty, celebrities, world-class athletes, JK Rowling (!!!), and Sir Paul McCartney. Oh, and not to mention people from almost every nation around the world!

London Olympics Opening Ceremonies

London Olympics Opening Ceremonies

Women’s Soccer: USA vs. North Korea

One of the coolest things about this event was that it took place in Old Trafford in Manchester. It’s such an iconic stadium for soccer lovers; and it’s in Manchester, which meant I got to explore a new UK city.

Having been to the World Cup in 2010, it was interesting to compare the differences between World Cup soccer matches and Olympic soccer matches. All-in-all, I’d say the World Cup wins this round, but I still had an awesome time and it was incredible to see women I’ve seen playing on TV and have admired so much in person. I have an undying love for Megan Rapinoe and was so excited to get to see her play. Plus, the girls ended up winning, which was totally awesome. As an added bonus, on the train back to Manchester, we were two seats away from the North Korean diplomats. That’s the closest I’ve ever been to a North Korean (to my knowledge, anyway).

Old Trafford London Olympics Women's Soccer

Old Trafford London Olympics Women's Soccer

Fencing: Men’s Teams Sabre Finals

I never really got fencing. One of the best things about the Olympic events was the fact that they showed little tutorial videos at the beginning. I learned so much about fencing being the event began and that was such a help in understanding what was happening. I was surprised at how much I was getting into it! Four teams competed: Italy, Russia, Romania, and South Korea. I was cheering on Italy the entire time and was so happy that they medaled (bronze).

London Olympics Men's Team Sabre Final

London Olympics Men's Team Sabre Final

Table Tennis

Table tennis was perhaps my least favorite of the events I saw. That being said, it was still very interesting to see. There were two matches happening simultaneously, and unfortunately, the one closest to my seat was rather.. mismatched. It was just sheer domination, and it was over before I knew it. So the focus was on the back table–Japan vs. Hong Kong. The most fascinating part was watching the rally (just learned that term at the Olympics–the Australian guy behind me kept shouting “check out that rally!). I can barely keep a ball in play after one hit, but these guys were jumping around and diving for the ball. It ending up being very exciting and the crowd was very involved.

London Olympics Table Tennis

London Olympics Table Tennis

Diving: Men’s 3m Springboard

My boyfriend’s sister used to live next door to Olympic diver Troy Dumais. He lives here in Austin and went to UT, so I was very excited to cheer on a hometown athlete in the Olympics! Diving was one of my favorite events of the entire trip. I’m totally fascinated by divers and how they can contort their bodies mid-air and then perfectly straighten before hitting the water, creating a splash so tiny that it wouldn’t fill a teacup (stole that the diving announcers). I’m sure most of you have heard about the Stephan Feck incident, and I was (un)lucky enough to have seen that. I know the video has gone viral, and he’s probably a huge laughing stock now, but one of the best things about the event was that everyone in the audience was truly concerned for his well-being. When he hit the water, the entire crowd gasped and the Aquatics Centre was silent until he made it back to the top and out of the water seemingly unhurt (I’m sure his ego was very bruised). That incident also made me realize how sad it must be for these athletes to work so hard and so long to achieve greatness, for it all to be taken away in a matter of seconds; because of one failed moment when their leg slipped through their hands. And there goes that dream..

London Olympics Men's 3m Springboard

London Olympics Men's 3m Springboard

Synchronized Swimming: Women’s Duets Free Routine Finals

When I was a young girl, my two most-watched Olympic events were gymnastics and synchronized swimming. Unfortunately, everyone seems to love gymnastics, so tickets were incredibly hard to come by, but hey, I got to see synchronized swimming! All I can say is that those women are incredible. I don’t know how someone can go under water, and propel another person into a flip outside of the water. It’s pretty fantastic to see in person.

London Olympics Women's Duet Free Routine Synchronized Swimming

London Olympics Women's Duet Free Routine Synchronized Swimming

Track and Field

There were so many events going on at one time, that I’m just going to highlight two of the best parts of this entire event. Number one: it was really touching just to see the humanity and togetherness of the entire crowd for not only the winning athletes, but the ones who are falling behind. During the few men’s 5000m runs, at some point there was always a lone figure trailing further and further behind the pack. At that point, you’d start to hear cheers erupt from sections of the stadium, following him around the track. 80,000 people cheering on that last guy until he made it to the finish line. Number two: the first woman to ever compete for Saudi Arabia. Despite the fact that she finished dead last, almost that entire stadium was on their feet cheering her on, congratulating her for being there, and proud to be a part of that moment. It genuinely brought a tear to my eye to have been there and seen/experienced that.

London Olympics Track and Field

London Olympics Track and Field

Diving: Women’s 10m Platform

One of the most enjoyable parts of this event was seeing American diver, Katie Bell, standing beside the bottom of the diving platform with headphones on dancing around trying to psych herself up before her dives. It was really adorable and reminded me that these world-class athletes are people too, and still get extremely nervous. Also, how do they balance at the edge of a platform that high in the air and then do a handstand by planting their hands by their feet and raising their legs up in the air? It blew my mind.

London Olympics Women's 10m Platform

London Olympics Women's 10m Platform

Obviously I had a fantastic time at the Olympics! I wish I’d gotten to see a few more events, but the ticketing was a nightmare (I’m sure you’ve heard all about it). I was very fortunate to have seen all the events that I did, and wouldn’t trade the memories or experiences for the world. I think I’d like to see the Winter Olympics next.. mix it up a little bit!

What were your favorite moments from the 2012 London Olympics?

Author: Megan

Megan is an ordinary girl who outgrew her small town and decided to try the world on for size. She's on a mission to travel, photograph, and write about the world.

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