Game Over
26th August 2008
When asked if I’ve enjoyed the Olympics, my response is a resounding yes, no hesitation. It’s been a brilliant month; I’m exhausted (and fully intend to sleep all day on Tuesday) but happy. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside very talented producers, directors, VT editors and LSM operators for 3 weeks. The atmosphere in the VT area of the IBC has been busy but calm, fun and friendly: Basically everything television should be. It’s a team game and I think we played it brilliantly. We even got a medal! I’m serious. We’ve all been awarded a participation medal and a certificate. If there are enough requests, I’ll take a photo of it for you.
It’s also always a privilege to work with Webby (and I’m not just saying it because he’s my line manager) who’s steered the BBC ship through precarious waters with his able shipmates Dave, Jonny and Rebekah. Thank you to all of you for your hard work, which has made this Olympics a fantastic experience.
It’s been a time for new friends too: Richie, Sean, Garry, Dan and McFloatey to name just a few and I mustn’t forget Angela: This morning I was woken up at 0630 by the phone. Angela, the volunteer on our bus had come to the hotel to pick up a gift I had for her. Reception wouldn’t let her through so I padded out to the lobby barefoot and braless to give her a present. The surprise and joy on her face when I gave Angela the gift is an image that will stay with me for a very long time as will her kindness and smiles on the bus every morning – even when we were grumpy and tired. Angela has given up her college holidays to volunteer and be a part of the Olympics and consequently won’t see her family (who live out of Beijing) for two terms. So thank you Angela and your fellow volunteers for being so friendly and welcoming.
There are so many highlights, most of which I’ve shared with you already: Christian Malcolm reaching the final of the 200m (oh yes, and being there to witness that guy Usain Bolt breaking world records over 100m and 200 metres.) Sitting with Jonathan, Dicko, Stu, Crammy and Brendan in the commentary box; sitting with AJ, Adrian and Steve in the swimming commentary box; working with our fab gymnastics team; organising a trip to the Great Wall for zillions of BBC people and them all enjoying it (what a relief) and being able to stand and marvel at the World’s greatest stadium. There’s also one that I haven’t told you about yet: The day that I walked to work barefoot in the rain. It wasn’t just a shower, it was a typical tropical storm with torrential rain but hot and humid, and the IBC was sooooo cold all of the time I knew my shoes wouldn’t dry in there, so off they came and out came the toes, splish splash through the puddles. I won’t be doing that in London.
Now I’m homeward bound. Reluctantly.
The conclusion of the Olympics marks the end of another four-year cycle and for those of us in sport it’s always time to re-evaluate. There’s thinking to be done, memories to be filed, photos to be printed and new plans to be made. Life is about priorities though and Mum’s is what I’m having for tea on Tuesday. As long as it doesn’t involve an 18-inch dragonboat of sashimi preceded by dessert I’ll be happy.
Thank you for reading and being a part of my Olympic games.
Love Laura x
It’s also always a privilege to work with Webby (and I’m not just saying it because he’s my line manager) who’s steered the BBC ship through precarious waters with his able shipmates Dave, Jonny and Rebekah. Thank you to all of you for your hard work, which has made this Olympics a fantastic experience.
It’s been a time for new friends too: Richie, Sean, Garry, Dan and McFloatey to name just a few and I mustn’t forget Angela: This morning I was woken up at 0630 by the phone. Angela, the volunteer on our bus had come to the hotel to pick up a gift I had for her. Reception wouldn’t let her through so I padded out to the lobby barefoot and braless to give her a present. The surprise and joy on her face when I gave Angela the gift is an image that will stay with me for a very long time as will her kindness and smiles on the bus every morning – even when we were grumpy and tired. Angela has given up her college holidays to volunteer and be a part of the Olympics and consequently won’t see her family (who live out of Beijing) for two terms. So thank you Angela and your fellow volunteers for being so friendly and welcoming.
There are so many highlights, most of which I’ve shared with you already: Christian Malcolm reaching the final of the 200m (oh yes, and being there to witness that guy Usain Bolt breaking world records over 100m and 200 metres.) Sitting with Jonathan, Dicko, Stu, Crammy and Brendan in the commentary box; sitting with AJ, Adrian and Steve in the swimming commentary box; working with our fab gymnastics team; organising a trip to the Great Wall for zillions of BBC people and them all enjoying it (what a relief) and being able to stand and marvel at the World’s greatest stadium. There’s also one that I haven’t told you about yet: The day that I walked to work barefoot in the rain. It wasn’t just a shower, it was a typical tropical storm with torrential rain but hot and humid, and the IBC was sooooo cold all of the time I knew my shoes wouldn’t dry in there, so off they came and out came the toes, splish splash through the puddles. I won’t be doing that in London.
Now I’m homeward bound. Reluctantly.
The conclusion of the Olympics marks the end of another four-year cycle and for those of us in sport it’s always time to re-evaluate. There’s thinking to be done, memories to be filed, photos to be printed and new plans to be made. Life is about priorities though and Mum’s is what I’m having for tea on Tuesday. As long as it doesn’t involve an 18-inch dragonboat of sashimi preceded by dessert I’ll be happy.
Thank you for reading and being a part of my Olympic games.
Love Laura x