Over the last few weeks I’ve attended Olympic send-off ceremonies in all the major states, culminating with the national event – the Prime Minister’s Olympic Dinner– in Melbourne on 23 June. They have been a fantastic showcase for the UK, as well as a demonstration of the Olympic enthusiasm in this sports mad country.
The Melbourne dinner had over 1200 guests, including the top politicians, senior business people, and representatives from the worlds of sport and entertainment. The Convention centre, like the venues for the other events, was decorated in evocative British imagery. The entertainment was spectacular: pop stars like Delta Goodrem; 160 bagpipers in kilts; and the Melbourne Philarmonic Orchestra and Choir performing Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. It was like being at the Last Night of the Proms.
I spoke at the Olympic lunch in Canberra today, where local resident Judy Wilson shared her fascinating memories of competing for Australia at the 1948 London Olympics. I have also spoken at events in Brisbane and Tasmania, and am shortly heading for Perth and Adelaide. Seb Coe sent a video message in Melbourne and Sydney. We josh about the friendly rivalry between our two nations. For Australia, finishing in the top five and ahead of the Poms is the key aim. Australian Chef de Mission for London, Nick Green (winner of Olympic Golds in ‘92 and ‘96 as part of the “Oarsome Foursome” rowing team), who has become a friend, says it’s going to be very close.
Earlier this week, I went to Parliament to see PM Julia Gillard announce the Australian Paralympic team. There was a real air of excitement. Australian officials said that London was going to be the best ever Paralympics by miles. I spoke to some of the paralympians who had recently been in the UK for training: they were very complimentary about the facilities. I chatted to one of the sailors about the spruced-up sailing venue, Weymouth, which I’d had the chance to see on my last visit home as it’s near where my parents live. It was a privilege to speak with the inspirational Kurt Fearnley, who won wheelchair marathon gold medals in Athens and Beijing and is looking for his hat trick in London.
The Olympics is an extraordinary coming together of humanity. I was recently reminded of its significance when I attended the opening of a fantastic exhibition in Melbourne of A Century of Olympic Posters, on loan from London’s V&A Museum. Just looking at the posters evoked memories we all share of past triumphs by our own countrymen, and by individual Olympians from other countries who have enthralled us with their performances. I’m sure London 2012 is going to take its rightful place among the pantheon of great Olympics. It’s certainly making Britons all around the world very proud right now.