Danny Boyle, take a bow.
The Olympics opening ceremony was a very British night in a show full of surprises that certainly didn’t disappoint. I for one hope that this is not the last time we see the Queen play a Bond girl.
But the night didn’t belong to just the Brits, but everyone across the globe who watched the ceremony at home with friends and family, in the pub, at work or at the stadium in Stratford.
The Olympic commentators did a great job of breaking down Boyle’s spectacle scene by scene, which at times was a little bemusing. But the fact that he managed to cram in more than 100 years of British history and culture in a three and a half hour show was truly impressive.
Games legend Michael Johnson was right when he said that London had put its own stamp on the ceremony rather than try and out-do Beijing four years earlier.
This is OUR Olympics and it is OUR time.
Every opening ceremony has its ‘Oh my God’ moment and for me it was when seven young promising athletes were given the opportunity to light the beautifully-formed cauldron in the centre of the stadium. A nice touch.
What Boyle’s spectacular managed to do successfully was spread ‘Olympic fever’ on an even grander scale – winning over his critics, non-sports fans and even those who have done nothing but complain about the disruption the Games have caused so far. (Yes Londoners, I’m referring to you).
In a world which is still mired in and recovering from the effects of the financial crisis, keeping the momentum going is vital. Team GB athletes Rebecca Adlington and Lizzie Armitstead have so far put a bronze and silver medal on the table, but I have no doubt that this will spur on the rest of the team to add to the collection.
Check out our Olympics gallery, where we’ve been gathering images from people who have been celebrating and attending the Games. Click here if you would like to submit your pictures to us.
(Above picture courtesy of ex-Incisive graduate trainee, Ned Molloy)
