An Olympic Experience - Guest Article
September 27, 2012
•AIU London
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Guest Article by Rome Lytton, AIU London Business Student
Having the chance to live in London over the last four years has been nothing more than special, but to be here to experience the 2012 Olympics will be a memory that I will never forget!
Waking up every day was a good day, people actually smiled at me on the tube. The whole city seemed to have the spirit of the games; the daily commuters, the children heading to school, and even the employees around the city who help make London come alive!
Captured in the moment: an intense women's sand
volleyball match between Germany vs. Mauritius
Words could not explain the feeling and emotions that were being passed around the city; this 2012 Olympics would make a statement and change the lives of millions. Leaving the Olympic Beach Volleyball venue was almost a blur, did this just happen? My flatmate and best friend, Geoff Alden, who I have known since day one in London sat next to me on the tube on the way home and said; “dude we just went to the Olympics.” I will never forget this, because this is when reality kicked in, I just went to an Olympic event, and the only way to explain my experience was by one word, awesome.
I remember the day as if it was yesterday, sunny with light rain every now and then, fans from around the world to cheer on their home country, smiles from not just the spectators but from the volunteers and security working the event. As Geoff and I entered the stadium, the adrenaline started pumping! Walking up those stairs which lead to the most epic view of the court and London, showcased hundreds of fans waving their countries flag, China, Australia, South Africa, USA, Greece, and many more! The atmosphere was what made the experience for me; no one cared what country you were from, everyone was just happy to be there! Every spike of the ball, every dive into the sand was a roar from the crowd that shook the stadium! Being able to meet so many different people, from so many different countries, was a great culturally experience and will always be remembered.
Posing with a fellow American.
It was sad to say goodbye to the Olympics on the closing day, the days walking to school or running through the city, hoping to catch a glimpse of an athlete, which was very common, would soon be over. But what the Olympics did for millions was to plant the seed for inspiration, to get back into what inspires you. After watching and experiencing the 2012 London Olympic Games, I have been inspired to get back into the pool and to give competitive swimming another go. Are my intentions to make it to Brazil in 2016 and swim for the US, no, of course it goes through your head, but the main reason is that the 2012 London Olympics reminded me of how much I love and miss the competition and lifestyle of swimming. I look forward to jumping the pool and being reminded to why I am jumping in the pool, it was due to my experience in London and it will never be forgotten.