Looking forward to the 2012 Olympics in London
London is not only a major events hub but also a true sporting city. When these two qualities come together, they often signal a world-class event. So even now, people can look forward to the 2012 Olympic Games in London as a once-in-a-century spectacle. The anticipation is well-founded among London’s organisers as well as visitors and tourists. For the third time—more than any other city—London will host the modern Olympic Games. Thanks to annual top-level events such as the Wimbledon tennis tournament and regular football matches in Europe’s premier competition, the British are almost seasoned veterans when it comes to organising events of this kind. Nevertheless, the 2012 Olympics remain a truly unique event.
London has already had the honour of hosting the Olympic Games in 1908 and 1948. The city on the Thames made a strong showing during the bidding process, beating out supposed favourites such as New York, Paris, Moscow and Madrid. In the final vote, the British edged out their French rivals by just four votes. The enthusiasm of London’s residents and its status as a popular city-break destination were surely key factors in winning the bid. The city’s architectural plans also seemed almost perfectly suited to hosting the Games. But the event’s success is also assured by the use of existing venues with international renown. The Olympic tennis tournament, for example, will take place in historic Wimbledon. Even Hyde Park will host sporting events. The London borough of Stratford is being developed as the centre of the 2012 Olympic Games.
Looking forward to the 2012 Olympics in London
Date: 30/09/2026
In recent days, the unveiling of the Olympic mascots has already caused a stir. Not all Londoners were entirely happy with their fictional Olympic ambassadors. Wenlock and Mandeville bear an unmistakable resemblance to futuristic aliens. But perhaps that is exactly the right message. After all, the London Games are set to be the most modern yet—an event from another world. Mandeville is intended to promote the 2012 Paralympics, which will follow the traditional Games in London. Mandeville is also the name of a hospital where seriously injured soldiers were cared for. The Olympic mascot Wenlock takes its name from a place of the same name, where Pierre de Coubertin is said to have conceived the idea of reviving the ancient Olympic Games during a major sporting event. The figures’ shapes and features also recall aspects of London. Now the two mascots are set to stoke anticipation for the major event, until the flame finally opens the Games in summer 2012.
The 2012 Olympics are also a great reason to visit the Thames. However, given the expected demand, you should enquire about bookings early, as London hotels have only a limited number of rooms available. London-Netz.de offers a wide range of accommodation.
Andreas Janßen
