London 2012 Olympics: Stage is set for the greatest sporting event on earth

“Are we ready? Yes, we are!” thundered Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, to rousing applause of over 60000 spectators, gathered for a concert in order to mark the end of Olympic Torch relay in Hyde Park, London. The crowd reciprocated Mr Johnson’s determination to see the great event through without a hitch by going ecstatic with his rallying cry.

It was, in a certain way, a slap in the face to Mitt Romney, the US Republican hopeful, who made a very undiplomatic remark by questioning Britain’s ability to host the games and public appetite for the event.

Mr Johnson, who is not a stranger to speaking his mind, reciprocated the gaffe in kind: “There's a guy called Mitt Romney who wants to know whether we are ready. Are we ready? Yes we are!” said he, much to the delight of the massive crowd.

So far, as far as planning is concerned, London 2012 Olympics is a success story: the venues were ready in time; although, the initial estimated cost was $14 billion, the organizers managed to keep it under budget; the security issue that propped up the involvement of G4S, a private security firm, has been addressed by bringing in additional army and police units.

The weather gods seemed to have shown the kindness to the event too; the murky weather that spoilt our spring and the early part of summer, has finally abated, bringing in more sunshine and much more pleasant weather.

The spectacular opening ceremony will be televised live tomorrow for a massive global audience of over a billion people. It is going to last for three and half hours, starting at 9 pm London time.

With the opening of the event, the wait is finally over for millions of Londoners in particular and the sport-loving British public in general.

They will join the millions worldwide in the next 17 days to watch the impressive games while being glued to their television screens.

- Asian Tribune -