London 2012: Musings from the first week of the Olympic Games

It's hard to believe, but we're already at the half-way point of these Olympic games already. It's been an entertaining week with drama and stories galore. From twitter-induced expulsions to record-breaking achievements, these games have had everything. This morning we even saw man had had both of his legs amputated, come second in his 400m heat. So here, in no particular order are my five favourite things about the opening week.

1. The men's basketball competition

This was the competition I was most excited about coming into these games and it hasn't disappointed. Team USA have been tearing through the competition so far, culminating in them racking up an national record, 83 point win over Nigeria on Thursday night. I know many people will question the enjoyment one can take from watching such an annihilation in any sport, it truly is a joy to see the near perfect level USA played at. Carmelo Anthony's Olympic record thirty-seven points came in a mere fourteen minutes - an almost unimaginable feat at any level of professional basketball.

The USA haven't been the only ones making waves in the competition however. Russia have impressed in Group B and are currently unbeaten, having stolen a victory from Brazil at the death, and then stunned silver medal favourites Spain. The Russians are looking like the team we thought they could be and they look a real threat to bring home a medal. France also look better than expected, having lost only one game - to the USA - whilst winning three, including a great performance against Argentina. Tony Parker, coming back from his serious eye injury, has been improving with every game and he's slowly return to the form that made him an MVP candidate in the NBA last season.

Last but not least, credit must be given to the host nation. Competing in their first Olympic basketball tournament since the games were last hosted in London in 1948, Team GB have done a respectable job of competing with their more illustrious opponents. Luol Deng has been a one man team, literally doing everything for GB, while being double and triple-teamed on almost every possession. They gave Brazil some worries early in the week, and came within a point of the Spanish a couple of nights ago. If these Olympics have their desired effect of Britain's basketball future, they will be very much indebted to Deng for all the great work his done in promoting the sport in the UK. Ben Gordon on the other hand ...

2. The swimming finals


Sitting down every evening to watch the swimming finals has almost become at ritual by this point in the Games. Swimming has arguably been the most entertaining of all sports so far. Michael Phelps of course, has by claimed the medals he needed to become the most decorated Olympian ever. It was a funny week for Phelps though, beginning with the world heralding his demise after his failure to medal in the 400m Individual Medley, while his rival, Ryan Lochte, stormed to gold. Phelps responded like a true champion, and his defeat of Lochte in the final of 200m IM on Thursday night is sure to rank as one of the defining moments of his astonishing career. It was the perfect way for Phelps to break the Olympic medal record. For his part, Lochte has played the role of Phelp's  nemesis to a tee, and his own achievements in the pool should not be forgotten. Had he not been of the same generation as the 'Baltimore Bullet', Lochte may have been the dominant record-breaker.

The women's events have been just as entertaining, if not more so. Sixteen-year-old, Ye Shiwen has stirred controversy the world over, with her remarkable performances in 400m IM. In her heat, she swam a full two seconds faster than her personal best, before going on to win the gold in the final, in a world record time. This led many to question whether Ye was clean, but to this point, her credibility remains intact.

Tonight, sadly is the last night of swimming finals, so it's very much a case of 'enjoy it while you can'. There's sure to be more twists and turns in tonight's races, but regardless, the swimming competitions will most definitely remain among the highlights from these Games.

3. The Opening Ceremony


I'm sure half you reading this will be shaking your head's in disagreement, but for the most part I genuinely enjoyed the opening ceremony. I understand it may not have been everyone's cup of tea but it was certainly memorable. The 'green pastures to industrial revolution' section was somewhat drawn out, but its conclusion - in which five giant metal rings ascending to towards the sky to former the Olympic logo - was nonetheless impressive. The presence of British icons like James Bond and Mr. Bean was a nice touch, as was the inclusion of music by Elgar, the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.

The best part in my mind though, was the parade of athletes. Sure, it was basically consisted of thousands of athletes walking into the stadium but there's something magical about it all the same. Watching each country grasp their 15 seconds of fame, it shows you just how true global the Olympic games have become.

4. The social-media element


 These Olympics have been dubbed, the 'Social-Media Games', and with good reason. For the first time, we've seen a number athletes expelled from Olympic competition for views they posted on twitter. To date, two competitors have been sent home for posting racially inflammatory tweets, while a member of the public in the UK was arrested after insulting British diver Tom Daley via twitter.

The impact of worldwide social media on the public's viewing experience has also been significant. Gone are the days when you could record the 100m while you were out for dinner, or at work. It has become infinitely more difficult not to find out the result 'til later on.

5. We have world-class sport to watch, all day long!


The best part of all. Every event is being shown in high definition. From dusk to dawn, there's always something on. It's a sports fan's dream!