One year on: Laureus Academy reveal their favourite London 2012 Olympic memories
July 26, 2013
Can you believe it? The London 2012 Olympic Games started a year ago today.
Here, three of the Laureus World Sports Academy Members tell us their favourite memories of the Games.
Steve Redgrave - British rower who won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000
"The whole atmosphere of the London 2012 Games. The smooth running, full stadiums, the friendliness of the Games Makers as well as the outstanding sport that was on show. Wherever I have travelled in the last few months in the world people still want to speak about the atmosphere of the Games.
My top performances were David Rudisha – 800 metres and Lindsey Vonn winning her fourth overall World Cup title."
Sergey Bubka - Pole Vaulter - Won six consecutive IAAF World Championships, an Olympics gold and broke the world record for men's pole vaulting 35 times
"It was a culmination point for not only 2012 but for three previous years as well. I believe the London Games were the most awaited event globally.
Among the fantastic performances the most memorable is Michael Phelps’ 6 medals at the London Olympics. I’ve seen a lot of sport legends but I never lose this special feeling when I become an eyewitness of historical moment. Michael is the most decorated swimmer – and surely one of the greatest and the most consistent athletes ever."
Gary Player - Golfer - Won nine of golf's Majors
"To see all the great performances at the London Olympics will have to be the sporting highlight on 2012. Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis, Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and the list goes on and on.
I was especially happy to see South Africa do well with gold medal performances by swimmers Chad le Clos and Cameron van der Burgh, as well as other medal performances by Caster Semenya, Bridgitte Hartley, and the men’s lightweight four rowing team.
Usain Bolt certainly showed his dominance and legendary status in London by becoming the first man to successfully defend both the 100m and 200m Olympic gold medals in athletics. Bolt again proved he is the world’s fastest man. Jessica Ennis also had a standout year in winning the gold medal for the heptathlon in convincing fashion. I have a lot of respect for heptathlon competitors because they are true athletes."
