2. Water Polo
Arena
I was appointed as a Gamesmaker
(London 2012 volunteer) to carry
out the role of Sports Statician at
the Water Polo Arena. My role
meant that I sat watching the
matches inputting information on
a touch-screen tablet detailing
shots, fouls etc. from players. This
information was being instantly
published on the internet and to
various media outlets. Several
stages of training were involved in
the build up to the games
including orientation training (at
Wembley Arena), venue training
and role training (in the Water
Polo Arena at the test event in
May).
3. Time Out!
We also had a full scale dress rehearsal on the day of the opening ceremony where some
kids from local water polo clubs played a game with all the officials, volunteers, TV
cameras and technology monitoring their every move. This game purposely contained
some extreme events to see how we would react – one of which we thought was so
unlikely it amused us – but, blow me down, it then happened in the women’s semi-final.
The USA coach called an illegal “time-out” when his team didn’t have possession of the
ball which resulted in a penalty for Australia – in the last second of the game – which
enabled the Australians to draw level and force the game into extra time (USA won in
extra time and went onto to win the gold medal).
4. Last Second Dramas
This was one of several dramas in the Water Polo Arena which included a last second
“goal” that would have bought Spain’s men level with Croatia and which appeared to
have crossed the line in replays but was disallowed by the referees (video technology
is not used in water polo).
But the most exciting drama occurred during the men’s Bronze medal match
between close neighbours Serbia and Montenegro when seven red cards were
brandished. This occurred as Serbia recovered from 11-8 down to win the match 11-
12 in the last four minutes of the match. The photo above shows me looking
bemused (in uniform on the far left) and trying not to laugh as chaos descends
around me.
5. Cameras
After the first few days, I managed to
work out that the cameras were likely
to be on me when the coaches were
walking past – which is why you can
see me smiling (and slightly blurred) in
the photo on the left behind the
Spanish women’s coach!
Mind you, I didn’t always get it right – as
you can see in the photo on the right as
the Serbian coach returns to his bench !
Incidentally, the lady on my right is Marie
Deschamps from Canada who became
the first woman to referee an Olympic
Water Polo final when she officiated at
the USA v Spain women’s final.
6. Beach Volleyball
In my days off from the Water Polo Arena,
there were plenty of other activities to keep
me occupied.
For instance, I was lucky enough to get
tickets for the Beach Volleyball Arena at
Horse Guards Parade. It lived up to its
reputation as the most fun-filled venue at
the Olympics with a dancing troupe,
amusing commentators and lots of spectator
participation.
It also provided the one-off view of London’s
skyline on the top left. The photo below
shows my friend, Tamsin, and I in the crowd.
7. Jessica Ennis
I also made several visits to the BT
London Live arena at Hyde Park where
large screens showed various Olympic
events and Team GB medallists were
introduced to the crowd.
On one of the days that I went, Jessica
Ennis was introduced to the assembled
fans ..... and was BOOED!
To explain - this happened as she was
being interviewed by Jonny Vaughan and
said she would be celebrating her success
with her friends, family and FIANCE (the
boos obviously led by the single men!).
I am standing on the right of this photo…
8. The Big Wheel
One of my trips in my second week was to
the BT London Live event at Victoria Park
where they had a 60m wheel which I rode
on.
The view from the top was fantastic.
9. Going Home
One final reflection.
I was making my way home to Bath from Islington via Paddington on the evening of the closing
ceremony on Sunday 12 August 2012. Laden down by a large case and two large bags, I decided
to travel via Oxford Circus in the hope that it would be provide me with a level walk from the
Victoria Line to the Bakerloo line avoiding any steps. However, when I eventually found the link
tunnel and turned a corner, much to my consternation, I was confronted with a flight of stairs! As
I stopped to lug all my stuff up, cursing to myself (or so I thought), a young lad who was the only
other person around and had already climbed these stairs, came back down and, to my delight
and surprise, offered to carry my suitcase up the stairs (and down the other side). A lot has been
said about the great atmosphere generated during London 2012 – but this act of kindness more
than anything epitomised the generosity that was shown.
