London is already abuzz with excitement for the upcoming London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, which will be held in Britain's capital city during July and August 2012. Here are four things to look forward to as the games draw closer.
1. Torch Relay
The Olympic torch will pass through over one thousand communities in the run-up to the games. In the UK, 95% of the population will see the torch pass within 10 miles of their home. Organisers say that torch will be passed through the UK over 70 days by 8,000 torchbearers. Steam trains, hot air balloons, zip lines, and horseback carriers are all part of the torch relay plans. Additionally, some communities will be able to enjoy evening celebrations as the torch passes through on its way to London.
2. Music Extravaganza
On the weekend before the games begin, 21 – 22 July, a series of free music performances will take place at iconic spots along the River Thames. The different locations of the six stages will represent the six continents that participate in the Olympics. Look for music acts in Battersea Park, Jubilee Gardens, Trafalgar Square, and Somerset House.
Some of the acts that have already been confirmed include:
Scissor Sisters
Naturally 7
Baaba Maal
Angelique Kidjo
3. Incredible Athletes
Of course, beyond the festival-like atmosphere of the London 2012 Olympics Game, the main draw will be the athletes themselves – and 2012 is sure to produce some breathtaking feats by the world's best athletes. Which athletes will dazzle audiences with the spectacular endeavors that live on in the imaginations of fans long after the games are over? Here are a few athletes to watch:
Allyson Felix – The last American queen of the Olympic sprint, Marion Jones, is now in jail for lying about her steroid use. Allyson Felix might be able to be crowned the new queen of the sprint, and she's doing her best to prove her crown is clean. Participating in the pilot anti-doping program called 'Project Believe,' Felix is undergoing extensive blood and urine analysis to return respect to track and field.
Liu Xiang – Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang gave the world's most populous nation its first gold medal in hurdles in Athens. He's already destroyed the world record set by British hurdler Colin Jackson; can he come to Jackson's home turf and bring home another gold medal for his eager Chinese fans?
Laure Manaudou – French swimmer Laure Manaudou is only 21, but she already holds a few world records. However, lately the swimmer has struggled to beat even average French rivals; will the 2012 Olympics be her big comeback or another series of disappointments?
4. The Paralympic Games
With all the hype surrounding the London 2012 Olympic Games, it can be easy to forget that the city will also host the Paralympic Games. Although the feats of athleticism demonstrated at the Olympics will captivate the imagination, the Paralympic athletes may be even more extraordinary. Don't forget to tune in to the Paralympic Games which promises to be bigger and better than ever with over 1 million tickets already sold.