DIARY: BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

I was lucky enough to be one of the 500 Games Makers selected to attend the star-studded celebration of an absolutely incredible year of British sport that was of course BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2012. And I was fortunate to be seated at the front of my block too, and I've been told my face may have been spotted on the televised screen a few times.

More importantly than my personally experience, however, is to note that it was the perfect way to end such a superb sporting year that was inevitably Olympics-centred. I thought it had been just the right amount of time since the spectacle to again reflect on what happened and to feel the emotion once more. The VTs did an excellent job to well me up on almost every occasion as we were taken through the wonderful stories and moments. I absolutely loved it.

And to be in the same room as such incredible people, and so many of them too! I've never properly watched the show before, but as soon as the Olympics ended, I've been excited for this year's. With so many worthy sportsmen and women from across such a varied range, it was never going to be easy. It was quite simply a joy to have been a part of.

DIARY: PARALYMPICS AT THE AQUATICS CENTRE

I was lucky enough to watch the evening session at the Aquatics Centre yesterday for the Paralympics Swimming. Lucky, because it was quite simply extraordinary. I had already seen and been in awe of the action on TV earlier this week, amazed by what these athletes can do with their less-able-than-us bodies. But to watch it live in the arena was something else. So so incredible.

It wasn't just the sport and racing that I enjoyed, the atmosphere was really special, something we should feel very proud of as a nation and as a city. The crowds are so welcoming, so supportive, passionate, empathetic, vocal, together. No doubt is it one of the huge reasons why London 2012 has been so successful. The roars echoing inside the Aquatics Centre alone was enough to satisfy me of my ticket value. And to have been a part of it, I'm delighted.

A great day out, a great sense of satisfaction that I soaked up the Olympic vibe. And an equal satisfaction that we held the greatest Games ever.

 

MAG: THE SCRIPT FEAT. WILL.I.AM

New track by fellow coaches from The Voice UK, Will.i.am works with Danny and The Script on this upbeat song, one that I would label as them motivational ones. No doubt the Olympics had a part to play in inspiration for this lyrical number, but combined with a good melody, one that probably started with that killer piano line, "Hall of Fame" is a sure pop hit.

BLOG: EPL CHELSEA 4 - 2 READING

From: Mail Online

WHAT A GAME. We dominated early on and scored a goal, only to concede two to be 2-1 down at half time, before turning it around in a blood-pumping second half to finish with a 4-2 victory. Wow the Premier League is well and truly back and I am so pleased. The Olympic Games were exceptional in their own right, a master showcase of hard work reaping rewards as well as true sportsmanship, character and humility, which has been praised and appreciated around the world. And let that be infused with the raw speed and action that the football season brings. Because for that's sport at its finest.

Tonight's game really brought everything great about the English game. The atmosphere generated and the gutsy spirit on show are quite special. Chelsea displayed plenty of grit and determination last year to be crowned European Champions, but we've done it again today with some cool heads, superb tactics and wonderful football. I'm pleased for Di Matteo who got it spot on to fix the deficit, at one point playing all of Mata, Hazard, Oscar, Sturridge and Torres on the same pitch. There's absolutely no doubt there is quality there and the potentially free-flowing interplay between them could be lethal. Eden Hazard, who impressed in our opening game against Wigan, has the most sublime first touch every time he receives the ball, just beautiful to see. And the build-up for that third goal by Torres was quite scintillating. The belief must really be abundant throughout the squad now.

But yes. This is the kind of game we've been longing for all summer. This is the kind of game you love to win as a supporter. And it's just a fucking joy to watch.

DIARY: ADIDAS THANK YOU GAMES MAKERS

Yes, the Olympic Games have finished but London is without a doubt still buzzing from its success. The surprise, the relief and the pride of hosting quite possibly the best modern Games is really abundant here, I feel it. It was a joy to watch the sport unfold, the attitude of the athletes and some damn good competition. There's a lot to be proud of.

As a Games Maker, we were offered a small thanks from main sponsors adidas this week, and I made the most of it by heading down to the Oxford Street flagship store midweek. And it was rather packed with happy Games Makers wandering the shop with their accreditation wrapped around their neck. I'm a fan of the Stella McCartney-designed Team GB outfits, very slick and minimalist, so I was keen to get my hands on some memorabilia for this great occasion. Wristbands. Woop!

DIARY: PUBLICATION PURCHASES

I only usually collect issues of the Monocle, but there were some attractive pre-fall publications in the 'Youthful' issue of i-D and the David Beckham feature in this month's Esquire, as well as the Olympic Special Issue of Creative Review, which I was keen to own. In fact I've already flicked through that latter one, in which it looks at the design concepts behind the Olympic Games of London and the past, including some good debate on the famous London 2012 logo. Which by the way I think is a piece of branding that has worked very successfully, despite all its criticism. Anyway, I have a lot of reading to do so.

BLOG: MAKING OF BBC OLYMPICS THEME BY ELBOW

Beautiful.

MAG: TEAM GB DON'T STOP ME NOW

adidas have released this quintessentially British video of some of our star Olympians enjoying themselves to "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Lovely to watch after a superb London 2012 Games.

Well done Team GB. Stage well and truly taken. #stagetaken

MAG: 11.8 LONDON 2012 #SUPERSATURDAY

From: London 2012

BLOG: INSPIRE A GENERATION

The vision of London 2012 was to leave an Olympic legacy, to inspire a generation. Words we've heard time and again here in London. I personally haven't been able to get to a venue, only to the Rowing Village, and so my spectacle has been restricted to the television. Even that's been difficult with the little free time I've had recently. But just the other day, I think Tuesday, when Team GB collected a threesome of medals in Laura Trott, Victoria Pendleton and Chris Hoy, I was able to watch all the action live from the Velodrome in the office. And I loved it: I was entertained, I was thrilled, I was truly inspired.

I particularly enjoyed the Sprint, in which Pendleton took her silver. It was the first time I had watched the sport, but I am telling you I was hooked. The concept of racing four laps on that high-speed track means much is tactical, with it being near impossible to literally sprint the whole thing. The involvement of human character is fantastic, having to beat your opponent not only in speed and skill, but mentally also. I mean, it's just great when they roll at the start for half the race, travelling slower than a tortoise, with the one at the front constantly looking back like a cat and mouse chase. For me, it completely embodies the philosophy of sport and I think that's why I love it so much. Plus it's not too long, not too short, filled with plenty of adrenaline and emotion too. Perfect.

And yes, I'm so up for giving it a go. Not sure how one gains access to a velodrome just like that, but this is a sport I would love to take up. And let's be honest, wouldn't it be an absolute dream to compete in the Olympic Games?! I feel like a kid but it's really excited me. So well done for that Seb.



Finally, this is apparently the video that is played on the Velodrome screen before every event. Made by Crystal CG and with the music of Chemical Brothers. It's so fucking cool! Wish I was there...

DIARY: STILL BUSY

Oh look, it's been two weeks since my excuse Diary entry. During which time I have turned a year older too. Ha.

Just a few more volunteering shifts to go, as the Olympic Games draws to its final stages. It's been an amazing event thus far, I've been extremely proud to be British. And Chinese. And Japanese... Some absolutely incredible achievements throughout, I've loved it.

DIARY: LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

From: London 2012

100 days to go apparently. I live in London, working and studying in the heart of it all, but to be honest there's not much of a buzz going around just yet. People are more concerned with the preceding football. I know I am.

Come summer time, I'll be volunteering as a Games Maker (the Olympics volunteer scheme) and a London Ambassador (the Mayor of London's volunteer scheme). I didn't think them through when I applied, but I'm currently in the middle of all the training modules and whatnot, and it's pretty busy and tedious. I'm excited to be part of it all nonetheless, but it just means I've pretty much given up my summer holiday. Last week I received my official Games Maker shifts and I'm based in Egham, Royal Holloway Village for the athletes competing in Eton Dorney, that's the rowing and canoeing events I believe. Sounds ok to those who have no geographical knowledge of these places, but Egham is FAR. It's not even in London, and I have to be there at 6am every day for a month! Haha thanks for that. Somehow I can't see that happening.