Beijing Closes in Spectacular Style

The games themselves have not disappointed with a raft of new world, and Olympic records. Positive drug tests were minimal, with just a handful of bad eggs, four of whom were horses. It is unclear as to who was actually banned in this case since all commentaries referred to the horses being the guilty parties, not the trainers or riders. It would seem unlikely that the horses could apply the ointment which helped them lift their hind legs higher without some assistance, so we assume the horses were not entirely to blame. On the track, the star of the show was Mr. Bolt who by name and nature was as fast as the proverbial one out of a gun.

One interesting comment made by him was in reference to the track, which he described as a ‘fast’ track. Does this mean there is a technology at large which can help an athlete run faster? Presumably so, and China must have known this when the tracks were laid. In the pool, where we presume there is no such thing as ‘fast’ water, Mr Phelps proved that as a human he makes a very good fish, and swam his fins out to take the honors as the greatest Olympian. This despite a side swipe compliment by one ex athlete who suggested swimmers had more opportunities to win medals than track athletes who tend to restrict themselves to one or two events. Meoow.

So now we move on to the next event in four years time. It would be as well for future hosts of the Games to accept that China has topped any previous and probably any future Olympics when it comes to throwing a mass party.

The meticulously rehearsed collections of choreographed bodies on the closing day produced stunning effects, with China using just about every hi tech trick in the book, and creating a few new ones of their own.

Taking over from this harmonious, peaceful view of sportsmanship was the English version which had something of a sinister edge too it. Replacing the soft colors were grays and blacks, dark umbrellas and a dance sequence which lacked the smooth flowing movements of their Chinese counterparts.

One of the great ironies of the evening of the Olympic closing ceremony was the attendance of the new London Mayor, Boris Johnston. The Old Etonian millionaire won the recent mayoral elections to replace the very left wing, verging on communist, Ken Livingston, also known as ‘Red Ken’. How Ken must have been fuming at missing out on an opportunity to swap ideals with the Chinese government officials.

However, if there are pointers to go by, the much criticized logo showing a collection of inharmonious shapes does nothing to imply London has got it right. The sight of a blue haired punk with tattooed arms suggested “Come to London in 2012 and get mugged” Let us hope not.