The preparations for the London 2012 Games are in “good shape” as declared by Lord Sebastian Coe at the recent International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Durban, South Africa.

Coe, the Chairman of the London Organising Committee (LOCOG) told the IOC that construction is 88% completed, test events are underway and the Games are on budget.

“It is my ambition to get London across the line in a smooth and orderly fashion in 12 months time,” Coe said.

Security remains London’s number one priority as the city ‘comes alive’ with test events. The 2012 sports testing program known as the ‘London Prepares’ series has already hosted events in equestrian, tennis, modern pentathlon and rowing this July.

August is a bumper month for test events and approximately 30 Aussies vying for 2012 Games will be in London trialling the Olympic venues in their sports.

Olympic champion Natalie Cook pairs up with Tamsin Hinchley to compete against the current world number one team Jennifer Kessy and April Ross from the United States at the FIVB Beach Volleyball International at the landmark Horse Guards Parade.

“Beach volleyball in the heart of London will be a unique opportunity to see our great sport,” Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook said.

“London and beaches are not too words you would put in the same sentence. Hopefully the Queen, Prince William and Harry and David Beckham will pop their head in for a sticky beak.”

Olympic gold medallists Malcolm Page and Tessa Parkinson will join crewmates Mat Belcher and Belinda Stowell to compete in the men's and women’s 470 sailing classes at the Weymouth and Portland International Regatta 2011 from 31 July - 13 August. 

In cycling, mountain bike riders will have their first chance to race on the new, purpose-built London 2012 Mountain Bike course at the Hadleigh Farm Mountain Bike International on 31st July. On 14th August some of the world’s best road cyclists will be competing in the Olympic Road Cycling test event while from 19-20th August, BMX riders will be able to try out the jumps, bumps and tightly banked corners of the new BMX Track at the 2011 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup. It is a key event for Australia's BMX riders.

"The test event in London is very important," BMX Head Coach Wade Bootes said.

"It is the only time they get to ride the track and the only time we coaches can look at the track and work out anything different to prepare for the Olympics as best as possible. We're taking a massive crew of riders and support staff so we can get as much information as possible to help us with preparation for next year's Games," Bootes said.

Australia's finest BMX riders are pumped to test the course.

“I can't believe we're only a year out... Now it's all about pushing to London. Hopefully I'll get on that little box (podium) a few more times and keep getting those one percenters (improvements),” Olympic hopeful Caroline Buchanan said.

On 6-7th August a feast of Australian triathletes will test the London triathlon course at a World Championship event in Hyde Park. Following a stunning Aussie Emma (Moffatt, Jackson, Snowsill) trifecta at the Hamburg triathlon World Cup two weeks ago, with Brad Kahlefeldt also winning gold, the Aussies will be in hot contention for the podium- with valuable Olympic places on the line.

One week later the 10km marathon swimming will take place at Hyde Park's iconic Serpentine lake on August 13th.  Australian Olympins Melissa Gorman and Ky Hurst have already booked their tickets to the Games in this event but will enjoy a unique chance to swim the challenging Olympic course.

From 16th-21st August the Australian men’s basketball team will come up against 2008 Olympic quarterfinalists China and Croatia at the London International Basketball Invitational at the brand new Basketball Arena in the Olympic Park. From the 8–14th August Wembley Arena will host the World Badminton Championships, the test event for the fastest racquet sport in the world.

Torch Relay & Ceremonies

Earlier this year LOCOG unveiled a prototype for the design of the Olympic Torch and announced its search for 8,000 Torchbearers to carry the Olympic Flame across the UK. The Olympic Flame will arrive into the UK from Greece on Friday 18th May, 2012 and complete at 70-day journey towards the Olympic Stadium in London, starting at Land’s End.

“The Olympic Torch Relay brings London 2012 to the doorsteps of the UK giving everybody the chance to celebrate the London Games,” Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics said.

“It’s a magnificent showcase for the country and a chance to mark the achievements of inspirational people in our communities.”


The executive team behind the London 2012 Ceremonies is in place. The Opening Ceremony is being created by world-leading British directors and producers. Academy Award winner Danny Boyle, best known for his work in Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting, is the Artistic Director. He is joined by Academy Award winner film and theatre director Stephen Daldry, who is the Executive Producer. 

“These Games are bringing together world-class British talent," Coe said. “Each one of these individuals would hold their own on the worldwide stage and they are joining names like children’s author Michael Morpurgo who has created the story behind our highly successful mascots. We are delighted with the team we have brought together to deliver our Ceremonies in 2012.”

Frances Cordaro
AOC