As soon as my alarm woke me up I knew it was going to be a good day. It was the day of the Women’s hockey Olympic final and I had tickets.
Those of you who follow me on social media might know that I absolutely love hockey. I currently play for my University and it is a massive part of my life. I’d just turned 13 when it was announced that London would be hosting the 2012 Summer Olympic. I remember being in high school and getting the news. Hockey-mad, as soon as I heard I hoped I’d be able to watch the action in person.
Flash forward 7 years and I was lucky enough to receive tickets to the Women’s Hockey Final for my birthday. Whilst on the train down to London, I knew this would be a once in a lifetime experience and something I would never want to forget.
London 2012 Olympic Park
After going through airport-style security, I was genuinely shocked.
I’d been watching the Olympics on TV in the build-up to my visit, but nothing could prepare me for how magical it was. The only way I can describe the atmosphere is walking into another world where everything seemed brighter and happier. Yep, I just said that. But seriously, that’s how it was.
People from all countries smiling, taking photos and just having an incredible time. My 13-year-old self would not have been disappointed.
One thing that made the event magical was the Games Makers. The volunteers were the soul of the Olympics and made the atmosphere exciting, upbeat, positive and happy.
I remember when we were in a rather long queue and a Games Maker started singing “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands”. After a couple of minutes, they must have had 100’s of people joining in, each person with a massive smile on their face.
There were so many amazing things to see in the Olympic Park that it became impossible to see everything. We admired the Royal Barge and I loved watching the waterfall on a day that would turn out to be the hottest of the year. Around every corner, there were little new discoveries and details such as red telephone boxes sunken into gardens.
When I say that there were surprises around every corner, that even stretches to bands!As we walked around and admired the amazing venues we were delighted to see a bagpipe band walk through the Park!
Olympic Women’s Hockey Final 2012
Eventually, the moment I had been waiting for arrived and we made our way to the Riverbank Arena.
As it as a medal match, it was held in the evening and the summer sun was just setting over the London skyline.
Unfortunately, Team GB wasn’t in the Olympic final in 2012, taking bronze earlier that day. Nevertheless, we were still excited.
We were lucky enough to see two of the best Women’s hockey teams in the world play, Netherland, and Argentina. We were actually sat next to a large group from Holland, all wearing horned hats and quickly made friends. That’s the thing about the Olympics, it brings people from all countries together.
The game was intense and they even had to clear the pitch whilst they cleaned the blood from the pitch. If anyone says hockey is an easy sport, they’re wrong.
During the latter part of the match, the GB hockey team were spotted and the crowd instantly erupted into a Team GB chant, despite the incredible final going on. They did incredibly to clinch a bronze medal and the chant was well deserved.
Olympic Women’s Hockey Medal Ceremony 2012
Watching the medal ceremony and Team GB receive their bronze medal, I felt insanely proud of how my country had, not only hosted a great Summer Olympic Games but also achieved great success. I think we forget how small we are, so to do so well is incredible.
I absolutely loved visiting the London 2012 Olympics and would love to travel to another.
Have you been to the Olympics? What is your favourite Olympic sport?
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:O Jess I am so jealous. I would have killed to watch the Brownlee Brothers. Although, I couldn't watch the last bit because I was so nervous for them.
xoxo
I was honestly the most amazing day!
wow looks like you had an amazing time
I really did!
Looks amazing! I went down to see the Men's Triathlon and that was an incredible experience too 🙂
xo
It’s magical seeing it in person!