With the one year countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games being marked, August was a busy month in the lead up to London’s time in the limelight. Not only were there celebrations to mark the occasion but various test events for the games took place throughout the month.
For some locations, it was the first time they have been used for such a prolific event or indeed at all and were used for the first time as part of the ‘London Prepares Series’. Having started the series at the end of July, with the Mountain bike test event at Hadleigh Farm, Essex, events throughout August included Beach Volleyball, Basketball and BMX, with athletes from all over the world travelling to England to compete.
At the London International Basketball Invitational, Great Britain narrowly missed out on wins against Australia and France but defeated China in the event held at the Olympic Park. And it was British hopeful Shanaze Reade who dominated the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup held at the new 450m BMX track situated in the Olympic Park. Reade, who is tipped as ‘One to Watch’ in Britain’s quest for medals, won the Women’s elite final in a time of 38.275.
Other events that took place were the Visa FIVB beach volleyball international at Horse Guards Parade and Equestrian, Sailing and Triathlon internationals at various locations around the Country.
And as the IAAF World Championships in Daegu come to a close, Great Britain have come away with 2 Gold medals- Mo Farah and Dai Green taking the plaudits in the 5000m and 400m hurdles respectively. Overall, Team GB finished with 7 medals leaving them 6th on the leader board.
It was the fastest man on the planet that dominated the headlines from Daegu though, Usain Bolt and his Jamaican counterparts stormed to victory and into the Record books in the 4x100m final to win Gold after his individual 200m win and disqualification in the 100m.
An exciting Championship that gives us an indication of what’s to come in the London 2012 Games!