In the later editions, the British capital had to assume the role of “saviours” of the Games
The city of London is ready to welcome the world from July 27 to celebrate the Olympic Games. More than 10,000 athletes from 204 countries will be represented in 26 sports and the British capital receives the largest sports event quite differently from the previus games it hosted in 1908 and 1948.
With the help of sponsors, the British were able to spend around £10 billion in infrastructure and facilities. Spending was chiefly spent on transport, opening and closing ceremonies, the construction of roads and the Olympic Village. Though it is estimated that from the initial budget, expenditures exceeded 101% from what was planned.
The 1908 games were distinctive as the city had only two years to replace Rome, due the disaster caused by the volcano Vesuvius. On this occasion, the British built a stadium for 70,000 people in ten months and edited a guide to all the regulations of all sports in English, German and French.
Forty years later, the situation was not good. The world was fragmented after World War II. Still, London received more than 4,000 athletes representing 59 countries, taking the place of Tokyo, which was unable to host the Games.
The panorama of London 2012 is completely different. The 34 installations were presented when there were 100 days of planning for the opening ceremony. Everything is now ready and the city can now expect to celebrate this historic moment for sport.
