Olympic organisers hit back at cynics after weeks of negative headlines, saying criticisms over planning mistakes and cost were being outweighed by public excitement as the opening ceremony nears.
Britain’s famously critical media, which has highlighted security and transport problems ahead of the Games that start on July 27, also appeared to take a more positive stance as thousands turned out to cheer the Olympic torch relay through London.
“I think possibly what we’re going through as a nation, as a city is that necessary, pre-curtain up moment of psychological self-depression before the excitement begins,” said London Mayor Boris Johnson. “The mood is perceptibly changing, people are starting to get really excited here in London. The Olympo-scepticism is going to be banished.”
The run-up to the Games has been dogged by rain and difficulties in recruiting enough security staff, prompting the government to draft thousands of extra army personnel to make up for the shortfall.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2012.
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