SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES LONDON 2012
Last night the 2012 Summer Olympics kicked off with a huge Opening Ceremony in London's new Olympic Stadium, an event watched on television by an estimated 1 billion viewers. Performances paid tribute to British heritage and culture, from agrarian beginnings through pop culture successes like the Beatles and J.K. Rowling. Contingents from more than 200 nations marched in the athletes parade, and the evening was capped off by the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, a performance by Paul McCartney, and a huge fireworks display. Collected below is just a glimpse of last night's ceremony, as the 2012 Olympics are now underway.
The Olympic cauldron is lit during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) 
The Olympic cauldron is lit during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The Olympic rings are illuminated with pyrotechnics as they are raised above the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) #
Australian athletes with messages on their hands pose for photographers during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) #
The Olympic cauldron is lit during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) #
Japan's Reiko Shiota serves during a mixed doubles badminton match of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das) #
A spectator wears a headband decorated with the flags of Great Britain during the equestrian eventing dressage competition at Greenwich Park at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/David Goldman) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Valentina Vezzali celebrates winning her Women's Foil Individual Fencing Quaterfinal match against Ines Boubakri of Tunisia on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #
General view of the Beach Volleyball venue at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) #
United States' Ryan Lochte swims on his way to win the men's 400-meter individual medley swimming final at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) #
German gymnast Philipp Boy reacts in dejection at the end of the Artistic Gymnastics men's qualification at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. Germany stood fourth in the men's gymnastics qualifying.(AP Photo/Gregory Bull) #
Swedish gymnast Jonna Adlerteg performs on the balance beam during the Artistic Gymnastics women's qualification at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 29, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) #
WEYMOUTH, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Robert Stanjek and Frithjof Kleen in action during the first Star Class race of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Weymouth & Portland Venue at Weymouth Harbour on July 29, 2012 in Weymouth, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Marianne Vos of Netherlands (L) celebrates as she crosses the finish line ahead of Elizabeth Armitstead of Great Britain (R) to win the Women's Road Race Road Cycling on day two of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 29, 2012 in London, England (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) #
Judges watch Russian gymnast Anastasia Grishina perform on the beam during the Artistic Gymnastics women's qualification at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 29, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: David Ferrer of Spain plays a forehand during the Men's Singles Tennis match against Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon on July 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) #
Iraq's Ahmed Abdulkareem Ahmed walks away from the ring after losing to South Africa's Siphiwe Lusizi after a men's welterweight 69-kg boxing match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 29, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Michael Phelps of the United States competes in preliminary heat 5 of the Men's 200m Butterfly on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Kristina Franic of Croatia is tackled by Nair Almeida of Angola during the Women's Handball Preliminaries Group A - Match 7 between Angola and Croatia on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Copper Box on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Nicholas McCrory from the United States during warm-ups on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Sumit Sangwan of India (R) in action with Yamaguchi Falcao Florentino of Brazil during their Men's Heavy (81kg) Boxing on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Matt Grevers (R) of the United States and Nick Thoman of the United State celebrate after Grevers won and Thoman finished second in the Final of the Men's 100m Backstroke on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Un Guk Kim of DPR Korea celebrates making a world record while competing in the Men's 62kg Weightlifting on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Zara Phillips of Great Britain riding High Kingdom knocks a rail in the Show Jumping Equestrian event on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Byungchul Choi of Korea celebrates winning his match against Jianfei Ma of China during the quarterfinals of the Men's Foil Individual on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Asuka Teramoto of Japan competes on the balance beam in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team final on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) #
U.S. gymnast Gabrielle Douglas performs on the balance beam during the Artistic Gymnastics women's team final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) #
Russian gymnasts and team officials react as teammate Kseniia Afanaseva falls while performing on the floor during the Artistic Gymnastics women's team final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) #
U.S. gymnasts, left to right, Jordyn Wieber, Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman, Kyla Ross raise their hands on the podium during the medal ceremony during the Artistic Gymnastic women's team final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in London. Team U.S. won the gold. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Allison Schmitt of the United States competes in the Women's 200m Freestyle final on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Kelly Smith #10 of Great Britain shoots at goal under pressure from Bruna #14 of Brazil during the Women's Football first round Group E Match between Great Britain and Brazil on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Evgeniya Ukolova of Russia defends during the Women's Beach Volleyball Preliminary match between Canada and Russia on Day 4 at Horse Guards Parade on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) #
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Sheng Lei of China celebrates winning the Men's Foil Individual Gold Medal Bout against Alaaeldin Abouelkassem of Egypt on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) #
United States' Conor Dwyer, left, Michael Phelps, center, Ryan Lochte, second right, and Ricky Berens, right, pose with their gold medals after their win in the men's 4 x 200-meter freestyle relay at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Tuesday, July 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza) #
South Korea's Shin A Lam (R) fences against Germany's Britta Heidemann during their Women's Epee semifinal bout as part of the fencing event of London 2012 Olympic games, on July 30, 2012 at the ExCel centre in London. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI #
Japan's Yoshiaki Oiwa falls off his horse as he competes in the Cross Country phase of the Eventing competition of the 2012 London Olympics at the Equestrian venue in Greenwich Park, London, July 30, 2012. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL #
The South Korean men's cycling team trains for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 30, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev) #
Russia's men's track cycling team practice at the velodrome venue in the Olympic park, London on July 30, 2012 during the London 2012 Olympic Games. AFP PHOTO/Carl de Souza #
Egypt's Hussein Hafiz (white) competes with Costa Rica's Osman Murillo (blue) during their men's -73kg judo contest match of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 30, 2012 at the ExCel arena in London. AFP PHOTO / JOHANNES EISELE #
France's Clement Lefert, Amaury Leveaux and Fabien Gilot celebrate after winning the men's 4 x 100m freestyle relay final swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 29, 2012 in London. AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI #
China's Fang Yuting competes during the final match between South Korea and China of the women's team archery event during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 29, 2012 in London. South Korea won the gold medal, China the bronze medal and Japan the silver medal. AFP PHOTO/JEWEL SAMAD #
US gymnast Kyla Ross performs on the uneven bars during the women's qualification of the artistic gymnastics event of the London Olympic Games on July 29, 2012 at the 02 North Greenwich Arena in London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL #
French centre Ronny Turiaf (L) challenges with US guard Kobe Bryant during the Men's Preliminary Round Group A match United States vs France at the London 2012 Olympic Games , on July 29, 2012 in London. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY #
Germany's Julia Rohde competes during the weightlifting women's 53kg group B at the Excel Center in London during the 2012 London Olympic Games on July 29, 2012. AFP PHOTO / YURI CORTEZ #
The peleton powers past Buckingham Palace at the start of the women's road race cycling events at the London 2012 Olympic Games in London on July 29, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN #
Visitors walk near the Olympic Stadium at the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 29, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) #
US gymnast Gabrielle Douglas performs on the beam during the women's team final of the artistic gymnastics event of the London Olympic Games on July 31, 2012 at the 02 North Greenwich Arena in London. AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEX #
US gymnast Gabrielle Douglas (C), Mckayla Maroney (R), Alexandra Raisman (L) and teammates celebrate winning gold in the women's team of the artistic gymnastics event of the London Olympic Games on July 31, 2012 at the 02 North Greenwich Arena in London. Team US won gold, Team Russia took silver and Team Romania got bronze. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL #
China's Ding Ning serves to Singapore's Feng Tianwei in the table tennis women's singles round semi-final match at the Excel centre in London July 31, 2012 during the London 2012 Olympic Games. AFP Photo / Saeed Khan #
Senegal's Zargo Toure (R) vies for the ball with Uruguay's Tabare Viudez (L) during the London 2012 Olympic Games men's football match between Uruguay and Senegal on July 29, 2012 at Wembley Stadium in London. AFP PHOTO / KHALED DESOUKI #
Britain's gymnast Hannah Whelan performs on the beam during the women's team final of the artistic gymnastics event of the London Olympic Games on July 31, 2012 at the 02 North Greenwich Arena in London. AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEX #
Brazil's gymnast Ethiene Cristina Gonser Franco prays before performing during the women's qualification of the artistic gymnastics event of the London Olympic Games on July 29, 2012 at the 02 North Greenwich Arena in London. AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEX #
Japan's Ryosuke Irie competes in the men's 100m backstroke heats swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 29, 2012 in London. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL #
Australia's Alicia Coutts, Cate Campbell, Brittany Elmslie and Melanie Schlanger celebrate after winning the women's 4 x 100m freestyle relay final swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 28, 2012 in London. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL #
US swimmer Michael Phelps competes in the men's 400m individual medley final swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 28, 2012 in London. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU #
Britain's hockey team players stretch during a practice session at the Riverbank Arena in London on July 28, 2012, on the first day of the London 2012 Olympic Games. AFP PHOTO/ INDRANIL MUKHERJEE #
Camilla Dalby of Denmark, 2nd right, celebrates with team mate Line Jorgensen after winning their women's handball preliminary match against Sweden at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 28, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) #
An image of Jamaica's track star Usain Bolt, currently the world's fastest man, is projected on The Houses of Parliament in London on July 27, 2012, during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. AFP PHOTO/LUIS ACOSTA #
Britain's flag bearer Chris Hoy leads his team during their delegation parade in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27, 2012. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON #
Fireworks go off from the Tower Bridge in London on July 27, 2012, during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. AFP PHOTO / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV #
Brazil's striker Neymar (L) scores the third goal during the London 2012 Olympic Games men's football match between Brazil and Egypt at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on July 26, 2012. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK #
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga celebrates after winning over Canada's Milos Raonic during their men's singles tennis match second round at the 2012 London Olympic Games at the All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 31, 2012. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BERNETTI #
WEYMOUTH, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes of Great Britain compete in the Men's 49er Sailing on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Weymouth Harbour on July 30, 2012 in Weymouth, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) #
Sheeting is extended across the audience during the 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony, on July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) # 
Actors portraying the Queen of England and James Bond arrive via parachute after jumping from a helicopter during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Murad Sezer) # 
Kenneth Branagh dressed as Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Britain's most revered engineer recites Caliban's speech from Shakespeare's The Tempest at London's Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/David Gray) # 
An actor scales a representation of a chimney during an enactment of the Industrial Revolution at the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, on July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) # 
Newly "forged" Olympic rings light up the stadium in London, on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) # 
Britain's David Beckham (center) drives a powerboat with the Olympic torch as fireworks are launched over Tower Bridge during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Eddie Keogh) # 
Young actors perform as children haunted by creatures from British storybooks in London's Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) # 
A giant marionette of Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter books makes an appearance in the Opening Ceremony, on July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev) # 
Actors perform in a sequence meant to represent Britain's National Health Service (NHS), on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) # 
Performers dressed as the character Mary Poppins descend to the ground in the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Mike Blake) # 
Union Flags, commonly known as the Union Jack, are projected on the Palace of Westminster next to Big Ben on the bank of the River Thames, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Sergio Perez) # 
Actor Rowan Atkinson, known for his character Mr. Bean, performs in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach) # 
Artists dance during a medley of British pop songs through the years, in London, on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/ Ezra Shaw) # 
Artists wear jetpacks during the Opening Ceremony in London, on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) # 
A live tweet from Sir Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the World Wide Web, appears in the crowd in Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) # 
Fireworks on display at Tower Bridge on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Julian Finney/Getty Images) # 
Dancers perform during a rendition of the Hymn "Abide With Me", a memorial performance for "loved ones who could not be with us", and a tribute to the victims of the 7/7 terror attacks in London in 2005, on July 27, 2012. (Paul Gilham/Getty Images) # 
Britain's Queen Elizabeth (center), her husband Prince Philip (center right) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge (center left) applaud during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Reuters/Toby Melville) # 
Britain's flag bearer Chris Hoy holds the national flag as he leads the contingent in the athletes parade in the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters) # 
People watch the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at a pub in London, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Sergio Moraes) # 
China's flag bearer Yi Jianlian holds the national flag as he leads the contingent who carry both Chinese and British flags, in the athletes parade, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Mike Blake) # 
Two members of the Montenegro delegation photograph themselves as they parade in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on July 27, 2012. (Olivier Morin/AFP/Getty Images) # 
Members of Canada's contingent in the athletes parade in the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Jorge Silva) # 
Members of Australia's contingent show off messages written on their hands during the athletes parade, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach) # 
Flag bearer Mariel Zagunis of the U.S. holds the national flag as she leads the contingent in the athletes parade, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Mike Blake) # 
Sarah Attar and Wojdan Shahrkhani (background), the first female Saudis to ever compete in the Olympics, part of Saudi Arabia's contingent, take part in the athletes parade in the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett) # 
Fireworks illuminate the sky over the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 27, 2012. (Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images) # 
Spectators are illuminated during the Opening Ceremony, on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Cameron Spencer) # 
An actor performs during "Bike a.m", part of the Opening Ceremony in London, on July 27, 2012. (Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images) # 
A wide-angle view of the Olympic stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Pawel Kopczynski) # 
Muhammad Ali (center) participates in the Opening Ceremony, on July 27, 2012 in London. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) # 
The final torch bearers walk through the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) # 
The final seven torchbearers light the Olympic cauldron during the Opening Ceremony, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters) # 
Arms of the Olympic Cauldron rise after being lit, opening the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 27, 2012. (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) # 
After the separate lit torches rose together, forming the cauldron, the 2012 Olympic Flame burns brightly, on July 27, 2012. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) # 
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27, 2012. (Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty Images) # 
Fireworks light up the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) # 
Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) # 
A fisheye lens view of fireworks exploding after the Olympic cauldron was lit during the Opening Ceremony in London, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach) # 
Spectators wave Union Jacks in the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Mike Segar) # 
Sir Paul McCartney performs "Hey Jude" and "The End" in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on July 27, 2012. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) # 
Participants gathered around the Olympic Cauldron in the Olympic Stadium, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Murad Sezer) # 
A couple embraces after the Olympic Flame was lit during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on July 27, 2012. (Reuters/Max Rossi)
Today marks the end of the 70-day Olympic Torch relay through the United Kingdom, leading to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Since arriving in Cornwall on May 18, the flame has been carried through villages and cities, across lakes and mountain ranges, on foot, by train, on horseback, and through the air, from Cornwall to central London. The torch has passed through the hands of more than 8,000 torchbearers on its 8,000 mile (12,800 km) journey. Be sure to also see first half of the journey. And stay tuned: as the Opening Ceremony takes place tonight, I'll be gathering photographs, which I will post tomorrow morning, Saturday, July 28.
Amelia Hempleman-Adams poses with the Olympic Flame on top of a London Eye pod on the Torch Relay leg through London, on July 22, 2012. (AP Photo/LOCOG, Lewis Whyld)
- Map originally created by UCL researchers to help decide where to put new streets and parks around London
- Organisers spotted image in a book and decided to put in on the floor of the Olympic stadium
- Image shows exactly how people flow through streets in the capital, and were used to design part of the Olympic Park
It took a starring role in Danny Boyle's incredible opening to the 2012 Olympic Games, captivating a global audience and providing the floor of the Olympic stadium.
While at first glance it may look like any other map, the hi-tech 'Eastenders' image of London was actually an extremely scientific image.
It reveals exactly where Londoners walk, drive and cycles - and how popular each road is.
The map of London's streets that was used as the floor of the arena for part of Danny Boyle's opening ceremony. It was created by London firm Space Syntax.
The giant map of London's streets was originally created by urban planning and design company Space Syntax.
Based on mathematical analysis of street networks developed by researchers at UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture, the map helps property developers forecast how people will flow through new developments.
It is based on a huge computerised analysis of how London's road are used.
It was spotted by one of Danny Boyle's team when the opening ceremony was being planned.
Rather than use a generic map, Boyle's team decided to use the 'live' map instead.
It was then painstakingly transferred to the floor of the Olympic Stadium.
The map who originally created the map said it showed the dynamic nature of London.
'This map captures the essence of London: people moving and interacting in space; sharing stories and ideas; trading, creating and innovating; a social and economic network, played out in streets and public spaces,' said Tim Stonor Managing Director, Space Syntax.
The map has already been been used to how new roads and parks can lead to social and economic benefits such as safer public spaces, more successful shops and higher property values.
Attention to detail: Danny Boyle painstakingly recreated the 'live map' of London inside the stadium. On the night, it was seen under athletes feet as they gathered to watch the Olympic Cauldron being lit.
'A city, after all, is a living entity, with life given by the millions of people who both shape and live in it,' said Mr Stonor.
HOW IT WAS MADE
The number of people walking, cycling and driving on London's road network was calculated using computer software..
Complex algorithms were then developed to analyse the data and find the busiest streets.
Each street was given a ranking, and this was turned into a shade of grey to reflect how busy the street is.
The map was then transferred to the floor of the Olympic stadium ahead of Friday's opening ceremony.
It was gradually revealed throughout the evening, being left as the final layer of the stadium floor, which athletes stood on as they gathered to watch the cauldron in the centre of the stadium being lit.
'The legacy of the Games will be felt long after the fireworks are over and the medals won – it will be the way in which the Olympic Park is used, and becomes part of the fabric of the East End. Space Syntax has played its part in making that happen.'
Space Syntax, which was founded at UCL in 1989, has already used its map to redesign key public spaces in London including Trafalgar Square, the South Bank Centre and the Barbican.
The map was even used to develop the masterplan for the Olympic site at Stratford City, where Space Syntax worked to connect the new streets and spaces into the existing communities surrounding the Olympic Park.
The map used in the opening ceremony has underpinned many new developments in the capital, including Broadgate and One New Change in the City of London.
Most recently it has been used to test proposals for the regeneration of London’s Elephant & Castle and Earls Court, two of the largest regeneration projects in Europe.
Dr Steven Schooling, who is a Director of UCL Business PLC and Space Syntax Ltd, said the map was a unique example of academics and commercial firms working together.
'The interactions between Space Syntax Ltd and the Bartlett School of Architecture continue to set a benchmark for successful knowledge exchange between academia and industry, with both parties gaining significant benefits from a partnership which has fostered linkages in areas ranging from consultancy through to software development'
The opening ceremony showing the UCL created 'live map' of London in the centre of the stadium under the athletes feet.
The map was one of the first parts of the opening ceremony to be installed inside the stadium
Amelia Hempleman-Adams poses with the Olympic Flame on top of a London Eye pod on the Torch Relay leg through London, on July 22, 2012. (AP Photo/LOCOG, Lewis Whyld)
Torchbearer 001 Michael Liptrot holds the Olympic Flame in Kendal Castle on Day 35 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. (AP Photo/Yui Mok/LOCOG) # 
Aaron Bell lights the cauldron with the Olympic Flame at the historic estate of Temple Newsam in Leeds at the end of Day 37 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. (AP Photo/Joe Giddens/LOCOG) # 
Alan Ellinson holds the Torch before he abseils down the side of the Royal Dock Tower in Grimsby on June 27, 2012 in Grimsby, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Starr Halley holds the Olympic Flame on Skegness Beach during Day 40 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in Skegness, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Glenn Chambers carries the Olympic Flame between Edwinstowe and Mansfield, during a heavy downpour, on Day 41 of the Torch Relay. (AP Photo/Chris Radburn/LOCOG) # 
A young girl squeezes between an honor guard of soldiers to get a glimpse of Johnson Beharry VC carrying the Olympic torch at the National War Memorial on Armed Forces Day on June 30, 2012 in Alrewas, Staffordshire. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) # 
Johnson Beharry VC carries the Olympic torch on National Armed Forces Day at the National War Memorial on June 30, 2012 in Alrewas, Staffordshire. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) # 
Torchbearer 071 Lauren Reeder holds the Olympic Flame surrounded by local children on the running track at Lynnsport and Leisure Park, on July 4, 2012 in King's Lynn, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Richard Game passes the Olympic Flame to Caroline Emeny in front of the beach huts at Southwold during Day 48 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on July 5, 2012 in Southwold, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Edward Roberts carries the Olympic Flame on a punt on the River Cam on the Torch Relay leg through Cambridge on July 8, 2012 in Cambridge, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Torchbearer 024 Zachary Franklin carries the Olympic Flame on a raft down the Lee Valley Whitewater Center, north of London, on July 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Birchall/LOCOG) # 
Crowds gather around the "Long Walk" at Windsor Castle, as an Olympic Torch bearer runs with the torch west of London, on July 10, 2012. (Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images) # 
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip view the Olympic Flame at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, on July 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons) # 
Sir Roger Bannister holds the Olympic Flame on the running track at Iffley Road Stadium in Oxford, England, on July 10, 2012. Bannister was the first person ever to run a sub-four-minute-mile, on May 6, 1954, at this track in Oxford. Bannister returned to the site of his greatest sporting achievement, to participate in this Olympic Torch relay. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) # 
Torchbearer Charlotte James carries the Olympic Flame on the leg through Basingstoke on July 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Gareth Fuller/LOCOG) # 
Schoolgirls from Leadenhall School hold the torch of Olympic gold medalist former sprinter Torchbearer 001 Michael Johnson at Salisbury Cathedral on July 12, 2012 in Salisbury, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Olympic gold medalist former sprinter Michael Johnson holds the Olympic Flame at Stonehenge at the beginning of Day 55 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Alan Surtees carries the Olympic Flame up Gold Hill on day 55 of the Torch Relay, in Shaftesbury, England. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images) # 
Torchbearer 045 Lisa Devine holds the Olympic Flame in front of Durdle Door, on July 13, 2012 in Dorset, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Kathy Gore runs with the Olympic Flame at Seaford Head, with a view of the Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex during day 60 leg of the Olympic Torch Relay in Seaford, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
British Artist Tracey Emin holds the Olympic Flame inside the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate alongside "The Kiss" sculpture by Rodin, on July 19, 2012 in Margate, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Tall ship Stavros S Niarchos struggles into harbor past the white cliffs of Dover as bad weather prevented the Olympic torch handover between the tall ship and an RNLI lifeboat, which had to be completed in the harbor at Dover in southeast England, on July 18, 2012. (Reuters/Luke MacGregor) # 
Royal Marine Martyn Williams carries the London 2012 Olympic torch as he abseils from a helicopter above the Tower of London, on July 20, 2012. (Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett) # 
Torchbearer Paul Stanley-McKenzie carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through the London Borough Waltham Forest, on July 21, 2012. (AP Photo/LOCOG, Ben Birchall) # 
Former English basketball player, John Amaechi, and former Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comaneci, pose for a photograph with the Olympic Flame on the roof of the North Greenwich Arena, on July 21, 2012. (Reuters/LOCOG) # 
Indian Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan carries the Olympic Flame in London on July 26, 2012. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images) # 
A torchbearer passes the Olympic Flame to another in front of Buckingham Palace in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry on the Torch Relay leg through Westminster, on July 26, 2012. (AP Photo/LOCOG, Gareth Fuller) # 
Paralympian Ade Adepitan waves to crowds below as he carries the Olympic Flame across the Millennium Bridge in front of St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London, on July 26, 2012. (Reuters/Luke MacGregor) # 
"The Wanted" perform at the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Finale Concert in London's Hyde Park, on July 26, 2012. (Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images) # 
The last Olympic torchbearer Tyler Rix, from London, lights the flame on stage at the Olympic Torch Relay Concert in Hyde Park, before he gave a rousing speech, in central London, on July 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
Armed and ready: For the first time since WWII, London's green space is transformed by anti-aircraft guns for Olympic ring of steel
- Rapier and high-velocity missile systems are being installed in Leytonstone, Bow, Blackheath Common and Oxleas Wood, Enfield and Epping Forest
- It is the biggest peacetime security operation the country has ever seen
It is a sight which many older generations thought they would never see in this country again. Soldiers in residential tower blocks and green open spaces were yesterday pictured installing surface-to-air missiles at six sites across the capital, a show of strength not seen in this country since the Second World War. With two weeks to go before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, it marks a dramatic development in the biggest peacetime security operation the country has ever seen.
Security: Soldiers in residential tower blocks and green open spaces were yesterday pictured installing surface-to-air missiles at a number of sites across the capital. This image shows Rapier missile systems on Blackheath Common
Show of strength: With two weeks to go before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, it marks a dramatic development as part of the security operation
Armed: Blackheath Common was chosen because of its strategic location to the Olympic site
Powerful: Rapier missiles are pictured being unpacked on Blackheath Common
Protection: An anti-aircraft rocket is pictured being put into place at the William Girling Reservoir
Yesterday, the military began installing Rapier and high-velocity missile systems at the six sites in Leytonstone, Bow, Blackheath Common and Oxleas Wood, both in South East London, Enfield and Epping Forest.
The most controversial of these is at the residential block Fred Wigg Tower in Leytonstone, east London.
Swarming like ants across the rooftop, members of the Royal Artillery were pictured setting up the weapons.
Troops carried truckloads of equipment up the 17-storey block ready to assemble it to protect the Olympic Games from terrorist attack.
The Starstreak high-velocity missile systems, whose laser-guided weapons have a range of 3.4 miles, are so powerful they can bring down an aircraft.
Residents this week lost their bid to force a judicial review into the decision to deploy the air defences above their heads.
Different times: Anti-aircraft guns similar to those being used to protect the Olympic Games are seen in action in England during World War Two
Deadly: This picture shows troops testing anti-aircraft guns in Hyde Park, London in 1939. Many older generations of people no doubt thought they would never see such weaponry in the capital again
Force: Soldiers are pictured preparing the missile site on the top of Lexington Building, Tower Hamlets. It is part of the biggest peacetime security operation the country has ever seen
Controversial: This picture shows the site on top of the Lexington Building, in Bow, London, from a distance. Residents have been left alarmed by the plans to store missiles on the six sites
The tenants fear the move could make them a terrorist target but security chiefs say there is 'no credible threat' and the siting of the missiles is 'proportionate'.
Another Starstreak system was also placed at the Lexington Building, a gated community in Bow, East London.
Cover is also being provided by Rapier towed missile systems, which have a range of 7.5 miles, at Blackheath Common and Oxleas Wood, both in South East London, a reservoir in Enfield and a farm in Epping Forest.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), security service and police maintain there is 'no credible threat' to the Games and say the siting of the missiles is both 'legitimate and proportionate'.
The Defence Secretary has described the ground-based air defence systems as 'just one part of a comprehensive, multi-layered air security plan' which would provide 'both reassurance and a powerful deterrent' during the Games.
The security plan includes a helicopter carrier, HMS Ocean, being moored in the River Thames, with RAF Typhoon jets stationed ready at RAF Northolt and Puma helicopters at a Territorial Army centre in Ilford.
David Cameron will have the grim task of ordering the Armed Forces to use the missile defence systems to shoot down a passenger airliner over Britain if a suicide attack is suspected of being underway.
Preparation: Soldiers are pictured yesterday installing Rapier and high-velocity missile systems on the roof of Fred Wigg Tower in Leytonstone, east London
Deterrent: Once on top of the building, they began constructing the surface-to air missile system on the roof
Bizarre: A woman goes about her daily business close to the residential tower block as soldiers prepared the missile defence system
MPs WARNED OF TRIPLE THREAT
MI5 and MI6 have been put under ‘unprecedented pressure’ by the Olympics, leaving Britain vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
The annual report of Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee warned that ‘risks’ have been taken with security to concentrate on protecting the Games.
Intelligence chiefs told the committee that spies have identified three potential sources of terrorist threat to the Games.
Al Qaeda and its affiliates could launch a conventional terrorist attack which might target American or Israeli nationals.
Irish republican groups are judged to be capable of a smaller attack or a hoax aimed at causing disruption rather than mass casualties.
There could also be clashes between rival groups or minorities present in London during the Games who would not normally be considered a security threat to the UK.
The report says: ‘We recognise that the Security Service has taken all possible measures to make available the necessary resources during the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but remain concerned at the risk that is being taken in some areas and the vulnerability of the UK at this critical period.
‘It is clear that coverage of terrorist groups is by no means comprehensive.
The Prime Minister will be ultimately responsible for a decision to fire missiles to blast a suicide jet, possibly carrying terrified innocent civilians, out of the skies.
Colonel Jon Campbell, commander of the Joint Ground Based Air Defence, has previously said: 'We have done as much as we can to allay people’s fears.
'The Rapier system has a world-class radar on it and is particularly good at picking up low and slow-moving objects in the sky.
'It means we’re able to get the very best picture of what is happening in the skies of London.'
Air Vice Marshall Stuart Atha also said previously: 'We want the focus to be on Usain Bolt this summer and not us. We’re very proud to be part of this plan to deliver a safe and secure Olympics.'
A campaign to stop the Ministry of Defence deploying surface to air missiles on top of homes as part of Olympic security was taken to Parliament yesterday.
Labour's John Cryer tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons urging MPs to signal their opposition to the plans.
The Leyton and Wanstead MP said residents in his constituency feared the result of deploying the weapons, which could be used to shoot down aircraft threatening the London 2012 Olympics over east London.
A legal bid by the residents of the Fred Wigg tower, in Leytonstone, was dropped after the High Court rejected the challenge yesterday.
Mr Cryer's motion said: 'This House recognises the need to provide reasonable security for the Olympic Games but is concerned at the unprecedented decision of the Ministry of Defence, in peacetime and where no emergency has arisen, to station troops, armed police and ground-based air defence missile systems on top of Fred Wigg Tower.
'(It is) a civilian residential block of flats, in Leyton, and without any consultation with the residents affected and without bringing the matter before Commons.
'(This is) despite the fact that seven years have passed since this country was awarded the Olympic Games.
'It calls on the Ministry of Defence to examine urgently the possibility of building a temporary tower for the missile systems instead of siting such weapons and launch pads over the heads of the ordinary men, women and children who have had no say in the decision.
A soldier walks through the Olympic Park in Stratford yesterday as it emerged the Government is to call upon an extra 3,500 military personnel to protect the Games
Strategic: An aerial view of the Lexington Building, in Bow, London, which is one of the six missile sites. The Defence Secretary has described the ground-based air defence systems as being a 'powerful deterrent' during the Games
Not happy: A legal bid by the residents of the Fred Wigg tower, in Leytonstone, pictured, to stop the installing of surface-to-air missiles was dropped after the High Court rejected the challenge yesterday
'Or, alternatively, to provide proper security to protect the residents living in Fred Wigg Tower from potential terrorist attack and to provide financial assistance to concerned and worried residents who wish to move for the duration of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.'
Early day motions are tabled by MPs seeking to gather support for an issue or cause.
Other MPs can sign them to signal support but they are not debated in the Commons. One MP, Labour's John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) has so far signed Mr Cryer's motion since it was posted yesterday.
Home Secretary Theresa May has already faced accusations that Olympics security is a shambles after the Armed Forces were called in to plug a gap left by the failure of bungling G4S chiefs.
Secure: An aerial picture of the William Girling Reservoir, in Enfield, London. Yesterday troops began setting up missiles at the site
Open space: Oxleas Meadow, near Shooters Hill, London, is also one of the six sites
With just two weeks to go until the opening ceremony, an extra 3,500 servicemen and women are being flown in after the firm, which has a history of mistakes, said it might not be able to provide enough guards for all the venues.
MPs accused the company of letting the country down, while Mrs May insisted ministers were told of the ‘absolute gap in the numbers’ only on Wednesday. In other developments in a growing pre-Games meltdown yesterday:
- At Heathrow, passengers arriving for the Olympics faced two-hour queues at immigration and millions face travel chaos because the M4, which links Heathrow to London, remains closed for repairs for the ‘foreseeable’ future;
- A G4S whistleblower claimed fake explosive devices and lethal weapons were smuggled past security trainees during Olympics test events;
- It emerged that the extra servicemen now called in to carry out security duties during London 2012 will be forced to camp in disused buildings;
- A parliamentary report said MI5 and MI6 have been put under ‘unprecedented pressure’ by the Olympics, leaving the country vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Operation: The anti-aircraft rocket sites at Oxleas Woods are heavily protected by security services
Worries: The anti-aircraft rocket sites have been causing alarm and panic amongst local residents
Welcome to London: The UK's largest warship HMS Ocean nudges its way through the Thames Barrier bzck in May on the way to docking at Greenwich
The Carrier HMS Ocean takes up her position in the Thames during security rehearsals for the Olympics back in May
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- The Army has done it, as has the airforce. Today it was the turn of the Royal Navy to show off the weapons it hopes it never has to use at the London Olympics.
HMS Ocean sails up the Thames as preparations for Olympic security continues
HMS Ocean - the largest in the Navy - slipped up the Thames, past the tidal barriers, and up towards Greenwich to check out the berth, where it will monitor and protect London during the Olympics this summer.
The hardest part of the journey was slipping past the Thames barrier, which at only 60m gave some clearance on each side - but not much in terms of margin of error.
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The Carrier HMS Ocean makes her way up the River Thames as part of security rehearsals ahead of the London Olympics
Test run: The exercise is aimed at testing military capabilities to ensure operational readiness before the start of the Olympic Games
The show of strength came as Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said today he was prepared to to give the order to shoot down a hijacked airliner if the Olympics were threatened by a 9/11-style attack.
Hammond told the Evening Standard: 'The decision to engage would be made at the highest levels of government.'
Asked if he was personally willing to give the order to destroy a rogue aircraft, he said: 'Of course ... I’m certainly prepared to make decisions.'
Mr Hammond added that Londoners and visitors 'should be reassured by the military presence - there is no risk from the equipment. It’s defensive in nature and pointing skywards.'
Welcome to London: The UK's largest warship nudges its way through the Thames Barrier on the way to docking at Greenwich
The amphibious assault ship is being positioned in Greenwich to provide extra security for the London Olympics
A SHIP THAT'S ONE OF A KIND
HMS Ocean was commissioned in September 1998 at her home port Devonport, Plymouth, after being built by Kvaerner Govan Ltd on the Clyde and fitted out by VSEL at Barrow-in-Furness.
She is the sole member of her class in the Royal Navy, designed to support amphibious landing operations and to support the staff of Commander UK Amphibious Force and Commander UK Landing Force.
The ship carries a crew of 255, an aircrew of 206 and 480 Royal Marine Commandos. An additional 320 marines could be accommodated in a short-term emergency.
HMS Ocean is capable of transporting and sustaining an embarked military force of up to 800 people equipped with artillery, vehicles and stores.
She has capacity for 40 vehicles but is not designed to land heavy tanks. There are four LCVP Mk5 vehicle/personnel landing craft on davits.
The ship has full facilities for 12 EH101 Merlin and six Lynx helicopters, plus landing and refuelling facilities for Chinook helicopters. Twenty Sea Harriers could be carried but not supported. The flight deck is 170m long and 32.6m wide, with two aircraft lifts.
Its weapon systems include four Oerlikon/BAE twin 30mm guns together with three Raytheon/General Dynamics Phalanx Mk15 close-in weapon systems.
Questioned how he would deal with a hijacked airliner full of passengers, he said: 'We rehearse these things, we train for them.
'All the ministers involved are fully versed in the processes they have to go through, the judgments they have to make.
'I’m not going to spell out precisely who is in the loop and who is not, but there are a number of ministers who are involved in the air defence arrangements. The decision to engage would be made at the highest levels of government.'
Mr Hammond, who was taken on board HMS Oceans by a landing craft, said of the security arrangements: 'I don’t think it’s over the top. Every Olympic Games in recent times has had a significant military component to its security plan.'
Arrangements for security has been ongoing for the last few days, with HMS Ocean now making its debut appearance.
The ship will remain in Greenwich throughout the summer games.
The warship, which has the motto 'Boldly Faithfully Happily', will have quite an army on board - 300 military personnel will base themselves on the ship, while eight Lynx helicopters with sniper teams onboard will be ready to lift off at a moment's notice.
It is part of huge military protection for the city, with Typhoon jets stationed at RAF Northolt, and ground-to-air Rapier missiles dotted on rooftops at six sites across the city.
Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond said: 'Whilst there is no specific threat to the Games, we have to be ready to assist in delivering a safe and secure Olympics for all to enjoy.'
Rapier surface-to-air missiles have also been showcased at Blackheath Army Cadet Centre, in south east London, as part of the massive 2012 security test on land, sea and in the air.
Weymouth and Portland in Dorset will play host to the sailing where the Albion-class amphibious assault warship HMS Bulwark will play a key role in protecting the events.
Colonel Jon Campbell, commander of the Joint Ground Based Air Defence, said: 'We have done as much as we can to allay people's fears.
'The Rapier system has a world-class radar on it and is particularly good at picking up low and slow-moving objects in the sky. It means we're able to get the very best picture of what is happening in the skies of London.'
Air Vice Marshall Stuart Atha added: 'We want the focus to be on Usain Bolt this summer and not us. We're very proud to be part of this plan to deliver a safe and secure Olympics.'
The Lexington Building in Tower Hamlets and the Fred Wigg Tower in Waltham Forest, both in east London, have been identified as potential sites for the High Velocity Missiles.
Members of the public watch as the HMS Ocean passes Greenwich Naval College
Rapier missiles would be positioned on Blackheath Common and in Oxleas Wood, both in south east London, and at William Girling Reservoir Chain in Enfield and Barn Hill at Netherhouse Farm in Epping Forest, both in north London, should the Air Security Plan be approved by the Government.
Col Campbell said the sites had been chosen to avoid having weapons inside the Olympic Park.
He said: 'We're trying to de-militarise this and let the sport do the talking. The Lexington Building is the best available location away from the Olympic Park.'
Heading to England: The HMS Ocean earlier today, out at sea, making its way to the Thames
What the...? A man walks past a Rapier short range air defence system at Blackheath, London, ahead of the exercises
We got your back: Surface-to-air missiles at the army cadet base in Blackheath, southeast London The Rapier surface-to-air missile has the power to take down a Boeing 747 full of passengers if needed to protect a stadium full of 80,000 Olympic spectators in a terrorism nightmare scenario. The British military has insisted that the missiles - with a range of up to five miles - could be deployed as the last line of defence. Experts say the likelihood that they will be fired is slim to none. Downing an aircraft would still cause debris to rain from the sky, high casualties and fires.
Ready to roll: Royal Marine commandos in rigid inflatables, from the Royal Navy flagship HMS Bulwark, take part in a security exercise off Weymouth and Portland When you launch a Rapier missile and shoot down an aircraft, it's not like the whole thing vanishes. It's 100 tons of metal, scraps, and other stuff that is coming down,' said Jan Wind, a retired Dutch Navy captain who is director of the Hague-based Wiser Consultancy. 'If a Rapier is used, the damage could be just about the same as the intentions of the terrorist - only on another spot. The goal of the terrorists will be met in a certain sense,' Wind said. It's rare for the British military to publicise the location of its weapons, but the military says it hopes that any potential attacks will be deterred by showing the missile strength and other defense assets such as Typhoon fighter jets. Ground-to-air missiles have been a fixture of Olympic games and large VIP events in the post-9/11 world, but London's missiles have sparked outrage among residents of an apartment block who learned that the Rapiers might be stationed on their roof. They say the missiles are creating a climate of fear - which security experts say is exactly the point. That's because the systems are more valuable as deterrents than as deployed weapons, Mr Wind said. 'The British army and air force don't do all this to really shoot down a terrorist aircraft, they do it to display their determination to do so, which will hopefully prevent the terrorists from attacking,' Mr Wind said. 'If you know that there are 500 policeman outside the jewellery store, you will not go there and try to rob the store.' The Ministry of Defence it has not decided where it will ultimately station the missile batteries. PICURE SPECIAL: London 2012 is shaping up as Olympic Games stand by for ticket rush
Sportsmail was given unprecedented access to the London 2012 Olympic Park yesterday, on the day Lord Coe revealed that more than one million people in Britain have signed up for tickets. Andy Hooper stood on the roof of the velodrome to take the first of a series of exclusive pictures (below) - the main stadium with Canary Wharf in the background. In the second picture below, a lone workman in the foreground puts the size of the vast Olympic bowl into perspective, while high above him work has begun on the roof, where green safety netting protects the workforce.
Building works: The Olympic Stadium (above and below) in Stratford
Below is a unique view of the aquatics centre, with cranes and the Olympic stadium reflected in the still water. The pool had to be filled to obtain its safety certificate, but in the next day or two it will be drained and scaffolding erected to allow work to start on the ceiling and seating.
Water sight: A view of the Olympic Stadium from the aquatics pool (above) and a shot of the curved roof of the Aquatics Centre itself (below)
For more exclusive pictures and Laura Williamson's Olympics blog, go to www.daily.mail.co.uk/sport The National Lottery is investing in the venues and infrastructure for London 2012.
Taking shape: Cranes soar above the Athletes' Village (above) and a workman on the velodrome roof with view of the basketball stadium behind (below)
The Olympic rings have never looked as psychedelic. With 172 days before the start of the tournament, financial executive David Gilliver has paid homage to the eagerly anticipated games with these incredible Olympic rings. David has spent £10,000 and 250 nights over the last three years prowling the island of Guernsey at night to capture these incredible images - without using digital manipulation.
Just under six months before the start of the tournament, David Gilliver has spent £10,000 and 250 nights over the last three years prowling the island of Guernsey at night to capture these incredible images
Three Wise Men: The 32-year-old financial executive, took advantage of a photographic technique called 'long exposure' which he combined with his own style of light painting to produce his works of art ‘I am still amazed by the whole process of light painting every time I venture out to make new work,’ said David. ‘There is something quite magical about it. More...‘Even though I have been making light paintings for approximately three years now, I still feel a real sense of excitement every time I walk back to my camera to view the finished photograph. ‘I find the Orbs particularly mesmerising and very calming to look at. ‘Some of my work has also been met with a certain level of scepticism.
Light painting, light drawing or light graffiti relies on using exposure times ‘I think some people are not convinced that I do not use Photoshop to add the lights to my images. ‘I guess I should take that as a compliment though. ‘I can whole heartedly confirm that I create all of the lights you see in my photographs on location. ‘No trickery is ever used to add or subtract any lights from my photographs.’
The photographer used a light source, held in his hand, to 'paint' within the photograph while it was being taken
'Give me Shelter': The image depicts a purple orb resting in a bus shelter With clever titles such as ‘Where Rainbows Sleep’ for an image of a rainbow seeming to weave its way into an attic space, and ‘Give me Shelter’ for a purple orb resting in a bus shelter these pictures could make your head spin. ‘Light Painting, light drawing or light graffiti, is a photographic technique that relies on using long exposure times,’ said David. ‘This is coupled with a hand-held light source that is used to ‘paint’ within the photograph while it is being taken, usually outdoors and at night. ‘The camera will be placed on a tripod, and the camera shutter is triggered remotely by using either a cable release cord or remote control device. ‘Once the exposure has started, the photographer can then use a variety of light sources to literally ‘paint’ within the picture frame by walking around the landscape.
A street-by-street map of London 2012's 8,000-mile Olympic torch relay across the UK and Ireland was launched today as uniforms for those carrying it was also unveiled. Running from Land's End to as far as the Outer Hebrides and Dublin, every inch of road it will go on has been plotted so Britons can find out just how close they can get to the iconic symbol of the Olympic movement. After being flown in from Greece, the flame will eventually arrive at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London, for the opening ceremony of the Games on July 27. The relay, involving 8,000 torchbearers, is set to ignite interest in the Games during its 70-day epic journey, and will come within 10 miles of 95 per cent of the population. Each will wear a white outfit, designed by Adidas, with gold piping and London 2012 logo across their chests. Scroll down for video
Dressed to impress: Today five London 2012 Torchbearers, including 99-year-old Dinah Gould, second left, hold torches in the new white and gold outfits unveiled this morning Games organisers say the kit's gold lines 'reflect the energy of the Olympic flame'. It has also been designed to make it easy for all the torchbearers to run in. 'The uniform is easy to wear and celebrates the important role of the torchbearer,' a LOCOG spokesman told MailOnline. 'The uniform is made of breathable materials to ensure that our Torchbearers remain comfortable whatever the weather. The uniforms work well together but clearly distinguish the different roles the wearers have.' An average of 115 torchbearers a day will carry the flame during the nationwide relay, from May 19 to July 27. OLYMPIC TORCH ROUTE PLOTTEDWhere is it going? - LINKThere will be seven island visits: to the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Guernsey, Jersey, Shetland, Orkney and the Isle of Lewis. The locations have been confirmed by organisers, taking in famous sports venues, historic sites and places of outstanding natural beauty. On most days of the relay, the Olympic Flame will travel for 12 hours each day ending in an evening celebration event.
Excitement: (left to right) Abul Kasam, 30, Dinah Gould, 99, Dominic John MacGowan , 11, Rosy Ryan, 17, and Aidan Kirkwood, 23, will all be London 2012 Torchbearers. Seen here this morning with London Mayor Boris Johnson and Olympian Jonathan Edwards, centre right
Launch: London Mayor Boris Johnson at Redlands Primary School in London today with children and torchbearers
Epic: This map shows the 70-day journey of the torch as it touches all parts of the UK. It will also go to Dublin. Proposed start times of when and where the Olympic Flame will travel across Britain are also included online. Launching the map London 2012 chairman Lord Coe has declared 'today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life'.TORCH RELAY - THE FACTS
'The flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets,' he added. 'Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might celebrate.' Details on the two-day finale to the 70-day relay, which brings the Olympic Flame to the lighting of the cauldron to start the Games are being kept under wraps until closer to the start of the relay. Around 8,000 people, many of whom are members of the public who have been nominated for community spirit, courage and sporting determination, have been named as torchbearers. The youngest unsung hero is 12 and each torchbearer will wear a white-and-gold uniform which have been designed by Adidas. Background checks are being run on all the nominees before the final line-up is confirmed. Former Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards joined London Mayor Boris Johnson for a demonstration of the torch relay handovers at a school in east London this morning.
Happy: Olympic torch runners Julia Chilcott and Mel Moore, pictured, will carry the torch through Maidstone in Kent and are two of 8,000 bearers Around 70 children from Redlands Primary School in Stepney wore hats and shook colourful shakers they made for the run-through in their playground. Five torchbearers, including 99-year-old Diana Gould, from Harrow, the oldest torchbearer who will be 100 when she takes part in the relay, wore the white tracksuits they will wear for the handovers. Former triple-jumper Edwards, said: 'It's a really exciting day. The torch relay is literally around the corner and it's all systems go.' Explaining the moment when the torches are held together to pass on the flame, he said: 'The kiss is the big moment when the flame is passed from torchbearer to torchbearer and obviously you have to get it right - you don't want the flame to go out.
Proud: Pupils from Cross Flatts Primary School in Leeds celebrate the announcement with Great Britain diver Callum Johnstone, third from left, torchbearers Diane McKenna and Simon Brown, centre, and Councillor Adam Ogilivie, fourth from right 'It's called a kiss. You have to hold them together for about ten seconds to make sure the flame passes and then the next runner runs off for their 300m stint.' Mr Johnson said the children from Redlands Primary will always remember the day the torch goes along the route near their school. 'I think it's going to be something that they'll keep for the rest of their lives,' he said. 'This is something our city will not do again in my lifetime.' Referring to the oldest torchbearer, Mrs Gould, he said: 'Diana, who's 99, she remembers vividly the Olympics in 1948, but people like me probably won't see another Olympic Games. 'It's not just London, it's people from all around the country of all ages and obviously I think it's going to be very very wonderful for them.'
Route: The torch will go through the land of Robin Hood, Nottinghamshire, who is pictured with 15-year-old Zena Robinson, a Coca-Cola Future Flame torchbearer, who will hold it in June Unusual ways have been found for some of the torchbearers to complete their relay leg. One will carry the flame on a chair lift at the Needles on the Isle of Wight, another will skate with it at the Nottingham Ice Centre and it will be rowed at Henley-on-Thames and on the River Bann in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.
Incredible: The torch will go 8,000 miles calling at some of the UK and Ireland's most dramatic spots including Edinburgh, top left, Dublin, top right, Land's End, below Left, and The Needles on the Isle of Wight, bottom right
High-flying activities await some torchbearers as the flame will abseil down the Dock Tower at Grimsby and swoop off the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle Gateshead on a zip wire. Restoration work to the Flying Scotsman means that the Scots Guardsman train will now take the flame on its journey between York and Thirsk. It will also be taken on a skywalk at Croke Park as it visits Dublin on June 6 in its only stop outside of the UK. There will be no international torch relay - the International Olympic Committee decided to make it a domestic event only after the controversial Beijing torch relay in 2008 where protesters used the event to demonstrate against China's human rights abuses. TV presenter Konnie Huq was caught up in a melee between police and protesters. People also hurled themselves into the path of the relay in London and campaigners tried to grab the torch or put out the flame with a fire extinguisher.
Demonstration: Protesters attempted to disrupt the Beijing Olympic Torch relay in 2008 by grabbing the torch from TV presenter Konnie Huq A team of 28 police officers will be dedicated to protecting the Olympic torch and its bearers during a 8,000 mile tour of Britain. Commander Bob Broadhurst, the officer in charge of Olympic policing in London, said: 'I think the biggest threat will be attention seekers, somebody trying to run alongside and grab a bit of the glory. 'I'm sure we'll get the odd protest every now and then up and down the country.'
History: Frank Ede taking the torch from Austin Playford during the relay before the 1948 London Olympics in London A mock run took place this month to demonstrate how the police team would deal with various situations if they arose during the relay. The British authorities do not believe the torch relay will face the same issues the Chinese had to deal with, but have nonetheless chosen a much lower profile route. 'I'M RUNNING FOR MUM': TEENAGER TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH IN MEMORY OF CANCER SUFFERER AND CAMPAIGNER JANE TOMLINSON
The teenage son of inspirational fundraiser Jane Tomlinson said today that he is carrying the Olympic Torch on behalf of his late mother. Steven Tomlinson, 14, will be taking his turn on the relay when the torch arrives in Leeds in June. His mother, pictured right running in a triathlon, died from cancer in 2007 at the age of 43, and carried the torch ahead of the 2004 Games in Athens. Mrs Tomlinson inspired thousands of people with her charity challenges while battling against terminal cancer. The NHS radiographer defied experts and spent seven years raising money for charity through marathons, triathlons, the Iron Man contest, a tandem cycle ride from Rome to Leeds and a bike ride across America, from San Francisco to New York. She raised more than £1.85 million and her family have continued to raise funds for her charity, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, since her death. 'I’m really excited about being nominated as a torchbearer.' he said. 'It’s a great opportunity to be part of the Olympics. I will be doing it on behalf of my sisters and my mum. It should be a great experience.' She was awarded the MBE for her work in June 2003 and later made a CBE. Last month, her husband, Mike, 50, of Rothwell, West Yorkshire, and daughter, Rebecca, 23, of Tooting, south London, announced they are planning to run this year’s Paris and London marathons and cycle the distance between them. Ripped and toned, these sportsmen and women represent the limits to which the human body can be pushed and have been recruited from the leagues of the NBA, the rolling waves of Brazil and the tough competition of the Olympic Games. With a special slant this year on the 2012 London Olympics, 'The Body Issue' includes a total of 27-world-class athletes all in the buff, from 7-foot-1, 240-pound basketball star Tyson Chandler to lithe Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira. Scroll Down for Video
Maya Gabeira is no stranger to surfing in the nude as she comfortably rides under a wave photographed by ESPN Described by ESPN as a chance 'to unapologetically stand in awe of the athletes who've pushed their physiques to profound frontiers,' this year's edition says editor in chief, Chad Millman contains athletes who 'just recently popped.' Personalities such as 25-year-old Gabeira, who is no stranger to surfing naked. 'I actually have surfed nude,' the Rio-native told Men's Health Magazine.'I wouldn't really do it normally because it kinda hurts your boobs.'
Tyson Chandler, the 29-year-old New York Knicks center has his modesty protected by a basketball as one of the six front covers of ESPN's 'The Body' magazine Noted for her big wave surfing ability where she is towed onto a 50-foot tall break by a jet-ski, Gabeira is also comfortable on the more sedate beaches of home. 'I feel sexy when I am surfing in my bikini, which is rare because I am usually in a wet suit on a big wave, so when I get the chance to, it feels great,' said Gabeira who is a five-time Billabong XXl Award winner. For the New York Knick's center, Tyson Chandler, 'The Body Issue' is a chance for him to let the 'average person' take 'a good look at athletes' bodies and why we are able to do the things we do.' 'I think a lot of people are curious about it,' added Chandler. 'I wanted people to look at my body and see why I'm able to do the things I do on the court. 'Also, it's a very artistic shoot, and seeing that in past issues made me want to do it.'
Anna Tunnicliffe, 29, steers her boat in preparation for the the 2012 London Olympics Indeed, 29-year-old Chandler is particularly proud of his body, claiming to be very well proportioned. 'I'm tall with broad shoulders,' said Chandler to ESPN in an interview prior to the launch of the edition. 'And my waist is small. 'I'm into fashion, So I like the way clothes lay on me. 'I'm pretty much a normal person's size, just stretched out.'
Maya Gabeira in a less spectacular pose alongside Tyson Chandler playing for the New York Knicks Also pictured is the impressive body of American sailor Anna Tunnicliffe, 29, who shows the strength which has won her a gold medal in the women's laser radial class at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Originally born in Doncaster, England, Tunnicliffe moved to the U.S. at the age of 12 and moved to Perrysburg, Ohio. With the London Games this summer, the list announced Wednesday is heavy with Olympians, including sprinter Carmelita Jeter and members of the U.S. women's volleyball team.
Other bodies to bare all for ESPN include tennis star Daniela Hantuchova (left) and U.S Olympic sprinter Carmelita Jeter
Abby Wambach of USA is seen during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Group C match between USA and Colombia at Rhein-Neckar-Arena in Sinsheim, Germany Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista, New York Rangers forward Brad Richards and WNBA star Candace Parker will also appear in the July 13 edition. Another athlete keen to remove her clothes for the ESPN issue is U.S. Women's national Soccer Team forward Abby Wambach, who feels that posing nude is all about confidence, 'it you have it inside, it will exude on the outside,' said Wambach. Also taking their clothes off for the much anticipated ESPN mag edition is 29-year-old tennis star Daniela Hantuchova, who is known for her statuesque figure. Michael Phelps IS the greatest Olympian ever: The Baltimore Bullet silences his doubters by winning 19th medal with gold in men's relayIn just 200 meters today, Michael Phelps became the greatest Olympian of all time as he claimed his first gold medal of the 2012 Games with the powerful stroke of his outstretched arm, grasping a glory unknown to any other competitor in the world. The swimmer secured his 19th medal with victory in the men's 4x200mn relay, smashing the 48-year record of Russian gymnast Larissa Latyina and earning himself a place in history. After taking a disappointing second place medal earlier in the day, he now has 15 golds, two silver and two bronze medals over three Olympics. ‘It has been a pretty amazing career but we still have a couple races to go,’ he said.
Sweet Success: Michael Phelps of the U.S. smiles after winning the men's 4x200m freestyle relay final during the London 2012 Olympic Games
Cheers: U.S. team members Michael Phelps, left, and Conor Dwyer, right, celebrate with their gold medals and US flags after winning gold in the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Relay Final
Happy Ending: Debbis Phelps, mother of U.S.' Michael Phelps, right, cries during the men's 4x200m freestyle relay final swimming event while his teammates cheer him on at the finish
Smile: U.S.'s Michael Phelps celebrates after winning gold in the Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final, which secured him a record 19th Olympic medal Phelps's historic achievement is a welcome boost for the swimmer, who has so far fallen short of expectations at the London Games - finishing fourth in the 400m medley on the opening day of the Games. In the relay race today the United States team of Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer, Ricky Berens and Phelps on the anchor leg won in 6 minutes, 59.70 seconds. France took the silver in 7:02.77, while China was third in 7:06.30. Before the race, they all huddled together, fully aware of their moment in history. ‘I thanked those guys for helping me get to this moment,’ Phelps said. ‘I told those guys I wanted a big lead. I was like, "You better give me a big lead going into the last lap," and they gave it to me. I just wanted to hold on. I thanked them for being able to allow me to have this moment.’
Dive: United States' Michael Phelps dives in to start the last leg of the men's 4 X 200-meter freestyle relay before their gold medal win
Fins: Phelps swims the final leg in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay swimming final at the Aquatics Centre
Spout: United States' Michael Phelps, right, celebrates winning gold in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay Berens handed off a lead of nearly 4 seconds to Phelps, who lingered a bit on the blocks, knowing the only way he could blow this one was to get disqualified. Then he set off on what amounted to four victory laps of the pool — down and back, then down and back again, the roar in the Olympic Aquatics Centre getting louder as he approached the finish. Lochte stood on the deck, waving his arms. Dwyer and Berens pumped their fists. And Phelps touched the wall for his first gold of the London Games with a cumulative time of 6 minutes, 59.70 seconds.
Joy: Michael Phelps celebrates with a team member after winning gold in the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Relay
Rejoice: U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps poses on the podium with the gold medal after the US swimming team won the men's 4x200m freestyle relay
Team: United States' Conor Dwyer, left, Michael Phelps, center, Ryan Lochte, second right, and Ricky Berens, right, pose with their gold medals after their win ‘I started smiling with like 20 meters to go, the first time I think I've ever done that in a race,’ Phelps later recalled. ‘I knew we had gotten it.’ No one else was close. France's Yannick Agnel swam a faster final leg than Phelps, but it wasn't nearly good enough, his country taking silver in 7:02.77. China was far back in third at 7:06.30. Phelps might have backed into the record a bit by failing to win any of his first three events at these games, but there's no denying his legacy as one of the greatest Olympians ever — if not THE greatest. Phelps has 15 golds in his career, six more than anyone else, to go along with two silvers and two bronzes. Latynina won nine golds, five silvers and four bronzes from 1956-64.
Champions: Michael Phelps, left, won his 19th medal today, beating out former Soviet Union gymnast Larissa Latynina for the most medals of all time. She is pictured in 1960 at right
Win: Silver medalist US swimmer Michael Phelps poses on the podium after the men's 200m butterfly final during the swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Team: Latynina was cheering on Michael Phelps to take her title ‘You are now a complete legend,’ the public-address announced bellowed, accompanied by the Foo Fighters' song ‘Best of You.’ THE WOMAN WHO FELL TO PHELPS: UKRAINIAN GYMNAST WITH 18 MEDALS RECALLS FORMER GLORYLarissa Latynina was quick to point out, however, that she also coached the Soviet women's gymnastics team from 1967 to 1977, helping her charges to win 10 Olympic gold medals along the way. 'I can proudly say that I've played a part in winning 19 Olympic gold medals if you add up my nine with their 10. He has a long way to go to catch me,' she added with a smile. The Ukraine-born gymnast also has 14 world championship medals, nine of them gold. She won five golds, including the all-around, and one silver from six events at the 1958 world championships in Moscow while she was four months pregnant. 'I didn't tell anyone, not even my personal coach (Alexander Mishakov),' she recalled. ' I had to keep quiet about my pregnancy -- if our sports bosses had known about it, they would have never allowed me to compete. 'And how did I do? Well, I won,' she said matter-of-factly. Latynina, who nowadays spends most of her time taking care of her vegetable garden at her dacha outside Moscow and playing with her great-grandchildren, did not think she was much more talented than her rivals. 'If anything, it was probably my desire and a will to win. I had that competitive drive in me,' she said. 'I never ever liked losing. Simply hated it.' Phelps still has three more races to go before he retires, three more chances to establish a mark that will be hard for anyone to touch. ‘It has been a pretty amazing career,’ he said, ‘but we still have a couple races to go.’ Bob Bowman, his coach, said at the Olympic trials that London gave Phelps the chance to 'take his gold medal count to a level I don't know if anyone could touch it. It might be there already,' according to USA Today. Phelps had won the 200 butterfly in Athens and Beijing, but lost out on the chance for a trifecta today. 'You guys are still stressing about it,' he told an audience of reporters before the Games. 'I have times that I want to hit and things I want to do. That's why I'm here. Obviously, we always want to swim faster.' Latynina was rooting Phelps on, hoping that the swimming sensation would break her record. 'I wouldn't be bitter if he did,' Latynina, now a sprightly 77, said. 'As they say, records are made to be broken. He is a great champion and a very nice young man.' 'If anything, I can only wish him well because I'm a huge admirer of his talent. I just enjoy watching him swim.' Latynina's eyes lit up as she proudly recalled her own triumphs. 'I remember just about everything. Each Olympics was a unique experience in itself, each one had its own things to remember,' said Latynina, who competed in Melbourne (1956), Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964), winning a record 18 medals, nine of them gold. Latynina, who met the American for the first time at a sponsors' event in New York this year, was certain he would overtake her. 'I have no doubt about it. He already has 16 and should win at least three more in London,' said the Russian. Pondering his own legacy, Phelps hopes someone else is out there dreaming as big as he did. 'Nothing is untouchable,' he said.
A proud moment for Debbie Phelps (centre) as she applauds the American quartet onto the medal podium following their 4 x 200m freestyle relay win
Mrs Phelps is well used to seeing her son on the front pages and here she reads a copy of Sports Illustrated magazine before the session started last night
Despite the nerves, Debbie shares a joke with daughters Hilary (left) and Whitney before the race
Winner: U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps competes in the men's 200m butterfly final during the swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Speed: Michael Phelps competes in the men's 200m butterfly final
Finale: Just .05 seconds behind South Africa's Chad le Clos, Phelps finished second in the race; bringing his medal count to 14 gold, two silver and two bronze. Earlier, the 27-year-old told CNN’s Piers Morgan that the London Games will be his fourth and final Olympics.
Phelps, who won six gold medals in Athens in 2004, and eight at Beijing in 2008, trained every day for five years at one point in his glittering career. But he is now looking forward to taking some time out from swimming and enjoying going on holiday. ‘I don't want to get in the water,’ Phelps said on 'Piers Morgan Tonight'. ‘I spent so much time in the water; I'm like “No I'll sit here on the beach. ... I don't want to get in the water and play.”’ Phelps won his first ever silver medal at the London Games on Sunday as part of the 400-meter relay team. But his fellow USA teammate Ryan Lochte rocketed to victory in the 400m individual medley on Saturday, leaving Phelps and his other competitors in his wake and taking the nation’s first gold medal.
Retiring: The 27-year-old, who has been swimming since the age of 7, told CNN's Piers Morgan that the London Games will be his fourth and final Olympics
Role model: Phelps told how his own sporting idol is Michael Jordan. 'On and off the court, the guy made basketball what it is,' Phelps told Morgan
Face off: Ryan Lochte (right) rocketed to victory in the 400m individual medley on Saturday, leaving Phelps (left) and his other competitors in his wake Phelps told Morgan his own sporting idol is Michael Jordan. ‘On and off the court, the guy made basketball what it is,' he said. ‘I think one of the coolest things that I loved about him was it didn't matter what he had going on off the court or if he was sick or this, that,’ Phelps added. ‘He never used an excuse. He came out every single night on the court and did what he had to do to get his job done. ‘That's what champions do. It doesn't matter what else is going on when you walk in to your arena, whatever you excel at, you're there to take care of the job that you have to do.’ HOW THE BOY FROM BALTIMORE BECAME THE WORLD'S GREATEST OLYMPIAN...Phelps, who has been swimming since he was seven years old, and while he has been subjected to more than a decade of training, his body is tailor-made for swimming. His 6'7" wingspan is longer than his 6'4" height, giving him a reach advantage. He also has an unusually long torso and extremely flexible angles. Tack on his size 14 feet, and there is a practically unbeatable swimmer.
Born to swim: Michael Phelps has been swimming competitively since he was just seven years old Though he made the finals in the 200m butterfly in the 2000 Sydney games, Phelps could not place higher than fifth. It would be another four years before he could make a splash. At the Athens games in 2004, he picked up six gold medals and two bronze at 19 years old. But it was in Beijing in 2008 when Phelps captivated the nation and rocketed to worldwide fame when he grabbed eight gold medals in all eight races. In fact, Phelps' performance at the Beijing games was so impressive that many tried to persuade him to retire. But rather than leave competition on a high note, Phelps said he would swim in London. There were bumps along the way, most notably the notorious bong photo that appeared in the pages of the now-defunct News of the World in early 2009.
Going Greek: At the Athens games in 2004, Phelps picked up six gold medals and two bronze when he was just 19 years old Phelps eventually admitted 'regrettable' behaviour and 'bad judgment' after the image, which showed him inhaling from a marijuana pipe, surfaced. In the statement released by one of his agents amid the scandal, Phelps said: 'I engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. The statement went on: 'I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.' Phelps is believed to rake in more than $40million a year in endorsements with brands like Speedo, Subway and Nike. The New York Post reported that the swimmer is currently single, having broken up with his former Miss California USA girlfriend Nicole Johnson in January. Amid the height of his fame, Phelps also started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting healthy lives and an active lifestyle among children through swimming. | Just 75 days from now, the 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay will begin its two-month journey from Land's End, the westernmost tip of mainland England, to London's new Olympic Stadium. The opening ceremony on July 27 will mark the end of a nearly decade-long process, beginning with London's 2003 bid to host the 2012 games. Since the city's selection, officials and businesses have been constructing new venues and upgrading old ones, conducting security drills, organizing volunteers, and hosting test events to make sure all systems are running properly. Athletes around the world have also been preparing for their moment in this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games. Collected here is just a small overview of the massive effort involved to get ready for the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Olympic rings mounted on a barge are maneuvered to pass under Tower Bridge during a promotional event for the London 2012 Olympic Games, on the River Thames in London, on February 28, 2012. (Reuters/Andrew Winning) Olympic games volunteers, known as games makers, take part in a training event at Wembley Arena in London, on February 4, 2012. 70,000 volunteers will be taking part in the London 2012 Olympic games. (Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) # (1 of 4) November 12, 2008 -- an aerial view of early construction underway at the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. (AP Photo/Anthony Charlton, ODA) # (2 of 4) April 15, 2009 -- construction work continues on the 2012 Olympic Stadium in the Olympic Village in Stratford in east London. (AP Photo/Anthony Charlton/ODA) # (3 of 4) December 5, 2011 -- An aerial view of the London 2012 Olympic Games Olympic Park, nearing the end of construction. (Reuters/LOCOG) # (4 of 4) March 5, 2012 -- The Olympic Stadium and Orbit tower, at sunset in Stratford in east London. (Reuters/Toby Melville) # Britain's Olympic triple jump gold medalist Jonathan Edwards, poses for a photograph with a gold medal designed for the London 2012 Olympic Games following a news conference in London July 27, 2011. (Reuters/Stefan Wermuth) # Liubou Charkashyna, a member of Belarusian national rhythmic gymnastics team, attends a training session in Minsk, on February 21, 2012. Charkashyna and her other teammates will take part in the 2012 London Olympic Games. (Reuters/Vasily Fedosenko) # Mongolia's Olympic freestyle 60kg wrestler Mandakhnaran Ganzorig limbers up at a wrestling gym in Ulan Bator, on October 27, 2011. While the elite of the sporting world tune up for the London Olympics in world class facilities, other gold medal hopefuls are forced to make do with less wholesome surroundings. In Mongolia, Asian champion Ganzorig trains alongside children playing basketball in an old, tired gym with paint peeling from the walls. Children play on ancient free weight machines, climb ropes and roll around on the floor mimicking their wrestling hero as he warms up for his training session in the corner. (Reuters/Kieran Doherty) # Royal Marines perform an exercise for the media on the River Thames in London, on January 19, 2012. Members of the Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit (MPU) have been training with Royal Marines from 539 Assault Squadron (539 ASRM) in preparation for providing security during the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Reuters/Finbarr O'Reilly) # Britain's diving world champion Tom Daley stands on the new 5-meter diving platform with the 10-meter behind him inside the nearly completed London 2012 Aquatics center in London, on December 14, 2010. (AP Photo/Andy Hooper, ODA) # The training pool at the nearly complete Aquatics Center is filled with water to test it as construction continues at the Olympic Park in east London, on April 1, 2010. (AP Photo/ODA, Anthony David Poultney) # A close detail of the exterior panels of the London Aquatics Center on February 23, 2012 in London. (Clive Rose/Getty Images) # The 2012 Olympic mascot Wenlock (left) and Paralympic mascot Mandeville pose for photographers in the playground at St. Paul's primary school in London, on May 19, 2010. (Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett) # Backdropped by the velodrome Brooke Crain of the United States jumps during the women warms-up before the start of the BMX Supercross World Cup at the Olympic Park's BMX Track in London, on August 20, 2011. The course will host the London 2012 Olympic BMX competition in 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) # Brazilian gymnast Jade Barbosa reacts during her training session in Rio de Janeiro, on February 24, 2012. Barbosa will be taking part in the 2012 London Olympics. (Reuters/Sergio Moraes) # Builders work on lowering the final piece to get the London 2012 ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture completed at the Olympic Park, on October 28, 2011. The completed structure will be a 115 meter (377 ft) high observation tower, Britain's largest piece of public art. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) # A exterior view of the London 2012 Olympic Aquatics Center on February 20, 2012. (Clive Rose/Getty Images) # A man films a canoeist paddling down the whitewater course at the Lee Valley White Water Center in north London, on January 29, 2012. The whitewater course will host the London 2012 Olympic canoe slalom competitions. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) # British triathlete and Olympic hopeful Vanessa Raw poses in the altitude tent she sleeps in at home in Kingston-upon-Thames, London, on February 16, 2012. The altitude tent simulates high altitudes by maintaining low oxygen concentrations while the athlete sleeps. (Reuters/Olivia Harris) # Members of the Danish track cycling team train for the World Cup track cycling meeting at the London 2012 Olympic Velodrome, on February 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) # Kristin Walker of the United States of America rides in the Women's Sprint Qualifying during the UCI Track Cycling World Cup - LOCOG Test Event for London 2012 at the Olympic Velodrome, on February 18, 2012. (Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) # Analysts work in the newly-opened anti-doping laboratory which will test athletes' samples from the London 2012 Games in Harlow, England, on January 19, 2012. The facility, which will be provided by GSK and operated by King's College London, will test over 6,250 samples throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Over 150 anti-doping scientists will work in the laboratory, 24 hours a day. (Oli Scarff/Getty Images) # An operator works at the Surface Transport Traffic Control Center (STTOC), in London Wednesday, October 19, 2011. The STTOC will be the Transport Coordination Center during Olympics Games. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel) # A Joint Ground Base Air Defence unit at RAF Waddington in Lincoln, England, on February 29, 2012. Pilots from the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy took part in an Olympic 2012 air security training exercise codenamed 'Taurus Mountain 2', involving more than 13,000 servicemen and women, testing air defenses and air missile systems prior to the 2012 London Olympic Games. (Bethany Clarke/Getty Images) # A plane flies over the Olympic Basketball Arena during the London International Basketball Invitational, on August 16, 2011. The Basketball Arena will host Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and the final stages of the Handball competition for London 2012 Olympic Games. (Reuters/Suzanne Plunkett) # Denise Johns of Britain's beach volleyball team dives for the ball during a media event with teammate Lucy Bolton the day before the FIVB Beach Volleyball test event for the London 2012 Olympic Games at Horse Guards Parade in London, on August 8, 2011. (Reuters/Luke MacGregor) # Alexy Cheremisinov of Russia and Jamie Kenber of Great Britain compete in the Men's Foil Team Final at the Fencing Invitational, part of the "London Prepares" series at ExCel in London, on November 27, 2011. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) # The semi-final match between China and the U.S. in the London International Goalball Tournament at the Olympic Park in London, on December 4, 2011. (Reuters/Eddie Keogh) # The U.S. (left) and Denmark team compete in the heats of the Junior Women's Quadruple Sculls during the World Rowing Junior Championships at Dorney Lake, west of London August 3, 2011. This event was one of the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) test events for the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Reuters/Eddie Keogh) # Smoke rises from chimneys on houses in the center of the village of Castle Combe that was recently featured in Steven Spielberg's latest film, the wartime drama, War Horse, near Chippenham, England, on January 10, 2012. Tourism chiefs are hoping that places like the Wiltshire villages of Castle Combe and Lacock, which have both been extensively used in recent television and film productions, will also prove a big attraction for tourists visiting the UK during the London 2012 Olympics. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images) # Maddie Ito from onefinestay letting agency poses in the living room of an apartment in the financial district of London, on February 3, 2012. Harriet Howse is one of many Londoners looking to make a profit out of their property during this summer's Olympics, leaving the city and their homes to strangers to avoid the anticipated mayhem of an overcrowded capital. One property website's survey says an estimated one-in-three Londoners are considering packing their bags and moving in with family and friends or heading abroad when 11 million sports fans, media and corporate clients descend on the capital for the world's biggest sporting extravaganza. (Reuters/Paul Hackett) # Uly poses for a photograph on her narrow boat on the Hertford Union Canal close to the the London 2012 Olympics Games site in east London, on January 31, 2012. Boat owners accustomed to freely navigating London's narrow canals will have to pay to moor near Olympic sites during the 2012 Games, fueling fears by some that they are being pushed out by unprecedented security measures. (Reuters/Paul Hackett) # Nick Beighton prepares for an adaptive rowing training session on the Redgrave-Pinsent Lake, ahead of the London 2012 Paralympics in Caversham, England, on February 29, 2012. (Phil Cole/Getty Images) # Competitors ride in the London-Surrey Cycle Classic road race, a test event for the London 2012 Olympic Games, on August 14, 2011. (Reuters/Stefan Wermuth) # Police, fire and ambulance crews participate in a drill in the event of a bomb attack during the Olympic games, at a disused underground station in London, on February 22, 2012. (Reuters/Luke MacGregor) # An aerial view of the North Greenwich Arena (also known as the O2, formerly the Millennium Dome) looking north toward the Olympic Park, on December 5, 2011. (AP Photo/London 2012, Anthony Charlton) # Britain's Bryony Shaw competes in the RS:X Women's Windsurfer class during the Weymouth and Portland International Regatta at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in southern England, on August 5, 2011. This event is one of the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games' test events for the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Reuters/Eddie Keogh) # Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson from Wales, one Great Britain's most successful disabled athletes, poses with the torch which will be used for the 2012 Paralympic Games in Green Park, London, on February 29, 2012. (Reuters/Andrew Winning) # Rohullah Nikpai (left) trains inside a taekwondo club in Kabul, Afghanistan, on February 15, 2012. Nikpai will be heading to the 2012 London Summer Olympics. (Reuters/Omar Sobhani) # Preliminary group matches of the ITTF Pro Tour Table Tennis Grand Finals, used as the test event for the Olympic table tennis venue at the Excel center in east London, on November 24, 2011. (Reuters/Eddie Keogh) # An aerial photograph of the Olympic Village, foreground, with the Basketball Arena, center, and Velodrome, rear, taken on February 8, 2011. (AP Photo/Anthony Charlton) # The London 2012 Olympic Games Aquatics Center and Olympic Stadium, at the Olympic Park in London, on December 5, 2011. (Reuters/LOCOG) # An interior view of the London 2012 Olympic stadium, on March 29, 2011, after the last piece of turf had been laid, symbolizing the completion of building work on the 80,000-seat flagship venue for the 2012 London Games. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi) # Current British long jump champion J.J. Jegede performs an exhibition jump over three Mini cars, not pictured, backdropped by the 30 St Mary Axe building nicknamed "the Gherkin", in London, on September 28, 2011. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) # |
London was selected to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Olympic Flame is on its way to England. Earlier today in Greece, performers dressed as priests and priestesses gathered for a ceremony in Olympia, the ancient birthplace of the Olympic games, where they appealed to the sun god Apollo to light the flame with the help of a parabolic mirror. The Olympic flame was then passed to swimmer Spyros Gianniotis to begin a seven-day relay through Greece, followed by a flight to Great Britain, where it will begin a 70-day journey, changing hands 8,000 times on its way to London. (See also Max Fisher's Nazi Origins of the Olympic Flame Relay
A priestess holding a lit cauldron performs in the final dress rehearsal for the lighting of the flame held on May 9, 2012, in ancient Olympia, Greece. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Priestesses perform the ceremony for the Lighting of the Olympic Flame in ancient Olympia, on May 9, 2012 in Olympia, Greece. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) # 
A view from above of the London 2012 Olympic Games torch lighting ceremony at the site of ancient Olympia in Greece, on May 10, 2012. (Reuters/Kevin Coombs) # 
Performers dressed as ancient Greek priestesses perform a ritual dance, during the lighting of the flame ceremony, on May 10, 2012, in ancient Olympia. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) # 
Priests perform during the ceremonial Lighting of the Olympic Flame in ancient Olympia on May 9, 2012. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) # 
Actress dressed as ancient Greek priestesses perform a ritual dance on May 9, 2012, in ancient Olympia. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) # 
An actress, playing the role of a priestess, releases a dove during the dress rehearsal for the torch lighting ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in Greece, on May 9, 2012. (Reuters/John Kolesidis) # 
Priestesses on a hillside during the Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame, on May 10, 2012 in Olympia, Greece. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) # 
Priestesses perform in the Temple of Hera during the Olympic Flame lighting ceremony on May 10, 2012. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) # 
Greek actress Ino Menegaki, playing the role of High Priestess, prepares to light the Olympic Flame in Greece, on May 9, 2012. (Reuters/John Kolesidis) # 
Ino Menegaki, acting as high priestess, lights the Olympic Flame using a parabolic mirror to focus sunlight on a torch during the lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia, on May 10, 2012. (Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images) # 
The high priestess passes the Olympic flame she has just lit to a priestess holding a cauldron on Wednesday. May 9, 2012, in Ancient Olympia, Greece. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) # 
The high priestess holds an urn carrying the Olympic Flame on May 10, 2012 during the lighting ceremony. (Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images) # 
The high priestess carries the Olympic Flame in ancient Olympia during the lighting of the flame ceremony, on Thursday. May 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) # 
A high priestess, holding a lit torch and an olive branch, performs on Wednesday. May 9, 2012, in ancient Olympia, Greece. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) # 
The Olympic Flame is passed to Spyros Gianniotis, a 32-year-old Liverpool-born swimmer, who won a silver medal for Greece in the 5-kilometer open water event four years ago in Beijing, during the lighting of the flame ceremony, on May 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis) # 
Spyros Gianniotis, Greece's world champion of swimming, carries the flame during a dress rehearsal for the torch lighting ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in Greece, on May 9, 2012. (Reuters/Kevin Coombs) # 
The first torch bearer Spyros Gianniotis (left) hands over the Olympic Flame to British boxer Alexandros Lucas at the start of the torch relay on May 10, 2012. (Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images) # 
The London 2012 Olympic torch, lit in ancient Olympia on May 9, 2012. (Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Today marks the halfway point of the 70-day Olympic Torch relay through the United Kingdom. Since arriving in Cornwall on May 18, the flame has been carried through villages and cities, across lakes and mountain ranges, on foot, by train, on horseback, and through the air, from Cornwall to the Shetland Islands. By the time it reaches London to launch the 2012 Summer Olympics in 35 days, the torch will have passed through the hands of 8,000 torchbearers.
Torchbearer Peter Jack holds the Olympic Flame aloft on the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim on day 17 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on June 4, 2012 near Belfast, Northern Ireland. (LOCOG via Getty Images) 
Torchbearer Peter Jack holds the Olympic Flame aloft on the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim on day 17 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on June 4, 2012 near Belfast, Northern Ireland. (LOCOG via Getty Images)
Actress Ino Menegaki, dressed as a high priestess, lights the torch at a ceremony in Panathinean stadium in Athens, Greece, on May 17, 2012. The torch began its 70-day journey to arrive at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, from the Greek capital, to cover about 8,000-mile trip through England to start the games. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) # 
Metropolitan Police Inspector Andy Marriner sits with the Olympic flame, secured in seats 1A and 1B for the flight to the UK, on board a British Airways jet in Athens, Greece, on May 18, 2012. (Reuters/Chris Radburn/LOCOG) # 
British soccer player David Beckham lights the Olympic torch from the lantern carried on board a special British Airways flight, following its arrival at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall, on May 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) # 
British television presenter Ben Fogle rises up, attached to a helium filled balloon, while holding the Olympic flame inside the rainforest biodome at the Eden Project, a massive multiple greenhouse complex near St. Austell, England, on May 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) # 
Blaire Hannan, a competitive sailor and member of the British Paralympic Transition Squad, lights the cauldron at the end of Day 4 in Bath during the Olympic Torch Relay, on May 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Yui Mok/LOCOG) # 
Torchbearer Natalie Hawkins, 20, from Street, Somerset holds the Olympic Flame on top of Glastonbury Tor, on May 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Birchall/LOCOG) # 
Zara Phillips, member of the British Olympic equestrian eventing team, and the eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, holds the Olympic torch while riding through Cheltenham race course in Cheltenham, on May 23, 2012. (Reuters/Kieran Doherty) # 
Joanne Gregory, a Scout leader from Llangollen, travels across the thousand-foot-long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct with the Olympic Flame during the Torch Relay leg between Wrexham and Trevor, on May 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Gareth Fuller/LOCOG) # 
Torchbearer John Bishop carries the Olympic Flame down from the top of one of several huge radio telescopes at the Jodrell Bank Observatory on May 31, 2012 in Jodrell Bank, England. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
Geraldine McCann carries the London 2012 Olympic torch leg between Newtownards and the Northern Ireland Assembly parliament buildings at Stormont, on June 3, 2012. (Reuters/Locog/handout) # 
Charity fundraiser Denis Broderick carries the Olympic torch across Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge near the village of Ballintoy in County Antrim, on June 4, 2012. (Reuters/Cathal McNaughton) # 
Scottish actor James McAvoy laughs while carrying the London 2012 Olympic torch in Glasgow, Scotland, on June 8, 2012. (Reuters/David Moir) # 
Blair Marquis holds the Olympic Torch on Loch Ness, Scotland during Day 22 of the Torch Relay, on June 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/LOCOG) # 
Davie Austin, an employee of the Nevis Range, carrys the Olympic Flame on a gondola on the Nevis Range, a mountain ski resort in the the Highlands of Scotland near Ben Nevis and Fort William, on June 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/PA Wire) # 
Mountain Biker Tracy Moseley carries the Olympic Flame on the Nevis Range in the the Highlands of Scotland near Ben Nevis and Fort William on Day 22 of the relay. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/PA Wire) # 
Torch bearer Mathew Cox and the Jarl vikings in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, on June 10, 2012. The Jarl vikings provided an honor guard during the torch relay on the islands. (Reuters/David Moir) # 
Torch bearer Mathew Cox holds aloft the Olympic torch while crossing the Clickmin Broch on a boat in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, on June 10, 2012. (Reuters/David Moir) # 
Torchbearer Kirsty Wade holds the Olympic Flame at the Calanais Standing Stones in Callanish as the sun rises on Day 24 of the torch relay. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/LOCOG) # 
European quad bike champion John Mitchell carries the Olympic Flame on his quad bike during his leg through Stornoway, on June 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Ben Birchall/LOCOG) # 
Katherine Milne holds the Olympic Flame next to the historic bridge of Carrbridge (built in 1717), during the torch relay between Aviemore and Carrbridge, on June 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/LOCOG) # 
Joseph Forrest and children from Madras College run along West Sands with the Olympic Torch in St. Andrews, Scotland, on June 13, 2012. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) # 
Dennis May carries the Olympic Torch on a boat at the Falkirk Wheel, a famous rotating boat lift in Falkirk, Scotland, on June 13, 2012. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) # 
Lesley Forrest carries the Olympic Torch on the Royal Mile on June, 13, 2012 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) # 
Torchbearer Joseph Forrest runs along West Sands beach with the Olympic Torch during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in St Andrews, Scotland, on June 13, 2012. (LOCOG via Getty Images) # 
The Tyne Bridge, illuminated, as the city of Newcastle prepares for the Olympic Torch Relay by displaying the Olympic rings on the famous landmark on June 13, 2012 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Stu Forster/Getty Images) # 
Richard Jackson prepares to abseil down The Sage building in Gateshead, carrying the Olympic Flame on June 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Radburn/LOCOG) # 
Torchbearer Jamie Green, the Children's Patron at young people's mobility charity Whizz-Kidz, holds the Olympic Flame at Scarborough Open Air Theatre during Day 31 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. (AP Photo/Ben Birchall/LOCOG) # 
James Coupland carries the Olympic Flame on the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge at the beginning of Day 31 of the relay. (AP Photo/Yui Mok/LOCOG) # 
Torchbearer David State stops midway through his Torch Relay leg between Marske-by-the-Sea and Loftus to propose to his girlfriend Christine Langham before continuing the relay, on June 18, 2012. Christine reportedly said "yes." (AP Photo/Chris Radburn/LOCOG) # 
Josephine Loughran carries the Olympic Flame on the Scots Guardsman steam locomotive on the journey from York to Thirsk in England, on day 33 of the torch relay. (AP Photo/Ben Birchall, LOCOG)
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