Boris Johnson: London feels like the capital of ... - BBC World News

London mayor Boris Johnson has paid tribute to the athletes, volunteers, armed forces and public for making the 2012 Olympics one of the most memorable sporting events of recent times. London put on one of the most spectacular sporting events of recent times (Picture: Getty) Mr Johnson, who handed the Olympic flag over to the mayor of Rio at last night?s closing ceremony, thanked the city for putting on such a spectacular show, as it gears up to host the Paralympic Games in two weeks? time. ?London has put on a dazzling face to the global audience,? he wrote in the Daily Telegraph. He also went on to praise the London transport system, which ran almost faultlessly throughout the Games, despite the vast increase of users. London 2012 ended with a spectacular display at the Olympic Stadium (Picture: Getty) ?There were people who were worried that the transport network would not hold up, and that there would be delays on the Tube, and that our antiquated systems would not cope,? the mayor added. ?And as things turned out, the whole network ran so smoothly that the International Olympic Committee themselves were to be seen on the Tube, because it was simply the fastest and most convenient way to get around.? Mr Johnson also took time to thank the armed forces, many of whom stepped in at the last minute and gave up holiday leave to cover for the shortfall in staff provided by private security company G4S. ?The armed forces personnel worked so well with G4S that huge numbers of people were moved through the turnstiles with great smoothness and efficiency,? he said. Over 3,500 members of the Armed Forces stepped in to help keep the Games safe (Picture: PA) Many people feel the Games were such a huge success because of the thousands of volunteers who assisted in a variety of roles to make sure London 2012 ran smoothly. ?The London volunteers have been utterly tireless and infectious in their enthusiasm,? Mr Johnson added in his article. London 2012 was also hugely successful for Team GB?s athletes, who racked up an astonishing 29 gold medals and 65 in total, to finish third in the medal table. Our greatest team: All the Team GB medallists proudly show off their medals (Picture: Getty Images) ?It is the Team GB athletes who have stunned us, and the rest of the world, with their astonishing haul of gongs,? said Mr Johnson. ?Never in my wildest dreams did I think that British athletes would end up with 29 gold medals.? ?It is a staggering performance, a tribute to the athletes and all who have helped them on the way.? London will now host the Paralympic Games, which start on August 29 and run through to September 9. Pictures: The best moments of London 2012

Source: http://bbc-worldnews.net/2012/08/boris-johnson-london-feels-like-the-capital-of-the-world-after-dazzling-display/

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