Diary of an Olympic Bid

22nd June 2005

Bid briefing Canary Wharf

Attended the official bid briefing for all those going to Singapore as part of the British delegation to witness the vote for the 2012 Olympics. Had not been entirely sure what to expect but it was made clear that attendance was important.

Arrived in good time to join a large crowd who had already gathered. Obviously others understood the importance of this too. Was almost immediately greeted by David Hemery who took a genuine interest in our contribution – he even knew that the IOC had praised the accuracy and thoroughness of our work. Very flattering, but was struck mostly by such a high profile name conveying in clear terms that this is a team effort and we all had a role to play.

Keith Mills (chief exec of the bid team) started proceedings with an overview of the key issues. Hemery, Redgrave, Charlton and Denise Lewis, all as totally attentive as the rest of us. The feeling of camaraderie was immense. The briefing covered the key features of our bid, the protocols for voting, the interface with the media, the events schedule, etc.

Left with a real pride in being involved in the bid and a determination to use “best endeavours” – reasonable would not be enough!

2nd July 2005

Attended my son’s speech day at school where everyone seemed to know I was going to Singapore to support the bid. Children can be such great ambassadors!

Had a feeling I was carrying the hopes of the whole school but was doing so with an endless supply of goodwill.

3rd July 2005

Was met at Singapore Airport by a chauffeur arranged by the bid team – great attention to detail. Quick check of emails and then try to get some sleep despite the change in time zone.

4th July 2005

The waiting for the voting was very tense. Would the presentation matter or was it a political vote?

Keep meeting members of the team and can feel the momentum building. Conference call to Paris (of all places!) to discuss a project for a new Stadium in Nice. Was a long call but entirely “cordial”. Chose not to react when it was suggested that it might have a role to play in delivering the 2012 Olympics.

Back to the hotel to get ready for a cocktail party at the High Commissioner’s House. Got on the bus to find I was the first. Next was David Hemery, followed by Bobby Charlton, Colin Jackson, Dalton Grant, Matthew Pinsent, Daley Thompson, Denise Lewis, Jonathan Edwards, Shirley Robinson, Steve Redgrave and Alan Pascoe! I suspect they didn’t know who I was, but it didn’t seem to matter. We are all part of the same team and they chat with me and others on the bus on equal terms.

5th July 2005

Getting closer now. Put together a summary for a proposal for a new racecourse in Moscow. Hard to focus but a welcome distraction from the tension of the bid.

Remembered to call my sister to wish her a “Happy Birthday”.

Dinner at The China Club with most of the team from the night before. Fantastic surroundings. Everyone seems more relaxed somehow.

6th July 2005

This is it

Meet up in a room set aside for the London bid team. No-one can really eat any of the breakfast that has been provided. By 08:50 am everyone is ready to watch the five presentations on the big screens that have been set up. Paris is on first and anticipation fills the air. They start well but, amazingly, they seem to lose their (captive) audience after about 20 minutes. Confidence in the London camp goes up just a little. New York is next and delivers a good presentation – a bit ‘pushy’ but professional. Moscow impresses as well, so the stage is set for London. We are on after lunch but, again, few have an appetite. We analyse the presentations so far and believe we can do as well, if not better. “It’s different and visionary”, I am told by one of the few who has seen London’s presentation. Bold, but will it make a difference?

It is amazing to capture the feeling of those of us watching events on the screen as the presentation team walk into the auditorium. Over 100 people in identical polo shirts instinctively stand and applaud – and we haven’t heard a word yet! HRH The Princess Royal opens for us and sets the tone with an encouraging message from the Queen. We applaud her off the stage. Craig Reedie, Tony Blair (via video) – both of whom did part of their contribution in French – Seb Coe, Ken Livingstone, Tessa Jowell and Denise Lewis all do their stuff, interspersed with video clips, and are applauded loudly. The presentation is different from the others – its not about technical aspects, its about the vision for the Olympics. Ken appeared to let the emotion get to him as he began his contribution but he delivers the message well – he clearly wants the Games passionately.

The real star of the presentation was Seb. His early input to the presentation was measured but effective – he saved the best to the end. Closing the presentation, he talked of the inspiration of the Olympics – the legacy to sport, to London and to our children, the future champions. His own personal experience was a powerful story.

Jacques Rogge announces it is ‘London’ ... and the place went wild

None of us took our eyes off the screen for 45 minutes. We were captivated – and there were more than a few damp eyes. The applause at the end filled the room. We’d waited for a long time for the dream and had been uplifted at the end. We could do no more now.

The wait for the voting was very tense. Would the presentation matter or was it a political vote? What about tactical voting and how would the second and third votes get cast?

The start of the voting process was unbelievable. We had all gathered back in the room steeling ourselves to hear who was going to be left in for the final round. Huge confusion arose over the use of the electronic votes. It all just heightened the tension. Finally we were underway. An American lady sat next to me offered the view that the first round was “a crapshoot”. Didn’t exactly settle the nerves.

The announcement that Moscow was eliminated was greeted with a huge cheer that had an undercurrent of relief about it. Next out was New York. All OK so far. London was left in with Madrid and Paris – any of which could host a great games. Would political allegiances have an impact? The elimination of Madrid was greeted with the sort of excitement usually reserved for an outright win. Now all the talk was of the head to head battle with Paris. The vote was held – but the result was kept secret, so that it could be formally announced later.

By now most had resorted to beer or wine to calm their nerves. Jacques Rogge takes what seems like an age to open the envelope. The press are all gathered by the Paris team. They were always favourite but had there been a leak? Rogge announces it is “London”. I’m not sure if there was any pause at all, I think not, and the place went wild.

The next 30 minutes or so were spent smiling, hugging and shaking hands – it was all a blur. Mobile phones were going mad with calls and texts. I made sure I called the F+A team in London. Barry Winterton (F+A sports arm director) had been the backbone of our team – so highly praised by the IOC – and I knew he was at the London party near Trafalgar Square. He will be late home tonight, I think. I told him not to be in the following day and I share my pride in being part of our team at F+A and part of the London bid.

7th July 2005

Off to Sentosa Island with the team. I am also due to meet up with my family who have flown in to start a holiday. They are excited despite the jet lag and are keen to hear all about it. Our children (Alistair and Sophie) will be perfect ages for 2012 – what an opportunity for them. I introduced them to Ken Livingstone and some of the other members of the team.

News starts to get through of the bombs in London. It shakes us. As the story unfolds it takes the shine off the result. Amazingly, the tired brains kick back into action and everyone reverts to business mode. What on earth drives people to commit such awful attacks on innocent people?

That night the farewell party at Raffles is a bit flat. Fatigue has its part to play but the news from London takes its toll. I managed to establish that everyone is OK at F+A but we are all still apprehensive.

The talk at Raffles is positive about the future but without the euphoria of the previous evening.

I retire early with the family but cannot put it all out of my mind. I just witnessed the most amazing event in seeing London selected for 2012 Olympics, and F+A had been part of it. As I eventually drift off to sleep, I hear myself thinking: “Bring on the Games!”