BY: Kari Travis, World Editor
Published: Aug. 24, 2012
London officials hosted the 2012 Summer Olympic Games despite questions about its readiness for the responsibility. Now England's largest city looks back on its efforts with enthusiasm that has little to do with gold medals and everything to do with national pride. Controversy became the face of London's Olympic preparations just weeks before the opening ceremonies when security issues raised doubts about the host country's competence. According to CNN, the issue involved a botched contract with the global security firm G4S that fell short of its staffing agreement for safety provisions during the Games. London Olympic officials then faced the task of filling 3,500 vacant security spots, according to The New York Times. Though British troops were utilized to complete the necessary security requirements, onlookers from other countries did not hesitate to voice their concerns. One of the most publicized criticisms came from Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who said the lapses in security planning were "disconcerting," according to The Huffington Post. British Prime Minister David Cameron was quick to respond to Romney's statements, defending his country's ability to step up and deliver a safe Olympic environment for both athletes and spectators, The Huffington Post said. "I think we will show the whole world not just that we come together as a United Kingdom, but also we're extremely good at welcoming people from across the world," Cameron said in a press conference. "I will obviously make those points to Mitt Romney." In the end, London rallied to extinguish all doubts and criticism while lighting the city ablaze in what international news reports called "Olympic fever." The display of triumph that London brought to its closing ceremonies was the the final statement to critics. "From the brilliant opening ceremony to the festival of music and fun closing . . . and a home team performance that exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, the Games have given London two of the most remarkable weeks in a great city's rich history," said Alastair Campbell, former spokesman for Prime Minister Tony Blair in a CNN editorial. The only question now, Campbell added, is whether the world economic, political and social status of the U.K. will be able to capitalize on the morale boost the success of the Olympics provided to the country. Campbell cited the fall of the Greek economy despite citizens' high hopes after the 2004 Athens Games as a poor example of post-Olympic economic improvement. "For the politicians, who have to lead the country through difficult times, capturing the Olympic mood and turning it into something of positive and lasting significance has now been added to their list of challenges," Campbell said.
