My Olympic Dream Came True!

On Saturday, August 11th, I went to the Olympic Games at Olympic Park in London!  After about an hour and a half total on the subway, I got to the park at about 4:00pm so that I could soak up the atmosphere of the whole experience, and then the Gold Medal round of Men's 10 meter platform diving started at 8:30pm.

Here is the scene entering the park.  Tears kept coming to my eyes because it meant so much for me to be here.  I was so overwhelmed and excited.

That's Olympic Stadium behind me.

The Orbiter, an observation tower.  Because the flame was inside the stadium, I think this stood in as on outdoor symbol of the Games.

The line to get into a store to buy official London 2012 merchandise.

So many British people dressed up to support Team GB!

Crazy large McDonald's. 

Beautiful gardens throughout the park

Picnicking and relaxing in the grass was very popular.  It was a perfect day in London, about 70 degrees and clear.

Water Polo Arena

Racing Wenlock

Looking back towards the Aquatic Centre

Similar to "The Bean" in Chicago

Nice view of the Orbiter and Olympic Stadium

Kids playing a bean bag toss game very similar to the one we played in our backyard the night that the local news did a feature story on our family's Olympic parties.

A tunnel of notes that British schoolchildren made to encourage the athletes.

Holding my ticket in front of the Aquatic Centre

Heading to my seat inside the Aquatic Centre

This was during practice time before the competition.  There was very much a pep rally atmosphere before the event began with music and interviews with people in the crowd.

Zooming in on the judges

The twelve divers being introduced.  They each completed six dives and within about twenty seconds of their dives, the judges' scores were posted on the scoreboard.

Handstands were scary every time.

My Olympic Guardian Angel, Ren, who sold me a ticket to this event!  Without him, I couldn't even have gotten into Olympic Park.  Thank you, Ren!

Freaking out after the USA's David Boudia took the gold!

England's Tom Daley won the bronze.  The crowd went wild for him every time!

Qui Bo of China took the silver.

Gold Medalist David Boudia

It was a powerful moment when the flag was raised and the "Star Spangled Banner" was played.

Olympic Park was beautifully lit at night.

Standing in front of the BBC press area

Heading out through a new mall created as part of the redevelopment of East London.

Definitely one of the best nights of my life!