Hadleigh Farm

When we applied for tickets for the Olympics, we chose Hadleigh because it was in Essex and not being very sport minded we just wanted to be part of the experience. How glad we are that we were fortunate to get tickets! What an amazing day.

After watching the sports unfold on the TV, the wonderful opening ceremony and the general atmosphere of the games we were swept along with the excitement. I found myself addicted to sports I never ever thought I would watch, mountain biking included.

The day began with our journey to Leigh-on-Sea, all well organised and trouble free. Shuttle buses waited at the station to take us to the venue where we were met with smiles, cheerful people and whistled into the arena before we knew it. My favourite memory is watching the small children carrying their flags and getting very caught up in the excitement – a young family sitting near us cheered every team shouting encouragement and good wishes. We had people from Columbia, Norway, Canada, France and the USA sitting by us- all very multicultural.

The race was very exciting and my admiration for the girls racing was huge! 5 laps of a gruelling course with many accidents along the way. The crowd cheered everyone along and we all knew when GB was approaching as the roar grew louder. France had a well deserved win and South Africa won the heart of crowd coming in last to the same cheers as the winner.

So home and the first time I have ever waited on a railway platform with the public cheering and clapping and being in such a joyful mood!