Stuart Lustigman Column
Turning on the TV at breakfast will now be filled with depressing news about the economy instead of the euphoria that greeted us most mornings as Team GB racked up the largest haul of medals in 100 years of Olympic history. 19 gold, 13 silver, 15 bronze and to think that we even out 'gonged' the Aussies. Twelve years ago, in Atlanta, our gold medal tally was - just one! Now, without taking anything away from our heroes, I found it interesting that of the 19 gold medals, 15 of them were won in sitting down sports (cycling, sailing, rowing and kayak), something I excel in (sitting down, that is).
I have to admit that when the Olympics were awarded to London some three years ago my initial reaction was wondering how wrong we could get it. However, I was so overwhelmed by the Games in Beijing (even though I thought, and still do, that China should not have been awarded the Games) that I am now really excited at the prospect of London being the host city. I believe that, even though London's budget is £9 billion compared to Beijing's extravagant £22 billion, London can still produce a Games where a greater degree of celebration can be achieved. Just in case you're thinking of booking your holiday, make a note to be in London for the opening ceremony on 27 July 2012.
For those who think that being a football agent is all about sipping champagne on a yacht in Monte Carlo, spare a thought for Lee Earl who has just landed his first 'big' deal. He has negotiated a transfer for 22-year-old Israeli goalkeeper Ran Kadoch from Ness Ziona to Barnet FC, having trained with the London club for 4 weeks and made appearances in friendlies against Watford and Leeds United. Good luck Ran and here's hoping that one day you'll have a few more '0's on your weekly wage.
