Interesting that Th*tcher's comments in 1980 can come back to bite the Prime Minister on his arse. By that reckoning, Russia would of course boycott it.

Mind you, The Olympics are supposed to be, as well as a spectacle for the millions that enjoy them, a leveller, where political divides don't count. Sadly of course, politics are the main event, as we well know. One reason for British people to enjoy London 2012 is that the French so really badly wanted to host it.

For me, I will ignore the breaking down of barriers nonsense, keep it in the back of my mind that Saudi Arabia are allowed to compete without fielding a single female athlete, recall all the urban regeneration twaddle spouted years ago when Sheffield hosted the World Student Games, (still costs ratepayers millions each and every year,) and smile at the naivety of the union leader who tossed an opinion that buggering up The olympics would be great bargaining tool.

Yeah, I will enjoy watching those games I have an interest in. (Women's beach volleyball...) and laugh at those that shouldn't be there, such as dressage and synchronised drowning, (ok, most choreography based "sports.") In 1900, architecture was an event, so count our blessings that at least you have to be young, fit and wear Nike trainers to be a recognised sport these days...

On one level, that of public health and health promotion, anything to get kids interested in sport and competing. On another level, the same amount of money actually invested in providing more school based sporting and community sports facilities around the country would have even more benefit.

But at the cost of not being glued to the screen during the men's 100m final. And that would be a little sad.