LONDON’S SUCCESS: “BREATHTAKING”

The news from Singapore, where the International Olympic Committee made its decision, was received with rapturous applause in the WREX room at the Millennium Stadium where chief executive Paul Sergeant had gathered staff, media and one very special guest, Welsh Olympic gold medallist Lynn Davies.

This was how ‘Lynn the Leap’, the 1964 long jump champion in Tokyo, reacted to the final verdict that saw London beat Paris to the games.

“It is staggering, almost unbelievable. This is the greatest day in the history of British sport,” claimed Davies. “The British bid was fantastic and Seb Coe did a magnificent job in hitting exactly the right notes in his address. This decision will revolutionise sport in the UK over the next decade and should finally bring sport to somewhere near the top of the political agenda.

“The Olympic Games in 2012 should become the focus for everyone in the UK over the next seven years. It will be a catalyst for the youth of our nation and will provide London with a long lasting legacy.

“The impact of hosting the Games will be felt throughout the UK and the economic benefits of hosting more than one million visitors is bound to be a boost to the whole country. This is an incredible opportunity for our nation and one which will have far reaching implications.

“It is brilliant news for the Millennium Stadium and the eight soccer matches they will stage in 2012 will allow the whole of Wales to really get behind the Games.”

As for Sergeant, he said the decision was “breathtaking” and was the icing on the cake in a 12 month period that has seen the Millennium Stadium produce record attendance figures for the Autumn Series of rugby internationals, stage the ground breaking Tsunami Relief Cardiff concert, provide the venue on which Wales won their first Grand Slam in 27 years, install a revolutionary curtain to create an indoor arena and host concerts from U2 and REM.

“In 24 years in this business I don’t think I have ever been so overwhelmed by a decision. For the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff and Wales to be able to look forward to playing its part in an Olympic Games is a magical feeling,” said Sergeant.

“We are very proud of the fact the Millennium Stadium was part of the London bid and we look forward to hosting the eight soccer games we are contracted to stage in 2012. It just proves there is no sporting event in the world that can’t find a home here at the Millennium Stadium.”