This is going to do so much for our country, not just obviously the East End in London.

For our country it inspires so many children to go out there and, they can go and watch an Olympics, I can go, I can take my children to watch an Olympics where I was, where I was brought up, so it’s an amazing feeling. It’s been an honour to be involved. Now we’ve won it there’s a lot to be done. — David Beckham

I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be a fantastic Olympic Games. — Prince William

The Olympics are a wonderful metaphor for world cooperation, the kind of international competition that’s wholesome and healthy, an interplay between countries that represents the best in all of us. — John Williams

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. — Pierre de Coubertin

The Olympic Games were created for the exaltation of the individual athlete. — Pierre de Coubertin

One shouldn’t be afraid to lose; this is sport. One day you win; another day you lose. Of course, everyone wants to be the best. This is normal. This is what sport is about. This is why I love it. — Oksana Baiul

The Olympics remain the most compelling search for excellence that exists in sport, and maybe in life itself. — Dawn Fraser

There can be distractions, but if you’re isolated from the heart of the Games, the Olympics become just another competition. — Mary Lou Retton