What a start!

All go in London

So after more than seven years in the making, the time came for London to show the world what it has to offer and boy, have they kicked off the party in style!

An incredible opening ceremony, bursting with British delights from throughout history, ensured every single person watching the unique piece of culture, art, music and much more, would forever have something to remember these Games by.

Crammed with NHS nurses, flying Mary Poppins and a return to the industrial revolution, this showpiece was one to prove a point.

Seven young British athletes who had been nominated by seven of Britain's greatest Olympians then took to the stage and it was their 'moment to shine.'

Jordan Duckitt, 18, who lit the cauldron at the showpiece event on Friday night, told Sky Sports how it was such an incredible moment for him, having not even told his family about his role.

The Olympic Flame was alight and the Games of the 30th Olympiad had officially begun.

Surprise

And so for the sport. Britain's first gold medal was not meant to be for Mark Cavendish in the men's road race and the eyes now turn to Hannah Miley in the pool later.

With so much action across the board on the first day, the expected masses of fans, athletes and media swept into the Park; yet it was the smoothness of the entire operation which was a surprise to many.

With it being the first day of sporting action, one may have presumed that travelling into London and reaching the Olympic Park would have been more of a challenge than many of the events themselves.

If Lord Seb Coe was overlooking London discreetly as the crowds descended, a rather smug look would most probably have been on his face. And why shouldn't this be the case?

Even getting into London itself, the sense of Olympic spirit was evident- the train conductor was fully informed of where and when the sporting events were on and a sense of anticipation flowed through the carriages.

Coloured footprints led the way through quiet, yes quiet, London streets en route to St Pancras. Here it was the small details that made a big difference- ex-Olympians' names had been painted on the pavement, with children loving the fun element to following the path.

Special

When reaching London though, after a surprisingly fast sprint on the javelin service, that was when the feeling really struck- 'This is it. The London 2012 Olympics are actually here and you know something, they look pretty good already!'

Games Makers, instantly recognisable in their poppy red and deep purple attire, were incredibly friendly, helpful and, in all, happy to be pointing their huge foam hands in the direction of the Olympic Park!

A large grassed area is situated outside the Olympic Park, naturally laden with deckchairs and a bar. Fans of all nationalities, including two very chirpy Mexicans, were soaking up the sunshine whilst watching the sporting action live on a big screen. To say there was a buzz would be a significant understatement.

One special moment ensued- Team GB began their Olympic quests in the pool at the Aquatics Centre and on the water at Eton Dorney, and cheers sprung out from the deckchairs like the fireworks along the Thames last night.

These are the London 2012 Olympics and if the beginning is anything to go by, Britain and the world will be in for a rather special show.