So, who's it gonna be then?

Steve Regrave's my bet too Kevin, but maybe, considering the work he's done to promote the Olympics and his obvious disappointment at not being included in the Footie team, Becks would be my second choice.

Really looking forward to it all! We're off to see the athletics next Friday & I reckon it'll be a truly memorable experience. 

What seat block/row have you got Tony? We're going to the athletics on the Saturday.

I'm hoping it will be Steve Redgrave,  it has to be if the selection process is anywhere near logical. The UK's - the worlds even - greatest Olympian, 5 golds over 5 games in one of the games stand-out super human stamina events. Added to the 5 OG golds are 9 World & 3 Commonwealth golds.

But I have a sneaking suspicion it will not be an Olympian - maybe Wills for the big surprise gasp factor - shame.

Yes, hard to guess.  Redgrave has to be the favorite, but I would

be happy with Daly Thompson.  Not Beckham...he has been a great

ambassador for the Games, but he is not an Olympian.  And I think

not being in Team GB is actually irrelevant, his iconic status is far

greater than being the member of a football team. 

I could see Roger Bannister...can't think of anyone else.

California Jim

Hey Jim which team are you supporting being a California boy?

Ha Ha..!  Good one!  Well, I have lived in London since 1973,

so I lean in favor of team GB...Natch! 

I've loved the ideals of the Olympics all my life...lookin' forward

to these Games...Go for Gold!

California Jim

The wife's salted the tickets etc. away somewhere count.d & I can't remember - let you know later. We're going to the final session Friday evening. Shame we couldn't have met up again. Still, from what I've seen it'd be a bit of a job to find someone in the Olympic Park!

As Brad is the current wonder boy, quite rightly, I would expect to see him somewhere.

But Roger B has already appeared with the flame relay, as well as Sir Steve, Daley T and a host of others.

I am like you Kevin in that I was underwhelmed by the the whole thing until the Olympic Torch Relay went past my son's school. From that moment onwards it took on special meaning and I was hooked.

I am also finding Winky's dismal threads something to avoid. It's his opinion and I would fight to the death to defend his right to express it, but please cheer up chap.

Jono

+1 for Steve R

Off to see the Athletics on Wed week and really looking forward to it. 

Must check we've got the right flag to wave. 

Best event staged in London since '78 

It really is the largest world spectacle now and a celebration of dedication and talent. 

Not sure that Redgrave is well enough known internationally?

My vote would be for roger bannister, my wife's for mary peters.

Would be kind of fun if they cast the net a bit wider...maybe someone from the commonwealth or with international credentials. Problem is I can't think of anyone! ... Karl Lewis, michael johnson...or how about letting the queen light the candle at her own party?

Or...how about giving everybody a button and getting the entire audience to do it (yeah I know it's stupid but I'm just trying too think outside the box)

Sir Steve is in the BBC1 tv pundit box now, so it wont be him.

I put money on one or two of the Royal family.

Martin,

You have to be joking? when you say Sir Steve Redgrave is not well enough known internationally .

There are some family members of the great black runner,Jesse Owens 

 who stuffed it to Hitler a few years back in the park.

Stu

One last guess from me:  If the decision were based on 

International profile and popularity, William and Kate

would go down well...obviously not a sporting decision.

California Jim

I have spent most of today flitting around London. It is, if anything, even more crowded/chaotic than usual. But there seem to be a lot of people with smiles on their faces. Everyone is talking about the opening ceremony, everyone seems to be really excited.

London is  (or seems to be) a happy place tonight. Me and some of our neighbours have got the beers in, we're all looking forward to a great night watching the telly. Was talking to someone who's been involved in the opening ceremony, and, although she wouldn't give anything away, she said that  it was a bit bonkers, and perhaps a bit difficult for non-Brits to understand, but that it was brilliant - the greatest show on earth.

Bring it on! 

Everyone reckons it's going to be Sir Rog B doing the lighting tonight...

Martin - the first Olympics I can remember was '72 - in which Mary Peters, Mark Spitz and Olga Korbut were the big stars. Mary would be a good choice, although I'm not sure how well remembered she is today...

Stu,

One of Jesse's relatives would a great gesture, but I think it'll be a Brit.

Or even  a few of the greats led out by a little known ex push bike rider and three times Gold meddle winner from Ashford in Kent.

It wont be Rodney Trotter thats for sure.

There is to much damp turf in there.

He was asked once,

Do you like grass or astroturf ?

He said.

I have never smoked astroturf . 

It is going to Sir Chris Hoy ... great choice .... and a couple of goats .... I think Danny Boyle is basing the ceremony on one of the greatest films of all time: the Wicker Man. 

Got time waits for no one on a loop.

While the BBC1 is on.

Man i wish i didn't have a plasma at times.

The picture Q is brilliant but its like having a log fire in the room.

Stu

Way To Go Bradley.

Brilliant choice to start.

Ten minutes in, and this opening ceremony is already looking as if it's brilliantly judged

Its the dogs bits.

Fookin brilliant so far.

Ev on drums just blowed me away along  with the great visuals .

Stu

I agree Stu. It's the dog's ****ing bollocks. Brilliant, bonkers theatre.

Cool....Roger Waters and The Floyd eat your hearts out!

Richard