Reflections of a Gamesmaker

London 2012Tim La Touche

Water Polo ArenaI was appointed as a Gamesmaker (London 2012 volunteer) to carry out the role of Sports Statician at the Water Polo Arena. My role meant that I sat watching the matches inputting information on a touch-screen tablet detailing shots, fouls etc. from players. This information was being instantly published on the internet and to various media outlets. Several stages of training were involved in the build up to the games including orientation training (at Wembley Arena), venue training and role training (in the Water Polo Arena at the test event in May).

Time Out!

We also had a full scale dress rehearsal on the day of the opening ceremony where some kids from local water polo clubs played a game with all the officials, volunteers, TV cameras and technology monitoring their every move. This game purposely contained some extreme events to see how we would react – one of which we thought was so unlikely it amused us – but, blow me down, it then happened in the women’s semi-final. The USA coach called an illegal “time-out” when his team didn’t have possession of the ball which resulted in a penalty for Australia – in the last second of the game – which enabled the Australians to draw level and force the game into extra time (USA won in extra time and went onto to win the gold medal).

Last Second Dramas

This was one of several dramas in the Water Polo Arena which included a last second “goal” that would have bought Spain’s men level with Croatia and which appeared to have crossed the line in replays but was disallowed by the referees (video technology is not used in water polo).

But the most exciting drama occurred during the men’s Bronze medal match between close neighbours Serbia and Montenegro when seven red cards were brandished. This occurred as Serbia recovered from 11-8 down to win the match 11-12 in the last four minutes of the match. The photo above shows me looking bemused (in uniform on the far left) and trying not to laugh as chaos descends around me.

CamerasAfter the first few days, I managed to work out that the cameras were likely to be on me when the coaches were walking past – which is why you can see me smiling (and slightly blurred) in the photo on the left behind the Spanish women’s coach!

Mind you, I didn’t always get it right – as you can see in the photo on the right as the Serbian coach returns to his bench ! Incidentally, the lady on my right is Marie Deschamps from Canada who became the first woman to referee an Olympic Water Polo final when she officiated at the USA v Spain women’s final.

Beach Volleyball

In my days off from the Water Polo Arena, there were plenty of other activities to keep me occupied.For instance, I was lucky enough to get tickets for the Beach Volleyball Arena at Horse Guards Parade. It lived up to its reputation as the most fun-filled venue at the Olympics with a dancing troupe, amusing commentators and lots of spectator participation. It also provided the one-off view of London’s skyline on the top left. The photo below shows my friend, Tamsin, and I in the crowd.

Jessica Ennis

I also made several visits to the BT London Live arena at Hyde Park where large screens showed various Olympic events and Team GB medallists were introduced to the crowd.On one of the days that I went, Jessica Ennis was introduced to the assembled fans ..... and was BOOED!To explain - this happened as she was being interviewed by Jonny Vaughan and said she would be celebrating her success with her friends, family and FIANCE (the boos obviously led by the single men!).I am standing on the right of this photo…

The Big Wheel

One of my trips in my second week was to the BT London Live event at Victoria Park where they had a 60m wheel which I rode on.The view from the top was fantastic.

Going Home

One final reflection. I was making my way home to Bath from Islington via Paddington on the evening of the closing ceremony on Sunday 12 August 2012. Laden down by a large case and two large bags, I decided to travel via Oxford Circus in the hope that it would be provide me with a level walk from the Victoria Line to the Bakerloo line avoiding any steps. However, when I eventually found the link tunnel and turned a corner, much to my consternation, I was confronted with a flight of stairs! As I stopped to lug all my stuff up, cursing to myself (or so I thought), a young lad who was the only other person around and had already climbed these stairs, came back down and, to my delight and surprise, offered to carry my suitcase up the stairs (and down the other side). A lot has been said about the great atmosphere generated during London 2012 – but this act of kindness more than anything epitomised the generosity that was shown.