12 Feb 2010
So, the Games are upon us. In a few hours, Team GB will be marching into the BC Place stadium here in Vancouver for the Opening Ceremony. And after that, there’s more than a fortnight ahead of us packed with the prospect of memorable and brilliant performances.

As you all know by now, Shelley Rudman will carry the British flag at the Opening Ceremony. That decision was announced at a reception in Vancouver last night, and Shelley was tremendously pleased and touched to have been chosen. She’s also going to be our team captain in Whistler while the men’s curling skip, David Murdoch, will be team captain in Vancouver.

I’m thrilled for both of them. Two great athletes – dedicated to their sport, highly talented and very motivated. They’re also both eloquent and approachable – the Best of British. We couldn’t really have hoped for better captains.

The last thing we wanted was for our Whistler athletes to have to make a five-hour round trip to attend the reception, so we held a parallel event up in the mountains for them. And to add a little touch of stardust, the BBC did us a couple of favours with Sue Barker hosting the event in Vancouver, and Clare Balding in Whistler. They both did their jobs superbly.

A special mention for our short track speed skater Anthony Douglas. A few days ago, he nailed – with great enthusiasm - the final question in our own Team GB version of a Question of Sport. Last night he got a reward – an introduction to the real Question of Sport host, an opportunity to bask in his success and a chance to ask if he could come on the TV version.

He also got to chat to HRH Princess Anne and Sir Steve Redgrave, here as an ambassador for Team GB. It was a very special, inspiring occasion for all our team, but I think it was particularly memorably for guys like Anthony, who are coming into the Olympic environment for the first time.

We have received a few phone calls today pointing out that in a couple photos from the reception, the flag was positioned improperly. We noticed that, too, and have already made certain the flag will be displayed proudly and properly tonight during Opening Ceremony.  And a sincere thank-you to everyone who took the time out to drop us a line or give us a call – we do appreciate the effort that takes.

The mood in the team is great – the athletes are looking forward to the Opening Ceremony, but I think more than anything they’re looking forward to the competitions starting. Team GB is a happy ship at the moment - and I’m glad to tell you that, as I look out over the Vancouver Athletes’ Village, the British flag is flying proudly – and it’s the right way up.