IOC blown away by London crowds (From Daily Echo)

IOC blown away by London crowds

2:31pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in Olympic News

Senior IOC members have been dazzled by London 2012 so far - especially the crowds, according to Olympics minister Hugh Robertson.

The minister said fears that the transport system and Heathrow airport would struggle had so far not materialised and that the Games so far had been better than he dared hope.

Robertson said: "It's been brilliant, it's absolutely brilliant.

"Even as a cheerleader for this project, what we have achieved has exceeded my expectations. It has been better than I dared hope it would be.

"The reaction I am getting from senior IOC members is overwhelmingly extremely positive.

"They love the venues, which are some of the best in the world, they love the crowds and have said they have never seen people so enthusiastic cheering all the competitors, not just the Brits.

"London has worked. You talk to the national Olympic committees and they say the Village is the best there has ever been."

Robertson warned that the transport system would face its biggest test tomorrow with track and field in full swing and more than 200,000 people expected in the park.

He added: "London is a big, busy city but thus far Heathrow did extraordinarily well and the London transport, which so far has coped with everything that has been thrown at it.

"There is a big test to come this weekend."