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Team GB success puts focus back on great legacy of London 2012

Team GB success puts focus back on great legacy of London 2012

Story 28/07/2021

Each time the Olympics come around every four years - in this case five - naturally our minds are cast back to the glorious summer we had at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park nine years ago. From the extravaganza that was the opening ceremony to the record 65 medals Team GB won, it was a time we’ll never forget.

Indeed, we were reminded of 2012 and the legacy of those Games in London on Monday when Tom Daley and Matty Lee produced a diving masterclass to win gold in the men’s synchronised 10m platform final in Tokyo. 

Within hours of Tom and Matty’s success, the world’s media descended on the Park to film inside the London Aquatics Centre. It led to some brilliant coverage not only of the LAC but also London’s Olympic legacy. 

The LAC, which is open seven days a week to the general public, is also the training base for Team GB’s elite level divers.

It was only earlier this month that Tom and Matty were going through their final training session at the LAC before they departed with the rest of Team GB for Tokyo. What came across so clearly in the coverage, particularly from the interviews with the teenage divers who are Olympic hopefuls of the future, was their enthusiasm and passion for diving and the world class venue they share most days of the year with athletes such as Tom and Matty.

Those interviewed were between the ages of 14 and 17. Max Spencer, 17, recalled that despite not being old enough to remember watching the 2012 Games live, it was from being able to take advantage of such world class facilities at the LAC that led him to diving. Of course, another legacy of the 2012 Games was the Tom Daley Diving Academy Holiday Camp, which was set up after Tom won his first Olympic medal nine years ago.

Rather fittingly the first instalment of the programme this summer started on Monday - or Magic Monday as the press have dubbed it - and places are still available to be booked here.

Meanwhile, amid the Olympic celebrations, the LAC is still very much the go-to place for those who want to swim a few lengths as part of their daily exercise routine. Although if you want something that is perhaps a bit more of a challenge why not try the Aqua Splash course that is currently being enjoyed by people of all ages and is running throughout the summer holidays.

Either way, the London Aquatics Centre is very much for you as it is for Olympic gold medallists such as Tom and Matty and we look forward to seeing you on the Park soon.