On Monday, I came into work and heard the immensely sad news that David Morris from our Diversity and Inclusion team had passed away over the weekend. Through his blogs, and having recently had a number of meetings with him to work out how we could best promote LOCOG's diversity and inclusion work (not least through more blogs), I knew of his determination to create a truly open and diverse Games in 2012.
In his blog paying tribute, Steve sums up really well what David meant to LOCOG - and more widely. I know that I'll think of David every time I look over any London 2012 diversity and inclusion content, and will do my best to make sure the plans we made to promote the great work the D&I team do come to fruition.
An International Olympic Committee (IOC) legend, Juan Antonio Samaranch, also passed away this week aged 89. I never met him myself, though spied him briefly on a visit to the IOC once – a frisson went around the restaurant when he entered.
From the tributes that flowed in from around the Olympic Family – not least from our Chair, Seb – there's no doubt that Samaranch had a huge effect on the Olympic Movement. That impact follows through to us now and in some way informs everything we do and are trying to achieve for London 2012.
Finally, a true hero of British sport, Dave Brailsford, visited the Olympic Park this week to see how our Velodrome is getting on. I was lucky to hear Dave speak last year – he came to our staff away day to provide some inspiration, and did a brilliant job.
Dave and his team were the ones who helped Team GB cyclists achieve their amazing results in Beijing not least thanks to planning, technical excellence and positive attitude. I'm looking forward to seeing how his determination to make sure his team achieve again in front of a home crowd plays out! If anyone can make it happen...
So, three men who each in their own way have inspired – and will continue to inspire – us for London 2012. I suggest you have a bit of a read about each of them – they're likely to give you a bit of a boost too...
