Legacy: a word invariably used after every Olympics by a city hosting the world’s premier sporting event.
Paris is the latest to now be left pondering on what long term benefits may emerge from what most agree was its recent highly successful hosting of the Games. But have you ever wondered what the “Olympics legacy” actually looks (or feels) like?
If so, look no further than the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.This sprawling and once rundown site hosted many of the events when London hosted the Games back in 2012 when the UK scooped no less than 65 medals, including 29 gold medals
The site had been totally transformed for the Games and the good news is that the much-hyped “legacy” of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games lives on today at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which is located in the now-booming area of Stratford in East London.
If you’re looking to reminisce about that enchanting summer, where the world’s eyes were fixed on London or want to see how much the area has rapidly changed in the years since the Games, then you’d be well advised to pay a visit the next time you are in London.
One of the main goals of hosting London 2012 was increasing the access to world-class sporting facilities and that is exactly what was achieved on this site, something Paris might now well like to reflect on.
This includes, for instance, the London Aquatic Centre, which hosted swimming events in the Olympic and Paralympic pool, and also the Lee Valley VeloPark, home to the velodrome track which proved so successful for Team GB during the 2012 Games.
If you haven’t revisited the park since that memorable summer of 2012, you might well be astounded by its remarkable transformation. It truly has left behind an enduring legacy for London (and the UK).
If you are visiting with the family and kids then the AquaSplash at the world-famous London Aquatics Centre is good fun. The centre is said to be the most technologically advanced and stunning swimming facility in the world with a state-of-the-art gym and fitness facilities. It boasts a state of the art gym and fitness facilities along with two 50m pools, as well as a dedicated dive pool with diving platforms from 1m to 10m and a dry diving area for practice.
AquaSplash sessions are organised by Sarita Bhatia, from the London Olympic Legacy team and, note, it is best to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow time to get changed in time.
But that’s not all, of course.Very close by is another great “legacy” from those 2012 Games: Lea Valley VeloPark.
Back in 2012, British athletes dominated the medal standings in cycling, where they won a total of 12 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, 7 from the 10 track cycling events alone.
Just wander across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and you find the iconic VeloPark where all the action took place.
There are various cycling sessions available to try, including one called the “Flying Lap” session which, in total, lasts for more than an hour.You get the same introduction to track cycling as the “Velodrome Taster” where you learn basic track skills – but with the addition of a flying lap. You can compare yourself to the professionals with a timed flying lap to end the session. The velodrome is one of the fastest in the world and everyone from beginners to elite riders are able to ride its track.
Inside the VeloPark there’s also a nice café, and lots of space for the kids to hang out for a while, if they just want to soak up the atmosphere.But you can also venture outside for yet more terrific biking adventures, including for the whole family.
This includes the extremely safe and carefully prepared park roadways nearby which offer a very peaceful and enjoyable bike ride …. all without any fear of London traffic. You can ride anytime between 10am and 6pm.
The VeloPark’s outside road route, which is used exclusively for bikes (no cars or pedestrians to worry about), is a one mile floodlit road circuit – cycling’s very own premium road in the heart of east London and all built as part of a world class venue.
You can try this, whether you’re riding solo or as a social bubble, on a “Pay and Ride” session. You just need to check out the weekly sessions’ calendar, book a session and take you and your bike to enjoy some traffic free trails. Be aware that last entry to the road circuit is one hour before close.For those looking to hire you will be kitted out with the appropriate size bikes and helmets.
As can be seen then, Lee Valley is home to multiple best in class sporting venues across London and Hertfordshire and that extends to other things like white water rafting and horse riding, so there’s something for all ages and abilities to enjoy. London Aquatics Centre is managed by Everyone Active – the trading name of Sports and Leisure Management – and it is not a coincidence it is also known as “Everyone Active” as its mission is to encourage everyone to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity.
What better “Olympic legacy” could there be than that?
So, why not experience the buzz of the London 2012 legacy for yourself at this world-class venue? Regardless of age, swimming ability or fitness level, there’s something for you to enjoy here.Before you leave try to grab a selfie at the famous Olympic Rings or (with the Paris Paralympics starting this week), the equally impressive Agitos, the symbol of the Paralympic Games, in the north of the Park.
Further info
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/velopark/track-cycling
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/velopark/road-cycling
