British press criticism fails to dampen spirits

The British press and its desire to be seen as the grumpy old man of world sports appears to be gathering traction, with UK press criticism of the Games being one of the hot topics of debate.

            The Olympic Flame and the stunning North Van backdrop. Picture: Martin Boyle

A few attempts have been made to make the 'worst Games ever' tag stick, but international coverage is making it increasingly obvious that this is very much a British problem, perhaps with a view to London 2012 - the rest of the world is just getting on with it and enjoying the action.

Coverage from around the competing nations is overwhelmingly focusing on the performance of their own athletes, though some have taken time to consider the social and economic issues which inevitably attach themselves to an event of this size. A quick trip to Vancouver's poorest postcode makes it abundantly clear that much is still to be achieved in this glittering, semi-futuristic city of glass.

But it's obvious to most that The Guardian has a pre-determined line to take - big, bold, bad capitalist Olympics = bad. And when the paper was bandying about words like 'disaster' weeks in advance they've certainly got an agenda to feed here. I mean, really, is a broken zamboni a reason to throw our hands up in dispair? If that's the bar we're setting for London 2012 heaven help us.

The hope has to be that the long-term impact of the Games will be felt long after the international media has turned its attention elsewhere, that the city's east side will get the transformation it so urgently needs, and the cries for help of its citizens will be answered.

Canadian fans enjoy the Games. Picture: Martin Boyle

But in the meantime, Vancouver looks stunning, transport is immacutely hassle-free and hours-long queues and crowded trains are being seen as a chance to get to know a few new people, and friendly, smiling faces are very much in evidence.

Canada's people, as much as the sporting events, are proving to be the real stars of the show in Vancouver, with a warm welcomes, smiling faces, and a real desire to ensure that visitors enjoy their city and country. Almost every chance meeting is a pleasure - not at all like the pre-war Berlin that the Guardian would have you believe.