Monthly diary — August

The commentating was hectic – 50 dressage horses (one every seven minutes) that each have to be talked about, then switch to 75 showjumpers (one every three minutes) before flicking back to the 50 dressage competitors again and so on… At least by the last few days I knew the remaining combinations quite well although my brain did end up fried.

Fortunately my co-commentator, who had never done equestrian sports before, was just brilliant. We also had the benefit of the best seat in the house – at least until it rained. We were actually outside and there were plastic covers for our monitors and control desk but nothing for us. When it threw it down we both ended up lying on the desks under the monitor covers trying to watch Tina Cook at a very strange angle. A bit later I had to try and maintain my composure as I realised my colleague had climbed completely into a large plastic bag. I also learned never to make notes with anything other than a Biro – two drops of rain and my inky jottings were completely illegible.

When I was not doing horsey stuff I made the most of all the Games had to offer. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies were wonderful and I loved the sense of humour and Britishness. How does this tiny island have so much to offer? I also managed to watch some basketball, hockey, taekwondo, diving (including Tom Daley) and athletics (I saw Bolt but just missed Mo…). The BMX was extraordinary (the riders have some terrific pearlers) and the Beach Volley Ball was such a laugh – a very different atmosphere from the seriousness of Greenwich.