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Infocus Games-time Edition

Welcome to the Games-time edition of inFocus providing you with a regular round up of news and updates during the 2012 Games

Comments, queries and content ideas: communications@uel.ac.uk

Travel

Every day we will outline some of the main issues expected for the following day's travel via public transport and road.

You are advised to check official websites including getaheadofthegames.com, Transport for London live travel news and follow twitter feeds such as TfL Travel Alerts, TfL Traffic News and GetAheadof theGames
 

Travel advice – Saturday 4 August

bullet  Central London will be busy with non-ticketed spectators watching the women’s Triathlon and men’s 20km Race Walk as well as spectators going to the Beach Volleyball at Horse Guards Parade.

bullet  The busiest times on public transport will be 8 – 10am, 1 – 3pm, and 4 – 7pm.Late evening, from 9pm to close, is expected to be busier than usual.

bullet  The DLR, Central and Jubilee lines will be very busy throughout the day.

bullet  Road closures and restrictions will be in place from 3.30am in preparation for the women's Triathlon. Avoid driving near Hyde Park Corner throughout the day

More information: public transport bulletin

More information: road travel bulletin

  
Daily Quiz

"True or false: Women were only allowed to watch the ancient Olympic Games?"


Yesterday's answer: A sport must be played in four continents before the IOC considers making it an Olympic Sport for men.
Daily Quiz

 

  
         
 

News and Updates

Silver lining for UEL's Gemma Gibbons at Olympic Games

UEL postgraduate student Gemma Gibbons has won a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Gemma reached the final of yesterday ’s -78kg category in women’s judo. In what was a tense and thrilling encounter, Gemma took on Kayla Harrison from the United States.

Speaking to BBC News after the final, Gemma said: “It has been a brilliant day; I’m really happy. On my best day, I was hoping I could get near the medals – maybe in the top seven. I would have been happy with that. I’ve exceeded that, so I am over the moon.”

bullet  Read the full story

Taekwondo giants meet UEL's fighting stars of the future

Team USA’s taekwondo athletes Terrence Jennings, Diana Lopez, Steven Lopez and Paige McPherson allowed members of the UEL Taekwondo club to attend their training session at UEL’s SportsDock yesterday afternoon. The team went through various drills while the club members looked on in awe. Paige, AKA McFierce, and Terrence, or TJ as he is known, then took time out to take part in an extended Q&A session with the UEL club members.

Don't forget to visit the inFocus staff portal for more news, updates and events

 
Gemma Gibbons

Well done Gemma! UEL student secures silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

 
Taekwondo

Paige shows how its done.

 
 
Your Stories
 

Cienna Smyth reveals what it was like to dance in Opening Ceremony

Watched by millions the world over, last Friday's Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games was certainly a spectacle to behold. However, UEL staff member Cienna Smyth chose not to watch this historical moment from home, but rather to perform as a dancer in the Ceremony itself.

Cienna, who works in UELSports, had been practising for her role since April, having spent over 150 hours in rehearsals.

Cienna described how it felt to appear on stage: "It was incredible, nerve-wracking, but there was a great atmosphere behind the scenes". She also thanked UEL for its support: "Without the support of UEL, I would not have been able to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity".

All that time and effort certainly paid off.

  

Cienna Smyth

Cienna in her ceremonial dress

 
   


We want to hear about your Olympic experiences - however big or small!
Send your stories to communications@uel.ac.uk