The Olympic Torch

Matt and I battled the snow and crowds on Sunday to go into city to see the Olympic Torch make its journey through London. We managed to secure prime position right next to the entrance to Downing Street which had a great view and was relatively uncrowded. Across the road from us was a huge crowd of protesters equipped with banners and chants. Security was very tight. We witnessed a few protesters get slammed by the coppers for stepping out of line. There were so many police, particularly when the torch got closer and closer. Van after van of police turned up ahead of the flame. There were police on horseback too to redirect the protesters walking behind the torch relay procession. The torch bearer was surrounded by a ring of Olympic officials dressed in blue, who were surrounded by a ring of police - it was crazy but I guess necessary considering earlier in the day the torch bearer nearly got mowed down by a protester who managed to get through. The whole procession was booed by the protesters which seemed to drown out any cheering that may have happened.

We stood about 5 metres away from the Downing Street entrance when the torch entered through the heavily armed gates. As the change over of runners happened inside the gates we couldn't see it actually happen but apparently Gordon Brown, the British PM, acknowledged the torch but didn't touch it, possibly a symbol of the growing pressure he has come under in supporting this year's Olympics.

Here is a video of the torch leaving Downing Street. There are also some photos from the day on our photo website.