Mix Of Excitement And Drama Ahead Of London Opening Ceremonies

04:58

July 27, 2012

People cross the Westminster bridge to watch the royal barge Gloriana carry the Olympic flame along the river Thames, ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics, on the final day of the Torch Relay, Friday. (AP)

The Opening Ceremonies for the 30th Olympic Games in London are only a few hours away, and somehow, plans for the elaborate 3-hour event have remained shrouded in secrecy.

The games will span two weeks and include 26 sports and 302 events with athletes from more than 200 countries.

Even before the official opening a Greek athlete was disqualified for racist tweets, a Moroccan track star was banned for doping, and the South Korean flag was erroneously flown at a North Korean soccer match.

And aside from sports, questions still remain over how the city's public transportation system will function during the games, and about security.

Guest:

Shira Springer, Boston Globe sports reporter

This segment aired on July 27, 2012.

Olympics 2012