considerable skills to come from behind to beat a brilliant Australian team.

We havent heard those two words in the same sentance for a while!

What fighting event don't you need to be fit for?

fencing - pretend fighting

Judo and fencing for a start, hardly high endurance events needed, just skill. Probably add Taewkondo considering how short the bouts are, but they're a tad more flapping about than the others.

"55% of Britons say Olympic Games are 'well worth' the investment for cheering the country during hard times"

I'm definitely in that 55%

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012...eelgood-factor

Me too, but it did not cost me anything. All the reward, none of the pain.

Fair point.

disagree totally. There are many types of fitness and fitness does not mean endurance, in which case Usain Bolt is unfit as i bet you i could run a 10K faster than him.

Judo guys in general are very very fit. Not so sure of fencers but they must have pretty good reactions and be sharp...again requiring a form of fitness.

And to say that Taewkondo does not require fitness is just absurd. Pull yourself away from your PC and put in a sustained effort for a couple of minute of jumping on the spot and throw in some high kicks..and report back...

Yes, but when the UK introduces US-style global income tax for all nationals (which is eventually inevitable) you'll pay your share...........

In any case, I can't imagine taxes will be raised to pay for the Olympics - the UK will just go into more debt.

Former England rugby international Brian Moore on Twitter:

"Perhaps a mention for Australia recently passing Kazakstan in medals table. A strong finish may even see them catch Hungary"

Chris Hoy's mum:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19178008

You have been out of the UK too long. Taxes were raised - but only for Londoners through a council tax surcharge. It is why we had a vote on it.

Edit - really? For this year only, or in perpetuity?

Actually, I can't remember. I suspect it'll be perpetuity - it'll be like the Dartford toll - once people get used to paying it there is no point taking it away.

A gov website states:
Olympic precept - A precept on all properties liable for council tax within the Greater
London Authority area to contribute towards the 2012 Olympic Games. The precept was
introduced in 2006-07 and has been set at £20 per Band D equivalent property for each
year

Must be forever, as it's still being paid.

Sumo !!

Those guys must be guaranteed to develop various ailements sooner than the norm.