Olympics 2012: The Opening Ceremony

MI

Michael 27 July 2012 10:36pm

Why, when they are in the UK do they make every announcement in English only after they've announced it in French, and not the other way around?

I believe it's because the modern Olympics came about by a Frenchman, and so the announcements are in French first, then English, and then the language of the host country.

I could be wrong, so feel free to correct me.

Baron de Coubertin I believe, although there were Olympic Games held in Shropshire/Wales before the 1896 revival.

WA

watchingtv 27 July 2012 10:36pm

Jon posted:

madmusician posted:

Was that bit with Beckham a pre-record or live stuff? Seemed quite slick to be a live slot, but I couldn't be certain either way...

Nor me, I can't imagine it was recorded long ago.

It happened at 9:40 this evening, skynews watched it pass

IS

Inspector Sands 27 July 2012 10:46pm

It's the same with Eurovision and the big football tournaments - English and French. The IOC, EBU, FIFA and UEFA are all based in Switzerland, I assume the French bits

IS

Inspector Sands 27 July 2012 10:48pm

Michael posted:

Baron de Coubertin I believe, although there were Olympic Games held in Shropshire/Wales before the 1896 revival.

Yes he saw the Much Wenlock Olympics and used that idea for the Olympics we know today.

Hence the name of the mascot of course

CR

Critique 27 July 2012 10:49pm

Hmmm... The order the countries are announced in French and English keeps swapping. I think.

AG

AxG 27 July 2012 10:51pm

They keep swapping, but it is always French then English.

WO

Worzel 27 July 2012 10:53pm

Critique posted:

Hmmm... The order the countries are announced in French and English keeps swapping. I think.

They are, you're right.

The male and female announcers are swapping between English and French.

WO

Worzel 27 July 2012 10:54pm

And Fiji comes out to the Bee Gees, what a timing chance.

AG

AxG 27 July 2012 10:56pm

Seems like a big advert for Apple.

WA

watchingtv 27 July 2012 10:58pm

Is that Huw or the sports commentator, not sure of his name?

MI

Michael 27 July 2012 10:58pm

Inspector Sands posted:

Michael posted:

Baron de Coubertin I believe, although there were Olympic Games held in Shropshire/Wales before the 1896 revival.

Yes he saw the Much Wenlock Olympics and used that idea for the Olympics we know today.

Hence the name of the mascot of course

Do you watch QI too?

BR

Brekkie 27 July 2012 11:00pm

Never thought I'd see Mr Bean at the Olympics!

Great opening programme though - commentary wise they were pretty good at restraining themselves until the one portion that needed no commentary at all (the music section) - and then Nelson and co. talked all over it. Hazel comes into her own though in the parade.

(July 2012)