THE 2012 London Olympic Games got off to a spectacular start this morning with an unforgettable opening ceremony.
The time has now come for athletes to get down to business and start going for gold.
So, let the games begin!
The first day of the games is a big one for athletes with a western suburbs connection, so prepare for a sleepless night.
Rachel Jarry, Ibrahim Balla, Glenn Warfe and Ross Smith have little time for reflecting on the opening ceremony as they are all in action on day one.
Jarry, a Hoppers Crossing resident and former Altona Gators junior, will be part of a special event when the Australian Opals play against host nation Great Britain in the first preliminary round of the women’s basketball.
The Opals will go into the clash as hot favourites, despite giving up home court advantage, as they are considered a strong medal chance.
Balla, meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing raised and trained, kicks off his quest for gold in the men’s bantamweight 56-kilogram boxing event.
The first-time Olympian will be a slight underdog when he steps into the ring against Moroccan Aboubakr Seddik Lbida in the round of 32.
In the badminton, the west’s men’s doubles combination of Glenn Warfe, who lives in Hoppers Crossing and works at Badminton Australia in Williamstown, and Ross Smith, a former Victoria University student, make their introduction to group A in a battle with China’s Yun Cai and Haifeng Fu.
Who to watch?
London 2012
Day 1 – Australian times
Rachel Jarry (basketball): Sunday, 7.15am
Ibrahim Balla (boxing): Sunday, 5.45am
Glenn Warfe/Ross Smith (badminton): Sunday, 4.05am
