As you may have heard, the 2012 Olympics got underway last week in London, and British
ambassador Peter Westmacott kicked off the festivities in Washington with a party at his Embassy Row estate. The
home was packed with guests antsy to see the extravagant opening ceremonies, including
DC mayor Vincent Gray and several former Olympians, including some profiled in our July issue.
In remarks, Westmacott described his country as “hugely proud” to be hosting the Olympics
and Paralympics over the coming weeks, saying he believed they would impart “lasting
value for the future.”
When we caught up with him, we found out he’s particularly looking forward to high-speed
track cycling, tennis, and men’s diving. “I have a soft spot for the Murray brothers,”
he told us, “and I do hope that 18-year-old diver we have [Tom Daley, who finished fourth yesterday in his first of two events] can win something.”
Regarding Mitt Romney’s comment that the British didn’t seem sufficiently prepared, Westmacott was less
animated. “He’s made very plain since that he’s very excited to be there and that
he thinks we’re ready, and that’s all I’ll say.”
Several local athletes are competing in the games,
including swimmer Katie
Ledecky—the
youngest American in London—who competes Thursday, and rhythmic
gymnast Julie Zetlin,
The Olympics Opening Ceremonies Viewing Party at the British Embassy (Photos)
British ambassador Peter Westmacott gave us his thoughts on his favorite events and Mitt Romney’s choice comments.
As you may have heard, the 2012 Olympics got underway last week in London, and British
ambassador
Peter Westmacott kicked off the festivities in Washington with a party at his Embassy Row estate. The
home was packed with guests antsy to see the extravagant opening ceremonies, including
DC mayor
Vincent Gray and several former Olympians, including some profiled in our July issue.
In remarks, Westmacott described his country as “hugely proud” to be hosting the Olympics
and Paralympics over the coming weeks, saying he believed they would impart “lasting
value for the future.”
When we caught up with him, we found out he’s particularly looking forward to high-speed
track cycling, tennis, and men’s diving. “I have a soft spot for the Murray brothers,”
he told us, “and I do hope that 18-year-old diver we have [Tom Daley, who finished fourth yesterday in his first of two events] can win something.”
Regarding
Mitt Romney’s comment that the British didn’t seem sufficiently prepared, Westmacott was less
animated. “He’s made very plain since that he’s very excited to be there and that
he thinks we’re ready, and that’s all I’ll say.”
Several local athletes are competing in the games,
including swimmer Katie
Ledecky—the
youngest American in London—who competes Thursday, and rhythmic
gymnast
Julie Zetlin,
who begins August 9.
Most Popular in News & Politics
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Introducing 8 of DC’s Most Stylish
Best of Washington 2023: Things to Eat, Drink, Do, and Know Right Now
Washingtonian Magazine
May 2024: Great Getaways
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
13 Major Concerts and Music Festivals in the DC Area This Spring
Mary Timony on Her Emotional New Album, “Untame the Tiger”
The Beatles in DC: A New Exhibit in Maryland Looks Back on Early Beatlemania
Northern Virginia High School Wins Metallica’s Marching Band Competition
More from News & Politics
These Volunteers Wake Up at Dawn to Collect DC’s Dead—and Injured—Birds
Guest List: 5 People We’d Love to Hang Out With This May
Democrats and Republicans Pass Balls, Not Bills, at Congressional Soccer Game
3 New Memoirs by Prominent Women
Everything You Wanted to Know About Urban Bear Sightings but Were Afraid to Ask, Because Who Wants to Get That Close to a Bear?
Rockville Police Are Searching for Culprits of a $4,500 Pickleball Paddle Heist
Dozens of Vintage Planes Will Fly Over the National Mall This Saturday
PHOTOS: “Rupaul’s Drag Race” Queens Work It at the National Mall