However, this kind of investment is far from cheap - it is estimated that it will cost around $40 billion to prepare for the 2008 games, much of which will be spent on transport links. Nevertheless , the benefits of becoming an Olympic city can be enormous – Barcelona, which hosted the 1992 games, was completely regenerated and has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Residents of Stratford, in London’s deprived East End, are hoping that their neighbourhood will undergo a similar transformation as it is one of the areas where many new sports facilities will be built. One of the East End’s most famous sons, David Beckham, has given the Olympics his blessing - “to have the Olympics in our manor would be a special thing.”

David Beckham is not alone in supporting the successful bid; Manchester United and England defender, Rio Ferdinand, says, “This will be a great boost for the whole of the country. I’m looking forward to being at the 100m final in 2012.”

One thing that will change in the 2012 games is the number of sports. The International Olympic Committee has decided to axe baseball and softball from the games. IOC president Jacques Rogge explained, "Needless to say, these sports are very, very disappointed, but it does not disqualify them forever as Olympic sports," he said.

However, one unlikely British sport is attempting to gain Olympic status. “As the newest recognised sport, darts …would be proud to be considered as the host nation's 'invitation sport' in 2012.” says British Darts Organisation chief, Olly Croft.

GLOSSARY 词汇表

to host 主办 saw off 击败了（竞争对手）
counterparts 对等的，相当的，同行 infrastructure 结构，构造
investment 投资 nevertheless 虽然如此，但是
deprived East End
贫穷落后的东城区 undergo a similar transformation
重新改造，改头换面
our manor 我们的地区（俚语） boost援助，支持
to axe 取消，消减 gain Olympic status
取得举办奥林匹克运动会的资格

darts 飞镖，一种室内游戏