London Diary

For New Zealand horseman Mark Todd, 56, being one of the oldest competitors at his seventh Olympic Games has caused some embarrassing moments.
"I keep getting on the bus and people are saying, 'This bus is only for athletes'. I constantly have to say that I am an athlete,'" he laments.
"Since I've been here I keep getting questioned as to what team I'm an official for."
A COUPLE'S BATTLE
Australia taekwondo fighters Carmen Marton and her fiancé Safwan Khalil have been preparing for marriage -- and the Olympics -- by sparring with each other.
As Marton explains, no quarter is given. "It does get quite competitive, especially if I land a head kick or two," she said.
Khalil seems to take it easier on his future wife because he has something important at stake.
"We do like to push each other in training but we also like to look after each other, especially if I want dinner that night," said Khalil.
BETTER WAY TO LONDON
High jumper Dragutin Topic has saved himself the price of a few beers and some tickets to a Champions League football match by appearing at the Olympics.
That was what he would have owed the famous German sports doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wolfhart had he failed to compete in London.
"It was in January 2011. I was visiting Dr Muller-Wolfhart. He asked me why I wasn't competing and I said I'd got pain in my back. He said he'd treat me for free if I made the Games. I'm glad I did otherwise I would have a big bill to pay.
"I said there has to be a limit to what I have to pay if I lose, otherwise I could have ended up paying him two million euros.
"The bet also included some beers and some tickets for a Champions League game."
SAFETY FIRST
It has been rumoured that the London 2012 organisers have laid in a record stash of condoms at the Olympic Village.
Sources suggest this is to avoid the embarassment of some previous organisers who had to send out for emergency deliveries after the original supply proved inadequate to meet demand.