We did, indeed, do it right...

Thrilling wasn’t it?

Though unthinkable a mere four weeks earlier, this was an outcome that was only ever dreamt of and never expected.

A nation of doubters sat perched, awaiting their opportunity to pounce – it never came. Although sparse to begin with, the medals eventually began to flow – and flow they most certainly did.

The transformation was complete; from apprehension and doubt to pride and content in the space of three short weeks.

As the flame grew in stature, so did the status of the games and the expectations of the world. But instead of folding like a flimsy tower of cards, London stood strong and simply embraced this once in a lifetime experience.

Three weeks in which a nation was inspired. Three weeks in which a nation came together. Three weeks in which heroes were those chasing dreams, not money or headlines.

To inspire a generation was the aim and although a long-term project, the foundations have been firmly fixed.

Olympic fever is sure to linger for a number of months, but when it does eventually fade, we will be left with a generation of athletes motivated and inspired to emulate the heroes of this marvellous event.

All this is a sign that Britain’s doubt was severely misplaced. Handed the responsibility of the greatest show on earth, we delivered the greatest show on earth, without the slightest scratch to taint its reputation.

But this must only be the beginning. Funding must continue, participation must increase and the legacy of London 2012 must burn with the flame that started it all.

But participation MUST be competitive. Gone are the days of ‘the taking part’ being the only thing that counts - winning is so important. Children must learn to lose before they can prevail and they must understand that any victory must be worked for. This isn’t only a lesson in sport, but a lesson in life. Winning and losing is a major part of everyday life and relates to everything we do.

There are few lessons that can be learnt from the USA, but in this case we must take note of a transatlantic trademark – swagger.

A confidence in our ability to deliver on the biggest of stages; an element of certainty that everything can, and will run smoothly.

Ignore the razzmatazz of US sport - that can be left well alone. But take note of their positivity, their attitude towards ceasing the moment.

As the sun sets on London 2012 and a record tally of medals for Team GB, let us reflect on the greatest three weeks in British sporting history.

We welcomed the world and the world came. We expected so little but delivered so much. We promised the greatest show on earth and let nobody down.

At the opening ceremony, Seb Coe said: “One day, we will tell our children and our grandchildren that when our time came, we did it right.”

We did indeed, do it right.