Coe & Johnson Unveil First Olympic Rings at St. Pancras

Sebastien Coe, chairman of London 2012, and Mayor of London Boris Johnson gave a huge surprise to commuters travelling through St Pancras International Train Station in the capital tonight, unveiling the first set of giant Olympic Rings measuring 20 metres wide, nine metres high and weighing approximately 2,300 kilograms. 

The giant aluminium Olympic Rings are suspended from the roof of the Barlow Train Shed at St Pancras International. It took a team of 25 people based in Hertfordshire over four weeks to construct and they were transported to St Pancras International by lorry in 39 separate parts where they were secretly assembled and installed over seven nights.

Coe stated: “The Olympic Rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world.

“To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport. 

“To Londoners and visitors alike, they will excite and inspire them about being in a Host City and demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world in 2012.”

Coe and Johnson were joined at the special unveiling ceremony by London 2012 Olympic mascot Wenlock and children from Christ Church Primary School in the London Borough of Camden. 

Johnson added: “London is going to be at the centre of the world’s attention throughout 2012 and I want the whole city to harness every opportunity offered by the Games.

“Unveiling the first set of Olympic Rings at St Pancras International provides a fantastic glimpse into how the capital is gearing up for this unique event. 

“London is embracing its role of host city and I am determined to turn this enthusiasm into a lasting legacy for the city for generations to come.

“The rings will be a powerful symbol for millions of visitors using the iconic station that the capital is poised and ready to welcome the world’s greatest sporting stars and put on the best show on earth.”