West Ham United

Sir Geoff comments on the legacy of London 2012

The vast majority are agreed that the London 2012 Olympics has been a triumph for our country.

The pride we draw from showcasing our ability both in terms of the management of such a challenging event and our triumphs in the sporting arena has been immeasurable.

Most people already know I am a patriot, the most gratifying aspect of the moment that defined my career in '66 was the joy it brought to the nation. I am acutely aware of how lucky I am to have played a part in an event that united a nation in celebration.

Of course, post London 2012, the challenge for our country continues. To theme the Olympics around one of legacy is an inspired idea, one that comes with responsibility for the organisers, the government, the sports clubs, and for everyone, including me, who has shared the emotions that result from watching our sportsmen and women endeavour to show us their best.

Some competitors triumph and we are gifted a surge of pride, a rousing cheer or simply a smile. Some miss their target by milliseconds and we share their pain. Whatever the result, we have been privileged to share their moment on the world stage.

We now have four years before this unique event is hosted in Rio. To continue the legacy, I would love to see each of our medalists profiled in a series of programmes dedicated to their story.

Where do they come from? How did they discover their sport? What motivates them to make, in some cases, huge sacrifices to achieve their aim? I want to know. And I am sure, on the back of an event with which the nation has truely engaged, thousands of other people want to know too.

Don't get me wrong, I am not passing the baton of responsibility to the media. I share it with them. I was at the gym this morning trying to think of ways I could help continue this legacy. I think I may have an idea that will work in my neck of the woods. I'll keep you posted but, in the meantime, I'd love to hear your ideas.



Sir Geoff Hurst MBE secured a unique place in the history of football when he became the first and, over 45 years later, still the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final.

Knighted in 1998 and inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004, Sir Geoff holds a special place in the hearts of football fans and has become an iconic sporting figure across the world.