Photos: 2012 London Olympics – Let the games begin

Posted Jul 17, 2012

The preparation,venues and arrivals leading up to the start of the 2012 London Olympics.

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Mexico's Juan Rene Serrano watches his teammate Luis Alvarez as he takes out arrows from a target during training at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Competitors walks to their targets during training at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Workers hang banners in front of the Olympic stadium as preparations continue for the 2012 Summer Olympics Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in London. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)
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People walk past a sculpture and the Olympic stadium as preparations continue for the 2012 Summer Olympics Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in London. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)
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A worker mows the field at Coventry Stadium, in Coventry, England, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Opening ceremonies for the games will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
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A British soldier guards a gate leading to the Horse Guards Parade Olympic venue Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics with opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Workers maintain the stands of a cycling venue at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Sergey Ponomarev)
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Venue workers at Earl's Court, the site of the volleyball competition, test the flexibility of the playing surface before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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A boy runs in front of the olympic logo at the town hall, in Cardiff, Wales, Tuesday, July 24, 2012. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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A security guard stands watch over the entrance to Earl's Court, the site of the Volleyball competition, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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The changing of the guard ceremony takes place along the Road Cycling path near Buckingham Palace before the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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A man crosses Haymarket Street against a backdrop of Olympic banners Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics with opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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A worker installs a panel as he works on a display of international flags across the street from Big Ben Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics with opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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The Olympic Stadium is reflected on a round mirror three days ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza)
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A man walks near the Orbit tower at the Orbit Olympic Circus three days ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza)
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Flowers surround the Olympic Stadium three days ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza)
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Pedestrians cross a street outside Greenwich Park, the site of the equestrian events at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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Russian basketball player Natalia Zhedik walks near the Basketball Arena at the Olympic Park, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Laser Radial sailors practice on the waters of Portland Harbour in Dorset, England, the sailing venue of the London 2012 Olympics, Tuesday July 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Ison, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
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United States Olympic tennis player John Isner arrives at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the games will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
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Venue workers sweep the practice courts at Earl's Court, the site of the Volleyball competition, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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An actor dressed as a guardsman prepares to welcome Olympic teams on arrival at the Eurostar Terminal at London St. Pancras Station ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Tuesday July 24, 2012. (Photo by Mark Allan/AP Images for Eurostar)
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The Belgian Olympic Team receive a very British welcome on arrival at the Eurostar Terminal at London St. Pancras Station ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Tuesday July 24, 2012. (Photo by Mark Allan/AP Images for Eurostar)
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Australian women's basketball player Liz Cambage poses with actors upon arrival at the Eurostar Terminal at London St. Pancras Station ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Tuesday July 24, 2012. (Photo by Mark Allan/AP Images for Eurostar)
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German diver Sascha Klein trains at the Aquatics Center at the Olympic Park, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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A bird is silhouetted against the setting sun as it flies past the Olympic Rings hanging from Tower Bridge in London Monday, July 23, 2012. The city will host the 2012 Olympics with opening ceremonies for the games scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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U.S. golfer Dustin Johnson is silhouetted as he takes a swing in a posed picture for photographers as Olympic rings hang from Tower Bridge ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. Johnson and Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia took it in turns to hit golf balls at a floating golf hole on the River Thames to promote for a sportswear maker. Golf is set to be included as an Olympic sport in the next games in 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Children perform on stage during the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee session in central London's Royal Opera House, Monday, July 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
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Ballet dancers perform on stage during the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee session in central London's Royal Opera House, Monday, July 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
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London resident Shannon Poole is silhouetted as she looks at the setting sun behind the Olympic Rings hanging from Tower Bridge in London Monday, July 23, 2012. The city will host the 2012 Olympics with opening ceremonies for the games scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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British soldiers raise the Brazilian flag during the Flag Raising ceremony at the Olympic Village in London on Monday, July 23, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Khaled Desouki, IOPP Pool)
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Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, left, and IOC President Jacques Rogge attend the Opening Ceremony of the 124th IOC Session, prior to the start of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games at The Royal Opera House on Monday July 23, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Daniel Berehulak, Pool)
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Artists cheer as members of the South African Olympic delegation arrive for the flag raising ceremony at the Olympic Village in London, Monday, July 23, 2012, four days before the start of the 2012 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Khaled Desouki, Pool)
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Artists cheer as members of the South African Olympic delegation arrive for the flag raising ceremony at the Olympic Village in London, Monday, July 23, 2012, four days before the start of the 2012 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Khaled Desouki, Pool)
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Artists cheer as members of the South African Olympic delegation arrive for the flag raising ceremony at the Olympic Village in London, Monday, July 23, 2012, four days before the start of the 2012 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Khaled Desouki, Pool)
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Artists cheer as members of the South African Olympic delegation arrive for the flag raising ceremony at the Olympic Village in London four days before the start of the 2012 Olympic Games, Monday, July 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Khaled Desouki, Pool)
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People sit near the Olympic Park in London, Monday, July 23, 2012. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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People have their photo taken in front of a clock counting down to the opening of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London's Trafalgar Square. Opening ceremonies for the games will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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London mayor Boris Johnson, wearing a bicycle helmet talks to the media as he leaves following the Opening Ceremony of the International Olympic Committee session in central London's Royal Opera House, Monday, July 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
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Soldiers raise an Iranian flag Monday, July 23, 2012 during the Flag Raising ceremony for Iran at the Olympic Village in London four days before the start of the London 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Khaled Desouki, IOPP Pool)
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FILE - The June 6, 2011 file photo shows two ducks walking in front of the pavilion before the start of the 4th day of the second Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Lord's cricket ground, London. Trust a colonial to appreciate the iconic Olympic venue that is Lord's Cricket Ground which will host the archery competitions of the 2012 London Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi, file)
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FILE - The May 12, 2012 file photo shows United States' Candace Parker trying to pass after slipping on a baseline drive against China in the first half of an exhibition women's basketball game in Seattle. Parker can't wait to get to London. It's not just because she'll be playing in her second Olympics or that she'll get to see the city for the first time. She's just really excited to be reunited with her 3-year-old daughter Lailaa. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
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Singer Paloma Faith performs on stage during the the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee session in central London's Royal Opera House, Monday, July 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
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Tower Bridge with Olympic rings is silhouetted as the sun sets in London, Monday, July 23, 2012. The summer Olympics in London will start on Friday July 27. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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A passenger boat passes a reflection of Olympic rings on the River Thames in London, Monday, July 23, 2012. The summer Olympics in London will start on Friday July 27. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Tower Bridge with Olympic rings is silhouetted as the sun sets in London, Monday, July 23, 2012. The summer Olympics in London will start on Friday July 27. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Commuters are silhouetted as they cross Tower Bridge in front of Olympic rings in London, Monday, July 23, 2012. The summer Olympics in London will start on Friday July 27. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Queen Elizabeth II is presented with a set of Olympic medals by President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge at Buckingham Palace, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinksi, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II listens as the President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge speaks at Buckingham Palace, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinksi, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaks at a reception for members of the International Olympic Committee, at Buckingham Palace, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinksi, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT
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Police officers stand guard inside the Olympic Park in London, Monday, July 23, 2012. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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FILE - In this Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 file photo, United States goalkeeper Hope Solo (1) clears the ball from in front of her net during the second half against Costa Rica at the CONCACAF women's Olympic qualifying soccer game action at B.C. Place in Vancouver, Canada. Solo has lots to say heading into the Olympics. And she'll have even more to say once the games are done. The goalkeeper for the U.S. women's soccer team is releasing her memoir on Aug. 14 _ two days after the closing ceremony. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward, File)
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Jessica Hardy stretches before her training session at the Aquatics Center at the Olympic Park, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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In this photo provided by LOCOG, torchbearer Venus Williams carries the Olympic Flame at Wimbledon, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/LOCOG, Joe Giddens)
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A commuter, seen reflected in the glass of a pub window covered in British flags, walks to work ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 23, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
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The Orbit observation tower and the Olympic Stadium are seen from inside a bus at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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Volunteers walk inside the Olympic park at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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The Water polo arena is seen at the London Olympic park at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 22, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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A security member takes photos at the Orbit observation tower inside the Olympic park at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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A volunteer walks into the Olympic park at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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Diners sit across from stands for the Olympic Swimming - Marathon and Triathlon competitions at Hyde Park's Serpentine Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics which opens Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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A couple lounge in deck chairs looking out at Hyde Park's Serpentine Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics which opens Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Mascots for the 2012 Summer Olympics Wenlock and Mandeville arrive at Heathrow Airport, London on Monday, July 23, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT; NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE
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Sinead Galvin, of London, reads a magazine outside an Olympic merchandise store in Hyde Park Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics which opens Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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A police woman talks on the phone in front of an Olympic-themed window display at Harrods department store Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics which opens Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Edina Kisvari, of London, lays in the sun at Battersea Park while a set of Olympic rings located on a barge floats in the River Thames in the distance Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics which opens Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Amini Fonua, a swimmer from Tonga, sunbathes at the Athletes' Village at the Olympic Park, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
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A couple photographs themselves in front of a set of Olympic rings located on a barge in the River Thames off of Battersea Park Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics which opens Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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An Olympic torch is on display at the Athletes' Village at the Olympic Park, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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An airplane flies in the sky above the Orbit observation tower at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
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A woman watches the Olympic Team Welcome Ceremony at the Athletes' Village at the Olympic Park, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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United States' Venus Williams, left, arrives at Heathrow Airport, London on Monday, July 23, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT; NO SALES; NO ARCHIVE
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A taxi passes alongside one of the official Olympic Lanes on a street in central London Monday, July 23, 2012, ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
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Lestrod Roland, a runner from Saint Kitts and Nevis, plays a video game at the Athletes' Village at the Olympic Park, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
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Members of the U.S. Women's hockey team train at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
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Traffic drives along Olympic Lanes on Embankment in central London, Monday, July 23, 2012. The Olympic road lanes will come into effect on Wednesday, July 25, two days before the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Only accredited vehicles will be allowed to use them. London's traditional Black Cabs will not be allowed in them. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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Police prepare a checkpoint gate as part of security measures for the 2012 Summer Olympics at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Monday, July 23, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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A man is checked with a metal detector as part of security measures for the 2012 Summer Olympics at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Monday, July 23, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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A volunteer is checked with a metal detector as part of security measures for the 2012 Summer Olympics at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Monday, July 23, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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A volunteer is checked with a metal detector as part of security measures for the 2012 Summer Olympics at the Millennium stadium in Cardiff, Wales, Monday, July 23, 2012. The opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games are scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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A couple pass buoys for use in Olympic events as they row in Hyde Park's Serpentine Sunday, July 22, 2012, in London. The venue will be home to the Swimming - Marathon and Triathlon competitions. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics which opens Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Australian street artist James Cochran spray paints a portrait of Usain Bolt, Jamaica's world record holder in the 100 and 200 meter sprints, on the wall of a building beside a car park in east London, Friday, July 20, 2012. Cochran, who has been a street painter for 20 years, has been working on the piece for four days and is due to finish it later today. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Australian street artist James Cochran spray paints a portrait of Usain Bolt, Jamaica's world record holder in the 100 and 200 meter sprints, on the wall of a building beside a car park in east London, Friday, July 20, 2012. Cochran, who has been a street painter for 20 years, has been working on the piece for four days since Tuesday and is due to finish it later today. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Olympic fan Vivianne Robinson, right, arrives at Heathrow Airport, London from Los Angeles, USA, to watch her fifth Olympic Games Thursday July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons/PA Wire) UNITED KINGDOM OUT
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Uruguayan Luis Suarez arrives at Heathrow Airport, Friday, July 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons/PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES
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Police Officers from the South Yorkshire Police Mounted Section training for their role at the London Olympics at their stables near Barnsley, England Friday July 20, 2012. The Force appealed for members of the public to help them with the exercise, by using them as a crowd blowing whistles and waving flags. Dozens turned up to help. Mounted sections from forces across the UK are being sent to London to help with the policing of the games. (AP Photo/John Giles/PA Wire) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
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This image made provided by LOCOG Thursday Jan. 19, 2012 shows Britain's Sports minister Hugh Robertson, left, with Professor David Cowan, right, at the anti-doping laboratory in Harlow, England which will operate during the London 2012 Games. Britain's sports minister says there will be "no place to hide" for drug cheats at the London Games. (AP Photo/LOCOG)
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Police officers stand in front of CCTV screens in London's Metropolitan Police Service Special Operations Room in central London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The room will be the police control room for the Olympic Games in the capital and is equipped with technology essential to the smooth running of the policing operation. This includes screens on which CCTV can be shown to provide views across the city. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Police officers work at their desks as a television weather forecast is shown on a screen in London's Metropolitan Police Service Special Operations Room in central London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The room will be the police control room for the Olympic Games in the capital and is equipped with technology essential to the smooth running of the policing operation. This includes screens on which CCTV can be shown to provide views across the city. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Police officers work in London's Metropolitan Police Service Special Operations Room in central London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The room will be the police control room for the Olympic Games in the capital and is equipped with technology essential to the smooth running of the policing operation. This includes screens on which CCTV can be shown to provide views across the city. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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A member of police staff stands in front of CCTV screens in London's Metropolitan Police Service Special Operations Room in central London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The room will be the police control room for the Olympic Games in the capital and is equipped with technology essential to the smooth running of the policing operation. This includes screens on which CCTV can be shown to provide views across the city. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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A member of police staff stands in front of CCTV screens in London's Metropolitan Police Service Special Operations Room in central London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The room will be the police control room for the Olympic Games in the capital and is equipped with technology essential to the smooth running of the policing operation. This includes screens on which CCTV can be shown to provide views across the city. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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A member of police staff stands in front of CCTV screens in London's Metropolitan Police Service Special Operations Room in central London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The room will be the police control room for the Olympic Games in the capital and is equipped with technology essential to the smooth running of the policing operation. This includes screens on which CCTV can be shown to provide views across the city. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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This image made available by LOCOG shows British Artist Torchbearer 068 Tracey Emin as she carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg between Margate and Westgate-On-Sea in southern England Thursday July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Yui Mok/LOCOG)
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A car passes beside an Olympic Lane reserved for London 2012 Olympic's vehicles on the Embankment in London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
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Vechicles drive pass two Olympic Lanes reserved for London 2012 Olympic's vehicles on Park Lane in London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
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Vechicles drive pass two Olympic Lanes reserved for London 2012 Olympic's vehicles on Park Lane in London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
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Signs with different travel advise dates are seen at Parliament Square in London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
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Kate, Duchess of Cambridge reacts as she talk to photographer Jillian Edelstein, right, during her visit to 'Road to 2012 : Aiming High' exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The Duchess of Cambridge is the Patron of the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition showcase commissioned photographs documenting the preparations for London 2012 Olympics. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, Pool)
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Kate, Duchess of Cambridge reacts as she talk to photographer Johnathan Anderson, second left, photographer Edwin Low, second right, and Paralympian Alexandra Rickham during her visit to 'Road to 2012 : Aiming High' exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Thursday, July 19, 2012. The Duchess of Cambridge is the Patron of the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition showcase commissioned photographs documenting the preparations for London 2012 Olympics. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, Pool)
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This image made availalbe by LOCOG shows Kathy Gore, running with the Olympic Flame at Seaford Head, with a view of the Seven Sisters cliffs, southern England Tuesday July 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Radburn, LOCOG)
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A member of the Chinese Olympic team is met by Met Police Search dog Cleo at Heathrow Airport, London Tuesday July 17, 2012. Opening Ceremonies for the London Olympics will be held Friday July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Steve Parsons/PA Wire) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
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This photo made available by LOCOG shows Dame Kelly Holmes with crowds at Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge, south eastern England, on day 60 of the Olympic Torch Relay, Tuesday July 17, 2012. The double Olympian, who won 1500m and 800m gold in Athens in 2004, lit the torch at Tonbridge Castle in Kent in front of hundreds of schoolchildren and well-wishers. (AP Photo/LOCOG, Yui Mok)
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Jennifer Tetteh who works in public relations poses for photographs in the back of a parked London taxi that can be converted into a hotel room for people during the Olympics, in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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FILE - In this July 8, 2012 file photo, spectators take cover under umbrellas as they gather ahead of Andy Murray of Britain facing Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England. Gold, silver, bronze: No matter who wins what at the London Olympics, a million or more visitors will need to get themselves an umbrella. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
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FILE - In this July 6, 2012 file photo, spectators shelter under umbrellas as they watch Novak Djokovic of Serbia face Roger Federer of Switzerland in a men's semifinals match as rain delays play on the outer courts at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England. Gold, silver, bronze: No matter who wins what at the London Olympics, a million or more visitors will need to get themselves an umbrella. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
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London taxi drivers park their cabs on the junction of Whitehall and Parliament Square, as they take part in a protest to jam traffic in reaction to not being allowed to use the Olympic driving lanes in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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Children play with a statue of Wenlock, the Olympic mascot, on the south bank of the River Thames as the the "Big Ben" clock tower can be seed in the background at left in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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London taxi drivers park their cabs on Parliament Square, outside the houses of Parliament as they take part in a protest in reaction to not being allowed to use the Olympic driving lanes in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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A man poses for a snapshot beside a statue of Mandeville, the Paralympic mascot, on the south bank of the River Thames as the "Big Ben" clock tower can be seen in the background in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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A woman and children pose for a snapshot with a statue of "Big Ben Wenlock", the Olympic mascot decorated to resemble the London landmark, on the south bank of the River Thames as the "Big Ben" clock tower can be seen in the background at left in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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G4S chief executive Nick Buckles is driven away after giving evidence on Olympic security staffing to the Home Affairs Select Committee at the Houses of Parliament, in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. Speaking on Tuesday Buckles acknowledged that his company's failure to recruit enough Olympic security staff had embarrassed the entire nation. Some 3,500 more British troops, including some just back from Afghanistan have had to be called in on short notice to fill the gap. (AP Photo)
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British police officers help Brazil's Neymar, blue cap, as he makes his way through the crowds and media photographers at Heathrow Airport in London, Tuesday July 17, 2012. Sporting competitors from the world's nations are arriving in London, during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games.(AP Photo / Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES
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British police officers help Brazil's Neymar as he makes his way through the crowds at Heathrow Airport in London, Tuesday July 17, 2012. Sporting competitors from the world's nations are arriving in London, during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games.(AP Photo / Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES
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Brazil's Marcelo poses with a British policeman on arrival at Heathrow Airport in London, Tuesday July 17, 2012. Sporting competitors from the world's nations are arriving in London, during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games.(AP Photo / Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES
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A tourist poses for a photo next to a newly unveiled statue of Wenlock, one of the Olympic Games 2012 mascots, in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. London unveiled 83 of the life-sized, stylized statues throughout the capital. The statues are decorated in classic British motifs to reflect their locations, including a Beefeater and a replica of Big Ben. (AP Photo/Cassandra Vinograd)
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A man jogs by a newly unveiled statue of Wenlock, one of the Olympic Games 2012 mascots, in London, Tuesday, July 17, 2012. London unveiled 83 of the life-sized, stylized statues throughout the capital. The statues are decorated in classic British motifs to reflect their locations, including a Beefeater and a replica of Big Ben. (AP Photo/Cassandra Vinograd)
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G4S chief executive Nick Buckles, gives evidence on Olympic security staffing to the Home Affairs Select Committee at the House of Commons, London, Monday, July 17, 2012. Buckles, today insisted he was the right person to make sure the firm delivered as many guards as possible despite the Olympics security debacle. (AP Photo/PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE
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In this photo taken Friday, July 13, 2012, a woman cycles past James Smith & Sons, Umbrellas Ltd, a shop devoted to selling umbrellas which has thrived since 1830, in central London. Gold, silver, bronze: No matter who wins what at the London Olympics, a million or more visitors will need to get themselves an umbrella. (AP Photo/Sheila Norman-Culp)
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A couple watches the sunset behind the Tower Bridge with the Olympic rings hanging from it Sunday, July 15, 2012, as London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Russian Olympic sailing team coach Sergay Kuzovov, front, arrives with other team members at London's Heathrow Airport Monday, July 16, 2012 as the city prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Russian Olympic sailing team athlete Tatiana Bazyuk, centre, and other team members arrive at Heathrow Airport Monday, July 16, 2012, as athletes from all over the world arrive to prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Members of the Cuban Olympic team arrive at London's Heathrow Airport Monday, July 16, 2012 as London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Officials help transport luggage belonging to members of the Russian Olympic team arrives at Heathrow Airport, London, Monday 16 July, 2012. Competitors are arriving in London during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. (AP Photo / Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES
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Members of the U.S. Olympic sailing team are escorted following their arrival at Heathrow Airport in London, Monday, July 16, 2012. Heathrow is set to welcome a record number of passengers Monday as athletes begin arriving for the London Olympics. (AP Photo) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO INTERNET, NO MAGS
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Members of the North Korean sports team walk to a plane at Pyongyang airport in North Korea Tuesday July 17, 2012. A delegation of North Korean athletes left Pyongyang on Tuesday on their way to the London Olympic Games. North Korea's state media said the country is sending 51 athletes to compete in 11 events at the Summer Games. (AP Photo/Kim Kwang Hyon)
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An unidentified person is searched by British military personnel at a security check point on arrival at the Olympic Park for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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Officials help transport luggage belonging to members of the Russian Olympic team arrives at Heathrow Airport, London, Monday 16 July, 2012. Competitors are arriving in London during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. (AP Photo / Steve Parsons, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES
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Airport police patrol the arrival area of Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport in London Monday, July 16, 2012, as the London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Competitors are arriving in London during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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Airport police patrol the arrival area of Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport Monday, July 16, 2012, as London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Competitors are arriving in London during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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British military personnel arrive at the Olympic Park as part of the security force for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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Airport police patrol the arrival area of Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport in London Monday, July 16, 2012 as the London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Competitors are arriving in London during preparations for the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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British military personnel are shown around the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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A plane takes off from London City Airport Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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A plane takes off from London City Airport Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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The sun sets behind downtown London including the Tower Bridge with the Olympic rings Sunday, July 15, 2012, as London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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A taxi cab drives past an Olympic lane on a street as the city prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics, central London, Monday, July 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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In this photo taken Monday, July 16, 2012, a t-shirt with featuring the cover photograph from the album "Abbey Road" printed on it, shows The Beatles holding Olympic rings as they walk across the zebra crossing as it sold at a London market. The guardians of the games are vigilant about protecting the integrity - and the commercial clout - of the Olympic brand. But even they can't stop the irreverent spirit of artists and craftspeople, who have responded to the games with a cheeky mix of celebration, skepticism and satire. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
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An army vehicle seen outside Tobacco Dock, in Wapping, east London, Monday, July 16, 2012. A total of 3,500 troops, many of whom will be billeted at Tobacco Dock near Wapping, east London, were brought in to boost the number of servicemen and women involved in Games security last week. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinski/PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT - NO SALES - NO ARCHIVES
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CORRECTS TYPE OF CEREMONY - Performers rehearse for the team welcoming ceremony to be held at the Olympic Village for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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CORRECTS TYPE OF CEREMONY - Jay Jones and other performers rehearse for the team welcoming ceremony to be held on July 27th for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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Pedestrians walk past the Olympic Stadium before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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British military personnel enter into the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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British military personnel enter into the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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Performers rehearse for the team welcoming ceremony to be held at the Olympic Village for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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Workers carry packages into the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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British military personnel walk past the aquatic center in the Olympic Park before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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A double decker bus drives past the Olympic Village before the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 16, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
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Torchbearer Caroline Burnett lighting the cauldron with the Olympic Flame after the Torch Relay leg to Salisbury on Wednesday July 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/LOCOG, HO)
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Torchbearer Caroline Burnett lighting the cauldron with the Olympic Flame after the Torch Relay leg to Salisbury on Wednesday July 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/LOCOG, HO)
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Torchbearer Kirstie Nash passing the Olympic Flame to torchbearer Phillip Blowfield outside Winchester Cathedral during Day 54 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on Wednesday July 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Radburn/LOCOG, HO)
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Torchbearer Wendy Morrell carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg between Stoborough and Hamworthy on Friday July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Danny Lawson/LOCOG/LOCOG, HO)
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Big Ben is visible behind Olympic banners hang along the River Thames Sunday, July 15, 2012, as London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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The Olympic rings hang from the Tower Bridge after sunset on Sunday, July 15, 2012, as London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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The Palace of Westminster is visible behind Olympic banners lining the River Thames Sunday, July 15, 2012, as London prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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The London 2012 Olympic summer games stadium is seen in this aerial view Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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The London 2012 Olympic summer games stadium is seen in this aerial view Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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The London 2012 Olympic summer games stadium is seen in this aerial view Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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One of two London 2012 Olympic summer games hockey pitches is at the London 2012 Olympic Park Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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The Water polo arena is seen at the London 2012 Olympic Park Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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The athletics warm-up arenas for the London 2012 Olympic summer games is seen in the London 2012 Olympic Park Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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The London 2012 Olympic summer games Velodrome arena is seen in the London 2012 Olympic Park Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)