Organizers say it is the biggest building site in Europe. In the London suburb of Stratford within sight of the city's skyscrapers, thousands of construction workers are transforming a previously run-down industrial area into the 2012 Olympic Park. In 2 years' time, (1)__________________________as athletes from an estimated 205 countries parade for the opening ceremony of the 30th Olympiad.
To mark the countdown, one of the world's most successful athletes took a tour of the stadium to the thrill of local spectators. American sprinter Michael Johnson, winner of 4 Olympic gold medals, says that for competitors, (2)________________________________.
"It's easy to become to get, you know, caught up into the training so much and, you know, this is a great reminder, a motivation for those athletes who have been training every day. This is what you're training for, this special moment that's coming in 2 years' time."
It's not just a milestone for the athletes. London is beginning to gear itself up for 2012. The venues are taking shape; the dramatic waveform of the Olympic pool, where athletes like Michael Phelps will be going for gold; (3)_______________________and the dramatic outline of the velodrome, where one of Britain's biggest medal hopes will compete, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.