This is never more so than in New Zealand where we have seen images and video of past glories, departing athletes and even the departing media themselves!
Singapore has pinned its hopes on the likes of weightlifter Helena Wong, the first woman to compete for the country in this Olympic event. No doubt the table tennis team will be strong again but the real surprise might be a 17-year-old swimmer Joseph Schooling who was named Sportsman of the Year in May.
However it was another media report that captured my interest this week.
My Muslim friends in Asia and elsewhere are celebrating the most important religious festival of their year - Ramadan. During this time strict fasting is observed during the day and I recall many of my Singaporean colleagues would practice this observance.
Unfortunately Olympics 2012 coincides with the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar this year, which as as the BBC reported, places athletes from Islamic countries at a serious disadvantage. Fewer carbohydrates in means less energy out. Not to mention the early morning / pre-dawn ritual and going without drink in the heat of a London summer.
Mind you in the latter case there hasn't been much of a summer; in the great British tradition there has been plenty of moisture and little sun.
Hopefully the next event in Rio will not clash with a major religious observance of any faith or creed.
