Lunch with Tessa Jowell, then tennis and badminton. After the highs of yesterday's gold, reality has set in. Not because of Team GB's performance (although we weren't in any of the finals I saw). With 11 gold medals under our belt, we are well on our way to the best performance for over half a century. This will put us well on track for an inspiring performance in the medals league at London 2012. Seeing China's stellar performance here, you see that home teams really do have an advantage. Whether it is supportive crowds, or the fact that host nations tend to invest more in developing their own top talent, the effect is tangible - and will help us too in London. No my dose of reality has been to reflect on the huge responsibilities I will have should I be Culture Secretary after the next election.
This morning I went round the press and broadcasting centres, the greatest concentration of journalists anywhere in the world. All people who know a project of this size can go horribly wrong as well as brilliantly right. Seeing the big picture whilst showing enormous attention to detail, delegating but also rolling up your own sleeves, being the voice of the people to the Olympic establishment as well as leading a huge team of people delivering the games...these are challenges that are truly humbling. I am lucky to have a great Shadow Sports Minister Hugh Robertson to share them with. And I have absolutely no doubt at all that London will rise the challenge...judging by this week we may even bag a Santa's sackful of medals for Team GB in the process.
