There aren’t many events that can evoke the hope, fear, excitement, devastation and elation of the entire world in a matter of minutes. In the summer months of 2012, the United Kingdom will be the backdrop of this exact display of emotion as London plays host to one of the most-watched international sporting events — the Olympic Games.

The United Kingdom was dealt a winning hand on July 6, 2005, when London was awarded the rights to host the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games, and since then, planning and development has ensued to produce one of the most impressive Olympic Parks to date. The achievement was an impressive comeback for a country that lost its bid to host the 2000 Olympics.

The turnabout from loser to winner was largely due to the United Kingdom’s response to criticism that London lacked adequate transportation infrastructure. The plan to overcome this setback is substantial and will benefit East London and the surrounding area long a