Fran Halsall helps the all-stars beat US in the pool; the Olympic Stadium from beginning to end (almost); and Boris Johnson splashes the cash on tickets
Halsall and Co break world record
The British Olympic hopeful Fran Halsall was part of the European all-star swimming team that broke the world 4x100 metres freestyle relay record in Atlanta this week. However, the time recorded at the Duel in the Pool against the United States will not be officially recognised as the athletes were representing multiple nations.
Pond aiming to make a double splash at London Games
Eartha Pond is aiming to compete in both the women's handball and football events at 2012. She speaks here about training, competing, some more training, teaching, ice baths, motorbikes and, of course, training.
GB women's hockey complete clean sweep over United States
Great Britain's women's hockey team won 4-0 against the USA in San Diego to complete a clean sweep in their five-match series. The goals came from Ashleigh Ball, Sarah Thomas, Vikki Bunce and Alex Danson.
Australia announce first members of Olympic team
The first two members of the Australian Olympic team have been named. Melissa Gorman and Ky Hurst both qualified for the 10km open water swimming event in Hyde Park after solid performances in the world championships in Shanghai.
Olympic Stadium in pictures ? from embryo to world-class venue
The BBC has released this time-lapse sequence showing construction of the Olympic stadium from its early stages until near completion.
No London swan song for Foster
The veteran British sprint swimmer Mark Foster has confirmed he will not take part in the 2012 Games. He admits he was tempted to compete but decided against it, believing he would not be in contention for a medal.
Johnson splurges almost �300,000 on Olympic tickets
London Mayor Boris Johnson has bought over 500 tickets for next summer's events including 203 for the opening ceremony. One can only assume he filled out a lot of online applications.
Beard on blogging
The US swimmer Amanda Beard has spoken of her busy schedule ? blogging. Beard hopes to compete in her fifth Olympic games next summer and discusses the challenges of juggling parenthood and competitive sport. In her blog she discusses a range of subjects; from giving novice swimmers advice to medieval fancy dress.
'On the fifth day before Christmas my true love gave to me ?'
A giant set of Olympic rings was unveiled at the entry to the channel tunnel near Calais on 20 December to mark "20/12" day. A video posted on the official Games' website shows a crew of abseilers installing the iconic logo.
'It'll be lonely this Christmas without you to hold ?'
It is going to be a lonely Christmas for the wife and daughter of Mo Farah. The 5,000m world champion will spend the festive period away from his family on a four-week training trip in Kenya.
Good Week
Communities throughout England received a Christmas bonanza this week with �17.4m of Olympic legacy funds being channelled towards local sporting facilities. The investment will see run-down facilities given face lifts, existing buildings being converted into sport venues and it will provide local clubs with funds to buy their own facilities.
Bad Week
The retired Australian swimmer Phil Rogers has had multiple medals stolen from his home in the suburbs of Adelaide. The loot included two bronze medals from the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, two gold medals from the 1994 Commonwealth Games and gold medals from the Fina World Championships in 1998 and 2001.
Tweets of the Week
"Attending Spoty as there are award nominees from Olympic sports. Nomination process was wrong but BBC committed to sorting it out for future" ?the British Olympic Association CEO, Andy Hunt, decides he will attend the Sports Personality of the Year awards after all.
"Another baby scan yesterday. I love it! She's got a small head & really long legs like her mum. It'll be like playing with Russian dolls..." ? Mark Cavendish and partner Peta Todd are not preparing just for medals in 2012.
"Last time i have to set my alarm for 615 until 5th January! :) cant wait for Christmas with the family :)"
Synchronised swimmer Yvette Baker takes a break from hard work to become just like the rest of us ? for a week or so.
Things you may have missed on the Guardian
The chief sports writer Richard Williams argues the case for scrapping a costly opening ceremony.
50 stunning Olympic moments No6: Jesse Owen's four gold medals.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/dec/23/london-2012-best
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