WITH this being my first column there was an almost endless list of possible topics of debate but there was only ever going to be one winner – the London 2012 Olympic Games.

From the moment of the breathtaking opening ceremony it has gripped millions. It’s the hot topic everywhere, from offices to pubs.

The Olympics have got huge swathes of the nation interrupting their daily routines to catch a glimpse of any sport with home interest on their televisions, computer screens and mobile phones.

Those lucky enough to be in the Olympic Park appear to be turning the capital into one giant festival and at the same time bringing the nation together.

Team GB has provided so many goosebump-inducing moments already, from Lizzie Armitstead getting the ball rolling with a silver in the women’s cycling road race to Chris Hoy, Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny smashing the world record twice in the team men’s sprint in the velodrome.

The Games’ poster girl Jessica Ennis got involved immediately in her quest for heptathalon gold with a blistering record-breaking 100-metre hurdles.

There’s been a lot of talk about the power and legacy of the Games but they really are proving to be great for everyone.

Even one of my colleagues who had little to no interest in the events beforehand is now an avid fan of every discipline, while others will no doubt be inspired to take up a new sport.

I’ve found the unity among the teams truly inspiring and it is easy to be caught up in the outpouring of emotion from athletes who have given their all and been rewarded with a massive medal for their heroic efforts.

However, all of this glory is tempered by disappointments such as that of Worcestershire track cyclist Jess Varnish, who alongside Victoria Pendleton was relegated out of the medals in the track team sprint for a takeover infringement, showing the fine line between success and agonising failure.

Despite all the fervour the Games will always have their detractors who question the 24-hour attention and huge expenditure.

That is perhaps something for pencil-pushers to look at while for the rest of us to continue to get behind the athletes.

Here’s to the medals continuing to come in thick and fast because trying to keep up with the ever-changing medal table is almost as addictive as watching the events themselves.