Olympic ‘Memory Tree’ digitised for everyone to visit

· Tree used by Olympians to record their memories of London

· Memory tree was in place at Heathrow’s temporary Games Terminal

· More than a hundred messages scanned in for everyone to read

A ‘memory tree’ used by Olympic athletes to record their favourite memory of London 2012 is now available online for everyone to browse.

The tree was in place at the specially constructed ‘Games Terminal’ at Heathrow on the two days following the Olympic closing ceremony. More than 5000 athletes went through the terminal which was specially decorated to look like a London park, complete with plants, park benches, replica gas lights, trees and model stags. Its walls displayed London’s skyline and the park was filled with iconic London designs such as the red telephone box and Routemaster bus.

106 athletes wrote their memories of the London 2012 Olympic Games on paper leaves which were then hung on the tree. The memories include those of Katie Taylor who won a gold medal for Ireland in Boxing, Felix Sanchez (gold medal in 400m hurdles) and Manteo Mitchell who ran for the USA in the 4*400m relay despite breaking his leg. Many simply commented on the great welcome they received from the people of Britain. Here’s a selection:

“Hearing the crowd roar for Mo’s 5000m!” Emma M, triathlon

“God allowing me to have strength to finish the race for my team!” Manteo Mitchell

“The wonderful volunteers, the crazy crowds… and my lightning hat!” Anon

The memory tree can be seen at http://www.facebook.com/HeathrowAirport with photos of the Games Terminal found here: http://mediacentre.heathrowairport.com/imagelibrary

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