Google doodles the Olympics

Today, as you’re most likely aware, is the day the Olympics kick off.

Although we’re just talking the Opening Ceremony here, as opposed to any actual real events (though the qualifying for archery is taking place, we believe, but that probably won’t have the same pull as Bolt in the 100 metres final).

At any rate, Google obviously had to mark the beginning of the 2012 Games with a doodle, and it has appeared this morning in predictable fashion.

Although we did think that it might be some sort of fancy Opening Ceremony type animation (fireworks all over the place), or perhaps a 100 metre sprint, or some other animated or interactive affair. But no, Google has just gone for a simple and straightforward sketch.

It depicts five cartoon athletes: A footballer, fencer, runner, swimmer and javelin thrower, all warming up and generally smiling away. Although the sprinter does look a bit like Mr Tickle, with strangely lengthy arms, and the swimmer has the most slender shoulders you’ll ever see on an aquatic Olympian.

Each of them is holding part of the Google logo, except for the footballer, who’s concentrating on attempting to save a penalty by the looks of it (a slight dig, Google?).

Click through and you’re greeted with the usual search page, topped by the news that the Opening Ceremony hopefully won’t be afflicted by showers. Tune in at 9pm tonight to see a load of taxpayer’s money go up in – sorry, we mean the ceremony itself. Slipped into cynic mode again, there.

The Games runs through until August 12th, by which time, you’ll be sick of all 24 live HD channels of it, no doubt.