How can we have a "victory" parade if we came 3rd? Am I missing something here?

Question

Then why the victory parade. Surely one has to win to have a victory parade?

Answer 1

It gives an opportunity for Gordon Brown to appear in public with people who have actually achieved something.

[He’s probably hoping that some of their success and popularity will rub off on him.]

He will try to link the hard work and dedication of sportsmen and sportswomen with the Labour government and how this could not have been achieved without the ‘substantial investment made by the government on this very important issue during the past 10 years’.

He hopes that his appearance in public will help his popularity ratings.

Gordon will drone on about how ‘essentially British’ it makes him feel.

[Amazing – he seems to be obsessed with this.]

It will divert public attention away from the other serious issues.

The people that will really enjoy it will be those ‘well known athletes’:-

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport

Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE MP Minister for Culture, Creative Industries & Tourism

Gerry Sutcliffe MP Minister for Sport

Tessa Jowell Olympics Minister, working out of Cabinet Office

who will probably all make self-congratulatory statements and no doubt have a jolly good time at the reception party.

No opportunity will be lost to promote the Olympic Games in 2012.

Every opportunity will be taken to hide the ever escalating costs of the Olympic Games in 2012.

The true winners – the athletes – will return to their training programmes the next day – the government will bask in a warm glow of self-satisfaction for weeks.

Answer 2

Because those that won Gold Medals came first ! ! !

Answer 3

Nothing escapes you - does it.  Don't let the blindingly obvious ruin the event!  

Answer 4

We haven't come third yet. We'll be a lot further down the table once all the athletics has been and gone. We can still have a 'Victory Parade' for those who won, though (and the silver and bronze winners can join in, too as they did us proud).

The exchequer can't wait to burn up some of the extra cash that's bubbling about at the moment before they plan for the next opening ceremony in four years' time.

Answer 5

Parade? Ah, we don't need no stinking Parade.

Answer 6

Who are "we" If you are referring to the British team yes we are 3rd at the moment now but the games are only half over and you can bet your bottom dollar that this will not be the final result Its like saying Aston Villa are second in the premier league which they are but have only played one game.The game or in this case games are never won until the final whistle. I only wish our team will prove me wrong'

One thing is for sure. the victory parade will be the Chinese team  

Answer 7

By 'we' I guess you mean America or the Poms. Hmm you shouldn't have any parade. With your populations you should have done better.

Australia - population 21 million. Coming fourth. God we're good.

Answer 8

I think the athletes well deserve a victory parade. They have achieved the greatest haul of gold medals for a century. We should appreciate and celebrate their efforts and be proud of them - God knows this country has few other things to be proud of at the moment.

It will have no effect on peoples opinions of New Labour no matter how much Brown hopes their success will rub off on to him. The people who have contributed to the lottery have helped their success.